Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction ❯ Sowing the SeeDs ❯ Chapter 2

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

Sowing the SeeDs : Part 2

a fanfic by Greenbeans
additions by Nightbreak
based on the world of Final Fantasy 8
created by Square Electronic Arts L.L.C.


Life settled down to its normal, hectic pace. They were all so busy with
their studies that the summer slipped into fall and winter was upon them before
they knew it. Quistis had two more minor adjustments made to her schedule
before the Headmaster was satisfied with her class placement. Finally learning
the ropes of Garden life, she was making great strides towards completing her
pre-requisite courses. Some of her more difficult lessons were soon in coming.

"Magic?" Quistis squeaked with surprise.

"Yes, magic," Xu continued fiddling with the pouch on her belt.

"Aren't I too young to be learning it?"

"Now you're going to let your age dictate what you can learn?" Xu asked in
turn. "You turned eleven not long ago and have enough sense in your head to
act responsibly."

"It is okay for you to be teaching it to me? Instead of a Faculty member,
I mean," she flustered. She was startled that Xu wanted to start teaching her
magic. It was one of those things that she saw as a cadet level skill, not
something a junior classman would be permitted to participate in.

"No harm can come from you knowing how to use a low-level Cure spell.
It'll help keep Sean out of trouble when he does something mischievous. But if
it makes you feel any better, I did clear it with the Headmaster. He agrees
with my assessment that you're ready to start learning some simple spells."

Quistis stood there with a dumbfounded look on her face. She tried to
take things in stride, but this was completely unexpected!

Xu opened the door to the hallway and arched an eyebrow. "Are you
coming?"

"Of course!" Quistis rushed past her. Once she accepted the offer of
learning magic, she wasn't going to let Xu go back on it.

Xu closed the door after checking to make sure that she had everything she
needed. She refrained from mentioning to her roommate that this was entirely
the Headmaster's idea. Xu did agree that Quistis was ready to learn some
simple spells such a Cure and Scan. She wouldn't feel comfortable teaching
Quistis any offensive magic until the girl had a solid grasp of the ones that
couldn't kill her if she made a mistake.

Two different techniques for performing magic were taught at the Garden.
The simpler one was the method Xu intended to teach Quistis today. 'Bead
magic' was performed by using small beads that were a physical storage of the
spell itself. The advantage to this form of magic was that *anyone* could
perform it as long as they had a bead. The disadvantage was that beads
resulted in much weaker casts and junctioned poorly when used along with a
Guardian Force.

The other technique taught was called 'energy quanta'. It required a very
controlled use of internal energies since the spells were stored within the
physical self. Spells that were stored in energy form were stronger and
junction beautifully. The downside was the rather steep learning curve
involved with mastering control.

Each of the three Gardens took a different approach towards magic. Trabia
believed in producing strong magic users, thus requiring all of its students to
master energy quanta. Galbadia with its many officer trainees mixed in with
SeeD cadets went the simpler route of teaching beads. Galbadia tended to take
a more physical approach towards conflict resolution as it was. Magic was too
'unreliable' for them (meaning they didn't fully understand its usage).

Balamb went for the middle ground by teaching both techniques to its
students. On top of that, every SeeD cadet was required to master the use of
Guardian Forces. Guardian Forces not only lent their incredible energy to a
battle when summoned, they also allowed their human partner to junction spells
through them. For example, using a Guardian Force as a 'bridge', a supply of
Fire spells could be used to align one's weapon to be a fire elemental -- which
would make it more effective against monsters that were elementally aligned
towards ice.

It was a skill that first required a healthy stockpile of spells. To
gather the spells needed a person had to either find a draw point -- which is
much like a natural spring -- or draw them from a monster during battle. She
had spent much of yesterday wandering around the Alcauld Plains drawing spells
from the monsters for today's lesson.

The belt pouch she used for storing spells was bulging from all that she
had gathered. She carried a second pouch with her that she would give to
Quistis once they were in the Quad. The Quad was a nice open place for
practicing non-offensive magic. They couldn't do any damage to people or
property plus they didn't run the risk of being attacked if they went off
campus or to the Training Center.

"Here, hook this pouch onto your belt," Xu instructed as she took out a
couple of tiny beads. "This bead is a Scan spell," she pointed to a shiny blue
bead that was in the palm of her hand. "The one next to it is Cure," it was a
dull white, almost like a pearl.

"There's more involved with casting magic than having the beads to do it.
It also requires a certain mindset and natural inclination for the magical
arts. It's a skill you should practice just like physical training. The more
you cast, the better you'll become at it. How powerful the spell is depends
heavily upon the ability of the caster. If the caster is weak, it won't be as
powerful of a spell as if someone who has a knack for magic had cast it. Make
sense?" Xu waited for Quistis to digest the information before continuing.

"Almost all magic falls into one of three categories: attack, restore, and
indirect. Examples of attack spells are Fire, Blizzard, and Thunder. We won't
be practicing those anytime soon. Restore spells are things like Cure and the
ever-useful Esuna, which counteracts most indirect spells. Indirect spells
effect your status. They can do things like cause you to float, blind you, or
silence you so that you can't cast any spells yourself. From that group, I'll
show you how to use Scan. It's a spell that allows you to know the strengths
and weaknesses of the monster or person you cast it on."

"That's an awful lot to remember," Quistis said, suddenly wishing that
she'd brought a notebook with her.

"It gets a lot more complicated. Don't worry, I won't bog you down with
details that you don't need to know yet. It's a subject with a rich history.
You might want to check out a book from the Library about it," Xu teased,
knowing that Quistis had already done that without prior knowledge of what the
Headmaster planned.

"The pouch I gave you has 25 Scans and 25 Cures in it. Since magic is
dependent upon beads and beads take up space, you're limited in how many you
can carry. That's not a concern in most cases, but I wouldn't recommend having
more then 100 beads of any given spell."

Xu put the Scan bead in her hand back into the pouch. "Like so much that
we do here, magic is a practice of focus," she fisted her right hand and
brought it against her side. "Performing a sequence of movements helps to
focus mental concentration," her left arm came up in a guarded position across
her body. "Lock your mind onto what you want the spell to accomplish. Follow
its progress as you go through the movements and-" She punched her right fist
forward with the left guiding it. "CURE!"

Quistis felt the tingle of the spell as it healed any wounds she might
have had. It was a gentle spell in both its sensation and effect. She could
tell that Xu had 'pulled her punch' to make the spell not have a significant
effect. Xu pulled back from her final position. "Verbal announcement of the
spell you're casting is a key to its success. It's kind of like a final
focusing point."

"How do I do that? Do I motion just like you did?" Xu's movements weren't
that complicated, she could duplicate them if that was the key.

"What form your focusing technique takes is entirely up to you, just so
long as it really does help you focus. A lot of people make them overly
complicated, which does more to distract from the spell than add to it."

Quistis nodded her understanding and drew a Cure spell from her pouch.
She rolled the tiny bead around between her fingers. It didn't feel any more
important than a stone she might have picked up off the ground. It emitted no
special energy and seemed quite ordinary.

"Focus in your mind. Focus on healing a wound. Picture it mending up and
the person being refreshed," Xu coached.

She closed her eyes and tried to picture those things. She could feel the
bead stirring in her hand and she tried to coax the power from it. Her mind
followed her motions and she put everything she had behind accomplishing her
goal.

"Cure!" The results were disappointing. The power of the spell wouldn't
have healed a paper cut.

"Excellent!" Xu clasped her on the shoulder. "You're going to be good at
this, I can tell all ready."

"How can you say that?" Quistis lamented. "That was pathetically weak."

Xu snorted in a very unlady-like manner. "When I first learned magic it
took a full pouch of Cure spells before I had *any* results."

"You're kidding!" She refused to believe that Xu had that much trouble
learning something.

Xu shrugged in dismissal of the point. "You at least have the idea of how
to focus your mind on the magic. I noticed that your movements were jerky as
you focused. Let's work on smoothing those out. I'm sure that will go a long
ways towards increasing the power of your spells."

In a few hours time they had exhausted Quistis' supply of Cure and Scan
spells and had made a significant dent in Xu's bag. Quistis was feeling more
confident in her ability to cast. Xu assured her that it was impossible to
become a strong caster in a day, reiterating that it was a skill one built up
over time like physical strength.

They called it a day once the sun was set and the lights in the Quad came
to life. Xu sent Quistis ahead to the Cafeteria for dinner while she returned
to their room to store the spells away.

"Why can't we bring them with us?" Quistis asked when Xu stated why she'd
catch up with the younger girl at the Cafeteria.

"Spells are dangerous things -- especially attack magic. Cadets are
allowed to keep spells since they are a part of SeeD training, but there are
strict regulations regarding where they are and aren't allowed to be. Just
like no weapons are allowed in the classrooms, no spells are allowed either.
The Cafeteria is another area where weapons and spells aren't welcome," Xu
shooed her off to go claim them a table before it got crowded.

Quistis didn't have to since Sean was already there eating.

"What were you up to today, sprout?" He asked.

"Xu taught me some magic," Quistis announced proudly. She sat on a chair
and waited for her roommate to arrive before joining the dinner line.

"Is that so?" In fact, he'd seen them practicing in the Quad when he was
passing through. He wasn't sure *what* Xu was thinking by making a public
spectacle of Quistis learning magic. That would only rile up those who
believed Quistis was getting special treatment. He knew that Xu was instructed
by the Headmaster to begin Quistis' magic training, but she could have chosen a
less obvious place to do it. Their room wouldn't have worked, but perhaps the
Infirmary with Doctor Kadowaki's permission...

Xu came into the Cafeteria and Quistis rushed into line with her to get
dinner.

Sean put his elbow on the table and leaned his chin onto the palm of his
hand heavily. No good could come of this. Never mind that the Quad was the
training ground the Faculty used when they taught new students magic. Xu had
thrown down the gantlet regarding a matter that had *finally* simmered down
after Lee was transferred. He wondered if the Headmaster ordered her to make
this public display? Xu could be very in your face at times, but he couldn't
quite believe that she'd make this bold of a statement without some outside
prompting.

"Rude beast, get your elbow off the table," Xu knocked it out from under
him after she set her tray down. He caught himself before his head bobbed too
far.

"Ah... Sorry," he corrected his posture and resumed eating. "Um, Xu,
could we go for a walk? After dinner, you know?" Why was he suddenly so
nervous? They'd gone out together several times for walks around the Garden to
discuss things.

"Yes."

He waited for her to add some scathing remark to her answer. When none
came he asked, "Yes?"

She blinked and gave him a funny look. "Yes, we can go for a walk after
dinner if you want."

"You're not going to say anything else?"

"I can tell that you have something on your mind," she took a bite of her
dinner.

"Y- you can?" Now he was feeling confused.

"Yes, I can. There's still food on your plate," she pointed to his tray
with her fork.

He grinned. "That's the Xu I know."

Quistis was glad to hear that her two mentors were getting along nicely.
She knew that they went out together sometimes, but had no idea what they did.
She liked them both and thought it was the perfect arrangement for them to be
together.

After dinner, Sean and Xu walked to the courtyard beyond the guarded inner
gate of the Garden. They sat on a bench by one of the many fountains before
either of them spoke.

"What's on your mind?" Curiosity colored Xu's tone.

Sean leaned back lazily, placing an arm across the back of the bench (and
coincidentally behind her). He closed his eyes and sighed softly. "That's
what I wanted to ask you," he said in a low voice. "What's up with making sure
everyone saw Quistis learning magic today? We don't need any more problems."

Xu leaned forward, her knees pressed together and her hands tightly
clasped on her lap. "I know what you're thinking, it's what I thought when the
Headmaster told me to train her in the Quad. We can't -- we *shouldn't* --
hold her back because of their jealousy!" Xu's knuckles were white with barely
contained anger.

"You think I don't hear the murmurs, the slurs and the senseless rantings?
Let every last one of them come and try to undermine her! She's better -- ten
times better -- than they are. We'll come out on top in the end!"

Sean felt a pang sorrow. Xu rarely became so frustrated, so distressed,
with the world around her. She wanted nothing more than to lift Quistis higher
up, beyond the reach of such petty human emotions -- Xu believed in the girl
*that* much.

He wanted to yell at her that Quistis could fend for herself. Xu had her
own life to look after. Quistis had the Headmaster on her side; thus it wasn't
Xu's responsibility to 'baby-sit' her. But he couldn't. He wouldn't believe
such things if they were pointed out to him. For as firmly as his feet were
grounded in reality, he knew what it meant to believe in someone that much. He
believed in Xu with such fervor.

Slowly, he brought his arm from the back of the bench and reached over to
take her clinched hands in his own. Startled, she looked up at him. He held
their hands up between them before speaking. "We'll make things work out
together. I promise, my dear Xu."

"Sean?"

He smiled impishly; the shadows cast by the outside lights caused it to
look more menacing than it was intended. "They can't defeat all three of us.
We'll pull through this together."

She returned his smile. "Thank you," she leaned back, relaxed now that
her concerns were eased.

"Any thoughts on what sort of fall-out this little stunt will reap?"

"Nasty looks? Notes? Mean spirited things scrawled on the bathroom stall
doors?" She shook her head. "No idea. We'll just have to keep our eyes open
and make sure Quistis tells us if anything happens."

"That's all we can do," Sean replied.

A Faculty member came through the courtyard and warned them that lights
out was in 15 minutes. The two students took the hint and began walking back
to the Dormitory block. Sean was perhaps more of a gentleman than necessary
when he opened all the doors for her and kept closer than social etiquette
dictated as they walked. Xu didn't push him away and he didn't much care what
others thought if they saw them. He wanted to make sure Xu understood that he
was behind her completely and would do all he could to assist her and Quistis.

"Thank you again, Sean," Xu squeezed his hand before going into her room.
He stood in the hallway and sighed to himself.

"You'll make an honest man of me yet."

Back in the room Xu shared with Quistis the junior classman was still
exuberant regarding today's magic training. She finished reading the books
about magic that she'd checked out a few days ago and was anxious to pick up
more tomorrow. One of the books mentioned a term that she didn't understand.
Now that Xu was back, she could get answers.

"What's a Guardian Force? One of the books I read mentioned it, but
didn't go into details," Quistis sat on her chair and tried to not kick it back
and forth. If she was going to be mature, she shouldn't be doing such things.

"Well, let me show you," Xu pulled something out of a pouch on her utility
belt. She placed a small, smooth stone in Quistis' hands. It was a striking
icy-blue color and cold to the touch.

"This is Shiva," she introduced. "Or, more precisely, a piece of Shiva's
spirit. Guardian Forces are powerful creatures who allow humans to call them
if they have their stone. When the time comes, you'll enter the Fire Cavern
east of here to battle Ifrit. If you defeat him, Ifrit will award you a piece
of his spirit, which will allow you to call him during battle.

"Guardian Forces -- GFs for short -- cast their magic when summoned. For
example, if you don't have any Blizzard spells, you could summon Shiva and have
her cast a powerful ice spell for you."

Quistis peered intently at the stone in her hand. A person could cast a
powerful spell with just this? Was it like a super bead? Did it disappear
after being used like beads did?

Xu chuckled at all the questions as she voiced them. "GFs are unique.
They won't disappear after a single use unless they are killed." Quistis'
eyebrows crept up in surprise.

"You heard right, they can die if they take too much damage. That's a
living spirit-fragment you have in your hands. GFs have personalities,
feelings, and become closely bound to their humans. If you don't use them for
long periods of time, they can become stubborn and take longer to come when you
do summon them. They're also very jealous of each other. Summoning one GF
more often than the others will make the others rebellious and slow in reacting
to your call."

The stone was beginning to warm up as she held it in her hand. She could
almost feel the spirit enjoying the attention it was receiving. "You make them
sound like pets," Quistis commented as she stroked the stone. It *was*
reacting to her touch.

"Some *do* regard GFs as pets. I was raised to see them as spirits to be
revered, but that's neither here nor there. The bottom line is that Guardian
Forces, like any other living thing, need attention and love.

"I could go on for hours regarding the various aspects of Guardian Forces,
but I think I've answered your question. Did you have any others?"

"When do I begin training with them?" The stone was a cozy warmth in her
hand. For being a spirit of ice it was quite friendly towards her.

"You'll learn about them after becoming a cadet. Actually using them is
taught during the last year of SeeD training," Xu took the stone back and
stored it away in her pouch. "Don't worry, you'll get your own piece of Shiva
soon enough. Knowing her, she'll remember you and expect to be petted again."
The look of amusement on Xu's face made Quistis smile.

*****

The consequences from Quistis' magic training began as early as breakfast
the next morning. Sean was eating alone at a table when a group of his friends
joined him.

"Hey there, Sean, you lucky dog you," Eugene punched him on the arm after
sitting down.

"What are you talking about?"

"I saw you and Xu talking in the courtyard last night," Jessie explained,
smiling with joy for his friend. "Things are really getting hot between you
two, huh?"

"It's not official until it's posted on the message board," another of his
friends, LeVar, said dryly without looking up from the book he was reading.
The message board was meant for school related announcements, but was more
often used for rumor-mongering and spam posts.

"We're not going out," Sean protested, though he wished he could say that
they were...

"Oh? It's probably better that way, to be honest. Xu is Quistis'
roommate and I wouldn't want to be Quistis for anything right now," Eugene
began shoveling food into his mouth before Sean could get what he meant by that
out of him. He turned to one of the others to fill him in.

"What's wrong with Quistis?"

"Xu was teaching her magic in the Quad yesterday. I heard that some of
the newbie SeeD cadets are taking offense at a junior classman learning
something they haven't been taught yet," Jessie frowned. "I can understand why
they're mad, but she's only a kid."

"They'd be stupid to try anything after the Headmaster busted Lee," Eugene
snorted.

"They would have to be caught first," LeVar pointed out, finally looking
up from his book. LeVar was a close contender to besting Quistis for the
bookworm award. Being richly intelligent himself, LeVar was probably the one
who understood Quistis' gift the most.

"You guys wouldn't do anything, would you?" He'd be in over his head if
Xu scared off his contacts to the more restless crowd. She could battle them
head-on if she wanted. Subversion was more his tactic.

"Why do you think we're telling you this?" Eugene quickly finished eating
then stood up. "Take care!" He patted Sean on the chest, slipping a small
piece of paper into his shirt pocket. The other two left with Eugene.

Sean didn't fish into his pocket for the paper until he went to the
bathroom to wash his hands after breakfast. The paper was a short list of
numbers. He puzzled over it for a minute. There was the right number of
digits to be student ID numbers, but they were all over the spectrum on the
number scale. If these were student numbers, some of them would have left the
Garden years ago. Then he noticed that most of them *ended* with the same
number. He reversed the digit order in his mind and immediately started
putting numbers to faces. It was a list of people to watch out for.

"Thanks guys," he whispered before slipping the paper back into his
pocket.

The next few days were spent going down the list to have heart-to-heart
talks with each of the students on it. To convince some of them, it meant
encouraging them to do better on their own studies and not to worry about a
girl. For others, it involved promising the wrath of Xu should anything
unfavorable happen to Quistis. The truly stubborn ones needed to be reminded
of the lesson the Headmaster taught with Lee.

Most of it wasn't pretty. There *was* a lot of anger and resentment going
around. He didn't report to the Headmaster or Xu what he was finding. Things
would only get worse if either of them stuck their nose into this morale
problem. Keeping Quistis' extraordinary abilities out of sight for a while
would calm most of them down, but Xu was right -- why should they hold Quistis
back because of petty jealousy?

What they really needed was something to rally behind. Perhaps a little
spinning to make Quistis into a poster child for the Garden? Now *that* wasn't
a half-bad idea! He invited the same group of guys who had originally tipped
him off to his room for a meeting. He was going to need their help if he
wanted to start a trend.

"You're joking, right?" Eugene grimaced. "Sean, things will get *worse*
if you start polarizing the student body."

Sean nodded to acknowledge the possibility of that happening. "On the
other hand, we could unite the student body if it works. Things can't continue
as they're going. What kind of example will this set for the classes *after*
Quistis if they see that she's ostracized for excelling?"

"I hadn't thought of that," Eugene murmured, leaning back in his chair.
"What do you guys think?" He addressed LeVar and Jessie for the first time
during their conversation.

"We need a catch phrase or a motto or something," Jessie scowled as he
tried to think of one.

"A name would be a nice start," LeVar was looking rather bored with this
entire discussion. Sean knew that, more than the other two, LeVar had the most
riding on Quistis -- if for no other reason then as a sign of acceptance for
bookworms Garden-wide.

"'Defenders of Quistis'?" Jessie suggested.

"Don't be stupid. That would *definitely* polarize the student body!"
Eugene snapped.

Sean rubbed his chin. "How about... 'Trepies'?"

"Trepies?" That name didn't bounce off of Eugene well either.

"Clever play of the words 'groupies' and 'Trepe'," LeVar commented.

"And it sounds cute!" Jessie's eyes lit up already sold on the idea.

"So what are we Trepies going to do? Go around the defend Quistis
whenever someone criticizes her?" Eugene was skeptical of the idea as a whole,
but was at least willing to be persuaded.

"Hardly," LeVar said firmly. "We will *celebrate* the gifts of this youth
and the brilliance of the Garden at being able to develop them to their fullest
potential."

"There you go!" Sean clapped his hands together at their cleverness. "We
shouldn't be bold in our approach, but infectious; like a disease. We'll sneak
her into their hearts and cause the student body to love her."

"You've finally fallen off the deep end, my friend," Eugene patted Sean on
the shoulder. "Come along, boys, we've got work to do." He stood up and led
the other two cadets out of Sean's room. The idea might be a half-cracked one,
but if it worked...

Shifting the outlook of a student body was hard work, but Sean was up to
the task. He *begged* Xu not to throw Quistis into anyone's face for a few
months. He needed that time to get people acclimated to the idea that Quistis
was what they were striving for. If a child could do it, they could too.

Xu swore that he was off his rocker, but agreed to do things his way for
the time being. She spent more time with Quistis, tutoring her in private,
while he spent his spare time promoting their cause. He never did speak with
the Headmaster about what he was doing, nor did he know if Xu had.

He did request that they keep Quistis ignorant regarding this matter. The
girl was insecure as it was, knowing that they were out there trying to stop
people from hating her for doing what she was supposed to wouldn't do anything
for her self-esteem. And it might encourage her to take matters into her own
hands by holding herself back. Social acceptance was a natural thing to crave,
but it could also be like a ball and chain at times.

Quistis did notice that Sean wasn't spending as much time with them as he
used to. She asked Xu why he wasn't coming around much anymore. Did they get
into a fight?

Xu assured the girl that they hadn't fought more than they usually did.
He was simply busy with his current class load. And didn't she get to see him
twice a day because of her classes? That was more than Xu got to see him.

The girl's heart was set at ease by the last point, though she was sad
that Xu didn't get to see Sean as much as she did. Xu said that it was all
right, school had to take priority. Sean would come around again once he had
the time to.

*****

"So, any plans for the winter break?" Sean was sitting next to Xu on a
bench in the outer courtyard. They'd mutually agreed on this spot as their
place to unwind and talk about whatever was on their minds. Usually it was
Quistis or their progress in SeeD training. Sometimes they talked about their
dreams for the future, or the pasts they'd given up to go chasing those dreams.

"I'm going to stay here," her breath was visible on this chilly winter
evening as it hung between them.

"Because of Quistis?" He hazarded a guess. Xu hadn't spent her breaks at
the Garden before and there really wasn't any reason for her to besides that
one.

She nodded. "You know that she's an orphan, right? She doesn't have any
place to go during the break, so I figured that I would stay here and keep her
company."

"Alright then, I'll stay here as well," he grinned at her.

"Silly man, you should go visit your family. I remember you telling me
that your sister had a baby not long ago. You should go see your niece before
you become a SeeD. You might not have the opportunity for a while afterwards,"
she chided. The offer to stay here and keep them company was very sweet of
him. Because they might not have the opportunity to go home for years most
people vacated the Garden during the breaks.

"I've been neglecting the two ladies in my life. I must spend my break
with you both to make up for it," he effected a charming air about him.

Xu smiled softly, feeling for the first time in a long while that all was
right with the world. Sean had gone the distance to calm the waters when she
would have mixed things up. They took two different approaches on life and
somehow ended up meeting in the middle. She wasn't sure where the line between
friendship and relationship was drawn, but didn't think they'd crossed it yet.
'Yet' being the operative word since she wasn't sure where the growth of
understanding between them would stop.

A part of her truly enjoyed their friendship as it was. Another part of
her longed for it to be more. Then the dutiful part of her would come stomping
in and squish the longing and remind her that she had other matters to attend
to. She considered the confusion that she felt as a given and hoped that it
would pass quickly.

When Xu spoke with Quistis later that evening, she was thrilled to learn
that they were going to stay during the winter break. She'd assumed that they
would return to their hometowns.

"What did we say about the Garden being our home?" Xu teased her gently.
"I've heard that Balamb has a Winter Festival. I've often wondered what it
was. I'm sure we'll get the chance to check it out."

They did that among many other activities. The Garden was nearly emptied
of its student body, leaving most of the facilities free of crowds when they
wanted to use them. They did maintain a work out schedule filled with more
games than things like weight training. Quistis would sometimes go to the
Library while Xu and Sean took long walks together. She didn't mind giving
them time to themselves and was pleased to see them getting along so well.

Quistis took a great deal of joy in being the first one out to the Quad in
the mornings to look at (and then play in) the new snow fall. Xu and Sean
usually weren't long in joining her. Snowball fights often erupted between the
three of them. They would wage their battles uninterrupted until one morning
when an unexpected visitor was hit in the crossfire.

"Headmaster!" Quistis scurried out from behind the tree she was hiding
behind. Sean and Xu came from their positions to stand before the Headmaster.

"Hmph, yes, indeed," he brushed the snow off of his winter coat. "It's
been quite a while since a student has managed to get me with a snowball, and
that's not for lack of trying, mind you." He waggled a finger at Quistis with
a smile tugging at the stern expression on his face.

He carefully looked over the small force. Judging by where the three of
them came out from, it was two on one against Quistis. "It would seem to me
that Miss Trepe has been woefully outnumbered by the upper classmen," he paced
around them. "And so I have no choice but to join Miss Trepe's forces in hopes
of turning the tide of the battle."

"Headmaster?" Quistis couldn't believe her ears. He shoo-ed her to get
back behind the tree. He then took cover near her while the two cadets hurried
back to their previous positions. "If we work together, we can pick off one
and then the other."

Quistis nodded her understanding. She quickly made a pile of snowballs so
that she wouldn't have to stop and 'reload' mid-battle. The Headmaster was
likewise building a small pile of snowballs. "Let's attack the more aggressive
unit first since they pose the most immediate threat," Cid motioned towards Xu.

Cid positioned himself carefully so that he wasn't in Sean's direct line
of fire while still being able to throw at Xu. He counted down the attack. At
one, both of them stood up and began pelting Xu with a barrage of snowballs.
She was forced to retreat behind a bench or come out covered in snow. The
Headmaster then rushed to another position. They focused their attack on
taking Sean out. He kept near a tree for cover. It would have been a draw if
they hadn't finally caught him in a crossfire from either side, forcing him to
yield.

Cid came out and brushed off what snow clung to him. "There's a lesson in
teamwork to be learned from this. How else could two SeeD cadets be defeated
soundly by a crabby old man and a junior classman?" He gave them all an
appraising look before walking off, acting as though he hadn't just engaged in
a childish snow fight.

Word of the snow wars in the Quad quickly spread and the Headmaster was
prompt to organize those students who showed up into teams for more effective
battling. Most of the students were willing to overlook the fact that they
were actually learning something because they were enjoying themselves so much.
Many of them also came to know Quistis better, and thus realized that while she
may be book smart she was still very much a child. That, Sean was glad to
discover, did more for boosting her reputation than the Trepies had managed
thus far.

When the rest of the student body began returning, those who had stayed at
Balamb Garden were able to match them story for story. It was a rare thing to
have such adventures when few people were around. Some students were already
planning on sticking around next break if this was what they were missing out
on.

*****

Spring came early to the Alcauld Plains. Quistis found herself missing
the snow, but not too much. She was more fascinated with how the numerous
gardens of Balamb were blooming from their seasonal rest. The many bright
flowers were a delight to her eyes and treat for her nose.

Sean's idea of enjoying the outdoors was to spend his free days in Balamb
fishing off of the dock with his friends. Xu and she would sometimes walk to
town with him and then part ways as they went to explore the coastal town's
shops.

It did come as a surprise when Sean invited Quistis to go fishing with him
during the next free day. Xu was scheduled to be gone for a few days on a
training mission, so it would be just the two of them. Quistis was unsure how
much she'd enjoy fishing. It didn't seem to be a very *active* sport, just
sitting there for several hours while waiting for something to happen. Sean
coaxed her into coming by pointing out that she could bring a book with her to
read if she was bored.

"We've got to get you outdoors more. You're pasty white as it is!" He
teased.

He came by her room early in the morning, bringing with him two breakfasts
he'd ordered the previous night. They left the Garden as soon as the guard
would let them off the grounds. The monsters didn't so much as sniff at them
as they walked to Balamb. 'Guess they're not early risers,' Quistis thought to
herself with a yawn punctuating her own opinion of being up so early.

Sean had a fisherman friend who lent him a pole whenever he came around to
spend a day on the dock. They caught up with the man as he was preparing to go
out fishing himself. He gave Sean his usual pole and found a shorter one for
Quistis that his grandchildren used whenever they visited him. Out on the dock
Sean got her set up and helped her cast her line before doing so himself.

It was as boring as Quistis thought it would be. She kicked her feet off
the edge of the dock as she watched her reflection in the water. Idly, she
wondered what the little fishies under the water were thinking about. Were
they laughing at her feeble attempt to catch them? If she were in their
position, she'd probably be laughing.

"How are you doing, sprout?" Sean asked while reeling his line in to
recast it.

"Okay. Just thinking about the fishies," she yawned hugely. The sun
hadn't been up for an hour yet and she was already tired.

"Yeah, that's why I like fishing. It gives me the chance to get away from
the Garden and to sit and think," he flicked his wrists, sending the line out
into the water. "I'm glad you came with me today. I've been wanting to talk
to you when Xu wasn't around."

"Oh?" Quistis' curiosity was piqued. She felt a bit guilty about having a
conversation with Sean that purposefully excluded Xu, but he must have a good
reason.

He scooted himself closer to her. "You've come a long way. I don't think
even the Headmaster himself could've imagined the things you've accomplished.
We're all very proud of you and want to see you continue to succeed.

"I say this because a lot of things are going to happen during the next
school year. Most important of these events is Xu's graduation. If I'm
figuring her classes correctly, she should finish up around winter break. I
don't doubt that Xu *will* complete her training and become a member of SeeD,
do you?"

Quistis shook her head, her mind already racing ahead to where this
conversation was leading.

"In short, she'd going to be leaving us. SeeDs are in high demand right
now and the Headmaster won't waste a person with Xu's talent by having her
stationed at the Garden."

She felt her lower lip begin to quiver. The thought of Xu leaving her was
crushing, just like her parents had left her-- Sean quickly put an arm around
her and held her close. "Aww, sprout, I didn't mean to make you cry, but this
is something we need to discuss. It's not like Xu will never come back, she
will eventually.

"I'm not far behind Xu. I'll be graduating next summer if I pass the
exams. I want to make sure that there are no surprises for you, and for you to
appreciate the time we have together before duty claims us."

"You both will be leaving me," she was crying now, the tears streaking
down her face. He quickly pulled his line up from the water and put the pole
on the dock, then did the same for her pole. He pulled her up onto his lap so
that he could hold her.

"The life of a SeeD requires us to be mobile -- to be able to put down
roots and pull them up again at a moment's notice. But even if we do leave,
that doesn't mean our friendship ends.
Rest assured that I will always be your friend and that you are in my thoughts
and heart," he rocked them back and forth gently.

This was as difficult as he thought it would be. Children tended to live
in the moment without any concept of what the upcoming months -- or even
tomorrow -- would bring. It wouldn't be right to disappear on the kid without
warning her of the inevitability. He and Xu had discussed this difficult
moment and figured it would be easier on Quistis if he was the one to say it.

It was easy to forget how emotionally uncertain Quistis was. She had such
a commanding grasp of knowledge-based materials that it was easy to assume her
control applied in other areas as well. Alas, intellectual prowess and
emotional maturity were two entirely different things. They'd done all they
could to create a safe environment for her to explore her intellect at the
possible cost of her emotional growth. Sometimes the best-learned lessons were
those which are the most painful. He hated to think that way, but it was an
unfortunate truth.

Quistis continued to sob softly into his tee shirt. He stroked her hair
reassuringly while cooing that things would be all right. "Nothing can stay as
it is forever," he whispered softly. "For better or worst, things will always
keep changing. Let that be a comforting thought."

"But I *like* how things are now. I'm happy being at Balamb with you and
Xu and the Headmaster," she sniffled, then rubbed her face against his chest.

He forced himself not to scold her for soiling his tee shirt. Instead he
replied, "What if things are even *better* further along? You never know what
the future holds. You'll make new friends *in addition to* the ones you have
now." He was careful to emphasize that she wasn't replacing her current
friends, only adding to them.

"Do I need more friends?" She gave him a questioning look.

"Sprout, a person should go for as many friends as they can get. A friend
will help you out when you're in a jam. Just be sure that they are *true*
friends and not people who are simply using you."

"Why would someone try to use me?" Her tears were drying up as this new
topic caught her interest.

"Well, because you're smart. They might want you to do their work for
them," he quickly thought of an example. He didn't think their was anyone at
Balamb who would try to take advantage of the girl, but if she was willing to
be warned about such people at this point in time...

She considered it. "They wouldn't learn anything if I did their work for
them," she reasoned.

"That's part of it. It's also dishonest to pass someone else's work off
as your own. You shouldn't use other people's work, nor give your work out for
others to use." She laid her head back against his chest, her thin arms
wrapped around him for support. He stopped speaking. Right now, whatever he
had to say could wait, just so long as Quistis was comforted.

He was startled when he discovered that she was sleeping soundly. He must
have gotten her up too early. 'And Xu said that Quistis woke up at the same
time she did,' he chuckled to himself. It would give him something to tease
her about later. He shifted his legs to prevent them from falling sleep.
Quistis didn't even stir. Sean resigned himself to the fact that the next
couple hours of his life were going to be spent as a bed for the girl sleeping
on his lap.

*****


A new class of students joined Balamb Garden. Quistis was glad to no
longer be one of the new students. Xu told her that she had to be an example
for the newer students and help them out when they needed it. That didn't
bother her at all. She liked showing the new ones around the Garden.

It also meant that Quistis' classes changed again, though most of her
classmates remained the same as they advanced a grade with her. The one major
change for her was that her hand-to-hand class was now a weapons course. Part
of their time was spent in a classroom studying the history of various weapons,
while the rest was in the training room to study their use.

It was a topic both Sean and Xu were glad to discuss and offer advice on.
Having them together often turned the discussion into a debate since they
believed in radically different styles. Sean preferred an approach that
emphasized defense and attacking only when it was safe to do so. Xu favored a
strong offense that gambled on taking out the enemy before a defense was
necessary.

Quistis wasn't sure which ideology fit her better since she could see the
merits of both. She mentioned this to Xu, who replied that there were many
other ideologies besides the ones they presented. There was plenty of middle
ground between where she and Sean stood for Quistis to find a spot.

Every person at the Garden, upper and junior classman alike, was required
to learn basic hand-to-hand skills and how to use a belt knife before they were
allowed to choose a weapon to specialize in. Both of these disciplines were
high energy and left her feeling exhausted by the end of a training session.
Sean insisted that she eat a solid, high calorie breakfast on the mornings that
she was training in the afternoon. 'You're going to need every ounce of it,
sprout,' he'd then mess up her hair or tug on her pony tail.

When her mentors could join her for open training sessions, they would.
Sean laid claim to her as a hand-to-hand partner. He instructed her to go at
him with everything she had and to not worry about hurting him. She was
hesitant at first, not because she was afraid of hurting him, but because it
seemed wrong to strike at her mentor. So he would taunt her verbally and take
cheap shots until she was provoked into retaliating.

"Come on, Quistis, you can throw me!" He stood perfectly still as she
struggled to get the leverage she needed to bring him over her shoulder.
Frustrated, he knocked her feet out from under her, causing her to fall solidly
on her butt.

"How can I throw you?! You're so much bigger than I am," she pouted as
she resumed standing.

"Size will fall to technique, you know that," he scolded. "Be mindful of
where you put your feet. They were way out of position."

He stood still again as she grabbed hold of his gi and tried to set
herself into the correct position. She just couldn't quite get him around--
He unceremoniously dumped her on her butt again.

"Do you need to be shown the position again?" He asked her. She shook her
head angrily and took hold of his gi after standing.

The third time he knocked her down with impatience was too much. She
lunged at him, dropping him to the mat with an unexpected tackle to the waist.

He blinked in surprise, then grinned. "That's one way to bring me down,
though I wouldn't use that technique too often in battle," he offered her a
hand up after standing himself.

"I'm sorry," she apologized meekly.

"You shouldn't be. You should be riled up while in combat, but in a
controlled manner. It's good to see you fired up," he tugged on his gi to
straighten it back out. "Let me show you the throw again. I don't doubt that
you have the concept of how to do it, but foot placement is crucial."

Once Sean had worn away her inhibitions of striking her mentors, she began
training against Xu. It was difficult for her to attack Xu under any
circumstances, but the fact that Xu wanted her to do it with a belt knife made
it all the more so.

"You have to trust in Xu's ability to stop you. Personally, I trust her
ability to stop most anything with her technique except the train between
Deling City and Timber," Sean winked at Quistis. She was still unconvinced.

Sean frowned for a moment. "Ah, we'll demonstrate that it's okay!" He
pulled out the knife that was sheathed on his belt. Xu acknowledge his
challenge with a quick bow then put her sai up.

Quistis' eyes glazed over as she watched them fight. Xu had an incredible
speed advantage, while Sean's advantage in reach was just as significant. It
did appear as if both of them were going all out with Xu successfully defending
against his jabs and swipes. A junior classman like her wouldn't be nearly as
difficult to defend against as Sean was. After a few more minutes they
disengaged and acknowledged the other's efforts.

"Ready to give it a try?" Sean asked, panting slightly. Xu hadn't even
broken a sweat.

"You have Cure spells, right?" Quistis asked.

He patted one of the pouches that was on his belt. "Don't I always when
we're here?"

She took her position across the mat from Xu and pulled out the knife that
was on her belt. Xu bowed briefly to acknowledge their upcoming battle.
Quistis advanced carefully on the guarding Xu. She stuck her knife out only to
have it promptly knocked out of her hand by a quick motion of the sai.

"Er-" Quistis looked over at her knife where landed against the wall.

"Well? Go get it," Sean prompted when she just stood there. "Keep a firm
grip on your knife. Xu isn't known for pulling her punches very well."

Xu sniffed indignantly. "I pull them for everyone but you," she
corrected.

Quistis scurried back into position with her knife in hand. Her attacks
were still timid and easily blocked by her roommate.

"Strike at her more aggressively," Sean coached from the edge of the mat.
"Xu's a big girl, she can take it!"

She swiped at Xu with her knife, then came back in to jab at her. Picking
up the pace of the battle could only work to Xu's advantage, but her body
wanted to go faster. She lunged, then swung. Xu avoided the last two advances
by simply dodging.

"Don't get too wild! Aggressive, controlled strikes are what you're
trying for," Sean called to her.

She disengaged for a moment to wipe away the sweat on her forehead. She
resisted the urge to giggle when she noticed that Xu's hair had almost
completely freed itself from the tail it was once in. 'If she grew it just a
bit longer, she wouldn't have that problem,' Quistis thought to herself.

She battled Xu for a while longer before Sean called a stop to their
session. "It's nearly dinner time and you both are in desperate need of a
shower."

"Trust you to know when a meal time is fast approaching," Xu glanced up at
the wall chronometer and saw that he was correct. "Nice work, Quistis.
There's a lot to be done with your technique, but you kept your attacks varied,
which is a good start."

"Indeed," Sean agreed. "I'm going to take a quick shower myself and then
claim us a table."

"What makes you think that we won't beat you there?" Xu asked with a
challenging edge to her tone.

"You're women. It's your obligation to keep men waiting!" He waved at
them as he left for the locker room.

Xu shook her head at being stun by that clever rascal.

Point in fact, Sean did beat them to the Cafeteria. He already had his
tray of food and was politely waiting for them to get their dinners before
eating. They were well into their meals when Quistis noticed that Sean had
something sitting across his lap.

"Oh! Sorry, my mind was focused on something else," he said as he looked
down.

Xu snorted from her edge of the square table.

"Hush you," he growled playfully. He turned to speak with Quistis.
"There are a lot of things they don't tell you about in the classroom. One of
those things is the importance of a good utility belt, or, in lieu of that, the
importance of wearing clothes with many pockets. As you may have noticed,
there are a lot of things SeeDs have to keep on them -- belt knife, spell
beads, items, Guardian Forces, cards -- they're a mobile shop!

"So, I had a belt made for you last time I went fishing in Balamb," he
handed the leather belt over to her. It was very broad, as wide as the palm of
her hand. It had a heavy metal buckle with two teeth to thread through the
holes.

"Thank you, Sean," she admired her new belt.

Xu raised an eyebrow once she got a good look at it. "Your heart's in the
right place, Sean, but women don't wear clothes with belt loops quite *that*
large." 'Not that men do either,' she added silently.

"I know. I figured she could let it ride on her hips once she has them,"
his impish grin appeared.

"Impudent, you are," Xu chided lightly.

"I live to perv," he quipped. Quistis didn't understand that remark, but
judging by the look on Xu's face; Sean was going to get it later on.

Whether or not he did, she'd never know. He did come by later that
evening to ask her if she wanted to go fishing with him during the next free
day. Xu was already committed to go play war games with some of her
classmates, so it would be the two of them again. She accepted his offer,
though not to fish. She'd just sit on the dock and read as he tried to catch
the clever fishies with his silly pole and line.

Sean didn't wake her up quite as early has he did last time. The sun was
fully above the horizon as they walked to Balamb. The monsters seemed to be as
restless as she was feeling. Twice Bite Bugs attacked them as they made their
way. Each time, Sean quickly picked off the Bite Bugs until there was only one
left. That one he left for her to battle.

She wasn't too confident in her knife skills the first time she struck at
the monster. It retaliated by attacking Sean for insignificant damage. Her
mentor encouraged her to boldly go up there and plunge her knife into it. She
tried that tactic, shoving the belt knife as hard as she could into the
monster's small body. It seized up then fell to the ground.

She was both fascinated and horrified that killing monsters came so
easily. She felt little remorse for the life she just ended, even if it was
the life of a monster. Once they were settled in on the dock for the day, she
asked Sean about it.

"Not feeling sorry for killing a monster, huh?" He slowly reeled his line
in as he considered it. "I won't belittle you by saying that they're lesser
creatures and deserve death for attacking humans, though that is a point some
use. I've been told that the reason we don't feel remorse when we kill
monsters is because humans naturally devalue the life of lesser creatures."

"I see..." she did, sort of. From the point of view of a Shumi, humans
must be only a step up from the monsters they fought against.

Sean continued musing aloud. "It's an interesting subject to think about
-- the whole issue of monsters. Xu might be a better person to ask. Has she
told you much about her family's beliefs?"

"She told me that they don't believe in eating meat since that would make
them just like the monsters," she answered promptly.

He had drawn his line in all the way by now. He cast it out again and
repeated the slow reeling in process before speaking. "That's part of it. Her
family is very traditionalist. They have a long history and can tell you
stories of times when there were no monsters roaming around, if you can believe
that!

"Her family doesn't believe that monsters are the Ultimate Evil that they
are generally portrayed as. They tend to think that monsters have as much of a
right to life as humans do. They consider them as just another class of
animal. An aggressive animal, certainly, but not deserving of outright
extermination (like that's possible)," he added in an aside.

Quistis blinked with surprise. She had assumed that *everyone* viewed
monsters as a common enemy. The thought that her *roommate* was related to a
group that afforded them the same rights as a human was shocking. "Then why
does Xu kill monsters?"

Sean chuckled, knowing what was going through her mind. "She's an only
child, but she's had more than one cousin killed by the buggers.

"Her parents didn't exactly approve of her career choice, but they didn't
stop her either," he added thoughtfully. "They're into peaceful co-existence
while their 'rebellious' daughter has chosen the path of violence. Such an
ideological difference in any other family probably would have resulted in Xu
being disowned. Fortunately, her parents believe that following her destined
path takes precedence over their personal convictions," he shrugged in a way to
indicate that he held no opinion on that matter.

"Xu has kept the diet her family has maintained for generations. She also
respects their beliefs while visiting them and refrains from killing any
monsters unless a person's life is in immediate danger. Living without killing
*can* be done, it just involves a lot of inconveniences and being constantly
vigilant."

"I never realized there was so much behind Xu," Quistis admitted.

"*Every* person has a story, sprout. That's why listening is one of the
most important skills you can develop. The more you know about a person and
their past, the better you will be able to work with them in the future." It
was a profound thought for her to mull over.

They sat together in amiable silence until the sun reached mid-sky. Sean
stood up and stretched. He'd only had a few nibbles and was getting the
nibbles himself. "Let's get some lunch," he put the pole over his shoulder and
led them to the nearby cafe.

A broad umbrella guarded them from the sun as they sat at a small table on
a patio. Soon a man with an apron tied about his waist came out to take their
order. Sean ordered his usual -- whatever that was -- while she got a
sandwich.

"You should appreciate these quiet days while you have," he said, closing
his eyes as he enjoyed the cool spring breeze that blew gently.

"What do you mean?" She asked.

He leaned forward in his chair. "There's no denying that you're going to
live an exciting life. Things may have settled down after the Sorceress Wars,
but there are still monsters roaming this planet and SeeDs are in demand. Me?
I'll probably end up as some sort of SeeD grunt, but I see you leading a unit
of SeeDs into battle."

Quistis blushed and slid down in her chair. She was eleven years old.
Where were all these qualities they said they could see in her hiding? She
certainly didn't see them.

Sean chuckled at her discomfort, and then motioned for her to sit up when
their food arrived. The waiter set a sandwich before her. In front of Sean he
set a medium sized pizza.

"Are you really going to eat all that?" She boggled.

"Every delicious slice," he pulled one off the pan, the stringy cheese
making it difficult to do so neatly, and took a bite. "Unless you want some,
of course," he motioned for her to eat up. She shook her head, then changed
the subject.

"You know, I don't think I've ever seen you catch a fish."

Sean gagged on his pizza, pounding his chest as he swallowed it down.

"I catch plenty of fish! I just let them go," he waved away her doubts
about his fishing skill. "Balamb fish aren't very good for eating anyway."

She smiled between bites of her sandwich. She'd been learning from Xu how
to tease Sean. He reflexively ran his fingers through his hair before
returning to his meal. After lunch, he spent the rest of the day trying to
prove that he really could catch a fish. If only someone had told the fish to
co-operate with him.

*****

With Sean and Xu tutoring her it didn't take long for Quistis to pass the
pre-requisite weapons tests that came before selecting a weapon to specialize
in. She thought hard regarding which one she would choose. Her research led
her to a weapon that didn't require the stamina of Xu's sai, yet had the
finesse Sean's pistol lacked.

"I'm going to study the whip!" Quistis told them both while they played a
game of Triple Triad during a study break one night.

Xu shot Sean a glare that could have pinned him to the wall. "Don't you
*dare* say anything," she growled under her breath.

"My mind wasn't in the gutter, was yours?" He asked innocently as he put a
card down.

Once again she didn't understand what they were talking about. Sometimes
she thought that teenagers had a language of their own.

Xu began asking her questions about the whip since she didn't think there
were any cadets currently training with one. In fact, there was one other. He
was in the class ahead of Quistis. The Faculty already stated its intentions
of training them together, so some scheduling adjustments might be needed.

It was tougher than Quistis thought. Not only did the whip require fine
wrist control, but there was also the risk of it snapping back and hitting her.
She learned to not be timid when trying to master her weapon from her training
sessions with Xu and Sean.

Her diligence paid off sooner than she expected. A few short months after
picking up the whip for the first time and the Faculty passed her as competent
enough to enter the SeeD program. Weapons work was the last hurdle she had to
cross before she had the pre-requisites to join.

Happy coincidence had picked the day for her becoming a cadet to be the
same as her birthday. It was the only thing she wanted and she got it. Sean
was anxious to see Quistis in her new uniform. She giggled at his enthusiasm
since the new uniform looked just like her old one with the exception of a SeeD
patch being sewn on the upper arm.

The patch on her arm and the new set of goals were the only things to
change in her life. Her classes remained the same since she was already doing
upper division work. Her weapons and magic training would become more intense
now, but not until after the winter break when they reevaluated and placed
students. 'It would be easier to continue as you have been for six more weeks
than to disrupt your learning with the pressures of catching up,' the
Headmaster explained to her.

That brought an abrupt halt to her exuberance. How could time pass so
quickly? Xu would be up for the SeeD exams by the winter break!

Six weeks. The time seemed to drag on but to also pass too quickly. Xu
was incredibly busy with finishing up final requirements. It seemed like she
was gone more than she was around. Sean tried to spend more time with Quistis,
knowing that she was sometimes lonely without her roommate around.

She tried to accept that Xu would be leaving soon as best as she could.
It would be hard for her to say good-bye, but Sean was right, good-bye wasn't
forever. She would see Xu again.

*****


Sean tapped on the door to the room Quistis and Xu shared. He knew Xu was
in, and so waited patiently when she was slow in answering. The group of
cadets Xu was with on a training mission had returned an hour earlier. After
getting a look at the rest of them, he knew that Xu would be in less than
excellent condition.

"You look like you were slapped around by a Grat," he said sympathetically
after coming in. Xu had called for whoever it was to let themselves in, too
tired to get up and answer the door herself. She was stretched out along
Quistis' lower bunk, which doubled as a couch.

"I'd feel better if I were. I found muscles I didn't know I had. They're
tight all over," she winced as she leaned up to greet him.

"It's a good thing I stopped by." Sean gave one of his charming grins.
"Nothing loosens tight muscles better than a nice rub down."

Xu sighed. "That sounds pleasant, but how do I know you're not doing this
so that you can feel me up?"

He didn't even try for innocence as he sat down beside her head. "There
has to be something in this deal for me. Think of it as being mutually
beneficial. You won't even have to change. The tee-shirt and sweats you're in
now won't get in the way."

The idea was so tempting that better sense was disregarded. Sitting up,
she let Sean move over on the bed, then stretched out across his lap. Quistis
wouldn't mind as long as she was sure to straighten the covers when they were
done.

Sean's long fingers reached across her back as he caressed her shoulder
muscles. His touch felt so good... She couldn't resist the urge to close her
eyes and drift off as he smoothed away the knots. His fingertips sought the
small, tight areas and worked them out in little motions, circling deep into
her skin. Xu sighed and rolled her head on her arms, nodding off.

"Xu?" He woke her gently as he stretched her shirt's neckline. If he
wanted her to take it off, she would refuse. For a while.

"Hum?" She responded sleepily.

"I'm curious. What's this tattoo between your shoulder blades? I
wouldn't have figured you as one for such things," he carefully pulled at the
neckline to better view the marking. He couldn't make heads or tails of it.
It consisted of a few symbols of varying complexity that totaled about five
centimeters square in size.

"It's my name," she turned her head to regard him through half-closed
eyes.

He looked at it again. He knew that the standard language wasn't her
first. She never offered to demonstrate her native tongue and he hadn't asked.
Were these symbols its written form? If so, it appeared to be quite complex.

"All that equals 'Xu'?" He replaced her shirt before resuming work on her
back. He left her shoulders alone, working the heels of his hands along her
ribs. She sighed with pleasure before answering.

"More or less -- a bit more, actually. It doesn't translate very well."

"May I ask why? I mean, I doubt you'd forget your own name. And having
it on your back where you can't easily see it doesn't accomplish much." She
winced as he ran his hands firmly along her rib cage, the sore muscles sliding
along the bones and slowly unkinking.

Lazily, she rolled over onto her side with her left arm propping her head
up. "It's part of my coming of age. It signifies that I'm a named member of
my clan. You probably think that's silly, don't you?"

He shook his head as he rested his hand on her side. "Hardly. My father
made us prove that we were grown up before he would consider us adults. A
coming of age trial is a good thing. It can change the mindset of children
towards the responsibility of being adults."

"Exactly. I wonder what Quistis' coming of age will be since she lacks
the family to fill that role," Xu mused.

"Becoming a SeeD?" He offered.

She grimaced. "That's too late. I was a year order than she is now when
I was named. It needs to happen sooner."

"We'll think of something," he reassured. "Considering that you'll be
leaving soon with me not far behind; being on her own might be the trial
itself."

"It could be..." she thought about it. She let her head fall to the
mattress as she continued to think. Sean stroked her side without addressing
the issue of tight muscles, moving his hand from shoulder to hip smoothly. Xu
found herself relaxing more because she enjoyed his company than the services
he offered.

"There's just one thing," he drawled slowly. She watched his face as one
of his impish grins tugged at his lips as his eyes lit up with mischief.
"Let's skip the tattooing her name across her back part. I don't think she'd
go for it."

Xu snorted and rolled over onto her back, her arms holding her head up.
"I wouldn't force that on anyone."

Sean's grin remained as he playfully rubbed her belly. "So, any more body
markings that I can find?"

"Pervert," she moved off his lap to stand next to the bed.

"You're no fun," he pouted. "It's an honest interest."

"Not tonight," she leaned forward to give him a quick kiss on the
forehead. "I need to get ready for tomorrow. I'll see you later, okay?"

He stood up, knowing that it was time for him to leave. "You're so cruel,
teasing me like you do. Alright, I'll try again tomorrow," his smile widened.
"But remember, sooner or later I will catch you, my darling Xu." With that, he
left.

Xu leaned her head against the door after closing it. "What if you
already have..?" She whispered before moving to straighten out the bed covers.

*****

"Don't you have your written SeeD exam tomorrow?" Quistis asked as she
came into her dorm room and sat her book bag onto her bed. Sean and Xu were
playing Triple Triad at Xu's desk.

"I do," she put down a card, flipping over two of Sean's. He grimaced as
he thought about what card to put down in response.

"Aren't you going to study?" If it were she on the night before the exam
that would determine the rest of her life, she'd be cramming every last bit of
knowledge that she could.

Xu shrugged indifferently. "By now I either know it or I don't. A
night's worth of cramming can't substitute for the last five years of
training." Sean nodded his agreement as he put a card down; flipping back over
one Xu had captured. She immediately laid down another card with a capture
resulting. Sean resumed his frowning.

"You have a point," Quistis pulled her chair over to watch them play. One
more round finished the game with Sean as the loser. They didn't exchange
cards, opting instead to shuffle the cards back into their decks and pull out
five more at random to play with.

Xu did decide to go to bed early because of the long day ahead of her.
The written exam began promptly at 0700 and wouldn't finish until late
afternoon. By the time Quistis woke up in the morning, Xu was already gone and
taking her test.

The entire Garden had a heavy feeling to it with the emotions thick enough
to taste them. All but the most junior of classman understood that 30 some odd
students were being tested today and that everyone was pulling for them.
Statistically speaking, only ten to fifteen of those 30 would pass the exam and
go onto the field exam. The field exam could be held at any time after the
written test, though it was usually within a few days of it. Of those students
only a few would graduate and become SeeDs. It was the moment they were all
preparing for. The pressure associated with it was almost more grueling than
the exams themselves.

Since the written test was given entirely on the study panels, they would
know immediately if they passed or failed when they were finished. Some upper
classmen set up a chalkboard near the classroom that the exam was being
administered in. All of the names of the cadets taking the exam were written
on the board. As they left the classroom their results were chalked up for the
student body to see.

Those who failed did their best to hide their disappointment by saying
that they could try again next term. In fact, they could keep trying until
their 20th birthday. If they weren't a graduated SeeD by then, they were asked
to leave the Garden.

The students who passed the exam were perhaps in worse shape than those
who failed, for they had the field exam looming over them. That was the true
test of a person's worthiness to be a SeeD. *Every* action performed during
the field exam was noted and evaluated. The amount of emphasis put on this
part of the testing would seem excessive to the uninitiated. But for SeeD to
maintain its reputation as the best they could only allow the best to join
their ranks.

After her classes, Quistis joined the many students milling about in the
hallway waiting for their friends to come out. She engaged in a few games of
Triple Triad while waiting. Sean showed up about an hour after she did. He
glanced up at the board to see if anyone he knew passed -- knowing that if
Quistis was here Xu wasn't out yet. He leaned his back against the wall then
slid down it to settle in for a long wait.

Their wait wasn't as long as it was for some of the others who were there
to support their friends. Shortly after Sean arrived, Xu was stopped at the
door as she came out of the room. She nodded a few times then scanned the
crowd. The upper classman strode over to the board and boldly wrote "PASSED"
next to Xu's name. The loud yip from Quistis allowed her to zoom in on where
they were waiting for her.

"You did it!" Quistis hugged Xu tightly around the waist. Xu returned the
embrace, not bothering to hide the joy she was feeling at overcoming this
obstacle. Sean allowed them their moment before quickly embracing Xu himself.
Many of the people waiting added their congratulations and best wishes for the
next part of the exam.

"Ah, all this nerve-wrenching sitting certainly works up an appetite.
Let's go eat," Sean suggested as they walked towards the elevator to return
them to the ground floor.

"I don't know how you're going to make it through the field exam if
sitting on your butt manages to leave you feeling famished," Xu commented as
she pressed the button to call the lift.

"As long as I'm allowed to bring some rations with me I should be able to
stick it out," he answered with all seriousness, though his eyes gleamed with
unrestrained humor. He motioned for the ladies to precede him when the doors
opened. With Quistis in front of him, he slipped his hand over to catch Xu's
and give it a squeeze before stuffing his hands into his pockets. Xu met his
eyes and nodded slightly. She understood that he wanted to meet privately
later.

Sean's food choices for dinner were more appalling than usual. It was
difficult to eat a meal in the Cafeteria that was completely devoid of any
nutritional value, but Xu was convinced Sean would find a way. Fortunately,
she was winning out on being the one to influence Quistis' food choices. Xu
wasn't sure how he could eat like he did and not blimp out. He was blessed
with an overactive metabolism was her guess.

Quistis wanted to go to the Library and get a few books, conveniently
leaving them to go off together. She would have to thank the girl later for
her thoughtfulness. The inner gate guard was used to their courtyard talks and
quickly passed them. Sean brushed a light dusting of snow off of the bench
they usually shared before letting Xu sit down on it.

"I've been expecting this for a long time," he said after they were
comfortably seated.

"So have I..." Xu knew that he wasn't referring to her passing the written
exam. It had come time to decide what to do about their friendship. It was
likely that she didn't have another week at Balamb Garden and she couldn't
leave without them deciding upon a direction to take.

"Xu," he took her mittened hands up in his, holding them tightly, "it's
difficult to say this, but we both know how things will work out. Our hearts
belong to our duty first."

She swallowed, knowing what he said to be true. They'd both dedicated
their lives to SeeD and wouldn't let anything -- including love -- distract
them. She couldn't deny the pang of regret that she felt because of that.
Never before had she doubted her conviction as she did at this moment.

He gazed intently into her eyes. "I know... If things were different...
If we'd met under other circumstances... If you weren't so damn good," he
smiled fondly at her. "So many 'if's."

"I'm sorry..."

He placed a finger on her lips to stop her.

"I'm not. I've felt so alive during these last two years. You've given
me a goal to strive for and something important to protect. I *thank* you for
allowing me into your life.

"There's only one thing I ask of you -- and you can refuse if you wish --
but may I kiss you? I want to know what I'm missing out on," he said it with a
light tone, but the sincerity behind it was there.

She ducked her head and blushed. "You may."

He placed a gloved hand gently under her chin to bring her head back up.
He leaned forward, smiling reassuringly as he drew closer. Xu closed her eyes
as his lips pressed against hers. Sean tried to convey all of the warm, love,
and respect he felt for her in that moment. It was an impossible thing to do,
but he tried anyway. They finally parted, Xu feeling breathless from the
experience.

He savored the taste she left in his mouth. "Life is so cruel sometimes,"
he touched her cheek affectionately before standing up. "Congratulations again
on passing the written exam. I know you'll pass the upcoming field exam with
flying colors."

He walked away then. Not as her lover, but even more so her friend. She
would have given herself to him for a night to demonstrate that she truly did
share his feelings. Deep down, she knew that he wouldn't have accepted her
gift. He may tease, but he was far too much the gentleman.

The snow began falling again. It coated her in a soft, white blanket
before she stood up and returned to the warmth of the Garden.

*****

Sean whistled as he walked down the hallway. A meeting he just had with
the Headmaster left him feeling quite well. During their discussion Cid had
confirmed that the field exam was being held today. That was a tidbit of
information he wasn't to let drop, especially to any of the testing cadets. It
wasn't likely that he'd even see Xu before she was ordered to depart.

It was her roommate that he was tracking down at the moment. He knew that
they'd both be on edge waiting to see how Xu did. So he thought that a trip to
the Training Center would get their minds off of things for a while. It
wouldn't hurt either of them to get more time in there.

Quistis was excited by the prospect of getting to practice at the Center.
They agreed to meet there after the lunch break. His day was shaping up to be
a very good one indeed.

*****

The Headmaster purposefully strode into the classroom. Every cadet stood
and saluted. "Those of you who aren't eligible for the field exam have a free
afternoon. The rest of you are to change into your uniforms and meet by the
directory out front at 1400. Dismissed," he left the room with them still at
attention.

"The field exam!" One of them gasped. They knew it would be soon, but it
was still a surprise.

Xu checked the chronometer on the wall. They had 20 minutes to get their
acts together. She walked quickly to her room to get her weapons and pouches.
She'd had her belt prepared for three days now. Despite that, she checked over
the pouch's contents quickly before putting it on.

A few of the cadets were already at the designated gathering spot when she
arrived. None of them were letting the nerves they felt show -- much to their
credit. Xu stood off to the side and crossed her arms. She focused on the
tight knot of nerves that was balled up in her belly. Mentally, she untied it
until she was feeling better physically.

"You're all here early? Very good," Cid walked down the stairs from the
elevator and presumably from his office. "Yes, indeed," he looked them all
over. This term's exam had nine people taking it. He always hoped that one of
these terms every student who took the field exam would pass. It never
happened though. The highest number ever graduated from a single exam was
seven.

"There will be two squads. Squad A's leader is Xu. Squad B's leader is
Kei," Cid announced.

Kei was another one of those students with odd tendencies that the
Headmaster indulged. She flat out *refused* to wear the female uniform when
she entered Garden. Fortunately, she looked very sharp in the male uniform,
which probably didn't hurt her any when she made her case to be allowed to do
so. A mark of Kei's defiant spirit was the single earring she wore in her left
ear like many males instead of one in each like females tended.

Kei smirked slightly as she brushed back her short black hair, then rested
her right hand lightly on the katana hanging from her belt. The Garden rumor
mill had Xu and Kei in close competition as to who was more lethal cadet in the
Training Center. Neither woman liked to think in those terms, instead
considering their *proficiency* as simply another aspect of the job.

"You'll receive your briefing en route. Go to the Parking Garage and get
onto the transport," Cid motioned for them to go. They jogged quickly to the
Parking Garage.

No one said a word as they rode to the Balamb port. It was a given that
wherever the field exam was being conducted, it wasn't on the small continent
of Balamb. They quickly transferred to a waiting battle skimmer. The battle
skimmer was SeeDs vehicle of choice for moving units off Balamb to other parts
of the world in a hurry. It was high speed, well armed, and had the capacity
to transport land vehicles. The skimmer also featured a briefing room complete
with advanced communications technologies and wall display.

It was this cabin they moved to. Xu sat down on one of the padded benches
next to a classmate and waited. Once they were underway, the Headmaster
cleared his throat to begin the briefing. He walked over to a wall display and
pulled up a map of the region they were traveling to.

"SeeD has been contracted to assist with the capture of two escaped
criminals from D-District Prison in the Dingo Desert. It's believed that
they're heading north to Desert Prison Station where they could board a train
and escape. They'll soon discover train service to that region has been
cancelled. Their best bet is to head up the Winhill Bluffs and make their way
north towards civilization."

The display zoomed in on a northern section of the desert. "The prisoners
have been boxed in this region. SeeD will go in and retrieve the criminals
alive and return them to the prison.

"Squads A and B will be assigned to positions that maintain a perimeter
around the area believed to shelter the criminals. You will not proceed to
capture the criminals yourselves unless ordered to do otherwise. Keep them
boxed in and allow the SeeDs to perform the capture. Any questions?"

No one spoke, indicating that they understood their orders. Cid stepped
away from the wall display that had a map of the target region on it. His
voice took on a less formal tone, though it didn't lose any of its weight.
"The monsters in this region of the world are more powerful than many of those
that can be found on the Alcauld Plains. I ask you to be especially careful
should you engage a Blood Soul. The status magic it uses is deceptively potent
in battle."

It wasn't long before the battle skimmers rammed up onto the beach and
scattered SeeDs and cadets across the shore. The Dingo Desert was less than a
kilometer east of their current position and the Bluffs were due north. Xu
ordered her Squad into a jog to get them into position. Squad B ran off to the
east to take up their part of the perimeter. Xu could *sense* the presence of
monsters, but none presented themselves.

New orders were issued over a small com unit she'd be issued. "Squad A
tighten the perimeter by 200 meters."

"Yes, sir," she acknowledged.

They moved cautiously inward. The squad members were within visual
distance of each other. When one of them began to wave to Xu, she moved over
to him so that the entire plateau wouldn't hear him yelling.

"Sir, I think there's a monster nest near the position I am to maintain,"
he reported. He didn't add that he wasn't too fond of the idea of taking up
that position should she order him to do so.

She nodded. "I'm going to confirm that there is a nest. If so, we'll
shift the line to make the nest the endpoint. Let's use this to our
advantage." He saluted and jogged off to take up her former position in the
line. She moved cautiously towards the spot the squad member had indicated.
Rustling of the tall grasses when no wind blew was a good hint that monsters
were indeed hiding there. She caught enough of a glimpse of a Blood Soul to be
convinced.

Blood Souls were small, flying monsters that looked to be almost entirely
head. What made them dangerous was their undead status and willingness to make
you join their ranks. Just as carefully as she'd come in, Xu retraced her
steps.

"Shift the line," she ordered. The monsters would work for them. No one
in their right mind would challenge a nest of monsters, especially if they
wished to live afterwards.

The com unit soon buzzed again after they took their new positions. "The
criminals are being driven your way. Squad B is en route. Don't allow them to
pass!"

"Permission to act if engaged?"

The unit was silent for several moments. "Granted," it squeaked finally.

"On your guard!" She warned her squad. All of them put their weapons up
in a ready position. Nothing would get past them if she could help it!

The underbrush rustled and then two blurs erupted from it. The criminals!
They charged forward without regard as to what was immediately ahead of them.
Xu called for them to halt. They spotted Squad A and ran around them through
the 'hole' in the line.

"Stop! There's a monsters nest!" Xu yelled at them. They didn't stop
until the monsters were upon them. They wouldn't last long if she didn't do
something.

"Squad A, protect the criminals and defeat the monsters!"

"Yes, sir!" Three voices chorused as they began to engage the Blood Souls.
It wouldn't be an easy battle with them outnumbered as they were. Not only did
they need to defend the prisoners; they couldn't allow them to escape either.

Xu tried to keep close to the two prisoners, covering them from attacks.
With two people to defend and three Blood Souls engaging her, she would soon be
in a world of hurt. One of the sickly looking monsters swooped in and clotted
a prisoner hard enough to send him to the ground. Dammit! She didn't have the
time to be curing them also.

Her redemption came by way of a powerful female voice calling 'CURE!' from
behind them. Squad B arrived and engaged the monsters as well. Kei charged at
one of the Blood Souls tormenting Xu with her katana drawn. It had fallen to
the ground by the time she knocked another out of the air.

Xu focused her attentions on keeping the prisoners alive and within her
custody until a SeeD relieved her. She put her efforts into defending and
curing. It wasn't her usual niche, but it's what the situation demanded of
her.

The SeeDs were quick in arriving and made short work of the remaining
Blood Souls. Xu was proud of the swath in the monster numbers the cadets
managed to cut before the SeeDs showed up. The prisoners were put into
restraints and escorted away.

The cadets were allowed to search the Blood Soul carcasses for magic stone
fragments before being ordered back to the beach. Back on the battle skimmer,
Xu and Kei sat next to each other. The exam was over and they were free to
discuss the mission amongst themselves. Many of the cadets were trading their
battle stories with one another. Xu smiled as she listened.

"Thanks for coming to our aid," Xu inclined the upper half of her body in
a bow to the other woman.

"Anything for you, cousin," softly Kei answered with a chuckle.

"Shhhhh!" Xu hissed. "You know that we aren't related while in uniform."

Kei snorted as she continued to laugh softly. Few people had ever figured
out that they were cousins. Fewer still knew that they hailed from the
eccentric 'monster's rights' Anshin clan of the Serengetti Plains. Both had
left their home wishing to find a life free of the biases their relations
earned them. When they discovered each other at the Garden, they promised to
not acknowledge the relation to each other or to the Anshin unless confronted
with it directly.

Her cousin was more of an outcast than Xu was. Kei was stubborn -- even
for one of their clan -- and refused to believe that monsters had any role in
the scheme of things beyond creating havoc for humans. She'd also refused to
engage in the traditional coming of age ceremony. That distressed the elders
to no end. The final result was Kei digging her heels in until they accepted
her for who she was -- nothing more, nothing less.

When compared to their sibling's difficulties with Kei, her parents
considered their problems with her minor. The elders were already calling them
the 'generation of fury'. She was unsure as to whose fury was being reflected
in that titled -- the parents, the elders, or theirs. More than likely, all
three now that she thought about it.

For better or worse, it was time to see where her lot in life had landed
her. She sincerely hoped it was where both her and her cousin wished to be.

*****

"Hey, Sean, want to place your bet on the SeeD graduates?" Eugene slid in
next to him at the table during lunch. Jessie and LeVar weren't long in
joining them.

"Sean won't place a bet this time," LeVar stated matter-of-factly.

He didn't like the idea of losing face in front of his friends. Betting
on the SeeD outcome certainly wasn't something that was condoned at the Garden,
but that didn't keep a small pool from forming. "Have I missed one yet?" He
pointed out. "Put me down for 200 gil on Xu."

LeVar gave a short bark of laughter. "I told you so."

"You can't bet on Xu, Sean," Jessie explained. "She's been excluded from
the pool since she's a shoe-in."

He sniffed with indignation. "Well, fine then, count me out."

LeVar laughed again because he'd accurately predicted that response.

"Anyway," he drawled as he stood and picked up his tray, "I'm meeting
Quistis shortly. Do try to keep out of trouble while I'm away." He put his
tray on the dish room conveyor belt as he passed by it.

The sprout was waiting for him outside the Training Center. The belt he'd
given her looked ridiculous on her narrow frame, but he was certain she'd grow
into it well.

"Ready?" He asked as they passed through the first gate.

Quistis nodded, her eyes wide as she took in her surroundings. This
couldn't be her first time in the Center, could it? When he asked, she
confirmed that it was. That struck him as odd. He was certain Xu would have
brought her here by now.

"Well, watch your back, sprout. The monsters here are tougher than the
ones outside and if we come across a T-Rexaur, we run," he checked them into
the Center. According to the registry, there were no other students currently
training. It was early enough in the afternoon that they were probably still
doing class work.

He kept his eye out for any lone Grats that they could challenge. When
they found one, he quickly gave Quistis a run down of the monster's tendencies
and how to defeat it. She boggled at its long limbs and giant maw. It
certainly was a *strange* looking monster. She'd seen pictures of a Grat
before, but they didn't do it justice at all.

Sean drew his pistol and maintained an out-of-the-way, yet protective,
position by Quistis. She was skilled enough with the whip that he didn't fear
being hit with it by mistake, but it was still a weapon that required giving
the wielder their space. He also wanted to be able to take the hit if the Grat
did more than give her a love tap. She wouldn't have the strength yet to take
much of that without constant curing. He brought as many Cure spells as he
could carry with him today to be on the safe side.

The Grat waves its limbs with indignation as Quistis snapped her whip at
it. The hit did more to startle it than damage. It tried to return the favor,
but Sean neatly covered Quistis. He then squared up and took a shot at the
monster.

It *definitely* didn't like that. The Grat's maw worked furiously before
it spat its sleeping gas out at them. Sean avoided the cloud of gas, but
Quistis didn't dodge in time.

"Enough games," he said coolly as he shot the Grat right in its bulbous
belly. The monster squirmed before falling over dead.

Sean knelt down and gently shook Quistis awake. The girl had never been
under a Sleep spell before and was unsure of what to make of the experience.
He recommended against repeating it, though it was inevitable.

They got into the groove of things soon afterwards. They took on only
single Grats until Quistis felt comfortable challenging two. It was a credit
to their skill by how little curing he'd done since they came in.

It was nearly impossible for a lumbering T-Rexaur to sneak up on its
intended victim. So, when Sean saw one heading their way, he took the hint and
ran the other direction with Quistis in tow. Unfortunately, he'd forgotten how
clever the buggers could be. The one T-Rexaur had driven them right into
another and escape without engaging one of them first was impossible.

The T-Rexaur before them roared. It swiped its large tail at them,
knocking both to the ground. Sean took a majority of the hit since he'd been
guarding Quistis.

"As soon as I challenge the T-Rexaur I want you to dart past it and *don't
stop* until you're through the final set of gates!" He picked himself up from
the ground slowly.

"Sean!" She protested. There was no way he could take on a T-Rexaur on
his own. There was no way they could take on a T-Rexaur together.

"DO IT!" He barked at her with an authority he'd never used with her
before. "I'll try to escape after you're gone."

He pulled his hand back into a position that Quistis recognized as his
spell casting motion. "On my mark, sprout." He completed his movements for
casting with her running when he called 'BLIZZARD!' Quistis moved as fast as
her legs would carry her. The T-Rexaur was hit with the spell and couldn't
snap at her as she jetted by.

Her mind raced as fast as her body did. Despite that, or perhaps because
of it, time moved in slow motion when she heard a terrible cry from the battle.
She looked over her shoulder and instantly wished she hadn't. The T-Rexaur had
taken Sean into its giant mouth and had bitten down on him. His legs hung out
limply as the monster bit down a couple more times with a sickening crunch.

The scream that ripped from her throat could have shattered glass. Then
she felt herself ram into something. Fearing it was another monster she
screamed again, but it was a Faculty member who'd noticed that something was
awry. It blew a whistle, scaring the monsters away from the gate. It quickly
pushed her into the arms of another Faculty member as yet a third called for
Doctor Kadowaki.

The Doctor was quick in coming. Quistis was huddled up in a corner
sobbing uncontrollably. Kadowaki ordered one of the Faculty members to take
Quistis to the Infirmary and have her assistant on duty administer a sedative
to relieve her body from the convulsions she was experiencing. The Doctor
added that she was to be confined to the Infirmary until further notice.

In a very un-Shumi like move, the Faculty picked her up and placed her
over its shoulders as it hurried her to the Infirmary. The assistant on duty
had been alerted that there was an accident and to prepare. He wasn't
expecting the crying girl that the Faculty laid out on the examination table.
It passed the Doctor's orders along faithfully. The assistant gave Quistis a
sedative that would loosen her tightened muscles and mellow her down. He then
asked the Faculty to move her along to one of the small recovery rooms.

The sedative worked quickly. She couldn't stand on her own two feet if
her life depended on it. The Faculty stretched her out carefully on a bed,
then took up a position by the room's door to enforce the Doctor's ordered
confinement.

"Miss Quistis Trepe has been understanding of Faculty. Faculty will not
let harm come to Miss Quistis Trepe while Faculty stands here," it told the
assistant when he commented that it really wasn't necessary for it to stay
there.

*****

"This is horrible," Cid said from his end of the com as the battle
skimmers returned from Galbadia. "You couldn't revive him? A Life spell
didn't work?"

"Cid, there wasn't enough of him *left* to cast a Life spell on," the
strain in Kadowaki's voice was easily detected. Professionalism kept her from
falling apart for the time being, but tonight she would cry herself to sleep.
It was always hard when she couldn't save a patient. It made her feel all the
worse by the violent way this one had died. She hadn't even the chance *to*
save him.

Cid kept his emotions reigned in behind a mask. He too would mourn when
duty allowed him the opportunity. "Has the T-Rexaur been put down?"

Kadowaki nodded sharply. "We're currently retrieving what we can for
proper burial."

Cid didn't envy those assigned that gruesome task. "Has the word gotten
out?"

This time the Doctor shook her head. "Sean and Quistis were the only ones
in the Training Center when it happened. As far as the student body knows the
Center is closed down for maintenance."

His heart froze. "You didn't mention that Quistis was there. Did she
witness it?"

Kadowaki bowed her head and Cid wanted to pound his fist on the console.
"I've confined her to the Infirmary for the time being and given her a
sedative. I'm sorry, Cid, this couldn't get much worse."

"I can imagine a few ways," he muttered darkly. "We're not going to
announce the cadet's death until tomorrow. Tonight, we're going to focus on
the SeeD graduates. It may not be the most honest thing to do, but we
shouldn't overshadow such an important event with this tragedy.

"Keep Quistis confined to the Infirmary. I'll head off Xu if she goes
looking for her roommate. Word mustn't leak about this until tomorrow.
Contact Galbadia and Trabia Gardens and see if they can spare some counselors.
I have a feeling that we're going to need them."

The Doctor acknowledged the orders and cut the link. By all that's holy
what a terrible thing to happen. The timing couldn't be worse. He looked over
the score sheets from the exam again. Six people had passed including the two
squad leaders. He briefly considered failing Xu in order to keep her at Balamb
for a term longer, but that would be incredibly unfair of him. Xu had lead her
squad with creativity (using the monster's nest to her advantage) and
initiative (protecting the prisoners). These were qualities to be encouraged,
not the opposite.

He'd anticipated her graduation and had already lined up her first
assignment. He couldn't pull her from that without creating bigger tangles for
himself in the long run. No, all he could do would be to stonewall sending her
off as long as possible to give her the chance to mourn that she needed.

He had noticed the direction the two cadet's friendship was headed.
Personally, he'd been pulling for them to come to an understanding, though he
was certain that they would choose duty over love. He regretted that. Love
was one of the most powerful forces known to man.

He sighed heavily. There wasn't much to do on that account anymore. His
heart went out to Xu. The upcoming months were going to be very difficult ones
for her no matter how one sliced it. Her first assignment wasn't an easy one.
What would have been a challenge before will likely be a trial after this.

*****

The cadets were ordered to wait by the second floor classrooms until a
Faculty member came to get the ones who passed. Xu and Kei were leaned up
against a wall, chatting about nothing to soothe their nerves. For as
confident as Xu felt regarding this moment up to this point, now that she was
standing here waiting, her heart raced. Kei noticed this and gave her hand a
quick squeeze.

"If they didn't graduate you, cousin, then I have no idea what a SeeD is,"
she murmured her assurance in the language of their clan.

"I hope you're right," she answered in kind. They were speaking low
enough that no one should be able to overhear them. And even then, the chances
of someone else knowing their native tongue were slim.

"Ha! Aren't I always right?" She gave Xu a playful poke in the ribs.

"You weren't right about grandmother being upset when we added sleeping
powder to her soup," Xu commented, trying to get a rise from Kei.

Kei waved it off. "She has no sense of humor. Besides, it's not like her
stories weren't having the same effect!"

A Faculty member entered the hallway then, ending their conversation. It
looked at a sheet held in its hands and began reading off names. Kei's was the
third to be called. She walked confidently past the Faculty member, but
stopped in the hallway by the lift to wait for her cousin. Xu's name was the
last to be called. The two women rode the lift to the Headmaster's office on
the third floor.

They stood in a line before the Headmaster. He shook their hand after
giving them their diploma. He then leaned over and whisper something in their
ear. Xu was at the end of the receiving line.

He smiled broadly at her as he handed her the diploma. Leaning over to
her ear he whispered, "Enjoy yourself tonight because I need to speak with you
first thing in the morning."

"Of course," she murmured.

He returned to his desk to address them. "Congratulations, all of you.
Balamb Garden takes great pride in your accomplishments today. As you may have
expected, a ball in your honor is being held tonight. It begins at 1900 and
ends when people stop dancing," his eyes creased closed as he smiled.

"You've an hour to eat dinner and get dressed. You'll find your new
uniforms in your rooms. Tomorrow we will discuss your assignments and
postings. Tonight, focus on celebrating a hard-earned achievement.
Dismissed."

Xu promised to meet up with Kei at the ball as they parted ways on the
ground floor. She was anxious to get to her room and see what *her* SeeD
uniform looked like on her. No more silly yellow bow and no more skirt that
seemed to be indecently short.

Quistis wasn't there when Xu came in. The girl was probably off eating
dinner with Sean. She took a quick shower then changed into the black uniform.
It fit her like a glove. She looked as good as she imagined she would, she
thought with no false modesty. She could have passed on the knee socks, but at
least the skirt was only a hand-span above her knees now.

Xu rushed to the Cafeteria for a quick bite before going to the ball.
Everyone who saw her in her new uniform offered their congratulations. It was
odd that Sean and Quistis weren't here. Perhaps he took her to Balamb for the
day? She would have to track down one of his friends and ask later. She
didn't have the time to do so now if she was going to meet up with Kei.

*****

After graduating the cadets Cid went to the Infirmary to check on Quistis.
Kadowaki stood up from her seat behind her desk as soon as he came through the
door.

"How is she?"

"Still sedated." Kadowaki led him to the small recovery room. The
Faculty that had refused to leave even after the Doctor returned shuffled aside
for the Headmaster. The girl was stretched out on a bed sleeping. She looked
gaunt, her hair a mess, and still wore clothes splattered with monster blood.

"Isn't there something that can be done to clean her up? At least get her
out of those clothes," he gestured to the form before him.

"I apologize. I didn't realize my assistant hadn't taken care of her,"
Kadowaki frowned. She'd have a word with him when he came in tomorrow. He was
one of the Balamb locals that were employed by the Garden. They didn't always
understand how important certain traditions were here -- such as the amount of
time dedicated towards preparing the dead for burial. He should have cleaned
up Quistis while she was performing her duty.

Cid didn't say anything, trusting that the Doctor would handle the matter.

"How much longer before she comes around?" He brushed a strand of hair off
of her face. The tail she'd been wearing it in had come loose, leaving locks
of hair to go every which way.

"Sometime within the next few hours. I don't want to sedate her again
unless she starts convulsing. I'm planning on spending the night here. Would
you pass my regards on to the graduates for me?"

"I will," he agreed. Once they left the room, the Faculty moved back into
position blocking the door. Cid stopped to speak with it. "It's good of you
to guard Miss Trepe as you are."

"Faculty watches Miss Quistis Trepe because Faculty cares," it answered.
Those unacquainted with the Shumi would have been amazed at such a bold
statement. Cid knew that they had very independent personalities and emotions,
despite the masks they presented to the world.

"Thank you," he patted it on the shoulder before turning back to Kadowaki.
"I've got the ball to attend. I'll return after it's over."

*****


Laughter proceeded Xu as she met up with her cousin. Kei was dressed in
the male SeeD uniform, filling it out nicely. Xu almost mistook her for a man
as she walked up. Kei smiled broadly as she gave Xu an appraising look.

"Not bad. Not bad at all," Kei complimented.

"You're not looking bad yourself. Did the Headmaster finally cave in and
issue you a male uniform without any fuss?"

"Almost, both versions were on my bed when I went to change. I guess he
was hoping that I'd indulge him for a night," Kei laughed.

Cadets weren't invited to the ball, so her chances of seeing Sean or
Quistis until the morning were slim. Kei, being ever the gentleman, had
apparently appointed herself as Xu's escort for the evening in lieu of Sean.
Kei offered her arm to her cousin as they walked into the auditorium the ball
was being held in. Xu grinned as she slipped into the familiar role from their
childhood of her playing the female escort to Kei's male. Music filled the
room with many SeeDs and guests in attendance already.

This was one event in which Xu didn't know what to expect. None of the
SeeDs described it except to say that it was a ball. She was used to seeing
the auditorium filled with cadets standing in long rows during assemblies. She
couldn't have imagined that it would look *this* fantastic.

They met two other graduates and marveled at how amazing this all was.
SeeDs came by and welcomed them to the organization or offered bits of friendly
advice. Then the Headmaster joined them. It took conscientious effort to stop
herself from reflexively saluting him. Doing so at a social gathering such as
this would be uncalled for.

He again complimented them on their accomplishments today, then asked why
they weren't dancing. A playful grin crossed Kei's face as she bowed ever so
politely to the giggling Xu. "Would you dance with me, my lady?" She pitched
her voice low, causing Xu to laugh harder.

"How could I not accept such a gracious offer?" Xu quipped to the
amusement of those around them.

Neither of them were exceptional dancers, but they enjoyed themselves.
Cid watched them with a small, sad smile on his face.

*****

Quistis woke up slowly, feeling *very* groggy as she did so. It took her
a minute to remember what had happened, then she wished she hadn't. The desire
to retch seized her as her mind played back the awful scene. A Faculty member
was instantly at her side, trying to comfort her the best it could.

"Sean," the tears began to well up around her eyes. She didn't try to
hold them back, instead encouraging them to flow freely. There was no telling
how long she sat there and cried before she finally realized that she was in
the Infirmary. Through the window she could see that it was dark outside. The
wall chronometer indicated that midnight was still a couple hours off.

"I want to see Xu," she pled. More than anything else in the world right
now she wanted a hug from her roommate.

The Faculty shook its robes. "Miss Quistis Trepe is to stay in the
Infirmary until Doctor Kadowaki says otherwise."

"Please?"

"SeeD Xu is at the graduation ball. Miss Quistis Trepe can see SeeD Xu in
the morning," it said with a note of apology in its tone. The fact that it
referred to Xu as a SeeD was lost on the girl in her desperation to see her
roommate.

"Where is Doctor Kadowaki?" She asked. If the Faculty wouldn't let her
go, move further up the chain of command.

"Doctor Kadowaki is attending to another matter," it answered. "Miss
Quistis Trepe should go back to sleep. Long days are coming soon."

"I- I just want to see Xu," she began crying again. It was a childish
reaction. But the need to be comforted by someone she trusted and loved was
more immediate than checking immature emotions.

The Faculty was obviously distressed by this. Doctor Kadowaki had left it
in charge of taking care of the girl. Wouldn't part of taking care of her be
to give her what she needs the most?

"Faculty must leave briefly. Miss Quistis Trepe must remain here while
Faculty is gone," it said. It hoped the girl would read between the lines and
take the opportunity to find her friend while it was gone. As long as she
returned when it came to get her, things should be okay. It left the room to
go relieve itself, a need that it had been neglecting for hours.

*****

Xu was tired. She didn't have the stamina that some of the social
butterflies in her class did. Bidding her 'escort' a good night, she walked
slowly back to the Dormitory block. At this hour, no one was around except the
Faculty that kept the students from sneaking around.

Suddenly, she heard someone order for someone else to halt. She spun
around on her heel to see if the command was directed at her. What she
received instead was a surprise.

"Xu!" Quistis flung herself at her roommate and hugged her around the
waist. This was more of a greeting than she would have ever expected from the
normally reserved girl.

"It's all right," Xu held a hand up, "she's with me."

The Faculty member shook its robes in a way that indicated disagreement.
"Miss Quistis Trepe has been confined to the Infirmary and must be returned
there immediately."

"Really?" Xu held Quistis away from her slightly to check her over for any
injuries. Quistis was sporting a few bandages and had dark circles under her
eyes, but nothing that looked serious enough to keep her in the Infirmary
overnight.

"Very well, I'll escort her there," Xu led her friend towards the
Infirmary and away from the Faculty member.

Quistis clung tightly to her hand, as though she was afraid someone would
separate them. She didn't protest returning to the Infirmary just so long as
Xu came with her. Another Faculty member shook its robes with displeasure when
they arrived.

"Miss Quistis Trepe left while Faculty used the facilities," it scolded
the girl, but not too harshly. Something was amiss here... The Faculty shooed
them both into one of the recovery rooms. The bed was disheveled. This was
likely the place Quistis had been confined to, but why confined in the first
place?

She tried to ask the girl, but she wouldn't answer -- instead hugging even
tighter.

"What's going on here?" She asked the Faculty, who had taken up a guard
position at the door. It turned to face her before it answered.

"Faculty cannot say," it turned around again.

Making herself comfortable on the bed with Quistis across her lap, she
waited for something to happen. Quistis was sleeping when Xu heard some voices
from the outer room of the Infirmary. One of them was the unmistakable timbre
of the Headmaster. The other was Doctor Kadowaki if she hadn't missed her
guess.

"What's this I hear about Quistis finding Xu?" Cid demanded of the Faculty
at the door.

It shook its robes and stepped aside to let him pass. "Faculty had to use
facility," it defended.

The Headmaster waved the excuse aside as he entered the room. Xu remained
seated, unwilling to disturb the sleeping Quistis by standing to salute. Cid
gave a heavy sigh and pulled a stool over to the bedside.

"Will you please tell me what's going on?" Xu asked as politely as she
could, trying to hide the exasperation that she was feeling.

He ducked his head before meeting her eyes. "There was an accident this
afternoon. We're still trying to piece it all together. What we know so far
is that Sean and Quistis went to the Training Center and encountered a
T-Rexaur. The monster killed Sean. All attempts to revive him failed."

Xu gasped, feeling as though someone had just struck her in the stomach.
Sean was dead? That wasn't possible! He was alive yesterday playing Triple
Triad with her. A knot of emotions grew in her throat. She tried to swallow
them down, but they wouldn't go. The tears that formed wouldn't be willed away
either. They coursed down her cheeks, traced along her chin, and then fell
onto her uniform.

She looked down at Quistis for several minutes, stroking her hair
reassuringly as she slept. No wonder the girl was so out of sorts. Xu glance
back up at the Headmaster and saw that he'd removed his glasses to wipe away
tears of his own.

"It's worse because young Quistis witnessed the deathblow. I would never
wish that upon my worst enemy," Cid's voice cracked as he brushed away more
tears.

Xu instantly tightened her grip on the girl. If she could have pulled
Quistis in any closer she would have. How could they ever ask her to return to
the Training Center after witnessing her mentor die there?

"I- I don't know what to say," Xu managed to get out between the deep
breaths she drew in.

"To be honest, my dear, I don't either." And so they said nothing, both
crying from their grief. Xu's mind kept replaying the last few days, like it
would somehow be a substitute for the man that was gone. He'd never kiss her
again... She closed her eyes tightly; realizing that's what she wanted all
along, but always denied. Why did he have to die before she understood
herself?

Doctor Kadowaki entered the room with warm cups of broth. She'd been
crying as well, for there were dark, puffy bags under her eyes. They didn't
wake Quistis, allowing her to get some solid rest without the assistance of
drugs or spells.

"I've finished making the preparations," the Doctor said before taking a
sip of her broth. "The memorial service will be held the day after tomorrow,"
she looked up at the chronometer on the wall. "Make that tomorrow. Galbadia
Garden is taking care of arrangements on their end regarding final burial."

"Thank you for your efforts, Doctor," Cid said with a voice that was
drained of its usual passion. "I contacted his family this afternoon. They
requested a burial in Deling City."

Xu nodded her understanding regarding the arrangements that were being
discussed. It crushed her to be thinking of such things. The Headmaster gave
her a sympathetic look. "The upcoming days will be difficult for you, Xu. I
apologize for asking so much of you so soon after graduation."

"Whatever is needed of me, Headmaster. I'm at your service," she
whispered, not entirely sure where she would draw the strength to carry out
such a lofty promise, but knowing she would somehow.

"We have much to discuss, but I do believe that Quistis has the right
idea. Let's meet in my office at 0900. I'll make the announcement to the
student body then," he stood up with a sigh. "Stay here tonight. I doubt you
could pry Quistis off of you if you tried."

"Yes, Headmaster. Good night," Xu continued stroking Quistis' hair.
Somehow, she didn't think she'd be sleeping much tonight. Doctor Kadowaki
offered to give her something to help her rest, but she declined. She *wanted*
to think, never mind how much it might hurt. A purging of her soul would do
some good.

When was the last time someone close to her died..? That's right, her
grandmother. The one who supported her decision to leave the clan and go
explore the world. She sat alone in a room for two days after her death in
meditation. Xu regretted that she didn't have the same amount of time to spend
asking the Spirits to guide Sean back to the Path.

Xu spoke softly in a language that was rarely heard away from her
homeland. It was a mantra to help clear and focus ones thoughts. Her thoughts
snapped onto Sean, or more exactly, the essence of his being. She would honor
him by drawing out the best of his life and offering that to the Spirits.

She remembered when he learned about her clan...

>'I've always wanted to ask you, what's your family name?''Where are from, just Xu?''You are from the Centra continent. The
transport you ride when you return home goes south.''There's you.''It matters to me. I want to know you, *all* of you.''I met those of your clan -- the Anshin clan -- last time I visited
Deling City. They asked me how the wayward children were? I couldn't answer
since I didn't *know* you.'