Unsure of whether the Headmaster's words were compliment or insult, Kein nevertheless saluted crisply. His rank was higher than expected and much higher than Instructor Lerwick had predicted; Kein would have felt justified in a little smugness had he not known that Duncan was the one who awarded the grades. It was with a mixture of pride and trepidation that he headed back down to where his classma... to where the [i]students[/i] awaited, eager for them to give their little speeches and shake hands. Then again, looking at the others, he doubted that any of them would bother, except perhaps Charlotte. Instead he hung back a bit, waiting for the others to distract the thronging students. If he just snuck through [i]here[/i] he could reach... There, he was through. His lack of presence in the classroom may have helped Kein escape the limelight a litt- A sharp pain arced up his back, a familiar jolting sensation that he had long since became accustomed to. He fell into soft yet strong arms that carried him down the elevator and back to his room. Yoko was quite looking forward to dressing her favourite doll up in his new SeeD uniform; she had bought a brand new tazer and expensive camera just for the occasion. Kein would be lucky to reach the ball late, if at all...

---

With the familiar notes of Garden's orchestral anthem in the background, Duncan found it almost relaxing out on the balcony, away from the dance floor and the hubbub of the guests. With slow, weary movements he bit off the end of a fat cigar, lighting it with a small flash of paramagic. His 'victory' cigar had a bitter taste, as if the souls of a thousand dead Dollet civilians had soiled the tobacco... Duncan couldn't bring himself to call the operation a success, despite Corvo's best attempts to console him. The only bright point of the day was also a great irony for him... His first class to graduate would also be his last. The Head Instructor's blunt but sympathetic words echoed in his mind as Duncan slowly puffed away. [b]'Civilian casualties are not acceptable, Duncan. Someone has to take responsibility.'[/b] Never mind that the situation had been out of their hands, SeeD was supposed to be the best, able to weather any odds. Its failure to protect Dollet was a massive blow to Garden's reputation and a scapegoat was needed. [b]'But rest assured... I do not abandon my men. You cannot be seen to be a member of SeeD by the public, but nevertheless you will continue to serve elsewhere.'[/b] The details of his new assignment were almost as depressing as the mission's outcome. Almost.

With one final deep drag, Duncan finished the cigar and disintegrated the stub with another flash of magic. He took a moment to regain his composure, burying the stress for another few hours. Tonight was about his newly graduated students and now that he was able, Duncan intended to sit down and have a proper booze up with them. Striding back inside the building, he grabbed a bottle of wine from a passing waiter, pulling the cork with his teeth. Spotting the first of his kids, Duncan set his smile as congratulatory as he could and stalked over to Syrus. [b]'So... how's it feel to be one of the best warriors in the world? You got a good rank, higher than I did during my test.'[/b] Disgusted by the forced cheeriness in his own voice, Duncan sighed deeply and when he spoke again, it was with an edge of weariness. [b]'You did well mate. As your instructor and now as a fellow comrade, I'm proud of you.'[/b] He didn't mention future work together; Duncan had yet to put his team together for his new assignment, but Syrus was one of his preferred candidates. [i]Better the devil you know.[/i]