How are you feeling?
He winced as he tried to open his eyes.
Your eyes will adjust. It's OK.
Blinking furiously, he tried once again to determine his location. The room was fairly large, but unfamiliar to him. He could, however, make out Dr. Kadowaki's form standing over him, arms crossed in her usual scolding manner.
Where...am I? he asked.
You're in G-Garden's infirmary, Kadowaki replied. When I heard you kids were hurt, I thought I'd make a little house call.
He tried to sit up, but Kadowaki stopped him. Take it easy now, you hear? she admonished. You had quite a hit on your head there.
How long was I unconscious? he asked.
Kadowaki frowned. Well, let's see. Must have been about seven days.
Seven days?!
It looks like your eyes are focusing. Say your name for me.
You just don't know how to stay out of trouble, do you? Kadowaki asked. You kids are lucky you don't have parents; they'd all have heart attacks from worrying about you.
...The others?
They're all fine. You're the last to wake up.
Groaning, Squall tried again to sit up. This time, Kadowaki did not stop him, and he raised himself to take a look around at the infirmary. It was empty, save for a few medical personnel. Why am I always the one who stays knocked out the longest? he wondered. What's happening now?
Kadowaki shook her head. I think that'll be for Headmaster Cid to explain.
- - = = = = - -
Headmaster, I am certain that you do not approve of my actions, however they were within the bounds of my government's licensing agreement as it was signed on Galbadia Garden's establishment.
Martine nodded. True. But I do think that some advance notification would have been in order, rather than simply commandeering the Garden controls and flying it off without a word.
I do apologize for inconveniencing your Garden, sir, Vaider replied. However, my superiors felt the situation required immediate action. Considering how close we came to succumbing to a disastrous Lunar Cry as it was, I can't say I disagree.
Cid, who had been looking out the large picture windows running along his office at Balamb's companion Garden, turned to face the two. Even so, I think we should find some way of giving notice ahead of time, he said. Now that radio communication is once again a possibility, it shouldn't be difficult to create some system of communication between Garden and the Galbadian government.
Vaider nodded. Of course. Although it would be presumptuous of me to speak on behalf of the Galbadian government, I am certain they would desire the utmost efficiency in any future...co-endeavors.
Cid clapped his hands together. Excellent. So we're agreed, then.
I'll relay your proposal to my superiors directly, Vaider promised, stepping off towards the door.
When he was gone, Martine turned to the other headmaster. This is a mistake, Cid, he said, shaking his head. Making that deal in the first place, to allow Galbadia to take over the Garden whenever they pleased, was a mistake.
It was the only way we could build the Garden, Cid replied.
Better it not exist than be subject to the will of Galbadia, I think. Now that they have a precedent, I have the distinct impression that Doctor Vaider's superiors, or others within the government, will be calling on us again in the near future. And their tasks may not always be to our mutual benefit.
That's why I need you, Gerard. You're the only one who can see G-Garden through these times. If we have any hope of keeping it out of the hands of Galbadia, it's you.
I've served Galbadia all my life, Cid, Martine replied. I know their demands. I thought that I could maintain your ideals within Galbadia, perhaps even show them a better way. He shook his head. I should have realized that it was impossible. The reason I can keep them complacent is because I am willing to give them everything they want.
Don't sell yourself short, Gerard, Cid replied. You've maintained control of your Garden for a decade. What your students learn is what you teach them. That is power. Cid took a step toward the other man. You can't give up now. Not after all you've done.
All I've done is give Galbadia the perfect academy in which to train the next generation of soldier. She may have already the strongest army in the world, and with President Deling's death, a need to prove herself once more. There are ambitious minds who want nothing less than complete domination, and now have a reason to pursue it. He shook his head. Garden will only be an asset to them. They will not concern themselves with any Sorceress from an unknown time in the future. All they can see is now. And now, there is a world out there, waiting to be conquered. The right thing to do, Cid, would be to bury them now, and not look back.
Cid was shaking his head emphatically. I can't do that, Gerard. SeeD still has a purpose, as does Garden. I have to ensure that it fulfills that purpose. And I need your help. He offered his hand. You are the only one who can save Galbadia Garden, Gerard.
With a sad smile, Martine took the proffered hand. I wish I had your confidence, Cid. But if you insist on devoting yourself to this cause, then I do feel obligated to help you hold off the inevitable for as long as possible.
Cid laughed. That's the spirit!
Quistis looked over the menu. Any hot dogs left?
The woman at the counter nodded. You're in luck. This is the last one.
Adding the hot dog to her tray, Quistis made her way across the cafeteria to the dining tables, nearly all of which were already occupied. She headed for one table near the wall, where another woman wearing a SeeD uniform already sat. Quistis had traded in her own uniform — which was in dire need of mending — for casual clothes.
The other woman looked up as she approached. Hi, Quistis.
Hi, Xu. May I join you?
Of course. She indicated the open chairs. Have a seat. As Quistis set her tray down, Xu regarded her with a concerned expression on her face. Are you all right?
Quistis nodded. Yes. It was a difficult mission, of course, but I'm fine now.
Xu nodded. Quistis, I'm so sorry. This was really all our fault.
Cid and I were concerned about you after you lost your instructor's license. We agreed with the faculty's decision, but Edea thought you should understand for yourself why your place wasn't as a leader. Cid and I thought this Galbadia mission would give you a chance to evaluate your own skills without anyone telling you. If we had any idea how the mission was going to develop, we would never have done anything so cruel. I can't tell you how sorry we are.
It's all right, Xu. Quistis offered her a smile. And, you know, I did learn a lot about myself and the people around me, that I don't think I would have otherwise. I'm not sure I even want to be an instructor anymore.
Xu smiled back. Well, I'm glad things worked out for you, then.
Thanks, Xu.
Just then, the a pair of running feet could be heard pounding into the room. The two SeeDs turned to see Zell streaking toward the counter. Do you...have any...hot dogs left? he gasped.
The woman at the counter shook her head. I'm sorry.
Zell nearly collapsed to the floor in disappointment. Quistis looked down at her own hot dog, which lay untouched on the tray.
Should I give him my hot dog? she asked.
Xu shook her head. Absolutely not.
The two women laughed.
Look, I guess I wanted to act cool. You know, like nothing really bothered me. Cause if I let people see how I really feel, they'd all see how much of a loser I really was. And, you know, I just couldn't figure out when to quit. I never meant for it to hurt you. I'm sorry.
Keri said. This is the third time you've apologized to me in the last week. I get it.
The two of them were walking through Balamb Garden's training center. A few other students were present, but none within earshot.
Obviously, we had our problems, and...I don't know, maybe I overreacted a little. They actually have real monsters in here?
Crazy. Anyway.... She shrugged. I guess the thing was, I was angry that you didn't seem to think you'd done anything wrong at first, and I just wanted to get away from you, and I didn't want to understand. And, I've just been angry about that for so long I...kind of got used to the feeling. But, you can't stay angry forever.
Without warning, a pair of Grats jumped from the brush, their mouth-like orifices wide open with anticipation. Yelping, Keri made a wide slash with her saber, cutting off at least a half-dozen of its tentacle branches and opening a gash across its front. A second later, Irvine armed his shotgun, and unloaded both barrels into the second monster, an assault that quite literally blew the thing apart. Keri incinerated the first with a Firaga spell not long after. The two monsters collapsed to the ground, soon evaporating into whatever ethereal realm they had been spawned from.
So, well.... Irvine continued. I'm just saying...I'll make sure I never do that again. To you or anyone else.
Keri smiled. Thanks, Irvine. So is there, like, any real reason we're in here?
Irvine shrugged. No...not really.
Okay. How about we go someplace where there aren't monsters that try to eat us?
Sounds good to me.