SeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeD!
I haven't been on for so long, so forgive me if I've forgotton how to use things etc. I have been doing very important exams, so that's why I'm so late in doing this chapter. Sorry. This chapter is about the remainder of the Dollet exam, and up until Selphie gets Squall ready for the party. (Honestly, that guy is like a baby, you have to practically dress him and push him in the right direction for him to do things...tch.) Well, anyway, hope you like it.
Selphie had found Squad B. Damn Instructor Macie…Selphie thought to herself. All this running, I'm so tired! I'm gonna prank that teacher good! She smiled slightly to herself. Childish or not, Selphie always enjoyed herself.
Selphie looked at the two men in turn, and breathed a sigh of relief.
Selphie: I'm...a messenger. Name's Selphie, from Squad A. The squad captain's Seifer, right? Where is he?
Just as Selphie finished her question, a man ran out from below the cliff. He was wearing a grey coat, and wielding a gunblade. He smiled up at the moody teen, and began to shout.
Seifer: One of these days, I'm gonna tell ya 'bout my ROMANTIC dream!
Before finishing his sentence, the boy ran away. Damn it! What's he doing! I wanna go back to the Garden! Selphie whined to herself silently, pouting and stamping her foot. Selphie looked up at the blond boy in front of her, and smiled slightly at him. She sighed, and decided quickly what her next action would be.
Selphie: This sure is tough... Captain! Wait up...!
Selphie turned from the blond teen, and ran, kicking herself off of the cliff. She landed well, and smiled happily. Woo! That was sooo cool, she smiled to herself.
Selphie: What are you waiting for? Come on! Come on!
She called at the two above. However, Squad B had more sense than Selphie, and decided to run down the cliff. When they eventually arrived, Selphie grabbed the moody boy's arm.
Selphie: Heey! What took you so long? It would've been much quicker if you'd just jumped.
The boy shook her off, and looked away. The more approachable student looked at the two, and frowned enviously.
Zell: ...Much quicker? Pu-lease... You wouldn't normally jump off a cliff, OK? Ain't that right, Squall?
He shouted at Selphie, becoming defensive and a little angry.
Squall: ...I don't know about that. Perhaps anyone but the Chicken-wuss can make it.
Zell: WHAT DID YOU SAYYYYY?
Selphie looked back and forth at the arguing teens. Woaahh…I thought this was supposed to be a TEAM…Selphie thought, confused.
Selphie: ...Hm? Since you're angry, I guess you're the Chicken-wuss.
Zell: What the...! WHY IS EVERYONE...? I am not a CHICKEN!
Selphie: Well... If you don't like CHICKEN, how 'bout...a PIG! Oh, but you look more like a CHICKEN, anyway.
She smiled at the blond, shaking her head from side to side, with a cute and playful glint in her eye.
Zell: Chicken, pig, whatever... Call me whatever you want! I don't care anymore!
Squall: Don't take it so personally, Zell.
Zell: Tch...
Selphie: Well, let's get goin'. Has everyone equipped a GF? You haven't forgotten... Have you...?
Selphie smiled at the blond as they walked on, and he smiled back, although he still looked upset from the "chicken-wuss" incident.
Zell: So this is the Communication Tower...?
Selphie: Sure is big...
Suddenly a group of Galbadian soldiers burst out of the entrance, screaming. They were followed by the captain, who was slashing his gunblade about again.
Seifer: Cowards.
He turned quickly on his heel and ran away.
Selphie: HEEEY! The captain's getting away! Sheesh…this guys a mentalist.
Zell: You're telling me!
The two shared a laugh before the other boy interrupted.
Squall: Oh yeah…I'm Squall. This is Zell.
Selphie smiled at the two, and waved slightly.
Selphie: Y'know, I've been waiting for ages for you two to tell me your names! Hi!
As the group entered, Selphie looked over at Zell again.
Selphie: Er, sorry bout the "chicken" stuff.
Zell: Doesn't matter.
Selphie: I was only joking, and you looked upset…
Zell smiled at her, and patted her shoulder, but didn't reply. Maybe he's still sad, Selphie thought. Oh great! I've hurt someone's feelings already…way to go Selphie, she frowned. She followed Squall's gaze, and watched a lift lower down.
Squall: ...Did he go up?
Selphie: Heeey! Squad B captain!
Squall: I think we can take this lift up...
Selphie: Wanna go up?
Squall nodded and they all boarded the lift. Selphie looked around, and giggled.
Selphie: Wow, this lift is pretty cool!
Zell put out an arm, as if to protect Selphie from falling.
Zell: Don't get too excited, or you'll fall!
Selphie: Like I'm really going to!
She grinned at him, and began to rock back on her heels. She noticed Squall roll his eyes. Aaah, let him be mean, Selphie smiled to herself, can't bring light to everyone's life.
The lift arrived at the top floor and the group spotted a Galbadian officer doing something with the base of the Communication Tower.
Biggs: Let's see... Hmmm... Put this here...and... This goes here...and...
There,
it's complete!
The floor began to shake and Selphie toppled backwards. Zell stopped her from falling and held her steady a moment. The two stared as a satellite dish began to activate. Squall walked forward, looking at it, almost entranced by it. A wrench near Selphie fell down a hole, falling down for what seemed like forever. It suddenly dawned on Selphie that she had dived off of a cliff, and could have died. And now she could fall off of a tower! She'd fail her test and… Well, who cares about the test! She'd die! Selphie reached out and pulled at Zell's sleeve, scared. Finally everything died down and Selphie could stand alone. She heaved a great sigh of relief, and whispered a "thank you" to Zell, who smiled back. Squall got their attention, and the three walked up to the officer.
Squall: What do you think you're doing?
Biggs: Huhhhh? Likewise, MISTER! What do you think you're doing? H-
HEY! What happened to all the soldiers down below? WEDGE! Take care of
these twerps! W...Wedge? I...ah... Well...ah...I seem to be done here, so I'll
just be on my... I-I'm leaving... Move it! Move! Move!
The lift sounded, and the three turned towards it, expecting the entire Galbadian army, but instead it was Seifer. He walked out, the usual cocky smile on his face, and brandished his gunblade at the group. Selphie was tiring of this. Yeah sure, the guy has a gunblade, but does he have to show it all the time? She thought to herself. Maybe he was trying to make up for something smaller… Selphie smiled widely, laughing quietly, and found herself intensely interested in Seifer's trousers.
The soldier attempted to leave, but Seifer sliced at him, and knocked what looked like a remote control out of his hands.
Seifer: Sorry to crash the party.
Biggs: Ah...AHH...AHHHHH! Are you CRAZY!
Seifer: Just shut UP!
The soldier became increasingly angry and attacked Squall. Selphie and Zell joined in the fight, but Seifer stood on the lift, watching.
Biggs: Prepare for the worst, you brats!
Selphie enjoyed her fight. She gave as good as she got, but after a few swift attacks, a younger soldier arrived.
Wedge: Major Biggs... Have you finished the repairs, sir? What's the
enemy doing here?
Biggs: WEDGE! Where were you? No pay for you this month!
Wedge: ...Should've stayed home!
Squall shook his head, obviously tiring of this. Selphie agreed, it was hardly challenging stuff. When arethe big bosses gonna get here? She frowned. Unfortunately, after Squall had cast an ice spell on the two, the big boss did arrive, and it was not a pretty sight.
Biggs: What the...?
Wedge: Ahhhhh!
The two soldiers were thrown into the air by a winged beast, who began to attack the trio. The trio survived with great help from their GFs, but it was a struggling and challenging battle. Squall drew a GF from the beast, and the group attacked non-stop until it hit the ground. Zell and Selphie celebrated briefly, happily smiling and giggling, but Squall looked eager to leave. Selphie came to her senses, and ran towards the captain.
Selphie: Squad B captain? S'cuse me! I have new orders! All SeeD
members and SeeD candidates are to withdraw at 1900 hours. Assemble at
the shore!
Seifer: Withdraw? There are still enemies around!
Selphie: I know, but I'm just a messenger.
Squall: An order to withdraw takes priority. I don't want to miss the vessel.
Seifer: What time d'you say?
Selphie: Like I said...! All SeeD members and SeeD candidates are to
withdraw at 1900 hours. Assemble at the shore!
Seifer: 1900 hours... We only have 30 mins! You got 30 minutes to get
down to the shore! Better run!
Seifer turned around quickly, his gunblade on his shoulder, and ran for it. The remaining trio looked on in amazement.
Selphie: Heeey! Wait for us!
Zell: Who the hell does he think he is?
Selphie looked at Zell, exhausted and annoyed.
Squall: Why don't you ask him. Let's go.
Squall's group took the lift down, and emerged from the Communication Tower.
Selphie: The shore can't be TOO far away. We gotta run, run, ruuuun!
As she finished, an echoing sound came from above, and a shadow was cast over the group, they looked up in shock and a gigantic metal beast fell towards them. After weakening it with GF attacks, the group escaped.
After running awhile, they could hear a thumping noise behind them. The metallic monster had returned.
Zell: I thought we already busted that thing up?
Squall: Forget it! Let's go!
The group ran on, and all though they were ambushed by the monster several times, they managed to make it to the centre of Dollet. The monster destroyed a car, chasing after them.
Zell: Selphie! Squall! Pick up the pace!
Selphie was in pain and wanted to just lie down and rest, but the monster still followed. Selphie and Zell ran ahead of Squall, who was falling behind. The two leaped over a wall, and ran down to the shore. Zell reached the ship safely, but Selphie worried about Squall and cried out to him. Squall fell and rolled onto the beach.
Zell: Selphie! Get in! Hurry up!
Selphie ran in after Zell, and stared after Squall. Although he was running, the beast was increasing his pace. Selphie was terrified and tugged lightly at Zell's jacket for support, as he yelled at Squall.
Squall dived into the ship, and the monster followed. Gunshots could be heard, and the trio could see the beast as it was forced back and destroyed. The ship closed as the monster died, and sped away. Selphie sighed and smiled slightly at Squall. She then turned to Zell, who was looking at her strangely. Selphie followed his gaze down to her hand, and she realised she was still holding his shirt.
Selphie: Heheh, um…sorry.
She flopped down into the nearest seat, and Zell sat opposite. Squall sat in between Selphie and Seifer, and a blonde woman came down from the deck of the assault boat, and sat next to Zell. The woman smiled at the silent group, and then looked over at Selphie.
Quistis: Hello, I'm Instructor Quistis Trepe. I'm in charge of Squad B. You must be the stray.
Selphie: Ahem…excuse me? Stray? Huh?
Quistis: Oh sorry, I meant that you are the girl from Squad A, the one that was sent on a message?
Selphie: That would be me, uh-huh. Hii.
Quistis smiled at her, and then looked over at Squall. After a long moment of silence, she turned her back on Seifer, and addressed Squall, Selphie and Zell.
Quistis: You're all very lucky there you know. But I can say that you've all done extremely well.
Zell grinned across at Selphie, and Squall smiled slightly too.
Seifer: And me?
Quistis: I'll talk to you when we get back to Garden.
Quistis muttered quickly. She got up and walked through the door, presumably to talk to the driver, or any SeeD's that would be sat there.
Zell: That wastoo cool. I hope we passed.
Selphie: Me too! It was scary, but fun!
Seifer: Scary! Where were you! That was the easiest and most boring thing I've ever done.
Selphie: You didn't have to fight the gigantic bird-beast, or have to suffer having a machine hot on your heels did you!
Seifer folded his arms, grunted and looked away. Zell smiled widely at Selphie, and gave her the "thumbs up" signal.
It was a long ride back, but Selphie enjoyed talking to Zell. Quistis had returned and talked vaguely, but was more interested in Squall and Seifer, who were both sitting in silence. When they arrived back in Balamb, and had gotten off of the boat, a load voice shouted in their direction.
: SEIFER!
A tall tanned man arrived, followed by the short, grey haired girl who had shouted at Selphie in the cafeteria.
Selphie: That's Fujin right? Zsata's daughter?
Selphie whispered to Zell, who was stood on her left.
Zell: Yeah, but, Zsata?
Selphie: Head of the Kitchen staff.
Zell nodded, and pointed out who Raijin was. Their whispering was interrupted by the shouting around them.
Raijin: How'd it go?
Seifer: Man... All they did was get in my way. Being a leader ain't easy.
Fujin: SAFE?
Seifer nodded and the three left. Squall shook his head, and turned, watching Quistis get off the boat.
Quistis: Good job! Where's Seifer?
Squall pointed out Seifer's location.
Quistis: Just be back at Garden by sundown. You're free 'til then. Ok, dismissed!
The trio nodded and ran to the car's location, but as they arrived, Seifer drove away.
Zell: H-Hey! Not again, man! There goes Mr. Ego...
Squall: Might as well walk it.
Selphie: Awwww…but I'm sooo tired.
Zell: Tell you what, we can hang at my house for a bit if you like.
Selphie clasped her hands together, and followed her new friend to his home. Squall followed too, although he was a little less happy about the arrangements. As the group entered Zell's home, Selphie could smell food.
Selphie: Hmm…yum!
Ma Dincht: Someone there?
Zell: It's me Ma!
Ma Dincht: Oh my boy! It's your exam day today huh? How did it go?
Zell: It was good, yeah, good!
Ma Dincht: That's great, fingers crossed now for the results! Are these your friends?
Zell: Well, I've known Squall for a bit, but we haven't really talked, and I've only just met Selphie. They were my team. Oh, and Seifer, and you know how I feel about him! It's free time 'til sundown.
Ma Dincht: Great! Well, sit in the lounge and I'll bring cake. Tell me everything.
The group had a relaxing hour, eating cake and talking about the exam. Squall even joined in on occasions. However, the clock was ticking, and they all wanted to be back early for the results.
Squall: We should head back.
Zell: Well, okay. See ya Ma!
Ma Dincht: Okay Zell, be back as soon as you can!
Selphie: Byeee!
The trio began to walk back to Garden.
Selphie: Your mother's so cool. She makes great cake.
Zell: Thanks, I'll tell her that.
Selphie: Yeah, it was nice of you to let us into your home, wasn't it Squall?
There was no reply, just a dismissive wave of the hand. Selphie tutted.
Zell: Well, d'ya reckon we'll all see each other again?
Selphie: Of course! Garden's notthat big y'know. It'smuch bigger than your brain though Zell! How dumb a question is that!
Zell: HEY!
The two argued playfully all the way back to Garden. When they eventually arrived, they stood at the entrance, smiling to each other. Zell yawned, and Selphie giggled, not only at Zell, but at Squall's reaction. He must think we're sooooo pathetic…big ol' meanie, she thought to herself.
Zell: Huuuwahaah! Finally made it back...
Selphie: Seriously...
Zell: Well, I guess we just wait for the test results. 'Til then. See ya, Squall.
Selphie: Yeah, See ya!
Selphie and Zell walked off together, leaving Squall alone.
Zell: Do you think we should have walked with him?
Selphie: He's been rolling his eyes at us all day. He's meaaaan.
Zell laughed a little. They stopped outside the Quad.
Zell: Well, I'm off to the Cafeteria.
Selhpie: Oh, the famous hot-dogs. Good luck for them then. I'm working on the Garden Festival. We'll talk about that later.
She smiled, a devilish look in her eye.
Later on Selphie had done little work. She had found she was still tired after the rest at Balamb, and all though she wanted to, she just couldn't work on the Festival. She had finally decided on collapsing into her bed.
Selphie awoke with a start and glanced around, her hair was tied up in a loose ponytail, and many curls had fallen around her ears. She was busy getting dressed and ready to try some more work, when a loud noice sounded, and a voice followed.
Announcer: All students who participated in today's field exam, report to the 2nd floor hallway. I repeat. All students who took the field exam, report to the 2nd floor hallway.
Selphie grabbed her jacket and ran. She pulled it over her arms as she sped to the lift, and as she walked into the hallway she looked around for a familiar face. She spotted Minerva and Jaden from her original Squad and stood with them until she spotted Zell and Squall.
Selphie: Heey! Heey! Where were you?
Zell: In the queue for hot-dogs. I was nearly at the front too!
He moaned sadly, and Squall tapped his foot, obviously nervous. A Garden worker arrived. Selphie had always wondered what the hell they did, and why the hell they dressed so strangely.
Garden Faculty: Dincht... Zell Dincht.
Zell: OHHHHH YEAHHHHHH! See ya!
Zell grinned over at the two, and trotted off, his hands on his back. Selphie smiled and rolled her eyes.
Garden Faculty: Graeme…Nida Graeme.
A dark boy walked silently after Zell.
Garden Faculty: Squall... Squall Leonhart from Squad B.
Squall walked on too, and Selphie sighed. Not me then, she thought sadly.
Garden Faculty: Tilmitt…Selphie Tilmitt, please step forward. That is all. Dismissed.
Selphie grinned and jumped up and down, running off.
Selphie and the others had arrived at the Head's office, and all lined up.
Garden Faculty: These are the 4 students that passed today's exam.
Headmaster Cid: First of all, congratulations. However... From now on, as a member of SeeD, you will be dispatched all over the world. We are proud to introduce SeeD. Balamb Garden's mercenary soldiers. SeeD soldiers are combat specialists. BUT... That is only one aspect of SeeD. When the time comes...
Garden Faculty: Headmaster... It's almost time for the meeting. Please make this short. SeeD is a valuable asset to Garden. It's reputation is solely dependant on each one of you. Handle your mission with care. Is that what you wanted to say, sir?
Selphie stared at the Faculty member. Annoying nosy parker…she thought.
Garden Faculty: Here is your SeeD rank report!
Headmaster Cid approached each student in turn. First up was Selphie. As he handed her the report, he whispered happily to her.
Headmaster Cid : Psst...Psst... I'm looking forward to the Garden Festival.
He did this with each student, and then ordered them to leave. Zell walked with Selphie.
Zell: We did it!
Selphie: I know, amazing!
The two ran up and down the 2nd floor corridor, waiting for Squall shouting.
Selphie: SeeD! SeeeeeD! SeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeD!
Zell: We did it, we did it! OOOOOOOOOHHHHHH YEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!
When Squall finally arrived, the four new SeeD's approached the jealous students that didn't pass. They stood in silence, scared of what the others would do. Seifer stood in fornt of them, his eyes fixed on Squall. Selphie looked over at her Squad A comrades, who were glaring at her. Oh well…they weren't too great anyway…guess I'll find other friends…Selphie sighed. Seifer lifted his hands, and began to clap. Soon the others followed, and the four SeeD's all blushed. Applause? For me! Woah! Now I know I've made it! Selphie thought happily.
Squall wandered off, and eventually the failed students did too. The unknown SeeD approached Zell and Selphie.
Nida: Hey, I'm Nida.
Selphie: Ooh! Hey! Guess we might work together soon huh?
Nida: No, I'm more on the intelligence and scouting side of things.
Zell: Oh, oh well. Well done though.
Nida nodded and walked off, and Zell turned to Selphie excitedly.
Zell: This is so great! Well, I'm off to collect my uniform, you coming?
Selphie: Sure!
The two skipped off happily towards the lift, and from there up to the 3rd floor. Waiting for them was Quistis and Xu. Xu waved at them as she handed Nida his uniform.
Xu: Hello, I'm Xu, you've done very well to get this far. However, remember that you are still sutdents here, and must still treat Instructors with respect.
Quistis: Look after your uniform well, and treat other students and clients with care. Oh, take this to Squall too. He obviously doesn't seem to want to collect it himself. Don't worry, I'll talk with him later.
Selphie nodded and the two were handed their uniforms, and headed to the Dormitories. They changed individually in their rooms, and Selphie headed to Squall's residence. Although it was tough finding him, she luckily bumped in to Jaden again, and he pointed it out. She bounded into the unlocked room and smiled at the boy sat at the desk.
: What are you doing?
Selphie: Uh, hii! This is Squall's dorm right?
: Not for much longer. He's getting his own right? Thank God. I don't think I can stand the silence much longer. Here's the spare key to his room. I'm Tom by the way.
Selphie: Name's Selphie! Thanks.
Selphie unlocked the door and carefully hung up the new uniform, before having a good look around at Squall's pictures and ornaments. She emerged a while later, and stood next to the door, smiling. The girl handed Tom the keys, and grinned.
Tom: Aren't you gonna lock it?
Selphie: He can do that himself, besides, he has to pack up. In fact, I'll do it for him!
Tom smiled at her, and got up.
Tom: I'll help, I've always wondered what makes that guy tick, now I can have a look for myself.
Selphie grinned, and the two started emptying drawers. After Tom had supplied a few boxes, all of Squall's worldly goods were packed up.
Tom: Well I'm off. I have to check out the library, and get my prescription from Doctor Kadowaki. Nice meeting you Selph. Well done on the SeeD stuff.
Selphie: Thanks! Bye Tom!
She waved happily, and stood waiting, while Tom left. Eventually Squall walked in. To his surprise an excited Selphie was stood in front of him.
Selphie: HAH! Found you! Well, well? What do you think? My SeeD uniform!
Squall walked slowly into his room, and changed his clothes. Why doesn't this guy ever talk! It's really worrying…I'm gonna find Zell at this party, otherwise I'll be so bored I'll…Selphie's thoughts were interrupted by Squall. He stood in front of her in his uniform, and he looked pretty damn good, Selphie smiled.
Selphie: Heeey! Lookin' good! Alright! Let's hit that PAAH-TAY!
As the two walked out of the room, Squall muttered angrily.
Squall: Why is my stuff all packed up!
Selphie: 'Cos we get our own room now! We're SeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeD!
Hope that was okay. Next chapter will be up soon. Read and Review please, but don't flame.