Seifer brought his gunblade down at Squall's left arm, his trench coat billowing about the backs of his legs as he spun. Squall barely had enough time to jerk his gunblade into position to block Seifer's blow.

"Good.... you have been learning." Seifer grinned, twisting his blade around and aiming a false jab at Squall's gut. Squall panted heavily, giving Seifer an annoyed look as he pulled back from the blow.

"Well,” He said, “I have you to thank"

"Of course. None of those SeeD fools can train you as hard as I can." Seifer swung his blade around again, this time at Squall's blade arm. Squall brought his gunblade around and just barely had enough time to parry the blow.

Squall thought to himself that was too close.  Will I ever be this good?

"I think that's enough practice for today..." Seifer told him.

Squall said "..."

Seifer's eyes met Squall's and he smirked. "Something wrong?"

He gave Seifer a distrustful look and held his blade ready in case he attempted to trick him. "Are we done now?”

Seifer put his blade to his side and chuckled, then sat down in the sand.  "Seen Matron lately?" He asked.

Still giving Seifer a wary glance, Squall too put his gunblade away, shaking his head no in answer to his question.

Seifer sighed and placed his gunblade in his lap as he watched the sunset. "Beautiful, isn't it?" He asked.

“Guess so.” what are you after now Seifer?  He thought to himself as he started to walk away.  "Got a lot of work to do."

"You never stay and talk do you?"

Squall paused "...got nothing to say"

"Nothing? Not even about things you dream about at night?"

Squall turned and gave Seifer a disgusted look.  "My dreams are none of your damn business."

"Fine... have it your way. Just thought you might like to chat for once...."

"Why fill the air with useless chatter? No one really listens anyway."

"Fine... I'll just go talk to Matron then, that better?"

"Whatever" Squall stared to walk away again, leaving Seifer behind him and not looking back. Seifer sighed loudly and frowned, his gaze across the ocean.

Later, Seifer started knocking on the door to Cid and Edea's house there in Balamb. Edea gave Cid an annoyed look as he continued to read the paper and ignored the knocking. Seifer sighed and knocked once more, hoping Edea would answer.

"I’m coming!" She yelled to the door as she hurried to answer. Edea opened the door and smiled once she saw who it is "Why Seifer! What a pleasant surprise! Come in!"

Seifer straightened out, gunblade to his side, and smiled slightly when Edea opened the door. "Thanks Matron." He gave her a small hug and walked in.

She returned the hug.  We were just about to have supper.  Would you care to join us?"

"Uh, sure. Squall isn't any good company... I can still only get his attention when I'm fighting him." Seifer sighed.

Edea looks at him intently. "Indeed. Is that why you are always picking fights with him?"  

"Why else?" Seifer sat down at the table and leaned back.

Edea gave Cid a look of annoyance as she pulled the newspaper from his hand "Now be a dear and set the table" She then turned her attention back to Seifer. "Now why do you suppose that is?"

Seifer shrugged. "No idea. Maybe cause he thinks of me like an older brother?"

"Why such interest in Squall? Do you know?"

Seifer shrugged again. "Maybe causes he can fight with a gunblade like me?"

Edea frowned and considered for the countless hundredth time to tell Seifer the truth dismissed that thought.  "Is that all?"

"Probably..." Seifer smirked to himself and closed his eyes.

Edea studied him intently with those odd amber eyes of hers as Cid reluctantly got up out of his easy chair and started to set the table.

"I wanted to tell him the dreams I've been having...." Seifer sighed, "But he ignored me..."

"Dreams?  What sort of dreams?"

"Don't know. They're strange... and always about the same person but it shifts around."

Edea looked far off and stared at the wall for a few minutes. She then whispered softly "Do you ever dream of a princess that looks like me?"

Seifer blinked. "Yah... and a soldier later on that sort of looks like Squall but with a stranger hair cut..."

This comment caused Cid to pause and blurt out "You mean Laguna?"

Edea just glanced at Cid "Don't help me dear"

Seifer started to chuckle. "Ah yes, Laguna... Laguna..." He grinned slightly.

"What about Laguna?"

"That was him. He's the president of Esthar, isn't he?"

"Yes he is.  He became president after his wife died."

"Oh." Seifer frowned and sighed.

"Now tell me..." as she served him some macaroni and cheese "What do you know about Laguna?"

Seifer plowed into the food and between bites said, "that he's handsome, funny, shy... devoted... and was always publishing in Timber Maniacs."

Edea nodded her head.  "Now tell me what you know about Squall."

"Cold, closed off from everyone, good looking, strong..."

"A fair assessment.  What do you know about a woman named Raine?" She gave him an intense gaze to see how he would react to that name.    "Raine..." He said slowly, his eyes becoming distant.

Cid paused and held his fork poised for a moment in surprise. "Are you going to tell him Edea?"

"Eh?" Seifer said, snapping back, "Tell me what?"

Edea shot Cid a really annoyed look "what did I just say about helping?" She ignored Seifer's question.

Seifer chuckled to himself, grinning just a bit as he looked at the two of them.

Cid just said "Not to do it, but honey he has a right to know."

"Know what?" Seifer practically demanded.

Edea just shook her head, almost forgetting that Seifer was right there listening

Seifer stood up from the table and looked at the two of them. "What are you not telling me?" He asked.

Edea then looked startled and turns her attention back to Seifer "Don't worry about it" Seifer folded his arms across his chest and sighed. Cid threw his hands up in the air in disgust and walked out of the room.

"Having problems?" Seifer asked.

Edea just sighed deeply. "Just a disagreement we have been having"

"Over me... what's going on Edea?"

Edea blinked her eyes in surprise. “What did you just call me?”                 "By your name... what else? Still mad cause the kingdom got wiped?"

Edea looked a little shocked.  "So you already know?"

"I just... see stuff in my dreams. You... you were the heir to the original    Galbadian kingdom, right? But then Deling with the aid of an evil   sorceress who sucked out all your powers destroyed the kingdom."   She nodded her head.  "Yes. That is correct.  Tell me Seifer. How do you really feel about Squall? This is important.  Do you love him? Hate him? What exactly?"

"I get... frustrated with him most of the time. He doesn't like talking to me ever... and he wouldn't even listen to my dreams. I really wanted to ask him about the ring he wears..."

"Griever.  That was his mother's ring."

"... I.... I see myself wearing that ring in my dreams...."

"And what do you look like?"

"Can't really see myself other then I know I'm female... but I'm wearing the same clothing I have on now.... so it's strange."

Edea just nodded.  "Yes I suppose you would find it strange.  Do you want to know a little secret about Squall?"

"Yeah." Seifer sat back down on his chair and looked at Edea.

"His mother died in childbirth.  Part of him feels guilty because he blames himself over her death.  The other part blames his mother because he thinks she abandoned him.  He has been abandoned so many times he has decided to shut himself off."

"And what about his father?"

"His father had a slight nervous breakdown when his wife died.  He felt that he could not do a very good job raising his son, so he gave him to my care, intending to come back and get him once he recovered, but his job prevented him from doing so."

"I see." Seifer folded his arms and sighed. "His mother knew that didn’t she?”

Edea just twirled her drinking glass, studying Seifer's expression

"Well? Didn't she?" Seifer asked again.

She looked up.  "What do you think Seifer, you would know the answer to that question far better than I would."

"I'm asking you."

She just shrugged.  "That she would die in childbirth?  Yes she knew. Why do you ask?"

"And that her husband wouldn't be able to handle the child?"

"I do not know if she knew about that.  She knew that her husband loved kids and that he would make a good father, but she also knew that he, well to put it bluntly was a bit of a klutz at times."

Seifer chuckled to himself. "Then why did she turn Lionheart into Revolver and give it to you for safe keeping?"

Edea shrugged. "Either it was because she knew, or because she felt that Lag...Her husband would not be responsible enough to take care of the weapon."  She then sighed.  "I suppose she did know."

"And the ring... the key to griever and its symbol...."

"What of them?"

"She gave that to you to give to him as well."

She nodded her head. "Yes. She did."  Then suddenly out of the blue as though she were changing the subject, "Do you believe in reincarnation?"

"Yah." Seifer said, "It makes me know I have nothing to fear from death. I'll just come back and continue my quest again."

Edea just nods her head.  "By the way, just so you know, I have invited Squall to come have dinner with us next week.  You are more than welcome to come as well."

"Thanks," He hugged her and kissed her cheek, and his lips seemed to hang there just like another young knight from Edea's past.

 

Edea ran breathlessly, desperately holding the torn folds of her gown up so she would not trip over it, not watching at all where she was going. Because of that she didn't notice the girl her age walking down the road till she had plowed into her, knocking them both to the ground.

The desperate Edea looked startled "Oh! Excuse me" as she scrambled back up

The girl, who was wearing a white shirt with black pants, brushed the strands of hair that had fallen into her eyes. "What's wrong?" She asked Edea.

She reached out and desperately clutched the girl’s shirt "Help me please! Hide me! They are after me!" She looked on the verge of tears, and seemed to have been running for a long time.

The girl blinked and nodded. From her back she produced a black gunblade. "Don't worry," She told Edea, "I'm a trained gunblade expert."

Edea looked hopeful "you are? Then please I beseech you dispatch of the foul men who are hunting me down like a dog!"

"I will kill them. Why are they after you?"

The raven-haired girl smoothed out the sorry remains of her gown.  "I am Edea, and I am a princess. The rightful princess that is."

"I'm Raine... Raine Leonhart. You're pretty, should have known you were a princess."

Edea smiles then looked fearful, as she pointed down the road "They come for me!" Raine turned her eyes on them and lifted her blade. Edea glanced over at the determined look upon Raine’s face and marveled at her bravery. As soon as Raine's blade cut down the first of the many soldier's Edea felt a surge of confidence and impaled one with an icy spear

"Woah," Raine said, "Are you... a sorceress??"

Edea nodded her head "Well...yes I am.” Edea quickly generated three more icy lances and impaled the remaining soldiers that Raine could not get to.

Soon they all ran off and Raine turned with a smile to Edea. "Wow." She said, "That was fun!"

Edea panted breathlessly then looked over at Raine.  "Fun?  We almost got killed and you call that fun??"

"Sorry.... I... well, we didn't get killed so it was fun!"

Edea once again attempted to smooth out her tattered black gown.  "If you say so.  I thank you for your help"

"You're welcome. Look, I don't have anywhere to go, mind if I tag along?"

Edea nodded "Your company would be most welcome, especially since you never know if there will be more of those swine. There is only one problem though.  I do not have anywhere else to go either."

"Does it mater? I'll protect you."

Edea smiled at that, and then looked about the countryside "I hope you will do more than protect me.  I am afraid I do not know much about wilderness survival."

"I'm from a small town, so don't worry." Raine smiled at her.

"Really? Is that where you were headed before I ran into you?"

"No... Away from. It's no fun there. I wanted to see the world."

Edea sighs deeply "As we speak, my home is falling to the Galbadian forces.  I have no home now, so it is I who will tag along with you.  Where do you want to go?"

"Anywhere you want my lady. Maybe I can help with your home?"

"After watching your prowess with the gunblade, I am sure we can take back my kingdom, but we will need help."

Raine nodded. "Thank you... and I'm sure we can find some."

Edea just smiled shyly. "Well in the meantime we need to find some place to stay for the night."

"Where do you suggest?"

"I have never slept under the stars before.  It sounds so romantic.  What do you think?"

"Yah." Raine smiled and hiked with her out to a good spot.

Edea followed Raine and tried to keep up in spite of her tattered gown and satin slippers that soon began to develop holes

Raine sat down on a soft patch of grass and smiled. "This looks nice."

Edea looked heavenward as she pulled off one of her satin slippers and rubbed her foot ruefully. "Yes it does"

Raine smiled over at Edea. "Are princess/sorceress always as beautiful as you?"

Edea looked up at Raine.  "I don't know.  It is part of the job description if you believe fairy tales."

Raine let out a laugh. "But fairy tales say only knights or princess save sorceresses or princesses."

"Well then I will just have to make you my knight, because you saved me."

She smiled at Edea. "Really? A Sorceress' Knight?"

Edea grinned "A fine title, May I borrow your gunblade for a moment? I will be careful."

"Alright. Please be careful." Raine handed the black gunblade to Edea.

Edea very carefully took the gunblade, and holding it much like a sword with both hands solemnly used it to dub Raine's shoulders.  "From this moment on, I dub you Raine, The Sorceress's Knight." She then handed the gunblade back to Raine.

Raine smiled wide, but it was kind of a goofy smile since it made her face red. Edea took one look at Raine's goofy smile and burst out into laughter. Raine giggled as well and lay back in the grass.

Edea lay on the grass as well.  "I must look a wreck don't I?  And I messed up the ceremony as well because I forgot to make you kneel."

"It's ok. I can kneel and you can do it over if you like."

Edea waved her hand airily.  "No that is alright.  If we are to be friends, we should be equals. Don't you agree?"

"I suppose so." Raine smiled at her, a very pretty smile.

Edea just studied Raine for a moment, then for no apparent reason, her cheeks suddenly flamed red and she looked away. Raine giggled and rolled over to Edea's side.

"Uh,” Edea said, “well, ahem.  I uh suppose that we should try and get some sleep."

"I suppose. It's cold out here."

"And I do not have a blanket, supplies, food, or anything of that sort” Edea said as she pulled her velvet and silk gown about her.

Raine slid in close and put her arms around Edea. "Looks like we'll have to share body heat then."

Edea's cheeks turned a bright crimson as she whispered, "Yes, I suppose so." and moved closer to Raine.

Raine smiled and kissed Edea's cheek, leaving her lips to rest there a moment before nuzzling it and saying "Good night."

Edea looked a little startled at the kiss, but did not pull away.  "Yes. Goodnight Raine. Pleasant dreams."

 

The next week, in the present day, Seifer managed to show up at the Kramer house at the same time as Squall. Squall just gives Seifer an annoyed look as he sullenly walks to the house, thinking what is HE doing here?

Seifer knocked on the door then looked at Squall. Squall waited for someone to answer the door as he blew his hair out of his face, trying his best to ignore Seifer.

A voice from inside the house called out "just a minute!"

"Squall..." He began, "What do you know of your mom?"

Squall just shrugged wishing that matron would hurry up and answer the door

"Well Squall?" Seifer asked, folding his arms.

Just as Squall looks like he is about to say some thing, Edea opened the door "Hello! Come in come in both of you!"

Squall just shrugs again and walks into the house. Seifer sighed and rolled his eyes. He hugged Edea as they entered and kissed her cheek in that same way again.

Squall raises an eyebrow at this.  "Since when were you and the matron so lovey dovey?"

Seifer growled at Squall and sat down at the table. "Oh do be quite boy."

Edea looks over at Squall. "Squall!  Where are your manners?!" She then turns her attention to both of them, saying "excuse me for a moment while I check on dinner.  Make yourselves at home"

"Need some help?" Seifer started to get up from the table.

"Oh no that is quite all right, I can manage." Edea said brightly as she headed to the kitchen.

"You sure?"

Edea just nodded.  "You are my guest. Please relax.  Basting a turkey does not take a lot of effort!"

"Where's Cid?"

Seifer made himself at home in the usual fashion.

"Oh Cid decided to play Triple Triad with his friends tonight.” Edea explained, “He won't be back until very late."

Seifer chuckled. "You sure HE decided?"

Squall just sat in his chair as though he were about to face inspection in the military.  Edea just winked at Seifer and headed to the kitchen.

Seifer chuckled, grinning wide as he looked back at Squall. "Relax a little, would you?" HE told him.

Squall gave Seifer a blank look "Relax? I'm relaxed."

Seifer slapped him on the back. "I mean it kid... relax some."

"Don't call me kid. You are only a year older than me."

"In body yes, in mind, no." Seifer grinned, and his voice carried back to Edea.

Squall picked up his spoon and began to turn it in his hands, looking at it as though it were the most amazing creation known to mankind.

"What is your problem Squall?" Seifer asked him.

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"Just... the past. Had another dream last night...."

Squall said "..." just as Edea came back with the turkey

"Mmm," Seifer said, "Looks good my lady." He smirked slightly.

"Tell us about your dream seifer" Edea said as she placed the turkey on the table

"My lady?"  Squall repeated in a disbelieving voice

"Let's see.... two 14 year old girls run into each other... one is a sorceress who's also very beautiful Princess. The other is a warrior girl trained with a gunblade." Seifer told them.

Edea just smiled a secretive little smile "Sounds interesting.  What happened then?" as she handed Seifer the carving knife

"Well, the warrior girl used her gunblade to fight with the men meaning harm to the beautiful sorceress, then they went to sleep in a field and I woke up."

Edea nodded "Seifer would you be so good as to carve the turkey while I go get the potatoes and the stuffing?"

Squall just muttered "Kinda starchy, no vegetables?"

"Sure my lady." He grinned and started carving the turkey.

Edea sailed off into the kitchen with all the regality of a queen.    Squall just watched Seifer cut into the turkey. Seifer cut it masterfully, not like Squall would have in his position.

Squall just looked sullen thinking Damn Seifer always having to show me up. Seifer served Squall first and grinned. Squall just took his plate, as the word "thank you" never once passed his lips. Edea sailed back in carrying a platter loaded with stuffing, potatoes, and steamed carrots.

Seifer rolled his eyes and muttered, "No manners..."

Squall just responded with his famous "Whatever"

"Squall... when are you EVER going to grow up??"

Edea grinned "Squall do be a dear and serve the vegetables since you wanted them so badly" handing him the dish of carrots

"Listen to Matron..." Seifer told him.

Squall just took the carrots silently, ignoring Seifer. He passed them out, serving matron first, himself, and Seifer last.

Edea just muttered "teenagers..."

Seifer leaned on the table and beamed a smile at Edea. "Tell me my dear," He asked, "What were YOU like at his age?"

Edea smiled "Oh I was a regular princess if you know what I mean.  My backbone was still developing."

Squall began to get that annoyed "I am in the middle of some secret game" look on his face.

"Yeah well, you had your knight to defend you, right?” Seifer said.

"I certainly did," Edea responded as she sat down to enjoy her meal.

Squall looked over at Seifer. "Still going on about this knight thing?"

"Her name was Raine... Raine Leonhart... Knight of the princess Edea..." Seifer said, leaning back after eating.

Squall blinked.  "Raine? That is my mother's name" As he pushed food around on his plate.

"Raine Leonhart... yah. You're last name's Leonhart, remember?"

Squall looked at Seifer "I know that dumbass, but what is this about princess Edea and her knight?”

Edea just continued to eat her food, listening to the conversation

"You're mother was a sorceress' knight long ago.... she was also a gunblade expert..." Seifer moved his eyes to look at Squall.

Squall looked back at Seifer and locked eyes with him "Really? You don't say."

Edea just said conversationally to the air "My Squall you redefine the term bitter."

"Yeah. The kingdom fell to Deling though... and Edea fled with a soldier named Cid Kramer... who she latter married... and Raine went back to Winhill to take up bartending."

Squall tries not to look interested but fails, "Yeah? And?"

"Raine died giving birth to you dumb ass..." Seifer reached over and slapped the back of Squall's head.

Squall gave Seifer an irritated look. "Why are you telling me this? What is it to you?"

Seifer looked at Edea. "Can you tell him?"

Edea looked over at Seifer.  "No Seifer, that is not my place.  I will just confirm what you say."

Squall looked up "Tell me what?"

"Ok ok...." Seifer ran his fingers through his hair, "Why don’t I tell about what happened when you and Raine got back to your palace?"

Edea nodded her head "Very well."

"Ok."

 

Raine fought side by side with the princess to defeat the small occupation force that had seized the palace. Edea used her powers to their fullest, amazed that they had gotten this far, But with Raine at her side, how could they fail? When they ran into the dungeon and freed the king he was overjoyed to see his daughter again. Edea rushed over to her father and threw her arms around him, thanking the stars that he was safe

He hugged her and kissed her then spotted Raine. "Who's this?" He asked.

Edea looked over to Raine and smiled. "Oh father! This is Raine Leonhart, my noble knight. Raine, this is most obviously my father."

Raine smiled and bowed before him. "Greetings sir."

The king raised and eyebrow. "You have a Knight daughter?"

Edea nodded her head.  "Yes. I made her as such shortly after she saved my life from the Galbadian soldiers."

The king smiled at Raine. "Such a noble act from a young girl."

Edea just looked happy to have both Raine and her father near her. Raine blushed.

 

That night a huge feast was healed in Raine's honor. Edea insisted on having Raine sit right next to her on the high table. Raine was honored and smiled at Edea the whole time. Edea happily chatted Raines ear off, telling her about her kingdom, and about how much fun they have been having. Raine chatted back about her small town of Winhill and how her parents had passed away.

Edea looked sad about hearing of the death of Raine's parents.  "Well, then I guess you will just have to live with me.  My home is your home."

Raine smiled broadly. "Really? Thank you!" She hugged Edea and kissed her cheek, resting her lips on it.

Edea hugged her back, not really caring that her father and a whole bunch of guests were witness to this. Raine giggled and smiled, finishing her food. Edea smiled as though this were the happiest day of her life, which was not surprising since it was.

 

"So," Asked Raine after the banquet, "What now?"

Edea responded, "Now I show you around the palace.  Do you want to see my room?"

"Yah." Raine's smile widened.

Edea grinned and led Raine to her spacious suite in the palace.  Inside was a bed large enough to comfortably hold five people and she had her own bathroom

"Wow!" Said Raine, placing her gunblade near the door, "This is great!"

Edea closed the door behind her and sat on her bed, watching Raine Explore her room.  "Got a great view of the countryside from my window don't you think?"

Raine strolled over to the window and smiled. "Yah." As Edea watched her she realized Raine had to armor. Thinking she thought about her kingdoms coat of arms, given only to royal knights... the Red Cross sword symbol.

Edea looked up at Raine and said, "Wait here. I will be right back" and dashed out to find something appropriate to give to her knight. Raine smiled and sat down on Edea's bed. Edea eventually returned carrying a large bundle and handed it to Raine.

“Here,” Edea said, “this is for you.”

"Wow!" Raine started to put it all on and found that the trench coat hung down a little past her feet. "Little big, but I like it." She kissed Edea's cheek again.

Edea blushed and for the first time returned Raine's kiss "I am glad that you are pleased.  Now all the world will know that you are my Knight."

"Yah. What's this symbol?" Raine asked, pointing at the thing on the sleeves.

“That is the kingdom's coat of arms, given only to royal knights.”  

"It looks like a red cross like sword..."

Edea giggled, "Probably because that is what it is supposed to be."

"Really?" Raine leaned against Edea and smiled at her. "This breast plate is comfortable... it isn't squishing my breasts like I thought it would."

Edea smiled. "I am glad that you like it” She then went to her wardrobe and began to show Raine her many gowns.

"Which one do you like the best?"

Raine smiled broadly. "You look best in that black one."

Edea laughed,  "You have excellent taste considering that you picked my favorite one. Shall I put it on?"

"Yes please." Raine said.

Edea took it out of the wardrobe  "All right.  Well turn your head so I can change"

Raine giggled and lay down, pulling a plush pillow over her head. Edea laughed at this and began to change secretly hoping to herself that Raine would peek. Raine did peek, just a tad, and grins at Edea's beauty. Though both still young, being 14, they were both more or less mature and of legal age in that area... seeing some girls got married as young as 12 there.

Edea put the dress on mostly then said, "Raine, could you come over and zip me up?"

"Sure. It would be an honor my lady." Raine got off the bed and zipped Edea up, smiling as she stood behind her. "You're hair is so pretty... very long." Raine told her.

Edea smiled.  "Thank you.  I think it is one of my better assets.  I wish I had your eyes though.  Amber eyes are so weird."

Raine giggled. "Weird? Depends on where you're from I guess."

"No one I know has eyes like mine."

"Well, they are pretty." Raine looked deep into them.

Edea blushed, confused by her feelings.  "Uh well...thank you. Raine? I have a question for you"

"Yah?"

"Do you like me?"

"Of course I like you my lady." She smiled sweetly.

Edea sat down on her bed "But how much do you like me?"

Raine sat next to her. "Like what?"

Edea began to twiddle her thumbs "I mean how much? Like best friends? Sisters? What?"

"I.... I don't know." Raine started to blush.

"I was just wondering."  Edea decided to suddenly change the subject.  "Well if you are going to live here I need to arrange for you to have a room."

"I suppose." Raine said, now looking at the floor.

"The room across the hall from mine is unoccupied do you want to see if that is the one you want?"

Raine smiled and looked at her. "Sure!"

Edea grinned and jumped off of the bed, leading Raine to a room just as big as Edea's.

"Oh wow!" Raine said, "This is huge!" She went back to Edea's room and retrieved her gunblade before coming back in and starting to explore.

"And it is all yours if you like."

"It's very very nice.... but I am afraid I'll get lonely in here."

Edea smiled "My room is across the hall from this one silly, if you get lonely come see me."

Raine smiled. "Even at night?"

Edea blushed and nods  

Raine smiled. "Thank you my lady."

She then whispers quietly "It is only proper for my knight to have her own room, but you can even sleep in mine.  No one will know."

Raine smiled more and nodded quickly. That night she stole into Edea's room with all but her gunblade and shoes. Edea happily let her in.  She was wearing a gauzy black nightgown and had her hair pulled back into a simple ponytail

Raine smiled at her and sat down on her bed. "This is cozy."

Edea looked over at Raine and smiled serenely "Yes it is isn't it?"  She reached over and turned on the radio to play soft music.

"What's that music?" Raine lay on her back and stared up at the ceiling.

"Hmmm? Oh this is my favorite opera music.  It is rather dramatic don't you think?"

"I like it." She smiled, turning her eyes back to Edea's.

Edea looked over at Raine and almost without thinking, brushed a bit of her hair away from Raine's face. Raine smiled more and moved her hand up to do the same for Edea. Edea's hand gently brushed Raine's cheek as she traced the lines of her face, almost as though she were committing this face to her memory. Raine placed her hand softly to Edea's cheek, their eyes meeting.

It was at this moment that Edea realized that their friendship was growing into something much deeper.  She gazed deeply into Raine's eyes, not saying a word.

"So pretty." Raine whispered.

"Hmmmm?" Edea responded

"You're eyes... you're hair... you..."

Edea whispered in a voice that was almost zero "Would you like to kiss me Raine?"

Raine leaned a little forward. "Is that aloud my lady?"

Edea blushed "Does it matter?  I allow it."

Raine leaned closer and kissed Edea's lips, slowly and softly. Edea, looking pleased, wrapped her arms around Raine and lovingly returned the kiss. Raine slowly eased her arms around Edea as well, still keeping her lips to Edea's. Their kiss grew to the sort that romance novels write about, never mind the fact that they were both female.  At this moment the world seemed to stop and it was only Raine and Edea.

Raine slid her tongue slowly out, questing. Once they were done all Edea had to say was "Wow"

Raine smiled at her, looking into her eyes. Edea returned the gaze, nuzzling closer to Raine and resting her head on her chest so she could hear Raine's heart beat. Raine smiled, laying on her back just for that. Her fingers started to stroke Edea's long, pretty hair... taking it out of the ponytail.

Edea sighed happily. "Raine?  I have never before felt so safe, so loved, so alive.  I just wanted you to know that."

"Thank you my lady." Raine smiled more and closed her eyes.

"What are you thinking right now?"

"Thinking how wonderful you are.... beautiful, powerful, wanting my protection."

Edea smiled, looking pleased. "You think I am beautiful and powerful?  Funny. I think the same about you."

"R-really? But I'm not a princess... or a sorceress... I'm just a Knight."

"Yes you are an Knight.  Noble, brave, and true.  Where knights traditionally are handsome, you are beautiful.  Knights need power to protect their lady, and you have the power!"

Raine blushed. "Thank you my lady." She once more ran her fingers through Edea's hair.

Edea yawned, feeling sleepiness overtake her and cuddled closely to Raine. Raine rapped her in her arms as she did that night in the field.

Just as Edea dropped off to sleep, she murmured "Good night my love."

"Good night... my lady..."

 

That's when Squall decided to interrupt the story and stare right at Edea. Squall almost screeched "What! My mother was a lesbian?!?!   You are lying!"

Seifer rolled his eyes. "She wasn't a lesbian.. she was Bi.. now shut up. Edea, I'm telling the truth here, right?"

Edea just nodded.  "Yes.  Everything Seifer has said so far is the truth. "

Squall just crossed his arms in a defensive position and continued to listen.

Seifer gave her a light grin. "You did tell Cid about this... didn't you?"

Edea smiled thinly "Of course.  Five years after our marriage, just like we agreed."

Squall blinked his eyes "We? what is this we?"

Seifer nodded. "Raine didn't live long enough to tell Laguna..." He sighed, "Now, back to my story..."

 

A few weeks went by like this when Raine sat on the bed and looked at Edea.

Edea stopped brushing her hair and looked at Raine.  "Something wrong?"

"No, nothing." Raine smiled, "Was just thinking about things."

"Gil for your thoughts."

"I... well... I... wanted to... touch... and be... touched..." Raine looked down at her hands in her lap, cheeks turning red.

Edea blushed as well.  "I want the same, but I um...well I know how it works with a man and a woman...and uh..well I have never been with anyone before.  Not even another man." Edea whispered "My parents try to keep me innocent.  I don't know what to do."

"I.. I know only a little from watching animals.. but... I know what I want to touch. Want to learn together?"

Edea nodded her head and walked over to where Raine was standing. Raine removed her breastplate and her trench coat.. under it was just a white bra. Her erect nipples were easy to see through the material. Edea removed her black silk gown, revealing her scanty black lace panties and the fact that she was not wearing a bra.

"Oh.. wow." Raine breathed.

Edea tentatively reached out her hand and caressed Raine's breasts.

Raine closed her eyes, letting out a soft moan. "w.. want to take it off?" She asked, slowly moving her hands to Edea's.

Edea nodded and worked at the clasp of Raine's bra. Raine smiled as her bra fell off. She felt Edea's breasts under her fingers and palms and moaned softly again. Edea's nipples quickly hardened and stood erect.  She kneeled and gently began to kiss Raine’s breasts. Raine closed her eyes and let out a whimper of pleasure, leading back some as she kneaded Edea's breasts. Edea ran her tongue over Raine's nipples and drew her closer to her body.

"Gods..." Raine moaned, "That feels.. incredible." She shivered in pleasure.

Edea smiled and stood up, removing her black panties and casually tossing them aside. Raine unbuttoned her pants and started to slide them off, starting at what Edea's panties reviled. It was interesting.  Her private hair made a perfect black triangle against her porcelain white skin.  Edea looked over at Raine with a sultry expression. Raine reached out to touch, still in her own panties, then looked up at Edea for permission.

Edea walked towards Raine and nodded her permission, waiting to see what Raine intended to do. Raine reached between Edea's legs and started to rub slowly, knowing it felt good when she touched herself there. Edea cried out in both surprise and pleasure and spread her legs further apart to allow greater access to Raine. The Knight then slipped one finger into her, moving even closer to Edea.

"Oh! By the gods that is incredible!" Edea cried out, immensely enjoying what Raine was doing.

Raine stuck her finger in further and smiles at Edea, moving to kiss her.

Edea felt herself quickly growing wet as she arched her back, thrusting herself towards Raine.  "Oh! Oh! Don’t stop! this is so wonderful!"

"Anything you wish my lady." She smiled, thrusting a second finger into her as she kissed Edea softly.

Edea sang out in pleasure and lay back onto the floor, as she grew ever wetter and her lips grew red with supreme arousal. Raine put her tongue into Edea's mouth, thrusting.

"what are you doing? Oooh that feels good!  Gods Raine!  You are amazing!"

Raine took her tongue out. "Thank you." She pushed in a third finger.

Raine felt Edea's muscles quickly pulsate and tighten around her fingers as Edea began to orgasm.  "Ah! Raine! Such pleasure! Oooh Oh!"

Raine was getting wet herself, could feel it in her panties as she took her hand out of Edea and licked it. Edea tasted as sweet as honey and the summer breeze.  Edea panted heavily as she looked at Raine with only love in her eyes. Raine smiled back, licking her fingers clean.

Edea smiled.  "Raine?  You are so wonderful.  I am the luckiest girl alive to have found you.  Now I am glad that I was chased by soldiers that day."

Raine smiled at her. "I'm happy to have found you too. I didn't know where I was going that day... just knew I had to go."

"I suppose destiny brought us together.  What do you think?" Edea asked as she sat on her bed, not bothering to get dressed.

Raine smiled. "Maybe." She sat down next to Edea.

Edea brought her arm around Raine's shoulders.  "So. What do you wanna do now?"

"I... I'm still wearing my panties. What else shall we learn?" Raine put her arms around Edea, smiling at her.

"Well....Why don't I show you what you just taught me?" Edea said grinning broadly.

Raine smiled broadly. "Oh, thank you my lady."

Edea reached out and gently removed Raine's panties and tossed them behind her. Raine smiled. She was already wet, having gotten worked up by Edea's touches and her moans. She then began to gently stroke Raine between the legs and plunged them in.

"ohh.... gods..." Raine moaned, kissing Edea deeply.

Edea worked her fingers in a way that she knew felt good from personal experience and peppered Raine with kisses. Raine whimpered in ecstasy, bucking against Edea's fingers. Edea then ran her tongue around Raine's clit, all the while keeping her fingers busy. Raine started to breath heavy and moved around a little, rapping her arms around Edea's slim waist and pulling her legs closer to her face.

Edea's breathing quickened and her heart raced as she licked at Raine's sweet wetness and plunged her tongue within her. Raine cried out in pleasure and started to lick Edea's clit, savoring the taste. Edea continued to sixty-nine and moaned in pure pleasure as she ran her tongue and fingers around Raine's clit and lips, making sure not to neglect a single area.

Raine moaned in pleasure, plunging her own tongue into Edea and lapping up everything she could find. Edea was an endless source of wetness as she began to orgasm once again.  She continued to lick and caress Raine with everything she was worth. Raine orgasmed as well, sucking down the wetness as it reached her questing tongue. As they both climaxed, Edea held Raine tightly, licking up every drop Raine produced. Raine let out whimpers of pleasure and stuck her tongue in as far as it would go.

Edea moaned with ecstasy. "Mmmm oh, you are as skilled with your tongue as you are with your gunblade!"

Raine was very pleased to hear that and started thrusting her tongue the way she would her gunblade. "Mm," Raine moaned, "You're sooo good too."

Edea was equally pleased, and continued to pleasure Raine, rewarding her for all that she has ever done. Raine orgasmed some more, balling up her tongue inside Edea and flicking it. As Raine did this, Edea cried out in loudly as waves of pleasure swam through her body.  She held Raine close and kissed her deeply. Raine's mouth held Edea's flavor, and she stuck her tongue in to taste her own flavor, moaning as they pressed together, breasts smashing against each other. Edea continues to hold Raine close. Raine's mouth held Edea's flavor, and she stuck her tongue in to taste her own flavor, moaning as they pressed together, breasts smashing against each other. 

Edea continued to hold Raine close to her, moaning all the while with pleasure.  "Mmmm Raine. Sweet lovely Raine. "

"Mmm... beautiful Edea...." Raine purred, licking her tongue.

Edea holds Raine so close, it is almost as though they were of one body.  "I love you Raine.  I love being with you."

Raine's eyes smiled along with her lips. "I love you too Edea."

Edea smiled happily, her amber eyes twinkling.  "I shall forever cherish this moment and hold it close to my heart."

"As will I my lady."

She then grinned playfully. "Want to take a bath?"

Raine smiled. "Sure. Together?"

Edea giggled "of course together silly!"

Raine grinned. "Sounds fun. Never took a bath with anyone else before."

Edea smiled and headed over to her large bathroom with a tub big enough to be considered a small pool, and began to fill it with water. Raine smiled and got to Edea's side, putting an arm around her shoulder. Edea smiled and added some bubble bath to the water and climbed in along with Raine. The Knight grinned and playfully splashed her princess. Edea laughed and splashed Raine back, tossing bubbles at her. Raine giggled like a child, splashing bubbles back. Edea laughed with childlike glee as well and began to sculpt the bubbles into a beard.

Raine giggled and ducked under the water. Edea put the foam beard on herself, laughing all the while. She also held bubbles ready, knowing that Raine would have to come up for air sometime. Raine licked Edea's thighs first before coming up for air. Edea laughed and looked pleased.  She then crowned Raine's head with bubbles then kissed her.

Raine giggled and kissed back, rubbing Edea's breasts. Edea sighed happily and reached for a washcloth, and gently began to bathe Raine, slowly and sensually. Raine purred, closing her eyes as she reached for her own washcloth. Reaching under Edea she started to clean her ass. Edea sighed happily and cleaned Raine's ass as well, lowering herself deeper into the water, just so her breasts were gently floating on the surface. Raine smiled, cleaning the splendid crack of Edea's ass then moves the cloth to her breasts.

Edea purred and moved behind Raine in the water so she could shampoo Raine's hair, and caress the back of her neck. Raine leaned her neck forward and moaned softly. Edea reached forward and carefully rinsed Raine's hair with one hand so as not to get soap in her eyes, and stroked Raine's breasts with the other. Raine snuggled back against Edea's chest, moaning softly to herself.

Once Raine's hair was completely rinsed clean, she leaned Raine back towards her, so she was resting against Edea's breasts.  She then began to caress Raine's own breasts. Raine nestled her head between Edea's breasts in the water and smiled up at her.

Edea smiled back at Raine and continued to cuddle her.  "Hmm Raine.  What are you thinking about now?"

"How comfortable I am and wondering if this feels good to you."

"Oh yes very comfortable.  And considering that I sleep on a feather down bed, that should tell you something." Edea said with a wide grin.

"I know you do... I sleep there now too." Raine smiled.

Edea beamed happily.  "I was just thinking that I could stay here forever with you."

"We will have to eat and sleep eventually." Raine smiled.

Edea waved her hand airily "Oh pooh.  I can have the servants bring food to our room and we already have a bed here.  I did not mean in the bath.  I meant here with your company."

"Mmm, that sounds good to me my lady. And if anyone shall try to hurt you I shall protect you."

Edea smiled.  "I trust that you will." She then climbed out of the bath and began to towel off, making sure to give Raine an interesting show.

Raine smiled and got out as well. "Can I use that next?"

Edea nodded and handed the bath towel to Raine.  She then reached for another and wrapped it around her wet hair like a turban. Raine started to rub the towel slowly across her wet breasts. Edea watches with interest as she headed over to the sink so she could brush her teeth. Raine waited for Edea to turn before she started rubbing the towel around her crotch. Edea finished brushing her teeth, and turned towards Raine. The knight smiled, rubbing her crotch with the towel to dry it.

Edea laughs.  "Did I ever tell you how sexy you look O Knight of mine?"

"Mmm, no way I could be sexier then a sorceress princess Edea." Raine smirked.

Edea twirled, wearing only the towel on her head.  "Oh I don't know.  You do please me."

"You please me too." Raine smiled and sat naked on the bed.

Edea sat on the bed as well, and put her arm around Raine.  "Well it is getting late and I am getting sleepy.  Good night my love"  Edea then climbed into bed and patted the mattress, inviting Raine to share it with her. Raine pulled the blankets around them and snuggled into Edea's side.

 

Of course, Seifer didn't tell the story quite that detailed, but Squall got the picture.

Squall shoved his carrots around his plate.  "Okay, so my mother was in love with you matron and became the sorceress knight before you Seifer.  How long did this last?  Why did you become the Knight, Seifer?"

Seifer giggled to himself and rested his head on the table laughing. "If you let me continue," He chuckled, "You will know or at least figure it our yourself."

Squall just looked at Seifer as a strange thought slowly entered his mind, but was quickly dismissed.  "hey!  why do you know all this anyway?"

"Figure it out on your own boy." Seifer looked at Edea. "Why don't you pick up from there?"

Edea nodded her head.  "Raine and I remained in love for a good long while, but unfortunately as all good things must, it had to come to an end.  It all started when we fought the Sorceress.”

 

"The castle is on fire..." Raine told Edea, looking back over her shoulder. They were 18 now.

Edea just nodded unhappily, worried about the safety of her family and her people.  "We must do something!"  She used her magic to cause water to form, hoping to put the fire out.

"They've been captured, or killed. WE have to get you to safety before that evil sorceress finds us."

Edea just nodded unhappily, not wanting to face reality, and let Raine guide her to safety.

"I.. What are we going to do?" Raine asked, sounding scared.

"I don't know.  The only thing I do know, is that I will not sit idly by, while they take my kingdom.  We will fight till the end"  Edea responded, trying to keep her voice from trembling.

"I.. I don't want you to die. My lady, you have to live on."

Edea's face took on an expression of determination.  "I am the princess, perhaps even the queen.  My life is no longer my own.  I have a kingdom and a people to consider!  You know that!  I MUST help!"

"Edea.. if the kingdom is gone... then all that would mean to help would be to die..." Raine teared up.

"If that is the price I must pay, then so be it.  I will not be able to carry on with the knowledge that I abandoned my people when they needed me the most.  Will you stand by me in this?"

"Yes... but... I don't want you to die..."

Edea smiled thinly "I do not want to die either and I am scared out of my mind, but I must do this.  Please understand."

"I do...." Raine sighed softly, "H-hold me?"

Edea nodded her head and held her Knight, while steeling her nerves and awaited the evil sorceress's arrival. Raine closed her eyes and pulled the taller woman close to her. Edea just held onto Raine, gaining comfort from her Knight standing faithfully by her side.

A sudden laugh caused them to look up. "How sweet..." the voice said, "A Sorceress and her Knight.. and they are in love..."

Edea looked at the sorceress, as anger flashed in her amber eyes.  "Rather be that than an evil hag who is so utterly lonely since no one wants her, she has no other recourse than to take over other's kingdoms to make herself feel better!!"

The sorceress laughed and moved down before them, placing her hand to Edea's face. "Soon you won't be a sorceress any more, and I've already robbed you of being a princess."

Edea regarded the Sorceress coolly "Is that the best insult you can fling at me, you pathetic waste of garbage?  For your information, I will always be a princess.  It is my birthright.  Now prepare yourself bitch!"  Edea called out as she began to do battle.

"Not when your kingdom is no more." The sorceress hissed, pulling her arms around Edea.

Edea tried to break free of the Sorceress grasp as she hissed. "be that as it may, O foul spawn of a diseased rat's testicle.  Prepare thyself for my Knight and I challenge you to take MY kingdom back!"

"Your kingdom is completely destroyed.. you are the last of its people." She began stealing Edea's powers.

Edea cried out in pain as her powers were ripped from her very being.  Raine had never heard such a scream.  it was as though Edea's soul was being sucked dry. Raine cried out as she heard her love scream and brought forth her gunblade, striking it at the sorceress and finding it had no effect. Edea continued to scream as her powers were drained away.  Once they were completely gone she slumped in the Sorceress's arms, exhausted and completely at her mercy. The sorceress dropped her and grinned, vanishing into a portal.

"EDEA!!" Raine yelled, going to her side at once.

Edea lay slumped on the ground, unconscious and barely breathing. Raine pulled her into her arms and moved off to a cave. Edea simply lay unmoving for what seemed like an eternity before Raine heard an extremely faint moan escape her lips.

"Edea?" Raine asked hopefully.

Edea feebly turned her head over in Raine's direction and slowly opened her eyes "Raine? Is that you?" she barely managed to croak out.

"Yes, it's me my lady."

Edea weakly nodded her head.  "It is gone.  I feel so empty.  My powers are gone, my kingdom, my family, everything!  I feel so empty."  Edea said as she began to cry.

"shh... you still got me around." Raine told her.

Edea nodded her head  "Yes, that is true." She then sighed.  "You are no longer the Sorceress's Knight I'm afraid.  I am no longer a Sorceress or a princess.  I am just Edea now."

"I understand..."

"what are we going to do now?"  Edea asked, her voice quavering slightly.

"We explore the cave..."

Edea nods her head and shakily gets up.  "Alright Raine.  Lead on.” Raine set her on her feet and took hold of her hand.

Edea gripped Raine's hand tightly as they both walked deeper into the eerie cave.  "where are we anyway?"  Edea whispered.

"I.... I don't know." Raine told her.

"Well it does not matter I guess." Edea said as they continued to explore. There seemed to be something carved in the rock ahead.

Edea pointed to the carving. "Raine? What is that?"

"It... it seems to be a door."

Edea examined it carefully "A door?  Do you want to open it?"

"Should we?"

Edea looked over at Raine and shrugged "Why not? After all that has happened, what else could go wrong?"

"Good point. Let me my lady."

Edea moved aside so Raine could open the door. Raine put her hands in the groves and moved the rock door. Inside was a chamber of sorts with a gunblade stuck in the pedestal.

Edea looked at the gunblade with wonder.  "I think destiny has taken us in hand again Raine"

Raine nodded. "Yes... destiny has." She walked up to the gunblade, strapping her other one to her side as she pulled it free. Edea just watched as Raine pulled the gunblade free.

<Rufus Safer> "Oh wow!" Raine's eyes went wide, "It's the Lionheart!"

"What? The legendary Lionheart itself?  That blade has been lost for the longest time!"  For the first time since the battle, Edea looked hopeful.

"It... The first knight that wielded it was an ancestor of mine... Lionheart, Leonhart." She grinned at Edea and testes the blade's wait.

The blade's weight was perfectly balanced, a testament to its supreme craftsmanship.  Edea just watched Raine expertly swing the blade and looked around the room to see if anything else was there. There was also a small chest in the corner. Raine continued to test the blade. Edea moved over to the chest and checked to see if it was locked, and it wasn’t. Edea slowly and carefully opened the chest, hoping that there was treasure inside. But Inside was a ring with what looked like a lion on it.

Edea gasped when she saw what was inside.  "Raine? Would you come over here and tell me that this is what I think it is?"

Raine walked over. "Oh wow..." She breathed, "It's the Griever ring..."

Edea held up the ring and gave it to Raine "Here it is yours." Raine smiled and put it on.

"looks good on you Raine." Edea said with a smile.  "Now what are we going to do now?  I know what I want to do."

"What do you want to do my lady?" Raine was blushing now.

Instead of stating what Raine had hoped, Edea's eyes flashed dangerously.  "I want to watch as you slice that fucking bitch who destroyed my kingdom into two!"  Edea growled as she clenched her fists and an angry tear streamed down her cheek.

Raine nodded. "Yes my lady." She walked to Edea's side and pulled her arms around her. "I promise you that."

Edea just nodded and murmured her thanks as she held onto Raine for moral support. "Well we had better get some sleep so we can plan our attack the next morning."

"this room seems safe." Raine told her, stroking her hair.

Edea just nodded her head and lay down in the corner, bunching her cloak into a pillow. Raine took off her trench coat and lay it over Edea like a blanket and curled up at her side. Edea just curled up next to Raine and sobbed every now and then until she finally cried herself to sleep. Raine watched over her till she too fell asleep.

 

Just as Edea opens her mouth to continue the story, Squall once again interrupts with "Okay.  So now I know where griever and the gunblade came from.  What I WANTED to know is why Seifer know so much about this?"

Seifer rolled his eyes. "Ever notice the armor I wear?" He asked.

"Yeah I noticed.  According to your yarn, that was my mother's.  Why do you have it?"

Seifer chuckled to himself.

"Well?" Squall demanded

"Anyway, if we continue the story that's what you'll find out." Seifer suggested.

 

When Raine used the ring on another part of the room the next morning she happened upon Griever himself, and junctioned him.

Edea looked at Raine as soon as she returned to the room that they both had slept in the night before and stretched "Where did you go?"

"I found..." Raine told her, "The ultimate GF... the ring is a key...."

Edea looked at Raine. "You did? Then we might actually stand a chance against the Sorceress!"

"Yes. Then what are we going to do?"

Edea just hung her head as her eyes glittered with tears. "WE don't do anything.  The time has come for us to part.  You see when a Sorceress loses her powers, she usually passes on.  For some reason, I still live.  I must go to a place where only one who is or has ever been a Sorceress can safely go."

Raine closed her eyes and nodded slowly. "I... I'll always love you Edea."

Edea leaned forward and gave Raine one last kiss "I love you too, my sweet.  I shall never forget you.  Destiny drew us together once.  I have faith that it will do so again."

Raine smiled. "In this life or the next..."

"Always and forever" Edea responded as she took Raine's hands.

Raine smiled and held her hands. "What happens if we get married to some guys some where? What if they leave from hearing about this?"

Edea frowns not liking the possibility of losing this love "True. anything is possible.  Well if we fall in love with someone else we should probably wait at least five years before telling them of our pasts.  That way they will be used to us and not run away.  What do you think?"

"Yeah. That is a promise. I'll got back home to Winhill, and act basically as if I never left. Never tell anyone I was a knight to the most beautiful sorceress and princess in all the world."

"Agreed.  Take care of yourself.  Remember always that I love you." Edea responded.

"Let's kill that evil on first. And I will, and I'll always love you too."

 

Once again Squall interrupts, proving that he was absent the day they handed out manners.  "Ok. Speaking of evil, when did they kill they sorceress? They did kill her right?"

"yah," Seifer told him, "And then she cursed them both before vanishing to give her power to some poor, unsuspecting girl. And the curse came true..."

Squall looked at his plate "What was the curse?"

"That Edea would never have children and that Raine would die in child birth..." Seifer closed his eyes and sighed.

"Just like my mom" Squall muttered, then suddenly jerks his head up "Hey! Wait a damn minute?  The coat, the armor!  You can't be serious!"  Squall yells as the realization suddenly begins to dawn.

"Well, we hadn't even finished the story yet..."

Squall slouches "All right finish your damn story already"  he says as he glares sullenly at the two. Seifer rolled his eyes. "And they say I'm the angry one..."

 

Raine knocked on the door to Edea's cottage, her pregnancy showing slightly.

Edea opened up the door and gives a warm smile to Raine.  Their love had grown more sisterly over the years, but it was still there just the same.  Her eyes then widened when she saw Raine's condition.  "Please. come in."

Raine walked in and smiled. "Hello Edea." She was carrying a trunk with her.

"Hello Raine.  What is that you have there?"

"Open it and you'll see. It's our special trunk, the one only we could open.” She found someplace to sit and sat down, smiling at the little kids who were to be adopted soon as they ran by playing. Edea took the trunk and set it on a table and opened it.

Inside was her armor, the two gunblades, and her ring. "I sealed Griever back away..." She told Edea.

Edea looked over at Raine and nodded.  "I can only assume you want me to take care of this for your child.  But why me and not your husband?"

"If my husband is still alive he will be shattered. I never got the chance to tell him... we've been married less then a year now..." Raine sighed. "The Revolver, which is really Lionheart but I took parts off, and the ring are for my child. The armor and the Hyperion will be for my next life..."

Edea nods her head and carefully packs everything away in the trunk.  "I suppose those who can open this are the ones I shall seek right?"

"Only I will be able to open it... and some how I will wind up here, I'm sure of it. Destiny will make it so. Keep Revolver and the ring separate, alright?"

Edea nods again "I will Raine. You have my solemn promise.  Until we meet again, farewell."

"If Laguna's alive.... he will be heart broken... I love him so much too." Raine stood up and hugged Edea.

Edea hugged her back. "And I love you and my husband Cid." She then pulled back so she could gaze into Raine's eyes.

Edea just whispered "If your husband is unable to care for the child, tell him to bring the baby here."

"I need to have this child... even if it will kill me. Only a Leonhart can wield the Lionheart, and I just would not be able to live with myself if I didn't let this child have life." Raine nodded. "I'm going to tell those that are there for me... If my husband is one of them I will tell him that, if he's dead I will tell them that."

Edea nods her head.  "I always knew you were noble."  

"That is the duty of a knight... a true knight could never sacrifice another's life for their own." She smiled.

Edea smiled as well.  "How long do you plan to stay?  My home is open to you for as long as you like."

"Not too long I'm afraid. I have to get back to Winhill. I do run the bar there, and Laguna might be home at any time."

Edea sighed.  "It is just as well.  My husband is due to come home at any minute.  Things are rather hectic around here.  So many children are coming here since the war."

Raine nodded. "I know... It's so sad. I really hope it is put a stop to somehow." And it was, by Raine's own husband. But because he had new duties as the president of Esthar he couldn't be at her side when she died.

 

Just over 4 years later as Edea was rounding up the children for dinner she heard a noise from the other room. Edea scurried over to the other room in order to see what the noise was. A five-year-old blond boy was sitting in front of Raine's trunk. It was open and he was rummaging inside. Edea felt a little faint. The soul of Raine had been incarnated at last, but into a boy?  Destiny has a funny way of working it seems.

"What have you got there Seifer?" Edea said quietly.

He pulled out the gunblade and smiled at it. "Cool." HE said. He looked over at Edea. "This is cool."

Edea nodded.  "Yes I suppose it is."  She then walked over and took the gunblade from his hands.  "This is yours, but you must not play with it until you are older."

"Older?" Seifer pulled out the breastplate and looked at it.

Edea nodded.  "Yes.  Until that time, perhaps you would like this?"  Edea walked to a dresser and pulled out a child size replica of the outfit and a toy gunblade, and handed them to Seifer.

Seifer smiled and put them on. "Thank you matron." He hopped in her lap and hugged her. "Sis make dinner again?" He asked.

Edea smiled, glad that she sized the outfit to fit a child around six or seven.  It would be a little big now, but he would soon grow into it.

Edea nodded. "Yes she did and we are late.  Come along now."

Seifer smiled and rushed off. "She cooks good!" And got to the table, slipping in next to the 4 year old Squall.

Squall was wearing his favorite shirt, just like the one Charlie Brown wears and gave Seifer a shy smile. Seifer patted Squall on his head and smiled over at Ellone. He then dug into his dinner.

Squall dug into his food as well.  "Whatcha got on?" he asked Seifer.

"Something cool Matron gave me." Seifer smiled cheerily.

Squall frowned "Its not your birfday. How come you gots a present?"

"I opened the secrete trunk." Seifer smiled. "Want to see this toy she gave me?"

Squall looks interested "Okay."

Seifer handed him the toy gunblade. "There. Wanna play with it?"

Squall nods enthusiastically "Yeah!"

"Cool." Seifer smiled, "Let's go play after dinner."

For once Squall did not have to be told not to pick at his food.  He quickly finished his meal so they could go play. Seifer rushed through his meal, happy to go play as well. Squall rushed out into the flower field nearby, glad that Cid was there to supervise and that they were allowed. They played until it got to dark and Edea sent them both to bed.

 

Squall, now all grown up stirred his half eaten meal around on his plate as he considered what Edea and his rival were telling him. Seifer had finished with his food and was leaning back in his chair, his hands resting on his stomach. Edea stood up and began to clear the dishes away, leaving Squall to his thoughts.

Squall muttered "So you were my mom in a previous life huh.  Too weird."

"I know.... took me so long to try and believe that..." Seifer said, "But, I kept having dreams and then what Matron said to me last week, I knew it was all true and not just something.... made up."

Squall still did not meet Seifer's eyes.  "That explains the Knight thing, and why you hate me."

"I DON'T HATE YOU!" Seifer yelled, his eyes narrowing.

Squall looked up at him "Really? Then why are you always picking on me?  why did you torture me?  What am I to you?"

"I'm trying to teach you.... and you kept ignoring me after Elle left. How do you think I felt to suddenly be alone?"

Squall considered this.  "I was left alone.  You had Fujin and Raijin as your little lap dogs. "

"I'm talking about in the orphanage... when you were 5... and on... you ignored me." Seifer sighed and closed his eyes.

"Is that why you started to get mean? Cause all I could see is the fact that sis left?"

"Yes... get tough with you. Get you to understand and to teach you."

Squall just sighed.  "Guess your right.  Some people never learn.  Rinoa said something similar before she dumped me."

"Yeah..." Seifer sighed. "You're a lot like your father in some ways, but your mother in others."

Squall just sighed as the sound of Edea washing the dishes could be heard coming from the kitchen.  "How am I like my dad?"

"Other then cute you have his shyness and he just doesn't learn either."

Squall just mutters something incoherent to himself as he stares at Seifer for a moment before telling him once again, "This is so WEIRD!"

"Yeah well, everything is weird kid.... get used to it."

"I mean what am I supposed to call you?  You aren't really my mom, but at the same time you are.  Damn anyone got any aspirin?"  Squall said as he rubbed his temples.

"Just call me what you have been... I only saw you a few moments unless you count the pregnancy, before I died last life..."

Squall just nods his head.  "Lucky for you people that I believe in reincarnation, otherwise I would be calling the loony bin to come and get us all, matron included."

"Yeah well, I always did but didn't know what to make of my dreams."

Squall just nodded.  "So what now?  I have always wanted to know Seifer what do you really think about me?"  He then turned to the kitchen. "Matron?  Aspirin?  Please?"  He said sounding desperate.

Edea called out "It is in the bathroom Squall!" and returned to washing the dishes.

"I... I'm not really sure. My emotions get sort of screwed up."

"How do you mean" Squall asked as he headed towards the bathroom

"I don't know... I mean, sometimes you remind me of Laguna.... other times I try to think of you as the son I was supposed to have.. and other times you’re like the lil brother I'm supposed to beat up."

Squall fishes around the medicine cabinet and returned with some extra strength aspirin and carefully reads the directions on proper dosage, while listening to Seifer.  "Uh huh.  I guess it is 'D' all of the above?  Nothing is ever simple."

"I know.... imagine how I feel." Seifer leaned back in his seat again.

Squall considers this after discovering that as with every other aspirin product he has ever taken, he is supposed to take two pills every four to six hours as needed for pain and solemnly hands the bottle to Seifer.

Seifer took the bottle and got up from the table. "Want to talk in the living room?"

Squall gets up from the table and walks to the living room "yeah, I guess so."

Seifer sat down on the couch, kicking back as always. Squall sits in a chair across from the couch, sitting like he is in the military, just like always.

"Will you loosen up for once?" Seifer said.

Squall in an attempt to loosen up, crosses his leg and tries to sit like Zell.  This only has the effect of making him look like a soldier who is examining the sole of his shoe.  "This better?" Squall asked stiffly.

Seifer rolled his eyes. "Do you EVER relax??"

Squall just shrugged and uncrossed his legs.  "We aren't here to discuss how relaxed I am are we?  I thought we were going to discuss....." Squall paused and stiffened more, proving that it was possible.  "Us." he finished quietly.

"What do you want to discuss?"

Squall ran a hand through his shaggy brown hair.  "I dunno.  I mean what are we to each other?  We are not exactly what I call friends, and there is no way I consider you mom.  You may have her soul, but you are NOT her."

"I know that Squall... Matron is more of our mother.... in spirit you can say she is the mother of both of us."

"So what then?  We were enemies, or at least rivals.  What are we now?  I want to know what you want."

"I don't know... first off, I never hated you. Sometimes I'd get frustrated but, I was always trying to encourage you and such."

Squall almost laughed.  "and it showed too.  What about now?"

"I don't know.... that's more up to you then me."

Squall just twirled his thumbs and thought for a while.  "You see that is the thing, I don't know what I want.  At first I thought all I wanted was to be left alone, then Rinoa entered my life.  Then I thought all I wanted was her, but I must not have been what she wanted, cause she dumped me.  Now I just don't know."

"She was after me a while too...." Seifer sighed and looked away.

Squall just sighed.  "What is it with that girl?  She loves a person so completely, then for no apparent reason grows bored and moves on.  Did you love her?"

"..... no." Seifer was still looking away, "I feigned interest though...."

Squall just twirled his thumbs again.  "So.  You love anyone then?  Laguna perhaps?  Matron?"

"That was my last life... I feel the echoes but, it isn't the same. I never met Laguna in this life.. and Matron is more of my mother now."

"What about Fujin or hell even Raijin?  You are always calling Zell a chicken-wuss.  What about him?"

".... I don't get along with Zell, and... well, Raijin likes Zell.... Fujin I... well, isn't my type."

"What is your type then?" Squall said leaning a little forward.  "Cute and perky like Selphie or wannabe misunderstood but everyone can see right trough you like Irvine?  Maybe you like them smart like Quistis?"

"....... no." Seifer sighed.

"Do you even know?" Squall asked.  "I have gone through everybody I know.  Do you even have a type?"  Squall asked as he wondered why he was even remotely interested in finding out.

"I don't know what my type is.... other then strong and caring...."

Squall sighed and brushed the hair that was always falling in his face away.  "I don't know what my type is either.  I liked Rinoa though.  I like the fact that she needed me and wanted me."

"Why did you think you liked her?"

Squall thought a moment.  "I think it was because she wanted me.  I got so used to pushing everyone away, I thought I needed no one.  She reminded me differently."

"Good... I was always so upset at you for pushing me away when I was little... you did that to me so often."

Squall looked thoughtful.  "I was hurt when sis left.  I was too young to understand why.  I thought she hated me."

"You pushed me away though.... you were my only friend... and there was more I didn't understand back then."

"Like what?" Squall wanted to know.  "Like this whole Knight thing?"

"More of what else you meant to me..."

Squall's head snapped up and he stared directly into Seifer's eyes.  "And what do I mean to you?  That is what I have been trying to figure out for the longest time now!"

"I don't know..." Seifer sighed, glancing a little at Squall's eyes then at his hands.

at that moment they both saw Edea walk out of the kitchen and head to the coat-rack.  "Boys, I need to go out for a while.  Make yourselves at home and I shall return in a few hours or so."

"Alright Matron. BE careful." Seifer told her.

Edea just smiled at the two "I shall.  You be careful as well."  She then grabbed her keys and walked out of the door with a secretive smile. Seifer chuckled slightly, noting the look, then looked back to Squall.

Squall just watched her go, wondering privately about Matron's sense of timing.  "So here we are all alone I guess."

"Yah..." Seifer said, musing to himself.

Squall just sat in his chair and studied Seifer for a while.

"Got any more thoughts?" Seifer asked.

Squall just shrugged.  "Not really, do you?"

"Just... thinking again how you got a lot of Laguna's good qualities."

only that I find you attractive for some reason in spite of the fact that you were Mom in a previous live as sick as that may be.  Only that I am tired of being alone.  Only that I want someone who wants me.  Not really nothing at all. Squall thought, then said "Really? What qualities are those?"

"Well, the physical parts you're almost as adorable as he is... at least you're not nervous around people... but you do seem shy like him."

Squall looked thoughtful.  "Is that what you like shy and adorable?"

"well, yah... and strong..." Seifer chuckled.

Squall just looked intently at Seifer.  "I don't want to be alone anymore.  what should I do?  Rinoa is history, she is a Sorceress now and has her duties, and does not need me anymore."

"Yeah... and I hate being alone..."

Squall just nodded. "So we should become friends again huh?  That way we will have each other to rely upon.  What do you think?"

"Friends?" HE asked, looking at him.

"Yeah. You know buddies, pals, chums, that okay? Did I shock you?"  Squall responded almost with the ghost of a smile.

"No... was just thinking to myself..." Seifer grinned.

"Thinking what?" Squall wanted to know.

"Aww, never mind... I like having friends."

Squall just smiled, a real smile this time. who knows?  Maybe we will become more than friends over time. “Yeah.  Friends.  Who would have though I would ever become friends with you?"

Seifer chuckled. "We were before sis went away."

Squall just nods.  "Right.  I had forgotten.  The things GFs do to memory."

"Yah, I know... I haven’t been junctioned for a time so I remember again."

"So what do you want to do until Matron gets back?"  Squall asked as he studied Seifer's expression.

"I don't know. What you do with Rinoa?"

"she said that it was not working out between us as she had hoped.  She called me an Ice prince, packed her things and left.  She then gave the kiss of death which translates to 'Maybe we should just be friends'."

"I see... kiss of death?"

"Yeah. You know the things a girl says when she has had enough, but does not hate you enough to really hurt your feelings?"

"No... I don't actually."

Squall just frowned.  "It doesn’t matter anyway.  She is gone.  Let her live her own life."

"Yah. Why not sit over here?"

Squall looked at the couch for a moment, while he considered Seifer's invitation.  He then wordlessly got up and sat next to Seifer, desperately trying to look relaxed, but failing miserably. Seifer put his hands on Squall's shoulders and started to rub. Squall tensed a little at first, but slowly began to relax in spite of himself.

"There we go..." Seifer told him, "Just relax." Squall continued to relax and unconsciously leaned into Seifer's body. Seifer smiled and put his arm around Squall.

Squall continued to lean close to Seifer.  "Mmm you never told me you knew how to massage."

"From my last life... being around a princess for 4 years taught me a lot."

 Squall just smiled softly.  "Matron taught you well."

"She always did."

Squall simply continued to lean close to Seifer.  "what else did she teach you?"

"Mmm, things that can't be used on a man I'm afraid." Seifer grinned.

Squall just grinned as well.  "Remember what Matron used to tell us about making do with what you have?"

"Yah, I remember." Seifer looked at him, "Got an idea then?"

Squall just blushed a brilliant crimson.  "No. I um was sort of hoping you had one."

"Bah, why do I always have to be the smart one?"

Squall looked impish "Because you are.  The brightest and the best, remember?"

"We both are silly." Seifer messed with Squall's hair and grinned. Squall laughed and began to playfully wrestle with Seifer as he shoved his inhibitions behind him. Seifer grinned and wound up pinning Squall to the couch.

Squall, pinned against the couch says "Okay, you caught me. What are you gonna do with me?"

"Hmm, not sure. Does the prisoner have a request?"

Squall laughed.  "I have been a naughty boy, ignoring my friends.  Perhaps you should teach me some manners."

"That sounds like to me that you need a spanking young man." Seifer grinned.

Squall just grinned and waited to see what Seifer was going to do, hoping he would.

"Turn over." Seifer instructed. Squall does as he is commanded, with a sultry grin. Seifer started to spank his ass, but more gently then most would. This act seemed to turn Squall on for some reason, as he felt himself grow a little hard.

"Mm," Seifer said, "That better?"

Squall looked over at Seifer.  "So when do you think Matron's going to return?" He practically purred out in a soft, sultry tone.

"A long time..." Seifer assured him, letting him turn over. When Squall rolled over, Seifer could not help but notice Squall's arousal showing through those tight black leather pants he always wore.

Seifer grinned. "Well, it looked like you liked that... how did that teach you anything then?"

Squall regarded Seifer for a moment before admitting.  "It taught me that perhaps we could be more than friends."

"Well, that's a good thing I suppose." Seifer leaned down to him. Squall allowed Seifer to approach him, for once not shying away and actually looking happy.

"Tell me what else you want.." Seifer asked, his hot breath hitting against Squall's face.

Squall looks deep into Seifer's eyes. "I want you to blow me hard, and not with your gunblade."

Seifer grinned. "Are we speaking the same tongue here?" One hand moved over Squall's crotch but didn't touch.

"what do you think Seifer?" Squall said playfully as he leans up so his crotch brushes against Seifer's hand.

"Mmm, sure.... if you want that." Seifer said.

Squall reaches out and gently brushes Seifer's face.  "I told you already.  I don't want to be alone anymore.  I have always liked you.  The only reason I kept pushing you away is at first because I was afraid of how I felt, then later cause I thought you hated me."

"I never hated you Squall, I was pushing you for your own good, so you could fulfill your potential."

Squall just sits up as his arousal quickly cools.  "My how parental.  Do you think I have done enough?  The others and I defeated Ultimecia."

"Yah, but you still hadn't learned until now you couldn’t live alone."

Squall just looks toward Seifer.  "Well I know that now."

"Good. How shall I reward you?"

"Well I already told you want I wanted."

"Mmm... then I shall give it to you."

Squall grinned and began to undo the countless belts around his waist. Seifer smiled and pushed Squall a little forward on the couch as he crouched at one end of it. Squall lay back down upon the couch, quickly becoming aroused once again. Seifer started to pull down Squall's pants. Seifer was greeted with Squalls manhood struggling to break free of his tight black briefs.

Seifer licked his lips and pulled off the briefs, and grinned. "Mm, I was right... you got something good of your father's" he purred. Squall lay back onto the couch, growing harder with the anticipation. Seifer licked his lips and went down on Squall, licking at his manhood hungrily. Squall clutched the cushions on the couch tightly as he moaned in pleasure. Seifer smiled and sucked the tip into his mouth, massaging it with his tongue.

Squall's moaned some more, and he clutched the cushions tighter.  "Oh! Yesssss! Gods!" he breathed out. Seifer smiled, doing as Squall wanted and making it nice and hard as he took more into his mouth. Squall leaned back and closed his eyes, all the while crying out in pleasure.  His arousal swiftly began to build. Seifer deep-throated him, sucking hard. Squall's expression seemed like he was almost in pain, the pleasure was so intense.  He soon felt his cum swim through him and leak into Seifer's mouth. Seifer moaned in ecstasy, drinking down every last drop of Squall's cum. Squall felt like his heart was going to beat right out of his chest as he sang out in pleasure in such a way that an opera singer would be proud.

"Wonderful!" Seifer moaned, cleaning Squall's cock.

Squall just lay back on the couch, feeling exhausted, but extremely pleased.  "You said it Seifer" he responded with a smile

Seifer smiled down at him. "Been wanting to do that a long time."

"Really?  Never would have guessed since you obviously put your heart into it" Squall said grinning

Seifer chuckled. " Another reason I was always after you..."

Squall chucked as well then looked at the couch.  "Good thing you swallow or Matron would have killed us for staining her couch."

"Mm, why wouldn't I swallow? You taste great!"

Squall looked pleased to hear this as he began to tidy up the couch by smoothing out all suspicious wrinkles.  "Got a question for you Seifer?"

"Yeah? What would that be?" He helped Squall with his pants.

"Matron should be returning any time now.  Lots of room at Balamb garden.  You want to come over there tonight?"

"Sure." Seifer smiled.

Sure enough, they both heard Edea's key rattling in the lock. Seifer stood up and stretched.

Edea walked back into the house. "So are you boys getting along?" she asked still bearing that same secretive grin.

"Yep." Seifer told her, giving a grin back.

Edea smiled, then laughed when she noticed that Squall was blushing furiously.  "So I see!"

"Yeah. We're gonna get going now. Tell Cid hi for us."

"I will.  I am glad that you both came.  Take care now and don't be strangers!"  Edea reached out and hugged them both.

Seifer hugged back. "Of course!"

Edea then waved as both Squall and Seifer walked out at the same time, and smiled to herself, for things worked out all according to her plan