"C'mon guys! We'd better hurry!" Selphie yelled."Squall and Quisty are waiting for us."
Rinoa wiped the sweat that beaded her forehead with the back of her hand. She, Irvine, Zell and Selphie decided to spend the last three hours in the training center as a preparation for the post- field exam for SeeD candidates this afternoon.
"Instructor Trepe told me that there will be a set of new rules to follow. She even noted that this will be harder compared to the usual way of taking the test." Selphie informed them while handing everyone a bottle of cold water.
"I still can't believe that they asked all the candidates to remodel their weapon back to the basics." Irvine complained, toying the barrel of his rifle. "What are they thinking, anyway?"
"I heard it's for those amateurs who haven't had the chance to upgrade their weapons." Zell explained. "You know, so that the beginners and the professionals alike can get fair advantages during the battles."
"Yes but-" Irvine started again but Selphie stopped him. "Oh, why are you complaining Irvy? After our battle with the final sorceress, don't tell me you're chickening." Rinoa and Zell had to laugh a little too loud to irritate Irvine.
"You three, will you stop being sarcastic?" Irvine muttered.
"Sorry Irvine." Rinoa apologized. "It's just that...well, we should focus more on how we're gonna pass the test so we can join the others in missions."
"Yeah, I guess you're right, Rin." Irvine said. "Let's just get going guys." He said as he led his friends out of the training center.
"They should be here 10 minutes ago," Zell remarked, after waiting for Squall and Quistis to arrive.
"Well, delays are inevitable at these point." Selphie told him.
"Guys, this is silly but, I'm kind of nervous," Rinoa confessed.
"It's normal, Rin.' Selphie assured her. "Everybody gets nervous on the day of the field exam."
"I don't know what to expect from this." Rinoa continued.
"As long as there are girls in my squad, I think I'll be fine." Irvine put in.
"Irvine!" Selphie scolded him.
"Just kidding, Selphie." Irvine immediately put in while putting an arm around her. "I won't forget that you are the best girl around."
"Good!" Selphie answered.
"Look, Squall's already here," Zell pointed at Squall who was walking out of the elevator. The four made their Balamb Salute as Squall arrived to join them. "What took you so long, Squall?" Rinoa inquired.
"I was waiting for Instructor Trepe to arrive at the headmaster's office. Then she called to say that she'll be late due to some problems concerning the new pre-SeeD curriculum." Squall informed the rest. "She asked me to go ahead and wait with the rest of you here."
"You mean to say the Garden faculties are making a big fuss out of this?" Irvine wondered.
"Perhaps. Anyway, let's just wait for the results." Squall answered him. "By the way, how is everyone doing?"
"Irvine and Iare ready for the test, thanksto Selphie and Zell. But I can't helpfeelingnervous," Rinoa shrugged.
"It's okay. Just don't think about it too much," Squall said. Rinoa smiled at him. "Thanks, Squall. Oh, look, Quistis is here!" Rinoa pointed, seeing Quistis running towards them.
"Guys, sorry I'm late," Quistis apologized while catching her breath. "The conference took on forever!"
"So, like you'll be finally announcing the results of the meeting?" Zell asked.
"Alright, tell us!" Selphie urged.
"Hmm...I think, I'll just let you, Squall handle this," she said while handing some papers to Squall. Squall scanned the list of the squads and first located Irvine Kinneas' name. "Irvine, you're on Squad A," Squall announced, "Along with...Greg Martin and Ric Spence."
"Are you sure, Squall? I mean no girls in the squad?" Irvine demanded, scowling.
"Tee-hee!" Selphie cheered silently.
"Yes, Irvine. But there's one more thing I have to tell you and I'm sure this will make you feel better." Squall assured him in his usual serious tone and expression.
"Alright, go ahead," Irvine said with a note of mocked excitement in his voice.
"In this squad," Squall began, "you are chosen as the captain."
"Huh? That's good news." Irvine was convinced. "I think I can settle with that. But I'm sure any girl would be"
"Irvy!" Selphie scowled, while pinching his right arm.
"Ouch!" Irvine cried, rubbing the part with his left hand. "Gee, Selphie, that hurts.You know I'm not serious."
"Cut it off, you guys. Squall will be announcing Rinoa's team." Quistis pleaded. Rinoa nodded her head and waited patiently as Squall scanned the rest of the list. She couldn't wait to hear who will be her teammates. "As for you, Rin," Squall cleared his throat. "...you're on Squad C with..." Then he frowned uneasily. "Raijin and Seifer?"
Everyone couldn't help wondering why Rinoa was teamed up with Seifer and Raijin except only for Rinoa who didn't seem to be bothered nor amused. Just then, Seifer and Raijin appeared from behind them.
"Geetings, Everyone!" Seifer beamed. To Squall, it sounded more like a sarcastic remark than a greeting. Everybody got silent.
"Hey, Seifer," Rinoa greeted him back. "You see, Squall just announced the teams and we three" she shifted her gaze to Raijin, to indicate that she's talking about him, too. "ended in Squad C."
"Ooh!" Seifer shrugged, noticing his rival pull a face. "Bet I'm chosen again as the squad captain, right, Squall?"
"Yes." Was all Squall could say.
"You're kidding!" They heard Zell comment in protest.
"And why not chicken wuss? Maybe you're just jealous you weren't given a chance to prove your leadership qualities until now." Seifer told him bitingly. Zell felt his body tensed up.
"Say that again, you bastard!" Seifer shook his head and turned to Rinoa. "Anyway, Rinoa, we'll just wait for you in our vessel," he smiled and walked away. "Let's go Raijin." When the two were out of sight, Squall turned to Quistis.
"Don't look at me!" Quistis immediately put in, knowing exactly what Squall meant by that 'inquiring' look. "I had nothing to do with it. The Garden faculty took care of the planning and you know that."
"Yes, but, why did Rin hadto end up with those two?" Squall asked. "She could end up in Irvine's squad or with anybody else's. Anybody but Seifer's."
"Squall, don't you think you are making such a big deal out of this?" Rinoa countered after holding back her tongue for so long. "True, he had been mean to all of us back in the past but haven't you forgiven him?"
"Yeah, but"
"But what?" Rinoa questioned him. "aren't you ready to give him a second chance?"
Squall sighed as he realized that arguing with Rinoa was next to pointless. "Sorry. I'm just worried about you." He admitted shyly. Rinoa bit her bottom lip and look at Squall in the eyes. "Don't worry about me 'coz I'll be fine." Then she took his hand and dragged him towards the parking lot. "Let's go, everyone!" she motioned for the others to follow them.