Chapter 5: Training
Scene: Outside Headmaster Cid's Office
The Next Morning
Quistis knocked on the large double doors to Cid's office. The doors immediately opened, and Cid, seated behind his large oak desk, said, "Come in, Quistis, come in. Please have a seat." He gestured to one of the plush leather seats in front of his desk. Quistis strode in and sat down at attention.
"At ease, Quistis," said Cid, "I'm not interrogating you."
Quistis relaxed her position slightly. "What can I do for you, sir?"
Cid handed her a file, saying, "We have a new student here that I think could benefit greatly from your expertise. I'd like you to take him under your wing."
Quistis looked at the file's cover, and felt a shock up her spine. Almasy, Seifer. "Sir, I…"
"Yes, Ms. Trepe, I know you're not currently an Instructor, but I feel your working with Mister Almasy could benefit you both," said Cid amicably.
"But, sir," said Quistis, "Surely there are other more experienced SeeDs or Instructors that could better help him."
Cid steepled his hands and leaned forward on his desk. "Perhaps. Then again, Mr. Almasy has a history of rebelling against authority, wouldn't you agree?"
Quistis stared at Cid for a second, then nodded once. Cid's comment struck a chord inside her. Seifer's bad behavior, when he was her student, was one of the main reasons Cid had revoked her Instructor's license a year ago.
"Good, I'm glad you agree," said Cid. "So you see why I want you, personally, to work with him. Barring your exemplary service level and A rank status, your SeeD status is only one step above his status as student. That, coupled with the fact that you and he are the same age, may help you to reach him a little more easily.
"He understands that this is his last chance. And if he becomes too much of a problem, he will be cut loose. However, if he chooses to behave himself and learn some discipline, he has six months to pass his field exam. And," he lowered his voice, "to be honest, I'd much rather have him as our ally than our enemy. He is quite a powerful fighter, and an accomplished mercenary, even after just one year. If we can give him vindication, he can give us his skills and dedication. And as you already know, we lost many SeeDs in the War that must be replaced, in case another war breaks out."
Quistis' eyes moved away from Cid, and she stared at the far wall. She'd cared for Seifer, as a student, when she was his Instructor, but after he'd joined Ultimecia, she'd seen him as nothing but an enemy. But if Edea is right, and he was really just being controlled, maybe there is hope for him.
"Very well, sir," she said, looking at Cid again. "I'll do my best."
"I'd expect nothing less from you," replied Cid. "You'll find his class schedule in the file, along with any other information you may need. And, Quistis, one more thing. In the past year I've seen a change in you. You've become much more of a leader among your peers, and shown many of the qualities you didn't seem to have a year ago. If you can turn Mr. Almasy around, and get him to become a SeeD, I think you will have proven yourself worthy of a second chance at being an Instructor."
Quistis' heart skipped a beat. She opened her mouth to say something, but she couldn't think of the words to express herself.
Cid smiled warmly and said, "No thanks necessary yet, my dear. Just make sure Seifer stays in line, and that he passes his final exam within the next six months. Dismissed."
Quistis stood up, saluted Cid, and left the office. Once she was outside the room and the doors had closed behind her, she stopped and stared at the file in her hand. She opened the front page and was greeted by the Garden ID photo of Seifer, wearing the same cocky look he'd always had. His scar was in this picture, which means it had been taken recently.
Dear God, she thought. I've wanted nothing more for my career the past year than to become an Instructor again. But to do it, I have to tame this wild animal? I may as well tell Squall to give up his gunblade and become a chef.
Damn. She shook her head. Why's everything always got to come back to Squall? Why can't I just get over him? He's off limits. He was married yesterday, and I was his bride's made of honor for God's sake. Get over him Quistis. Find yourself a man. Otherwise you'll go insane.
"Ms. Trepe? Is there something you need?"
Quistis looked up, and realized she was still standing in front of Cid's office. She looked at Cid's Administrative Assistant, new SeeD graduate Bowler Fisk. Fisk was a handsome young seventeen-year-old man, who looked like he was much more comfortable behind a desk than out in the field.
"Uh, no, I'm fine. Thanks." With that, Quistis entered the elevator and headed for the second floor. Seifer's schedule said he should be just getting out of his Junctioning class, so she decided now was as good a time as any to get their first official meeting over with. She started looking through his file.
When she arrived at the second floor moments later, she saw Seifer holding another student by the collar, his face in the younger man's face. Several students were congregated around them, hoping to see a good fight.
"Seifer!" she shouted, running up to him.
Seifer glanced at her, and smirked. "Well, Instructor, this is a surprise. I was just going to teach this punk why you shouldn't talk about people behind their backs. Especially me."
"Put him down, Seifer. Now," said Quistis, her voice low and threatening. Seifer glared at her for a second, and released the younger student without looking at him. The student immediately broke into a run and vanished down the hall. "Everyone except Seifer, get out of here now, before I send you to Instructor Goldman for a few hours of PT."
The students didn't have to be told twice. They disappeared almost as quickly as the first student had. Quistis noticed an empty classroom just down the hall. "Get in there," she said.
"Well, Quistis, I know you want to get me alone and all, but I do have a class in fifteen minutes. We could meet later, say, in the secret meeting place at the back of the training center?" He crossed his arms and gave her a devious smile.
Quistis was unimpressed. "In there. Now." There was no mistaking the command in her voice. Seifer, not caring enough to argue, just shrugged and followed her order.
Once they were inside, she closed and locked the door, eliciting a raised eyebrow from Seifer.
"Sit down," Quistis said, pointing to the student terminals. Seifer, keeping an eye on the young woman, chose a seat and got comfortable.
Quistis slapped Seifer's file down on the front desk. But instead of rifling through it, she walked over to where Seifer sat, her arms crossed and her eyes determined. "Headmaster Cid has informed me of your, shall we say, 'special situation' regarding your return to Garden. Quite frankly, I don't give a damn about your situation. You are here now, and Headmaster Cid has ordered me to take you under my wing. You will learn discipline, Seifer Almasy. You will learn to respect authority, like it or not. And you will pass your SeeD field exam. Any questions?"
"Yes, Ms. Trepe, I do have a question," said Seifer, his voice reflecting the poor attitude Cid wanted him to shed. "I hear you're no longer an Instructor any more. Let me guess, you quit so you could get closer to Squall, didn't you? Or, were you just a failure? You always were a second-rate instructor."
Quistis quickly reached her boiling point. She'd never wanted to punch out a man as much as this moment. She leaned toward him and stuck an accusing finger in his face. "You are the main reason I lost my Instructor's license, asshole. You had to go around with your disciplinary committee, acting like you owned the place, and then break every rule you could. It's your fault I lost my license, so I hope you're proud of that accomplishment." Quistis immediately regretted having said that. She didn't realize until too late that she couldn't guilt Seifer Almasy into behaving.
She crossed her arms again and turned away, disgusted with both herself and Seifer. She waited for the insults to begin.
"I…I'm…sorry, Quistis. I didn't realize that would happen to you because of me."
Quistis slowly turned around. Had another student entered the room? No, Seifer was the only one there.
"What…what did you just say?" she asked, incredulous.
"I didn't mean for you to lose you job over me. I…I did respect you."
Quistis suddenly felt a years' worth of pent up rage explode forth. "You're sorry? Oh, that just makes it all right, doesn't it? The great warrior, Seifer Almasy, who doesn't give a shit about anyone but himself. Then, after he's stepped on everyone's toes and screwed things up for everyone else, he's sorry!" She turned away again, shaking with anger.
"Hey, look, what do you want from me, huh?" asked Seifer. "I've spent the last year trying to make up for the things I did under Ultimecia's control. You want me to get on my knees and beg for forgiveness? Well, forget it!" He stood up, pointing a gloved finger at Quistis. "You have to stop dwelling in the past, just like the rest of us. Because today's all some of us have…" he trailed off, surprised he has opened up so suddenly to anyone. He sat back down again.
Quistis turned to look at him again. He was sitting, but looked a little more uncomfortable than before. "I'm sorry, Seifer. I didn't mean to snap at you. My job is to help you shape up so you can become a SeeD. All I need to know is if you're dedicated to actually graduating. Because if you're not, I want you to leave now and not waste your time, or mine."
Seifer stayed put. "I'm going to become a SeeD. As glamorous as the life of a mercenary seems, sleeping in the dirt and eating forest shrubs and wild animals isn't all it's cracked up to be. Fujin and Raijin seemed to get a kick out of it, but I wanted back here. I intend to graduate."
"Good," said Quistis, her voice low and monotone. "Go ahead to your next class. We'll be meeting in Room 203 tonight at 1700 hours to begin your mentoring."
Seifer stood and saluted Quistis, obviously out of sarcasm. "Yes, ma'am," he said, and strolled out of the classroom.
Quistis moved around the front desk and sat down heavily. What have I gotten into?
*
Quistis sat in the cafeteria, her coffee growing cold as she leaned over the table, her forehead in her left hand. Her right hand flipped through pages of Seifer's file.
"Hey, Quisty!"
Quistis looked up. She gave a tired smile and closed Seifer's file, pulling it under the table onto her lap.
"Hey, Selphie, Irvine. Still attached at the hip, I see."
Selphie giggled, and Irvine tipped his hat. "Can't let the pretty lady roam around Garden with all these undersexed males around, can I?" said Irvine.
Selphie leaned toward Quistis and said, in a stage whisper, "He's been following me around a lot. I think he can't get enough of me."
Irvine wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close. "Maybe so." He kissed the back of her neck.
"Tee hee…stop it, Irvy! That tickles!" Selphie squirmed out of his embrace and sat down next to Quistis. "Weren't Zell and his girlfriend supposed to join you for lunch?"
"He had to help train some students in the Training Center this afternoon. I think she went with him just to watch him during her lunch break," answered Quistis with a sigh.
"Well, we're here now, so enough with the long face," said Irvine, sitting down and putting an arm around her shoulder.
"Thanks, Irv," said Quistis.
"Hey, whatcha working on? I saw you hide it when you saw us," said Selphie, trying to get a peek at the file in Quistis lap.
"I can't show it to you, Sefie. Official Garden business."
"Ohhhh, official Garden business," mocked Selphie, giggling.
"But, maybe I can tell you this, since you'll find out anyway," started Quistis, taking a deep breath. She knew she wouldn't like their reaction. "There's a new student here at Garden, and the Headmaster has made it my job to make sure he passes his field exam within six months. His name is…"
"Seifer," said Irvine, facing the cafeteria entrance.
"Uh...uh, yeah," said Quistis. "How did you know?"
Irvine pointed to the entrance. There stood Seifer, scanning over the cafeteria as if he owned the place. When he laid eyes on Quistis, Selphie, and Irvine, he strutted over to them like royalty.
"Well, well, if it isn't the dear Instructor, the hyper chick, and the cowboy," he said. "Where's the Chicken-Wuss? Aren't you all a posse?"
Irvine lowered the brim of his hat and looked away from Seifer, nonchalantly. "He has work to do. As do the rest of us, but we're on break right now. Something you want?"
Seifer audibly smirked. "Think you're cool, don't you?" Then, to Quistis, "I'm looking forward to our little 'meeting' later, Quistis." He winked at her, and stalked out of the cafeteria.
Irvine and Selphie looked at Quistis, who sighed and closed her eyes.
"You have to shape him up? Good luck, Quisty," said Selphie.
Quistis shook her head slowly. "No, I won't need luck. I'll need a miracle."
*
Quistis sat behind the Instructor's desk in Room 203, drumming her fingers impatiently. She checked her watch again. 17:10. She straightened her uniform top for the tenth time, and adjusted her glasses.
If I'm supposed to be teaching Seifer discipline, looks like I have some way to go. She shook her head and glanced at the material she'd gathered with her. Guess we won't get to this tonight.
Finally, Seifer strode into the room. "Sorry I'm late, Quistis. Dinner time, you know." He sat down at one of the student terminals.
"Did I tell you to sit down?" asked Quistis calmly.
Seifer sighed, rolled his eyes, and stood up. "This part of my discipline training? Do I now have to wait for permission to sit down?"
Quistis stood up. "Follow me." She walked out the door. Seifer gave her back a confused look, and then followed her out into the corridor. As he walked to her rear, his eyes couldn't help wandering down to her behind. Man, I forgot what a hottie she is! He kept following her from behind, admiring everything from her butt down her legs. He thanked God the female SeeD uniforms had skirts instead of the loose slacks men's uniforms had.
"Seifer, quit staring at my ass and walk alongside me," said Quistis, as smoothly as if she'd asked him how his classes were today.
Damn, how did she know? Seifer hurried up and joined her, walking on her right.
"Wrong side, Seifer. The highest-ranking personnel walk to the right."
Seifer rolled his eyes. He crossed behind her, glancing down at her ass once more, before reaching her left side.
Quistis turned toward the elevator, Seifer rushing to match her gait. When they reached the elevator, they had to wait for a second while the elevator returned from the first level.
"So tell me, Quistis," said Seifer, wanting to get on Quistis' good side. "What have you been up to this past year?"
Quistis didn't answer. When the elevator finally arrived, several students exited for their evening classes. One of them, a Trepie that Quistis recognized, stared at her for a second as he walked past. She ignored him completely and stepped into the elevator. Seifer followed, and turned around when Quistis did.
Seifer was now on Quistis' right. She looked at him sternly, and gestured with her head for him to get to the correct side of her. Seifer sighed, shook his head, and muttered a complaint.
"What was that?" Quistis snapped.
"I said, nobody ever follows the stupid 'Position of Honor' rule anymore. It's just a formality that looks good in the regs."
"You will learn to follow regulations Seifer. Whether everyone else does it or not, you will." She pressed the button for the first level, and the doors promptly closed.
The elevator deposited them on the first floor. Groups of students and SeeDs hung around chatting, while others were rushing to their destination. Several were jogging around the concourse in a group. Quistis ignored all other people and marched off the elevator platform. When she reached the concourse, she turned sharply right. Seifer uncharacteristically rushed to follow her.
Several students noticed the popular, blonde former Instructor marching like a machine with the large, menacing man that many had recognized as their enemy since one year ago. Seifer just glared at anyone who looked, nonverbally threatening them to look away. Most did. Seifer made mental notes to beat up the ones that didn't.
Quistis turned right when they reached the corridor to the Quad. Seifer followed, spreading his hands slightly in a questioning gesture. Whether Quistis saw it or not, she didn't react.
"Hey, if we were going to the Quad, why didn't we just meet here? Wouldn't it have been easier?" His question was met with cold silence.
Once inside the Quad, Quistis led Seifer to the basketball court. It was regulation length, and was often used for calisthenics by some Instructors. Quistis had reserved the court for the two of them this evening. She had a feeling he'd be late, and would have to be trained. She was prepared.
Quistis pointed out to the court. "Go."
Huh? "Go what?" Seifer asked.
"Start running laps," answered Quistis calmly.
"But…how many? Can't I change into…?"
"No. Go."
When Seifer didn't move, she gave him the fiercest look he'd ever seen in any woman, especially Quistis.
"Now."
Seifer started running. Quistis crossed her arms, and simply stood there, watching him. When he reached the other end of the court, she shouted, "Faster!"
Seifer picked up the pace, irritated at this stupid game. This is the kind of thing Instructors do at Galbadia Garden when they're breaking in new students. Or punishing them.
"Faster!"
Seifer started running harder. He really wished he'd thought to take off his overcoat. He shouted back to Quistis, "Can I take off my…?"
"No. Faster!"
Seifer shifted up to his top speed. He started getting tired, after only the second lap. Damn, I'm getting out of shape. Is that what this is about?
He could see Quistis watching him, scowling as she did so. Man, I must have really pissed her off earlier. Guess my charm didn't cheer her up at all.
Quistis' scowl lightened slightly. She wished she didn't have to do this. But it's the only way he'll learn, she thought. I only wish I'd learned this two years ago; I may never have lost my license.
Finally, at about the tenth lap, Seifer started dragging. His pace had slowed greatly, and he was bobbing his head slightly from side to side. He was getting exhausted quickly. Several students had stopped to watch, but a look shot at them from Quistis had been enough to convince them to leave.
As Seifer continued running, Quistis walked over to a vending machine and bought two bottles of water. She brought them back to the court and set them down at her feet.
At fifteen laps, Seifer had slowed to a medium jog. Sweat poured down his face, soaking his hair and clothing. "When you reach me," Quistis called from the opposite side of the court, "you can stop for a minute and drink some water."
Seifer felt a slight smile tug at his tired mouth. She can't stand to see me do this. I know her too well, even after all this time. She's a softie at heart.
When he finally reached Quistis' end of the court, he slowed to a stop. He bent down, leaning on his knees with his arms. He then took one of the water bottles in his gloved hand, opened it, and chugged the contents in a series of quick gulps. He tossed the bottle aside into the gravel
"Take off that stupid coat and those gloves. It's eighty degrees out here," said Quistis, no less sternly than before. She looked at her watch. "You're not passing out yet."
Seifer gladly threw off his coat and gloves. He was glad he hadn't tried to sneak his gunblade with him, because he knew Quistis was being enough of a bitch to punish him for it. Weapons were not permitted in classrooms, or in the Quad.
"And…go." Quistis said, her eyes on her watch.
"W-what?" said Seifer.
"I said a minute. You've had more than that. Now move your ass!"
"But…?" Seifer started.
"You want to leave Garden for good tonight?" asked Quistis impatiently.
Seifer sighed, and started running again. He still felt tired, but was glad she'd made him shed his coat and gloves. How the hell long is this going to go on?
By the tenth lap, Seifer was dragging again. Quistis ordered him to stop and drink the other bottle of water. He gladly complied. Once he was finished with the water, he started to run again.
"Hey!" shouted Quistis. "When did I tell you to start running again?"
Seifer came to an exhausted stop. He spun around and walked toward her, exasperated. "Was it not a minute yet?"
"Yes, it was. But you're done running for now. Get on the ground. Push-ups. One hundred of them. Move it, Almasy!" Quistis slightly relished in her domination of the cocky Seifer. I wish I could say this will be the last time we do this, though.
Seifer fell to the ground and started doing tired push-ups. Fortunately, he had more upper-body strength than lower-body, so he was pretty sure he could make it to a hundred. At some point this evening. God, he thought, what the hell is this?
After the twentieth push-up, Quistis kneeled down closet to Seifer. "How do you feel?"
"Tired," was all Seifer could muster. Jeez, this is harder than I thought.
"Do you realize, Mister Almasy, that I could have been attacked and killed by a herd of grats between the time you were supposed to meet me and the time you actually arrived? Or that I could have been kidnapped without a trace, taken to the Fire Cavern, and thrown into the magma lake? Or that I could have gone to the cafeteria, made myself a three-course dinner, eaten it, and had it fully digested?" Quistis had spent Seifer's running time coming up with various scenarios to throw at him.
Seifer knew he was in enough trouble already. "Yes, ma'am," he said between grunts.
Quistis stayed kneeled over him, making sure he knew she was there.
About ten minutes later, after the fiftieth strained push-up, Quistis said, "All right, this is pathetic. Stop."
Seifer collapsed onto the ground. He swore at that moment that he'd never be late again.
"Get up," said Quistis. "I notice you decided to throw your water bottles on the ground when you were done. There's a recycling bin right next to me that you could have used. I'd say it's time you do a little cleaning out here. Pick up every piece of trash, every cigarette butt, every weed, off the ground in the entire Quad."
Seifer, still trying to catch his breath, stood up. "But…we have custodians to do that kind of thing! Isn't that what they're paid for?"
Quistis smiled evilly. I knew you'd say something like that, Seifer. "Glad you see it that way, because afterward, you're going to help in the cafeteria kitchen for the rest of the night. And if I hear one more complaint out of you, you'll be scrubbing toilets after that. Understood?"
Seifer closed his eyes, wishing this were a nightmare. He opened them again. Nope, I'm still here. Damn. "Yes, ma'am."
Quistis handed him a trash bag she'd grabbed from the nearby custodian's closet earlier. He took it and started wandering around the Quad, picking up every piece of litter and every weed he could find. He didn't want to be out here longer than he had to.
Quistis watched him, not moving from her spot. She was enjoying this. She finally had a chance to teach Seifer some respect. He may learn to hate her, if he didn't already, but he sure as hell would respect her.
She found herself looking at his body as he bent down to pick up each piece of litter. Under his tan trench coat, he had been wearing a black t-shirt, tight against his muscular upper body, and relaxed-fit black jeans. Each time he bent down, she looked at the contours of his butt. She smiled slightly. Too bad he's got such a bad attitude. He's always been somewhat of a hottie. Muscle headed, yes, but a hottie.
She shook her head and chuckled at herself. This is interesting. I can't have Squall, so I start ogling his rival. Isn't that ironic? Still, if she could teach Seifer to be a little more considerate of people…
No, Quisty, now you've completely lost it.
After a half hour of searching and picking, Seifer returned to Quistis, bag in hand. "That's everything I could find, ma'am." He rubbed his back with his free hand, trying to force it straight.
"You should bend with your knees, not your back," scolded Quistis lightly. "And, you missed one."
"Huh? What? Where?" Seifer looked around, trying frantically to find the errant piece of litter.
"Here," said Quistis. She moved her foot, and revealed she'd been standing on a gum wrapper. "Well? Pick it up."
Seifer shot her an angry look, bent with his knees, and snatched the gum wrapper. Placing the wrapper in his bag, he asked, "Is that satisfactory, ma'am?" His voice was laced with razor blades.
"Yes, Seifer, that will do. Toss that bag in the trash bin, and go to your dorm and clean up. I want to see you in the cafeteria in ten minutes. No later." With that, she walked past Seifer and headed out of the Quad.
Seifer clenched his fists, and slammed the bag into the trash bin. Cursing up a storm, but quietly enough for Quistis not to hear him, he grabbed his coat and gloves and started jogging out of the Quad to get to his dorm and wash up. He was afraid to think of what she'd make him do if he was late again.
He ran past Quistis, making sure to do so on her left side, and bolted for the dorms, nearly bowling over a jogging student. Quistis laughed slightly, covering her mouth. "I bet Seifer didn't expect this when he finagled his way back into Garden."
"What'd you say, Quisty?"
Quistis turned to see Zell standing next to her. "And wasn't that flash I just saw Seifer? How's his 'training' going?"
Quistis smiled at her friend. She just had a really great idea. "Say, Zell, have you eaten dinner yet?"
"Yeah, about an hour ago."
"Do you know if Selphie and Irvine have?"
"Uh, I think they were on their way a minute ago, why?"
Quistis grinned. "Could you please grab them and all of you wait to go there for about ten minutes? When you get there, I want you to buy something. I don't care if you're not hungry, I'll pay you back for whatever you buy. Will you do that for me?"
"Uh, sure," said Zell. "I'll go find them."
After Zell left, Quistis started walking calmly toward the cafeteria. He may hate me after this, but a little humility will do him good.
*
Just under ten minutes later, Seifer arrived at the cafeteria, struggling to catch his breath. He had quickly showered and changed into another black T-shirt and pair of black jeans. He'd left his coat in his room to be cleaned later. Quistis checked her watch when she saw him, and said, "Right on time. Excellent. Follow me, please."
She walked him behind the counter and stopped to speak to Mrs. Greely, the cafeteria manager. "Mrs. Greely, I have a helper for you."
Mrs. Greely, who had been fiddling with the grill flame, looked up to greet Quistis. She had a disproportional large nose, a round face, and a hairy mole just above her lip. When she smiled, one could see her mouthful of crooked, rotten teeth.
"Why Quistis, this is a pleasure," she said. "Did you get your Instructor license back? I don't recall you ever bringing students here before to help out."
Quistis smiled at the older lady. Mrs. Greely had a reputation for being strict to students that were being "taught lessons" by helping out in the kitchen, but extremely nice and friendly to everyone else.
"He needs to learn just how hard Garden's staff works, and how important their work is," replied Quistis.
"Ah, I see. I remember this ruffian. Seifer, right?" She walked up to Seifer and looked him in the eye. "I'm in need of a good grill scrubber tonight."
"Whatever you need him to do," replied Quistis. "One thing, though. Could you please have him serve for the next, oh about fifteen minutes? After that, he's yours until closing."
Mrs. Greely smiled widely, exposing her bad teeth. "You got it, dearie."
"Do whatever she tells you, Seifer," said Quistis. As she started to head back toward the front of the counter, Mrs. Greely handed Seifer an apron and a small fabric mesh object. "Put these on, son."
Seifer looked at the objects with disgust. They looked clean, but the great Seifer Almasy had never stooped to being kitchen help.
"Do it," said Mrs. Greely, emphasizing each word. Seifer, not wanting to get in any more trouble tonight, reluctantly put on the apron. He then examined the mesh object, and, realizing what it was, tried to protest putting it on.
"Everyone that works behind the counter has to wear one. Garden rules, you know," explained Mrs. Greely.
A few minutes later, Quistis had found a seat at one of the tables. Zell, Selphie, and Irvine entered, and she could immediately hear Selphie's complaints.
"Now I'm reeeeealy hungry! There better be a good reason for waiting!"
"Hey," said Zell, "relax Sefie. Quistis needed it as a favor. Now lets just go to the counter and…and…uhhhh…"
The three of them stopped dead in their tracks. There was Seifer, standing behind the counter, wearing an apron. And a hairnet!
Zell was the first to start laughing. He fell to the floor, clenching his stomach, his face turning red. Selphie and Irvine's laughter followed, although they were both able to keep their footing. They jaughed for a good minute, before they all looked back at Seifer again. They then laughed for another few minutes.
Seifer was totally furious. Here were the Chicken-Wuss, the cowboy, and that ditzy girl laughing at him! He nearly snapped his serving spoon in half, before noticing Mrs. Greely staring at him menacingly. He closed his eyes for a second, the frown on his face deepening, and continued to serve dinner to the students in line.
Finally, Zell got enough of his senses back to get in line. Selphie and Irvine followed. When Zell finally reached Seifer, he asked, "Excuse me, miss, could you…Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't notice it was you, Seifer!" He started laughing again.
Seifer gritted his teeth, ready to grab the smaller man and throw him onto the grill, just to see him fry. But he then noticed Quistis staring at him, so he instead clenched his teeth tightly and said, "Would you like some beef stew, sir?"
Zell couldn't stand it. He got out of the line and headed back out of the cafeteria, laughing so hard he could barely walk.
Selphie wanted to say something funny to him as well, but she felt a little sorry for him. She'd heard how proud he was, and this must be the most humiliating thing he'd ever had to endure. Still, he probably deserved it. She just asked for a chicken salad sandwich and a can of root beer between stifled giggles. Irvine got a steak hoagie, fries, and a cola. He watched Seifer closely, making sure he didn't spit in them, or do something else gross with his food. When Seifer gave him the meal, Irvine just bit his lip, trying not to burst out with laughter again.
Selphie and Irvine joined Quistis at her table. Quistis, looking very satisfied with herself, said, "Thanks, guys. I know this is one lesson he won't soon forget."
As she started to stand up, she saw Cid enter the cafeteria. She sat back down, waiting to see his reaction to her new teaching method.
Cid had his nose buried in a report. He got in line, and didn't look up until he reached the counter.
"What can I get you, sir?"
"Yes, I'd just like a…" He suddenly noticed it was Seifer who was serving him. He continued, "a…cup of tomato soup, please."
Seifer poured the soup for him, being careful to not get any on the outside of the cup. "Here you are sir," Seifer said. "Anything else I can get for you?"
"Uh, no, no thank you Seifer. Keep up the good work."
Cid paid for his soup, and then saw Quistis sitting at a table with Selphie and Irvine. She was staring intently at Seifer.
He walked up to her and said, "Ms. Trepe, Seifer…? Is this part of your mentoring?"
"Well, sir," explained Quistis, "Seifer is learning a very important lesson right now. Not to be late."
Cid nodded. "Ah, I see. Well, keep at it, Quistis. I'm sure he'll learn quickly." Cid then walked quickly toward the exit. Once he was out of sight, they could hear the laughter of a deep male voice coming from the exit.
Quistis covered her smile. She looked at Seifer, who had obviously heard Cid's laughter. He seemed ready to punch his fist through a steel wall. Okay, it's been long enough, she thought. She stood up and walked over to him, cutting in line. She'd cut in front of one of the Trepies, though, so she heard no complaints.
"Well, Seifer, have you had enough?"
He looked her square in the eye, absolute rage emitting from them. "Yes, ma'am, I have."
"Will you ever be late again?"
"No, ma'am, I won't."
"Good," replied Quistis. "Mrs. Greely, I'm sorry, but I forgot that this student has an appointment with the Headmaster now."
"Ah, darn it," replied Mrs. Greely, who had been emptying the dishwasher. "Oh, well, maybe next time."
"There won't be a next time, you old hag," mumbled Seifer. Quistis heard it, but fortunately, Mrs. Greely did not.
"Come on, Seifer. Let's go." Quistis walked around to meet him as he came out from behind the counter. Seifer took off his apron and hair net, and hung them back up where Mrs. Greely had taken them. He then joined Quistis in walking, on her left side, out of the cafeteria.
When they reached the concourse, Quistis stopped. She looked at him, her eyes the least cold they had been all night. "Well, Seifer, this has been a lesson hard-learned for you, hasn't it? What did you think of it?"
Seifer glared at her. "Permission to speak freely?"
Quistis thought for a second, and said, "Sure."
"I think you're a bitch," replied Seifer. I've been holding that in all night. She at least owes me that release.
He expected her to turn angry and order him to clean toilets, or worse, go back into the cafeteria and serve everyone dinner. Instead, her expression softened as she let out a small laugh.
"You, know, Seifer, you're right," she said. "I can be a bitch. That means I won't put up with your bullshit like I did when you were my student. You're going to pass that SeeD exam, and I'm going to help you make that happen. Now, do you have any more free speaking to do?"
"Just that I'm frigging tired and I want to go to bed," he replied.
Quistis nodded. "Go ahead. And I'll see you promptly at 1700 hours tomorrow, Room 203."
*
The next day, Seifer showed up five minutes early. Quistis was glad that he'd taken her lesson to heart, and hoped he wouldn't slip into his previous routine. If he did, she'd give him a night that is even worse.
Thirteen days later, Quistis stood in Room 203, a few minutes before 1700 hours. She smiled when Seifer entered the room and saluted her. She returned the salute.
"Cadet Almasy reporting as ordered, ma'am," said Seifer. Quistis couldn't get over how out-of-character it was for him to be showing respect to anyone like this, least of all her.
"Take your seat, Cadet," said Quistis, returning his salute. Seifer dropped his salute and headed promptly for his seat.
"Seifer," she said, walking over to him, "You've improved admirably in the past two weeks. Not only have you been on time every day since the first day, but you've learned to show respect without making it look or sound sarcastic."
Seifer looked up at her. "I've got too much riding on this, ma'am. I can't afford to be expelled or fail."
"Well, your Instructors have also come up to me and told me how much better you're doing. Not just in completing the coursework; you already did that well. But you're finally acting like a SeeD. So, I'm going to give you a gift."
Seifer's eyebrows furrowed. A gift? Is that appropriate? What could it be?
"From now on, you don't need to salute me any more. Or call me ma'am or Ms. Trepe. Unless, of course, you want to," she smiled. "You can call me Quistis, and you don't have to walk on my left side any more." She continued smiling, much more warmly than she ever had to him before. "Provided," she continued, her smile fading, "that you don't abuse this gift, and start turning into your old, disrespectful self. Because if you do, I promise you much worse evenings than our first one, and many more of them."
Seifer raised his eyebrows. Is this a sign of weakness, or is she trying to be my friend? I better not worry about it. Don't want to let myself slip again. "Ok, Quistis. Whatever you want." Quistis chuckled, covering her mouth.
"What's so funny?" asked Seifer
"Listen to you, Seifer. A year ago, when you were my student, you'd have never given me any respect whatsoever. And here you are now, saying 'whatever you want, Quistis.' I just think it's a great change in you."
Seifer hung his head. "Well, if you'd been through what I've gone through, you'd probably understand why."
Quistis nodded apologetically. She could tell how ashamed he was of his actions during the Second Sorceress War. Maybe, she thought, he's actually ashamed of what he did, instead just of losing control of himself. "I am kind of surprised, though, that Fujin and Raijin didn't come back with you. They didn't seem to be able to do anything on their own, yet they're out there, on their own, without you."
Seifer's expression grew darker. "I don't wanna talk about it."
"Ok, I won't press," said Quistis. "Anyway, let's get on with today's session. I want you to take a quick quiz of common courtesies offered superior officers and members of other Gardens. After these past weeks," said Quistis with a slight smile, "you should ace it."