There was that noise again, the blaring continuing noise that would not stop no matter how she wished it to. And when her mind connected with the fact that the noise would continue on incessantly until she rose from her bed and turned the contraption off herself. Kaidia made a mental promise to figure out who had come up with the idea of alarm clocks and write a letter of protest. But that was a stupid thought, her mind argued. Whoever created alarm clocks was long safe in a realm where moody teenagers and adults could not reach, until death.

Untangling her body from her stirring pet, she rose to turn the noise off. The sun was just beginning to peek above the horizon, leaving just visible streaks of darkness left. The dark was slowly being pushed away by the soft golden and almost hazel purple of the waking sun. Taking a brush from her dresser, she abstractedly ran it through her mid back length tresses of mused hair, humming the song that Bast had sung to her late in the night when she could not rest. When that was done, she fixed Bast his breakfast, kibble and a condiment on top.

She looked around her small dorm, listening intently to the sounds of her friend, Ronna Dincht waking up from her own dreams and saying loudly enough for her to hear, about something being very wrong with people who are chronically early for everything. She still had around two hours before she was to meet at the front gate of Galbadia Garden.

As Bast ate his breakfast, she got dressed. Finding her formal SeeD Cadet uniform and donning it quickly as her skin prickled in the unprotected air. All the SeeD cadets were expected to wear their uniforms during this mission and they would be docked points for showing up in casual clothes.

Glancing in the mirror, she observed the results. A black sweater top with two stripes of gold around the collar with one separating the neck from the other section of the top which ended in a gold plume like tie that hung down the front of the outfit. At the shoulders was a decorative pattern of gold that wove over the black and a second string of gold encircled the wrists and the waist of the uniform. A black skirt that flared out slightly from her waist and ended at her knees, with one stripe of fine gold woven at the very front of the skirt, following the line of the bow finished the required part uniform. Adding to this she pulled on calf socks which were quickly covered with black hiking boots. Some of the more fashion conscious girls of her age, had commentated that boots with a skirt was blasphemy, but to her it was practical, boots offered more protection then shoes as they were thicker and harder to break. Not that Kaidia really cared what the others thought of her and her choices.

She organized her collection of back up weapons she would need for this venture. It occurred to her that as she looked at her five sets of daggers, she was keeping herself as calm as possible by following her morning routine down to a tee; as if this was just going to be another day of training and classes for her, and nothing out of the ordinary was happening. Sighing now, she realized she had just come too far to back down now and, despite the feeling that her life was about to take a drastic and unforeseen change, she could not abandon this attempt. It was an odd feeling, as if a part of her knew something other than the SeeD exam was going to happen that day, and that quiet and calm section of her mind was cautioning the more nervous section to prepare for the challenge. But, there was no backing down now. It wasn't just so that Kayden wouldn't rub it in her face that she got scared because it seemed to her that this was right. It seemed to her that she was supposed to be here, in this moment, preparing for a day that would change her life. Like there was a hidden secret, about to be revealed, and this was only the beginning.

Kaidia took a dagger holder and strapped it to her upper leg, hidden under her skirt in case she had to dive and defend herself at the same moment. Two sharp daggers sat there. Another two sat at her waist, in hidden compartments and one up either sleeve. Two circular collapsible shuriken were hidden in the inside of her sweater top, buried in a hidden compartment she designed. As far as she knew, she was one of the only cadets to have circular throwing discs, and had thus been identified and teased as being over paranoid.

She knew the dangers of being a SeeD, (expect the unexpected) and had been impressed that a SeeD should never be without a weapon at any time or trust a seemingly secure situation to fate or luck. So she had about twenty daggers and other weapons stashed in hidden locations in her room and out in the main section she shared with Ronna. If another attack on Garden would occur, she would not be one to go down without a fight.

And now the primary weapon…her Gunblade, never given a proper name, she cleaned the blade and trigger until it shone and made completely sure she had enough ammunition with her for whatever could occur, and then strapped the blade to her back and left her room with her dog following her. Of course she needed her leather gloves. No one could handle a Gunblade without wearing protection on their hands. They needed to keep a steady grip on the powerful, mysterious weapon, and if their grip was nervous, it would lax due to sweat. The gloves made sure that even if the user was nervous, hot or cold there would be no difference to how they handled their weapon. And because of that, she learned to handle all weapons with the thick gloves. As she walked, she pulled them on.

It was now one quarter to 0700 hours.

Following her morning routine, she ended up in the cafeteria, after taking a quick and wakeful run through the dark red halls of her only home. She was not surprised to see Kayden there, waiting for her at the door. His expression was calm, but there were emotions that surged beneath his soft hazel eyes, the same emotions she was feeling. Kaidia was sure that all the sixteen cadets about to place their trust in their skills were as nervous as herself and Kayden. Catching his left hand with her right, she gently squeezed as he repeated the gesture. They hugged briefly, and his lips lingered over her cheek. They might be rivals but something deeper existed between the two of them. It was a hard relationship to figure out…and many just ended up shaking their heads at the two of them and walking away.

Most people got stuck on the fact they seemed to always be fighting. But if they listened to the inner context of their heated words or sword play, they would see the passion they held for each other. They fought because it was their life, their pride, and their way of relating to each other. It was all they knew…and when one came back injured by the other, there were no hard feelings. It was simply a new lesson learned about how to defend themselves so that when finally presented with an enemy that was truly out for their blood they would be prepared for anything.

They saw the competitiveness of their relationship and their willingness to follow the other into trouble, either caused by themselves or by those around them, and nothing else.

When they had first met, they had disliked each other by first glance. Kayden had said something about girls not supposed to be training with Gunblades, and she had said back that he should stop hiding in the shadow of his Father. It was a week before either were considered fit enough to leave the infirmary due to the numerous injuries they had sustained, and because there was no one else to talk to, they ended up talking to each other, and learning about each other.

She had expected him to just walk away, after their sentence with the hovering physician was over. But he, the next day, had called her over to the table he was sitting at and introduced her as an up and coming Gunblade Master who had just transferred from Trabia Garden; one that was nearly as good as himself. It was another four days, this time, before they escaped the infirmary.

The Commander had been delighted to accept her as a student, she had heard. That he had no qualms of adding a second Gunblade specialist to his ranks of cadets. That it would be a wonderful idea if the two could use each others skill to further their own. And had thus, in this generation, become the only Garden to have Gunblade trainees.

The weapon was an old one, being replaced by Guns and other more accurate and futuristic forms of weaponry and maybe it gave Verauan some form of pleasure to know he could soon be commanding the only two Gunblade specialists in this time frame.

And with Kayden leading the charge with his four friends in tow, had practically claimed her as their sixth and final companion of their peculiar little group. She had heard that the other students avoided these ones, mainly because of who their parents happened to be and it seemed to have surprised them that Kaidia had accepted them on their own, without considering their last names as important

She had known the effects of being ostracized by others, being the quiet child in Trabia and the only Gunblade trainee. So when others accepted her odd reason for wanting a Gunblade she accepted them as people, not shadows of their parents. And through their own determination, they had managed to break down her walls and all became friends. Only them though, all others she distrusted still, and would not accept their help as genuine.

It was only a short time after that, where Kayden, after failing to rouse Bre, Toby, Ronna or Ryu's interest in sneaking out of Garden at night, had turned on her. After picking at her for a few minutes, explaining the misreading of the word, and calling her a scared little girl, she had agreed. And in thinking further about it, she had come to the realization that he was correct on the word 'be' and how it could be misinterpreted.

Only six months after she had transferred, she was already breaking the rules, and because of this absconding from their Garden together as well as classes and training; they had spent so much time with each other that it was not surprising that they just drifted, seemingly, into a relationship.

He had kissed her one day under the shadowing lights of the dimmed training room. After apologizing profusely for punching him out when he woke up in the infirmary, she kissed him back.

And now they were there, walking into the feeding room. To her surprise, their table was already occupied with their friends; all mulling quietly to themselves over the upcoming days' events. It seemed that once she and Kayden had decided to take a gamble with the SeeD exam, the rest of their friends followed too, and all in her group, including herself, had passed the first and second requirement. She had been a little surprised that Ryu had made it this far, for he was known to panic sometimes in situations.

But, she mused maybe he had learned to control that. She may be the youngest from the group, but with their antics, she sometimes felt like the eldest. She would only show a softer side to her friends, and the rest saw what she wanted them to. The lone wolf SeeD cadet, training with a Gunblade, cool, calm, professional and ready for everything. Only she did not feel ready for ANYTHING let alone everything.

She really only picked at her breakfast, forcing herself to swallow the now tasteless food and choke down the coffee, by force. She knew that she would be watched that day, and any form of weakness would be noted. She had to be alert and prepared to face any challenge, no matter how great or small. But, at that moment, Kaidia felt it would be for the greater good if she was facing a toilet. After eating, everyone gathered themselves together and practically marched in twos to the exit of the cafeteria.

As she walked, she began to assemble her mask. One where only calm and neutral emotions showed through and nothing seemed to ruffle her calm. One where it gave the impression she was ready for this challenge, no matter what she felt on the inside, and would walk into a battle bravely. One where she, alone, would know that she was afraid.

SeeDs could not show fear, in case it unsettled their clients. They would be judged on knowledge of SeeD practices, the correct use of their weapons in an efficient manner, their ability to work alone as well as in a team effort, their acceptance of their squad leader's orders as well as their ability to keep calm in a dangerous situation. There was more that she knew of, but those were what really mattered. As far as Kaidia could determine, she was entering this last part of the SeeD exam with high credentials.

So without even knowing that they had arrived, they all reached their destination. Standing in wait were several Instructors, other heads of faculty, their Commander and finally their elderly Headmaster. She was aware of automatically slipping into the SeeD salute just as her friends did so. Bast seemed to salute as well, sitting next to her left leg and proudly puffing out his chest.

The Headmaster nodded at the group and they all dropped the salute, but still stood at attention. Behind the last of her friends, ten more drifted up slowly and saluted.

"Well." Martine's once strong voice nearly whispered. "Let's divide the candidates into their squads. An instructor will come to your side and will give you your squad letter. These have been predetermined, based on your results during the last two SeeD exams, they cannot be negotiated, is that clear?"

"Sir, yes sir!" they chorused together, immediately.

There was silence for a few minutes. Instructor Bane walked round to her side then, and then to her front. She did not react to his steady gaze, locking on to her own.

"Ready, cadet?"

"Sir, as ready as I can be for this, Sir."

"Nervous?" he questioned softly.

"I'm trying not to be, sir." She softened her voice here, trying not to be overheard by the others.

"That's good that you are nervous cadet. It shows that, while you are aware enough of the situation and its dangers, you are not giving way to your emotions. You will be fine."

"Thank you, sir."

"You're in Squad A. Joining you will be Suzu Higa as Squad leader, Kayden Trepe and Ryu Dincht."

'They've put me with two people I know. This must be a test to see if I can put aside personal feelings with them and work to a goal. They'll be looking to see who I respond to. I can't let personal feelings interfere with the mission. I'm not sure if Kayden and I should be on the same Squad, though. We use the same weapon and would be better served if we were separate. I can't argue though, they know what they're doing.'

"Yes sir." She acknowledged her Instructor and went to flank the one he stated as her leader.

She remembered this boy. He was a brilliant fighter, weaving in and out of the training center, carrying an elongated full metal shuriken that curved dangerously into points away from the base. There were two hand holds on it, and both would be used for countering, but only one for attacking. He would throw the weapon at the enemy and then retrieve it when a moment arrived. He had to be assigned in at least a pair, for his weapon was more of a burden if he was alone as he could not just run up to the enemy and extract it without expecting a counter attack. It would be up to his team to keep the enemy's attention so he could retrieve the weapon. The negative was over balanced by the positive though. For this weapon was one that was known for one hit kills or near to that point, if the person using it was strong enough.

He was the reason why she and Kayden were in one group, he would require their joined cover to get close enough to their attacker, whether it be a monster or another enemy, and retrieve the silver shuriken. The general idea of his weapon, he had informed her, during one point where they had run into each other in the training room, was that to kill in one hit. He had continued to explain it, despite her already knowing the gist of it from her own studies.

SeeDs had to be able to use a variety of weapons, not just their primary or their backups. She herself was familiar with basic martial arts and could adjust to fighting with just a sword or a gun. It had been good that she had become friends with these people, as they were quite willing to show her a few things about their own talents, as long as she returned the favour.

"Well…" Martine started again.

In the past she had been told his voice had enough power and authority to rouse an army, as well as enough strength to guide those before her to complete their individual missions on their way to become either a SeeD or a better SeeD. He had been their heart, and had always made time to speak with the students on their concerns and offered advice freely no matter who asked.

She herself had gone to him, with concerns over the Commander's seemingly favour on her and how he seemed to disregard others too. He had told her the truth in that situation. That until an incident came up where there was a question that could prove Verauans' favouritism of some students to the Commander of Balamb Garden, there was little he could do about it. Of course he probably did not mean for Kaidia and Kayden to try to create a situation by them sneaking out of Garden alone. Her other intention when agreeing originally was the hope that they would be caught enough times and something done to rectify the problem of the word 'be'.

She then had the hope that Commander Leonhart would start asking questions about why they continued to get away with breaking those rules too, and thus remove Verauan from his position. Unfortunately it became obvious that the Commander's influence stretched so far that it was not reported to anyone if they were ever spotted. In the end it became fun, a challenge, so neither quit, and it became a habit. Besides, it taught her more about the creatures she was expected to be able to deal with than a class ever could. Not that she condoned their activities, but now it was just something to do, when bored.

Somehow, both would feel incomplete if they could not abscond from Garden at least once a week, and would feel less complete if one, or both, did not end up in the infirmary at least once every two weeks.

It was that fairness that Headmaster Martine showed, that Kaidia and Kayden respected. But behind their doddering headmaster stood the smirking and proud form of the Commander of Galbadia SeeDs, Charles Verauan.

Their eyes met, his cool brown eyes directly into her even gray ones, he smiled, as if it had been his own power that had gotten her to that point. As if he had something to do with her direct skill in controlling a Gunblade and Magic. 'As if he has something to be proud of!' she thought indignantly.

'Hush, Child.'

He frowned slightly as she kept his gaze locked evenly with his, seeing if he would challenge her here. But he smiled again, as if pleased with her nerve and before she could be called up on manners, she politely inclined her head to him. But there was nothing submissive in that, she did it only to keep face.

A moment later, she moved her attention off their Commander and roved her gaze quickly around, checking to see who had answered this call. Who, out of those she knew had made it this far and who would walk away after leaving their friends. She recognized some of the cadets behind her, on sight only. If their names had been told to her she had forgotten long ago. There to her left stood the man known by his students as Instructor Bane, talking quietly with a few others that were dressed as Instructors.

The SeeDs attending this mission were already debriefed and were on their way to the conflict. The cadets where to be deployed after their arrival wherever the SeeD exam was being held. She turned her attention back to the old man that had swayed more respect from her then the Commander ever could.

"It's been a long time coming and you've finally made it to this stage, on your own. You are now responsible for your care, your health and the health of your team. You are the latest and the most advanced cadets of the graduating year, and all of you show much promise with your weapons training and your dedication to SeeD. I would have you know that not all of you will pass this test. Do not view that as the end, but rather a learning experience so that you will be better prepared to try again. SeeD represents second chances and change to those within its program…" he coughed here, and cleared his voice.

"SeeD represents hope and peace to those that need an idealistic image to live in this world. We protect those that call it from us, as they would have it. And those that stand here today stand here because they have succeeded in the first tests to become a full fledged SeeD. As far as there will be wars to be fought and peace to be upheld, SeeD will exist. Today, all of you are embarking on a quest to see if you are ready to become a SeeD. You will be viewed during your exam, so that we can see you in real life action and determine if you are ready for the next challenge. This is no longer a class, where the answers are written down in stone. You must be able to judge for yourselves the situation and know the proper answer. All of your previous training has been for this moment. You all are representatives of Galbadia Garden! Make all of us proud!"

And with that last statement, the long time head of Galbadia Garden slowly walked away from them. She stared after his bowed back in consternation. 'That was supposed to be reassuring! Make us proud! How about we're scared to death and you want us to make you proud!' She thought sarcastically to herself.

Kaidia was aware that Suzu had turned and was walking calmly towards the exit. She followed in his wake, aware now that she was the only female from this Squad and would thus have to prove herself even more then before. Suzu seemed to be following Instructor Bane as he led them straight out the entrance of Garden. Bast turned from the group and from the corner of her eye, he began the trek back towards her dorm.

'Good luck, child.' He spoke to her mentally. 'In whatever may happen.'

She was glad for the silence as it gave her a moment to sort out her emotions and thoughts, into a less confusing bundle. This was it.

She was still trying to wrap her head around the single idea that this was what her whole year had been leading up to. That everything she had worked so hard for was about to begin. There was no looking back now, Kaidia decided, and no matter what occurred after or during the SeeD exam she would handle it as best she could as a representative of SeeD. And for the event that she was mostly sure would occur within the exam itself, she would just have to handle it when it came.

The day was here, and she now found herself following her squad leader's direction automatically without any thought. 'How stressful for him to be the leader. It must be a bittersweet moment. He has more stress on him then we ourselves do as his Squad. I would hate to be pushed into being a leader like that, all the worry of keeping your team safe. I would be wondering constantly if I was making the correct decision, and second guessing myself. But leaders can't do that, not with their team knowing, or it will cause them to panic. I hope I'm never called on to be a leader any time soon. It's a big adjustment just being a SeeD…'

'Those that are meant to lead will take charge naturally…for the good of the team…' Bast calmly spoke to her from within her mind.

'What does that mean?!'

'Just that you would make a good leader.'

'No…Don't even suggest that. I don't think I could handle it…'

'Nonetheless, Child… Are you ready?'

She sighed deeply thinking about her choice. To her it seemed that Bast was asking for something more than a commitment to the SeeD exam. But he was right too, whatever happened, happened and it would do no good to fight against it. And he was with her in spirit, as he would always be. Kay's reassuring presence gave her the drive she needed to succeed as well.

'Yes…For whatever happens…yes…I'm ready.'

'And so it will begin.'

They walked quickly, but in control up to a small air craft that was hovering just a foot off the ground. It was chrome silver, with a dark streak of red over it and the symbol of Garden sweeping over its hull and on its side. It looked vaguely like a ying yang with both black and white almost mixing together in the center and then, just separating by a single line, curving away from their origins in a circular figure until it descended into a fully ended point. The dark ended in a point above, while the white ended below the design. Behind the illusion of the black and white circle sat another, with occasional lines connecting the inner and outer edges together. Behind that was a red cross that had an acrylic design disappearing and nearly invisible. The cross almost appeared to be marble like in design.

As Kaidia entered the ship, she mused on what the SeeD insignia meant. The joining of light and dark, mixing in the center, as if they were not sure what was truly dark or light. But each were separated, there was no dark in light and no light in dark. Both sections were separated, almost as if there was a divide between the two. Maybe it was like their lives. Something so complex that was descended into something so simple, light and dark with no gray. Maybe that's how SeeDs were supposed to see the world, that good could not be bad and no bad could come of good. Or maybe it was trying to show SeeDs neutral tendencies. How both light and dark did not matter, only how it was shown or viewed by the outside world. So if light and dark did not matter, did good and evil?

She shook her head, the flimsy concept of Good and Evil were not real. Evil and Good came from those that would suffer themselves to be cast into those roles. Maybe that's what the SeeD insignia meant. That SeeDs cannot be cast into a role unwillingly, because they are neutral, and to them light and dark or good and evil do not mean much.

The plane rose gracefully and turned to head south east, flying slowly away from the only home she ever knew and heading towards the future, whatever that was.

This chapter was a lot of fun to write…especially the musings about the SeeD insignia. Please leave a review.

Ja'ne

Avie