Final Fantasy 8TM; and its characters are property of SquareSoft© :)
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Lies
Written by Quistis Kinneas.



- IV -


"Oh,can't you see?
You belong to me..."
The Police

"Mrs. Kramer?Sorry for letting you wait for me...I have many things to solve here..."
Edea got up and greeted the woman in front of her.She used a Galbadia uniform and had a deep look behind her glasses.
"I understand."
"Well...do you want to talk to me on my office?I guess it's better than talk here in the middle of the corridor..."
"All right..."
Edea followed the woman into her room.It was a small room with a serious look and nothing coloured inside.She observed around and liked this impression as the woman sat on her chair in front of Edea.
"Please,Mrs. Kramer,sit.Oh...and let me introduce myself...I'm Supervisor Elena Brandford.It's nice to meet you..."
"It's a pleasure...but you please call me Edea..."
Elena smiled:
"All right Edea.It's an honour to receive you here,after so long...I heard about the new classes you're giving there on Balamb.It's a wonderful project..."
"Thank you."
"How is Principal Cid?"
"He is fine also."
"I'm sorry that the Principal is not here to talk to you...he is travelling now and won't be back so soon...I hope it's not a problem to talk to me..."
"Oh,no,it is not."
"But what brought you here?You told me on the telephone that it was something about a mission..."
"Yes.Is that your shooter,Irvine Kinneas,came to Balamb to pass some time..."
"Irvine is causing trouble?"
"Oh,no...sure he is not..."
"He asked for a vacation and I let him go...he worked for us during the last two years,without stopping...he deserved it."
"I agree.But the problem is that Irvine went away this morning."
"Went away?",she asked confused,"how went away?
"Well...",Edea said even more confused,"I thought you could answer this..."
"I'm afraid I don't know...we didn't talk to him..."
"But one of my students told me that a Galbadia cadet went there to take him to a mission somewhere..."
"We did not send anyone,Edea.I'm sure about it!"
"So...someone did."
"It's very strange...do you know the name of the cadet that went there?"
"No,I didn't see him.It was one of our students..."
"Well...could he give me a description?"
"I guess so..."
"All right.You can use the telephone here.Please..."
Edea picked up the phone and dialed the number of Balamb Garden's office.
"Balamb Garden's office?",came the voice on the other side of the phone.
"Lily?Here is Edea..."
"Edea?Is everything okay?"
"Yes,it is.I called you because I need to speak with Brenda...is she there?"
"Yes,she is working here now.Wait a minute,I'll call her."
Edea waited less than that.She smiled to Elena,who was standing in front of her and then heard Brenda's voice:
"Edea?Lily told me that you wanted to talk to me..."
"Yes.It's about Irvine...you saw him going,didn't you?"
"Yes,I did."
"Do you know the cadet that called him?"
"No,I don't.He just came here to the office and asked me to call Irvine,because he had an important mission...I called Irvine and they went away..."
"Do you remember the features of the cadet?"
"Hum...let me see...he was tall,black short hair,grey or blue eyes,I'm not sure...oh,and had an scar on his cheek."
"Anything else?"
"I guess that nothing important...or significant...he was an ordinary type..."
"Fine.You helped a lot.Thank you."
"You're welcome..."
Edea turned off the telephone and looked to Elena:
"I don't know if it will be easy...but as Brenda said,he is tall,black hair,short,blue or grey eyes and...she talked about a scar on his cheek..."
"That's great...if you don't mind Edea,I'll take some minutes to find the boy...I think I know who he is..."
"Okay."
Elena went away and let Edea alone on her room.She took more than some minutes,but Edea waited patiently for her.After almost half an hour,Elena entered the room with a smile on her face and a paper on her hands.
"Well,well,well...I found the answers you are looking for,Edea."
"So?"
Elena sat down on a chair in front of Edea and started her explanation:
"The cadet's name is Edward.He is very good boy...he was on a mission on Derring City with some people from the Galbadia army,and as he was coming back to the Garden,they used him to give Irvine this message,from a Galbadia general.Edward didn't even came here before,as they said that it was urgent,and went to Balamb first,to deliever the message.Edward took him to the airport and so went away..."
"And to where?"
"Esthar.Here,you can read it.Edward told me that Irvine just gave this letter a look and went away..."
Edea took the letter and read:
'Irvine Kinneas,
It's very important your presence on Esthar,as soon as you receive this letter.They are needing a shooter to help them to get rid of some monsters on a plain where they'll construct their newest Air Station.More details will be given when you arrive there.
Don't be late,please.

Sincerily,
General Morris.'

Edea put the letter over the table and whispered:
"They called Irvine...for this?A direct order from a Galbadia general?"
"Yes,it's very strange.I mean...we have great shooters here,they could do this job perfectly,an ordinary job as this...but if they asked Irvine's presence,maybe it's serious than this..."
"I don't know...I'm starting to think that there is something behind it..."
"What do you mean?"
"Nothing.Something occurred me...but don't mind it.You helped me a lot.I don't even know how to thank you...",said Edea getting up.
Elena greeted her and said:
"Well,when you need something,you can ask me."
"Thank you,Elena."
"Please,I'll take you outside..."
Edea followed Elena and they went out of her room.

***************************************************************

"Rinoa!Squall!How long people...",Selphie gave them a kiss and hug both.
"Yes...some months uhn?I was missing this place already...",said Squall looking around.
"How are you?Still in honeymoon?"
"Always,I can tell you,"answered Rinoa,"Squall doesn't give me a minute of peace..."
"Oh,whatever..."
Rinoa slapped Squall's shoulder and Selphie laughed:
"Still the same..."
Squall passed his arm around Rinoa's waist and she asked:
"Okay...now you'll explain me what is happening here...I thought that Quistis would marry in some months,why this sudden change?"
Selphie sighed:
"Coronel Gabriel is afraid..."
"Afraid of what?"
"Afraid of Irvine,that's it."
Both Rinoa and Squall asked:
"Irvine?!"
"Yes.Don't you think that they are mean to be?"
"They surely combine...",said Rinoa",but I can't understand you...what do you mean?"
"Okay...let me start from the beginning...Irvine noticed that his feelings for Quistis were not the same before that party,the last one where we were all together,two years ago.And I believe that Quistis also felt something for him...and that's why we ended our relationship.Irvine was just a close friend to me but we got confused and...well he noticed that it was Quistis he wanted.Well,after the party,Quistis and Irvine stayed alone,to talk.But somehow,and I don't know how,they discussed and Irvine decided to go back to Galbadia..."
"Oh...that's why he vanished like that...",Rinoa whispered.
"Yes.And so they kept the distance for two years.Quistis met that stupid coronel and decided to forget Irvine for once using him.But then,some days ago,Irvine came back.He wanted to stay with Quistis for once,to declare his love...but Gabriel didn't give him the chance.So,on a party the day before yesterday,Zell and I...we helped them to stay alone for some time and talk...but again Gabriel appeared and asked for a duel with Irvine,a duel that would take Irvine out of his way...I guess they are old rivals or something like that...well,but yesterday morning,when they would fight,Quistis looked for Irvine and he...disappeared.A girl told her that he received a call from Galbadia,for a mission...Edea found it very strange,especially because Gabriel decided to advance the date of his wedding..."
"Boy...it's amazing!",exclaimed Squall.
"Edea went to Galbadia to bring Irvine back.If this stupid coronel marries Quistis,she will be so unhappy!I am almost sure that Gabriel is behind this,but Quistis can't see it...I don't understand why she is marrying him,instead of Irvine..."
"Things are getting complicated...do you think that Edea will find him at time?He have less than twelve hours!",said Rinoa.
"I hope so...it would be unfair if we let that coronel win...it is an affair of honour to me..."
"You can count on me,"said Rinoa.
"Well...whatever,"said Squall.
Selphie smiled:
"Poor coronel!"

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Irvine watched the sun slowly going down behind the huge montains of Esthar fields.He was laid on the grass,protected by a canopy of a tree,his eyes on the sky above him,his ears covered by a phone.The sun rays crossed the sky colouring the clouds with a beautiful tone of red,almost pink.The first star appeared on the sky showing that the night would come very soon,and Irvine could even see the shade of the moon behind the clouds.It was so beautiful...
He loved being there...the fields,the sky...it smelled like liberty and he loved that sound.He loved being there alone,listening to music,laid on the grass...even with his head full of problems...and as a shooting star crossed the sky,he thought about Quistis.Quistis...the lyrics of a music on the radio entered his heart,and he could not think about something more appropriate...

"Pride can stand a thousand trials
The strong will never fall
But watching stars without you
My soul cry
Heaving hard,it's for a pain
Oh,oh...the aching...
'Cause I'm kissing you
I'm kissing you

Touch me deep,pure and true
Gift to me forever
'Cause I'm kissing you
I'm kissing you

Where are you now?
Where are you now?
'Cause I'm kissing you
I'm kissing you..."

How he wanted to kiss her now...touch her,just stay there,watching the stars by her side...he never felt such a thing for any woman,and that feeling was driving him crazy.He threw himself on job on that latest two days,but it didn't work.Nothing worked,it was too late...Quitis was already inside his heart...
"Hello Irvine!Tired already?"
He sat down and looked above,finding Kiros in front of him.Kiros smiled and sat by his side:
"Beautiful sky..."
"Yes,"agreed Irvine,"I love this sensation...
"What sensation?"
"Liberty..."
"Do you feel free?"
Irvine looked him puzzled:
"I think I do.Why are you asking?"
"Well...I just wonder...when we asked Galbadia for some people to work here,we asked for ordinary people,you know...cadets,students...it is a silly job.And then,the greatest Galbadia shooter appears...why did you accept this job?"
"Well...I...needed some time alone..."
"Alone.Right.Alone..."
"What's the matter anyway?I just accepted.I wanted to help you..."
"Help us?Or run away again?"
Irvine stared at him:
"What are you talking about?"
"Come on Irvine...you gave up Quistis,isn't it?"
Irvine eyes became wide open:
"How do you know?"
"I'll tell you after.I just want to inform you that I know about everything."
"Everything?"
He agreed.
"Everything.And I also know that the letter you received was not from Galbadia,but from the army.Isn't it strange?"
Irvine sighed:
"I know...I know that Gabriel did this.I'm not stupid."
"So why didn't you fight him?"
"Quistis doesn't want me,Kiros.She said that I was not the kind of man for her,she prefered Gabriel.So what should I do?"
"She is confused,don't you think?I really believe that she loves you,Irvine.It's up to you to prove this."
"I tried...I really tried!Do you think I like being here,far away from her?After that night on the party,I thought about everything and I was never so confused...when the morning came and that cadet called me,I decided accepting his purpose because I needed to think.I knew that it was Gabriel's trap,to keep me far away from Quistis...I didn't want to make things worst,so I decided to stay away until the wedding...and I am still thinking..."
"Do you really love her?"
"If I love her?I can't get her out of my mind!I never imagined that one day I would fall like this for a woman...and now...",Irvine sighed completing his thoughts.
"I understand,Irvine.You are afraid.Afraid because you promissed her many things,and you think that she is too good for you.You are afraid of failing..."
"I guess...you are right.She said that she prefered having an unhappy life by his side because he gave her security...do you understand?I can't fail..."
"If you love her,you'll never fail.You'll be learning together,and love can make everything work out.Why don't you trust yourself a little?Do you think that Gabriel would make her happier?No,he would not!Quistis choose him,because she is afraid of devoting herself to you,to someone that she loves!She is the kind of woman that needs a floor to step in,she never risks herself.Unless it is worth."
"Am I worth?"
"You still have any doubt,Irvine?"
Irvine sighed and then asked:
"But you still didn't tell me how do you know this..."
"Well...while you were here,I received a visit from someone...she explained me the situation and asked me to talk to you..."
"She?",asked Irvine confused.
"Yes,Irvine.I came here to take you back..."
Irvine looked behind and found Edea walking on his direction.He got up and asked:
"Edea?What are you doing here?!"
"I have no time to explain.You must pack up your things immediatly."
"Why?What's happening?"
"We can't lose a minute...we have just some hours."
"Wait a minute!Can't you explain me what's happening?"
"I'll tell you Irvine:it's time for you to prove your love for Quistis...I hope you're prepared...because we won't have time to think about it..."

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"Well...I think that you still have time to regret your decision,Quistis,"said Selphie behind her,while she helped Quistis to arrange her hair,in front of the mirror.
Quistis looked herself in the mirror and said:
"You know it's impossible.Everybody is out there,waiting for me.We've been plaining this wedding for months."
Selphie threw her hands above and exclaimed:
"I can't believe it...you're about to marry someone you don't love instead a man you love because of your stupid pride!"
"It's not pride!"
"And what do you call it?You think Irvine is inferior,don't you?You think that you are too much for him,that he is just a stupid shooter of no importance near a wonderful Galbadia coronel,so superior..."
"How can you think this about me?",Quistis asked insulted,"I never said that...I'd never use such a reason to keep me far away from Kinneas!Never!"
"And so,what is?Lack of love or attraction?Don't tell me that.I know that you love Irvine,you can't deny it!"
"And I don't!",she shouted",I never denied it...I love him,with all my heart!But I can't stay with him,can't you understand it?"
"No,I can't!"
Quistis closed her eyes and looked through the window:
"The last time I felt in love,the only and last time,it was with a man like Kinneas.He was married and I didn't know it.And when I think about a life with Kinneas,I think about it,and I remember that if I turn around,maybe Kinneas will not be faithful to me!Maybe he will just get tired of me very soon,maybe he won't be able to settle down and have a quiet life!Do you understand?And if our marriage fails,and if he betrays me one day,and if I lose him...I won't support.I will never support losing something that I had someday..."
Selphie stared at her:
"And if it's different?And if Irvine never gets tired of you,never betrays you?Will you risk your possible happiness by a future with a man that only will give you a quiet life?And if Gabriel betrays you?And if your wedding doesn't work?"
"It won't matter.I will never suffer because my feelings for Gabriel are not strong.I just want to have children,a job...but you can't understand it,because on your romantic mind you just see love as a good,beautiful and wonderful thing!But it is not!It's not..."
Selphie sighed:
"Nothing will change your mind,won't it?Even if you discovered that Gabriel is no better than Irvine...you can't see it,but Irvine really loves you...his heart is too good,his feelings too sincere...he would prove it to you,if you'd give him the chance..."
Quistis looked to Selphie and said:
"But it's too late...isn't it?"

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The hall of Balamb Garden was full of people,all of them waiting for the bride.Gabriel was already on his post,standing on an improvised altar in the middle of the room.There were benches arount it,and the walls were decorated with white flowers,very simply.The own Quistis wanted it this way.Nothing pompous or too decorated,as she didn't feel like having fun.She also asked Gabriel to not call too much peaople,so,only their close friends were there.
Zell and Selphie were on their bench,by Rinoa and Squall's side.None of them had a happy face,none of them wanted it to happen.But it was Quistis' decision and they couldn't change it.Selphie couldn't even look at Gabriel without grimacing.
Cid was also there,on the altar,ready to marry them.But there was no sight of Edea,and he was getting worried about her.Not only him,but the four on the first bench.Zell couldn't stop looking at his watch,and Selphie asked about Edea every minute.There was such a tension among them,that they didn't even notice the piano start the wedding theme.
Quistis walked through the room wearing a beautiful and simple ivory dress,her hair arranged on her neck with some flowers that Selphie helped to put there.Her face didn't show any sign of happiness,on the contrary,she seemed very worried about something.She didn't even look around as she passed the benches.
Gabriel smiled to her and took her hand,as she approached him in front of Cid.He kissed her hand and Quistis gave him a quick smile.Then both turned to Cid:
"Good evening my friends.Today we are here,together,to witness the vows of two young people of our Gardens:Coronel Gabriel Knight,from Galbadia Garden,and our dear Quistis Trepe,teacher of Balamb Garden.But first,I must tell you some words of a very clever and deep poet called Rainer Maria Rilke,who talked once about love.He says 'Love is also very good:because love is hard.The love of two human creatures maybe is the hardest duty,the last and greatest trial,the one that all of the others are just a preparation for.That's why,young people,that are still knowing life,don't know how to love:they must learn it.'
Well,that's my message for you both.Love is something too deep and hard,so you must be patient with your own feelings.A couple's life is not so easy,but if you..."
Quistis lost her thoughts on that moment.All that words about love didn't interest her,she already knew about love.And the principal characteristic of their wedding was the lack of love.
"So,before we go on,I must ask it.Is anyone here that has any objection to not going on with this wedding?"
"I do,"came the answer from the door.
All the heads on the room turned to the door to find Irvine standing there,by Edea's side.Gabriel's hands closed,and the blood ran away from Quistis'face.Her heart started beating crazly,and she couldn't hide the emotion on her voice when she said:
"Kinneas!"
Cid arranged his glasses and asked:
"Irvine,what would be your reason to impede this wedding?"
Irvine approached them and put a paper on the table:
"This paper proves that Gabriel made an agreement with a Galbadia general to take me out of his way for one month.As you see,this is an ilegal operation,a kind of change of favours..."
"You bastard!",shouted Gabriel.
Calmly Irvine turned to him,saying:
"Don't worry,Gabriel.For your illegal action two Galbadia cadets are there,waiting for you,"Irvine pointed to the door,"there is no escape.You used your influence to make an illegal action that had no authorisation of the army...the price of your corruption is prison.You'll enjoy your vacation there..."
Gabriel looked to Quistis and said:
"Dear,don't believe him...it's all false,he made this to impede our wedding..."
Quistis took the paper from the table and said:
"I don't believe that the own Galbadia vice-president would sign a paper that tells a lie...would he Gabriel?"
"Quistis..."
"How could you?How could lie to me?You made me think that Kinneas...that he...how could I be so stupid?I don't want to go on with this!"
"No,Quistis,please,believe me!",tried Gabriel.
She just closed her eyes and acted as she was not hearing.The two Galbadia cadets approached him and took his arms.
"Please,coronel.You must come with us..."
Gabriel just gave a last look to them and said:
"You'll pay me for this..."
He turned away and left the room,with the cadets.Irvine turned to the people around them and said:
"Ok,people,the party is over.I guess you'll have to wait for the next wedding.I'm sorry..."
Quistis sat down on the floor while the people slowly went away of the room.She put her head on her hands and bent down her head,sighing.Irvine sat on the first bench in front of Quistis.Selphie,Zell,Rinoa and Squall also went away.Edea took Cid by his arms and they both followed the others.Some minutes after,just Irvine and Quistis stayed on the room.There was a deep silence for some minutes,but suddenly Quistis started laughing:
"OK,you can tell me now...I was wrong...Gabriel was really a bastard,wasn't him?I almost married him...I guess I must thank you Kinneas..."
"I didn't do this for me,nor for any personal revenge...I did this for you...because I couldn't let you marry a man that didn't deserve you.And also because I would never forgive myself if I let this happen..."
Quistis sighed:
"I'm sorry...I didn't want to hurt you...I never wanted to make you feel bad,or go away...I said things I didn't mean,I thought I...I was afraid..."
"Afraid of me?",he asked impressed.
Quistis glanced at Irvine and said:
"I guess I...I don't know how to explain this...but...I was afraid of what would happen with us,with our relationship if I...accepted you.Once I felt in love with a man just like you...he was married but he didn't care about it...he just acted as she didn't exist for him,you understand?That's why I chose Gabriel,because I would never care about him.But you...you...if I lose you I'll never stand it...love makes our life harder than it is..."
Irvine approached her and took her hands:
"I understand you...I know that you must be afraid,a woman like you deserve much better thing than that I can offer...but I love you...and I never loved someone like I love you...I never loved anyone before,never.And you,you are so different from anyone I've ever met.I know I'm not perfect,and I don't want to be.But I'll be the best I can because of you.I'll change,I'll be serious,I'll make your life a dream if you want...just give the chance,Quistis...I know I'm full of faults,but you make me want to be a better man..."
Quistis bent down her head and tears felt down her face.
"Irvine..."
He smiled:
"You called me Irvine?You don't call me Irvine since..."
"I know...I know,Irvine..."
She threw her head on Irvine's shoulder and asked:
"Promise me that you'll be loyal to me,that you'll always love me..."
"I swear,Quistis...I love you..."
"I love you too,Irvine..."
He faced her and said:
"I'll love forever Quistis..."
She smiled and caressed his hair and said:
"Did I ever tell you that you have a beautiful smile?"
He smiled and approached his face of hers.Their lips met for the first time and Quistis felt herself melting on his arms.It was a kind of libertation for both,libertation of their fears for a new life.A life on hopes and expectations...
Irvine hugged her and asked:
"Would you marry me,Quistis Trepe?"
She smiled and answered:
"I would Irvine Kinneas!"
He took her on his arms and said:
"I'll make you the happiest woman in the world,Quistis Kinneas...I swear..."
Quistis smiled and put her head on his shoulder.She believed in him on that moment...she believed that she would be happy forever,that Irvine would never betray her.
But which woman wouldn't?

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One week after,Quistis Trepe became Quistis Kinneas,by the vows of the matrimony.

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Ps:*sniff*Oh,yes,what a beautiful chapter!Isn't it soooo perfect and romantic?