Strange How things turned out “What!” Seifer banged his fist against the table. “Fuu, I can’t go back!” Fujin stared at him with her one good eye. “WHY?” “We need to get our stuff back, ya know? I left my diary there ya know? And my photo albums, ya know?” Raijin asked as he stood beside Fujin. “RIGHT. GO BACK.” Fujin nodded her head in agreement. “That’s just an excuse to make me go back.” Seifer said angrily as he stared out of the window. The view of the ocean, his pub, why would he want to go back to the Garden? “SEIFER. SERTH. MEANS?” Fujin asked gently as she laid a hand on Seifer’s shoulder. Seifer sighed and wearily answered back. “It means redemption, facing up to your past, forgiveness and peace.” “WE.GO. NOW.” ~*~ Rinoa stirred her cup of tea restlessly, her face pulled into a frown. Four years had passed since they killed Ultimecia. Four years. Things have changed so much. Unconsciously, she smoothed her SeeD uniform. Yes, she had joined the elite group if the SeeDs after failing her exam once, but she did it and now was an A-class SeeD member. Everyone was so busy she thought. No time to relax. After this cup of tea, she had to lead a group of SeeD cadets out for field training. The Garden was now temporarily parked at Fisherman Horizon. Briefly, Rinoa went through all the instructions given to her by Xu. She had to bring 6 cadets out to the Centra continent, where two groups of Galbadians and Estharians were building a new town for trading. This town needs protections from the wild monsters and therefore had hired the SeeDs thus making it an excellent training ground for the SeeDs cadets. Quistis was too busy to lead them there as she had to prepare the cadets’ final year paper. Rinoa also remembered something about Quistis having a conference with other instructors regarding this year’s batch. Selphie was away at Trabia Garden. For four years, Trabia Garden was being re-built all over again. Now, it was almost done. Selphie had been away for most of these four years, and she only came back during the weekends. Zell? Rinoa could not exactly remember what Zell was doing now. “Oh yes, he’s in Esthar regarding the outbreak of Malboros.” She remembered as she sipped her tea. Irvine, she knew was away protecting the civilians of the new town. She was supposed to meet him later on. Squall was away at a meeting with the Headmasters of Trabia and Galbadian’s Gardens, together with Xu. Sighing, Rinoa reflected on what had happened during this four years. The dust had settled down after Ultimecia’s death. Everyone was trying to deal with the aftermath. The government in Galbadia crumbled and Timber grabbed the opportunity and declared herself independent. Esthar was in a mess herself, trying to control the monsters that landed on it during the Lunar Cry. SeeDs were dispatched all over the world, some dealing with the problems of Galbadia, some helping to liberate Timber, while the rest dealt with the monsters in Esthar. Rinoa remembered that period clearly, she was in Timber with Zell, while Quistis and Irvine was in Deling assisting General Caraway in Galbadia trying to get some semblance of control back. Squall was in Esthar while Selphie was in Trabia Garden. Everyone was scattered about, each leading a small group of SeeDs, trying to fix things right. A few months later, General Caraway became the new President of Galbadia, Timber became independent and trade was slowly resumed. The problem in Esthar took a longer time to solve, but eventually, everything became all right. However, certain matters were not resolved. Galbadia Garden was found but the new Headmaster seemed like a difficult person to deal with. And Seifer… Rinoa thought sadly, Seifer disappeared with Fujin and Raijin. Nobody knew where they went. Two years later, Xu was appointed the Headmistress of Balamb Garden and Squall, the SeeD commander while Cid retired to the orphanage, contented to run after little babies and toddlers with Edea. Strange how things turn, Rinoa reflected as she stared at her tea. “Great Hyne, I think I’m in need of a break.” Quistis moaned as she slumped down on a chair opposite of Rinoa. A stack of papers was slammed down onto the tabletop in frustration. “What’s up, Quisty?” “Tired. And really frustrated.” Rinoa smiled, it was no secret that this term’s batch of students was atrocious in grades and attitude. “Why?” “Half of them flunked the paper and the other half don’t care!” Quistis moaned again, burying her face in her hands. Wordlessly, Rinoa went to get a cup of steaming hot tea for Quistis. “Thanks.” Quistis smiled at Rinoa when she handed the cup over. While sipping down her tea, Quistis told Rinoa all about her students whom she predicted, only one will become a SeeD. “Can’t be that bad.” Rinoa frowned. “It’s that bad and I don’t know what to do. The other instructors were not very pleased with this batch either.” Quistis sighed. “So, have you heard anything from Squall yet?” Quistis queried, trying to change the subject. “Nope, I think he’s too busy.” Rinoa grimaced at that word which had became so familiar lately. “And no word from the rest. Great.” It was Quistis’s turn to frown. “Well, I better go now, got to rush to another class. See you, Rinoa.” Everyone’s busy these days, Rinoa thought restlessly. “Squall, where are you?” she thought out loud. “Rinoa, someone’s looking for you at the exit at the 2nd floor.” A SeeD cadet informed her politely. “Thanks.” Getting up from her seat, she briefly wondered who can it be. Looking at her watch, she found that she had an hour left before her mission. Sighing, Rinoa squared her shoulders and walked out of the cafeteria, her tea left unfinished. ~*~ “Hey! Come back! No T-boards within the Garden!” Quistis shouted in frustration. The culprits ran away leaving behind the echoes of their giggles. Exasperated, Quistis stared at her papers scattered all over the floor. Right now, all she wanted to do was to throw in the towel and join Cid and Edea in the orphanage. At least, little children were easier to handle. “Hey Quisty! Need help?” A familiar voice called out at her from her back. “Yes and desperately.” Quistis sighed and rubbed at her temples. She knew that this was no accident, the students had done it deliberately to cause her troubles and then gloat about it. Shaking her head, she got down on her knees and started picking up her papers. Nida propped down beside her, his large hands moving quickly and efficiently. “I thought you were flying Nida?” “Haven’t you noticed? The Garden had parked at FH. We need to restock our supplies and do some major check up. We’ll be here for a few days.” “Does Xu know about it?” Nida nodded his head and handed her the stack of papers. Quistis smiled at Nida and mumbled a word of thanks. “The batch this year are monsters, aren’t they Quisty?” “What can I say? All the other instructors would most probably agree with you, Nida.” “Where are you going?” “The conference room. Got a meeting with other instructors.” Quistis sighed. What would she give for a break from her work. “I’ll walk with you, if you don’t mind Quisty.” Quistis smiled at Nida, while pushing up her spectacles, grateful for his companionship. All of a sudden, she felt more cheery. Perhaps, the day itself was not so bad after all. ~*~ Shocked was an understatement. “Seifer?” Rinoa’s eyes widen. “Can’t be anyone else.” He smirked, his tall frame almost filled up the entire doorway. With a careless swagger, he stepped inside into the Garden, followed by Raijin and Fujin. “Came to get our stuff back. Know where they kept it, Rinoa?” He smirked again. Rinoa was speechless but she managed a nod. At this moment, a cheerful bark was heard followed by a flurry of brown and black fur. “Where’s Angelo, that old girl?” Seifer asked carelessly. “Died in a mission last year. This is Ruff.” “You’re a SeeD? Strange how things turn out.” Seifer took in her uniform. “Follow me, I kept all your stuff in the basement where Norg used to be. After his death, it became a storeroom of sorts.” Rinoa changed the subject abruptly. Yes, how strange things have turned out. Wordlessly, the quartet took the lift down to the basement. “Why did you come back Seifer?” “To get my stuff back. Didn’t I say that just now?” That familiar smirk again. “SERTH.” Fujin said. “Yeah, get our stuff back ya know. Didn’t know you’re a SeeD, ya know.” Raijin said happily, unaware of any undercurrents. The lift door opened up and Rinoa showed them to the corner of the storeroom where there were several boxes marked “Disciplinary Committee.”. “Here’s your stuff.” Rinoa gestured. Raijin gave a gleeful shout and started rummaging through the boxes. Fujin instead went to say something in Seifer’s ear and even nudged him. Sighing, Seifer threw his hands up in the air. “Rinoa, can we talk?” Seifer asked in a neutral tone. “Hmm, sure.” Retreating to the lobby in front of the lift, they stared at each other awkwardly while Ruff sat down on Rinoa’s feet. “So, who gave you Ruff?” Seifer asked albeit too politely. “Squall.” Another silence. “Seifer, how have you been these four years. I mean, everyone wondered where you went.” Rinoa blurted out. “After Lunatic Pandora, I went through time compression. Came out of it none too worse. I just got married last year.” “What?! Congratulations! I didn’t imagine you’ll be the first one among all my friends to get married. Who is the lucky bride?” “Fujin.” Seifer blushed as he ran his hand through his hair. Ruff was abruptly jostled out of comfortable position as Rinoa jumped in his excitement. Laughing, Rinoa gave Seifer a hug. “Good for you. Bet both of you are really happy together.” “So you aren’t angry anymore?” “Angry? About what?” Rinoa asked, her eyes shone with puzzlement. “What happened four years ago.” Seifer looked at her with a strange look. “Seifer, I had forgiven you along time ago. It was no one’s fault, just a strayed childhood dream.” Rinoa smiled wistfully. “Thank you. So how are you now?” Seifer asked. Rinoa sighed. Quite suddenly, she sat down on the floor. “You look strange in that uniform. Are you sure that it suits you, Rinny?” Rinny, her old nickname. Now, it sounded strange even to her own ears. “I have my doubts too.” “Tell me your problems. Maybe I can help.” Rinoa looked at him and saw concern peering through Seifer’s eyes. Immediately, she felt grateful that someone was willing to listen to her. Haltingly, she told him her problems, which was mainly Squall. “Squall…has been very busy. Everyone is busy, I guess but…” Frowning she stared at the engagement ring that she wore on her finger. Griever. She had worn the ring for two years already. Squall had proposed to her tow years ago on the day when he was promoted. Strange how things turned. “I understand.” Rinoa stared at Seifer. “Thank you Seifer, for understanding.” She smiled in an absent-minded way as Ruff licked her face as if trying to comfort her. “Rinoa, quit the SeeD. It’s not…you. I saw you today and I realized that you became so distant from the real you. Maybe, you lost your own self. Maybe, Squall did not see it.” Seifer said vehemently. Rinoa was surprised at the outburst of words. Then she realized that Seifer was right. “Squall is…” “Busy.” Seifer finished the sentence for her. Rinoa then grinned at the irony. “Well, Seifer, I know what to do now. Thank you for being a friend.” Seifer gave her his old smirk of confidence again. Both of them got up at the same time as Fujin and Raijin walked up towards them. Raijin was carrying several boxes. “Seifer, ya ought to help, ya know?!” Raijin balked. Laughingly, Seifer reached over and helped Raijin. “DONE?” Fujin asked. Smiling, Rinoa hugged Fujin abruptly. “Congratulation. Seifer told me the good news.” Fujin smiled. “SERTH.” “Well got to go now. Goodbye Seifer, hope to see you again. Come on, Ruff.” Wordlessly, Rinoa left the basement, feeling lighter in heart and mind. ~*~ A week later… “Tee hee! Squall and Xu is back today. Should we have a party for them tonight?” Selphie asked cheerfully. “Not now, everyone’s too tired to party.” Irvine protested as he yawned. “Where’s Quistis?” Zell asked as he wolfed down his third hotdog. “Here.” Quistis replied as she carried a tray laden with food to their usual table in the cafeteria. “Did anyone see Nida?” Xu asked as she sipped at her soup daintily. “Talking with Squall about some stuff.” Irvine answered carelessly. “Have you finished your report yet, Xu?” Zell asked somewhat incoherently as he chewed his hotdog. “I didn’t even step inside my office yet. Too hungry.” Xu grinned sheepishly. “I think that everyone needs a big break! Why don’t we have a party!” Selphie announced. “NO! The cadets will be holding their final paper soon, Selphie!” Quistis objected. “Oops, sorry.” Selphie giggled. At this moment, Squall walked into the cafeteria while talking to Nida. He was nodding his head absently as Nida made his reports to him. When they reached their usual table, Nida slipped into the seat beside Quistis. “Where’s Rinoa?” Squall asked as Zell handed him a hotdog. “She got back yesterday. Maybe she’s still asleep. Man, the trip was tiring.” Irvine quipped as he tipped back his hat. “Where’s her dog?” Nida asked. “Didn’t see that old girl hanging around the Garden as well.” Squall frowned. “I better checked on Rinoa first.” Squall muttered. Frowning he left the table. Selphie giggled. “Some things never changed, especially Squall’s frown. Tee hee!” ~*~ Great Hyne! Squall was so tired, he could hear his bones crack in exhaustion. Running his hand through his hair, he wished to see Rinoa right away. Her smile, her voice, he wondered where would he be without her. When he reached her room, he paused outside her door, reminding himself to stop frowning. Squall knocked and when there was no reply, he knocked the second time. “Rinoa?” Silence. Worried, he pushed open the door only to find an empty room, all neatly made up. There was the bed, all items neatly folded, as if it was never slept on before. Frowning, Squall knew that something was wrong; Rinoa was not the neatest person he ever knew. Note: I haven’t finished yet but rest assured I will. Anyway, just want to acknowledge the fact that a few others fanfiction had inspired me to write. One of them was on Seifer and I can’t really remember the title. But I want to thank the author.