witchesreign | 010 // around garden [action, open]

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010 // around garden [action, open]

[Unlike most of the cadets and staff who have been suffering the side effects of Time Compression, Quistis hasn't been swept away to another world or time during the last couple of weeks. She has noticed, however, a certain Commander's disappearance. At first she dismissed it as part of the wave of disappearances and reappearances that have been happening since the start of the month, but now that practically three weeks have passed and there has been no signs of Squall's return... she can't help but worry.

Trying to appear as calm as possible, she's making a round around Garden now, looking into every possible nook and cranny to see if she can find the Commander. Best to be absolutely sure he isn't seeking solitude somewhere than to assume the worse...]

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[ It had been a normal day, after all. The occasional nod at a student and a few more to the instructors and SeeD that passed but nothing out of the ordinary. Except for this one. She'd observed Quistis out of the corner of her eye a moment, trying to figure out just what she was up to. ]

Is something amiss, instructor?

[She had tried to be nonchalant during her search, but she supposed there was some stiffness in the way she was moving around, and a certain furrow in her brow. When she's addressed by Mukuro, there's a momentary look of surprise before it eases into a small smile.]

Oh, I'm just looking for someone.

[There's a small pause-- she doesn't want to cause any alarm in the possible disappearance of the Commander, but it's better to ask in case she had simply missed him in passing.]

Have you seen the Commander lately?

[ She pauses, trying to remember. The Commander... come to think of it... ]

I can't say I have.

[ She steps a little closer, lowering her voice slightly. ]

I must admit, I haven't seen him lately. Is this... common?

[Her own voice drops so that passer-bys can't hear them.]

The Commander? No, not at all-- at least, the last several times this has happened he hasn't gone missing longer than anyone else. It's beginning to worry me, honestly.

[It's unavoidable that two people looking for the same person in the same building to not bump into each other at least once.

Rinoa stops when she sees Quistis, surprise mixing in with the worry on her face as she registers what it looks like the other woman is doing. So she just comes out and asks about it.]

You can't find Squall either? [She lightly brushes a finger over Griever, as she gives the room a quick look over just in case.] I haven't seen Seifer in ages too.

[She hadn't want to ask Rinoa out of worrying the younger girl, but it seems unavoidable at this point. Seeing the equally worried expression reflected back to her, Quistis gives a small nod before crossing her arms.]

I had thought maybe he had been swept up in the disappearances and reappearances that have been going on, but I haven't seen him all month. Is it the same case for Seifer?

[It's equally reassuring and worrying to see that Quistis is just as concerned about this as she is. Worrying, because that means it's very likely true and they really are gone.]

I thought that at first too, but no one seems to have seen either one of them.

[Quistis is silent for a moment as she thinks. The both of them gone... while she and Seifer had butted heads several times, there was still always that lingering sense of responsibility over him due to having been his instructor once. Not to mention that they had grown up together, despite the fact that it was a past forgotten for some time now.]

... I see. Time Compression is a fickle thing; perhaps they'll come back sometime soon. If not, then they've likely returned to their own time, which isn't all that bad all things considering. It's where they belong.

Maybe it's selfish, but I'd rather they were here with us. It'd be weird not having them around.

[She pauses, curious about something.]

If they went back to our own time, wouldn't their older selves be here?

[This has Quistis thinking.]

I'm not too sure... honestly, the mechanics of Time Compression are strange. I've heard things about "alternate" universes-- it's possible that they've been taken to such a place. Or... we aren't exactly sure if we're in our own future time, are we? [Yes, this is all quite confusing.]

I hadn't really thought about it like that. Maybe that's why we've never run into ourselves either.

[Rinoa shakes her head, giving a little shrug as she realizes one thing.]

I guess there are some things that are better not to question, because when you do you just get more questions and no answers.

[Sora is another who's not been swept away. Not like there's anywhere to be swept away to. He'll just be lounging in the quad with a book. More philosophical heart stuff. He's crouched almost like a small animal as he sits there. He does look up as she approaches, though, and gives a tentative wave.]

Is something wrong?

[She definitely doesn't want to worry the cadets with the possible disappearance of their Commander, so Quistis tries to give the young boy a natural smile and to make herself sound as casual as possible when she poses the question:]

Have you seen the Commander around?

I'm afraid I haven't.

[He does shift the way he's sitting to fully face her.]

I suppose I could help with looking, if you want.

[Quistis has a feeling that their search will end up fruitless, but nonetheless additional help would always be appreciated.]

Thank you, I appreciate that. I've already looked everywhere on the third and second floor, so I suppose the first floor is the last place to look.

I will use all of my resources to locate him and report back as soon as the sweep is complete.

[There's a small salute and then he shuts his book and moves to scamper off to help.]

[Oh, well... Quistis had thought the cadet would accompany her on a search, but it seems as though he has other methods of locating people. Nonetheless, she gives a small wave even as he retreats.]

Thank you!

[Look, another misplaced soul. First Instructor Villiers and now the Lieutenant Commander.]

You appear lost. Is everything alright?

[Oh, what a well-mannered boy. Quistis gives him a small smile.]

Oh, yes-- everything is fine. I'm just trying to find the Commander. Have you seen him lately?

[~~So well-mannered that in another game he killed her.~~]

Oh, I cannot say that I have. Is the Commander the one lost, then?

[Quistis nods.]

But he might have retreated to town for a little bit; Squall was always one to appreciate some solitude. [Of course, Quistis has already phoned the Balamb Hotel to ask if the Commander had checked in, so she knows he isn't there.]

Such a rare luxury for the Commander, I'm sure.

[Her lips curve into a small smile.] It is the holidays, after all. Now is as good a time as any for him to make his retreat.

Has he always been this way? Reclusive? I have heard many of the other cadets here speak highly of him.

Squall is a great SeeD and Commander. In the past, he had a tendency of being reclusive-- but ever since he was appointed Commander, he has been more conscious of his role as a leader. It's understandable why cadets speak highly of him.

I apologize if I have spoken out of turn, I meant no disrespect towards the Commander, nor did I mean to question or doubt his loyalty towards the cadets and his position.

Are you looking for something?

[Quistis looks over to the male addressing her, and gives a small nod.]

Have you seen the Commander today? I've been searching for him.

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010 // around garden [action, open]

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Pardon my lateness!

No problem! Excuse mine :)

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