The Blade Of A Lion
Chapter 4
A quick teleport with the directory machine, and Squall got to his dormitory room. It was a double dorm, with a common room and two smaller bedrooms. Squall entered his own room. His bed was made perfectly and his uniform was hanging on the wall. He took it down and started undressing.
Within two minutes he was dressed in his SeeD cadet uniform and his own clothes hang on the wall. There still was some time before the announcements were to be made, so Squall sat down and pulled out his gunblade. He grabbed a tissue and started rubbing it, giving it a polish before it was to be taken out. He stocked up on some gunblade ammo too. A gunblade needed ammo to work perfectly. Since Squall had chosen a gunblade as his weapon, Balamb Garden made sure he could always get ammo there for free. So for Squall, it was just to stock up. As soon as he tucked them into his pocket, the GF Item ability made the rest. Squall gave the gun barrel a spit of grease, rubbed it in and wiped it off, before loading the weapon ready.
Before not long, he was on his way to the directory, where Quistis would hold her announcement. Squall's mind wandered while he walked his way, past the entrance to the cafeteria, the quad, and the infirmary where he had been earlier.
"Squall! Over here!" Quistis said, waving him towards her. She was dressed in her SeeD uniform again, standing beside the directory. "I'm announcing the squad assignments for the exam now!" Squall walked up to her as she looked down on her list. "Let's see.. You'll be with..," Squall waited with excitement. "Zell Dincht. Quite a lively fellow!" Squall's shoulders went down, and he put his right hand on his hip.
"Lively?" Squall sighed. "He's just loud. Can't I switch members?"
"I'm afraid that's not possible!" Quistis said, and gave him a funny look. Then she looked down the hallway. "Over here, Zell!" she called.
Down the hallway, a boy with spiked, blonde hair, about 5.5 tall, with a tattoo across the left side of his face, shaped like dragon-lines that poured from his ear, were doing moves of martial art, strikes, kicks and blows were delivered towards an invisible enemy. A quick glance towards Squall and Quistis, and then he did a cogwheel, flipped backwards a few times before performing a perfect backflip. Upon landing, he glanced over his shoulder and gave those two a thumb up while smiling proud.
Zell Dincht strolled over to the two standing at the directory. Seeing Squall, his face lighten up in surprise.
"Whoa! I'm with you!?" Zell said in awe and surprise. He rubbed his palm before extending it towards Squall. Squall just crossed his arms, looking away. It didn't appeared to affect Zell, somehow. "You don't get along with Seifer, do you?" Zell suddenly brought up. Squall turned his head to look at him again. "Heard he whooped you pretty bad this morning,"
"We weren't fighting," Squall said with a monotone voice. "We were training!" Zell snorted.
"I bet you he doesn't think so!" Zell said. "Look, Seifer's just being a pain in the ass. All you have to do is ignore him!"
"That's..."
"None of your business," Quistis said in unison with Squall. She giggled. "Ahem.. Excuse me, but...," Quistis started, catching the attention to the two cadets. "That Seifer you're talking about... He's your squad leader!"
"SAY WHAT!?" Zell looked like someone just gave him a slap across the face. Squall was about to open his mouth when Quistis came ahead of him.
"It can't be changed," she said, making the two sigh. Then she glanced around the hallway. "Seifer!" she called. "Are you here?"
As a reply, footsteps was heard. A blonde-haired boy in a long, grey trench coat walked up to the directory, followed by a slender girl with grey hair and a patch over her left eye, and a muscular man with dark skin and short dark hair. Squall looked at Seifer and the scar between his eyes. It brought up memories from a few hours ago. Seifer met Squall's eyes with a grin as he walked by. Squall ignored the grin, and diverted his attention to the ones following Seifer.
"Fujin and Raijin tagging along as usual," Squall thought. "Guess that makes up the whole disciplinary committee." The disciplinary committee had been formed within garden for giving garden students a chance to show responsibility. Those in the disciplinary committee could walk around garden and look after that no one violated the garden rules. However, members of the disciplinary committee often became unpopular for their bossy way of being, making them a group on their own. At this time, there was Seifer, Fujin and Raijin, and they were their own 'posse'. It was kinda ironic, actually, that Seifer were a leader in the disciplinary committee. He wasn't the one most familiar for keeping the rules himself.
"You are the squad leader," Quistis said, snapping Squall back into reality. "Good luck to you!"
"..Instructor," Seifer said. "I hate it when someone wish me luck," He cast a glance at Zell and then at Squall. "Save those words for a bad student who needs them, eh?" He said, nearly mockingly towards the two younger cadets. A silent growl could be heard from Zell.
"Ok then," Quistis said. "Good luck, Seifer!" Seifer looked a bit taken back at that. Squall looked at Quistis, then at Seifer. Seifer growled silently.
"Add Instructor Trepe to the list!" Seifer said. It sounded a little snappy. Squall frowned at the remark. He wasn't sure what it was all about. "The list..? What is it?" he thought for himself.
"Well then," Quistis said. "You are all assigned to Squad B. I'll be the instructor in charge!" She looked at Seifer, then at Zell, and at last at Squall. "Teamwork is of the utmost importance," she consoled. "Let's get through this exam, everyone!"
"Listen up," Seifer said loud. "Teamwork means staying out of my way!" Gimme a break, Squall thought. "It's a Squad B rule. Don't you forget it!" Squall met his eyes for a minute, then looked away. He could stay out of Seifer's way without problem. He just wanted to pass the exam, nothing more.
"Everyone here?" a deep, friendly voice asked. Everyone turned to look at the man coming down the stairs. He was dressed in brown pants, white shirt and a red vest. He had brown hair and glasses. Cid Kramer, the Headmaster of Balamb Garden, walked to them and stopped beside Quistis. Several of the teams started to gather around to hear the headmaster speak.
"It's been a while, everyone. How's everyone doing?" he asked, looking over the small crowd. "This exam," he began. "Will involve 12 members from squad A to D.. You will be proceeding to a real battlefield. Obviously, the battles are for real!" Whispering could be heard amongst the crowd. "Be silent!" Squall wished. "Life and death, victory and defeat, honour and disgrace... each of these go hand in hand. There's only one way or the other!" Headmaster Cid spoke with passion and warmth, and one could hear in his voice, these were the things he believed in. He looked at each of the 12 faces. "How 'bout it? You still up for it?" No one spoke. "You will be accompanied by 9 SeeD members. Should you fail, these members shall get the job done. They always do," Cid spoke. He smiled. "Well, thet's one less worry on your mind!" He radiated excitement, and this passed over to several of the squad members. Squall could see that Zell was getting excited up. Had to be the headmaster's spirit.
"The pride of Balamb Garden! The elite mercenary force, SeeD! Learn from them, obey their commands, and accomplish the mission. Prove yourself worthy of becoming a member of SeeD. Best of luck!" The headmaster finished his speak, and the group of people started to move towards the garage, where the Garden cars awaited to drive them to the vessels docked at the harbour in Balamb. Squall followed right behind Seifer, and they got in the car. It soon started to drive, headed out of the garage, and set a course for the town of Balamb.
Inside the cars, there were two rows on each side of the car. Up to six people could fit in, three on each side. Now, only four people sat there. Zell and Squall on the one side, Quistis and Seifer on the other. Squall sat leant forward, his arms crossed and his elbows on his knees, staring down into the floor. Seifer sat the opposite, he leaned back, both arms extended on the back of his seat. No word was spoken, and Zell grew uncomfortable.
"Yo, Squall. Show me your gunblade, will ya?" he asked, leaning towards Squall and trying to catch his attention. Squall only replied with a small, humming sound. It was probably supposed to mean a 'no'. "Come on, man!" Zell said. Same answer from Squall; absolutely nothing. "Just a peek," the blonde pleaded. New hum from Squall. "Tch, fine...," Zell said, leaning backwards. "Yeah, yeah...," He tried to hide his curiosity, but he failed. "Why you being so selfish? Scrooooge!" Zell said with a childish voice. In addition to a new hum from Squall, Seifer shook his head to the last one. Zell twitched, before he burst out. "Say something, will ya!? W-What's on your mind?"
"Nothing...," The answer came simultaneously from Squall and Quistis. Quistis giggled, and this time it was Zell's turn to let out a hum. He realised he didn't got anywhere. He stood up, took a fighting stance, and began punching in the air. After a few punches, Seifer frowned.
"Stop that... It's annoying!" he said. "...Chicken!" he added. Zell's reaction was immediate. He took a defence stance, and pointed the outside of a clenched palm towards Seifer.
"WHAT DID YOU CALL ME!!!?" Zell shouted enough for the whole car and everyone within a range of 50 meters to hear it. Seifer laughed hard, quite satisfied he had managed to upset Zell.
"Knock it off!" Quistis said, getting up. Seifer stopped laughing and Zell sat down, but he had a deep frown, looking at Seifer. Squall turned his head to Quistis.
"...Instructor...," he said, getting the attention from everyone. "Who was that girl in the infirmary this morning?" Quistis looked at him, and started to think.
"Was someone there? I didn't notice anybody," She said as she shook her head. "Is there a problem?"
"No... Not really...," Squall said, turning his head down to look at his shoes again.
"This is great...," Seifer said. "I have chicken-wuss and a guy who just reached puberty in my squad!" Squall let out a small hum, while Zell growled, causing Quistis to shoot a glare at both him and Seifer.
The Garden car entered Balamb town and drove straight down to the harbour where a vessel awaited. Upon stopping, A SeeD, two boys in SeeD cadet uniforms and a youth in a grey trench coat came out and blinked towards the sunlight.
"So that's the vessel," Squall said, looking at the boat that was tied up at the quay. It was painted in blue, and looked like a big tank, with a small cannon up at the platform in front.
"Ain't no turning back now!" Seifer said, eying the vessel as well. "Huh? You scared, too?" he asked.
"Hey! You guys are the last! Hurry up and get in!" Squall never got to answer Seifer before one of the Garden staff members called them over.
"Don't disappoint me now," Seifer said, before heading towards the vessel.
"Come on, move it! Hurry, Squall!" Quistis said, when she noticed the slowpoke he did. Squall quickened his feet a bit, and entered the vessel shortly after Seifer. Quistis was the last to enter. Immediately after, the vessel started up and headed out for the sea.
Inside the vessel, there were seats lined up in two rows with a table between them. Squall, Seifer, Zell and Quistis were all sitting there when a woman with dark brown hair and a SeeD uniform came into the room. Upon seeing the woman, Quistis got up.
"Hi, Xu!" she said.
"Hi Quistis," Xu greeted. She looked at the other three. Squall and Zell got up, while Seifer remained seated.
"Well, these are the members of Squad B," Quistis said, presenting the three members.
"Nice to meet ya!" Zell said, waving towards her.
"Pleased to meet you," Squall said monotone, saluting the SeeD. Xu nodded to Squall and Zell, then shook her head upon seeing Seifer.
"Seifer, how many times has it been now?" she asked.
"Oh, I just love these exams...," Seifer said without looking at Xu. No more was said, and Xu made her way to a monitor located in the one end of the room.
"I'll explain the current situation and the mission. Be seated!" Xu said, and everyone sat down. Except from Seifer, who never had gotten up in the first place.
"Our client for this mission is the Dollet Dukedom Parliament. A request for SeeD was made 18 hours ago," Xu said as the monitor behind her sprung to life. "Dollet has been under attack by the G-Army since about 72 hours ago. 49 hours into battle, Dollet abandoned their positions in the inner city. Currently, they have retreated into the nearby mountains and are reorganising their troops!" While she explained, images, maps and strategies were shown on the screen. The arrows and markers projected stated her sayings the graphical way. "That's the current status. Now onto the mission objective!" Xu said. "According to our reports, the G-Army is mopping up the Dollet troops in the mountain region. We're to make a landing here, at Lapin beach," Xu said as she pointed at the map shown on the monitor. "We're to eliminate the G-Army within the city and liberate it A.S.A.P. Afterwards, SeeD members will intercept any G-Army forces trying to make their way into the city from the mountain region!"
"So, what are WE supposed to do?" Seifer yawned.
"SeeD candidates are to eliminate the G-Army inside the city," Xu answered shortly.
"Sounds important!" Zell said.
"Sounds boring!" Seifer yawned again. "So what you're saying is we do all the dirty work..." Xu didn't reply to that.
"Oh, it hardly needs to be said, but... The order to withdraw takes priority!" Xu said. "Do not forget!" Zell, Quistis and Squall nodded. Withdraw orders were first priority in any mission. The rule was made for the safety of the SeeDs and their candidates. "We're almost there," Xu exclaimed. "We anticipate a battle as soon as we disembark. Just be prepared. That's all. Any questions, talk to Quistis!" With that, Zell and Quistis arose from their seats, letting Xu through. As she walked out the door, she cast one final glance at the three candidates and smiled a 'good luck'. The door shut.
"We'll be landing pretty soon. Be prepared," Quistis said, repeating what Xu had said only a minute ago.
"Alright," Squall said.
"Roger," Zell stated.
"Yeah, yeah...," Seifer yawned. He shifted and stretched. Then he turned head towards Squall. "Well then, Squall. Go see what's going on outside,"
"......Ok," Squall said short. He didn't want to, but he wouldn't bother to argue with Seifer. Nothing good would come out of it anyway. He stood up and went out the door as Seifer grinned.
"Good. Because it is MY order!" Squall didn't even bother to look back at him. Zell rolled his eyes as Squall shut the door behind him.
Outside, the full moon mirrored in the sea, as good as it could be done. The ocean wasn't exactly laying still, and the several vessels that cut through the water, heading towards Dollet, didn't make the water surface calm down. On the roof, just before the cannon in front, Squall was standing, looking at the shores that approached in the horizon. He looked down on the large picture in his hands. It showed the shores of Dollet. He put a transparent paper with an arrow drawn on it, over the picture. It showed the objective; get into town and secure it. Squall lifted his gaze from the picture, and towards the shores. It looked almost identical to the picture, except for all the explosions and the soldiers running up the beach. Some of them fell, yet they moved on forward, determined to reclaim the city. Squall watched this, and felt the determination run through his body. Adrenaline started to boil within him. His mission was to take care of the soldiers inside the city. That was a mission he should do a hundred percent. Even though Seifer were his squad leader. He ran his hand over the handle on his gunblade, which was strapped to his left side. Then he clenched his fist. Mission time!
As he came down, Seifer and Zell stood there ready to head out as soon as the doors opened.
"All right! Time for some action!" Zell grinned. Seifer was about to comment on that, when they all had to hold on to whatever they could, as the vessel pilot entered the harbour area. Without heading through the gate. This breaking through the wall made the vessel jump high, before landing hard on the water and skidding up on the beach. The same moment as they were up, the doors went up un front, and Seifer, Squall and Zell jumped down on the beach. Other squads were already on the move upwards the beach. Quistis remained on the vessel.
"Ok, you are to secure the Central Square!" Quistis said, pointing towards the town. "And be sure to equip your GF before you head into battle!" she added.
"Let's move out!" Seifer said, running ahead. Squall and Zell ran after him.
"Seifer, you have a GF junctioned?" Squall asked as they ran.
"Nah," Seifer replied. "I can manage perfectly on my own muscle, thank you!"
"That arrogant...," Zell began, but was cut off as a group of soldiers eyed them and ran towards them. Squall and Seifer drew their gunblades, while Zell took a fighting stance. The soldiers drew their own swords and ran towards the candidates.
"Look out, it's SeeD!" one of the soldiers shouted. "Elite forces from Garden? They're Dollet reinforcements?" another one asked. "They still look like kids!" One of the soldiers readied a Fire spell and shot it towards Zell. Zell dodged it, and then ducked as a soldier slashed at him. The sword nearly hit his head. But Zell Dincht hadn't trained for nothing. As soon as the sword was swung over his head, Zell was back up, grabbing the soldier's arm and delivered a kick in his stomach. Just in time to see another soldier run towards him. Zell knocked the soldier he was holding, out of his senses, before he leaped at the coming soldier. Zell could read him like a book, this guy was a newbie. His bad! Zell easily dodged his sword in the mid air, and made a sickening 'crack' as his knuckles smashed the soldier's nose. In mid-air, Zell twisted, delivering a heel kick that sent the soldier crashing face first to the ground, out cold.
Squall weren't any worse. At the same time as Zell was attacked, Squall's gunblade met one of the soldier's sword with a loud, crunching sound. Quickly, Squall withdrew his gunblade, delivering another blow at the soldier. The soldier was unable to block the strike, and Squall sliced the soldier's stomach open, pressing his gunblade trigger at the minute he felt the gunblade hit. The shot rang between the houses, blowing a hole through the soldier. Squall turned towards the second threat that approached him, two soldiers coming from each side. Squall concentrated on one of the soldiers, searching for magic within him. He found it. Quickly, he drew a Fire spell from the soldier, before sending it towards his companion coming from the other side. The soldier that received a burning, yelped in pain and stopped for a moment, giving Squall time to concentrate on the other soldier who slashed at him. Squall blocked the blow, and then the next, before starting to attack with full force towards the soldier. This one was a bit tougher than the last one. More experienced, Squall thought. But Squall had more strength. Ifrit helped him with that. He had junctioned Blizzard magic to his strength stats, and this soldier carried Blizzard. Squall pushed him away, and quickly draw some Blizzard from the soldier. As additional 4 units of Blizzard magic manifested within Squall's body, he could feel his strength grow. He looked at the soldier who rushed towards him for another attack. Squall met him, and quickly slashed at him, killing him in an instant. Suddenly, he yelped in pain as a fire spell hit him in the back. The soldier he had burned earlier, aimed another Fire spell at him. Squall growled, and used the time and concentration the soldier used for his spell, to run at the soldier and past, before turning his gunblade, and strike the soldier's neck with the blunt end of his blade. The soldier fell unconscious to the ground. Squall gritted his teeth as he felt the pain in his back from the Fire spell. Then he turned to look at Seifer, who slashed at the two remaining soldiers. Seifer gritted his teeth, flames was burning in his green eyes as he slashed at the two. He had already taken down two soldiers. One lucky blow, and the one soldier was down. One to go. Zell approached Squall, and caught a glimpse of the fire wound on his back.
"Yikes, man!" Zell said. "Are you alright?" Squall didn't answer. Zell shook his head, and turned his concentration towards the soldier Seifer was fighting. Squall knew he was drawing magic from him. Then Zell turned his palms towards Squall, bright blue light emitting from them. The Cure spell eased the pain in Squall's back and healed the wounds. As soon as it was done, Squall draw a new load of Blizzard from the soldier. It was a powerful draw, he stocked 8 units this time. The loss of energy made the soldier hestitate a little, giving Seifer just the opportunity he needed. He blocked the blow from the soldier, before delivering a kick straight into his groin. The soldier howled in pain, before Seifer's gunblade brought him to silence.
"I thought I told you to stay out of my way!" Seifer growled towards Squall. Squall just rolled his eyes, before following Seifer. The three candidates ran up the street, passing the local bar. A bridge was built over the road. Up on it, two Galbadian soldiers was standing. As soon as they eyed the candidates, they jumped down on the road, unsheathing their weapons. The SeeD candidates did the same, and threw themselves into the fight. Seifer on the one soldier, Squall on the other, while Zell stood in the back, drawing a stock of magic from the soldiers. The fight ended quickly, and the three went further into town. Before a car, Seifer stopped.
"The Central Square is up ahead!" He said, pointing with his gunblade. Then he turned towards the Square. "Hey! All you Galbadian cowards out there!" Seifer called. "Come out 'n show me your faces! Don't leave me hangin' now!" Then he ran up ahead.
"...What an idiot," Zell said, rolling his eyes. Then he followed Squall as he chased after Seifer.
Just as they reached the square, they were attacked almost immediately by three soldiers. Squall and Seifer both slashed one soldier to the ground, while Zell got himself a crisp from a Fire spell cast from the last soldier. He shook it off fast as Squall drew a Cure from the soldier and cast it upon Zell, returning his favour. Then it didn't take Zell long to beat the soldier out of his senses. As the fight finished, Squall got an uneasy feeling.
"There may be more...," he said, looking around.
"All right," Seifer said. "I want you guys to scout the area for enemies!" Squall and Zell nodded, and went around the square for a while, looking for soldiers. Within one of the streets, one wrecked car was laying between the houses. As Squall approached it, a soldier jumped and tackled him. The two rolled on the ground, and the soldier took a grasp of Squall's throat. Squall struggled against the attacker, who had surprised him. But as he was struggling, Zell saw what was happening. He rushed towards Squall, giving the soldier a blow across the face that made him roll off Squall. Squall had his gunblade out almost in an instant, killing off the soldier. He panted a little, rubbing his throat. But he pulled himself together real quick.
"I think that's all of them," he said as they headed back to Seifer. He looked really bored.
"Well then, we're on standby 'till the enemy comes!" Seifer stated. Then he sighed. "Standby... How boring...,"
Nothing was said for a while. Not until they could hear exploding sounds from far away.
"Sounds like it's starting," Squall said.
"Bring it on!" Seifer said. Zell rolled his eyes again. Then he paid some attention towards the dog that had came to the central square a while ago. A golden retriever, strolling peacefully among the three SeeD candidates while wagging its tail. Now it approached Seifer. He mumbled something before he waved at the dog. "Get outta here!" he said. The dog just kept wagging its tail, looking happily up at Seifer who actually paid attention. "Scram!" Seifer shouted at the dog. The dog crouched a little, backing off the teenager. Seifer ran up to one of the streets coming in to the square. "Hey! Galbadian soldiers!" he shouted. "What are you waiting for!? Come show me what you've got!" He started swinging his gunblade, slashing into empty air. Then he put it away. Zell just shook his head.
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Well, that's this chapter. I'm terribly sorry it has taken me so long to write it, but I've had a serious writer's block lately. In addition to that, there have been military excersise up here, giving me little room for writing. I'll try making it up to you later. In the next chapter, we're heading to the communication tower. Hang tight, and don't forget to rewiew!
- Ric Leonhart
Chapter 4
A quick teleport with the directory machine, and Squall got to his dormitory room. It was a double dorm, with a common room and two smaller bedrooms. Squall entered his own room. His bed was made perfectly and his uniform was hanging on the wall. He took it down and started undressing.
Within two minutes he was dressed in his SeeD cadet uniform and his own clothes hang on the wall. There still was some time before the announcements were to be made, so Squall sat down and pulled out his gunblade. He grabbed a tissue and started rubbing it, giving it a polish before it was to be taken out. He stocked up on some gunblade ammo too. A gunblade needed ammo to work perfectly. Since Squall had chosen a gunblade as his weapon, Balamb Garden made sure he could always get ammo there for free. So for Squall, it was just to stock up. As soon as he tucked them into his pocket, the GF Item ability made the rest. Squall gave the gun barrel a spit of grease, rubbed it in and wiped it off, before loading the weapon ready.
Before not long, he was on his way to the directory, where Quistis would hold her announcement. Squall's mind wandered while he walked his way, past the entrance to the cafeteria, the quad, and the infirmary where he had been earlier.
"Squall! Over here!" Quistis said, waving him towards her. She was dressed in her SeeD uniform again, standing beside the directory. "I'm announcing the squad assignments for the exam now!" Squall walked up to her as she looked down on her list. "Let's see.. You'll be with..," Squall waited with excitement. "Zell Dincht. Quite a lively fellow!" Squall's shoulders went down, and he put his right hand on his hip.
"Lively?" Squall sighed. "He's just loud. Can't I switch members?"
"I'm afraid that's not possible!" Quistis said, and gave him a funny look. Then she looked down the hallway. "Over here, Zell!" she called.
Down the hallway, a boy with spiked, blonde hair, about 5.5 tall, with a tattoo across the left side of his face, shaped like dragon-lines that poured from his ear, were doing moves of martial art, strikes, kicks and blows were delivered towards an invisible enemy. A quick glance towards Squall and Quistis, and then he did a cogwheel, flipped backwards a few times before performing a perfect backflip. Upon landing, he glanced over his shoulder and gave those two a thumb up while smiling proud.
Zell Dincht strolled over to the two standing at the directory. Seeing Squall, his face lighten up in surprise.
"Whoa! I'm with you!?" Zell said in awe and surprise. He rubbed his palm before extending it towards Squall. Squall just crossed his arms, looking away. It didn't appeared to affect Zell, somehow. "You don't get along with Seifer, do you?" Zell suddenly brought up. Squall turned his head to look at him again. "Heard he whooped you pretty bad this morning,"
"We weren't fighting," Squall said with a monotone voice. "We were training!" Zell snorted.
"I bet you he doesn't think so!" Zell said. "Look, Seifer's just being a pain in the ass. All you have to do is ignore him!"
"That's..."
"None of your business," Quistis said in unison with Squall. She giggled. "Ahem.. Excuse me, but...," Quistis started, catching the attention to the two cadets. "That Seifer you're talking about... He's your squad leader!"
"SAY WHAT!?" Zell looked like someone just gave him a slap across the face. Squall was about to open his mouth when Quistis came ahead of him.
"It can't be changed," she said, making the two sigh. Then she glanced around the hallway. "Seifer!" she called. "Are you here?"
As a reply, footsteps was heard. A blonde-haired boy in a long, grey trench coat walked up to the directory, followed by a slender girl with grey hair and a patch over her left eye, and a muscular man with dark skin and short dark hair. Squall looked at Seifer and the scar between his eyes. It brought up memories from a few hours ago. Seifer met Squall's eyes with a grin as he walked by. Squall ignored the grin, and diverted his attention to the ones following Seifer.
"Fujin and Raijin tagging along as usual," Squall thought. "Guess that makes up the whole disciplinary committee." The disciplinary committee had been formed within garden for giving garden students a chance to show responsibility. Those in the disciplinary committee could walk around garden and look after that no one violated the garden rules. However, members of the disciplinary committee often became unpopular for their bossy way of being, making them a group on their own. At this time, there was Seifer, Fujin and Raijin, and they were their own 'posse'. It was kinda ironic, actually, that Seifer were a leader in the disciplinary committee. He wasn't the one most familiar for keeping the rules himself.
"You are the squad leader," Quistis said, snapping Squall back into reality. "Good luck to you!"
"..Instructor," Seifer said. "I hate it when someone wish me luck," He cast a glance at Zell and then at Squall. "Save those words for a bad student who needs them, eh?" He said, nearly mockingly towards the two younger cadets. A silent growl could be heard from Zell.
"Ok then," Quistis said. "Good luck, Seifer!" Seifer looked a bit taken back at that. Squall looked at Quistis, then at Seifer. Seifer growled silently.
"Add Instructor Trepe to the list!" Seifer said. It sounded a little snappy. Squall frowned at the remark. He wasn't sure what it was all about. "The list..? What is it?" he thought for himself.
"Well then," Quistis said. "You are all assigned to Squad B. I'll be the instructor in charge!" She looked at Seifer, then at Zell, and at last at Squall. "Teamwork is of the utmost importance," she consoled. "Let's get through this exam, everyone!"
"Listen up," Seifer said loud. "Teamwork means staying out of my way!" Gimme a break, Squall thought. "It's a Squad B rule. Don't you forget it!" Squall met his eyes for a minute, then looked away. He could stay out of Seifer's way without problem. He just wanted to pass the exam, nothing more.
"Everyone here?" a deep, friendly voice asked. Everyone turned to look at the man coming down the stairs. He was dressed in brown pants, white shirt and a red vest. He had brown hair and glasses. Cid Kramer, the Headmaster of Balamb Garden, walked to them and stopped beside Quistis. Several of the teams started to gather around to hear the headmaster speak.
"It's been a while, everyone. How's everyone doing?" he asked, looking over the small crowd. "This exam," he began. "Will involve 12 members from squad A to D.. You will be proceeding to a real battlefield. Obviously, the battles are for real!" Whispering could be heard amongst the crowd. "Be silent!" Squall wished. "Life and death, victory and defeat, honour and disgrace... each of these go hand in hand. There's only one way or the other!" Headmaster Cid spoke with passion and warmth, and one could hear in his voice, these were the things he believed in. He looked at each of the 12 faces. "How 'bout it? You still up for it?" No one spoke. "You will be accompanied by 9 SeeD members. Should you fail, these members shall get the job done. They always do," Cid spoke. He smiled. "Well, thet's one less worry on your mind!" He radiated excitement, and this passed over to several of the squad members. Squall could see that Zell was getting excited up. Had to be the headmaster's spirit.
"The pride of Balamb Garden! The elite mercenary force, SeeD! Learn from them, obey their commands, and accomplish the mission. Prove yourself worthy of becoming a member of SeeD. Best of luck!" The headmaster finished his speak, and the group of people started to move towards the garage, where the Garden cars awaited to drive them to the vessels docked at the harbour in Balamb. Squall followed right behind Seifer, and they got in the car. It soon started to drive, headed out of the garage, and set a course for the town of Balamb.
Inside the cars, there were two rows on each side of the car. Up to six people could fit in, three on each side. Now, only four people sat there. Zell and Squall on the one side, Quistis and Seifer on the other. Squall sat leant forward, his arms crossed and his elbows on his knees, staring down into the floor. Seifer sat the opposite, he leaned back, both arms extended on the back of his seat. No word was spoken, and Zell grew uncomfortable.
"Yo, Squall. Show me your gunblade, will ya?" he asked, leaning towards Squall and trying to catch his attention. Squall only replied with a small, humming sound. It was probably supposed to mean a 'no'. "Come on, man!" Zell said. Same answer from Squall; absolutely nothing. "Just a peek," the blonde pleaded. New hum from Squall. "Tch, fine...," Zell said, leaning backwards. "Yeah, yeah...," He tried to hide his curiosity, but he failed. "Why you being so selfish? Scrooooge!" Zell said with a childish voice. In addition to a new hum from Squall, Seifer shook his head to the last one. Zell twitched, before he burst out. "Say something, will ya!? W-What's on your mind?"
"Nothing...," The answer came simultaneously from Squall and Quistis. Quistis giggled, and this time it was Zell's turn to let out a hum. He realised he didn't got anywhere. He stood up, took a fighting stance, and began punching in the air. After a few punches, Seifer frowned.
"Stop that... It's annoying!" he said. "...Chicken!" he added. Zell's reaction was immediate. He took a defence stance, and pointed the outside of a clenched palm towards Seifer.
"WHAT DID YOU CALL ME!!!?" Zell shouted enough for the whole car and everyone within a range of 50 meters to hear it. Seifer laughed hard, quite satisfied he had managed to upset Zell.
"Knock it off!" Quistis said, getting up. Seifer stopped laughing and Zell sat down, but he had a deep frown, looking at Seifer. Squall turned his head to Quistis.
"...Instructor...," he said, getting the attention from everyone. "Who was that girl in the infirmary this morning?" Quistis looked at him, and started to think.
"Was someone there? I didn't notice anybody," She said as she shook her head. "Is there a problem?"
"No... Not really...," Squall said, turning his head down to look at his shoes again.
"This is great...," Seifer said. "I have chicken-wuss and a guy who just reached puberty in my squad!" Squall let out a small hum, while Zell growled, causing Quistis to shoot a glare at both him and Seifer.
The Garden car entered Balamb town and drove straight down to the harbour where a vessel awaited. Upon stopping, A SeeD, two boys in SeeD cadet uniforms and a youth in a grey trench coat came out and blinked towards the sunlight.
"So that's the vessel," Squall said, looking at the boat that was tied up at the quay. It was painted in blue, and looked like a big tank, with a small cannon up at the platform in front.
"Ain't no turning back now!" Seifer said, eying the vessel as well. "Huh? You scared, too?" he asked.
"Hey! You guys are the last! Hurry up and get in!" Squall never got to answer Seifer before one of the Garden staff members called them over.
"Don't disappoint me now," Seifer said, before heading towards the vessel.
"Come on, move it! Hurry, Squall!" Quistis said, when she noticed the slowpoke he did. Squall quickened his feet a bit, and entered the vessel shortly after Seifer. Quistis was the last to enter. Immediately after, the vessel started up and headed out for the sea.
Inside the vessel, there were seats lined up in two rows with a table between them. Squall, Seifer, Zell and Quistis were all sitting there when a woman with dark brown hair and a SeeD uniform came into the room. Upon seeing the woman, Quistis got up.
"Hi, Xu!" she said.
"Hi Quistis," Xu greeted. She looked at the other three. Squall and Zell got up, while Seifer remained seated.
"Well, these are the members of Squad B," Quistis said, presenting the three members.
"Nice to meet ya!" Zell said, waving towards her.
"Pleased to meet you," Squall said monotone, saluting the SeeD. Xu nodded to Squall and Zell, then shook her head upon seeing Seifer.
"Seifer, how many times has it been now?" she asked.
"Oh, I just love these exams...," Seifer said without looking at Xu. No more was said, and Xu made her way to a monitor located in the one end of the room.
"I'll explain the current situation and the mission. Be seated!" Xu said, and everyone sat down. Except from Seifer, who never had gotten up in the first place.
"Our client for this mission is the Dollet Dukedom Parliament. A request for SeeD was made 18 hours ago," Xu said as the monitor behind her sprung to life. "Dollet has been under attack by the G-Army since about 72 hours ago. 49 hours into battle, Dollet abandoned their positions in the inner city. Currently, they have retreated into the nearby mountains and are reorganising their troops!" While she explained, images, maps and strategies were shown on the screen. The arrows and markers projected stated her sayings the graphical way. "That's the current status. Now onto the mission objective!" Xu said. "According to our reports, the G-Army is mopping up the Dollet troops in the mountain region. We're to make a landing here, at Lapin beach," Xu said as she pointed at the map shown on the monitor. "We're to eliminate the G-Army within the city and liberate it A.S.A.P. Afterwards, SeeD members will intercept any G-Army forces trying to make their way into the city from the mountain region!"
"So, what are WE supposed to do?" Seifer yawned.
"SeeD candidates are to eliminate the G-Army inside the city," Xu answered shortly.
"Sounds important!" Zell said.
"Sounds boring!" Seifer yawned again. "So what you're saying is we do all the dirty work..." Xu didn't reply to that.
"Oh, it hardly needs to be said, but... The order to withdraw takes priority!" Xu said. "Do not forget!" Zell, Quistis and Squall nodded. Withdraw orders were first priority in any mission. The rule was made for the safety of the SeeDs and their candidates. "We're almost there," Xu exclaimed. "We anticipate a battle as soon as we disembark. Just be prepared. That's all. Any questions, talk to Quistis!" With that, Zell and Quistis arose from their seats, letting Xu through. As she walked out the door, she cast one final glance at the three candidates and smiled a 'good luck'. The door shut.
"We'll be landing pretty soon. Be prepared," Quistis said, repeating what Xu had said only a minute ago.
"Alright," Squall said.
"Roger," Zell stated.
"Yeah, yeah...," Seifer yawned. He shifted and stretched. Then he turned head towards Squall. "Well then, Squall. Go see what's going on outside,"
"......Ok," Squall said short. He didn't want to, but he wouldn't bother to argue with Seifer. Nothing good would come out of it anyway. He stood up and went out the door as Seifer grinned.
"Good. Because it is MY order!" Squall didn't even bother to look back at him. Zell rolled his eyes as Squall shut the door behind him.
Outside, the full moon mirrored in the sea, as good as it could be done. The ocean wasn't exactly laying still, and the several vessels that cut through the water, heading towards Dollet, didn't make the water surface calm down. On the roof, just before the cannon in front, Squall was standing, looking at the shores that approached in the horizon. He looked down on the large picture in his hands. It showed the shores of Dollet. He put a transparent paper with an arrow drawn on it, over the picture. It showed the objective; get into town and secure it. Squall lifted his gaze from the picture, and towards the shores. It looked almost identical to the picture, except for all the explosions and the soldiers running up the beach. Some of them fell, yet they moved on forward, determined to reclaim the city. Squall watched this, and felt the determination run through his body. Adrenaline started to boil within him. His mission was to take care of the soldiers inside the city. That was a mission he should do a hundred percent. Even though Seifer were his squad leader. He ran his hand over the handle on his gunblade, which was strapped to his left side. Then he clenched his fist. Mission time!
As he came down, Seifer and Zell stood there ready to head out as soon as the doors opened.
"All right! Time for some action!" Zell grinned. Seifer was about to comment on that, when they all had to hold on to whatever they could, as the vessel pilot entered the harbour area. Without heading through the gate. This breaking through the wall made the vessel jump high, before landing hard on the water and skidding up on the beach. The same moment as they were up, the doors went up un front, and Seifer, Squall and Zell jumped down on the beach. Other squads were already on the move upwards the beach. Quistis remained on the vessel.
"Ok, you are to secure the Central Square!" Quistis said, pointing towards the town. "And be sure to equip your GF before you head into battle!" she added.
"Let's move out!" Seifer said, running ahead. Squall and Zell ran after him.
"Seifer, you have a GF junctioned?" Squall asked as they ran.
"Nah," Seifer replied. "I can manage perfectly on my own muscle, thank you!"
"That arrogant...," Zell began, but was cut off as a group of soldiers eyed them and ran towards them. Squall and Seifer drew their gunblades, while Zell took a fighting stance. The soldiers drew their own swords and ran towards the candidates.
"Look out, it's SeeD!" one of the soldiers shouted. "Elite forces from Garden? They're Dollet reinforcements?" another one asked. "They still look like kids!" One of the soldiers readied a Fire spell and shot it towards Zell. Zell dodged it, and then ducked as a soldier slashed at him. The sword nearly hit his head. But Zell Dincht hadn't trained for nothing. As soon as the sword was swung over his head, Zell was back up, grabbing the soldier's arm and delivered a kick in his stomach. Just in time to see another soldier run towards him. Zell knocked the soldier he was holding, out of his senses, before he leaped at the coming soldier. Zell could read him like a book, this guy was a newbie. His bad! Zell easily dodged his sword in the mid air, and made a sickening 'crack' as his knuckles smashed the soldier's nose. In mid-air, Zell twisted, delivering a heel kick that sent the soldier crashing face first to the ground, out cold.
Squall weren't any worse. At the same time as Zell was attacked, Squall's gunblade met one of the soldier's sword with a loud, crunching sound. Quickly, Squall withdrew his gunblade, delivering another blow at the soldier. The soldier was unable to block the strike, and Squall sliced the soldier's stomach open, pressing his gunblade trigger at the minute he felt the gunblade hit. The shot rang between the houses, blowing a hole through the soldier. Squall turned towards the second threat that approached him, two soldiers coming from each side. Squall concentrated on one of the soldiers, searching for magic within him. He found it. Quickly, he drew a Fire spell from the soldier, before sending it towards his companion coming from the other side. The soldier that received a burning, yelped in pain and stopped for a moment, giving Squall time to concentrate on the other soldier who slashed at him. Squall blocked the blow, and then the next, before starting to attack with full force towards the soldier. This one was a bit tougher than the last one. More experienced, Squall thought. But Squall had more strength. Ifrit helped him with that. He had junctioned Blizzard magic to his strength stats, and this soldier carried Blizzard. Squall pushed him away, and quickly draw some Blizzard from the soldier. As additional 4 units of Blizzard magic manifested within Squall's body, he could feel his strength grow. He looked at the soldier who rushed towards him for another attack. Squall met him, and quickly slashed at him, killing him in an instant. Suddenly, he yelped in pain as a fire spell hit him in the back. The soldier he had burned earlier, aimed another Fire spell at him. Squall growled, and used the time and concentration the soldier used for his spell, to run at the soldier and past, before turning his gunblade, and strike the soldier's neck with the blunt end of his blade. The soldier fell unconscious to the ground. Squall gritted his teeth as he felt the pain in his back from the Fire spell. Then he turned to look at Seifer, who slashed at the two remaining soldiers. Seifer gritted his teeth, flames was burning in his green eyes as he slashed at the two. He had already taken down two soldiers. One lucky blow, and the one soldier was down. One to go. Zell approached Squall, and caught a glimpse of the fire wound on his back.
"Yikes, man!" Zell said. "Are you alright?" Squall didn't answer. Zell shook his head, and turned his concentration towards the soldier Seifer was fighting. Squall knew he was drawing magic from him. Then Zell turned his palms towards Squall, bright blue light emitting from them. The Cure spell eased the pain in Squall's back and healed the wounds. As soon as it was done, Squall draw a new load of Blizzard from the soldier. It was a powerful draw, he stocked 8 units this time. The loss of energy made the soldier hestitate a little, giving Seifer just the opportunity he needed. He blocked the blow from the soldier, before delivering a kick straight into his groin. The soldier howled in pain, before Seifer's gunblade brought him to silence.
"I thought I told you to stay out of my way!" Seifer growled towards Squall. Squall just rolled his eyes, before following Seifer. The three candidates ran up the street, passing the local bar. A bridge was built over the road. Up on it, two Galbadian soldiers was standing. As soon as they eyed the candidates, they jumped down on the road, unsheathing their weapons. The SeeD candidates did the same, and threw themselves into the fight. Seifer on the one soldier, Squall on the other, while Zell stood in the back, drawing a stock of magic from the soldiers. The fight ended quickly, and the three went further into town. Before a car, Seifer stopped.
"The Central Square is up ahead!" He said, pointing with his gunblade. Then he turned towards the Square. "Hey! All you Galbadian cowards out there!" Seifer called. "Come out 'n show me your faces! Don't leave me hangin' now!" Then he ran up ahead.
"...What an idiot," Zell said, rolling his eyes. Then he followed Squall as he chased after Seifer.
Just as they reached the square, they were attacked almost immediately by three soldiers. Squall and Seifer both slashed one soldier to the ground, while Zell got himself a crisp from a Fire spell cast from the last soldier. He shook it off fast as Squall drew a Cure from the soldier and cast it upon Zell, returning his favour. Then it didn't take Zell long to beat the soldier out of his senses. As the fight finished, Squall got an uneasy feeling.
"There may be more...," he said, looking around.
"All right," Seifer said. "I want you guys to scout the area for enemies!" Squall and Zell nodded, and went around the square for a while, looking for soldiers. Within one of the streets, one wrecked car was laying between the houses. As Squall approached it, a soldier jumped and tackled him. The two rolled on the ground, and the soldier took a grasp of Squall's throat. Squall struggled against the attacker, who had surprised him. But as he was struggling, Zell saw what was happening. He rushed towards Squall, giving the soldier a blow across the face that made him roll off Squall. Squall had his gunblade out almost in an instant, killing off the soldier. He panted a little, rubbing his throat. But he pulled himself together real quick.
"I think that's all of them," he said as they headed back to Seifer. He looked really bored.
"Well then, we're on standby 'till the enemy comes!" Seifer stated. Then he sighed. "Standby... How boring...,"
Nothing was said for a while. Not until they could hear exploding sounds from far away.
"Sounds like it's starting," Squall said.
"Bring it on!" Seifer said. Zell rolled his eyes again. Then he paid some attention towards the dog that had came to the central square a while ago. A golden retriever, strolling peacefully among the three SeeD candidates while wagging its tail. Now it approached Seifer. He mumbled something before he waved at the dog. "Get outta here!" he said. The dog just kept wagging its tail, looking happily up at Seifer who actually paid attention. "Scram!" Seifer shouted at the dog. The dog crouched a little, backing off the teenager. Seifer ran up to one of the streets coming in to the square. "Hey! Galbadian soldiers!" he shouted. "What are you waiting for!? Come show me what you've got!" He started swinging his gunblade, slashing into empty air. Then he put it away. Zell just shook his head.
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Well, that's this chapter. I'm terribly sorry it has taken me so long to write it, but I've had a serious writer's block lately. In addition to that, there have been military excersise up here, giving me little room for writing. I'll try making it up to you later. In the next chapter, we're heading to the communication tower. Hang tight, and don't forget to rewiew!
- Ric Leonhart