The gray clouds swirled overhead as wind whipped Rinoa's hair wildly. She glanced up at the tall dark building in front of her, sighing with apprehension. Today would be the start of a new life. Today, she would begin her education at Balamb Academy, a co-ed boarding school. She had always been to a public high school in Deling City, and was of course, nervous about the big transition.

'At least it will get me away from that man.' Rinoa thought.

She climbed the stairs, grabbing a suitcase and leaving the rest of the luggage to her father, General Caraway, and the driver. Following the signs leading to administration, she made her way down the corridors of the huge school. She had to admit, the place was gorgeous. Set in medieval décor, the interior was nothing short of sophistication and beauty. She had arrived at an office, with a messy desk in the center and a very frumpled looking woman behind it.

"Can I help you, dear?" the woman asked, not unkindly.

"My name is Rinoa Heartilly. I'm here to register."

"Oh, so you're General Caraway's daughter?" Rinoa winced.

"Please walk through that door to your left. The headmaster is expecting you." Nodding her thanks, Rinoa turned and entered the room. The room was large and spacious with a huge sky window behind a cherry wood desk. The man occupying this room was rather short, with graying hair, and glasses. He wore a red vest and khaki pants.

"Welcome! Welcome to Balamb Academy! You must be Rinoa Caraway! It's a pleasure to meet you, dear child. I'm Cid Kramer, the headmaster. Come in, come in! Make yourself at home." Rinoa smiled, liking him already, and took a seat in front of his desk.

"You seem to have lost your father, my dear. Ah! Here he comes now. Excellent!" Cid clapped his hands together excitedly. General Caraway came in, casting a sideways disapproving glance at Rinoa before shaking hands with the headmaster.

"It's a pleasure General Caraway. I'm sure you'll be happy to know that Rinoa is going to have a wonderful time at our Academy. We are a very prestigious school. She will be taught by only the best."

"Wonderful." Caraway barked. "Sorry to seem rude but I have other things to attend to, so if that's all, I really need to be going."

'Of course, everything else takes priority. That's fine, Caraway. I don't need you.' Cid stood up at once.

"Of course, you're a busy man. Rinoa, unless you need anything else…?"

"No. I'll be fine. Take care, Caraway." Rinoa said, defiantly.

" Rinoa….Goodbye then." Caraway sighed. 'Why does she insist on hating me?' And with that, he departed.

" Well Rinoa, most of the students moved in yesterday, but classes don't start until tomorrow, so you have all of today to get settled in. Here is your room key. Now thereare just a few rules I need to let you in on. You must make an appointment to see me. I cannot have students buzzing about the office all day, it would drive my secretary mad." He winked at her. "Secondly, there is a curfew at 11 for all the older students. Detentions are rewarded for disobeying. Lastly, as you know, the dorms are co-ed. This is not technically a rule, but we frown upon boys in girls' rooms or vice versa. I'm sure you understand why." Rinoa nodded. "Well then, that's all. If you get lost, I'm sure there will be plenty of wonderful people to help you out." Cid opened the door and allowed Rinoa to take her leave.

Rinoa once again found herself following the signs. When she got to the dormitories, she looked for her room number. '116…118…120…here we go.' She unlocked the door and took a look around. The dorm was a quad suite. It contained a common room, complete with mini fridge, television, and a couch and chair set. There was also two bathrooms, one for the shower and one for the toilet. Lastly, there were four rooms. 'Ah, so that's why there are two keys on my key ring.' She thought. She walked into the room with the door open. It was simple, a bed, desk, dresser, and bookshelf. She walked over to the tiny closet. 'I don't know where I'm going to stuff all my clothes…' Sighing, she put her bag down and walked over to the tiny window. Well, this place wasn't home, but neither was Caraway's house. It hadn't ever been, for as long as she could remember. 'Mom...' Rinoa shook her head. She always did this. She always allowed herself to be depressed. Well not now. 'I'm going to like this place.' She thought firmly. She glanced around. Maybe when her roommates came in, she wouldn't feel so lonely. 'I wonder what they are like…' And with that thought, she grabbed her bag and began unpacking.

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