Chapter 7: The Mission...
Author: Suzaku no miko
Disclaimers: I do not own the series Final Fantasy or its characters...I do own Angela, however...
*NOTE* Okay, thanks for the help, but could you guys be a little more courteous? So I made a couple of mistakes! I'm only human! I fixed my errors and I will admit to them, but it would be nice if you readers could be a little nicer. So please...be easy!
Now, in this chapter, we're back in the FF8 world. Just want to tell everyone, and I'm sure that people noticed, that Seifer acts a little differently, so does Squall. They're a little more caring, guess because I created a girlfriend for Seifer! And also because Squall is dating Rinoa. So, before anyone starts complaining about how Seifer or Squall are acting, I just want to point out that I made them this way! So, please just R & R!

As the large group slowly made their way out of the elevator to the Headmaster Cid's office on the third floor, many of them felt their hearts race. Especially those who have just joined Seed. This was going to be their first true mission.
Making their way through the short hall, some of them began to grow nervous...

"Hey, kitten...Are you gonna' be okay? You look a little pale..." Seifer whispered to Angela, worried as he place a gentle arm around her.
"Just a little nervous...What about you?" she replied.
"A little...but not as much because I got you to protect." he smiled.
"That's all very touching but we are expected to have a conference with the Headmaster..." Zell interrupted, trying to keep their minds on their objectivive.

With a few gulps and chuckles, the group started to continue their way to the office where the Headmaster Cid was waiting for them. Pushing the door, Quistis led them to a spot in front of Cid.

"Ah! That was quick! Good job, Quistis!" Cid acknowleged the once-more instructor.
Nodding, she formed a very proud smile.

"Is something the matter, Headmaster Cid?" Squall gently interrupted.
"It's very funny you should ask that, Squall. As a matter of fact, there are a few issues I would like to discuss with you and your group." the elderly man replied, rising from his seat.

He slowly made his way to a spot in front of them, to make sure he could get everyone's attention. Feeling that he succeeded, he then continued...

"It turns out that there is something strange going on near Balamb. A rather large portal has opened up and caused some major disturbances in the form of enormous energy waves." Cid began to explain.
"These energy waves have disrupted any messages that were sent by radio or broadcast. This has caused so many problems that Seed has been asked to go find out what is going on." Xu continued for him, before turning to Quistis to conclude the briefing.
"So, as you should now know, this is the group that has been chosen to seek out the information that we need to find out what is causing those enormous energy waves. Are there any questions?" the young blonde woman concluded.

"Why is it that we're always the guinea pigs?" Irvine chuckled softly.
"Shhh..." Rinoa hushed him.
"When are we to go on this mission?" Squall asked, feeling like the only one who was mature.
"As soon as you are ready. I wish you the best of luck and please take care of yourselves." Cid smiled, going back to his seat.

And soon, they left, making their way to the elevator.

"What do you think is going on?" Rinoa asked as Selphie pushed the button to call the elevator.
"That's what we're about to find out." Quistis answered.

Soon, the elevator came and everyone piled in. The ride seemed so long and silent as they rode the elevator to the first floor. When they arrived, everyone gathered around the garden map and awaited for any instructions.

"So, what are we going to do now?" Seifer asked as Angela shyly grabbed his hand.

"Ok, we'll meet back here in exactly one hour. Go do whatever you need to do and come back here. I know that for some of you it's going to be your first mission and you're scared. But don't worry, everything will be fine and you won't be alone. That is why we are a team, to give support and help each other." Squall said, trying to put many of their minds at ease.

"That was so comforting, Squall..." Rinoa smiled.
"Ok, we'll see each other in an hour!" Selphie exclaimed, running off.

And soon, everyone went their seperate ways....

In the library....
"So, I hear you're going on a tough mission." the library girl, (let's give her a name..how about Jennifer???) Jennifer said to Zell on the other side of the counter.
"Yeah...Sorry, I won't be able to make it tonight..." he apologized, looking away from her gaze.

"It's ok... I just hope you'll come back safely. And I also wish you the best of luck!" she smiled, gently placing a kiss on his cheek.

With a huge grin, Zell nodded and left.

In the cafeteria....
"Hey, Selphie...Everything ok?" Irvine asked, sitting beside her.
"Yeah, I just hope it's nothing bad." she replied, sadly.
"Well, don't worry! I'm here to protect you! Nothing will happen to you!" he assured her, gently holding her chin to let her look at him.

Selphie then made a small giggle and nodded.

In the Dorm area....
"Don't worry, Quistis...You'll do fine." Xu smiled, placing a friendly hand on her shoulder.
"Thanks, it's just been so long since I was an instructor."
"Well, I believe in you."
"I'm glad."
"So, have you asked him yet?"
"Oh, you mean Jack? The new Seed?"
"Yeah? Have you? The ball is coming up soon. And you should really get a date."
"Oh...um..." she blushed....

In the Stage Area....
Angela was looking at the breathtaking view as the Garden slowly moved to Balamb. She rested her head on her hands, making a deep, sad sigh.

"Everything okay?" a voice interrupted.

Not turning around, she shook her head no.
"Come on, you can tell me." Seifer insisted, now standing next to her.
"If you must know, I'm just really scared."
"Yeah...I know how you feel..just don't tell anyone about it. Okay?" he chuckled.
"Well, I feel a little better that I'm not the only one that feels that way." she replied, stepping into his embrace.
"Of course not..But don't worry, I'll protect you." he whispered, wrapping his arms around her.

She then closed her eyes and rested her head on his warm chest.

By the entrance....
"Are you going to be okay, Rinoa?" Squall asked, noticing her unusual frown.
"I'm just a little worried. Maybe it's because it's my first mission as a Seed." she replied, turning to face him.
"Well, like I said before, you have nothing to worry about. You're not going to be alone and we'll all be there for each other."
"Thanks, Squall. It's a good thing you're going to be there." she smiled, planting a quick, small kiss on his cheek.
"Oh...well...anytime. Hey, it's almost time...we should get going now." he blushed, starting to turn.

In front of the garden map....
"Is everyone here?" Squall asked, looking at the group before him.
"Yeah, anybody not here raise your hand...heh heh.." Zell teased, making Irvine laugh with him.
"If you two are done now..." Quistis reprimanded them, giving them a stern look.

And immediately, the duo stopped.

"The Garden has now landed at Balamb. Will those taking part in the Balamb mission please start going to the parking lot to get into the awaiting vehichle." the voice came over the intercom.

"That's our cue. Let's go." Squall announced, already heading towards the parking lot.

To be continued....