"Both," Seifer admits, the statement empty of any emotion. Just someone reporting on something innocuous happening. Maybe he once observed the time in such a tone. "But only ever at her will. There were repercussions for losing against you time again, Squall. Even if it took three of you, and ultimately a rare GF, to stop me."

He had been even stronger then, flooded with his mistress's power. And still he failed. Time after time. Punishment had been expected.

"Fujin and Raijin helped me recover, after. Every time, after, she'd toss me at them. They'd have orders to have me patched up and ready. I'd send them away when I could."

To protect them from Ultimecia's wrath. And now he's clearly sent them away again. Likely for their own safety.