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Quistis: Quistis was tired of chasing after certain SeeD candidates that she refused to name at the moment. She knew well enough that as their Instructor she shouldn’t have to be haring off to save them from themselves all the time. But as she rode her Chocobo up to the rundown inn in what seemed to be a complete ghost town she could already hear the argument between Squall and Seifer, could see the wreckage their obvious sword fighting and magic casting had caused. She wondered how on earth they made it into a building while fighting like that... but then figured it had to do with more places to hide... which also meant they were both rather badly hurt and had not healing magic junctioned. She sighed and dismounted, making sure Shiva and Bahamut were junctioned properly and her healing magics were full before marching into the crumpling building.

Squall: Squall knelt behind a wrecked table cursing under his breath. Once again he had been recklessly drawn into a dual by Seifer. He had been so enthralled with the thought of taking out his lifetime rival, that he didn't junction his healing magics. Quezacotl would do a substantial amount of damage, but in the tight spot he was in, he wouldn't be able to summon him. He could hear the taunts echo in the building, but held his position.

Ultimecia: From beyond the Void, hidden from detection, the winged sorceress Ultimecia watched the duel between the SeeD hopefuls with great interest. Both were strong, capable warriors, but the brunette seemed foolhardy, and the blonde arrogant. Either could be the one destined to destroy her, but fate had yet to show its hand, and she would remain cautious and merely observe. Around her swirled the subconscious thoughts of both men: their wants, dreams, fears, everything. If she should need to intervene, Ultimecia was well armed, for any stray thought could become a deadly reality in her hands...

Seifer: Seifer smirked into the gloomy half-light that filtered into the abandoned building through the cracked walls and broken windows. He taunted Squall with the usual line-up of sneers and hits on his pride as a man. They were worn thin from everyday use, but they still tended to get under the brunette's skin, so he continued to use them. He only had one GF, Carbuncle, and he only had it so that he was able to junction magic at all. However, with the deep and profusely bleeding gash on his leg he was really ruing not having junctioned any healing magic.

He felt the wind shift slightly as the door downstairs creaked open. He rolled his eyes as his ears picked up the clop of Quistis Trepe's booted feet. He did NOT want to hear one of her damn lectures!

Squall: Squall sat very still. Someone else had entered their fighting domain. After a moment, he realized it could only be one person. Instructor Trepe. why is she here? We have everything under control.. but then again... Squall's gaze moved to his shoulder where Seifer had singed him pretty badly. And Seifer, if Squall attack was true, must have injured him as well. He propped himself up near a door to see his instructor standing there. "Good afternoon, Instructor." Squall said quite monotone.

Quistis: Quistis entered the building and shook her head at the obvious scorch marks along the walls and the nicks in the wood from blade hits... not to mention the bullets. She rolled her eyes and walked up the staircase, seeing Squall leaning in an open doorway she moved over to him, "Leonhart," She sighed and shook her head, "What am I going to do with the two of you?" With another roll of her eyes she sent a Curaga at Squall and passed him into the room. "Seifer? Are you hurt as well? I need the two of you back at Garden so that you can go take your Field Exam. Now come out here, you don't want me looking for you."

Seifer: Seifer thought about it a moment... if he could wait her out... exactly what would their prime and proper Instructor /do/ exactly? But then his leg throbbed and he sighed looking down at it. He'd have to find out some other time just how much it would take to push Quistis Trepe's buttons. "Yeah, my legs almost useless by now." But he trooped out of his hiding place toward her and Squall.

Squall: Squall rolled his eyes. His body still felt stiff but he removed himself from the door frame. He didn't want to admit it, but he did forget about the exam. Squall gazed over at Seifer, seeing his sarcasm wasn't affected by their 'training'. He stood at attention and gave the salute, "My apologies Instructor Trepe. What time is my exam?"  

Quistis: Quistis nodded her head at Squall, "At 17:00... which is in less than three hours. So we've got to get the both of you back to Balamb pronto." She glared over at the blonde limping her way and then shook her head with a secret smile. She cast a Curaga on him and then aboutfaced to the door. "Alright SeeD Cadets, move out!" And she marched smartly out the doorway and back down the stairs to leave the building.

Seifer: Seifer smirked, "She'll never change will she? Well come one puberty-boy, we've got a test to take." And Seifer followed Quistis out.

Squall: Squall let out a grunt under his breath. He hated Seifer with a passion that he just couldn't describe. He followed behind them heading back to the Garden.

After returning, Squall headed straight to his room. He shared a room with another cadet, but made no effort to socialize with him. He quickly retreated to his room and worked on his gunblade, fixing any problems that had occurred during his training with Seifer. Once he was done, he glimpsed at the clock. 1600. He then left for the classroom of Instructor Trepe. Better be early than late.

Quistis: After obtaining her two wayward charges and returning to Garden Quistis was called to the Headmasters office for a brief meeting about the upcoming Field Exam.

Cid: "You all know the risks taken as SeeDs and certainly as SeeDs in training, don't let your groups get into a situation they can't get themselves out of." Cid's eyes raked over those assembled as he finished his lecture. "Good luck to all of you. Dismissed."

Quistis: Quistis marched smartly from the room with Xu though they parted at the elevators second floor stop. "See you later." Xu nodded as the doors closed, she was off to set up the boats that would take them to D-District Prison where the various teams were to lock the place down after news of a prison break.

Quistis continued on to her classroom and was only there for a few moments before Squall arrived. She smirked to herself, he and Seifer were always at complete odds, Squall would be early where Seifer would be late on purpose. Squall was quiet and Seifer was loud - the only personality trait she felt they had in common was being an ass. They both just did it differently.

Seifer: Seifer had followed numbly as Quistis lead them back to Garden like wayward children, the thought made him chuckle, he guessed they kind of /were/ wayward children. He wasn't sure what this Field Exam would be about, but he was determined to actually pass it this time. No more bullheadedness from him, he wanted that rank! He wanted to feel needed. Though if another cadet got in his way he wasn't above stepping on them, over them or going through them.

When they'd returned he went to Dr. Kadowaki and got himself patched up properly before heading to his dorm for a shower. Once he was clean he found Rajin and Fujin and then went to harass underclassmen until it was time for his Field Exam.

Squall: As Quistis entered the classroom, Squall stood from his seat after studying on his desktop for a few. He began to approach the front as he saw Seifer trudge in behind her. Squall shot his life long rival a hard stare, then faced forward quickly. Today was an important day. His field exam. Time to show his skills and everything he had learned. His heart kicked up in pace as the thought of his goal finally within reach. Only two more tests to go. The field exam and the exam given to them by the headmaster himself.  With the anticipation secretly nagging his brain, Squall quickened his step to Quistis. He snapped to attention and saluted. "Student number 41269, Squall Leonhart, reporting." this is it... I'm not letting Seifer get in my way. I have to succeed.... for...

Quistis: Quistis took her place in front of her desk as those gathered to hear about their Field Exam crowded around her. Squall was a bit too serious even to her eyes, but she figured he just felt a need to prove himself. She was alright with that as long as it didn't get him killed.

Seifer: Seifer snickered at Squall's stiff go-to attitude, "They don't give you extra points for that you know twinkle-toes. Not even during the actual tests."

Quistis: Quistis looked sharply over at Seifer, "And you would know Mr. Almasy? Because you've passed with a profound 'lack' of such behavior?"

Seifer: Her arched question made Seifer straighten up and frown. "I seriously doubt that's why I haven't passed the Field Exam yet Instructor Trepe." But now that the seed was planted in his head... he may as well pay attention to it this time around. He wanted to pass damn it!

Quistis: Quistis simply arched a brow at him and turned to face the rest of the cadets. "As you all know in a few minutes we will be leaving to the docks. Our heading is D-District Prison on the continent of Galbadia. We received a distress call from the prison about twelve hours ago. You are not the first teams we have and the other Gardens have sent in. Our mission is to secure the facility and capture any and all escapees. You are under no circumstances to leave the facility, there will be other teams outside to round up anyone who leaves." There was some groaning and Quistis grinned evilly, "I shouldn't have to remind you that this mission is just as dangerous as anything else. The convicts sent to D-District are the worst our planet has to offer, they aren't simple drunkards or thieves. They are cold blooded murderers." She looked each Cadet square in the eye, "Dismissed."

Squall: Squall gathered all information in his mind and studied it. The thrill of adrenalin shot up his spine. Convicts and murderers. Wow.. they are really putting us in the ringer this time. Whatever. I can handle anything at this point. Seifer made sure of that. He acts like a low life criminal. That's all the training I needed.

Squall allowed himself a smirk at the comments against Seifer. He had failed the exam many times because of his belligerent attitude. Squall only prayed that he wouldn't be put in the same group with him.

After a moment of quick briefing with Xu, Squall made haste to his room. It was a cadet mission, and that meant having to wear the cadet uniform. He changed quickly and double checked his inventory, gunblade, and guardian forces. Everything seemed to be set. He left his room, ignoring his roommate as usual who was trying to wish him good luck.

He made his way to the entrance for the final briefing with Headmaster Cid. He looked upon the other cadets that were in uniform and talking among themselves about the mission. A girl in passing mentioned that there were cadets that were already sent back with injuries, which made another girl cringe. A boy that Squall recognized from class was talking about Instructor Trepe. He must have been a member of her 'fan club', The Trepe's.  

He walked by the library and on to the front entrance. There he waited for further instruction, just as a SeeD cadet should.

Announcement: The intercom came to life: "All SeeD Candidates participating in the Field Exam please report to the First Floor Lobby. I repeat, all SeeD Candidates participating in the Field Exam, please report to the First Floor Lobby." The voice faded out and the other Cadets showed up in the lobby where Squall had been waiting.

Quistis: Quistis (as an instructor taking her Cadets on the Field Exam), Zell Dincht, Seifer (with his lackeys Rajin and Fujin who were already SeeDs), Selphie Tilmitt, Nida, and two others along with Xu (who was in charge of the Field Exam and would be doing the final grading) came out to hear what Headmaster Cid had to say.

Cid: The Headmaster walked slowly down the stairs from the elevator and came around the Directory to stand before the small group. He gave each of them a smile in turn, noting the fact that Seifer didn't seem his usual self this time around. Cid hoped for Seifer's sake that he would pass the test this time, otherwise the young man would have to leave Garden because he would only have one more year to try before he was too old to become SeeD.

"Alright everyone," Cid began his address, "I know you will all make Balamb Garden proud out there. But a few reminders: First, listen to your instructors! If they give the order to retreat or use leathal force heed their direction. While this mission is mostly to round up and contain the escapees remember that all of them are extremely dangerous!" He gave everyone of them a hard look.

Seifer: Seifer was getting a bit excited and Quistis could tell that at any moment his mind would start to wander and he would miss the main instructions, again. She gave Fujin a look and the silver haired woman smacked Seifer in the back of the head. When the blonde looked to her with a hurt expression she simply nodded toward Cid, clearly telling him to settle down and pay attention. Which for once, he did.

Cid: "Second, DO NOT separate from your group!" Cid looked pointedly at Seifer, who had the decency to blush. "There is no excuse for leaving any member of your Squad behind or coming up with reasons for them to be somewhere where you are not." He turned his gaze over everyone present, "However if there is an emergency it is alright to send one or more members to another team's location to ask for help or if orders are given from the Instructors one member of a team may be asked to carry the message to each Squad."

Cid paused as Selphie fidgeted about a bit biting her bottom lip and Zell looked a little too pumped up for the exam. With a mental shake of his head he continued, "Third, when the order comes to fall back and/or return to Garden because the task has been completed you will do so in an orderly fashion. The message will be carried out to the furthest group away from the exit first and as each Squad comes forward they will gather and guard the backs of each Squad they come to until everyone has be cleared out. Is this understood?"

Squall: Squall took in the briefing with great consideration. He knew this was his chance. Headmaster Cid's brief shot him full of confidence and pride. This is what being a SeeD was all about.

Squall promptly reported to Instructor Trepe for the following instructions. He needed to find his Squad and file in.
"SeeD Cadet Squall Leonhart reporting." He had a small amount of excitement in his tone. He didn't tend to show much emotion, but something about going to into combat and fulfilling his dream made it all the more exciting.

Seifer: Seifer's blush didn't go unnoticed but nobody commented on it, he never realized everyone thought so badly of him. Sure he acted like he just didn't care, but honestly he was more of a blond than he let on and it had nothing to do with his blonde hair. He was going to have to start paying closer attention to how he did things or more importantly - how other people reacted to how he did things. If even Headmaster Cid was pointing out his 'flaws' he really needed to learn some discipline - he was the leader of the Disciplinary Committee after all! He continued to listen and gave his affirmation and salute to Cid with everyone else as the man finished his speech.

Quistis: Quistis was surprised, it looked like Seifer may actually be taking this seriously for a change. She smiled a small smile before her mind wandered over to Selphie a new student at Balamb - a transfer from Trabia if she remembered correctly - the girl looked a bit skittish and yet determined. But as Quistis wasn't her sole instructor she would simply have to let Xu know about her concerns. She waited for everyone to affirm that they understood the Headmaster before moving to one side to gather her Cadets. She had a bright eyed Squall looking to her for direction already. She saluted him with a smile in return and called over Zell and Seifer before she began.

Zell: Zell bound his way over to Quistis as she called out his name, seeing Squall there made him more excited, it was no secret that Squall took everything way too seriously, so Zell felt safer with the guy there. However he groaned aloud when Quistis called for Seifer as well.

Seifer: Unfortunately for him Seifer heard him. "What? I'm stuck with Chicken-wuss and Puberty Boy?" The blonde sounded indignant.

Zell: "You gotta problem Almasy?" Zell raised his fists into position and bounced on his feet.

Seifer: "Not really no." Seifer rolled his eyes. He would watch out to make sure he didn't 'harsh Zell's or Squall's mellow' with his sarcasm while on the mission. He didn't want to be the reason that none of them passed. He shrugged his shoulders and turned to face Quistis.

Zell: Zell was a bit put out, "Well don't call us names then. It's rude." He turned back to face Trepe with an odd look on his face.

Seifer: Seifer thought to himself, \Me not call them Chicken-wuss and Puberty Boy? He's joking right?\ But he didn't comment out loud a fact that all three people present found hard to believe.

Quistis: With a shake of her head Quistis told them what they were to do: "Alright, you three will form Squad B and will be placed on the second to lowest level of the prison. Squad A will be below you Squad C and so one will be above you. You are not to leave your area." She gave each man a pointed look before going on, "Your mission is to locate any prisoners who have escaped and corral them into a single jail cell. You may or may not know that each cell in D-District is both magically and physically barricaded against out-break attempts. Which means that however this mass escape happened, someone from the outside of the cell let someone out. Not even a fully powerful Sorceress could get out of a cell once inside it with the door locked. So the second part of your mission is to determine if any of the D-District Guards on your level could be a culprit in releasing the prisoners." She paused for a moment to let them absorb the impact of that.

Zell: "So... we can only trust other SeeD Squads?" Zell asked.

Quistis: "Exactly. No one outside of SeeD is to be trusted on this mission, even if it's someone you personally know well. Your mission comes first, even over family. Once all of the escapees in the building are caught and guarded by dependable employees of D-District we will be pulled out. The messenger will be sent to Squad A first, DO NOT leave your post until Squad A and the messenger make it to you and give you the withdraw orders. You will then go with Squad A and the messenger up to gather Squad C and so on. No one gets left behind and everyone comes up together. There will be no running after escapees if they leave your jurisdiction, once they clear your area they are another Squad's problem. Is that clear?"

Seifer: Seifer nodded his head, he got it, no heroics.

Quistis: Quistis continued, "If there is any emergency send one of your group all the way to the top to report to an Instructor. If there is an order to withdraw without your task being finished you are to WITHDRAW. Disobeying a direct order given by a SeeD Messenger will fail you." She eyed them dubiously, not sure if Zell's excitement, Squall's obvious-to-her exuberance and Seifer's current gravity would be able to handle this mission. But she hoped they would do well, her license as an Instructor was coming up to the Board soon and she wanted a good review. With Seifer having failed a few times already it wasn't looking good. She hoped for his sake and her own that he passed this time. "Meet out at the Main Gate at 1700. That's in about 20 minutes. So Seifer, you'll need to change into your Cadet uniform, that way you aren't shot on site?" She arched a brow at him.

Seifer: Seifer looked down at his usual attire and groaned, "But I'm sexy this way Instructor." He moped before turning and running for the dorms. He had already determined that he was going to pass this test and that it wouldn't be because of him that he didn't. So he changed quickly and ran out to the front gate.

Squall: Squall managed through the eye rolling and the scoffing of his rival. He retained all information. He wasn't exactly trilled about his squad though. He gazed over at Zell, then to Seifer.  Great... this is not going to be easy. But, I need to pass. So, I guess I will just have to suck it up.  

He let out a slight chuckle. This was it. Time to show everything he learned. All the hard work and dedication. He was happy to finally have this chance. He decided to stand by for further instructions. He watched everyone file into their squads.

His heart began to beat violently in his chest. He noticed everyone beginning to leave. Their squad was next.

Quistis: Quistis had them all pile into the car they were taking to town, "Once we're in Balamb head for the train station, we'll be taking it over to Timber and renting a car from there to drive out to D-District." She waited for all of the nods before strapping her seat belt and turning the car on. She pulled out of the Garden and headed off to Balamb after the other cars filled with Cadets and SeeD.

Hitting the town in minutes she parked in the car lot and they all got out. While her Cadets went to the train station she with the other leading Instructors went to buy any supplies they still needed. She knew with her lot that she would need extra Potions at the very least.

Seifer: Seifer got out of the car a bit stiffly, he hadn't worn his uniform in who knew how long. Probably since the day it was fitted for him, he couldn't be sure though. He honestly didn't remember. So of course it was stiff from hanging on his wall for eons, luckily he wasn't any bulkier than he had been when it was fitted for him though. Or he would have had a very serious problem when he was told to wear it. He ignored both Leonhart and Dincht and simply followed instructions and headed for the train station. He knew they would get there eventually, they all wanted to pass after all. He didn't want to cause problems from the very start so not being around them, or at least not paying attention to the fact that they were around, was going to be his saving grace. Ignoring their existence would be the only way he could resist teasing his favorite targets.

Zell: Zell bounced out of the vehicle after Seifer and began following him down the streets. He thought vaguely of saying good-bye to his mom before he left, but she would attempt to shove food down his throat and he figured they didn't have time for that. He would pass and come back to see her as a full fledged SeeD. He grinned at the thought, she'd be proud of that.

"So Squall," He started turning to face the man, "Can I see your Gunblade?"

Squall: Looking at the ever exuberant Zell, Squall remained silent. He didn't like 'showing off' his gunblade. He preferred to keep his thoughts and things to himself. His gunblade hung by his side. Unconsciously, he pulled it slightly closer. His thoughts wondered off to something else whilst Zell kept asking to see it.

Zell: Zell pouted when Squall ignored his requests to see his weapon, but not for long. The blonde was distracted by his excitement over the coming mission, even if he would have to put up with Seifer for it. Thinking of the man had him glancing around for the other blonde. Seeing him marching smartly along the road toward the train station ahead of them he scurried to catch up with him. It was rather odd to see Seifer actually acting like a SeeD candidate. Once he had caught up to Seifer, Zell stuck his hands in his pockets and simply walked beside him to the station.

Seifer: Seifer had headed straight for the train station running a commentary with himself. His argument consisted of reason why he made fun of Zell and Squall and why on this test he had better not do so. By the time he reached the train and was given his ticket by Xu and boarded (all of this done in complete ignorance of where Zell or Squall was or what they were doing, not very smart for someone aiming to be a leader) he still didn't have any viable reasons for himself not to pick on the two of them. He was just beginning to decide that he would pester them just short of their limits so that none of them would get in trouble when Quistis showed up in their train car.

Squall: Squall followed silently behind. He felt the tension rising in his squad. Zell was looking around quite a bit. Seifer was shockingly keeping to himself. He wanted to brush it off, but just looking at Seifer fueled a fire inside.

After coming aboard, he stepped into the cabin and took his seat. He noticed Seifer eyeing him and Zell. Most likely planning something. Where is Instructor Trepe? His gaze shifted a bit, but not enough to draw attention to himself. He just took his mind off it all but double checking his junctions. Quetzalcoatl was junctioned and set. Gunblade loaded and ready.

Quistis: Quistis made it to the train car just as the train began to move and saw all three of her students seated. "Did everyone get their train ticket from Xu?" Seifer and Zell held up theirs and Squall nodded his head. In retrospect is was kind of a dumb question. She sat down next to Zell and the train ride whooshed by. It seemed like only moments to her before they were renting their car in Timber and she was driving out to D-District Prison.

As they got closer to the prison itself it was obvious that there were fierce battles taking place, the light of thrown spells could be seen flashing to either side of the road they drove on. Quistis grew serious knowing that only full SeeD members were the ones outside the prison. "Alright! Get out and into the building!" She sent the car skidding up to the entrance and she, Zell and Seifer scrambled out. Quistis headed straight for the doors but Seifer and Zell - like the blonds they are - stopped to look around.

Seifer: Seifer couldn't believe this test, his last one hadn't been nearly so serious. From all the flashes of magic it was obvious that the prisoners were far more dangerous then he would have liked. Granted both Instructor Trepe and Headmaster Cid had said that, but he hadn't really believed it until he saw people he knew were SeeD, high ranking SeeD for that matter, going down in sparks of blue and purple light. Shaking out of his stupor just in time he flung himself at Zell.

Zell: Zell was watching the battles around him with mounting excitement, he couldn't believe that he was allowed to watch real SeeD in action. Suddenly a body slammed into him and he hit the ground. "The hell!?"

Just as he was ready to punch whatever convict had blindsided him he noticed the uniform, then as the guy took his weight off of him, the blonde hair and green eyes. ...Eyes which were glaring at him like he was the biggest moron on the planet. "What?" He demanded.

Seifer: "I should come up with a new nickname for you Chicken-wuss, even chicken's know when to duck a fireball aimed at them." Seifer shook his head and stood up, offering Zell a hand.

Zell: Zell scowled but took the offered hand and stood. After regaining his feet he saw that there was a scorch mark on the car right where he had been standing before Seifer knocked him over. He put a hand to the back of his head and winced before turning to Seifer, "Thanks man."

Seifer: Seifer smiled, "Any time Zell. Now let's get inside like we're supposed to be."

Zell: Zell nodded and they headed after Quistis.

Squall: Squall ran behind his comrades as the battle swarmed about them. He help tight to his gunblade ready for anything. His heart pounded so hard, he could hear the thump-thump in his ears. He looked forward to see Seifer actually save Zell. He was impressed. It seemed that even Seifer could be somewhat serious in the face of battle.

He followed close to his squad leader and the instructor. At any moment he could be face to face with a convict that was trying to escape. The fear, excitement, anxiety, and severity of the situation light him up from within.

After a bit of running he could see their post up ahead. "Our meet point is just over there, right? What are our orders, leader?" He addressed his rival with all the respect he could offer, even if it still sounded like a hollow respect. His cold attitude always made him sound like this, even if it was sincere.

(We'll continue off of this one now guys, again just in the comments section.)