Seed
In Final Fantasy VIII, the SeeDs are elite mercenaries trained in combat and magic at Balamb Garden, and they are central to the game's story. Seifer Almasy’s relationship with the SeeDs is layered and filled with tension, as he is both a member of their ranks and their greatest rival.
Seed Candidate
Initially, Seifer is a SeeD candidate, undergoing the same rigorous training as Squall and the others at Balamb Garden. However, Seifer's attitude toward authority, rules, and the Garden itself make him stand out in a negative light. His rebellious nature and disdain for the strict code of conduct lead him to clash with his fellow SeeDs, particularly Squall.Despite his talent and impressive combat skills—especially with his signature gunblade—Seifer’s personality and impulsive behavior prevent him from excelling as a disciplined SeeD. He views himself as above the rules and, at times, resents the structure that the SeeDs represent. This discontent eventually leads to his downfall, as his desire for power and independence ultimately pushes him into conflict with the very institution he was once a part of.
Rivalry
Seifer’s rivalry with Squall Leonhart, who is a more reserved and rule-abiding member of the SeeD program, is a key element of his relationship with the group. Seifer views Squall as his primary competitor and often challenges him, mocking him with the nickname “Chicken-Wuss.” This rivalry is not just a personal issue between the two; it reflects Seifer’s internal struggle with authority, structure, and his own identity as a warrior.Despite the animosity, there is an undeniable mutual respect between Seifer and Squall. Both are skilled gunblade users and are essentially two sides of the same coin—Seifer as the impulsive, rebellious one, and Squall as the disciplined, reserved one. Their duels and encounters underscore the tension between their ideals and personalities.
Dissatisfaction
Seifer's dissatisfaction with Balamb Garden, its rules, and its leaders eventually leads to his defection from the SeeDs. He decides to align himself with Edea Kramer (the sorceress) and later Ultimecia, becoming her Sorceress’ Knight. His decision to leave the SeeDs is a reflection of his desire for power and his belief that he is destined for something greater, something outside of the constraints of Balamb Garden.Seifer’s betrayal is seen as a tragic fall from grace. Once a SeeD candidate with potential, he becomes an antagonist, serving a greater and darker force. His departure from the SeeDs marks a turning point in his character, as he abandons his previous comrades and embraces his ambition, even at the cost of his ideals.
Betrayal
Seifer’s actions cause a rift not only between him and the SeeDs but also within the group itself. His defection leads to the SeeDs being sent on missions to stop him, with Squall and the others caught in the conflict. However, despite Seifer’s betrayal, there is still a sense of loss and regret for what he could have been.Squall, in particular, grapples with Seifer’s fall from grace. Though Seifer becomes an enemy, Squall never fully rejects him as a person—perhaps because he understands all too well the temptation and the internal struggles that Seifer faced. In a way, Seifer’s story serves as a mirror to Squall’s own potential downfall, highlighting the thin line between ambition and self-destruction.
Seifer’s relationship with the SeeDs is marked by potential, rivalry, betrayal, and loss. His rebellious spirit and desire to break free from the constraints of Garden ultimately lead him down a path of self-destruction, alienating him from those who once considered him a comrade. The SeeDs, especially Squall, become the tragic reminder of what Seifer could have been had he not let his ambition consume him.
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