Chapter Five: Socialising

I crashed flat out on my bed. It was almost midnight and I wasn't tired. My eyelids didn't feel heavy or anything. I grunted and got up.

I felt the bloodlust rush and grabbed Hyperion.

Late night training once again.

I threw my coat on and swaggered to the training facility.

The moonlight gave good enough vision. I checked all my junctioning and prepared in case of a T-Rexaur. If no-one was looking, I'd run away. Gotta save my butt and keep up my tough guy image, don't I? I faced another Grat on my journey to the Training Centre's haven and one easy sword strike took it down.

I made my way swiftly through the centre to the meeting point once more. I walked the wooden planks and paused. I could feel someone watching me.

In a split second I dived forward, rolled along the plank and sprang up. A gunshot sounded behind where I'd been standing.

"Fuck!" I yelled, realising what could have happened. Hyperion swung over my shoulder and I become defensive.

"Impressive," the cool voice that was beginning to irritate me to no end commented.

I turned a ferocious glare upward to a high wall with some brush on the top.

"You bitch!" I flew into a rage and pounded over to her hiding place.

"I'm usually such a good shot," she mulled to herself as I threw my hands onto the wall lip and hauled

And smiled. With her upturned lips she gave me a light playful punch on the shoulder.

"Come on – they were only blanks!"

I sat down, letting my legs hang over the wall and once more felt the rage drain. I became curious.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, staring out over the planks and water – a single draw point. Gaia packed her gun away.

"I told you that I was trained to be a sharpshooter. I like to keep in practise," she explained offhandedly. She finished packed into a hidden slim black case.

I didn't really know what to do, so I looked up at the stars.

"What are you doing here, Seifer?" she asked and tipped her head to look at me.

I turned to meet her gaze, "Getting shot at apparently, Gaia."

Gaia rolled her eyes, "That's in the past now. So, what are you doing here?"

I returned to stargazing, "I train at night sometimes. Why's it such a big deal?!" I began to get irritated and frowned, grinded my jaw, "What are you doing here?" I retorted, frowning. Gaia hefted her gun case into her lap and slipped herself off the wall. She looked up at me and I watched her.

"I've came here every night since I came to Garden." And with that, she gave a wave and left me alone.

I felt drained of emotions. Ah, hell, what am I going on about?!

I leapt off the wall and a flood of moodiness washed into my blood. I stalked to the centre of the training centre. A few couples were talking and making out. They looked displeased by my presence, but left me alone. I leaned over the wall edge that overlooked the Garden. I had to admit, it looked pretty with all the soft lights glowing. My arms lazily hung over the edge.

So that's why Gaia is such a good fighter. Trained relentlessly in Galbadia Army and now trains tons in Garden. My revision was going well. After all this time, all the written exam stuff you need to know is ingrained in my head over the years, I couldn't fail if I tried. I know my lack of discipline during field exams always failed me. It was so boring though. I heaved out a heavy sigh and straightened up.

I strutted back to my dormitory.

Sometimes I don't know why I bother go training with Gaia there all the time, bothering me.

I lolled into bed and slept peacefully. I dreamed. I never remember dreams, but this was vivid.

Bright sunlight shone down on me. I was sitting on a beach – really sandy shores. My eyes were nearly blinded with the sparkling ocean stretching to my left. All the colours were so strong. I felt... calm. Totally tranquil. Tranquil – not a me word. I closed my eyes and detected a presence brushing around me. It kissed me on the lips and drifted away.

I opened my eyes and the landscape had changed dramatically.

The ocean was stormy, clouds black and blanketing the sky. The sand was dull and cold.

In the distance a figure walked away. I couldn't make out who it was, but in my heart I knew they'd kissed me.

I got up and began to walk after them, then ran with all my might to catch up. But I couldn't keep up.

"NOOO-!!!!" I began to yell. I woke myself up and sat bolt upright, shaken.

The PA system dinged.

"Seifer Almasy, please come to the Headmasters office. Seifer to the Headmasters office, thank you," it said.

Outside my room I could hear a few faint cheers. Guess they thought I was getting kicked out.

Was I? I haven't done anything wrong, to my knowledge.

I hurriedly got ready and stomped my way to the third floor. I was already fifteen minutes late when I knocked.

A guy's gotta look presentable on all occasions, okay?

"Come in." Cid sounded irritated.

I entered and sat down.

"Sorry I'm late, but I just-" he cut me off.

"Don't worry, I know I sprang this meeting on you suddenly." Cid coldly smiled. I knew I hadn't grown on him. I secretly think he wishes I'd put a foot wrong.

"Why am I here... sir?" I managed to tag the formality on the end. Cid raised an eyebrow, but let it go.

"It's about Gaia Ferndrake," he said.

I remained passive. What the hell could he want with me about Gaia? I didn't even know her surname until just now.

"Yeah?" I enquired.

Cid sighed and slumped back into his leather chair. "The staff... worry about her. She's not very social, though an extremely hard working student. Top grades, but she doesn't speak to anyone," he explained.

"'Cept me, right?" I concluded.

"Exactly. We were hoping you could get her socialising with others. What do you think?" Cid looked a little anxious. My first thought was, 'What's it worth, old man?' but it evaporated quickly.

I knew this was gonna have to be for free.

I shifted a fake smile onto my face, "Sure."

Cid looked mildly shocked, "Really? I mean, where are my manners, thank you Seifer." He cleared his throat to signal me to leave. I genuinely smiled at this gesture and left.

Let the socialising begin.