[RP] Balamb Garden

"Well that didn't take long, did I spoil your fun my dear?"

Bianca sheathed her sword and put her hand on her head, "You just don't show restraint in killing monsters, do you?" She said nonchalantly before turning her attention to a group of people heading out. "Hey Sera, come on." She said before running down and out of the training facility, following a female as she stopped to read the bulletin. Coming up close to the bulletin she saw the message on it.

~~SeeD's of Balamb Garden, you have an opportunity to embark on a journey to the wondrous Esthar. I know some of you haven't had the chance to live the life of the infamous SeeD, but now is your chance. Learn about the Lunar Cry, experience a world outside of Balamb; the choice is yours and yours alone. Interested? Please give Xu your name and await further instruction.

Yours, Headmaster Cid.~~

"Hmm, the Lunar Cry?" Bianca said, not exactly knowing about the Lunar Cry and what it had to do with the Republic of Eshtar. Still the opprotunity to go was very great indeed, she wanted to go, and if it meant dragging Sera along for the ride then by god she is definitely coming.
 
Sera calmly walked after Bianca, seeing no reason to rush as she arrived at the noticeboard. She then read over what Bianca was interested in before placing a hand on her shoulder

"That might work out, aside from one fine detail... We're not SeeDs, and it seems to concern them in particular"

Sera then turned away and folded her arms before facing Bianca again "unless you had some idea to get yourself included?"

Turning to look out to the central area Sera spoke up again "Assuming this isn't too urgent, perhaps we should wait for now, it's not like we're far off from the final part of the SeeD exam, then you can go on misadventures all you like"
 
“Oh, Hyne? Well, the people call me Kaine here… well, at least the instructors do.”

Well, that had been a little...disappointing; though it had been informative. Kaine apparently either didn't put much thought into his relationships with others or simply didn't live in the dorms - rare but possible. Reflecting on the battle techniques he had observed Kaine doing, it made sense that he was the former; his moves were closer to that of a solo artist than a duet or trio. There was a sort of subtle forlorn feeling to the last statement, there but not really there. Around here it seemed as though most bonds were formed over missions and working together. If Kaine hadn't been on a mission since he became a SeeD, Alex could understand the agitation.

"Hey if there's any SeeD's in here, make sure you look at the notice board on your way out - if you make it out obviously, heh! Headmaster Cid has a proposition for you, ya know?!"

Zell's voice echoed through the Training center easily, his natural loudness coupled with his intent to yell resounded across the cavernous room and the metal plates all around. He was a bouncy little bastard, an annoyance at best. Granted he had combat skills but his personality was worse than Selphie; with Selphie all you had to do was mention trains or tell her that someone wasn't on the Garden Festival Committee and you were free. With a short sigh, Alex took a second to actually parse what Zell had said. From the sound of it, Cid had opened up a mission to whomever wished to go - that's what proposition sounded like at least.

“…So yeah, I’ll be catchin’ you some other time, Hyne man… Stay cool??”

Kaine's voice rose up form below. Looking back, he caught the tail end of a salute before the grey-haired boy ran off.

"Yes, that would be your chance to prove yourself, wouldn't it?" Alex said, a slight smile gracing his lips. "And calling me Hyne already? He has no clue..."

From his back pocket, he fished out a small dark green notebook. Deftly, he flipped it open and read some of the entries in it. A short bit of math later, he determined that it would be about another 2 weeks before he got another mission based on what he had been doing before. Definitely enough time to do whatever Cid had to do. That and keep an eye on Kaine. A strictly professional relationship but he could see the boy had potential, if he only had the opportunity to use it. With a sharp clap, the notebook was shut and replaced back from whence it came. Swinging his legs off to the side, he held Azrael tightly in his right hand and slipped off the edge.

Raising up Azrael to the sky, he fired it as he fell, the tip stabbing into the wood with a force that buried it in. The cable quickly extended to its full length as he fell, the multi-fibered metal easily able to hold his weight and probably someone else's as well. Reaching the end of it's length, Alex's acceleration yanked it out from its hold in the bark and he fell the last 16 or so feet without a problem; the force of his acceleration had been used to yank the weapon from the bark. With a swift crack and a click the blade danced down and around before settling back into its normal form as he stood up. Stalking his way through the undergrowth, he was accosted by a lone Grat. After a single attack it had been inflicted with its own poisons thanks to the Pain spells Alex had junctioned to Azrael. Leaving the overgrown venus flytrap to screech piteously, he continued to the message board.

"I hope it isn't as big a waste of time as that bag of stomach acid was," he said grimly, his words punctuated by yet another screech.
 
Headmaster Cid
Headmaster Cid's Office


​
A few minutes had passed since Zell left the office, presumably to distribute the letters Cid had scribbled down in haste. The remaining SeeD's in the room were seemingly digesting and discussing the upcoming visit to Esthar, up until an unannounced guest entered the room,

"Headmaster, i read the poster that you requested to be posted, what is the problem in Esthar, i assume that it is severe as Squall and the others require assistance"

Cid was somewhat surprised at the young man's willingness to enter his office and approach him without even requesting permission,

"Stephen, at ease." Cid sarcastically groaned, trying to get the point across that he should be more respectful when addressing the Headmaster.

"I'm thrilled that you've already seen my notice! There certainly isn't a problem in Esthar - not one that I'm aware of - this is simply an opportunity for some of our newer SeeD's to accompany our seasoned SeeD's whilst assisting President Laguna. Squall and Co are all vastly experienced and know what the Lunar Cry is all about. As a massive part of the worlds history, and Balamb Garden's history more importantly, I think it would be hugely beneficial for people such as yourself to join them. Wouldn't you agree?"

Stephen, the student Cid was addressing, was not unknown to Cid. He had a knowledge of all SeeD's, not just the high profile ones. He had hoped that the kind of SeeD's his note attracted weren't just those after a fight, hence the reason he was so pleased to see Stephen in his office.

"So, can we count you in, Stephen?"​
 
Stephen took note of the tone in Cid's voice, "sorry for bursting in headmaster" Stephen announced as Cid continued, with what he was saying, "I'm thrilled that you've already seen my notice! There certainly isn't a problem in Esthar - not one that I'm aware of - this is simply an opportunity for some of our newer SeeD's to accompany our seasoned SeeD's whilst assisting President Laguna. Squall and Co are all vastly experienced and know what the Lunar Cry is all about. As a massive part of the worlds history, and Balamb Garden's history more importantly, I think it would be hugely beneficial for people such as yourself to join them. Wouldn't you agree?" Cid spoke in his usual tone "So, can we count you in, Stephen?" "yes headmaster, my sevices are yours for this operation" Stephen informed him, Before saluting and taking a step back, "I have a few things to gather and prepare for the mision Sir, so i shall take my leave" Stephen informed the Headmaster before saluting again and leaving his office.

Steriding towards the Elevator, he hits the button for the ground floor and waits while the doors closed and headed down towards the ground floor. a loud ding rang out and the doors of the elevator opened, heading towards the Dorm's, Stephen strode with pride, he would arrive at the Dorms in no time. Fifteen short minutes of walking after, Stephen had arrived at the Dorms and searched around his room for his metal plated Leather gloves, highly trusted to him, the weapon he used on all his previous missions in which he was succesful.

Stephen slid on his gloves and headed out of th dorm's, he couldn't reall think what to do next, perhaps he woul head to the trining area, he heard thee were a few Rexaurs that were outta control and thus Stephen fgured he would had don and tae a couple out.
 
Mercy Kodashi - Just outside the training facility ((music))
Mercy felt slightly uncomfortable shaking hands with people, but the friendliness that was shining through the uneasy feeling in her stomach was worth it. She listened as the other spoke "Heh, me too I've kinda been a loner here." Kallen smiled and let go of mercys hand, as she did Mercy suddenly felt a slight bit better but something else seemed wrong, Mercy couldnt put her finger on it though. Before Mercy had time to think too hard about it she heard shoes squeaking on the waxed floor. the squeaks came closer and without looking Mercy instinctively knew it was zell, noone else ran that much.

When she looked over to the entrance she saw Zell run over to the bulletin board and plaster a message on the board and then he yelled in the direction of the training grounds. "Hey if there's any SeeD's in here, make sure you look at the notice board on your way out - if you make it out obviously, heh! Headmaster Cid has a proposition for you, ya know?!"

He ran off soon after he yelled that out with a smirk, Kallen had decided to walk over to the board and read what the notice said.
"Hmm sounds interesting... Hey Mercy come over here and take a look!" she yelled out to Mercy. Who started walking over until she stood slightly behind and to the right of Kallen, she read the notice over Kallens shoulder

~~SeeD's of Balamb Garden, you have an opportunity to embark on a journey to the wondrous Esthar. I know some of you haven't had the chance to live the life of the infamous SeeD, but now is your chance. Learn about the Lunar Cry, experience a world outside of Balamb; the choice is yours and yours alone. Interested? Please give Xu your name and await further instruction.

Yours, Headmaster Cid.~~

"Youre right Kallen, This does sound interesting but do you think well be ready for something like that? this was probably why squall and the others were called up there, i dont think im anywhere near as good as he is, though i think i could probably take zell" Mercy joked to Kallen, she was about to say something else when someone walked into her, Who ever it was knocked both of them down Mercy looked over to the other girl on the floor and started "Hey why dont you watch..." it was now that she noticed it was Selphie Tillmitt



Selphie Tillmitt -Headmaster Cid's Office

Selphie listened as Squall asked the fateful question that she had been hoping for. "When do we leave..? And what will be our Transportation Method..?" and she waited hoping and wishing for that one answer that could make her happy "Train of course. The Garden is due to make a visit to Fisherman's Horizon later today and their train line is fully function once again; making it quite easy to reach Esthar. I trust this is OK?" Cid ended his sentence with a uncharacteristically cheeky wink. But the rest of this discussion was now lost on selphie, She said "Ok then im off to get ready, might need to warm up a little in the training grounds, its been a while since i had to use the nunchaku, my good old friends" she walked to the exit "Bye everyone" She dawdled down to her room in a dreamy haze, She was going through her past battles, and how they had always seemed better than her, She was certain that she had improved with all her secret training but she wouldnt know until she tried it out on a monster.

She grabbed her nunchaku and headed to the training facility. Her mind was flitting through what monsters she would be likely to face so she wasnt really paying attention to where she was going, which caused her to bump into someone and fall over The other girl started to speak but stopped short of finishing her sentence for some reason Selphie looked up and noticed who she had knocked over. It was Mercy Kodashi, one of the candidates mentioned by Cid and stood nearby was Kallen, yet another of the candidates that had been mentioned, Now was her chance to see them in real action "Im sorry Mercy", Selphie said as she stood up "I hadnt noticed you there as i was pre-occupied, Say would you two like to train with me?" Selphie didnt know wether or not to ruin the surprise that the two had been picked or not

Mercy Kodashi - just outside training facility

Mercy blinked in shock when selphie asked the two of them to train with her. It was like a dream come true, everyone knew about the famous sEEd and their exploits, but to see one live in action would be something else. "Y-Yes id love to" She stuttered as she stood up "You up for it Kallen?"
 
Striding towards the training area, Stephen took note of a couple of Seed Candidates Talking with Selphie, Striding past he looked at Selphie and smirked "alright Selphie" he announced as he strode past and headed into the training area on his own. looking around the area once inside, Stephen didn't see any T-rexaurs, but a few Grats, "Might as well warm up for them" Stephen announced as he strode towards a single Grat, smiling he let out a whistle catching it's attention. the Grat let out a Screech before moving into clawing range.

Launching a claw attack at Stephen the Grat clearly wanted to claim the young SeeD's lif, but it wasn't that easy, Stephen avoide the claw and grabbed the tentacle that it was on, pulling the Tentacle off of the creature, causing it to Screech once more, he dropped the tentacle and charged at the beast avoiding another claw attack Stephen slid across the moist dirt and planted his Elbow in the Centre of the monster, sliding it back a foot or so. "is this all you have" Stephen muttered knowing the monster couldn't understand him, unleashing yet another claw attack, this one however clipped Stephen's shoulder cutting his flesh shallowly "your joking, this is my favorite T-shirt" Stephen announced as he lunjed forward and punched the creature before performing a front flip and dropping his heel Square between the eyes of the Grat, causing it to let out a final screech before it shriveled and died.

Stephen got up to his feet and patted the dirt off his back and legs "I love doing that" Stephen muttered "I just hope someone saw tht flip, it would have looked really cool, Especially considering it killed the creature" Stephen joked to himself with a smirk.
 
Rinoa Heartilly
Headmaster's Office
​

Rinoa smiled at the friends she hadn't quite had the time for lately, what with her training with Edea and helping Dr. Kadowaki in the infirmary. "I already apologized, guys." She turned her attention to Cid, listening as the others asked questions and he answered them, until people began drifting out of his office. Waiting as Cid spoke with Zell, she cleared her throat once the room was empty, ready to ask him a few questions... until someone else burst into the room wanting to speak with him. Backing up to a wall, she leaned against it to wait until they were done, and hearing a break in the conversation Cid was having with the boy she thought was called Stephen, she addressed him. "Headmaster... does this trip to Esthar concern sorceress matters in particular? I'd like to know if it does, since I still don't really understand all of my powers, and Dr. Odine might be able to help me a little if he has the time... well, the time and no desire to suspend me a time lock again."

Xu
2F Classroom
​

Xu opened her recent messages on her computer, seeing one from the headmaster. She scanned it quickly, the list of names jumping out at her and the order to collect them to prepare them for a mission to Esthar. Highlighting the list and instructions, she printed them out and stood up from her desk. Time to do a bit of headhunting before her next class.

Grabbing her list from the printer on her way out, she looked at it more carefully.

"Mercy Kodashi
Robert Maisu
Bianca Mastai
Sera Koshi
Kallen Akauasu"

She said each name to herself quietly, trying to decide where they were be at this time. The training center was always a good bet, and Xu crossed the hallway to the elevator to take her back to the first floor. Upon reaching the training center, she spied the tell-tale yellow dress of Selphie. "Hello Selphie; I see you're talking to a couple of candidates that I need to speak to... would you mind if I borrowed them for a second?"

((I'm going to pretend that Farro gave me permission to post with Xu already. Wanted to get the ball rolling while I had 30 minutes to read over the RP. =/ ))
 
Quistis gave a short bow. "Understood, Headmaster. Then I know everything I need to know. Thank you." She glanced around at her gathered friends, eyeing them all. "I suggest you all do the same. Forewarned is forearmed, and frankly, I'd rather you all made a good impression on behalf of Garden. I don't need to tell you how important our outside relationships are after all this time."

She hugged the jacket of her SeeD uniform closer to herself. "It was good to see you all again. Don't be late." Turning back to the Headmaster, she nodded curtly. "Well then sir, if there's nothing else, I'll take my leave." Turning on her heel, she left the office, smoothing her hair back again. Back out into the field, huh? It had been a while, but she was ready for it.

Her quarters weren't too far from Headmaster Cid's office. Grabbing a suitcase, she piled in enough clothes to last a week, trying to balance neatness, compactness, and quickness. She didn't have all day to choose what she wanted to wear.

As for fighting monsters, she didn't have all of her blue magic ready and available to be used. She had been made rusty by her lack of combat experience. However, she had Odin, Hecatonacheir, and a few blue magic spells stored away. And the rest would come to her in time, no doubt. Fighting was much like riding a bike for any SeeD. You would get rusty, but never truly incompetent.
 
+Heart pumping, sweat glazing. His free-run crunched leaves under his weight, as Kaine raced towards the entrance. It was pure adventure, as his body moved on reflex and instinct- he dodged small monsters, hopped over short stumps and just pushed his legs to their limits. Kaine was a complete and utter figure of speed- did that heavy sword even weigh him down?! Probably, as perspiration soaked the rim of the scabbard on his shirt. +


+While the conversation with Alex was quite interesting- perhaps even stimulating- Kaine cursed himself for not training closer to this prized notice board. It was his chance to actually prove himself, and nobody would stand in the way of that. However, he‘d have to get to the entrance first. He hurled himself into every hop, every vault that would shave a few seconds off his time. Of course, running at that speed, of course Kaine would run through some kind of spar. This time, it was a grat fight.+


"your joking, this is my favourite T-shirt"
　
+Kaine looked forward, barely registering the ongoing fight ahead. This guy- black hair, with a set of stand out blue eyes- seemed to be fist fighting. Fist styles were not exactly common among those he knew. His old class only had a handful- and they tended to use magic in conjunction. Nevertheless, this dude was using just his fists, and he was kicking ass! But then, in came the front flip. The heel-drop that killed the plant monster.+

"I just hope someone saw tht flip, it would have looked really cool, Especially considering it killed the creature"

+ While the Black haired fist-fighter muttered this Kaine‘s path passed by him, Roughly 10 feet away from the other’s stance. Of course, Kaine couldn’t help himself. He had to give his opinion- a sly little commentary. His left foot hit a hardwood tree trunk and he vaulted into the air from it- speaking as his body sliced through the air. +

“…I’ve Seen better.”

+With heavy pants cutting into his speech, Kaine hit the ground running, as he finished the word ‘better‘. His quick pace wouldn‘t have given much chance to reply, as Kaine‘s run turned into a pure sprint to the notice, something akin to tunnel vision taking his eyes. Why would he need it? It was just a straight-line to his destination.+

“Al…most…there!”

+ He was getting closer and closer. It was heart racing just to watch him! Nothing was going to stop him getting to it… except for a group of chatting people! It was those who had reached the board before him: his rivals! This minute distraction was enough- just enough, to catch him off balance. His right foot slipped, and he entered into a painful fall- rolling forward. Kaine’s trip would last a few seconds, but the distance travelled was decent enough. His person stopped just at the feet of Selphie Tilmitt. Obviously, it was painful. Kaine’s gauntlet arm took the brunt of the fall, with the armour piece taking a lot of damage. However, his upper arm was grazed heavily, bleeding. Of course, he had other lacerations covering the rest of his left side, but the arm was the worse.+

“Ah…stings…”

+Muttered Kaine, in a breathless whisper. This was quickly followed by a hop to his feet, as he realised the key point: He had reached it! The notice! With a child-like ignorance, he pushed past the group currently chatting and headed closer to the letter upon the board. Kaine the read this clearly, mouthing it to himself.+

~~SeeD's of Balamb Garden, you have an opportunity to embark on a journey to the wondrous Esthar. I know some of you haven't had the chance to live the life of the infamous SeeD, but now is your chance. Learn about the Lunar Cry, experience a world outside of Balamb; the choice is yours and yours alone. Interested? Please give Xu your name and await further instruction.

Yours, Headmaster Cid.~~


+When he finished reading- joy lifting his heart- Kaine then began to scratch his head, thinking to himself.+

“How many slots are going for this thing?!”
 
((OOC sorry for the late reply lol still fighting off my Broncitius(SP?) and why can no one spell my name right D; its Ak"aura"su :P ))

Kallen Akaurasu

"Youre right Kallen, This does sound interesting but do you think well be ready for something like that? this was probably why squall and the others were called up there, i dont think im anywhere near as good as he is, though i think i could probably take zell" Mercy joked to Kallen, she was about to say something else when someone walked into her, Who ever it was knocked both of them down Mercy looked over to the other girl on the floor and started "Hey why dont you watch..."

Kallen giggled at Mercys joke on Zell. "I'm sure you could take him easy, all you'd have to do is dangle a hot dog in front of him. before her joke could sink in a girl in yellow ran into Mercy knocking her down onto the ground, when the other girl moved her face up, Kallen remembered her face, it was Selphie.

Kallen held her head wondering how Selphie could be so klutzy, but she laughed and watched them talk a moment.

"Im sorry Mercy", Selphie said as she stood up "I hadnt noticed you there as i was pre-occupied, Say would you two like to train with me?"

Mercy almost replied instantly with a yes in excitment.

"I don't mind it, though I was going to see Headmaster Cid to apply for the trip to Esthar..."

As soon as Kallen had turned around she noticed another familiar face.

"Xu's here as well...?" Xu went stright to Selphie to talk to her

"Hello Selphie; I see you're talking to a couple of candidates that I need to speak to... would you mind if I borrowed them for a second?"

"You need something from us Xu?" Kallen asked with a tone of respect to her.
 
Xu
Training Center
​
"You need something from us Xu?"

Xu looked over at the student speaking to her, identifying her as Kallen Akaurasu and pulling out her instruction sheet to check it quickly. "Yes. The Headmaster has given me orders for a number of SeeD candidates, and you two are on my list. I'm sure you heard the call for the six higher ranking SeeDs earlier; you're being sent along with them. They will be mentoring you in the field, along with a few other students, and you'd do well to respect them and learn from this trip. There may not be much in the way of combat, but a SeeD must also learn how to deal with political matters at times. It's not as simple as taking orders." Xu shot a serious look at the two cheerful looking girls, and then relaxed her face into a smile.

"However, Esthar is an amazing place, and I'm sure you'll be allowed to see some of the sights in the city as well. It's a wonderful city, and I believe you'll be visiting Odine's labs as well. It should be quite the trip, girls."

Xu folded her paper carefully and slipped it back into a pocket of her uniform, smoothing the pocket down and subconsciously checking her belt for her baton. She didn't feel quite right without it, and though most didn't carry their weapons through the Garden, she preferred to after events a few years back. Being able to protect herself was quite high on her list of priorities.

"Oh, and are there any questions?"

 
Stephen smirked at the sarcastic comment from the almost blur like person rocketing past him. "haha, students" he muttered to himself before heading out of the training area, he strode through the training centre, exiting the area after a few short minutes of walking, once outside he saw the guy who made the sarcastic remark, the guy was cut up seriously down one side of his body, striding up to him he smiled "hey, i guess when you said you had seen better, i guess you weren't talking about your own skills right, nasty wound you got yourself there." Stephen informed him, sarcastically of course. he then turned to walk away and saw Xu was stood talking with Selphie and the two SeeD Candidates. Walking over to the group he looked at Xu.

"hey, Xu, i think you need to take a look at the guy there, his arm is messed up, looks like a T-rexaur used him as a chew toy" Stephen informed her with a semi serious tone in his voice. lookin at Selphie and then to the two caandidates, Stephen realised that these two candidates would be among tthose on the Esthar Trip turning to them he extended his hand for a shake "hey guys, the name is Stephen, I'm a SeeD, you gonna be joining us in the trip to Esthar?" Stephen asked "and don't let Miss Tillmitt here get started on trains, she has way to much information on them" Stephen informed the two candidates in a joking manor glancing over at Selphie he smiled "How are you Selphie, looking forward to the train trip to Esthar i Assume?" Stephen asked almost posative the answer was an emphatic yes.
 
Xu
Training Center


​
"hey, Xu, i think you need to take a look at the guy there, his arm is messed up, looks like a T-rexaur used him as a chew toy" Xu turned her attention to the new arrivals, one being Stephen, who she knew somewhat well, and the other a newer SeeD she hadn't had much contact with at all. The newer SeeD was covered in scratches, scrapes, and cuts, and Xu looked over at him with a frown on her face. She didn't stock healing magic and her items were in her room...

"I can't really do anything for him at the moment Stephen... I don't stock healing magic any longer, and I don't have any potions on me either to take the sting out of it for him. Selphie? Kallen, Mercy? Anyone have at least a potion to hold him over until we can get him to the infirmary?"

She moved closer to the injured boy, careful of his injuries but attempting to inspect them regardless. "How did this happen?" She asked softly, leaning a little closer to him and trying to recognize his face. Xu couldn't quite place the face, though he looked familiar. Rarely did she regret her lack of healing magic, but this was one of those times.
 
"That might work out, aside from one fine detail... We're not SeeDs, and it seems to concern them in particular unless you had some idea to get yourself included?"

For that, Bianca scowled, if there was one thing Sera was good at, it was taking the winds out of her sails. "Oh, I'm thinking I'm thinking!" Bianca pouted as she said that, looking at Xu as she passed through into the training facility. She barely paid Sera any mind as she followed the Instructor back into the training facility. As soon as Xu mentioned of a Potion to help an injured boy, Bianca pulled one from her pocket. "I always carry one on hand with me at all times." She said, smiling as she handed the bottle to Xu so she could hand it to the injured boy. "My name is Bianca, Bianca Mastai." She said calmly.
 
Quistis placed her suitcase by the side of the Training Center door as she saw the injured boy, surrounded by several figures, including Selphie and someone she hadn't seen in a while; her old friend Xu. But now wasn't the time for casual reminiscing. There was a patient to treat. And in the absence of Rinoa and Doctor Kadowaki, she was one of the best healers and magic users in Balamb.

"Stand aside," she demanded curtly, walking through the crowd with her magic at the ready. Her magic flared as she surrounded herself with an empowering aura. She felt fire run through her veins and her breath catch in her throat as the power swelled. Her ability to use Blue Magic had been awakened by the Aura spell, and it was this she would use to heal the boy.

Wind gathered around her and the other students. The wind was largely uncontrollable, and would likely heal the other students as it healed her intended target, not that that mattered. Looking him over, she directed what wind she could at the worst of the boy's wounds, while glazing over the more superficial wounds and cleaning them out rather than closing them. The wind glimmered with white light as it worked its magic, disinfecting and closing the more severe gashes

Quistis ended the procedure and finished by dispelling the wind and her aura with it. Finally releasing a few cure spells to close what remained, she released her hold on the magic and took a second to take a breather. But only a second. Leaning against the wall to regain her strength, she looked at Xu. "What now?"
 
Headmaster Cid
Headmaster Cid's office

​
"Headmaster... does this trip to Esthar concern sorceress matters in particular? I'd like to know if it does, since I still don't really understand all of my powers, and Dr. Odine might be able to help me a little if he has the time... well, the time and no desire to suspend me a time lock again."

Rinoa understandably had questions, but unfortunately Headmaster Cid did not have the answers."I'm sorry dear, that is something you will have to raise with President Laguna himself. Although, I imagine Dr. Odine will be present during your visit."

This was an assumption on Cid's part, but Dr. Odine was never far behind whenever Esthar was mentioned. They had never met, yet there was something about Odine that Cid had never trusted; just by going on hearsay and personal opinions.

Aware that time was ticking, Cid thought it would be best to deliver another message over his trusty, outdated intercom. The technology available at people's fingertips was amazing, the Garden could technically fly, yet the Headmaster like tried and tested methods.
Slowly meandering towards the intercom button, Cid cleared his throat:

"Good evening! How is everyone? Ah, you can hear me, but I can't hear you...how embarrassing. Moving on, would all personnel involved in the visit to Esthar please gather at the Garden Index tomorrow at 10am. If you wish to register an interest, please do so with Xu - within the next hour. Spaces are very limited, as we already have an experienced group of SeeD's involved; it is strictly a first come, first served basis. I will be providing one final briefing tomorrow morning. That is all. Thank you."


​
 
+Kaine‘s ignorance was something to beggar belief. He barely even acknowledged his injuries- his excitement to behold the notice board was just too much. With a sigh, he turned around- and was quite flabbergasted by the shear amount of people staring at his injuries. It was only when -upon rubbing his face in a nervous tic- Kaine realised the amount of blood pouring from his left arm, with the crimson fluid painting his face with a red hand…Maybe the limp should of gave him a hint?+
　
　
“…uhhh…”
　
"hey, i guess when you said you had seen better, i guess you weren't talking about your own skills right, nasty wound you got yourself there."
　
+Before Kaine explained himself, in came a sarcastic quip, soaked with karma. While ‘what goes around, comes around‘ is quite the cliché, it fit perfectly into this situation. Sensing this, Kaine raised his injured hand into the foundation of an obscene gesture, the middle finger, but withdrew his arm timidly as the stinging pain smashed his brain- he wouldn‘t be doing that for a while.+
　
“ …Smart ass…”
　
+A slightly audible murmur departed from Kaine‘s lips, as the black-haired, Fist-Fighting smart ass spoke to Xu- the woman he was just looking for. Yet, the conversation he was having with her wasn‘t as he imagined- him begging for a spot on this mission squad. Instead, he was replying to an inquiry, to what actually happened. With a hint of a red face-somewhat noticeable from his bloodied cheek- he eventually replied to her question.+
　
"How did this happen?"
　
“….Welllllll…. That shoulder wound was- as the ‘Smart ass’ says- from a fight with a T-Rexaur….The majority of the cuts came from a bad…errr….Fall?”
　
+Kaine’s response was timid, shy. It was obviously the product of a wounded ego. Of everything to happen, why a stupid fall? So maybe it was a bad one- he did land on sharp stones, and rolled quite the distance. Still, he was in pain… Therefore, he waited for some sort of potion to come his way- having wasted his only one earlier. Yet, an improvement came instead, for as Xu received a potion another instructor seemed to be heading over. Falling to his ass, feeling somewhat dizzy, he heard speech.+
　
"Stand aside,”
　
+Who would be his healer? Only one Quistis Trepe, a member of Squall ‘victory team’.+
　
“Err… No, that’ll be…. ACK!”
　
+Kaine‘s half-hearted attempt to halt her healing was interrupted by himself, and the stinging sensation of the sealing wounds. He sat upon the ground like a bold child, Muttering slight swears to himself with each bad stinging cut. Eventually, the process finished and- in a fit of humiliation- Kaine muttered a small ‘Thank you‘ to his aiding seniors, and stomped through the increasing crowd of people. This stomp was hastening in it’s pace, until Cid‘s intercom Rang out in the hall+
　
"Good evening! How is everyone? Ah, you can hear me, but I can't hear you...how embarrassing. Moving on, would all personnel involved in the visit to Esthar please gather at the Garden Index tomorrow at 10am. If you wish to register an interest, please do so with Xu - within the next hour. Spaces are very limited, as we already have an experienced group of SeeD's involved; it is strictly a first come, first served basis. I will be providing one final briefing tomorrow morning. That is all. Thank you."


+Kaine halted in his tracks, and his bellow echoed in the centre. He had to save face after this. F*** entering the mission for the experience, he had pride to rebuild. +
　
“Kaine is my name…SIGN ME UP for that mission.”
　
+What a way to talk to your commanding officer, but Kaine had seen red at this point. He hoped Xu would actually do as asked, but didn’t stick around for extremely long. His walk continued forward. A wall of shame.+
 
The Grat he had incapacitated just a few moments before seemed to be following him, though at least still blind given it was stumbling over roots and raised metal plates.

"Do you really want to die that badly?" he asked coldly.

As if to answer, the monster screeched again, coming right at him, its flailing arms ready to attack. The first blow cam from his left but it was wide; all it took to dodge was a sidestep to the right. The usual mode of attack for these beasts was to follow up immediately with a matching blow from the opposite side so Alex brought Azrael up in a guard, the blade angled slightly. Following cue, it swung the two tentacled pods on its left side. The fibrous stalks cut throught he air but failed to cut past steel. The angle of Azrael and the force of the swing resulted in the stalks being shorn off, the pods and their attached tentacles flying off into the brush. Taking the opportunity, Alex whirled around, triggering the release mechanism as he did. Azrael followed through, whipping around, the blade segments spiraling out and ripping through the other arms once Alex had come full circle. A flick of his wrist and another trigger and the cable smashed down atop the Grat's gaping maw and began to rip through it, sawing it's way down to the earth.

Though nearly severed in twain, the plantlike creature still hung to vestiges of life, just long enough to screech once more before falling dead, the green plant flesh already darkening. Tapping the now sword form Azrael on the ground, he knocked off the last of the gastric acids that lingered on it. He'd have to clean and oil the weapon once he got a chance to keep the metals from sustaining any damage; the Grat's acids, while painful to flesh weren't even close to as effective on metal though prolonged contact could prove damaging.

Taking a few more steps though the forest, he came to one of several paths through the Training Center. Walking down it he soon came to the notice board. As was to be expected, there was a throng around it, mostly students he knew nothing about though a few he did recognize turned their heads as soon as they saw him, blushing slightly. Among them were also several he knew by name: Selphie, Xu, the grey-haired boy Kaine,and Quistis. Kaine was on the ground, and the smell of blood tinged the air. Glancing around he saw the small trail of blood leading to where Kaine sat, being tended to by Quistis.

"Too eager for his own good," he thought, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Good evening! How is everyone? Ah, you can hear me, but I can't hear you...how embarrassing. Moving on, would all personnel involved in the visit to Esthar please gather at the Garden Index tomorrow at 10am. If you wish to register an interest, please do so with Xu - within the next hour. Spaces are very limited, as we already have an experienced group of SeeD's involved; it is strictly a first come, first served basis. I will be providing one final briefing tomorrow morning. That is all. Thank you."

"Esthar?" he muttered. "What could they want now?"

It had only been a short time since he had been there himself and now they needed SeeD again? His team had made certain that the encroaching Monsters in the Great Salt Lake had been exterminated so it couldn't be that. Based on who Cid had called previously, it could be inferred that they were the experienced group Cid spoke of. The strangest part was how Cid said it. "Visit" was the term he used. It sounded.... politically correct, though it could simply be that. Either way it got him out of the Garden.

"Consider me interested, Xu," he said, giving her a nod.

They hadn't really talked much before, usually just passing information during the SeeD Exams. He didn't know how much she knew about him, considering she ran much of the day-to-day buisness in the Garden during the interrim where Cid had abdicated.
 
Zell Dincht
Balamb Garden 1st Floor Hallway

​


"Well, it looks like my work here is done." Zell proudly exclaimed whilst brushing his hands off on one another. He was satisfied that the job at hand had been done well. Although, he couldn't help but think that it was done a bit too quickly. His usual quick steps had slowed down to a very slow pedestrian speed as his brain was working overtime. "Dammit, I pinned all of the paper up at once! Headmaster Cid is gonna kill me if no one else shows up for this mission!" It had finally dawned on Zell what had happened, and suddenly his smugness had dissolved.

"Good evening! How is everyone? Ah, you can hear me, but I can't hear you...how embarrassing. Moving on, would all personnel involved in the visit to Esthar please gather at the Garden Index tomorrow at 10am. If you wish to register an interest, please do so with Xu - within the next hour. Spaces are very limited, as we already have an experienced group of SeeD's involved; it is strictly a first come, first served basis. I will be providing one final briefing tomorrow morning. That is all. Thank you."

"Crap! Please tell me someone has already seen the notice board. Please, please, please!"

Zell was a touch panicked. Even though it wasn't a particularly important task, Cid had trusted Zell with it. Now there was potential for it to go wrong, the panic was beginning to turn into sweat. With no time to waste, Zell turned on the spot and bolted in the direction of the Training Centre. The students and scenery alike were all blurs on either side of Zell as he neared the centre, sweat beading up on his forehead because of the stress and pressure of the situation he had gotten himself in.
In seemingly no time at all the Training Centre was in full view, causing Zell to screech to a halt; a feat not easily achieved in such a polished hallway.

As Zell entered the monsters-filled grounds, he was greeted by an incredibly relieving sound:“Kaine is my name…SIGN ME UP for that mission.”

Thanks to that bellow, his fears were now somewhat allayed. At least someone else had decided to take part on the expedition to Esthar aside from Cid's chosen few. He carried on into the Training Centre looking for the voice that greeted him, only to see a group of people gathered around the notice board area where he had foolishly left all of Cid's notes of recruitment. "Yes! Zell delivers the goods!" He re-affirmed himself with a fist pumping, 3rd person pat on the back. It was certainly a stroke of luck for Zell, but he didn't care. Not one bit.

On closer examination, Zell saw that Xu, Quistis and Selphie were members of the party in front of him, which again made him nervous. He knew they already considered him to be a bit of a goof, but he didn't need to give them an excuse to think it. There were others in the group too, some Zell recognised, some he didn't. The faces he recognised were fellow SeeD's Alex Silver, Kaine McIvory and Steven Hownam. He knew very little about them but had seen them in the heat of battle. Granted it was only in the Training Centre, but it gave a good impression of the toughness and intelligence they had in battle.

Given that there was not much time before they departed for the "visit" as Cid had decided to word it, Zell thought it would be best to introduce himself to the group. Was Zell a eloquent person? Not really. But what he lacked in vocabulary he made up for in approachability and ridiculous energy. Not everyone's cup of tea.

With his trademark wide grin, Zell jogged over towards the party of people, still relieved to see the notice board had gathered some attention. He wasn't absolutely sure that this was the reason they were gathered, but what else would it be? As he neared, it became clear that some one had been injured - Quistis as usual was on hand to dole out the medical help when needed. Regardless of Zell's status of stranger to most of the group, he decided to weigh in on the conversation, "So what are talking about over here?! Fill me in!"

His eyes slowly moved across the room, taking in the bemused faces in front of him. Quistis was stood directly next to him and was now playing the part of Zell's leaning post. Zell didn't mind, he didn't even stop to think if Quistis did - but there he stood with one arm leant on her shoulder, grinning manically at people he didn't know.​
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top