Squalls POV

"Again? She's.. going to be alright though, right? I'll come down and visit before the mission. Is she awake?" Talking on the phone was never something I enjoyed, especially when it was a call from Dr.Kadowaki. I nodded my head and put the phone back on the receiver carelessly, falling back into my black leather chair. Damn it, Kit. You were the only hope for these kids today, why the hell did you have to do this now? I thought to myself, a little frustrated but mostly sad. What will fix this? What can I do?

Walking down to her office I was met with many sympathetic faces, pats on the back and bows of the head. Word spreads fast in Balamb Garden, if the wrong person knows about anything, everyone else knows in a matter of hours. Sometimes, minutes. Most looks were forced, as no one really knew my daughter. And most of them probably hoped that they never would have to either.

What the fuck am I saying? She's my daughter.. I should, I should support her.

I walked through the automatic doors towards Kits room, the same room as usual, and sat beside her bed on the cold metal stool. She was still sound asleep, dead to the world, snoring gently. I adjusted the blankets as best I could, making sure that she was warm enough and gave her a quick peck on the cheek.

Rinoa.. If you could see her now, or if you are seeing all of this, I'm so sorry. I know I let you down..

I know I'm a horrible father, and I was never a great husband. I'm sorry that Kit turned out this way, I should have prevented all of this at the first signs. But kids are supposed to grow out of these things, right? Isn't that what everyone says?

I know I shouldn't make excuses..

Rinoa, if you can hear me, just know that I'm so sorry..

Vincents POV

Here I am, standing in a perfect line waiting for Headmaster Leonheart to come and sort out our teams. I'm sure I'll be one of the leaders, and I know who I want on my team. But, you know what? I'll end up with Kate. Just watch.

Loud footsteps approached us, accompanied by softer, feminine footsteps. Headmaster Leonheart and his secretary stood in front of us.

"At ease." Leonheart commanded, "Vincent, Kate, and Dan.. You will attack head on. Vincent will be the Squad A captain. Any objections?"

No one said a word, THANK GOD! But.. Kate?.. Come on.

"And that leaves Rae and Brad. You will help defend the boat and if necissary, deliver messages. Rae is the captain of Squad B. Also, as you know, my daughter will not be able to help today. I apologize on behalf of her. Good luck, everyone."

Kate ran up to me and screamed, and I mean SCREAMED into my ear.."So.. I guess that means we're together, eh? We.. should probably make the best of this situation."And then traced a heart with her finger onto my chest and walked off, shaking her boney ass. This could quite possibly be the worst day of my life.

Brad walked up to me and whispered while licking his lips,

"Damn.. She's quite the girl, eh?" I felt incredibly sick at that moment but managed to force out, "Uhh.. Yeah. You can feel free to have her. Really. Anytime! Free of charge!" Please take her off of my hands, I can't keep up this patience bullshit much longer. "Haha.. Well, I might have to take you up on that offer. Kate, WAIT UP!" And with that, Brad ran over to her, pulled her close and said something, no doubt stupid, into her ear. Well, now that I've got that done.. About the mission.

"Dan.. Come here." I called out, hoping that he could hear me through the crowd. Sure enough, he was beside me in a minute or two. "Yo, sorry about Kate. Wish I could do something about it. And.. Sorry about Kit, too man. It's a bummer." As if reading my mind, the first thing Dan said was about Kate. And now, I'm no longer in the shit talking mood. "Haha, thanks. Maybe we'll like.. lose her somehow."

When we finally arrived at Balamb dock, we were a few minutes late for the mission. Our first day and we've already lost a few points, we're gonna be one hell of a team. I'm tellin' ya, look out Leonheart, here we come!

"Damn, it's small in here." Dan said anxiously, fidgeting in his chair. And he was right, it was one puny boat but.. I didn't expect anything else. We aren't even SeeD's yet, so obviously we'll have to deal with second rate stuff. Just when I thought that everyone would give Dan a break and not say a word, Brad spoke up in an arrogant tone.

"Suck it up princess. You're more than small enough to sit your ass in that chair, me on the other hand, being a manly guy and all, will end up standing."

I looked at Dan, and motioned for him to calm down. There was no point in fighting back, this was a serious mission and Brad only says stupid shit like that to get attention. Why would someone want to give him what he wants? "Leave him alone, Brad." Rae spoke up, gently punching his left arm.

"Attention, everyone. I'm Hannah, I will be briefing your mission for you today. Please look at the screen behind me, any questions will be answered shortly after the presentation." She pulled out a pointer stick of some sort and began to carefully explain everything. "Today we will be going to Timber. Dollet soldiers have begun taking out factions and their leaders, even after Timber had rightfully won back their independence. You must find Gary of the Greenland Grendels and he will lead you to Zone or Watts, you must do everything that Zone and Watts wants of you. Then your mission is complete. With any luck, they will go easy on you. Good luck. Any questions?"

"Zone and Watts, you mean the same guys that helped whats-her-name a long time ago?" Kate asked while chewing her gum like an intoxicated camel. Whats-her-name..? You idiot. "Her name is Rinoa. And you very well know that it is." Hannah answered quickly, a little ticked off to say the least. "And yes, it's the same two guys. You had better treat them with respect. Or else.."

The boat came to a quick stop, throwing everyone forward in their seats. "Alright, we're here. Good luck everyone."