Disclaimer: You know that land I was talking about in which I own Final Fantasy? You know, the one where pigs fly and such? Well, I'm adding Orlando Bloom as my yoga instructor to that. Sigh...
Chapter Four: Advancement
"Professor Cid, what are you doing here?" Vilas asked.
"It involves Celes, therefore it involves me," Cid replied with authority.
"True."
"Well, Lt. Vilas, what is it you would like to discuss about our little experiment?" Gestahl asked, entering the chamber.
"Well, your Highness, it concerns her performance. I am thoroughly… impressed. You are aware of yesterday's events involving Branford?"
"I am. Celes followed orders. What makes that impressive?"
"Permit me to repeat some of the terminology she used when explaining her actions, Majesty," Vilas requested.
"Granted."
"She used words and phrases such as 'prioritize', 'interpret', and 'by any means necessary.' She interpreted her orders, and prioritized them accordingly. I find it impressive for any soldier, but for a thirteen-year old, it's extraordinary."
"Interesting. The girl understands the concept of priority, and better yet, practices it," Gestahl mused. "She even translated her orders, reading between the lines. And she's only thirteen? Very impressive indeed. You did a marvelous job teaching her Professor."
"Thank you Emperor, but the credit is not all mine. She's had excellent instructors," Cid said truthfully.
"Yes…" Gestahl muttered, deep in thought. "She is going to be one of the greats. Especially when her magic and Rune abilities are at full potential. I have foreseen it… Tell me, Lieutenant, who was the youngest man promoted to Private First Class?"
"…First Lieutenant Leo Cristophe. He was fourteen, my lord."
"Would you think me crazy…" Gestahl didn't have to finish his thought. They both saw where he was going.
"She is young of age, but she is bright beyond her years," Vilas stated. "She has potential. Very gifted, very able."
"I agree. And I am going to encourage her talents, as it was meant to be. Promote her, Lieutenant. She is ready to begin her ascent to greatness."
"Private First Class, Majesty?"
"No. She's even more competent than Leo was, and a year younger, yet. No, Lance Corporal."
"L-Lance Corporal, sir? Isn't that a bit extreme?"
"Extreme measures must be taken with extreme soldiers, Lieutenant," Gestahl countered. "We must nurture her aptitude, reward her efforts, and more importantly, challenge her. Wouldn't you agree, Cid?"
"I fully support this decision, my lord." Cid was beaming.
"Lance Corporal… It will be done, my liege," Vilas pledged.
Vilas left, and Gestahl continued his praise of Cids' work.
"She's doing quite well, I see. The path is set."
"Yes, she is doing well. Her magic is developing strongly, and her trainers are always admiring her energy and tenacity. She has straight A's in her studies, and is claimed to be the best swordfighter in her class."
"And she has handled Branford remarkably well. The girl hasn't had one of her episodes in years. I regret to say, however, that Terra must be parted from Celes shortly. Terra's training must be…altered. I'm putting LtCol. Palazzo in charge of her from now on."
"Is that a wise decision, my lord? The girl has been making excellent progress under Celes, and has yet to complete her training."
"Kefka knows what has to be done, and will utilize Terra appropriately. And besides, Celes most likely won't have the time to watch over her with her new responsibilities," Gestahl reasoned.
"Yes, my liege." It didn't seem a valid excuse, and Cid didn't trust Kefka anyway. The man was unstable. But Cid had no say on Terra's welfare. Only Celes'.
((ooo))
"Chere! Get in here!"
Lt. Vilas called to Celes from his office, and she came quickly.
"Yes sir?" she saluted.
"I have something for you." Vilas pointed to a package on his desk. "From Emperor Gestahl himself."
Celes opened the package cautiously, and was confused at what she found inside.
"Sir? I don't understand. What is this?"
"It's your new uniform. I spoke with the emperor this morning about your actions last night. You've been promoted."
"…Really? But…I'm only thirteen. Not that I'm complaining, sir. I mean, I'm honored, but… Private First Class?"
Vilas grinned. "Actually, no. His Majesty feels, and rightly so, that you are deserving of more than that. Congratulations, Lance Corporal Chere."
Her jaw would have dropped, but her training taught her to expect the unexpected. Or at least to not react foolishly to the unexpected.
"Sir…I'm honored. Shocked, but honored," she admitted.
"This makes you the youngest person to be promoted this high up. You'll receive a new dorm within the Officers' Barracks, and you'll attend the Officers' Training Grounds, where you'll no longer be among cadets. You'll be given new responsibilities, including having some men under your command. Basically, all recruits, Second and First Class Privates, and Superior Privates."
"Thank you, sir," she said, still recovering from the shock.
"I'll be sure to give Emperor Gestahl your thanks, as well. Go change, and be back here in twenty minutes. We'll announce it then."
Celes saluted, and went back to her dorm to change into the new uniform. Terra caught up with her.
"Celes! What did Vilas want?"
"You're never going to believe this, Terra. I got promoted."
"Really? That's great! Promoted to what?"
"Lance. Corporal."
"Oh my gods, Celes! That's so great! Wow, you did better than Leo."
"Yeah. He's going to be mad," Celes guessed with a grin.
"I doubt that. He'll be proud of you, like I am."
"Thanks, Terra. Anyway, I have to get changed and meet Vilas at the training grounds in a few minutes."
"Ok. I'll come with."
((ooo))
"Gentlemen! Officer on deck! Stand at attention," M. Chief Neal ordered. "Lt. Vilas has some important news for you all."
"There's been a change," Vilas began. "One of the cadets from these grounds has been promoted, and I expect you give her your full respect."
Everyone stirred when they heard Vilas say 'her.' That could only mean one of two people…
"I give you your newest superior officer: Lance Corporal Chere."
They stood dumbstruck. Not at the fact that she was promoted; they new that was coming eventually. But at the fact of how high she was promoted. Most of them had admired Celes, and now was no exception. Someone started clapping when she walked over to them, wearing the new green uniform and rank insignia, and it soon spread through the camp. A thirteen-year old commanding sixteen-year olds (and older) was cause for admiration. And for a rare moment in her life, Celes smiled.
((ooo))
The next day, Celes stood in her new training arena in awe. It was much nicer than her old one. The officers welcomed her warmly, all knowing her reputation. Many were reminded of when young Leo first got promoted high enough to joined them.
She felt a presence behind her, and knew who it was before he even spoke.
"So, I hear you beat my record, LCpl. Chere."
"Apparently so, Lt. Cristophe sir."
"You know, now that you're an officer, and when we're alone, you can call me Leo."
"I know…sir," she teased.
Leo shook his head. "You know, the green suits you."
"Yeah? Well, red doesn't suit you," she retorted playfully, eyeing his lieutenants uniform.
"Well, it wouldn't be my color of choice, but I'll live." He smirked. "I hope you're ready to play with the big boys now."
"I do enjoy a challenge."
"Good, because you'll get one."
Celes sighed.
"Anything wrong, Celes?"
"I'm not thrilled about leaving Terra."
"I understand. But, even if you hadn't left, Terra would have. She's being placed under LtCol. Palazzo's supervision, now."
Celes was silent.
"Look, to be totally honest, and strictly off the record, I'm not too happy with it, either," Leo admitted. "But there's nothing we can do. It's the emperor's decision. Not even the three generals can do anything."
"I shouldn't worry should I? She'll be fine, right?"
"…Yeah. She'll be fine." Leo couldn't hide his doubt.
"My dorm will feel so empty."
"You'll get used to it," he consoled.
"Thanks, Leo."
((ooo))
Under the new instruction of Master Ryan, Celes continued to shine in her swordplay in her now-advanced classes. Already, she could defeat most of the officers, who were at least twice her age.
Having mastered defense against various types of weapons with a sword (the different classes tended to run parallel in curriculum), her class moved on to the handling of other weapons, mixing and matching the assorted variety.
Celes studied more deeply that art of Bo wielding, finding that she was enjoying it more and more. The spear was easy enough, and she also became extremely proficient with dual swords. She was already a crack shot in archery, and was deadly accurate with projectiles. She began taking martial arts on the side of her sparring classes and excelled in that, too.
"You've all learned basic Bo handling. Now, you're going to start learning more complex combinations and techniques. Kyle, show them what I mean," Master Ryan ordered.
"Yes, sensei."
Kyle, Ryan's assistant, took a Bo, walked to the center of the mats, and bowed once to Ryan and once to the class. He took his stance, and began flawlessly spinning, slashing, and swiping the staff in an impressive display of speed, power, and control. Several acrobatic stunts were executed, including a rolling stab, a back flip attack, spin kicks, one-handed and no-handed cartwheels, an attack kata, and a butterfly attack.
The students were awed. Most could only hope to get that good. Celes was determined.
Each student was given the choice of what technique he (or she) wanted to practice first. Most of the guys chose the flashy spinning tricks that had no real battle value other than to distract your opponent. A couple selected the attack kata, which was nothing more than rapidly rotating your body with the Bo extended into a spinning jump kick, followed by a couple more rotations.
Celes, however, chose the butterfly, a difficult move not only in complexity, but in knowing when and how to use it. It requires the perfect balance of speed and angle of attack.
While Master Ryan went around the class and helped the other students, Kyle walked Celes through the steps of the butterfly attack.
Tumbling forward, the fighter spins into a handless nearly horizontal cartwheel, rotating his body a total of three times. The first rotation builds the needed momentum, the second is the complex sideways twist, and the third is the momentum carrying through in a final turn. The staff is held in one hand perpendicular to the body and is allowed to spin with the natural movement of the hand during the rotations. The effect is that the extending ends of the staff penetrate the opponent's defense and, when enough force and speed is applied, knock him to the ground. The staff can also be spun behind the fighter during the twist for an even more effective attack.
Once Celes had the progression in her mind, she attempted to make it reality. Kyle wasn't surprised when she stumbled in the spiraling tumble. He told her to shake it off and try again. She did, but this time she tripped on her staff. Kyle could see she was already frustrated.
"Don't worry about it, Celes. Nobody gets it the first day. It took me three weeks before I got it right once, and another several months to get consistent with it."
His consolation were gave Celes no comfort, though. Failure was not something she was good at, and her determination only rose in challenge to the first day comment.
For the two hours of class, she practiced that move, unsuccessful every time. Even after Kyle and the other students had left, she still worked at it. Ryan watched in amusement for several minutes. Celes stopped for a moment and closed her eyes in meditation, visualizing the technique. Ryan was just about to speak when she abruptly began another attempt, this time pulling it off quite smoothly. She looked up at her surprised instructor with a bright smile on her face.
"Well, so much for not getting it in one day," he mused. "Impressive. Now that you did it, maybe it's time to stop…" His voice trailed off as he watched her try it again and stumble. "Celes, quit while you're ahead. Get some rest and continue tomorrow."
"But I'm not tired," she insisted before attempting unsuccessfully to do it again.
"I think your mind is just making you believe that when your body is actually exhausted," he replied, watching her try yet another time.
When she regained her balance, she turned to look at Ryan, leaning on her staff with an expectant expression. Ryan was reluctant.
"Come on, it's getting late and I have to lock up—"
"Please let me stay," she pleaded. "I'll lock up for you, and I'll open up for you in the morning, too."
'That's right,' he thought, 'tomorrow is a morning class…' he chuckled inwardly at how eager the girl seemed.
"Alright," he finally agreed, handing her the keys. "Just don't stay too much longer, or you'll be exhausted in the morning."
"Thank you, sensei," she bowed.
Master Ryan walked to his dorm smiling slightly at her determination. 'That kid is pure energy. Or maybe just stubbornness…'
The next morning, Master Ryan returned to the dojo, partly surprised to see it actually opened. When he entered, he was more surprised to see Celes already training, performing a routine she had been gradually creating for herself as her skill level increased.
"Up already?" he called.
"Couldn't sleep," she replied between moves. She finally came to rest and bowed to him, a grin edging its way to her lips. "Watch this."
She backed up and tumbled into the butterfly, landing it perfectly. Ryan was pleasantly surprised.
"Very good. Do it again." She did, nailing it expertly. "How long were you here last night?"
"Till midnight."
Now he was astonished. "Midnight! I left you at nine-thirty!"
"I told you I wasn't tired."
"And this morning?"
"Since four."
"Four? You've been here almost two hours already?"
"Like I said, I couldn't sleep."
"That's insane."
"It paid off, though," she countered with a smirk.
Ryan thought for a moment. "…Do you think you could do it against an opponent?"
"Maybe."
"We still have a couple minutes before the others start coming in… Care to try?"
Her smirk only grew at the challenge. "Of course, Master Ryan."
The master selected his Bo from the wall while the pupil swung her arms to stay loosened up. With any other student, he would use a wooden sword, but Celes' skill level was such that he felt she could handle the more complex task of fighting staff to staff.
The two bowed to each other and began to spar. Ryan opened with a simple triple-combo; up right, up left, down right, all easily parried by Celes. He held back at first, but after a longer chain of attacks he quickly realized Celes was matching him move for move, and stepped it up. He also noticed Celes wasn't striking back, instead waiting for an opening, just as she had been taught.
Several students entered the dojo and immediately began whispering excitedly about the match. As time went on, more students trickled in, all watching the two contenders intently.
Celes' opportunity finally came when Ryan overstepped in a downward slash. Dodging sideways, she pivoted and arced her Bo behind her to the right, striking him in the exposed section of his abdomen. Cheers arose, and from that point on, Celes' Bo never ceased moving. The spectators were awed by the maelstrom created by the two staffs and the almost rhythmic beat of wood meeting wood.
Celes executed a long chain, all parried, then blocked a series from Ryan, holding the staff vertical to counter the rapidly alternating high and low strikes. She slashed once, turning her body around so that she faced away from him, twisting her body with her staff left and right to block Ryan's low attacks.
She spun back around, twirling the staff over her head and slashing across to the right, then mirrored the move to her left. Ryan deflected both attacks and countered by spinning his whole body all the way around with a low swipe at Celes' knees.
The student, however, vaulted sideways into a no-handed cartwheel, letting the master's staff pass under her. The instant she was back on her feet, Celes launched herself into a jumping roundhouse, striking Ryan in the jaw with her right foot. Using the momentum from her spin, she jumped again, executing a crescent kick with her left leg, and continued right into another jumping roundhouse.
Turning with the force of the kicks, Ryan dropped to the floor, extending his leg out, sweeping Celes off her feet. She rolled backwards, landing on her feet and putting some distance between herself and her instructor.
Ryan launched himself forward with the attack kata, finally creating the opening Celes was waiting for. She, too, vaulted forward flawlessly into the butterfly. As impossible as it seemed, she completely evaded Ryan's spinning Bo, while her own staff both deflected several of his spins and struck his exposed torso once before sweeping his feet out from under him.
Landing hard on his back, Ryan looked up to see Celes already on her feet, turning around and bringing her Bo down in a final slash. It stopped inches from his throat.
Ryan was stunned.
The class cheered.
Celes smirked.
"The circle is now complete," she said conceitedly. "When I came here, I was but the learner."
"And you still have much to learn, Celes," Ryan retorted.
He suddenly lashed out with one end of his Bo, sweeping the student off balance. Celes fell on her back, and quickly found her shoulders pinned by Ryan's foot, his Bo hovering centimeters from her throat. Celes closed her eyes and sighed, disgruntled.
"Like how to control your arrogance," he finished. He stepped off her and helped her to her feet. "Your overconfidence is a weakness, Celes. Never let it take over. It'll only get you killed."
Celes sighed dejectedly again. "Yes, sensei."
((ooo))
Celes would periodically be asked to demonstrate her skills for Emperor Gestahl so he could see her progress first-hand. And as Gestahl's advisor, Kefka would also typically be present. They always praised her emphatically for her dedication to her training.
Since her promotion, her training became even more grueling. Now, the true training of her Magitek and Rune Knighthood began, and through this, Celes learned to cast spells without having to voice the incantation.
Certain principles were drilled into her mind nonstop:
o Emotions, pain, and mercy are all weaknesses
o Everything you do is for the Empire
o No one is innocent
Her demeanor was slowly changing due to her rigorous instruction. Her face didn't shine with childlike innocence anymore. Her eyes, though still an intense ice-blue, were darkened. Her attitude was colder, and she was more aloof, more distant.
"Lt. Vilas, sir, can I help you with anything?"
"I'm looking for LCpl. Chere."
"Celes? Right over there, sir," the private answered, pointing her out.
"Thank you, Private."
Vilas strode through the indoor training center towards Celes. He smiled inwardly as he watched her pound relentlessly on the unfortunate punching bag, dressed in a sleeveless T-shirt and sweatpants, along with fingerless gloves.
"Lance Corporal."
Celes threw a couple more punches, then turned and saluted to the officer.
"Lieutenant."
"Working hard as always, I see. You should really give yourself a break once in a while."
"Why, sir?" she asked, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.
Vilas just laughed, shaking his head. "I have an assignment for you. You are to accompany Capt. Cristophe and a small contingent of troops to a small town east of here. We have reason to believe a minor resistance faction is residing there. Disarm and detain them."
"I wasn't aware lance corporals went on field missions, sir."
"Typically, they don't, Corporal Chere."
A mixture of happiness and surprise washed over Celes, before she quickly willed it away, knowing it was unprofessional to react in such a way. She saluted instead.
"Thank you, sir."
"You'll find an item in your room to take on this mission. A small gift from the higher-ups to honor the occasion." Vilas began to walk away, but stopped briefly. "Oh, and Chere… Happy birthday."
This time, Celes couldn't hold back a smile. "Thank you, sir."
"And take the rest of the night off, for gods' sake!"
Her smile only grew as she chuckled lightly. "Yes sir."
She punched the bag one last time before leaving to hit the private shower of her dorm. When she reached her room, though, curiosity got the better of her, and she opened the long slim box sitting invitingly on her bed.
Inside was a simple black scabbard encasing an iron sword. It wasn't her Rune Blade, which she still awaited eagerly, but a sword nonetheless. The now fourteen-year old held the blade proudly. Her first sword to take on her first field mission. She enjoyed the prospect of getting the chance to test her skills and prove her worth.
It was supposed to be a simple mission. A simple disarmament and detainment. When they arrived in the town, the streets were deserted.
"Captain, something's wrong here," Celes observed. "It's too quiet. Too empty."
"What do you mean?" Leo asked, though feeling the same way.
"I think we're walking into a trap."
"I think you're right," Leo agreed. But before he could give the order to retreat, they were attacked from all sides by rebel fighters. "Shit! Draw your weapons! But we want them alive!" Leo ordered.
The rebels weren't much of a challenge for the trained and outnumbering militia. It was over in a few minutes. There had been no casualties on either side, only a few minor injuries. Celes single-handedly fought three men overall, easily disarming each one.
Celes along with a few teen cadets were ordered to keep a general watch on the prisoners while they were being searched and chained by the older officers. The girl, still on an adrenaline rush from the battle, stood casually with her sword resting on her shoulder.
Unbeknownst to the young Imperials, whose attention was focused towards the prisoners and not the rest of the area, a figure crept out from the shadows, drawing a knife. He stealthily approached Celes from behind. She sensed his presence, though, even before Leo shouted out to her.
"Celes, behind you!"
Almost instinctively, she spun her sword and, stepping back with her right foot, thrust the blade backwards. There was a grim expression on her face as she heard the sickening squish of the blade going through the assailant's stomach. She held for a few seconds before jerking the sword out.
She closed her eyes for a brief moment as the man fell to the ground, dying an agonizing death. When she opened them, her expression was cold and emotionless, and every single man present felt a chill run down his spine. Without even looking at the fallen man, she walked away. Suddenly, Imperial life didn't seem so grand.
Leo watched her go, concerned. Seeing her face harden like that into a stoic mask was a spooky sight for him to take in. He decided to follow her after the rebels were cuffed and the area was secured.
"Celes…are you ok?"
"I'm fine," she replied, her voice flat.
"Are you sure?"
"It's what I'm trained for," she said coldly.
"Cel, that wasn't supposed to happen. Not yet, not when you're so young. I'm sorry."
"There's nothing to be sorry about. I did what I had to do. It was for the Empire."
Leo cringed at her words. It hurt him to hear her say the same words that had been drilled into their minds since childhood. They were turning her into a mindless soldier. She changed so quickly, Leo thought sadly.
"Celes, it's ok to show remorse."
"Emotions are a weakness," she said, again repeating one of the lectures.
"Do you really believe that?" he asked boldly.
"…Do I have a choice?"
((ooo))
Leo decided to speak to General Fermir about the Celes, Fermir being the younger of the three generals. Cid was present, though Leo wasn't sure why. He preferred speaking directly with Gestahl, but it wasn't likely the emperor would agree to an audience with a mere captain.
"General, I'm worried about Corporal Chere."
"Young Celes? In what way, Captain?" the general asked.
"I fear her…psychological conditioning is too severe."
"How so?" Cid asked, concerned.
"With all due respect, is there need for Professor de la Vega to be here, General?"
"Professor Cid personally oversees all activity relating to Celes. Nothing is done without his prior approval. So, yes, there is need."
Leo was confused. Celes has a supervisor? Like Terra?
"I'm not sure I understand, sir."
Fermir and Cid exchanged glances. Cid shrugged, then nodded.
"Leo, maybe it's time we tell you the truth about Celes. You're a responsible man, after all, and I trust you wouldn't let it slip," Fermir guessed.
"What truth?"
"When Celes was an infant, she was artificially infused with Magitek," Cid explained. "With Emperor Gestahl's approval, I personally oversaw the procedure. She is the second experimental Magitek Knight. Five years later, His Majesty ordered that another experimental procedure be carried out, and Celes was infused with Runitek. She's our first Rune Knight."
Fermir continued for Cid. "You see, Leo, Celes was always destined to become a Knight. We are only supplying her with the tools she needs: strength, stamina, tenacity, and most importantly of all, detachedness. One can't be a Knight of the Empire when emotionally affected by death and destruction."
"She… She's a Magitek Knight? And a Rune Knight?"
"The prototype, yes. She serves two purposes. One is to pave the way for future MKs and RKs, to be the ideal Knight, and that is one without emotion. The other is to lead those that follow her in the fight for the Empire," Fermir clarified.
"Is this the future of the Imperial army? Mindless, unfeeling shells of human beings?" Leo queried. "Those without compassion?"
"Those with compassion die by it at the hands of their enemy," Fermir countered. "Those without it live on to triumph where others fail. She demonstrated this quite well yesterday."
"Yes, her evaluation was superior," Cid commented. "Her intuitiveness in the beginning surprised us. And, honestly, we anticipated more hesitation out of her. She far surpassed any of our expectations."
"Wait…it was a test? You put her life…our lives in danger for a test?" Leo's voice was rising.
"Leo, calm yourself. We knew those rebels would pose no real threat to you and your men, and they had to be dealt with one way or the other. We needed to see how she would react in a battle. We needed to observe the choices she would make," Fermir reasoned.
Leo was breathing heavily, trying hard to control his temper.
"Leo, I don't like it either. But the fact remains that this is what Celes is being trained to do, what she is being trained to be," Cid consoled.
"She's becoming the perfect soldier. After evaluating her performance both yesterday and in the past months, we've decided to promote her to sergeant," Fermir announced.
"What! She was just promoted to corporal two days ago!"
"That was just to let her out of Vector for a change. We had planned on making her a sergeant from the very beginning, providing she performed well on the mission."
"Yes well, we wouldn't want her deed to go…unrewarded," Leo said with contempt. "But, I guess you are right, if this was indeed her fate from the beginning. I only wish that she had the choice that was given to me."
"So do I, Leo. So do I," Cid agreed.
((ooo))
"You're kidding, right? I just made corporal! Now I kill someone and get promoted for it? This is unreal, Leo," Celes said, shaking her head. "I'm only fourteen."
"We're pleased with your progress," Leo said, trying to mask his true thoughts on the matter.
"What progress? Leo, when I killed that man, I felt…nothing. And it scares me. What are they doing to me, Leo?"
"I've asked myself that same question. How they can expect this of you is beyond me. You shouldn't have to deal with these hardships," Leo said sympathetically.
He tried to rub her shoulders, but she recoiled. She never did seem to like being touched. Sometimes he even thought that her gloves were meant to prevent her from feeling, though now he knew they were covering her Rune mark.
He thought for a moment longer, unsure of what to say. "So, you're training to become a Knight?" he said, trying to break the ice.
"They finally told you?"
"Yeah. And I must apologize. If I had known that you were the prototype, I wouldn't have said some of the things I did."
"Don't apologize. You didn't know."
Awkward silence.
"So, sergeant, eh? You're being promoted as often as I am." Leo wanted to stray from the infusion topic.
"I guess so."
"You'll have a lot more men under you. You'll actually get to do something. Maybe even get out once in a while."
"It'll be a nice change." She sounded content with the promotion. "Although, I'm starting to have trouble keeping my own rank straight."
Leo smiled and nodded understandingly. His smile turned into a smirk.
"Now look who has to wear the reds," he teased.
Celes feigned disgust at the thought of the light red uniform accompanying the rank of sergeant through first lieutenant.
"I guess I have a long way until the grays."
"Yes, you do." Leo continued to smile at her. "Ready for our fencing lesson, Sgt. Chere?"
"Yes, I am, Capt. Cristophe."
((ooo))
"Alright, line up! We're going to do a demonstration. I need two volunteers…" Instructor Ryan noticed a tall middle-aged man enter the arena, and everyone saluted sharply. "Ah, General Dakhrin, to what do we owe your visit?"
"I've come to speak with someone on a very…important matter."
"Would you be able to take a moment and participate in a demonstration first, General?"
"Yes, I suppose I could spare a moment," Dakhrin said, pleased to do so.
"Cristophe! Get up there!"
"Yes sir!"
Leo grabbed his sword and ran over to meet the general. Ryan whispered something to Dakhrin, who nodded. The two took their stances, and began to spar. After a minute, Dakhrin disarmed Leo expertly, and swept the younger man's feet out from under him.
"Good!" Ryan said. "Now, who can tell me what Leo did wrong? Chere!"
"Besides from lack of speed, sir?" she said, not missing a beat. Only a trace of mockery could be heard in her voice, and there was a ghost of a smile on her face.
Ryan struggled to suppress a smile and maintain his composure. "Yes."
"Leo was balancing on his heels rather than on his toes, ending in his fall. Also, he shifted his grip on his sword at the last second, causing his easy disarmament."
The class of men primarily in their twenties was silent. How a fourteen-year old could be so perceptive, they didn't know.
"Good. Now, was there anything else wrong?" Ryan asked the class.
No one spoke up.
"Sir?"
"Yes, Chere?" Ryan couldn't conceal his delight in the girl.
"General Dakhrin's grip was sloppy."
"In what way?"
"He held the hilt too far down causing an unsteady grip and an imbalance of weight. He could have been easily disarmed with a simple twist of the wrist."
Again, silence. Ryan was practically glowing.
"Very good, Chere. Very observant. Thank you, gentlemen, you are relieved of demonstration. General, who was it you needed to speak to?"
"Actually, Sgt. Chere."
Ryan nodded. "Chere, dismissed."
Someone whispered lightheartedly, "With her luck, they probably promoted her for that," producing a chuckle from the rest of the class.
Celes followed Dakhrin to his office, and was told to stand at ease.
"Sgt. Chere. First of all, I'm General Frederick Dakhrin. I don't believe we've met before."
"No, sir, we haven't. It's an honor, sir."
"The honor is mine. I've heard a great deal about you. You have quite a reputation."
"Thank you, sir."
"Now, I need to ask you some questions about your previous involvement with Terra Branford."
"Terra, sir?"
"Yes. We've been having…difficulties with her. Tell me, did she ever have…fits of rage?"
"No sir."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, sir. I was with her the entire time."
"Did she ever seem angry, wrathful…uncontrollable?"
"No, sir."
"Did she ever argue with you, refuse to do something you asked her to do?"
"No, sir, never.
"I see." Dakhrin was lost in thought for a moment. "Did you ever notice anything peculiar about her behavior?"
"No sir. I didn't."
"Ah. Well, it seems Chere has a calming effect on her," he mumbled inaudibly.
"Sir?"
"We're moving her back to your dorm as an experiment, if that's alright with you, Sergeant."
"Of course, sir." Celes was quite happy with the news, but kept it to herself.
"Report any incidents that occur immediately."
"I will, sir.
"Oh, and congratulations on your latest promotion."
"Thank you, sir."
"Dismissed."
Celes walked back to her room. The fencing class had already ended, and she didn't have to be anywhere yet. She was surprised to find Terra already there. Her eyes looked tired, almost empty. But they lit up as soon as she saw Celes.
"Celes!" She ran over and hugged the blonde.
"Ah…!" Celes didn't like being hugged, but permitted it anyway.
"I'm so glad to see you, Cel!"
"Yeah, you too, Ter. You can let go of me now."
"Oh, sorry…Sergeant," Terra said, smiling.
"You heard?"
"Everyone heard. Even over in Hell where I've been."
"What have they been doing to you, Terra?"
Terra shook her head. Her hair was a bit longer, though still in a ponytail. She was a little taller, and more filled out. Celes noticed a red mark across her forehead.
"Are you hungry?" Celes asked.
Author's Note: Just to clear up some references to uniform color…
Officer Rank Structure/Uniform Color:
Recruit (cadet): Brown
Private Second Class (PSC, cadet): Brown
Private First Class (PFC, cadet): Brown
Superior Private (SP, cadet): Brown
Lance Corporal (LCpl): Lt. Green
Corporal (Cpl): Lt. Green
Sergeant (Sgt): Lt. Red
Sergeant-Major (SgtMaj): Lt. Red
Second Lieutenant (2dLt): Lt. Red
First Lieutenant (1Lt): Lt. Red
Captain (Capt): Gray w/ Black
Major (Maj): Gray w/ Black
Lieutenant-Colonel (LtCol): Gray w/ Black
Colonel (Col): Dk. Red w/ Black
General (Gen): Black w/ Red formal uniform + custom field uniform + custom battle armor