A New Day Dawning

[terryshadow]

Just another day on Balamb Garden's Campus. Students were bustling like fireflies in the nightshade. It was raining outside, but that didn't stop half a dozen students from running around outside, practically drenched from head-to-foot as they were bombarded by the heavy fall of rain. They were all smiling, and they were all happy.

That was one thing he really envied, how easily everyone around him could enjoy themselves.
It also annoyed him, how often they fooled around, annd not a single one probably took their studies seriously.

Squall Leonhart wasn't a cynical person like everyone thought of him. Nor was he unappreciative of the things around. And he certainly wasn't a snob, or a jerk like some certain disciplinary committee members had been made out to be. Squall was just a quiet, hard-luck guy. He was good at being anti-social because he never learned to socialize in the first place. All he tended to do all day was train and study. They were things that kept his mind focused.

At least more focused than the students outside were. They kept splashing puddles in their school uniforms, and kicking water everywhere with their boots. Squall glared intently at his Occult Fan issue, which displayed a new upgrade for the particular series of gunblade he owned. His face grew sour at the thought of four more steel pipes he had to acquire before getting the upgrade. The only thing that bothered him more was the loud thunder crashing outside the windows.

Arg... I can't work like this... He stood up from the bench, retreating further into Balamb's calmer passages while girls shrieked outside and ran through the Quad for cover. Squall pulled out another magazine, a more informative one on the habitats and behavior of Adamantine Turles. What was that test on, again? Something about frequency of appearance... Aren't these things endangered? he flipped through the book and nodded at a passage. It was all he needed to study for the next test.

But before he could learn more about the increased occurence of poaching in Adamantian wildlife, a rapid beating was coming up from behind him. With a vague hope that the sound would pass him, Squall braced for impact as the loud, annoying, happy go lucky martial artist jumped to his side and hooked an around his neck sharply.

"Heya, Squall! How you doin'?" Zell Dincht exclaimed in his normal blaring tone. Squall, as per usual, remained silent.

[catwolfwitchkyobi]

It was amazing, the utter size and color of it all! Soft, straight, raven hair swirled around the young woman's eager face. Restraining the enrgy and euphoria bubbling within, she slowed down, but not because of the curious stares from the many students. It was best to take one's time when trying to figure out where to go. She had received a guest pass, but it didn't tell her specifically where to go. She decided to find a student. She turned, making her blue coat swirl as she spotted two boys chatting. They looked of similar age, each one's face decorated in it's own way. The blond had an unusual black design on his face. The other, posessing dark-brown hair, was marked by a bright red scar running from his left eyebrow to his right cheek. He aroused Heatilly's curiousity.

Relaxing, she smiled at the blond and apporached them at an easy pace. "Hey, could you tell me where I can find the commander of SeeD? I was told they could help me with something. Perhaps an instructor here?"

[terryshadow]

(OOC: I'm sorry for how long this post is going to be. I've been really behind, and I want to make it up. Plus, I thought Zell deserved a good bit of post time, too, so here's his story, right on up to you, catwolf!)

Zell's morning wasn't the best. He woke up to the sound of raining and thundering outside, and he couldn't get back to sleep. His drowsiness soon wore off as he energetically ran around the Garden, doing whatever suited him. He skipped breakfast (there was nothing they served in the morning that interested him, anyway) and spent most of his time, training, running, training, cleaning his gloves, training, working out, running around some more (looking for something different to do) and, of course, training, all of which he did very rapidly and with little effort that he was bored out of his mind by lunch time and hadn't even broken a sweat, yet.

He raced on over to the cafeteria, earning some yells and what he suspected to be the disciplinary committee hot on his trail. He dodged into the cafeteria, avoiding some girls running outside to the quad, and he hid in the lengthy lunch line, eager for a large stack, or at least one small hot dog, which Balamb Garden had such a reputation for making that most of the students lived on campus just for the lunch hour cuisine. More thunder clapped outside, and Zell looked at one of the windows across the room, seeing trees sway ever so slightly and shadows scurry away from the rapidly approaching lightening. Zell slumped his shoulders.

"Why did it have to rain today?" he said allowed. The weather was really dampening his mood. In a burst of determination, he raised his head and clenched his fist dramatically. "Nah, forget the rain! Nothing's going to ruin my day!"

"Sorry, everyone. We're all out of hotdogs." The entire lunch line groaned and scattered, leaving Zell the only remaining student, stunned at his unfortunate luck. His head bowed mournfully,

"Aw, man," and the martial artist slowly turned about, walking out of the cafeteria in a more lethargic pace than before. "Now, I'm tired, bored, AND hungry! What am I supposed to do now?!" He stopped, putting on hand to his forehead in thought while the other sat in his pocket uselessly. "Man, I hate weekends. There's nothing to do! At least, for me, anyway..." He looked up in the direction of the Quad, where a bunch of screaming girls came running back in, drenched from the storm they had played in. The girls fell into giggling and pushing each other around. One of them was a girl Zell had seen working in the library all the time, and the other girls were looking intently at her in question.

"Come on, Sofia! Why can't you talk with us a little longer?" Said girl was wringing out the water from her pigtails and the ends of her skirt.

"I can't because I have to get back to the library. It's my turn to do inventory this weekend."

"Well, if you honestly want to shelve books than play with us...'

"oh, stop it!" Zell found little interest in what the girls were talking about, and instead his hawk eyes fell on the dark firgure heading out of the infirmary hallway, where he was sure a fellow student of his always found a quite spot for reading. As a perky smile lit up his face, he dashed spiritedly around the group of girls and made a bee-line for the gloomy teenager, jumping forward and hooking his arm around Squall's neck.

Heya, Squall! How you doin'?" The man refused to answer him, but Zell didn't let up. "Whatcha reading now?" He glanced at the books in Squall's hands. The magazine, as expected, caught his attention first. "Oh! Occult Fan! Is it the latest issue?" Without an invite, he snatched the article from Squall's gloved hands and began flipping through the pages. "Oh, man! Look at that! So that's what Gauntlet's look like! I always heard about 'em! Never got to see 'em, though."

"Do you mind?" Squall demanded, glaring at the hyper student in frustration. Would he ever get a moment's peace?

"I don't mind borrowing this if you don't mind letting me." Zell grinned broadly. Squall sighed.

"You do know what edition that is?"

"Hm, i don't know. Seventh?"

"Fourth." Zell looked apalled.

"What are you doing with a magazine that old?! I mean, at least get something a litle more modern, like a jack hammer, or a cross bow... hey, why not have a dangerously pointy monkey rench?! That outta be old fashioned enough for ya!"

"First off," Squall yanked the magazine subtly from Zell's hands, "they older versions have fewer manufactering glitches, and second, they're the most we can afford on a student salary." Zell shoved his hands into his empty pockets, reminded that the most spare change he had would only get him a snack bar out of a vending machine.

"You have a point there."

"Hey," someone called, and the two men turned their heads to face a young stranger, whose pretty face seemed to catch them off guard. "Could you tell me where I can find the commander of SeeD? I was told they could help me with something. Perhaps an Instructor here?"

Of the two students, the blond one was the first to respond. "I only know one instructor personally, but our nurse might be able to help you more. Her ffice is over there." Zell pointed toward the infirmary. He looked back at the raven-haired beauty, wondering, "Did you say you were looking for the headmaster?"

[catwolfwitchkyobi]

(OOC:I'm just exicted you're here *tacklehugs* Nice post actually)
The blond was open and bouncy, especially in comparison to his brooding companion. Smiling, the brunette replied "Well, the headmaster would probably be best, but i'd like a tour if you don't mind. Meet some students, get to know the school, y'know?"

He seems really nice and the other one is attractive. I'm sure they won't mind socializing as long as they don't have classes. She was certain the blond wouldn't mind at least. He seemed like a potential friend. The other would be a challenge, but she was confident she could win him over. She extended her hand to the blond while looking at his quiet friend.
"By the way, i'm Rinoa, Rinoa Heartilly. Nice to meet you!"

[terryshadow]

(OOC: *tackled* Glad you like it ;D I'm a beginner in RPing, too. Happy to be here!)

"Ah, well," Zell's mind raced all over for a good response, wanting to say a million things at once, but as Squall seemed to be more reserved than usual, he decided on introductions first. "Right! Zell Dincht is the name." He took Rinoa's hand and gave it a hearty shake, noting her grip was stronger than he expected from any girl. He suddenly admired Rinoa for a lot more than her looks. "I'm a fifth class offense fighter. Takes seven before you're a master around here. All the instructors have to reach that level before--" He suddenly remembered his moody companion. "Oh, right! This is Squall. You'll see him around the school, with his gunblade or a book. Depends on his mood." Squall raised an insulted eyebrow at Zell, attempting to keep his cool. Then he looked at Rinoa and nodded, his "polite" greeting custom. Zell whispered, "And he doesn't talk much, but I think he's just shy around girls." Squall's hearing was better than he expected, and the man gave him a cool glare, crossing his arms nonchalantly.

"Whatever," he murmured.

[Zyadai]

((OOC: Now, I am breaking the cross-over ice!!! Muhahahaaa!!!))

A sullen looking man, wearing a dark red cloak and long ebony hair turned around the corner. If he was a student, he sure didn't act like one. He loped down the corridor, ignoring the odd stares cast at him.
Lost in his own thoughts, the man continued down the hallway, walking directly into another dark, brooding man with a distinctive scar across his cheek.

[catwolfwitchkyobi]

(OOC: What is Vincent doing here? Does he have a purpose or are you just jumping around? ')
Still giggling at Zell's comments and Squall's reactions, Rinoa hadn't noticed the strange man until he bumped into Squall. "A gunblade and martial arts huh? So you must..ah!" The two were just as surprised, if not more than she was. More over, the way the man was dressed, missing the school uniform. It was bizarre even for normal clothes. What was it his boots were plated with? Did Zell or Squall know this dark, crimson cloaked man? In some ways, his expression mirrored Squall's, but darker somehow.

Staring, she blurted "Who are you?"

[Zyadai]

"Is this where I say 'I am your worst nightmare'?" Vincent replied curtly. He was slightly annoyed that he had to stop at this ridiculous 'training' school. He preferred not to travel in storms, being that he wore a good amount of metal about his person.
He had come to Balamb Garden years ago, but it had gone through drastic changes since his last visit.

To make matters worst, the character he had walked into reminded him awfully of himself. It was slightly unnerving. It was like the man was what he would have been had he never been experimented on.
"I am just stopping through."

Although he professed to just visiting, he had, in fact, felt drawn to this place. There was something here that had reached out to him. Now all he had to figure out was what had reached out to him.

[catwolfwitchkyobi]

Frowning, She answered "Not exactly. Unless you're a fiend of Galbadia." Peering into his eyes, she said quietly "No, I don't think that's it. I doubt you would be here in that case." She turned away, his eyes giving her an eerie feeling. Bending down, she offered her hand to Squall who was awkwardly on the floor, glaring at the strange man. Rinoa's expression was almost neutral, the result of her trying not to smile at Squall. Must be careful, he might've had his pride hurt. Keeping the amusement off her face was easier thanks to the cloaked one.

Coolly, she tossed over her shoulder to him while waiting for Squall's response "Is there something we can help you with?"

[Zyadai]

((OOC: Actually, since this is a cross-over RP, and nobody was crossing over, I decided to! I need Squall Back! Come Back Squall!!!))


"......." Vincent opened his mouth to speak but quickly shut it again. Before he could speak, he noticed the girl attempt to help the man he had accidently knocked over up.
How could I have been so rude?
"Here, let me help you." Vincent offered his hand to the man on the floor.
"I am sorry I walked into you....I didn't see you. And as to why I am here, I am searching for something."

Yeah, searching......searching for something when I don't even know what it is!

[terryshadow]

Zell stared for a moment at the pair. In a burst of amusement, he almost blurted out a laugh, but knowing Squall would kill him if he did, he stifled himself. Man, he's just popular with everyone today.

Squall, however, was not amused. Casually, he picked himself up, ignoring both of the hands that were extended to help him, and still holding his books in one hand, he took a small step back, in case he had the misfortune of someone else knocking him down. Silently, he crossed his arms, and finding nothing to say, Zell decided to cover for his rudeness, "At least say thank you, Squall!"

Squall looked annoyed at his classmate, giving him a "What-are-you-my-mom?" sort of glance. And he would have apologized and given his thanks had Zell not followed up with,

"It's very rude not to thank people for their generosity."

Whatever, the gloomy man thought again, but with hesitation, he looked from the strange man to Rinoa in turn and nodded appreciateively, although his eyes were softer towards the latter.

"There, now. Not so bad, is it?" Zell said, trying to gain attention. After a moment, he realized his companion wasn't listening to him anymore, and he glanced around awkwardly for something else to say. (OOC: I'm just going to move him to a less crowed area. The Chronicles of Zell, no?) Something in the distance caught his nervous eye, and suddenly feeling the need to make himself scarce, he pried the books from Squall's limp fingers, earned odd glances from his friend and the two newcomers, and gave a half-salute to the perplexed stranger and a friendly wink to Rinoa. "I'm sure Squall here'll take care of you two. Just bring him back in one piece and no one will complain." He looked at a very confused Squall, who could only barely keep up with the flurry of things happening to him. He only registered the books missing from is hands as Zell told him, "I'll just put these in your dorm, man. 363, right?" Zell recieved a slow nod before he headed off to the north sector, leaving his companion in a very awkward situation.

Squall glanced at his new charges, a little oddly, and uncrossed his arms, trying to be "polite". "So, would you both like a tour... or," he looked at the new stranger curiously, "do you need help finding what you're looking for?" He figured the least he could do was help out; both visitors seemed anxious for something. He could help but feel they were both seeking something urgently, and he didn't feel like getting mixed up in their issues.

[catwolfwitchkyobi]

Waving, Rinoa called "Bye Zell!" before turning to her quiet associates. Using her head to point at cloaked man, she told Squall "It's okay, you can help him and just give me a guide as we go along ok? And when we're done with him, you can sure me the rest. How does that sound to you guys?"

[terryshadow]

Squall quietly nodded, then looked at the unknown newcomer. It all depended on his answer, now.

[Zyadai]

Vincent gave his famous gallic shrug, the one that said everything and nothing all at once.
"If I knew what it was I was looking for, I would gladly accept your help, but on the account that I don't, I will take you up on your offer of a tour. I haven't visited here in years....everything looks so different."
Vincent met the eyes of the dark, brooding man he had accidently walked into. It was like seeing a younger version of himself in the younger man's eyes. It was oddly unnerving to the usually silent creature.
"Your name is Squall, correct? If you are training at Balamb Garden, may I ask what weapon you specialize with?" He had to know. It was just one of those things that nagged at the inside of his mind, especially if the man was to give him a 'tour'. He had to be ready to defend on the shortest notice possible. If the man did not pass Vincent's test, he would leave, searching for someone competent enough, someone who piqued his curiousity, someone who drew him to them.
He couldn't be sure, but he was almost certain it was Squall he was designed to find here. The man had a different energy surrounding him than the others, an energy that Vincent could feel and was drawn to.

[terryshadow]

A little puzzled, Squall drew out his weapon, the Lionheart (OOC: and in case you're wondering, I'm making up the other magazine issues and upgrades. just FYI). Its intense blue blade was strong, emitting a strange source of blue light. It portrayed immense power that had been hidden in its sheath while hung at Squall's waist. Expertly, he spun it around in the air, without hitting anyone or anything, and grasped the blade on the blunt edge, holding the revolver-like handle out for the newcomer to take. "It's called a gunblade. I'm currently the only gunblade specialist training at Balamb."