Chapter 4 – A Surprise Visit

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     "Seifer, there's someone here to see ya. Come out for a second, ya know?" Raijin's forever present catchphrase… when is he ever gonna get rid of it? I've been listening to it for half a decade already… no… wait… it was more than that.

     "Who is it?" I asked, letting a hint of annoyance creeping into my voice. I hate being interrupted when I was working. I had been busy fiddling with some automobile spare parts. A mechanic at the Fisherman's Horizon… that's what I am now, as being a SeeD was no longer an option available to me.

     "GARDEN PERSONELL." Fujin "said" in her special way.

    My curiosity was fully piqued. I strode in a supercilious manner towards the front of the shop, only to see Nida standing there.

    Nida? The guy who drives the Garden? What is he doing here? I thought to myself, truly perplexed at his appearance.

     "Headmaster Cramer wishes to see you, Seifer. He invites you and your posse over to the Garden for a brief discussion." He looks at me warily. "You're coming, right?"

     "Why not? Since the Great Headmaster himself extends an invitation?" I smirked, when I was actually feeling a small thrill of anticipation snake up my spine.

    Maybe he's willing to readmit me.

     "Please follow me, then." Nida replied, and walked out of the shop.

    I turned round to look at my two friends behind me.

     "You go ahead. We ain't going back there, ya know." Raijin said after exchanging a glance and a nod with Fujin.

     "BAD MEMORIES." Fujin said emphatically.

     "I'll be back to discuss this further with you" I said, and walked out as well.

    After going up the manual operated lifts and numerous flights of stairs, we finally reach the Garden.

    A feeling of nostalgic familiarity hit me as I stepped into this place, which had been my home ever since I was still a young boy. It had been a traumatic experience to have been banished from it… and now, a jumble of feelings hit me as I re-enter.

     "This way to the Headmaster's Office, please." Nida indicated for me to follow him as he walked towards the elevator.

    Along the way, I could hear the suspicious whispers and glances of some of the cadets and SeeDs who recognised me.

    I think I even saw Dintch gaping at me… but maybe that was my imagination.

    We arrived at Cid Kramer's office. He was seated behind his desk while his wife, Edea Kramer, stands beside him with a hand on his chair.

     "Have a seat, Seifer." They were both smiling warmly at me. A pleasant surprise, for I thought that they might have harboured some grudge against me for hurting so many of their people.

     "I have spoken to Cid, Squall, and some of the other SeeDs. And they have all agreed to let you be admitted to the Garden again." Mrs Kramer started speaking first.

    What? Are my ears deceiving me, or are they for real?

     "The only condition is… you have to pass your SeeD exam within three months." Cid Kramer… I mean the Headmaster said sternly, but still there was a distinctive kindness in his tone. "I gather that you would agree to this?"

    I nodded my head, maybe a tad too eagerly for my liking.

     "Good. If so, you will be placed under the care of a certain SeeD. She is not yet an Instructor, but I expect you to obey her orders with the same compliance and respect as you would with one."

    A knock on the door sounded. "Quistis Trepe reporting to the Headmaster." She called out.

    Not yet an Instructor? Why is this so?

     "Come in, Ms Trepe. The door is unlocked."

    She walks in with her usual, confident strides and salutes to the Headmaster and his wife.

     "You wished to see me, Sir?" She asked, looking straight ahead.

    Not a single glance at me. Am I transparent or something?

     "Yes, Ms. Trepe. As I have discussed with you earlier, Seifer will be readmitted to the Garden on the condition that he passes his SeeD exam in three months. You will become his tutor. You will also realise that this is a test for you too, to regain your Instructor License."

     "Yes, Sir. I have understood all that you have briefed me on last week."

     "This is his file." Cid Kramer hands over a thick paper file with a huge red "READMITTED" stamped on the cover.

     "Dismissed."

    We left the room. Or rather, she stalked out of the room, while I followed behind in contemplative silence.

    Once we had exited the elevator and were walking on the main corridor, she took a deep breath, turned, and stared at me squarely in the eye.

     "Seifer. I am your tutor from now on, and I expect perfect compliance from you. Nothing less than that. Are you clear on this?"

     "Sure, Instructor Trepe." I smirked. That came out of my mouth without my knowing permission… I hadn't really meant to do it.

     "FOR YOUR INFORMATION, I AM NO LONGER AN INSTRUCTOR. Didn't you hear that last part about this being a test for me to regain the license? Anyway… you and I are going to cooperate. You're going to the pass the test, and I'm going to help you do that. Are we understood?" Her piercing eyes bored into mine as she stressed on her points.

    How very like the Instructor I had known… I guess many find it hard to change their ways, even though they might no longer hold the position. Like the way I would always try to get a rise out of people.

     "As you wish, Ms. Trepe." I sneered, as if trying to prove my own point.

     "You can call me Quistis. I allow you to do that." She turned and started to walk towards the dorms. "Meet me in front of the Training Centre at oh-eight hundred hours tomorrow. Do NOT be late!"

     "Yes, Quistis" I replied tauntingly.

    In an unexpected move, she pivoted on her heel, and slammed my shoulders against the white concrete wall. Quite a feat, since she was shorter and weaker than I was.

     "Now listen, and listen good, Seifer Almasy. I was one of those who voted for the idea that you be readmitted into the Garden. It is not due to my eagerness to regain my Instructor's license, but because I believe in giving everyone a second chance.

      Do not make me think that I was wrong, if that's not too difficult for you!" She released me from her hold against the wall, turned, and resumed her walk towards the dorms.

    I gawk at her departing figure. I would never have expected that coming out of her!

    I have always had the impression that she hated me.

    I really have to resort my thinking, man.

    And I believed what she had said. That she wanted to give me a second chance.

    She has changed; I'm sure of it.

    I must change as well. I can't always use this arrogant front to protect myself. It just doesn't work… it didn't work before, and it sure as hell wouldn't work now. I will only hurt myself, and those around me if I carry on doing this.

    I stare at her again, this time longingly.

    I love the way her butt moves when she walks…

    What are you thinking, Almasy? Salivating after your tutor for the whole world to see? Shame on you… have you no disgrace, man?

    I shook my head vigorously and headed towards the Fisherman's Horizon to pack my bags… and maybe try to persuade Fujin and Raijin to follow me back here.