A/N

Thanks to those of you who have stuck with this story so far and even more so to those who've reviewed. I GREATLY appreciate it! I know it is a little odd, well, the Laguna/Quistis pairing that is, but I couldn't help myself. I didn't originally intend them to get together, but they sort of took over and did their own thing. I liked it well enough at first, but I really, really liked it much later. But then, I think I'm getting old, so hot, forty-ish Presidents don't seem all that, well, old, so he's actually quite appealing to me. Quistis always seemed a good deal older than the other young SeeDs and they are such opposites of each other. I probably haven't portrayed that well enough in my own writing, but as you have all played the game, I'm sure that fact is quite obvious when you think on it. I guess somewhere along the way, they convinced me that their twenty plus year age gap wasn't THAT bizarre.

And I wanted Squall to grow up a bit. I think he is the hardest character to write. Yikes.

So I guess this story is now taking a new direction. Their "holiday" has ended and they are all going back to work. I'm a little frightened to write mercenary-ish types of stuff, but we'll see how it goes. This first chapter may be dull, but I'm trying to set up the new "scene". I also hope it isn't too choppy. If so, can someone please let me know and I'll fix it as well as some more that I have yet to post.

Reviews are always welcome, good or bad. I like to hear what you think. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

M

Fifty of Balamb Garden's eminent mercenaries were assembled outside the Ragnarok parked on a sandy, desert floor forty-five miles to the south of Esthar's capital. Compared to its present surroundings, the colossal airship looked tiny, dwarfed by the vast expanse of open land. Nothing could be seen for miles except for earth and sky and a small sprinkling of settlements dotting the horizon.

The towns had been evacuated during the Lunar Cry as they were crawling with monsters. Many more, further south, had been emptied as well, although more as a precautionary measure. All of the displaced residents were clamoring to return to their homes and once SeeD and Esthar's military could ensure it was safe, the President would gladly send them home.

Besides the faint rustle of wind stirring the sagebrush, all was quiet except for the cool resonance of Squall's voice. The airship's engine had been turned off several minutes before and was now silent as well.

"Rinoa is the only living Sorceress that we know of," he informed the mercenaries giving him their full attention. "And I am her Knight as well as SeeD's Commander. I take both responsibilities quite seriously."

Trying to hide his uneasiness from his subordinates, Squall suppressed the bile that threatened to choke him. His paramount concern would forevermore be Rinoa's safety.

Earlier that week, Cid had briefed the whole of SeeD on her true identity and had even given each mercenary a chance to turn down the mission should they find her presence on the field offensive. None had.

For many years, they had been uninformed that the true objective behind their organization was to keep the world safe from sorceresses, chiefly Ultimecia. However, once they learned of it, their new found purpose was embraced with zeal. In their hearts, each man and woman was gratified to bear the mark of more than a hired killer.

Squall worried they would now despise Rinoa for becoming what they sought to rid the world of. Cid was confident they would not. Their Commander was her Knight, thus their loyalty to him would envelope her as well.

He supposed it was likely due to his pessimistic nature that he had a hard time trusting others. Used to relying solely on himself, the past several weeks had taught him to also have faith in his friends. Cid, as well as Rinoa, was now encouraging him to broaden his circle to include the other young mercenaries. They both believed in creating a family within the organization. With Norg and the Garden Master's control broken, Cid planned to create a healthier, open environment.

"Rinoa will soon be joining SeeD," he continued. "She has proven countless times over the past several weeks that she is ready, despite not growing up amongst us. For that reason, coupled with her powers, she will be on this mission as well. Are there any misgivings about this?"

Not a single man or woman stepped forward. Solemnly, they kept their gazes fixed upon his face. His tension began to slowly fade away. These were good, rational men and women and he was proud to command them. He was startled to realize he was finally accepting his position of leadership, even liking it to an extent.

He suddenly smiled, trying to ignore the fact that the gesture caused a stir of commotion. He restrained himself from rolling his eyes. "Very well, then. Thank you for your cooperation. You will see that Rinoa is a valuable ally." He nodded in his wife's direction. "Now onto other matters…"

They were to meet up with a large unit of Esthar's military, making their home base next to the soldier's encampment, not far from the site hardest hit. He was eager to begin the assignment, having high hopes for the next couple of weeks.

Esthar's highest ranking military commander, General Blavely, was there to greet Squall as soon as they entered the camp. His aide directed the mercenaries to where they could set up their tents, while Blavely asked Squall to join him in his office, a dusty, canvas tent in the center of all activities. As an afterthought, Squall bade Rinoa and Quistis to accompany him as well.

Pulling the entrance flap aside, the General ushered them in, poured refreshments, and motioned them towards several chairs set around a large, oval table.

The gruff, white-haired man looked at the three young adults with piercing black eyes. Squall stared evenly back. Esthar had been under lock to the rest of the world, but the General was surely aware of SeeD's reputation.

"So you are the Commander Leonhart?" Blavely finally asked, a trace of respect in his voice. "I must admit, I have been curious about you. Although you're young, your exploits are commendable."

Squall continued locking eyes with the man. "I'm not here to talk of my exploits, General. They speak for themselves."

The General grinned, holding out his hand. Reluctantly, Squall grasped it and the General shook it heartily. "I like you. You don't mince words. Not like your dad, eh?"

Squall brushed the remark aside. "We are dissimilar. However, we are not here to talk of Laguna either. I would like to discuss any information you have obtained the past week in regards to the fiends. What are their exact numbers? What types are they? Have you found them resilient to either paramagic or physical attacks?"

The General shuffled through several papers on the table and then handed Squall a report. Briefly he related the details of which he was aware. Esthar's military had been successful in wiping out the fiends in the more distant regions, but were experiencing difficulties in the epicenter, where the Lunar Cry had first hit. Hoards of malboro's and iron giants, amongst other lesser monsters, were running amuck in large herds. There had even been evidence of them breeding, although not at an accelerated enough rate to be worrisome at the moment.

Esthar had basked in relative safety under a combination of Laguna's leadership and its closed borders for the past seventeen years. Those men with experience, who had fought in the earlier Sorceress War, had since retired.

As Squall had suspected, the General's men were ill equipped to fight the fiends, lacking the experience and skills necessary to effectively destroy the larger hoards. One or two they could slay without much difficulty, but they had obtained nominal results against larger groups.

The General spread open a map on the table. "Tomorrow, when we go out, your men should tackle this section of Township 47." He pointed to its location.

"Tomorrow?" Squall raised a brow. It was still fairly early in the morning.

"Wouldn't you like the day to settle in? You'll be here for weeks."

Squall shook his head. "By now, my men and women will already be settled in and ready to go. This assignment shouldn't take much longer than a few days."

"But my men have been attempting to make a dent in the monster populace for a week with little results," the General sputtered.

"Yes, but with no disrespect, my men are trained to quickly terminate such threats. We are very specialized. The Sorceress Rinoa has also decided to help. She and I alone will be able to quickly clear several areas."

For the first time, the General allowed himself to study the women standing beside Squall.

"My wife, Rinoa Leonhart," Squall gestured towards Rinoa, unable to keep the pride from his voice. "And this is my colleague, Quistis Trepe."

"Ah, so you're married now! I suppose it was in the papers, but I haven't had time to read any the last few days. Congratulations to you both. The missus and I have been together ourselves for over forty years."

Squall inclined his head slightly, but Rinoa beamed a radiant smile. "I love to hear about couples staying together for so long. It's becoming rarer to find," she said.

General Blavely's face lit up like a beacon. "Sidney's great. I'm as in love with that woman as I was the day I married her. She's been a good comrade."

"That's wonderful." Rinoa poked Squall in the ribs. "You better say the same thing after forty years."

Sure he would, Squall couldn't help but recoil at Rinoa's comment in front of the General. He preferred to play it aloof, keeping to the business at hand. He sent a warning glance her way, wanting her to quit the idle chit chat, but was unsurprised she ignored him. He sighed. He might as well accept it; Rinoa would never be like him. Besides, the General didn't seem to mind. He was studying her, seemingly entranced.

"So you're a sorceress. It's kind of hard to believe. You're not so god-damn ugly as our previous one. You're a pretty little thing."

Rinoa laughed, charming the General with a lopsided dimple. "Why thank you, General. But I'm afraid I am a sorceress. A harmless one however, well, unless you're a fiend."

General Blavely scowled and knit his eyebrows together. Squall felt warning signals reverberate down his spine at the change in the General's demeanor.

"Two reasons to hate you…you're a sorceress (and I hate those crazy bitches) and you're also the daughter of General Caraway. He and I went head to head a few times back during the Sorceress War. I've never met a bigger ass." He reached across the table to grab at her hand.

Squall threw an arm around Rinoa, pulling her forcefully behind his back. Quistis was startled into action as well.

"Now, now, now," the General buzzed, a smile popping onto his grizzled face. "No need to raise your hackles. What I was going to say, was despite it all, I can't help but like you. I suppose it's because you can't help what you are, witch or daughter."

Rinoa laughed from where she was sandwiched between her friend and her knight. Yanking the latter's arm away, she squeezed through the pair towards her prior place at the table. "Despite your gruff, painfully honest remarks, I rather like you as well."

"Good. Reassure you're husband, then, that I'm harmless. My men and I would have protected you down to the last hair on your head, if only because our Commander-in-Chief, the President, has said you're okay. We follow him. No better man you'll ever meet. But now, as I like you myself, it makes the task easier. You are safe anywhere in this camp."

"Thank you, General. Your words are relieving."

His face softened for a moment. "Such a sweet little thing…" He turned and glared at Squall. "So, you say you can have these fiends taken care of in the next few days? Well, go get at 'em. I want to get home to the missus and will be forever in your debt if it happens sooner than the later I was expecting."

Squall nodded stiffly, deciding he preferred General Caraway to this blustery man. Rinoa obviously feeling the opposite was smiling goofily up at him.

Grabbing her elbow, before she could say anything more, Squall led both girls out of the tent. He heard the General mumbling inside, "Such a pretty little thing…a sweet little thing, really."

Quistis softly chuckled once they were safely out of earshot. "Rinoa, you are something else," she said, before walking away.

"I really do like him." Rinoa called after her.

"I don't know whether to be exasperated by you or not," Squall admitted as they both watched her saunter off. "But right now, you had better leave my presence before I haul your ass back to our tent and…"

"And beat it?" Rinoa clapped her hands in delight.

"No, I was thinking something more upon the lines of last night. Whose idea was it to not have a honeymoon? It's the lamest thing I've ever heard of."

"Well, we could always settle in as the General suggested."

Squall let out a frustrated moan. "No, the sooner we're able to settle this fiend infestation, the sooner we can go home. And then, I will be demanding Cid give us extra time off together. I suddenly see the merit."

"I want you to break into teams of four, although you might find it necessary to merge should you come upon a larger group of monsters. Just keep your radio's at hand," Squall instructed the mercenaries assembled at the edge of the camp. Several of Esthar's military transports were parked nearby, lent to Garden for their use. "After your teams are amassed, report to Quistis and she will direct you to one of several locations."

He eyed them sternly, "Our reputation is on the line. We need to get this operation done as swiftly and as efficiently as possible. This is the first time Esthar has hired SeeD. We would like to partner with them again in future assignments."

Several mercenaries nodded in understanding; a few even grinned in anticipation. Excess time was usually spent honing skills against fiends in the Training Center or with the lesser monsters in the wilds around Balamb. They were all eager to engage the tougher ones they would encounter over the next few days. Not a man or woman believed this would be a difficult assignment, especially with their own Commander leading them.

There was a buzz of activity as everyone formed teams. Squall joined Rinoa and his friends, who were standing slightly off to the side.

"Rinoa and I will be working alone." They nodded, understanding that together the two were more powerful than several groups. "Quistis, I'd like you to join some of the others and occasionally report to me on how things are going.

At the mention of Quistis's name, Flint's gaze darted over to the young woman and he studied her thoughtfully. She caught his glance for a moment, but looked away in embarrassment. The White SeeD frowned before turning his attention back to Squall.

"Selphie, Zell, Irvine and Flint, you four can work together."

"I was thinking of joining a different team, as well," Selphie piped up, nervously shuffling her feet.

Squall was momentarily puzzled, before remembering Selphie and Irvine's fight of the morning before. Apparently they hadn't resolved their issues yet.

"Fine. The three of you should be sufficient. Irvine, make sure you junction curative magic if Selphie isn't going to be a part of your team."

"Sure thing," the cowboy said despondently. Selphie opened her mouth, looking as though she were about to change her mind, but then shrugged and walked away. They watched her descend upon a group of three men. Irvine stiffened, shooting an angry, hard look towards the unsuspecting male SeeD's.

"You will need to focus, Irvine," Squall admonished. "I understand things are not to your liking at present, but you're not yet officially SeeD. I need to be certain you will perform up to our expectations as I know you're capable of."

"Of course, Squall." He straightened, casting a final look at his ex-girlfriend. "I won't let you down. Fellows, are we ready?"

Quistis pulled out the map to show them where to go. Zell jumped into the driver's seat of one of the vehicles and turned on the ignition. "This is sweet! I have to admit I'm a little glad Selphie's not with us. She always hogs the wheel!"

The other two got in and were immediately propelled forward as Zell slammed his foot on the gas. "What the hell, Zell?" Irvine yelled, but immediately began to chuckle at his unintended rhyme. Soon he was laughing hysterically, his gloom quickly dissolving. "Let's get at 'em!" he cried.

Flint appeared momentarily stunned by the cowboy's change of mood, but shrugged it aside, deciding to cast off his as well. "You know, guys, I think this is gonna be fun!" Zell hit the gas once again and with loud whoops, they sped off, eager to begin.

Squall watched them drive away in exasperation while Rinoa giggled. "Are you sad you're not going with the boys?"

He shuddered. "Not one bit. But if I was, I would be driving."

"Squall?" Rinoa kicked the dirt with her combat boots. "Can Angelo join us? Selphie brought her. She's around here somewhere." She whistled and several seconds later, her furry friend appeared, tongue hanging out of her mouth in a friendly smile.

"Selphie, huh?" Squall arched a brow.

"Yeah, she was lonely and Angelo comforted her last night. She said she couldn't refuse her doggy pleas to come along. I hope you don't mind. You know she has proven herself to be indispensable."

"Is she now my dog as well as yours?" Squall bent over and stroked the pup's downy head. Angelo nuzzled into him, yipping as if to give him his answer.

"I think she is," Rinoa grinned.

"Well, then I suppose so. She's always been good at distracting the fiends, if nothing else. But can we take this bow off of her?"

Rinoa giggled. "Of course!"

Quistis was relieved when Squall directed her to join a group other than her friend's. They had all been too wrapped up in their own issues to notice her less than stellar mood, but she knew it wouldn't be long before they began asking questions. She wasn't ready to talk to anyone, not even Rinoa and Selphie, about what had happened between her, Laguna and Ellone.

But Flint was aware of it, she surmised. She liked Ellone's fiancée and respected his even-keeled personality, but she was unsure as to where his own feelings lay. Had Ellone poisoned his mind against her?

She scouted the area, looking for an incomplete team to join; there would have to be one somewhere. Squall had given her a list of all the SeeD's ranks and she tried to look for a group who would benefit from her experience. Quickly she realized that Cid had chosen only the best.

Peeling laughter reverberated through the camp, a laugh that could only belong to Selphie. Quistis noticed her friend had latched onto a party of three attractive young men. She hid a smile, wondering if she were trying to give Irvine a taste of his own medicine. If ever I need advice on taking revenge, she thought in amusement, Selphie's the one to ask. I wonder what she would tell me to do about Ellone. Maybe she'd have a nice, nasty idea.

She focused a low-level healing spell on her temples, trying to still the drumbeat in her head. Once it subsided, she sighed. Vengeance just wasn't her way. Ellone had won. She could have her precious uncle to herself.

Although…she felt tears begin to well in her eyes. Angrily, she swiped away the wetness running down her cheeks, willing her mind to stop thinking of him. She would not be seen crying. This was a serious operation. It was imperative she keep her emotions under control.

"Are you okay?" Spinning around, she found Nida Kelso eying her with concern. She had been surprised to see Cid had put him on the roster. He had previously used the young man solely as a pilot, but Squall had informed her that Nida was anxious to work in the field. She supposed he wanted to prove himself. It would be difficult to be the only other SeeD to graduate with Zell, Selphie and Squall, but not share in their adventures.

"I'm fine, Nida, thanks," she quickly composed herself. "The wind blew dust in my eyes. It's quite sandy around here, isn't it?"

He peered at her shrewdly, but accepted her excuse. "I'm not sure how I feel about Esthar," he said. "The city is amazing, but its outlying territory, not so much."

"I love it," she whispered. Why she persisted in associating the country with its president, she didn't know. He wasn't even a native himself, but she could never think of one without the other.

"Maybe it grows on you," he shrugged. "I saw your friends take off. Are you looking for a team? If so, you're welcome to join mine. We need one more person." He motioned towards a young man and woman standing several feet away.

Quistis nodded. "I would like that. Thanks."

"Great! Let me introduce you to the others."

"Nida, I know who they are."

"Oh yeah, of course. I forget sometimes that you were an instructor. We're so close in age."

Ignoring his statement, she marched over to the pair, extending her hand. "Plat, Tilly, it's good see you again." Solemnly, they shook hands. While older than her by a year or two, they still regarded her with awe. She had always been one of the best. The Ultimecia situation had only boosted their admiration for her skills.

She pulled out her map. "This is where we're headed…"

Already Selphie could tell she had made a fabulous decision in choosing her teammates. Somewhat unfamiliar with the Balamb SeeDs, as she was herself from Trabia, she thought it an excellent idea to check out some of their finer, male specimens. She knew Kent, Parker, and Eli, were checking her out as well. They had jumped on her offer to join them; their male ego's bursting with pride to have been asked. She grinned. Men were so much fun to mess with, and yet, the grin froze on her face, was it really all that fun in the end? Closing her eyelids against the sudden sting of tears, she was surprised to feel an arm snake around her shoulder.

"What's wrong, honey?" It was Eli, the handsomest of the three.

She sighed. Why hide the true explanation? "I just broke up with my boyfriend. Life's a little rough for me right now." She faced the other two and gave them a small, apologetic smile. "Sorry, guys. I promise I won't be a weepy girlie-girl much longer."

"Don't worry about it, Selphie," Kent bumped Eli aside. "We'll help you forget. This is going to be fun! Let's show Esthar how SeeD kicks ass!"

Catching the wave of his anticipation, she performed a high-tail kick in the air. "Woohoo! You're right boys! Let's whoop some monster bootie!"

Now was not the time to worry about her and Irvine. She would save that for later.

After Squall watched the last group leave the camp, he grabbed Rinoa's hand. "Are you ready for this?" he asked. "It's just you and me and a whole lot of fiends."

"As ready as I'll ever be," she replied, crinkling her eyebrows. "What about you?"

He nodded before jumping into the last vehicle. "It's funny, but I feel a little nervous about this operation. I haven't led one of this size since the battle with G-Garden. This is it. This is how life is going to be from here on out, I suppose."

Rinoa hopped into the passenger's seat. "You're beginning to accept it, aren't you?" she asked, squeezing his shoulder.

He smiled. "You know what? I think I am." Turning the key in the ignition, he started the engine and they took off leaving a cloud of dust in their wake.