Chapter 11: Deja - Vu
The train pulled into Timber as the fields and creatures outside blew past. The passengers could hear the horn blow signalling its sudden loss of speed to stop at the next station. The train pulled in slowly as the sites of Timber emerged in the windows frame. Cedge and Vicks grabbed their belongings and got ready to depart.
"Well, I guess we will see you all again sometime. Thanks for the tips, Miss Trepe". Cedge smiled over to Quistis, who was still seated in the lounge.
"Can't say it's been a pleasure, but put it there, Seifer. Thanks for the battle experience". Vicks extended his hand to Seifer.
"Keep training, rookie. Hope to see you on the battlefield again". Seifer excepted Vicks's handshake, knowing he, too, still had a lot to learn.
"Boys, make sure to speak to Squall when you get back and let him know what has happened. Can you also give him a message for me? Please tell him everything with Galbadia Garden is coming along smoothly". Quistis conveyed.
"It's so great that we can travel to Fishermans Horizon now via train. It makes the journey much quicker". Cedge announced with a smile.
"Whoa, you can do that? Since when was that fixed. I thought the train lines to Esthar were no longer in use?". Raijin asked, inserting himself into the conversation.
"Since Laguna is in control of Esthar and Squall is leading the Gardens, Mayor Dobe entered into a peace treaty. One of the things discussed was getting the old train lines back up and running between the cities. The engineers of Fishermans Horizon have just completed the line between their city and Timber. The station at Esthars Sea Side is currently undergoing repair". Quistis explained.
"Yeah, it's pretty cool. Soon, you will be able to take a train to reach Esthar. No one has been able to do that in years". Vicks added.
Quistis accompanied the Seed rookies off the train after revealing some new information and bid them good luck. The train whistle blew once more, and Quistis returned to the cabin. The train started to pick up speed and leave Timber behind as greenery and bushland flashed past, followed by a brief glimpse of the Obel Lake outside the town. As Quistis reentered the room, Seifer, Fujin and Raijin were silent as they relaxed in the train's comfort.
"Instructor?". Seifer called out.
"Seifer, you don't have to call me that. I'm no longer an instructor. I'm your friend". Quistis replied.
"Sorry. It's more like a nickname". Seifer said, letting out a light laugh.
"So what's happening with all the Gardens? What is their intention now that they achieved their goal of defeating the sorceress?" Seifer asked.
"Well, from what I know, Squall has plans to make them into more of a school than an academy. There will be battle training and a focus on education. Dr Odines research of para magic has come a long way. So I would like to train students in that area". Quistis explained, very excited about the future outcome.
"What about the SEEDS? Shouldn't we be preparing in case something else happens?". Seifer asked yet again.
"Of course, Seifer. Squall may not like being a leader, but he certainly knows how to handle these things, especially at a young age. With Cid and Edea retiring and wanting to catch up on lost time, they felt Squall was the only one capable". Quistis continued.
An emotion stirred inside of Seifer that he didn't like. Something angered him. Why did Squall always get on his nerves? Questions he never knew how to answer.
"Maybe one day you might be willing to come back and teach the students. I'm sure you have experienced a lot in the last year that could help younger kids. Plus, you are only one of two that can wield the gun blade. That is a valuable experience to teach". Quistis pursued.
DING DONG "Next stop East Academy Station. Please remember to take all your belongings." DING DNG
East Academy station was in an inconvenient location on the Galbadia continent. As the train pulled up and halted to a complete stop, Seifer and the rest of the party disembarked onto the platform and stretched their legs. The station was just a lone platform linked to a small path leading to the green fields and across a bridge. Once past the bridge, the group had to traverse a small forest trail. Seifer and his group entered the forest, encountered large lush trees that hung over the party with many extending branches. Along the footpath were many flowers blossoming, lots of colours filling the landscape.
"I've always loved this tiny space between the Garden and the station. It's quite serene". Quistis spoke as she knelt to smell the flowers.
"CALM". Fujin whispered as she spotted multiple Funguar bobbing through the tall grass and weaving in and out of the trees.
While the ladies were enjoying the tranquil environment, Raijin and Seifer begun sparring along the singular footpath. Raijin standing in defence, blocked Seifer's oncoming swings as he caught Seifer off guard and poked him in the stomach.
"Haha, getting sloppy, Seifer". Raijin proudly announced, laying one hand on his hip.
Annoyed by Raijins successful blow, Seifer dashed towards his friend, swinging his weapon swiftly. Catching Raijin off guard, Seifer spun his gunblade and knocked Raijin to the ground with the butt of his weapon.
"Haha, now we are even Rai. Care to break the tie?". Seifer replied.
From the side, Fujin brandished a smile watching her comrades enjoying their time together while Quistis was crouching amongst the flowers viewing the friendly duel.
As Raijin collected himself, he could hear the tall wild grass behind him rustling. In lightning speed, he jumped up and evaded back to where Seifer stood. The rustling became more violent before a ferocious growl let out, a Grendel leaping out of the bushes. The Grendel was a dragon-type monster with a sharp tail fin for slicing its enemies into two. It also had spiked claws protruding its upper body and the ability to expel a lightning infused blast from its mouth.
Surprised by the sudden appearance, Fujin retreated in line with her friends. At the same time, Quistis leapt up upon her feet, readying her battle whip.
"Don't these creatures usually travel in pairs?"—wondered Seifer.
"You waiting for an invitation?". Raijin replied.
Hearing the men chatter with each other made Grendel growl louder and leap off with a charge from its front claws and dash towards the party. As it ran closer, it jumped into the air, ready to slice at its target—the party scattered in all direction to evade the monsters attack. The ladies jumped into the grass on the side while the boys rolled out of its path. The Grendel landed on the ground and quickly turned its attention towards the ladies. Quistis and Fujin readied themselves for the oncoming attack as the Grendel began to rush them.
Quistis dove in first and swung her whip, the end of her weapon slapping against the creatures head and making it shake off the attack. Fujin followed up with a mighty gust of wind magic.
"Tornado". Fujin yelled as she aimed her palm towards the monster as if she controlled the force of nature.
Lifting the creature into the air, the Grendel broke free and jumped to a nearby tree. Relying on pot luck, Raijin cast a triple thunder spell, bolts of thunder appearing out of thin air aimed at the agile creature. Each strike missing its target as the monster evaded the oncoming magical attacks. The last thunderous strike was bringing down the tree the monster was traversing. Seifer, ready with his blade, held it defensively as the monster dived for him. His weapon, colliding with the creatures sharp tail and his gun-blade emitting sparks from the contact. The beast being too quick, sprung back and emitted a beautiful blast of breath from its mouth. The breath was intense, filled with jolts of electricity as it sprayed the area in front of it.
Raijin made the best of the attack by using his newly created staff against the monsters attacks. Quickly spinning his Bo staff, it allowed the foes attack to be absorbed. With the monster surprised by its ineffective attack, Raijin dashed forward. Simultaneously, Seifer fired off a "Fira" spell occupying the beast long enough for Raijin to crush the monster's skull with his mighty staff. With the final blow landing, the beast collapsed onto the ground, ceasing to move.
"Good aim Seifer". Raijin announced as he turned around and smiled.
"Since when could your weapon absorb elemental energy? Is that new?". Seifer asked in astonishment.
"She's a beauty, isn't she? Larry made it for me". Raijin said, admiring his weapon.
"She? Since when is a weapon a person Raijin? Does she have a name?". Quistis asked, stuck in between being serious and being a little sarcastic.
"MEN". Fujin said, feeling embarrassed.
As the group laughed and regrouped, they exited the forest path. Coming out on the other side, standing in front of them, was the massive Galbadia Garden. The Garden was a beautiful shining structure. The red outer walls made it look fierce as if it was a beating heart. Surrounding it beneath was its halo-like structure, spinning in a circular motion radiating bright colours of blue and green.
Before getting lost in its visual excellence, the party headed inside the Garden. Passing the terminals this time without any trouble, they headed straight for the headmaster's office on the third floor. Lead by Quistis, Seifer, Fujin and Raijin followed the one time instructor as they ascended the stairs to the second floor.
"Will you three wait for me in the reception room, please? I won't be too long". Quistis asked.
"Quistis, will you let Martine know we are here?". Seifer replied.
"I shall tell him, Seifer. If you can't sit still, why don't you roam around the Garden. I will ask Martine to call for you". Quistis continued as she called for the elevator up to the 3rd floor by scanning her ID card.
"What shall we do now, Seifer? Game of Hockey?". Raijin said.
"Come on, let's go and get re-acquainted with our old home". Seifer said as he turned tail and headed back down the stairs as his posse followed close behind.
"Nothing like the feeling of Deja-Vu hey Seifer". Raijin said.
"ODD". Fujin expressed.
"Not odd, Fuu, just like Raijin says. It's like revisiting an old memory." Seifer smiled as he headed into the central lobby, happy that he wasn't alone in the world once again.
