Chapter 1

It was a beautiful clear morning at Balamb Garden, a perfect morning to initiate some new SeeDs from last night's test. Surprisingly, Seifer was one of two today getting the news that they passed. Seifer had come back two weeks after the defeat of Ultimecia, with his tail between his legs. Squall wouldn't have allowed him back in Garden if it wasn't for the various stares of pleading from Matron and, shockingly, from Quistis. Since then, Squall has not had a problem nor a regret of his decision.

"Commander. The new SeeDs are here."

"Thank you Xu. Show them in."

The first one to walk in was Jaden December. She was just like Squall in personality but in clothing, she was more like Seifer. Usually she had a silver shirt that set off her thigh high black skirt with black knee high boots. She also had one belt, which had three silver chains on her right hip and a black, sleeveless trench coat. All in all, her style was interesting. Right now, she had her standard SeeD field uniform on, which clashed with her dark red hair. Her eyes were a striking crystal blue, almost gray, with silver specks peeking through.

The next one to enter was Seifer. He was in his usual trench coat but his personality changed somewhat. He actually listens to orders now. Squall was impressed with the effort the Seifer had been showing.

"Jaden…. Good job. You scored nearly a hundred percent in your scores. Never have I seen a female take up the Gunblade. I'm impressed." Squall said handing her the results. He moved to Seifer. "Seifer…. Excellent job. You've shown the most improvement of anyone here at Garden. Now for your first mission. G-Garden is after some sort of weapon in Esthar. Your mission is to protect the President and keep the new weapon out of Galbadia's hands. You leave immediately. That is all."

As everyone else was leaving, Jaden stayed behind. "Um… Sir?" Squall looked back up from the papers that he just got to signing, almost with a 'Thank-Hyne' look on his face..

"Yes Jaden?

"Sq- I mean Sir, what are the specifics? Who the leader? Who's going with us?"

"Tilmitt and I are going with you guys and there will be no team leader. As for specs, well, I'll give those to everyone when we depart."

"Thank you Sir and congratulation on your engagement." Jaden said as she turned to walk out the door. From behind her, she heard Squall push a button and the door locked.

"Care to tell me how you know about that? No one else does."