Hiya I saw your site and thought I would send in my fic! 
Author: Elle
Title: Final Fantasy VIII Return Part One


Author’s note: When I began this story it was at fist just fantasy, a scrambled bunch of ideas that played out in my 
conscious mind. From simple ideas, desires, inspiration, imagination and finally the game its self it was written. 
After all fan fiction is a labor of love and fanfic authors can rarely ask for anything in return, but a few comments 
and so fourth, (these are not my words, but I certainly agree.) Basically I hope you enjoy my labors and don’t take 
too much offense and if you care to take the time you might tell me what you think. 
Disclaimer: All Characters, spaceships, Cities and everything like that belong to Squaresoft, and no infringement is 
intended. 
Summary: Due to Headmaster Cid’s untimely death, Rinoa’s disappearance and a mysterious young women in 
Esthar Squall ‘s life is once again in upheaval… 
Fantasy VIII Return
By: Elle
Email: Tyoudoll
Chapter One- Moonlight Sonata
Squall felt the cool night air as it hit his warm body. The Moon looked like it were hovering right over him because 
of its immense size. The tiny stars burned with their eternal furry, but were so far away he could never reach them. 
The stone balcony of the familiar Garden added a renaissance feel in the Moonlight as he turned to see her. She was 
beautiful. With her dark hair blowing back, towards the vast ocean that expanded to what seemed like forever. He 
saw her before everything else, nothing could exist beyond her smile. That smile that pulled him in making him 
captive to her dark eyes. She pointed to the shooting star that had brought them together and that would hopefully 
never tear them apart. 
Rinoa turned to look at the smiling Squall. Has his cheeks subtly curved up, warm and friendly. She suddenly 
realized that this was the first time she had ever seen him smile, but in her mind that must have meant that this was 
something special. She saw how he gently moved in and his arm gently reached out taking her into his embrace. 
How their heads moved in and exchanged that kiss she had hoped for since the first time their eyes had met. She 
finally felt some peace, and would have given anything to live in this moment forever. She felt that she wouldn’t 
have to worry as long as she was in his embrace. She suddenly pulled away from him and looked back out into the 
ocean, seeing the sunrise start to peak through. She sang the words of that familiar song in her head, "My last night 
here for you, same old songs just once more. My last night here with you, maybe yes, maybe no." She frowned 
thinking of the future, a future where she was a Sorceress and a future with Squall. How? She asked herself.
He stood there, awkward without a word. His soul, his insides were exposed to one girl, what was he going to do 
now? He heard the sound of light steps on the stone floor and looking back he noticed Edea.
"Matron," he said with a courteous nod. 
"Squall, may I have a word with Rinoa, alone," Edea spoke with her soothing voice. He wanted to question 
everything, he wanted to know why, but instead in respect he walked out rejoining the rest of the party. 
"You are Sorceress Rinoa?" Edea confirmed.
"Yes, I’m Rinoa," she replied. Her eyes began to become watery, her vision clouded and her forehead ached. She 
hated this struggle, the way she felt inside. 
"I thought I might offer my help and comfort to you?" Edea tried to comfort the foreign girl she had just barely met. 
She had been in the girl’s place and knew what such a responsibility felt like. In a way it was a horror, a fate which 
she was glad to be rid of, but with it came a power a sense of something outside one self as if you could feel the 
generations of Sorceress’ before. She felt pity for the girl because she knew no matter what anyone said, no matter 
all the decent and kind things this label of being a Sorceress would follow her forever. 
"Um… For what?" Rinoa questioned. Edea’s intentions still seemed unclear, but her cryptic way of saying as little 
as possible was getting to her. She wondered why she just couldn’t make everything clear, but instead mentioned 
little that could help her make sense of any of this. 
"Being the only Sorceress of this time is a great responsibility. And your powers, you do not know how to use them. 
I can teach you." Edea said. She was trying as usual to make things right fix the problem so easily and trying to 
make this all seem for the best. Rinoa refused to believe this was for the best and Edea’s kindness was only insulting 
her. She wished she could just live on normally, without these unrealistic problems. Just her and Squall. 
"Why? Don’t you know I hate these powers, they’re a curse and will only keep me away from the ones that I love! 
Don’t you understand? You of all people! I’m sorry." She stopped suddenly as lines of fresh tears streamed down 
her colored cheeks. Rinoa turned away from the previous sorceress, but Edea gently coupled her arms around her in 
support. Rinoa tried to wipe the tears away and closed her eyes from the world.
"I know child, I know, but you have a gift. Think of this as Hyne’s present to you," Edea whispered. Her words and 
touch felt strange, unnatural as she missed her own mother’s embrace. She felt so small, as if she were a little girl 
again that had fallen down, maybe skinned her knee and her mother was there trying her best to ease her pain.
* * * * * * * 
Squall entered the party again. He saw to his surprise, Irvine fighting with Selphie, Quistis sitting alone and Zell 
talking to the girl in pigtails. He felt the familiar sense of his insides twisting, he knew something was wrong. 
Angelo strutted across the room, but the rest of the partygoers were gone. He walked over to Quistis and pulled out a 
chair besides her to sit in. Her face looked dull, expressionless as if it had been drained of all emotion. Her eyes 
were caste down, as was her head.
"Where’s Rinoa?" She asked suddenly and looked up.
"Talking to Matron," Squall explained. He wondered what they were talking about because Rinoa was hunched over 
crying. He moved to get up, but felt Quistis’ hand on his shoulder.
"Just a little longer, Squall," she said softly. Squall sat there confused as ever to what was going on. He had learned 
by now that things changed for the bad very quickly and that thought plagued his mind. Squall tried to stand up once 
more, but Quistis turn and gave him a look of desperation. 
"What is it now? I’m finally happy and something goes wrong." He said annoyed. Something could always happen 
to him, something could always go wrong and that’s why he had tried not to get attached to anything before. Before 
Rinoa. In the blink of an eye everything could disappear, everything that you loved like it had for him before. 
"Don’t speak of us like were just a burden to you. We’re your friends, Squall you can’t turn your back on us yet!" 
She got up and left deciding it was better not to talk to him and walked deciding to go to the infirmary.
Squall still didn’t now what was wrong, but he decided that he really didn’t want to know. He turned to look back at 
the balcony and noticed Matron gone. Rinoa’s back was facing him so all he could see was the Angel print on her 
back. He began to walk towards her, but was stopped by Selphie.
"Squall, didn’t you hear?" Selphie asked in a solemn voice. 
"No." He didn’t know what to say. What did she expect from him, comfort and support? He wished he could get 
away and return to that moment when it was just Rinoa. Instead to be locked into responsibility, the Commander of 
Garden and the friend.
"Headmaster Cid, something happened to him. They don’t know. He was just up and around, and now…Squall, you 
got to do something." She hadn’t felt this knot of depression and feeling of helplessness since what had happened to 
Trabia and at least everyone there had been fine and accounted for. Now with Headmaster Cid it seemed that things 
were once again out of her control. 
Squall hated being the leader. He hated the way everyone expected him to take charge and do whatever they weren’t 
willing to do. Everything they asked for had to become top priority. At the same time he needed to comfort Rinoa 
and something was wrong with Headmaster Cid. He almost wanted to leave Garden, Garden the only home he had 
ever had besides an orphanage. He wanted to escape the feeling and would have had give anything not to go to the 
infirmary.
"Selphie, tell everyone I’ll be at the infirmary soon. I’m going to tell Rinoa." He responded.
"Squall, your sure are calm under pressure, no wonder you’re the leader," Selphie said reassured once more.
Irvine felt relief a rush of relief as Selphie approached him. Just her smile could make any rainy day sunny. They 
had been arguing before about his incissive flirting, how he truly could never love her. And finally how he would 
never jump out into space and save her. But he was Irvine, the ladies man. 
"Selphie, could I ever live without that smile," he said to her.
"Now Irvy, that’s not going to make everything better. Headmaster Cid is in trouble. And what about Matron?" 
Selphie's voice was serious like her words. She looked troubled and Irvine walked with her to the infirmary.
Squall stood there, with Rinoa still turned away from him. The sky lightning up to a dark opaque blue were the pale 
stars could still be shown. The night was fading just like the moment, she thought. She didn’t want to turn around, 
she didn’t want to see those eyes again.
"Rinoa, something’s wrong with Cid. I have to go to the infirmary. Please, what’s wrong?" He asked concerned. She 
finally turned around and he saw the tears building in her eyes. 
"I need some time to think… I mean, what are we going to do, Squall? Where is this going? 
You’re the Commander of SeeD, and I’m the Sorceress." Rinoa felt everything closing in on her. She wanted him to 
say something to make it all right. Something that would erase her own fears and doubts, she wanted everything to 
be fine again.
"Who cares what people think." He stopped, thinking about his own words. " Look, I need to go to the infirmary. 
Please come, I don’t want to handle this alone anymore."
* * * * * * *
Cid lied weakly in his bed knowing the end was near. Once a great man reduced to this shell. Every sensation 
seemed warped in illusion. He saw Edea, with her hand reaching towards his. Even if he could never reach back, he 
always would love her. Even if he loved her more than she did him. He saw Squall in a corner. The boy’s destiny 
was so cruel, everything in his life would be hard, even love.
"Where, where is Squall I need to tell him something… Very important," the dying Cid said.
"Don’t go Cid, the world and I am not ready to lose you." Edea spoke to him with her small hands cradling his head. 
Edea felt as sad as she did they day the children had left. She had the same feeling that she was never going to see 
him again. Her body was quivering, and her long strait hair was in tangles. Quistis hand was on her shoulder in 
support, but offered little comfort.
"He’ll be here soon, you just have to take it easy, you’ve got to save your strength, Sir." Quistis said trying to hold 
back her emotions. She was trying not to cry so she wouldn’t concern him. She wondered where Squall was, was he 
going to keep a dying man waiting? She looked over to Zell who appeared frustrated with his fists clenched and 
trying his best to stay calm. He held Niecey’s hand firmly as her head was down. She glanced back at Selphie and 
Irvine who gave each other acknowledging glances. Selphie was at a loss of words; her innocence and naïve mind 
couldn’t handle situations like this. Irvine not knowing Cid well, but knew he didn’t deserve to die.
The infirmary’s door opened and Squall looked at his friends; they looked as if Cid had died already. He spun 
around, checking to see if Rinoa was still with him.
Rinoa stayed hidden behind Squall and wasn’t sure if her presence was appropriate. These were her friends too, but 
this was their Cid, not hers. So she decided to sit in the bench near the door and leave them alone.
"Squall, come here my boy, we need to talk," Cid spoke in his shaken voice. He saw Cid with his oily, pasty skin 
and tired eyes that were barely able to stay open. His short brown hair was all over the place and even hung a bit 
over his eyes. Squall took his place on the other side of the bed. It was hard to see the founder of garden on his 
deathbed. It was disturbing, to say the least. 
"Squall, you have a troubling fate, I know. But." He coughed like the end would come before the beginning could 
progress to the middle. " Hear a dying man out, I just want to say how proud of you I am, and I have always thought 
of you like a son. Don’t worry, you don’t have to say anything, ha ha ha. My point is I want you to take care of 
everyone, my Edea, and the rest of the children. And that, it comes before everything it is…" He started coughing 
and his eyes began fluttering, but before they closed for forever he looked up at Squall with all his hopes and 
dreams. Squall’s hand went back in anger as he looked at the lifeless body of Cid.
"It’s what? Don’t do this to me. Don’t make me responsible for everyone! Wake up!" He yelled at the corpse. Rinoa 
got up and rushed over to Squall’s side.
"Squall, calm down. He’s gone, please-" She stopped in mid-sentence and looked at her friends. Edea had her head 
to Cid’s still body, Quistis covered her face, Selphie and Irvine were in each other’s embrace and Zell looked tense 
as Nicey cried on his shoulder. Squall started to leave, but Quistis blocked his path
"Squall, what’s gotten into you? Our leader and friend just died telling you how much he cares about you. You just 
can’t walk away from us!" Quistis yelled. She was in tears and needed somebody. She pushed Squall away, and ran. 
She just had to get away from all the stress, and anger she felt. She felt so alone and Cid’s death only made her feel 
worse. She ran down the peaceful garden hall and out to the familiar front gate. The calm considerate Quistis was 
gone, and replaced with the desperate irrational women. She was already having a nervous break down before 
twenty, she thought. She didn’t understand this feeling that she had, this desire to escape. And the feeling of 
loneliness that came over her when she looked at her friends. She had known when Rinoa came into the picture that 
there was truly no way to ever have Squall, to ever feel his arms around her. So why was this happening to her? It 
was like everyone had someone, except for her.
* * * * * *
Squall was in no mood to be around other people. Cid was dead, and unfortunately people would come to him for 
his reaction or hope he would be able to cheer them up. How was he suppose to act when people tried to dump 
everything on him. How was he supposed to look at him or think of them? It was better to be alone, without prying 
eyes or their judgment, he thought. And if he wanted to be alone than that was fine, he convinced himself. He 
walked out of the infirmary and decided to return to his dorm room. Irvine and Selphie took Edea away from her 
husband’s corpse while Dr. Kadowaki pulled the blanket over her old friend’s body. Zell hugged Nicey tightly, and 
then approached Rinoa. 
"Rinoa are you alright?" Zell asked her. She looked at him blankly, contemplating how she could possibly answer 
his question without sounding completely bitter.
"You don’t have to worry about me, Zell," she said in a soft voice.
"Rinoa, Squall’s gonna be ok, right?" He asked nervously. 
"Maybe? Nobody can predict the future?" She said with a sigh. She wanted to return to that moment, when she was 
safe in his arms. When she didn’t have to worry about being a Sorceress, or the future. And she felt sorry for Zell; he 
didn’t know how to deal with these types of situations. Rinoa walked out of the infirmary, everything had changed 
so fast a part of her didn’t believe any of it. But she felt almost tranquil as she walked towards the dormitory. She 
neared the entrance of Squall’s room and saw he was asleep from the doorway. Squall’s face had always appeared 
troubled, but now, strangely he looked peaceful in his quiet slumber. She crawled next to him and loosely put her 
arms around him.
"Promise me one thing. That when I’m gone, you won’t ever forget me. That far from now you will come to that 
huge meadow that has all those flowers and sun. That you will see me in the sunshine as it radiates off me. That you 
will go to me, and hold me close to you so I can hear your heart beating. Then you will kiss me and we will be there 
together. Forever, that nothing will matter for that moment. Do that Squall, ok?" She said to the sleeping Squall. She 
lied there for a moment and left.
Chapter Two- Greetings from Beyond
Quistis walked down the sunny streets of Balamb, and enjoyed the feeling of calmness the quiet fishing town gave 
her. She inhaled the salty smell of the nearby ocean and felt the bright, almost blinding sun beat down on her. The 
weather was mild and pleasant, warm but with a cool breeze. She walked further and past the small houses admiring 
how they fit into the rest of the little town. Coming here always reassured her that everything everywhere wasn’t so 
fast paced and the town its self seemed to take things slower, maybe the days didn’t pass by so fast and you could 
actually grow accustomed to one thing instead of them changing before you even knew you missed them. She 
wondered how everyone was doing, and if they had even noticed her gone. She walked to the ITEM shop near the 
train station and thought she saw a girl with dark hair and a blue dress. Rinoa? She dismissed the thought and 
decided to return to Garden quickly.
* * * * * * *
Xu’s voice on the announcer awoke Squall from his nightmare. "Squall Leonhart, Quistis Trepe, Selphie Tilmitt, and 
Irvine Kinneas, please report immediately." Good old Xu there to take check up on gardens finest investment, he 
thought. He struggled to get up, still feeling the affects of sleep. He brushed back his hair with a gloved hand and 
straitened his jacket out. Everything came back to him, Headmaster Cid’s death, Quistis strange behavior, she must 
miss Cid a lot. As he approached the elevator he heard a loud noise, and turned around. He was tired and confused, 
still pondering how Cid’s death would effect him. And he knew it would, despite Cid pulling back from most of his 
chores he still had contributed to Garden, would Squall be expected to take over these duties? He hurried, trying to 
made his way to the bridge as fast as his legs would take him. But he stopped, surprised standing up dead ahead was 
his Seifer. Fujin and Ranijin besides him, present to make up the disciplinary committee. Seifer was talking to a 
disgruntled Zell and he could hear them yelling as he approached the two.
"What are you doing here you BASTARD! Traitors aren’t welcomed here!" Zell screamed as he punched the thin 
air. Squall hastened his pace afraid of what Seifer might do to Zell.
"Zell, calm down. Let me handle this," Squall said. 
"Well isn’t my old rival, Squall! Have you missed me? I see Chicken-Wuss has but what about Puberty Boy, how’s 
Rinoa?" Seifer smirked. Brimming with pride and cracking slanderous comments as usual, it seemed like 
something’s never changed.
"Seifer, back off I wouldn’t regret killing you," Squall ordered calmly. He knew his attempts were futile, Seifer 
never did anything in less he wanted to and he would never take an order from Squall. 
"I just heard our Chicken-Shit headmaster died and thought I’d pay my respects," Seifer said. The same bitter 
expression, the smile that turned into a frowned look of contempt, but contempt for what exactly was the question 
But Seifer’s return was simple…he missed Garden. And the only thing blocking this return was his ego, the air of 
pride and the wall he put up of undying confidence that hid any self-doubt. He would never and could never let 
Squall get him in or help him and he could never be in debt to Squall. He simply wanted his old life back.
"Squall, just let me have him, please! I’ll take that smile off his face," Zell said eagerly.
"Zell, calm down. I don’t think your worthy to attend Headmaster Cid’s memorial. Seifer, give me one good reason 
why I should let you stay here?" Squall searched the eyes of the old rival, the cold dead eyes that were once so 
familiar, but seemed tired now. 
"Aren’t you going to ask me how I found out? Man, you’re losing your touch! This is the clincher…Rinoa. I guess 
Puberty boy just couldn’t uh uh ha ha ha!" Seifer said triumphantly. He knew he had given himself a reason to stay 
at the key to Squall was his pathetic love for Rinoa. Rinoa, laughably his first "love", he could almost feel sorry for 
her ending up with Squall.
"Promise me you won’t ever forget me. Far from now… You will pull me close, and will kiss forever…" What was 
the meaning of all of this? A nightmare and Seifer mysteriously wandering into Garden as if nothing had changed…
"Where is she Seifer?" Squall asked him.
"Why should I tell you?" Seifer wanted to stay, and this was the only way into Garden. He had seen her at the 
Balamb train station as he had departed and she had boarded. 
"Seifer," she said with a nod. And he almost feared her. She, this simple girl who if you thought was far too 
powerful, a girl that had the love of the Commander of SeeD, the powers of Ultimecia and Her father the Galbadian 
general. How could someone with all that power not be evil, or corrupt? He had tried his best to ignore her, but she 
had lightly put her hand on his shoulder. "For what it’s worth…Cid died today," she said and climbed into the train.
Squall’s hatred for Seifer was growing and had no desire to be around Seifer. He was afraid of what he was going to 
do. And finally just walked away. 
"So Squall, ain’t up for a challenge anymore? What, are you scarred Shit-less!? Seifer yelled 
after him. It felt good to talk to Squall like he wasn’t a hero, just a messed up teenage boy.
"Seifer, SHUT UP!" Zell yelled at him. Zell was extremely angered with Seifer because he felt like Seifer had 
betrayed all that he had fought for, his beliefs. But, Zell didn’t question Squall’s motives and ran off to ketch up 
with him. Seifer was once again left with Fujin and Ranijin.
"RAGE," Fujin said.
"Ya know Seifer you got to do something about Squall," Ranijin said in agreement.
"At least I got us in," Seifer replied with a cocky grin on his face. Home sweet home, he said to him self as he gazed 
around the Garden.
* * * * * * *
"Yes Xu?" Squall asked her. He was the first one to arrive and she didn’t turn around, leaving her back to him. He 
sighed knowing how much Cid had meant to Xu and she wouldn’t recover so easily as Squall had. 
"I was going to wait to tell you all, but oh well. Squall, people are asking why there is a sorceress at Garden. But, I 
wouldn’t worry about it too much," Xu said. She kept her back to him, staring out instead at the expanding ocean, 
mindlessly watching the tide come in and wash over the already damp sand. It was better to feel numb, and it was 
better not to think about the truth.
"Is that what you called me here for? Oh, I wouldn’t worry about Rinoa, she’s so disappeared suddenly," he said. He 
hoped for silence from Xu. He hoped he wouldn’t have to speak. 
"I’m very sorry Squall, I guess something’s aren’t meant to be. I, assume you were notified of Cid’s death?" Xu 
asked. She was frustrated with Squall. She had loved Cid just like a father and he was dead after saying how much 
he cared for Squall. She was jealous of him. To top everything off all Squall was concerned with was that little 
princess, and it was already affecting Garden. Garden was Xu’s life and she wasn’t going to have it fall apart 
because of one man.
Nida was at the helm like normal, listening to everything. Nida had always thought of Squall as that General who 
cared for his comrades earning their respect so he could take on any evil. He looked up to Squall and wished he 
could be special like him. Nida heard another approach and Quistis walked in before things between Squall and Xu 
could get any worst.
"Quistis, are the others coming soon?" Xu asked. She respected Quistis, thinking she was honest and kind hearted.
"Selphie and Irvine in just a little while. Zell was just behind me," Quistis said. Sure enough Zell arrived promptly, 
with Selphie and Irvine a few minutes later.
"I called you all here for two reasons. First we need to discuss Headmaster Cid’s funeral. And, there was a 
communication from Esthar, from a man named Kiros," Xu paused. "We need to decide who’s going to be the head 
of Cid’s funeral arrangements, Selphie? Will you do it? Squall I think you can handle making party’s to go to 
Esthar." Xu took her place at the side of the helm.
"Is that a yes Selphie?" Squall asked the girl.
"It would be an honor, but can Irvine stay here to help?" Selphie asked hopefully. She felt like everything was a 
dream, a nightmare instead of a clod reality. Cid, Cid was dead she told herself, but wouldn’t believe that she would 
be planning his arrangements. She hated it and worse she felt stalled, like she couldn’t express her feelings. 
"Irvine, you can stay if you want," Squall said. The truth was he wanted Irvine to come so he wouldn’t have to deal 
with Zell, but Selphie was probably in a very shaken state and he wouldn’t test that.
"I’ll help you Selphie. Good luck Squall," Irvine said. Irvine didn’t like Laguna. From the little he knew about him 
that is. Laguna was one of those sweet, but very unreliable guys. So he was happy to stay with Selphie, relieved not 
to have to go on a tiresome and stupid mission. And he vowed to always be there for Selphie, always. He smiled at 
her, and she smiled back.
"Then it’s settled. Irvine and Selphie will stay here to arrange the memorial for Headmaster Cid. Then Instructor 
Trepe, Zell, and I will go to Esthar," Squall said in a responsible manner. Everyone nodded in compliance, but he 
was going to have to go see Laguna.
* * * * * * *
Squall, Quistis, and Zell boarded the broad and scarlet beast known as the Ragnarok. Squall took the helm. It felt 
unnatural, this was Selphie’s place, sitting there, always contented and helping to cheer up the others. Zell sat at the 
weapons station and Quistis at communications.
"Quistis, contact Kiros and inform him we’re on our way," Squall gave the order and regretted the words right after 
they came out of his mouth. He wished he never had to return to Esthar again. So many question, so many different 
possibilities, he thought lied ahead. Where was Rinoa, anyway? Why did he walk away from Seifer? And why did 
Laguna need SeeD? Then Laguna was going to want to have their little "talk", which he had no desire to stick 
around for. What about Cid’s death? Once again everything was unknown and confusing. He felt like a pawn in 
some sick game on him.
"Squall, Squall?" Quistis sounded annoyed.
* * * * * * *
Rinoa brushed the hair away from her face and starred at her hometown. It was spectacular, the city of lights they 
called it. It may have been night, but it seemed almost to beam with light, like the day. Right ahead of her was the 
main gate that led to the Presidential Residence. And she wondered what had happened to the city since the absence, 
the death of the Dictator Vinzer Deling. She turned and headed in the direction of General Caraway’s Mansion, once 
her home and the General her father. She hoped Squall was ok, he could take care of himself? He had before and he 
didn’t need her? Take care Squall, don’t worry we will see each other soon? She grew closer to the intimidating 
building. But he always did love that house. It occurred to her how funny things had turned out. The girl had always 
been loved and liked by the people around her, how strange it felt to be completly alone. And then she thought about 
her "father", how many things had changed between them since her mother’s death. 
She could almost remember when she was really little how her mother would tell her to sit with her while she played 
the piano.
"Whenever sang my songs, on the stage on my own," Julia, her mother would sing.
Then little Rinoa would follow with, "Whenever said my words, wishing they would be heard."
She always did wonder whom her mother had written the song about and when she asked her mother she would 
simply reply, "For a soldier who went off to war and never returned."
"Daddy?" the little girl asked. General Caraway at the time seemed always to be miles away fighting some war. But 
Julia pulled her daughter closer and was saddened by her daughter’s remark.
"No, not Daddy," Julia said with a sigh.
"Oh," the small girl giggled in her carefree manner and looked at her Mother again.
"Sweetie, if anything ever happened to me, promise me you’ll look after your Daddy, ok?" Julia asked her, stroking 
her daughters hair lovingly.
"Why, Mommy, is somethin’ going to happen to yoo?" She asked.
"No, nothing’s going to happen to me. Don’t you worry about that either."
Rinoa still hated her father and remembered how he had treated her mother, how he would leave them alone for so 
long. She hated how weak he was, how easily he would bend to the all mighty Galabadia. But, she knew she could 
relie on him to keep her safe for the mean time. She approached the guard and he let her through, recognizing who 
she was. The door opened to her house and General Caraway stood in the doorway.
"My angel, you’ve returned at last?" General Caraway looked at her hopefully. Rinoa walked past him with out even 
an acknowledging glance, and hurried off to her old bedroom. "Not even a hello? Where is Leonhart?" As much as 
General Caraway was happy to see his daughter, he also felt concerned because he knew sadly that she would never 
return to him in less something horrible had happened.
"I left him, daddy," daddy was said in a sneer. She closed the door not wanting to have anything to do with the man 
and lied down in her antiquated canopy bed falling asleep to the news.
"Today, the successor for our beloved deceased president was decided. Our lieges’ kind and true wife, Christine 
Deling."
Chapter Three- Memories 
Laguna had the palace and Esthar closely guarded because of the rumors of Galbadian infiltration. He knew it was 
only a short solution though because if the Galbadian's wanted something badly enough they would try anything to 
get it. He starred down in awe at the city he ruled. Everyday felt like a dream because of how unbelievable it was for 
Laguna to be President of a city. Once long ago he was just a simple Galabadian army and now all of this. Esthar 
looked like a barrage of blue crystal towers that shimmered in the sunlight. The roads looked like concrete rivers 
that spanned onward to what looked like forever. He needed Squall to arrive with the other SeeDs because he feared 
what was going to happen. And he finally needed to talk to Squall.
"Mr. President, I’ve been told to inform you that the Galbadians have given you a gift," the Squire said. Laguna 
looked at the boy, he couldn’t have been more than thirteen.
"Notify Kiros and Ward, and keep the package closely under guard in till I arrive in the Greeting Hall," Laguna 
ordered.
"Sir, the "package" is a rug," the boy said waiting for a response.
"Watch it ‘anyways’, you never know what those Galbadians are up to," Laguna felt stupid, he needed Kiros and 
Ward by his side. And Laguna began to run to the Greeting Hall. 
The giant room was lavishly decorated, for a reason. It played host to many important gatherings. With vying and 
exotic plants lining the wall along with decorative tapestries depicting Esthar’s history. There was a grand blood red 
carpet that spanned all the way to five seats, and above them Esthar’s symbol. Everyone was waiting on him, but all 
eyes were focused on the rug. He sat down in the middle seats as the guards standing to the side moved in closer to 
unroll the rug. At first the rug was a work of art, with tulips lilacs, and baby’s breath. The colors were of springtime 
light and effervescent, Laguna smiled. Then as the rug unrolled he saw a woman. She was wearing a long sky blue 
dress with darker flowers stitched into it, strapless with a high slit on the side.
"Mr. President," she said and nodded in respect.
Laguna was shocked to say the least. She had large, beautiful, sparkling sea foam green eyes ovaled shap. Long, 
thick lashes to go with her long legs. Her nose was small and slender like her body, strait curling up. And her lips 
seemed to form a pout, but appealing look on her face. She had light hair that gently fell over eyes and framing her 
face. Laguna couldn’t help but stare at the young women, so this was Vinzer Deling’s trophy wife. The guards 
tensed up ready for their orders.
"Mrs. Deling." It was all Laguna could think of to say. Laguna’s leg started to cramp as it always did when he got 
nervous. He looked at Kiros and Ward for guidence, but their gaze fell onto the figure as well.
Christine got up, her plan was working out perfectly. She would have Laguna wrapped around her little finger soon. 
But he was quite handsome and it was a big change for her. Deling had been so grotesque, she had barley been able 
to handle it. But this man made her heart flop in mid-beat. His hair was black as night and pulled back in a simple 
ponytail. His features were soft and a smile that made her forget all those years of suffering with Deling disappear in 
a second. His eyes seem to express every emotion they felt, and were the color of emerald green. Now this would be 
an alliance she would agree with. She casually approached Laguna as if what she was doing was perfectly normal, 
with a wicked smile on her face.
"Forgive my intrusion, Mr. President," Christine said in a silky voice. She gazed at the powerful men around her, 
their mouths were dropped open. She ignored them and took Laguna’s hand, motioning him to follow her outside.
* * * * * *
Squall felt a familiar feeling of anxiety as he knew he would have to meet up with Laguna once again and an aid 
showed them to the room where they had first met Laguna in person. Squall looked around and was surprised not to 
see Kiros or Ward but instead a beautiful woman by Laguna’s side as he sat at the desk.
"Squall, Quistis, Zell great to see you guys!" Laguna said in good spirits.
"President Laguna, may we please get to the matter at hand, wasn’t this not an urgent call?" Squall tried to be strait 
forward and ignore the women next to Laguna.
"You know you can just call me Laguna. Oh you don’t need to worry about that anymore. Uh, this is Christine 
Deling," Laguna said introducing the women. That name, it was familiar, he thought. Deling, the name of the 
dictator Edea had killed when Ultimecia possessed her. 
"Than if there is nothing further then will leave now," Squall asked impatiently, maybe he could avoid their talk all 
together. Squall began to walk away from Laguna.
"Christine could you excuse me. Yeah, umm Squall about that talk. Can we have it now, if that’s ok with you? " 
Laguna pleaded. Squall nodded at his friends to follow Christine and was left alone with Laguna.
"Why now, After so many years? Do you think it would really change anything? Maybe I don’t want to talk to you, 
did you ever think of that?" Squall said, speaking up before Laguna had a chance, but he didn’t care anymore.
"I’m sorry." Laguna laughed under his breath, they say you never can escape the past, that it only comes up from 
behind to bite you on the ass. Laguna looked at his son, his deep brown hair that lightly flopped down covering his 
striking blue eyes. Then a scar across his nose; he reminded Laguna of Raine so much he would have cried. He 
wanted to embrace him and right all the wrongs he had committed in the past.
"Whatever," Squall said to the man. What did Laguna expect to come from this?
"I’m sorry, I know I have neglected this for way too long. Is there anything you want to ask me?" Laguna tried.
"I don’t know, isn’t obvious? You left Raine, seventeen years ago, to go rescue Ellone from Esthar. You over 
through Adel, and stayed in Esthar to become president, which you still are. You sent Ellone back to Raine alone 
because you were too busy. Raine died so Ellone and Raine’s new baby was sent to Cid and Edea’s orphanage. But, 
what really ties everything together was Kiros and Ward telling me "You look a lot like your mother." "And it’s a 
good thing you don’t look like your father." Then you want to "chat"? …I don’t know what to believe anymore." 
Squall finished. He felt so alone in the room and wished desperately that Rinoa was standing with him, maybe then 
he wouldn’t have to stare back at Laguna.
"Raine and I were married you know. I loved her very much, despite my actions. I love you too, son." Squall turned 
away unable to face the man anymore.
"Don’t call me that," Squall said in a low voice. What did Laguna want from him? As far as Squall was concerned 
he had no father.
"I didn’t know she was- I would’ve lost both ways anyway. But we both knew we couldn’t leave Ellone in Adel’s 
hands. I still don’t know why she didn’t tell me. I think she wanted me to go so I wouldn’t have to feel bad for 
leaving her like that. I loved her so much, everyday I struggle with her loss because I know I will never be able to 
see her, to touch her, or speak to her again. Please don’t hate me," Laguna stopped because his emotions were 
causing him to ramble. "I sent Ellone back alone thinking she would be safe because Adel was gone. When I didn’t 
hear from Raine I went back to Winhill, but she wasn’t there, and I didn’t know where to look. Like you I only 
recently found out about Ellone being on the White Seed Ship. And that I had a son, and you were-" Laguna paused 
as he felt his leg cramping up. He bent over from both the pains of his leg and inside. He felt is body getting hot, and 
looked up at Squall. He looked so much like her, it was like he saw a part of her in his eyes..
Squall closed his eyes and the frown on his lips made Laguna choke. He put his hand against his head, an under 
statement. How could this be happening to him? It seemed only a moment ago he was holding Rinoa close, never to 
let her go. And now this. Squall raised his head once more to look at Laguna, his father. Laguna looked as if every 
bit of strength that had been with him was gone. But before the cold silence between the two could last any longer, 
Quistis and Zell came barging in.
"Oh sorry, didn’t mean to interrupt. Ha ha ha ha. Yeah, umm Squall cold we talk to you?" Zell asked.
"Whatever," Squall started to leave but was again stopped by Laguna.
"Can we talk again?" He asked.
"….Whatever," Squall said as he followed Zell and Quistis out.
Christine entered the room brushing against Squall to get in.
"Excuse me," she added politely. Laguna looked at her with his sad eyes. "Who’s that, he’s a cute one. Is he your 
son or something?" She asked jokingly.
"Yeah, he kind of is," Laguna said sheepishly.
"I’m sorry. You look so sad, your eyes remind me of a little puppy dog’s. What’s wrong?" 
Christine asked sympathetically.
"He didn’t know he was my son in till recently. I don’t think there is anyway to get him back," Laguna said while he 
sat, cradling his knee.
"I wouldn’t know, but I bet I can help," she said sitting down with him. She put her head against his in an offer of 
comfort. Christine felt her whole plan coming together as she sat there with Laguna. Soon everything would be hers, 
though a part of her felt sorry for the man she held in her arms.
Laguna felt his body shaking, but he felt at peace in her presence. He had always done his best to come off as a 
sweet man, but he didn’t feel so sweet now.
* * * * * *
Zell hastily dragged Squall out of the presidential office, tugging at his arm.
"What is it you two?" Squall asked. But he was for once happy for Zell’s intrusion.
"He heard everything, man. Messed up stuff. Never figured Laguna your-" Zell stopped because he didn’t want to 
anger his friend.
"Squall, you know we’re here for you." Quistis said in her voice of concern.
Squall once again put his hand against his head. He couldn’t believe they had been listening to everything. He was 
upset… and didn’t need them around. "Whatever…" Squall said dismissing his friends.
"Squall, I’m worried about you. I like to think that because we all have been through so much that we can take on 
almost anything, but sometimes things come up. Since Rinoa you opened your self up, but now you’re just turned 
your back on everything." She put her hand on his shoulder and looked up. Please Squall, I don’t know now to reach 
you anymore.