Wow. You do multiple weapons? Man I couldn't imagine being proficient in one weapon, much less multiple weapons.

Shinu looked at his bag and wondered if there was any in there.

So, which is your favorite?

"Whatever one keeps me alive." Grieves said. "I've heard rumors of blades that could cut thousands of opponents down in a single motion."

Can't argue with that answer for sure.

Shinu figured if he was going to pick a weapon, it would be the one that gave him the best chance of staying alive.

Johnathan... what could you do in battle... if I could make you fly?

"Haha, lets just say you don't wanna be on the side that I'm fighting against." Grieves laughed, "But i prefer to be on solid ground anyways. I prefer the rush that battles give me on the front lines, face to face with another foe. There is no better test of who's will is stronger."

Well if my research is correct, and it usually is, you can't stand toe to toe with a foe that has been awaiting a match for over 50,000 years. I'm not sure how many of you know, but we're not just here to fight armies, we're here to save the world from a much greater force.

Was Shinu the only one that knew? Well that was dumb. He IS the only one in the world that knew! It was his studies, and actually, it was just a theory. All the ancient texts revealed it though... he couldn't be wrong. He would sure like to be though.

"What are you talking about?" Grieves asked, "What greater force are you talking about?"

Grieves' face went from relaxed to very serious. Any threat that has been alive for 50,000 years would definately be a problem.

Well the first problem is... there is a lot of "unclaimed" power. Like my Guardian Force Shiva, there are other entities with immense power than can change the fate of the world. The one I speak of is unnamed. He's an evil power from ancient texts that I have read over and over and finally I know of its location. I've named him... Diablos.

Shinu sighed. He would never be strong enough to beat Diablos. But maybe Johnathan could, he sure had the fire power. Hopefully SeeD could and Shinu could learn to summon him. That would put things in order.

Sadly, Diablos isn't the problem. It's the people who seek his power. They all want to use it for personal gain. Most will never get close enough to harness it. But there was an old friend of mine... she was getting close, and she's far greater than I am.

"Diablos huh?" Grieves said as he looked out the window. A 50,000 year old GF with no master could definately do alot of damage. But apparently he wasn't the only one out of check. Shinu was a summoner, perhaps if Johnathan helped Shinu control these GFs then maybe Shinu could stop Diablos. Not that Grieves doubted his ability to defeat a GF, but if Shinu were to contol their powers after they were defeated then Shinu could use them for SeeD and help this world.

"We have alot of work to do then. I understand we're both supposed to be students here, but the best way to learn is to act. We need to stop Diablos before someone else takes his power and uses them for their own gains. What I propose is that we find these untamed GFs. If you can obtain their power then maybe you can defeat Diablos. Of course I'll offer my blade to this cause." Grieves stated as he grabbed a map of the world, "Now according to your research where would we begin to find some of these GFs."

Shinu nodded to Johnathan, glad he was going to have some help. Johnathan's confidence was more than obvious, and usually Shinu wouldn't take well to it. But this was the most humble confidence he'd ever encountered.

Well I am glad you're willing to help. What you proposed, is the exact reason Balamb Garden was even created. The Galbadian Army typically recruits warriors like you. Well, half like you. Balamb Garden creates an environment for leaders of our generation to gather and protect the world, not to be mindless soldiers, which cleary you are not because you're here.

He surveyed the map. He knew this map thoroughly, not the actual locations, Shinu was not very well traveled at all. He'd never seen the locations, but damn this man could pin point them on a map.

Cid is going over this at our mission briefing, so I won't say much but...

With a red pen he circled a point on the map less than 2 miles away from the Garden! Shinu knew how Johnathan would react.

This is why the Garden was placed right here. I asked for it. Again, you'll hear all about this, I'll move on.

Another circle was made on the Garden itself.

That's Diablos. The second reason why I asked the Garden be built here. It wasn't for the pretty view. He's not in an office somewhere, but he is here. I will explain later.

Next Shinu made an even larger circle, sort of hovering over the entire Garden.

This one is electric based. I'm not sure if you noticed the tall thin pole coming out of the top of the Garden? That's to draw it here the first time we get rain. It may not even be me who gets it since there are other summoners here. I have a level of importance put on the ones that I personally need to stop the world from being held hostage.

Shinu put his pen down now.

The others... well I'll need a lot of time and help to find those. Not to sound selfish or arrogant but, if I fail... Well nevermind that. I won't fail. But we have to be patient. We will pursue these Guardian Forces only when the time is right. Cid and I have planned this since I was six years old.

"Sounds like you and Cid have had quite the history together. Its strange to think that such a force has been laying idly without me knowing about it, especially those so close to the garden." Grieves said over looking the circles on the map.

This threat didn't just threaten the lives of the students in the garden, but the lives of all living beings. Shinu was right that there are other summoners, but Grieves felt something different about his roommate. He had a very important role to play in the fate of the world. He would do everything in his power to protect his new friend, no matter what the cost. However there are moments that Grieves may not be at his side, he needed to protect himself, and though he was unsure of how the Guardian Forces worked or how powerful they were, he would feel alot safer if he knew how to defend himself without their help.

"I'm going to teach you how to wield a blade..." Grieves started calmly, "I'm sure after learning how to defend yourself with one you will gain alot of confidence, and it will make you an even deadlier opponent for Diablos."