FINAL FANTASY VIII: THE NOVEL

I've never understood what people found so compelling in fantasy. Their 'dreams' and their 'desires:' you know… these 'things' that they pour the entirety of their beings into. The statistics don't lie. Most of them aren't going to become famous. They won't become legends. They're not even going to be remembered years after their death. Everything they've put forth is, essentially, for naught. Just do your best and the rest will work out the way it will work out. It was simple. People – they overcomplicate things.

I was finishing up research in Homeroom when the Head Instructor walked in, followed by a boy not in uniform, and a school-servant carrying in a new computer. Homeroom usually began leniently at eleven hundred hours, which meant I would still have a good twenty-five minutes to finish. Unfortunately though, today was not an ordinary day. Today, Balamb Garden was holding their annual tests for rank as SeeD, or the Special extemporaneous extension Defense 'task force.' In fact, there were several task forces within Balamb Garden testing today, but are cast within the shadow and reputation of SeeD. SeeD usually consisted of those entrance-exam graduates that held a special talent for combat, as well as having noteworthy academic achievements that included several prerequisite courses that focused on combat, strategy, chemistry, anatomy, and leadership/management.

I paused and looked up towards the front of the classroom, first at the clock and then at the door. The door glided open with a gentle 'psssshh' of the air-pressure release valve and a cool breeze rushed in, cold enough to make me feel minor disdain towards those arriving late to class. Sinking deep into my seat, I glanced over to my right, where he sat, whom in return of my glance, grimaced.

He was Seifer Almasy. A thorough description of him would be to imagine the personality of a jackass… and then change nothing. He skipped class, belittled those around him, disrespected the Garden's staff, accepted any challenge that approached him, and for whatever reason, chose me to be his personal rival and training buddy. I feel like I've known him forever; although, realistically maybe just a few years, but when you're in acquaintance with someone like Seifer, a few years of history feels like a lifetime. I made an attempt to inconspicuously reach up and touch the still tender wound that stretched diagonally across my face – collateral from training with him. So much for, 'we'll just go easy this time.'

The Head Instructor finally rose from her desk. Those who had been asleep woke up and the minor banter from the chatty schoolgirls who sat in the far left corner died out. "Good morning, class," she stopped, looked down at her papers and brushed a lock of hair behind her ear, "Let's start with today's schedule. As you all know, the field exam for SeeD candidates will begin later this afternoon. Those not participating, as well as those who failed last week's test, are to remain here in study hall. You know who you are." She paused again, glancing at the boy who was not in uniform. "We also have a new student, whom transferred from a nearby Garden. Please welcome him and answer any questions, should he have them," She turned to face the boy, "You can call me Ms. Trepe. Your home room teacher is out for the time being, so I'm temporarily filling in. Feel free to ask me questions as well." Ms. Trepe returned her attention to the class, adjusting her voice as needed to regain control, "Field exam participants, you have free time until the exam, I suggest you prepare and ensure you're in top condition. Meet in the hall at sixteen hundred hours. Your team assignments will be announced there. Questions?" There were none. I slid further down in my seat, resting my head onto the hard back of the chair and listening to the steady hum of the A/C vent overhead. "Oh, and Squall. I need to speak with you after class. Field exam participants, I will see you later." I picked up my head and logged off my computer, wondering what Ms. Trepe needed from me. I already knew what had to be done for this exam. I approached her.

Ms. Quistis Trepe, graduating top of her class two years ago and working as a full-time instructor, was indeed beautiful. I couldn't deny that. She stood slightly shorter than my height, about 5'9", and was not one to revel in her beauty, but rather her intellect. Her icy blue eyes rested behind glasses, adding to her stoic and sophisticated persona. Her soft face was kept framed between two long fringes of blond hair that fell to her uniform and tie – typical instructor vestures. Quistis was the youngest instructor at Balamb Garden, hailed as a child prodigy, and who's age and reputation divulges her to be far less strict and far more personal as a mentor. Her eyes fixated on me as I drew closer, her smile overly apparent.

"Squall, you haven't been to the Fire Cavern yet have you? You won't be able to take part in today's SeeD exam if you don't pass this prerequisite," Quistis knew I didn't have anything to say to her, and she knew where I was instead. Seifer, the only other specialist in my class of weaponry, had to complete combat training, so I was naturally his first choice. I couldn't refute. "Hm? Do you have a good excuse?" She paused, lowering her chin and focusing her gaze up and into mine, as if in an effort to raise my head to meet hers.

"….Not really." I wasn't about to explain myself, there was no point.

"Then let's get going. I'll be waiting at the front gate. I'll give you about twenty minutes to grab what you need and meet me down there. See you soon." Quistis turned towards the door and took a few steps before being absorbed in a small group of students who seemed to adore her every move. I bypassed her, and her posse, and made my way down the hallway towards the elevator.

Garden life was in full swing, and I wasn't sure if it was because of the exams taking place or because of the recent engagement of the Headmaster of Balamb Garden, Cid Kramer, and his own subsequent festivities. I crossed the bridge of the second floor and entered the elevator, descended to the first floor, then moseyed down the stairs. At the bottom of the stairs stood a large, color-coordinated directory of the Garden, as well some confused looking girl trying to make sense of it. I headed out towards the front gate-

"Uhh… 'scuse me!" A timid voice brushed against my internal dialogue just enough to break my train of thought. I stopped and aboutfaced. It was the confused girl. "Um, excuse me, but does this directory make any sense to you?" Her voice felt like it was charged with enough female energy to hold off the Spartans. I looked at her, then the directory, then back at her and placed a hand on my hip. She should've been able to figure this out on her own. She leaned forward. "Oh, hey, hey, hey! I just transferred here. Do you think you could give me a quick tour of this Garden?" This girl, she looked up at me the way a puppy looks up at you when it desperately wants your attention. I gestured over to the directory.

"Sure thing." I replied, moving over to the directory and placing my finger up at the north most region of the panel. "You'll find the dormitory to the north. A majority of the students live in the dorms. There aren't many students who commute." My finger glided, "West of the North Block is the cafeteria. There's always a big rush for the hot dogs. You better get used to waiting in line." I paused, glancing down at her to make sure she was even paying attention. She was, nodding and smiling in acknowledgement. "Ok, so the other three places you should be familiar with are the infirmary, which is here. Also, the training center, which is here," I moved my finger to the large green colored panel on the far right hand side of the map, "The training center is the only facility that remains open during the night. It's used for training and has real monsters running around in there, so if you don't take it seriously, you may end up dead. Just be careful." I finished and she gulped in reply. "The last place worth mentioning is the quad, located in the West Block. There's an event being planned there – "

In an explosion of excitement and energy, she interjected, "I know! I know!" Her face lit up, her eyes widened, and she rocked back and forth on the balls of her feet, "It's the Garden Festival! It's going to be great! I'm planning to be on the committee! You want to help too!?" She leaned forward, as if my answer couldn't come quick enough for her.

"…Let's just continue," I replied, hoping to change the subject. "South of the East Block is the library. There's a lot of material you can look up here, but the terminals in the classroom are far more efficient. And you already know about the classrooms on the second floor I assume, right?" She nodded. "By the way, the headmaster's office is located on the third floor. You need permission to get in though. And… that's about it." I pulled my finger away from the board and turned to face her. She smiled blankly. I sighed and diverted my gaze to the side. Is she even going to remember this?

She placed her finger on the directory and slid it down diffidently. "So, another question," she began timidly, "Um… are you taking today's SeeD exam?" She looked up at me.

"Yeah."

"Oh ok! So maybe I'll see you again later! I've already finished my training at my previous Garden. I'm taking the SeeD exam today, too. Good luck to the both of us, huh! Thanks a lot!" She gave a quick wave, a flirty blink, and started away from me. I watched her as she left, curious to see if she knew where she was headed now. It was only a minute before she was again nonplussed. I sighed and headed towards the front gate.

Ms. Trepe, or Quistis, was already there, resting against the chain link fence that traced down the road to the vacant parking lot outside of Garden. The air was cool and the sun hid behind various patches of shapely clouds, scattering bits and pieces of shadows across the visible terrain. Quistis stood to her feet, gripping in one hand her weapon, a leather whip, and in her other hand, a clipboard. She stood independent of those around her, dressed for combat, and although she was not broad in the shoulders, her salmon zipped vest hugged tightly against her underarms. She wore dark brown armwarmers and brown gloves, a long salmon-colored skirt, black stockings, a brown belt, and black boots. The only exposed flesh was a small section of her shoulders and an even smaller section of her navel. She was certainly fit.

"I have a few things to explain before we head off. I'm fairly sure you equipped your GF, and you need to keep in mind that the stronger your GF is, the stronger you are. Everything you do affects your GF, consider yourself one in the same. Remember that." Quistis had clearly switched into instructor-mode. I nodded in compliance, knowing the basic history of GF's well enough to not have to pay attention a second time.

I recounted to myself just to make sure: GF stands for 'Guardian Force,' and they are entities capable of being summoned once 'attached' to a combatant. GF's and humans work in a symbiotic relationship and physically, GF's possess special characteristics and abilities that yield both superhuman strength and function to humans possessing them. Undiscovered GFs can be found in specific energy fields, such as areas of land that have cultivated a large amount of geometric energy, or they can reside in powerful monsters. However, GF's are nothing but a class of monsters that have the intellect and compatibility needed to be used as a weapon in battle by SeeD cadets. Balamb Garden, and more specifically SeeD, is the only school where their use has been approved because of the dangerous and serious side-effects of memory loss, caused by long-term junctioning. This is due to the belief that GF's use the emotional energy stored in the memories of their hosts as fighting power. It's a trade-off, but one necessary in SeeD's line of work.

Quistis flipped the first page of her clipboard, "Ok, so pay attention. You scored top of your class in over 3/5 exams, as well as qualifying for this evening's field exam. As top of your class, you are to receive the first opportunity of acquiring a GF through Balamb Garden. I will accompany you from the side, observing your decisions, strategies, and physicality – for a grade. We have located an area of high geometric energy and believe a powerful GF resides there. It is up to you to find it and convince it to attach to you, through whatever means you find necessary." She finished jotting down a few last notes onto her clipboard. "Let's get going; I hope you're ready. It's going to be rough, Squall."