Title: Into the Fire
Author: Phoenixflame
Series: Final Fantasy VIII
Rating: PG-13
Summary: It's the day of the SeeD field test. But on an expedition 
to the Fire Cave, something goes horribly wrong. Now Quistis and 
Seifer have to find their way out of a collapsing cave... that 
is, if they don't kill each other first...



"Good morning class." Quistis sighed, and settled down into her 
comfortable chair behind her desk. Out of pure habit, her eyes 
sought out Seifer. The former Knight was lounging in his seat, 
watching her with slightly narrowed eyes. He smiled sardonically 
at her, and gave a little wave.

The SeeD clenched her teeth, and once again reminded herself that 
taking out her whip and using it to choke Seifer to death would be 
a _bad_ thing. Pasting a pleasant smile on her face, she said "Those 
who have not yet taken the Fire Cave test should choose an instructor, 
and notify me." She sat back, hand going to the handle of her whip as 
she noticed Seifer reach inside of his coat for something. He brought 
out a Protect Stone, and commenced to fiddle with it. Then he had the 
utter _nerve_ to smile mockingly at her.

"Dismissed." she told the class. As usual, several of the Trepies hung 
around the exit, waiting for her to leave.

Instead of stalking out to go find his "posse" as usual, Seifer wandered 
over to her desk and leaned against it. "Hmmm... I don't believe I've 
taken this little 'test' yet." He smiled smugly at her.

"So go find an Instructor." Quistis replied, irked beyond belief. *Why 
in Hyne's name did he get assigned to my class anyway?*

"I have." Seifer leaned forwards. "You. You've got a free afternoon, 
and I do _love_ watching you squirm."

Giving in to temptation, Quistis hissed "You do realize I despise you?"

"I'm so glad." Seifer straightened. "Well? Shall we be going?"

Swearing mentally, Quistis stalked out of the classroom, Seifer trailing 
along behind. He gave a little mocking salute to the irate Trepies as he 
passed.

******************************************************************

["Bomb!"

Seifer whirled, spearing the monster with his gunblade. It imploded, 
leaving a pile of charred matter on the floor of the cave,