Author's Comment:
Oh dear. Oh dear, oh dear... I dreaded writing this scene. I felt it was important to lay out the basics of what Balamb Garden looked like to the reader, but was worried about boring them with details. Please tell me if it's not very good, I'd love to make it as readable as possible. Hope I didn't do too badly... ^_^;;;
EDIT: I'll have a map of Balamb Garden up in the art section in no time. For now, just use your imagination... Or your memory. Whichever serves you best. :)
Friday, June 1, 2007
"There's the directory," Squall said, pointing to a small terminal ahead of them. They walked down the steps from the elevator, Selfie looking around in awe. "Balamb Garden's pretty big, so you'll want to access this every now and then, until you get used to it," Squall said, touching the screen. It lit up, causing Selfie to jump back in surprise. "It's not going to do anything," he said sarcastically, "it's just a map. See?"
She stepped closer and let out a sigh, "Right. I knew that."
The glowing monitor showed a circular floor plan, an elevator in the center, seven blocks extending outwards, as well as an eighth hallway, leading south. Squall pointed to the North Block, "This is the dormitory. It's on the opposite side of the elevator from us, right now. It's where mostly everyone sleeps, and keeps there stuff. Typically, students don't commute--"
"I know that part, I'm in the dorms too," Selphie said cheerily.
"Right. West from there is the cafeteria," Squall continued, moving counter-clockwise. "There's always a big rush for hot dogs, so you'd better get used to waiting in line."
"Got it!"
"Next, we've got the Quad, in the west block. It's basically where events are planned. South of that's the infirmary. Students often go there for advice, aside from medical attention--"
"I met Dr. Kadowaki just yesterday!" Selfie interrupted again. "She's such a sweetheart!"
Squall ignored her. "South from there is the front gate." At this, he remembered that Quistis was still waiting for him.
"Something wrong?"
"No. Let's continue. Next is the library. You should be able to pick up a copy of the map there. It helps a lot, and it has the second floor on it. Why this one doesn't is beyond me."
"'Kay."
"Now the east block. This is the training center. It's the only facility open at night. It's used for training, and they have real monsters running loose in there. If you don't take it seriously, you could end up dead." Selfie gulped loudly. "Just be careful."
"Uh... Okay..."
"Lastly, is the parking," Squall concluded. "You shouldn't have to worry about that too much, though. We only ever need it when we're assigned to drive to town, or something." Squall paused, to make sure he hadn't forgotten anything.
Selfie added, "And the classrooms are on the second floor, right?"
"Yes," Squall answered. Selfie beamed. "Also, the Headmaster's office is on the third floor, but you need permission to get in."
"Um," Selfie said, nervously, "this is gonna sound really dumb, but I forgot his name."
"It's Headmaster Cid. Anything else?"
"Yeah, are you taking today's SeeD exam?"
Squall froze for a moment, in thought. I keep forgetting about Quistis... "Uh, yeah, I am."
"Cool!" She said, smiling. "Maybe I'll see you later, then. I've already finished my training at my previous Garden, so I'm taking the SeeD exam today, too. Good luck to both of us, huh!" Selfie began to walk towards the dorms, waving enthusiastically and smiling. "Thanks a ton for the help, Squall!"
Squall stood there, watching her leave. He might have noticed that the paper was missing had Ashley not shown up. "Squall! There you are! I've been looking everywhere!" He turned around to see his classmate, resting her hands on her knees, miles behind her breath. "Instructor Trepe's waiting for you at the front gate! She sent me to get you. If you keep her waiting one more--"
"Okay," Squall said quickly, breaking into a run.