Chapter 3 Fighting In The Dark

Quistis slowly walked down the stone steps leading into the gardens, relishing the cool night air. The palace was bigger than Galbadia, and she had to use all her senses to maneuver through the corridors. She was thankful that she had been blessed with extra-sensitive senses, and the ability to 'see' through her other senses. It was as if she wasn't blind at all - but there were problems, like this morning when Rinoa had to point out the ladder to her. Even though she had sonic capabilities - she never could have 'seen' the rope ladder without help.

She stood in the middle of a circular patio, listening to the crickets sing their nightly serenade. It was a cool, windless night - perfect.

Her whip snaked out on the floor, making cracking sounds as the barbs hit stone. The leather cut through the air with a silent swish, sometimes with an almost blade-like slice. In and out she weaved, dancing to her own deadly rhythm. In her mind she saw targets, and her whip met each one with precision, not missing a single head. She could totally control her aim, making the whip an extension of her own arm. So absorbed she was in her own dance that she didn't notice a pair of steely eyes carefully watching her every move. Admiring the graceful curve of her strokes, the deadly accuracy in which she hit every flagstone without harming the next one; understanding when Irvine said she was the best SeeD Knight in Galbadia.

Quistis finally let her whip clatter to the ground as she let her mind collect itself again. And it was then did she hear it - such shallow breathing that it meant whoever it was he was very good at concealing himself; but not good enough. "Who goes there?"

Squall grinned slightly. Her hearing was exceptional, he applauded. He silently stepped into the circle, facing her. He saw the way her eyes seem to focus on him, but not entirely. She seemed to have the distant, faraway look of a dreamer, but her frown of disapproval said she was quite there. "Have you no manners, sneaking up on a lady?"

"I beg you pardon, Knight." Squall said softly. Quistis obviously didn't recognize him. "I wish to be left in peace," She said flatly. But Squall didn't come here just to be shooed away like some common servant. "I saw you practicing."

"I believe you did," She said sarcastically. "Were you sent by the prince to see how good I am?"

"... I came to train myself, but you occupied my spot."

"You speak like the King." Her eyebrows were raised. "Then I'm sorry. Good night." She began to retreat when the flat side of a blade pressed against her front told her the intruder had other plans. "You intruded my space. I believe it's fair to settle this with a duel."

"How typical of men," She said lightly. "Abusing a girl, my lord?"

"You're said to be the best Knight in Galbadia," He pulled back his sword. 'Show me then, the reason why I let you stay."

A thrill of fear shot up her spine. Is this the Leader? The Highest SeeD who granted her life? She sensed the presence of another in the Throne Room earlier, but as he did not make a sound she dismissed him to be a servant. "Prince Leonhart..." She swiftly bent down to kneel. "Please forgive my words! I - "

"Whatever." He was still motionless, and Quistis realized he really did expect her to duel. Against the man who gave her shelter?

"On guard." He said quietly.

The clash of metal against metal rang through the night air as the two Knights struck again and again, seeking an opening to deal the final blow. Quistis darted left and right, trying to keep out of range of the gunblade while Squall advanced to avoid her whip. They fought hard; the long-range weapon versus the legendary gunblade as neither wanted to give up. Quistis; for her pride - Squall; because it simply wasn't in him to back away.

Finally he sensed her grow tired as her movements became less graceful and she narrowly avoided a move that would have been easy enough earlier.

Quistis pulled her whip back to block an downwards slash and had to swerve to the left to avoid another when she lost her balance. "Ah!!"

In a split second, she tumbled - and he caught her. The gunblade fell as did the whip, and time stopped. She was half sprawled on the ground; half supported by Squall so her hands were pressed against his chest as his knee supported her back. It was truly an awkward position for her, never being so close to another like this. His breathing was ragged and filled her ears; the heat emanating from him burned her skin and something... something about him made her hard to breathe.

Squall looked down at the girl who looked as if she didn't know what to do. "Are you hurt?"

Quistis drew a laboured breath. What was she thinking? "I... I'm sorry." She pulled away and felt for her whip. "I was exhausted, Your Highness. I hope you're not offended."

Squall watched as she made sure everything was in order. "I can see why Sir Irvine praised you highly."

"Thank you." She bowed. "Please excuse me, Prince."

He watched as she moved surely into the darkness of the palace, and his breathing came easily. He didn't understand why he had the urge to hold his breath.

Author's note: Please, please, please reviews!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!