Sarriss opens her eyes immediately, and looks in the direction where the voice had come from. She sees Irvine, Zell, Quistis and Selphie, looking at them. She gets out quickly from Seifer arms, stopping that beautiful kiss.
Sarriss: +pointing at them+ You... you... saw it all??
Irvine: +embarassed+ Well...
Selphie: +sincere+ Yes!
Sarriss: Oh my...
Seifer: +gets really angry+ WHA YOU!!!! HOW DARE YOU LOOK AT US?!!!!!
Sarriss: Stop, Seifer... please... they don't deserve it. +to the group+ Let's keep this as a secret, will you? You didn't see anything, okay?
Zell: Yeah! Now let's get out of here. This place's odd.
Seifer: +calms down+ Yeah, let's go.
They walk to the front door, but Sarriss' far behind.
Selphie: Everything okay?
Sarriss: Yeah, I was just taking a look the building. I'm coming. +leaves+
Outside...
Rinoa: Sarriss! Seifer! You're alive!
Seifer: Of course! What do you want to happen?!
Laguna: How did you do to get out?
Sarriss, looks away and whistles. Seifer looks at the girl, confused and a bit red, a hand on his mouth.
Seifer: +confused+ Well... +reminds the kiss+
Sarriss: We've done what was said on a stone.
Shu: And it was?
Sarriss: "Find out what you're wishing about." Easy, isn't it?
Irvine: +thinks: Sniffle... and for her it wasn't me...+
Selphie: +thinks: I'm sure that for Seifer it was something like... "killing us" or "control the world" maybe?+
Quistis: I think it's time to get out of here...
Zell: What about the other students...
Seifer: They were all killed by those masked men.
Sarriss: +looks down+ I'm sorry I couldn't catch them...
* * *
Later... It's about 5:30 p.m. at the BGU. Sarriss is at her desk, dressed with her usual clothes. She draws some portraits in black and white. She prefers to smile than to cry, yes... she wasn't called to the headmaster's room, at the second floor.
Sarriss: +smiles and drawing+ It doesn't really matter... that only means that I need some more training... I'll pass it next year... when I'll be 18...
Templar: +knocks at the door+ Sarriss Melford.
Sarriss: +stands up+ Yes?
Templar: +from behind the door+ The headmaster has asked for your presence upstairs.
Sarriss: +thinks: What?! That's odd...+ I'm coming!
She opens the door and follows the Templar to the second floor. She hated to go at this floor, because when you must go there, that always mean that something's gonna happen. There was Shu, Edea and Cid, waiting for her to arrive. She feels bad, to see them around, this look in their eyes... but Sarriss prefers to let her smile shines on her face.
Cid: +smiles+ You're right in time Sarriss!
Sarriss: +smiles back+ Thanks you sir. +salutes+
Edea: Sarriss, we've asked for you presence, because we need to say something to you.
Sarriss: Er... yes.
Shu: +tries to look at her in her eyes+ Sarriss, your sickness has become too important in your life...
Sarriss: +misunderstanding+ My... sickness...?
Cid: Yes. This feeling that you have and then you fall unconscious.
Sarriss: +excited+ Do you have informations about it? What will happen to me? Tell me!
Shu: Calm down Sarriss...
Edea: Unfortunately, we don't know anything about it... but... +stops, confused+
Sarriss: +begins to be scared+ What... what is it?!
Cid: With this... you will never be able to become a Seed... We're sorry...
Her smile faded.
Sarriss: +shocked, steps back+ What?! No... no it can be... This can't be real! I'm just... having some kind of nightmare... I must be still in this crazy labyrinth!
Edea: I'm afraid that you're not dreaming, Sarriss.
Sarriss: +tries to hold here tears back+ But what will I become now? I don't have any home...
Cid: You can stay here, til...
Sarriss: +a tear falls down on her face+ Til what? Until I die, maybe? You only want my death, right?
Shu: Sarriss...
Sarriss: +looks away, crying+ You all make me sick... I hate YOU!!!
Shu: Sarriss!
She turns away and ran off the room. Nothing could be more cruel to her... maybe there was something more painful, but for now... it was that. She ran to her bedroom and sat on her bed.
Sarriss: How could this be?
Someone knocks at the door.
Sarriss: +wiped the tears away from her eyes+ Who is it?
Rinoa: Rinoa. Can I enter?
Sarriss: +sigh+ Yes...
Rinoa: +enters+ I'm here for the... +looks at Sarriss+ Ho... you alright?
Sarriss: I don't know...
Rinoa: What's up? Tell me. +sits on the bed, near Sarriss+
Sarriss: Because of this stupid sickness... +grabs a glass+ I will never be a Seed... +throws violently the glass on the wall+ Argh!
Rinoa: Wow! Calm down!
Sarriss: +holds her head with her right hand+ Sorry... I feel a bit better like that... You become a Seed now, don't you?
Rinoa: +looks down+ Yes... and Seifer too... Are you going to stay in the building?
Sarriss: "He" said that I can stay here until... +looks at the window+
Rinoa: Til what?
Sarriss: I don't know, I get angry at this moment and told them "Until I die?! You only want my death, right?"... Silly me...
Rinoa: +tries to cheer up+ It's okay... you're having the right to be sad.
Sarriss: +shakes fists+ Let's talk about something else, or I think I'm going to break something else.
Rinoa: +smiles+ Yes. Well, I'm here because of the party tonight. You remember?
Sarriss: Wah... yes... I hate parties...
Rinoa: +misunderstanding+ Why? It's fun!
Sarriss: Hum... people all around... noise everywhere... I don't like those things... +looks down+
Rinoa: So what are you going to do?
Sarriss: I've promised to Irvine yesterday that I will sing... I must have been drugged on that day. +laughs+ I've got to practice a little more my song.
Rinoa: Singing is a good idea, you know...
Sarriss: Even if we're two? I don't think so...
Rinoa: May I see the lyrics?
Sarriss: +hands over a sheet of paper+ If you want to... have fun... +looks down+
Rinoa: "Private emotion"...? That's a sweet name. Hum... +reads+ that's pretty beautiful! +smiles+ Who'll sing the other part?
Sarriss: Well... +looks down, embarrassed and reminds souvenirs+
* * *
Sarriss: This building is cool. Don't you think so? +smiles+
Irvine: +walking, he holds Sarriss arm+ Are you going to do something for the party?
Sarriss: I don't know... parties and I... that makes two! +looks at him+
Irvine: I'm going to sing!
Sarriss: That's wonderful. What will you sing?
Irvine: +sad+ Well not really... I need a partner, and noone wants to help me...
Sarriss: If you want, I can help you.
Irvine: Really??
Sarriss: Yeah, why not? I like to sing. It'll be a pleasure to be your partner. +smiles+
Irvine: +smiles+ Ho I'm so happy! +hands over a sheet of paper+ Here it is, your text is in pink.
Sarriss: +amused+ Pink?! +laughs+ Mh... "Private emotion" so?
Irvine: Yup! I've made it myself!
Sarriss: +low+ Such a lover boy... +loud+ Don't you have any girl friend?
Irvine: +sad+ Well... no girl has ever come to me...
Sarriss: What about Quistis? She's a nice one. Why don't you ask her?
Irvine: That's an idea!
Sarriss: But let her go after you catch her! +laughs+
Irvine: I'll ask her after the song. +smiles+ How about you?
Sarriss: +confused and red+ Well...
* * *
Sarriss: I should have never told him that! Now I'm stuck...
Rinoa: Don't say that! This' gonna be fun! By the way, what are you going to wear?
Sarriss: That's my secret! +smiles and whispers+ Nothing in particular in reality! I must be "cool and relaxed" as Irvine told me when I asked him. +loud+ I hope it'll work!
Rinoa: Sure, now prepare yourself!
Sarriss: +happy+ Yes! +smiles+
Rinoa: +gets up and leaves+ See you there!
Sarriss: Yeah, see you there! +looks at the lyrics+ Now about that song... +sings+
* * *
It's about 8 o'clock p.m., Irvine and Sarriss are alone in the corridors.
Sarriss: +shows herself+ Is it okay for my clothes?
Irvine: Of course, these are perfect "cool and relaxed" don't you remember?
Sarriss: Yes, I remember very well...
Irvine: Here's the microphone you'll use. It has no thread. +hands over the microphone+
Sarriss: Great! So I will be able to move how I want! +smiles+
Irvine: If you want to turn the microphone off, push this button. +shows the button+ So remember, you move only when it's your turn to sing, and then you can go where you want.
Sarriss: Alright, understood! I'll be waiting near the door, against the wall.
Irvine: Let's go.
The girl nods and followed him. Irvine was having his usual clothes, but Sarriss has change them a bit. She had a small coat, made in blue jean, a pair of jeans, also blue and a white T-shirt, a bit large.
She was holding the microphone with two hands. Sarriss was a bit scared : it was the first time she was going to sing with people around her.
They enter the party room, still enormous, lighted softly, with a balcony at it's back. The windows were really big, the music has been so beautiful...
Rinoa must be dancing with Squall, but Irvine wasn't able to see them. He climbs on the stage and comes in front of the microphone. The music has stopped for already sometime.
Irvine: Well, good evening everyone! We're gonna sing a song, just for you! I personally dedicated this song of mine to Quistis Trepe, +all eyes turn on Quistis+ and my partner to Seifer Almasy. +all eyes turn on Seifer, in the back Sarriss goes very red!+ Okay, it's called "Private Emotion"... now let's begin!
Everyone in the room applauses. The light turns blue and a soft music begins to play. Sarriss smiles, in the back, a spot light is on Irvine.
Irvine: Every endless night has a dawning day,
Rinoa: +whispers+ Isn't it great Squall?
Squall nods and smiles at his girlfriend.
Selphie: Hey Zell!
Zell: +eating+ Yup?
Selphie: Wanna dance??
Zell: Now?
Selphie: Of course now! You silly!
Zell: Well... okay...
Irvine: Every darkest sky has a shining ray,
And it shines on you, baby can't you see,
You're the only one who can shine for me.
Quistis: +thinks: I don't believe he does this for ME?!+ +smiles and comes near the stage to see Irvine+
Seifer: +walking around in the room, angry+ +thinks: Alright! Who's that friend, that I'm going to kill??!+
Irvine: It's a private emotion that fills you tonight
And a silence falls between us
As the shadows steal the light
And wherever you may find it
Wherever it may lead
Let your private emotion come to me
Sarriss: +sings+ Come to me... +a spot light appears on her+ Come to me... +begins to walk in the room+
Irvine: Come to me.
The lights now turns blue green and red. This was like a dream... Sarriss and Irvine were listened by all the people in the room. Even Cid and Edea were here, they were watching the two singers.
Sarriss/Irvine: When your soul is tired and your heart is weak,
Do you think of love as a one way street?
Sarriss walks near Squall and Rinoa. He has his Seed clothes and Rinoa her white dress. She smiles and continue her walk.
Sarriss/Irvine: Well it runs both ways, open up your eyes!
Can't you see me here, how can you deny?
Now she passes near Zell and Selphie, who are also dancing. They look at her, because they've noticed her presence, because of her voice.
Sarriss/Irvine: It's a private emotion that fills you tonight
And a silence falls between us
As the shadows steal the light
And wherever you may find it
Wherever it may lead
Let your private emotion come to me.
She walks, and sees Quistis near her.
Sarriss: +smiles+ Come to me... +walks+ Come to me...
Irvine: Come to me.
Then the music becomes louder and Sarriss walks near Cid and Edea. She tries to smile, and they smile back at her. This sounds so magical... the light was turned off and only the spots are lightning a bit. Sarriss closes her eyes for a second and sees when she reopens them : Seifer, just in front of her.
Seifer: +thinks: What?! She's the one who sings?!+
She puts a hand on her heart and continue to sing.
Sarriss: Come to me... Come to me...
Sarriss/Irvine: Every endless night has a dawning day
Every darkest sky has a shining ray
It takes a lot to laugh as your tears go by
But you can find me here till your tears run dry.
It's a private emotion that fills you tonight
And a silence falls between us
As the shadows steal the light
And wherever you may find it
Wherever it may lead
Let your private emotion come to me.
Squall and Rinoa kissed...
Let your private emotion come to me.
Zell and Selphie got closer...
Let your private emotion come to me.
Come to me...
Irvine: Come to me...
The music stopped and everyone applaused them. Sarriss smiled to Seifer and left for the balcony. Irvine got off the stage and went to see Quistis.
Seifer: +confused+ Hey...
Sarriss: +scared+ I didn't say anything! I promise!
Seifer: +laughs+ No! I mean... +gets closer to her+ That was good...
Sarriss: Really?!
Seifer: +confused+ P... pretty good I can tell.
Sarriss: Thank you, I'm glad that this song pleased you. +looks at the stars+
Seifer: Your voice... it has something... special...
Sarriss: Say, you don't have parents too, am I right?
Seifer: +looking at the stars+ Yeah...
Sarriss: Haven't you ever wish to see them?
Seifer: No... I've never see them. What do you want me to think? They've left me... +looks down+ I couldn't do anything but hate them if one day I will meet my parents.
Sarriss: +looks down+ I see... sorry...
Seifer: You don't have too. You didn't leave me... Perhaps you're even the only one who care for me...
Sarriss: +confused+ ...
A shooting star falls down the sky.
Sarriss: +yawns+ Wow! I think I'm going to bed, now. Good night, I had a wonderful time, singing and chatting with you.
Seifer: Then take care of yourself. If something should happen to you... this sickness mustn't get over all your body.
Sarriss: Don't worry. I'll be alright... +leaves+
* * *
She enters her room and turns on the light. But light won't go on. Strangely, the window was open, the wind was blowing hard through it. Sarriss walks to close it, but the sickness got her again.
She falls down on her knees, trying to breath. Suddenly a black figure appear in front of her.
Woman: Poor little child, it's look like you catch cold.
Sarriss: Who are you? What are you doing here?
Woman: Don't you wan to live?
Sarriss looked down, the person was right. With this illness in her body, she won't resist for long.
Sarriss: W... What do you want from me ...?
Woman: Becoming a Seed...
Sarriss felt worse than before, her blood was freezing and she was getting strenghless.
Woman: Isn't that you're dream, since your lost childhood?
Sarriss: +hands on her chest+ G... Get away from me...!
Woman: An this guy you love so much... this "Seifer"...
Sarriss: +raging+ You... you read in my mind! How dare you...?!
Woman: Imagine how sad he will be if you die...
Sarriss tries to stand up but she can't move because of her sickness.
Woman: +hands over a pendant+ Here, take this charm.
Sarriss: I don't want any of your things, now get out of here! +she can't breath+ Argh!!!
Woman: It will protect your from your illness. With this, you can see your wishes come true...
Sarriss falls down on the ground, but she still sees the woman.
Woman: But if you won't take, so be it! You'll die soon and never rest... +turns and starts to leave+
Sarriss: +raise a hand to reach her+ Wait!
Woman: +stops walking+ Yes...?
Sarriss: I'll take, this... just it to me...
Woman: +smiles+ Finally a good choice in your life... +hands over the item, and turns to leave+
Sarriss: +holding the pendant in her hands+ What's your name?
Woman: I am called Aphrodite... but don't worry... soon you will hear my name... +disappears strangely by touching the wall+
Sarriss: +looks at the pendant+ Now this... +put the amulet at her neck and gets up+ Wow! I feel... better... +smiles+
She walks around and looks at her desk. There was diamond dagger, an handle filled with sapphires and rubies. There was something written on the blade.
Sarriss: +looks carefully+ "To exterminate the ones..." yeah, I could use it for something funny...
She closes the window and get off her coat. She sat on her bed, touching the edge of the knife.
Sarriss: Say hello to the new Sarriss... +smiles cruelly+