By Ramsey Anderson
All characters in this fic are property of Squaresoft and were not created by me.
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Chapter 2
When I opened my eyes, I was looking at the familiar white ceiling in the Balamb Garden infirmary. I was hoping that what had just happened had been a dream, that all my friends would be there and would give me a rational explanation, but I wasn't so lucky. I heard someone whisper something in the bed next to mine. The voice sounded like my sis, Ellone. I immediately sat up in the hospital bed just in time to witness a figure walk quickly out of the room.
"Ellone, wait!" I attempted to yell, but my throat was too dry and hoarse to speak any louder.
Dr. Kadowaki stood up from her desk and brought me a cup of water. I nodded in appreciation and guzzled it down quickly. Ellone might know something about what's going on, I have to talk to her. I attempted to get out of bed and chase down Ellone, but Kadowaki eased me back down before I could stand.
"Whoa now, tough guy, how are you feeling?"
Confused, out of place, I wanted to say. I didn't really know Dr. Kadowaki all that well, but I trusted her with my life. During the battle between Galbadia and Balamb gardens, she helped everyone, no matter who's side they were on, a very admirable quality. I would've told her exactly how I felt, but I didn't really know what was going on yet.
"I'm okay" I lied.
"Take it easy next time, you hear? Looks like your eyes are focusing. You should be fine. Say your name for me."
I could've sworn that this had happened before. This exact same conversation transpired between us not too long ago. I had to say something if I wanted to catch up to Ellone, though.
"…Squall" I finally managed to spit out.
"Why don't you take it easy in training? Next time you might not be so lucky."
I knew that Kadowaki was going to call in Quistis to pick me up and she would lead me back to her classroom where I would receive my first two Guardian Forces. I was so sure of this, because it had happened before. I had to test this theory, however. I decided to see how this played out, then I'd examine the situation. I didn't want to make any mistakes, after all.
"I'll take that under advisement, Dr. Kadowaki, thank you" I said in a sincere tone.
Kadowaki paused for a moment, looking a bit confused at the friendliness of my response, then replied, "Umm, oh, your instructor is…Quistis Trepe! I'll call her now. Just wait here a minute."
The doctor called Quistis, reassuring the instructor that I was alive and well. I hadn't realized how much Quistis cared about me until then. I was looking forward to seeing her, just to see a friendly face would be relieving. I guess I was going to have to wait and catch up with Ellone later. I wasn't even sure if she had anything to do with my situation, but I still needed to talk to her.
Quistis walked through the door a couple minutes later, letting out a sigh and a smile which looked all too familiar to me. Finally finding a good friend, I couldn't help but smile, which I attempted to hide, to test my theory. "I knew it'd be either you or Seifer! Come on, let's go. Today's the field exam" the blonde instructor exclaimed.
We would walk towards the classroom, she would ask me some personal questions…and as if right on cue, Quistis said, "Squall, is there something on your mind?"
Yeah, like you'd never believe. I intended to keep up this Revere routine until I could prove my hypothesis, as it was essential in order to prove my theory. "…it's none of your business." Maybe I had taken it too far, maybe I should lighten up a little bit.
Quistis replied with good humor, "Haha, I knew you were going to say that." I nearly tripped over myself at the irony of her statement. "Whoa, are you alright? You almost fell" Quistis said with a giggle.
"Don't worry about me, I can take care of…"
"…myself!" Quistis interrupted.
I just needed a little more evidence, then my theory would be proven. I would walk to the classroom, Quistis would say what I think she would say, then I would receive my first GF's, Quezacotl and Shiva, at which point I would go to my room, but run into Selphie in the halls and she would ask me for a tour. If all of this occurred like I imagined, then I would have a good idea of what was going on.
I arrived at the classroom, where I took my seat and Quistis gave a speech that reeked of deja vu. The instructor told me after class to receive my 'first' GF's from my study panel, which i did. I was then told to meet Quistis in front of the Garden in 1600 hours. I walked out of the classroom, playing the upcoming scene in my head. As predicted, Selphie came running down the hall, where i allowed her to run into me. She would've fallen if i hadn't caught her arm. I would've been happy to see her if i hadn't done this before.
This was my line, "Are you okay?"
"Tee-hee, I'm fine. Good catch! Oh, sorry i was kinda in a hurry. Oh yeah! Hey, did you just come from that class? Is...homeroom over?"
I was right, everything that I thought would happen, happened. The truth hit me harder than i imagined. I couldn't control myself; my knees began to wobble and i nearly lost my balance. I stumbled over to the wall where i leaned my back against it. I needed to think things through. There were so many things that i needed to consider.
Selphie looked confused and said, "Are you alright? Was it something i said or what?"
I wanted nothing more than to be alone right now so that i could think. Actually, i wanted nothing more than to have Rinoa by my side telling me everything would be okay. I couldn't think straight, but i had to say something. I looked up at Selphie and told her quickly, "Selphie, I'm sorry, but i have something i need to do and i can't give you a tour right now. I'll see you later." I walked off swiftly, leaving Selphie to herself.
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That was strange, i asked him if homeroom was over and he responded as if i had told him that his family had died, geez. What a strange guy, and what was all that tour business? I mean, a could use a tour of this garden, but i didn't ask. And he knows my name... "I didn't ask for a tour! And how do you know my name?" But he was already gone and i was already late, so i hurried off. Maybe I'll see him around, like he said.