Amber made a mad dash out of the infirmary the minute she got dressed. Just as she was turning a corner, a body slammed right into her, knocking them both to the ground.

"Eeek! I'm so sorry!" Clearly a girl. At least she sounded sincere.

The cadet could feel another migraine coming on, and was tempted to tell the girl off, only to decide against it at the last minute. They were both in a hurry anyway. And she was just feeling like an again.

Amber stood up first and dusted herself off. She examined the girl out of the corner of her eye, realizing that she didn't look familiar to her at all. The young lady had long, wavy nut-brown hair that framed her heart-shaped face quite well and drew attention to her nice set of cheekbones. Overall, she was quite striking.

They were wearing a similar cadet uniform, but the emblem on the girl's jacket was yellow, along with her tie. SM's colors were red. Amber figured that she was most likely a transfer student. That explains the rush…she was probably late for class and got lost.

"Well, don't worry about it. It was my fault too." She offered her hand to the other student, who took it with a grateful smile. "Are you okay though? Didn't look like your did much to cushion the impact." Amber grimaced, mentally kicking herself. had a mind of its own sometimes. "That…didn't exactly come out right. Sorry."

Much to her surprise (and luck), the stranger just let out a hearty laugh, startling Amber. It was surprisingly…boisterous for a girl of her stature. Still, something about it was strangely infectious, and Amber soon found herself laughing along with her.

"Hehehe, that was actually kind of funny, so it's okay!" The girl wiped a tear from her eye as her laughter simmered down to a giggle. "Besides, you're the first student here to actually stop and talk to me." She pouted. "Everyone else just ignored me…."

Well, the girl certainly seemed nice enough. "I take it that means you're a transfer then?" Amber had to ask, though she knew the answer by now.

"Yup! Transferred from JYP Garden up north. I'm still super new to SM…and got lost." Her bright smile faltered a little. "Look, I hate to be a bother and everything, but is homeroom over already?"

Amber gave the girl an apologetic look. "I'm afraid so."

"Noooooo!" She tugged at her hair, distressed. Amber couldn't help but feel bad for her. "The layout of this place just seems so much more confusing than my last Garden!" Now she was wailing.

Against her better judgment, Amber suddenly found herself saying, "Well, I can spare a few minutes, so if you want, I could show you aro-"

"You will?! Thank you so much!" The girl jumped up and down excitedly.

"Alright, let's head down to the directory." Amber wasn't sure if she was going to regret this later or not.

__________

The cadet walked down the hall with her new companion cheerfully humming a tune beside her. She scratched her head, worried. The instructor was going to kill her. It was bad enough she missed the prerequisite the first time by landing her in the infirmary. Now she was going to be late for her second shot at it simply because she couldn't stop herself from playing tour guide. How the hell was she going to explain this one?

The two students finally reached the center of the main building, the directory board glowing brightly in front of them.

Speaking up, Amber said, "Alright, now pay attention." She pointed a finger at the monitor. "This is the 1st floor. Most of the classrooms are on the 2nd floor. Down here, there's a Side A and a Side B. But if you just want to head to the dorms, then just head north of this directory. You can't miss it."

She cast a side glance at the girl, wanting to making sure she was still paying attention. "You following this?"

The girl nodded her head. "Yup! Continue!"

"Okay, now starting here, you've got the cafeteria. It's west of the north block. East of that would be the parking lot. If we're ever needed on a mission, that's where we'll meet up once instructions have been given." Amber pointed to the next set. "We've got the quad in the west block. Usually that's where we hold the Garden festivals."

"Oh! I heard about that! I really want to join the committee. You should help out too!"

"Er, let's…just finish this first." Amber had to give the girl credit. She was certainly enthusiastic. Looking back at the screen, she continued on with her explanation. "Directly south of here is the front gate….damn, I seriously hope Instructor Song doesn't bury me alive…"

The transfer looked up to her designated tour guide, confusion written on her face. "Huh? Did you say something? You kind of muttered the last part."

Amber pinched the bridge of her nose, trying not to stress herself out. "It wasn't anything. Forget it." Too late to turn back now anyway. She was halfway done. "Okay, now, the hallway directly to our left is where the infirmary is. You should know what that's for already."

"Sure do. But what's the doctor's name again?"

"Kadowaki. She can be a little intimidating when you first meet her, but she's a nice lady." Amber made a mental note to see the doctor again later on. Her scar's constant throbbing was killing her. "Now for the east block. Over here you've got the training center. It's the only facility that's open all night."

"But don't we already have one outside?"

"Those are the training grounds, where students test their mettle against one another. The training center is a whole different playing field. You're fighting actual monsters that Garden has let loose in there. The threat is the real deal, so if you plan on going in to train by yourself, then be sure that you're ready, or you'll wind up dead."

The girl audibly gulped. "C-cool, gotcha."

"The last thing on the list is the library, it's located south of the east block. Lots of info in there, so when you have the time, go check it out."

"Hey, what if I need to speak with the headmaster?"

Amber thought for a minute. "Well, you're going to need special permission for that. His office is on the 5th floor. It's the only room up there, so it's hard to miss. We only ever get to talk to him when we need to report in from a mission though."

"Ah, okay. What's his name?"

"Headmaster Cid. Now, is there anything else I can help you with?" Amber remained rooted to where she was standing, waiting patiently.

"Hmmm…nope! That's it. I really appreciate you doing this!" The girl was about to run off again, before stopping. "Oh! My SeeD field exam is tomorrow! Maybe I'll see you then?"

Amber grinned, giving the new student a thumbs up. "Let's hope so."

"Awesome! I'll be holding you to that. And thanks again for today!" And with that she was off.

Amber waited until she disappeared from view entirely. Once she did, she looked down to check her watch. "Wow…I'll be lucky if Instructor Song doesn't set me on fire." At the very least, Amber was already close by the south gate.

Taking off in a jog, Amber suddenly realized something. "Huh…forgot to ask that girl her name."

__________

As Amber got closer to the gate, she was able to catch sight of her instructor. As expected, she wasn't looking too happy.

"But when does she ever look happy?" Amber quietly whispered to herself.

The cadet skidded to a halt once she was right in front of her. Refusing to meet Instructor Song's eyes, she kept her head lowered, rubbing the back of her neck, feeling awkward.

"I take it that you don't have much of an excuse?"

Amber could hear the tone in her voice. It didn't sound angry so much as exasperated. Still doesn't mean she was going to look up though. "I was…helping a transfer student find her way around."

Okay…she swore that she heard a snort.

"So now you're a girl scout?" Instructor Song actually sounded amused. "Decided to finally end your streak of rebellion and be a good girl now? What's next on your list Liu? Helping old ladies cross the street?"

"Instructor…you're mocking me." It wasn't a question. Amber knew that she was. The older woman was clearly getting her kicks from this. Well…at least her amusement was keeping her alive.

"Heh, yeah. Considering the number of screw-ups you've had today, well…you're just an easy target Liu."

"…so we're heading for Fire Cavern now right?" As relieved as she was that Instructor Song was in a good mood (surprisingly), being the of her jokes all day wasn't the main goal.

The instructor smirked at her student. She was enjoying herself immensely, but she supposed that the poor cadet had suffered enough already. "Alright, I suppose you've endured enough verbal abuse from me for the day. Regardless of whether you deserved it or not."

Amber groaned, feeling frustrated. "I get it, I get it."

"Okay, but before we go, don't forget to equip Quetzalcoatl and Shiva. ESPECIALLY Shiva. This IS Fire Cavern after all."

"Yeah, I equipped them before I got here."

"Excellent. Now let's head out."

The GFs, or rather, Guardian Forces were some of the strangest creatures in existence. Garden has known of them for ages, yet they're still something of an enigma. They were like living, breathing forms of energy, with their own free will. How benevolent OR malevolent a Guardian Force was really depended on each individual creature's personality, just like a human being. Their skills and powers were also a wide variety. However, most of them would never bother to lend their powers to a human until they were bested in combat. It was just how they determined if you were worthy.

Amber had managed to win Quetzalcoatl and Shiva's loyalty a couple of years ago already. They were the only two GFs that she had, but more often than not they were enough whenever she was in a sticky situation. Quetzalcoatl took the form of a large bird-like creature bathed in a golden light. He specialized in powerful electricity based attacks. Shiva, on the other hand, looked like a stunningly gorgeous woman with pale blue skin. She was an ice apparition, meaning her help would come in handy for Amber's little excursion to Fire Cavern.

However, as enormously helpful as the Guardian Forces were, their use within the Gardens was still highly controversial. It has been theorized that the more a SeeD relied on their summons, the more damaging it would be to the memory. But because the theory is still relatively new, all the possibilities have yet to be fully explored. Therefore, the memory loss theory still doesn’t have enough proof to hold it up yet, and SeeD has been allowed to continue its use of the Guardian Forces.

Amber, being quite paranoid, has tried to avoid using her GFs as much as she possibly can. There must have  been some truth to that theory, since there's no justifiable reason to NOT use something so useful in combat. Amber was willing to call upon them during life-threatening situations, or when fights had to be ended quickly, but she preferred to let her sword do most of the talking.

"Hey, quit spacing out. We're here."

"Huh?"

Distracted, Amber didn't see the small rock jutting out of the ground, stumbling over it in the process. She face-planted to the ground with a loud thud, small clouds of dust floating around her as a result of the impact.

"Ah Liu…this just isn't your day is it?"

"Instructor…please." Amber's response was a little muffled.

A tinge of pity wormed its way into Instructor Song's heart. She would never admit it to the poor cadet, but the sight of the younger woman being so miserable was actually getting to her a little.

"Look Liu…if you're not up to it today then we could always postpone."

A sigh escaped the young cadet as she slowly got to her feet. Tempting as that offer was, she would never do it. "I know I've been the monkey of fate all day, but postponing it now means I have to wait another month before I can try again. I'd rather just get through my prerequisite today, and participate in the SeeD exam tomorrow."

"You know what kid, I think you're just a glutton for punishment."

Amber shrugged her shoulders, a lopsided grin on her face. "What can you do right? Although I appreciate you worrying about me Instructor Song."

Another snort. "Don't be ridiculous. I just don't want you dropping dead on my watch. How do you think that would make me look?" Ignoring the cadet's widening grin, Instructor Song turned her attention to the cave. "The entrance is just up ahead. The guard standing watch will give you a quick briefing on what your task is going to be before you go inside. Remember that you have a time limit. My job is to keep track of it." She pulled out a stop watch and showed it Amber. "Got it?"

"Got it." Amber wasn't going to let the day get to her. Right now, more than anything, she wanted her shot at the SeeD exam. It's what she's been working so damn hard for. She had to do this. She wanted to. "Let's go."

The two of them walked towards the Fire Cavern's entrance, and sure enough, an SM Garden guard was standing there.

"Instructor Song, good day. Your student taking the prerequisite?"

"That's correct."

"Alright." The guard turned to Amber. "State your name and student ID number."

Amber saluted before replying, "Amber Liu, student ID number 92-3568."

The guard nodded, then looked back to Instructor Song. "You will be the support Ms. Song?"

"That's right. Instructor number 87, Victoria Song."

"Okay, you're both good to go. Cadet Liu, your goal once you're inside is to obtain a low-level Guardian Force. Instructor Song's job is to heal your wounds and keep you from dying, but she is not to assist you in battle. You have 15 minutes to complete the objective. Your instructor will be timing you throughout the whole thing. Are you prepared?"

"Yes, I'm ready." Once Amber gave him the affirmative, the guard stepped out of the way, allowing them access.

"Good luck."

__________

Fire Cavern, as the name should imply, was unbearably hot. The molten lava that surrounded the place like an ocean left only one safe path to traverse. It was straightforward, but the intensity of the heat was so bad that it was almost physically painful to just stand there.

"No one with half a brain would be here unless they had to be…lucky me," Amber complained. "It figures that a GF would choose a place like this to hide in." The cadet could swear that her skin was melting off. The temperature was insane. She had marched into the place bravely, her chin held high and her chest puffed out. Now…well, she was still feeling brave, except now she was hunched over with sweat dripping off her chin. Her arm was shielding her face from the blasts of heat that stung her eyes. "I think it's getting worse instructor."

"I'm aware of that, so quit your whining. The GF must be nearby."

Amber stared at Instructor Song's backside. If the heat was bothering the older woman at all, she sure as hell wasn’t showing it.

"Always have to play the stoic badass don't you instructor?" Amber teased. She needed to get her mind off the blistering pain…

"You're becoming awfully bold Liu. Maybe the heat HAS melted your brain." Before Amber could make a retort, Instructor Song abruptly stopped in her tracks. "…we're here."

Amber looked over her instructor's shoulder. They had arrived at a dead end. Jagged rocks walled off the rest of the path. "Uh, instructor, there's nothing here."

"Shhh, look there." A little ways ahead of them, there was a large, disk-shaped hole in the ground. It was filled with lava. "Can you sense it Liu? He's coming."

The ground began to shake beneath their feet. Amber got into her battle stance, her gunblade out and eyes never once leaving the hole. Seconds later, a column of flames shot up, exploding into several directions before it hit the roof of the cave. When the fire dissipated and everything stopped shaking, an enormous beast-like creature stood before them. He was bi-pedal, and covered head to toe in brown fur. There were long curved horns atop his head, and sharp claws protruding from his massive hands. Flames covered his chest, neck, and went halfway down his back. Like a lion's mane. The creature was downright horrifying, yet strangely regal, like he had stepped right out of the gates of Hell and demanded absolute respect.

Amber was in awe. Suddenly, she felt a hand squeeze her shoulder, and looked towards Instructor Song.

"Stay focused Liu. And don't be intimidated. Yes, he's going to be a strong opponent, but remember that this is part of your exam, so it's not an impossible task."

"Y-yeah, guess I just froze for a second there."

"Well get it together cadet. Just remember that you've fought worse."

"That's…true." Outraged by the sudden admission, the Guardian Force roared.

"IMPUDENT HUMANS!!!" He bellowed, his voice booming throughout the whole cavern, powerful and imposing. "YOU ARE THE ONES TO SET FOOT ON MY DOMAIN. YET YOU HAVE THE GALL TO INSULT ME!!!"

The raging fire elemental opened his mouth wide, and unleashed a chain of three fireballs in rapid succession.

Amber leapt to the side in a hurry, taking care not to fall in the molten lava.

Instructor Song yelled out, "He's a FIRE aligned Guardian Force Liu! Remember that!"

"SUCH COWARDICE!! YOU COME HERE TO CHALLENGE ME YET YOU ALLOW THIS RUNT TO DO ALL THE FIGHTING?! DO NOT INSULT ME FURTHER HUMAN!!!"

As the GF taunted them, he was hit square in the chest by a blizzard spell. "GAH!! WHA-" He was hit again. This time it sent him crashing to the ground. The creature turned towards Amber, eyes ablaze with fury.

"Hey! Eyes on me ! SHE'S not your opponent, I am." Amber sported a cocky grin on her face, any inkling of fear that she had gone. "Two on one would be overkill against a glorified furnace with legs."

"GRAAAARGH!!!" The frenzied behemoth stretched out his clawed hand, swiping at Amber, almost tearing off the collar of her uniform.

The cadet slashed at him with her gunblade, pulling the trigger and sending him back a few feet. She dropped to the ground and rolled clear out of the way before another fireball could hit her. Dodging had become a simple task for the cadet, but drawing out this fight wouldn't be wise.

"Instructor! How much more time do I have?!"

"You have just under two minutes Liu! Hurry it up!" Instructor Song shouted.

From the corner of her eye, Amber could see the GF charging up another fire attack.

Quickly, Amber conjured up another blizzard spell. It hit the GF square in the mouth, cancelling out his attack and stunning him momentarily.

"Now's my chance!" Amber's brows furrowed as she concentrated. In mere seconds, the skin melting heat of the cavern dropped to freezing temperatures, like the whole place had just been kissed by an eternal winter.

The fire GF, suddenly realizing what was going on, began to panic. "YOU HAVE SHIVA?!"

Just then, the wintery maiden made her appearance.  Shards of ice flew across the room as she broke out of her glacier-like prison. She smiled sweetly at the fire behemoth before delicately raising her right arm. And with the snap of her wrist, the rogue GF was encased in a block of ice, exploding right after and throwing the weakened creature straight across the cavern, and slamming him into a wall.

"URGH…" The beast tried to stand back up, but alas, his weakness to ice was too much for him. His fiery mane sizzled down as he dropped to the ground, defeated.

"Thank you Shiva." Amber walked up to the ice apparition, smiling in gratitude. The GF turned to her human companion, nodding before disappearing into a flurry of snowflakes, waiting for the day she was to be called upon once again.

The cadet then approached the downed GF. "Well…what do you say? Have I proven myself to you or not?"

The fire elemental looked at Amber for a moment. "I WILL ADMIT…THAT YOU ARE NOT BAD FOR A HUMAN. YOU HAVE GAINED SHIVA'S TRUST. THAT MEANS THAT THERE IS SOMETHING MORE TO YOU THAN MEETS THE EYE." Though he had said it begrudgingly, the GF did mean every word of it.

"So…does that mean…?"

"YES, LITTLE ONE, I WILL JOIN YOU."

Relief filled Amber's whole being. Guardian Forces were notoriously unpredictable, so she was glad that this one was honorable, and willing to cooperate.

"Thanks. Well, my name is Amber. What am I supposed to call you?"

"BAH, YOUR KIND HAS CALLED ME FAR TOO MANY THINGS THROUGHOUT THE CENTURIES. AS AN ELEMENTAL SPIRIT, I DO NOT HAVE AN ACTUAL NAME. BUT…..IFRIT. IFRIT IS THE MOST COMMON ONE I HEAR."

"Well then, Ifrit…welcome to the team."

The GF nodded his head, rising up to his feet and roaring once more. He burst into flames, which separated into smaller ones and circled around Amber, making her glow for a short time. As it faded, Amber slowly clenched and unclenched her fist.

"I can feel his power surging through me…I really got him." Amber was practically swelling with pride.

Instructor Song came up to the cadet. "Ha, would you look at that…a few rips to the shirt and some soot here and there, but there's not an injury on you. Looks like you don't need any healing after all. Excellent work Liu." The instructor was practically beaming. "And I was right after all. You and Krystal Jung really are in a class of your own. You both have your own strengths and weaknesses, but you're still on a completely different level in comparison to the average cadet."

Amber laughed. "Sounds more like favoritism instructor."

The older woman ruffled Amber's hair affectionately. "Well…maybe half and half." She looked at her stopwatch. "28 seconds to spare too, not bad."

"Heh, I have to admit that there was a moment in there where I wasn't sure that I'd be able to do it…"

"But you did."

"Yeah, ha…yeah I did."

__________

Amber flopped down onto her bed once she got inside the dorm room. Today was absolutely exhausting.

"Damn, everything ing hurts…" Fortunately, the SeeD exam wasn't until tomorrow. She could finally get some much needed rest until then.

She got permanently scarred this morning, played tour guide, had to go through an oven masquerading as a cave and at the end of it, fight off a powerful Guardian Force that could've roasted  her alive.

What a day indeed.

Amber carefully traced the scar between her eyes. It was still throbbing. In fact, her whole head felt like an absolute mess. She sighed wearily.

"Just…sleep it off Amber. Just sleep it off."

__________

Note: Next chapter will most likely be titled "Waltz For The Moon." Appropriate, considering it marks a certain someone's debut appearance...name rhymes with 'Yuna'....ahem.