Chapter 2: The SeeD Exam
"Time to wake up," Quezacotl's static rippled to life, waking me up. I rolled over and look at my clock. It was four fifteen. I rolled back over and sighed. Forty-five minutes. I sat up and ran a hand through my hair, feeling the caked blood from Ifrit and my fall.
I didn't take a shower before I slept, I realized and looked down at my sheets. Dammit.
I got up quickly and stripped my bed. Removing the rest of my clothing I threw both my sheets and the clothes I had worn early into my hamper and went to the closet to get a towel and all my shower stuff. A door opened and closed close by.
I guess my dorm mate is back, I figured, looking at my wall. Sure enough the sounds of another person could be heard in the room next to mine. That could have been problematic, I thought since I was standing naked in perfect view of the little living room we shared. Whatever, it's not like he would have saw anything new.
Finally finding a clean towel I wrapped it around me and grabbed my ID card before heading off to the showers.
I washed slowly and made it back to my room with a few minutes to change into my school uniform. I gave myself a once over in the mirror before glancing at the clock. Four forty.
Time to go.
I slipped my pendant underneath my shirt and grabbed my gunblade, sliding it into my holder. I put my GF case in my uniform jacket pocket and slung my pack over my shoulder before walking out.
When I arrived in the lobby I leaned against a wall and watched the exam students pace around nervously as they waited for their squad assignments.
"Ready?" Quezacotl asked. I just crossed my arms but the intent was apparent. Of course I was ready. I checked my watched, five minutes after five.
"Squall!" Quistis called out as some other Instructors started calling out their own students. "Over here! I'll be announcing the squad assignments for the exam now. Let's see..." She looked down at her clipboard. "You'll be with...Zell Dincht. Quite a lively fellow."
God, not him.
"Lively? He's just loud. Can't I switch members?" I asked, already seeing this mission as a fiasco.
"I'm afraid that's not possible," she said without sympathy. I rolled my eyes. "Over here, Zell!" I watched as Zell stopped practicing his punches and ran over to us with the expression of a puppy. I looked away from him.
"Whoa! I'm with you!?" Zell exclaimed when he noticed me standing next to Quistis. He rubbed his hand on his pants quickly before offering it for me to shake. I continued to ignore him.
"You don't get along with Seifer, do you? Heard he whooped you pretty bad this morning," Zell said, attempting to connect with me through conversation since I blew off his handshake.
"We weren't fighting. We were training," I said angrily.
"I bet you he doesn't think so," Zell pointed out.
Idiot, I wanted to growl. Obviously he doesn't. You think I don't know that?
"Look, Seifer's just being a pain in the ass." Zell was still talking. "All you have to do is ignore him."
"That's none of your business," I barked at the same time as Quistis. I shot her a glance that was between a 'thank you' and her own 'mind your own business'.
"Ahem..." She cleared her throat, causing Zell to finally turn his attention away from me. "Excuse me, but..." She looked at us and paused. "Well, that Seifer you're talking about...He's your squad leader."
"SAY WHAT!?" Zell practically screamed.
Of all the people… I closed my eyes briefly. Why Seifer?
"It can't be changed," she told us both but her comment was mostly directed at me. This time she did sound sympathetic. I didn't like it and looked at her. She immediately backed off and turned her attention to the group of students yet to be called. "Seifer! Are you here?"
I followed her gaze and saw Seifer and his two partners walk up to us.
Fujin and Raijin tagging along as usual...Guess that makes up the whole disciplinary committee. I suppressed a sigh while Zell shook with rage.
Seifer crossed his arms and looked at Quistis. She rolled her eyes.
"You're the squad leader," she informed him. "Good luck to you."
"...Instructor," Seifer said tersely. "I hate it when people wish me luck. Save those words for a bad student that needs them, eh?" Fujin and Raijin nodded in agreement. Quistis considered him for a moment before leaning forward.
"Okay then. Good luck, Seifer," she said a little snidely. Seifer looked taken back and he motion to Fujin and Raijin.
"And Instructor Trepe to the list!" He told them.
The list...? What is it? What list? I wondered, watching Seifer closely.
"Well then," Quistis said drolly. "You're all assigned to Squad B," she started to explain. "I'll be the instructor in charge. Teamwork is of the utmost importance. Let's get through this exam, everyone!"
"Listen up!" Seifer commanded attention. I ignored him. "Teamwork means staying out of my way. It's a Squad B rule. Don't you forget it!"
Whatever. Fine by me, I turned away from him and to the Headmaster who was just now entering the lobby to speak with the candidates.
"Everyone here?" He asked Quistis. She nodded. "Good," he turned to face us. "It's been a while, everyone. How's everyone doing?" Various murmurs of 'alright', 'fine' and not so good' filled the lobby before quieting down. "Good, good," Cid laughed. "This exam will involve 12 members from Squads A through D..." He informed us. All the students fell silent. "You will be proceeding to a real battlefield. Obviously, the battles are for real. Life and death, victory and defeat, honor and disgrace... Each of these goes hand in hand. There's only one way or the other. How 'bout it? Are you still up for it?" He paused, as if expecting someone to admit that they weren't. No one spoke. "Heh, you will be accompanied by 9 SeeD members. Should you fail, these members shall get the job done. They always do." He smiled suddenly. "Well, that's one less worry on your mind." The room laughed a little, some tension escaping. "The pride of Balamb Garden! The elite mercenary force, SeeD!" Cid continued. "Learn from them, obey their commands and accomplish the mission. Prove yourselves worth of becoming a member of SeeD. Best of luck."
I made eye contact with Cid before following everyone to the parking lot.
"So that's Squall Leonhart?" Cid asked Quistis as she was walking to the parking lot. She looked up ahead where Squall was walking alone, staying a few steps ahead of Zell. Although he kept trying to catch up to Squall, he never seemed to manage to. Squall was like that.
"Yes," Quistis nodded. "That's him."
Cid was quiet for a moment. "He doesn't speak often." It was a statement.
"Yes sir," Quistis affirmed. "He keeps to himself. I never know what he's thinking or feeling. No one does. He just won't open up and when people try to get him to he brushes them off."
"Although his ability to hide and mask his emotions is a key aspect for a SeeD, I don't wish for him to be like that forever. From what I've heard, he can be incredibly kind and although rather roughly, he tries to help people."
"That's true," Quistis replied, lost in thought.
"I wonder what he fears?" Cid mused, almost to himself but Quistis heard.
Fears? She wondered. What on earth could Squall Leonhart fear?
The car ride to Balamb would only take about ten minutes, I thought, taking my seat across from Seifer and next to Zell. Seifer almost looked to be sleeping he was so relaxed but Zell was radiating nervous energy.
I just need to get through this test, I reminded himself. Just keep calm and deal with the circumstances. Just pass the test.
"Yo, Squall. Show me your gunblade, will ya?" Zell nudged me, eyes bright. I ignored him. "C'mon, man!" He nudged me again. I scooted away. "Just a peek!" I shot him a hot glare, Zell hanging from my last nerve. "Tch, fine..." Zell mumbled. "Yeah, yeah... Why you bein' so selfish!? Jerk!" I just looked away, my mind wandering.
Really not my day, I sighed to himself. A flash of memory played over my eyes to the girl at the Infirmary. Who was that anyway? Did she know me?
"Say somethin', will ya!? W-What's on your mind?" Zell blurted out at my silence. I looked up briefly, still thinking about where I knew that girl.
"…Nothing," Quistis answered at the same time I did again. I closed my eyes and tuned them out.
Zell stared at us for a little while before nervously practicing some punches. The sounds his feet were making were jarring on the ears.
"Stop that... It's annoying," Seifer snapped then smirked. "...Chicken-wuss."
"WHAT DID YOU CALL ME!?" Zell roared and tried to advance on him. Seifer just laughed.
"Knock it off!" Quistis yelled. Zell looked at her before sitting down with a huff. Everyone was quite.
"Instructor…" I said slowly. "...Who was that girl in the infirmary this morning?"
Quistis thought for a moment. "Was someone there? I didn't notice anybody," she replied then noticed my serious face. "Is there a problem?"
I paused debating on what to say.
I know I've met her before. She seemed so familiar.
"No… Not really..." I finally said. Seifer started to laugh.
"This is great..." He said though his laughter. "I have a Chicken-wuss and a guy who just reached puberty in my squad..."
I gave Seifer a brief glance before ignoring him completely. Zell wasn't as smart though.
"Sit down, Mr. Dincht!" Quistis yelled again through Seifer's laughter.
"So that's the vessel...?" I said to myself after our squad had left the car. I was suddenly feeling a little nervous, Quezacotl or not.
"Ain't no turning back now," Seifer's voice commented from my right. "Huh? You scared, too?" I crossed my arms, feeling the tension ripple through us. Ain't no turning back… huh…
"Hey! You guys are the last! Hurry up and get in!" Someone yelled from over by the vessels. I looked up as Zell and Quistis passed me.
"Don't disappoint me now," Seifer said quietly before walking away. I watched his back, trying to figure out where that came from.
Just a taunt, I decided.
"Come on, move it!" Quistis called. "Hurry, Squall!" After a quick shake of my head, I ran after her into the vessel.
It was small inside, like the Garden car and I sat in the same place next to Zell. Seifer eyed me from across the way. He seemed awake now.
Xu, a SeeD in a high rank, walked dutifully to the front of the boat.
"Hi, Quistis," she said amiably.
"Well, these are the members of Squad B," Quistis said in terms of a reply. I stood up and Zell followed.
"Nice to meet ya!" Zell smiled before sitting back down.
"Pleased to meet you," I said politely then sat roughly in my seat. The vessel had started to move.
"Seifer," Xu faced him with a bemused but disappointed expression. "How many times has it been now?"
"Oh, I just love these exams..." He joked brushing her off.
Xu sighed. "I'll explain the current situation and the mission," she said, getting right to business. I listened carefully. "A request for SeeD was made 18 hours ago. Dollet has been under attack by the G-Army since about 72 hours ago. 49 hours into the battle, Dollet abandoned their position in the inner city. Currently, they have retreated into the nearby mountains and are reorganizing their troops. That's the current status," Xu clicked a button and the onboard screen changed. "Now onto the mission objective. According to our reports, the G-Army is mopping up the Dollet troops in the mountain region. We're to make a landing at Lapin Beach. We're to eliminate the remaining G-Army within the city and liberate it A.S.A.P. Afterwards, SeeD members will intercept any G-Army forces trying to make their way into the city from the mountain region."
"So, what are WE supposed to do?" Seifer asked.
SeeD candidates are to eliminate the G-Army inside the city," Xu told him.
"Sounds important!" Zell said suddenly getting serious.
"Sounds boring," Seifer scoffed. "So what you're saying is, we do all the little, dirty work..."
Sounds easy, I breathed a sigh of relief, ignoring my squad. Nothing too difficult but not a walk in the park. The Galbadian Army was nothing to sneeze at due to their sheer size, not strength. They're real strength is in their automated weapons and missiles. And it sounds like they have neither this time.
"…Oh, it hardly needs to be said, but..." Xu waved her hand around. "The order to withdraw takes priority. Do not forget. We are almost there. We anticipate a battle as soon as we disembark. Just be prepared. That's all. Any questions, talk to Quistis."
Xu left, giving Quistis a smile before turning the corner. I glanced at Quistis briefly. She looked back at me.
"What's wrong Squall? Need me to explain it again?" She asked.
"No, it's fine. It's nothing," I said, focusing back on the floor.
"Listen up," Seifer barked after a minute. "Our goal for this mission is to mop up all the Galbadian soldiers still left in Dollet. All you boys have to do is take orders from me, the captain." I didn't care as long as Seifer didn't make me fail, I didn't give a damn what happened.
Zell fidgeted in his seat. "My first real battle...I'm gettin' pretty nervous," he admitted.
"Better not piss in your pants," Seifer mocked.
"Hah!? You talkin' to me!? Zell yelled.
"Heh," Seifer snorted.
"…Bastard," Zell bit out.
"Okay," Quistis sighed. "Enough talk. We'll be landing pretty soon. Get ready."
"Roger," Zell saluted, his spirit back.
"Alright," I said slowly.
"Yeah, yeah..." Seifer shrugged before turning to me. "Well then, Squall. Go see what's going on outside."
"No," I refused.
"This is an order from your captain, Squall," Seifer sung. "Now go outside."
"…Okay," I growled, my body tensing up.
Without another word, I got up and made my way to the top of the vessel. The view was daunting but it filled me with determination. The city of Dollet exploded with fire after fire as grenades were triggered. The sounds of gunfire filled the space between our destination and me.
It was time.
The vessels approached Lapin beach quickly, sliding to a halt only minutes after I had steeled myself for the battles ahead. The hatchet doors opened to reveal other SeeD candidates fighting with Galbadian soldiers on the beach and in the town. Quezacotl buzzed attentively.
"Ok, you are to secure the Central Square! Be sure to junction with your GF's before you head into battle!" Quistis called out over the guns.
"Shit!" I heard Zell curse. "I can't find mine! It must have dropped out somewhere…"
"Like you need a GF anyway!" Seifer sneered. "Just use your own strength, or do you not have any?"
"WHAT DID HE SAY!?" Zell yelled in my direction.
"Forget it," I grumbled. "Just use one of mine."
"Really!? Really, Squall!?" I nodded reaching for my GF case. I knew Shiva didn't like males so I decided to give him Ifrit.
"I just obtained him and haven't junctioned with him yet so I don't know much about him," I explained, handing the flaming vial over to Zell and taking out a spare needle.
"Wow! A flame Guardian!? Is this Ifrit?" Zell questioned excitedly. I nodded again and handed him the needle.
"Thanks!" Zell exclaimed, smiling. I shrugged.
"I can't have members of my squad mess up my chances to pass," I stated simply. Zell looked put out for a moment before renewing his vigor and pressing the needle into his finger. Ifrit danced out of his vial and slipped into Zell.
"It's hot," he protested before laughing a little. "But I like him," Zell said still laughing.
"Great," I said sarcastically.
"Oh? And does Mr. Chivalry have a GF for his captain?" Seifer asked, only half joking. I smirked at Seifer's obvious display of asking me for help.
"What about 'using your own power'?" I wondered before heading toward town. Zell yelled a big 'now who's funny?' at Seifer before following.
"I'm the leader you idiots!" Seifer called and ran after us. He ran ahead of me and smack dab into a Galbadian soldier.
"They Dollet reinforcements?" One of them asked after Seifer had jumped away, his gunblade raised. I sighed and with a flash of my hand shot two Thundara spells at the guards, rendering them unconscious.
Seifer look back at me before facing forward again.
"The Central Square is up ahead," Seifer said before shouting. "Hey! All you Galbadian cowards out there! Come out'n show your faces! Don't leave me hangin' now!"
"…What an idiot," Zell mumbled before following Seifer. I heaved another heavy sigh.
We raced to Central Square facing little resistance. A few soldiers tried to stop us but we effectively took them down without getting a scratch. By the time we had arrived at the square and cleaned out any remains of the enemy, Seifer's blades and mine were covered in blood.
"I think that's all of them," I offered and Seifer nodded.
"Well then, we're on standby 'til the enemy comes," Seifer told the squad then crossed his arms in annoyance. "Standby... How boring..."
I tensed and re-tensed my muscles, trying to stay loose. The minutes dragged by until I heard a loud noise
"Sounds like it's starting," I whispered.
"Bring it on." Seifer smirked and gripped his gunblade. A dog that was sniffing around ran up to bite at his heels.
"Get outta here!" He waved his hand at it and ran to the other side of the square. "Hey! Galbadian Soldiers! What are you waiting for!? Come show me what you got!"
The noise died down and the town grew quiet.
"…It was nothing," I murmured, leaning up against the side of an abandoned house and watched Zell pace in front of me. The stray dog from earlier played circles with it's tail while we waited, and waited, and waited.
"Still keeping us...?" Seifer threw his hands up in exasperation, his gunblade forgotten in its holster. "That's it...! I can't take it anymore! What is this, some kind of dog training!?"
At his outburst the dog in question ran off toward the street and started to howl in alarm. Seifer motioned for Zell and I to hide behind a building. A few seconds passed before a Galbadian soldier sneaked into the square and looked around. Seeing no one he motioned for others to join him and a group of soldiers started to run up towards the mountain.
"It's the enemy..." I said quietly.
"Where the hell they goin'?" Zell wondered and looked around. "Hey? What is that up there?" He asked and pointed upward.
"Our next destination," Seifer informed them and smirked.
"But that's against orders!" Zell protested.
"Weren't you just saying how bored you were?" Seifer countered.
"Squall!" Zell exclaimed, trying to get me to convince Seifer that we shouldn't go anywhere. I eyed Zell a moment before shrugging and walking away from them.
"I stand by the captain's orders," I said simply.
If we get in trouble it will be Seifer's fault for leading us there. And if we disobey a captain's orders we could lose points. Besides, I'd rather go up there than say here.
"...Captain's decision?" Seifer scoffed and walked up next to me. "You want to wreak some havoc too, don't you?"
"It's a good opportunity to test out my training," I brushed him off. "Thanks to you, I feel like I can take on anyone. Even if they do fight dirty." I faced Seifer, a challenging gleam in my eyes.
"You'll thank me when the time comes," Seifer said seriously, accepting my unspoken challenge.
"What the hell..." Zell interrupted. "I thought you guys didn't get along? You're like, all buddy-buddy now." I turned away and Seifer sneered but Zell kept going. "Listen. This ain't no ordinary battle. It's an exam, an important one. I'm tellin' ya, we have to stick to orders."
"Then you stay here. I don't need any boy scouts," Seifer mocked.
"What was that!!!?" Zell yelled.
"Don't take him seriously, Zell," I mentioned then turned back to the squad captain. "Seifer, if we're gonna go, let's hurry."
"The enemy is headed for the whatever that tower is up there. We, Squad B, are to secure the summit," Seifer commanded. "Move out!"
"Alright," I agreed, feeling good.
"Tch… Fine," Zell grumbled and ran after us.
We found resistance on the bridge to the mountaintop.
"Take them out!" Seifer shouted at us as he sliced into a soldier, killing him instantly. I lunged forward and jabbed a grunt clean through, slamming him into his partner. Both Galbadians slumped to the ground as I pulled Revolver out of their stomachs. In a flash of blue to my right I saw Zell slam his fist into a soldier, causing him to crumple straight into Zell's rising knee. The advisory out of the picture Zell quickly round-house kicked another grunt in the head before running forward. I leaped after him, following Seifer's destructive wake. Flames and blood lingered and I shook his head.
He relies far too much on his Flame Cross, I noticed, jumping over a charred body.
Zell and I reached Seifer at the same time at the base of the mountain. He cut down a fleeing soldier then smirked at the squad before continuing upward. I was about to follow when someone cried out to my left.
"Ahhh! W-W-Who are you!?" A man in a Dollet military uniform yelled in fear. I bent down next to him.
"Don't worry," I tried to assure the frightened man. "We're SeeD candidates. We've been dispatched by Garden."
"What's going on up there?" Seifer asked, pointing up.
"The Galbadian soldiers have entered the Communication Tower," the Dollet soldier explained between breaths. "On top of that...that place has always been a nesting ground for monsters. If you guys are goin' up, be caref...H-HELP!!!" he screamed as an Anaconduer attacked. I rised up to engage it but Seifer stopped him.
"Save it for me!" He ordered and effortlessly sliced off it's head. The body fell to the ground and blood gushed from the open neck.
"Monsters, huh?" I thought aloud.
This changes things a little.
"That sucks," Zell commented.
"More fun for us," Seifer pointed out. "Come on…"
"...Fun? Pu-lease..." Zell scoffed at Seifer's back. I gave a silent agreement and ran.
"Monster's aren't a problem," Quezacotl chimed in.
"Decided to give your two cents now?" I asked, pumping my legs hard to adjust to the incline.
"Don't mind me…" Quezacotl buzzed slyly, causing me to smirk.
I rounded a bend in the pathway and was pulled roughly to my stomach by Seifer.
"The generator is up and running!" A Galbadian soldier informed a commander.
"No problem with the boosters!" Another one reported and saluted,
"...The hell they doing?" Seifer asked in my ear. I shrugged, eyes on the soldiers.
"Cable disconnection confirmed! Beginning exchange process!"
"Roger."
"Repairs…?" I offered as the soldiers ran inside.
"Who cares," Seifer waved him off, suddenly not paying attention. "This must have been your first real battle where you had to kill someone. Were you scared?" He asked, genuinely interested. It startled me for a moment.
"...I don't know. I try not to think about it," I replied in a subdued voice.
"I love battles," Seifer disclosed with relish. "I fear nothing. The way I look at it, as long as you make it out of a battle alive, you're one step closer to fulfilling your dream."
"What!? Your dream?" I was taken aback.
His dream? Please…"You have one too, don't you?" Seifer pressed, challenging my outburst.
Of course I do but… I'm not about to tell you.
"…Sorry. I'm going to have to pass on that subject," I said smoothly and turned away just as Zell caught up.
"Yo! Let me in on it, too!" He demanded
"Mind your own business," Seifer growled.
"Frickin' hell…" Zell muttered and punched the air in front of Seifer.
"What's the matter, Zell? Swatting flies?" Seifer chided and walked away.
"Damn you…!" Zell yelled after him.
"There you are!" I turned at the familiar voice and almost smiled when he saw the transfer student I showed around earlier tumble to the ground.
She's always falling it would seem.
"Are you...Squad B?" She asked after not seeing my outstretched hand again. I sighed a little, trying to suppress another smile.
This girl… I laughed to myself. She's something else.
"Wait a minute..." She said slowly, looking carefully at me. "You're the guy who showed me around, right!?" She exclaimed making the connection. I nodded. "Thanks! I don't so lost anymore. Oh yeah," she giggled. "I haven't told you my name yet. I'm...a messenger. Name's Selphie, from Squad A. The squad captain's Seifer, right? Where is he?" I gave her look before pointing to where Seifer was now about to enter the Communication Tower.
"One of these days, I'm gonna tell ya 'bout my ROMANTIC dream!" He called up to me with a wave before running past the door.
Romantic dream? I could care less about anyone Seifer is involved with.
"This sure is tough..." Selphie sighed. "Captain! Wait up...!!!" She ran to the end of the edge they were standing on and jumped off, stumbling a little when she landed.
"What are you waiting for!? Come on! Come on!" She called up to Squall and Zell before turning to the entrance of the Communications Tower. I looked at the steep incline before shaking my head and taking the long way. Zell followed faithfully behind.
"What took you so long?" Selphie said with exasperation. I widened my eyes. "It would've been much quicker if you'd just jumped."
"...Much quicker? Pu-lease..." Zell scoffed. "...You wouldn't normally jump off a cliff, OK!? Ain't that right, Squall?" Zell tapped me on the arm.
"I guess you wouldn't," I responded, shrugging.
I don't see why this matters.
"Hmm..." Selphie pouted. "I don't know... Well, anyway. Let's get goin'. Has everyone junctioned with a GF? You haven't forgotten... Have you...?"
"Well, I did lose mine but Squall is letting me use of his," Zell admitted, somehow moved by Selphie's demanding stare.
"Get it together, will you? This is the SeeD exam! You can't just lose your GF!" What are you, stupid!?" Selphie admonished in a way I would have loved to yell at Zell.
"I know, I know!" Zell whimpered. "I'm such a klutz."
"You got that right," Selphie breathed. "But it's fine. Your squad member had you covered." She looked at me with a smile. "You should get some points for that."
"For what?" I asked, confused since I was only half listening.
"For helping people," Selphie leaned in close to me. I raised my eyebrows. "You seem to be good at that." I shrugged and walked up to the tower.
"So this is the Communication Tower...?" Zell said, taking my cue that it was time to get back to the mission.
"Sure is big..." Selphie said in awe, tilting her neck back, the comment before forgotten.
"Ah...AHHH!" A Galbadian soldier sprinted out of the doors in a mad rush. Seifer followed, swinging his gunblade back and forth.
"Cowards," he spat.
"HEEEY!" Selphie exclaimed right in his face. Seifer ignored her and walked back inside.
"The captain's getting away!" She jumped forward into the Communications Tower. I shared a look with Zell before running after her.
"...Did he go up?" I wondered after expecting the ground level. There didn't look like any other place to go.
"Heeey! Squad B captain!!!" Selphie yelled but there was no reply.
"I think we can take this lift up..." I walked over to it. "Wanna go?" Selphie nodded and ran to join me on the lift, Zell at her heels. I pressed the button and the lift started to rise.
"Wow, this lift is pretty cool!" Selphie laughed.
"Don't get too excited, or you'll fall!" Zell warned, causing Selphie to smack him.
"Like I'm really going to!" She shouted.
"Shh," I whispered. "Listen, you can hear voices."
"Major Biggs!" A voice carried into the lift. "There has been a report of a monster-shaped shadow on top of the tower." A pause. "Major Biggs!"
"Be quiet!" A harsher voice yelled. "I'm busy! This goes like this...and...Geez, what's with these crappy old tools? And… And… Why do I have to make all the repairs!? AHHH!!!"
Sir, I'll check around while the repairs are being done." The first voice replied tersely as the lift came to a stop at the top. I looked around and saw only one soldier fixing the tower.
The other one must be the one patrolling then.
"Let's see...Hmmm...Put this here...and...This goes here...and...There, it's complete!" Biggs shouted happily. I started to feel a slight rumbling. Looking around I almost fell due to the large mechanism that shuddered to life behind me. I whirled around and watched as a huge satellite dish extended from the top of the tower and opened to send a signal out to who knows where.
"What do you think you're doing!?" I yelled, losing my calm for a moment because of the sudden movement. Biggs turned around and froze, seeing the others and I then quickly regained some composure.
"Huhhhh? Likewise, MISTER!" He shouted. "What do you think you're doing!?" I continued to give Biggs an outraged look. The Major looked around and noticed that he was alone. "H-HEY! What happened to all the soldiers down below!? WEDGE!" He called. "Take care of these twerps!!!" There was no response. His friend must not have heard him. "W...Wedge?" He tried again.
Looks like you're out of luck. I smirked, regaining my calm.
"I...ah...Well...ah...I seem to be done here," Biggs stuttered and tried to escape. "So I'll just be on my...I-I'm leaving...Move! Move! Move!" He yelled, pushing past me with incredible force. Seifer rose up on the lift at that exact moment and for once I was relieved to see him. It would have been a mess if a member of my squad had gotten himself killed or captured by the enemy.
"Sorry to crash the party," Seifer said snidely and slashed at Biggs, sending his weapon flying.
"Ah...AHH...AHHHHH! Are you CRAZY!!!" Biggs yelled, throwing his hands in the air and rounding on Seifer.
"Just shut UP!" Seifer yelled back and swung madly at him. Biggs ducked and quickly disarmed Seifer before he could attack again. He was about take him hostage but he was too slow. I ran up behind him and tapped the point of my gunblade to the side of Biggs exposed neck, causing the skin to break. He froze and shot me a scathing look before begrudgingly handing Seifer's blade back.
"Major Biggs!" Wedge's voice carried over and I saw Seifer motion to Zell to take him out. Zell nodded and rushed Wedge, catching him off guard with a knee to the stomach. Wedge passed out, Zell catching him before he hit the ground. In a fast motion I retracted my gunblade and brought the hilt down hard on the back of Bigg's head, also rendering him unconscious.
"I'll take care of the rest of the guards downstairs," Seifer barked. "Watch these two!" Zell and I nodded as Seifer disappeared down below again.
"HEY!" Selphie whined. "Waaait! I still need to…" Her sentence was cut off as a massive gust of wind spun around us. It was moving so quickly that the dust it kicked up cut into my skin like glass.
"What's going on!?" Zell yelled from somewhere to my right.
"I don't know!" I called back. "A tornado spell?"
"I don't think so!" Selphie shouted in fright and I looked up. Coming at them fast was a huge monster. I narrowed his eyes and gripped Revolver tighter.
"Get ready!" I commanded.
"What the hell is that?" Zell gasped, raising his fists in an offensive position.
"An Elvoret!" I informed him. "Be careful of its claws!" The Elvoret screeched and slashed the air where Zell should have been.
"I think I get that part!" He said rolling into sight. "No claws!"
"Magic doesn't work either!" Selphie cried, her fira spell glancing off the Elvoret's body. "Its spirit is too high!"
Damn, I cursed, jumping backwards as a clawed hand crashed down in front of me. With a yell, I quickly brought down my gunblade and pulled the trigger. A hot bullet shot through the now exposed inside of the Elvoret's left arm. My gunblade had cut clear through the skin and bone, chopping the hand right off. The Elvoret screamed in pain and retracted its arm.
"It can be cut!" I called to my comrades. "Selphie!"
"What?" She answered from close by.
"I need you to get its head closer to the ground," I told her. "Can you get it?"
"Of course!" Selphie assured him. "No problem for a SeeD, right?"
God, that's right. We're still in this exam; we can't lose to this monster.
"Zell!" I shouted next.
"Yeah!?" Zell's loud voice cut through the debris. "What's the plan Squall?"
"Summon Ifrit!" I ordered and at the same time reached into my own mind to summon Quezacotl.
"Take this thing out," I commanded.
"With pleasure," Quezacotl crackled, the sky darkening with clouds. In a lightening strike Quezacotl escaped and formed in front of me.
"Where are you Ifrit, you slow idiot?" The Guardian snapped, thunder clashing at his words.
"Shut up!" Ifrit's growl bit into the air at the same time I felt an extreme amount of heat. Flames erupted from the ground and Ifrit appeared inside them. "Get on with it, you old fool!"
Quezacotl gathered the lightening clashing in the sky to a center point near him. The energy fizzled brightly next to Ifrit's searing flames.
"Thunder Storm!" Quezacotl shouted.
"Hellfire!" Ifrit roared.
Fire and lightning clashed as they connected with the Elvoret. It cried out in pain as the two elements exploded when they interacted.
"Selphie now!" I yelled and saw her jump into the air towards the flailing Elvoret. With deft movement she managed to wrap her nunchaku's around the Elvoret's neck, effectively bringing it to the ground and out of the air.
I rushed forward with a burst of power.
"Renzokuken!" I bellowed, bringing down my gunblade only seconds after Selphie had jumped away from the Elvoret's neck. The single slash was all I could manage with the little preparation but it was enough to sever the Elvoret's head from its neck. The monster died in an instant, the beating of its wingspan coming to a stop.
"Did we kill it?" Zell asked nervously after some of the dust dispersed.
"Yeah," I took a deep breath. "We got it. It's dead."
"Ohhhhh, wow," Selphie sighed and sunk to the ground. "I was lying when I said I could do that no problem. That was terrifying! That monster was huge! And it came out of no where!"
"Those kinds of things happen when you're a SeeD," I said seriously.
"Why did I want to be a SeeD again?" Selphie wondered with an amused smile. "Oh, right, right… The money." Zell snorted and I gave a rare smile, seeing that she was trying to diffuse the tension we all felt at almost losing our lives in an unpredictable way.
"Hello?" A wispy voice called out from the Elvoret. I quickly raised my gunblade and peered over at the corpse but lowered it when I saw the flowing substance of a Guardian Force.
"I accept you as my master," the wispy voice spoke to me.
"Me?" I questioned. "Why?"
"You slayed the monster that imprisoned me, I can see you are strong. I will join you," the GF explained.
"Not that I don't want you to be my GF but all three of us slayed that monster," I pointed out. "So I ask again, why me?"
"You led the assault. Without your command, both your comrades would be dead."
"She's right, Squall," Zell told him. "If you hadn't taken control so quickly back there, I'm sure we all wouldn't have come out of that mostly unharmed like we are now. You should have been captain and not that damn Seifer." I looked at Zell curiously, trying to see the joke and was surprised to see Zell's face so serious.
"Oh Squall," Selphie sighed when I was still hesitant. "Just accept the compliment and move on! Geez!"
"Whatever," I countered, my face burning red. I walked up to the GF.
"Who are you?" I asked it.
I think it's a her but I'm not sure…
"Siren," the voice replied.
"I don't have an empty vial, so I'm going to have to junction with you. Another GF is already there so I hope you two can get along."
"I enjoy the company of Quezacotl," Siren said mischievously. "So that should not a problem." I nodded.
"Be prepared," I warned the thunder Guardian.
"Always," Quezacotl buzzed. I took out my needle and pricked my finger. I held my hand out to Siren and she flowed into my bloodstream. The sensation was rather intoxicating, unlike the elemental feel of Quezacotl. Just by feeling her slip through my veins I could tell that her power was with sound and seduction. I gulped, my skin prickling heatedly until she was inside my mind with Quezacotl.
"The least you could have done was warn the boy," Quezacotl scolded Siren but his voice was amused.
"He liked it," Siren cooed. I could hear her voice clearly now and it sent a shiver up my spine.
"Don't talk like that," I hissed at her, completely embarrassed.
"Sorry," she laughed with Quezacotl. Chimes along with the crackling.
"What is she?" Selphie asked eagerly once I had trudged back to them.
"She's non-elemental. She deals with sound," I explained, leaving the seduction part out. The last thing I need was something someone could tease me about. "That aside, I can feel that she is very powerful with magic, so I believe that aspect of my arsenal will be boosted."
"That's great, Squall!" Selphie clapped her hands together and leaned in close to me. "You're so lucky you got a GF! You have four now, don't you?" I took a moment to think.
Yeah, wow I guess I do.
"Yeah," Zell laughed. "It's not luck though. You have to earn GF's. Squall must have fought three other tough battles like this one to obtain them.
Not really… I glanced at his pocket, thinking of Shiva and the hot spring.
"That's not entirely true, Zell," Selphie snapped and whacked him. "Don't act like a know-it-all! You can get a GF just by asking it to become yours. It's only the aggressive or rebellious GF's that need to be beaten to be gained," she turned and smiled at me. "Right?"
"Aw no way!" Zell brushed her off. "That's crazy, you can't just ask a GF to be yours!"
"No," I said. "Selphie is right. The only GF's I fought for were Ifrit and now Siren. If Siren wasn't being held in the monster I might not have had to fight for her either.
"Then how did you get Quezacotl!?" Zell practically exploded. "He's so powerful!"
"Heh…" said GF chuckled. "How indeed?"
I shrugged. "He said he liked me."
That's not the whole truth but it's not exactly a lie either… I thought, feeling Quezacotl's buzz of sympathetic laughter as he told Siren the reason why he joined me. The real story is a bit more… let's just say I was very young. It's a time I'd rather not remember.
Zell scoffed, still not believed either of them.
"What the hell happened here?" Seifer asked, suddenly appearing on the lift.
"Big monster," I said shortly. "We took care of it. Not a big deal."
"Not a big deal!" Zell exclaimed. "That thing almost killed us!"
"Oh?" Seifer started to laugh. "Trying to act tough, eh, Squall? Trying to impress me?"
Big mouth, idiot, I thought, glaring at Zell.
"Whatever," I grunted. "Think what you want."
"Squad B captain!" Selphie stood up and saluted. "S'cuse me! I have new orders! All SeeD members and SeeD candidates are to withdraw at 1900 hours. Assemble at the shore!"
"Withdraw!?" Seifer yelled, taking his attention away from me. "There are still enemies around!"
"I know, but I'm just a messenger." Selphie shrugged.
"An order to withdraw takes priority," I reminded Seifer. "I don't want to miss the vessel."
"What time d'you say?" Seifer asked, ignoring me.
"Like I said...! All SeeD members and SeeD candidates are to withdraw at 1900 hours. Assemble at the shore!" Selphie repeated.
"1900 hours..." Seifer checked his watch. "We only have 30 minutes! You got 30 minutes to get down to the shore!" He smirked and ran to the lift. "Better run!" He called as it took him down.
"Heeey! Wait for us!" Selphie whined.
"Who the hell does he think he is!" Zell yelled as the lift came back up.
"Why don't you ask him. Let's go," I said and ran to the lift, pressing the button to take us down.
"Those little twerps are the targets," Biggs grumbled, just barely managing to press the button for Galbadian's new weapon, the X-ATMO92. "Now GO!!! Go and DESTROY them!!!" He cried out before falling unconscious again.
At the bottom of the elevator I ran out of the Communication Tower doors and started to make my way back up the cliff when a loud noise caught my attention.
"What is that?" Zell asked, looking up.
"Oh my God," Selphie shrieked as it dropped heavily to the ground.
"It's an automated weapon!" I yelled, calling upon Quezacotl.
"Stall it!" I ordered, pushing the electricity out of my arm. Quezacotl appeared with a sudden electrical storm.
"Squall's got it covered, so let's get the hell out of here!" Zell roared and tore up the pathway, Selphie and I on his heels. We sprinted to the base of the mountain; me slashing at the monsters that tried to get in their way.
"It's still coming," I heard Siren whisper. "Quezacotl won't be able to hold it."
DAMN.
"QUEZACOTL!" I called flinging my hand out. In an instant I felt the familiar electricity flow back into me. Quezacotl was badly battered but all right.
"Sorry, Squall," he crackled with shame. "Some Guardian I make, eh?"
"Don't worry about it," I assured him, still running madly towards the town. I could almost see the bridge. "I asked you to distract it, not take it out. You did exactly what I ordered." Quezacotl chuckled, but I felt the thank you more than heard it.
"Is Quezacotl alright?" Selphie gasped beside him, her face flushed from running so hard.
"He's fine," I told her. "But run faster." Selphie widened her eyes and looked behind her. Sure enough, the giant mechanical monster was gaining on us with rapid speed.
"Dammit!" Zell yelled and powered forward. I leaned into the run as far as I could go without falling over. I quickly glanced over my shoulder to make sure Selphie was still keeping up. I would not leave someone behind.
"We're almost there!" I called to her as we broke into town. We rounded a corner and another, feeling the ground rumble beneath us as the machine got closer and closer. I could hear it's gears grinding together, it was so close.
"I can see the beach!" Zell exclaimed and practically flew off the street and into the sand, Selphie mimicking his jump.
I was right behind them but with a jolt the ground moved beneath me and I felt myself start to fall. I slammed into the sand, the machine toppling off the street after me.
Selphie stopped and looked behind her to see me in the sand, the X-ATMO92 right behind me.
"GO!" I bellowed as I pulled myself up. Without even a glance back I put all my effort into catching the now departing vessel. I could hear the clinking of metal behind me that signaled the machine was about to chase me again. At the edge of the beach I dived for the vessel just as the X-ATMO92 caught up with me. Bracing myself in mid-air for the sudden end, I heard a barrage of bullets connect with metal and opened my to see Quistis firing rapidly at the X-ATMO92. Breathing a sigh of relief, I slammed into the vessel just as it's hatch closed and pulled away.
"Are you alright, Squall!?" Selphie squeaked and kneeled down next to where I was panting on my hands and knees.
"Yeah," I mumbled. "Fine. I'm fine." I looked up, concerned. "You? You and Zell?"
"Yeah," Selphie sighed and fell backwards into a sitting position. "Zell rushed ahead and informed Quistis that you were still out there and I just barely made it inside." She let out a long breath. "I've never run so far that fast before, I thought I was going to trip and fall and get smashed! It was so close behind us!"
"I wouldn't have left you behind," I breathed. "Even if you were so clumsy as to fall over while running for your life." Selphie laughed and I felt good for the first time all day. I had followed the orders of my squad captain without fail, preserved my life and the lives of my comrades twice, and gained a new Guardian Force. At that moment, I could care less about the fact that I was showing more of myself to Selphie than I ever showed on a daily basis. Starting tomorrow, this exchange would fade into a once in a lifetime thing anyway.
Selphie knew this also and even though she felt a little sad at the fact that she would probably never know the real Squall Leonhart, she could tell from this moment that he wasn't as cold a guy as he appeared and maybe someday, although she was sure it wasn't going to be her, maybe someday, someone would be able to open him up.
Balamb was a welcome sight from the chaos of Dollet. I held Ifrit's vial in my hand for a moment before putting him into a slot next to Shiva. They're opposite elements sizzled in protest. I looked down at both Guardian's swirling energy and rolled my eyes.
"Fine," I mumble and moved Ifrit as far away from Shiva as possible.
Zell and Selphie were chatting close by but I chose to look out at the ocean. Seifer brushed past me. I glared at his back as he walked up to Fujin and Raijin.
"SEIFER! How'd it go?" Raijin's boisterous voice called out.
"Man..." Seifer sighed. "All they did was get in my way. Being a leader ain't easy." I heard Zell snort.
"SAFE?" Fujin barked. Seifer brushed her off and walked towards to the Garden car. His flunkies followed behind.
"Good job!" Quistis commented from behind me. I turned to her and shrugged.
"I almost got myself killed," I reminded her.
"But you didn't," she smiled. "That's something right?"
I shrugged again and heard Selphie laugh.
"How do you deal with him, Instructor?" She asked.
"Oh, I dunno…" Quistis laughed. I crossed my arms. "Hmm? Where's Seifer?" She asked, realizing he wasn't here. I pointed to where Seifer was bending down to get into the car.
"Oh, whatever," she sighed then turned to Zell, Selphie and I. Just be back at Garden by sundown. You're free 'til then." She gave me a smile. "Ok, dismissed!"
I turned and walked to the car, wanting to get back to Garden and rest. Zell zipped past me and I heard Selphie's footsteps behind me. I glanced back then forward just as the Garden car pulled away.
Great… I thought and ground my teeth together. Damn Seifer.
"H-Hey!!!" Zell bellowed but it didn't matter, Seifer was gone. "Not again, man! There goes Mr. Ego..." He huffed.
"Might as well walk it," I suggested, linking my fingers behind my head and walking towards the edge of town.
"Tch…" Zell grumbled. "Yeah, I guess."
"Aw, but I'm so tired from all that running…" Selphie whined. Our silence was enough to tell her that we were also dead tired.
I kept my eyes half closed to the setting sun and walked leisurely along the seaside streets. Balamb was a quaint little town. People talked amiably in front of shops and on benches. Children ran around the cobble stone driveways and dogs barked and chased their tails. It was peaceful.
"Hey, hey, Squall?" Selphie skipped up to me. "Can I go into the shop and buy a few things?"
I eyed her. "You don't need my permission," I stated and kept walking.
"Well, I meant will you wait for me to get something at the shop?" She asked. I took a breath but turned around.
"Really?" She practically squealed. "Thanks Squall!"
I nodded breifly before elbowing Zell in the stomach.
"Wh-what!?" He yelled, trying not to fall over.
"You were drooling," I told him, a little amused.
"N-no way man," he protested. "I wasn't even asleep, I was just resting, you know?"
"Yeah," I inclinded my head toward the shop. "We're going in."
"Okay," Zell waved me off. "I'll catch you at the entrance. My ma lives round here, think I'll go say hi."
I nodded. "Want us to pick you up something?"
"Nah," Zell gave me a big smile. "I'm fine, thanks Squall."
What was with that smile? I wondered as I watched his back turn the corner into the more residential part of town.
"Squall!" Selphie called from inside the item shop. "They have a sale! Want to split the cost?"
I kept my eyes on the ground and walked quickly into the shop, avoiding the people who were chuckling at Selphie's outburst. The inside was small but provided a good variety of goods. I glanced around until I found Selphie. She was waving me over to the Hi-Potions.
"Squall, Squall!" She said once I reached her. "I ran out of Hi-Potions and there's a special." She pointed. "Four for 2000 Gil, but I only have 2800… and I need to get some Antidotes…"
I reached into my back pocket and pulled out my wallet to count my Gil. I had 3050.
I'm out of Hi-Potions also…
"I'll pay for 1000 of it for two of the four," I offered and pulled out two 500 bills.
"YES!" Selphie exclaimed and hugged me around the waist. I stiffened, unprepared for the unwelcome contact.
"Let go, Selphie," I growled.
"Oh, sorry, sorry," she giggled and took the Gil from me. "I'll be getting Antidotes!"
I ignored her, angry for the hug and walked over to the G-Potions.
"Do you need…" I started to ask my Quezacotl and Siren but realized that they were sleeping and stopped. I smiled to myself and began looking through my pack. I wasn't sure what I had.
Okay… I thought after I had taken inventory. I need three Potions, two Eye Drops, five G-Potions and a GF vial for Siren.
Picking up a bag I dropped all my recovery items in it and went over to the GF vials. They were have a special on those also.
Maybe I should get some elemental based vials… I thought while looking at the many different types. After making sure I had some extra spending money I decided to splurge. I got new vials for all four of my GF's and three spares in case I found more.
"Selphie," I called once I was at the counter paying for my things. She ran over and paid for her share.
"Thank you for shopping with us today," she shopkeeper smiled and handed me my purchase. I nodded and grabbed Selphie's arm. She was talking emphatically to her checkout boy and a line was growing.
"Let's go," I said shortly and carted her out into the street.
"Aw, Squall," she protested. "I was just talking."
"Whatever," I commented and placed my items into my pack. "I'm going to find Zell."
Selphie pouted out behind me as I walked to the front gate of Balamb. Zell was leaning against a lamppost, eating an apple.
"Ready?" He asked when we got closer.
"Yeah," I grunted and pulled out my Revolver.
Damn, I cursed. I'm tired.
"Let's stick to the pathway," I advised once Balamb was fading behind us. "We will come across less monsters."
"Yeah, yeah," Selphie and Zell chorused dully, not even bothering to be alert.
Don't blame me if you get killed, I shrugged and turned away from them.
A half an hour later I almost fell at the steps of the Garden. I was exhausted. I wanted nothing more was to go back to my room and sleep. I swiped my card and closed my eyes as Zell and Selphie trudged up the stairs after me.
"Huuuwahaah! Finally made it back..." Zell groaned and slumped over.
"Seriously..." Selphie agreed and got behind me for the card swipe.
I gave them a wave before walking into the Garden, not bothering to stay.
"Well, I guess we just wait for the test results…" Zell said conversationally. "'Til then…" He noticed that I was walking away. "Uh… Seeya, Squall!" He called.
"Seeya! I hope we get to work together again!" Selphie said cheerfully. I didn't turn around. I just kept walking, heading as fast as my body would move to my dorm.