A/N: hi everyone! Just want to say thank you for all the great reviews!!
DISCLAIMER:I won nothing except Leona and the story idea ^_^
'Class, I'd like you to meet Leona Chaplin.'
I waved nervously at the slightly small class that Quistis had me in front of. There only looked to be about ten, fifteen students. Ok, so I guess this wasn't going to be so bad, I didn't feel as intimidated as I thought I would, which was a very good thing.
'You are to treat her with the respect she deserves. I will not allow any more 'Alien Girl' titles that so many have given her,' Quistis said sternly then turned and smiled at me, 'you may go take a seat at the back.'
I nodded and walked to the back of the class, feeling the eyes of my fellow classmates following me the whole way. Man, when Quistis was teaching her demeanor sure did go professional. I shook the thought out of my head as I came up to the desk I was supposed to sit in and noticed there was another student sitting there too. I guess I must share it or something. I sat down, quickly reaching into my bag for my paper and pen.
'You wont need that, at least not till the middle of class.'
'What,' I stammered, surprised to hear a voice beside me, 'but I thought this was battle strategies, surly we take notes.'
'Yeah we do, but instructor Trepe likes to yap on for ages before she actually gets down to business,' the young man looked up and grinned at me, 'names Kruger Welsh, nice to meet ya,' he said and extended out his hand. I blushed slightly and shook it. He had dark dancing eyes and black hair that jutted out everywhere. His ears were also pierced all the way up to the top and he had a hoop going through his eyebrow. Though his looks told a different story, he seemed pretty friendly but I could tell by his attitude that he didn't enjoy this class very much.
'I'm Leona,' I said, albeit nervously as I placed my hand in my lap.
'Yeah I know, Trepe just introduced you not five minutes ago,' he said jokingly.
I slapped a hand to my forehead, still blushing.
'Ack, right, sorry I'm not exactly the sharpest knife in the drawer,' I said and flashed Kruger a lopsided smile. He grinned and shook his head bemusedly.
'Naw, don't say stuff like that, we all get moments like those,' he said. I grinned and turned back to face Quistis. This Kruger guy sorta reminded me of Zell...
'Leona, are you getting this note down?'
'What?' I mumbled, my thoughts rudely being pushed aside.
Quistis sighed and leaned onto her desk with one hand, White Board marker in her other hand.
'This note, you should be getting it down considering you know very little about anything that we teach here,' she said, not so stern that it sounded cold, but just firm enough to get the point across.
'Oh sorry Quistis, ack, I mean, Instructor Trepe. I'll get it down right away,' I stammered and quickly began to scribble down the note so far. Quistis nodded and turned back to the White Board, continuing her note.
'I thought you said she didn't start writing notes till the middle of class,' I growled at Kruger, not even bothering to turn my head to look at him.
'Heh, I guess I was wrong,' he said, scribbling down the note as well. I groaned and rubbed my forehead with my other hand.
'Thanks a lot, you got me in trouble.'
'Hey, it wasn't my fault you believed me,' he said then poked my side with his pen. I bit back a yelp and turned to flash him an angry glare.
'Sorry, couldn't resist,' he said then stuck his tongue out (which was pierced I might add!) and went back to writing the note. I sighed and did so too, after this I would have Selphie's class I wonder how that one was.. I shook the thoughts out of my head and focused the rest of my attention on the lesson Quistis was explaining (basically how to catch and junction a GF) I wrote everything down, I desperately wanted to learn everything.
'Always remember though that there is a risk to junctioning a guiding force, it has been proven that they do feed on your memories so you will have to make the choice yourself as to whether or not your prepared to sacrifice such a thing.'
I sighed at what Quistis said, my chances of ever junctioning a GF flying right out the window. It wasn't that I wouldn't be able to catch and junction one (I'm sure with some training I'd be perfectly capable) but with being from another world and all.. losing my memory's would really suck. I missed all my friends and family horribly, if that weren't bad enough, losing any memory of them would be awful. I mean, what if I lost all of it and was sent back to my world only to not have the first clue who the people I see are. Heh, it would be Déjà vu of what happened here.. well, sort of. I sighed and started doodling on my paper, drawing different anime characters I remembered from back home. Before I knew it my entire page was covered with tiny doodles and I was surprised to see I had actually done one of Zell! Heh, it wasn't to bad of a drawing but he looked better in real life.
'Why are you drawing cartoons of instructor Dincht?'
I blushed and quickly stuffed the paper into my bag.
'Ah, long story,' I muttered to Kruger who just shrugged and went back to his work. I went back to copying the other note Quistis had just written, looking up every now and then. The third time I looked up I saw Quistis walking towards me, checking on the students that she passed. She knelt down in front of my desk and smiled encouragingly.
'So, how is class going for you so far?'
I sighed and put my pen down, cracking my sore knuckles.
'Not so bad, you write long notes,' I laughed and smiled, 'just like my one grade eight teacher.'
'Oh, what do you mean by grade eight teacher?' Quistis asked as she looked at my note I was copying. She nodded, as if approving my writing then looked up expectantly at me.
'Um, well, back where I come from there's different grades, sort of like your SeeD levels,' I said, remembering her say something about how a member of SeeD would go up a level depending on how they conducted themselves or a mission, 'anyway, each year that we grow older we go into another grade,' I explained.
'So when you were eight you were in grade eight?' Kruger asked.
'Kruger, get back to your work,' Quistis said sternly.
'Whatever you say, Instructor,' he growled and went back to his paper.
'Sorry about that, go on,' Quistis urged.
'Well, the answer to Kruger's question is no, when I was thirteen I was in grade eight,' I explained then sighed, 'I dunno, thinking about that stuff confuses me because I'm here now and am now under a different system,' I confessed. Quistis chuckled slightly and stood up, placing a hand on my shoulder encouragingly.
'You'll get into the scheme of things in no time, your first week will most likely be awkward but I think you'll do just fine,' she said then walked up to the front of the class. I gnawed on my bottom lip, seriously hoping she was right then shrugged it off. I turned back to the work she had assigned, looking for the answers to the questions on the computer at the desk. Sometimes I'd ask Kruger and he'd try to help me understand but he would quickly lose his patience with me.
'Alright class, the bells about to go so if you'd like to gather your stuff and wait by the door,' Quistis called from her desk. I gathered all my many papers and stuffed them as neatly as I could into my binder, which I shoved back into my bag. I followed Kruger down to the front of the class and stood by the door with him.
'So, what class do you have now?' I asked gingerly. I wanted to make conversation but I was starting to get the feeling that my attempts were mostly futile. Surprisingly though, he responded to my question.
'Going to Instructor Almassy's class,' he said simply, his one hand up at his ear as he adjusted one of his earrings, 'I'm learning how to properly use a gunblade with him.'
'Oh, you like to use Gun blades too?' I asked, desperate to hold the conversation. I couldn't believe his attitude toward me now, before he and I seemed to get a long just fine...
'Yeah,' he said, pushing away from the wall he had been leaning on just as the bell went. I didn't even get a chance to say good-bye to him because he pushed his way through the throng of students and disappeared. I sighed and turned around and waved at Quistis.
'I'll see ya later Quistis, sorry about not paying attention that one time,' I apologized.
'Nah, don't worry about it!' she said, waving it off, 'go down to the main hall and you'll find Selphie and her class gathering, I think you guys are going outdoors today.'
I nodded and smiled.
'Yeah, that's what Zell said.'
'Well, you better get going Hun, you have one minute to get there before the final bell goes,' she said, pointing up at the clock.
'Gah!' I cried and rushed out of the class, running down the hall towards the elevator. I stopped dead in my tracks to see a line up forming, 'ugh,' I growled and turned around to sue the stairs down at the opposite end of Quistis' classroom. I practically fell down each one of them as I rushed to get down to the main floor. I threw open the stairwell door and ran down the hall just in time to see Selphie approaching her class.
'Leona Chaplin?'
'I'm here!!' I yelled and skidded to a halt in front of her. I leaned forward and rested my hands on my knees as I panted.
'Hyne Leona, you look like you just ran a marathon,' Selphie teased then checked off my name on her list that was attached to her clipboard, 'I'm not gonna mark you late considering this is your first day but I'm just warning ya, tomorrow you better be on time,' she said, winking as she poked me with her pen.
'Yeah, I will be Selphie,' I assured.
'That's good,' she said then turned to the rest of her class, 'all right guys, this is Leona, she's super nice so I expect ya to be super nice to her! Now, who wants to be partners with her for today's field trip?' Selphie asked, scanning the students. I blushed and fidgeted a bit, I knew no one would want to be my partner, everyone in Garden knew I was some 'alien' from another world.
'I'll be her partner!' this one girl called as she bounced up to the front of the class.
'Alright then Aura!' Selphie said then smiled at me, 'Leona, this is Aura, Aura this is Leona! I hope you two have fun working together!' she said, happily hugging her clipboard to her chest.
'We will!' Aura said then snatched my hand, 'come on, we better make sure we get ahead of everyone else or else we'll lose dibs on good parts on the beach!' she said excitedly.
'Um ok,' I stammered, 'but why are we going to the beach?'
'Oh, Selphie said that since you were new to the class and all we would have a day at the beach to celebrate,' Aura explained as we and the rest of the class made our way out of Garden.
'Oh,' I said then smiled, 'how come your not in any of my other classes?" I asked.
'Ohh, well Selphie said that the commander and the headmaster wanted you to have a try in every instructors class.'
'Wait, doesn't each instructor teach something different?" I asked, stopping in my tracks.
'No, you get assigned to one instructor and they teach ya everything. Although, sometimes certain students have more than one instructor, depends usually on what weapon they use' Aura explained impatiently then grabbed my arm, 'come on lets go! All the good spots will be taken along the beach!'
'But I don't have a bathing suit or anything!' I cried as she practically yanked me down the small road.
'Leona! Aura! Don't go too far ahead!' we heard Selphie yell behind us. The two of us stopped in our tracks and waited for her and the others to catch up. I really hadn't noticed how far we'd gone ahead until now.
'So, Leona, whattya think of Balamb Plains?" she asked, stretching out both her arms. I laughed and looked around at the mountains surrounding the vast grassy fields and the small forests that were off in the distance. The fresh air was great and the cool breeze felt wonderful was it danced across my skin.
'Love it,' I said simply, 'although, its not like I haven't seen them before, Selph. Remember? You, Irvine, Zell and I walked to Balamb like on my first day here!' I said, laughing. Selphie shrugged and giggled.
'Whoopsies, I forgotsies!' she chimed. Aura and I laughed.
'I wonder whose class you'll decide to stay in,' Aura said, looking at me curiously.
'Do you think you'll stay in this one?' Selphie asked, giggling.
'I don't know,' I said, 'I still have Zell's to go through.'
'Oh right, heeehee, should of known your probably going to go for him,' Selphie said, jabbing my side with her elbow.
'What? Wait, I'm confused,' Aura said, hr shoulders slumping. Suddenly though, they rose again and she grinned broadly at me.
'Oh man! You like instructor Dincht don't ya?!'
I nodded sheepishly; I guess she didn't know he and I were now together.
'Dude, I used to want him like some fat kid wanted a doughnut!' she cried. I laughed really hard but also felt a stab of emotional pain. God, this girl was just like one of my best friends at home. It was amazing how alike they were. They're names were almost the exact same (my friends name was Audra), Aura had her short hair not to mention her hyper attitude.
'Hey, you ok?' Selphie asked, snapping her fingers in front of me. I shook my head and smiled.
'Yeah I'm ok, just thinking about home,' I held up my hands and laughed, 'but don't worry, I'm not sad or anything, I really am having a great time,' I assured, knowing Selphie would be hounding at me if it were different.
'Good, ok, well we're almost at the beach,' she started then put two fingers to her mouth and whistled, successfully grabbing the attention of her other students, 'OK LISTEN UP EVERYONE! WHEN WE GET TO THE BEACH YOU ARE ALL TO STAY IN PAIRS IN CASE ANY MONSTERS SHOW UP! USE THE SKILL'S IVE TAUGHT YOU TO FIGHT THEM OFF BUT IF YOU NEED ANY HELP JUST GIVE A YELL!' she screamed then smiled, proudly, 'I KNOW YOU GUYS CAN HANDLE IT SO ALL I HAVE TO SAY IS BLOW THEM ALL TO SMITHEREENS!'
I laughed and rubbed my head. Heck, when Selphie wanted to yell she could YELL. I turned around to see the rest of the students breaking off into pairs and walking around the rather small beach. Selphie suddenly came up behind me and put her arms around both Aura's shoulders and mine.
'Alright Gals, lets go have some fun yeah?'
'BOOYA!' I cried as the three of us ran down the sand dunes.
~*~*~*~
I practically crawled into the cafeteria at lunch, totally exhausted from my little trip to the beach with Selphie and her class. I had been forced to go to my dorm and change because Selphie and Aura had gotten the brilliant idea of pushing me into the ocean. It really wasn't that great of an idea because I didn't have a spare uniform and was now walking around in a pair of baggy jeans a tank top; not exactly proper for going to class. I stood in line and after a short wait ordered my lunch, there weren't many in the cafeteria (which I found a little odd) so I sat at the first table I saw and started to nibble on my sandwich.
'Hey Leona!'
I looked up from my plate to see Zell striding towards me. he leaned down and kissed my forehead then pulled out a chair.
'How was your first two classes?' he asked, reaching over to take a bite out of the other half of my sandwich. I smacked his hand reprovingly but let him have it after he pouted. I know I know; you have no backbone Leona.. But you should have seen it! I don't think you would have been able to resist either. Too cute...
'Uh, Leowa? You widn't amfer me,' Zell said, his mouth full from my sandwich half. I shook my head and smiled at him.
'Sorry Zell, just thinking.'
'Awout,' Zell swallowed the rest of the food in his mouth, 'about what?'
'In all honesty, you,' I said, covering up my blush with a hand.
'Aw shucks, isn't that cute,' Zell said teasingly as he rubbed the back of his head. I peeled a tomato off my sandwich and chucked it at him, very pleased when it hit his forehead with a delightful SPLAT. Zell looked up at the slowly slipping chunk of tomato, his eyes crossing. Oh my god, he had this stunned guppy look on his face... Ok Leona, get a hold of yourself, your actually with him now so things like this shouldn't get you as excited as you used too.. I'm with Zell Dincht, I'm with Zell Dincht, I'm with Zell Dincht.....
'I'm really starting to believe Seifer when he calls you a space cadet,' Zell said, shaking his head, 'but I like what you're chanting.'
Shiiiiiiiiiiiiiit!
'Chanting? Chanting what?' I asked as innocently as I could, panic gripping me.
Zell took a swig of my pop.
'My name,' he said casually then wiggled his eyebrows at me, 'if you're chanting my name without knowing it, I wonder what other stuff I can catch ya doing.'
'Ohhh, you are DIRTY!' I said, sticking my tongue out playfully, 'your supposed to have a clean mind.'
'Tch, Leona, I'm a twenty year old guy, give me a break here,' he protested, then shook his head and pulled me into his lap. For a little while he just nuzzled his face into my neck then he pulled back, 'you know I'm just teasing ya right? I-I'm not that kind of guy,' he stammered.
'Zell, don't worry about it, I know your teasing,' I assured him then kissed the tip of his nose, a small shudder running through my body after I did so. Hee hee, never knew something so small like that could be so much fun!
'Well, we've got class in about,' Zell trailed off as he pulled his wrist from around my waist and looked at his watch, 'twenty minutes, you wanna go visit Ma down in the infirmary or something?'
'Yeah sure, when's doctor Kadowaki going to let her go?' I asked as Zell and I picked up our garbage and threw it out.
'I dunno, I think today, so that's why I wanna go visit her while I still have time, you know, just to make sure she's safe,' he explained then took my hand as the two of us walked out of the cafeteria and walked to the infirmary.
'Ah look! My sons come to free me!'
'Hi ma,' Zell said, chuckling as the two of us walked into the infirmary. Ma Dincht reached up and wrapped her arms around Zell and gave him a kiss on the cheek. Zell smiled and rubbed embarrassingly at the spot he had been kissed with a gloved hand.
'Ma, you remember Leona,' Zell said, slightly pulling me towards his mother's bed. Ma Dincht smiled and spread her arms open again and pulled me into a warm embrace.
'Of course I remember her, luv!' she said then pulled back, 'you two seem pretty happy.'
I nodded and smiled at Zell.
'Yeah, he's a goof ball but I think I can handle him, Mrs.Dincht,' I said, punching Zell's shoulder playfully.
'Leona, darling, don't call me Mrs.Dincht. Its too formal, just call me Ma,' she said, patting my hand.
'Ok,' I said then stepped back to be beside Zell.
'So, did Doc say when ya could be released?' Zell asked, his hand cupping around my hip. I fidgeted a bit, still feeling a little new to his touches. Zell must have felt me fidget because he removed his hand from my hip and instead entwined it with my hand. Damn, he was sharp, a couple of my ex boyfriends hadn't caught on to the reason of my fidgeting till maybe our second last date.
'She said I can leave in an hour or so,' ma Dincht said, waving it off, 'I don't mind, you would never think it because of how they look but these hospital beds are quite comfortable,' she said, bouncing slightly on it.
'Oh, I know I woke up in that very same bed!' I said and sat down on the bed, bouncing a bit as well, 'Hehe, they're nice and bouncy and super comfy. I gotta ask doctor Kadowaki where she gets them because I could really use it in my dorm.'
'What, you don't like the dorm beds?' Zell asked, laughing. I sent him a audacious look, just DARING him to tease me again. Zell tilted his head back and laughed then pulled me back up, wrapping his arms around me.
'Zell, you just can seem to let go of this girl,' Ma Dincht teased.
'What can I say Ma, she's like a magnet or something,' he said then planted a quick kiss on my forehead. I noticed how he just ever so slightly went up on his toes to do it. Come on, we all know Zell's a pretty short guy for his age, but according to Selphie he had grown what, an inch or two? Either way, I was still taller than him. And if you REALLY want to go into specifics, I'm five foot eight while he's five foot seven. Ok, so the height difference isn't TOO large but still, its kinda cute that he's the one who has to go on tiptoe. I don't get why some girls complain about short guys, I mean, I personally think they're adorable! Damn it, I'm drifting in my own thoughts again. Ok Leona, think of something other than Zell... Well that was pretty damn hard, he was holding me in his arms right now!
'Leona!' Zell said quite loudly, ' dude, I think I need to like have doc here do some testing on you cause you space out QUITE a lot.'
I blushed and cheekily giggled. I guess my little space attacks were getting quite repetive but I couldn't help it! Bah, it's just the way I am.
'Sorry Zell, you know me. I guess I am a space cadet,' I said then giggled.
'Its ok Leona, well Ma, we better make tracks,' Zell said then turned and smiled at me, 'Leona's going to be coming to my class now.'
'Oh, is she? Well I'm sure you'll have fun, my boy is quite a popular instructor,' she said, reaching up to squeeze my hand. I smiled and looked at Zell as he proudly puffed out his chest.
'Hehe, thanks ma,' Zell said then leaned down and kissed her on the forehead. I leaned down as well and gave her a hug and then after the two of us said goodbyes we made our way out of the infirmary.
'So, what are we gonna be doing in your class first?' I asked, albeit timidly.
'Don't stress over it babe, you'll have a blast,' he said as the two of us walked towards the training center, 'my class will go easy on ya but I'm pretty confident you can handle them.'
'Yeah I hope so, see I prefer to keep my head on thank you very much,' I said, sticking my tongue out at him. Zell tilted his head back and laughed as the two of us disappeared into the training center.
A/N: hey! Sorry about the wait, but TAA DAA its up ^_^ first off, I would like to thank ALL of my reviewers; you guys are great! I'm going to b brainstorming what should happen next but I have a pretty good idea, some crazy stuff is going to happen and we just may see more of that shady Kruger dude!
Anyway, thanks to everyone who has reviewed and those of you who haven't, please do so! Thanks!
-Dinchtbaby
DISCLAIMER:I won nothing except Leona and the story idea ^_^
'Class, I'd like you to meet Leona Chaplin.'
I waved nervously at the slightly small class that Quistis had me in front of. There only looked to be about ten, fifteen students. Ok, so I guess this wasn't going to be so bad, I didn't feel as intimidated as I thought I would, which was a very good thing.
'You are to treat her with the respect she deserves. I will not allow any more 'Alien Girl' titles that so many have given her,' Quistis said sternly then turned and smiled at me, 'you may go take a seat at the back.'
I nodded and walked to the back of the class, feeling the eyes of my fellow classmates following me the whole way. Man, when Quistis was teaching her demeanor sure did go professional. I shook the thought out of my head as I came up to the desk I was supposed to sit in and noticed there was another student sitting there too. I guess I must share it or something. I sat down, quickly reaching into my bag for my paper and pen.
'You wont need that, at least not till the middle of class.'
'What,' I stammered, surprised to hear a voice beside me, 'but I thought this was battle strategies, surly we take notes.'
'Yeah we do, but instructor Trepe likes to yap on for ages before she actually gets down to business,' the young man looked up and grinned at me, 'names Kruger Welsh, nice to meet ya,' he said and extended out his hand. I blushed slightly and shook it. He had dark dancing eyes and black hair that jutted out everywhere. His ears were also pierced all the way up to the top and he had a hoop going through his eyebrow. Though his looks told a different story, he seemed pretty friendly but I could tell by his attitude that he didn't enjoy this class very much.
'I'm Leona,' I said, albeit nervously as I placed my hand in my lap.
'Yeah I know, Trepe just introduced you not five minutes ago,' he said jokingly.
I slapped a hand to my forehead, still blushing.
'Ack, right, sorry I'm not exactly the sharpest knife in the drawer,' I said and flashed Kruger a lopsided smile. He grinned and shook his head bemusedly.
'Naw, don't say stuff like that, we all get moments like those,' he said. I grinned and turned back to face Quistis. This Kruger guy sorta reminded me of Zell...
'Leona, are you getting this note down?'
'What?' I mumbled, my thoughts rudely being pushed aside.
Quistis sighed and leaned onto her desk with one hand, White Board marker in her other hand.
'This note, you should be getting it down considering you know very little about anything that we teach here,' she said, not so stern that it sounded cold, but just firm enough to get the point across.
'Oh sorry Quistis, ack, I mean, Instructor Trepe. I'll get it down right away,' I stammered and quickly began to scribble down the note so far. Quistis nodded and turned back to the White Board, continuing her note.
'I thought you said she didn't start writing notes till the middle of class,' I growled at Kruger, not even bothering to turn my head to look at him.
'Heh, I guess I was wrong,' he said, scribbling down the note as well. I groaned and rubbed my forehead with my other hand.
'Thanks a lot, you got me in trouble.'
'Hey, it wasn't my fault you believed me,' he said then poked my side with his pen. I bit back a yelp and turned to flash him an angry glare.
'Sorry, couldn't resist,' he said then stuck his tongue out (which was pierced I might add!) and went back to writing the note. I sighed and did so too, after this I would have Selphie's class I wonder how that one was.. I shook the thoughts out of my head and focused the rest of my attention on the lesson Quistis was explaining (basically how to catch and junction a GF) I wrote everything down, I desperately wanted to learn everything.
'Always remember though that there is a risk to junctioning a guiding force, it has been proven that they do feed on your memories so you will have to make the choice yourself as to whether or not your prepared to sacrifice such a thing.'
I sighed at what Quistis said, my chances of ever junctioning a GF flying right out the window. It wasn't that I wouldn't be able to catch and junction one (I'm sure with some training I'd be perfectly capable) but with being from another world and all.. losing my memory's would really suck. I missed all my friends and family horribly, if that weren't bad enough, losing any memory of them would be awful. I mean, what if I lost all of it and was sent back to my world only to not have the first clue who the people I see are. Heh, it would be Déjà vu of what happened here.. well, sort of. I sighed and started doodling on my paper, drawing different anime characters I remembered from back home. Before I knew it my entire page was covered with tiny doodles and I was surprised to see I had actually done one of Zell! Heh, it wasn't to bad of a drawing but he looked better in real life.
'Why are you drawing cartoons of instructor Dincht?'
I blushed and quickly stuffed the paper into my bag.
'Ah, long story,' I muttered to Kruger who just shrugged and went back to his work. I went back to copying the other note Quistis had just written, looking up every now and then. The third time I looked up I saw Quistis walking towards me, checking on the students that she passed. She knelt down in front of my desk and smiled encouragingly.
'So, how is class going for you so far?'
I sighed and put my pen down, cracking my sore knuckles.
'Not so bad, you write long notes,' I laughed and smiled, 'just like my one grade eight teacher.'
'Oh, what do you mean by grade eight teacher?' Quistis asked as she looked at my note I was copying. She nodded, as if approving my writing then looked up expectantly at me.
'Um, well, back where I come from there's different grades, sort of like your SeeD levels,' I said, remembering her say something about how a member of SeeD would go up a level depending on how they conducted themselves or a mission, 'anyway, each year that we grow older we go into another grade,' I explained.
'So when you were eight you were in grade eight?' Kruger asked.
'Kruger, get back to your work,' Quistis said sternly.
'Whatever you say, Instructor,' he growled and went back to his paper.
'Sorry about that, go on,' Quistis urged.
'Well, the answer to Kruger's question is no, when I was thirteen I was in grade eight,' I explained then sighed, 'I dunno, thinking about that stuff confuses me because I'm here now and am now under a different system,' I confessed. Quistis chuckled slightly and stood up, placing a hand on my shoulder encouragingly.
'You'll get into the scheme of things in no time, your first week will most likely be awkward but I think you'll do just fine,' she said then walked up to the front of the class. I gnawed on my bottom lip, seriously hoping she was right then shrugged it off. I turned back to the work she had assigned, looking for the answers to the questions on the computer at the desk. Sometimes I'd ask Kruger and he'd try to help me understand but he would quickly lose his patience with me.
'Alright class, the bells about to go so if you'd like to gather your stuff and wait by the door,' Quistis called from her desk. I gathered all my many papers and stuffed them as neatly as I could into my binder, which I shoved back into my bag. I followed Kruger down to the front of the class and stood by the door with him.
'So, what class do you have now?' I asked gingerly. I wanted to make conversation but I was starting to get the feeling that my attempts were mostly futile. Surprisingly though, he responded to my question.
'Going to Instructor Almassy's class,' he said simply, his one hand up at his ear as he adjusted one of his earrings, 'I'm learning how to properly use a gunblade with him.'
'Oh, you like to use Gun blades too?' I asked, desperate to hold the conversation. I couldn't believe his attitude toward me now, before he and I seemed to get a long just fine...
'Yeah,' he said, pushing away from the wall he had been leaning on just as the bell went. I didn't even get a chance to say good-bye to him because he pushed his way through the throng of students and disappeared. I sighed and turned around and waved at Quistis.
'I'll see ya later Quistis, sorry about not paying attention that one time,' I apologized.
'Nah, don't worry about it!' she said, waving it off, 'go down to the main hall and you'll find Selphie and her class gathering, I think you guys are going outdoors today.'
I nodded and smiled.
'Yeah, that's what Zell said.'
'Well, you better get going Hun, you have one minute to get there before the final bell goes,' she said, pointing up at the clock.
'Gah!' I cried and rushed out of the class, running down the hall towards the elevator. I stopped dead in my tracks to see a line up forming, 'ugh,' I growled and turned around to sue the stairs down at the opposite end of Quistis' classroom. I practically fell down each one of them as I rushed to get down to the main floor. I threw open the stairwell door and ran down the hall just in time to see Selphie approaching her class.
'Leona Chaplin?'
'I'm here!!' I yelled and skidded to a halt in front of her. I leaned forward and rested my hands on my knees as I panted.
'Hyne Leona, you look like you just ran a marathon,' Selphie teased then checked off my name on her list that was attached to her clipboard, 'I'm not gonna mark you late considering this is your first day but I'm just warning ya, tomorrow you better be on time,' she said, winking as she poked me with her pen.
'Yeah, I will be Selphie,' I assured.
'That's good,' she said then turned to the rest of her class, 'all right guys, this is Leona, she's super nice so I expect ya to be super nice to her! Now, who wants to be partners with her for today's field trip?' Selphie asked, scanning the students. I blushed and fidgeted a bit, I knew no one would want to be my partner, everyone in Garden knew I was some 'alien' from another world.
'I'll be her partner!' this one girl called as she bounced up to the front of the class.
'Alright then Aura!' Selphie said then smiled at me, 'Leona, this is Aura, Aura this is Leona! I hope you two have fun working together!' she said, happily hugging her clipboard to her chest.
'We will!' Aura said then snatched my hand, 'come on, we better make sure we get ahead of everyone else or else we'll lose dibs on good parts on the beach!' she said excitedly.
'Um ok,' I stammered, 'but why are we going to the beach?'
'Oh, Selphie said that since you were new to the class and all we would have a day at the beach to celebrate,' Aura explained as we and the rest of the class made our way out of Garden.
'Oh,' I said then smiled, 'how come your not in any of my other classes?" I asked.
'Ohh, well Selphie said that the commander and the headmaster wanted you to have a try in every instructors class.'
'Wait, doesn't each instructor teach something different?" I asked, stopping in my tracks.
'No, you get assigned to one instructor and they teach ya everything. Although, sometimes certain students have more than one instructor, depends usually on what weapon they use' Aura explained impatiently then grabbed my arm, 'come on lets go! All the good spots will be taken along the beach!'
'But I don't have a bathing suit or anything!' I cried as she practically yanked me down the small road.
'Leona! Aura! Don't go too far ahead!' we heard Selphie yell behind us. The two of us stopped in our tracks and waited for her and the others to catch up. I really hadn't noticed how far we'd gone ahead until now.
'So, Leona, whattya think of Balamb Plains?" she asked, stretching out both her arms. I laughed and looked around at the mountains surrounding the vast grassy fields and the small forests that were off in the distance. The fresh air was great and the cool breeze felt wonderful was it danced across my skin.
'Love it,' I said simply, 'although, its not like I haven't seen them before, Selph. Remember? You, Irvine, Zell and I walked to Balamb like on my first day here!' I said, laughing. Selphie shrugged and giggled.
'Whoopsies, I forgotsies!' she chimed. Aura and I laughed.
'I wonder whose class you'll decide to stay in,' Aura said, looking at me curiously.
'Do you think you'll stay in this one?' Selphie asked, giggling.
'I don't know,' I said, 'I still have Zell's to go through.'
'Oh right, heeehee, should of known your probably going to go for him,' Selphie said, jabbing my side with her elbow.
'What? Wait, I'm confused,' Aura said, hr shoulders slumping. Suddenly though, they rose again and she grinned broadly at me.
'Oh man! You like instructor Dincht don't ya?!'
I nodded sheepishly; I guess she didn't know he and I were now together.
'Dude, I used to want him like some fat kid wanted a doughnut!' she cried. I laughed really hard but also felt a stab of emotional pain. God, this girl was just like one of my best friends at home. It was amazing how alike they were. They're names were almost the exact same (my friends name was Audra), Aura had her short hair not to mention her hyper attitude.
'Hey, you ok?' Selphie asked, snapping her fingers in front of me. I shook my head and smiled.
'Yeah I'm ok, just thinking about home,' I held up my hands and laughed, 'but don't worry, I'm not sad or anything, I really am having a great time,' I assured, knowing Selphie would be hounding at me if it were different.
'Good, ok, well we're almost at the beach,' she started then put two fingers to her mouth and whistled, successfully grabbing the attention of her other students, 'OK LISTEN UP EVERYONE! WHEN WE GET TO THE BEACH YOU ARE ALL TO STAY IN PAIRS IN CASE ANY MONSTERS SHOW UP! USE THE SKILL'S IVE TAUGHT YOU TO FIGHT THEM OFF BUT IF YOU NEED ANY HELP JUST GIVE A YELL!' she screamed then smiled, proudly, 'I KNOW YOU GUYS CAN HANDLE IT SO ALL I HAVE TO SAY IS BLOW THEM ALL TO SMITHEREENS!'
I laughed and rubbed my head. Heck, when Selphie wanted to yell she could YELL. I turned around to see the rest of the students breaking off into pairs and walking around the rather small beach. Selphie suddenly came up behind me and put her arms around both Aura's shoulders and mine.
'Alright Gals, lets go have some fun yeah?'
'BOOYA!' I cried as the three of us ran down the sand dunes.
~*~*~*~
I practically crawled into the cafeteria at lunch, totally exhausted from my little trip to the beach with Selphie and her class. I had been forced to go to my dorm and change because Selphie and Aura had gotten the brilliant idea of pushing me into the ocean. It really wasn't that great of an idea because I didn't have a spare uniform and was now walking around in a pair of baggy jeans a tank top; not exactly proper for going to class. I stood in line and after a short wait ordered my lunch, there weren't many in the cafeteria (which I found a little odd) so I sat at the first table I saw and started to nibble on my sandwich.
'Hey Leona!'
I looked up from my plate to see Zell striding towards me. he leaned down and kissed my forehead then pulled out a chair.
'How was your first two classes?' he asked, reaching over to take a bite out of the other half of my sandwich. I smacked his hand reprovingly but let him have it after he pouted. I know I know; you have no backbone Leona.. But you should have seen it! I don't think you would have been able to resist either. Too cute...
'Uh, Leowa? You widn't amfer me,' Zell said, his mouth full from my sandwich half. I shook my head and smiled at him.
'Sorry Zell, just thinking.'
'Awout,' Zell swallowed the rest of the food in his mouth, 'about what?'
'In all honesty, you,' I said, covering up my blush with a hand.
'Aw shucks, isn't that cute,' Zell said teasingly as he rubbed the back of his head. I peeled a tomato off my sandwich and chucked it at him, very pleased when it hit his forehead with a delightful SPLAT. Zell looked up at the slowly slipping chunk of tomato, his eyes crossing. Oh my god, he had this stunned guppy look on his face... Ok Leona, get a hold of yourself, your actually with him now so things like this shouldn't get you as excited as you used too.. I'm with Zell Dincht, I'm with Zell Dincht, I'm with Zell Dincht.....
'I'm really starting to believe Seifer when he calls you a space cadet,' Zell said, shaking his head, 'but I like what you're chanting.'
Shiiiiiiiiiiiiiit!
'Chanting? Chanting what?' I asked as innocently as I could, panic gripping me.
Zell took a swig of my pop.
'My name,' he said casually then wiggled his eyebrows at me, 'if you're chanting my name without knowing it, I wonder what other stuff I can catch ya doing.'
'Ohhh, you are DIRTY!' I said, sticking my tongue out playfully, 'your supposed to have a clean mind.'
'Tch, Leona, I'm a twenty year old guy, give me a break here,' he protested, then shook his head and pulled me into his lap. For a little while he just nuzzled his face into my neck then he pulled back, 'you know I'm just teasing ya right? I-I'm not that kind of guy,' he stammered.
'Zell, don't worry about it, I know your teasing,' I assured him then kissed the tip of his nose, a small shudder running through my body after I did so. Hee hee, never knew something so small like that could be so much fun!
'Well, we've got class in about,' Zell trailed off as he pulled his wrist from around my waist and looked at his watch, 'twenty minutes, you wanna go visit Ma down in the infirmary or something?'
'Yeah sure, when's doctor Kadowaki going to let her go?' I asked as Zell and I picked up our garbage and threw it out.
'I dunno, I think today, so that's why I wanna go visit her while I still have time, you know, just to make sure she's safe,' he explained then took my hand as the two of us walked out of the cafeteria and walked to the infirmary.
'Ah look! My sons come to free me!'
'Hi ma,' Zell said, chuckling as the two of us walked into the infirmary. Ma Dincht reached up and wrapped her arms around Zell and gave him a kiss on the cheek. Zell smiled and rubbed embarrassingly at the spot he had been kissed with a gloved hand.
'Ma, you remember Leona,' Zell said, slightly pulling me towards his mother's bed. Ma Dincht smiled and spread her arms open again and pulled me into a warm embrace.
'Of course I remember her, luv!' she said then pulled back, 'you two seem pretty happy.'
I nodded and smiled at Zell.
'Yeah, he's a goof ball but I think I can handle him, Mrs.Dincht,' I said, punching Zell's shoulder playfully.
'Leona, darling, don't call me Mrs.Dincht. Its too formal, just call me Ma,' she said, patting my hand.
'Ok,' I said then stepped back to be beside Zell.
'So, did Doc say when ya could be released?' Zell asked, his hand cupping around my hip. I fidgeted a bit, still feeling a little new to his touches. Zell must have felt me fidget because he removed his hand from my hip and instead entwined it with my hand. Damn, he was sharp, a couple of my ex boyfriends hadn't caught on to the reason of my fidgeting till maybe our second last date.
'She said I can leave in an hour or so,' ma Dincht said, waving it off, 'I don't mind, you would never think it because of how they look but these hospital beds are quite comfortable,' she said, bouncing slightly on it.
'Oh, I know I woke up in that very same bed!' I said and sat down on the bed, bouncing a bit as well, 'Hehe, they're nice and bouncy and super comfy. I gotta ask doctor Kadowaki where she gets them because I could really use it in my dorm.'
'What, you don't like the dorm beds?' Zell asked, laughing. I sent him a audacious look, just DARING him to tease me again. Zell tilted his head back and laughed then pulled me back up, wrapping his arms around me.
'Zell, you just can seem to let go of this girl,' Ma Dincht teased.
'What can I say Ma, she's like a magnet or something,' he said then planted a quick kiss on my forehead. I noticed how he just ever so slightly went up on his toes to do it. Come on, we all know Zell's a pretty short guy for his age, but according to Selphie he had grown what, an inch or two? Either way, I was still taller than him. And if you REALLY want to go into specifics, I'm five foot eight while he's five foot seven. Ok, so the height difference isn't TOO large but still, its kinda cute that he's the one who has to go on tiptoe. I don't get why some girls complain about short guys, I mean, I personally think they're adorable! Damn it, I'm drifting in my own thoughts again. Ok Leona, think of something other than Zell... Well that was pretty damn hard, he was holding me in his arms right now!
'Leona!' Zell said quite loudly, ' dude, I think I need to like have doc here do some testing on you cause you space out QUITE a lot.'
I blushed and cheekily giggled. I guess my little space attacks were getting quite repetive but I couldn't help it! Bah, it's just the way I am.
'Sorry Zell, you know me. I guess I am a space cadet,' I said then giggled.
'Its ok Leona, well Ma, we better make tracks,' Zell said then turned and smiled at me, 'Leona's going to be coming to my class now.'
'Oh, is she? Well I'm sure you'll have fun, my boy is quite a popular instructor,' she said, reaching up to squeeze my hand. I smiled and looked at Zell as he proudly puffed out his chest.
'Hehe, thanks ma,' Zell said then leaned down and kissed her on the forehead. I leaned down as well and gave her a hug and then after the two of us said goodbyes we made our way out of the infirmary.
'So, what are we gonna be doing in your class first?' I asked, albeit timidly.
'Don't stress over it babe, you'll have a blast,' he said as the two of us walked towards the training center, 'my class will go easy on ya but I'm pretty confident you can handle them.'
'Yeah I hope so, see I prefer to keep my head on thank you very much,' I said, sticking my tongue out at him. Zell tilted his head back and laughed as the two of us disappeared into the training center.
A/N: hey! Sorry about the wait, but TAA DAA its up ^_^ first off, I would like to thank ALL of my reviewers; you guys are great! I'm going to b brainstorming what should happen next but I have a pretty good idea, some crazy stuff is going to happen and we just may see more of that shady Kruger dude!
Anyway, thanks to everyone who has reviewed and those of you who haven't, please do so! Thanks!
-Dinchtbaby