Epilogue

One Week Later.

Zell was in the backseat of the car, with Quistis while Rinoa and Squall sat in the front seat. Rinoa and Quistis had been making small talk while Squall occasionally shook his head at whatever they were talking about.

Zell's mind was other places. He hadn't been back to the Garden since he went to visit Quistis for her birthday but this wasn't him sneaking in. He was going through the front door for all to see. He didn't know how he felt about that yet.

He wasn't sure if Balamb Garden would still feel like a painful place for him. He wasn't sure if he would be seen as a traitor or a deserter for abandoning SeeD and leaving. His hand fell on the championship belt on his leg, leading him to stare at it. He wasn't sure of being a world champion would matter. He worked his hardest to get it but did that make difference in the long run? He worried so much he didn't even realize that they had arrived already.

Everyone exited the car with Zell getting out last. As he placed the championship belt over his shoulder, he looked at the Garden entrance and swallowed the last of his fear.

Quistis could sense what was bothering him. She walked up to him, kissed him on the cheek, and took his hand.

He looked at her.

She smiled.

That did it. Her smile always made him feel like he could do anything.

He looked at the entrance and walked on with Quistis, Squall, and Rinoa.

They walked inside the Garden to find the entirety of the Garden body, student and faculty and SeeDs, staring at him as he walked in.

Zell looked around as everyone stared back at him.

Irvine emerged from the crowd and walked forward and started clapping, followed by Selphie. Soon, everyone was clapping and cheering. Zell smiled then held the Phoenix Rising championship over his head. Everyone cheered louder and lead him to the Quad. Once there, Zell noticed that Ma Dincht was present, along with Chester and all of the kids from the Omega Gym. He felt a few tears make their way down his face. Zell looked up and noticed a classic Selphie-made banner hanging overhead that read "CONGRATS, CHAMP!"

Everyone in attendance began chanting "Pit Bull" at Zell, causing him to smile brighter as tears continued to fall.

Quistis took hold of his hand again and interlocked her fingers with his.

He looked at her as she smiled then he smiled back. He took a deep breath and exhaled in relief. His nervousness was gone. It was good to be with his friends, good to be with the woman he loves. He pulled Quistis closer and they hugged.

Quistis could feel the relief radiating off of him and whispered, "Welcome home, Zell."

He smiled. It was good to be home.

A/N: And, thus, our tales is complete.

From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you all for sticking with me through this story. Since I started it, I've had a lot of emotional ups and downs in my life but you guys helped me get through. And, like Zell, I'm gonna keep fighting.

You guys probably already realized this but my inspiration for this story came from places like Rocky and Real Steel because they didn't give up, Zell didn't, and I can't.

Will there be a sequel to this? I can't say for sure but it sure was great to write. You never know but we'll see.

As always, thanks to my friends, Watership's Nightwish Rat and RyokoMist for their never-ending support. And to all of you who reviewed, favorited, and followed, thank you so much. You made this story better because it had to be for all of you. Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart. Thank you.

I'm actually crying right now, you guys.

So! With that, I guess there's no more to say. You all are awesome. You rock. I love ya and thank you! This is T2 Angel signing off.

See you in the future!