IV: Hello, Goodbye

"Okay, let's start out with Gardens. Pay attention, now, cuz' this is complicated stuff!"

"I'm all ears." Zell smiled, and continued to lead the way. By this time, they were on the road to the "garden", but it would take them quite some time to get there. Apparently, though, Zell wasn't in a hurry.

"A Garden is sorta like a military school," he began, "except it's not a non-profit organization. The basic function of Gardens is to train cadets in physical and mental capabilities. Cadets are put through mental and physical examinations--in other words, real-life situations, where life and death are very much a reality. But they only participate in the field exams if they pass the written test. Understand?"

"I think so," replied Amy. "But… why would you be placed in a dangerous position like that?"

"Oh, uh…" Zell mumbled out something, and paused suspiciously. "Well… we need to, ah… prove ourselves for any kinda mission that might be sent in our direction. It's really hard to explain… So just, uh, think of it as hardcore training. They take things pretty seriously, y'know?"

"Oh…" Amy paused, and smiled slightly. Hopefully, she would be able to absorb everything into her mind. She was a bright one, but entering into a completely foreign field like this would doubtless challenge her. However, she enjoyed challenges, so it wasn't as if she actually dreaded anything. Besides, with the way Zell talked, he made even the most complex sound easy.

"I think I understand," said Amy after the pause. "And what about SeeDs?"

"Oh, uh, they're the students who show excellent work in the field test. Whether it's following orders, fighting, or whatever, SeeD candidates are constantly being judged. If they score well, they become SeeDs, which are basically the elite soldiers of the Garden. Of course, there are also different ranks for SeeDs. As for me, I'm a 27, Nida's a 26, Selphie's a 25, Quistis is a 29, Squall's a 30--"

"Oh, stop, you're confusing me!" cried Amy. "What are all these names? You're going too fast!"

"Aw, man! I'm sorry, Miss Amy!" Zell moaned, and rubbed his neck in embarrassment. "I'm… really sorry there. I get carried away sometimes. But… hey, I'll tell you about them later, all right?" Amy sighed, and nodded her head.

"All right. It's just that… well, everything's so confusing! This is like a whole new world for me!" She paused and mentally kicked herself for revealing such a secret. Of course, the attack wasn't necessary, since Zell thought that she was an amnesiac. Perhaps, she thought, having no memory will be of assistance.

"Hey, don't worry!" stated Zell, giving her an impressive grin. "I'll help you out as much as I can! And hey, if you do good, you might find a few friends later on! Maybe somebody who knows you?" No chance of that happening, thought Amy darkly. Despite her confused and puzzled mood, she still tried to smile her best.

"I hope so," she said. "Oh, by the way, where exactly are we going?"

"Balamb Garden," replied Zell. He stopped, and pointed his finger in a southeast direction. In the distance, Amy could see what looked something like a great mechanical whale with a halo over it. It resembled something out of a Jules Verne novel: there were lights flashing all around it, and a bluish aura that glowed forth from all over it. She really didn't know how else to describe such an object, since she had never seen any of its kind, but she could only assume that this was part of the "Garden" she had heard about.

"Is that it?" asked Amy. Zell smiled and nodded his head.

"Yup. Home sweet home! Hey, listen, unless you have money or connections, you should probably find somewhere to sleep. The Garden might let you stay for awhile, maybe until you get your memory back, but it's not a homeless shelter." Amy nodded her head in compliance, and Zell apologized for sounding so heartless.

"No, it's all right," replied Amy. "I understand perfectly well. Here, let's go and see if we can't discover anything." She smiled at Zell, and extended her elbow for him to take. He muttered something, scratched his head in embarrassment, and obediently linked his elbow to hers as they marched towards the Garden.

The Garden looked much more lovely up close. At the front gate, a tiny row of plants had been meticulously placed to make any visitors feel welcome. The gateman was a bland sort; he let Zell in fine, but had to question Amy's appearance. Zell vouched for her, though, and whispered (not so low that Amy couldn't hear) about his friend's mental condition.

Once inside the Garden, Zell scooted over to the side and smiled with pride. He extended his arms forward, almost as if he were giving the entire place to Amy. She smiled, and quietly strolled forward, past the fountains and trees and into the main area. Inside, the transition from nature to technology happened in almost a second; Amy was surprised at the sudden change.

The inner area resembled a very large wheel-shaped construction, with a large outer hallway circling an elevator in the center. Like spokes on said wheel, several hallways jutted out from the main hall, each one leading to a different location. There was a lovely fountain circling the elevator, and plenty of shrubs and trees to decorate the place. Amy liked it almost instantly.

Inside the Garden, a large group of people were gathering around a tall man with a scar over his face and a black parka over his body. There was also a dark-haired woman wearing a pretty casual dress next to him, and a few other faces that Zell seemed to recognize. The people surrounding the man and the woman looked like they were saying goodbye to the couple.

The duo stepped away from the crowd, and side-by-side, walked towards Zell. He grinned as he saw them come, and gave a gigantic wave.

"Wassup, Squall? Don't tell me you're leaving already! I just got here!!"

"Yeah, well…" The man in black shrugged, but really made no effort to explain himself. The woman in blue smiled and took his arm.

"Hey, Zell," she greeted. "We really can't stay. Sorry you missed the festivities, but Selphie promised to save you a hot dog."

"What, are you leaving already? I didn't even get to say bye to my pals!" grinned Zell. The woman in blue smiled happily; the man sighed and rolled his eyes.

"Sorry, Zell," sighed the woman. "We'd love to stick around, but you know… We have that train to catch."

"Yeah, yeah…" Even though he sounded irritated and slightly embarrassed, Zell couldn't help but smile. He patted both of the people on their backs, and waved as they left. Suddenly, he jumped in shock, and ran after them in a furor.

"Oh, man!" he blurted. "Where's my brain today?! I totally forgot to introduce you!!" Pulling on their arms, Zell guided the man and the woman towards Amy, who had seen the entire spectacle with a hidden laugh. "Squall, Rinoa," he began, "I'd like for you to meet Amy Mizuno! Amy, this here is Squall Leonhart and Rinoa Heartilly!"

"It's a pleasure to meet you!" smiled Amy, bowing her head low. Squall gave a salute, and Rinoa took Amy's outstretched hand.

"Sorry we can't stay, Miss Amy," sighed Rinoa, "but Squall and I will be late for our train. It was nice meeting you--oh, and… try to keep Zell in line while we're away!"

"HEY!!" Zell shouted out to her, but Rinoa's and Amy's giggling almost drowned it out; Squall only let out a weak smile.

"See ya," he said, and quietly left the Garden with Rinoa by his side. Amy smiled as they left, and turned to face Zell with her face beaming.

"Friends of your, I suppose?"

"Yeah, well… and then some. Anyway, I'd better get you introduced to everyone else. Who knows, maybe Headmaster Cid or Matron will be able to help."

"Who?" Zell grunted to himself, and almost kicked his own butt for his ignorance.

"Man, I'm sorry! Aw, you'll know who they are soon enough!" Amy paused, and managed to smile before following him. This new world that Zell lived in certainly was strange… and yet, it was very similar to her own, in a comforting sort of way. This, at least, put Amy at ease.

Only a select few people remained once Squall and Rinoa left, and it seemed as if Zell knew each and every one of them. The high-spirited young man rushed into the crowd, shouting something either obscene or nonsensical, or both, and at least one person shouted with him.

"Hey you guys!" he greeted (Amy could have heard him for miles). "I've got a… friend to introduce to you all! Now her memory's not too great, so don't be giving her any funny looks if she says something weird!!" Amy sighed and rolled her eyes as she overheard Zell, and secretly wanted to throttle him for his comment. Before she could wrap her hands around his neck, though, she was being pushed into the crowd and greeted by a host of people.

"Well howdy, ma'am," said one, tipping what appeared to be a cowboy hat. Amy stared back at him questionably. She had to wonder if this fellow was, like herself, from another world. He certainly dressed like he was--maybe he originated from America, perhaps? Still, she kept her tongue, and smiled politely as he kissed her hand.

"I'm Irvine!" said the man with a sly wink. "It's a pleasure makin' your acquaintance!"

"Ah, thank you, Mr. Irvine…"

"Just Irvy to you, darlin'," sang Irvine. Amy smiled weakly, and tried to appear either civil, interested, or both at once. The others treated her considerably… different than he, although no less friendlier.

"Hi, I'm Selphie!" sang a petite young lady in yellow overalls. Amy genuinely grinned as she saw the little lady bounce up and down, and couldn't help but be reminded of Mina or Serena as she saw her. Another woman, much taller and more reserved, bowed her head and extended a friendly hand.

"It's good to meet you, Miss Mizuno. I'm Quistis Trepe, a… former instructor of this Garden. Please, as a friend of Zell's, make yourself at home."

"Thank you, Ms. Trepe," replied Amy with a nod. "Your hospitality overwhelms me."

"Aw, no need for formalities, right?!" exclaimed Zell, slapping her back playfully. She tumbled forward, and might have fallen on the ground if Irvine had not caught her.

"Gosh, ma'am!" he sang. "You're awful friendly, aren't you?" Amy couldn't help but blush, even though she knew that he probably treated all girls this way.

"Zell… you really must learn not to do that," sighed Quistis. Zell grunted and scratched his head in apology. Amy smiled, and bowed her head in respect.

"It's nice meeting all of you," she said. "Really, it is. And I thank you for offering your hospitality. I'm so lost and confused that I think I'll never get things straightened out."

"Don't worry! I'll help ya!" squeaked Selphie. Like a child that refuses to sit still, the sunny girl hopped over to Amy and put her arm across her shoulder. "We're gonna be friends, okay? Cuz' I'm thinking about dying my hair blue as well, okay?"

"Ah, sure…" murmured Amy. She tried her best for a smile, but secretly, she just wished to be alone for a moment. Selphie's company was welcome, but now really was not the time for her. Just then, another figure emerged from an elevator, and quietly glided over to Amy.

As the group of young men and women parted ways to let this new person pass, Amy couldn't help but feel… different around her. Granted, she was not as in tune to the psychic world as Raye, but she knew a feeling when she felt one, and this was one of those feelings. The woman, a plain lady with long black hair and an equally long and black dress to match, stepped forward with a gentle smile on her face and a haunting look in her gold eyes.

"Hello, ma'am," greeted Amy, bowing a little lower than normally. The lady in black bowed as well, and a simple smile grew on her face.

"Good afternoon, child. May I ask who you are?"

"Amy Mizuno, ma'am." The woman suddenly grew a little pale--not that it was noticeable. Her face was fair enough as it was; it certainly couldn't afford to be any whiter. The lady in black took in a deep breath and swallowed, but before anyone could ask what was wrong, she smiled and extended her hand.

"It is good to see you, Miss Mizuno. I welcome you to Balamb Garden." Amy mirrored the lady's smile, and took her hand into her own. A very funny and strange feeling overcame the blue-haired girl as she touched the hand… It felt like ice, but a kind of ice that made one comfortable and safe and even warm. It felt like warm ice, or perhaps a cool fire, but whatever it was, it certainly was different than other people. Amy wondered to herself if the lady noticed.

Welcome back, warrior of ice.

Amy's eyes shot wide open as the voice entered her head, but the lady in black didn't notice her shocked reaction. She continued smiling in a very kind and compassionate and perhaps even a playful manner. Still, Amy was not reassured--somebody had reached her mind! Someone knew of her secret! Someone knew who she was!

"Is something wrong, child?" asked the woman innocently. Still in a shock, Amy shook her head and realized that she was still holding onto the lady's hand. She let go and tried to smile, but it was like trying to laugh at a funeral. "Well," continued the lady, "if all is well, then you may address me as Edea, Edea Kramer. Zell, Quistis, Selphie, Irvine, if you won't mind too terribly much, see to it that Miss Mizuno finds a room. I have a feeling that she needs rest." The ones she had called out nodded their heads obediently. Edea smiled at Amy and left the room just as quickly as she vanished.

"Oh, uh, that was Matron," blurted Zell suddenly. He smiled sheepishly and scratched his head. "If you can't tell, I'm really bad at this sorta stuff."

"For real," sniffed Selphie. "But hey! If Matron says that we need to give Amy a room, then she can share mine! Right?!" Selphie's innocent pretty face beamed back at Amy with enough love and spunk to rival Sailor Venus. That look alone almost melted away Amy's worries and concerns.

"Ah, only if it won't be any trouble," she managed. Selphie smiled even broader (if that were possible) and cheered.

"Woo-hoo! Great! Okay, Amy, we're gonna be roomies!!" And before the blue-haired girl could protest, she was being dragged off towards Selphie's dorm, a small group of young men and women remaining behind to smile and laugh.

"Are you sure?" Edea paused, folding her hands awkwardly as she nodded her head. She took a patient step forward, the look on her face saying volumes. The man in the room, Headmaster Cid, could only sigh and clean his spectacles. "Amy Mizuno? Just like that?"

"Exactly," whispered Edea. "She even looks like…" Edea paused, and drew in a deep breath. "I am not saying that it is not a coincidence. It very well could be. Remember, dear, there are other Cids and Edeas in the world out there, and a few even have our name. I've even seen a woman who resembled me, though she was twenty years my junior."

"But… what if it was a possibility?" asked Cid gently. He let a brief but thick pause hang in the air. "What if she really was…? And… now, she…"

"Then," reasoned Edea, "we must do our best to make her feel at home, and make sure that her memories come back quickly. After all, I would not like to lose her again."

"Nor would I, dear," sighed Cid. "Nor would I."