Sunday 1200. Timber.
"Any luck? Everyone is pissed."
"Not yet… Ouchhhhh… my stomach!" A man wearing a blue jacket clutched his stomach and sat in a corner.
"That's why it's taking forever…"
The two men were by the train tracks, attempting to fix the locomotives while enduring the stares of angry stranded passengers.
"Why did the princess insist on opening all these railroads at once? Couldn't we have done it one by one?" one of them questioned.
"She said we need to take advantage of our newfound independence before Galbadia changes their mind. Once the trains are operational, more goods will flow in and out of Timber. Politicians won't say no to profits," the other explained.
"True... but she really should send more help here. We've been isolated for so long, and our technicians aren't as skilled as Balamb's SeeDs. Surely she can talk to the Commander and assign someone who's good with machines and loves trains, like Selphie, right?" the first man suggested.
"What are you thinking, Watt? They're too busy for this kind of manual labor. Now get back to the wiring. We need to fix it soon, or these passengers might just assassinate us!" the man with stomache retorted.
As the two men continued to struggle with the locomotive engines, a tall figure approached them.
"We're almost done. Please stay at your station," Watt instructed the passenger, who remained silent and observed their efforts.
"What's the problem?" the tall figure asked in a calm, cold voice.
"Uh... we're not sure yet," Watt responded.
"Ok… which parts work then?" the figure inquired.
Neither of the men provided an answer and kept checking random parts of the engines.
Letting out a deep sigh, the tall figure glanced at his watch, dropped his backpack to the ground, and retrieved some tools.
"You won't be able to access its core with just wrenches and screwdrivers," he remarked.
"Do you know how to fix it?" Watt asked, a glimmer of hope in his eyes as he watched the tall figure expertly unpack the locomotive.
"I'll try. These are too old. Galbadia only uses these engines for mining. Where are the maintenance personnel?" asked the figure.
"There's only one guy, and he's... on vacation in Balamb... and there's currently no way for him to return," Watt explained.
The tall figure sighed. "Of course…"
"Do you also need to go to Balamb?" Watt asked, noticing the young man's train ticket. "If you can fix it, we'll make it the first train to run and refund your tickets."
"Oh, I'm quite certain this laborious task will cost you more than that..." the young man smirked.
"Anything you want, man!" Watt exclaimed, casting nervous glances at the angry passengers. "Zone," Watt looked at his friend, "do you have any Gils there?"
The young man cast a look immediately at Zone as he heard his name.
"Ouchhh... my stomach..." Zone gasped and quickly retreated to his corner, but his action helped the young man connect some dots.
"By any chance... do you happen to have a GF card?" the young man asked, smiling.
Sunday 1600. Trabia.
Quistis found herself in the picturesque town of Trabia, ready to prepare for a campsite mission, only to discover that her name was unexpectedly absent from the assignment list.
"Xu's decision? Or Squall's?" Quistis was puzzled by her absence from the assignment list.
Suppressing her imposter syndrome, Quistis had intentionally taken on additional responsibilities in the research lab, running away from the word leadership. Despite her pivotal role in the Sorceress War, she couldn't help but compare herself to Squall's commanding presence or Rinoa's accidental sorceress powers. She knew her strengths lay in a supportive role, but every now and then, she yearned for a taste of being the relied-upon leader in critical moments. Deep down, Quistis longed for a sense of significance, even if the image of a main character didn't quite suit her.
Disappointed and uncertain of how to spend her newfound free time, conveniently as the winter break is about to start, she slowly folded away her battle suit and put on a black blouse contrasting her white turtleneck. Little did she know that Acma, her favorite student and a caring teenager who always encouraged her to relax more, already prepared a to-do list for her.
"Miss Trepe, don't worry about us. Raddie and the gang are thrilled about this mission. It's crucial to keep high-ranking Balamb SeeDs like you away from politically sensitive tasks. Besides, Trabia is the perfect place to test out the ski gear I gave you," Acma assured Quistis.
"A vacation, you say?" Quistis raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Acma's suggestion.
Well, I suppose a break from the usual routine wouldn't hurt.
"But… are you feeling prepared this time? This is just between us, but Xu considers this mission a true test of your instructor abilities. I won't be able to help much if I'm staying here." Quistis concerned.
"As always, Mom, don't worry about us. I've got everything well under control, and Raddie and the others are eager to show off their skills. In fact, Shrewdya asked me to assign her a mid position this time. Piece of cake, I'd say," Acma's confidence beamed through her wide grin.
Did she call just me "Mom"? Quistis was not sure if she should be happy or sad about that title. She did look much older than 22.
"Enough work! There's a delightful bar nearby that I've been dying to visit again. You should enjoy your life, not worrying about every single one of us," Acma said, tugging at Quistis' arm, causing her to almost lose her balance.
Quistis couldn't help but feel a mixture of curiosity and amusement at Acma's enthusiasm for going to a bar. It wasn't the first time Acma had invited her to participate in activities typically associated with carefree teenagers. Quistis wondered if she could let loose and embrace the joyful spirit that Acma seemed to embody, although Quistis found it somewhat forced.
"Alright, I'll go. Just don't call me Mom, please."
The two of them made their way to a charming bar nestled amidst the snow-covered expanse. The wooden bar emanated a welcoming aura, its rustic charm drawing weary wanderers like moths to a flame. The air was infused with the rich scent of aged oak, mingling with the earthy notes of crackling firewood. Inside, soft golden light spilled from the frosted windows, casting dancing shadows that embraced patrons, while the crackling fireplace provided a comforting warmth that thawed the chill of the winter night. As they settled in, Quistis noticed some familiar faces sitting nearby.
Seifer?
Unable to resist her curiosity, she discreetly eavesdropped, trying to hide behind her large beer cup.
"What are you doing?" Acma asked, rolling her eyes at Quistis' peculiar behavior.
Quistis signaled for Acma to be quiet and whispered, "Do you recognize them? It's Seifer, Fujin, and Rajin."
"What? Here? Aren't they in Galbadia Garden? Why don't you come over and say hi?"
"You know why…"
"He certainly has changed..."
"Shoot! He's looking at me… Okay, come with me if you want." Quistis was caught off guard, closing her eyes tightly for a second, and then quickly regaining her composure as she confidently walked over to the group.
"Hey guys! Long time no see. What are you doing in Trabia?"
Seifer leaned back in his chair, just as he noticed the familiar face covered in red hair standing behind Quistis. "You seem to follow me everywhere. Why pretend you don't know the answer?"
Say what?
"Hey we just got here!" Quistis exclaimed. "Anyway, I heard you guys were talking about a mountain… if it's a ski trip, I'd love to join."
Quistis was genuinely open to joining them, although she immediately hated herself for sounding like she was begging for company.
"Well, well, Quistis Trepe, actually considering joining us? I must say, I'm intrigued," Seifer's smirk grew wider..
"It ain't vacation ya know. Seifer has this weird dream of a sorcery's mountain… Aghhh…"
Raijin, who had the tendency to reveal too much information for a soldier, received a kick in the shin from Fujin.
"Hah, I can't unhear that. Mind filling me in on the details?" Quistis made her way to the table and taking a seat.
Followed her mentor, Acma brought her own chair and join the group. "May I?" She glanced at the trio for a second and gracefully sat down next to Quistis. "I have to be honest… it's such an honor to sit here next to all of you at the same time. I mean, I've read everything about you guys, including your limit breaks, your moves in every battle. The ones in Lunatic Pandora with multiple rounds of battles, homing missles, the slaying of Odin, and appearance of Gilgamesh — oh Hyne, so epic!"
"Great." Seifer smiked, staring at Acma. "Mother bookworm and her baby walked into a bar."
"I'm sorry... please continue," Acma said, avoiding Seifer's gaze and looking back at Quistis.
"Seifer. Mountain?" Quistis asked Seifer once again, wanting to hear more about his dream.
"None of your business!" He barked.
Oh, so much for 'he certainly has changed'. Quistis exclaimed inside.
"Ready for some mission while your Mom enjoys a vacation?" Seifer asked Acma, seeming to notice her SeeD uniform while Quistis was comfortably dressed in her casual white turtleneck sweater.
Mom? Hyne, what do I expect? Quistis' eyes darkened.
"Yes... I'm waiting for the flight to a mission where I'll be taking the lead for the first time," Acma replied.
"Mission lead," Quistis interjected, "is given to exceptional individuals who have successfully fulfilled squad leader roles, unlike someone who has repeatedly failed to follow simple orders."
Seifer's cheek twitched slightly. Acma suddenly felt like a tumbling boat caught between two angry waves.
"Um… that's quite a compliment, thank you. But um… if things go well, I'll be promoted to a research instructor, just like Miss Trepe," Acma glanced awkwardly between Quistis and Seifer.
"A research instructor? I hope you can keep your license longer than your mentor." Seifer mocked Quistis without looking at her.
"Well, at least the monsters in the lab are better than some people," Quistis swiftly responded, briefly leaving her seat to retrieve her drink from her previous table.
"And yet, monsters can't ski," Seifer remarked, taking a sip of his beer.
"Except for Slappers," Quistis added, "you'd probably know that if you paid attention in class or visited the hockey rink in your new garden." Traitor! Quistis wanted to end with that word, but refrained, thinking it would be too mean.
But it wasn't hard for Seifer to know what Quistis implied. This time, Seifer looked at Quistis and returned another smirk, then suddenly stood up and directed to Acma.
"One word. Men's room."
The entire group was taken aback as Seifer made his way toward the back of the bar. Acma, frozen in embarrassment, glanced at Quistis with an awkward smile and almost attempted to offer an explanation but then decided to chase after Seifer instead. "I'll be right back."
Quistis rolled her eyes as Acma disappeared and turned to gauge Fujin and Raijin's reaction. "Something tells me this isn't the first time they've met."
"NO," Fujin replied curtly.
"We've seen her around, ya know? Seifer never said a thing, but she always brought cakes. Seems like a fan, ya know?"
"MUFFINS." Fujin corrected Raijin.
"Of course," Quistis nodded and began connecting the dots. She had been aware of Acma's mysterious visits to Galbadia Garden, and it was evident that Seifer wouldn't invite a random girl he just met into the men's room for a casual chat. The only plausible explanation was that Acma's mysterious boyfriend seemed to be Seifer himself. And yet, just yesterday, the girl had tried to play matchmaker once again, attempting to pair Seifer up with Quistis.
Teenagers!
The two returned shortly afterward. Quistis was eager for an explanation from them, but none was forthcoming.
"What did you guys discuss?" Quistis finally asked, unable to hide her curiosity.
"We just…"
"Nothing!" Seifer interrupted Acma, making the small girl startled a little.
Quistis let out a sigh. She knew this interrogation wouldn't go anywhere, and decided to redirect the conversation back to the matter at hand. "Enough distractions. So, tell me about that mountain dream involving sorceresses."
"That's none of your business," Seifer retorted.
"Excuse me, but as someone who spent months in rehab after fighting witches, I think I deserve to know." She narrowed her eyes and leaned forward. "And you owe me a lot of Gils." She reminded Seifer of the mess he tricked her into back in Fisherman's Horizon.
None of that seemed to break a word from Seifer. If anything, his grin grew wider as he relished in the trouble he had caused Quistis in Fisherman's Horizon.
Right. Why would he tell me?
"Fine…" Quistis cast a look on Acma, awaiting some explanation.
"I don't know anything… I swear. It's a coincidence we meet here…" Acma blabbered, then turning to Seifer. "Winter Island is the coldest place on Earth, you'd die if you go alone."
"Fu needs her treatment in Galbadia, ya know? I can't leave her there to go with you, even if I want to, ya know?" Raijin added.
"EYE." Fujin nodded to her friends.
Seifer facepalmed, realizing his friends were thinking of retreating again.
"Seifer, even if the sorcery mountain in your dream really exists, how exactly do you plan to get there? And do what?" Quistis asked.
"That's the fun part, Trepe. If you prefer skiing along a marked route, then don't bother," he retored.
Reckless as always.
Seifer stood up and headed towards the door. "I'm leaving. No need for anyone to follow; it'll be faster that way."
"You mean die faster? Have you looked at the wind outside?" Quistis stood up.
He didn't respond and simply made his way toward his motorcycle.
The lyrics of the melancholic song Quistis had heard the night before echoed in her mind as she watched Seifer's figure recede, walking away from her.
What have I become
My sweetest friend
Everyone I know
Goes away in the end
No. I'm not letting you go this time. Not without me. Quistis thought, unconsciously pushing Acma aside and chasing after Seifer. In that moment, the fear of losing Seifer once more to darkness overwhelmed all the anger she had accumulated.
"Um… I'll pay for the beers." Acma hastily excused herself from Fujin and Raijin.
"Should we go with Seifer? If Quistis goes with him maybe we can just return to Galbadia now, ya know?" Rajin turned to Fujin, seeking her opinion.
"GALBADIA." Fujin replied in an instant.
"Seifer! Stop and talk for once, for Hyne's sake!"
As Quistis hopelessly tried to convince Seifer to engage in further discussion, she realized that Fujin and Raijin had already mounted their motorcycle.
"We're heading back to Galbadia. Safe trip, Seifer, Quistis!" Raijin shouted, almost losing balance on the motorcycle as Fujin accelerated.
"For Hyne's sake!" Quistis exclaimed, sensing Seifer's frustration with his friends as well.
"Have they already left?" Acma appeared from the bar.
Bip bip. Acma's pager rang. "Oh no, I have to go to the meeting point now. Miss Trepe, are you… what's your plan?"
What's my plan? I don't have any plan.
Quistis looked at Seifer, who hesitated for a moment before glancing back at her from his eye's corner.
Seifer didn't implicitly say I can't go with him, right? He's so lonely… He might need some company after all. Quistis thought.
Knowing neither of them would say anything, Acma decided to act first. "Senior Seifer, could you take her back to the Trabia inn to get her gear? I'm afraid I have to leave now. Have fun, Miss Trepe!" With that, Acma hopped on her motorcycle and sped away at lightning speed.
"Acma… wait… isn't the meetup point right next to…" Quistis realized Acma's intention. "Tell Xu I'm taking a few days off!"
"Will dooo!" Acma cheerfully replied as she drove away.
Now, only Quistis and Seifer remained.
"Well, it looks like I'm stuck with you for now," Quistis smiled awkwardly.
He gave her a pitiful look. "Stranded, huh? What a lovely student you have."
"Come on. I can be good company. It's not like everyone can get by on their own, you know?" She flashed a friendly smile. Sensing his quiet snort followed by silence as agreement, she placed her hand on the motorcycle handle. "Please get down, I'll drive."
"Excuse me, Instructor. But this bad boy is mine," he retorted, tugging it away from her.
"Do you know where the Trabia inn is?"
"I'm not blind. No one could miss its giant snowflake on top in the middle of nowhere."
Running out of reasons, Quistis reluctantly climbed on behind Seifer, carefully not to touch his worn trenchcoat.
"Dislike not being in the lead?"
"No… More like motion sickness... Remember when we were in the submarine to Dollet?"
Little did she know that reminding Seifer this information was a deadly mistake. He made it his side quest to hit every pothole possible on their way to the inn.
Sunday 1700. Balamb Garden's headmaster office.
"You're back?" Xu smiled as she sensed the movement in her office.
A tall, imposing figure emerged from the shadows, his smile revealing a hint of mischief.
"Good afternoon, Instructor. It's good to see that these endless piles of paperwork haven't dampened your senses one bit."
Xu chuckled, "Such flattery won't get you out of your long list of clients. I'll mark you off for the last mission. When do you think you'll be ready for the next?"
"Depends on the type of missions," he leaned on the edge of her desk. "Do you have the current mission list?"
Xu's smile widened as she reached for a sheet without looking up, handing it to him.
As he glanced over the list for a few seconds…
"Mission #11 - Campsite. She already left," Xu said.
"Oh…" The figure couldn't hide his mild surprise, both at the news and Xu's ability to anticipate his unspoken inquiry. She was his mentor, after all.
"I noticed how you looked at her during the dance last year. It doesn't take a headmaster to catch that," Xu remarked, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "Go rest. They will be back by tomorrow morning."
He nodded slightly and took it as his cue to leave her office.
"By the way, I can smell your new cards, Joker," she remarked, a playful edge to her words.
He turned, curving his lips. "Anytime, Queen."
Sunday 2100. Balamb Garden.
"Here they come," Raddie whispered, his eyes fixed on the approaching Balamb aircraft.
Shrewdya nodded in acknowledgment. Clad in their gear, the hopeful SeeD candidates boarded the aircraft that had just returned from Trabia. They swiftly settled into their seats, eager to begin their mission. This was to be a stealth operation, and they aimed to complete it under the cover of darkness, striving to be finished before midnight.
As Shrewdya peered out of the aircraft window, her heart skipped a beat at the sight of the tempestuous sea below. Balamb's sunny weather had always been her familiar backdrop, and the encounter with the wrathful waves stirred a sense of unease within her. She couldn't help but wonder what unknown creatures lurked beneath those angry depths, ready to challenge any mighty warriors unfortunate enough to fall in their claws.
Seeking to divert her thoughts from the unsettling imagery, Shrewdya meticulously inspected her gear. She securely fastened a small gunblade to her side, alongside a trusty gun and a concealed dagger—tools of both protection and offense. Though her primary role was that of a healer, she had specifically requested to take on a mid-position role for this mission, eager to showcase her versatility beyond her support role.
In that moment, Shrewdya's gaze shifted toward Timeth, whose unwavering support had emboldened her for this semi-new role. He met her gaze with a reassuring smile, silently reinforcing her resolve.
"How are you feeling?" Acma asked as she walked by Shrewdya.
"A little nervous, but I think I'm okay," Shrewdya replied.
"Don't worry. I don't want to sound arrogant, but this is just a P2 mission, nothing like what Zyma and I had to participate in last year," Acma reassured her. "We're facing a shortage of SeeDs, and with so many contracts coming in, I believe the committee will be generous in granting SeeD positions this time."
"Thanks! That's reassuring. I'll give it my best shot regardless," Shrewdya smiled and nodded.
"Of course. I have complete faith in you," Acma said, giving Shrewdya's shoulder a reassuring squeeze before walking away to encourage other young SeeD candidates.
Shrewdya took a deep breath, preparing herself as she heard Raddie's voice breaking through the cabin, signaling their descent.
"Prepare for landing!"
The distinct sound of seat belts being fastened by the Trabian SeeDs filled the cabin, serving as a reminder for Shrewdya to do the same.
She took another deep breath, steeling herself for the destiny that awaited her beyond the stormy night.