Chapter 2 – A Fragile Time
Straightening out his uniform; which he had been too lazy to replace with casual wear, Dietrich approached the Training Quad, a fairly large object wrapped in soft, black cloth situated under his left arm. His steps decreased in speed when he noticed Kaira, easily identifiable by her long red hair, with her back facing him. The girl, who seemed to be very engrossed in whatever was flashing across the screen of the television set above her, was dressed in what she normally opted to wear for battle or sparring; a pair of fairly tight black spandex pants that cut off just at mid-shin. A short black jacket covered her frame, but if Dietrich knew the girl, that jacket was unzipped at the front, exposing a white T-shirt with red diagonal streaks across her chest.
" What's going on? "
Kaira visibly jumped at the sound of Dietrich's voice, casting a brown eyed glare his way over her shoulder, before motioning for him to focus his attention on the television set above her. He did just that, closing the space between himself and his classmate by standing beside her, still holding on tightly to the cloth enveloped Gunblade beneath his arm. The television had been turned on to the news, a local Balamb anchorman situated in his seat, reading a teleprompter most likely.
" Months after the tragic bloody war in Dollet, peace seems to have been restored, though at what cost? Dollet, which about a century ago had turned to democracy, has gone back to Monarchy rule. Self-proclaimed Duke, Conroy Fitzer; a young man of 23 years, has evidently claimed he is the descendant of Duke and Duchess Von Hoit, who passed nearly 80 years ago; thus making him the rightful heir. He has vast support from the wealthy population of Dollet, as well as key Military Advisors. Meanwhile, Galbadia's newly elected President Martine, held this press conference today in regards to concerns about the Military and Timber. "
Martine, who had been ousted from his position as Galbadia Garden's headmaster long ago, seemed to have done well for himself despite his downfall. An expensive looking suit and a head of finely tailored gray hair definitely seemed something befitting a president. He stood at a podium, the Galbadian National Crest fixed at the center of the pine made podium.
" In regards to Timber, I believe it is in the best interest of both Galbadia and Timber that we maintain a powerful Military presence. The citizens of Timber are not safe as long as terrorist groups such as the Timber Owls, and Timber Wolves continue to linger about. Next, as far as our great nation's Military, things are progressing well. I'll be revealing our new General in a matter of days, so rest assured, everything is going according to schedule. No more questions; good day. "
Kaira wore a look of disapproval; one Dietrich shared, though they didn't seem to be frowning at the same thing.
"Letting Galbadia upsize its Military like that is totally irresponsible, we're just going to find ourselves in another war. "
Only now realizing they weren't concerned about the same thing, Dietrich shook his head and grabbed the remote out of Kaira's hand, turning the television off.
"I'm not so much worried about Galbadia, as I am about Dollet. It's become a Dictatorship; people are going to suffer there. "
Kaira remained silent, remembering Dietrich had his roots in Dollet, it had been his homeland during the Galbadian war, the nation also served as the burial ground for his entire family, including a little brother he hadn't been able to save.
"Do you still think about Dollet? Do you miss it? "
"It's hard to miss a place that has nothing but painful memories, Kaira. How about we spar, politics give me a headache, fighting sounds like the perfect remedy. "
Letting his frown fade, he traded it in for a half-hearted smile, unwrapping his Gunblade; the hilt had been modeled after a vintage model of the old Dollet Military's issued sidearm, a black, slightly arched pistol butt, while the blade was comprised of standard steel. He'd yet to modify the powerful weapon. Kaira, who'd opted to cast away her own frown as well, displayed a particularly brighter smile at Dietrich's shift in disposition.
" Wow, I'm surprised, usually something like that would have gotten you all riled up, Die'. "
Having used her and Mathias' nickname for Dietrich, she reached back, and unhooked her Reaver blades from behind her. Holding each arm blade by the hilt, she assured both blades remained parallel with the bottom of her forearm. Dietrich himself had assumed an offensive stance; something that played to his strength, one foot sliding in front of him while the Gunblade was held over his head, tightly.
"You know, it's a shame Guardian Forces have been outlawed. I'd love to use one of them in a fight, just to see how powerful they really were. "
"Stop makin' small talk, Die', it may work with Mathias but it won't with me! "
Cafeteria
"Scram! That's right, 'fore I get mister Bildroy on ya'! "
Zilch, exactly 1/3rd of Barth Bildroy's Garden Delinquent squad, warned the male member of the Disciplinary Committee, and though the youth didn't take Zilch seriously at first, he quickly exited the Cafeteria the second he spotted Barth Bildroy's enormous, bulky frame. Possessing a tremendous degree of intimidation, Barth was easily Balamb Garden's strongest fighter and the sole source of headache for the Disciplinary Committee, which he had dubbed The Rat Committee.
"Boss! You just missed this little rat – boss? "
Zilch would find that his boss's attention was elsewhere, namely the student known as Mathias, who'd just finished one of the cafeteria's famous hot dogs. Barth quickly made his way to the lone student, not bothering to ask permission when he pulled a seat directly beside Mathias, straddling the chair and laying his arms across the top of it.
" Well, well. What's going on, pipsqueak? Where's that rowdy lil' pal of yours, or your cute girlfriend? "
Barth wore a grin that spread from cheek to cheek, showing off pearly whites as he made it a point to make Mathias' day even more horrible. Whereas some would have flinched in fear of the behemoth, Mathias had come to accept Barth's size, attitude, and role as the local bully with ease. In fact, he almost found the youth comical; unfortunately he wasn't in a very humorous mood at the moment. The thought of associating Kaira and girlfriend did make Mathias chuckle, but only briefly.
"Probably sparring and Kaira's more likely to start dating you than me, Barth. "
Barth must not have noticed the underlying insult beneath that, but rather, smirked at the thought Mathias had presented.
"Whoa, really now? Maybe you can fix me and the pretty lady up then. I'll grant ya' immunity from my squad if you do. Heheheh. "
"Don't worry that big, shaved head of yours, Barth. I'm sure she'll come running to you. As far as immunity, I appreciate it, Barth. I feel worlds safer knowing Zilch and his buddies there won't steal my lunch money like they do the underclassmen. "
The thought of Zilch, Zip and Reel bullying little kids for lunch money made him crack a smile, especially the thought of some of those underclassmen, who were taking 1st level combatives with Instructor Xu, kicking their butts. Barth was honestly the only muscle in his so called little squad, and despite the pathetic way he'd chosen to apply it, Mathias recognized Barth's brute strength was probably the one thing that made him a potential SeeD candidate, something he and Dietrich were both vying to become. Just then, a very familiar blonde man came bursting into the cafeteria. Nearly everyone in the cafeteria, including the lunch lady, checked their watches – as usual, it was Instructor Dincht.
" Damnit! Don't tell me you're out—ALRIGHT! "
Evidently it was the Martial Arts Instructor's lucky day, he'd made it out of his class on time and there were just enough Hot Dogs in stock to satisfy his appetite. It was too good to be true.
"Attention, faculty and Garden students. Headmaster Squall has just returned from his latest assignment, everyone's presence is requested out in front of Garden. That is all. "
Instructor Xu's voice chimed in on the PA system, Barth and Mathias eyed each other briefly before getting to a stand.
" Well, pipsqueak, you make sure an' steer that little lady my way. Oh, and tell blondie he better watch his attitude 'round me, I've got no problem stomping his ass into the dirt!"
An enormous hand, or rather paw, was set on Mathias' head and the large brute would ruffle his hair. Mathias, shooting Bildroy a glare, promptly fixed the disheveled mess of shoulder length hair. The Headmaster's back, wonder what this is all about. The thought flashed through his mind, a glance to Instructor Zell Dincht, who was currently stuffing as many hot dogs into his mouth as he could before heading out, and Mathias vacated the cafeteria.
Garden Courtyard
It took Mathias a while, but after sifting through a sea of bodies that had amassed outside of Garden, he finally found Kaira and Dietrich, both waving him over. Another 5 minutes spent sifting through giggling school girls who were gossiping amongst each other, judging from the sighs they emitted and starry eyed glances, they were talking about the Headmaster, who was more or less every school girl's dream date, next to the vagrant sharpshooter that every now and then visited Balamb Garden; Irvine Kinneas.
" Mathias! C'mon, you might miss the Headmaster's grand entrance! "
Kaira, who was a foot shorter than both her male friends, stood on her toes, looking over various peoples shoulders as if Squall were due to make his appearance any second now. The spiky haired blonde beside her rolled his eyes, wiping some sweat from his brow, Mathias presumed he'd just been sparring.
" What's with girls and their obsession with the Headmaster? T'ch, I don't understand it, do you Mathias? "
" I'd say it's comparable to our obsession with Instructor Trepe – not that I'm one of those guys obsessed with her… "
" Er, y-yeah.. me neither… "
Both males glanced nervously between one another, hoping to find assurance in their own claims by looking at the other. Kaira scoffed, putting her hands on her hips.
" Yeah, right. I bet you guys like looking at Instructor Trepe in her SeeD outfit just as much as I enjoy watching the Headmaster in his! "
" Oh, that reminds me, Kaira. You and Barth probably have a date coming up sometime soon. "
Kaira, double taking at the comment Mathias made, was just about to burst out with a what, before the speakers situated on all sides of the ground erupted with Instructor Xu's voice, silencing everyone.
" Students, faculty, please remain silent. Your Headmaster has vital information to pass on to you. "
Other than the soft squeals of a few girls, everyone did remain relatively silent as Squall Leonheart, legendary SeeD, took the podium. Lengthy hair that reached down mid-back, he had foregone the black leather jacket for now, wearing only a snugly fitting white T-shirt and, to every girl's delight, the trademark pair of leather pants. He lingered in front of the Podium for a moment, no matter how many years of this he endured; Squall just didn't seem to be made for long speeches.
" ..Good afternoon, students, staff. As you know, I've been away on an assignment, everything's gone well. That's not what we're here about though,"
Leonheart cleared his throat, letting an awkward pause linger on for a second or two.
"If you've been watching the news, you'll have heard about the situations in Dollet and Galbadia. These are really fragile times, especially for us. In the coming months, those of you who graduate will either be invited to join SeeD, become instructors, or join the Military of your choice. Make sure you choose carefully, as for SeeD, I've decided to speed up the process of selection. By tomorrow morning, those of you vying for SeeD Candidacy will know if you're being considered or not, but most importantly, our first exam will take place in a couple of days. "
His announcement, namely about SeeD and an imminent exam, stirred some commotion, especially out of Dietrich and Mathias.
" We've been hired by President Martine of Galbadia to take a small security force out there for the coming unveiling of the new Galbadian General. I understand there may be feelings of resentment toward Galbadia from some of you, but the fact of the matter is we're not here to play politics, we're mercenaries. I personally decide what matters I feel are worth our notice, and as far as I see, we have no reason to refuse Galbadia's new regime this request. That's it .. if you have anything for me, pass it on to the faculty. "
As Leonheart left the platform, students went about conversing amongst themselves, mostly about the announcement. A mixture of excitement and apprehension when Kaira, Mathias and Dietrich exchanged glances. Not only would they soon know if they'd be overlooked for SeeD or not, but if they were selected as candidates, they may very well be venturing on their first mission.