Chapter Four: Chase

I fumed. I had reached eruption point. A throbbing vein in my forehead was going to explode. With a ferocious growl I bounded out of the class.

She'd gone. I scowled along the corridors and marched into the lift. She stood in the corner looking blank faced and inconspicuous.

"Oh. Going down?" she said passively and hit the button.

"Wha..." I began in surprise as the lift jolted. She stood watching my disbelieving face. My anger had gone in a puff of bewilderment.

"How can you be like that?!" I blurted in an infuriated manner, swinging me arm out emphatically.

Her blue-grey eyes narrowed, "There's no need for anger. What's the point?"

I realised what had irritated me so much about her. She reminded me of Squall. Every time I goaded him I got no response. It took a lot to get him fighting. And once he did, he didn't back down one bit. I think it's the same with this Gaia chick.

The lift arrived. She went to the door and I blocked it.

"You're him," was all I said and left triumphantly.

"What?" she exclaimed uncharacteristically. I turned and for the first time, her face was a frame of confusion. It felt good. I strolled out smug in the knowledge I had provoked an expression from her. I went to the cafeteria and I grabbed some grub. People stared, but I didn't say anything. I hit them with my glass shattering glare.

"You can probably Petrify people without the spell with a look like that."

I snapped my head around to glare at Gaia. She gave a cool smile and sat down.

"Willing to talk?" she asked, setting down a tray loaded with lunch.

I snorted, "You? Talking? As in conversation?"

Her cool stare focused on me, "Yes. So you're Seifer the Sorceress Knight."

I internally squirmed a little and settled down. I was amazed at how calm I've become, "Not anymore. I'm training to be a SeeD."

"I'd guessed," she took a bite from her sandwich and chewed thoughtfully. I ate some of my own grub.

"So," I said with my mouth full, "you weren't here a year ago. Where did you come from?"

She frowned slightly at my bad manners, "Came from Deling. Wanted to be a SeeD and didn't want to go to Galbadia Garden, so here I am."

I looked at her, "Where did you learn to fight so well?" My eyes had narrowed. I was suspicious. Gaia's eyes were dead looking.

"I was in the Galbadian army," she tried to pass it off as normal.

I was surprised, "What? You're only, what eighteen? When did you join?" She'd become interesting.

"...When I was fifteen. I was specially trained to be a sharpshooter, but I was always better with a sword," she showed her teeth. It wasn't a smile or teeth baring. It chilled me – the great Seifer. She retracted them and continued eating. Gaia had an element of danger to her. Her upbringing is less than usual.

"You know, you're unbelievably hard to talk to," I stated, scoffing the last of my food.

Her eyes smiled and her lips twisted up slightly, "Why, thank you. You're practically spilling your life story, Seif."

Seif. That got to me. No-one calls me Seif and gets away with it!

"Hey!" I banged my fist onto the table. She jumped and put her food down.

"Nobody calls me Seif." I hissed. She sighed, "Touchy. Fine, I'll call you Seifer."

We sat in silence. I sat there calming down while she finished her lunch. She paused for a minute and looked up at me, "Who do I remind you of?"

I shrugged, "Someone I know. I kinda grew up with him. You both behave the same."

She considered this for a moment.

"Oh," and she resumed eating.

No questions, nothing. What's wrong with this girl?! Most would be insulted that they reminded me of a guy I know.

I stood up. "I'm going to go now," I announced.

"Very well. Goodbye."

I stood there and my face twisted into disbelief.

"You're so weird," I declared and left.

"Thanks!" she replied and I shook my head and continued on.