Chapter Twelve:

A/N: Someone from Tessa's past arrives at Garden, and it pisses her off like nothing ever could! Not much action, but a lot of information about this weird little world of mine comes to light. Also, a secret of Quistis's past is revealed as well.

DarklightZERO Awesome, I loved the clothes in the 1920's! (flappers totally rock!)

It became a regular thing, Tessa and Jayne meeting on the balcony for a smoke. Sometimes they would talk, but they usually puffed away in silent moments of stolen bliss. Tessa didn't regret her return to tobacco. In fact, she found it empowering. She liked the feeling of having a secret.

"You know," Jayne said after a few weeks, "they're announcing exam assignments tomorrow." The moody SeeD took a drag from her cigarette and flicked the ashes onto the metal floor.

Tessa jumped up, a cigarette falling from her mouth. It rolled across the floor with the aide of a breeze. "Are you serious?"

Jayne rolled her eyes and took another drag, finishing off the cigarette in her hand. She tossed the butt over her shoulder and onto the ground below. She licked her lips and stood up from her perch on the railing. "Why else would I say it?"

The question went unanswered and Tessa sat down. Her seat was a set of stairs leading to a large vat that served no known purpose. "I wonder what I'll be assigned. I've already completed all of my prerequisites. Unconsciously, she stroked a pin on her shirt. It was silver and shaped like a bird; a phoenix captured in mid-flight.

"I couldn't care less," Jayne responded. She walked over to and opened the door leading back inside the Garden. "Still, I've got to say good luck."

"Thanks," Tessa said. She smiled and looked at her feet. She pulled out another cigarette and lit it.

"I noticed you lost your bulk," Jayne said with a smirk. "And I must say, it suits you!"

Jayne walked through the doorway and left Tessa clueless and curious. Bulk?

"Yes, exam assignments are released tomorrow," Quistis told her Introduction to Basic Magic class. "I'm only telling you now because I want to keep your attention. Only two of you qualified, so don't waste my time by asking."

"Tessa!" Aili whispered loudly. She was sitting behind Tessa, so Tessa had to turn around. "It's a given you qualified. So, who do you think the other person is?"

"It's probably Tulia. She's in my Advanced White Magic class," Tessa whispered back.

"It's not Tulia," Aili said quietly. Quistis was busy lecturing on rare and powerful spells, too busy to notice the two gossipers. "She failed her stealth prerequisite. She's an Espionage major, you know."

"Yeah, I know, but if it's not Tulia, then who is it? I mean, the only reason I'm in here is because Dr. Kadowaki suggested I learn Basic Black Magic so I could protect myself," Tessa said as she rubbed her neck. "Besides, it might come in handy in the medical field."

"How?" Aili asked skeptically. "Do you use Water to flush out wounds?"

"Maybe," Tessa said with a shrug. "Most likely it would be using Thunder if a defibulator were unavailable or Blizzard as an emergency coolant in cases of high fever, though I've yet to hear of either usage."

"Miss Matleo, please pay attention," Quistis said irritably. She brushed her hair out of her eyes and sighed as Tessa whirled around and sank into her seat. "You too, Aili."

"Yes, Instructor," both girls moaned. "I'm sorry, Instructor."

"Anyway, can anyone tell me what the most powerful White Magic spell is?" Quistis asked the class as she turned away from Tessa and Aili. When no one spoke up, Quistis stamped her foot out of frustration. "Really, no one knows?"

Tessa's hand shot up, waving around but ignored. Quistis was looking around the rest of the room and Tessa was practically jumping out of her seat. Sighing, Quistis called on Tessa. "Yes, Miss Matleo?"

"It's Dispel," Tessa said with a large smile. "The ability to remove positive spell effects, such as Haste and Reflect, from your opponent."

Quistis smiled but shook her head. "I see Professor Aki is still teaching that to his Medical majors, but it's incorrect."

"Really?" Tessa said with disappointment in her voice. "Then it has to be either Esuna or Full-Life."

"I'm sorry, but both are wrong," Quistis said. "It's a spell that isn't taught to Medical majors, but it is taught to higher level White Mages."

Tessa was dumbstruck; she had no idea what the spell could be. With one last guess, she raised her hand again. "Is it Full-Cure?"

"I'm sorry," Quistis said. "Those were all good answers, and I'm impressed that you even knew about Full-Cure. Still, the spell I want to know about has no restorative or status properties."

"Then it can't be White Magic," another student said. "White Magic is defined as healing and status magic; Black Magic is magic that causes harm; and Blue Magic is magic learned by certain Mages after a battle."

"Very good," Quistis said with a nod. "But the spell is Holy. Holy is defined as White Magic because many people believe that it's 'Pure Magic' like Curaga or Life. However, Holy is the only White Magic that causes damage."

"That's not true instructor," Tessa said. Everyone's eyes shot to her and Quistis's mouth developed into a smirk. "I hadn't been taught about Holy by Professor Aki, but he did teach about White Magic that can cause damage."

"You are absolutely correct Miss Matleo, it isn't. I was hoping someone other than you would catch me, though," Quistis sat on her desk and crossed her legs. "Could someone other than Miss Matleo tell me what they are?"

"Spells such as Cura and Life, in addition to items like Potions and Phoenix Downs, harm Zombie monsters and people with Zombie status," Aili said behind Tessa. "I learned that in my Status class."

"I see that Instructor Galhan is doing a good job with her Status class," Quistis said appraisingly. "However, that wasn't what I had in mind. I am glad you brought it up, though. Still, does anyone know any other spells?"

"I had a friend use a Drain spell on me once," Phelan said. Tessa looked at him in astonishment. "We were training and he had Drain junctioned to his sword. It didn't do much damage to me, though. He isn't very good at magic."

"Very good!" Quistis said happily as she uncrossed her legs. "Drain is one of the spells I was wanting. The thing about Drain is… Yes, Miss Matleo?"

Tessa had raised her hand, certain that she knew the answer. "Drain, when taught at Gardens, is considered White Magic, but only Black Mages can use it outside of a Garden facility. That means that Drain is in a unique magical 'limbo.'"

"Correct," Quistis said unenthusiastically. "Miss Matleo, I am glad you know all of this, but I would like to gauge the knowledge of the rest of the students. So if you don't mind…"

"Sorry, Instructor," Tessa said as she slid as low in her seat as she could. People in the class were sniggering, but Quistis didn't hear them.

"That's okay, I know that you weren't trying to be a nuisance," Quistis said as Tessa's face grew as red as her hair. "Now, can anyone else tell me of a spell that is considered White Magic and does damage?"

"Doesn't Meltdown cause damage?" another student asked. "My granddad told me that when he fought in the Second Sorceress War, some of the soldiers were using a spell known as Meltdown that caused damage and reduced vitality."

"Absolutely correct! Good job Miss Invern," Quistis said happily. "Okay, moving on, does anyone know what exactly a Mage is and how many types there are?"

"A Mage is defined as non-Military and non-Garden personnel that can use magic," a boy in the back of the room said. "And there are four types, as of right now: Black, White, Red, and Blue."

"Absolutely correct," Quistis said. Then, out of astonishment, "How did you know?"

"I come from a long line of Mages," the boy said. "My parents are both Mages, in fact."

"Can I get your name?" Quistis asked. "I'm sorry, but I don't recognize you."

"Oh, I'm a new student. I just transferred and today is my first day," the boy said as he stood up. He had brown-tinted skin. The tan was a sure sign of a Costa del Sol resident. His hair was white as snow and he spoke in a slow drawl. Tessa knew him immediately. "I'm Hunter Vance."

Quistis gasped and Tessa rolled her eyes, knowing what was coming. "Of the Corel Vances?"

"None other," Hunter said with a laugh as he sat down. "But please, forget I'm a Vance and continue to teach."

"Very well," Quistis said as she regained her composure. "Can anyone tell me what a White Mage is?"

Tessa sat up and angrily thrust her hand into the air. "A White Mage is a person specializing in White Magic. Traditionally, they would travel and heal people across the world, though today many White Mages have decided to remain in small towns where they become advisors for the town elders."

"Very good," Quistis said with a raised eyebrow. "And what is a Black Mage?"

"They used to be known as Evil Mages," Hunter said from the back. "Because they practiced Black Magic they were feared and persecuted. However, today they have taken up the pilgrimages once taken by White Mages. But instead of healing people, Black Mages use their Magic to destroy monsters harassing the towns."

"Thank you Mr. Vance," said Quistis. "And a Red…"

Before Quistis had her question finished, Tessa had her hand up and was already answering. "Red Mages are travelers than can use both Black and White Magic. However, because it is difficult for the two to coexist peacefully, Red Mages usually only master the basic levels, although there are special cases of Red Mages learning Secondary Magic such as Cura and Fira."

"Red Mages are also pictured as the heroes in the local legends of many small villages," drawled Hunter. "In fact, the Great Mage Society classifies SeeDs, Garden students, and soldiers that use magic as Red Mages."

"But the Society is conflicted as to whether or not they will permit SeeDs the title of Mage," Tessa said loudly. "This is because the nature of a Mage is to help people and they believe the nature of SeeDs is to harm people."

"But not all members of the Society agree with that assessment," Hunter said even louder. "In fact, there have been many advances made by the Great Mage Society to try to work with Gardens."

Tessa turned around and glared at Hunter. "I wasn't aware of that. When did this occur?"

"About a month after you left Lotia Garden," Hunter boasted. "A representative arrived and offered to send Mages as instructors if the Garden would work with the Society in its aim for world peace. Of course, the Garden turned her down, but there is still discussion within the Society as to whether or not they should approach larger Gardens with such an offer."

"That doesn't make sense," Tessa said. "Just last year the Society threatened Lotia Garden with sanctions if it didn't stop deploying SeeDs into its new headquarters on Goblin Island."

"But Lotia Garden did stop sending SeeDs there. There was a falling out with the clients paying to have them sent there," Hunter said. "As a matter of fact…"

"Hold on," Quistis yelled, startling both students. Tessa spun around and stared at her. "You two seem to be quite a bit ahead of the rest of the class, so I'll take over if you don't mind."

"Yes, Instructor," Tessa said in a low voice.

"Of course, Madam," Hunter said loudly. Tessa rolled her eyes and cursed under her breath.

"Last of all are Blue Mages," Quistis said, her gaze still shifting from the bitter Tessa to the exuberant Hunter. "Blue Mages are unique in that they learn their magic from either their opponents or with the aide of special items."

"Items like Enemy Skill Materia?" the girl sitting beside Tessa asked.

"Actually," Quistis said with a sigh, "that's incorrect. By definition, anyone that uses Materia is disqualified from Mage status. Enemy Skill Materia does allow one to use magic learned from an opponent, but it is the Materia learning the ability and not the person."

"Oh, okay," the girl said, clearly embarrassed. "I was just wondering."

"Blue Mages aren't like the other three because you don't become a Blue Mage, you're born a Blue Mage. Either you can use Blue Magic or you can't, and those that can are very hard to find and are usually revered by the other three," Quistis told the class. "However, Blue Mages often find it hard to learn anything because most opponents often use the same attacks as others, and the items that teach them abilities are incredibly rare and hard to find."

"Instructor," Tessa said as she raised her hand. Quistis stiffened but nodded for Tessa to continue. "Aren't you a Blue Mage?"

There was a large clamour in the room and Quistis had to yell to regain control. ""Where did you hear that, Miss Matleo?"

"I read an article in the recently re-opened Timber Maniacs that said you used the ability Laser Eye in your escape from the D-District Prison in Galbadia," Tessa said. "Isn't Laser Eye an ability known by many of the Blue Mages that use items to learn abilities?"

"Yes," Quistis said in an almost apologetic tone. She looked at the floor for several seconds, and when she looked up her eyes were wet. "I have the abilities to be a Blue Mage, but I'm not a Blue Mage."

"Why not?" Phelan asked.

"Because she's a SeeD," Hunter said in awe. "As it stands now, the Great Mage Society doesn't fully recognize SeeDs as Mages, not even Blue Mages."

"But I thought you said we were classified as Red Mages," Phelan said.

"Classified, not accepted," Tessa explained. "It's very complicated."

"That's correct," Quistis said in a trembling voice. Tessa immediately regretted asking her question and felt a wave of shame wash over her. "I'm sorry, but I have to dismiss you early today."

There was a long silence as everyone stood up and gathered their books. Tessa was at the door when Quistis finally spoke again. "Miss Matleo? I would appreciate it if you and Mr. Vance would stay behind."

Aili mouthed "Why?" at Tessa, who just shrugged out of confusion. Tessa stood off to the side and watched as everyone else left, with the exception of Hunter, who was still at his console in the back.

"Come here, please," Quistis said as she wiped her eyes. "I apologize for my unprofessional demeanour."

"It's okay, Instructor," Tessa said, unnerved by the sight of her role model crying.

"Don't worry about it," Quistis said, her voice growing authoritative again. "I wanted to talk to you two about what happened in class between you. Do you know each other?"

"Yes, Madam, we do," Hunter said. "We both attended Lotia Garden for several years, but Antessence transferred here a few months before I had the opportunity to."

"It's Tessa," Tessa corrected through gritted teeth. "Only Instructors and people in other positions of authority call me Antessence."

"Antessence, don't be rude!" Quistis ordered, clearly shocked. "Continue, Mr. Vance."

"That's about it," Hunter said with a shrug. "Why?"

"Never mind," Quistis said with a wave. "Go on, get out of here."

"Yes, Instructor," Tessa said.

"Yes, Madam," Hunter said with a bow.

Suck up, Tessa thought bitterly. She turned around and stormed out of the room. Aili was waiting by the elevator, clearly wanting to know what had happened.

"Well?" she asked as Tessa pushed the down button.

"She didn't say much," Tessa told her. "Don't ask me why."

"Not that!" Aili said. "What was going on with you and the cute new guy?"

"Cute!" Tessa said, nearly gagging. "He is one of the most pretentious assholes I've ever met! I can't believe he followed me here!"

"I followed you?" Hunter said as he walked up to the two girls. "I didn't follow you. I just transferred after you did, that's all."

"Fuck off, Hunter," Tessa said angrily. "Leave me the hell alone."

"But of course," Hunter said with a smirk and bow. "Anything for my lady."

"His… lady?" Aili said quietly. She looked at Tessa with a grin plastered across her face. "You're his lady?"

"Actually, I'm the only one who wasn't," Tessa said in an annoyed tone. She glared at Hunter, but he didn't leave. "But, there were only five other girls in our class at Lotia Garden."

"Well, there are far more lovely women here, anyway," Hunter said as he looked over a giggling Aili. He took her hand and kissed the back of it, making Tessa want to wretch.

"Go away, Hunter," Tessa said as she hit kicked the elevator doors. "I'm not kidding."

"Aw, come on," Aili said as Hunter removed his lips from her hand and looked up. "Lighten up."

"Until we meet again," Hunter said to Aili with a smile. "Farewell, Antessence."

"It's Tessa, you stupid bastard!" she yelled at his retreating form. "Get it right or I'll kick you ass!"

"Jeez," Aili said as she looked from Tessa to Hunter. "He didn't seem that bad."

"He never does," Tessa said as the elevator dinged and the doors opened.