Chapter VI: A deadly exam and a shattered heart
It was a Monday afternoon and all of the students had to retire to their homeroom classes.
" I bet your all wondering why we've retired to our homerooms today" Quistis said.
" No not really" Seifer said in the back.
" Well that's just you Seifer, go on Ms.Trepe" Rinoa said raising her hand.
" Thank you Rinoa, okay today is your SeeD field exam" Quistis said. With that everyone jumped for asecond.
" What? Just like that? We don't get any beforehand notices of the test" Kuro said raising her hand.
" No we tend to not tell our students when the exam is because they'll train over night in the training facility, bust their brain trying to learn new spells and when it comes time to take the exam their all worn out" Quistis said.
" Well it's still wrong to hold such a important exam in and drop it on us like some pop quiz" Kiako said.
" Well I don't make the rules children I follow them, now you each have five minutes to go to your dorm and get dressed in your student uniforms. When your all dressed meet me on the first floor" Quistis said walking out of the classroom. Everyone got up and left the class in a single filed line… Without talking to one another they just went back to their dorms.
Fira walked into his dorm the same time Rikku did, the both of them left their door open. Fira started to take off his cloths and put on his student uniform. Rikku did the same.
" Hey Fira" Rikku said putting on her student skirt and zipping up her upper jacket.
" Yea?" Fira replied putting on his pants and leaving the jacket part of the uniform to stay open.
" Good luck" She said equipping her daggers onto the skirt.
" Yea you too" Fira said putting on his goggles and equipping his Keyblades. They both walked out at the same time and shook their heads as if it were time to go.
Utada and Yuna retired to their dorms as well. Doing a somewhat similar imitation of Fira and Rikku. They put on their cloths one by one.
" Utada if I fail…" Yuna started.
" Don't say that we'll all past the test together" Utada said interrupting her.
In the first floor… All of the teachers were standing infront of a crowd of students assigning teams and squads for the upcoming test.
Fira and Rikku stepped onto the scene and walked into the crowd.
" Okay you will be paired by grade and skill level" Quistis said.
" Remember this is not a practice test this is the real thing so give it your all" Kakashi announced.
" Okay for Team A-1" Quistis said. " We've got Avalon, Kuro Suzaku and Kiako Ornitier"
" Alright! Kuro! YES!" Avalon cheered running over to the two girls.
" Wow we're partners Avalon" Kiako said.
" Yea right Kuro" Avalon said wrapping his arm around her shoulder. Kuro karate flipped him and he landed on his head.
" Team leader Avalon" Quistis said.
"WHAT!" Kuro shouted.
" HE'S THE TEAM LEADER" Kiako said.
" And my first order is for Kuro to kiss me right here on the cheek" Avalon said. Kuro dropkicked him in the forehead knocking him out. And Kiako grabbed a leg and pulled him away towards the garage.
" Team A-2, Zell, Squall and Yuna team leader Squall Leonhart" Quistis said.
" Alright let's get down to it" Zell said punching the air.
" Utada good luck" Yuna hugged Utada before she walked off towards the Garage.
" You too" Utada replied.
" Team B-1, Millie, Tidus and Lenne team leader Lenne" Quistis announced.
" That means I don't get to be with…" Millie stared at Fira whom was sitting on a bench with his arms crossed and his eyes closed as if meditating but in reality he was sleeping.
" Come on Millie" Lenne said placing her soft hand on Millie's shoulder.
" Yea let's roll" Tidus said as they took of running towards the Garage.
" Team B-2, Cloud, Tifa and Aerith Team leader Cloud Strife" Quistis announced. Cloud and Tifa gave each other a stare as Aerith grabbed Cloud's arm.
" Let's go I can't believe we're on teams" Aerith said kissing him on the cheek. Cloud ignored her affection and turned away. They all walked towards the Garage.
" Team C-1, Fira, Utada and Sephiroth, Team leader Sephiroth" Quistis said. With that it seemed like time itself paused for a brief moment. Sephiroth stared at Utada, Utada stared back at him then to Fira whom was sleeping and totally ruined the moment.
" Get up" Utada said with a faint laugh nudging Fira abit. Fira opened his eyes and looked up at Utada while yawning.
" They called me?" Fira said stretching.
" Yes we're on the same unit" Sephiroth said stepping up.
"Well that's cool I guess" Fira said bending down and doing push-ups.
" Okay let's move" Sephiroth said as they walked towards the parking lot of the Garden. They all walked outside and waiting on them was a car driven by a staff member of the Garden. Sephiroth sat in the front seat and Utada sat next to Fira in the back.
The car began to move and rumble as they drove straight to Balamb. Fira was staring out the window on the left and Utada was staring out the one on the right. Sephiroth would look back from time to time without turning his head completely as if checking up on them.
" Something you're worried about Sephiroth?" Fira said staring dead out of the window. It was like he had eyes behind his head.
"…" Sephiroth didn't reply.
Utada just stared at Fira in confusion there was no way he could have seen Sephiroth's wandering eyes from the back seat let alone while looking out of the window. It hit Utada that it was more to Fira than jokes and eating hamburgers.
'He's kind of cool' Utada blushed as she thought while looking at him.
The car stopped and before anyone knew it they were at Balamb Pier. They dismounted the car and walked over to the remaining speed battle ship. Sephiroth walked in first, then Fira and Utada. They all sat down in as the Instructor SeeD walked in. Walking in was Torrence…
" Torrence?" Fira said.
"Yea it's me I'm gonna brief you on your mission" Torrence replied. " Okay listen up, the Galbadia have started an all out take over of Dollet for some reason and Dollet's retaliating, so they hired SeeDs to help in the struggle. We've broke all of the groups up into different points of interception with the town. Squad A will attack from the land, Squad B will attack from the sea, Squad C will attack from the cliffs and Squads D and E will back up Squad B's water Assault. So basically your squad will work as a lay low squad and surprise the enemy from above…So your over all mission is to successfully take out all troops in the surrounding area and gain complete control…"
Torrence handed each member a backpack full of supplies and stuff they'll need to survive for 20hours.
" Awesome let's get it" Fira said standing up in excitement.
Riding in a heavy militia tank was Kiako, Avalon and Kuro. Breaking through Galbadia's defense of front line soldiers. They drove the tank straight into a wall and all three of them jumped out before it exploded. The second they landed out of the tank was the second they were surrounded by Soldiers. Kuro snapped her fingers and a wave of winds came and swooped the soldiers up getting them out of the way easily.
" Nice job baby" Avalon said. Kuro kicked him in the back of the head.
" You have one more time to call me that got IT!" Kuro said.
" So what do we do?" Kiako said.
" You heard the mission briefing we're suppose to secure this area" Avalon said getting up and rubbing his head.
"Come follow me men… uh I mean girls" Avalon said running up the destroyed streets of Dollet with Kuro and Kiako following close behind. As they ran Soldiers jumped out of windows from off of rooftops and from out of sewers to intersect them.
" Man these guys are persistent" Kiako said holding her fists up.
" Yea but that doesn't make them any stronger" Kuro said cracking her fingers ready to blast some soldiers.
Zell high kicked a soldier finishing off the last one. He turned around to face Squall and Yuna giving him a look of overkill.
" Come on" Squall said breaking his glare at Zell and continuing onward. Squall ran with his left hand in his pocket and his Gunblade resting on his shoulder, soldiers jumped out of nowhere Squall taken by surprise spun around striking the soldier down in an instant.
" Whoa there are soldiers all over the place" Yuna said pulling out her guns and firing them off at a soldier whom was just about to snipe them.
" We have to hike that?" Fira said pointing to the cliff side of the mountain.
" Let's go now" Sephiroth said jumping of the boat and onto the cliff side. He immediately went to climbing like a deranged monkey up the side of the cliff.
" Ladies first" Fira said to Utada. Utada looked at Fira.
" I'm wearing a skirt" Utada said.
" Oh yea I forgot well looks like I'm first" Fira laughed. Utada let a sigh and a slight smile as he jumped onto the side of the cliff.
" If you two are done how's about climbing up the mountain" Sephiroth said already to the top. Fira and Utada climbed up taking their time. Suddenly there was a rumble in the earth and Utada lost her grip, she began to fall down.
" AH!" Utada screamed as she fell.
" Utada" Everyone shouted. Sephiroth was just about to make a move when Fira jumped off of the side of the cliff he caught up to her and wrapped his arm around her waist.
" I got you" Fira said.
" But whose got you!" Utada screamed.
Fira pulled out the Kingdom Key and rammed it into the side of the mountain peak The keyblade stopped them from falling and worked as a pike in the mountain.
" Phew" The both of them sighed at the same time.
" Thank you" Utada said her body shivering with fear.
" No prob" Fira said gripping his feet into the steep mountainside. He began to climb up leaving his keyblade stabbed in the side of the mountain.
" Your going to leave your weapon stuck here?" Utada asked now climbing along beside him.
" Don't worry about it I'll get it when we climb to the top." Fira said.
" Climb to the top?" Utada said.
Fira reached the top of the cliff then reached down to pick Utada up. Sephiroth quickly walked over and kneeled down next to her.
" Are you alright Utada?" Sephiroth asked.
" Yea I'm fine" Utada said. " Thanks to him"
Fira walked over to the edge and rose his hand up while closing his eyes. And an instant the Kingdom Key returned to his hand in a blue light. He then strapped the Kingdom Key to his waist just under his back.
" Done showing off?" Sephiroth said staring at Fira with defiance.
" Yep…wait no" Fira replied. Fira did a back wards flip then pulled out the Kingdom Key again and tossed it at a bush. Falling out of the bush was a soldier whom was about to ambush them. " Now I'm done" Fira said putting the keyblade away again.
" Well I see you can take care of yourself" Utada said walking over and smiling.
" Yea" Fira said.
" Let's go" Sephiroth said walking off enraged. The three of them walked off down a stone trail that led over the mountain completely and down to the city of Dollet. Their were a large amount of Soldiers in this area so sneaking around was a must for the three of them and an ambush from the cliff side seemed next to impossible at the time.
At the time they were free so they began to walk normally on the path for once.
' hmmm I wonder if I should have a pizza or a cheeseburger for lunch tomorrow?' Fira thought.
' Fira that fool, he's trying way too hard to impress Utada' Sephiroth said. ' Utada you don't love him do you?'
'a 1000 words' Utada sang in her head.
(Meanwhile at the Satellite)
" Sir Dollet has dispatched SeeDs sir and their tarring through out defenses sir" Wedge saluted to Biggs as Biggs were fixing up the tower.
" What!"
(Back)
The red sun started to set in the orange sky when Sephiroth had ordered then to stop by a near by cave. It will be night soon and it's going to rain. He snapped getting out his gear passing Utada a strange look as she asked Fira for his help to unpack her sleeping bag and help to build a fire in the center of the three members. The heavy cold ran started just as the large fire started blazing in the cave pushing away the cold darkness. After Sephiroth adventured deep in the cave a freezing Utada sat by Fira on his green sleeping bag scooting close to him.
"Hey." She said enjoying the warmth that came from him.
"Hey." He replied smiling for her. She squirmed a little on the sleeping bag still feeling cold.
"Its been a long day but I don't know about you but I'm more awake then ever, what about you? She felt silly asking such a moronic question after seeing a tired look in his eyes.
"Nah I'm tired." He yawned reaching his hand over to her shoulder. Utada enjoyed the warmth that now covered her. She smiled at him looking deep in his dark but welcoming eyes. She felt herself lean in closer to him but an icy voice stopped them both causing them to separate.
"You" Sephiroth was behind the teens shooting Fira a death glare. Calming himself he tossed him his keyblades. "It's your turn to scout. They might be spread out so stay out for at least 2 hours or more." Fira went wide-eyed at the order and clenched his fists. Sephiroth only smirked at his anger. "That is an order." Fira unclenched his fist controlling his anger. There was nothing he could do, to strike a superior officer was punishable by, and well he didn't want to think about it now. He nodded pissed off; pat Utada's shoulder and left. The silver haired warrior sat himself down on his black sleeping bag at the other end of the fire away from the guilt-ridden girl. With guilt and anger bombarding her Utada grabbed her samurai sword. "Where do you think you are going?" He demanded.
"Where do you think? Fira is going to need help out there if there really is danger out there." She stuffed a purple potion in her pocket trying to avoid his glowing eyes for more reasons then anger.
"You will remain here." Utada only shook her long dark haired head.
"No, he may be killed alone. He needs help, my help." She almost immediately regretted her back talk to her captain seeing his temper grow. He stood by the 16-year-old towering over her.
"As your commander you will stay here" Although he scared her a little when he was so angry Utada refused to give him that satisfaction. She threw down her katana at the lost battle.
"Very well then, sir." She added coldly. I will sit here and wait. She plopped her little butt bum down on her blue sleeping bag. Sephiroth smirked at her also furious and maybe a little jealous.
"I thought it was you that said he could protect himself Utada," He spat now with pure jealously "Stupid boy."
"I'm not saying that that's not true! He is only a member of the team to me." She glared into the fire as Sephiroth smiled. He sat down by her. "I knew you would feel that way." Utada could feel the deep analysis that he was giving her with his eyes.
"Sephiroth just don't belittle me right now ok? Just not now." A tear fell down her cheek although her voice wasn't breaking. She hung her head confused.
"I wouldn't" He replied after a few seconds. "Despite what you tell yourself you are worth so much more then those nothing creatures." He said as if he could kill at any second. Utada felt more tears build up behind her dark green eye but held them in as he started to caress her temple.
"How could you say anything like that to me?" She replied surprised at his words.
"Sshhh," He comforted, "I know what they said to you. But it is you who are above them, it is they who are nothing. He looked at her, trying to fight the emotional battle those humans set up for their own daughter, their own flesh and blood. Quickly a look of relief passed through her face as if all the pain she carried had disappeared. As if someone telling her she was special was the cure to her curse. "Don't fear me Utada. Sephiroth whispered softly in her pierced ear sending a sensation down her back. Slowly her tiny hand reached his leather- gloved hand on her temple, gazing into his mako eyes.
Utada felt the hand slowly pull her to the silvered haired man. His eyes pierced into her innocent ones as her lowered his lips to her blood red lips. Her spirit instantly soared. His hands traveled to her lower back as she wrapped her pale skinny arms around his neck. Utada let out a small moan as Sephiroth's tongue started to invade her mouth. With blood pounding in her ears what was left of her common sense that hadn't been drowned out by Sephiroth tried to make an attempt at her.
Baka you know what is going to happen know.
I know, but who says that I don't love him, I do love him.
Yes, you do. But you know that deep down a new part of your heart burns for…The voice disappeared again when Sephiroth's hands started to enter her black shirt from the bottom. He separated the kiss as he lowered her down on the long and wide fluffy sleeping bag making her feel more vulnerable. 'Oh God.' She thought as he lowered himself planting small kisses on her navel. Trying to pace himself he started to unbutton her shirt that traveled up to her breasts. He was slow and careful to make sure he got every inch of her soft flat belly before he would undo another button.
Utada lay there in a passion filled trance releasing a few gasps of pleasure as her fingers dug into his silver hair. But once again the voice of reason was able to spit out its last words as He has a mere 2 buttons away from her indigo bra.
"Sephiroth I can't do this. She whimpered expecting some anger. She was gladly mistaken. Sephiroth's face was disappointed but he only turned away.
"Why?" He asked still wanting her as he kissed her collarbone in an effort to rekindle her. Utada enjoyed it but shook her head smiling as she touched his face.
"I'm just not ready, in a place like this." She looked around with her eyes. He raised his brow at her before half returning her smile and placing a kiss on her forehead. It just can't be here. She slid out from under him and sat up and started to button her shirt again, but he stopped her. Running his fingers through her hair he placed his lips on her forehead a few more times. Holding her closer her said softly,
"I do love you Utada. If that is what you are afraid of" She sighed hugging him.
"I know," She replied squirming, "I Love you too."
(Author's Note: Sephiroth was referring to Utada's past if you were lost at the beginning… YUNASTRIFE I GIVE YOU MAD PROPS FOR THIS LITTLE THING HERE! It almost made me cry to a degree but I have to remind myself that I'm a teenage man not a mouse I'm no wimp that cries over stuff like this… but it was COOL and I love it.)
(Meanwhile)
"Damn it's cold out here" Fira said huffing up heaps of white frost as he stepped through the cold night shivering. Suddenly a light flashed through the air, Fira immediately ducked down dodging the light by a hair. He looked through the bushes to see soldiers walking by with large weapons lots of them.
" Looks like ole Sephy was right" Fira whispered. " Their all over the place… it's not… uh oh"
" Did you here that?" A voice said walking over to the bush Fira was under. Three soldiers with flashlights were headed to Fira.
" Crap…" Fira said reaching for his Keyblades while lying down under the bush. Fira jumped out of the bush suddenly then knocked out all three soldiers at one time. That attracted major attention to himself…
"THERE'S ONE OF THE SEED'S RIGHT THERE GET EM!" One of the soldiers shouted.
" Gotta go" Fira said taking off. " No I can't head back to the cave I'll expose us all" Fira said to himself as he ran in another direction from the camping site. The soldiers drove after him in militia jeeps. They road up beside him and attempt to slice him with their military swords. Fira dove and dodged rolled as the Jeeps went forwards turning around and speeding towards him again.
" Okay let's see what you got!" Fira said getting his keyblades and spinning them at high speeds. He pointed them into the sky and a light shot out of them. Then light came back down and appearing from it's flash was Simba.
Fira pointed his Keyblades at the two jeeps and Simba stared at the jeeps. He roared with a super sonic wave blowing both of the jeeps back and off of a cliff. Simba disappeared as soon as they were defeated.
Fira dropped down to one knee, it was too cold outside and it was hard for him to grasp air. He stood up and walked back to the cave with his keyblades in hands. He walked through the tree thicket, over the piles of rocks and down to the cave. He peaked in alittle to check to see if they were sleep so he wouldn't disturb them… He seen Sephiroth lounged over her and the both of them were kissing? For 20seconds his mind, body and soul were all blank. He didn't know what to think he didn't know to say he had even forgot how to breathe for that brief moment. A dark look rose on his face, a look so sinisterly evil that it would send the devil running for the hills. His eyes were red and his teeth clenched with the same strength as he clenched his keyblades… Sensing his intense rage the keyblades disappeared and reappeared on the satchels on his back and belt.
He stepped back and walked back from which he came. He found himself stopping at the field of rocks just before the cave and leaned against one of them.
" Hey why am I so worked up it's not like I…" Fira stopped his statement and hot tears ran down his cheeks. " Err…why am I crying? What the hell is wrong with me?"
" It's getting late" Kuro said as Avalon, Kiako and herself sat in townsquare around abunch of unconscious soldiers. Suddenly Selphie came running up to them.
" Oh hi Selphie" Kiako said.
" Guys we've been ordered to retreat" Selphie said. " Get to the beach so you can be picked up and escorted back to the Garden it leaves in 20minutes"
" Whoa really come on girls let's move" Avalon said taking off running.
Selphie had gone around telling all groups to retreat lastly she had to let Squad C-1 know. She had hiked the mountain but was unsure of where they were. She spotted Fira sitting down staring at nothing while resting against a rock. She ran over tripping and falling right infront of him.
" Opps sorry" She said fixing her skirt.
" I take it your apart of Squad C-1?" She asked.
" Yea" Fira replied.
" Great I need to speak with your team leader" Selphie said. Fira stood up and led her to the cave, Utada and Sephiroth were sitting by the fire side by side.
" Excuse me Mr.Sephiroth Team Leader sir" Selphie said coughing. " We've been ordered to retreat"
" A retreat?" Sephiroth said getting up. They all packed up their things and began to follow Selphie down the mountain.
Later that NightStanding on the second floor were all of the students that took the SeeD test. One of the staff members had stepped out into the hall and held up a clipboard.
" The following students have been ordered to report to the headmaster's office. Selphie Tilmitt, Squall Leonhart, Rinoa Heartily, Zell Dincht, Cloud Strife, Aerith Gainsborough, Tifa Lockhart, Kuro Suzaku, Kiako Ornitier, Irvine Kinneas, Tidus, Shuyin, Lenne, Rikku, Yuna, Utada Aoki, Millie Chan, Fira, Avalon and Sephiroth." The staff said.
With that all of the students that were called walked up to the headmaster's office. All of them stood in single file lines to receiver their reports.
" If your in here then that means you've passed the SeeD exam and is now a starting SeeD" Headmaster Cid said. Cid handed each of the students a folder personally himself and whispering abit of information into their ear.
To Fira "Psst Psst… Keyblade masters are extremely rare I'm glad you're here you raise the Garden's publicity by a lot"
To Utada " Psst Psst… Cool samurai sword I'm gonna have to get one just like it"
To Sephiroth " Psst Psst… Geez I've never seen you so happy Sephy what's up?"
To Kuro " Psst Psst… Lighten up you just passed geez"
To Kiako " Psst Psst… Manga cat girls are just the cutest things"
To Tifa "Psst Psst… I your nipples are poking out might wanna take care of that"
To Aerith " Psst Psst… I'm really looking forward to the Garden Flower festival"
To Cloud "Psst Psst… Where do you get your hair jell?"
After the conference with the Headmaster a huge party was to be thrown in the dance hall in the Quad.
" Okay let's boogie!" Rikku said as Fira walked in. Rikku was wearing her new SeeD uniform, which was just sent in. "Wearing this makes me feel so official! Fira put your SeeD uniform and join the party"
" I'm not going, have fun though" Fira said walking into his room and lying on the bed.
" What?" Rikku said as her eyes got wide and her mouth dropped.
" You heard me, I'm not going" Fira said turning over and staring at the ceiling.
" But everybody is expecting you of all people to be there eating up the snacks and refreshments" Rikku smiled.
" I'm not going just leave me alone for one night Rikku" Fira said tossing a book at the panel next to his door making the automatic door close.
" Ugh hmmm" Rikku raised her hand at the door then slowly dropped it. " Sweet dreams then"
She walked off out of the room.
At the PartyEveryone was walking around with SeeD uniforms from students to Instructors.
" Hey Kuro, lookin good in that dress" Avalon said winking at her.
" Hmph whatever" Kuro said rolling her eyes and filling her cup with some punch from the punch bowl.
" Kiako MY LOVE!" Vale shouted chasing her around all over the dance floor.
" Vale I don't wanna dance" Kiako said running away from him.
" Who said anything about a dance Kiako" Vale said puckering his lips up smooching the air.
" Come on Cloud their playing our song!" Aerith grabbed Cloud before Tifa could even say so much as a hello to him. She took him onto the dance floor and stuck her tongue out at Tifa as she watched from the sidelines.
Dancing in the middle of the dance floor was Sephiroth and Utada. Most of the girls in the room were furious at Utada, Sephiroth having rose to the top becoming one of the most popular and good looking guys on campus. Utada rested her head on Sephiroth as they slow danced in the middle of the floor she was the envy of the night.
" We're finally SeeDs dude" Zell said chilling on the sidelines.
" Yup" Irvine said.
" That opens new opportunities for us dude" Zell said.
" Yup" Irvine said.
" That means we can finally travel all over the world dude" Zell said.
" Yup" Irvine said.
" Hey Irvy wanna dance til the sun comes up?" Selphie said taking his hand.
" Yea then afterwards maybe me and you can uh go back to my place?" Irvine said holding up his card key to his room.
" Maybe" Selphie said.
"There is somebody missing here" Kakashi said eating some finger foods.
" Someone missing? Hmmm no everyone's here" Vincent said.
" You sure it feels like somebody is missing" Kakashi said.
" I too feel like there is somebody who needs to be here that isn't here" Mickey said walking up.
Sitting in a far corner in the shadows alone was Millie wearing her new SeeD uniform. She had a note for Fira in her hands was waiting for him to show up. But as the night dragged on and the party started to fade with the night Fira never came. The party was almost over and some SeeD students had went to their dorms already some in pairs.
Millie stood up leaving the note on the slick marble floor as she left for her dorm.