I struggled to open my eyes as florescent bulbs flashed to life above me. I wasn't sure of what day it was, nor could I remember the last time I felt sunlight run across my flesh. I struggled to push myself off the metal surface I had been laying on when two strong arms grabbed me, shoved me down and placed another form of metal across my wrists. Another push as my head makes contact with something hard. Good night.
"We have called upon you all today to be a part of a very special mission.."
A voice off in the distance sounded all too familiar to be ignored. A group of heavily armored men were leading me somewhere, but I could only guess where I would end up when their footsteps finally came to a halt.
"You will be assisted by someone who's reputation precedes her.."
Another shove forward and I felt the blindfold pulled from my eyes. I squinted, trying desperately to make out the figures standing before me. None were at all familiar at first glance. They were total strangers.. all except for one. And I never wished to see him again.
Squall Leonheart.
"This is Kit. Some may know her as my daughter, some may not know her at all.."
Squall. The defender of Balamb, of SeeD, of all the world. A born leader. Strong, yet silent. Although older, you could still see he was good looking and physically fit enough to be the savior of the world. But what did he save exactly? Was it even worth saving at all? And at what cost?
Go.
Kit took a slender step forward, giving a slight wave toward the group in front of her. Immediately a male approached and introduced himself. Vincent, the son of Seifer. It took years for him to shake off his father's shadow and emerge as his very own person, and a generally good person at that. "Hello, Kit. I'm Vincent, and I'll introduce you to the rest soon enough. I suspect you'll be joining us on our first mission?"
Kit, unsure of her situation, bit down a little too forcefully on her lower lip. A drop of blood began to make its way down her chin and as she tried to catch it, she realized her arms were bound by something. Vincent reached his hand up to brush it away but just before he made contact, Kit flinched from his touch.
"Don't. I'm fine. My arms?"
She looked to Squall as hatred poured from her eyes. He seemed unbothered and answered with ease, "It was a precautionary step. We could not be sure of how you would react once you had been released from your cell. In time, if you prove to me that you are mentally competent, I will free you." He turned his back, walking away from the gathering group of candidates. "If you don't, however, you will be sent back immediately." He stopped for a moment, gathering his thoughts. "Ah, yes! Xu is handling your debriefing. Please assemble at the front gates by 1600 hours. And I wish you all the very best of luck."
The men behind Kit stormed away, following Squall back to his office on the third floor. Kit, sensing a chance to escape, began to walk toward the exit but was stopped by a firm grip on her arm. Before she could do anything to stop him, Vincent had sliced through her handcuffs with his Gunblade.
"I don't know what purpose those were meant to serve.. just promise me you won't do anything stupid. I don't want to regret doing this." He released her arm and headed toward the dormitories.
"Umm.. hey! I'm supposed to show you where your room is. Your own personal tour guide, too! I'm Rae. It's a pleasure to meet ya, Kit." A tiny and cheerful girl approached as the rest of the group headed off with Vincent. "If you'll just follow me, I can teach you everything there is to know about Balamb! Some inside secrets, a little gossip.. maybe even more! This way!" She pointed ahead of us with more enthusiasm than you'd think possible in such a small person.