SeeD: Sprouting a New Generation

[Lunasa]

<<This thread is for RPing purposes only for members that have joined. If you wish to join, or you simply have questions, please visit the OOC Thread. Thank you and please enjoy!>>

Rita Felsar drank her third cup of coffee of the morning and still managed to excrete a chesty yawn. March rolled around again and that marked the beginning of the year at Balamb Garden, and moreover, marked the application of SeeD candidates: both new and returning. Rita Felsar’s job was to open up the day with class SC-1 with their new level of education, divided among four portions: Combat Theory, Magical Theory, Advanced Tactical and Field Strategy, and lastly, Advanced Mission and Battle Simulations, which turned out to be the favorite class, conducted by the famous Instructor Zohan Pord, a brash, but quality instructor who told the true side of combat and what it meant for a best friend to be close to death, what it meant to use every ounce of magic to overthrow a powerful tyrant, and the true value of what it meant to be a SeeD. However, as a first class teacher, it was her responsibility to introduce the students of class SC-1 to the basic aspects of SeeD.
Rita finished bobby pinning a last protesting strand of hair and seized her student list off her computer desk. It was the usual small class as SeeD was a demanding path to take.

Class: SC-1
Garden: Balamb
Block 1 Room: 2F-1
Course Schedule:
Block 1- Combat Theory-2F-1
Block 2- Magical Theory-1F-3
Block 3- Advanced Tactical and Field Strategy-2F-4
Block 4- Advanced Mission and Battle Simulations-Training Center

Last Name, First Name, Age
1|Ekim|Mikayla|19|
2|Mizrahi|Malahk|20|
3|Nortica|Sparta|18|
4|Stargaze|Athene|19|
5|Takahashi|Hitsugi|17|
6|Valentine|Seraph|15|

Well, it was an older class, for the most part, so at least the maturity level would be pretty good. Not like in the past, 3 years ago, where the three 15 year olds were killed in the training center when they got cocky one simulation class against the ferocious and infamous T-Rexaur, and met their messy end. Ever since this incident, the students were determinedly more controlled over themselves not wanting to end up dead. There was a purpose to SeeD.

And that purpose was to train up recruits to fight against the Sorceress Rinoa, who held dominion over the threads of the world. SeeD was dispatched to work undercover as battle specialists and reconnaissance units in active combat areas. Essentially, these units were sent for hire among military officials to anyone allied against the sorceress.

Rita arrived stepped out of the elevator and waved to some returning faces and instructors, and proceeded to the classroom. She opened her bag and set a schedule and a short questionaire at six desks in the front row.

1) Why did you sign up for SeeD?
2) In your opinion, what is SeeD’s ultimate mission?
3) What do your look forward to during your training here at Balamb Garden?
4) What do you plan on getting out of SeeD?
5) If SeeD is not your only intended career path, what else do you plan on aiming for?

Rita flicked on her terminal, and the projector screen at the front of the room, which flickered on to the heading: Combat Theory; Course Aims- Please Sit in Front of a Schedule and Questionaire and proceeded to wait for the arrival of her six students to begin her presentation.

(If anyone still wants to sign up and is not already on the student roster, please feel free. I’ll work you in the next couple of posts.)

[Hitsugi]

He was a pale boy without much of a build. At least from what you could see on the outside. He was wearing a plain white tee shirt with a smaller black shirt atop. The black shirt had formerly been a tee shirt as well, but the sleeves had been cut off along with the midsection of the shirt. Giving him a feminine look. His black cargo pants were of exact sizing and complimented his feminine look by excentuating his long legs. He had a single white studded belt hanging from the back loops of his pants and slung off to one side. The front of his hair had medium length bangs that went beneath his chin parted to both sides. The back of head was divided by his hair wildly spiked up. He also wore a long black cloth around his face concealing the lower portion of his face and nose, excentuating his feminine green eyes.

Walking through the door, Hitsugi didn't really know what to expect of his upcoming class. From what he had heard other students talking about, this year would be different from other years. He had never taken part in any sort of SeeD exam. Although many rigorous years of training had culminated up to this moment, he felt many unexplainable feelings of nervousness trying to think ahead of what might happen.

Noticing he had been the first to class aside from the teacher, he quickly scanned the room without moving his eyes at all. He walked to the fifth seat in a row of ten desks, but only six had papers. He took note at the papers and sat down.

Laying back some until class started he tapped his feet and glanced at the projector while keeping his head down. His hair covered his eyes for the most part.

Man...I hope this is nothing like the first day of my earlier years.

Hitsugi thought, his mind wandering back to his younger years filled with annual pranks and nonsense on the first day. He never could stand the initial meeting of new classmates. He preferred to stay in the background as an observant rather than make any type of error in a pre-emptive action. Hitsugi was a man created from his experiences and always learned his lesson the first time.

He tossed his left arm behind his seat as he began to rock his chair on one leg waiting for students to arrive.

[Musashiden]

The halls stood relatively quiet as the cadets began filing into their classrooms. Among them was Malahk Mizrahi. As usual, he stood out in the crowd with his flaming red hair and decidedly un-SeeD-like apparel. Piercings, casual clothing, the whole gambit. To boot, he towered over other students, further aiding in his sheer lack of ability to blend in.

He made his way into the classroom and stood somewhat confused that there was only one other student in the class.

"Heh, I'm actually on time for once." he thought to himself as he went to a vacant seat.

As he sat, he spied a piece of paper in front of him with several questions. He scoffed lightly as he picked up his pencil and began to jot down answers he felt were reasonable.

1) To help those in need.
2) To keep the world safe.
3) A decent amount of combat training.
4) A decent living.
5) Definitely going for SeeD.

He knew they were generic answers, but he figured if he put down what he really felt, it would be long, drawn out, and completely pity-seeking. That was the last thing he wanted.

Malahk had been alone since the age of 15, and to make matters worse, these past 5 years are all that he can remember. He has dreams every once in a while of a cottage and two faces he believes to be his parents, but he can't be sure and discards them as mere fantasy. He joined the Garden to garner a sense of identity and, hopefully, find any remnants of his past.

Because of his menacing aesthetics, he's never really had much of a circle of friends. Those who he has gotten to know realize his outward appearance is merely a façade, as beneath it lies a gentle soul.

After he finished the questionnaire, he set his pencil down and slouched back into his chair, waiting for the other students to arrive.

[Fehrant]

The alarm clock rang for a while until a hand abruptly stopped it. Light peeked through the closed curtains, but the room was still dark. A grunt. She had slept little, and today was the first day of the new academic year. Not that it made any difference whatsoever for her. The only thing that changed with the pass of time were the extent of her limits, and her strength.

Selenia was unable to use magic. This wasn't due to her skipping classes, or due to her inability to do so; from the moment she had been born, she had been placed a magical seal that prevented her from doing otherwise. Such was the law in the Valgarn clan, a clan she had been born in, and exiled from. Her unusual gray eye was proof of this. Despite their incredible battle prowess, the Valgarns were not widely known. Nor had anyone inquired too deep into her origins. As far as the SeeD institution was concerned, she had been left by a man claiming to be her uncle at the age of 12. No one had seen him since, and she had officially been declared as abandoned. The dorm was her house. She ate the food at the cafeteria, and did little jobs here and there to earn some cash to move around. They had some cases like this, and she didn't particularly stood out for not having parents.

Her grades had always been enough to get by, at least, from any class that involved reading. She might fail some from time to time, but she would make up for them eventually. Any physical classes (combat) on the other hand she was top of the list. She was agile, precise, and wielded her two katanas efficiently. Her speed was hard to match. This made difficult finding opponents when training. Not to mention, the students who already knew her would prefer not to bother; she wouldn't go easy on them.

Because of her strength, and because she would get into fights all the time, she was nicknamed "gray-eyed demon." She did not make a single friend in any of the five years of her stay in the institute. Some people had tried to approach her, but she had a strong character, and didn't seem interested in making acquaintances. Some would talk behind her back, make jokes and laugh. Few would try a direct approach, sometimes resorting to fight in numbers due to being overpowered. Even so, she would face the odds, and turn the tables over. She would fight with every fiber of her being.

Selenia sat straight on the bed. Her feet felt the pants she had left on the ground from yesterday. She pulled her long, raven black hair from her face, then stretched her limbs. She moved her head one way, and the other, then got up. Turning the shower on, she removed her remaining clothes and got in. Her hair plastered over her face and back. She stayed that way under the warm water for a while, with her eyes closed. Opening her eyes, she started to wash her hair, pulling her hair to the front, thus revealing her back. And there, in the middle of her back, a tattoo was drawn. This was not a simple decoration. This was another tradition of the Valgarn clan. This was something she had managed to use briefly for a while, a few times. A double-edged sword that would help her overcome the lack of magic.

When the shower was done, she got dressed. She wasn't very picky about her clothes. She used a black pair of pants, the black boots she always used, the double belt to hold her twin katanas, and a white top. She tied her hair in a pony tail, and she was set. She would additionally combine her clothes with a black trenchcoat when the weather was cold, and a pair of sunglasses, that concealed her unusual mismatching eyes. Today, she simply grabbed the coat, and left the room.

She donned the trenchcoat on the way, rummaging through the pockets until she pulled a piece of paper with her new classes. She stopped at a vending machine to get a chocolate bar to munch on as she analyzed the paper carefully. Students were either not aware of her presence, or were too aware of her presence: they would basically go about their lives ignoring Selenia as if she was another bypassing student, or they would hush, sometimes talk in quiet voices, and sometimes chuckle. A fewer number of times, however, she would face wanna-be heroes, challengers, or plain bullies.

She entered the first class for today. Surprisingly, she was on time. Two students were in already: a tall youth with red hair, and another one with a black cloth concealing the lower portion of his face. Selenia pay them no heed. She took a sit in the back, rested her katanas on the side of her desk hanged the coat in the chair, and sat, finding a paper with questions in front of her. She laughed and scorned deridingly after reading the questions over. "I'm not going to answer this bullshit," she thought as she relaxed on her chair.

[xXViviXx]

A flash of red. A streak of white. Next thing she knew, she was running, far away from that field of corn. The wind forced her hair back and untied her loose ponytail, letting those silk strands loose. She was about five then. Tears ran freely down those fluffy rose cheeks but were soon stain by the crimson by her temples.

No…don’t go to the woods!

The girl twisted to her right as she scrambled through the woods as she tried to escape. But reality would not let her do so...
She felt her body slam into a firm wall. Another person.

They had found her.

Something snapped in her head and Athene threw herself upwards. Her hands flew up to her temples, checking that everything was still there. The crimson paint had transformed to just plain sweat but the tears remained. Her shimmering orbs shifted to her alarm clock. It was 7:30am. Nearly every night, did she have these dreams. It’s been fourteen years, will they never leave her alone?

Athene crawled out of bed with her usual grunt and headed to the bathroom. Her eyes met a similar face as they passed the looking glass. Shallow bags under her eyes made her seem more intimidating than she actually was. She ran her fingers through her fringe, checking the memory was still there. A deep streak cut across her eyebrow, nearly touching her eye. Athene sighed and stared at herself. She was a mess. Her burgundy tresses went past her back so she brushed through them and put it up with some chopsticks. The female warrior got changed into her usual attire of kimono bottoms and her armour. The final touch was her mask. It was the only thing that she remembered her parents teaching her. Some sort of tradition to keep their identities safe in their clan. So, she equipped herself and headed to class, grabbing her 'Liberator' by the door.

Athene was a good student and was known for her determination, speed and intelligence. Most people recognised her by her long strips of material coming off her armour and her mask. Alot of people compared her to the greek goddess Athena who was the god of Wisdom,War and Crafts. She was compared because of her abilites and sometimes her beauty. A deadly beauty.
On the way, she popped by the canteen and waved to the cooks behind the counter. They smiled at her and threw her a red sphere which fitted neatly into her hand. Athene gave them a wink and headed up the elevator. She felt the metal box move in an upward fashion after she prodded the black button. The warrior wondered what kind of people will she meet today, hopefully not the cocky 15 year olds. She ate her apple in the lift, keeping her identity secret and then replacing her mask after the replenishing meal. Athene made her way through the long hallway and entered the class. There were three. There was a boy with raven black hair on the fifth row, rocking back and forth who looking straight back at her. Athene moved on and glanced at a guy with hair brighter than hers but was of the same dye. She thought he was going to be interesting to work with, if she ever does. Lastly she glanced at the other female candidate sitting at the back, calm and composed.

She sighed and realised that she might be back with the younger ones again. Athene headed to the row in front of the black haired boy and leaned back, not knowing what to expect from the others. So, she waited and decided to reply to the questions later. When she was bothered, to be exact.

[Lunasa]

Hayato Kasame was an junior classman at Balamb military academy. Standing at about four foot nine, and as thick as a metal rod, it was hard to believe that Hayato was 13 years old. The boy couldn't have been furthur out of place at a military academy, but in true heart, Hayato desired to become a SeeD, and moreover, to harness the power of GF. Undeniably, he had quite some time ahead of him, even to meet the physical demand of becoming a SeeD, but that didn't hinder Hayato.

As a member of the running club at Balamb, Hayato had more than one goal in mind. He desired, more than anything else, to break the world record mile. As a result, Hayato recently began to train everyday after his classes by running outside around the Garden, which was quite vast, and situated several miles outside of Balamb city. Since the last Sorceress War, new grounds were set up around the mobile Garden and served double as a launch pad, need the Garden make a grand escape yet again.

Either way, Hayato was proceeding to Block 1 rather earlier than the usual student, and left the dorm wing and intended to take the elevator to the second floor in order to go to 2F-18. However, Headmaster Leonhart blocked his path. Small Hayato tried to dodge around him. The Headmaster remained in his path.

"Sir?" said Hayato, the little man in instant salute.

"Kasame from Class U-4? At ease. Take this to Instructor Felsar in Classroom 2F-1. I've a meeting to attend to," said the Headmaster, handing Hayato the paper(which he staggered to retrieve- he almost dropped it), and turning on his heel before further comment or inquiry could be made. Cold. Though, that was always the nature of the Headmaster. He seemed constantly busy and (in Hayato's opinion) very paranoid, as he was always armed with a gunblade in sheath.

However, even if he was cold, Hayato idolized the Headmaster and it wasn't hard to tell why. What Headmaster Squall Leonhart did was the kind of stuff of legend, and though Hayato was rusty of the details, traveling through Time Compression didn't sound to be all that safe. Nor was heading off a Sorceress and getting impaled with ice(Hayato wanted to see the scar, unbeknownst to the lack of one). Hayato was simply thirteen and strange phenomena still intrigued him. What better source was there to find some other than your own Headmaster?

Hayato sprinted to 2F-1 at the fastest run he could muster, clutching the straps of his bag so that they did not slip off his slim shoulders.

"Instructor Felsar!" he said, saluting slightly wrong due to asphyxiation(he was still new to the running gig, after all). "I've got a notice from the Headmaster for you!"

Rita surveyed the boy, slightly taken aback at the breaking of utter silence in the classroom. She, nevertheless, took the paper and nodded courteously for Hayato's dismissal. He adjusted the straps of his bag, and left in the same manner as his entrance. Rita directed her attention at the notice in her hand.

Instructor Rita Felsar,
We are pleased to inform you that Miss Selenia(Age 17)(due to her complicated background, she possesses no last name) has been recently transferred to class SC-1, and will in your Block 1 class, as well as following her other SC-1 classmates in Blocks 2 through 4 later on this morning. Thank you for coping with our untimely change.
Headmaster Squall Leonhart

Rita scanned the room. The other students still had quite some time to arrive, but she figured that she might as well figure out who the transferred student was.

"Miss Selenia," she said gently. "Are you present yet?"

A girl with ebony hair in back of the room, who was previously lounging, shifted uncomfortably, and gave a roll of the eyes, which was indistinguishable by Rita's farsighted, heavilly bespectaculed eyes. She raised her arm lazily.

"Ah... So you've recently transferred in? Good to see my class growing in number. Here," she said rising from her desk, and handing her an extra questionaire, as she only placed enough for her original six. "Hope you enjoy being a part of SeeD," she said with a hearty smile, turning her back on Selenia to return to her own desk.

[Hitsugi]

As more students began to pile in, only one caught Hitsugi's eye. The last girl to walk in. She had been wearing a mask similiar to his, but much more ornate than the makeshift piece of cloth he favored. She had an unusal sort of dress about her. A flowing, yet weak traditional kimino beneath what appeared to be armor.

I've seen her around before...

Hitsugi thought to himself. Steadily rocking himself as he watched her sit down in front of him. He took careful note of her weapons. This was stranged to him as Hitsugi liked to keep his weapon well concealed. His earlier years taught him that bearing your weapon in public was much like an animal showing it's fangs. As much as a technologically advanced world surrounded him, he was well aware of the primal instinct of the creatures that inhabited it.

He stopped rocking to see a boy deliver a letter to the instructor. As the instructor called out to an additional student. He didn't know why, but he didn't seem to like this student. Hitsugi couldn't quite his finger on it, but the way she walked in gave him an impression of arrogance. That on top the fact he had heard her snicker earlier. He wasn't quite sure at what, but he was far too used to people snickering behind him in class.

Two Katanas?

Hitsugi pondered, wondering if he had seen correctly.

I wonder which hand is her off hand...

Hitsugi was debating whether she would defend with her right or left hand if he was to launch a pre-emptive strike. This thought however, kept him from doing just that. He had decided that she probably wouldn't defend. She seemed relaxed.

Hitsugi's attention returned to the girl in front of him. As she leaned back, he watched her carefully. He couldn't help but feel as though he should know who she is despite her wearing a mask.

[Musashiden]

Malahk took notice of the other students coming, especially Athene, as he was caught off guard by her garb. It was decidedly more unusual but at the same time far less casual than your average SeeD candidate. He wasn't so much intrigued, but more perplexed at what might lie beneath that intricate mask.

He shook his head and pointed his attention to the instructor.

"So, how many more people are you expecting to show up? I'm gettin' kinda antsy just sitting here."

This was decidedly out of character for him. Normally, his nature is one of collectedness, but he was genuinely excited to get to the point he was at and was anxious to get the proverbial show on the road. He was just hoping his remark didn't come off as it sounded.

[Acheron]

The morning train from Timber, specifically the 8:15, hadn't ran late once in the past three years. For one passenger though, it would prove to be within his luck that the one day he decides to take the train into Balamb, the train would end up breaking that streak of being prompt. He found that while the train was delayed, many people didn't really seem to mind; an attitude which was almost unheard of in Esthar, as time was a much different factor in thier lives than it was the laid back ways of Balamb. While the man wouldn't admit it, the delay did provide some time for him to collect this thoughts and make a couple entries into the journal that he usually kept with him. This was a trip that brought out many emotions and not all of them were of the happy sort.

As he stepped out from the train car, the salty air coming from the sea was a bit of a sting to his eyes at first. He had no bags with him, as his luggage had already arrived a few days ago at the Garden, the only thing he carried with him was the journal in hand. The journal was quickly put away though, placed in the jacket pocket on the inside of his formal jacket. With a tip of his derby hat to a couple of the women standing near the station, eyeing him down with curious eyes, he started on his way out of the town and on the road over to the Garden. Not much had changed since the last time he had been here, the fields were as beautiful as ever and the constant breeze made sure that the sun was never too oppressing. While some of the students hated the walk from town to the Garden, he did not and was at the Garden in much quicker time than he thought.

He knew classes would be starting soon and he wasn't proud of being late, but he would be the first to admit that the situation had been out of his control. While a couple of students were eating a quick breakfast near the entrance or getting ready to skip the first day of class, the young man's eyes focused on the woman who was waiting for him there. She was short, with light pink hair and had some glasses on, it had been awhile since he saw Emily.

"I knew that you were coming back but still, it hard to really accept that it's you standing here today", Emily was honestly shocked that he was back, standing in front of her.

The young man smiled a bit and took off his derby, "Good to see you too Emmy. Once again, I'll repeat what I said in my letter, I'm deeply sorry for having to leave in the middle of last term..."

"No, it's fine. How are things now?"

He tried to maintain the smile he first gave her, "They're better, not exactly where they need to be, but better than it was. My clothes and such arrived here alright?"

"They did, everything was moved into your room. I had a couple of junior classmen do it on the promise that you would train with them in the training center this weekend", she had a hopeful look on her face.

"Haha...I don't see why not."

Emily smiled and started walking towards the entry gate to the Garden. She carried a clipboard in hand while the young man placed his hat back on and walked along side her. A couple of students whispered and giggled to each other when the pair walked past, but neither of them seemed to mind in the least. Once they reached the Directory board, where a couple of new students were trying to figure out directions from, they stopped thier walk.

Emily made a quick glace to her clipboard, she had to carry it around due to her being a teaching assistant for one of the instructors in the Garden, "It looks like you're going to be with Rita Felsar for the moment, have you had classes with her before?"

"I can't say that I have. Doesn't matter though, I've gotten along fine with everyone I've had before, I don't see this being a problem. Especially considering that I'm nearing the end of the line here. Does she have me on the roster?"

"Probably not considering Squall...I mean the Headmaster asked me to see if you would even show up!"

The young man reached in one of his pant's pockets and pulled out a silver plated pocket watch, which had a chain to one of the loops on his pants. He opened it to check the time then closed it once again when he looked back to Emily.

"No matter. I'm late enough as it is, so worst comes to worst, I'll just sit in for today and then get officially added in at the end of class. Thanks again Emily,for greeting me, certainly reminds me of what I've been missing. What floor is the class at right now?"

Not having control over it, Emily started to blush rapidly, "Uh..It's the second floor, Yes...2F-1."

"Thank you", he tipped his hat towards her and started on his way to the elevator. He made it halfway up the steps before he heard Emily call for him, he stopped to turn around and look at her.

"What is it?"

She gave him a soft smile, "It's good to have you back Jackson..."

After she said that, he stepped onto the elevator and smiled back before hitting the button for the second floor, "I missed you too Emmy."

He hated being late, he always though that being late reflected poorly on his character so he was a little cautious as he made his way to the classroom on the second floor. He was also very curious as well, as this class was likely to be the mixture of students that he would end up taking the SeeD exam with, so he was hoping there would be no major issues with them. After taking a deep breath, Jackson made sure his black, pin-stripe suit was looking good as he took a step into the classroom and looked for the instructor near her desk.

[Lunasa]

Rita examined the note more closely and found that, evidently, the number of students in her class had not jumped from six to seven, but rather, six to eight. Her new transfer student: Jackson Endera, aged 18. At least class SC-1 was finally growing. This meant more reinforcements to fight the Sorceress, which had been at a lack for some time;
The bell to indicate the begginning of Block 1 sounded and Rita examined the room. Attendance was far from satisfactory. Five out of the eight students were present. With a slight frown, she began roll call, marking the corresponding students present as they gave indication of their location. Annoyed that many students failed to make the first day after pulling so many buttons to get him in a SeeD canidate glass, and further disconcerted that so many students failed to arrive the first day, she marked Mikayla Ekin, Sparta Nortica, and Seraph Valentine absent and decided to begin her opening speech.

"Welcome, all of you who decided to show on this first day. My name is Instructor Rita Felsar and I will be your class advisor in addition to your Combat Theory teacher for this term. As your class advisor, it is my sole responsibility to keep track of grades, make sure that you attend class regularly and to report any mishap, injury, or incident that may occur on your behalf. If you have any concerns about this, please stay after and I will the best I can in clearing up any matters in which you have inquiry."

Rita sat up from her desk and began to pace, head turning to assure attention.

"SeeD canidates will undergo training in several different areas in preparation for Exams in the Fall. These exams have both written and practical parts. The written text is a three hour exam," she said simply. "The field exam will take place in two parts: one, you will undergo (with a SeeD of your choice) the pre-battle phase, in order to test your combatant skills. Secondly, you are taken to a real battleground with a squad of other SeeD canidates. You will be given the details of your mission upon your briefing. You are judged on what aspects make up a SeeD: Your offensive accomplishment(usually the amount of enemies vanquished, henceforth graded as the Attack section), your Spirit (the amount of courage you possess), your Additude (which how close you follow SeeD protocol and mission guidelines), your Conduct (how well you follow direct orders) and your Judgement (how efficiently you use your time; determined in the pre-battle phase). Questions on the test itself will become more apparent as the term expires. However, if you do have any other concerns, let be known that my ears stay open to you."

"Now, before I go over course aims, it is my intention that you examine your schedule placed out in front of you and that you complete the mandatory questionaire in front of you. These questions are not set upon my litigation, but it is an annoymous survey, to help us- no, to help Garden examine what to look for in SeeD canidates such as yourselves. Those of you who took the trouble to complete it already, place it in the basket on my desk. Once you are all finished, we'll begin our first lesson. In the meantime, if you are complete, feel to explore your terminal, and keep socializing to a whisper. I'll give you ten minutes," she finished, perching herself at the edge of her desk, arms crossed, eyes scanning.

[xXViviXx]

As Athene anticipated she crossed her legs and observed the sheet of paper in front f her. Picking it up, she read each of the questions and contemplated on her answers but before she could finish, a woman’s voice pierced through her thoughts. Her head turned towards her and she began to listen intently.

Her silver orb danced and scrutinized the instructor in front of her. Rita was quite tall and was middle aged. She had her chestnut tresses tied up into a bun but a few silver strands shimmered though the thick locks. A pair of spectacles concealed a pair of emerald orbs which glistened with secret wisdom. Her visage seemed strict and older but her attire contrasted with a SeeD uniform which softened her image. The candidate felt that she would get along with her but at the moment respect still needs to be earned. Athene had to admit, she, herself felt the slight spark of adrenaline in her veins. The female candidate absorbed all the information and wondered what the SeeD test would consist of.Who would she work with? Where would she go? It was all a new experience for her and she saw it as a tasty,new challenge. When she finished she explained her next requests of filling out the questionnaire.

" Once you are all finished, we'll begin our first lesson. In the meantime, if you are complete, feel to explore your terminal, and keep socializing to a whisper. I'll give you ten minutes"

Athene picked up a pen and commenced scribbling away. Some of the questions, she put a lot of thought in but she didn’t take too long. When she finished she glanced at her finished piece of work and read through it.

1. Why did you sign up for SeeD?
I want a new challenge and I want to pursue some personal issues but I don’t find myself experienced enough. Also, I find Headmaster Leonheart an inspiration that makes SeeD an honor to sign up for.
2. In your opinion, what is SeeD’s ultimate mission?
I don’t believe that there is an ultimate mission because accomplishing each objective is equally important.

3. What do you look forward to during you SeeD training, here at Balamb Garden?
I look forward to using my abilities to their fullest extent and learning to use a GF.
4. What do you plan on getting out of SeeD?
Anything that I can get.
5.If SeeD is not your only intented career path, what else are you planning to aim for?
Whatever the future has in store for me but for now, I want to focus on being a SeeD.

Athene was content with her answers and got on her feet to put the sheet in the basket on Rita’s desk. When she returned to her seat, she reached out for her weapon and pressed a button on its side. It made each spike loop its self onto the middle ring so it just looks like a plain key ring. Athene attached it to her belt and then began to examine the terminal in front of her. The female warrior wasn’t really expecting anyone to talk to her.

[Hitsugi]

Upon the end of the instructors brief overview of the course they would all be taking, Hitsugi's attention returned to the papers in front of him. It would appear as though he would need to complete the paperwork before things would start. A few students had completed it before him, but Hitsugi felt no rush to join them. In a way, he felt the survey to be a joke.

We're going to be the pride of Garden...not some throw away statistics. Just a waste of time..

Hitsugi thought to himself as he retrieved his own pen. Looking over the questions he thought through each question.


1) Why did you sign up for SeeD?

What kind of question is this?

He couldn't help but think.

Because SeeD is the best and that's what I am. I can't believe this is on here.

Hitsugi kept this in the back of his mind as he penned a less arrogant answer. He'd have to keep his frustration in check until he had a better grip on the thought patterns of those around him.

To make full use of the highest oppurtunity granted by the Balamb Garden Militairy Administration.

He jotted down in his red pen. It was a bit of OCD, but he was only known to use this coloring when he was frustrated or otherwise annoyed.

2) In your opinion, what is SeeD’s ultimate mission?
As a mercenary orginization, SeeD's only mission is to fulfill that specified by our employers to the very best of our abilities.

3) What do your look forward to during your training here at Balamb Garden?
I look forward to be able recieve the very best combat instruction available in the world.

4) What do you plan on getting out of SeeD?
I plan to recieve just that, the very best combat instruction in the world.

5) If SeeD is not your only intended career path, what else do you plan on aiming for?
Hitsugi didn't fill this question out because he didn't really feel a need to answer.

If they make me answer this I'm going to start wondering if I'm in the right place. Would I waste my time here if I hadn't planned on becoming a SeeD? Hitsugi lamented in his mind. He had always hated being led on to answer what others wanted him to hear.

After finishing Hitsugi placed his paper in the instructors basket. Walking back to his seat he decided not to go through the terminal. He had decided that there couldn't be any sort of drastic change in it now that he had become a SeeD candidate. He had lived in Garden all his life and new the system inside and out. He instead opted to converse in order to gain information. He looked in front of him, at the girl with the mask.

"S'cuse me miss?" He called out to her. "If I may be so bold, may I ask the reason you wear a mask if it's obvious to the world that you are beautiful?" Hitsugi inquired in a soft voice, muffled more by his own mask. There was a bit of hypocrisy to his question, but at any given moment his mask could come off. Her's had seemed latched on in some way, more mental than physical. She didn't strike him as one who needed to cover anything, but perhaps she would know best.

[xXViviXx]

As Athene searched through her terminal for something interesting, a voice echoed behind her. She logged off her computer and then turned around. She leant her elbows on the edge of his desk. It was the raven haired boy. The female warrior locked eyes with him, studying him. His spheres were a soft shade of jade which stood out from his pale skin tone. The boy seemed younger than her. He was quite tall but his facial features gave him away.

"If I may be so bold, may I ask the reason you wear a mask if it's obvious to the world that you are beautiful?"

Athene paused for a second but only a flicker of emotion crossed her face. Surprise mainly. It didn’t even stay on her visage for more than a second before it faded away. Who was this boy? He was polite enough but, yes he was quite bold.

“How can you be so sure that I am beautiful if I am wearing this mask? Surely, a mask is supposed to conceal something. So, if you say that I am beautiful, would that fail the purpose of it?” She stopped again and said the next words in a softer tone “It’s a tradition of a sort, no more”

[Hitsugi]

Hitsugi saw her flinch, if only for a second. Her body seemed to pause, but he couldn't make out what kind of expression she had on exactly. He hadn't figured she was angry in any way for her weapons were to her side. She had made more of an effort to conceal them earlier. To walk in with such weapons showed the pride of a warrior. Hitsugi felt she'd be able to make up for his lack of direct combat prowess. This of course was an assumption, but at this point Hitsugi was all too good at analyzation.


"You can wear a mask to hide who you are, but no mask in the world can hide what you are." Hitsugi replied back to her initial comment. A more unprofessional yet teenage side had produced that comment. Far too many kids his age were insecure about who they were or how they looked. Even he himself were guilty of this at times. He couldn't explain why he put a mask on everyday, but in a way he knew deep down inside why he did it.


"A tradition you say? Surely it doesn't sound nearly important enough to rob the world of your face." Hitsugi replied again to her softer toned comment. It was somewhere along the conversation that he had recognized her by her armor. Kids in the cafeteria would speak of a masked beauty fitting her description. Hitsugi never had class with her, nor had he once seen her in the hallways. He found it odd that all of the sudden here she was.

[xXViviXx]

With Athene's reply, the conversation quickened with an interesting flow. He replyed that a mask conceals who you are but not what you are. A compelling response, which she also agreed with but only to a certain extent. He was wearing a mask too, which made her wonder what he was hiding. She was only doing it because of her past ,but him...he seemed perfectly normal in her eyes. It was true that at this age, who could know what they want to become? She, herself is still figuring that out and wants to prepare herself for whats to come.

"A tradition you say? Surely it doesn't sound nearly important enough to rob the world of your face."

Athene didn't want to get into talking about her past, especially to a complete stranger. She gets very defensive whenever a link could be made to her background in their present conversation. She doesn't want to be rude though. She hated awkward situations like this. Athene paused again, but for longer this time.

"I only need my eyes on the battle field. What use is it to let the enemy to see my identity? I would only take it off if it was necessary." Athene gazed at his mask. It was nothing more than a makeshift cloth. "Since you have such interest in my mask, surely you have a reason for wearing yours?"

[Hitsugi]

Hitsugi's suspicions seemed to be confirmed, this female was well battle oriented. She was on the top of his list of battle partner candidates. Though he really didn't have any intention of scoping the others as possibilities. The others were far too soft looking, or arrogant, or had a lack of punctual mannerisms.

There was a bit of a pause in the conversation then. Hitsugi had wondered which of his comments had made her pause in such thought. When she continued, he took note in the fact that she made it clear it was her identity she was hiding. For what reasons he would be sure to find out later.

"I only wear a mask because I had cloth leftover." Hitsugi replied, motioning to the lack of a midsection of his black shirt. He always had the pension of cutting up perfectly fine shirts to create his own unique image. The real truth behind the cloth was in it's usability. He had used to once in the training center to make a makeshift sling for a younger student after an almost fatal run-in with a T-Rexaur. He had also used it once to keep himself from inhaling a poison students had released in his dorm. Though he kept this to himself as it seemed farfetched for just a black piece of cut up shirt.

Still...help comes in the strangest of places.

Hitsugi thought to himself as his eyes shifted at the board and back to the girl. He changed the subject subtlely.

"Although it would be strange to ask a person in a mask who they are, I can't help but notice I haven't learned your name. Nor have you mine for that matter." He paused and gave a small salute while still seated. "I am Takahashi Hitsugi." He waited for her to reply.

[xXViviXx]

Athene soon found out that he only wore his mask because it was something left over. Of course, she thought this was only an excuse. She guessed that it would be similar to the excuse she gave. Athene was always a strange enigma to most people. Not many people understood her nor bothered to try to. Soon, the boy gave his name to her and so she exchanged hers. The boy flipped his hand upwards in a light hearted salut.

"Athene Stargaze. Pleased to make your acquaintance." She tried to smile but it was more forced than anything. Athene never really knew what emotion to produce sometimes and ended up coming up with something just...odd.

The female warrior realised earlier that she hadn't seen anybody elses weapons out and she had foolishly flashed it about before. To be honest, she didn't really find it to be such a big problem. Everyone in the Garden owns a weapon of some sort so, really, should there be any suprise? Sometimes, she wonders who she can trust especially those that are closest to her. Athene had been betrayed before and she doesn't intend to be again.

[Musashiden]

Malahk stood up from his seat and walked over to deposit his questionnaire into the basket on his instructor's desk.

Heh, I suppose there's a benefit to getting everything done early. He though to himself as he paced back to his desk. What that benefit was was simple. More time to relax. Keeping within his outer professionalism, he resisted the urge to kick his feet onto the desk. He leaned back in his chair and let out a sigh.

As he looked around the room he noticed the other conversations going and chose to stay out of them. Despite all his boons, the ability to strike up a conversation wasn't exactly a trait of his. Perhaps it was shyness?

[Fehrant]

Selenia was absent-minded all the way. Unless she noted the professor was giving out important information, she'd just phase out. Just now, Rita had given instructions for the cadets to fill out the mandatory, yet anonymous questionnaire. Mandatory and anonymous? She repeated scornfully in her mind. Bullshit. These set of questions isn't relevant at all. What are they trying to see? If we are perfect SeeD material? Well, screw that. I don't care about SeeD, their objectives, goals, and their retarded comradeship. As long as I get to fight strong opponents, I don't care if they are bad or good. As if such things existed. People have different goals. And SeeD are nothing more than a bunch of hired blades.

She grabbed the blank questionnaire, got up, just as a pale student was making his way back from the basket. Just as she was dropping the piece of paper in the basket, the boy struck of conversation with a masked girl.

"S'cuse me miss?" He called out to her. "If I may be so bold, may I ask the reason you wear a mask if it's obvious to the world that you are beautiful?"

Oh, please. Even though the pale student was taking loudly, Selenia had sharp senses. She turned around and returned to her sit, while the conversation ensued.

"How can you be so sure that I am beautiful if I am wearing this mask? Surely, a mask is supposed to conceal something. So, if you say that I am beautiful, would that fail the purpose of it?" The masked girl stopped again and said the next words in a softer tone "It’s a tradition of a sort, no more."

The chat did not stop, and it did nothing but add to Selenia's already increasing disgust. I wish I would've been born a man, honestly. I had to deal with some wankers like this in the past. She grinned to herself. They will now think about it twice before even approaching.

She got up, looking straight at Rita. "Bathroom," she explained curtly, picked up her blades, and left the room. Walking on the hallways, not being choked by what she perceived to be a hormone-filled room, she felt more at ease. In fact, she was tempted to go to her room, and sleep until next class. That would not be wise, though, she reflected, but at the same time she didn't care much, and she was tired. She decided to get a cup of coffee from a machine, and sat on a long sit next to it, drinking it quietly. Since all the students were in their first period classes, it wasn't loud, and she could enjoy the temporary moment of respite.

The hallway had big windows all across that peaked outside. She took a sip, and enjoyed her 10 minute view, letting her mind phase out again.

[Acheron]

Even though he was a little late coming into the classroom, it looked like he wasn't the only one. He knew that there had to be more students enrolled in the class and from the not so pleased look of the instructor, apparently more were missing on the first day than she would have liked. Jackson didn't want his tardiness to be a reflection on his character or have Instructor Felsar think that he didn't respect her for being late, so as he picked up one of the questionaires from her desk, he stopped for a second.

"I apologize for being late Instructor, it was a long trip from Eshtar and the train from Timber was delayed. My lateness will not happen again", Jackson then went to one of the empty seats in the front row, as a young woman passed him on her way out of the classroom.

The questions were vague and what Jackson considered to be a bit obtuse. It was almost as if the questions were trying to figure something of his morals and standards but Jackson figured that was quite a high expectation, considering that SeeD's were highered weapons. He wouldn't rock the boat though, at least not on this occasion, and pulled out a pen from inside of his suit jacket.

1. Why did you sign up for SeeD?
Partly for the challenge, Partly to see the world

2. In your opinion, what is SeeD’s ultimate mission?
I'd assume it's to make some money, while also fixing some issues that the world faces.

3. What do you look forward to during you SeeD training, here at Balamb Garden?
The same thing I did during my first terms here...a challenge and some interesting events.

4. What do you plan on getting out of SeeD?
To discover why we even need a SeeD.

5.If SeeD is not your only intented career path, what else are you planning to aim for?
Equality.

He wrote each answer in his black ink, putting a decent amount of thought into each question but not wracking his brain too much. The room had become a little more silent, which made Jackson look around to see who exactly he would be having classes with. A young man a couple seats over who hadn't said a word yet, the two masked students who seemed to be vaguely getting to know each other, or flirt.

"This should be....interesting...", Jackson mumbled to himself.

[Fehrant]

'Enjoy the view' was a bit of an understatement for her, however; the only thing she truly enjoyed was the adrenaline rush that a fight was able to produce. One's life force, against someone else's. She didn't enjoy other people's company, she found little pleasure in eating food, she didn't particularly enjoy music, literature, art, philosophy, or even books of theory of combat. Weapons were only tools, and clothing a matter of what one was used to, or felt comfortable with. She didn't need friends, lovers, or family. She only needed excuses to fight, because the world was set up in such a way that fights needed excuses. She didn't care what the excuse was. She didn't care if it was under someone's command, or her own volition. So long as she got to fight with all her might, she was satisfied. Fighting in groups was for those weak enough that were not able to handle themselves on their own. Battles weren't fair, but that's what made them all the more exciting. The ability to overcome a stronger opponent, therefore becoming stronger oneself, was one a wonderful feeling. Luck, while sometimes a decisive factor, was not a variable to be relied upon. Losing, was sign of one's weakness. No excuses. Survival made one stronger, but dying while in battle wasn't something to be escaped from; au contraire, it was the only way to die. Honor meant shit, loyalty was pointless, and truth was relative.

These were Selenia's core beliefs. These were what set them apart from many people. If battle was the highlight in one's life, moments like this, moments were one simply sat idle with a cup of coffee and stared through a window at the seemingly peaceful scenery were utterly boring. She closed her eyes, and recalled a battle she had recently. It was as if she wasn't herself, and was watching her body from a third-person view. She traced her every movement, her swings, her feet, her hands... ah, what a feeling. In battle, there were two types of people: those who thought about what to do, and those who didn't, those who moved fueled by a deeper feeling, be it fear, instinct, reflexes. Selenia was of the latter type. In this sense, she was very much like an animal. She used two swords, because she had two hands. If she would've had born with three hands, she would've used three swords. There was no off-hand either. Both hands were equally skilled. She could throw a ball with the same precision with any of her arms, just as she could write with both hands. This was the extent of Valgarn's, and her own training.

Had 5 minutes passed? 10? She didn't know, since she didn't have a clock except in her room. She tossed the empty cup in the trash can, and headed back to the room. When she came in, things were exactly like when she had gone out, except now there seemed to be one more person in the classroom. She took her sit, rested her katanas on the side of her desk, and waited for the class to resume.

[ekimeinna]

mikayla don't really know how to start first as she going to expose herself... she had no choice, but she really need to force herself to fight... she take a deep breath, encouraging herself that she can do it... she is trying to overcome all her fears by remembering what her dad says "mikayla, sweetheart, just don't be afraid... everything is gonna be alright. I don't really want to put you to this but we have no choice... you know what kind of situation we have now, we have to hide our family through it... or else we will be get much more in trouble..." as she thought about all of these, tears running through her cheeks going down to the ground... at the same time, she was holding her a silver, metallic bow that came to her loving daddy.... hoping that this will be the powerful weapon to protect the name of her family and also to help those teens to fight....

about five minutes later of reminiscing... she never realize that it's time to go to a place where she will going to meet her instructor... until someone's running through her and accidentally hit her shoulder...

"ouch! hey will you please watch your way, please" she shouted that person, running... probably he was on the rush...

"oh, i'm so sorry, miss... i getting late so i need to hurry!" turn back, running 'til he got so far...

this poor girl, never get used to this kind of place... full of strangers and... other words than that is this will be her first time to be with those kind of people, got used of being all by themselves alone, without any parents to take care of them... what they only thought is to fight... even it will cost them life....

she walk down the hallway..trying to find in what room she must go in... as she continue walking...her heart began to beat so fast... looks like she's getting nervous now talking to herself "my o my, mikayla, you're 19 already, you suppose to handle it. You have to atleast, be like these people around you...." she saw a sign before the door that says... "SC-1"

"this is it..i think it's time to move on..." she whispers...

entering in that room, there are like about 4 or 5 students that already there... quietly finding a spot to sit and to do the next step they have to do.... as these fellow students chattering, suddenly, she saw a paper on her desk with questionares....

1) Why did you sign up for SeeD?
2) In your opinion, what is SeeD’s ultimate mission?
3) What do your look forward to during your training here at Balamb Garden?
4) What do you plan on getting out of SeeD?
5) If SeeD is not your only intended career path, what else do you plan on aiming for?

she read all of these questionares... she never even ask to someone what she suppose to do... instead she just thinking what she gonna answer... until she got her pen in her backpack, and wrote her anwers....

1) Why did you sign up for SeeD?

"because, though it's not my area of fighting, i need to learn something about the way we fight for the people, against the evil of this world. Not only that but also principles of leadership and courage..."

2) In your opinion, what is SeeD’s ultimate mission?

"well, like i've said in number one is to know and understand the principle of fighting as well as to develop leadership... and if you are willing to teach me also the development of personality, that will be better (coz I really need it, though I hate it)...
....of course to help and protect this world against evil...."

3) What do your look forward to during your training here at Balamb Garden?

"before... i don't want to go into this training... honestly, i don't know what am i going to look forward to, but i thought about my family...." (she began to sob again so gently, so that the other student wouldn't have know what's going on to her) "i really don't have a choice, but i need to be trained, i need to protect and help my family against the trouble they been through. If i am not going to follow what my dad told me to do, it will cost their life... so i need to take the action through this... please bear with me"

4) What do you plan on getting out of SeeD?

"just to take these goals and face it no matter what..."


5) If SeeD is not your only intended career path, what else do you plan on aiming for?

"i want to enjoy my life.... (that i don't think i can grab it) through music and anything that can make myself so peaceful..."

after she answered all this questions, she's thinking about how to get along with her fellow students of this class...

[Lunasa]

"Late, Ekim. Please do not make it happen again..." said Rita, making another mark on her attendance."Incidentally, Valentine and Nortica have not shown." she said roughly ten minutes later. "If you do know these classmates, please take it under yourselves to inform them that this is no easy course of study for those fifteen and older. Those of you who have not already placed your questionnaires in the basket on my desk, please drop it in my mailbox in the dorm wing, Instructor's Hallway, Room 3. The dropbox is located on the door." Rita seized a small device and pressed a button.

The image on the screen, which previously read "Combat Theory; Course Aims- Please Sit in Front of a Schedule and Questionaire" changed into three simple course aims. Rita read them aloud.

"In order to outline this course, we have three set aims. Firstly, this class will enable you to Understand Mission Briefings. This is of utmost importance in order to learn the format of your future missions. Concidering your lives are on the line, it is imperative to correctly interpret orders for the sake of the contractor and fufiller. Violation of this can lead to the expulsion from SeeD or worse. Secondly, we will Interpret Situations Tactically. If an enemy approaches you, you must be able to size it up against yourselves. Is the enemy faster, weaker? What strategy are they using? How can one combat this monstrosity? You will learn the trait of monsters and enemies. You may say "What about the Scan spell?" How often will you have time to concentrate long enough not to correctly interpret findings that are more easily visable to the naked eye? It takes less than a second to die. Don't waste time on petty spells on such foes. And lastly you will Comprehend the types of weapons utilized in the modern world.This includes your weapon of specialization. Be sure to choose it carefully.

"Now, I dismiss you early. By tomorrow, I want not only full attendance, but the weapon you intend on using. Interpret your own battle-appropriate strengths and weaknesses while using the weapon, as well as the ones upon yourself. Write them. Hand them in. Use your free time wisely."

((More may be added to this post later. PM me if you would like me to incorporate your character.))

[Fehrant]

Selenia promptly stood up, and bolted from the classroom. What a relief, she thought. This shitty class isn't what I can stand in the early morning. And what did the professor say about the weapon of choice? Bah, doesn't matter.

She headed straight to her room, in hopes of catching some sleep before next class. There was still enough time. But just as she was opening her door, she heard some noises inside. While it was common for in-campus students to have roommates (more than half of them did) Selenia did not. The faculty had tried in the past to have people share her room, but it always ended up in the other student asking to be relocated. The faculty had but given on finding a suitable companion for the violent, antisocial girl. The situation, however, had taken a change as of late.

Selenia opened the door, half ready to deal with whatever was inside. To her surprise, there were two girls, of them quickly unpacking some clothes from a brown suitcase, and the other sitting on Selenia's bed, watching the other. Both wore their SeeD uniforms. The girl sitting on her bed quickly got up, and faced Selenia, but the other girl simply kept unpacking as if nothing had happened.

"Hi..." Greeted in a shy manner the girl facing Selenia. She was short, had brown, straight hair, and brown eyes. She blinked several times. "I'm..."

"Who the fuck are you?" Blurted Selenia in a manner so vulgar that would put foul-mouthed boys to shame. The smaller, shy girl looked appalled. The other one, a blonde, stopped unpacking the clothes, and turned around. She was tall, had blue eyes, long blond hair and fair skin. She was wearing her uniform tidily, and a pair of glasses that suited her style. She was strikingly beautiful, to say the least. She smiled at Selenia, but it wasn't an innocent smile. It was more of a grin, a playful, delighted grin as if she was enjoying this situation. Her eyes were confident, unlike her friends, and almost defiant.

"I see that the faculty has not informed you yet," she replied gleefully.

"Inform me of what?" The last word sounded harsh enough to make the shy girl squirm again. She looked terrified.

The blond girl on the other hand was unaffected by Selenia's flowing rage. "I am your new roommate," she explained. "And I will appreciate if you calmed down, Selenia."

Selenia ground her teeth. How the hell does she know my name? But she was fuming with anger and didn't say anything.

"You are just as they say: rash, abrasive, blunt, and violent," she continued. "As a matter of fact, the reason for sending someone like me here puzzled me at first. Why would I, 7th in the ranking of academic scores in all SeeD, good at physics, good at magic, and an overall exemplary student share the room with you, who are nothing but the direct opposite?"

Selenia smirked. "You forgot to add 'bruised' to the list," she added, ready to spring and beat the shit out of the cocky exemplary student. I'll be the one reprimanded later, I'm sure.

But where other people would've normally backed down, she stood more defiant than ever. "Oh, I know also your melee abilities are top-notch. I wouldn't be foolish enough to face you on a melee brawl." She sighed. "I would love to face you, but I must attend other matters at the moment. Unlike you, I have social compromises, and some studying to do. We'll spar some on another occasion, I promise you." She turned to face her scared friend. "Arietta, let's go."

The brunette nodded silently, but the only way through the door was by walking too close to Selenia. She couldn't muster the courage to do so. The blond kindly took her hand, and walked towards the door with her. Selenia stood like an angry stone gargoyle staring down.

When she was a few steps away from Selenia, she stopped, and smirked. "We'll fight, but not now. I don't have time now. You know that if you start a fight now without my consent it'll have consequences. Sparring is allowed, bullying isn't. Now, Selenia, do move aside."

She has a point. If she doesn't stand up to her word, however, she'll end up fighting, consent or not. "I'll be waiting," she acknowledged, and moved out of the way.

As she was exiting out, the blond talked again. "Oh, by the way, my name is Erin Findergale."

Selenia slammed the door closed without a word, and let herself fall on her bed. She wanted to sleep, but now she was too anxious with anticipation to do so.

[xXViviXx]

Ten minutes past and Rita began explaining again. She pressed a button and a flashing screen flickered on with information on their course. Athene twisted around properly and listened with intent, hoping to get some pointers. She learnt that the course was so much more than just following out orders; it was about tactics and strategy. Of course, she had pondered about it but not this much. Athene already has experience in the field and her decisions are more on impulse than thought. Her strategy was simple, but flexible depending on the enemy. She would find their weakness and then strike.Her weapon could be used as either a shield or in an attack so she knew she was balanced. A smirk tugged her lips but the only hint of it was her cheek bones. She couldn’t wait for the first mission. It would be immense.

Once she had finished, she requested that all of them would write about their strengths/weaknesses which made her conscious that the others would find out her weakness. Athene is strong, intelligent but most importantly agile. She could move as quickly as a slicing blade, however, she was weak on defence. The female warrior had always known this and that is why she had trained herself so intensely on her speed. It was critical that she could get away from the enemy but be able to strike and no get hurt. This was her strategy and she hoped that no one would use it against her.

“Later, Takahashi.” She grunted and headed out of the classroom.

Time for some training. Athene strolled through the Garden with the usual glances towards her way. Sometimes, she wished she was normal. Actually, she is normal, people are just nosy. When she arrived at the training centre, she heard a few distressed cries from deep within the centre.

Sounds like Parker.

Snatching her key ring looped with metal spikes, she pressed the button again and whipped it back into its original state. Athene immediately put pressure to her feet and leant forward as she ran into the green. She passed many students, nearly knocking a few over but still she continued. The candidate searched for her companion. Her only companion. A deafening screech erupted from the west, and so she headed that direction. Athene finally came across 2 grats cornering a skinny, guy in a baggy, black shirt with 3 quarter length combats. In an instant, she slid her weapon up the slits in her arm armour and turned the blades into a catapult for throwing blades. She dashed sideways to send an array of blades in the monsters direction. Athene brought two fingers to her mouth to make a high pitched whistle. Everything came together, just in time, the creatures scampered towards her just before they got sent flying backwards with the impact of the blades.The fiends struggled to get back on their feet before, she pulled back the blades from its chest with the metal strings attached to each knife. This drew the monsters forwards but toppling them over. Athene swung her head sideways to Parker, signalling him to get the hell out of the way. The Grats simultaniously began whipping Athene with their vines but she blocked just in time and was only sent backwards a little. However, that moment the creatures had an advantage because Athene never realised what was behind her….

The water…

Blue liquid was sent upwards as she was absorbed by the water and was pulled within the deep. Athene’s eyes were closed as she lost consciousness for a second but then rebelled and attempted to swim back to the surface. A vine had found its way around her leg and would not let go. Air soon escaped her lips and her lungs soon burned for more. Parker was being cornered and the monsters was about to finish him off. Athene pulled harder and harder. The vine ripped and she was free. Her legs swung themselves as hard as they could before everything ended. Athene breathed again and let her lungs devour the replenishing refreshment and pulled herself back onto the ground. The grats were facing the other way and did not realise her presence. This was her chance. Athene dashed towards one of them and swung her blade vertically which made a deep cut into one of the green creatures. With each attack made against her, she dodged out of the way, only once or twice did she get cut. She cut the grat once again with an X shape which killed it. The other was badly injured and fleed from the scene.The warrior turned back to Parker whose eyes were wide with fear which matched the shape of his mouth which also created a circle. He was still sitting down in the position where the green fiends had cornered him.

“Cuttin it a bit close, aren’t ya, Goddess?” His Australian accent emanated.

Athene grunted and headed over to him. He created all her weapons for her and repairing them. Parker was a friend of Athene’s parents and he was sent to the Garden also as a student. However, his main reason was to look after Athene but most of the time it was the other way around.

“I’m not always going to be here to save you. You’re just lucky that I was around the corner.” Athene explained seriously.

Parker got onto his feet and brushed off the dirt on his attire. He looked at her and then shrugged. “You say that every time.”

Athene rolled her eyes and shook her head before handing him her weapon.

“ I want you to repair it for me. Make the string contract quicker and the ends sharper. I’ll need it for tomorrow”

“Gottcha”

[ekimeinna]

Mikayla whispers to herself... "Well, that's life and you should come back here early than before..."

we understand that this girl never knew her classmates very well... and i know it's really hard for her to move on.... as soon as their instructor Rita dismissed them, she slowly picked up her stuff, heading on the dormitory. As she got out to that room, she keeps on observing the people around her, chattering and laughing... until then, she just smiled...

"well, don't worry, kayla! you will like this place when time goes on and on..."

proceeding to the dormitory, while she was walking around the place called Balamb Garden, she was amazed of how beautiful she saw in this place... nice facility, faculty members we're well trained instructors, organized place. Atleast, before she decided to come over here to be trained, to be a fighter, she expecting all of these... that the school must be a good one to consider... in other words, this is the one she looking at so that it will ease all her dissapointments. She never reached her dream to something else... and she just realize... "now, this is about time to move on..."

as she continues to walk... you can see in this place that since inside of this facility is round, the very center of it must be the information about this entire facility. When she reached that area, she look where's the dormitory at... until someone (must be one of the student) looks like he knew all about this place...

"hi, miss!" he greeted.

"hello, sir" she replied.

"looks like you're new here, huh"

"yeah, i'm just new here, i don't even know what's my real purpose of getting here, i just... well just..." she bowed her said, trying to stop herself from crying again...

"well, looks like you've been forced to do this thing, don't you?" asking with curiosity...

"NO!" she defended herself to keep to secret , maybe it's too confidential to tell... until she realize her reactions can make this man offended. "Oh, i'm sorry, i never mean this the way i answer you.."

"It's alright, well better not to go to this too far, seems that you are tired of something that you want to get over it, aren't you?"

"I think so." she replied gently... she can't even look at the face to that man... shy...

"ok then, I hope you can able to find your ways to escape that problem... whatever it is" obviously, he don't really know what was going on to her.

"Can I ask a question?" trying to be nice and friendly...

"yes, what is it?" he smiled to her so kind...

"Do you think i can handle all the task that my instructor will give me? 'coz the awhile ago, i never realize i was late and as soon as my instructor came by to us for our very first session for today, she told me that i was late and never doing it again. Hehehe i don't even know what to do, but i think next time i have to be early hehehe" Trying to evaluate herself. at the same time, cheering up herself, too.

"Well, you can handle it, IF you think you can really handle it. Just encourage yourself and think about the things going on to you... by the way, why did you ask that question? You suppose to ask it just for yourself..." Wondering...

"Nothing" she smiled at last...maybe her very first time to smile at this facility.

"anyways, thanks for a little but helping encouragement for me. I really need that, especially i haven't know all of the people here... just trying to be friendly..."

"ok then, are you going to the dorm" he asked.

"yes, and it's according to this information board where it's at!"

"well, see you around, then"

"ok, you have a nice day..." walking away from him.. getting excited to her dorm-to-be... don't care about any fears she have now.... "just keep on going, kayla..."


she even forgot what's the name of the person she just talked to...

[Acheron]

Arriving to class late made Jackson feel bad but then being let out early didn't help him feel any better. The good news was that he had an assignment, while it wasn't something massive, it was at least something that would get him back into "school mode", a state of mind that he hadn't been in for a little while. As far as the rest of his classmates went, some of them seemed to be interested in what they were doing for the class but other's didn't seem to care at all. Jackson placed his hat back on his head once the class was called out early, dropping the questionaire back on the Instructors desk before he left the room.

It was still fairly early in the day and Jackson had at least an hour before his next class. He could only hope that other Instructors were letting thier classes out early as well, as he decided that he would go down to the cafe and pick up some breakfast; not before finding one of his friends to come and join him though. The class that Emily was a T.A for was only a few classrooms down from the one Jackson just got out of, he peaked into the classroom first to make sure it was empty before he stepped inside.

"Looks like we both lucked out, your class let out early as well?", Jackson walked over to the desk where Emily was putting some papers in a backpack.

"Yup, Instructor Wimms didn't want to teach a full class with weather like this, said it was too nice to be in class, naturally nobody complained..", it was hard for Jackson not to focus on her beautiful smile or long brown hair, "How do you like Felsar?"

"Class wasn't long enough to give a fair opinion. She does seem to be rather by the book though, at least on first glance. I'm sure you've got things to do and though I just came from there...how about we go grab an early lunch in town? My treat of course..."

Emily started to blush a little bit, "Oh I see how it is, not even back a day and trying to charm me, let me guess....you need me to do some of your homework for you?"

Jackson laughed, "Haha no I don't need you to do some of my homework for me, I just need a beautiful girl to eat lunch with."

Now Emily was a full blown red in the cheeks, "I think the only thing I didn't miss when you were gone was how you'd turn me into a blushing fool within minutes. Alright, lunch it is, I'll drop this bag off at the room and then we'll bike down?"

Both Jackson and Emily left the classroom, heading down to the dormitory area where they could both drop off somethings before heading down into town. With all important class papers put away, Jackson and Emily got thier bike, a two person bike, out of the one of the student storage units and made way into town. One of the more popular rumors around Balamb Garden was the possible relationship of the two, as Jackson was a high-profile student, due to his looks and abilities and Emily was one of the better liked and well respected T.A's that the Garden had. Plenty of students got thier giggles and whispers in as they biked away from the Garden and started on the road to town.

Once they arrived in town, they rode over to the waterfront cafe' that they would usually spend thier weekends at. They parked the bike out front of the place, putting it on the bike rack and heading into the cafe. Jackson and Emily were well known by the cafe owner, a short man by the name of Robert Mathis, he had taken a liking to the two of them and always asked to be called "Bob", yet Jackson had a hard time not calling him "Mr. Mathis". The usual table was a table for two, out on the back patio which was right next to the water. Bob knew better than to ask them if they wanted to see a menu, as he started the orders for Jackson's roast beef sandwitch and Emily's chicken noodle soup.

"Even though you said in your letter that you would be coming back, part of me didn't believe it. I don't know, it's not like I didn't trust what you were saying...just considering the circumstances and then what started to develop with Esthar, I figured the Headmaster would have a problem with you coming back...", Emily hated how she was always so much more open with Jackson than anyone else, how even a look from him would make her open up.

"Valid concerns but I was determined to come back, if just to see you for a little bit. As far as relations with Esthar....It's none of the Headmaster's concern, at least that's what I believe. The time hasn't come for everyone to pick which side they'll be standing on...", he took off his hat and placed it below his chair, not wanting to be rude.

"And when the time comes, for everyone to pick a side?", she looked nervous, as if his answer would break her heart.

"...Let's not worry about it? It's a beautiful day and we're back to the usual routine...No sense in worrying about things that we really cannot control right now...okay?", he looked at her with a set of pleading eyes, which was enough for her to let off the subject.

"That's fair enough, just one more thing about the past...I mean we can talk about it later but I just wanted to know, at least the vague details for now....how is...?"

Jackson smirked, "You're right, we can talk about it later my dear." As soon as Jackson finished his sentance, Bob brought both of thier meals out, which was a relief to the two of them. Class would be starting again soon for Jackson but he would get there on time and even if he didn't, he'd offer no apology this time, two tardy's in one day was a fair price to pay for enjoying an early lunch with someone he cared about greatly.

[Hitsugi]

Class ended in almost the blink of an eye. Hitsugi was so caught up in his thoughts that the time between the end of class and him walking back to his dorm was blurred to the point that it might have been the same minutes. To him anyway.

As he walked into his room he didn't see his roomate around anywhere. If he didn't know better he'd say his roomate had skipped town. It had been almost a month since the two had seen each other. It didn't really bother him. Hitsugi wasn't really a fan of that gun toting womanizer. Although he did learn a thing or to from him.

He sat down on his bed and untied his makeshift mask, revealing a rather square jawline. It was the most masculine of his features and through off his appearance. He took off his studded belt and tossed it aside onto the notch of the bedpost. He held his head back and closed his eyes.

Well that's day one of SeeD prep. More formulas and plans and plots.

Hitsugi thought. Standing up, he walked over to his desk. He pulled open a drawer and pulled out two potions and a pouch of poison powder. He set them on the desk while we walked to the adjacent wall. Hanging from the wall was a white duty belt with a black rose buckle and design flowing over the belt and it's many patches. Hitsugi only clipped the belt onto one loop of his pants so that the largest pouch would hang down on behind his right thigh. But above that, was his life. Monochrome. His ebony scythe with a contrasting white rose design running up and down the body. The petals of the rose connect the blade to the staff in such a way the blade could be sprung out like that of a halberd. That, among other things, was the strength of the scythe. It had many hidden surprises and symbolized Hitsugi's affinity to the elements of life and death. Fitting as the blade was made from a mesmerize blade from the Trabia forests. Normally Hitsugi would use a form of magic to conceal his weapon. But today he would walk with it plain in sight, it had been a trend for older, more experienced students, and he decided to indulge himself in the slack. He quickly reattached his mask and grabbed the aforementioned items while walking out the door. He decided to head to the library to study up on battle tactics ahead of the rest of the class.

[Lunasa]

The Magical Theory class began, and ended predictably; Instructor Pristan Deevis spent the first half hour lecturing on the importance of SeeD and with a similiar survey to that of Instructor Felsar, she opened her first class with the properties of para-magic, GF and of basic uses in battle. The Instructor sent the class away some hour and a half later(for each block consisted of two, 45 minute periods) with a small bit of homework: They had to decide of what five traits they would look for in a GF.

Lunch hour came and went, most of the students exploring the grounds or chatting about in the cafe, munching on hotdogs, discussing rumors and politics. After lunch, however, class SC-1 had Tactical and Field Strategy, which turned out to be a pretty interesting class, taught by Eli Braun, who (ironically) turned out to be a slight, brown-haired young man, bespectacled behind horn-rimmed glasses. The Instructor decided to forego with the 'SeeD' talk, and carried his soft tone into an blow-by-blow explanation of his SeeD encounter with a specialized Esthar soldier and how to correctly read the opponent eye to eye, predicting several moves ahead(a feat that would be attained with patience by the end of the semester). He dismissed his class fifteen minutes early(no homework for that class, yet) and after a twenty minute break, the final class of the day began.

Instructor Zohan Pord lived up to his battle-hardened reputation. He towered at 6'5" and his skin retained the all-year-round-tan for so many years, his skin was as tough as shoe leather. He sported trained arms and was as un-Instructor-like as could possibly be. He didn't wear the SeeD uniform like the rest of the lot sported, but a tight muscle shirt, and camo pants, and had an edge-up so meticulous, he might have used a slide rule. To top it all off, he had a cigar precariously dribbling from his lip in which (after a final inhale) he stomped with a large combat boot. It was time for class and to Instructor Pord, this was real business. It was in his hands to teach the students(properly) how to use a weapon. He had a weapon rack nearby and all kinds of weapons to introduce his class to.

[Fehrant]

Selenia stood, lining up with the rest of the students. In front of him, a towering instructor stood. He glanced at the group critically. Some of them felt pressured, some of them did not. Certainly, the man had a note-worthy presence, and unlike many of the other instructors, he had battle experience that made him a hardened soldier.

Out of all the classes so far, this only looked the most promising. But Selenia was distracted, her mind elsewhere. What are you trying to do?

---

It was lunch period. Her magical theory class had just ended. Selenia was exempt from magical classes that required their cadets to cast magic, but she was not exempt from theory classes. This served two purposes: first, it provided credits for her to graduate. Second, a warrior had to know how magic worked even if that warrior chose not to use it (or more accurately, was not able to use it). A SeeD soldier had to be prepared, and know what to expect. Much to Selenia's gripe, they wanted their recruits to fight with their heads, instead of letting themselves be caught in what they referred as "heat of battle"; for her, nothing was better than letting mind and body react naturally.

Like most of the young recruits that had lunch on this period, Selenia headed to the cafeteria. The place was pretty big, as it allowed most of the students to have lunch at the same time. Lunch extended itself between this period, and the next one, so as to allow room for everyone to be sat. Even so, the cafeteria connected directly with a mid-sized garden, a place that students also used for having their meals on the sun. The grass was carefully trimmed, and a few trees provided shade. White benches were placed alongside the narrow paths that divided the green fields composing this small resting place. Selenia usually took her meal here most of the times, since it was hard to find an unused table, not to mention she preferred to eat alone rather than listen to idle chatter.

It was her turn to decide which food she wanted in her tray. She wasn't very picky, and just chose whatever she thought at the moment. Selenia noted the importance of a balanced meal, but sometimes she didn't care. Today, though, she wasn't eating junk food: some pieces of meat loaf cut thin, pumpkin purée, and a side of asparagus with olive oil and salt.

Considering today's food, however, she would need a table indoors. She was searching for a spot, unsuspecting that three cadets were glancing at her from a table.

"That's the one that hit Samantha with a wooden sword in the arm?" Asked one with spiky, orange hair, who was facing towards the direction Selenia was approaching.

His two mates turned around to verify. "Yeah, that's her," confirmed one. "It was during spar, though, so she can get off with it. I feel sorry for Samantha, though. She said it hurt."

"Yeah," acknowledged the third one. "Not to mention, Samatha's hot and you can't just do that to a hot chick." He grinned. The cadet next to him grinned too, but the one with spiky orange hair looked at Selenia intently.

"Who says she can get away with it?" He prompted.

The two other recruits looked half-puzzled, and half-anxious. "What are you going to do, Jared?" Asked one of them.

This time, Jared was the one to grin. "Follow my lead, and when I get up from the table, you guys take your trays and follow me." He dug his hand into his pocket, and took out a wallet. He searched a bit, before he took out a couple of bills and looked satisfied, stashing away his wallet. By now, Selenia was almost passing to the side of the table, not paying attention to them. When she was almost next to Jared, he stuck out his leg so bluntly, he almost kicked Selenia's. Unsuspecting, Selenia tripped on the leg, dropping the tray with her untouched food in the process but regaining her balance, and avoiding the fall. The tray fell face down into the ground. The purée splattered past the square tray, and the oil of the side dish was already spreading out on the ground. All the food had gone to waste.

The loud clank made a several heads turn. Those who knew Selenia, either gasped, or keep watching, expecting trouble to arise. Several other students simply resumed what they were doing, putting it off as an accident. The farthest one of the three cadets snorted, while the other forcibly suppressed his laugh. Jared had a triumphant grin plastered over his face, and he was only half way through his scheme. He crumbled up the bills and tossed them at Selenia. They hit her body, and fell to the ground.

"There you go; for your next meal. Samantha sends her regards, bitch." He got up with his tray, and his companions did the same. But just as he was about to do so, Selenia spoke.

"Where the fuck do you think you're going?"

Jared's face switched to scorn. "Oh, I'm sorry. You want me to pick that up for you...?"

Selenia's eyes that were looking at her tray, fixed on Jared. Jared reflexes weren't quick enough. Selenia closed in, and socked him a clean left before he had managed to drop his tray. The fist smacked the side of his face hard, and made him fall backwards due of the bench. Food fell to the sides, but otherwise the tray made it safely to the table. The cadet closest to her quickly moved to Selenia, but was in turn slammed by his punched friend's tray. The third one tried to get away from between the bench and the table, but Selenia leapt on to the table, and kicked him flat in the chest. By now, Jared was up again, red with anger and with a sore cheek. He spat blood.

Shouts of "fight, fight, fight" filled the cafeteria. Some cadet from the crowd tried to grapple Selenia when she got off the table to stop the fight, but she kicked his legs on one side, and chopped him with the opposite hand in the other side, making him lose his balance and fall flat on the ground. Another cadet tried to stop Jared, but he shoved him away with a wild swing of his arm. He charged towards her, but she rammed the hilt of one of her katanas right in his solar plexus. Jared gasped for air as he went to the ground.

Selenia picked up a tray from one of the cadets in Jared's group. She took it towards gasping Jared, and let all the food splatter over him. Just as the last of the meal fell off, the fight had been neutralized. Jared's group was being held by many people from the crowd, and an instructor stood behind Selenia.

"Miss Selenia," she called irritated.

"It wasn't her fault," replied another voice to a question that was imminent. That prissy voice. I know it from somewhere... Selenia turned, only to find Erin amongst the crowd. She had that confident smile again. Not for long. "The boy over there tripped Selenia purposely, and actually tossed the money to her all crumbled up to repay for the food, after calling her, if I may be excused for using such a word, 'bitch'. I believe he had no intention whatsoever of apologizing."

"I see," replied the instructor present digesting her account. "Still, I would like to have a word with you two, Jared, Selenia." Before she followed the instructor out of the cafeteria, Erin gave off one last grin at her as if delighted.

What are you trying to do? I will still fight with you, she thought, but said nothing.

---

Her mind returned to the moment at present. The instructor seemed ready to begin with his class.