Sub-Mission One: S.E.E.D Exam Part B

It is not long after we have entered the belly of the beast so to speak and take our seats the vehicle's engine roars to life and it begins to move. Our destination the docks in the only tiny village on this island Balamb. Balamb Village, only a handful of homes make up the city with one hotel, one train station, docks, and small store with jack of all trades next to the weapon forge. This island isn't visited like the major continents as a matter of fact you can count the number of people who come here to visit on a single hand. I do not blame people though there is not much to come here for expect the Beaches. The rest is covered by either the small gather of woods or plains infested with monsters or the giant Mountain which encloses Balamb Garden. I would not have it any other way though I like how desolate and calm this island really can be. The other Gardens are far too close to the hectic life style of major city masses. Or for me just far too crowded with students that would just sit there and annoy the piss outta me.

A slight jar and bounce causes me to slip outta my head for a while. Seifer is sitting on the side opposite to me on the end furthest from me. Seifer is sitting in his usual fashion of his foot resting on his knee area, sitting completely upon the seat with both his elbows resting upon the upper half on said seat, his head resting upon the steel that makes up the armor of this car. Compared to my tight confinement of my personal space, I haunch my torso so that I sit somewhat in a ball my arms resting on my knees, my head down usually looking at the area between my feet, my hair covering my face from anyone trying to look and see what mood I'm in.

Jade on the other hand who is sitting next to me sits as straight as you can get his legs folded in more of a royal style and arms folded, while unlike Seifer he hangs his head a tad, Trepe however is not as much she sits with a mix of Seifer and Jade legs uncrossed just pressed tightly together arms kind of folded on her lap but in as much good poster as the two other men.

Zell on the other hand keeps bouncing his damn knees like a god damned rabbit. Not long after he is up doing some more practice of whatever dojo style he knows in my head I slowly count to three.

One…

Zell is attacking the air on his right.

Two…

Zell now attacking the air on his left…

Three…

"Hey chicken Wuss ya swatting at some fly I can't see or something?" Seifer speaks slowly and lazy the humor in his voice not lost to anyone in the car with him. Right on queue again I do have many of Seifer's reactions down he is just such a cocky prick. Jade and I both sigh in unison at our disturbed peace.

Zell face flushes red in rage and he swings in the general area of where Seifer is. This servers to amuse Seifer even more the dumbass is walking right into his trap… again.

"Dah fuck did you say?" Zell growls out through gritted teeth. Hook, line, and sinker is all that passes my train of thought Zell took the bait like a crazed fish.

"Oh you heard me Chicken Wuss." Seifer states in his usual overly cocky tone and the sneer only added fuel to the fire in Zell's very short fuse it seems. 'Cause he takes another swing before his fist meets the palm of Seifer's hand. Okay make that very, very, VERY short fuse for Zell's temper.

At this point I try to drown out the useless bickering between the two male blonds. Okay now this is making my head throb yay add another to the already painful sensation of my side. My mood begins to darken before an odd growl comes from the man at my side.

"WOULD YOU GROW UP AND SIT THE FUCK DOWN!" Jade shouts out he has lost his cool it seems to the pointless bickering as well. "This isn't a game you two get your act together ESPICALY you mister group leader!" Jade growls out while pointing at Seifer for his antics. Just when it seems Seifer is going to drag Jade into the fight just for more amusement.

"Jade has a point Mister Almasy. As Captain of your unit I expect you to set a better example of yourself." Trepe says cold, cut, and clear. This causes all of us to look at her and a shudder of fear suddenly running down my spine. Okay you know that look women give when you say or do something you should not in front of them… well that is the look she has pointed at both Seifer and Zell. "As for you Mister Dincht you are not allowed to swing at your own team mate for any reason you will have points docked from your score. Now sit down and shut up." Though Trepe's voice is even the glint in her eyes tells me that if they cross her she will flunk them out just like that without a second thought, and with that both stop talking Zell taking a seat and stewing in his own point dock mistake every point counts and losing any could mean the difference between pass and fail I kind of do feel bad but at the same time I do not.

Jade bites his tongue knowing he best just keep his mouth shut for the outburst. Only nods that he understands and goes back to thinking whatever it was he was thinking about before the fight Seifer picked.

I feel a shift in the energy around me and I see, No really I see Lan'nakke's hand as she smacks both Seifer and Zell upside the head and by the sight it is with all her might too. I watch in some amusement as both heads suddenly dip and we all hear the loud smack as the hands make impact with the heads. This causing Jade and Trepe to look at the two shell-shocked, Zell looking about to piss himself and Seifer dazed from the hit judging from it she hit Seifer with far more force than she did with Zell. That is when I realize I can now fully see her without aid of mirrors and such. I can see her bent over whispering something into Seifer's ear and I watch him pale a shade. When I catch a glimpse of her face the look from a single eye alone has every hair on my body standing on end.

That's the look a wild animal would give when you pissed it off beyond what you should have. The look that you will be dead, the look of a true fearless Alpha predator above the food chain of even the most power-full spell casters around and GFs or Warriors for that matter. It is then I have to know what it is that set her off normally she is kind of all laughs and jokes and likes to in a sense dance you around on her terms, but whatever she said to Seifer was not any joke and she would do whatever it is she said to Seifer. I watch as she comes back over my way glancing at me coolly before standing by my side closest to the exit of this beast of a car.

Has she been there the whole time? Okay note to self, do not ever piss off this ghost. Who knows what stories are true about the Supernatural as far as causing bodily harm to the living.

"What… what was that?" Both Jade and Trepe ask in unison. Voice's clearly in shock. Zell only groans at his new headache induced from the head blow of the spirit of Lan'nakke.

"Never mind let's just shut up the rest of the ride." Seifer sighs out more than likely with a new headache as well I wonder if the two of them will have a knot at the impact spot of Lan'nakke's hands. When no one is around I will ask the woman what it is that pissed her off so much to react in such a manner.

As for the remainder of the car ride it was very silent. As we got out of the car and started our way to our second ride for across the sea. Unlike the typical ships out in the ocean these things are built small and compact as well as aerodynamic they can cross seas within minutes compared to other ships which would take a few hours. Painted a pure black to blend in with darker times of the day and night, truly these things are a sight to behold even just sitting in a dock, rumor is that these ships have such strong hull that it can go right through a coral reef, an ice-burg, and even concrete and take no damage. I wonder if we will get to see if those rumors are true.

"Ja sure do get excited 'bout strange things." Lan'nakke whispers in my ear causing me to jump though the tone is off she is still not in a good mood that much I know. "Come now cub I know ja can see me now, stop being so damn jumpy." She sighs out.

"You are not exactly the most predictable ghost either you know…" I whisper out just loud enough she hears it but too quiet for anyone else to pick up that I said anything at all. I would like to keep certain things to myself thank you very much and one of those things being I am being haunted by one hell of a woman. No fear what so ever I swear she cannot be a human ghost. Not with the way she carries herself and the way she acts and… the fact that her tail is actually swaying! Her ears even just twitched at the breeze off the cool ocean!

Something tells me that a major change is coming. Much bigger than what has occurred already. This change isn't just about me though it includes Seifer too but what is it that it wants from the two of us though? I suppose we will find out if we want to or not there is no escape from this path now…

With the breeze that meets my face I know now why I have never known of this being I was free of the path till I hit seventeen that is when all the strange dreams started. You know what I am not going to run from this path I will walk with my head held high no matter what fate has in store for me and Seifer. With my mind made up I start my way to the ship and I am the last to load before the hatch seals shut and we begin to move as I take my seat between Zell and Jade.

Seifer and Trepe sit on the other side of the ship. Odd Lan'nakke is not in the ship's meeting room. I spare a glance to the stairs that lead to the upper level of the ship she is not there either up above perhaps then? Something must be wrong with her then, or she is just that upset with Seifer and Zell?

After fifth-teen minutes pass another woman walks in I know who she is all too well cause she is usually the one on Seifer's ass about getting through this test already and other things I will not name. Xu one of the people who has close ties to Trepe but unlike the rest of those groupies she actually has a very high rank. Guess the two ladies eat together and such cause Trepe has a small smile grace her lips.

Jade, Zell, and myself all stand and bow to Xu to show respect to her rank which is far above us. Seifer however just remains seated and sighs deeply as Xu glances at him. "Ah Seifer how many more times must I see you before you pass your S.E.E.D exam?" She states coolly.

"Tch give me one that isn't so stupid and boring and I will pass." Seifer states rather cold back at her.

Goodness did she strike a nerve on the seemingly impenetrable fortress of cockiness? Xu nods at us allowing us to take our seat while Seifer and she were making an exchange.

"So what is the objective for our students this evening?" Trepe asks as Xu makes her way to the giant screen of the ship. The ship's lights begin to dull as the screen lights up. Bringing up a map of our test, the map comes into focus and shows the little town known as Dollet. Odd what does that little town have to do with this, though that place is much bigger than Balamb Village but it doesn't have much of anything to it anyways?

Even as Xu's voice takes charge and she starts to explain our mission's details a small part of me wonders just what is wrong with Lan'nakke. She still has not come down here and joined us since after the car trip here. Hate to say it but I kind of miss her being around now, how odd. After Xu leaves to the front of the ship again I take that moment to go and check up on a certain cat spirit.

As I climb the steps to the top deck looking out onto the ocean I see Lan'nakke with her legs hanging over the rail. She looks out onto the vast ocean seeming to be lost in her own trail of thought. I dare not make a sound I calmly reach her, she knows I am here but she has chosen to keep her comments to herself as of right now. Somber is all I can say that would best describe her right now at this very moment.

"So what do I own the pleasure of having the Cub come and check up on me?" Lan'nakke says in just as somber a tone as her current mood. Something is very wrong.

"…" I sigh to myself not sure why I came up here in the first place something in me just would not let me leave her alone for too long. After a few more moments drag on and Lan'nakke says nothing more I finally for the first time in my life engage conversation. "Lan'nakke what is the matter?"

I watch as she slowly turns her head in my direction her emotions seem to be dancing in those bright blue eyes. They narrow at first she is thinking of something to say. I just turn my head to look onto the ocean as she thinks to herself out of the corner of my eye I watch her turn her head back to the ocean as well.

"If only it was so simple to just come right out and say it… oh how I wish it was that simple, sadly the world does not operate that way. So long… how long has it been since my time here… since I was once human I wonder." She speaks slowly and with a reason she says this first. I hold my tongue waiting for her to say what she wants. "Who knows at this point eh? Who cares either? Yet in the war that I have fought, I am the reason your kind has to fear the ones born known as Sorceresses' far-less only a few are around now. I bet you would love to know about those dreams you've been having as of late. What secrets I am keeping from you. Oh if only it were so easy." She starts to chuckle.

I cannot help but shudder at the chuckle it was just like one I would give very rare but that was mine. I slowly turn my head and both our eyes lock, I then see it the color of her eyes has changed to a Stormy-Blue grey just like mine. She then speaks again this time it sounds almost identical to me…

"There is much the world hides from humans much more than they would ever care to know. You and I are one we are the same I am here to guide and awaken the true you before the path of your future self happens again. Before hell truly breaks loose and destroys everything this world has to offer. This time I will not allow the same path to happen you will awaken, as will my knight." This causes me to back away.

"You…. You are a Sorceress?" I ask quietly really not waiting to hear her answer but at the same time I do have to know.

"Tch… do not insult me my reincarnation. I am no whore such as that what I am, is something much… much different. Fur white as pure-white light with a hit of radiant gold of sunlight, odd spots of supernatural blizzard blue, Icy blue eyes that glow in the dark, Large silver like fangs and claws, Echoing supernatural roar. A great cat that saved you from the T-rexer… that child was me. I must release that form every now and again in order to walk among you. You have my powers you are me of this time I will not be corrupted this time. The power you now have is very dangerous and with the way your mind is right now you can be swayed easy enough. Without guidance that is…" She states in the same tone much as I would love to tell her she is nuts or crazy. While watching her turn around and the movement of ears pulling back and the jerk of her tail, the way she was describing the beast both Seifer and I had seen last night and the same one of my dreams. She is telling the truth but… I am her? What does she mean the path I was on is being changed how can she travel back in time like that?

"You have many questions I am sure you do but Squall… the mission starts now I will talk with you at a later time tonight for now we fight and we pass this test. Do we have an accord?" She states though it seems like a question I know full well it is not one I nod and I see an odd smile grace the woman's lips "I suggest you get below deck this ships 'bout to go through that concert wall." Sure enough I see one coming up and fast I end up taking the stairs down to the lower half of the ship and tell everyone to brace themselves, not even a moment after I say that the ship sure enough plows through the wall.

Now I know why it felt like something was off the other day. Like I had been picked up as a game piece and moved to a different start. And if what Lan'nakke says is true and the other path lead to horrible things then I suppose I cannot hate her for it truly though I do not like that I have been played like just another game piece. That is the thought that passes my mind as the ships front opens up and we are dispatched on our mission. Even though Lan'nakke is nowhere I can see her right now I know she is close by more than likely already on the battle field looking into what we are up against. Though that leaves another question forming in my head if she has changed fate like she did, does that mean that other things have been changed as well?

Point of view shift ~ Lan'nakke

I can feel it now though I only changed one thing everything else is shifting whatever path we are to take this time will have new foes and new partners and this time I will save the Knight who was always and always has been mine from the whore's hand. This time MY Knight will be on the right side and will be protecting the right one. Knights were never for Sorceress for ja see they had no interest in a mortal but when they found out what I had done with one such mortal that changed everything. Many lifetimes I have stayed awaiting the day I would be reborn in a body but my Knight was not so lucky as I, he had been reborn many a time and the whore… excuse me Sorceress of that time had taken him and made him hers. My anger has only grown for those things and the elements screamed in such agony that added more fuel to the fire each time they used their powers they hurt the very spirits that are of the elements some have many some only have one.

I slow to a stop as I hear the gunshots of a fight nearby poor bastards of Dollet they lack the training to fight the army that has invaded them suppose I have some time to kill till it's time to aid Squall and Seifer again. I assume the form of my Inner beast and charge right into the line of fire. As I stand before the battle field I see why they are trying so hard to get the army out of this area or distract them long enough to rescue a family that got trapped in the cross fire. I see an infant maybe only a few months old at most and as I glance at the foes I see a Gatling gun and some other guns firing at the area the soldiers of Dollet have hidden at. Well that hardly seems fair.

I react according to my nature and jump into the line of fire even with the rain of bullets being fired in the area I dodge each one effortlessly the bullets only just glancing my fur. I have one of two choices charge the gunner and have the car the family has hidden behind have a chance of being hit or safeguard them to a safe area by knocking one of the tank cars over and using it as a shield to get them out of here. I pick choice two ramming into the cars side causing a rather large dent in the armor thankfully it won't matter now that the top is in the line of fire. I grab onto the main skeleton of the car and use my power to force the car to move towards the family. The rain of bullets sounding much like rain when it is a violet storm outside, the sound of metal being dragged on concert though it hurts my ears it is a necessary evil to ensure no one gets harmed. As I get next to the car the family doesn't seem too sure of what to do and if they should fully trust me, not that I can blame them.

The father watching me with close eyes before nodding at his family and telling them to stick close to the car and the big kitten pulling the car, I lead them to an alley way and once all of them are in I swing the car so that the blocks off the alley from any stray bullets that are about to happen. Nothing pisses me off more than humans and their guns today they get so into them now, shameless; there is no more pride left in the world it seems, no more honor, no more real fights. Ja monkeys wanna use your guns fine but when I shatter those weapons in front of your faces I wonder just how brave ja will be then. Not very brave if ja have the gull to do that with innocent bystanders in the middle of fire, I will show ja what fear is!

Again I charge the army this time with blinding speed and god-like grace. I can't help but let a smile grace my feline lips as I let lose a combo of spells that will prevent others not part of this gun fight to be harmed. After all being a magic user ja better not just have offensive magic but defensive magic as well as healing artes under your command. "Oh mighty glades of hades hear my plea, aid these poor beings from harm that are not my enemy, protect them with your unending armor! Pentagonal Rites."

With those last words I jump over the border the army had formed sinking my fangs into the skull of one of the many soldiers. Even with the armor on my large saber-like fangs go right through as I taste a metallic tinge I know this human is dead as I release the corpse I turn allowing a growl to pass my now curling lips showing my now bloody fangs. It's time to even the odds, paybacks a bitch; and the bitch has arrived.

Point of view shift ~ Squall

We had made it to our section of the battle field with only a few fights. That has made Seifer very annoyed he wants more action than we have gotten. I cannot blame him for it I was kind of expecting more myself but that was not the case. Though we can hear gun fire not far from us we have not left the area. Much as Seifer wants to Jade had somehow talked Seifer out of going that way saying something about having a bad feeling. I have this odd bitter metallic taste in my mouth and it bothers me. The hound Seifer had kicked because he was annoyed at it ran over to the other side of the fountain and began to howl. This caused me Seifer and Zell to all run and hide behind the fountain the dog came running by us leaping over the car. We hear screaming and gun fire seeing many soldiers running by us panic clear in their movements. As the last guy rounds the corner we all hear the roar belonging to none other than Lan'nakke.

"NOOOOO!" The Soldier shirks out as we watch the massive cat form come from the air pouncing the man to the ground we watch as she draws back her head before surging forward and impaling the man with her massive fangs. She holds onto the man as his life drains out of him even after the man is long dead she holds on a few moments more ensuring that is a kill.

With a sickening sound of a wet pop she extracts herself from the body before glancing my way I hear her clearly as does Seifer.

"We need to move now, if you do not something bad is going to happen!" She yells from the distance before turning and running after the other fleeing soldiers.

"We need to follow that cat." Seifer says.

"What are you NUTS man!? Didn't you see what it did to that soldier?!" Zell shouts at Seifer.

"I'm sure it knew we were here Zell and it chose to not attack us… come on we need to hurry." Seifer again trying to get them to come with him to find out just what it was the cat wanted.

"Seifer's right…" I state the urgency in Lan'nakke's voice makes it clear we need to start moving now.

"Wha… you going all buddy, buddy with Seifer now man? I thought you two hated each other!" Zell says shocked as usual.

I glare daggers at the stupid blond thankfully I'm saved from saying anything more as Jade decides to speak up.

"No that is part of our mission investigate anything that seems even slightly suspicious and I say that cat beast is suspicious!" Jade states cold, clear, and cut to the point, inside I thank the man for bringing that up.

"Ah… that is true… but still. I suppose we have no choice though." Zell sighs out before cracking his knuckles and adds "Let's do this shit!"

With that the four of us move out running across the bridge coming up on random bodies that she had taken out along the way. As we make our way along I notice we are no longer in town and this usually means there are monsters very close by. We come to an area with many of Dollet's Soldiers sitting around all hurt some more so than others. Seifer walks up to one close to the bushes.

"What happened here?" He asks kneeling down the man looks up tired as hell.

"They wiped us out without even trying. We are not really fighters here." The man manages to say.

"What is up here that they want so badly?" Jade asks the man.

"Just the old out of order Communication Tower it has been out for more the four decades though so I don't understand why." He says nearly outta breath.

"We need to move to the Communication Tower then." Seifer says just as he is about to walk away the man grabs his leg.

"You be careful there are many nasty monsters lurking about… ah… AH… HELP ME!" The man says as one of the monsters tries to drag the man away. Seifer and I quickly grab the man's arms and force the beast to show itself.

"It's a serpent they use venoms and toxins be on your guard." Jade states just as a large scaly green serpent makes, an appearance before us only it has friends as well.

"Well this makes things more interesting! Come on you big stupid worm let's dance!" Seifer says clearly enjoying the odds. Well he was looking for a fight now he has one to say the least.

That is fine by me as well four on four we each have a beast to keep us busy for a few moments at least. These ones are only hatchlings not the adult ones but they say the venom is far more potent in the younger ones than older ones.

Just as we are about to engage the serpents we watch as giant ice spears impale the beasts. We all are shell shocked as is the man we are trying to help. Lan'nakke stands before us all.

"No time for games… ja need to move now!" She says to us though with the way I watch Zell and Jade take battle stance I'm sure it only came out as a growl.

"At ease you two I think this big fur ball only wants us to keep moving." Seifer states the other two looked stunned at Seifer. The beast snorts and nods causing both the men to relax.

"Lan'nakke will you make sure these men get down safe?" I ask I really do not want to leave these guys around if there are more of the hatchlings around waiting for an easy meal which is what these men are right now. As all three men glance at me I ignore them.

"But of course ja just need to hurry up." She says in her usual tone, well looks like she is back to normal now.

With that we take off again this time nothing is going to stop us from reaching the Communication Tower. When we do arrive which is a relatively short trip up the mountain path we can hear the sounds of the tower. It has power on as you can hear the electricity running through faulty wiring. I suppose that is what happens when you allow something to grow old and not take care of it.

Seifer jumps down instead of walking the rest of the way running up to the door he calls out to us. "Hurry the fuck up!"

I sigh following suit.

"You guys are nuts!" Zell calls out after us. "You know how much of a drop that is!?"

"See you down there Zell…" Jade says landing next to me not long after I had jumped.

Zell mumbles some shit before he comes down. "LOOK OUT BELOW!" He yells landing and falling on his side causing the three of us to sigh to ourselves. I swear with the way this guy acts you think he would like this kind of shit. Chicken wuss was right.

Seifer push's the doors open, odd empty. As we walk in a tool comes crashing down next to us. We all look up and see where the men had gone they are up stairs now. "Alright up we go." Seifer says as he hits the switch to the elevator to bring us to the upper level the enemy is on.

When the elevator stops at the upper level we all walk off and stand before the two soldiers one in blue the other in read. The one in blue is rather skinny to his counterpart in red who is much bigger and buffer. Making for an interesting combo one surely has tons of power the other has the speed. Neither one has noticed the four of us approaching them.

"Hey dumbass's what the fuck are ya doing up here?" Seifer states with his Gun-blade Hyperion drawn and ready for action, typical Seifer.

"Huh… wha… What da fuck is a bunch of kiddos doing up 'round these parts? Wedge didn't I tell ya to do your damned job and keep punks away while I fix this here Communication Tower. You failed again! This month's pay is docked!" The one in Red shouts at the one in blue now known as Wedge.

Wedge groans out loud clearly not happy about having his pay docked. Poor guy it is not like he was expecting anyone in the first place most of these Dollet guys are not fighters anyways you can see it in their eyes. That is why they had to request back up.

"Suppose I've got no choice but to deal with the pests this time 'round, Come on kiddos show me what' cha got!" The one in red states taking a battle stance, he doesn't use any weapons? No way I do not believe that he has to have one on him somewhere suppose we will find out as we fight.

"Biggs I ain't leaving you to this alone." Wedge states he joins the fight with a sword common to their army. Nothing all the special about it looks like a katana.

As Seifer, Zell and I all go into range and close combat Jade stays back. His weapon choice is bow and arrows but he majors in offensive magic. He casts a few fires at Biggs and Wedge both being blocked and knocked up the Tower. Just as the two are about to use a combo attack something blows them out of the way. The strong winds force the four of us to grab onto anything that will not move.

As the winds die down we see a massive monster landing. What the hell is this thing I have never seen this type before in our logs. I shout to Jade since he is our monsters expert. "What is that thing Jade?"

As we all stand and brace ourselves Jade speaks. "I don't really remember to be honest there is very little date on things like this beast. Judging from the body though we have to be weary of poisons and wind gust it seems to have control over."

Sure enough the beast swings at us with it massive claws. As it tries to impale us with its massive stinger of its lower body, the beast is smart and uses powerful wind gust to make it harder to dodge it forcing us to block or take damage. Jade is using magic infused arrows while it sends powerful gusts at us melee fighters. The beast might be smart by not smart enough to not be tricked by Jade distraction strategy. As the beast start charging Jade we group up and attack together stunning the giant beast.

"Squall can ja hear me?" I hear Lan'nakke's voice echo in my head.

"Not now Lan'nakke we are busy fighting a monster right now!" I think in my head hopefully sending the message to Lan'nakke.

"I am well aware of that! You need to pull the Spirit attached to the monster!" Lan'nakke snaps at me. That causes me to jerk forcing me to duck as claws miss me by just inches.

"I do not have any of the GF's junction to me right now so I cannot! Damn it woman you almost got me hurt!" I snap at her.

"Don't ja start with me how many bloody times do I have to tell ja? YOU ARE NOT LIKE THE OTHERS! Use that damn head of yours, focus you will feel the pull!" Lan'nakke snaps back at me a growling edge overlaying her words. I am so glad she is not with me right at the moment I am sure I would end up getting hit upside the head like Seifer and Zell have been.

"I will try." I state.

"No don't try… DO you will do it." She roars back at me.

So I try to summon these supposed powers I have locked inside me. As I do everything around me seems to stop. All time frozen as it is with Zell punching the head of the massive beast, Seifer blocking on of the hands with his sword, and Jade firing arrows and magic at the beast while I jump back dodging the other hand. That is when time is frozen and I am pulled into someplace dark.

I look around unable to figure out what has just happened I want to think I just got impaled and died but after a few moments a strange light appears and a woman with long blond hair is curled up in a ball crying. With nothing else in site but pure darkness I walk over to the woman.

Just as I am about a foot away the woman's head snaps up harshly and she hisses at me "What do you want? Why have you come here!?" tears still streaming down her cheeks as she speaks, I am not really sure what to do.

"Hey take it easy I am only here looking for whatever spirit it is attached to this monster my group and I are fighting right now. Damn it Lan'nakke why would you not tell me what I am looking for…" I state coolly to the woman now pissed at being yelled at by this stranger.

"Lan'nakke… you mean 'the' Lan'nakke?" The girl asks now standing up it is then I notice she is naked this makes me turn my head away closing my eyes. A little warning would have been nice!

"Why are you naked!?" I ask in an odd tone that makes me feel strange.

"… You are naked too…" She says she ends up giggling as I open my eyes look down and then cover certain regions that should not be on display!

"You are a shy one, how cute. That is how it is here we are not in the world of the living right now you are in a spirit room. Things you wear in human world can't appear in this world." The spirit giggles out. That only causes me to blush more wonderful so everyone can see your package that lives here then. "You still haven't answered me though."

"If you mean a certain lady that has the ability turn into a giant ass cat, then yes!" I snap not to happy right now. Why did it have to be a woman who I encountered in here? I end up sighing to myself out loud.

"By Hyne it has been so long since she has walked the Earth!" The blond woman chirps a bit too happy. She is so excited she ends up hopping up and down while clapping her hands in excitement.

"Who are you to be exact?" I ask which cause's this woman to frown.

She flicks my nose casing me to hiss and pull back using one of my hands to hold onto my now sore nose. "Dummy you are the one who opened this Spirit room surely you know who I am!"

"I assure you he does not yet understand his powers." Another woman's voice calls out startling me. I hear deep laughter of a male join and a chuckle of a lighter voice male join as well.

Okay what the fuck is going on now? I ask myself in my head who in the fuck are these people?

"Shiva! Ifrit! Quezacotl! By Hyne above it really is you guys!" the woman says.

Okay that enough for me. "Whoa, whoa, whoa! Wait just one damn minute what do you mean by those names those are GF's not these people!" I shout this causes the group to smile at me all at the same time, creepy very creepy.

"So you really don't understand the power you have?" The blond asks again and gets one of my icy glares. She looks taken aback by my reaction.

"Do not worry Siren he is just learning of his powers time is running short will you join us here in Squall?" The guy who 'Siren' called Ifrit asks.

"Yes I accept the boy as my new owner and keeper!" She says walking over to me she grabs my hand firmly and I feel an odd sensation I cannot really explain it is making me feel dizzy though. The black room I was end fades out I am back in fight, the real world and time is starting to move again. Both my legs give out as an odd aura enters my body. I cannot move or block the attack that is about to hit me.

Shit this is going to hurt just as the beast attack is about to land however I watch as something wraps around the middle finger of the monster and pulls back throwing the monster off balance.

"There you guys are I've been looking everywhere for you! Name's Selphie Tilmitt I am here to give orders that we are to evacuate the area at once!" She says as the beast slams into the wall.

As I stand on my feet once more I have this woman to thank she just prevented me from taking damage and having no way to block.

"Lovely idea, big, bad, and ugly here isn't going to let us go so easy!" Seifer states and the beast pushes off the way roaring at being annoyed by this little ball of fire.

"Now is the time to show you something about my ability, awaken blade guide the boy." I hear Lan'nakke say in my head again and I feel an odd power surge I feel the sword pull me up. Before I know what is going on I call on energy which wraps around the blade I can feel it begging to be released and I cannot deny it. I create a vertical arc and the energy leaves the blade in the same arc splitting the beast in two. I feel my nose starting the bleed again as the four people turn and stare at me.

"Dah fuck didn't you do that in the first place Squall?!" Zell shouts as the beast's body fades away back into the very flow of life. Please do not come by me right now I do not feel so good I think I am about to puke. So dizzy now so very dizzy.

"Much as I would love to stand around and talk about it," Seifer starts "I think we better start moving our asses to the ship!" With that everyone agrees and we all get on the elevator heading down to the base.

As the others run ahead of us Seifer walks up and asks "Squall what was that?" He hands me a rag he always has on hand for the bloody nose I seem to keep getting after I use those powers Lan'nakke has been showing me.

I take the rag thankful I do not have to let anyone else see this issue. "I really do not know Seifer I need to talk with Lan'nakke and soon. Once I have this washed I will return it to you thanks." I say as we catch up with the others.

Upper level ~ Communication Tower – Biggs

"You think this is over ya brats…. I'll show you." Biggs says as he crawls over to the other side of the platform. He pulls a device to him clicking a button to summon something. "Take care of the pests not one of them gets away ya hear!?" Biggs says as he faints.

A large weapon crafted and created by engineers of the army. Jumps from the tower running after the targets it was told to hunt.

Path leading to ~ Communication Tower – Seifer's point of view

I had never before seen that ability before in my life I could feel the pure energy as Squall swung his blade. As sharp as any blade maybe sharper it sliced right through the beast like a molten hold knife through butter.

Squall says this has something to do with him and Lan'nakke I would love for him to speak of more details but with these people around it wouldn't be such a good idea.

Just as we make it to the edge of the Dollet town the ground begins to quiver throwing all of us off balance. A huge machine now in our path to the docks, shit just what we need we have less than ten minutes to make it to the docks now!

"There is no way in hell we will have time to kill this and make it to the docks in time!" Jade shouts he doesn't seem too pleased either and judging by the others they are not either. Squall however seems to be thinking.

"Can we just cause enough damage to stun it while we run away?" Squall asks alright Squall that's using you head and voice.

"Yes lighting and water based attacks work best here." Jade answers back pushing his glasses back up to the ridge of his nose, now is a great time to be working together and we are going to do just that till we all get the fuck outta here. However I can't say I don't mind the thrill of such a small time frame it makes this mission that much better.

I watch Squall grab his head before hissing. "Do not bother trying to fight it. I have an ability that will stun it in one go." This makes us all look at Squall funny before any of us have time to ask Squall is already chanting something. "Oh might of reckless powers around, energy trapped and with no way out, I call forth a mighty surge know as, Lighting Blade." With those words we watch an odd glyph form under the machine and before me know it and huge blade of pure lighting energy crackles before hitting dead center of the glyph and surging into the machine. We watch the machine fall and we know it's time to run now. As we run I see Squall's nose has begun to bleed again and then I also notice Squall doesn't have his GF's on him!

How in Hyne's name is he casting spells then!? I wanna know but getting to the docks come first, we get stopped once more and Squall summons his 'Lighting Blade' ability again and as before it falls.

We are just at the end when the machine comes running at us again Squall has fallen behind us. He is dizzy I can see it as I push the other three ahead I turn around and run back for Squall. Just as the machine is about to use its leg to attack Squall I grab his arm and pull him boosting his speed we jump down the flight of stairs together which throws both of us off. The machine lands just an inch away from us forcing both Squall and myself up we jump on the boat just as the hatch begins to close. The machine getting ready to attack the ship we watch as something open fire above from the upper level the ship mowing it down with easy. The doors shut and the ship heads home.

I help Squall to a seat stubborn as he is right now he hasn't the strength to fight me as I sit him next to me forcing him to use my body as support. He's worn from the powers he's been using today. I can see that now. As we get back to Balamb Harbor Squall had fallen asleep, instead of waking the poor boy up I pick him up and take him to the car. It was in the car ride back Squall woke up groaning something about Lan'nakke.

We are sent upstairs to away our results from the exam. I will more than likely fail this one too. I am with Raj and Fu keeping an eye on a certain lone wolf. I am not the only one though Jade is as well he on the other wall right across from Squall watching him. Zell and Selphie on the other hand and pacing the hallway, some others from the other units are here as well.

It's been over an hour now I wish they would hurry the fuck up. Not long after I think that Xu walks up the hall way. So she is in charge of the announcement of who passed no surprise there. "Those names I call are the one who have passed the test." Xu says calm as can be.

"Zell Dincht." Xu starts off with.

"SWEET!" Zell shouts as he does the oddest run past Xu gloating bout passing.

"Selphie Tilmitt." Xu calls off next.

"Wahooo! You all ain't got 'nothing on me!" She says bouncing past Xu with unending energy it seems.

"Jade Rhodes, Squall Leonhart, and…. It's about damn time, Seifer Almasy." Xu says

I am shocked but I just follow the other two to hide that. We are on the way to Cid's office for the rest of the formal shit that comes with becoming an S.E.E.D but how the fuck did I pass. I glance at Jade who has a smile on his face.

"I put in a good word for you that something much worse would have happened had we not moved and in all honesty I wasn't telling a total lie you saved men's lives out there Seifer." Jade says calmly as we take the ride up to Cid's room. I know now that I own this man for that. I nod at him. Squall has kept quiet the entire time lost in that head of his again it seems.

As we arrive we all take our place in front of Cid our Headmaster. He gives a speech that I don't really listen to and then reads over our reports talking to each person so no one else hears them. After giving his speech and all that jazz he allows us our leave pulling Squall to the side and handing him something odd. Before ushering him out of the room as well, because the yellow guy kept telling him he needed to go meet with the other guy for this place or some shit like that.

Squall doesn't seem happy that I was lagging behind just so I could be alone with him while we head down for the party for those who passed the exam. Oh well Squall I have to know what happened on the battlefield today.

Instead of telling me anything he gave me a time and place to meet him at and walked away. He's not planning to go to the party at all. However a meeting with Lan'nakke is a pretty good excuse I will say.

After taking my new catch to meet with Headmaster Cid I end up at the spot where Squall and Lan'nakke are at. The massive cat is Lan'nakke then? I join the two and then Lan'nakke begins to explain just what is going on.

Sub-mission – S.E.E.D Exam – Completed.

~ Passing students :

~Zell Dincht – Rank 10~

~Selphie Tilmitt - Rank 14~

~Jade Rhodes – Rank 15~

~Squall Leonhart – Rank 16~

~Seifer Almasy – Rank 16~

End of Sub-mission ~ Well done cadets!

(~~Author's note~~)

And I have banged out another chapter in such a short amount of time. Not of the same story but of course but two different ones. Not sure why I am on a roll but hey so long as I get some updates going eh? *shrugs*

I found that I was having to many mysteries at one time so that is why I gave away who/what Lan'nakke is in a way as well as why she is so closely tied to Squall. Though I have not mentioned it in the story Seifer couldn't understand the beast like Squall could only Squall could hear her in that form. I based the ranks off my own test and with Seifer and Squall always pushing one another I wanted them to have the same rank, the point dock did hurt Zell but he was able to pass as well.

This is just the start of changes for those who played the game Seifer never passed the Exam in the first place. In my version however he does due to Lan'nakke's interference she is changing the past so to speak to prevent the horrible event to unfold we all know happens. Those powers Rinoa gets turns her too it takes time but the fall to an unknown voice that temps them or at least that is my concept of it.

I also skipped things in the party because I found them to be something unimportant. Again I said I would follow the story closely but I have changed my mind in a way trying to remember everything they have in the damn game tries my nerves really fast. I will follow it but this is where my version drifts from the original version. Rinoa and Squall do not meet here either as I have said I found the romance story in here to be total bullshit thus this paring is not going to happen. The pairing for Squall is still undecided so do not assume anything at this point other than its' non Squall/Rinoa. (I personally don't like the damn whore anyways she ended up as my meat shield in the game.)

I do hope you like this update and thank you for taking the time to read my stories. *bows*