I do not own Final Fantasy VIII or any of its characters. It is awesome though and I am glad that I have finally started this project.

Chapter 1: Celebration

Balamb Garden effortlessly coursed through the evening air, far above the moonlight reflecting waves of the ocean. The Garden was alive with celebration and music that endlessly flowed from its' dance hall. Everyone from Cadet to Headmaster was finding a way to relax and enjoy the victory gained against the Sorceress Adel and Ultimecia. Toasts were given in the names of the six brave SeeD heroes who had defied time compression and an alternate timeline to defeat them.

Conversations between comrades, friends and lovers buzzed and vibrated with excitement and relief as even serious SeeD members were seen giving each other high-fives and yelling out loud whoops of joy. The Garden itself seemed to come alive in a warm comforting light as it continued across the ocean with only the light of the full moon giving it guidance.

No one cheered louder than the leading member of the Summer Festival Committee, Selphie Tilmitt, who had found a video camera while prepping for the event and decided that she would capture every moment of happiness that she could. The spunky young woman was dressed in a freshly cleaned short yellow dress, polished leather boots and with hair bouncy and fun just like her personality. As a Committee member it was her first task to figure out how to turn the video camera on.

"Aaaaahhh!" Selphie squealed as the red recording light came on, she quickly turned the camera around to face the celebrating crowd and an unsuspecting Quistis next to her crush Irvine.

"Hey Quistis! Smile for the camera!"

Irvine was goofily dancing next to Quistis, who was doing her best to maintain her unwavering serious attitude around the tan trench coat wearing cowboy. Quistis' pink cloth dress was spotless and her whip securely fastened to her side as she always had it like she was ready for combat. Yet even her attitude was more cheerful than normal. She can be so serious sometimes. Selphie thought as she giggled to herself and captured the dancing Irvine.

"Quisty!" Selphie yelled again and this time was awarded with an uncomfortable grin and wave from Quistis, who continued her boring attitude until Irvine popped up next to her. Quistis scrunched up as Irvine gave her a small hug and brought her close to the camera as he waved at Selphie.

"Come on Quistis, stop being so uptight. Relax a little." Irvine said to the struggling Quistis.

"I'm doing just fine." Quistis responded, breaking free of his grasp.

"Well at least we got a wave!" Selphie yelled to Irvine. Irvine shook his head and Selphie followed the retreating Quistis to the old Headmaster, Cid. Oh! This will be important to get! Selphie thought to herself, thinking how she could edit this if Quistis continued being a poor sport.

Cid lifted his glass of fine wine in greeting to Quistis. "Good evening Instructor Trepe. I'm glad to see you in such good spirits!"

Quistis likely smiled despite herself. And I missed it., Selphie thought as she zoomed in a little more. She didn't hear Quistis' response but Cid smiled and then noticed they were being filmed. He respectfully toasted and smiled.

" I see why you were in such a hurry, hello Selphie!" Cid called out, while being careful not to spill on his usual attire and glasses. Loud boisterous SeeDs were behind them and Selphie had to adjust her camera quickly as Matron was spotted walking towards Cid and Quistis. Cid embraced his wife and brought her over to Quistis where they gave their greetings to one another. Irvine then came over, took his hat off and bowed to Matron and all words were lost as Selphie tried to increase the microphone volume. But too late, as Irvine turned around and snagged the video recorder away from her.

"Hey Selphie, a pretty girl shouldn't be the one left out of the fun. Let me have that." Irvine got the video recorder and lost his cowboy hat in the process as Selphie now bounced next to Quistis in the view. "I must be going mad, or you too gorgeous ladies are making the world spin."

"Just flip it Irvine!" Selphie said, motioning with her hands so he could get the device upright. "There you go!"

Irvine adjusted the the video recorder, then caught the eye of three admirers who he couldn't help but wave too.

"Blow a kiss to the camera ladies!" He called out as all three girls waved back flirtatiously. Selphie jumped in front of him with an unimpressed look.

"My fist is going to kiss your face if you don't focus Mr. Kinneas." She warned him.

"Just trying to get everyone involved Selphie." Irvine retorted, still smiling. "Besides, you didn't want Zell's eating habits to become the main focus did you?"

Zell Dincht was stuffing his face with as much hot dog as he could fit in his mouth. His librarian girlfriend had gone out of her way to ensure that he had a plateful waiting for him tonight. And he was doing his best to ensure he showed full appreciation as she sat next to him and giggled at his enthusiasm. Irvine zoomed up real close to Zell's face as Selphie and Quistis laughed at their friend. Irvine couldn't help himself and imitated Seifer's voice as he leaned in more.

"Not enough to be a Chicken-wuss, but now you're going to get fat too?" Irvine and the others couldn't help but laugh more at the joke, but then Zell began to choke. All three girls tried to help Zell recover, but he got mad at their laughter and scared them off once he could breathe again. Quistis, Selphie and Zell's girlfriend ran off and left an upset Zell looking around.

"I waited forever for these!" Zell challenged.

Irvined chuckled and imitated Seifer again, "Hey Chicken-wuss, you missed one!"

Zell looked in his direction with a wild look and then hurled a hot dog in a blinding fast motion at Irvine, knocking him back with the projectile of processed food.

"Then you eat it!" Zell yelled at him.

Smiling a little less and with a sore eye, Irvine recomposed himself as Selphie bounced in front of him, catching her breath from the hilarious scene she just witnessed. Seeing her short dress, boots and with his cowboy hat on made Irvine forget all the other ladies and decided to celebrate a little in his own fashion. His plan was dashed though as Selphie gasped and then quickly started pointing to the balcony outside of the Garden. "Irvine! Get Rinoa and Squall!"

Irvine directed the camera to Rinoa, who had looked over at someone to her right. But before he could get any of the action the video recorder died and he went ahead and turned it off and placed it in his coat pocket.

"Battery's dead darling, but I think Squall and Rinoa have the right idea." Irvine put his arms around Selphie and pulled her in for a kiss before she could react.

X

Outside on the balcony and only partially hidden away was the still new Headmaster and his Sorceress lover. Both of them close in a lovers embrace and unaware of all who were watching them. Squall couldn't be happier as he eagerly kissed the young woman wrapped in his arms. Sea wind blew by them, causing Rinoa to shiver slightly from the cold night breez. Squall kept her as warm as possible with his black leather jacket covered arms, but her smile to him as they parted lips told him that she was comfortable enough. She still wore her blue dress decorated in the back with white angel wings, and her black shorts and boots that Squall had become to admire how they show off her form. He wore his black leather coat, gloves and boots. White animal fur decorated the top of the coat and his had his numerous belts loaded with ammo on waist and hips, always ready for a fight. But right now fighting was the last thing on Squall's mind.

They had been through so much together, describing them as a mere two young lovers would be naïve. They shared the strong spiritual and mental bond as a Sorceress and Knight, romantic lovers and comrades in arms who had survived battle together. Though young, the past year had pushed them beyond their abilities and strengths to become resilient young leaders. Both knew that the world would not allow them much peace, but for now the balcony provided them with their much desired sanctuary for this one night.

Rinoa looked up and smirked at him for a moment, a look of mischief and fun crossing her face.

"What?" Squall asked, knowing she had something in mind.

"Since you're the hottest guy here…" She trailed off and grabbed his hand." You're going to dance with me."

Squall wasn't going to let her drag him on the dance floor a second time, so he took her other hand and pulled her close. "This is a good enough spot, and this time I will lead." He said with a smile, conducting a similar waltz like the one they did before. And not caring who watched.

X

Golden eyes belonging to an eighteen year old woman did watch Squall Leonhart and Rinoa Heartilly from afar. But not from inside the floating Garden. She followed Balamb Garden in a quiet and fast moving hoverboat just out of sight from any peering eyes. Three other women of similar age accompanied her on the craft. Each was her guardian and friend, if ordered they would join her and attack the Garden. But their relationship had been built on trust, and she wouldn't waste their lives on a suicidal attack. Even if her ex-lover would be the most vulnerable as this time. Defeating Sorceress Ultimecia had returned some measure of respect of Squall to her. Especially since she and her Garden had been prepared to capture the woman named Ellone and find a way to send themselves into the future to do the deed.

One of her three guardians, Aequitas, stepped forward. "He's alone, if we strike quickly we might be able to secure him."

She smiled, knowing how tempted she was. But her mind had been made up, and she would remind him that she still existed soon enough.

"No, let him enjoy this one evening. His world will be destroyed soon enough."