So I Pulled
By Ersatz Sobriquet
You!
What, do you own the world?!
How do you own disorder, disorder?!
System of
a Down- Toxicity
I stared at the piece of paper long and hard.
I didn't want to believe. I knew it couldnt be true. But that's what
it said. I searched for typos as I scanned the page over and over again,
hoping to make it seem wrong in some way. But what it said was true. And
she was gone. The one person that I can ever remember loving me was gone.
It was all his fault and I knew it. I tried
and tried to be the best SeeD I could be, but look where it got me. She didn't
have to go like that. They trained me to protect people. So why couldn't
I protect her? I should have. But I didn't and this is what
happened.
Protect and serve. Serve and protect. That's
what we do. And we do it for a price. It's usually gil. But occasionally
it's life. But its never ours. Never. Thats too easy of a scapegoat.
No, its everyone else. And this life we pay for doesnt faze anyone.
It doesnt make so much as dent in our lives. SeeDs lives. Thats
not normal. It doesnt even become human anymore. To lose apart of your
humanity all in the pursuit of justice makes you no better than those that
you kill. And for it to lead up to that is worse than killing
itself.
It was a hard week for everyone in Balamb Garden.
The new assignments were pouring in and there werent nearly enough
SeeDs to fill them all in. There shouldnt have been this many
missions to go on, especially after the death of Ultimecia. But violence
is forever in this world, and the SeeDs help was needed.
Squall sat behind his desk and continued to
go through the papers, trying to figure out a way to bring the Garden more
money. Even with all the missions that were being conducted and with the
money brought in from each, the Garden was still in a slump. They needed
money. Badly. And Squall didnt know how to achieve that goal.
He wondered how Headmaster Cid was able to
fund the Garden all those years without seemingly a hitch the whole while.
Maybe he dug into his own pockets half the time. Made up for any losses.
But, he didnt know. Scolded himself many times for not receiving more
instruction about this type of thing from Headmaster Cid before he left him
in command.
Squall hated to feel like he was doing
an average job. He never did anything in average fashion. He was the best.
He knew it and so did everyone else. And that became expectant of him. To
be the best that he could be. If he couldnt do something as well as
he knew he could, then he would give up. But he just couldnt give
up on this assignment. Headmaster Cid wouldnt have left this
in his hands if he didnt think hed be capable of handling the
situation. So he just stuck it out and tried to deal with all the problems
the best way he could.
As he sat there mongst the papers,
trying to sort everything out, the reports from the last few missions came
in. The candidate left them on the sofa per Squalls request and hurriedly
left the room. The candidate didnt feel worthy at all in being in the
presence of such a honored man. Another thing that troubled Squall was things
like that. What the young candidate just did. Feared him some because he
thought he wasnt worthy to be near someone who slay the evil
witch. But he was no different than any of the other SeeDs and
wished they could see that as well.
Sighing, Squall went over to the sofa
and sat down, trying to feel more relaxed than he had been. That desk and
chair was so formal. So official. He wasnt really feeling like being
in an official mood that day, though. Not that he ever feels like being in
an official mood.
He picked the papers up and started thumbing through
them.
Mission
Report #2338
Mission:
Secure threat in Dollet
Success
Rate: High
Tremp
McDowell: Returned, no
injuries
Regnis
Finner: Returned, minor bruises
on left arm.
Gil
Received:
500
Notes:
None
500
gil? Squall thought. He shook his
head slightly. This was why SeeD was always in such a slump, hurting for
cash. He read on, though.
Mission Report
#2336
Mission:
Escort Senator Flemmingway to Esther
Success
Rate: High
Joseph
Kane: Returned, no
injuries
Michael
Junno: Returned, no
injuries
Gil
Received:
2050
Notes:
None
The reports like that continued on until he
came to one that was a bit disturbing. A bit shocking.
Mission Report
#2893
Mission:
Apprehend Escaped Convict Assumed to be in Balamb
Town
Success
Rate:
High
Yinne Tang: Returned, no
injuries
Richard
Lardly: Returned, no
injuries
Gil
Received:
1500
Notes:
Three (3) civilian casualties resulted as SeeD members tried to apprehend
the criminal. Criminal killed the following people in
chase:
And then the list of names, with one of the
names standing out more so than all the others. Squall closed his eyes. No.
Hyne, no... No.
He looked back at the paper as the name
refused to change. Dincht. he
whispered.
I knew it to be around there somewhere. That was where he usually kept
all his lovelies. He prided them and cherished them. And why wouldn't he?
They are a sight to behold.
I heard a voice from behind call my name.
I didn't think that he would actually show up here. I turned and saw him
smiling, saying something. I don't really remember what it was too well,
but he didn't suspect anything. Didn't matter, though.
I went to him and let him have it real
good in the stomach and he reeled to the floor in shock that I did it. I
don't know why, though. Considering what happened. Considering what I
lost...
That's when the music came surging up
within the innermost workings of my mind. Loud, intrusive music, that song.
It wouldn't go away and my anger seemed to intensify all the while. I needed
a release... and looky who was in front of me.
I kicked him in the side and then tossed
him across the room. He smashed into the mirror that lay opposite of us.
I walked over and began swinging, his face rocking back and forth without
control as I didn't let up. I did it until he was gone. Until he slipped
away.
Relief
Effort #1:
Success.
I had to do it, you see? They cant
just go around thinking that their twisted ideas of heroism was fine and
dandy. They weren't heroes. They were the villains. But I dont really
blame them. They were programmed to think this way.
I walked to the closet and gathered the
lovely in my arms. It was heavy, that's for sure, but it was full. Ready
to be released from it's burden. It was necessary I do this thing, you
understand?
No one else will.
Did you hear? Rinoa asked Selphie
as she sat down with a plate full of food.
Rinoa agreed. I dont like to see
him when hes sad. Never looked right on him. So used to seeing that
smile. She stopped and started swirling around her applesauce in her
plastic bowl. Remember that last party that you threw Selp? The hotdog
eating contest you had?
Selphie nodded. His mouth was so full
of hotdogs, I knew he was gonna win! She smiled some as that night
continued to play back in her mind. It was a little over two weeks ago when
she threw the party. She realized the students were in a pretty bad shape,
what with finals and more and more missions pouring in. After talking to
Squall, it was agreed that a party like that would boost the morale some.
Even though Zell was so happy that night, winning the contest and eating
good food, his happiness was short lived.
Can I talk to you for a minute,
Selp? Zell had asked her, motioning her to follow him outside the party.
She complied and they began walking on the deck of Balamb Garden, overlooking
the northern sea as the Garden glided along the currents. The night was starry
and the air was crisp, being the perfect moment Zell could think to ask her.
Zell walked a few paces and stopped,
looking out into the sea gathering up inner courage to do the thing he was
about to do. Selphie stopped with him and waited for a few moments before
she realized that Zell hadnt said anything. Looking at him, she asked,
Uh, Zell? You wanted to talk to me?
Oh, yeah! Heh. Yeah, Selp.
Zell started. Stalling wasnt his forte, and neither was doing a hard
thing like this. He knew his feelings for her werent going to wane
anytime soon. He tried, oh only Hyne knows how hard hes tried to leave
these feelings of her at the doorstop of his heart. But they wouldnt
agree to such terms. They wouldnt ever and he might as well do it.
Ask her. Whats the worst she could say? A question from
inside him asked.
She
might laugh in my face. He answered
himself.
So
she laughs in your face. You gave it your best shot and then you move on.
Simple as that. What are you, some sort of chicken
wuss?
The voice inside
questioned.
Thats not
funny.
Whos
laughing?
It asked again.
Zell wanted to ask her this for a while
coming now. Wanted only for Selphie to be his. But he didnt want to
look stupid too. He knew about Irvines interest in her. And why some
smooth lady killer like him would want Selphie, silly as she was confused
even Zell. So he went and asked him. Asked Irvine what the deal was with
him and Selphie.
Nothing, was his reply. That took Zell for a shock, almost
certain that those two would be together, or thinking of it, but this did
afford him a nice opportunity. A chance to be with the one that kept him
up countless of nights. The only one he worried about when she went out for
away missions, hoping she wouldnt be on the causality list.
Selphie.
What a beautiful name. A beautiful woman.
Selphie.
Zell? Selphie said, placing
a hand on his shoulder. Waking him up from his thoughts, Zell looked at her
again, smiling as usual. You wanted to talk to me, Zell. Cmon,
were missing the party!
Selphie. Oblivious to what he wanted to ask her.
He didnt know how to ask her. So
he would just say whatever thoughts managed to ram through his
psyche.
Selphie. I. I really want you to
know that. Zell began, barely looking into her eyes. Well,
youve been the only one that Ive felt comfortable around. The
only one that seemed to know me. About who I am and stuff.
Stuff?
Why did I say stuff?
Continuing
on, fiddling with his hands, he said, What Im trying to say is
that I really like you. And, Id like you to be my girlfriend.
There! I said it. It was inanely cheesy,
but I said it!
Selphies mouth hanged for a while
as the thoughts and implications of what Zell was confessing began to sink
in. Sure she always felt like there was a connection between
the two of them, but she didnt think Zell would ever ask her. Ever
confide in her the way he just did.
Because she thought this would be an impossible thing
she went with
her second choice.
Im
Im sorry,
Zell. Selphie started, now unable to look him in the eyes.
But, Irvine already asked me
to be with him. And she just
left it at that.
Zell was so confused. So unsure of what
was just going on.
Whats
up with you and Selphie?
Nothing.
Thats what he asked. Thats
what he replied. He clearly said that nothing was going on
So why did
he go and ask her? Why isnt she with him now? It didnt
make sense, and now he felt like a fool.
They both stood there, the ground proving
to be more bearable to look at at the time. Selphie wanted to tell him that
she did like him a lot, though. That he would have been her first pick if
he asked sooner. But, what kind of consolation would that be?
It felt like hours if it was only a few minutes as they stood there, both
unsure of what to say next.
Youre
a idiot, ya know? That voice told
Zell. Chicken wuss idiot.
Zell mumbled out, Oh, I see. Well.
Sorry to bother you. You know, pull you away from the party like that.
He started scratching the back of his head, as the ground continued to be
of high entertainment value. Ill let you get back to that
party.
She didnt like these kinds of
situations. These kinds of confrontations. Dont feel bad, Zell.
I really
she started before she was cut off.
No, dont worry about it!
Zell smiled, finally looking up. Dont worry about it, Selp. I
just. Ya know? Its nothing. The smile was so painful to hold,
so difficult.
Selphie too, struggled to hold her
smile.
Lets get back to that party,
Selphie. Zell said as they started back to the party.
That was probably the start of it all.
The start of Zells utter lack for, well, zeal. For enjoyment in life.
He changed a lot since that day, and no one really knew what the reason was.
Well, a few people did.
Selphie just stared at her food as she
couldnt help but think that she was the reason Zell was going through
his stage. Rinoa examined Selphies features and sensed what was going
through her mind.
Your thinking about it again,
arent you? she asked.
Rinoa was the only other person Selphie
told about that night. Well, her and Quistis. Irvine might do something silly
if he found out. Squall would probably blankly stare as he realized that
she told him that to comfort her. Any other student would have gossiped about
the matter, which was not what was needed at the time.
She only nodded to her question, though.
First she breaks Zells heart and now this. This news. She didnt
know what this would do to him.
I never thought Zell could ever
be depressed over anything. Selphie started, staring at her fork and
then off into the lunchroom. It just. It just never seemed to be his
emotion, ya know? For him to be depressed. Like he could never experience
it. Anything at all depressing, ya know? He would get mad whenever Seifer
would tease him, but who wouldnt?
Rinoa smiled while Selphie still held
her long face.
He tries to hide it, but I can
tell. You can, too, right? she looked up, noting her nod in agreement.
I should have never said yes to Irvine. I should have waited for him.
However long it would have taken. She spoke. Sighing, she looked back
at Rinoa, still eating her food without qualms. Do you think hes
gonna do anything
I dont know, stupid when he finds out? Like
quit Garden altogether?
Rinoa looked surprised when she said
that. Why would he do something like that?
I dunno. Students have been saying
stuff like Zell thinks the Garden is all wrong and stuff like that. Like
he wasnt meant to be apart of it or
something.
Rinoa still looked shocked. He
has? Since when?
A little after that day
she
trailed, still wondering what kind of repercussions would result because
of this.
I never knew about that. Why would he
say such things?
It was probably that she never thought
Irvine would truly want to be with her. And once he realized that, she would
go to Zell. Thats what she was probably thinking all along. Wait until
the time was right to be with whom she was destined for. But it was all so
disconcerting. Whenever she thought back to that night, it always seemed
to be disconcerting.
Was it wrong to think that way about
Zell? Use him as a backup plan? Probably not, but, what else could she do?
When Irvine asked her to be with him, no one had ever asked her out
like that. Ever. She didnt know how to respond. She certainly didnt
want to hurt his feelings. So she said Yes.
I think we should really find out
whats going on with Zell. This might really crush him. Rinoa
said. But her words were just an echo by that time. Nothing more than a shell
making noise to Selphie. She probably hurt Zell more than shell ever
know. The one person she truly cared about. That she, seemingly loved.
It wasn't difficult at all. I just pulled the trigger. The trigger
was pretty easy to tug, nothing hard at all. I just pulled back and BAM!
It was over. It was a bit messy, I will give that to you, but it never is
any different.
Once I pulled, and felt that cock jack
back in my hand, that's when the melodies began to run around my head. The
songs I heard before, they come screaming back to me like some crazy banshee.
That's what happened again here. When I pulled.
Anything heavy is played, anything with
guitars. Heavy guitars and a drumbeat that won't quit. I like the sounds
they make, the guitars and drums. They never miss a beat and keep me going.
It was a bit funny how she looked the
whole while. She was crying, face wet and dripping with perspiration. Her
black hair stuck to her face some and she struggled to breathe, the excitement
being too much, I guess. She said some funny things, like I shouldn't do
such a thing. What I was thinking of doing to her was wrong.
Ha!
Like what we've been doing for the past
years isn't? Like we have reason to do the things we do for some quick cash?
I don't want to live this kind of life. It ain't fit for a human being. It
ain't even fit for a lame canine.
I didnt want to do it to her. I
always liked her. But she walked right in on me. Couldnt let her run
off like some scared little girl. So, I solved two problems at once. Relived
her of this life and silenced her all at once. You understand, dont
you? Shes a witch anyway, and she might go all evil on us later on.
So I pulled. Makes sense to you now?
That's why I pulled.
Relief
Effort #2: Success.
He mechanically walked down the long hallway,
passing SeeD students who all looked alike to him. Some walked the halls
with pride, others with gladness for being there, living a life to protect
people. He saw young girls, maybe not even fourteen years of age smiling
talking to their friends about whatever inane thing girls talked about at
that age. And he felt sorry for all of them.
Pity that they wouldnt live to
have a normal life that kids should have. A life where there were no disasters.
No emergencies. A life where they could be with the ones they loved. Be with
that special someone.
And thats when that sorrow turned
into anger. Because he knew that they would experience all those things and
much more. Their lives would be ones with fulfillment to some extent. Much
more than his felt like at the moment.
No, he didnt feel sorry for those
kids. He was feeling sorry for himself.
Zell wasnt in the hottest mood
that day. Hadnt been for quiet sometime. Since that day, maybe? The
day that he was shot down by the one girl whom he thought was incapable of
doing such a thing?
Selphie.
He dreaded for weeks before he asked
her, staying up late into the night wondering how he should go about it.
Trying to come up with the best way to ask her. He scribbled down his script,
various forms and versions that would best suit the situation. He never knew
that the urge would come up at such an unexpectant time. Especially after
winning that contest.
But she was so radiant that night. She
sported a light blue pullover shirt that matched her cut off jean shorts.
Her shoes were nothing spectacular, some simple flip flops, but by gods she
looked amazing to him. Every time Zell saw her, her beauty became greater
and greater in his eyes. She was even more fun than she could have ever been,
and she always seemed to have a flair for making others feel worth something.
As he did when he was around
her.
He needed to ask her. And he was sure
that she would be his. Oh, he had his doubts before, thinking that Irvine
was also interested in her. Irvine became to be a pretty good buddy to Zell
and he didnt want anything to come between the two of them. So he made
certain things would be cool.
Whats up with you and
Selphie? he remembered asking.
The cowboy just gave him an inquisitive look and asked what he
meant.
Like, are you two, ya know. Going
out?
He smiled at that remark, continuing
to polish his shotgun. Nope. Cant say that I
am.
So, nothings going
on?
Nothing. He replied, still
smiling.
And that was that. And then come to find
out that he was going with her. It couldnt have been longer than three
days since Zell asked Irvine that thing. So what did that mean? Did he get
the idea Zell was thinking about her? That he wanted her, too? So he just
took her like that?
Zell continued to sigh as he walked down
the corridor, still confused and sadden by the whole situation. Staring at
the floor, the clean reflective surfaced shone back his beguiling expression,
that same look hed been carrying for years. Happy, carefree, no pain,
no hurt. No sorrow. Nothing negative.
A few SeeD students he passed waved and
shouted out his name. He gave them a respectful smile and waved back.
They
like you. Why doesnt she?
He would question himself.
She
probably did and you just took too
long. Another voice would interject
and say.
The library chick was cool. He thought
she would be the one for him. But, after he finished making up reasons to
go to the library, noticing her, the way she handled things, he just didnt
think she could compare to Selphie.
Thats how most of the girls he considered were viewed in his eyes.
They all were compared to Selphie.
She doesnt smile like
her.
She doesnt wear her hair like
her.
She doesnt care for
parties.
She wouldnt like to just
hang.
They were all compared to her in the
tinniest fashion that way, stopping him from trying a awful lot.
Zell Dincht. People thought he was less complicating than this. A lot
less.
Zell finally reached his room, exhausted
from the teaching hed been doing lately. He slipped the key card through
the security slot as his door slid open with a slight hiss. Stepping in,
door closing behind him, he took off his black sweatshirt and tossed it on
the floor, walking over to his bed before collapsing on
it.
After Ultimecias defeat, him, Quistis,
and Irvine were upped to teaching status quickly. Knowledge in fighting the
sorceress and the input they could provide was something not even a textbook
could offer. They all accepted the positions and began their assignments
immediately. Zell, though, didnt realize what hard work was involved.
He even forgot how hard some students could be to teach. Remembering how
rambunctious he was should have reminded him enough.
As he lay there for a while, trying to
figure out a way to get over her, a beep came from his door. Pushing a button
on his desk, the door slid open with Squall on the other side. Sitting up,
Zell smiled some and said, Hey man. What are you doing here? The students
havent been complaining again, have they?
Squall remained emotionless, staring
at Zell through dejected eyes the whole while. This was a very painful thing
for him to do. Something he loathed for a while. But he couldnt put
it off any longer. The excuses were not even worth mentioning. He stepped
through the door and walked a few paces before stopping. Zells smile
soon disappeared as he noticed Squalls solemn look. He wasnt
mad at him, as far as he could tell. But he wasnt... He didnt
know what it was.
Are you okay, Squall? Zell
asked, worried that whatever it was he wasnt going to like it.
Squall was no good at these type of things.
He only handed him the piece of paper that he had concealed behind his back
the whole while and turned to leave. After he got on the other side of the
door again, Squall turned his head so Zell could hear him mumble the few
words he spoke.
Im
sorry
.
And that was all before he walked away.
Zell sat there, still confused at what
this was all about. He leant over his bed and pressed the button again on
his desk to close the door and propped himself up to look at the paper Squall
left him. Unfolding the it, he knew it to be the weekly SeeD reports. Reading
it, he couldnt believe what it said.
Mission
Report #2893
Mission:
Apprehend Escaped Convict Assumed to be in Balamb
Town
Success
Rate: High
Yinne
Tang: Returned, no
injuries
Richard
Lardly: Returned, no
injuries
Gil
Received:
1500
Notes:
Three (3) civilian casualties resulted as SeeD members tried to apprehend
the criminal. Criminal killed the following people in
chase:
Finttly Coral
Smith James Lootin
Emily
Dincht
There he was, sitting behind his desk looking
all important like he always does. All those papers filtering around his
desk. He's a big man. He has important work that must be done. He has to
assign, assign, assign. There's many people to murder, ya
know?
He looked a bit surprised to see me when
he finally decided to look up. I think he said something to me. I don't really
remember or care though. I smiled as I held up the gun.
He acted surprised. Can you believe it?!
The little fagot acted surprised. Why wouldn't I do this, eh? It's his fault
she's dead. His fault my only family member is now gone.
He had to pay, you understand these things.
But more than anything, he needed to leave this kind of life. He needed
better.
I pulled the trigger. It wasn't too bad
this time. The shock of the cock wasn't that great, so I decided I'd pull
again. Both shots were great, connecting with his head and the right side
of his chest. He just slouched in his chair like a big ol' stinky man.
Relief
Effort #3:
Success.
My mom was dead because of him. I had
to pull the trigger, you understand? I had to pull.
She seemed to be some sort of prize, an
unattainable reward for all his hard
work. No other person did he
have feelings like this for in his life. He loved her and only wanted to
be with her. For her to want to love him too was one of his greatest wishes.
To try and achieve this was the only thing he sought.
She was Selphie Tilmitt.
The only one that cared for him. The
only one that looked out for him. Wished for no harm to befall him, though
she knew him to find trouble. The last one to give up and the first one to
offer support. She was the one to push him onward, hoping that his life would
be a full one. She loved him as if he was her own son.
She was Emily Dincht.
The two women in Zells life was
snatched away with such ferocity in such a short while that even he
couldnt believe it. Hed walked in a daze for weeks now, wondering
if he really said the thing to Selphie. If she had really told him she was
with him. And it was so true. It burned and hurt so much because of
that.
And then the one woman that cared for
him constantly. That person that made Zell feel appreciative of who he was,
making him the happy, eager young fellow he turned out to be. His mother.
Adoptive, it was true. But she was more motherly than anyone could have ever
been to him.
And she was gone. She was taken away from him. Just like Irvine took Selphie
away from him.
Tears continued to streak down the sides
of his face as he continued staring at the paper, thinking that it wasnt
true. Thinking that it was all a lie. This was a cruel joke if Squall was
playing with him. A cruel joke.
But Squall rarely joked. And wouldnt
do so with something this serious. This grave. He continued to replay the
image of Squall handing the paper to him, the solemn look. The empty expression
his eyes had, as they tried to avoid his.
It was no joke and she was gone. More
things taken from him.
And this made him angrier than ever. How dare Squall treat her like this?!
His thoughts screamed. Like she was just another report victim! Not
even enough balls to tell me. To comfort me...
His thoughts were a jumble from there
as images of his mom were mixed with images of Selphie, Irvine, and Seifer.
They swam through his head, trying to be as indistinct as they possibly could..
He didnt know why he would pop in his mind, Seifer. But he was laughing
the whole while. Mocking him.
Laughing and mocking.
And he hated it all and realized what
it was that he hated most of all. It all made sense to him.
Garden.
It was all Gardens fault. His mom
died because of Garden. Garden introduced him to Selphie and then wouldnt
allow him the pleasure to be with her. Garden took his mom away. Garden was
evil, as worse as the witches. It was all Gardens fault.
He walked over to his closet, the paper
long since been discarded and thrown about the room, and found something
to wear. He needed to clear his head. Think about this some more. Try to
make some reason out of all this. He
he didnt really know what
to think at the moment. And he didnt feel like thinking.
You kill the queen bee and the workers don't
know what to do. Kinda like looping off a chickens head. It'll just
run around trying to figure out what it's there for. Trying to figure out
what to do with itself. And of course there is nothing that can be done.
Nothing but for me to clean up the mess.
I walked to the Quad. There were so many
kids walking around, thinking that this profession... no, this murderous
life was all fine and dandy. Like this was the way people should
live.
I saw a kid off to the side reading
SeeDs Growing In This Garden. I remember that book. They have you
read it, trying to help you understand your position in the world and why
it's important for you to be a SeeD. The whole meaning of it all.
And it's just following up on all the
lies they fed you as you grow up here. All lies and no truths. Truths that
those you love are the ones who get hurt the most, not you. Truths that no
matter what, you should kill and kill as long as "peace" ensues. Truths that
you do loose something when you become a SeeD. Apart of your soul leaves
you. Moral codes escape you and you degrade into something worse than you
ever imagine.
It's a sad thing. And I hate it. What
I've become. I hate it so much.
He needed quick relief, I gathered, and
I went to him first. I raised my gun, and shot. The bullet lodged itself
in his head and he was no more, blood spewing from his head signaling that
fact.
Relief
Effort #4: Success.
That's when people began to scream and
panic. They scattered faster than wildfire, but I still got some. One in
the back; one in the leg, followed by a shot to the head; one in the head;
one in the chest.
Relief
Effort #5, #6, #7, #8: Success.
But that was no good. I couldn't get
them all. I realized that a bit too late. I was running out of bullets as
well. I forgot all about the guards as they ran towards me. Plus that same
song began playing in my head once more. That music that wouldn't stop and
that became louder and louder.
And that's when I heard the voices along
with the music sing along.
"Bullets to the brain,
Can't really complain.
Look at them dead,
Look at them dressed in red.
Some pain is released,
But not enough for my soul to be appeased."
It made me laugh a bit. This song in
my head. This song that had a vague meaning in my head. I wanted to free
people from their tragic upbringings. I needed them to know that there was
more to life than what they would ever see. This was the best way, I believed
though others seemed to think otherwise.
That's why I pulled. I needed these ones
to live a life that wouldn't cause them that much pain. That much suffering.
This was the best way, you see? It's not difficult to understand at
all.
I was able to relieve a few more before
they got me.
Relief
Effort #9, #10, #11, #12, #13:
Success
But at least I freed the few I got. I
even helped relieved one of the guards as they tackled me.
Relief
Effort #14:
Success
I just regret not being able to relieve
more, you understand?
The Quad was bustling with students who were
totally clueless, Zell concluded as he observed them from the second level.
Totally clueless that the Garden was going to destroy something precious
to them. Something great to them and they would feel helpless. They
wouldnt know how to handle it. How to deal with it when it happens.
And theyll be shocked to find out that Garden doesnt care.
No
one cares.
Squall was out of line. He should
have tried to comfort me at the very least. And Seifer calls me a chicken
wuss.
Zell wore nothing but a pleasant expression
wherever he went. He was happy, felt good about himself and his accomplishments.
But it was all slipping away as soon as his feelings for Selphie intensified.
Soon after that night with Selphie, Zell forced that same expression to stay
put. It was hard, but he managed.
The news of his mom was too much, though. He couldnt keep his inner
feelings hidden any longer. No longer could he hold on to that smile he wore
for so long. A frown furrowed its way on his forehead that wouldnt
leave as his grip on the railing tightened.
It wasnt fair and he wanted to
rectify this mistake. And his thoughts continued to come swirling back to
that same central thought. The Garden. The Garden. This Garden needs to go.
It needs to be destroyed.
What a thought, though and he couldnt
believe that he was thinking it. He let go of the rail and started walking,
stuffing his hands in his pockets and staring at the ground, looking at his
expression once more. The one that was so apparent and obvious as to how
he felt inside.
Destroy
the Garden? But it brought me to meet so many new
friends, he tried to reason.
And
whos here to comfort you of your
loss? A voice
replied.
But,
if it werent for the Garden, I would have never met
Selphie, he again tried to
rationalize.
who
doesnt want you. Garden showed you a prize you had no chance of
obtaining. The voice snapped
back.
But
and he couldnt make a defense for that somewhat
sound reason.
And
guess who took her away from you? Irvine. Whom the Garden also introduced
you to. The voice spoke with
more assurance.
Disappointment loomed over him as that
thought sank in his head once more.
And
your mom is dead because of the Garden. Your mom is dead and your best
friend Squall didnt seem to
care.
It spoke, a smile it would have held if it possessed a body. He
didnt care and the Garden doesnt care.
This pain needed to be released. This
Garden. This façade of helping people was sickening him and he wanted
it to go away. Wanted those kids to stop living lies. Stop the lies all together.
He looked at the door tag he stood in front of.
Irvine
Kinneas.
A small smile crept to the side of his
mouth.
Of course, he whispered.
Why wouldnt I stop here? noting the irony. The one man
he wished would go away, here his troubled thoughts ended up leading him.
To his very room. And then all his thoughts seemed to mesh and blend together
to form one deliciously somewhat evil idea.
He stooped down to the control panel
and undid the hinges of it to get to a control panel that all the doors to
the Garden possessed. Zell was no tech genius, but he locked his keycard
in his room more than once before be became a SeeD. He didnt realize
how easy it was to break into a room, and was going to inform Squall to make
the security tighter, but always forgot to do so. Absentmindedness was his
trademark.
After making a few more changes, the
door slid open. Pleased, Zell walked in, not even caring if anyone else saw
what he was doing. He scanned the room and wondered where he might have kept
it. Nothing on the walls or under the bed, so he went to the closet and pushed
aside some clothes and that same coat Irvine always wore and saw it. Glimmering,
it seemed, by the few rays of light the halogen bulbs produced. Irvines
shotgun.
Why do you look so surprised, Quis? So shocked I could do something like
this? Cmon. You know as well as I do that this life... this life we
call SeeD. It isnt fit for us kids. We shouldnt be doing this
just for a quick buck.
They raise us to be killers, Quis. To go around and kill others for money
in the façade of calling it protecting people cant be good.
It cant be, and I dont think Im the first one to realize
that.
Dont go on and say that my moms
death was the reason for me doing this, cause its not. It helped my
cause a bit more, but its not the sole reason. Its the right
thing to do, is all.
Of course I realize that there are more Gardens
than this one. Sure. But you gotta start somewhere, right? Might as well
start with the most popular one. Ill get to the rest eventually. Maybe
find a way to bomb the places. Thats a real quick end to these... cadets
misery.
So why dont you release me, huh? Get me out of these ropes and such. I have a few more people to relieve of their eternal blind misery. Cmon Quis.
What?!
Who told you about that? Told you about
Selphie?
She did?!
Yeah
I love her. I love her to
death. And no, her rejecting me isnt why I did it. Garden
is
all
WRONG!!!
I hate being alone.
Hate what the Gardens made me. Hate what Irvine did to me. Lied to
me. Said that he wasnt with her. Wasnt going to be with her.
Hate how the Garden killed my mom. Hate how the Garden introduced me to a
wonderful girl that I love and care for, but wont allow me the satisfaction
of being with her. I hate it all.
So when I
took the gun in my hands, I knew what I had to do. I wanted to end all the
things that caused me so much suffering. I wanted it to all go away like
ice melting away on a hot, hazy day. I wanted to dissolve myself from its
misery.
~FIN~