Chapter 1

First Mission

"HALT!" The young woman demanded, as a young SeeD ran towards the cafeteria.

Zell stopped dead in his tracks and glanced at the youngest member of the D.C. Nervously he replied, "Oh, Fujin. Look, I really need a hot dog before they're all gone again! I've got to go!"

Fujin's crimson eye narrowed, as she crossed her arms over her chest. "NO RUNNING," she answered in her low, monotone voice.

Zell cursed to under his breath, but said nothing to Fujin. Grumbling, he walked quickly towards the cafeteria.

"Ms. Salada. You're needed at the Headmaster's office. Please report quickly," announced the speaker.

With a soft sigh, Fujin walked towards the elevator. Patiently, she waited for the elevator, standing completely still. After the elevator had brought her to the third floor, she walked towards Cid's office and waited silently for orders.

Cid turned around after a moment or so. Smiling as usual, the Headmaster greeted Fujin. "Ah, Fujin, just in time for your assignment."

It better not be another worthless cocktail party again, Fujin thought silently, keeping her face blank.

"Normally, I would send a more experienced SeeD on this mission, since you are still quite new at it," the Headmaster began.

At this, Fujin made a slight twitch at the side of her mouth, but quickly hid it by brushing her hair away from her face. A more experienced SeeD? Bull! Everybody else knows that I'm just as good as any experienced SeeD.

"But as you can see, Squall is away on an important meeting at Esthar with Quistis. Selphie is on vacation with Irvine, and I cannot depend on Zell on this mission," he continued. "Anyway, back to the point, there have been threats in Deiling City, concerning the citizens there. I would like you to investigate these problems and report them back to me. If there is a problem, give me the word and I will send reinforcements with you." Studying the young SeeD's face, he asked, " Are you up for it?"

Nodding briskly, she replied, "AFFIRMATIVE."

Cid smiled at her reply. "Good. But just in case, I don't want you to got there alone. So I've already a assigned a partner for you. I think you two already get along," he said, nodding to himself.

Clenching her fists tightly, she turned slightly pale. Please not Seifer. Please not Seifer, she prayed silently.

After Ultemicia's defeat, Seifer, Raijin, and Fujin had been reaccepted into Balamb Garden. All three had finally become SeeDs afterwards, despite the fact that some people still despised them for what they had done. Yet, this is not what had bothered Fujin the most. Despite the fact that all three were back into the Disciplinary Committee, Seifer had acted differently around her. Raijin had accepted Fujin into the D.C., but Seifer acted so…cold around her.

At that very moment, her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the door slamming. Not bothering to turn around, she kept her gaze onto Cid.

"Ah, there you are, Seifer," Cid said as he glanced at him.

After hearing this, Fujin's heart sank as she heard soft footsteps approaching from behind her. Refusing to turn around, she clenched her teeth, trying her best not to scream out into a fury.

Seifer crossed his arms over his chest and asked casually, "You called?"

"Seifer, from now on, until this mission is completed, you will be partners with Fujin. Both of you will be investigating any signs of corruption in Deiling. Is that clear?" Cid announced formally. "Since you are one of our finest SeeDs, I expect you to look after Fujin during this mission."

Fujin clenched her fists tightly, beginning to grow angry. Yet, she kept her face still, hiding away her emotions.

At this Seifer chuckled. "I doubt she would be needing any assistance. She can take care of herself," he answered before walking out of the room.

Fujin followed silently, reluctant to enter the same elevator with him. Keeping a straight face, she continued to stare straight ahead, as if not bothered by Seifer's presence.

Seifer studied his partner's face carefully and smirked. Fujin had been trying to avoid him as much as possible ever since they were reaccepted into Balamb. Now was his chance to get some quality time with her. "Are you still not talking to me?" he asked in is casual tone.

The young woman continued to stand completely still, ignoring his question.

At this, the Gunblade expert sighed and leaned against the elevator wall. "Guess so."

Before Seifer could say anything more, the elevator opened, and Fujin quickly stepped out, not bothering to glance behind her.

Seifer smirked and easily matched Fujin's pace. "Look, you might as well start talking to me because we're going to be together for a while," he remarked slyly.

Fujin stopped walking and glared at Seifer. Folding her arms over her chest she retorted, "WHAT WANT?"

Seifer thought for a moment, gazing into her crimson eyes. After a moment or so, he walked away towards Raijin, without answering her question.

Raijin waves his bronze colored arm in the air. "Hey, over here, ya know!" he called out over the noise made from the cafeteria.

The two walked over to him and sat down in silence. Seifer grabbed hold of a soda on the table and leaned on his chair, sipping his drink in silence.

Fujin just stared at her drink in silence.

Raijin glanced at his pale friend curiously. "Somthin' botherin' you? It's obviously on your face, ya know," he finally said, leaning against his chair.

The young albino shook her head slowly. "NEGATIVE!" she answered, snapping out of her reverie. Looking down at her ivory colored hands, she blinked, beginning to feel cold.

Seifer continued to study Fujin, his pale green eyes filled with interest. "The Headmaster's pretty much offended her when he assigned the both of us a mission a few minutes ago. Don't worry about it," he answered, continuing to stare at her.

After his comment, Fujin pushed her drink aside and rose from her chair. Saying nothing, she quickly walked away to her dorm.

Raijin attempted to go after her, but Seifer stopped him abruptly. "Leave her alone. If she wants to be alone, let her be," he replied causally.

"Sounds like you don't give a damn about her, ya know," he responded, coldly.

Seifer sighed and placed his drink on the table. "So what?" he replied. Seeing his friend becoming tense, he added, "She already blames herself for turning her back on me. She's afraid I would hate. If I were to pity her, she would hate me much more."