Nida's Story
(Author's Note: Everyone knows who Nida is, but no one knows anything about him. Who could tell me Nida's life story as Square meant it? So I decided to do this fanfic about Nida, and what it's like to be the man no one remembers. So here begins Nida's Story. Square probably owns 99% of this fic. Also this is dedicated to my friends who are boys, Tom, Marc, Black Cat, Steve, Frog Luke and Matt, of which Nida is a mixture. Well, not quite like Luke but... Actually, Nida is based on Marc, who's quiet and shy, but really fun to be around. O.O I hope he doesn't read this...)
Chapter One: Instructor
"Nida! Nida!" Someone shouted down the corridors. Nida turned to see Commander Leonhart walking quickly towards him. He noticed the Commander's expression and knew it wasn't about work.
"Sir," Nida saluted. Squall saluted back.
"At ease," Squall commanded. Nida then smiled.
"You remember me sir," He joked. Squall laughed.
"Yes I remember you Nida. Even better, you're invited to my wedding. Here, Rinoa insisted on the invite cards," He passed Nida a fancy envelope. Nida smiled, or perhaps he had still been smiling, and saluted again.
"I'll be there sir, no matter what," Nida assured him. Squall smiled and walked away. Nida stared down at the envelope. She'd be there. Could he really go? It had been enough for him to stand on the bridge with her. He wasn't obsessed with her, like some others, but still, they'd never really had a conversation.
Nida carried on towards the training center. He planned to defeat some T-Rexuars and then go to the library. Perhaps Lucinda would be there? He had quite a strong relationship with the shy librarian.
He got into the training center and was met by Selphie and Irvine. Nida wondered if they had really been training or if Irvine had been doing something he shouldn't in a place infested with blood thirsy monsters.
"Hi Nida! How's things?" Selphie asked. Nida smiled at her, aware that Irvine was very protective over his women.
"I'm fine Selphie. Say, who else is going to Squall's wedding?" Nida asked. Irvine scoffed.
"He's only inviting close friends and family, jackass. Don't expect an invite," Irvine said arrogantly. Nida frowned, what was Irvine's problem? He'd always been horrible to Nida but why? At the same time Nida felt happy to be regarded as a close friend of the Commander of Garden.
" I have an invite. So he's only invited a select few? Thought Rinoa would want a dramatic public wedding, guess Squall put his foot down," Nida said. Selphie nodded before Irvine pulled her away. She mouthed a goodbye and was gone. Nida shrugged and headed into the restricted area of the training center. This was for over level seventy-five only and Nida had just achieved level eighty-six.
After facing a few T-Rexuars and Ruby Dragons Nida got bored and left. Garden sure was boring when you weren't on a mission. Nida put his gunblade on his shoulder and headed to the library. He hadn't even worked up a sweat.
"Hey Lucinda!" Nida called when he saw her. He then realised she was talking to someone. He smiled when he saw who it was, Zell Dincht, the scrapper, the punk rocker, Lucinda's crush. Or soulmate as she had refered to him in her diary, which he hadn't read of course.
"Zell! What are you doing here?" Nida called again. Zell jumped and grinned as Nida approached. Nida and Zell had been familiar with each other from when Zell had started Garden. Of course neither of them remembered much about it and both had gone their own seperate ways, but they still were quite close friends.
"Gettin' some books for lesson plans for Quisty... And trying to chat up cute library staff," Zell replied. Lucinda blushed bright red and Nida felt sorry for her. She was so quiet and shy, she'd rather die than admit she had a crush on Zell. Nida also heard Quistis's name mentioned. He always noticed when someone mentioned her name. It was unusual, a name from the Celtic times. It meant 'leader of women' and that was certainly true of Quistis.
"H-Here are your books," She said, handing Zell the huge pile of books, who promptly dropped them all, most all over Nida, who tried to catch them all. He dropped spme over the counter and Lucinda bent down to pick them up. Zell leaned over and she stood up, their heads banging. Nida knew that if Zell didn't have concussion, he's be in here a lot more now. She handed him the book then rushed around the counter.
"I'm so sorry! Oh! Here, let me help you!" She looked at the cheek she'd banged, the one with the tattoo. There was no damage done, Zell's so called 'boyishly handsome' face was not going to be brutally scarred. Nida picked up the rest of the books, piling them up really carefully on top of the other books Zell had.
"Where there's no sense, there's no feeling," Zell joked, then seeing the genuine concern in her eyes added. "I know how you could make it up to me though," Nida frowned, Zell didn't realise that if he didn't want to spend the rest of his life with this girl he shouldn't ask her out on a date.
"A date to the Galbadia Hotel, c'mon, what d'ya say?" He asked. Nida was about to warn Lucinda that it wouldn't be very sophisticated to jump at the chance like a dog to a bone but...
"Really?" She squeaked. "I'd love to!"
"I'll pick you up at six then," He strode out. Lucinda dashed behind the desk again and Nida wandered to a nearby bookcase. Then he heard the "Hi Quistis" from Zell who was at the door. He forgot Zell and Lucinda, he forgot boredom, he forgot everything, his focus turned to hiding. Too late.
"Nida? I haven't seen you for a while," She said. He forced hiomself to look at her. She was wearing a pair of tight jeans and an even tighter top, showing off every wonderful curve. It was enough to make any man's temperature go up.
"I've been in here mostly," He replied, quite aware that he felt slightly awed that she remembered him. He was even more awed by her, was it possible for a woman to look quite so perfect?
"I heard you were invited to the wedding. Hell, that'll be funny. Squall making romantic wedding vows?" She chuckled. Nida was just standing there blushing. Do something you dolt! He told himself.
"So... How've things been since you saved the world?" Nida asked. Had Quistis been swept up into a showbiz lifestyle? Nida had heard she was going to be part of an advertising campaign for Mabelline. Quistis had definitely been born with it.
"Boring really, and strangely annoying. The press are worse than the Trepies amd that's saying something," She leaned against the counter. Nida began to relax a little but not enough to feel comfortable. At least the bite bugs in his stomach had only turned to butterflies having a raucous party.
"So, I heard you and Xu did a good job sorting Garden out while we were off in Esthar. You even got a few admirers," She winked. Nida blushed, he'd only ever wanted one person to admire him and that was her. The bold, elegant Instructor of history and battle strategy. Sure Nida had heard about the little group but he had done his best to stay away from them.
"Oh yeah, I got a group valentine's card off them," Nida remembered. He didn't know why he forgot things, sometimes it was only what he was going to say next, other times it was more important things, like who his father was.
"I got one from the Trepies and one from a mystery admirer," Her eyes twinkled as she smiled. Nida swore he'd kill whoever sent that card. He had liked her forever but he was always to scared she'd recognise his writing to send a card. He suddenly became very aware of himself.
"Um... I have to go see Doctor Kadowaki. I'll catch you later," He said. Quistis nodded and turned to talk to Lucinda who rushed to help. Nida wasn't really wantching as he walked down the corridor outside the Library.
"MOVE," came a voice. He stopped. Fujin had been let into Garden? Since when? Why hadn't the other students been informed? Absently he stepped aside, he hated confrontation.
"You're pretty pitiful for a SeeD," A cold sharp voice cut into his thoughts like a knife. Nida saw Seifer Almasy standing arrogantly, arms crossed, slouching and trying to look tough. Rajin stood next to him guffawing like some mindless donkey.
"At least I am a SeeD, Seifer," Nida retorted. Seifer had bullied Nida for years, only because he had been quiet adn never fought back. Nida was going to enjoy his new found confidence.
"Even I can chat Trepe up!" He snapped back. Nida kept his cool.
"And what's that supposed to mean?" Nida asked calmly as he could. By now there was a little crowd. A few people came to see the lap dog and the shy mouse scrap.
"The Instructor is an easy lay," Seifer replied. That was it. Sod the rules about fighting in the corridors, he'd be damned if he didn't make Seifer regret that comment.
"Well asshole, let's see if you can wield a gunblade as fast as you can wield your tongue," Nida pulled his gunblade out from behind him. The corridor cleared, the crowd pulling back to give them a good distance to fight. Seifer smirked and pulled out Hyperion. Both took off their jackets and began circling.
Nida knew he could out wait Seifer, so he used his time to think of a way to beat him. Seifer was bigger than him, he was at least three inches taller, and well-built. Nida was muscled enough but Seifer still had a lot more power. Seifer could also use agility. Everyone had a weakness though, even Seifer. It was apparent when he leapt to attack.
Seifer thrust to Nida's right. Nida parried easily and noticed how Seifer relied on his speed, leaving himself open to attack for a split second. Nida parried and defended himself until another oppurtunity came. Seifer brought his gunblade over his head and Nida thrust forward. His gunblade tickled the skin under Seifer's chin before anyone realised what had happened, let alone Seifer.
"I win," Nida said simply, letting the gunblade fall to his side. Seifer blinked stupidly a few times then smirked.
"Mouse wins," He agreed. Nida wiped his forehead on his sleeve.
"What is going on?" The voice cut crystal clear through the shocked atmosphere. The crowd parted as Quistis made her way through. Seeing the gunblades she put her hands on her hips.
"Seifer? Fighting already? You didn't kick his ass too hard did you?" She asked. Seifer smirked even more as Nida put his jacket back on. Nida would have to shower before going to see Doctor Kadowaki.
"No, I didn't touch him. I lost, instructor," Seifer admitted. Nida didn't give him the satisfaction of looking surprised, instead he concentrated on breaking a loose thread off his jacket. At least he could look respectful in detention.
"L-Lost?" She repeated. Nida looked up, hurt. She didn't think he was powerful enough to face Seifer and win? She'd been his instructor for two years!
"As in whooped my ass pretty bad. Hyne Trepe! You look about to faint!" He said. Nida looked at Seifer in a new light. Something in Seifer had changed, and for the better as well.
"Nida? As in the quiet Nida that flew Garden against Galbadia? The one I taught?" She blinked a few times and then regained her composture. He couldn't believe she would talk about him as though he weren't there. How could she have overlook him so much. Then again, Leonhart and Almasy were always her favourites.
"It wasn't Seifer who started the fight. I drew first, I'll take full responsibility. Leave the detention slip in my inbox," Nida said through clenched teeth. She hadn't believed in him. She had never though he could fight. She hadn't believed. Nida turned on his heel and stormed out of the corridor. He ran to his dormitory, slammed the door and threw himself onto his bed. He then put his head in his hands.
*
Quistis watched Nida walk away angrily. She began wondering about him, she obvioiusly knew less about the quiet man than she thought.
"That fight was over you Instructor," Seifer sneered as the crowd disbanded. "Never seen him fight back before. Quite amusing really, to see that little mouse get all worked up. Hell, he's good with a 'blade though," Seifer turned back to Quistis who was frowning. She felt guilty.
"Over me, huh? Provoked no doubt. Nida's very... Private. You were wrong to stick you overlarge nose in," Quistis said thoughtfully. Seifer protectively reached up to his nose. Quistis gave him one of her special cold glares that she reserved for him and him alone and walked away. Seifer could think what he wanted.
"Would Instructor No 14, Quistis Trepe, please make her way to the bridge? ASAP Quistis," Squall ordered through the tanoid. Quistis sighed, no time like the present. She'd apologise to Nida later. She walked as fast as she could to Squall's office. Once she got there she saw Squall buried under piles of paperwork.
"Sir?" Quistis said. Squall looked up and gestured to a seat. Quistis wondered what this was about.
"Would Nida make a good instructor?" Squall asked bluntly. Quistis was slightly taken aback. She thought back to only a few seconds ago. He had beaten Seifer, that took some doing. He was quiet but he was clever, as intelligent as Quistis, perhaps even more so.
"Yes but he won't agree to be one," Quistis replied. Squall tutted and returned to his work. Quistis knew this was a dismissal and stood up. She had her hand on the door knob when Squall spoke again.
"Quisty? I think Seifer has already called Nida a mouse at least once today. Nida needs a confidence booster. Just be his reference. He'd be a damned good instructor, we both know that... Please?" Squall begged. Quistis sighed and nodded her consent. How could she object when Squall said please?
"Thanks," Squall said then returned to his work. Quistis had just signed Nida up for Instructor 16, she hoped he wouldn't hate her too much.
*
Nida was furious. More with himself than anyone else. He held a lot of resentment to Seifer, but then, who didn't?
As he made his way to the cafeteria he was amazed to hear whispers and see people watching him. He was half way there when a petite girl stopped him, blushing to the roots if her hair.
"H-Hey... Um... Do you have a girlfriend?" She asked. Nida must have blushed as well.
"No..." He said pushing passed. He heard the girl sniff them he felt someone grab his arm.
"Quite popular aren't you?" Lucinda joked. Nida smiled shyly. "I can't believe you fought with Seifer though. And won. I never doubted you were a good fighter, but to beat Seifer- hell, you must've been damned good," She continued. Nida's face grew even redder.
"Seifer wasn't even trying," Nida told her. To his surprise Lucinda giggled.
"Instructor Trepe didn't think so! She said you held your own pretty well. Oh yeah, she came into the library looking for you. She wanted to apologise or something," Lucinds continued to talk as Nida fell into thought. Quistis had been looking for him? Apologising? As an instructor she was obliged to set him detention or put him on reprt. But to apologise?
"Me and Zell had a lovely time. The hotel is so beautiful at night. It was all lit up! It turned out Zell had booked a special table for us! Oh, it was so romantic. We talked about everything. I really do like Zell," She rambled on. There was only one person she really talked to, and that was Nida, so everything came out at once when she did talk. Nida often couldn't get word in edgeways. Nida half-listened. His mind was on a beautiful golden haired instructor.
They passed the SeeD inboxes and Nida stopped to check his. No detention slip, but there was a postcard from his mother, a newspaper and an official looking envelope. It had the Balamb Garden stamp on it, Nida knew it had come from within Garden. A suspension? Before he had chance to open it Lucinda was squealing.
"Oooh! Look! A rose! All for me! How romantic!" She squeaked. Nida smiled, he was happy things seemed to be going well for his closest friend. She could be happy for the both of them. Nida watched as she smelled the rose. His stomach protested by grumbling loudly.
"Oh! Sorry Nida! C'mon, let's get eating!" She pulled him off. Nida laughed helplessly as he was dragged through the main hall. Passed the directory, passed the Infirmary, passed the Quad. Finally the Cafeteria. Oh no...
"Aw! How sweet! Mouse has found another one of it's kind," The drawl came from Nida's left. Nida stopped and faced Seifer square on.
"I don't know what your problem is lap dog, but leave me out of it. I don't give a shite what you think of me, don't get others involved. Besides, she's Zell's girl," Nida then turned and marched into the cafeteria. Lucinda followed.
"I can see why you lost it with that bully. I guess he finds it even more fun now you rise to the bait," She pointed out. Nida shrigged and signalled to his aunt behind the cafeteria counter. They both sat down and Nida's aunt brought over a basket of food and left them to it.
"Nida? What's wrong?" Lucinda asked as she buttered some toast. Nida picked out some toast, buttered it, and devoured it completely before answering.
"Don't ask Lucinda, son't ask," He advised.
"I just did didn't I? C'mon Nida, we're friends, friends share things, food, money, problems, secrets. So spill," She ordered. Nida was saved when Zell came in, looking for food. He immediately headed over, drawn either by the masses of food or his girlfriend.
"Hey hey hey!" Zell called. Lucinda nearly choked on her coffee. Nida couldn't help it, he snorted. Lucinda looked up hurt, he winced and looked to Zell hurt. Zell rose to the occasion magnificently.
"So babes, when can we go out again? Seems Nida's a bit jealous though. Better watch myself, from what I hear he's good with a 'blade," Zell joked. Nida blushed slightly.
"No big deal. Seifer could have beaten me hands down if he'd tried," Nida replied. It was Zell's turn to snort.
"Seifer would never hold back and lose. Also Quisty said you were really good," He added sincerely. Nida focused on the postcard from his mom. It was a picture of Esthar at sunset. She was okay and having a great time. She'd eaten some thing funny on the plane but it was clearing up now.
The newspaper didn't have anything in it. Nothing much was happening since world peace had been declared. Nothing much for Garden to do either.
Finally he came to the Garden letter. He opened it and choked on his own coffee as he read:
Dear Cadet Denz, ID 357522,
We have been observing your behaviour. Except for the minor incident yesterday, your record is immpecable. We express wishes for you to become Instructor No. 16, Gunblade Master and History and Battle Theory. You'll be under the supervision of Instructor No. 14, Quistis Trepe, for the first two weeks. She'll train you.
Trepe will be your reference for your aplication. She had already agreed you are ready for a career change.
We hope you'll at least consider this Nida! DO NOT THROW THIS IN THE BIN!
Yours sincerely
Squall Leonhart
Quistis Trepe (Good luck Nida!)
He stared at the letter, then re-read it over and over. Finally he looked up at Lucinda and Zell.
"I never thought I was outgoing enough," He said, practically to himself. "I've never really considered doing this. Sure I thought about what it'd be like but-" Lucinda interupted him.
"Stop talking to yourself. Speak slowly and don't start hyper ventilating," She ordered. Nida grinned.
"I'm gonna be an instructor!"
*
Quistis walked into the cafeteria and saw Nida hugging the shy girl from the library. She was hanging off his neck, jumping up and down. Nida looked happy enough. Zell fake punched his arm and said something. Quistis decided to brave it and talk to him.
"So you've heard then?" She asked. He looked at her, his eyes brimming with tears of joy. She'd felt the same, to become one of Garden's elite.
"Thanks Quistis! You don't realise how much this means to me!" He managed to peel the library girl off his neck. I really don't know him at all... I don't know anything about Nida but his name...
"No problem. It's also my way of apologising. Until yesterday no one knew about your fighting skills, that was what gained you the extra role. Even Seifer admitted you whooped his ass, to Squall as well," Quistis noted the slight change in expression.
"I fight to defend myself and others. I train so I can do that. I hate to be classed as a mindless soldier, that's why you didn't notice me," He took a deep breath then the happiness took over again. Quistis laughed as the library girl's shyness vanished. She was truly a good friend to Nida, not nosy, not selfish, but giving as well as receiving. They should share this happiness.
"I did notice you Nida, but with all the problem children in my class, I barely had time for anyone else," Quistis knew it was a lie. It was most likely that Nida knew it was a lie. So why had she said it? She had only wanted to pay attention to Squall and Seifer.
"Yeah, whatever. I don't really care anyhow. I got here without acting like an ass. I got here through my own steam. I got here without anyone important remembering my name. I'm dead proud of myself, and please that I can be," Nida was so ecstatically happy. For a moment Quistis wondered where the quiet, soft-spoken, gentle Nida had gone. Then Seifer, Fujin and Raijin came in.
"It's the mouse! I told you he was trying to reproduce!" Seifer said loudly. Nida looked away, either embarrassed or upset.
"LEAVE" Fujin replied. Quistis frowned then caught Fujin's eye, the fierce intelligence burnt there. Quistis knew she was trying to keep Seifer out of trouble, but that was like trying to keep water cupped in your hands.
"Why?" Seifer demanded. Fujin rolled her eye.
"Y-You've d-done enough Seif-fer," She stuttered. Quistis knew about Fujin's speech problem. She was a lot better now than before. At least she could handle a sentence now, well, with a few extra syllables.
"What are you on about Fuj?" He asked. Quistis sighed.
"She's saying pull your head out of you arse and watch where you're going. At the moment it'[s back out of Garden's front gates," Quistis snapped. His attention clicked onto her. Now the taunt fest began.
"You look radiant this morning Instructor," He started. "As beautiful as a summer's day. Shame you're as frigid as Shiva," He laughed at his own joke.
"Funny, very funny. You think you're tough because you can bully? Try being bullied you pathetic excuse for a lap dog. Then you can crack that joke again," There was so much venom in Nida's voice that even Quistis felt the power of the words. Seifer visibly paled and stalked away, taking Fujin and Raijin with him. Nida shook his head.
"Nida! Dear Hyne, I've found you!" Doctor Kadowaki pushed passed everyone who had wanted to see another fight between Nida and Seifer.
"You didn't take your medication yesterday. Are you okay? No symptoms occuring?" She moved forward to check his eyes. Quistis settled for being mildly puzzled. Nida didn't look ill.
"Not that I noticed Doctor. How soon can I start injecting it myself?" He asked. Quistis frowned, what in Hyne's name was he talking about?
"Let's go into the Infirmary. There are... Other things that need to be discussed," She lead Nida away, leaving Quistis to look at the other two confused. Their expressions mirrored her own.
"What's wrong with Nida?" Zell asked. The library girl shrugged.
"Probably nothing. Doctor K just fusses," The library girl replied. For some reason Quistis didn't quite think that was everything.
*
"So Doctor, has the confirmation come from Odine? And the Health Committee?" Nida asked. Doctor Kadowaki nodded, taking a large supplied box off her desk. She absently brushed a piece of greying hair out of her eyes.
"Yes yes. Just make sure you don't tell anyone about this Nida. It is in the confidential files, but still-" She let the words hang there. Nida understood. She gave him a box of one hundred syringes and his medication to last one hundred days. It was disguised as a brown paper box. Nida winked at Doctor Kadowaki.
"Thanks Sheila. Finally I have my life back again," With that he walked hurriedly to his dormitory. After hiding the box in his wardrobe he went to his desk.
Dear Commander Leonhart,
I would be honoured to become an instructor, even more honoured that you remembered me. I will complete the training to the best of my ability. Thanks for the oppurtunity. If I screw up blame Quistis.
Thanks again!
Nida Denz ID 357522
He looked at the letter. Slightly cheeky, but it probably wouldn't be read passed the first sentence. Nida's life was about to get interesting...
(Author's Note: Everyone knows who Nida is, but no one knows anything about him. Who could tell me Nida's life story as Square meant it? So I decided to do this fanfic about Nida, and what it's like to be the man no one remembers. So here begins Nida's Story. Square probably owns 99% of this fic. Also this is dedicated to my friends who are boys, Tom, Marc, Black Cat, Steve, Frog Luke and Matt, of which Nida is a mixture. Well, not quite like Luke but... Actually, Nida is based on Marc, who's quiet and shy, but really fun to be around. O.O I hope he doesn't read this...)
"Nida! Nida!" Someone shouted down the corridors. Nida turned to see Commander Leonhart walking quickly towards him. He noticed the Commander's expression and knew it wasn't about work.
"Sir," Nida saluted. Squall saluted back.
"At ease," Squall commanded. Nida then smiled.
"You remember me sir," He joked. Squall laughed.
"Yes I remember you Nida. Even better, you're invited to my wedding. Here, Rinoa insisted on the invite cards," He passed Nida a fancy envelope. Nida smiled, or perhaps he had still been smiling, and saluted again.
"I'll be there sir, no matter what," Nida assured him. Squall smiled and walked away. Nida stared down at the envelope. She'd be there. Could he really go? It had been enough for him to stand on the bridge with her. He wasn't obsessed with her, like some others, but still, they'd never really had a conversation.
Nida carried on towards the training center. He planned to defeat some T-Rexuars and then go to the library. Perhaps Lucinda would be there? He had quite a strong relationship with the shy librarian.
He got into the training center and was met by Selphie and Irvine. Nida wondered if they had really been training or if Irvine had been doing something he shouldn't in a place infested with blood thirsy monsters.
"Hi Nida! How's things?" Selphie asked. Nida smiled at her, aware that Irvine was very protective over his women.
"I'm fine Selphie. Say, who else is going to Squall's wedding?" Nida asked. Irvine scoffed.
"He's only inviting close friends and family, jackass. Don't expect an invite," Irvine said arrogantly. Nida frowned, what was Irvine's problem? He'd always been horrible to Nida but why? At the same time Nida felt happy to be regarded as a close friend of the Commander of Garden.
" I have an invite. So he's only invited a select few? Thought Rinoa would want a dramatic public wedding, guess Squall put his foot down," Nida said. Selphie nodded before Irvine pulled her away. She mouthed a goodbye and was gone. Nida shrugged and headed into the restricted area of the training center. This was for over level seventy-five only and Nida had just achieved level eighty-six.
After facing a few T-Rexuars and Ruby Dragons Nida got bored and left. Garden sure was boring when you weren't on a mission. Nida put his gunblade on his shoulder and headed to the library. He hadn't even worked up a sweat.
"Hey Lucinda!" Nida called when he saw her. He then realised she was talking to someone. He smiled when he saw who it was, Zell Dincht, the scrapper, the punk rocker, Lucinda's crush. Or soulmate as she had refered to him in her diary, which he hadn't read of course.
"Zell! What are you doing here?" Nida called again. Zell jumped and grinned as Nida approached. Nida and Zell had been familiar with each other from when Zell had started Garden. Of course neither of them remembered much about it and both had gone their own seperate ways, but they still were quite close friends.
"Gettin' some books for lesson plans for Quisty... And trying to chat up cute library staff," Zell replied. Lucinda blushed bright red and Nida felt sorry for her. She was so quiet and shy, she'd rather die than admit she had a crush on Zell. Nida also heard Quistis's name mentioned. He always noticed when someone mentioned her name. It was unusual, a name from the Celtic times. It meant 'leader of women' and that was certainly true of Quistis.
"H-Here are your books," She said, handing Zell the huge pile of books, who promptly dropped them all, most all over Nida, who tried to catch them all. He dropped spme over the counter and Lucinda bent down to pick them up. Zell leaned over and she stood up, their heads banging. Nida knew that if Zell didn't have concussion, he's be in here a lot more now. She handed him the book then rushed around the counter.
"I'm so sorry! Oh! Here, let me help you!" She looked at the cheek she'd banged, the one with the tattoo. There was no damage done, Zell's so called 'boyishly handsome' face was not going to be brutally scarred. Nida picked up the rest of the books, piling them up really carefully on top of the other books Zell had.
"Where there's no sense, there's no feeling," Zell joked, then seeing the genuine concern in her eyes added. "I know how you could make it up to me though," Nida frowned, Zell didn't realise that if he didn't want to spend the rest of his life with this girl he shouldn't ask her out on a date.
"A date to the Galbadia Hotel, c'mon, what d'ya say?" He asked. Nida was about to warn Lucinda that it wouldn't be very sophisticated to jump at the chance like a dog to a bone but...
"Really?" She squeaked. "I'd love to!"
"I'll pick you up at six then," He strode out. Lucinda dashed behind the desk again and Nida wandered to a nearby bookcase. Then he heard the "Hi Quistis" from Zell who was at the door. He forgot Zell and Lucinda, he forgot boredom, he forgot everything, his focus turned to hiding. Too late.
"Nida? I haven't seen you for a while," She said. He forced hiomself to look at her. She was wearing a pair of tight jeans and an even tighter top, showing off every wonderful curve. It was enough to make any man's temperature go up.
"I've been in here mostly," He replied, quite aware that he felt slightly awed that she remembered him. He was even more awed by her, was it possible for a woman to look quite so perfect?
"I heard you were invited to the wedding. Hell, that'll be funny. Squall making romantic wedding vows?" She chuckled. Nida was just standing there blushing. Do something you dolt! He told himself.
"So... How've things been since you saved the world?" Nida asked. Had Quistis been swept up into a showbiz lifestyle? Nida had heard she was going to be part of an advertising campaign for Mabelline. Quistis had definitely been born with it.
"Boring really, and strangely annoying. The press are worse than the Trepies amd that's saying something," She leaned against the counter. Nida began to relax a little but not enough to feel comfortable. At least the bite bugs in his stomach had only turned to butterflies having a raucous party.
"So, I heard you and Xu did a good job sorting Garden out while we were off in Esthar. You even got a few admirers," She winked. Nida blushed, he'd only ever wanted one person to admire him and that was her. The bold, elegant Instructor of history and battle strategy. Sure Nida had heard about the little group but he had done his best to stay away from them.
"Oh yeah, I got a group valentine's card off them," Nida remembered. He didn't know why he forgot things, sometimes it was only what he was going to say next, other times it was more important things, like who his father was.
"I got one from the Trepies and one from a mystery admirer," Her eyes twinkled as she smiled. Nida swore he'd kill whoever sent that card. He had liked her forever but he was always to scared she'd recognise his writing to send a card. He suddenly became very aware of himself.
"Um... I have to go see Doctor Kadowaki. I'll catch you later," He said. Quistis nodded and turned to talk to Lucinda who rushed to help. Nida wasn't really wantching as he walked down the corridor outside the Library.
"MOVE," came a voice. He stopped. Fujin had been let into Garden? Since when? Why hadn't the other students been informed? Absently he stepped aside, he hated confrontation.
"You're pretty pitiful for a SeeD," A cold sharp voice cut into his thoughts like a knife. Nida saw Seifer Almasy standing arrogantly, arms crossed, slouching and trying to look tough. Rajin stood next to him guffawing like some mindless donkey.
"At least I am a SeeD, Seifer," Nida retorted. Seifer had bullied Nida for years, only because he had been quiet adn never fought back. Nida was going to enjoy his new found confidence.
"Even I can chat Trepe up!" He snapped back. Nida kept his cool.
"And what's that supposed to mean?" Nida asked calmly as he could. By now there was a little crowd. A few people came to see the lap dog and the shy mouse scrap.
"The Instructor is an easy lay," Seifer replied. That was it. Sod the rules about fighting in the corridors, he'd be damned if he didn't make Seifer regret that comment.
"Well asshole, let's see if you can wield a gunblade as fast as you can wield your tongue," Nida pulled his gunblade out from behind him. The corridor cleared, the crowd pulling back to give them a good distance to fight. Seifer smirked and pulled out Hyperion. Both took off their jackets and began circling.
Nida knew he could out wait Seifer, so he used his time to think of a way to beat him. Seifer was bigger than him, he was at least three inches taller, and well-built. Nida was muscled enough but Seifer still had a lot more power. Seifer could also use agility. Everyone had a weakness though, even Seifer. It was apparent when he leapt to attack.
Seifer thrust to Nida's right. Nida parried easily and noticed how Seifer relied on his speed, leaving himself open to attack for a split second. Nida parried and defended himself until another oppurtunity came. Seifer brought his gunblade over his head and Nida thrust forward. His gunblade tickled the skin under Seifer's chin before anyone realised what had happened, let alone Seifer.
"I win," Nida said simply, letting the gunblade fall to his side. Seifer blinked stupidly a few times then smirked.
"Mouse wins," He agreed. Nida wiped his forehead on his sleeve.
"What is going on?" The voice cut crystal clear through the shocked atmosphere. The crowd parted as Quistis made her way through. Seeing the gunblades she put her hands on her hips.
"Seifer? Fighting already? You didn't kick his ass too hard did you?" She asked. Seifer smirked even more as Nida put his jacket back on. Nida would have to shower before going to see Doctor Kadowaki.
"No, I didn't touch him. I lost, instructor," Seifer admitted. Nida didn't give him the satisfaction of looking surprised, instead he concentrated on breaking a loose thread off his jacket. At least he could look respectful in detention.
"L-Lost?" She repeated. Nida looked up, hurt. She didn't think he was powerful enough to face Seifer and win? She'd been his instructor for two years!
"As in whooped my ass pretty bad. Hyne Trepe! You look about to faint!" He said. Nida looked at Seifer in a new light. Something in Seifer had changed, and for the better as well.
"Nida? As in the quiet Nida that flew Garden against Galbadia? The one I taught?" She blinked a few times and then regained her composture. He couldn't believe she would talk about him as though he weren't there. How could she have overlook him so much. Then again, Leonhart and Almasy were always her favourites.
"It wasn't Seifer who started the fight. I drew first, I'll take full responsibility. Leave the detention slip in my inbox," Nida said through clenched teeth. She hadn't believed in him. She had never though he could fight. She hadn't believed. Nida turned on his heel and stormed out of the corridor. He ran to his dormitory, slammed the door and threw himself onto his bed. He then put his head in his hands.
Quistis watched Nida walk away angrily. She began wondering about him, she obvioiusly knew less about the quiet man than she thought.
"That fight was over you Instructor," Seifer sneered as the crowd disbanded. "Never seen him fight back before. Quite amusing really, to see that little mouse get all worked up. Hell, he's good with a 'blade though," Seifer turned back to Quistis who was frowning. She felt guilty.
"Over me, huh? Provoked no doubt. Nida's very... Private. You were wrong to stick you overlarge nose in," Quistis said thoughtfully. Seifer protectively reached up to his nose. Quistis gave him one of her special cold glares that she reserved for him and him alone and walked away. Seifer could think what he wanted.
"Would Instructor No 14, Quistis Trepe, please make her way to the bridge? ASAP Quistis," Squall ordered through the tanoid. Quistis sighed, no time like the present. She'd apologise to Nida later. She walked as fast as she could to Squall's office. Once she got there she saw Squall buried under piles of paperwork.
"Sir?" Quistis said. Squall looked up and gestured to a seat. Quistis wondered what this was about.
"Would Nida make a good instructor?" Squall asked bluntly. Quistis was slightly taken aback. She thought back to only a few seconds ago. He had beaten Seifer, that took some doing. He was quiet but he was clever, as intelligent as Quistis, perhaps even more so.
"Yes but he won't agree to be one," Quistis replied. Squall tutted and returned to his work. Quistis knew this was a dismissal and stood up. She had her hand on the door knob when Squall spoke again.
"Quisty? I think Seifer has already called Nida a mouse at least once today. Nida needs a confidence booster. Just be his reference. He'd be a damned good instructor, we both know that... Please?" Squall begged. Quistis sighed and nodded her consent. How could she object when Squall said please?
"Thanks," Squall said then returned to his work. Quistis had just signed Nida up for Instructor 16, she hoped he wouldn't hate her too much.
Nida was furious. More with himself than anyone else. He held a lot of resentment to Seifer, but then, who didn't?
As he made his way to the cafeteria he was amazed to hear whispers and see people watching him. He was half way there when a petite girl stopped him, blushing to the roots if her hair.
"H-Hey... Um... Do you have a girlfriend?" She asked. Nida must have blushed as well.
"No..." He said pushing passed. He heard the girl sniff them he felt someone grab his arm.
"Quite popular aren't you?" Lucinda joked. Nida smiled shyly. "I can't believe you fought with Seifer though. And won. I never doubted you were a good fighter, but to beat Seifer- hell, you must've been damned good," She continued. Nida's face grew even redder.
"Seifer wasn't even trying," Nida told her. To his surprise Lucinda giggled.
"Instructor Trepe didn't think so! She said you held your own pretty well. Oh yeah, she came into the library looking for you. She wanted to apologise or something," Lucinds continued to talk as Nida fell into thought. Quistis had been looking for him? Apologising? As an instructor she was obliged to set him detention or put him on reprt. But to apologise?
"Me and Zell had a lovely time. The hotel is so beautiful at night. It was all lit up! It turned out Zell had booked a special table for us! Oh, it was so romantic. We talked about everything. I really do like Zell," She rambled on. There was only one person she really talked to, and that was Nida, so everything came out at once when she did talk. Nida often couldn't get word in edgeways. Nida half-listened. His mind was on a beautiful golden haired instructor.
They passed the SeeD inboxes and Nida stopped to check his. No detention slip, but there was a postcard from his mother, a newspaper and an official looking envelope. It had the Balamb Garden stamp on it, Nida knew it had come from within Garden. A suspension? Before he had chance to open it Lucinda was squealing.
"Oooh! Look! A rose! All for me! How romantic!" She squeaked. Nida smiled, he was happy things seemed to be going well for his closest friend. She could be happy for the both of them. Nida watched as she smelled the rose. His stomach protested by grumbling loudly.
"Oh! Sorry Nida! C'mon, let's get eating!" She pulled him off. Nida laughed helplessly as he was dragged through the main hall. Passed the directory, passed the Infirmary, passed the Quad. Finally the Cafeteria. Oh no...
"Aw! How sweet! Mouse has found another one of it's kind," The drawl came from Nida's left. Nida stopped and faced Seifer square on.
"I don't know what your problem is lap dog, but leave me out of it. I don't give a shite what you think of me, don't get others involved. Besides, she's Zell's girl," Nida then turned and marched into the cafeteria. Lucinda followed.
"I can see why you lost it with that bully. I guess he finds it even more fun now you rise to the bait," She pointed out. Nida shrigged and signalled to his aunt behind the cafeteria counter. They both sat down and Nida's aunt brought over a basket of food and left them to it.
"Nida? What's wrong?" Lucinda asked as she buttered some toast. Nida picked out some toast, buttered it, and devoured it completely before answering.
"Don't ask Lucinda, son't ask," He advised.
"I just did didn't I? C'mon Nida, we're friends, friends share things, food, money, problems, secrets. So spill," She ordered. Nida was saved when Zell came in, looking for food. He immediately headed over, drawn either by the masses of food or his girlfriend.
"Hey hey hey!" Zell called. Lucinda nearly choked on her coffee. Nida couldn't help it, he snorted. Lucinda looked up hurt, he winced and looked to Zell hurt. Zell rose to the occasion magnificently.
"So babes, when can we go out again? Seems Nida's a bit jealous though. Better watch myself, from what I hear he's good with a 'blade," Zell joked. Nida blushed slightly.
"No big deal. Seifer could have beaten me hands down if he'd tried," Nida replied. It was Zell's turn to snort.
"Seifer would never hold back and lose. Also Quisty said you were really good," He added sincerely. Nida focused on the postcard from his mom. It was a picture of Esthar at sunset. She was okay and having a great time. She'd eaten some thing funny on the plane but it was clearing up now.
The newspaper didn't have anything in it. Nothing much was happening since world peace had been declared. Nothing much for Garden to do either.
Finally he came to the Garden letter. He opened it and choked on his own coffee as he read:
Dear Cadet Denz, ID 357522,
We have been observing your behaviour. Except for the minor incident yesterday, your record is immpecable. We express wishes for you to become Instructor No. 16, Gunblade Master and History and Battle Theory. You'll be under the supervision of Instructor No. 14, Quistis Trepe, for the first two weeks. She'll train you.
Trepe will be your reference for your aplication. She had already agreed you are ready for a career change.
We hope you'll at least consider this Nida! DO NOT THROW THIS IN THE BIN!
Yours sincerely
Squall Leonhart
Quistis Trepe (Good luck Nida!)
He stared at the letter, then re-read it over and over. Finally he looked up at Lucinda and Zell.
"I never thought I was outgoing enough," He said, practically to himself. "I've never really considered doing this. Sure I thought about what it'd be like but-" Lucinda interupted him.
"Stop talking to yourself. Speak slowly and don't start hyper ventilating," She ordered. Nida grinned.
"I'm gonna be an instructor!"
Quistis walked into the cafeteria and saw Nida hugging the shy girl from the library. She was hanging off his neck, jumping up and down. Nida looked happy enough. Zell fake punched his arm and said something. Quistis decided to brave it and talk to him.
"So you've heard then?" She asked. He looked at her, his eyes brimming with tears of joy. She'd felt the same, to become one of Garden's elite.
"Thanks Quistis! You don't realise how much this means to me!" He managed to peel the library girl off his neck. I really don't know him at all... I don't know anything about Nida but his name...
"No problem. It's also my way of apologising. Until yesterday no one knew about your fighting skills, that was what gained you the extra role. Even Seifer admitted you whooped his ass, to Squall as well," Quistis noted the slight change in expression.
"I fight to defend myself and others. I train so I can do that. I hate to be classed as a mindless soldier, that's why you didn't notice me," He took a deep breath then the happiness took over again. Quistis laughed as the library girl's shyness vanished. She was truly a good friend to Nida, not nosy, not selfish, but giving as well as receiving. They should share this happiness.
"I did notice you Nida, but with all the problem children in my class, I barely had time for anyone else," Quistis knew it was a lie. It was most likely that Nida knew it was a lie. So why had she said it? She had only wanted to pay attention to Squall and Seifer.
"Yeah, whatever. I don't really care anyhow. I got here without acting like an ass. I got here through my own steam. I got here without anyone important remembering my name. I'm dead proud of myself, and please that I can be," Nida was so ecstatically happy. For a moment Quistis wondered where the quiet, soft-spoken, gentle Nida had gone. Then Seifer, Fujin and Raijin came in.
"It's the mouse! I told you he was trying to reproduce!" Seifer said loudly. Nida looked away, either embarrassed or upset.
"LEAVE" Fujin replied. Quistis frowned then caught Fujin's eye, the fierce intelligence burnt there. Quistis knew she was trying to keep Seifer out of trouble, but that was like trying to keep water cupped in your hands.
"Why?" Seifer demanded. Fujin rolled her eye.
"Y-You've d-done enough Seif-fer," She stuttered. Quistis knew about Fujin's speech problem. She was a lot better now than before. At least she could handle a sentence now, well, with a few extra syllables.
"What are you on about Fuj?" He asked. Quistis sighed.
"She's saying pull your head out of you arse and watch where you're going. At the moment it'[s back out of Garden's front gates," Quistis snapped. His attention clicked onto her. Now the taunt fest began.
"You look radiant this morning Instructor," He started. "As beautiful as a summer's day. Shame you're as frigid as Shiva," He laughed at his own joke.
"Funny, very funny. You think you're tough because you can bully? Try being bullied you pathetic excuse for a lap dog. Then you can crack that joke again," There was so much venom in Nida's voice that even Quistis felt the power of the words. Seifer visibly paled and stalked away, taking Fujin and Raijin with him. Nida shook his head.
"Nida! Dear Hyne, I've found you!" Doctor Kadowaki pushed passed everyone who had wanted to see another fight between Nida and Seifer.
"You didn't take your medication yesterday. Are you okay? No symptoms occuring?" She moved forward to check his eyes. Quistis settled for being mildly puzzled. Nida didn't look ill.
"Not that I noticed Doctor. How soon can I start injecting it myself?" He asked. Quistis frowned, what in Hyne's name was he talking about?
"Let's go into the Infirmary. There are... Other things that need to be discussed," She lead Nida away, leaving Quistis to look at the other two confused. Their expressions mirrored her own.
"What's wrong with Nida?" Zell asked. The library girl shrugged.
"Probably nothing. Doctor K just fusses," The library girl replied. For some reason Quistis didn't quite think that was everything.
"So Doctor, has the confirmation come from Odine? And the Health Committee?" Nida asked. Doctor Kadowaki nodded, taking a large supplied box off her desk. She absently brushed a piece of greying hair out of her eyes.
"Yes yes. Just make sure you don't tell anyone about this Nida. It is in the confidential files, but still-" She let the words hang there. Nida understood. She gave him a box of one hundred syringes and his medication to last one hundred days. It was disguised as a brown paper box. Nida winked at Doctor Kadowaki.
"Thanks Sheila. Finally I have my life back again," With that he walked hurriedly to his dormitory. After hiding the box in his wardrobe he went to his desk.
Dear Commander Leonhart,
I would be honoured to become an instructor, even more honoured that you remembered me. I will complete the training to the best of my ability. Thanks for the oppurtunity. If I screw up blame Quistis.
Thanks again!
Nida Denz ID 357522
He looked at the letter. Slightly cheeky, but it probably wouldn't be read passed the first sentence. Nida's life was about to get interesting...