Chapter 2
The cafeteria was usually stuffed with classmen from every corner of the garden but since they weren't serving any hot dogs that day, it was less crowded. Quistis was seated with Avatar Fenis at a table in a corner near the window overlooking the ocean. Sifan walked to them and took a seat near Avatar.
"So..." Quistis smiled, "How did it go?"
"Your student wanted to carve a scar on my face, you know, Seifer style..." he muttered picking up the coffee Avatar had ordered for him.
Quistis sighed, "and...?"
"And he found out how it feels to be struck by lightning."
Quistis sighed again, "You boys never go by the rules, do you?"
Sifan smiled, "Don't worry too much instructor, Relafen should be up and running by now"
"Anyway." Quistis said, "You still have objective 2 to complete, Sifan."
"I checked all the usual draw points for the fire spell in the garden on my way here." Sifan said, "They were all used."
"In that case, maybe you should pay a trip to the fire cavern."
"W-what?" Sifan spilt a little of his coffee, "No way. Uh-huh. I am not going in there."
"Chicken." Avatar remarked.
"I'll let you draw those fire spells from me." Quistis said slowly.
"But isn't that against the rules?"
Quistis smiled, "So is using a lightning spell during training. Besides, if you were to go to the fire cavern, then I would have to accompany you. Those monsters wouldn't stand a single slash of my whip and the job is as good as done. So you might as well draw those spells from me."
"You're just lazy Quistis." Avatar remarked.
"Very well then, Sifan, Fire Cavern it is."
"Uh. No. No." Sifan said, "I'll draw it from you..."
"I'll meet you at the gate in 10 minutes." Quistis said as she rose from her seat, "Don't be late..."
Saying that, she walked out of the cafeteria after acknowledging a few Trepies.
As soon as Quistis cleared the area, a pretty-looking brunette came to the table with her tray. "Um..." she said in a sweet little voice, "Do you mind if I sit here with you guys?"
"Of Cour-" Avatar started before Sifan interrupted, "Here, take my seat."
Sifan walked away from the table even as he heard the girl pass a comment behind his back.
[That's what I hate about Avatar. So damn flirtatious. He'll sell you any day for a female.]
Quistis was waiting at the gate with the other cadets when Sifan arrived, "It's about time you got here, Leonhart."
[Geez. Quistis sure is different when she's handling you personally, but in front of the class, its always Leonhart this and Leonhart that.]
Relafen shot Sifan a drop-dead look and reverted his attention to the Ragnarok that had entered the horizon.
[Finally, they're back... I wonder if Dr.Odine fixed that new turbo-warp engine to the Ragnarok]
"Cadets, you are now to pay close attention." Quistis announced, "About 20 km north east of balamb port is an island where the white SeeD ship has run aground. The crew onboard has been stranded for several hours there. Moreover, the island is infested with ice monsters. They have been holding them off for about an hour since the SeeD ship had crashed. They have alerted us that they are running out of spells, ammo and strength. Unfortunately, the Ragnarok will be unable to reach them immediately as it has to be refueled. Your mission is to take two hovercrafts to the island. Secure the crew as fast as possible and send them back to balamb in the hovercrafts. You are to wait in the island till the Ragnarok arrives to pick you up. This will also serve as your SeeD qualifying examination. I hope you have your fire spells stocked. Remember, Your first priority is to defend the crew and secure them. Any questions?"
"Yes..." came a feeble voice from one of the cadets, "How long is it going to take for the Ragnarok to arrive?"
"In due time, Aaron, in due time." Quistis said with a sigh, "Sifan, Relafen, Avata-where's AVATAR?"
[On a flirting expedition, ma'm...]
"I am here!" a voice called out as Avatar came running, panting wildly, "Sorry... I was busy with something important."
[Yeah. Sure you were.]
"As I was saying." Quistis continued, "Sifan, Relafen, Avatar and Aaron take the hovercraft from the balamb coast. The remaining four of you will take the hovercraft at the port where you shall meet Xu. Best of luck."
The other cadets rushed off towards the balamb port taking the pathway in order to avoid monsters.
"Now, you four..." Quistis said turning to Sifan and the cadets near him, " Since the coast is filled with fastaclicons and other monsters, I shall accompany you till you board the hovercraft. After that you are on your own. Let's go."
They took a short cut through a forest and headed towards the coast. Funnily there weren't any monsters in the forest. They probably knew better than to come out and pay with their lives. After about 20 minutes of scorching sunlight, they reached the coast where a hovercraft was standing.
"Phew..." Aaron remarked, "lets go."
Aaron proceeded to run across the golden sandy beach when Quistis gasped, "Aaron! Watch out for that-"
A fastaclicon burst out of the sand and it bit Aaron on his neck. The boy kicked it hard and then he staggered backwards clutching his bleeding neck. The poison had already started to take effect. Quistis ran to Aaron and her cure spell stopped the bleeding but the poison kept depleting his health.
"This is not good." Quistis said, "I am going to have to take Aaron back to the infirmary. You three will have to proceed on your own."
The fastaclicon wasn't done. It came flying towards Avatar this time.
"Man, I hate these damn flying fishy monsters..." he said pulling out his katana. The fastaclicon conveniently came flying straight towards him at his sword, and he promptly sent his blade through the middle of the monster's body. The monster died and was stuck on Avatar's katana like a piece of chicken down a toothpick.
"Ewww" Avatar said pushing out the monster fish with his leg.
Quistis slowly helped Aaron to get up, "I hope you three will be able to manage on your own. If you guys do it, I think you'll be awarded a higher SeeD ranking than the other cadets. Anyway, I'll see you then."
With that, Quistis and Aaron started to make their way back to the garden, Quistis helping the injured boy on his way.
"Oh and by the way" she turned, "Relafen, you are the party leader for this mission."
[W-what?]
Avatar didn't look too pleased with Quistis' decision either. She nodded and soon cleared the place with Aaron.
As if to avenge the death of its fellow monster another fastaclicon popped out of the sand with a loud screech.
"Wassa matter?" Relafen cracked pulling out his gunblade at the monster, his face lighting up with the feeling of him being the leader, "Searchin' for yer mama?"
[Oh brother...]
The monster seemed to have taken Relafen's comment seriously and it flew at him with open jaws revealing tiny but sharp teeth. The flame-haired boy shot a fire at the monster when it was just a foot away. Before it could back off due to the impact of the spell, Relafen sent the monster flying straight up into the air with his gunblade. It then fell on the ground, dead.
"Ok, you all..." Relafen said with an authoritative voice, "In to the hovercraft."
[I'll get Quistis for this.]
"Do what the damn idiot says for just this once." Avatar muttered under his breath as Relafen pushed the button to slide open the door of the hovercraft.
The hovercraft was spacious with a long dashboard with various controls, keys and LEDs.
The door slid shut as soon as the three of them had walked in and Avatar threw himself on a seat at the end of the hovercraft. The windshield was clear and Relafen studied the controls as Sifan checked his gunblade.
"Hey." Avatar said, "Aaron was the guy who was supposed to handle this thing."
"It's easy." Relafen said turning on the ignition, "just pull this thing here and-"
The hovercraft jolted forward suddenly almost knocking the three of them off their feet. Slowly, the engine came alive with a buzz and the hovercraft lifted about a foot in the air.
[Oh great, now he's captain Relafen.]
"Take your seat, Leonhart." Relafen snapped, the smirk reappearing on his face, "I don't want your ass falling all over this place."
Sifan reluctantly did as he was told. He wanted to get the mission done as fast as possible, especially, with Relafen as their leader. He decided not to question Relafen too much. At least for now.
Relafen turned the hovercraft towards the northeastern direction.
"Ok, hold on to yer asses boys!" Relafen said pushing the lever on to full throttle. The hovercraft rocketed forward with tremendous speed. Sifan was certain that if they were to hit anything at this velocity, the hovercraft would probably be in pieces.
"Relafen, we need this hovercraft in one piece to send the white SeeDs back to the island..." Sifan said, irritated with the rashness with which Relafen was handling the hovercraft.
"Don't tell me WHAT to do Leonhart." Relafen snapped.
After a few minutes of high speed cruising, a small island appeared on the horizon with the outline of the white SeeD ship visible clearly.
"Get your butts ready..." Relafen said, "We're almost there."
[Oh great, I forgot to draw those fire spells from Quistis.]
"Relafen." Sifan said, "I don't have fires stocked, I need to draw some from you."
"That's your problem Leonhart..." Relafen hissed, "The hell you doing here without completing that objective?"
Sifan hated to beg but he knew they would be up against ice monsters, "I just want around five..."
"Which part of 'no' don't you understand?" Relafen snapped, "I need them for myself."
"C'mon Relafen." Avatar said as the island drew nearer, "We're almost there, what harm could-"
"Will the both of you shut up?" Relafen snapped, "You will follow my orders and your first order is to keep your mouths shut. Its not my problem if precious Leonhart here doesn't know how to stock fire spells."
[Fine, I'll draw it during battle, like it or not.]
Sifan remained quiet as Relafen reduced the throttle, causing the hovercraft to hum slightly and move into the frozen coast near the white SeeD ship slowly.
The white SeeD vessel was a complete wreck. The mast was broken into two and the sails had been ripped apart. The ship head was broken and half of the ship was covered with frost already. The crew wasn't used to sailing outside the cetra area and this was their first time. Unfortunately, it had resulted in this casualty.
Sifan was about to slide open the door when the radio speaker came cracking alive, "This is the white SeeD leader speaking! Respond please!"
"Yeah, we hear ya." Relafen said loudly, "Which part of the island are you in?"
"We are inside the lower deck of the ship. Monsters have occupied most of the places, including the upper deck. We are afraid we will be trapped here unless the vessel is cleared of monsters. There is a broken oar on the left side of the ship. Please park your hovercrafts there, as it will be easier for us to reach. We have left a few items outside that may be of use to you. The door leading to the lower deck, I repeat, the door leading to the lower deck is near a huge ice giant about 40 feet tall. Taking him down should be the end of your mission. Once he falls, the remaining ice monsters should fear danger and leave the place. Best of luck. We will be waiting."
With another crackle, the radio went dead. Relafen adjusted the frequency and switched on the microphone, "Garden unit 2, come in please."
"This is garden unit two. We are about 10 minutes away from the island. Go ahead."
"We have just received instructions from the White SeeD captain; you are to proceed to the left side of the ship where you shall find a broken oar. Please park your hovercraft there. Do not leave the hovercraft till you spot the white SeeDs. Any of your cadets well-trained in combat?"
"I am afraid not."
"Very well. Please carry out the specified instructions. Over."
"Understood. Over."
Relafen switched off the radio and unsheathed his gunblade.
"You got to admit." Avatar said to Sifan, "Relafen ain't that bad at being a leader."
[Yeah sure he is. All that fuss over a few fire spells makes him a great leader now, doesn't it?]
"Well, what are you dumb-asses waitin' for?" Relafen snapped, "You want me to instruct you every goddamn minute?"
Sifan walked out into the cold wind, tired of Relafen's rattling. He looked around and saw how vast the island looked, completely covered with frozen forests. Quistis had mentioned it being a 'small' island but it looked nowhere near it. Behind him he saw the vast ocean stretch over thousands of miles. The chill made his teeth clatter and the dead silence of the place wasn't comforting either. He was far away from home and for a moment, he felt alone, cold and very very small...Little did he know that they were feelings he would soon be familiar to, in his world to come.
************
The cafeteria was usually stuffed with classmen from every corner of the garden but since they weren't serving any hot dogs that day, it was less crowded. Quistis was seated with Avatar Fenis at a table in a corner near the window overlooking the ocean. Sifan walked to them and took a seat near Avatar.
"So..." Quistis smiled, "How did it go?"
"Your student wanted to carve a scar on my face, you know, Seifer style..." he muttered picking up the coffee Avatar had ordered for him.
Quistis sighed, "and...?"
"And he found out how it feels to be struck by lightning."
Quistis sighed again, "You boys never go by the rules, do you?"
Sifan smiled, "Don't worry too much instructor, Relafen should be up and running by now"
"Anyway." Quistis said, "You still have objective 2 to complete, Sifan."
"I checked all the usual draw points for the fire spell in the garden on my way here." Sifan said, "They were all used."
"In that case, maybe you should pay a trip to the fire cavern."
"W-what?" Sifan spilt a little of his coffee, "No way. Uh-huh. I am not going in there."
"Chicken." Avatar remarked.
"I'll let you draw those fire spells from me." Quistis said slowly.
"But isn't that against the rules?"
Quistis smiled, "So is using a lightning spell during training. Besides, if you were to go to the fire cavern, then I would have to accompany you. Those monsters wouldn't stand a single slash of my whip and the job is as good as done. So you might as well draw those spells from me."
"You're just lazy Quistis." Avatar remarked.
"Very well then, Sifan, Fire Cavern it is."
"Uh. No. No." Sifan said, "I'll draw it from you..."
"I'll meet you at the gate in 10 minutes." Quistis said as she rose from her seat, "Don't be late..."
Saying that, she walked out of the cafeteria after acknowledging a few Trepies.
As soon as Quistis cleared the area, a pretty-looking brunette came to the table with her tray. "Um..." she said in a sweet little voice, "Do you mind if I sit here with you guys?"
"Of Cour-" Avatar started before Sifan interrupted, "Here, take my seat."
Sifan walked away from the table even as he heard the girl pass a comment behind his back.
[That's what I hate about Avatar. So damn flirtatious. He'll sell you any day for a female.]
Quistis was waiting at the gate with the other cadets when Sifan arrived, "It's about time you got here, Leonhart."
[Geez. Quistis sure is different when she's handling you personally, but in front of the class, its always Leonhart this and Leonhart that.]
Relafen shot Sifan a drop-dead look and reverted his attention to the Ragnarok that had entered the horizon.
[Finally, they're back... I wonder if Dr.Odine fixed that new turbo-warp engine to the Ragnarok]
"Cadets, you are now to pay close attention." Quistis announced, "About 20 km north east of balamb port is an island where the white SeeD ship has run aground. The crew onboard has been stranded for several hours there. Moreover, the island is infested with ice monsters. They have been holding them off for about an hour since the SeeD ship had crashed. They have alerted us that they are running out of spells, ammo and strength. Unfortunately, the Ragnarok will be unable to reach them immediately as it has to be refueled. Your mission is to take two hovercrafts to the island. Secure the crew as fast as possible and send them back to balamb in the hovercrafts. You are to wait in the island till the Ragnarok arrives to pick you up. This will also serve as your SeeD qualifying examination. I hope you have your fire spells stocked. Remember, Your first priority is to defend the crew and secure them. Any questions?"
"Yes..." came a feeble voice from one of the cadets, "How long is it going to take for the Ragnarok to arrive?"
"In due time, Aaron, in due time." Quistis said with a sigh, "Sifan, Relafen, Avata-where's AVATAR?"
[On a flirting expedition, ma'm...]
"I am here!" a voice called out as Avatar came running, panting wildly, "Sorry... I was busy with something important."
[Yeah. Sure you were.]
"As I was saying." Quistis continued, "Sifan, Relafen, Avatar and Aaron take the hovercraft from the balamb coast. The remaining four of you will take the hovercraft at the port where you shall meet Xu. Best of luck."
The other cadets rushed off towards the balamb port taking the pathway in order to avoid monsters.
"Now, you four..." Quistis said turning to Sifan and the cadets near him, " Since the coast is filled with fastaclicons and other monsters, I shall accompany you till you board the hovercraft. After that you are on your own. Let's go."
They took a short cut through a forest and headed towards the coast. Funnily there weren't any monsters in the forest. They probably knew better than to come out and pay with their lives. After about 20 minutes of scorching sunlight, they reached the coast where a hovercraft was standing.
"Phew..." Aaron remarked, "lets go."
Aaron proceeded to run across the golden sandy beach when Quistis gasped, "Aaron! Watch out for that-"
A fastaclicon burst out of the sand and it bit Aaron on his neck. The boy kicked it hard and then he staggered backwards clutching his bleeding neck. The poison had already started to take effect. Quistis ran to Aaron and her cure spell stopped the bleeding but the poison kept depleting his health.
"This is not good." Quistis said, "I am going to have to take Aaron back to the infirmary. You three will have to proceed on your own."
The fastaclicon wasn't done. It came flying towards Avatar this time.
"Man, I hate these damn flying fishy monsters..." he said pulling out his katana. The fastaclicon conveniently came flying straight towards him at his sword, and he promptly sent his blade through the middle of the monster's body. The monster died and was stuck on Avatar's katana like a piece of chicken down a toothpick.
"Ewww" Avatar said pushing out the monster fish with his leg.
Quistis slowly helped Aaron to get up, "I hope you three will be able to manage on your own. If you guys do it, I think you'll be awarded a higher SeeD ranking than the other cadets. Anyway, I'll see you then."
With that, Quistis and Aaron started to make their way back to the garden, Quistis helping the injured boy on his way.
"Oh and by the way" she turned, "Relafen, you are the party leader for this mission."
[W-what?]
Avatar didn't look too pleased with Quistis' decision either. She nodded and soon cleared the place with Aaron.
As if to avenge the death of its fellow monster another fastaclicon popped out of the sand with a loud screech.
"Wassa matter?" Relafen cracked pulling out his gunblade at the monster, his face lighting up with the feeling of him being the leader, "Searchin' for yer mama?"
[Oh brother...]
The monster seemed to have taken Relafen's comment seriously and it flew at him with open jaws revealing tiny but sharp teeth. The flame-haired boy shot a fire at the monster when it was just a foot away. Before it could back off due to the impact of the spell, Relafen sent the monster flying straight up into the air with his gunblade. It then fell on the ground, dead.
"Ok, you all..." Relafen said with an authoritative voice, "In to the hovercraft."
[I'll get Quistis for this.]
"Do what the damn idiot says for just this once." Avatar muttered under his breath as Relafen pushed the button to slide open the door of the hovercraft.
The hovercraft was spacious with a long dashboard with various controls, keys and LEDs.
The door slid shut as soon as the three of them had walked in and Avatar threw himself on a seat at the end of the hovercraft. The windshield was clear and Relafen studied the controls as Sifan checked his gunblade.
"Hey." Avatar said, "Aaron was the guy who was supposed to handle this thing."
"It's easy." Relafen said turning on the ignition, "just pull this thing here and-"
The hovercraft jolted forward suddenly almost knocking the three of them off their feet. Slowly, the engine came alive with a buzz and the hovercraft lifted about a foot in the air.
[Oh great, now he's captain Relafen.]
"Take your seat, Leonhart." Relafen snapped, the smirk reappearing on his face, "I don't want your ass falling all over this place."
Sifan reluctantly did as he was told. He wanted to get the mission done as fast as possible, especially, with Relafen as their leader. He decided not to question Relafen too much. At least for now.
Relafen turned the hovercraft towards the northeastern direction.
"Ok, hold on to yer asses boys!" Relafen said pushing the lever on to full throttle. The hovercraft rocketed forward with tremendous speed. Sifan was certain that if they were to hit anything at this velocity, the hovercraft would probably be in pieces.
"Relafen, we need this hovercraft in one piece to send the white SeeDs back to the island..." Sifan said, irritated with the rashness with which Relafen was handling the hovercraft.
"Don't tell me WHAT to do Leonhart." Relafen snapped.
After a few minutes of high speed cruising, a small island appeared on the horizon with the outline of the white SeeD ship visible clearly.
"Get your butts ready..." Relafen said, "We're almost there."
[Oh great, I forgot to draw those fire spells from Quistis.]
"Relafen." Sifan said, "I don't have fires stocked, I need to draw some from you."
"That's your problem Leonhart..." Relafen hissed, "The hell you doing here without completing that objective?"
Sifan hated to beg but he knew they would be up against ice monsters, "I just want around five..."
"Which part of 'no' don't you understand?" Relafen snapped, "I need them for myself."
"C'mon Relafen." Avatar said as the island drew nearer, "We're almost there, what harm could-"
"Will the both of you shut up?" Relafen snapped, "You will follow my orders and your first order is to keep your mouths shut. Its not my problem if precious Leonhart here doesn't know how to stock fire spells."
[Fine, I'll draw it during battle, like it or not.]
Sifan remained quiet as Relafen reduced the throttle, causing the hovercraft to hum slightly and move into the frozen coast near the white SeeD ship slowly.
The white SeeD vessel was a complete wreck. The mast was broken into two and the sails had been ripped apart. The ship head was broken and half of the ship was covered with frost already. The crew wasn't used to sailing outside the cetra area and this was their first time. Unfortunately, it had resulted in this casualty.
Sifan was about to slide open the door when the radio speaker came cracking alive, "This is the white SeeD leader speaking! Respond please!"
"Yeah, we hear ya." Relafen said loudly, "Which part of the island are you in?"
"We are inside the lower deck of the ship. Monsters have occupied most of the places, including the upper deck. We are afraid we will be trapped here unless the vessel is cleared of monsters. There is a broken oar on the left side of the ship. Please park your hovercrafts there, as it will be easier for us to reach. We have left a few items outside that may be of use to you. The door leading to the lower deck, I repeat, the door leading to the lower deck is near a huge ice giant about 40 feet tall. Taking him down should be the end of your mission. Once he falls, the remaining ice monsters should fear danger and leave the place. Best of luck. We will be waiting."
With another crackle, the radio went dead. Relafen adjusted the frequency and switched on the microphone, "Garden unit 2, come in please."
"This is garden unit two. We are about 10 minutes away from the island. Go ahead."
"We have just received instructions from the White SeeD captain; you are to proceed to the left side of the ship where you shall find a broken oar. Please park your hovercraft there. Do not leave the hovercraft till you spot the white SeeDs. Any of your cadets well-trained in combat?"
"I am afraid not."
"Very well. Please carry out the specified instructions. Over."
"Understood. Over."
Relafen switched off the radio and unsheathed his gunblade.
"You got to admit." Avatar said to Sifan, "Relafen ain't that bad at being a leader."
[Yeah sure he is. All that fuss over a few fire spells makes him a great leader now, doesn't it?]
"Well, what are you dumb-asses waitin' for?" Relafen snapped, "You want me to instruct you every goddamn minute?"
Sifan walked out into the cold wind, tired of Relafen's rattling. He looked around and saw how vast the island looked, completely covered with frozen forests. Quistis had mentioned it being a 'small' island but it looked nowhere near it. Behind him he saw the vast ocean stretch over thousands of miles. The chill made his teeth clatter and the dead silence of the place wasn't comforting either. He was far away from home and for a moment, he felt alone, cold and very very small...Little did he know that they were feelings he would soon be familiar to, in his world to come.
************