So sorry for putting this fic on hold for so long! I've been focusing on other writing projects, and some of them are on hold now. I'm actually glad to be writing more of this again. Woo, it's going all wrong for my character and her pals so quickly! The suspense!

Lyrics: "Anticipation" by Chevelle, off their first album, Point #1

Chapter 18: Dispute and a Mission on the Side

This anticipation, seen in you…

In between leaving the main lobby and arriving on Cid Kramer's floor, Squall had a minute or two to think on what he was doing. Helping someone he knew so little about, that came from a world that created him and the world he's known most of his life. How very twisted his adventures of a career in SeeD have become.

He tried not to think about Earth and how they create, for he would confuse himself. But he couldn't help but ponder on the last mental debate he's had with himself. Quezacotl couldn't help to not ignore. So, if this were a game, what would happen if the "player" or "user" would have won? Would he relive these experiences? Would he remember or lose all memories of what he's learned what he wasn't officially supposed to know? It was torture for any kind of human mind to ever exist. To learn that your life is a form of entertainment.

For a moment, he considered that maybe Marianne would know the answers, but no. She didn't even know from before that Gala, nor he, existed. "Have you ever thought of what she may be feeling?" Quezacotl asked Leonhart in private. "About, her questions of having to be inside this 'game world' as she would call it? I know all of this sounds so complicated and confusing, but consider those thoughts. See both sides to this equation, for once."

Squall's guardian made that advisement just before the new SeeD Commander walked up to the door to the Headmaster's office. Reluctantly taking Quezacotl's suggestion into consideration, he gave a polite set of knocks on one of the giant wooden doors. It was expected that Cid would be awake by the time classes would start. It was now past 11 AM within Balamb Garden's facility.

Kramer was awake, but wasn't fully focused on the door knocking. He was in his rotating chair on wheels, facing the big window behind his desk. A Thrustaevis had just flown past his vision. Magnificent creatures, in his opinion. Sure, they were to be avoided at close range, but the supposed monsters from Gala's moon have adapted to this world's climates and atmosphere. They were born to roam, fly, and swim on this world. Hybrid looking things, yes, but that didn't mean that they shouldn't be admired in some way.

There comes a time in every person's life that they wish they could fly. Not like in a plane, but like a bird. To soar the skies and feel the warm pillars of hot air to lift you higher and higher until everything you knew below looked like something a child would play with. Cid Kramer, make no exception about him. The Thrustaevis had more than one set of wings, for attacking purposes, and for speedy flight. Watching the animal in action never got too dull for his taste.

This was only temporary daydreaming to get away from the harsh reality he's learned of yesterday afternoon.

After a slight pause, a second set of light knocks were heard from the other side of the office doors. Getting up, Kramer walked over and opened one of them to reveal his new assigned Commander of Balamb Garden. There was a very stern look on the young man's face.

"Ah, good morning Squall," Kramer said, half of his usual self. The other half of himself was shrouded in dread in upon Leonhart's arrival. It wasn't like him to make a visit. Something was going on, for sure. A silent nod was given to the older man in response. From then on, for Squall, this was to be serious business.

"Do you know where this Dr. Odine may be in Esthar? I want to take two others with me to find him." Yes, Esthar, Cid confirmed as he shook head no. "I cannot let you leave. You're the Commander for Hyne knows how long, and there might be a time when we'll go under a crisis. I need you to lead everyone, Squall."

As you prepare for new life, don't forget your war…

Leonhart scowled, automatically in response. He wasn't giving up that easily. He came straight from the infirmary to Kramer's office, determined to help this girl himself. A part of him was so anti-hero, but another part of him was the opposite. The two seem to be always at conflict.

"Talk to someone who cares!" Squall snapped, to Cid's surprise. "I never wanted to be Commander in the first place…" His eyes produced an icy stare, and felt like leaving. Right away.

Calm and level headed, the Headmaster took what was told into something to backfire at Leonhart. "Squall, there's something you should know. It's what I've been receiving over the news. That poor young girl, along with Seifer, Zell, Selphie, Quistis, Irvine, and you, are wanted by the Galbadian government."

He takes that side… Lets you know…

What's in his speech?

This stopped Squall in his tracks. Shock spread all over his features. What! Cid continued onward, knowing that this had caught hold of his attention. "They don't know who Marianne really is of course, but suspected that she's been a civilian on treason to the disappearance...of the sorceress" He had a grim half smile on his face, just thinking back on what he read in this morning's issue of the Balamb Times newspaper. Squall noticed that Cid hadn't said the sorceress's name, but didn't question him about it. "Quite silly, isn't it?" He sighed and added, "Please do not let this out to anyone else about this. Just between us, I suspect that the Galbadians have tracked your group down. There were some soldiers in Balamb Town last night."

The newly appointed commander of Garden mentally cursed to himself. The only G-Army soldier they've come into contact with was during the other night, on the way to the Deling Hotel. It all just passed us, off guard. Shit. "Remember what I've told you yesterday afternoon?" Kramer persisted. If Squall wasn't going to do his job as Commander, then who would? He knew Quistis would fail. NORG was sadly right, on her leadership qualities. Squall had suggested her to be the commander instead of him, if he remembered clearly. "You are the only one I can rely on, and if the Galbadians decide to strike here, then…" He looked away, not wanting to say the horrible possibility.

Hands cover face! Oh, what's in his?

Squall's hard stare had come back, knowing that he was forced to feel some more guilt upon his actions of refusal. Especially in raising his voice at the old man who knows best in keeping Balamb Garden's facility safe and strong. It's just not fair. "I know you don't want this, but you've got to protect this Garden. For all of the children, students, and staff. For the young woman who's in possible danger." Mr. Kramer sounded deadly serious in those words.

You cover your… face, face, face, face…

My life isn't just my own anymore, is it? Squall thought in partial despair, and partial frustration. "You shouldn't think like that, Squall," offered Quezacotl. The thunderbird felt bad for his assigned life partner, being pushed around like this. But everything was at risk. "You're just helping everyone out in another way." The solution to Leonhart's problem on going to Esthar arrived. "If you cannot go, send off the others. I'm sure Quistis can take care as a substitute leader. …If you feel she is a good leader, then have her be in charge of the mission."

Squall had no choice but to follow his Guardian Force's advice, but he was still not any happier when Headmaster Cid first said no to him. "Then send Quistis, Zell, and Selphie to Esthar at least. I know they can carry through and find Dr. Odine." Cid easily obliged to this request. It's practically a simple assignment. I know Quistis enough to not fail in this one. "Shall I announce them into my office, or will you?"

Leonhart hesitated, at first. He didn't feel comfortable about going up to the microphone on the table, behind and to the left of Mr. Kramer's desk. But he would only have to call their names, right? He would only have to call on those who he worked with as a team, on that night at Deling… "I'll do it," he said dully, and walked up to the table.

Kramer understood Squall's attitude toward what he's told him yesterday evening, but he had to push him up to the task. If there was anyone better than or as good as Squall, he would pick someone else. Leonhart was the only official SeeD to be a gunblade specialist and that graduated, to which Kramer has been very proud of. The best of the best. There was just no way for Seifer to be a commander, and Squall knew this too. Almasy's just too rambunctious.

Now you're anticipating, what went wrong?

This world you fall back into…just isn't strong…

His eyes watched Squall press the button before speaking into the microphone. The three high and pleasant musical notes did their cue. It always happened whenever Cid or anyone else had to use the intercom. "Quistis, Zell, and Selphie: This is Squall. I need you here in the Headmaster's office." Kramer's heart of gold hated all of this. The Galbadians, Marianne's situation on what the sorceress within his beloved wife had done, and having no other choice than Squall Leonhart to lead Balamb Garden when he clearly doesn't want to. But he had to suppress back the heartache and carry on. He was doing what was best for everyone, and not for single lives alone.

"Xu," Cid called into a black telephone on his desk, holding down on a button. "Get me another cup of coffee please." "Yes sir! Right away." A pleasant and young feminine voice replied through the other side. The Headmaster took off his glasses, and rubbed his eyes. I sure hope that Marianne won't find out about this situation. Hyne, please…

There spread a scared silence from within the Infirmary, on the main floor. Shock and worry flooded throughout Marianne's body. Zell and Quistis, standing beside her hospital bed, concerned. They've just found out this morning on what Kramer had shared with Squall. Zell read the article aloud to Marianne and Quistis. He came racing into the room when the two young women were in the middle of a conversation. Just talking about casual things. Whether or not Quistis was still an instructor (to which Marianne suspected, probably not), and the classes and schedule in Garden. A little bit about what Marianne went through in her school days. It was a start in conversation anyway, until Zell came running. He was so surprised and ticked off at the same time, raving about what was mentioned in the newspaper he had tucked under his arm.

Now a part of Marianne wished she hadn't heard the frightening news. She was sitting up in bed, looking towards him and Trepe. "We're in big, big trouble, aren't we?" She had to ask, to the concerned faces of two of her new circle of friends and allies. Her voice had almost gone to a whisper too. Fear had been inserted into her heart and mind again. Bahamut, didn't like dealing with it. Even HE didn't know the answer to her question. Well, from being inside of her mind and not watching on everyone in the clouds above, he couldn't know. Bahamut managed to stay calm in telling her, "It's just a misunderstanding with them, Marianne. You and I both know that they don't know what you know about the sorceress, leaving…" The understanding dragon hoped that would clear Marianne's confusion some. Quistis and Zell, however, didn't know what to think.

"We don't know, but we're not gonna let the G-Army get us. Not a chance," Zell told Marianne, holding the newspaper down by his side, in one hand. He sat down in the chair beside the bed. Marianne nodded, knowing that he and the others would protect her. Bahamut knew this as well. In observation, before having to first junction to Marianne, he saw Marianne do what she had to do. Even Squall was forced to realize that she was just as human as them. "Zell is right," Quistis told Marianne in reassurance. "Nothing is going to happen." Just as puzzled as Marianne was feeling, she thought out loud, "Although I can't imagine what they would want with you. I can only guess that it's nothing good." Marianne nodded in silence, facing her. "R-Right," she stammered, feeling a bit shaken up. It's not easy finding out you're wanted by the enemies of Balamb Garden. Not easy being brought into an alternate reality against your own will overall. Nothing felt easy for her at this time.

"Calm down," her Guardian Force spoke, in gentle words. " Don't think about it too hard, or else you'll end up over reacting." And she was calming down, lying herself back down on the bed, hoping her headaches wouldn't return any soon, with the fractured cranium and all. Which is partly why he wished Marianne to calm down. They were both at the same level of misery whenever her head would hurt.

"…How's the head?" Dincht asked, trying to decently change the subject and to push the problem aside for now. It was sort of foolish of him to just go and tell her the news, but he couldn't hold it back. On the positive side, it was good that he told Marianne right away. It just wasn't the best time either. She shifted her eyes towards Zell. "Took a couple pain killer pills. They're working fine."

"Quistis, Zell, and Selphie: This is Squall. I need you here in the Headmaster's office," boomed the intercom, all throughout Balamb Garden. Zell felt a little confused, and from the seriousness from Squall's voice, there was concern too. "Hm, I wonder what that's about," Trepe said, also curious to know what Squall wanted. "We gotta go," Zell told Marianne. "Yup, I know." she said, sounding a little depressed in having to be alone inside the Infirmary again. "We'll come right back after we've been briefed, alright?" said Quistis. Marianne just nodded and watched as they left…

"I'll catch ya later!" Selphie called to a group of teens. Possibly friends of hers, or committee members of plans for the Garden Festival. Sure, she was plenty worried about Marianne as well as Zell and Quistis were, when they visited her. She just needed her mind to be eased a little bit. She needed that positive energy to face her again, without feeling sad. Last night, before going to bed, she was feeling sad for her. It's just pretty much impossible to forget Marianne's situation, and what they've learned about themselves and this world they grew up in.

"Quistis, Zell, and Selphie: This is Squall. I need you here in the Headmaster's office." Brought to attention, Selphie was in the lobby, about to have brunch in the cafeteria. Now that late breakfast was going to have to wait, as she headed towards the elevator.

She came out of the quad, checking in and occupying her mind with the Balamb Garden Festival Committee. No one was present in the little office room just past the entrance to the quad, but she went in to look things over, and tidy up the mess at the table in front. This room was also used for selling tickets for the different events that go on throughout a year in Garden, from plays to theme dances.

What's in his speech? Hands cover face!

Oh, what's in his?

You cover your…

Zell and Quistis were coming by, walking fast, so Timlitt held the glass doors open for them. "Good morning," she said brightly. "Not so good of a morning, actually," Zell began to say, as he scratched the back of his head. Selphie turned her attention to Zell as Quistis pressed in the number code to Cid Kramer's office.

Everyone who lived in Balamb Garden would know of this code, as well as to the other codes to the first and second floors. The kids under seven would not receive it though, since they spent most of their time on the first floor and didn't go to the classrooms until after their seventh birthday. If it were important to go to Kramer's office, an adult or responsible teenager would accompany the child, punching in the number code for them.

"Hm? What's the matter?" wondered Selphie. Zell, still holding the newspaper, handed it to her. It was on the front page, in big bold capital letters: BALAMB'S SEEDS ARE MAIN SUSPECTS… From there, she began to read the article just after Quistis pressed the enter key on the control pad:

"On the night of Deling City's ceremonial parade for Galbadia's new leader, many witnesses had sighted two Iguions running in the streets and massacring the crowds. The wall of Deling's Gate collapsed after chasing their victims: a group of SeeD officers from Balamb Garden. They rescued a young woman, a civilian from the rubble. She is wanted with the rest of the trespassers for possible treason. Very little information on the girl is known.

A soldier of the Galbadian army had interrogated them that night on their way to the local hotel. One of the SeeDs had told the Galbadian Elite soldier--Vicktar Lionel--that they were going to get the perpetrator cleaned up. According to his reports, she had been severely bruised and bloodied.

The Galbadian army and government are currently on investigation as to finding the traitors linked to the disappearance of the world's new leader, Sorceress Edea…"

The elevator stopped. Selphie had read enough of the article anyway. It was enough to know why Zell spoke to her not so cheerily. This was seriously troubling news. Especially for Marianne, since the article mentioned a lot about her…

In walking on the top floor, the large and painted wooden doors to Cid's office were open. Normally, they would be closed. The trio walked through, noticing Squall leaning up against the wall with his arms crossed. He didn't look happy… Nope, but more mad and he was pouting. To Selphie and everyone else, he always pouted! She's only just met him, and wondered why a guy like him was always so…serious and shut off all the time.

Once everyone was inside, Squall moved to close the doors. He didn't want any others nearby to overhear the mission. Zell and Quistis took a seat. Selphie was standing by the desk, dropping the newspaper, front page up, so the Headmaster could see. Kramer rubbed two fingers around his eyebrows, his blue eyes expressing sadness. "…I take it you know what's going on," he said, pointing out the obvious. And he felt as if Marianne already knew, but he had to ask. "Does Marianne know of this?" "Yes," Quistis said for all three who just arrived. "Why?"

Squall watched as Kramer shook his head, saying, "Don't worry about it. I just thought she was better off not knowing about this." Squall secretly felt otherwise, his eyes lowering to the floor in thought. Better to get the bad news now than later, before it's too late. The Galbadians obviously don't have a clue of who they're dealing with, he silently thought. He had to make sure that Marianne wouldn't be captured by those damn political, power hungry idiots. It could be the end of her life, possibly never to return to Earth again. But why the hell would I care…? Why even put this mission together if he didn't care about this girl, who was still basically a stranger to him? To do it for her? For the others?

"Squall, are you ready?" Squall snapped to attention by the sound of the Headmaster's voice, and pressed his arms against the wall to push himself off from the previous leaning position. It was time to describe the mission to Quistis Trepe, Zell Dincht, and Selphie Timlitt. "I need the three of you to go find Dr. Odine, on Esthar." "Also, they should go to the Pandora space station, to see if the astronomers there could locate Earth," his Guardian Force said helpfully. Squall repeated Quezacotl's words exactly, thinking that was a smart thing to do.

"The Galbadians might be looking for us, so we should arm ourselves," Quistis told Zell and Selphie, who sat in between the two. Zell in the chair on her right, and Selphie was on her left, still on her feet. "They could either kill us or capture us alive," Zell agreed, sitting back in his chair, arms crossed. "That would be a real bummer," Selphie said, with an unsettling feeling in her stomach. "We should probably leave now," Trepe said. "We won't let you down, Squall!" Timlitt, of course. She forced herself to remain cheery and positive, or else they'd know that something was bothering her.

"Dismissed," Leonhart said, knowing there wasn't really anything else to discuss. He knew that they knew what to do. Watching his selected comrades leave, he remained with Kramer. "Now, do you see what you have to do?" asked the Headmaster. Squall nodded. He talked, mainly to himself to prepare for the serious and possible threat ahead. "They know where Balamb Garden is, no doubt. I have to gather the well trained and those who are already SeeDs." "Let them know that there may be a possible attack," Cid encouraged, followed by a sad sigh. "You might as well tell them about the newspaper article, if the word hasn't fully spread out by now…" With this, Squall went to the intercom, announcing for the well trained and awaiting SeeDs to go down to the quad and meet him there.

Squall dismissed himself from the office, and waited for the elevator to come up. Zell, Selphie, and Quistis were going to stock up on magic, potions, or whatever it was that they needed. They would be gone for some time. Squall felt that they would be fine. What mainly troubled him were about the Galbadians. It was most likely that they would try to invade Balamb Garden. To find him. To find Marianne. To find Quistis. The others… If he didn't come up with a strategy soon, they might as well all be dead!

Ding! The elevator came, the high pitched sound pleasantly letting Squall know that he could go in, jab in the code, and descend to the first floor. Commander Leonhart, accepting the title for just this once, this time, knew a lot of things. He grew up here. So many people at risk. So many lives to be responsible for. He wished he wasn't so alone in this all of a sudden, but there was no choice. No time to argue with the Headmaster. Only time to plan a strategy of defense…

"Wait, can't we say goodbye to Marianne first!" Selphie pleaded to Quistis, who immediately took charge of the three-person-team. It didn't take them time at all to get what they needed. Some Gil, potions, antidotes, anything and everything in case they'd run into any fiends that roamed all throughout the planet of Gala. This world used to be the only one they knew of, that populated human beings. Now they knew a bit of Earth, with Sorceress Edea there. The Galbadians thought they had her. Hyne, they were so wrong.

"Yes, a quick goodbye should be alright," Trepe gently told her. She wanted to tell her goodbye too. That they may be gone for a while, but there wasn't going to be any worrying. Marianne would have plenty of company to cope with. Bahamut, in her mind, too.

Selphie suddenly remembered something, yelled, "Be right back!" and ran towards the dorms, to her room. She held onto the things that she and Quistis had bought for Marianne last night. Now would be a good time to give them to her.

Zell and Quistis already went to the infirmary. "So, what did Squall want to speak with you about?" asked Marianne, who seemed to have waited for them to come back. "We gotta go to Esthar. To talk to the astronomers, and find Odine," Zell explained, not happy about leaving her. She nodded, Dincht and her both recalling that these were her suggestions.

Slowly, the Earth girl sat up. "We may be gone for a while," Quistis said. "It's a long trip." "I know," Marianne said, looking to them both. A moment later, Selphie came dashing in, holding a couple of small green paper bags. "Almost forgot to give you these," Timlitt said, in catching her breath.

Marianne took the bags and set them on the floor. She felt scared for them. "…Be careful out there, alright?" she said, the rising tension in her voice. "We will," Quistis said as Marianne and Selphie exchanged a warm hug goodbye. "You focus on getting better!" the short and bright girl said to Marianne, with a wink. "Don't worry 'bout us. We'll be fine."

Trepe felt bad about leaving, for they were just getting to know one another. It was kind of sad to have their friendly conversation cut short. They would have to continue later. She was the next one to hug Marianne goodbye. "Good luck," Quistis heard her say as they let go of each other.

Zell, like Squall, worried about those damn Galbadians. Marianne looked like she was going to cry again when they embraced. "The sooner we straighten out Sorceress Edea's fuckin' mess, the better," he said for everyone. "Bye…" Marianne said softly, exchanging glances of concern between her friends.

As she watched them leave, the girl left alone, once again, laid down on the bed. Silently, she closed her eyes and prayed for them to find Odine okay, located how far Earth may be from Gala (if possible), and that they'd make a safe return.

As for Bahamut, he listened to those prayers, knowing everything was going wrong so quickly. He hoped that his life partner's plans would turn out for the better. An attack on Balamb Garden would be a very traumatic experience for this human.