Final Fantasy VIII: The Fallen Six

[Fehrant]

OOC: Got Caije's approval for some things in my post.

Isken shouted insults and threats almost incoherently as he swung his short sword viciously. Flynn was on the ground, Rayne simply stared dumbfounded unable to grasp the situation, and Cuvie was at the farthest end, closest to the door. Rayne noticed a malice almost foreign in Isken's eyes that were totally unlike his cocky persona. Something was going on, and this had been taken too far to be a mere prank. Whether this was some for of mind control or simply magic she didn't know.

She was the leader however. Even if she didn't want to. And right now, Isken was compromising the success of the mission. Even more, he was a threat to everyone else in the party.

He charged Flynn who was still trying to regain his footing. Rayne propelled herself, one leg forward, kicked the chair, and shoved it right at their attacking ex-comrade. As Rayne landed on the ground, the chair hit Isken in the legs, almost sending him to the ground, and effectively hindering him temporarily.

Rayne quickly got up, and pulled Flynn to his feet. Before they could decide what to do next, a metal box flew right at them. Rayne quickly shoved Flynn and herself aside, dodging it. It wouldn't not killed them, but it might have knocked one senseless for a bit, and give enough time for Isken to make a kill.

The metal box hit a hollow metal device hanging on the wall. It made a surprisingly loud sound that was even more noticeable in the silence that had shrouded the facility up to this point. The huge clank and the echoes in the hallway caused by it had clearly alerted someone--footsteps were approaching, even if there were no voices to accompany them.

Rayne turned her head brusquely alerted by the approaching steps, ignoring Isken for a moment. He tossed the chair aside, and shortened the distance. His loud screams and constant threats were enough to give Rayne some time to react, but it was a close call. The tip of the dan dao grazed her right cheek. With no time to even wince from the pain, she performed a counterattack, raising a quick uppercut that connected with Isken's gut, sending him backwards gasping for air.

"Quickly! Go deal with whoever's coming," Rayne ordered the other two. "This space is too small for more battles. Go!"

Without turning, she ground her teeth ready for her next attack, feeling for the first time the itch and tug of the skin surrounding the wound. Blood started to flow from it, but she had no time to address it.

Not wasting another second, she lunged towards Isken who was still out of breath. He attempted to defend himself regardless but all he could do was a weak downwards swing. Rayne dodged aside easily, and was directly facing her undefended enemy. First was a brutal kick at his right ankle, collapsing his legs together, and making him lose his balance. A quick set of jabs followed, first a right thrust to his face, and immediately flowed a left one with equal power. She coiled both arms backwards, opened her palms, and thrust them forward. When the hit was about to connect, her hands flashed a blackish blue.

"Demi," she called.

Casting a quick gravity spell on both palms as they were about to hit, the sudden force made a brusque impact and sent Isken flying towards the wall, landing hard on his back and falling to the floor, losing consciousness in the process.

The battle was over, but there was a new problem: an alarm resounded throughout the facility.

[Caije]

The light mist began to fade as Kiyuri reached her position. She knew she didn’t have much time, she reached the ledge, staying hidden within the long grass. She was now on standby until the buyers arrived. She dared not to breathe heavily as her heart continued to thumb loudly.

“Here they come!” The lookout guard shouted. “ Three jeeps, about 6 guards each, armed with guns, one turret on each vehicle. Looks like they‘ve come prepared!”

Kiyuri’s eyes widened. Three trained students against twenty-two soldiers. They were armed with guns, machine turrets which could rip through the grass. Kiyuri went numb with fear. The gun was off it’s target now, dragging off the ground as she looked down at the meeting point.

“You’re late, Gerdezvous.” The seller said, approaching him with a small briefcase.

“Forgive me,” Gerdezvous laughed, a middle-aged man exited the vehicle. “We couldn’t find the exact location.”

The seller opened his small briefcase, a red frightening glow emerged from it. “Ereustus bombs.” He smiled. “Blast radius that could wipe out a city.”

“Boy, looks fun.” He beckoned one of his goons forward who held a second briefcase. “Wonderful. Alright, 25 million, as promised.”

Kiyuri sighed. She straightened her gun appropriately trying to ignore the fear that possessed her. She never killed before. She held her breath and her grip on the gun tightened.

“Do it.”

“I can’t.”

“Kill him.”

“I can’t.”

“One bullet.”

“No!”

“My finger is on the trigger.”

“My bullet, his life. Simple.”

“Just do it!”

A Shot emerged from the gun. Her eyes adjusted to slow motion as she watched the watch guard fall to off the ledge and down towards the rendezvous point. The sound echoed through the area for about a minute. Silence was heard. She stood up and shot down at the scene again, her shots pierced the buyers engine and through a windscreen.

“POSITIONS!” Gerdezvous cried at the top of his lungs. His soldiers lunged behind the car upon the sight of Kiyuri. “It’s a set up!” He turned his gun on the seller, gunning him down on the spot and stealing his briefcase from his dead body. The other sellers were soon shot down after.

Bullets flooded the higher ledge swiftly. Kiyuri stayed on the ground, huddling for her life as a weird object landed beside her. Immediately, Kiyuri kicked it off the ledge, causing it to explode on the Cliffside. She rolled through the grass, getting away from where the bullets were aimed.

She heard a car screeching, Kiyuri knew the buyer was on the move. She shut her eyes tightly as the ground shuck. The vehicle sped through the narrow space, only to be stopped by a metal wall which appeared out of nowhere.

“What!? What is that!?” Gerdezvous cried.

Abaddon hissed. “She summons me again.” He sighed, as the large GF stayed perfectly still. The large steel structure held tightly, keeping the buyers soldiers restricted.

Kiyuri shot through the large grass again. The bullets seperated taking down two guards with one bullets, allowing one bullet to take down two soldiers. She was lucky. The gun repositioned again, aiming towards her. More bullets began to emerged from the turrets, keeping Kiyuri pinned in a tight corner of sharp rocks.

“MOVE IN!” One of the soldiers smiled. “We have her now!”

[Storm]

Flynn didn’t have time to think about what to do with the frenzied comrade- having him lunge and attack him gave him the firsthand experience of the girl he had attacked in the cafeteria- only this time, Isken was armed. Kuro Kamaitachi was so securely wrapped around his body that he couldn’t get it ready while dodging the attacks. The power and accuracy of Rayne’s physical blows was astonishing- and if it wasn’t for her agility, he would have been wounded. As much as he wanted to secure Isken to exchange gratitude to her, he had to take down a guard. In a couple of nods he told Cuvie to take down the guard on the left, as he drew his Kama to the one on the right.

The lack of room was less than ideal for Flynn’s weapon of choice- however through it’s versatility he quickly thought of a strategy he had trained successfully for situations such as this. He held the chain in his left hand, the blade in his right, as he took to a combat ready stance. Flynn tilted his head, indicating for the guard to take first strike. A bitter, fake laugh muffled from within the guard’s helmet- an obvious refusal to Flynn’s invitation. Flynn slid down into a box-splits position, violently swinging the chain into a single blow to the guard’s ankles, taking him by surprise as he was taken back. He could still hear Isken’s cries, somewhat distracting since the heat of battle had not yet bloomed.

“You little shit!” The guard hissed, despite the fact that he himself was the shorter (and more rounded) of the two men. He grabbed the hilt of his sword and lunged at Flynn, who slid on the floor to dodge the attack. He swung the chain at the guard’s feet again, the impact softened by the guard’s sword. Quickly pulling himself off the floor, Flynn regained his stance, using his wrapped left arm as a shield, the blade of the right pointed at his foe. The guard swung at Flynn’s left arm to check the strength of the chain. A grin spread under the unmasked region of his helmet as he forced a burst of pressure, the end of the sword scratching Flynn’s shoulder. Flynn winced, as in a shot of agility he thrust forwards, stabbing the guard in the abdomen. He pulled out, spun around within reasonable distance, and wiped the blood onto his sleeve. Through a small, non-hindering, sacrificial injury, Flynn now knew that in terms of agility, he had the upper hand. He gave a sigh of relief, and small smile had crept to the corner of his mouth. The guard was breathing quite deeply.

“Don’t get cocky, boy! That piece o’ shit little knife of yours aint nothing like the broadsword of a real man!”

The guard had stamina, Flynn could give him that, however he certainly lacked intelligence. He was bleeding heavily from his belly.

“Give it up, old man,” Flynn sighed. “The only thing that saved you there was your fat. I will not be so gentle in the next hit.”

The guard roared as he charged and swung the blade down at an astonishing speed for a critically injured, dumpy man. As Flynn blocked with the spread chain of his Kama, the guard staggered slightly. He sighed as he crossed his arms, causing the chain to wrap around the blade. He pushed out, causing the blade to move towards the guard, who stumbled backwards from fatigue, his stubbornness the only reason why he had still clung to his sword.

“Pity,” Flynn said as the sword hovered shortly above the bridge of the guard’s nose. “For a man to die by his own sword is a disgrace.” He flinched as he gave he grabbed the hilt of the sword and thrust downwards in a fatal blow. The disturbing sound of the skull crushing, and the feeling of the blade slipping through the brain and cracking out again through the back of the head caused Flynn’s skin to shiver. The smell of human blood was disgusting. To make matters worse, the alarm was starting to ring in his ears. They had to make their escape, fast, even if it ment unfair play.

[Zerobanshee]

Raziel sat quietly, continuing the drumming of his fingers upon the shaft of the lance, when he seen the buyer's jeeps emerge from the mist. The jeeps passed on by, and entered the small base through the entrance closest to Raziel. As the buyers stepped out, Raziel could hear the slight bits of conversations inbetween them.

Finally, the expected shot rang out into the thick air, bouncing off the thick mist clouds. Immediately, the buyer started shouting, and gunned down the seller, and grabbed the suitcase. As Raziel raised from his crouched position, he was able to see the troops centering their assault against Kiyuri. The only way to ensure her survival...is to complete the mission. He thought to himself. Raziel began to race towards the base, and within moments he heard the roar of the jeep's engines, and suddenly felt the ground shake below him. He slipped from the unexpectedness of the earthquake, and tried to slow down to prevent falling.

Raziel stopped just in time. If he hadn't slipped earlier because of the tremors, he would've ran head first into the wall that shot up from the ground. What the hell?! Raziel stopped momentarily to survey the wall, and heard it hiss out "She summons me again." She...? Raziel quickly looked back towards Kiyuri's position, where she was currently under fire. This is her GF?

Raziel decided that there was no time to ponder. Save questions for later. He thought. He grabbed his lance, still retracted, and began to run again. The wall, while preventing the buyers from leaving, also prevented Raziel from entering the base, where he could be the most help. Raziel remembered that he was near the east entrance, and that the only way in was to the west, where John was closest to. Raziel began to race around the north end of the wall, heading deeper into the mist.

As Raziel headed further north, he continously searched the wall, looking for any chance to climb over. Hearing the gun fire, Raziel knew that the others were at least holding out. Finally, after searching, Raziel found a small break in the wall, where he could climb over. Jumping over, Raziel began to race back towards the south, hoping against everything that the others would be alright.

Nearing the edge of the base, Raziel began to slow his pace down, trying to catch his breath. No use for a fight when you're out of breath... He kept low, not knowing how many others were left. Gripping the retracted lance, Raziel ran towards the south end.

He soon came across a couple troops, whose backs were turned away from him. Raziel gripped his lance with both hands, and held them out in front of him. Closing his eyes, he pressed two seperate buttons on the shaft of the lance, and pulled the lance apart, into it's fully extended form. As long as he was tall, the lance locked gently into place. Raziel quickly grabbed the lance, and held it out behind him, the lance head pointed downward. He did this to balance himself out, to provide an easier method of running. And he needed to be fast.

When he reached the two troops, he quickly slid into a low stance, bringing the lance from around him. Pushing with his left heel, Raziel spun inward, bringing the lance around in a low, steady sweep that kicked the legs out from the two troops. They both yelled out in suprise, and one of them fired off a couple of rounds into the air as he fell. The one who fired off the rounds slammed his head into the ground, knocking himself unconsious, but the other wasn't so unlucky. Rolling quicker than Raziel expected, the other pulled a handgun from his belt, and brung it up towards Raziel. Raziel shifted his weight, and jumped to the left, but only just. The bullet missed Raziel's heart, but clipped a rib, fourth down. Raziel winced, and kicked at the ground beneath him, spun around, and thrusted the lance towards the troop. His thrust was weak, but the troop was in a crouched position, and couldn't evade. The lance dug deep into his shoulder, coming out the other side. Raziel kicked the troop in the chest, and pulled the lance out. Quickly, Raziel ran up and brought his lance down, using the momentum of his weight and the speed of his run to bring the lance into his opponent's chest, breaking through his ribs.

Falling down, Raziel sat up against a nearby crate, cleaning his lance. Wincing, Raziel managed to cast Cure, holding his hand against his rib. As he was trying to Cure himself, he kept an eye out for any others, hoping they wouldn't be attracted towards the sound of the shot. Hearing voices nearby, Raziel had to abandon Curing the wound, and picked up the lance. Only managed to remove the bullet... Raziel thought, wincing in pain as he moved to better hear the voices. Sliding across the ground, he looked around the crate he was against, but quickly pulled back. Four more troops... He thought, gripping his lance. All armed.

Cradling his side, Raziel decided on a fresh course of action. Closing his eyes, he muttered a simple phrase, spun, and jumped out in the opening. Raising his left hand, palm out, he yelled out, "Seton!" Instantly, a flash of fire exploded inbetween Raziel and the troops, which died down to ashes. From the ashes, Seton burst forth, stretching his wings. The troops fired openly at Raziel and Seton, but Seton blocked the bullets with a fire shield. Seton, after blocking the blows away from Raziel, burst into flames, which fell inbetween the troops and Raziel, blocking their path.

Raziel quickly ran in the opposite direction, Curing himself as fast as possible. The effects of summoning Seton, Cure, and running were fatigueing Raziel so much, that he could only run into a small warehouse, and fell into a corner. Puking from the strain, Raziel fought the urge to blackout, and ended up using his only potion. The potion did nothing to restore his stamina, but it Cured the last remnants of his wound. Don't you dare die. He told himself. Don't you dare give up now. Outside, the voices of the troops were gathering closer, and Raziel didn't have enough energy to summon Seton again, at least for a little while. I hope the others are having an easier time than I am... Raziel thought. His mind gathering the buzz from fatigue, stress, and effects of the battle, it felt like he was dancing upon threads of yarn. His head pounding with the roar of his blood, mixed in the sounds of gunfire, Raziel easily determined what Hell would have sounded like.

[Fehrant]

The alarm. The constant rain of bullets. The GF. The mercenaries running amok. It was all too much to take in. John tightened his resolve along with the grip of his semi-automatic SMG and bolted off his hiding spot. Right now Kiyuri required immediate attention. He jumped from the floor he was in, and landed on top of a truck. A few mercenaries noticed his presence and opened fire. One more time, he jumped and landed on the box. He peered over his shoulder and spotted a mercenary. Taking out his handgun for more accuracy, he took a moment to aim the shot, sending the man to the ground. The other mercenary tried to get John, but he got off the wooden crate, and took cover.

The bullets easily penetrated the box, and grazed John in the arm. It made him temporarily drop his SMG. He immediately lowered his body to the ground, and rolled sideways with his automatic pistol in hand. The man was about to shot, but John got him first.

With a moment's respite, he checked his arm's wound, and realized it was only a scratch, despite the bloody mess it had done to his uniform. He picked up his SMG from the ground, and took an AK-47 from one of the mercenaries.

"Move in!" Shouted a group of mercenaries as they were about to flank Squad B's leader. John hesitated for a moment. The jeep with the buyer they were supposed to take hostage was being restricted, but the buyer had gotten off, and was trying to make a run for it. Either he helped his leader, or he went after the mission's objective.

He decided to do both. John tossed a grenade into the air and it landed on the turret perfectly. Soldiers jumped to the sides as the grenade detonated, avoiding harm, having to cease their attack temporarily. He took a moment to aim with his AK-47 and aimed a warning shot near the buyer, who evidently did not care to take the notice and kept fleeing.

Unable to continue, John had to quickly run for cover as part of the mercenaries trying to get Kiyuri were now aiming for him. Behind a concrete pillar, the bullets this time bounced off. His evident safety did not last long however.

A mercenary cast a bolt to the pillar, and it zapped John, numbing him temporarily as he staggered against the sudden intake of electricity. He felt wobbly for a second, but made an effort to stick out his arm and shoot with his borrowed AK-47 blindly to prevent them from moving in. Half way through the burst, the rifle run out of bullets.

"Now!" Shouted on the soldiers.

They two soldiers moved in. John shook his head as if trying to grip his senses back. Apparently it worked. He dropped the rifle, took out his handgun, and retreated back, shooting with his SMG and his gun all the way until he had managed to find new cover.

"This isn't getting anywhere," he noted while reloading his weapons. He heard the distinctive pin of the a grenade, and decided to act. "Athenea, Fountain Flood!"

A solemn blue woman materialized in the air, holding a base. From the base a massive flood of water came, washing off the grenade and the mercenaries who had tossed it. The grenade exploded in the huge wave, harming no one and the soldiers were slammed into the wall unconscious.

"Abaddon, quick, the buyer is escaping!" He shouted.

----

Rayne took out Isken's dan dao, and left him laying on the floor. She looked both sides and spotted Cuvie and Flynn. They had taken care of the mercenaries that had been alerted. She walked out to them, next to the body of one mercenary Flynn had dealt with.

"We got to complete the other two objectives," Rayne said in a loud voice trying to be heard over the constant ringing of the alarm. In one hand she had Isken's dan dao, and on the other, the document Flynn had found. "We got objective one covered," she explained as she raised the documents. "And now, for the rest."

"Hold this," she said as she almost shoved the dan dao and papers into Flynn's hands. She turned around, and entered the same room as before. Isken was still laying against the wall unconscious, and in plain sight. She spotted a metal closet Flynn had been rummaging to find the papers. Rayne took Ian, dragged him, and tossed him inside, closing the doors. Flynn was standing at the door, watching.

Rayne nodded. "That'll do for now."

Taking Isken's saber, and the papers, she continued down the hallway, followed by Cuvie and Flynn. There was no point in being subtle now with the alarm, she noted, so they made their way around the facility as fast as they could. Rayne frowned all the while; finding the weapons' facility was taking too long.

Luckily for her, the spotted two mercenaries up ahead. She tossed the folder with the papers, and sprinted. When they were turning around, she jumped propelled by the demi spell shortening the distance greatly in an instance. A cyclone kicked got them both sending them to the ground. By now Flynn was there too, knocking one out. Rayne held Isken's sword to the second one's throat.

"The weapons' facility. Where?!"

The soldier feebly pointed out down the hallway where a set of stairs was before being knocked out by one of Rayne's punches.

Just down the stairs was the weapons' facility. They had to upload the data, and destroy it.

[Caije]

Without considering her actions, Kiyuri sprinted towards her GF and the concealed Cars near the buyers. She struck a soldier who was oblivious to her presence with her gun in the face as she passed him, he immediately dropped to his feet dead or unconscious, Kiyuri didn’t stick around to find out.

Her heart was now lusting the thrill of the action and suspense. The fear exhilarated her to try her hardest. As she approached her GF and her target, her gun shot repeatedly at the Jeeps tires as the buyer attempted to make his escape. The back tires deflated causing the buyer to swear loudly.

“Be careful.” Kiyuri told herself. She approached the car paranoid about her surroundings.

The door of the car opened, Kiyuri stepped backwards and aimed. “Not another move!” She shouted, her voice echoing across the cliffs. “Drop the briefcase on the ground--”

“If I do that, love, everyone dies.” The buyers faint laughs could be heard from inside the vehicle. “if I drop it and one of the capsules break, everything goes to smithereens.”

She took a deep breath and considered her possibilities, she suddenly took her radio out of her pocket and turned it on, speaking loudly into them. “Athena! Seton! Get over here, now, please! Over…”

“Don’t waste your breath.” The buyer began to get out of the car. “You’re not going to shoot me…”

“Don’t move! …You’re bluffing.” Kiyuri spat. She shot her gun towards his feet, causing the buyer to smile at her.

“Pretty young, aren’t you. You’re a student, aren’t you?” The buyer smiled, lifting the briefcase up to his chest for a form of protection. “A SeeD, even?”

“N-Not another move!” She said, taking a step back.

“I assume you ordering two of your troops to come here, you must be the leader.” He said, just steps in front of her. He put his other hand on her gun, attempting to lower it.

On impulse she pulled the trigger, causing the bullet to pierce through his hand and arm. He cried in pain, dropping the briefcase. Kiyuri reached her arm out for it quickly, clutching it as she swung her gun at Gerdezvous, smacking him in the face.

He dropped to the ground, unconscious and heavily bleeding. She took her scarf and tied it around his wound, hoping it could restrict the blood, after all, they needed the buyer alive.

John and Raziel arrived upon the scene. Raziel smiled and approached Kiyuri. “You captured him, well done.”

“All targets have been annihilated, ma’am.” John informed the captain.

“Really? Good work.” She smiled, sighing in relief. “You could have got here faster, though.”

“Alright, lets take one of the sellers cars, tie him up and get to HQ.” She said as she finished wrapping her scarf around the buyers arm.

[Zerobanshee]

"You sure he went this way?" Raziel heard a small, thin voice of a man's. The voice sounded like it was in a permenant whine, and sounded thick and nausally.

"Yes, positive." This voice was rougher than the first, and sounded deep. "Aye, I seen the Little Birdy fly away into this warehouse, here. Come out, Little Birdy... all I want to do is pluck out your feathers..." At this, the man started laughing, a deep, choking cough of a smoker that sounded more like a bark than a human emotion. At this laugh, Raziel shook in displeasure; a chill had just ran up his spine.

Raziel, still haven't fully rested, tried to rack his brain for an answer, some way out. As he thought, he tried to stand up from his corner, and almost fell over. Supporting himself on his lance, Raziel only managed to lean against the wall. This is not good... Raziel thought to himself. Struggling, he stumbled along the wall, heading closer to the warehouse door. Gotta slow them down... Pulling off his backpack, he stuck his hand into it, and pulled out one of the shotgun shells he had stored earlier. Gripping it in his hand, He shouldered his bag. Raziel then collapsed his lance into the retracted form, and connected it to the holder in his belt.

"Richards, open up that warehouse." The gruff voice called out. "Set up a perimeter check inside, then we'll enter."

"Why me, Parker?" The whiny voice responded. This was the voice closest to the door, but the least willing to open it.

"Because you have the choice of opening that door, or my lead."

Grumbling, the voice that belonged to Richards headed closer to the door, and had began to turn the handle. Close.... Raziel thought. As Richards stepped inside, Raziel reacted. Grabbing the man by his shirt, he pulled him closer. Shoving his left hand up to the man's face, he shoved the shotgun shell into Richard's mouth, closed his jaw, then yelled out "Fire!" The fire from his hand ignited the shell, which exploded in Richard's face, causing blood to fly into the air. Kneeing the man in the chest, Raziel shoved him back out of the warehouse, then slammed the door shut.

"Hahaha! Looks like Birdy is serious!" Parker began laughing in the same, barking laugh as before. "Norman, get rid of this filth." There was a muffled thud, of which Parker said "I don't need men like this on my team. Worthless bag of flesh." Another dull thud. Raziel started to flare up in anger, as well as guilt. I killed to defend myself, but the man was following orders, and was killed by the order! You should at least respect the man, you rat bastard.

Almost immediately after this thought, however, Raziel heard a voice only inches from him, only on the other side of the door. "Tell me, Birdy. How does it feel to kill? Do you enjoy the sound bone has when it shatters?" The voice reigned in pleasure, which changed Raziel's mood from anger to disgust, dipped a bit in shock, made way for dumbstruck, changed it's mind and settled down on horror. "Do you enjoy playing in fire? The Devil's Tongue?" Again that sickening laugh. Raziel was going to be sick again, just hearing the lust in that voice, the urge it had. The voice felt as if it had a knife against Raziel's throat, and was begging to kill. "You know, Birdy, I enjoy killing." The voice almost had a physical grin in it, which made Raziel shudder. "That last moment, wrenched from another. The feeling of someone's blood plastered on my face, sole reason why I do what I do now."

Raziel had enough. Either he was going to go crazy, or he was going to explode in fury. Both had the same end; leaping into the arms of his enemy was suicide. Raziel pushed off from the door, and started in the opposite direction when the laugh started again, and the door kicked open. Parker stepped into the warehouse, and continued that laugh. Raziel, for a brief moment, stopped to stare into Death's eyes.

Standing taller than Raziel, and heavier, Parker seemed too big for life. Stooping to avoid hitting his head on the doorframe, the man seemed as if he hadn't showered in days. Covered in sweat, oil and dirt, Raziel had trouble determining the man's skin color. Parker was wearing a black tank top, covered in blood, a pair of camoflauge jeans, and black boots, which too were covered in blood and mud. Parker had a cigar hanging from the corner of his mouth, and was holding a very large gun. Raziel recognized it from those old war movies, but only remembered it was similar to a combat shotgun. Parker had a thick, heavy belt of shotgun shells strapped around his shoulders.

"Well, Birdy. Not much meat on ya." Parker spat out his cigar, and wiped his mouth. "And not many feathers on ya, either. But who's countin? Ready to fly, Birdy?" This last question was followed by a discharge from his gun, which Raziel had anticipated. Raziel dived out of the way, the shot entering the crate behind him, shrapnel exploding into the air. Jumping behind a metal crate, Raziel ducked just in time to avoid another shot, this one hitting the wall straight across from him.

"Fly, Birdy! Fly for Parker!" He was firing randomly now, expelling gun powder, shotgun shells and laughter into the open warehouse. Raziel leaped out from his hiding spot, landing behind a stack of crates, avoiding another shot. Pulling his lance out from his belt, Raziel hit the switches, and pulled his lance into the full length. Spinning it, he kept it behind him as he tried to walk along the stack of crates that now seperated him from Parker.

"Norman, take the left, West, take the right. Shoot to stop, and if either one of you kills that Bird, I'll gut you myself." The firing had stopped, and the sliding, clicking sounds offered that Parker was loading more shells into his shotgun. Choosing this as his only moment, Raziel took action.

Racing across the line of crates, Raziel ran towards his left, and soon found West coming around the corner. Raziel quickly jumped off the crate beside him, and flipped up into the air. West hadn't expected this, and discharged his gun into open air. Raziel leaned forward, and used his full weight to thrust his lance into West's chest cavity, collapsing his entire body. As West fell, he fired off another shot that clipped Raziel's left shoulder. Ignoring the pain, Raziel then turned to his left, racing deeper into the warehouse.

"Ha! I knew Birdy can fly!" Parker began laughing as he came closer down the hall. When he reached West, he absentmindedly fired off a shell into the body of West. Continuing his laughing, he hoisted the gun into the air, and fired another shot into Norman's chest. "Birdy, just you and I know." Parker stuck another cigar into his mouth, and lighted it as he walked. "Forget Norman, forget West. This is too much fun to share. I haven't hunted a Birdy like this in ages. Not since the last War." Laughing, Parker shot another round in Raziel's direction, yet aimed too high. The shot exploded into a lamplight, which fell, causing the warehouse to fall into darkness.

Raziel, not expecting the plunge into darkness, was struck by the lamp. The lamp struck him in the shoulder, causing him to fall to the ground. There was only minor damage, the worst being the cost of time. Landing on his left side, Raziel's lance arm was beneath him, causing him to spend more time rolling over free his arm first, then to a kneeling position.

Kneeling behind a crate, Raziel again felt that familiar feeling he got when he stayed up too late, having procrastinated his work and trying to finish it in one night. The feeling of the buzzing, tired feeling, rolled in with the feeling of adrenaline you only get the pleasure of experiencing when you stay up late into the night. Raziel's body fed upon that energy, and, if only for a brief moment, Raziel was able to withstand all the running. I know that sometime or another I'm going to crash... Raziel hated the crashes afterwards, and knew what it felt like, yet crashing from the night-high is better than a shotgun in the chest.

"Come on, Birdy! Fly for me!" Parker again fired off his last shot, and tossed away his shotgun. Pulling a long machete from his belt, he began waving it in the air, laughing as he did so. "I'm gonna skin you, pluck out your feathers, gut you and cook you, Birdy!" As Raziel tried to stand, Parker charged into Raziel, knocking him down. Landing on Raziel's chest, Parker began laughing. "Squawk, Birdy! Call out for your friends!" He then leaned forward to stab Raziel, who had managed to squirm his head away just in time.

Leaning back, Raziel rolled Parker off him, and grabbed his lance. Pushing the switches, Raziel collapsed the lance back into it's retracted form. This is no time for a lance... Raziel braced himself as Parker charged him again, being still in a kneeling position Raziel had too much trouble to dodge. The force of Parker's weight against him as they collided knocked the breath out of Raziel, and they both went tumbling into the floor. Raziel, on the bottom, tried to shove his lance upward, and only managed to scrape Parker's cheek. Knocking the lance away, Parker again leaned back to stab. This time Raziel punched him in the throat, which caused Parker to inhale the cigar. Choking, gasping for breath, Parker rolled off of Raziel's chest, which gave him a few extra seconds. Grabbing his lance, Raziel rolled over onto Parker, and leaned into a downward thrust.

After a few moments, Raziel stood up, bringing his lance with him. Cleaning the end of his lance, he stuck it back in the belt. I hope the other's are doing alright... Raziel thought. Reaching into his bag, he pulled out the silent radio that Kiyuri had given him, and absentmindedly turned it on. Instantly, it squawked out "Over here please! Over." Realizing that Kiyuri had called him and John, something either really wrong, or really good has happened, Raziel began in a dead sprint towards the entrance of the warehouse. Let's hope she's ok. Raziel thought as he left the warehouse.

[Fehrant]

Down the stairs, across a small passageway, then a door, the weapon's facility came into view. Considering the size of the facility, this was probably the biggest room. They came out in an upper balcony that surrounded the perimeter of the entire square-sized area.

Below, there were a couple of workers going back and forth, operating some heavy machines. They did not look like scientists at all. In fact, none of them appeared to be without a weapon. They were barely six, one of which was supervising and barking out orders.

One of them stood out from the rest. She was a woman with fiery red hair that even though it was tied it still reached up to her calves. She was wearing a simple light brown upper cloth piece, a matching long skirt with slits on both sides to allow for mobility, and several dark brown metal bangles on her wrists. Behind her, her weapon stood: a massive silver sword almost as tall as her, and near as wide.

Rayne surmised she must be a hired bodyguard. Her battle instincts irked her. She felt as if she was watching a wild lion and it was safe to keep distance. Right then, the woman with red hair shot her glance up, as if she had sensed her fear. Rayne's grip tightened on the rail of the balcony. She had never faced an opponent like this, and all her instincts told her not to.

Squad A was standing by the door, waiting for Rayne's orders to proceed. She turned around, her face struck with worry as she faced her squad. She shook her head telling them not to move. Just then she heard a jump and someone landing on the balcony, far away. She turned her head even though she already knew who it was. Her anxious grew stronger: the swordwoman was standing there, grinning; how she had jumped so high Rayne didn't know, but the upcoming fight was imminent.

Rayne took a few steps back, approaching the door. "We were spotted. I'm going to delay the person that spotted us, try to go downstairs and deal with the people below," she said without turning to face her squad, or moving her eyes from the red-hair woman who kept walking forward at a calm pace. She carried her sword atop her shoulders, as if it weighted nothing.

"If you see they are more than you can handle," she gulped; those words applied to her too, "then retreat."

Rayne walked forward, towards the left-side balcony. Her opponent was coming into the same direction. Below, the guards had halted operating the machine. They were staring at the pair, who were only a few steps away from each other.

"Ah, good," said the red-haired woman in a thick russian accent. "I was already becoming bored of this job. They paid me to watch their weapons' development. It was good money, but perhaps a job fit for a different person. However, I took it, because I was told there were likely going to be intruders," she grinned.

Rayne hesitated for a moment. "You aren't their bodyguard?"

The woman grinned once again. "Yes, you could say. To them, I am. They even paid me to do so. Little money. But my real task here is merely watching the development of these weapons."

Just her mere presence was proving nerve-wreaking for Rayne. "Why are you telling me this?"

"Because I am not concerned about the people behind you, or what they do with this facility," she explained. "That is, as long as you are standing. Then I will come for them."

Rayne signaled them to proceed forward, through the opposite balcony. So they did. One of the people below spotted them. "Hey, we pay you to deal with these pests!" He complained.

"Have some fun on your own, comrade," the red haired woman countered.

The terrorist below spat, and ordered the rest to intercept Flynn and Cuvie. Some of them opened fire. Rayne wanted to help them, but she felt she couldn't move an inch without risking to die.

"Very brave of you," she said talking to Rayne. "Your battle instincts are sharp, you can tell the opponent standing next to you is stronger. Yet you want to achieve your objective, and spare some of your comrades. I like that."

Rayne had no words left. The red-haired woman was extremely sharp herself and the worst part was it was clear she was telling the truth. There was no way a bunch of terrorists could afford a bodyguard of this caliber. Under the pretext of being a bodyguard she had spied on their weapons' development, and by the looks of it, she had already gathered enough information.

Lifting the gigantic sword from her arm, she made a sideways swing with the ease that would only come from a lighter, shorter sword. Unable to react properly, Rayne had thrown herself to the ground, barely avoiding to be cut in half. One of those slices could instantly kill her, or at best slice an arm or a leg so cleanly it was scary. That's when Rayne realized there was a second reason why this woman had told her what she had: Rayne would not survive, and there was no harm in telling something to a dead woman.

The massive sword switched positions, its tip facing down. The weapon sought Rayne's body, though she rolled aside, hitting the railway of the balcony hard but avoiding to be skewered. In fact, the sword had pierced the thin balcony floor. She quickly stood up with the help of the rail as fast as she could, and took a few hops back.

The red woman wrenched the sword free with unsettling ease. She glanced at Rayne for a moment, analytically. "You have good instincts, but you lack experience of real combat, I see. Fighting bare-handed makes you train your body harder than someone with a weapon, but eventually you will realize there's only so much damage your bare hands can do. That's when you'll embrace steel."

Explosions and shots came from below. "It seems your comrades are already dealing with the people below. We should continue too, but not here, this balcony is too small." With those words the red-haired woman raised her sword and cut the bridge in half. It complained at first, then it started to collapse. Rayne held to the railway as best as he could, while her opponent gracefully remained on her feet as they both fell down. When they were about to reach the ground, they both jumped, and landed safely. The metal bridge hit the ground, destroying one of the machines.

Rayne rushed forward, but she was squatted like a fly with the side of the gigantic blade, sending her flying towards the broken machine. She stood up immediately ignoring the pain, and charged again. She dodged the sword, but could not dodge the fist that followed on close range, almost as hard as the steel sword as Rayne flew several steps backwards and landed on the machine again.

"You're not fighting well," the woman said as she casually batted a misdirected spell from one of the terrorists. The fireball hit the ceiling, and threw dust to the ground. "You are fighting out of desperation. You need to focus less on surviving, and more on fighting," she explained. She stuck her sword to the ground, and pulled up her punches. "Come, let's have hand-to-hand combat."

Rayne got up again, one of the pieces of the broken machine had cut on her side. She winced at the pain from the wound, and felt her body was completely battered, not used to taking this amount of physical abuse in a such a short amount of time. Yet she saw a opportunity. Maybe she could fight equally now that the fearsome fighter had cast her sword aside for a moment. Maybe.

Once again, Rayne was the one to take the first step. She used a demi spell to gain momentum. She performed a flying, spinning kick, but the woman stopped her leg with one hand. She punched Rayne in the stomach hard, tossed her into the air, jumped, and kicked her like a soccer ball towards the machine again.

Rayne gasped for air as she came out of the rubble. "Dia... blos..." she summoned. The demon spread its wings and flew, awaiting for the summoner's orders. The red-haired woman stared delighted at the creature, still swordless and seemingly unfazed.

"Darkside...!" She ordered Diablos to cast. 'Darkside' was a spell that imbued the summoner with magical strength, boosting one's own natural capabilities, but the downside of it was that it consumed the vitality of the caster.

That's why right now she felt her body being tore apart even further. Visible small cuts erupted from her arms and some areas in her face. A black glow enveloped her body, and the white of her eye turned black, just as the iris turned red.

Though her body was in pain, and the new, multiple wounds stung, her renewed strength helped her endure. This was the first time she'd use this spell to fight a person; normally she'd use it to fight monsters, or GFs.

The redhead simply grinned. Rayne dashed forward with a simple jump. She rained down punches on her enemy, and her enemy blocked them all, one by one. Rayne kept attacking relentlessly, and the red-haired warrior kept blocking all the attacks. Finally the warrior tried to elbow Rayne's face, but Rayne strode back, then strode forward, aiming a kick at her legs. The red-haired warrior jumped, and Rayne followed her into the air, only to be forced down by a kick. She blocked the kick however, landing hard on the ground, even imprinting her feet.

The warrior was again on the ground. She charged, a massive punch out to greet Rayne who blocked, but was thrown back. The process repeated itself, just like Rayne's initial attack. It was as if this was done on purpose. There was a distinction however. Though the damage was lessened, Rayne kept being pushed back bit by bit. Trying to counterattack, she dodged sideways, but the warrior caught her square on the face nevertheless. Rayne staggered back, maintaining her balance, but not for long.

The warrior shoved her crudely with her shoulder, slamming her to a wall. Once pinned down, the warrior took her right arm back for a brief moment, as if charging her strength, then thrust the arm violently. Rayne blocked the devastating blow, but the sheer force of it sank her on the concrete wall. The warrior took back her left arm, and repeated the process, and Rayne sunk deeper into the wall. This time however, the wall collapsed into itself, falling upon Rayne.

The warrior awaited patiently, just when her cellphone rang. "Yes, yes. I am done here. Just got to take care of one more thing. Yes. I got the information that you need. Do vstrechi."

Just as she hanged up, stones were suddenly pushed up and there was Rayne, covered in blood with her hair plastered on her face. "Diablos...!!!" She called with her last ounce of strength.

"DARK... MESSENGER!!!"

With those words Diablos rose into the sky. He raised his arms, and an orb of black energy started to materialize. Before he could slam it down, he was pierced in the gut by a massive sword. The orb dissipated like sand in the wind, and the swordbearer yanked the sword free, chopping Diablos' head before being called by the force of gravity.

Rayne gaped in disbelief. She had never seen a single person deal with a GF like this. Her knees collapsed to the ground. This was it. She awaited her executioner.

"You have fought well," her executioner acknowledged, as she raised her sword. Rayne's head raced with thoughts of her friends, of her band, of her life. She felt some tears welling up. "But even if your will beckons it, there's a limit to your body. I have fought experienced fighters that battled like you. Do not be ashamed of this defeat."

Rayne felt her hair being tugged upwards, then the pull was gone, with the distinctive wind that the massive sword produced. The warrior had cut her hair. "In my tribe we have a custom. We like to battle, and when the foe is worthy we cut their hair short if they lose. My hair is this long, because I have not lost a duel. My name is Katya, and I hope we meet again when your hair is longer."

Using her sword, she jumped high into the remaining parts of the balcony, and left the scene. By now, everything was quiet. apparently Flynn and Cuvie had dealt with the terrorist accordingly. Rayne watched her hair on the ground, as the darkside spell dissipated, and vivid pain returned to her. She got up, struggling to walk, but looking for her squad nevertheless.

[Victoria]

All throughout the mission, I had worn a black cloak with a black body suit over my body. It helped with the stealth requirement of the mission we had. Isken had gone haywire just like he did earlier in the day. I used most of my dagger supply for taking out all the various terrorists and such. However, after I had done so, I stuck around to watch the battle with Rayne and the swordswoman.

I was impressed with Rayne's instincts, but agreed with the woman's insights on her battle technique. Unlike Rayne, I had a lot of experience as I had been raised in the wild by Tonberries. Granted, I don't think I could have defeated that woman unless I used the strength of the Tonberry within me.

With that woman's skill, I'm sure she detected me during the battle. Rayne collapsed and attempted to look for us. I don't know where Flynn went, but I swung from the crane I hung on, and dashed away from the building. I slit throats every now and again from stray terrorists that blocked my escape path. My secret mission had been a fail. I didn't stop Isken's rampage from destroying the computer.

I let out a sigh and made my way toward Rayne. I had her lean on me for support as I escorted her out back toward the ship. I'm sure Flynn would head back as well.

“Oi, you felling O K?” I asked as I strung together letters and sounds that I recalled. She didn't respond right away from her degree of pain.

Rayne's vision blurred and her focus slowly came back to her as she realized that I had supported her and carried her away from the building and back onto the ship. She tugged my robe and pointed back towards the weapons facility. Of course, that part of the mission hadn't been completed yet because of Rayne's battle. I nodded and left her against a wall as I dashed back toward the facility. I threw daggers to the throats of any terrorist that had blocked my path.

I downloaded their data, and uploaded everything we had to our 'base' that was on the ship docked at the pier. Our mission had been completed and I made my way back to Rayne and escorted her back to the exit, and toward the ship. I trusted Flynn to head back after he had finished eliminating his batch of terrorists.

I laid Rayne onto the sofa after I made it back to the ship. She fell asleep on the way. I talked to the SeeD that was in charge and told him I failed my secret mission of detaining Isken if he had gone crazed. Rayne ended up knocking him out after he had destroyed the computer that we were to use for the information on the enemy base. In my best words, I explained what happened.

"Good work, Cuvie. Your secret mission was extra credit; so if you failed it, you wouldn't have to worry about not passing the exam. You did well to tell me what happened."

"Tank you, sah." I bowed and sat next to Rayne on the couch.

"Since when did you learn to speak?" he asked as he looked through the door way to see if anyone else were on their way in.

"Sence turdy minuts ago... I figgered tat I lisuned to people long nuff tat I decided to sting tuh sounds together." I smiled sheepishly as I fuddled with my robe.

"Good idea. Your speech needs some refinement, but it'll do for now." He nodded at me reassuringly.

"Tanks." I smiled.

[Caije]

The car came to a quick halt, catching Kiyuri off guard as it shook violently. She, John and Raziel now exited the car and looked at the ship. Raziel and John both dragged Gerdezvous from both arms towards the ship.

The squad looked at Squad A, and an unconscious Isken that lay completely still on the beach.

“What happened to him?” Kiyuri asked the other squad, as the boys dragged Gerdezvous inside.

Flynn was the first to respond. “He’s mental. A total nut job. Almost tried to kill me.”

Kiyuri’s eyes widened. “Is he a traitor?”

The other squad shrugged, all probably too worn out to try and explain, Kiyuri couldn’t blame them. Their mission was probably just as hard as hers, and one of their own team sabotaging them was not exactly her idea of a successful mission. She said nothing, and went towards the Captain.

“Sir.” She reported nervously. “Everything went well. We caught the buyer, intercepted the deal… and I have the briefcase here.”

“Ugggghhh” A loud pathetic groan was heard at the other side of the room. “I’m hearing a beautiful girl. Am I in heaven?” Isken sat up, rubbing his head roughly as if grazed by a sharp object.

The Captain approached him, and Kiyuri watched. “Isken. You’re to remain in the brig with the buyer for the remainder of the journey. For your safety and for ours. Kiyuri, good work.”

Her face glowed red as the Captain smiled. She was full of pride and relief, mixed emotions made her hopeful to pass. She turned to the Captain and nodded. “Thank you, sir.”

The two squads gathered around the Captain, all looking exhausted. “Good work. Your skills will determine your results. You’re all still alive, which makes me relieved, just relax now, and we’ll take you home.”

John simply sighed. “I think I’m going to drown my face in a mop... I am sweating.”

Kiyuri and Raziel smiled, but said nothing. The ships engines started and it wasn’t long until the ship departed out in the sea. Kiyuri sighed in relief, her comrades were still alive, and who knew, maybe this experience they shared would get her a few friends. She kept herself hopeful

-------

Isken sighed, he stood, his arms hanging as they were handcuffed to a pipe. He wasn’t the only one in the room. A man was chained up and sat at the wall, unconscious.
He looked at the small room, wondering to himself what was going on. Why was he going crazy. He saw everything this time, in a black blur. He was in control of his actions, he wanted to kill Flynn and destroy the computer.

That feeling had subsided, and Isken’s heart began to hurt him. “Uggghh,” He spat in rage.

The door opened and outside stood Kiyuri. She forced a smile at him, holding a plate. “Dinner time.”

“Ah, it’s the dyke. What have you got here…lesbian food?” Isken smiled to himself.

Kiyuri dropped the plate on the ground, she was willing to feed him, she sort of pitied him. But he still obviously held no respect for her. So she would show no in return.

“W-wait, Katie, please. I’m sorry.” He said.

“My name is Kiyuri.” She sighed, about to shut the door.

“Kiyuri! Please, I can’t eat!” He tugged on his handcuffs against the pipe over his head.

She groaned and approached him, picking up a piece of chicken and putting it in his mouth. The unwillingness on her face was apparent. “If you call me a Dyke one more time…”

“Twush ‘e, I wonf’.” He said, chewing on his chicken quickly.

“Don’t tell anyone I’m doing this either…” She said.

He swallowed and waited for another piece of food. “Why do you care? You have no friends.”

She paused and dropped the plate. “You’re hopeless.” She moved towards the door angrily.

“Kiyuri! Wait! I’m-”

“Are you stupid!? You think you can talk to me like that and I’ll just follow you around like your other blind girls? I watch you walk around, strutting around like you’re… important. Making up stories, everyone knows you’re full of shit, and nobody likes you. You’re shallow and small.”

The brig door slammed. Leaving Isken in the room with the unconscious man. He sighed heavily. “…But I’m hungry.”

[Zerobanshee]

Raziel, after helping carry Gerdezvous into the brig, slowly climbed the staircase, the energy he used to fuel himself draining away. Exhaustion settled into his eyes, blurring his vision, like a fog on the shore after a heavy rain. Reaching the top of the stairs, Raziel quietly followed the others into the main room, where both Squads were currently sitting.

Raziel slowly pulled off his glasses, and slowly folded them onto his shirt. Rubbing the scar around his eyes, Raziel stumbled his way towards the Captain, who had just finished congradulating the other Squad. "Capt..." Raziel mumbled, and held his hand out in front of him. "My hand, er..." The Captain glanced at it, then led Raziel into the hallway, where the light was sufficient to see, and also where it was less crowded.

"How did you injure yourself, son?" He asked, mere out of curiosity than care. Unraveling the bandages, he examined the split in Raziel's hand. "This is no ordinary wound, is it?"

"My power, sir." Raziel was too tired to explain further, and simply closed his eyes, and struggled to keep from falling over. The Captain merely nodded, and pulled out a bottle of ointment from his pack. "Here, take this, along with a Potion." The captain handed over the bottle, with a potion, to which Raziel cluched to his chest. "Take them, and go into the waiting room. Rest up, you look like you need it."

"..." Raziel nodded, then walked back into the room with the others, and sat down on the couch closest to him, which was in fact the couch he sat on during the ride to the mission. Raziel downed the potion in one, and slowly uncapped the bottle of ointment. Not caring to aim, he simply aimed and shot the ointment into his wound. Rubbing it in, the combined effects of the potion and the ointment closed off the wound, leaving a fine line on the back of his hand. At least it's closed... Raziel thought. Raziel began to wonder wether or not he should return the bottle to the Captain, but he disbanded this idea when the couch began calling his name. Smiling, Raziel leaned back, and rested his head against the back of the couch, chasing the white rabbit into the depths of darkness.

-----

"Come on now. Toss the ball, Raze." A man with was kneeling on the grass, smiling towards a young boy, who was grasping onto a ball. "It's easy, buddy. Just throw and aim." Raziel laughed, and tossed the ball up, a wild, swinging gesture of a toss as the ball sailed high up into the air, and fell inbetween the two. Laughing, the man swooped down and picked up the ball, and gently lobbed it back towards the child, who simply watched it bounce onto the ground, then ran after it, giggling the whole way. Catching up to the ball, Raziel bent down to pick it up, leaned too far, and rolled over, falling onto his back. Instead of crying, Raziel slowly stood up, testing his still wobbly legs, then laughed again, bending over and this time picking up the ball. Running back towards the man, Raziel laughed the whole way, a moving tatortot of fat, messy hair and wobbly knees. As Raziel reached the man, a voice called out, a soft, feminine song of a voice, calling out Raziel's name. The man bent down, and picked up the child into his arms, a smile on his face. "Mommy's calling, Raze." He looked into the boy's face, only two years old. The man's left eye blinked shut for a moment, and as his left eye was closed, a small muscle beneath his right eye twitched, bringing a crawling look in his face. "Let's go see what Mommy wants, buddy."

Screaming. Thrashing. Raziel fell onto the floor, tangled up in a cobweb of quilts, sheets and clothes. A light flicked on, and quickly a woman rushed over to him. "Raze, baby. Are you alright?" Raziel opened up his eyes to see his mother leaning over him, her brown eyes wide with fright. "Monster in the closet, Mommy." Raziel sat up, and ran a hand through his messy bed hair. "I think it was the Forbidden thing again. I seen it again."

"Oh, Raziel. There is no Forbidden in your closet." The mother stood up, and opened up to show the empty closet. "See? Nothing there." The father too walked in, rubbing his eyes. "What's wrong, Rachel? Did Raze have another nightmare?"

"Yes, Albert. He had the nightmare about the Forbidden again."

"It wasn't a nightmare!" Raziel sat up from the floor, still tangled up in the bed quilts. "I promise, he even had the sword! He was coming at me!" He tried to stand up, but the father came over and picked him up, and led him back into the bed. "Raze, don't you want to sleep in for your 4th birthday? It's awfully late, you know." As Albert lain him down, a muscle twitched across his bare chest, rippling all the way across the left side of his body. With this, a wierd jerk caused the father to look down in alarm, to which he quickly discarded it by saying "just tired...muscles acting wierd."

"But it's true!" Raziel sat up, begging his parents to listen.

"Raziel Stephen Haven, it's time for bed. Your birthday is tomorrow, and I'll be upset if the birthday boy sleeps through the whole thing." Rachel said, leaning over to kiss Raziel on the forehead. As she lent up to leave, the father patted him on the head, ruffling up his untidy hair, and walked to the door. "Goodnight, buddy." He called, flipping off the light.

"Yep, this doesn't look good." Dr. Lawdale said, an aged, old man, who constantly leaned on a cane. "You see this?" The doctor flipped up a light on the wall, which lit up a projection screen, of which he slid an x-ray slip onto the wall. Pointing at various places, he rambled on "this, this, and this, these are places that the muscles are no longer acting ordinarily. Normally, I'd call this case a minor muscle damage, but the muscles are in different nerval quadrants. I think it might be neurological." Oh which he held out another scan, this one of a brain, "Which is why I ordered the C.A.T scan earlier. Bad news." He turned around, and faced Albert, who was in a hospital chair across the room from the doctor, Wife's hand clutched in his. "You have minor to mild brain cell loss, in the muscle lapping region, as well as other areas. This is something too severe to be coincidence."

"What'd you mean, Doc?" Albert asked, looking into his lap. He was trying to give the impression of trying to stop the shaking in his hands, of which they were in fact twitching.

"I'm afraid you might have Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease. It's an often fatal disease of the brain, most often caused by a virus that started in the cranial cavity. It is caused by the gradual death of the brain cells, which can lead to dementia, loss of muscle control, and death."

"Can you stop this?"

"I'm afraid that we cannot, unless we learn specifically where the virus began. Otherwise, we would have to remove the damaged tissue, which could lead into brain damage."

Raziel, sitting in the room on a bench, didn't fully understand what was being said. Looking at his hands, he only wished that his Fourth birthday had went better than this. He didn't like seeing his father collapse into the cake, nor the fact that Mommy was crying. Hoping it wasn't his fault, he tried to pay attention, to pay for being a bad boy. He looked up, just in time to see his father's face, wet with tears, veins pulsing through his forehead, eyes twitching, and his jawline clenching.

-----

Screaming, Raziel sat up, having fallen asleep in the ship. The other Squad members were instantly alert, given good reason. Having suffered from a disillusioned comrade, they didn't need a nightmare driven friend, either. His head pounding, Raziel clenched his glasses, shoving them back onto his face. Sweat tracing the scar on his eye, Raziel couldn't control his breathing, nor his heartbeat. Feeling trapped inside the mask of his nightmares, Raziel ran his hands through his hair, and gripped himself on his forehead, his face in his palms. Ignoring the whispers and fears of his peers, he only wished for the image of his father's twitching face to be removed from his vision. He wished he could forget the nightmare of the past he remembered.

[Zerobanshee]

OOC: I know this is a double post, but Caije allowed me to continue the story a bit for him, since he was a bit busy. All actions with the other characters were approved.



"Attention, SeeD canidates." A voice rang out from the intercom, and at once, all of the SeeD canidates raised their heads, weary with fatigue. "E.T.A is around ten minutes, so Squad Leaders, make sure you know that your sub-ordinates know where and when the Squads will rendezvous."

Raziel lain back against the couch, distantly thinking of his bed in the dormitories, when Kiyuri sat down next to him. John sat on her other side, and the three leaned back against the couch, to better hear each other, as the other Squad began to talk amongst each other.

"Well, we are supposed to have a couple of hours before the Headmaster meets with us to give us our performance review..." Kiyuri started, looking from one to another,"So what about Breakfast? Do you two want to have breakfast together with me, to wind down after the mission?"

Raziel sat up a bit, and turned to face her better. John still leaned back, but he nodded, saying "Sure, I guess. I need something to eat, anyways." Raziel also agreed, by a more physical approach; Raziel's stomach, at that particular moment, began to growl so loud that the other Squad across the room fell silent for a moment, wondering what that sound was.

"I'll take that as a 'yes'." Kiyuri laughed. As she began to talk again, the ship began to slow down, and they heard the all too familiar sounds of the beach in the background. At once, all the SeeD canidates stood up, and lined up in their Squad formations, waiting for the Captain to tell them of what to do.

"Alright." The Captain walked into the room, and regarded both squads with faint boredom. "Squads, ensure that Isken and Gerdezvous is taken care of." Kiyuri, followed by John and Raziel, slowly made their way into the brig, where Isken was being uncuffed from his position by the other Squad. Gerdezvous was still unconcious, as Raziel and John uncuffed him, and picked him up. Lifting him back onto their shoulders, as before, Kiyuri helped balance him out as they walked back up the staircase. The other Squad followed suit; Isken grumbling the whole way.

As the Squads left the ship, there was a small gathering of Instructors together, whispering amongst each other. Raziel had to squint on the way out of the ship, as the bright morning sunlight was shining against the fog and the morning dew, creating a glare against his eyes. Once the Instructors noticed the arrival of the SeeD canidates, they stopped whispering, and all but one left. This one was an older, more seasoned man, wearing what looked like a teacher's uniform, glasses, and had a slight grimace in his look.

"Welcome, SeeD canidates." He grinned out towards them, a smile that didn't reach his eyes. Holding out his arm, he beckoned towards a group of vehicles on the parkway, two each in turn, already idiling. "Squad A, enter the vehicle to the left, Squad B, vehicle to the right. After you reach Balamb, a small group of qualified SeeD will escort Isken and Gerdezvous into the basement level, where each in turn will be cared for." After stating this, he waited for the SeeD canidates to pass, and he stepped up to the captain, where they began to whisper together. Raziel only caught the words "Incident", and "Confusion", but soon left out of earshot, having to carry Gerdezvous with John to the vehicle.

Kiyuri, John and Raziel climbed into the back seat of the vehicle, and Gerdezvous was seated in the center seat, where two SeeD members sat on each side, to prevent any more harm done to him. Each SeeD canidate was lost in their own thoughts, Raziel's leaning more towards coffee and his warm bed rather than worrying about wether or not he passed or failed his exam. Whatever happens, happens, He said to himself.

Soon, it seemed to Raziel, they reached the Garden. Stepping outside, Raziel slowly stretched his legs, for lack of something to do. They had entered the driveway, where the cars of SeeD and missions were to be parked. Gerdezvous was escorted by the two SeeD that sat with him earlier, whom seemed to be regaining a slight amount of consiousness. The Instructor waiting for Squad B simply reminded them that they would have to wait for a couple of hours, to determine their exam results. Following Raziel, the other two fell in line as Raziel led the way to the cafeteria.

When they reached the cafeteria, it was still fairly empty, as it was early in the morning, and the morning of a weekend. Glancing at a clock on the wall, Raziel noticed that it was nearing 8 a.m. Shaking his head, Raziel was the first to reach the cafeteria ladies. "Today's cereal day." Raziel mentioned to the others, having noticed the menu taped onto the glass wall seperating them from the kitchen. Grabbing a tray, Raziel led the way down the wall, grabbing a safety-sealed bowl of Chocolate Crunch, a mixture of chocolate, peanut butter, and sugar; his favorite kind. Kiyuri behind him grabbed a bowl of Frosted Oats, a cereal similar to Frosted Flakes, and John grabbed his favorite cereal, a mixture of marshmallow and oat, similar to Lucky Charms. Each grabbing a Milk bottle, they in turn grabbed spoons, and grabbed a drink. Raziel a coffee, with sugar and cream, Kiyuri with orange juice, and John with a Sweet Tea. Paying for their meals in turn, they headed to a small table in the corner, farthest from the entrance. "Here's a good spot. Less noise." Raziel noted, sitting down in his seat, leaning up into the corner.

At first, the three simply enjoyed their meal, having a few minutes to rest and collect their thoughts. As they ate, Kiyuri started up a conversation. "Raziel, why do you want to become a SeeD?" She asked. "And enough with the bogus answer you gave the Headmaster. Why, truely?" To this, Raziel leaned back, thinking on the question for a little bit. "I don't truely know." He finally responded. "I guess to say that I accomplished something."

This seemed to satisfy Kiyuri, who faced John. "And you, John?" John finished the cereal he had in his mouth, before replying. "My family is dependent on me, so I chose to become a SeeD to produce an adequate income." Kiyuri nodded, showing she understood his reasons. As she ate, Raziel asked her "Well, what about you?" She looked up, a a look of lost interest, and simply stated. "It's something stupid, you don't want to hear." She resumed eating her cereal, which Raziel understood as the end of the conversation.

Slowly, the cafeteria filled in, students and faculty members alike waking up to start the day. The three noticed that the Instructors stayed grouped together, not eating in the cafeteria, but leaving with their food, talking in whispers the whole way. "You two notice how odd the instructors are acting?" John noted. "How they are whispering, and staying grouped together?"

"Maybe they're exchanging information on the Students in the Field Exams today." Kiyuri suggested. "I wonder if an accident happened with another group."

"Probably just trying to determine when they're gonna hold a new Triple Triad Competition." Raziel muttered, downing his coffee in one. Checking the clock on the wall, Raziel added, "Well, whatever it is, within the next hour we'll recieve our performance reviews." To which the others nodded, hoping that each in turn didn't fail.

[Sato Arashi]

The infirmary door slides open and a person enters. The person was dressed all in black, only the collar of a white shirt was exposed. A large sword was tied down to his back, it reflected off the ceiling lights from the unique blade. He enters a separate room and gazes on another person, lying on a bed.

“Meredith…I don’t know how you can manage a scratch like that.” Said the person, how frowned. The girl on the bed got up in a sitting position. She had long brown hair that stretched over her shoulders. She opens her eyes, revealing gleaming green eyes at the person standing by the door. She wore a yellow knitted shirt with a brown vest on top and blue pants. Her age seems to be a year younger than the person.

“I’m sorry, Calverd. I didn’t mean to do that. But hey, we manage to be SeeDs now so there’s no problems right?” said Meredith, rubbing her head and grinning. Meredith jumps off of the bed and walks over to Calverd. Calverd turns around, putting his hands in his pockets.

“If you keep doing that recklessly with you scythe, I’m going to have them keep you here.” Said Calverd, in an annoyed tone.

“What!? You wouldn’t dare do that! Meanie!” yelped Meredith, hitting Calverd in the back, though it didn’t do anything to him.

“Whatever, anyhow we should get something to eat while we wait to see if we pass or fail. The assassination of the Galbadian general was a weary one indeed.” Said Calverd, making his way to the cafeteria, Meredith followed behind. After a few minutes, they reached the cafeteria and glances around.

“Hey, it’s Roy over there!” yelled Meredith, pointing at a boy, whose age is the same as Calverd. The boy was very pale, has white spiky hair, and red eyes, a sign of albinism. He wore a black short-sleeved shirt, blue pants, and a headband on his forehead. The boy looked up from reading a magazine with a surprised look.

“Ah, it’s you two.” Muttered Roy. He then gazes back down at the magazine. Meredith and Calverd walked up in line, getting their orders and paid the cafeteria lady. They made their way to the table where Roy sat and took a seat. Meredith tries to peer over the magazine with a questionable look.

“So, what are you reading Roy?” asked Meredith.

“About the assassination we made, like I call that an assassination thanks to you.” Roy replied back. Meredith got angry and sat back down. Calverd frowns as he looks over at another table, seeing another group here in the cafeteria.

[Fehrant]

Her body was battered, and she had several wounds in different places, partly because of her own doing, the boost spell that took a tool on her body. Wounds caused by this were basically short, 2 inch cuts across several parts of her body, now burgundy lines visible across her arms, neck, and face. The other wounds were courtesy of the red haired warrior, Katya. These were mostly bruises, and some long, thicker cuts from being tossed around against metallic objects, and having a wall collapse on her. One last wound came from a different source: Isken. It was a long, shallow cut across her right cheek.

She was glad she was alive, back at the base, with no stress from the mission smothering her, but at the same time she was infuriated. Her first real opponent, and she had proved useless. In fact, if Katya had wanted, she could've defeated everyone else. She didn't know the full extent of everyone's strength, but she doubted they were too far from hers. That warrior was on a different level, and this made Rayne realize up to this point she had been wasting her time. She wasn't a real soldier; she was just a puny student. Then again she had never taken anything SeeD seriously. Still, even though her studies were average, she was supposed to be skilled in combat. It was bitter to think she was actually considered skilled.

Rayne lit up a cigarette as she stood in front of the SeeD garden. She glanced at it deep in thought and took a sip. I still don't care about SeeD, their goals, and their ideals, and what they represent. I am far from leader material, and I don't give two bloody shits about the exam's results. All I care are my band and my friends, but one thing I know for certain: I'm not going to stand around being beaten around like that again. I will become stronger.

"[...] eventually you will realize there's only so much damage your bare hands can do. That's when you'll embrace steel."

Katya's words rang in her head as she touched her trimmed hair, longer on the front, and short on the back, unintentionally stylish. That's the first step I'll take, she thought while looking at her bloodied, red hands. I will embrace steel.

SeeD high-ranking officers came and went, directives were given and everyone was temporarily released. She didn't exchange words with any of her squad, neither Cuvie nor Flynn. Isken was taken with other SeeDs, to where she didn't know or was concerned. Surprisingly enough for her, she didn't feel like beating the crap out of him, instead she wanted to collapse on her dorm bed.

A few healing staff SeeDs cast spells on her, and gave her potions. The pain was virtually gone, even though the wounds still showed up. She entered her dorm, and collapsed on her bed, her last thoughts before she passed out were concerned with which sword would be better suited for her.

[Zerobanshee]

Raziel continued his wait at the wall, glancing towards the door everynow and then. Speaking in low tones with Kiyuri, he was only paying half attention to the conversation, and even less to what the Instructor at the door was saying. Raziel closed his eyes, and rested his chin upon his chest, and only looked up when Kiyuri struck him in the chest with her hand. "Raziel! They're calling you!" She hissed, trying to push him toward's the headmaster's room. Startled, confused, and still slightly exhausted from the mission, Kiyuri led him toward's the headmaster's room, and shoved him through the doors. Hearing the doors close behind him, Raziel slowly stepped up to the headmaster's desk, and lined up with the other four individuals, and slowly clasped his hands behind his back, waiting.

Slowly, the headmaster spoken with each SeeD, explaining each in turn their accomplishments, and mistakes. As the headmaster spoken to each in turn, Raziel's thoughts went toward's a clear bliss. As he stood there, letting his thoughts floated from his new friends, to his bed, towards the new individuals that he waved at earlier. Before he noticed, his vision had cleared, and the headmaster was leaning inside of his vision, slowly waving at him.

"Ah, finally some recognition. Welcome back, my boy." The Headmaster leaned back, smiling towards Raziel; the room was now entirely empty, besides the two, and the Headmaster, instead of standing, went back to sit in his seat behind the desk. "Reading over your performance review, Raziel, I'm not suprised."

Clearing his throat, he opened up a binder in front of him. Shuffling some papers, he fixed his glasses, then began to read out, "Quiet, keeps to self, and is not very sociable." Glancing up at Raziel, he smiled. "Today, and last night you have shown aptitude for your comrades, as well as the mission. You placed yourself at risk to ensure that the others survived, and you also ensured that Gerdezvous wouldn't be in a major health risk.

"Yet, you also shown some unusual behavior on the ship on the return trip back. The Captain said you were shouting, behaving outrageously, and seemed to be in a violent, dangerous act of terror or rage. This, while being understandable, is not to be repeated again, and must be taken under control. Nightmare or not." The Headmaster frowned, and stared at Raziel, until the younger nodded, to show that he understood. "Now, Raziel, you have also shown an attachment to the other members of your Squad as well, and even though it isn't restricted, it isn't necessary. The mission is over now; you are now merely peers again, and not comrades until further notice.

"You acted accordingly in combat, showing a brilliance that not many could hope to achieve, and you seem very well tactical, and you are able to use your own skills, the enviornment, and the opponent's skills, weaknesses and psychological status in your combat effectiveness, which is a necessary and extremely useful talent. This is expected only at higher SeeD ranks, preferably starting in the early teens, but your inexperience is the most unnerving. Lack of experience is the highest cause of Squad Leader breakdowns, and highest killer of SeeD mercenaries. Thus, we decided to grade you at a four, seeing as your physical strength, while commendable, is not as high as your peers, yet not the lowest.

"Raziel Haven, I know your past, and I know your capabilities. Allow yourself to know yourself as well, and you cannot lose sight of your goals. Remember, no matter how strong you are as an individual, you are thrice as strong with your friends. That is all." The Headmaster waved his hand, to which Raziel recognized as the option to leave. Turning around, Raziel quietly left the Headmaster's room, and into the waiting room.

Making his way through the crowd, Raziel bumped again into Kiyuri, who was smiling at Raziel. "How'd it go?" She asked, following him back to the more empty side of the room. "Fine," He said, as he neared the entrance, he noticed the group he saw earlier, at the cafeteria. "Perfect," He said, smiling as he headed his way towards the three. As he closed the distance inbetween them, he noticed that the Leader looked up, having been in a conversation, and stopped talking, a grin slowly spreading across his face.

"Hey, m'name's Raziel." Raziel held out his hand toward the one in the center, who was suprised at this random act of introduction. Nodding toward's Kiyuri, he spoken "Kiyuri, my friend." The guy whom he was now shaking hands with was smiling even more, now highly interested. Pointing his free hand's thumb at his own chest, he said "Calverd," pointing at the girl, "Meredith", and towards the guy, "Roy." Raziel silently shook hands with all three, who nodded each in turn.

"Jus' wanted to meet." Raziel explained, to the highly curious Kiyuri, and the others. Grinning, he stretched out his back, and when he finally popped his back, he stood back up straight, then added, "Gonna go to courtyard later, study up." He patted Kiyuri on the back, nodded towards the others, then said, "If you come, see you around." Turning, he entered the elevator, and rode it down.

Making his way back to his dormitory, he slowly showered, taking extra care around his scars, then when he finished, he dressed in a set of casual clothes, a pair that he wore most whenever he felt lazy. Grabbing a bookbag of his, filled with notebooks, his laptop, and a textbook, he made sure that his lance was attached to his belt, and left out into the hallway.

Making his way outside, Raziel stopped at the cafeteria first, to grab another coffee. Sipping it slowly, Raziel found his way to a favorite bench of his, which sat in the shade underneath a large oak tree. Sitting down, he dumped his books, bag and stuff onto the bench, sat upon it, and stretched out his legs. Setting his coffee inbetween his knees, Raziel watched the ducks swim in a nearby pond.

[Caije]

A figure stood in a bright open field. He was draped in layers of clothes and robes to keep him warm. His animal like eyes were dark, and were strongly intimidating to the soldiers around him, a long black beard covered his face. He shut his eyes tightly as the soldiers watched him.

“Lord Katiel.” One spoke, causing the man to open his eyes.

“What is it, Baraa?” Katiel hissed.

“We just have word from Balamb. It worked.” The soldier smiled.

“Excellent.” Katiel licked his lips. “Everything is working in our favour. Now, Baraa, bring me Elouise.”

“Elouise, sir? Is it really the--”

“I do not pay you to question my orders. Bring her to me.” The snake-like glare within Katiel’s eyes was enough to convince the soldier to follow his instructions. He nodded his head at the other two guards, causing them to retreat into a small tent. A minute later they came out with a small case, they handed their leader the box which he opened and threw aside.

The soldiers watched as Katiel pressed the flute ‘Elouise’ against his mouth. A beautiful tune began to erupt from the instrument. The soldiers watched in confusion for several minutes.

“Why is he playing the Elouise now? We should be attacking the SeeDs.” One of the soldiers asked Baraa.

“I have no idea.” Baraa replied.

----
“…So when did this begin Isken?” A high ranked SeeD asked.

“The blackouts?” Isken asked. He was locked away in the basement level of the school. It was off limits to students. The SeeD nodded and Isken lowered his head. “They began yesterday in the cafeteria, when I come to--.”

“You don’t remember what you did.” The SeeD stated. “You almost killed one of your comrades. Destroyed vital information that we need right now.”

“I’m sorry.” Isken paused slouching against the wall. “I… I’m cursed, ain’t I?”

“Your father had the same illness, yes.” The SeeD stated.

“Am I going to be okay, Mar?” Isken asked, already knowing the answer.

“I’ll try my best.” The SeeD smiled. “Tell me the events that happened that night.”

“I was three when it happened…” Isken sighed. “Dad had been hunting a mark for two years. He was from a desert clan, in Centra. When he took time off for a vacation one night… our house was bombarded with snakes… monsters. All being controlled by a man with a flute. My Dad locked me in a room… told me not to come out. I heard music being played… then my Dad…”

“I know the rest.” Mar managed to smile. “We never got him. But Isken… he‘s controlling you. I can‘t reveal much of it because it‘s classified. But I believe if we find this man… we solve your problem.”

“And until then…”

“You’re locked in here, I’m afraid.” Mar said. “I’ll visit you regularly.”

“Mar, wait.” Isken stood as Mar turned. “Can you tell Flynn I’m sorry? You know. For trying to kill him?”

-----
The time most of the candidates were waiting for began. The intercom announced that all students were to report to the quad. Kiyuri’s heart skipped a beat and she turned to Raziel. “Good luck.” She smiled and stood walking away from John and Raziel.

She couldn’t help but rush towards the quad. She feared her results, but also wanted to go at it alone. If Raziel and John passed and she didn’t, Kiyuri’s fears were they'd just forget her.

Time passed and the students waited and waited for what seemed like decades. Finally, an instructor stood on a bench and looked down on the few nervous and cocky faces.

She began to read the list of people who passed. “… Turael, Kiyuri Turael…”

Kiyuri heard no other names being announced. Her senses seemed disabled. The shock had taken over her. All her fears of failing had vanished, and finally things seemed alright. She caught a grip of herself and managed to pay attention to the list. Isken's name wasn't called out, much to his fanclubs dismay.

After the list was finished the Instructor smiled. “Alright, everyone who has passed is to report to the Principals office. You will be briefed on your recent mission and will get an official review from the Headmaster. Congratulations, you’re now low ranked SeeDs.”

[Zerobanshee]

Raziel waited at the cafeteria table, watching Kiyuri leave. Seeing how nervous she was, he allowed her the breathing space she wanted, then slowly stood up. "John, Good luck." He looked across at John, who nodded, and they quickly shook hands. Following Kiyuri's path, he slowly made his way to the other end of the cafeteria. Glancing quickly around, he noticed a new group he hadn't seen, and he quickly made eye contact with one of the guys in the group. Haven't seen them around before... Raziel thought, but then again, I'm not really the talkative type...he thought, thinking of Isken. He wanted to stop and see what they wanted, but knew he had no time for an introduction. Holding his hand out in a slight wave of acknowledgement, he continued his way past the tables, up into the main hallway.

Raziel made his way up the main lobby, now dodging several students as he continued his way. As he made his way towards the Quad, he soon found himself among a group of other SeeD canidates, all of whom seemed nervous. "I hope I didn't fail!" One guy whined towards his friend, who was scrunching up his hands together. The group consisted of Raziel, the two guys that were nervously explaining every minute detail of their missions, three girls, who were arguing about the mistakes one made, and a few other students, who were looking extremely ill, and moreso with each step they made.

Finally, Raziel made it to the Quad. Raziel noticed that Kiyuri was standing close by to the bench, almost leaning on every word that the Instructor said. As the Instructor cleared her throat, and began to call out the names of the list, Raziel couldn't help but hear that Kiyuri's name was called out. Smiling, he felt a rush of pride towards his friend, his comrade. As he stared at the back of her head, he remembered the shock he felt when he had almost ran headlong into Abaddon, and the humor he felt towards her when she had incapacitated Gerdezvous by herself. Making her SeeD was a good choice.

Seeing her relax in happiness, Raziel looked up in time to catch his own name in the role call, stating that he had, too, sucessfully passed the SeeD exam, and also earned a SeeD score of Four. The students around him looked at him, moreso gawking at the scars on his face and arm in awe than the fact that he was now SeeD, but Raziel didn't notice. He ran his hands through his messy hair, now smiling for himself. One step closer now. Raziel waited until the list was finished, now hardly paying any attention, constantly glancing around the room, to try to pinpoint out his other friends. Raziel then noticed that the list was finished being called out, he heard that the passed SeeD students were to report to the Principal's office. Seeing Kiyuri begin her way towards the elevator, Raziel slowly made his way through the dispencing group, to catch up to her.

When he reached her, he slowly tapped her on the shoulder, and when she looked around, he smiled at her, holding out his hand. "Congrats." He couldn't help but feel excited that one of his comrades had passed, too. She smiled back, and held her hand out to shake it.

When Raziel had ahold of her hand, he quickly pulled her in, for a brief hug. This suprised her, and the look on her face made Raziel grin even more. She shrugged it off, and asked him in return, "So, I take it you passed, too?" She asked, her fears now completely vacant. "Yep," he answered, nodding. Holding his hand out, he held out four fingers, to which he said "Rank four."

The two of them made their way towards the Headmaster's office, where they had to wait at the elevators. Seeing as neither Kiyuri nor Raziel wanted to be crammed into the elevator with the other groups, they decided to wait until the group was thinned out a bit, before making their way inside. Riding the elevator up, they were let out into an open room, the waiting room prior to the Headmaster's Office, where he was calling in small groups to speak with them at his leisure.

The room was circular in shape, and at the other end of the room there was a big double door entrance, where an Instructor was seated outside on a single chair. He kept the door closed, and would only open it when the Headmaster called on an intercom by the door. The Headmaster would call out the names of the SeeD he wished to see, and nothing else.

Seeing an empty chair across the room, Raziel grabbed ahold of Kiyuri's hand, to not chance losing her in the crowd, and slowly led her through the mass of people. Careful to avoid letting her get trampled, he kept calling out "Move, excuse us, come on," and through sheer force, will and patience, Raziel made their way towards the seat, where he promptly sat Kiyuri down into the sofa. Leaning against the wall, he muttered out for her to only hear, "Cannot wait to get out of this crowd..." His heartrate was beginning to race again, not in excitement nor fear, but aggrivation. Large crowds did not agree with Raziel well, as they usually gave him a feeling of claustophobia.

[Sato Arashi]

Calverd lifted an eyebrow to see one of them from the other group wave at him as he takes a sip from his cup of coffee. “So Roy, do you think we will pass?” Meredith asked, taking a bite out of her bagel. Roy closed the newspaper and placed it on the middle of the table. “Heh, why are you asking me? I’m not the one with the best intuitions, heck, Calverd’s intuitions saved our butts for all I care.” Roy replied back. Calverd snapped out of what seemed a trance of thought. Meredith stared at him with a puzzled look. “Are you ok Calverd?” Meredith questioned. Calverd tilted his head up as he listens to the intercom for the SeeD candidates to meet at the quad. “No, it’s nothing. Anyhow we got to get going or else we won’t become SeeDs.” After saying that, he downed his coffee. Calverd got up on his feet, taking the newspaper, and walks out of the cafeteria, soon to be followed by Roy and Meredith.

They head through the hallway, which was crowded, dauntingly squeezing through the crowd. They manage to pass through the crowd into the lobby, which had more space to move about. Finally made their way to the quad, they blended into the crowd of SeeD candidates, moving to the front as much as possible so they can hear the Instructor for their names, paying no mind to others names they heard. “I hope we pass, I hope we pass, I hope we pass!” Meredith mumbles, jumping up and down on her feet. Roy pats on her back gently, trying to get her to calm down. “Don’t get too excited, what if we fail? Then you wasted all that energy for nothing. It’s a 50/50 possibility.” Roy whispered to Meredith, with a smirk. Calverd just stood there with his hands behind his back, as if remaining calm. Meredith shook her head. “No, I’m definitely positive that we will pass! We have to!” Meredith whispered back, with confidence in her voice.

“Calverd Garelan, Meredith Hakatsuki, and Roy Mantra.” The Instructor called out. Calverd breathed out, and with that, all of his anxiety and nervous feelings was washed away. Meredith jumps in the air with her hand in a fist up high. Roy gave a smile, as if glad that he made it. They made their way up to the Instructor, to hear what their rank is and where to head next.

“Aw, why do I have to be Rank Three while you two are Rank Fours?” Meredith pouted as they made their way to the elevator, to get to the Headmaster’s office. “It’s simple, you made one clumsy mistake that would otherwise jeopardize the whole mission.” Roy answered as they got in the elevator. Calverd opens up the newspaper and begins to read it. “Knock it off you two, we manage to pass anyways.” Calverd whispered to both Roy and Meredith, without leaving his eyes off of the paper. Roy wraps his arm on Calverd’s shoulder. “Hey, even though we passed, you still give that face? You got to cheer up and enjoy this moment.” Roy gave a grin as the doors opened and they poured out of the elevator. They immediately made their way to the wall to lean over on, waiting to be called in by the Instructor.

[Fehrant]

Rayne opened her eyes, something was poking her shoulder. A slender, feminine hand kept begging her attention. Rayne's face was buried in her pillow, so it actually took a bit of effort to follow the arm with her eyes, to reach the familiar face. As soon as recognition kicked in, however, she let her eyes close again.

"Wake up," her roommate said. "They are calling all the students who took the exam to the quad."

"Ungh..." was all Rayne managed to say with her face one again buried under the pillow.

"You better go," her roommate suggested.

Rayne made no reply. She slowly fell asleep once more, the fatigue of the all-nighter of last night's mission and her lack of excitement for the exam's result made no other course of action viable. But it didn't last long.

Two hours later, someone knocked on her door, repeatedly. Over and over. Normally a bit of noise wouldn't wake her up, but this knock had been probably going for several minutes. Behind the door, a voice keep shouting, "Ms. Melrose, I know you are there. Open up!"

Rayne grunted. She tried to close her eyes, but the banging on the door wouldn't stop. She didn't know who it might be, and didn't have time to think about. That's why her reaction was a natural one: "the door is bloody open, you wanker!" She shouted back, taking her face off the pillow.

Indeed, the door almost slammed open. An instructor properly donned in his uniform stared red-faced at Rayne who was still on the bed. "Ms. Melrose! How dare you address your superiors with that foul language? Have you no respect for authority? Have you no notion of the chain of command?"

With effort, Rayne turned around facing the instructor, though her body was still laying in the bed. Shit, the fuzz. "What is it, now? Can't you see I'm sleeping? I just returned from a bloody mission and I'm..."

"The headmaster calls for you, Melrose," he cut her off.

"Alright, alright... I'm getting up. Bloody fuzz." Rayne sat on the bed and tried to shake off her grogginess.

"What was that again, Melrose?" The instructor beckoned.

She yawned. "Nothing, nothing. Let's go."

Rayne and the instructor walked towards the headmaster's office. Though tired, and waking up with each step, she felt rather than leading the way, she was being escorted to the headmaster's office.

Eventually, they reached the big set of wooden doors. The instructor opened one, and announced Rayne. "Ms. Melrose is here, headmaster."

"Let her in," came a voice from inside.

Once inside, the doors closed behind her. Rayne stood, still a bit groggy from her sleep, awaiting to be reprimanded as she always had been over these past years whenever she was in this very office. She yawned.

The headmaster, signing a few papers, stopped, and glanced up to her. "Tired, Ms. Melrose?"

"Aye, I just returned from a mission and..."

"I know, Ms. Melrose," he interjected. "I know you returned from your successful mission 4 hours and..." he looked at his watch. "20 minutes ago. I read the reports, I signed your grade, I even summoned all the students, but for some reason you weren't here when that happened. Those who participated in your mission, even members from your squad, were here, in time. Yet you weren't. You know why that is, Ms. Melrose?"

She shrugged.

The headmaster's eyes remained fixed on hers for a moment. "There are two possible reasons for this: personal interest or sense of duty. None of them your own today." He looked down his papers, and stacked them. "Not something new though, is it, Ms. Melrose? Throughout your entire career at SeeD here you have shown great physical aptitude, but also have shown disrespect for the chain of command, your peers, and our rules."

"In this mission, we designed you as a leader. We thought that perhaps in the face of real danger your wild demeanor would cease, you would get a hold of your senses, and put those abilities to good use. We thought that if we gave you an objective and SeeDs under your command, you might show us a different side of you. That despite your petty in-faculty behavior you would prove a great SeeD on the outside."

"Indeed, you did show great aptitude. The objectives were completed. Everyone is back. You even fought a ferocious mercenary, and live to tell the tale. Even if it was because she decided to spare you, you fought with her bravely and alone gives you merit enough to be higher than 5-rank SeeD."

Rayne felt a bit infuriated by her weakness being reflected on someone else's word. Katya had spared her; there was no other way to say it.

The headmaster frowned. "However, a SeeD's core is not only about physical prowess. It's also about discipline. About teamwork. Something you have not shown. No, even further, something you have shown total disregard for. So how can I quality someone like that? How can I pretend someone like that to be a functional SeeD?"

His hand went for one of his drawers. He took out a few thin, brown folders containing some papers. He laid them on top of the desk.

"Normally we don't let the students know of the results of this particular test, but I would like to make an exception in the case to further illustrate my point." His finger tapped on the folders. "This is a... psychological test of the sorts. All students are analyzed to determine the following criteria: how likely is the possibility that the student will desert SeeD and go rogue?"

"Normally the scores for most students are very low, and they aren't a decisive factor. It's more useful to us as psychological data than anything else. Even so, Ms. Melrose, allow me to read a part to you:"

"We estimate the student has a 78% chance to go rogue within the first year," the headmaster recited.

"We estimate the student has a 82% chance to go rogue within the second year."

The headmaster placed the documents down. "These are just the conclusions. There are of course reasons listed out, most of which I have already stated to you."

He sighed, and laid back on his chair. "It was a collective decision of the jury that you, despite showing to be a potential combat asset for SeeD, fail the exam. Of course, you can always retake it, but this is where I like to intervene and add some conditions of my own."

"You have one more year, Ms. Melrose. In this year you'll continue taking or even retaking courses some of which I'll designate myself. During this year you'll be evaluated in regards to your SeeD aptitude, to see if there are any positive changes. If I, as well as the SeeD instructors, see a positive change in your attitude that would be beneficial for SeeD, then only after the year is completed will you be able to retake the exam. Otherwise, you'll simply be expelled."

"Are the conditions clear, Ms. Melrose?"

Rayne nodded. Deep inside however she wanted to get over this. Right now she didn't want to think what would happen if she got expelled from SeeD. She would probably have to return to her parents home, or become a mercenary. The idea of becoming a mercenary didn't sound too bad. She grinned internally.

The headmaster beckoned the door. "You may leave, Ms. Melrose."

Rayne turned around and twisted the door knob.

"Wait, Ms. Melrose," called the headmaster. "As you well know SeeD aren't exactly white knights in shinning armor. They are mercenaries, but even so we do have our principles. You know what's the different between a bounty-hunter and a mercenary? Normally they are thought to be the same thing, but they aren't."

Rayne didn't reply. The headmaster took that as a 'no'.

"Bounty-hunters normally work alone, but the same could be said about some mercenaries. Bounty-hunters aren't as disciplined as mercenaries, but some are. The main difference, however, has to do with the fact that the bounty-hunter's raison d'être -the purpose of their existence- is the bounty in itself, whereas the mercenary through the bounty or reward actually achieves a different purpose, a purpose perhaps not his own, but for a different cause."

Right. So it's better to be a tool than to think for oneself, Rayne thought. "So?" She asked.

"Think about it," the headmaster said.

Right. Rayne left the headmaster's room.

---

The headmaster's words had lived and died in that room. As soon as Rayne exited her mind was elsewhere. She was thinking that after being waken up like this, she might as well get a melee weapon before going to bed again.

Making a stop on her room, she retrieved her SeeD ID and headed down the weapons' room. A black man with dreadlocks stood behind the counter, dismantling a gun with surprising dexterity.

"Can I help you, girl?" He asked.

"Looking for a new weapon," Rayne explained curtly.

"Show yo ID, then," he requested. Rayne did. He took the ID and slid it in a card scanner. Rayne's data showed up on a small screen. "Says here yo are a hand-to-hand fighter, entitled to knuckles and the like. New sweet ass weapon, though? YEAH, BABY! Let J.J. see what might be best for yo, girl." He glanced her up and down.

Rayne shook her head. "Get your girls from magazines, you wanker. I'm here for a new weapon."

J.J. took an apologetic expression, though still keeping his cool. "Wow, wow... chill out, girl. I might not look it to you, but this bad boy has been doin' this for a loooooong time, so I know my shit, yo." He rummaged through some weapons, then placed a kodachi on the counter. "Yo have a slender body, meanin' you rely on moves, rather than raw power. You need a weapon that's easy to handle, something not too drastic that can make the transition between hand-to-hand combat to melee smoother."

"I'm actually looking for the opposite. I need a big weapon," declared Rayne.

J.J. looked as if someone had just taken a shit over the counter. He shook his head. "Big weapons are hard to get used to, girl. They rely on technique, yeah, but you need to have the raw power to handle them babies." J.J. once again searched through boxes, pulled up a square medium-sized sword. It was wider than a regular sword, and thicker. "Here, see?" He handed the sword to Rayne.

She waved it a bit. Even though the sword was smaller than Katya's it was certainly heavy and felt cumbersome. Thinking back Rayne realized the way the red-haired warrior handled her massive sword was scary.

I will have to take it slowly. Maybe I can start with a lighter sword. I definitely want a big weapon though. I can't help but think Katya left an impression on me. But probably like J.J is saying, I might need something that relies on agility. I don't think I can become a Katya clone. I will need to develop my own style.

She rested the sword on the counter, nodding at J.J. in acknowledgment. She glanced towards the boxes filled with different types of weapons: kamas, maces, spears, scythes, all sizes and manners of swords, and more. Just when she was about to give up she noted a long katana hanging on the top, it looked more for decoration than for actual use.

"What's that?" Rayne asked.

J.J. grinned. "That's a masamune replica, for display mostly. Even though it's lighter than the sword you just tried, it will take some gettin' used to. Although..." He thought for a moment while playing with one of his dreadlocks. "Yeah, yeah, if you want a big weapon, that's a good choice. Let's see..." He took it off the hooks and unsheathed it. He glanced at the blade, grimacing. "Let J.J. do some work on it, come by tomorrow, and it'll be as good as new."

"Thank you," she found herself saying. Despite appearances, the man indeed knew what he was doing.

"You're welcome, baby. Now to work..."

Rayne nodded, and left. She went straight to her room. Sleep called.

[Storm]

As soon as he arrived back in Garden, Flynn marched to his dormitory. He still had a while before he was due for his evaluation, so it was now the perfect time to relax and clean up. Even though he had completed the exam with just a couple of scratches, he felt sweaty and unclean. The stroke of hot water against his skin would often relax him and allow him to come to his senses. He removed his clothes, turned the shower onto 7 and emitted a load sigh, crouching down to vent his rage. He had kept to himself on the journey back, unable to compose himself with so many people around. Even the massaging of mint into his hair and skin barely took edge off. He had remained focussed during his mission, but Isken’s intent to kill him and sabotage the mission couldn’t erase itself from his mind. He had already disliked Isken before the mission, with his annoying cockiness, playboy attitude and stupid stories, but now the very thought of him made Flynn grit his teeth. He was going to confront Isken and deal with him personally. Vengeance was already starting to consume. After the shower and change of clothes, he swiftly did his hair- this time taking on an agitated, firey backwards sweep. It was about time for him to get his mission evaluation.

Flynn walked through the corridors, a vicious negative energy-field around his domineering presence, breaking apart the banter of the social crowds of people around him, changing the subject of talk of one particular group he stormed through.

“Ay look at Nerdy. Ees fumin’! I bets ‘is computahs broke!”

“Ignore… Ignore…” Flynn thought to himself.

“His girl’s gone!”

“Girl? Since when’s ee ‘ad a hoe?”

“Is computah innit!”

“Lol!”

“Bet iz broken cuz he luvs it so much.”

“Ay broke it by too much wan….”

Flynn looked over his shoulder, slowly rotating to face the group as if time had stopped around them. One stone cold footstep, followed by another, half-speed echoing as the hyena-like laughter eerily faded in and out. The final step fast-forwarded into a sort of flash-step, as Flynn held the instigator of the group by the collar of his neck, staring down at him with the scarcest trace of pupil.

“Say that again, McKenzie,” he hissed. By now the laughter had died to a halt as the group leader hung like a savage’s doomed prey. “Inform me of your sick little fantasies of me.”

“I… weren’t talk’en too ya… f…”

Flynn tightened his grip, lifting him to tip-toe. McKenzie was a few inches shorter than Flynn: a very loud-spoken boy, who was never without a large group of acquaintances. He always had something to say and acted bigger than his shoe size.

“If you have something to say, if you have a problem with me, say it to my ****ing face!” Flynn spat. “Now I’ll have you know I’ve been doing a SeeD exam.”

“Eh, I weren’t sayin’ I got no prob mate. You juss got no homies, it funny innit!” McKenzie laughed awkwardly. The rest of the zombie-like group seemed to copy. He tried to shake from Flynn’s grasp. Flynn reluctantly let go.

“You thinks youze big! You not so smart innit? You got beef wiv me, you got beef wiv all da B-Unit. Like ta see ya try it wiv all yer no homies! You fight us wiv yer books?”

Flynn scrunched his nose as the group cackled and pushed each other idiotically.
“Where the hell did they learn how to speak,” Flynn thought to himself. He sighed, once his brain had deciphered the incoherent speech.

“You think I’m a pushover? Try me! I’m more intelligent and a much more skilled fighter than all of you! You criticize me for being solitary? I don’t need people to fight my fights or tell me what to do!”

“Shaddup bruv!” McKenzie shouted as he sprinted for a quick first shot. Flynn’s somewhat lanky structure was replaced by a much more built one. McKenzie skidded to one side as he realised that an instructor had stepped in. Two others were seen running at a distance.

“I heard you all shouting from miles away,” the well-built instructor snapped. “I expect better behaviour from 8 year olds!”

“Flynn Avontyne, come with me,” one of the other instructors said. “You have your exam evaluation next.”

Flynn followed the instructor to the Headmaster’s office, as the other two instructors dealt with McKenzie and his crew. In a way he wanted to know how they were going to be punished, however he was also likely to be facing the same punishment. He was half anticipating, half dreading the results of the exam. He would have done so well if it wasn’t for Isken. If he failed, he was going to hunt him down and make his life hell! He waited briefly for his name to be called.

“Flynn Avontyne…” the Headmaster began after Flynn had entered and stood at attention. “…A job well done. Your abilities in intelligence-seeking and working with technology was a strong asset to your team, just as predicted. You found the information and quickly followed the correct procedure to obtain the data. Unfortunately that was lost, but there was nothing you could have done to prevent that.Your motivation and composure was brilliant, even through the difficulties your team faced. You also worked well in battle, adapting your weapon choice, which is much more suited to open range, to a short-range fight. Your skills shone through with minimal injury, and you finished the fight without making the enemy endure sustained suffering. Your choice in the larger battle to move to a more spacious environment to give you the upper hand was a very wise decision.”

“Sir,” Flynn replied.

“You have a strong personality… which is sometimes your downfall…” he continued. “Thankfully that did not get in the way of this mission. There was, however, some arrogance in your speech during your fight against the sword-wielding guard. Surprisingly you were obedient to your orders from your squad leader, and you reacted like a model SeeD when attacked by your comrade.”

“Acted like a role-model?” Flynn thought to himself. “I was merely overwhelmed.”

“You have successfully passed your exam, SeeD rank 5,” the headmaster said, as he handed Flynn his certificate. “Congratulations.”

“Thank you sir,” Flynn replied.

“As a SeeD you will take on great responsibilities. You have proven that you are a reliable and hard-working student; however your attitude needs to stay consistent. I have heard stories about your ill-language towards students and sometimes even staff, so action will be taken in the near future. For now however you are excused.”

“Sir…” Flynn winced, as he turned and made his way to the exit.

“I still don’t understand,” he pondered, “about how people feel and why they have problems with me. Cuvie said that too, and that she would help me. I guess… sometime I should find her… although… I’m sure I need her help more than she needs mine…"

"I can't let myself destroy my becoming a SeeD."

[Victoria]

As the line dwindled on and on to the headmaster's quarters, where potential SeeDs had their examination results given to them, I noticed Flynn walk out the door and right past me. I waved to him with a soft smile, but his feet carried him on. He was so lost in thought that he hadn't noticed me. My smile turned to a slight frown as I reluctantly let my hand fall.

Thoughts rushed through my mind, that perhaps it had been my fault that he was so depressed. I let out a sigh and closed my eyes as I leaned backward. My back bumped into someone soft behind me, even though I didn't recall anyone behind me. I guess someone decided to show up in the line.

“Are you doing all right, Cuvie?” Suyu said. She straightened me up and gave me a soft smile that felt as though something were missing. I smiled back and took another glance at her as my name was called. She nodded to dismiss me. I nodded back and went into the quarters.

I sat down in the lonesome chair in front of his desk. He straightened papers that look like a report and sat them down on his desk. He let out a soft sigh and cleared his throat. He looked down at the stack of papers and right back at me.

“So, Miss 'Cuvie', do you know why you are here today?” he asked rhetorically.

“...Cause I borked my mishun, sah.” I looked away from his eyes with anxiety. A small drop of sweat rolled from my forehead down the side of my chin.

“...To put it plainly, yes. You failed your secondary mission, and because of that, partially endangered your primary mission, as well as the lives of your comrades. Though don't let that get to you. I've already been aware of Isken's curse and know that you couldn't have been aware enough to prevent his outrage. It was a secondary mission for a reason, Cuvie. It was to see if you had the potential to be something higher than a SeeD.”

“But I wasn't able ta in.. inter.. interject him. If I hadn't been ordered to do other things, I would have kept my eyes on him and stop at all costs.”

“I'm aware, Cuvie. I have the mission report right here. I know what Rayne had asked you to do, and her orders do take precedence over your secondary mission, hence why it is not entirely your fault that you failed your secondary mission.”

“....I see...”

He flipped through the report once more and scanned over some areas.

“I'm also aware that you saved your leader's life. You witnessed her battle with the skilled mercenary, yet you did not aid her. I'm curious as to why that is. Was it because of how you were raised?”

I nodded in reply, “Yes sah, I was raised not ta meddle in any training battles unless told otherwise.”

“Training battle? How do you figure that was a training battle rather than a battle to the death?”

“Because Rayne was not killed straight away. Instead, the red hair woman held back her prowess in order to gauge Rayne's combat potential. It may sound strange, but that is what she was doing. I sensed no danger in that battle. ….Rayne was scared out of her wits, but there was no real danger to her life.”

“...I see. Intriguing. Thank you for your feedback on the report. Is there anything else I should know before I assign you your mark?”

I shook my head and sat complacently on the chair.

“Very well then. You have a SeeD Rank of Four. I did not assign you a five because you still need to work on your communication skills. While your makeshift speech is fine for casual talk, it can be a hindrance on an important mission.” He cleared his throat and signaled to dismiss me. I stood up from the chair and bowed. He shook my hand as I gave a soft smile.

Then he called in Suyu right after me. I waited outside against the wall for her examination to end.

******

“Suyujo Hyakuri. I've heard things about you.” he said as she sat in the chair with a passive and stern look on her face.

He cleared his throat and neatly arranged her mission report on the desk as he filed away Cuvie's report inside a cabinet.

“There was really nothing wrong in your efficiency to carry out your mission, and to rescue one of your comrades during the escape is rather brave and commendable. However, I was rather dismayed to hear that you.. er, lost limbs in the process. Sacrificing your life for your comrades and your mission is very brave, but also very rash. I'm sure you were aware of the consequences, so I feel no need to lecture you. You'll receive a mark of level Five because of your remarkable talents and efficiency to carry out your orders. I hope your new prosthesis serve you well, you deserve them... for a lack of better words.”

“...Thank you, sir.” she stood up and bowed slightly as she exited through the door. She found Cuvie waiting for her against the wall. They both smiled to each other as they locked arms and walked through the hallways back to their dorm room. Cuvie rested her shoulder on Suyu's and let out a big sigh.

“I'm happy we both passed. And.. I sorry you lost your arm and leg.” Cuvie nuzzled against Suyu's prosthetic arm as Suyu grinned.

“I'm happy as well, Cuvie. And don't be sorry. I have these things. I think they'll come in handy, too. Maybe we'll work together soon, perhaps..” The two continued into the elevator and went down to the floor level that their room was located.

“I'd like that...” Cuvie said as both of them headed down the hallway and into their dorm room. As Cuvie lifted her head from Suyu's shoulder, she tilted her head in confusion.

"Howcome you don't smell like lemonade anymore? You smell different now."

Suyu blushed and looked away from Cuvie's eyes. "Well, I thought you were getting tired of the lemon smell, so I changed to chocolate."

Cuvie's mouth watered as she licked her lips and smelled the air. "Oh.. so that's what that smell is... I like this smell. Do we have any chocolate, Suyu?"

"I'm afraid not in our room, no... we could always get some later in the cafeteria," she smiled sheepishly.

"Oh.. too bad. I guess I'll have to nibble the next best thing, then..." Cuvie said as she eyed Suyu.

Suyu raised a brow and looked to her left and right side and pointed to herself, "I had no idea you swung this way, Cuvie.." she blushed.

"I dont. I just like chocolate." Cuvie ran to Suyu and pounced on her as they both landed on the bed. Cuvie did not nibble anything, as she just nuzzled her head in between Suyu's chest.

"Oh, Cuvie...you silly girl." she said as she petted Cuvie's head and let out a soft yawn.

[Caije]

Kiyuri’s name was soon called and she brought herself past the now thinned crowd and through the pair of oak doors. The Door shut behind her, and in front of her sat the Headmaster. A file with her name imprinted on it was resting in his hands. Without being told to, she sat down in front of him and waited for him to talk.

“Well done in becoming SeeD, Kiyuri.” He raised his eyebrows and then reached out his hand to shake hers. She stood and reached her hand out to his.“ So, how did the mission go?”

“It went fine, sir.” She said honestly.

“Alright, be honest. How did it make you feel?” He asked her, sitting back down in his seat. Kiyuri remained standing.

“Well…” She paused, thinking for the correct phrase. “At first, I was scared, sir. But then as the pieces of the mission began to fall into place, I was okay. I felt good.”

“Fair enough,” The Headmaster smiled and began to look at her file. “You started off at the Docks and you and your squad make good time in getting to your location. You planned a good pincer attack that was able to work. You got yourself into trouble, which deducted a few marks from your overall score. However, being brave enough to go after the objective was enough to let us know you’re capable of becoming a SeeD. We had our doubts, which is why we made you captain.” he took his eyes away from the file and stared up at her. “However, what you truly lack is confidence. Both in yourself and other people.”

“I’m sorry, sir.” She lowered her eyes to desk.

“Don’t apologize for your flaws. That won’t do anything. Improve on them. You have the skill and the brains to make it to becoming a high-ranked SeeD one day. I have high hopes for you. Dismissed.”

She erupted into a large smile as she turned her back on the Principal. She moved out of the room and pushed herself through the crowd towards the elevator. When she got to it, an Elite SeeD wondered out of it, nodded his head at her and strolled into the Principal’s office.

---
“Come in, Mar.” The Headmaster said.

“Sir, you requested to see me?” Mar said, he removed his glasses and began to clean them.

“Yes, it’s about Isken.” The Headmaster stood and handed a file towards the SeeD. “As we both know, his condition is exactly like his fathers was. The man responsible, you know him, right?”

“He’s one of our Higher Ranked targets. He’s of the Corrupted SeeD’s. One of the Fallen Six.” Mar informed.

“You are correct.” Weldon smiled. “One of our friends has come out of hiding.”

“I assumed as much, which is why Isken is going crazy, right?” Mar put his glasses back on, running his hands through his dark hair.

“Correct. Isken is now a threat to Garden until Katiel is destroyed.” Weldon stood. “I also have reasons to believe he was behind last nights… incident. Three SeeD‘s disposed off, their skin melted. I.D cards stolen and the Mainframe hacked.”

“So, the Hacker got away?” Mar asked.

“We do not know. The camera records were erased. I have my suspicions that the spy is still in the school. Set to release Gerdezvous and Isken. I can‘t trust anyone except the Elite SeeD and the newer recruits.”

“So, what would you have me do, sir? The Elite SeeD are ready to move on your word…” Mar began.

“I’m afraid we’ll have to take a bigger risk. If all the Elites left the garden we would be an easy target. Which is why we need the newer recruits. The people at the SeeD exam have a reasonable alibi. They can’t have been responsible.” Weldon lowered his head. “it will be a miracle if any of them survive, but this will test them. The five chosen, I’ll leave it to you.”

“Five?” Mar’s mouth fell low. “But sir! With just five low ranked SeeD’s.”

“It cannot be helped, Mar.” Weldon sighed. “We need all the Seed we can afford to keep here. An attack is coming. I can feel it. Gerdezvous can crack if interrogated. So they'll come quickly to silence him. Taking as many of us down as possible.”

“How long will we be gone for?” Mar asked, somewhat frustrated from his suicide mission.

“It could take a year to track him down, it could take months. You may even be finished by the end of the week if you're fast enough. We have leads, the last one has him close to Winhill. Form your team, and leave in the morning. Dismissed.”

[Sato Arashi]

Calverd watches the person who introduced himself to himself, Meredith, and Roy, leave to the elevator. Calverd closes the newspaper and holds it to the side as he watches the other people walking in and out of the Headmaster’s office. “Calverd, Meredith, and Roy.” The Instructor called out, it was finally their turn. All three of them but up from the wall and walks to the door, nodding to the Instructor as they walked in.

“Ah, good to see you three, how did the mission go?” The Headmaster asked as they entered and Calverd closed the door behind them. They stood in the middle of the room, standing straight up.

“It went effective, Headmaster.” Calverd replied back, almost in a quiet tone. The Headmaster fixed his glasses and takes a folder with papers and pulls out one.

“I see, also said by your Instructor. Let me give an overview of the mission” The Headmaster cleared his throat as he held the paper up in front of him. “1624 hours, you left Balamb Garden to start your field exam, to assassinate a Galbadian general in a barrack near a confined area that the Galbadian controlled. With the assassination of the general, it would spark the people to gain independence and made it easier as the morale of the soldiers would be severed by the death of their general. 1834 hours, you have landed at the northern section of the island, fifty miles to the barracks. With the sun about to set, you made your way to the barracks by sneaking around the patrols they have through the forest. 2042 hours, you manage to take a car up to the base, in disguises with the soldier uniforms. 2217 hours, you entered the barracks, hidden as you waited for the perfect opportunity to kill the general least expected, already alerted the soldiers from the base somewhere else. However, due to a slight mistake made by Meredith, the general has taken notice and was about to pull troops for protection, jeopardizing the mission. Calverd’s intuitions helped the mission by taking action to kill the general, and lowered the morale of the soldiers. With the success of the mission, you left the island to return to Balamb Garden and the people of the island are now fighting for independence.” The Headmaster finished reading the paper and places it down on the folder that’s on his desk. He walks up to Calverd.

“Now Calverd, you are one of my most promising students, and I’m glad to have you here in Balamb Garden. As for the mission, you’ve taken the role as the leader as I can trust your ability to think ahead, also for your intuitions that saved the success of the mission that would otherwise be jeopardized and result to a failure, and you three wouldn’t be here at all with the proud rank of SeeD. But, there’s one flaw that didn’t give you the rank five that I would otherwise given you. I know you have an undying loyalty to Balamb Garden and your missions, and that we’re an organized mercenary school, but you’re not a machine, I want you to make choices.” The Headmaster patted Calverd on the shoulder as he moves to Roy.

“Ah Roy, one of the most enthusiastic student, a stress reliever I should say. For the mission, your sense of duty is great if not the best, capability to follow the leader’s orders regardless of who’s in charge. Your combat skills with a lance are superb. As with your flaws, all I can say is that I want you to give suggestions to the leader in the case that there are a better way to approach the situation. Even Calverd’s intuition, there will be a flaw to it.” The Headmaster patted Roy on the shoulder and then moves on to Meredith.

“Meredith, one with a fiery spirit and an innocent soul. Your confidence will give your team, the morale to finish the mission. Your ability wielding a scythe is ever needed in SeeD. However, as fiery you are, it also can lead to recklessness, as what happened during the mission, thus, giving you rank three. Please improve on that.” The Headmaster finished and walks in front of his desk. He turns around to the three of them and clears his throat. “You’re all dismissed.” Announced the Headmaster. The three of them bows down and then walks back out of the office.

They went to their rooms in the dormitory to grab their stuff. Meredith grabs her scythe that she attaches to her back; Roy grabs his lance, which he also attaches to his back. After that, they walked back out and made their way to the courtyard.

[Caije]

Nothing could wipe the cute smile from Kiyuri’s face that evening. A small celebration would to be initiating shortly. Although wanting to go and communicate with Raziel and John, she fell into a deep sleep after collapsing onto her bed. The excitement of the day, and the stress of the previous day was enough to make anyone exhausted.

It wasn’t until the loud banging on her door erupted, that Kiyuri sprung up. The knocks kept coming, no pauses in between the loud banging . She looked at her clock in the dark and noticed it was just an hour after midnight.

“Um, hold on. I’m coming!” Kiyuri said, brushing her hair out of her face. She opened the door and let the light shine in. She squinted as she tried to make out the figure in front of her.

“You could sleep through a battlefield.” The voice came. “I’ve been banging on this door for five minutes, I was almost reconsidering choosing you.”

“What?” Kiyuri said dumbfounded. “Who’re you?”

“Oh, apologies.” Mar smiled. “I’m Mar Acusai. I’ve been assigned on a mission, and you’re one of the lucky students I’ve picked.”

Kiyuri took a few seconds to adjust to the situation. “What?”

“What do you mean ‘what’?” He retorted. “Get your head in the game, Kiyuri. You’re a SeeD now, you’re expected to go on missions.”

“Is this a joke?” She asked him.

“We’re assembling at the gate in an hour. I have to go and speak to the other rookies.” He informed her, ignoring her previous comment. “I’ll brief you all then.”

“But… I’ve only just become a SeeD!” She moaned.

“Shut the hell up and listen to orders!” He yelled. “Gate. One hour.”

Kiyuri slowly shut the door as he stormed off. She was mildly confused and frustrated that she didn’t get a nights rest since the last mission. Now that she had angered her squad leader wasn’t exactly a great start to her SeeD career. Finally, she prepared herself and tied her hair back. She left her room, wondering when the next time she would see it.

[Zerobanshee]

Raziel was slowly leaning up against the back of the bench, resting a little bit. The coffee was wearing off, and he was slowly starting to grow drowsy. Resting his head on the bench table, he soon fell asleep.

-----

Raziel was sitting on a small sofa, listening to his father ramble as he watched the Races. His father was resting in his bed, the bed he hadn't left in over four months, and the father would call in bets on the same Chocobo day in and day out. "Luck Cluck", the bright blue colored chocobo, who was always reaching second place. Everytime the father would lose the bet, he would scream, and toss a random object at the television, wether it would be a bottle of alcohol, a shoe, or even his own undergarments.

"Damn chicken!" The father was still drunk from his binge drinking, a habit he had taken to after he was termed "physically unable to work", the father had been prone to drinking himself to sleep. The past couple of years, he'd been able to keep up a moderate pay at his job, but in the past four recent months, his condition only worsened. His pain was reaching newer heights, and he was reaching towards more outlandish goals to drown out the reality, or the pain.

"Yo, Raze." The father turned toward's his six-year old son, and gave a crooked smile, the entire left side of his face twisting and contrapting. "Here, 'ave a dink. I'm g'nna place 'nother bet on Luck." As the father tried to hand over the bottle in his hands, reaching for the phone, Raziel stood up, and answered, "Why not rest, Daddy? It's getting late."

"Boy, don't talk to me like that!" He roared, throwing the bottle. Raziel's mom shrieked in the background when the bottle smashed on the wall, a foot from Raziel's face. "Get my phone for Lucky!" Raziel turned, and ran out the door, another bottle flinging past him.

-----
"Jeez, are all of my subordinates all lazy?" Raziel sat up, to see a red-faced, older man in front of him. "I might have to set off a bomb just to wake up you lazy bums."

"I'm up, sir." Raziel stood up slowly, the nightmare still ringing in his brain. "Bad dream."

"No excuses. I've been ordered to tell you that you are one of the SeeD to accompany me on a mission. You are supposed to be at the gates within the hour, and then we depart." Raziel finally noticed that it was late at night, so dark he could barely see the man in front of him.

"How long have I been out?"

"No idea. It's midnight, though." The man walked off, and as he was leaving, he called over his shoulder, "Watch out. You could catch a cold sleeping outside."

Raziel quickly sprinted to the dorms, slightly crestfallen that he had probably slept through his appointment with the other SeeD students. Jumping into his dorm shower, he kicked the cold water up high, to wake himself up. Washing himself quickly, he re-dressed, slammed his glasses onto his face, and strapped the lance onto his belt. Noticing his dorm-room partner was out, he started to quickly jotted down a note to tell him he wasn't going to be here, when he noticed an envelope on his desk, notified for Raziel. Never one to get mail, Raziel stopped writing, and sat down to open it.

To one Raziel Haven.

We are sorry to have lost contact with you. It's been so long since your intelligent mind has been in our study. My my my... those days seemed grand in adventure, with you reading every book in Timber.

Raziel, I have no idea on how to explain this, so I'll just come right out of it. Marian, your old Teacher here at Safe Haven, has passed away. I know you and her were close, and it pained me to see a nice lady leave us.

We are having a funeral service this week, and we wanted you to visit as well. Visit the orphanage you once called home! I know your reasons for coming when you were a child were painful, and I know that only coming back would only bring back those memories, but I believed that only you could represent our student body to say goodbye to Marian. You were our only SeeD student, after all.

The Headmaster written to us, to inform us of your SeeD passing. It was wonderful news, and we wished Marian was alive to hear of it. Please, if you can, visit us in Timber. Please come say goodbye to Marian with us.

~Signed,
Barbara Knelstan

Raziel slowly sat on his bed, the letter falling into his lap. Completely numb, Raziel remembered the happiness he started to find again in the old, dusty library. The elderly lady, whom helped him find the best books, and helped him study for his entrance exam for the Balamb Garden. His hands shaking, Raziel could only faintly remember why he returned to his dorm room. Grabbing his letter, he stuffed it into his pocket, and left.

Reaching the gate, Raziel found he was the first there. Sitting down, he tried to regulate his breathing, to stop himself from having an episode. Straining under too many problems, Raziel could only control his breathing, the mental images still swimming in his eyes.

[Victoria]

In the dark of night, as Suyu patted me on the head to wake me from my slumber, she pointed to the wall toward the hallway.

"Cuvie, someone is coming to the door. Get up and answer it right away. They look rather upset."

She let out a soft yawn. I sat up reluctantly and smacked my wet lips as I had drooled onto her cleavage. She wiped up my drool and sat up on the other side of the bed. We walked to the door together and as I passed the clock to notice the time, my instinct kicked in and I pulled a dagger to my hand and gripped it tight as I leaned against the wall and turned the knob.

The door opened before he was about to knock on the door. Before I had made my defensive maneuver, Suyu gripped my shoulder and whispered into my ear.

"It's okay, he's one of us. He's our senior."

My instinct faded as I slid the dagger back into its hidden place.

"Cuvie n' Suyu's Stabby Expose, how may we take ya orda?" I said as my eyes took a few seconds to adjust to the darkness.

The SeeD opened his mouth to say something, but couldn't think of the proper words. He let out a sigh and shook his head.

"Wot? I say somethin' bad?" I looked at Suyu and tilted my head in confusion. She shrugged.

"No, no... that's not it. I was just.. expecting to wake up another lazy rookie." he said as he scratched the back of his head. He nodded his head in the direction of the front gates.

"There's a mission that I've picked four other SeeDs for, and the rendezvous point is the front gates, within the hour."

"Oh. Suyu saw you comin through ta wall n' said you were comin'. That's why we were ready. Her heat vision comes in handy." I said as I smiled and wrapped my arms around her. She blushed softly and cleared her throat.

"Well.. that's all, Cuvie. See you within the hour." he said as he left to find the other rookies.

I looked into Suyu's eyes and frowned a bit as she wasn't one of the other rookies he chose. She smirked softly as she walked into the bedroom and came back out and handed me a present.

"Here. I was going to give this to you tomorrow, but I think it'll come in handy right now. It's to congratulate you on passing."

I blushed and took the box from her. I unwrapped the ribbon and opened the box. It was a Tonberry lamp. My eyes widened from the value of the gift and the importance that it meant to me. Something in my heart caused it to race as I unconsciously tackled Suyu and kissed her lips deeply. She blushed and widened her eyes to the sudden surprise. She held me in her arms and closed her eyes.

Our kiss broke as we both blushed. My heart raced from the sudden romantic moment we shared as I placed my fingers on my lips. She did the same as we looked at each other.

"Um..." we said in unison. We giggled from embarrassment.

"I'm sorry, Suyu..." I said as my cheeks flushed as I looked at her. The way I looked at her now was somehow in a different light than I had before. I felt my heart race and my cheeks flush when I looked into her eyes.

She shook her head, "Nn nn~, it's okay. I...don't mind." she trailed off as she ran her finger along her bottom lip. Her eyes focused onto mine as she crawled closer to me and leaned her forehead against my own.

"...I think I.. kind of.. liked it..." she shuddered as she spoke. She slowly placed her lips onto mine as we shared another kiss. This time it was soft and full of feelings that I had never felt before. Is this my first experience of love? I wondered to myself.

I wrapped my arms around her and held her close as we broke our kiss and just held each other for a few moments. I grabbed the lamp by its handle and whispered into her ear.

"...I... think I...l...lo...I real..." I took a breath and tried to focus my mind to string together the correct syntax.

"...I love you too, Cuvie.." she took the words right out of my mouth. I tripped over my feet as I approached the door. This wasn't good. This feeling of love distorted my reflexes and instincts. It clouded my judgment. As I opened the door and stepped onto the hallway, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath to bring my mind back to its focused level.

It was difficult as my first kiss with Suyu raced through my mind. I found myself subconsciously touching my lips again. I smiled as I walked through the hallway and out of the Garden and into the open space. The lantern was turned on so I could see through the pitch black of midnight. I managed to recover my senses and judgment and noticed another SeeD rookie like myself at the front gates. I walked slowly while I held the lantern ahead of me.

I heard the sound of a weapon unclasping from its holding place. I stopped my movement and brought out a dagger into my hand. I gripped it as I continued my slow walk toward the rookie. I hope I didn't wake him up with my lamp.

"Sowwy for wakin' you up..." I said.

He saw my face as I got closer and he reclasped his weapon. He waved his hand dismissably. I smiled weakly and leaned against the nearby tree. My mind wandered and refocused onto Suyu, whom I couldn't stop thinking about.

I hope my feelings don't hinder my tasks... I let out a sigh.

[Storm]

Flynn walked back to his dormitory room with mixed emotions. He was happy and extremely relieved that he had passed his exam, especially at the rank he had. He still was disgusted with Isken, however, this was somewhat clouded by the fog of deep thought he had over the headmaster’s comments, and the conversation he had had with Cuvie in the cafeteria that day. As he dwell in his mind’s own limbo state, his phone began to ring.

“Hello?” Flynn said, putting the phone to his ear. A soft and gentle voice spoke back at him.

“Hi Flynn, how are you? Was it the SeeD exam today?”

“H.... hey Mum… hold on, wait for me to answer you!” Flynn laughed. “Yes I am ok, and I did pass the SeeD exam today. From now on I am a rank 5 SeeD. How is life treating you?”

“Congratulations dear,” his mother warmly replied, “and I’m fine. It’s nice to hear that you are ok. I was rather worried about you.”

“You don’t need to worry about me,” Flynn replied. “Please don’t worry about me; you know that it’s been my ambition for quite a number of years.”

“Yes… I also remember when you wanted to be a racing driver, a surgeon, an architect, an archaeologist… a T-Rexaur…”

“I was about 4 when I wanted to be a T-Rexaur,” Flynn cringed. “This is different. You know how I want to become a high-rank SeeD, to be able to fight for what I believe in, to protect you, and to sustain peace.”

“That’s one of the reasons I phoned you,” Flynn’s mother spoke in a changed tone. “I was looking through your drawers earlier, and found the letter you wrote for me to find in the future if you passed away. I know why you really wanted to become a SeeD.”

“Mum….”

“Flynn, don’t do it! Tell the headmaster you no longer want to be a SeeD! I thought that I had raised you not to be vengeful! Please! Flynn!”

Flynn hung up and switched his phone off. His heart rate had slightly increased, and he felt guilty from having to ignore his mother’s begging. His mother had been the calm through his life, the one who supported him and kept him on track. A woman well-respected by the public, not only by her status as a beautiful model, but also as a spokesperson and figure to look up to, for her warm personality and calm, genuine nature. Even he as her own son looked up to her. Flynn focussed on that muse. Why was it that although he was always close to his mother, that he was not like her. He had trouble voicing himself to other people, and found himself in more fights and arguments than peaceful conversations. Could it be that he was more like his father? Flynn shook his head at the ridiculous thought. “I am nothing like that selfish, ignorant bastard of a man. I fight for those I love, and I smite his kind. He is a torturer, who would not frown upon murdering his own wife and son if they rebelled against him. Sorry, but you know that I am righteous.”

The atmosphere in the room was full of negativity. The more he sat there, the more he dwelled on his inner conflicts. He needed to escape from his own dark aura. Through the darkness he needed to find a key to the door. A loud knocking on Flynn's door sent the black haze scarpering like demons in daybreak. He groaned as he opened the door.

"Who the hell are you?"

"Nice to meet you too," the unfamiliar face scrunched sarcastically. "I was about to give you some news that could change your life, rookie."

"My apologies..." Flynn murmured, "I'm not really used to visitors."

"I could have guessed," the fellow stated. "I’m Mar Acusai. I’ve been assigned on a mission. Guess what? You're one of 5 students personally picked."

Flynn raised an eyebrow. "I've only just become a SeeD, you know that."

"I could always choose somebody else you know?" Mar replied in a slightly agitated tone.

"Sorry, please continue."

"We’re assembling at the gate in 40 minutes. Be there, be prepared."

"I will," Flynn replied. "Regards."

"Whatever don't piss me off or I’ll find a replacement. 40 minutes, got it?"

"One hour," Flynn replied, closing the door behind him.

..."Arsewipe"

Flynn prepared a bag and ate some light snacks stored in his cupboard before walking over to the meeting point.

"There'd better not be any more arrogant pricks," he thought to himself.

[Sato Arashi]

Calverd, Meredith, and Roy look around at the courtyard, looking for Raziel they met earlier. They manage to find him at a bench, sleeping. Meredith walks over to wake Raziel up, only to get pulled back by Calverd, who shook his head. Meredith placed her hands on her hips.

“Eh…He’s sleeping even though he’s the one who called us out here.” Meredith cried out, low enough to wake up Raziel. Calverd turns around and turns his head back.

“He’s probably tired, don’t forget he also just came back from the field exam. Let him sleep, I’m sure we also have stuff to do.” Calverd replied back to Meredith and walks off on his way to the dormitory. Meredith turns to Roy with a questionable expression on her face.

“Hey, I got to agree with Calverd on that, most of us could use some beauty sleep anyways.” Roy shrugged and followed right behind Calverd. Meredith frowned and ran up to catch up with Roy and Calverd. They soon separated when they reached the dormitories into their perspective rooms. Calverd got to his room, took off his sword from his back and lays it beside his bed, and flops down on his bed, exhausted. He soon fell asleep in about half an hour later.

Calverd startled by the sound of knocking on the door. He quickly relaxed and looks at the time, it was six hours from when he fell asleep. He got up and walks to the door. He opens it, to see someone there.

“Hello?” Calverd said as he yawned. The person sighed in relief.

“About time I got someone who isn’t lazy!” The person said in a sarcastic tone. Calverd tilted his head, indicating some confusion.

“And you are?” Calverd questioned. The person stood up straight and coughed before introducing himself.

“Hello Calverd, I’m Mar Acusai, I’ve been assigned on a mission, and you are one of the five that I have to gather.” Mar replied back to Calverd’s question. After Mar said that Calverd was one of the five he had to gather, he stood up straight.

“Meaning?” Calverd questioned back. Mar shrugged.

“Can’t really tell you the details, just meet up at the gate at thirty minutes, then it will be explained there.” Mar replied back, turning around and walks off. Calverd took some thought on it then reached a decision. He grabs his sword, grabs some potions and elixirs, and walks out of his room, making his way to the gates.

[Fehrant]

Classes for the day were over. In a desolated training room stood two figures: a young girl and a man in his late twenties. One was a weaponsmith, young, but gifted. The other was a warrior by nature, fierce, determined, using battle instincts over techniques. She hadn't lived a tough life. She had friends, and even though she didn't get along with her family, with the instructors and other students, she have had good times. She liked fighting, but only to see who was stronger; not to see who lived and who died. The bitter defeat and almost death experience had cracked her will slightly. She felt the relentlessness in her had been quenched. In this sense, was she learning this new fighting style out of a sense of survival? Was it for revenge? Was it simply listening to the advice of the seasoned warrior? Or was she doing this to keep her head preoccupied?

J.J. had knocked on her door with the sword reforged. Earlier than appointed, but he seemed excited about it too. In fact, he had even offered Rayne tips on how to properly use the weapon, and she obliged. Despite his disagreeable persona, J.J. seemed to know what he was doing, and a few tips to start out would help greatly.

Thus both of them stood facing each other. Rayne stared at the unsheathed sword, measuring its weight and trying to appreciate the recent craftsmanship done to it. It shone enough to blind someone in broad daylight, and it looked extremely sharp. Indeed, despite being a lightweight big weapon it was still slightly heavy, and she was going to have to get used to that. The swings felt rather slow obviously due to the unusual longness of the oversized katana. In fact, when sheathed it was almost as tall as her. She couldn't tuck it in a waist belt, or hang it on the back; she was going to have to carry it like a fighting stick.

J.J. on the other hand was carrying a wooden replica of the same sword. "Yo, girl," he said and tossed the wooden sword to Rayne. "This be your practice sword, and now we going to use that. This niggah doesn't want to get cut into pieces. When practicing alone, I don't want you to use the wooden sword; you need to get used to the actual weight. We copy that, Houston?"

"R--right." Rayne left the masamune of the ground and held the wooden version. Indeed, lighter than the former, swings proved easier and slightly faster.

"Now, what yo need to do is attack. Don't hold back 'cause J.J. knows his shit, so no need to worry, girl. You need to get the basics down first, so I might stop yo to try again. Go ahead, try attackin'."

Rayne raised an eyebrow, but nodded in acknowledgment. She jumped a few times in place, then bolted forward, and sprinted towards J.J., head on.

"WRONG!" Shouted J.J.

Rayne almost bumped into him, but stopped. She took a few steps back.

"Oh, man!" J.J. said as he facepalmed. "I was afraid this was gonna happen. See, yo doin' it wrong, girl. Yo fight hand-to-hand all this years, yo instinct is tellin' yo to get close to yo target. With a dagger, or short sword that's still game, but not for this. Most swords are for close combat, but this one is a bit more complicated. That's why yo gotta learn this shit. This sword is for mid-range. Not too close, not far. If someone gets close to yo ass, it'll nasty because the sword be difficult to maneuver and pull shit in close range. Let's go again..."

Rayne kept attacking and J.J. kept correcting her strategy whenever possible. Eventually he picked up a random wooden sword and the spar became more intense. Time passed by very quickly and Rayne showed potential, but she indeed needed practice. J.J. recommended she simply swung the sword several times a day at first to get used to the weight, because as far as being physically fit to handle it she was already set. Also she needed to try precision feats, like stabbing between two objects without touching them, or slicing at specific places. Once the practice was done it was already midnight, Rayne was sweating and panting and J.J. was visibly tired as well, even though most of the effort had been done by her.

"Time to call it a day, girl. Yo got potential, now yo gotta use that potential and become stronger. One more thing..."

"...aye?" Asked Rayne.

"Give J.J. a goodnight kiss for the effort," he said pointing at his cheek.

Rayne wiped off her brow. "Sure..." She said much to J.J.'s surprise.

"Alright, that's what I'm talkin' about!"

Rayne approached but when she was in close distance she simply slapped J.J. with the wooden sword. "Not a bloody chance," she said. "Thanks for the practice though, J.J."

"Yo welcome, girl," he said rubbing his cheek.

As she was exiting out the hall, she turned. "Oi, J.J., do you know of a tribe of people who cut their opponents hair when defeated?"

"Red hair?" He asked right to the point.

"Aye," she acknowledged surprised. "You know of them, then?"

J.J. nodded. "Scarlet tribe. Fierce warriors, both ladies and gents. All of them red hair, no armor. They use different weapons, but they usually scary, big things. There are three famous ones."

"Who are they?" Rayne asked deeply interested.

"Most famous one is a man called Thor. Uses a great axe... in each hand. Towers over many. Has his own lil' band of warriors, though I'm bettin' none of them half the fighter he is. He's an outlaw, and hunted down even in his tribe for breaking their rules. He is a cunning man, so he doesn't show his ass often, but when he does, hell raises."

"Second one is Victor. A permanent bodyguard for a high class society member. Not much is known about him."

"Last, but not least is Katya. A simple mercenary. If she's around, there's bound to be some shit going on, I tell yo, girl. She is fiercesome as any warrior, but I don't know much. Why you ask?"

"Just curious," Rayne evaded, nodded a goodbye, and left to her room.

[Caije]

Kiyuri was the last to reach the gates. She smiled as she saw a familiar figure slouch by the gates. She waved at Raziel as she approached him.

“Looks like you were lucky enough to get a midnight call as well.” She sat beside him and watched as their squad leader approached the scene.

“Alright.” He sighed. “Glad you could all make it. Let me start off by explaining why I chose every skilled rookie.”

He paused and sat down., again he took off his glasses and begun to wipe imaginary fingerprint stains on them. He put them back on and folded his arms. Looking at the mere children in front of him. He’d be very lucky if he could lead them back to the garden all alive.

“This is an assassination mission. I’d usually bring better people, but unfortunately… the headmasters trust levels are low these days. He suspects there’s a spy in the school. Unfortunately, you all have alibi’s for the time the event happened. So the mission had to go to you. “

“Now, our target is pretty high up in the Criminal records. It’s actually pretty personal why Garden wants to kill him. But it’s also…, it’s also a rescue mission. Most of you saw how Isken has been acting lately? I believe this man holds the solution for curing Isken’s current… disorder.”

Kiyuri scoffed. “Yeah. He tried to kill two students, not to mention he almost attacked--”

“Silence, Kiyuri.” Mar ordered. “He’s like this because of a curse. Hold no real offence over his actions.”

“Anyways, our target has been classified to regular SeeD. But our target is a member of The Fallen Six. Omar Katiel. It’s been a very long time since I’ve told this story… but you’re involved now. You deserve to know the truth, and my motives for wanting to do this mission.”

“I was a kid.” he paused. “As helpless as you all are now. Innocent. There were special students within our Garden. Transferred from a White SeeD vessel. I was abnormal, as I had no unique abilities. Anyways, a friend brought me a long for the training…”

Day 1
----------
“So, basically patrol the mountain for bandits. Seems pretty easy.” A young boy at the age of 17 smiled.

A girl laughed at his cocky enthusiastic behaviour. “Oh, Mar. I love it how the rookies are always so pumped for their first mission.”

Mar blushed. “So, how long have you been in the Squad, Elvira?”

“Three months.” She smiled. They came across a small pathway between two tall cliffs. “I don’t see why we couldn’t get a chopper in, Katiel.”

The figure in front of them turned. He seemed pretty annoyed by Elvira’s presence. He looked at her with plain disgust and proceeded to climb up a few rocks, following the other squad mates in front of him.

“Asshole.” Mar swore under his breath.

“He doesn’t like that I brought you along.” She sighed. “You’re not like us, no unique abilities. I thought the training would do you well, though. He see’s you as… well, lower class.”

“Well, I am a rookie. Y’know.” Mar smiled, as he followed her lead up the mountain.
“He treats everyone like that. He reckons he’s better than everyone else because his tune can control monsters.” She swore under her breath. “Geez, why do I have to wear so many clothes in this damn heat.”

Mar snorted. “Well, three layers of socks will do that to you, so will three layer of T-shirts and two trousers.”

“Shut up.” She spat, climbing higher.

---Night 1---
“Leave him alone!” A short man yelled, pushing an angered Katiel aside.

“Why do you consort with such Scum, Wraith?” He hissed with fury in his beastly eyes. “My opinion of you grows weaker with each coming day! You and that gutter mouth!”

“Oh yeah, well what the **** are you going to do about it?” The short man spat, pushing him back.

“Silence! The both of you!” A tall man ordered. He stepped in between the men and pushed Katiel back a little. Both men immediately ceased their small feud. “What is the meaning of this, Wraith?”

“The prick tried to knife him! I saw him! The newbie would have been dead if it weren’t for me!” Wraith kicked the dirt under his feet as more of the squad decided to approach the area of the camp that the fight had ensued.

“What’s going on, Carson?” A strong voice and accent came from a dark skinned man.

“It’s nothing, Raziir” The leader spoke. “Both of them can put aside their issues-”

“Put aside my issues!?” Wraith spat. “He tried to ****ing slice the kids--”

“It’s alright, Wraith.” Mar found the courage to speak. He stood up and dusted himself off. “I’ll just keep my distance.”

“I certainly hope this will not harm the mission. If they are going to fight… perhaps it is best the rookie leaves.” Raziir spoke, obviously having the same opinion about Mar as Katiel did. Mar pretended not to notice.

“He’s not going anywhere…” Elvira spoke. “He’s my responsibility. I’ll look after him.”

“You could always bring the boy back.” Raziir smiled slyly. “Rid yourself of us. We do not need your magical healing touch. We can handle ourselves. Trust me, it will be easier on--”

“Raziir!” Carson demanded silence, and Mar could hear the wind howl loudly with the leaders shouts. “Of course she stays. The rookie does as well. It is not questionable.”

---Day 2---
“Aww, he’s really cute, Leod.” Elvira smiled as she handed back a picture. “Little toddle Isken.”

“Yeah, he’s brilliant. He says he wants to be a Astronaut when he grows up.” Leod laughed. “Suppose he doesn’t want to be like me at all.”

“Aww, that’s silly. I swear, he’s going to respect you a lot in the next few years.” Elvira consoled him. He took the picture back from her and turned to Laroon.

“Heh… at least he’s ambitious. My piece of shit of a child just shadows Kaitlynn all the time. It’s pathetic.” A light tanned skin man said.

“He’s a kid, Laroon.” Leod shook his head as the bitter man spoke of his son. “It’s a long time before the should be thinking about the future.”

“I’d expect that from you.” He scoffed. He pushed past Leod and Mar. Mar stumbled to his feet. He scowled at the intimidating figure above him.


“Hey, you okay, kid?” Leod picked Mar up as he collapsed and made sure he was standing correctly on his feat. “Watch your step. One wrong one and you have a big drop to go down.”

“Thanks.” Mar raised his eyebrows as a sign of appreciation and continued to walk onwards.

“You’re welcome!” He patted him on the shoulder and returned to Elvira who was several paces behind the rest of the group.

“So, we haven’t seen a single bandit yet.” Elvira scoffed. “Wonder if they heard we were coming and decided to run--”

“There’s no such thing as bandits on this mountain.” He interrupted her.

“Then what--”

“Carson is lying to us. I’m certain that’s why he didn’t take the chopper to get up here. He didn’t want Garden to know of our presence up here.” Leod pretended not to be worried.

“Why would he do that?” Elvira asked, stopping to talk with him.

“I’m not sure. But I’m certain of one thing…, the attack on Mar last night was orchestrated by him, not Katiel.”

“What…?” She looked ahead towards Mar. “Why would he do such a thing?”

“We’re not supposed to question orders.” He smiled. “In other words, I’m still here to… make sure Katiel, Raziir and Sajiira all stay in line.”

---Day 3---
The squad reached s small gap in the rocks. Carson nodded towards Katiel and Sajiira and they approached the sot of rocks, and with their weapons, eventually, the gap was large enough so each of the members could squeeze through.

“Carson. Hold up.” Elvira spoke to her leader. “What’re we doing here?”

He scoffed and turned to her. “What are we doing here? Elvira, surely. We’re fighting bandits.”

“No you’re not.” Leod replied. His hands were stuffed in his pockets coolly. “We’ve been talking, Wraith, Elvira and myself. There are no bandits on this mountain. You ordered Katiel to kill Mar. What’s going on?”

“You dare to question orders?” Sajiira spoke in her most sultry voice. Mar was at unease of her intimidating appearance. Her face was covered in white powder, and what lay underneath, was a more disgusting sight than he had witnessed on a girl. True proof that war was ugly, was when Sajiira took off her make-up.

“It’s alright, Sajiira.” Carson smiled. “So, what is this? A mutiny? Garden won’t be happy.”

“Like you care.” Elvira spat. “What the hell is going on?”

“Alright, lets tell them,.” He smiled. “We’re unique. We’re Balamb’s most powerful warriors. We’re feared by even Galbadia. We could finally wipe it off the face of Gaia. But our base of command is too innocent. It lets us do the work, they get the pay check. The Garden gets the credit, not us as people. We are tools. You want to know what the difference between tools and weapons are?”

“Nothing. I can kill a man with a screwdriver. It’s still a weapon. Our home has so much potential. Yet our young Headmaster does not see how much we’re capable off.”

“So what? You’re leaving?” Leod asked his leader he looked at Laroon with confusion as he began to mock laughter.

“Nope. I’m staying. Perhaps I’ll kill Weldon, have the Garden Mobile again and show the world our true power. After all… GF‘s can only get us so far.”

Mar couldn’t believe his ears. He noticed the scene was very different now. Leod held his Dan Dao, possibly expecting an attack from Laroon who had drew his pistol. Wraith held his scythe up straight, Mar could tell he was waiting for an excuse to attack Katiel. The atmosphere was tense. Mar gripped his guns for his protection, fearing an attack from the now seemingly bloodthirsty squad.

“You’re ****ing nuts! Come here you swine, I‘ll kill you myself!!!” Wraith spat, readying his weapon.

“Such a filthy mouth. Don’t let mommy have to wash your mouth out with soap” Sajiira purred.

“My doubts were correct. You are tools. Being used by a corrupt Garden.” The leader finally drew his gun blade. Mar shuddered under Carson’s wicked smile. “Last chance, Elvira, Leod, Wraith. Join us. The world will be ours, everything we need is in this mountain.”

“I’d rather eat a piece of turdshit.” Elvira smiled, her hand glowed, and soon three figures emerged from the ground. Skeletons, armed with blades and shields.

Carson grinned. “You’re outmatched, even with your Zombie magic.” He charged forward, swinging his gunblade with one fatal swoop. The skeletons crumbled beneath his force, and slowly the wind took the bones up in the air, and Carson watched as they faded away.
Meanwhile, Leod had charged at Laroon.

Wraith lashed forward towards Katiel, he swung his blade fast but his movements decreased in speed drastically. He looked over towards Raziir, who was muttering incantations under his breath. Sajiira did the same. Soon Wraith was on his feet, grasping the cold dirt as his world around him changed.

Mar watched in horror as the actions unfolded. He watched Wraith as clutched his head and let out a scream. Blood spurted from his mouth, and with no blade, a clean slice removed his tongue, it lay on the ground. Still, he screamed with all his might, but eventually they became muffled.

Elvira and Mar watched awestruck as Wraiths mouth was slowly sewn together by some invisible force. Finally his screams came no more. He snapped out of his trance and dropped to his feet. His hood finally came off, and for the first time, Mar witnessed Wraiths real eyes burst he clutched them in pain. Finally, his movements became nothing but shivers. The torture Sajiira put him in must have been hell.

“What the… you…” Leod began. “What the **** is wrong with you!?”

“Careful with the gutter mouth. The last person who spoke to a lady like that… well, look at him.” She broke into laughter. Raziir and Katiel looked down at the person they considered scum.

“Now,” Raziir clenched his fist on his large blade. “Time to put the kid to bed.” Instantly, he lunged forward at Mar. Mar closed his eyes, and heard the sound of the blade impaling. He dared not to open his eyes, on some belief of seeing the pain, would make it real.

“Stupid whore!” Raziir spat. He tossed the corpse of Elvira aside. He turned his attention to Mar again, Leod rushed backwards and engaged him in a fight.

“Bastard!” Mar cried, dropping to his knees.

Carson stopped himself from bursting out laughing. “This is the life we live, boy. We fight to die. Too bad you’re not going to be fighting any longer than she was.” With those words spoken, Mar was taken off from his feet and lunged in the air, off the edge of the cliff.

“MAR!!!” Leod roared in rage as he watched the rookie SeeD soar down the mountain.

-----

Mar finished telling his story, he slowly got to his feet and stepped away from the bench. The squad remained silent, pondering on thoughts of the tale just told. “That was the last time I saw any of The Fallen Six.”

“So, what happened?” Kiyuri asked. “I’m assuming you didn’t die…”

“You’d be correct. I landed on a ledge about 100 feet bellow us. Shattered the bones in my legs. By some miracle Leod was able to climb down the mountain and carry me home.” Mar smiled. “He’s the complete opposite of his son. But for that favour he did for me, I’m in debt to him. That’s why we’re doing this mission. Isken Sharptip and his father are in trouble from a curse set on by Katiel.”

Flynn raised an eyebrow. “You’re kidding me? We’re supposed to help a guy who has already tried to kill half of us in this squad?”

“It was Katiel who tried to kill you, Flynn. Not Isken.” Mar replied.

“Wait.” Kiyuri spoke. “There are six, right? Then why did only five people turn?”

“Well, Kiyuri.” Mar paused. “ Marcus Wraith is the sixth.”

There was silence, and Mar could tell there would be many questions after this. He nodded his head began to speak lowly.

“Marcus Wraith was perhaps the most tragic turning I’ve ever seen. He has a good heart, or at least he did when he had one. He saved my life. However, Sajiira and her… tricks…, broke his sanity. With that, he lost his… compassion, for others. He lives now as a mute, no motive, just to kill. Sajiira’s tool and toy of war. I hope the day SeeD takes him down is a fast death.”

“Well, that’s all for the story. We’re heading towards Winhill.” He sighed. “Katiel was seen there two days ago, For whatever purpose, remains a mystery. We’re going by boat, lets move out…”