Fire Cavern
"Objective: To obtain a low level GF. A SeeD member must support. Are you ready?" Asked one of the two Garden faculty members guarding the entrance to the fire cave.
Yeah, yeah… Squall then gave the Garden salute raising his right hand to his brow, the forearm positioned at a 80 degree angle, the back of the hand facing forward. "I'm ready."
Quistis stepped up, she too saluting. "I'm his support. Instructor No. 14, Quistis Trepe"
The second faculty member then spoke. "Select a time limit. Choose one suitable to your abilities, challenging yet reasonable." The Faculty member then held out a small electronic notepad and displayed the time options.
Squall thought for a second and decided to go for the shortest time. That should be more than enough… "Ten minutes."
"Very well, good luck." The two faculty members then moved aside and waved them through. They returned to their original positions as Squall and Quistis entered.
***
The inside of the Fire Cavern revealed an underground passage of an almost seemingly endless sea of molten lava. Extremely hot and wreaking with monsters like Bombs or blood sucking Red Bats, Squall rushed on, still, careful not to fall off the narrow pathway and into the steaming bath.
"My job is to support you in battle. Everything else is up to you" yelled Quistis running as fast as she could to keep up with Squall.
"Fine" he said as he slashed a Red Bat in half that tried to dash forward and rip his face off.
"You know, the boys often choke on this test when I come with them. I guess my charm makes them nervous."
Squall then stopped and gave her an annoyed glance. She then began laughing. Whatever, Squall thought. I've got no time to deal with this.
"I'm just kidding! Trying to keep you relaxed is all." They then went on, Squall once again resuming his attack. He then suddenly jumped into the air and took initiative against an oncoming Buel. The Buel caught sight of Squall's attack and rammed him with one of its three wings. It followed Squall on his decent back to the ground only to find a gunblade rammed in its center. Squall shook the monster off and ran on, Quistis still following. Amazing…
They kept running until they saw what looked to be the end of the path, a narrow pathway leading to a circular pit. A Bomb came out of no where and blew fire at the two, nearly forcing Squall over the edge into the lava. He then lashed out at the Bomb, he pulling the trigger as it penetrated the monster. His eyes widened at what happened next. The Bomb then doubled its size! …That's right, he's a fire creature. What was I thinking!? Before the Bomb could make a move with its new strength, Squall summoned some ice magic from Shiva. "Blizzard!" The monster was then surrounded with swirling magic and suddenly blown out like a candle. Whew… just a little further…
"I guess I was right." Quistis then stepped next to Squall who was taking a breath. "You and Seifer are in a class of your own. You both have amazing strength and potential."
Squall took no notice to the compliment and approached the fiery pit. Inside the pit he could here a loud grunt followed by a roar.
"Ok, this is it. Are you ready?"
Squall just waved his left hand in the air, the other gripping the gunblade harder. …Yeah… I'm ready.
"You seem confident enough."
The pit suddenly exploded with energy, flames rising higher and higher. Emerging was the minotaur-like Guardian Force, Ifrit. He stared at Squall and gave another roar instantly drawing fire from his breath. "IMPUDENT HUMANS!"
He launched a degree of fireballs towards Squall and Quistis only managing to create small craters in the pathway. Squall jumped across the pit and made a slash at the creature's arm. …Got him… He then turned and repeated his attack on the opposite arm. As he landed, he glanced back to see that Ifrit had barely been affected. …It's my gunblade… it's still heated from when I triggered it… probably only healing him if anything. Quickly, Squall quickly summoned a light blizzard spell to cool off the heated blade and just in time. Ifrit then slammed forward, his fist landing in front of Squall's path, the ground blasting away. Squall slashed again, this time at Ifrit's fist. Ah hah, that one actually looked like it did something.
"HM! NOT BAD FOR HUMANS!" Ifrit flinched and hovered back over the pit. He let out another rain of fireballs, this time, one hitting Squall and knocking him to the ground.
…Damn… I… I've got to get up!
Quistis was about to run and help Squall up but was denied by another pass of fireballs. Squall was only stunned luckily, and got up already charging a spell. He summoned a few "blizzard" spells against Ifrit, which made the Guardian force stumble back. "FOOLISH HUMAN! YOUR SILLY SPELLS ARE IN VAIN!" Ifrit made another roar amassing a burst of flames all around him. The flames seemed to invigorate him. He once again slammed his fist towards Squall, the fire blazing all about. Squall was able to leap out of the way roll to safety.
"Hurry Squall, you don't have much time left!" Squall nodded in agreement casting one more spell. He held his gunblade forward and concentrated. From behind him, a cold breeze blew. A blue light formed and was followed by a glowing icicle pummeling from the ground. Inside was the figure of a woman. The woman suddenly broke from the ice and was charging a glowing ball in her hands.
"T-THEY HAVE SHIVA!?" screamed Ifrit forming a ball of his own. "HER DIAMOND DUST!!!"
Shiva let out the energy, a blast of ice, which froze nearly everything in its path. She then swirled around and returned into Squall's body in the form of flowing balls of light. Ifrit had been terribly weakened by the attack and stumbled to the ground. Another explosion of fiery energy blasted from the GF's body yet he still lay there. Squall held his gunblade forward and waited for a second wave of fire attacks. "FOR ME TO LOOSE TO A HUMAN… VERY WELL… I WILL JOIN YOU." Ifrit stood and he too deformed to the form of energy entering Squall's body. "SUMMON ME WHEN YOU WISH."
Squall then gave a sigh and looked to Quistis. I did it… She gave him a gesture to get going.
***
They both said nothing on their way back to Garden. Squall quietly cleaned his gunblade on the way while Quistis tried her best to admire the view of the Alcauld plains rather than her student. The Guardian Force, Ifrit, eternal being of fire… it was tougher to capture you than I thought… all the heat from the area… I thought I was going to pass out. Seifer was right though… to challenge a powerful being and win, the being granting its powers… It's such a rush. Reloading his weapon, he took a quick glance over to Quistis who had been looking over to the far off ocean to their left. Hmm… You've been pretty quiet since we left the Fire Caver… Thank Hyne…
Every once in a while Quistis would glance over to Squall and smile. She watched as he spun the revolving chamber of his gunblade slamming it into place. I wish you'd open up every now and then, say what's on your mind. She sighed and looked up to the clouds. A flight of small white birds flew above. How long have we known each other? I can't even remember… I guess all I can remember is that you've always been this way… cold… silent… desolate… They once again came to where they started, Balamb Garden front gate. Quistis gave a sigh and looked at the two winged gargoyles at the gate. …These things always give me the creeps…She then looked to Squall who was now trailing behind her. "Well done. Let's see… I thought there was something else I needed to go over with you before you take the SeeD exam… Never mind. Now change into your uniform and assemble at the first floor lobby." She then left Squall and headed inside to prepare.
***
Squall yawned and decided to take a break before heading to the dorms. He walked into the library and headed for his favorite shelf only to be stopped by the receptionist. She had a pleasant smile, fair complexion, and wore her hair tied in a pigtail. "The following acts are prohibited within the library: 1) Talking loudly, 2) Eating and Drinking, 3) Running around… and also… 4) Avoid late returns, 5) Fighting over seats." She then smiled at Squall who looked confused. "I have to go over the library rules with the children next period. I'm very nervous. I hope they understand…" Squall gave a nod and walked over to a shelf. There was another student there as well.
Where is it… hmm… ah here they are… Quietly fumbling through the books, Squall pulled out his favorite magazine, Weapons Monthly. It was the March edition. "Hmmm… Basic weapon… the original model Revolver… reliable…" Well, yeah, sure is reliable…
---
Squall then closed his eyes and then thought about the first time he had held one in his hands. He was about 11 or 12 years old at the time. …it's been so long, kind of blurry… A group of students stood in the courtyard just to the right of the infirmary. In a large circle, replicas of dozens of weapons were laid about on tables, an instructor proficient with that weapon along each except one. He could remember many of the students running over to the traditional swords, bows, and guns… On the one table which was not attended to however lay two large black boxes, inside resting what some referred to as probably the one of the hardest weapons to master: gunblades. He remembered seeing himself slowly make his way to a box with a winged lion on it and taking the heavy by the handle. …He was there too… glancing to the left, he saw Seifer, he too reaching for the gunblade in the adjacent box, a large red cross stretched over its casing. Seifer glanced over to Squall and gave him a grin. Was that the day he became my rival?
---
Why am I trying to think of the past all of a sudden? It doesn't matter anymore. There's no point in looking back on things like that, trying to figure out why things were. He continued looking at the several weapons, checking statistics and such until the student next to him spoke up loudly.
"I have a question for ya! Esthar was the country that was governed by this evil sorceress way back when, right? So what happened to the sorceress? Did we learn about this in class?" He scratched his head looking at Squall. Squall just shrugged as he slowly put the magazine back on the shelf. "I think I cut class that day so, like, I have no idea what this sorceress is about."
Squall was about to comment on the subject but then decided to just shrug and head to the dorms. On his way, he walked by several people. A student from his class said to him on his way out "Wow, didn't expect to see you in the library," while a little girl that passed by yelled "Good morning," as she usually did. He walked into the dual dorm area and walked into his small room.
The dual dorm area was simple. The outside, or recreation area, of the dorm had a small table and stools where students could study. It led to two adjacent, small and simple, rooms. Squall's was on the right. He picked up his working uniform hanging from above his bed and quickly changed. He looked at himself in the mirror checking his uniform. It was the standard cadet uniform, navy blue, with a tough pair of trousers and a jacket, which he wore open revealing his trademark lion pendant. He then slowly walked down to the Lobby.
***
"Squall! Over here!" It was Quistis standing in front of the Garden directory. Others were there too, grouping up and waiting for the assignment. "I'll be announcing the squad assignments for the exam now. Let's see…" She looked to the clipboard she was holding and then started reciting names. "You'll be with… Zell Dincht. Quite a lively fellow."
Dincht? Zell Dincht? "Lively? He's just loud. Can't I switch members?" Squall crossed his arms and tapped his foot. I don't need any distractions, much less his constant whining. But let me guess… tough luck?
"I'm afraid that's not possible. Over here Zell!" She yelled to a man in the back throwing punches and kicks around. The second he heard Quistis, he looked up and began performing cartwheels and handsprings over next to Squall. At his final jump and landing, he slowly stood up giving a thumbs-up while grinning and revealing the odd thunderbolt looking tattoo on his face.
"Whoa! I'm with you?" Zell yelled looking at Squall surprised. Alright! I got one of the tough guys on my squad!
Squall rolled his eyes and watched as Zell dusted his clothes off. Yeah, you're in my Squad. Don't remind me.
Zell patted his hand on his working uniform and reached for a handshake only to be denied. Squall simply crossed his arms and turned his head back to Quistis. Eh? Geez, fine. He then put his hand down and ran his other hand through his blonde hair. "You don't get along with Seifer do you? Heard he whooped you pretty bad this morning."
… Why's everyone in my business today? Squall then looked at Zell a bit annoyed. "We weren't fighting. We were training."
"I bet you he doesn't think so. Look, Seifer's just being a pain in the ass. All you have to do is ignore him."
Squall began to answer by saying "It's none of your…" but had the sentence finished for him by Quistis. "…None of your business… Ahem… Excuse me but…" Squall and Zell then looked to Quistis. "That Seifer you're talking about… He's your squad leader."
"SAY WHAT!?" Zell stepped back and stumbled in surprise. Squall looked down, somehow looking annoyed, and placed his hand on his hip.
"It can't be changed. Seifer! Are you here?" Quistis shouted to the back. Sure enough, there he was along with Raijin and Fujin.
Squall, along with Zell and Quistis, watched as the three walked up. Fujin and Raijin tagging along as usual… Guess that makes up the whole disciplinary committee.
Quistis looked to her clipboard again and then to Seifer. "You're squad leader. Good luck to you."
"… Instructor." Seifer slowly said with his eyes closed. "I hate it when people wish me luck. Save those words for a bad student that needs them, eh?" He then started laughing looking to Raijin and Fujin who too were laughing along.
"Ok then. Good luck, Seifer." She replied slyly.
Seifer then shrugged her off and shot his left arm out to the side. "Add instructor Trepe to the list."
Squall looked confused. List…? What is it?
Quistis just sighed and began with the assignment. "Well then, you're all assigned to Squad B. I'll be the instructor in charge. Team work is of utmost importance, let's get through this exam, everyone!"
"Listen up!" yelled Seifer jumping forward. "Team work means staying out of my way. It's a Squad B rule. Don't you forget it." At that, Zell began shaking his fist and grinding his teeth.
"Everyone here?" said a voice from the side. It was Headmaster Cid slowly walking to the small group. He stopped in front of the directory. "It's been a while, everyone. How's everyone doing? This exam will involve 12 members from Squad's A through D… 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 those go hand in hand. There's only one way or the other. How 'bout it? Are you still up for it?" He then gave the group a challenging glare. "You will be accompanied by 9 SeeD members. Should you fail, these members shall get the job done. They always do. Well, that's one less worry on your mind." Cid then threw his hands in the air in a manner of preaching to a crowd. "The pride of Balamb Garden! The elite mercenary force, SeeD! Learn from them, obey their commands and accomplish the mission. Prove yourselves worthy of becoming a member of SeeD. Best of luck." With that, the candidates then started walking off to the parking lot to enter the Garden cars. Quistis yelled back "Let's get a move on!" As Squall began walking, Cid stopped him with a short personal message. "We've yet to have a gunblade specialist in SeeD. That is why I am hoping you and Seifer will join us in SeeD. Now go." Squall gave a nod and continued walking.
***
If all goes well, I'll finally make it… I'll finally be a SeeD…
Inside the Garden car on its way to Balamb harbor, Squad B quietly sat. Zell sat next to Squall while Quistis and Seifer sat right across. "Yo Squall. Show me your gunblade will ya?" Zell asked anxiously.
Squall sat there quietly, he slouched and looking to the ground. "…" That's against regulations…
"C'mon man!"
"…" …this is what I meant by annoying…
"Just a peek!"
"…" Just leave me alone already…
"Tch, fine…" Disappointed, Zell gave Squall a mean look. "Yeah, yeah, why you bein' so selfish? Scroooge!"
"…" Why can't you just focus on the mission or something?
"Say somethin' will ya!? W-What's on your mind?" Zell asks a bit confused.
"Nothing." said Squall who had been mimicked by Quistis in the form of a cough. What does she think she's doing… Man it's been a quite a day so far. Seifer's been pretty quiet since our fight as far as I know… Damn this scar though, I hope his is hurting as much as mine still does. He's always testing me for some reason… I guess I'm lucky Dr. Kadowaki was in so early… I wonder who that girl was though… a new assistant maybe? She said 'so we meet again…'… what did she mean? I don't think I've ever seen her before…
"…" Zell then stood up and started throwing punches. Whatevers dude. Man, I can't sit still!
Seifer eyed Squall for a while. What's running through that thick head of yours… you're probably mad about that scar I gave you huh? If anything it'll make you stronger… you should be thankful for it. Seifer yawned and looked up to a fury of punches sailing in the air. "Stop that… It's annoying." Zell stopped and watched as Seifer then shot out a grin. "… Chicken-Wuss."
Zell stomped his foot to the floor, shaking the car a bit, and put his fist up. "WHAT DID YOU CALL ME!?" Seifer just started laughing.
"Knock it off!" Screamed Quistis making Zell return to his seat and bring the car back to its original silent state.
Maybe Quistis might know… do I really want to ask? "…instructor…" Squall looked up and to Quistis.
Zell glanced quickly to Squall, surprised he had broken the silence. Quistis looked to Squall and raised a brow.
"Who was that girl in the infirmary this morning?"
Quistis placed her hand on her chin and looked to the ceiling. "Was someone there? I didn't notice anybody. Is there a problem?"
"No… not really…" Squall then once again looked to the ground brining the small group to silence and a bit of confusion. I guess it doesn't matter. But there was something so familiar about her…
Seifer broke the silence and began laughing. "This is great… I have a chicken-wuss and a guy who just reached puberty in my squad…" At that, Zell once again shook a fist towards Seifer. Quistis shook her head and rolled her eyes.
***
The Garden Car squeaked its way to a halt at the Balamb harbor parking area. The group of four slowly stepped out taking in the fresh sea breeze. Squall looked to the docks where a single small vessel, a hydrofoil craft, waited docked. A few others waited just beyond the harbor. The ships were small and had a few weapons on it especially its main turrets. "So that's the vessel…?" These are the newer models… they have the new twin 20mm guns and the faster hydrofoil systems…
"Ain't no turning back now." Seifer smacked a hand on Squall's shoulder and continued walking. He stopped to look at Zell and Squall standing by the car looking at the small ship. "Huh? You scared, too?"
"Hey! You guys are the last! Hurry up and get in!" yelled a Garden staff member waiting at the docks.
"Don't disappoint me now!" Seifer said to Squall as he ran off and boarded the ship.
Disappoint you? Squall scratched his head and watched as Seifer dashed away. Testing me again huh?
"C'mon, move it! Hurry Squall!" yelled Quistis. She too quickly ran off to the ship. Zell had already run off leaving Squall behind.
Squall then took a deep breath and dashed off into the vessel. He overheard something interesting as he walked in but decided to shake it off. "So...The problem team, Squad B. ...Guess it can't be helped with a rookie instructor," said a Garden faculty member. …Sad… Well, that's Quistis' problem.
Quistis overheard this as well and shook her head as she entered the vessel.