Waltz For The Moon

Carefully slipping his SeeD rank report into his jacket pocket, Squall turned the corner and entered his dorm area. He was surprised to find Selphie waiting there. "HAH! Found you! Well? Well? What do you think!? My SeeD uniform!" She pranced around in place showing off the elegantly detailed SeeD uniform. "You should get changed, too. We have that party to get to."

Squall nodded and entered his room, closing the door behind him. Waiting there for him was his new SeeD uniform. "SeeD uniform…" After all these years I've made it… Might as well get changed… He had changed surprisingly quickly considering the different parts to the uniform. The only problem he had for a while was adjusting the chokers and getting the chain and belt on right.

Selphie stood by the door leaning against the wall humming a little tune until the door to her left opened. "Heeey! Lookin' good!" She looked to Squall then gave a jump shooting a fist into the air. Alright! Let's hit that PAAH-TAY!"

***

The blissful tune "Dance with the Balamb Fish" played in the background as Squall and Selphie walked into the Garden's Ball Room. Selphie ran a separate way to go talk to people as Squall decided to simply walk around. There were many cheery faces, some of SeeDs, some of high aristocrats from Dollet and Timber. He also saw Headmaster Cid mingling and reuniting with past graduated SeeDs. Getting bored, Squall found himself a pillar to lean against and started staring into space. After a while, a waitress holding a tray of drinks walked towards him asked him if he wanted a drink. She handed one to him and went on her way. I knew it would be like this… why'd I even bother coming?  Maybe I should just leave and go to the training center for a while.  Squall took a sip and continued staring into space until he noticed Zell running up towards him.

"Yo!" Zell stopped in front of Squall and gave him a little salute-like wave. Squall simply looked at him and nodded. "S'up, Squall? Heh-heh, I guess we're both SeeDs now, huh?" He then extended his hand for a shake. "Put it there, man." In reaction, Squall just took another sip of his wine and looked once again to the skylight to watch the stars. Zell gave a sigh and started chuckling. "Hah, even as a SeeD, you're still the same. Well, that's typical of you. See ya." Zell began walking off when he bumped into Selphie who had been running around for the past half hour.

"Oh...hey, Zell. Wanna join the Garden Festival committee and..."

Ack! Uh… "Sorry, I...ah...Just remembered something! G-Gotta go. See ya!" With that, Zell was able to slip past and head to the cocktail shrimp.

"Hmmmm…" Selphie glared as Zell quickly trotted off, she being a bit irritated. She had only been able to recruit six others to help with the Garden Festival committee. Her frown had turned into a smile as she saw Squall. "Squall! Hi!" She slowly walked up and stopped in front of him, Squall once again only giving a slight nod. "Wanna join the Garden Festival committee? You can help out whenever you have the time. Please?" She then started staring at Squall and gave a little sad face.

… Whatever… well, if it'll get you to leave me alone for now…  "Yeah, I guess so."

"Really!?"

"Sure. You seem to be putting a lot of effort into this. At least you're serious about it."

"Whoo-hoo! I know we'll be busy with a lot of SeeD stuff, but let's work hard on the Garden Festival, too. Bye!" She once again walked off chasing down any person she hadn't asked. "'Scuse me! You right there!"

Squall once again drew his attention to the glass roof above. It was one of Squall's few relaxing past-times, to look up at the stars at night, he didn't know why.  He was pleased as he saw a shooting star streak the sky. He then looked to the dance floor where his attention was brought to a young woman standing alone on the floor. It seemed she too had seen the shooting star. She was very beautiful, with dark hair to her shoulders and delicate skin of a cream like complexion, wearing a white dress that suited her well. She turned and at once saw Squall and smiled. She raised her index finger leaving Squall a bit confused, and then began walking towards him.

"You're the best looking guy here. Dance with me?" Squall just stared at her, taking in another sip of wine. The girl then placed her hands on her hips, her face showing an expression of thought. "Let me guess...You'll only dance with someone you like. Ok then... Look into my eyes." She then began to swirl a finger in front of Squall's eyes. "You're-going-to-like me...You're-going-to-like-me... Did it work?"

…?  What am I supposed to do? Squall then looked to the side to figure out some kind of excuse. "…I can't dance. Huh? Hey!"

Flirting, she grabbed his hand and yanked him towards the dance floor, she taking the glass from his hand and handing it to a person standing nearby. "You'll be fine. Come on. I'm looking for someone. I can't be on the dance floor alone."

The music had changed from a renaissance like tune to a waltz, "Waltz for the Moon," inspired from a popular tune. The girl was humming with the delightful tune as she took Squall's hands and placed them in the proper positioning. She then began to dance, trying to lead Squall with the steps, however, he was simply being tossed around, his feet too slow to follow, causing him to bump into her. With a giggle, she once again took his hands and tried to lead him again. She tried going for a spin but ended up pulling Squall with her causing them both to bump into another pair of dancing couples. The two gave an angry stare only to find the girl sticking her tongue out to them. She then smiled and once again reached for Squall's hands.

This is embarrassing… thought Squall as he looked at her smiling face.  …why not then?

Much to her surprise, Squall had positioned himself for the correct steps for the dance, he extending his right arm forward, body straightened. She took his hand and the two began the waltz for the moon. From atop the dance floor, it was a grand scene to see so many people dancing in unison; Squall and the mystery girl were in the center. As the dance ended, both of them stopped in their final position, bodies close together, to look up at the explosions just ringing in the stars. Through the glass window, they saw a beautiful display of fireworks streaking the night sky with colors. A slight grin had appeared on Squall's face but turned to confusion as the girl he had danced with looked to some people and then to him giving only a wink and a smile as she walked off. Squall remained there, on the dance floor.

***

A little while later, Squall found himself at the balcony of the ballroom. He stood there alone, leaning against the stone railing for a while, once again staring towards the stars. The solitary moment was ended by a voice coming from behind him. "You really are an excellent student. Even that dance was perfect." It was Quistis; Squall didn't need to turn around to know her voice.

"Thank you." He answered simply as he continued staring into the stars. A few minutes later, he sighs and senses someone behind him. … Still there? "Yes?"

Quistis gave a sigh and leaned against the railing next to him. "So you'll dance with someone you don't even know, but you can't stand being around me?"

"...Whatever. You're an instructor, and I'm your student. It's kind of awkward when you don't say anything."

"That's true. I was like that myself. ...Oh, I completely forgot. I wonder what's to become of me? I've come to give you an order. You and I are to go to the 'secret area'. It's where the students secretly meet up and talk after curfew."

"Secret Area?"  Squall had actually stumbled upon that place once while hiding from an angry mother T-Rexaur  Seifer had diverted onto him a few years ago. "What do you want to do there? Are we going there to tell everyone they're violating curfew? If that's the case, forget it. Leave that for the disciplinary committee."

She began laughing and shook her head. "Go get changed and meet me in front of the training centre. This will be my last order."

Squall gave a sigh and finally turned towards Quistis. "What do you mean, 'Last order?'"

"Well, I have a lot on my mind."

With a nod, Squall just walked off, once again confused. Get changed and meet at the training centre? What's this all about...

***

In a few minutes, Squall had already changed to his normal clothes and walked down to the training centre. The ball had still been going on as well and would last well over midnight. He had been hassled by one of the Garden Faculty on the way saying "It's after-hours. All facilities except the training centre are closed. Return to your quarters." Squall gestured he was going towards the training centre and the Faculty aide just waved him along. Surely enough Quistis was already there at the front waiting. She was dressed in her usual attire, pinkish dress with long gloves that covered her arms, combat boots, and her signature weapon, a whip, slung around her waist. "Squall, I was just wondering...Have you fought T-Rexaur in the training centre?" Squall just nodded and continued walking through the gate to the left. "Okay."

The inside of the training centre was a mini jungle with a huge mess. It was clear to see that the monsters inside truly did run wild as many pillars and such were smashed in, ground and trees uprooted and tossed to the side, and just a sheer mess of bent and chewed up old fences about. Inside, the two encountered a few plant like monsters called Grats, however, they posed no real problem after a few Gunblade swings. This is boring… at this point I think I'd actually enjoy fighting some T-Rexaur.

Within minutes they had made it to the "Secret Area." It was basically a balcony overlooking Balamb Garden's main building hidden behind the Training Facility's generators but was a sight to see indeed. There were some other students there, two pairs of couples, sitting quietly with each other talking. "I haven't been here for a while." Said Quistis as she quietly walked over to the balcony railings and leaned over. Squall leaned over the rail as well just off to the left of her. The two just stood there quietly for a few minutes. "What time is it?"

"It's after midnight."  It's late… now what was this mission all about?

"Oh well..." For a few minutes, all was quiet again, until… "I, Quistis Trepe, am no longer an instructor as of now! I'm a member of SeeD now, just like you. Who knows, maybe we'll end up working together."

"...Oh really?" … so this is what she meant by final order… she just wanted to talk…

"Is that all you're going to say?" She asked glancing at Squall. He was just staring off into the other direction.

"If that's how it was decided, you have to abide by it."

"They told me that I failed as an instructor. Basically, that I lacked leadership qualities. I was a SeeD by the age of 15, got my instructor licence at 17..."

Up to then, Squall had already turned away from her annoyed.  So why bother telling me this?  What do you want me to say?  "tough luck, that's the way it goes?"  or "that's too bad, but maybe you can try again next time?" It's your problem, so just take your licks and get on with it.  Why bother thinking about what happened in the past if you know it's going to hurt you?

"It's only been a year since I got it... I wonder where I went wrong... I did my best... Are you listening?" She stopped and turned to Squall noticing he had turned away.

"Are you done yet...? I don't want to talk about it." He turned his back to the railing and leaned resting his arms against them. "What am I supposed to say about other people's problems?"

"I'm not asking you to say anything. I just want you to listen."

"Then go talk to a wall." Squall remarked coldly as he shoved off the rail.

"Aren't there times when you want to share your feelings with someone?" Said Quistis, her eyes almost in tears.

Never… "Everyone has to take care of themselves. I don't want to carry anyone's burden." With that, Squall walked off.

Quistis nodded in silence, watching as he walked off. "…No leadership qualities…Failed instructor…Perhaps they're right…"

***

The two kept silent as they made their way back through the Training Centre. Quistis had always been at the verge of starting conversation, but had stopped herself as she watched Squall silently walk down the worn pathway.

All of a sudden, there was a scream. "Somebody help!!!" It was coming from the Training Centre's entrance.

Quistis "Come on, Squall!" She then ran forward, Squall following. They made there way to the front by Gate 2 to see one of the monsters actually outside attacking a girl.

It's… It's her… Squall watched as the flying giant bee-like monster, Granaldo, attacked the girl from the infirmary.

"Squall!!!" Screamed the girl as she saw him running up. She showed a surprised expression as Quistis ran up behind him. "Squall! Quisty?"

Who is she? How does she know who I am? Squall then drew his Gunblade and slashed forcing the large bug monster to retreat a few feet. It gave off a screech as it hovered to a halt above a few bushes. From those bushes, three more monsters emerged; they were Raldo's, rhino/lizard like monsters. The Granaldo suddenly lifted one of the Raldo's in the air and tossed it down to the ground like a cannon ball towards Squall who just managed to jump to the side in time.

Quistis had jumped in and slashed hard at the Raldo with her whip, gashing it along its head and blinding it with its own blood. It screeched and ran away in pain. Squall made a charge forward, screaming out as he cut the two other Raldo in their hind legs one after the other in a swift manner, immobilizing them. He then turned to the Granaldo who was making an attempt to sting Quistis with its scorpion-like tail. I've fought one like you before… In an instant, energy flared up around Squall as he charged at the Granaldo in frenzy. He jumped onto the Granaldo's thorax and began slicing away, pulling the trigger as he went. As soon as the attack ended he jumped to the ground and finished the monster off by charging forward, dragging his sword on the ground, and making a heavy upward slash that he followed through with jumping up into the air.

Squall landed onto the ground and watched as the Granaldo fell onto one of the electrical fences and was fried. It had however already been dead since Squall's first cut. He then looked over to the girl as he clipped his Gunblade to his side. The girl had collapsed to her knees in relief. Quistis stood just behind Squall, a bit confused.

Just as the two were about to check on the girl, two other men, both dressed in white battle uniforms, had jumped in from no where next to the girl. "It's not safe here. Please, let's go." Said one as the other helped her up.

"…Alright." The girl answered. With that the three left, leaving Squall and Quistis only to wonder.

"Who was that…?" Quistis wondered as she watched the two men escort her out of the area.

That's what I'd like to know…

***

Once again in the hallway leading to the Training grounds, the two found themselves. Quistis, ahead of Squall, had suddenly stopped and turned around. "Squall. It's not like everyone can get by on their own, you know?"

Squall just blinked as he watched her walk away. "…Says who?" He replied coldly. I've been able to do it so far…

***

Squall walked down the halls towards the dorms to find absolute silence except for the usual trickles coming from the fountains. …The ball is probably over by now, it's nearly 1 AM. Down the hall towards the dormitory was Zell, still in his SeeD uniform.  Zell?  What's he doing here?

"Finally! There you are! Where the hell were you?" Zell scanned Squall and noticed he had been in his regular clothes. He also noticed the newly drawn blood that coated the edge of his Gunblade. Training? Hehe, guess he'll never change.  Shaking his head, he went on. "I was lookin' all oveb the place. We're both now members of SeeD, right? Well, guess what!? We got our own rooms, baby! Your new room's right across the hall from your old one. That's what I was asked to tell you. Man, it took me forever!" Squall just nodded and continued walking past Zell. Shrugging, Zell then began whistling to himself and he too went towards the dorms.

Squall walked into the new room to find all his belongings already there. The room was much larger with a personal desk and a few shelves to the right, larger bed to the left, a closet by the door, and huge bay windows at the far wall. Unclipping his Gunblade, he wiped it clean and returned it to its case.  It's a nice room… definitely more privacy.  "I'll just go to sleep…" He said as he stood in the middle of the room looking around.

***

The next morning, Squall was awakened by the sound of knocking at his door. "Squall, it's our first SeeD mission! Looks like we're going to Timber. Meet by the front gate. Hurry!" It was Selphie knocking, her voice in an excited mood.

First mission already?  Hmm… Slowly, Squall got up and saw that a new magazine had been placed on the desk for him. "Weapons monthly April… maybe I'll read it later." He then tucked the magazine in his jacket and opened up the case to his Gunblade. Care fully pulling it out and clipping it to his side, he then made his way out the door. …Let's see, what first… no breakfast, cafeteria isn't opened yet… guess I'll just go then…

***

At the front gates, Squall waited, along with Selphie, Headmaster Cid, and a Garden Faculty member. Selphie actually got there after Squall. Apparently she had somehow sneaked a hotdog from the cafeteria earlier as indicated by small drips of ketchup on her dress. Selphie decided to go casual on the mission, she wearing her long brown boots almost reaching her knees, and her bright yellow dress/corduroys.

"…One more minute…" Said they Faculty member. They had all been waiting for Zell who had been sleeping in late.

From the gates, Zell shot off into the air and zoomed his way to the group. He swerved around and stopped just in front of the Faculty. "Made it!" He wasn't wearing his working uniform this time. Instead, he had his normal street clothes, jean shorts, sneakers, a black shirt and a red vest.

"T-Boards are prohibited within Garden. Have you forgotten?" Said the Faculty member boldly.

"Oops, Sorry! But this is really cool. It may come in handy on a SeeD mission, someday."

"We'll be the judges of that. Confiscate it." With that, another Garden Faculty member waiting just at the back walked up and took it away. "All of you are members of SeeD, but… Nevertheless, you're still students at this Garden. Furthermore, because you are SeeDs, you must set an example to all others and abide by the Garden's rules. Understood!?" He then glared down into Zells eyes and walked away behind Cid. Zell was a bit shaken but shrugged it off as Cid walked forward.

"Well, about your first mission…" Cid cleared his throat and went on. "You are to go to Timber. There, you will be supporting a resistance faction. That is your mission. A member of the faction will contact you at Timber Station. This person will talk to you and say, 'The forests of Timber sure have changed'. At this time, you must reply, 'But the owls are still around'. That is the password. Just follow the faction's orders."

Zell looked about in surprise and pointed to Squall, Selphie, and himself. "Uh… Just us 3?"

The Garden Faculty then spoke. "Correct. We have agreed to do this mission for very little money. Normally, we would never accept such requests, but…" Cid then cut him short.

"Enough talk about that. Well then, Squall, you are the squad leader. Use your best judgement based on the situation. Zell and Selphie, you are to support Squall and give your all to carry out the faction's plans. Oh, and Squall, I forgot to give you this. It's a cursed item, but if one with enough power uses it, it should be of great help." Cid then handed Squall a Magical Lamp. Although not hot, the lamp produced a dark bluish flame. "Best of luck on your first mission." Squall, Selphie, and Zell, then gave the Garden Salute and walked off back towards the Garden to prepare and gather supplies.

***

"What are we doing here?" Said Squall, he folding his arms and closing his eyes. He was getting restless waiting for Selphie and Zell too had been taking his sweet time.

Zell looked around the library to see it was busy as usual. "Cool it for a sec, just wanna check out something. And hey, we're still waiting for Selphie anyway. Uh, excuse me miss…"

A beautiful young girl, with dark hair tied into a pigtail and a clean and healthy complexion, was at the library's front desk inputting codes for books into a computer. "If there's a book you're looking for, please let one of the library committee know. We'll be happy to help you." She said, her eyes still glued to the monitor.

"I've been waitin' FOREVER for 'Good-bye Pururun'. Has anyone returned it yet?"

'Good-Bye Pururun… didn't Shirley say Zell was looking for that? "Oh...Z-Zell..." The girl with a pigtail then suddenly dropped the few books she was holding as she looked up. Her eyes had the look of surprise and her body grew tense. "I...I'll put a search on that...P-Please hold on a second..." She then started tapping in a few keys, her hands trembling.

Zell blinked at the sight of her nervousness.  What's with her all of a sudden?  I guess I shouldn't care… she sure is pretty though… Selphie had walked into the library unnoticed, she watching the whole scene. She leaned behind Squall giggling something into his ear. "Tee-hee, I think that girl likes him!" Squall just shrugged and tapped his foot. "Hey Zell! Let's get going!"

"Huh? Oh, you're ready? Okay. Um, thanks a lot miss, but I guess I'll come back later" He gave her a little wave and smile as he turned away.

"O-Okay Z-Zell. I-I'll hold it for you if it gets in."

Zell then turned around, his eyes wide. "Really!? That'd be great, thanks! Bye then!"

"Y-yeah! Bye Ze-Zell!"  I think I'm going to faint!

Zell turned around only to bump into a young man in a SeeD uniform. "Whoa, easy there cadet…"

Zell just blinked. "I'm no cadet, I'm a SeeD like you."

"Hmmm… so you are… but you're still a rookie I bet…" The SeeD was a bit conceited. He then shrugged Zell off and turned around to another girl he had been talking to. "So the new issue isn't in yet. I was looking forward to it."

"I...I'm sorry. I was so busy with the budget meeting and all..." The girl was a Library Committee member.

"Oh, I'm in no rush. Besides, I don't have that much time to read."

"Yes, I'm sure. SeeDs must be very busy. P-Please stop by again!"

"Yeah sure, thanks." The conceited SeeD then turned around and saw an angry Zell being calmed down by Selphie. "So, you a SeeD like me huh?" He gave a grin to Zell and waved him off. "Well, good luck to ya." With that, he walked off.

"OH-MY-GOSH...!!!" Screamed the girl. She ran over to the front desk and started giggling happily to her friend with a pigtail. The girl with a pigtail nodded and smiled however her eyes had been fixated to the unnoticing Zell. "He spoke to me!!!"

Zell glared at the exiting SeeD and gave a sigh. "Geez.  Hey Shirley, who the hell does that guy think he is?" He looked over to Squall and Selphie, who just shrugged, then over to the girls at the counter.

The excited girl turned around and looked to Zell. "That SeeD comes to the library often. He's been our topic of conversation lately." She then looked back and continued giggling and chatting.

"…whatever. If you two are done, let's go." Squall then turned around and began walking, Zell and Selphie behind him.

"Hey, uh Squall, are we gonna walk all the way down there?"

"Yeah. We weren't assigned the Garden car. We won't need it anyway, we'll be catching the train, remember?"

Zell just sighed and kept walking. "Oh man, are we in for a hike."

Selphie too looked a bit disappointed. "Yeah… and I wanted to drive too!"