"Impressions"

Prologue

[2 weeks ago, December 5]

"Good morning class," Quistis Trepe greeted, as her students tooktheir seats. "Although we usually have the SeeD exams in the spring,we needed to make an exception for this time. Once again, Galbadiahas declare d war on Dollet, and Balamb Garden was asked to dispatchsome of our SeeDs. Those of you who passed the prerequisite writtenor field exams will be participating. At 1400 hours, meet me in thecenter area and your team assignments will be announced."

"Instructor Trepe!" One student stood. "Do we have free time untilthen?"

"Yes, actually, you do. You can return to your dorms or stay hereand study," Quistis answered. "Until then, I'll see most of you later."

She left the classroom, and briskly walked the second floor's halls.

"(Another SeeD exam....how many does that make now?)" Quistis sighed. "(It only feels like a day ago that Squall passed his...)"

"My dear Quisty!" A familiar voice said from behind.

Turning sharply, her expressionless face turned a little sour. "Well, if it isn't Irvine Kinneas himself."

Tipping his hat with courtesy, he gently smiled. "Of course, dear Quistis! You're simply one of the reasons, if not the reason, why I love getting up in the mornings!"

"Do you need something?" She spoke, rolling her eyes and placing her hands on her hips.

Irvine placed an arm around her shoulders, and continued walking withher. "Just the facts about this afternoon's SeeD exam."

"To make a long story short," She began. "Meet in the center area, where the map is, at 1400 hours."

He nodded. "1400 hours...that'll be enough time for me to scan formore cuties in this place!"

"In the words of our own Squall Leonheart, 'Whatever!' Quistis replied, softly scowling.

"...Whatever." Irvine added, releasing his arm from Quistis' shoulder. "Anyway, I've got something to do with Zell for today. I'll see you around, Quisty."

Seeing him leave towards the cafeteria, Quistis simply shook her head. "That Irvine...who could've thought..."

*****

(In Dollet...)

"Quistis!" Irvine cried. "Do it now!!!" An upgrade of the X-ATM092, the X-IZA123 persued Irvine, for his group tried todestroy it.

In response, Quistis ran to the top of the speed vessel and began assaulting the mechanical monster with the machine gun she had. As Irvine jumped to safety, the monster edged evercloser to Quistis.

"Quisty!" Xu exclaimed. "Watch out!"

"What-" Quistis turned to face Xu, but the monster's huge clawsswung and pierced her through her back, and one cut her leftcheek. Blood flowing, Quistis continued to fight the monster, and she won with one last shot fired. The vessel blasted off, leaving the monster and the beach.

"All right..." Quistis whispered, drifting into unconsiousness before she heard Xu and Irvine frantically calling her name.

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