At the forefront of a rising tide of violence brought on by Galbadia's war declaration is a SeeD cadet named Squall Leonhart.  Serious to a fault, Squall has earned himself the reputation of being the lone wolf.  A chance encounter with the free-spirited Rinoa Heartilly, however, turns his fate upside down.  Having thrived on discipline, Squall finds Rinoa's carefree attitude fascinating.  Yet there is no time to ponder these thoughts, for the job of dealing with the sorceress behind Galbadia's irrational hostility has fallen to SeeD and Squall.