Post edited 6:37 pm – May 23, 2013 by dystopia Post edited 6:12 pm – May 25, 2013 by dystopia
Chapter 1: The Exam
The rhythmic click of Jonas Cain's boots reverberated through the spacious open air of Balamb Garden as he made his way towards the elevators. Jonas was a relatively tall man, cloaked and shaggy, his dark hair covering serious eyes. The Garden is active today he thought, observing the hurried movements of many cadets, there was a SeeD exam today. Jonas himself was on his way to classroom 2B, where he would finally embark on his own SeeD exam. ” Attention all SeeD cadets! If you've been instructed to take your SeeD exam today please report to classroom 2B, the party will be leaving for the Fire Cavern in ten minutes. ” Rang the intercom, causing even more hurriness around the Garden. ” Guess I better get a move on… ” Jonas spoke to himself, his voice deep and raspy, as he reached the elevators. The doors opened with a woosh, a small burst of cool air rippling past as Jonas stepped inside, followed by a handful of other students. Jonas recognized many of the cadets who were standing along side him, he had socialize with many of them in the past but today was not the day for fun. The ride was smooth and fast, the elevator doors opening again on the second floor. Moving quickly, Jonas exited and made his way across the connecting bidge to the outer ring of classrooms. Turning to the right he made his way along the corridor towards Classroom 2B. The door to the classroom was open, several students loitered around the entrance, perhaps friends of those who would be taking part in today's exams. Shuffleing past, Jonas entered the classroom and made his way around a row of desks, finding the nearby wall which he promptly leaned against waiting for everyone else to arrive. ” I wonder who is going to be instructing us today. ” Said a nearby student, Jonas remember his name was Grisham, an average cadet who Jonas had never really been fond of. ” I heard that Zell himself would be instructing us today! ” Another said in respone, Jonas thought that it seemed farfetched that Headmaster Leonheart would ask such a high ranking SeeD to handle an exam, but he did remember hearing of it happening before. Jonas decided not to give it any serious thought, he would keep his mind on point, he couldn't fail this exam again.
— OOC Talk: And so it begins!
1:27 am May 25, 2013
sanarian
Member
posts 108
2
Post edited 8:27 am – May 25, 2013 by sanarian Post edited 8:28 am – May 25, 2013 by sanarian
Gilead was laying down in bed, barely even awake, when the intercome buzzed to life. “Attention all SeeD Cadets! If you've been instructed to take your SeeD exam today please report to classroom 2B, the party will be leaving for the Fire Cavern in ten minutes.” An exasperated groan escaped his lips; he had forgotten that the exam was today. Gil scrambled to his feet and put any thoughts of sleep out of mind. He glanced over to his coat, out of the corner of his eye, deciding that he could probably do without it. 'Fire Cavern' didn't sound like the name of a place where it would be particularly cold.
He walked out of the room, picking up his broadsword from the foot of the bed along the way. Despite Gilead's skill with swordplay growing with each day he still felt his blade was slightly too heavy; a weight that he believed fit him quite well, in some strange way. Gil fastened the strap around his chest as he walked past the cafeteria, the large broadsword resting on his back and ready for any dangers that might come today.
Gilead worked his pace into a slow jog, reaching the main lobby of the Garden in good time. Though he knew that good time was a relative term, considering most of the other examinees would probably have arrived by now. Ascending the stairs he came to the elevator, finding luck hadn't failed him; the elevator was on the first floor. He stepped into the elevator, pushing the tile for 2B, and then folded both arms and tapped his foot impatiently as he rode to the second floor. When the elevator arrived he stepped out and continued to walk casually, completely ignoring the loitering students as he entered into the exam room.
Jonas was calm, thought it seemed as if most of the other cadets were not. Brushing his shaggy hair from his face Jonas nodded as a familair face walked into the classroom, late as usual. Motioning towards Gil, Jonas pointed to his wrist mockingly, but before he could carry on the atmosphere in the room quickly changed. Walking a few steps behind Gil a well known face entered the classroom, followed by a wave of silence. The man was tall an lean, his familair feather collared coat and wavy hair unkept as usual. Jonas eyed the headmaster calmly, he had great respect for Squall, after all he had saved the world from the brink of disaster just two years earlier, but wondered why he would have taken the time to address the cadets before their exam. ” Cadets, today is a very important exam. Many of you know about the aggression that Galbadia is once again showing, their attemps at capturing Dollet are increasing. ” Headmaster Leonhart began, as all the cadets were focused on him, his unmistakable newly found charisma taking over the room. ” Because of this we have pushed many of you into this exam class, and your will all take turns grouping up and conquering the challenge that the Fire Cavern holds. There will be no ceremony tonight as there usually is, as all of you who pass and become SeeD today will be activated and deployed first thing tomorrow morning. Good luck to all of you, it just might be one of you who wrestles our way of life back from the brink once more. ” Squall finished, allowing silence to reign for a few moments more before stepping away from the speaking podium and turning it over to SeeD instructor Xu who had followed him in, but was unnoticed until the point. ” With that out of the way, all cadets are to head to the garage where we will shuttle to the Fire Cavern, any questions? ” Instructor Xu spoke, her voice soft and calm. Feeling that the meeting was over, Jonas made his way across the classroom towards Gil, shuffling past a few awed cadets in the process. Reaching out, Jonas placed his hand firmly on Gil's shoulder giving it a tug. ” If that's not a bombshell I don't know what is. ” Jonas addressed his friend, as he released his shoulder and started towards the door, turning his body to get a glimpse of Inspector Xu as he headed through the doorway back out of the classroom.
— OOC Talk: —
7:04 pm May 25, 2013
sanarian
Member
posts 108
4
Gilead lifted his right hand discreetly as possible, holding up his middle finger at Jonas with a light grin. He continued to move into the group for a moment before turning about, leaning against the wall. As he turned to the podium he met with an unlikely sight; the Headmaster himself had come to address them. Squall spoke with a strength of character that even Gil couldn't ignore, and much like the others, he found himself devoting all his attention to the man's speech. I'd imagine they'll only get worse, he thought bitterly.
Galbadia had been subject to an abnormal amount of scrutiny for their part in the events surrounding Ultimecia. Perhaps their military meant to regain some of that respect they had lost. It didn't matter to him in the end though, they were the enemy no matter how unfair fate might have been. Though the fact that they would be deploying first thing tomorrow morning didn't sit well with him. Even if they were to pass the exam most of them no real combat experience. Perhaps that too was meant to be a test for those aspiring to become soldiers of SeeD.
When Headmaster Leonhart finished he turned the podium over to a Instructor Xu, who calmly ordered to group to head to the first floor garage in preparation for transportation to the Fire Cavern. At least they wouldn't have to worry about how they would get to their destination. After she finished speaking Gil felt a hand on his shoulder, and he turned about to face Jonas. He couldn't help but smile lightly at his friend's comment. “You would know,” he began, glancing at Instructor Xu for a moment before continuing. “but try to keep your eye on the prize, yeah? If you're distracted and end up deep-fried I'll have to break in a new partner…”
The light heartedness of his friend had helped calm Jonas' nerves, he knew what was on the line with this exam, if he failed it would be his last attempt and he would no longer be able to pursue becoming a SeeD. Moving through the doorway, Jonas stayed in step with his friend, taking a moment to look around at the other mass of students that would be taking part in the exam with them, he counted at least thirty maybe fourty. ” They are going to stick up in groups of three or four for sure… knowing our luck we'll get stuck with that twerp Grisham. ” Jonas said quietly to Gil, motioning ahead of them as they waited for the elevator where Grisham stood near the front of the queue. ” I've seen some of his paper work, that guy has no business being in SeeD ” Jonas continued as the doors to the elevator opened and he packed himself in with a large group of students. ” I can't believe all of this, I'm not ready for combat… how did it get this bad already? ” A young female cadet spoke to her friend, both of them standing in front of Jonas, he could relate. Jonas was eager to show what he could do in combat, but was he really ready to fight the might of Galbadia? After everything had Headmaster Leonhart and his fellow SeeD went through they had already returned to power, it was a worst case scenario.
— OOC Talk: —
10:09 pm June 11, 2013
sanarian
Member
posts 108
6
“I dislike the mere thought of them forcing more people into our group,” Gil stated flatly, arms folded as he stood just behind his friend. Anyone else they might add into the team could turn out to be nothing but a burden to their teamwork, and if they were going to pass this test it wasn't something they could just abandon. “not that we've much say in the matter… and I don't even know who that is, Jonas.” Gil announced with a soft chuckle, following shortly behind his friend with a light grin.
“I don't pay much attention to the others, they don't seem to stand out too much from how I see it.” Gil stepped into the elevator next to his comrade, lost in his thoughts now. In truth he'd never so much as given a thought to making an attempt at socialization. It was some kind of miracle that Jonas and he had somehow become friends, even.
Jonas took note of his friend's manor of speech about their classmates, thinking to himself that he had never really seen Gil socialize with any of the others. Thinking back he remembered first meeting Gil a year before, he had been alone in the cafeteria when Jonas had sat down next to him and without thinking much of it started a conversation. ” They'll be sticking us with someone, that's for sure. ” Jonas replayed as he pulled himself back to the present as the elevator doors opened again. Stepping out his boots clicked as he made his way down the steps, turning to his left as he reached the bottom. ” Maybe we'll get lucky and they'll stick a babe in our group. ” He said with a sneer, his weakness for women making itself clear and present. ” Whatever happens though, we have this thing in the bag, nobody else here can match what we can do, isn't that right. ” Jonas finished as he pushed on Gils shoulder in jest, though confident that his words were true, he had sparred with Gil and knew what the younger man could do. Making quick time through the Garden's spacious lower level Jonas and the other cadets reached the garage in waves, move through the doorway he situated himself next to one of the large yelloe off road transports that SeeD used for these excursions and waited for everyone else to arrive.
— OOC Talk: Clerith, jump in whenever you're ready if you haven't guessed yet you're about to just stuck in the party with us lol.
2:36 pm June 27, 2013
clerith
Member
posts 6
8
Post edited 9:38 pm – June 27, 2013 by clerith Post edited 9:38 pm – June 27, 2013 by clerith
Clerith had sat at the front of the class, nearest to the wall, listening intently to Squall's lecture. She was determined to do the best she could; she had to do whatever she could to return safely to her home. Squall was a fine headmaster and Clerith looked up to him in many ways. She had heard about his epic adventure just a couple of years before, and how he had fallen for and rescued the Sorceress Rinoa. Being a sorceress herself, Clerith only dreamed of such a happy ending happening for her, but she knew that it woud most likely never turn out that way. After the class, Clerith collected her books and put them inside her satchel before heading down to the garage alone. She had a nice circle of friends in the Garden but still liked to keep herself to herself, mainly because of who she was. Being a sorceress felt awkward for her and the fewer people that knew, the better. At the garage, she could see Jonas and Gil waiting by a yellow car. She headed over, somewhat shyly, and spoke,“I guess us three are together.”
9:12 pm June 27, 2013
sanarian
Member
posts 108
9
“Of course they will,” Gil replied with a half-hearted attempt at a smile, stepping out of the elevator just a step behind Jonas. They would have a third member join their team, even if they tried to protest against it. Balamb Garden had always placed a high value on their students; they would never allow a group that was short on members to charge forward into danger if they could avoid it. “but that doesn't change my feelings on the matter.” Gil stated proudly as they neared the bottom of the steps.
Gil found solace Jonas' friendship, though that wasn't something he would ever admit. Only a few moments later he found that thought regrettable. “I give up. You're a lost cause, Jonas,” Gil jokingly proclaimed his defeat, throwing his hands into the with wild abandon. “not even I can reason with you once you set your sights on a woman.” Once they arrived at the garage, after having given it a fair bit of thought, Gil spoke up yet again. “You're right,” he said brightly, leaning back against the car while while they waited for the final member of their group. “nobody can stop us when we work together… or at least, nobody can stop me; but don't worry, I'll drag you with me.”
Gil couldn't help but sigh in defeat as Clerith approached the pair, informing them that the three of them were to form a group together. “You always get your way, don't you, Jonas?” Gil replied flatly, his expression matching the tone of voice far too well. “Well that's that, I suppose. Let's get ready to move out now?”
With everyone arriving in the garage Jonas wasn't surprised that the instructers had already paired together the parties for the exam. He figured they would probably ride two parties to a vehicle but he had yet to have another group join them, he assumed it wouldn't be much longer. Jonas eyed the young woman who approached them doing his best to play it cool even though he had eyed her in class many times before. ” Your name is Clerith right? We had some classes together I think. ” Jonas spoke to the young woman before elbowing Gil in the side jokingly. ” Do you know Gil? ” Jonas asked as he motioned to his friend before turning to the big back door of the yellow transport, pulling the hatch down to reveal two rows of seats, one on each side wall of the vehicle. Outstretching his hand Jonas motioned for Clerith to take a hand up, planning on joining her and Gil in the carrier to wait for the second party.
— OOC Talk: —
11:12 pm June 27, 2013
clerith
Member
posts 6
11
Clerith smiled at Jonas. She recognised both of them from her classes and knew about them equally as well. Jonas' had a reputation with the ladies' that exceeded him. Gil, she knew less about. He seemed to keep himself to himself, much as she did. “Yeah, I know Gil, too.” Clerith smiled as she took Jonas's hand and climbed inside the vehicle, taking a seat near the driver. “Thanks.” She put her satchel down on the floor next to her and waited for the other two to get inside, suddenly not feling so nervous anymore.
5:16 pm June 28, 2013
sanarian
Member
posts 108
12
“Jonas,” Gil growled quietly, a forced smile drawn on his lips. It wasn't that unusual for Jonas to act out of character around women, but that didn't mean Gil would just let his friend have his way. “if you jab me again the test won't be a concern anymore,” As he spoke the mage removed the sword strap from his chest, lifting it over his head; the trip would be very unpleasant if he had to deal with the sheathe digging into his back along the way. “and you've got some drool on your chin, right about here.” Gil informed Jonas, tapping lightly at the right corner of his own mouth. Gil couldn't let his friend escape embarassment so easily, especially not when it would be so entertaining.
At that the mage hoisted himself up into the vehicle, immediately taking the seat closest to the exit. He had intentionally left an open seat for Jonas between himself and Clerith; Gil would never approve of Jonas' nature as a womanizer, but he wouldn't dare obstruct his friend either. They were partners and friends at the end of the day, even if sometimes he felt like strangling the man.
Jonas lightly lifted his arm, rubbing his sleave across his mouth before following Gil up into the transport vehicle, pulling himself up before taking the open seat between his friend and Clerith. Leaning to his right, Jonas began to speak his his friend. ” She's something else, eh pal? ” Jonas said jokingly knowing by this point that his weakness for the opposite sex was wearing thin with Gil ” Don't worry man, I know what's at stake here, I'm not going to blow the exam for us, you know I have to pass this time or I'm not getting another shot. ” He finished before resting his left hand on Gil's shoulder and giving it a friendly squeeze. As Jonas released his grip his gaze shifted back towards the entrance to the vehicle as three more cadets climbed in and took seats facing Clerith, Gil, and Jonas. Jonas recognized the students, at least the two girls, trying hard to remember their names. ” Looks like we're all here. ” Jonas spoke, breaking a short silence. Looking towards Gil, Jonas motioned for him to shut the door to the troop transport so they could set off.
— OOC Talk: —
1:06 pm July 1, 2013
clerith
Member
posts 6
14
Clerith sat comfortably into her seat and waited for everybody to board. Nobody in this car was anybody she knew but that was not a bad thing. She always knew the chances of serious injury when going on such dangerous missions, even though this was considered a fairly “low-risk” task, and better to lose team mates who she did not know than those who she had befriended. It was a harsh thought but offered little comfort. “Here we go. How is everybody feeling?” She turned to the others in the car, trying to make some form of conversation for the journey ahead.
6:19 am July 3, 2013
sanarian
Member
posts 108
15
“If you say so, Jonas.” Gil curtly replied as he leaned back into the seat, in an effort to make himself as comfortably as possible. It would definitely be best to simply relax for the time being, after all, it was likely they would be pushed farther than ever before in the Fire Cavern. 'Too bad I can't take the exam on my own,' he mused with no small amount of pride. 'I'd love to just let loose'. In spite of the attempt to spark a conversation Gil was all too happy to remain quiet. Even if he had felt like talking it wasn't in his nature to engage in small talk.
The light rumble of the transports engine firing up sent somewhat comforting vibrations through the vehicle. Jonas eyed the rear door which was still ajar, noticing that Gil had clearly not seen him motion towards it moments before. Jonas' mind wandered for a moment as he mused this, wondering what Gil was thinking. Jonas knew how skillful the young SeeD cadet was, he had trained with him almost on a weekly basis, he had no reason to worry about failing the exam. 'It must be something else.' He thought to himself before reaching across his seated friend, pulling the hatch shut himself. ” Alright driver! ” Jonas spoke having shut the door and re-taken his seat. The transport set forward, the instant bit of acceleration jarring those seated in the back. ” I'm pretty good, all things considered. ” Jonas responed to Clerith with a smile, refering to what would surely be their quick deployment into a combat zone the following day. ” I'm pretty nervous myself. ” A soft female voice came from the opposide side of the transport where a blonde cadet, wearing her SeeD uniform sat with two other cadets. ” I've heard that the Fire Cavern is a pretty creepy place, with plenty of untamed beasts. ” She continued, squinting her eyes and making a face of disgust when emphasising beasts. ” It's definitely not a nice place to visit, but we all have SeeD training. ” Jonas said in reply to the unnamed cadet, knowing from experience what the Fire Cavern had in store for all of them.
— OOC Talk: —
1:20 pm July 9, 2013
clerith
Member
posts 6
17
Clerith took a deep breath as the car hummed to life and began to move out of the garage. It was clear that most others were nervous too, but Jonas and Gil seemed pretty chilled. Small talk was not something she was fond of and almost resented herself for starting such a conversation. It was just down to her nerves. When in Galbadia, Clerith had never actually experienced battle before. She went through vigorous mental and physical training to prepare her for battle at Galbadia garden, fearing this would be her life from then on, and hated the thought of fighting for a cause she had absolutely no belief in. Eventually, Galbadia had no option but to release her from their grasp, but she fled to Timber, having seen what interest Stanton had shown in her Sorceress abilities. It was to dangerous to go home and she needed to find a way to stop him. Balamb garden was the perfect place to be. “It's just training, so it can't be that bad.” She reminded herself.
9:22 pm July 9, 2013
sanarian
Member
posts 108
18
Even though he didn't intend to, the young mage listened in on the conversation; there wasn't much else to do, aside from listen to the hum of the engine (which he found even less appealing). Jonas had always been good-natured, helping others with friendly words, but sometimes Gil felt it might just do more harm than good. From what he could understand it felt as if the other students weren't sure they were ready. While it was noble to encourage them, it was dangerous at the same time–if their doubts were justified it was a huge risk to charge forward blindly into danger. “Members of SeeD are sent on missions far more challenging than this, so I doubt it's going to be easy.” Gil bluntly announced, still leaning back into the seat with his eyes closed. “We almost there?”
The SeeD transport rocked from side to side as the driver took it off road towards the Fire Cavern. Jonas went silent as he eyed the others in the transport, feeling the bumps in the ride and watching as the others were rocked back and forth. Thinking about the real severity of the situation he found himself in for the first time, Jonas knew that Gil and he would pass the exam, but he wondered where that would lead them and if they were truly ready for the impending war. ” Listen, we all want to be SeeD right? ” He broke his silence, the confidence in his voice about their abilities true but there was an undertone on worry about the future. ” The best of SeeD has always been tried this way, with the world on edge so we just have to go for it. ” He finished, giving Gil a thumbs up. Grasping an overhead handle that was present at each seat, Jonas steadied himself as the ride became more rocky, but it soon steadied. A few minutes passed in silence before the transport came to a stop, the driver giving a signal to exit the vehicle.
— OOC Talk: —
5:01 am January 31, 2014
sanarian
Member
posts 108
20
Gil continued to recline in the seat, pondering the trials that might present themselves during their time in the Fire Cavern. They were likely to engage in live combat, but he wasn't sure if they would be accompanied by an instructor or not; he hoped not though, if only for the chance to really cut loose. Most people would likely baulk at the way he fought and how he completely disregarded his own personal safety, not to mention his lack of ability to work well in a team. All of that aside he didn't have any concerns about the upcoming test.
As his friend began to speak, Gil opened his eyes half-heartedly, before he closed them and went back to relaxing. Before long the road got even worse, and he blindly reached up to one of the handles in order to steady himself. Silence plagued the transport, something he found quite soothing, then the transport stopped, and a quick glance toward the driver confirmed they had reached their destination. Gil left his seat and exited the vehicle, stretching his limbs in preparation for their trip into the cavern….
Login
Register
Search 
Forums
Topic RSS 