Author's Note: Selphie has been at the new garden long enough to have heard gossip, especially considering how much she talks, so she knows of Squall. Two of the most dynamic students in Garden, of course people are going to talk about Squall and Seifer. In the game Squall is more reserved when it comes to talking, but no matter how shy or introverted a person is, he will talk when necessary. My opinion, and sorry if that seems out of character for Squall. Thanks for reviewing. As always, they are appreciated.
Squall tensed as Seifer moved past him. What did he want, anyway? It wasn't as if they were friends, so why did Seifer seem to feel the need to talk to him?
"I lost control," Seifer said suddenly.
Squall frowned, arms crossing over his chest. When he remained silent, Seifer turned around to face him. "Well?" Seifer prompt. Squall simply shrugged and glanced away. "You know, you make not hitting you pretty difficult. It's easier to just fight you than to try and get past that ice you place around yourself."
Squall stiffened. "Whatever."
Seifer's eyes narrowed as he stalked forward to stand only a few inches from Squall. "And that is why I provoke you. You think you're so much better than everyone else."
Squall's eyes snapped up to meet Seifer's. "If this is the talk you wanted, I'm through listening." He turned to go but a firm hand caught hold of his arm and jerked him back around.
"Damn it, would you stop irritating me and let me talk? I was trying to apologize and explain why I lost control, and you seem intent on making this difficult."
"Why does it matter?" Squall asked, jerking free.
"Because I could have killed you, and you're right. I'm not that careless. I intended to hurt you. I wanted to hurt you. In that moment I wanted to break you. I lost control. You won't understand because you're always in control. You don't feel enough to lose control."
"Why?" Squall asked before he could stop himself.
Seifer's eyes narrowed in confusion. "Why what?"
Squall sighed and glanced away. "Never mind."
"Why did I try to hurt you? I don't know. That's the most honest answer I can give you."
"Are you finished?" Squall asked, ready to forget the conversation.
"No, I'm not. Are you even listening?"
Squall glared at Seifer. "What do you want, Seifer? Do you want me to forgive you? Fine. It's over."
Seifer sighed heavily and drew Hyperion. "Fine, have it your way. I offered to train with you."
"I'm not interested," Squall replied, turning away again.
"Scared?" Seifer taunted.
Squall turned, eyes narrowed. He quickly drew his gun blade. "Where?"
Seifer nodded to the right. "The bridge near the secret area." He led the way across the uneven ground, not glancing back to see if Squall would follow. He knew Squall wouldn't back down from his challenge. He never did.
Squall glanced around, a small frown creasing his face. Something definitely seemed off. It was too quiet. Where were all the monsters? He hadn't seen even one since they had entered the training center.
"Wonder why it's so quiet," Seifer mused softly.
Squall paused, listening. His instincts screamed at him to stay alert. His gaze drifted across the bridge. Seifer glanced back at him.
"You feel it, too, don't you? Something's not right."
Squall shrugged his broad shoulders in reply. Seifer faced Squall, bracing himself. "All right. Let's see if you're ready for your exam." Squall went into a defensive stance, gun blade held out.
Something roared behind them as a great weight slammed onto the bridge, the impact nearly knocking them off their feet. Squall whirled, eyes widening as they fell on the large dinosaur blocking their path. "Oh, shit," he whispered, stepping back quickly. He heard a similar oath spoken from Seifer as the other man took in the beast creeping toward them.
"Great. Looks like Dino wants to play," Seifer muttered under his breath. Squall shook his head slightly. "Not the time for jokes, Seifer."
Seifer glanced sideways at him. "What better way to die than laughing?"
Squall sighed, eyes locked on the T-rex. Of all the days to get attacked by a T-rex, it had to be today when was barely prepared for more than a casual fight. His magic stock was near empty, and his head was beginning to throb in time with his heart.
"You wouldn't happen to have any sleep spells on you, would you?" Seifer asked as they edged away from the dinosaur.
"No."
"Great."
The T-rex suddenly lunged forward, its great jaws sweeping downward. They leapt to the side, dodging the attack and quickly rolling to their feet. Squall swore softly and rushed forward, lionheart swinging. From the corner of his eye, he saw Seifer follow his advance, his own gun blade slashing outward.
The T-rex's massive tail swiped at Squall forcing him to quickly avoid it. The dinosaur roared in anger as Seifer blade slammed into its thick skin, forcing the beast to turn its attention on the other cadet. Squall leapt back and placed trembling fingers to his forehead. Shiva! I need your assistance, he thought. He felt her stir, waking from her deep slumber at his words. Yes? she whispered, mildly interested.
Your help is needed.
Pitiful humans.
Squall glared, a dark frown crossing his face. Are you going to assist us or not? That's what you're supposed to do, Ice Guardian. A cold laugh swept through his mind. Then I shall do as I must, human.
Squall staggered as the guardian swept forward, her icy chill slipping through his soul as she answered his call. He stumbled back, eyes locked on the beautiful being forming from the icy mist sweeping from the ground upward. He had never called a guardian force before, and now he was nothing more than amazed by her appearance as she stepped forward, her pale, blue skin mostly bare.
Shiva extended a hand, as if blowing a kiss, and ice swept forward, encasing the dinosaur within its embrace. Seifer hurried away, not wanting to be caught in the magic's path and watched the ice close tighter around the T-rex before shattering. The T-rex fell forward, groaning as it slammed against the ground.
Squall staggered once more as the ice guardian's presence filled his mind again. Satisfied, human? Shiva asked, definitely not sounding pleased.
Squall shivered, eyes closing. Thank you. We wouldn't have been able to stop it on our own.
Shiva remained silent for a moment before replying, Perhaps you are not as pitiful as I first thought, human. Her anger dissolved as she drifted back to sleep.
Author's Note: In the game, the speed at which a guardian force appears depends on the relationship between the castor and the GF. Since Squall has never summoned Shiva before, obviously she would be more reluctant to appear. I hope that answers any questions you might have. Side note: Yes, T-Rex is more difficult in the game.
