Chapter 29
In Winhill, it was early morning. Five thirty to be precise. In a large house west of the Village Square, a little girl awoke in her bed. The excitement was unbearable. She had to go wake up mommy and daddy. The four-year-old slipped out of bed and tiptoed to her parent's room. She opened the door as quietly as possible and snook inside. Daddy was lay on the left side of the bed like he always did. His arm was around mommy's waist. The girl pattered across the floor to her mummy's side.
"Mommy." She whispered. She stirred in her sleep. The girl lightly shook her shoulder. "Mommmmmmyyyy?" Slowly, her eyes opened.
"What is it love?" she said groggily, definitely not a morning person. "Go back to sleep honey."
"Mommy, you got to wake up. You'll be late, and then you will be sorry." The disgruntled woman threw the covers over her head, on the off chance her daughter would get the hint. Unperturbed, she walked around to daddy's side of the bed.
"Daddy? We're going to miss it."
"Do what your mother said and go to bed."
"But Daaaaaaaaaaaad?" he sat up in bed, leaning on one hand and rubbed his eyes.
"What time is it?" he looked over at the digital alarm clock glowing green in the darkness. "Five thirty?" he arched his back, stretched out his arms and yawned. [I]Got to be up in half an hour anyway[/I] he thought. He got out of bed, and picked up the little girl.
"Yay!" he put a finger to her lips.
"Shhhhh. Let mommy get some sleep." He carried the girl out of the bedroom, and downstairs. He sat her at her special booster seat at the table, and went about preparing breakfast. He placed a bowl of mushy cereal in front of the girl, and she started eating quickly. "Hey, slow down. We wont leave any sooner if you eat faster." He warned. She giggled and slowed down.
He popped some toast in the toaster, and poured some orange juice in a glass. He took a swollen grapefruit from the fruit bowl, cut it in half, and put one half into a bowl. The toaster popped, and he extracted the two golden pieces and buttered them. He took a tray from the top shelf, and put the orange juice, toast and grapefruit onto the tray. He carried the tray upstairs and into their bedroom, leaving the child happily munching on her cereal.
"Wake up." He whispered as he placed the tray on the bedside table.
"Go back to bed like a good girl." She mumbled under the sheets.
"Shame I'm not a girl." He said, sitting sown on the bed, making the springs creak.
"What?" she sat up confused. "Oh, its you. Not time to go already is it?"
"Not quite. Made you B in B"
"Oh, breakfast in bed? You shouldn't have." She leaned forward and kissed him gently on the cheek.
"Well, your daughter woke me up early, so I thought, 'Hey, why not treat the woman I love?'"
"She's your daughter too you know?" she giggled.
"No no no." he replied smiling. "When she wakes me up at the crack of dawn, she is your daughter." He said tapping his finger on the end of her nose. "Eat up. We got to leave at half past."
"Squall?" she said.
"Yes?"
"Thank you."
"Its ok Rinny. Just don't expect this every morning." He joked.
After they had all breakfasted, Squall helped his daughter get ready, making sure she brushed all of her teeth and washed behind her ears. Rinoa got ready in the bedroom. She decided to wear a pink and white flowery dress, and her sandals. The invitation said smart-casual, and she thought it would best suit the unexpected summer heat wave they were experiencing. Specially trained doctors in Esthar had removed the red and black tattoos that ran like lightening across her cheeks years ago by lasers. Her hair had returned to its usual black, and she had put in the gold highlights herself.
Reluctantly, she picked up the wristbands from the dresser. She looked at her wrists, and the white scars that ran across them. How could she have been so stupid? No matter how low you get; suicide is still the chicken's way out. It scared her to think of the life that she could have been missing had Squall not found her in time. She tried to shrug away the image of Squall's white face, as she lay bleeding to death on the kitchen floor. It was one year after the Yannie incident she tried to take her own life. No longer being able to cope with the guilt, she felt this was her only way out. But that was six years ago, and all behind her. She had a new life now. She had a family.
"Mommy, Daddy says to hurry up, or we will be late."
"Come here." She said to her. The little girl walked up to her mother, and she picked her up. "Give me a hug." The little girl obliged and hugged as hard as she could. Rinoa pretended to be in pain. "Oh no! You're hurting me! Stop it stop it!" Squall heard the commotion upstairs, and came bursting into the room.
"What's the matter? Is everything ok?" Rinoa burst out laughing.
"Daddy, you so silly. I was giving mommy a hug." Rinoa put her on the ground.
"Oh yeah?" said Squall mockingly. "I thought I heard a MONSTER!" he charged towards the girl, and chased her around the room making growling noises. The child laughed and jumped on the bed. She held out her hand and shouted,
"Cast fire!" Squall pretended to be hit by a ball of fire, and clutched his chest.
"Oh no!" he knelt on the floor. "You got me. Is this the end?" Rinoa burst out laughing.
"I thought you said we had to hurry to catch the train?" Squall stood up, snapped out of wounded monster mode, and looked at his watch.
"Oh yeah." He said. "Come on, let's go."
"Yay!" shouted the girl, and ran down toward the front door. Squall looked at Rinoa in her pink dress.
"You look fabulous." She walked towards him and started adjusting the top button of his shirt. He wore a blue shirt, and black trousers.
"You know what. You don't look too bad yourself." He pulled her to him and kissed her. "Rinoa Leonheart, I love you." She laughed.
"I remember a time when I had to ask you to say that. And then you would stutter."
"That was the old me." He paused. "Seriously, we are going to be so late. Lets get a move on." At the door, the girl was jumping up and down excitedly. She wore a bright yellow dress with pink open toed sandals. She had her father's black hair and looks, and her mother's stubborn streak. "Daddy, is Auntie Ellone going to be there?"
"I think so."
"Are we taking her there in our car?"
"No, she making her own way there."
"But she only lives next door."
"Yes, but she is getting there later. Don't worry, she will be there." She sighed. "Come on Yannie, get into the car. We've got a train to catch."
********************
On the train, little Yannie was avidly looking out the window. Rinoa was teaching her the train song that Selphie had taught her.
[I]"Train train, Take us away."[/I]
"I wonder why Cid called this reunion?" said Squall, his nose in a weapon magazine. Though there was no need for fighting anymore, weaponry was still a profitable business, most buyers being collectors. Rinoa shrugged.
"Maybe he just wants to see us all again. I mean, it has been seven years since we all met up. A lot has happened." For the year following the Garden break up, everyone did his or her best to keep in touch. But one by one, they lost contact. Each had their own lives to lead, and had to concentrate on the future, rather than the past.
"Mommy, are we going to meet them all?"
"Yes, all of them will be there."
"I remember you talking about Kwisteese, and Zell, and Selfy and Urvine and Zu and Nida."
"Don forget Cid. And Edea. Or Gered." She dwelt on the word Gered. "Squall, do you think he will be there?"
"I don't know. He might be."
"Do you think he is still mad?"
"He's had seven years to see you were not in the blame. I think he should have realised that by now."
"I hope so."
"What did you do mommy?" asked Yannie.
"Nothing you need to worry about. Let's sing that song again."
***************
The train pulled into to Balamb at eleven o'clock. Rinoa got off first, followed by Squall who held the sleeping Yannie in his arms.
"My god. This place hasn't changed a bit." Rinoa nodded in agreement. "I wonder if Zell is still here?" Yannie rubbed her eyes.
"Are we there Daddy?"
"Nearly." They walked through the streets of Balamb. There were many ex-students in the streets all turned up for the reunion. Squall recognised many of the faces. Some he had fought alongside. Everyone remembered him, and he stopped to talk to a few people. Had he not stopped, his journey to Garden would have taken half the time. Eventually, at ten to twelve, ten minutes before they were due to arrive; they entered through the gates of Garden. Rinoa now held Yannie, and Squall walked ahead. He stood in wonderment at the place. Something caught his eye.
"That's new." He pointed to a statue. It was of a young woman, arms outstretched. At her feet where flowers, and she had a serene look upon her face. They didn't need to read the plaque to know whom it was.
"Look Yannie." Said Rinoa. "That lady was who you were named after." Yannie thought for a minute.
"I'm not going to turn to stone too am I?" they both laughed, and Yannie failed to get the joke.
"RINOAAAAAA!" they heard a screech from behind. Rinoa turned to see Selphie running towards her at breakneck speed. She put Yannie down on the ground, and the two women hugged each other.
"Selphie! Oh my god. It's been so long!" Selphie stood back, and held Rinoa at arms length, looking her up and down. She thought she looked older, but none the less beautiful. Rinoa thought that Selphie had changed a lot. She had lost the flicked out hair, and now wore it in a ponytail. She was wearing a red knee length corduroy dress, with black leather boots.
"Squall! I almost missed you."
"Great to see you Selphie." To her surprise, he hugged her.
"Woah!" she looked him up and down examining him. "Ok Rinoa, what have you done with the real Squall?"
"Hey, being a dad softens you up a bit." He said in his defence.
"Dad? Squall? Our Squall? A dad?" he nodded. It was then for the first time she noticed the small child at her feet. She knelt down and looked at her at her own height. "And what is your name?"
"I'm Yannie. Are you Selfy?" she nodded.
"Please to meet you." She held out her hand, and she shook it.
"Mommy taught me your train song."
"Did she?" she looked up at Rinoa and smiled. "I suppose mommy and daddy told you all about the others?" she nodded. "Then lets see if you can guess who I brought along." She stood up and shouted. "Hey! Over here." A tall man in a cowboy hat and a beige trench coat sauntered over.
"Squall! Rinoa!" she shouted. Rinoa hugged him and Squall shook his hand. "Great to see you." He looked down and saw the young child. "Who is this?"
"Your Urvine." She said.
"Sure am. And you are?"
"I'm Yannie." Irvine looked up.
"Yannie?" Rinoa nodded
"Yannie Raine Leonheart." She confirmed. Her eyes were full of tears at seeing her two friends again after so many years.
"That is a pretty neat name." Said Irvine.
"Mommy and daddy named me after a statue." The group laughed. "Can I try your hat on Mister Urvine please?" she asked.
"Yannie!" reprimanded Rinoa. "Don't be so rude."
"Hey, its fine." He took of his hat, and put it on her head. Everyone except Selphie gasped. Instead of the long ponytail, there was a short spiky do. He stood up. "You like it? Blame Selphie. She made me have it cut."
"Are you two a couple?" asked Squall. Irvine put his arm around Selphie's waist and nodded. There were more screams of excitement and hugs all round.
"How long?" asked Rinoa.
"Oh, only about a year. We happened to bump into each other in Trabia, and well, we got chatting, and we both admitted we fancied each other like mad, and well, one thing led to another and…" she held out her left hand. On the ring finger was a diamond solitaire encased in silver.
"Well, I would never believe it." said Squall. "Our Irvine, getting married. Congratulations, both of you."
"Woah!" Irvine stood back. "This ain't Squall is it? The same Squall who told many people on numerous occasions to talk to a wall?" Squall smiled. "Now he is smiling? Whatever next?"
"Shut up." He laughed. Irvine turned serious for a moment.
"Squall, I am so sorry to hear about your dad."
"Yeah," Selphie added, "We were all devastated to hear of his death. Did they ever catch the assassin?" Squall shook his head.
"No. But thanks for your sympathy. It means a lot." He paused and looked down. "It was a year ago. But I'm fine." Rinoa took his hand.
"Remember me?" said a voice behind the others. They turned to see a tall blonde woman walking toward them. She wore a short white tennis dress, and pumps. Her hair was sill blonde, but was cut into a chin length bob.
"Quistis?"
"Rinoa? Selphie? Squall? Irvine! Your hair!"
"I know." He laughed running his fingers through it.
"We have so much to catch up on."
"Hey guys!" they heard a 'vrooom' and a familiar figure pulled up on his hovering board. The group shouted.
"Zell!" Yannie pulled at her dad's trousers, and he lifted her up, so she could see.
"Typical." Said Irvine. "You live the closest, but you are the last to arrive." He laughed and jumped of the board. He slammed his foot down on the one end and caught it in his hand.
"Yo people! S'up?" there were more hugs and handshakes. "Yo Irve? What's with the manly cut?"
"Hey you can talk!" he said looking at Zell's hair. It was still the same style, but had been dyed a bright blue. Zell wore a pair of baggy jeans, and a baggy white tee shirt. "Ands what's with the cloths? You did read the invitation?"
"Hey, these are the smartest clothes I got." After more chit-chat, and "Oh my God! Squall is a dad!" Rinoa said,
"Come on, let's go inside I'm dying to see Garden again." Garden still looked pretty much the same from the outside, and inside the corridors were the same as they had left them. They made their way inside, and were greeted by Xu. Quistis came running over to her.
"Xu! Its been too long." The women hugged. "So what are you doing here before us?"
"You kidding? I work here!"
"No way!" she nodded her head.
"Yup, I took a job in Deling, but it didn't suit me. So I came back here. They were more than happy to have me back. Let me give you the guided tour." She motioned for the others to follow. They took an anti-clockwise direction. She pointed to the first corridor on the left.
"That's still the infirmary."
"Is Kadowaki still here?" asked Selphie. Xu was quiet for a moment.
"Oh, you must not have heard. She died three years ago. There's a new doctor now. His name is Doctor Khrig."
"Oh. I didn't know. Sorry."
"Hey, its ok, lets carry on with the tour." They continued walking.
"That used to be the quad." She pointed.
"What is it now?" asked Quistis.
"It's our sports centre. The children here also have schooling here. So we turned it into a gym come sports field." She carried on walking.
"Hey Xu? Where are all the children?"
"Oh, some of the staff have taken them out on a day trip to the beach. Cid wanted it so that it was just the SeeDs and ex-students."
"Oh right. And where is Nida?" Xu hesitated in answering.
"He is still in Deling. He loved his job there, and I craved for Garden, so we spilt up."
"I'm sorry to hear that." Sympathised Quistis.
"Ah, these things happen." she continued with the tour. "The cafeteria is still a cafeteria. The dorms are still dorms. The Car park is still…"
"A car park?" enquired Rinoa. Xu laughed.
"How did you ever guess?" then they came to the training centre. "Now this is the [I]piece de resistance[/I] of the new Garden. Follow me." The doors to the training centre opened. Inside the barbwire had gone, as had the security doors. Picnic benches were dotted around the place. There was a gentle bubbling of the brook and the trees whispered in the breeze. There were flowers everywhere of all descriptions, and high up in the trees, birds sang their song. It was a genuine Garden of Eden. The metallic floor had been hidden under layers of soil and grass. People were running around carrying trays of food and cutlery.
"Isn't this a kind of dangerous place to have a picnic?" said Squall holding tightly onto Yannie.
"We gave the monsters to a zoo years ago." She stood back. "Welcome to the Yannie Memorial Garden. Garden of Garden if you will."
"It's truly beautiful said Rinoa, close to tears."
"Ah, you haven't seen the best bit yet." She smiled and walked over to a control panel by the door. She punched in a few numbers, and looked up. Everyone else looked up at the grey metal ceiling. There was the crunch of gears, and suddenly a crack of light appeared. This crack grew bigger and bigger as the shutters opened. In a matter of minuets, the sun was shining down on to faces of the gathered.
"Wow…" said Zell. The rest were gobsmacked.
"I know. Isn't it amazing? Come on, I haven't shown you he rest yet. We're coming back here for the big party."
"Daddy?" said Yannie. "Why are so many things with my name?"
"I'll explain when you are older." Reluctantly, they left the Garden, and continued.
"This is still the library." Said Xu, pointing to the blue door. "Upstairs are the classrooms, where I teach, and on the third floor is Cid and Edea's private residence."
"What do you teach?"
"Oh, everything. History, science, geography, current events…"
"Do you still teach magic?" asked Squall.
"Yes, but we only teach the students cure spells, life spells, and fire thunder and blizzard. There is a strong emphasis on only using magic to help, and as self-defence only. People may no longer hold a threat, but there are still the odd monsters."
"Hey Zell…" a woman with pigtails walked past, fluttering her eyelashes.
"Excuse me…" said Zell as he ran after her. "Hey, wait up!" Squall shook his head. [I]He hasn't changed a bit[/I]
"Hello strangers." The group turned to see a familiar face. He walked with a stick, and a crescent shaped scar ran from his ear to his chin. Behind him was an elegant woman, dressed in red dress. The group saluted.
"No, don't salute. I'm not your headmaster anymore." He laughed. Cid and Edea went around and shook everybody's hand. When Edea reached Rinoa, she hugged her.
"There's someone I'd like you all to meet." Said Edea. "Tyler. Come meet mommy's friends." A boy about five years old ran towards Edea. She picked him up. He was dressed in black trousers and a smart waistcoat he obviously begrudged wearing. "Say hello."
"Hello."
"Yours?" said Selphie in amazement. Tyler looked at Yannie. She looked back at him and stuck out her tongue. He did the same.
"Tyler!" said Edea. "That's rude." Yannie giggled. She put him down on the floor. "Is this your little girl?" Yannie held out her hand.
"I'm Yannie Raine Leonheart."
"That's a lovely name." Said Edea, shaking her hand.
"Yeah, everyone always says that. But I don't know who Yannie is." Edea stood up.
"Come, let us go to the Garden. I think they should have put on the banquet by now." The group followed, slowing down as to allow Cid to keep up.
The banquet was more like a buffet. It was all you could eat, and Zell certainly made sure he had his share of hotdogs. The group all sat together. There were many children, including Yannie and Tyler. As the grown-ups talked, they ran around screaming in the sun. Yannie still wore Irvine's hat.
"Grrr! I'm a monster!" shouted Tyler as he ran around Yannie. "And I'm going to eat your hat!"
"No you're not. Because I'm a sorceress, and I'm going to turn you to stone!" she pointed her finger at him, and said, "ZAP!"
"Ha ha! Missed me!"
the children carried on playing, while the adults talked for what seemed like hours. Everyone told what he or she had done since the Garden break up.
Zell had taken over the running of the Balamb Hotel when the owner had died. It was now a booming success due to the increased amounts of tourists taking their holidays there. And hotdogs were ALWAYS on the menu.
Selphie had returned to Trabia Garden to help in its reconstruction. After much deliberation over what to turn it into, they had finally decided on a theme park come concert venue. It now hosted some of the world's top bands.
Quistis had moved to Timber, she became a journalist at the Timber Maniacs, as a Media Correspondent, for timbers newly revamped television network. She had won the Journalist of the Year Award three years back for her stunning article on the safety of live TV sets, quoting the infamous Seifer incident.
Irvine returned to Galbadia Garden, and helped in its running. The Galbadian military was long since dissolved. Galbadia Garden now trained 'Peace Mercenaries' Irvine's own idea. They were sent out to places in need of help, for whatever reason, be it natural disaster or monster attacks. He had met Selphie when he travelled to Trabia to see his favourite band 'The Esthar Dogs' live.
Xu had gone to Deling with Nida to run the city, as General Caraway had absconded after the Yannie incident. However, Xu longed to be back at Balamb Garden, and knew they were hiring staff. She left, and Nida became General Nida. She commented on how he didn't turn up today because he would be too busy with his duties.
But everyone was interested about Squall and Rinoa. Everyone commented on how much Yannie looked like Squall. And no one could fail to notice how much Squall's attitude had changed. Squall and Rinoa gave a brief synopsis of their life in Winhill, leaving out the suicide incident and nobody asked about the wristbands. But there was one person missing from the table. Gered. They had all noticed, but surprisingly, it was Rinoa who spoke first.
"Has anyone seen Gered?" there were blank faces, and people shook their heads.
"Yeah, I was wondering where he was." Said Zell.
"He might turn up later." Said Irvine. After everyone had eaten enough, and even Zell had his fill of hot dogs, they made their way up to the plateau outside Garden. On the way there, Squall saw a group of three people. He recognised them as Seifer Raijin and Fujin, the old disciplinary committee.
"Rinoa, give me a minute will you?" she nodded and waited holding Yannie's hand. Squall walked over to the group. "Hey Seifer." He said. Seifer turned and faced Squall.
"Squall!" He said surprised. "What do you want?"
"Its been many years Seifer." Seifer nodded in agreement.
"Sure has."
"Lets end this now." Squall held out his hand. Seifer looked at it suspiciously. Once satisfied this was a genuine peacemaking agreement, he shook it.
"I'm too old for rivalries anyway." He laughed.
"Too right." He agreed. Raijin and Fujin stood in disbelief. Two sworn enemies making peace after all these years.
"Squall?" called Rinoa.
"I've got to go." He said. "See you around some time."
"See ya." Squall jogged over to Rinoa.
"I'm very proud of you." She said taking his hand. Squall smiled.
"I'm too old for rivalries." They made their way to the top of the plateau, Cid taking his time hobbling up. When they reached the top, they found they were not the first ones there. Kneeling beside the grave was Gered. He was pulling the weeds from the earth. Beside him was a bunch of flowers. He looked up, and wiped his brow.
"Hey." He stood up brushing himself down. "Nice to see you all again." He meant it when he said it. "Just tidying up a bit." His face was aged beyond his years, and his eyes deeply set. "Sorry I wasn't there before. I got here late." He bent down and placed the flowers on the grave.
"Hey Ged." Said Selphie. There was a bit of an awkward silence. Everyone paid their respects, and then they all talked about how they remembered her. They laughed about the jokes she used to make, and how she would always get so nervous in front of strangers. Everyone had a story to tell about the girl who saved the world. Rinoa bent down net to Yannie.
"This girl was a very special girl. She saved the world, and she saved your mommy's life. That is who we named you after."
"How did she save your life?"
"I'll tell you when you are older." After a while, they left, and Gered listened to all their stories. He had spent a year just wondering around from place to place, feeling sorry for himself. Then he decided to take hold of his life. He moved to Esthar, and took a course in psychology at the university. He was now a fully trained grief councillor. That way, he felt as if he was helping people, and actually serving some purpose.
The day was drawing to a close, and students were making their way home. At the main gate, there were hugs and tearful goodbyes. There were many 'Let's not loose touch again.' Especially between the girls. Yannie was asleep in Squall's arms. Gered shook his hand. Then he came to Rinoa. He hugged her to her surprise and whispered in her ear. "I know it wasn't your fault. I don't hate you." Then he got into his car and drove away. Rinoa felt as if a great weight had been lifted of her shoulders.
They heard the toot of a horn, and a car drew up outside the gates. The window came down, and a voice said,
"Do you need a ride?" It was Nida, and the question was directed at Xu.
"Nida? I thought you weren't coming." He opened the door and got out.
"Xu, I cant stop think about you. I was a fool to let you go so easily." He got down on one knee. From his pocket he produced a small box. He opened it up, and inside was a diamond ring. "Will you marry me?" Everyone was stunned.
"Oh my? But how would this work out? You work in Deling, I work here."
"We will make it work. I know you love me. So just say yes."
"What can I say? Yes." She was all choked up as he placed the ring on her finger. He stood up and passionately kissed her. He shouted out.
"You're all coming to the wedding!" everyone cheered. He helped Xu into the car, and got in himself. Everyone waved as the happy couple disappeared over the hill.
One by one, everyone left. Squall Rinoa and Yannie caught their train home, and didn't arrive until one am next morning. Squall was wondering why Ellone hadn't turned up. He had just tucked Yannie into bed, already fast asleep, and Rinoa had crashed out on the couch, when there was a knock at the door. Squall opened it to see Ellone stood there.
"Hey sis. Is there something wrong?"
"Squall, come next door with me now. It's really important."
"What is it?"
"I can't explain, just come with me." She dragged Squall into the house next door. At the top of the table, with his back toward them was a man with long hair.
"Who is this." Asked Squall. The man stood up, and faced the siblings. "Laguna?" Ellone smiled.
"I told you it was urgent."
"But, your dead." Squall was stunned.
"Hello son." He said. He walked over to him. "I'm sorry I had to make you think I was dead, but there was no other way."
"Wha…?" Squall was lost for words.
"When I heard you had a child, I had to do something. I faked my own death. I was tired of being the leader, a position I never wanted. For the last year, I have been in hiding. Only two people have known my whereabouts. Kiros and Ward. If I had told you or your sister, I could have put you in danger. Now the dust has settled enough for me to go about living a normal life." He held out his hands. "I'm not expecting you to like me straight away, and if you tell me to leave, I will. But I want to make a start being the father, and grandfather I never was." Squall was absolutely flabbergasted. The dead had come to life in front of his very eyes.
"Did you know about this." He asked Ellone.
"Not until three o'clock this afternoon. By then you had gone." Laguna rubbed the back of his head.
"So what now?"
"Now," said Squall, holding out his hand. Laguna shook it. "We make a start."
In Winhill, it was early morning. Five thirty to be precise. In a large house west of the Village Square, a little girl awoke in her bed. The excitement was unbearable. She had to go wake up mommy and daddy. The four-year-old slipped out of bed and tiptoed to her parent's room. She opened the door as quietly as possible and snook inside. Daddy was lay on the left side of the bed like he always did. His arm was around mommy's waist. The girl pattered across the floor to her mummy's side.
"Mommy." She whispered. She stirred in her sleep. The girl lightly shook her shoulder. "Mommmmmmyyyy?" Slowly, her eyes opened.
"What is it love?" she said groggily, definitely not a morning person. "Go back to sleep honey."
"Mommy, you got to wake up. You'll be late, and then you will be sorry." The disgruntled woman threw the covers over her head, on the off chance her daughter would get the hint. Unperturbed, she walked around to daddy's side of the bed.
"Daddy? We're going to miss it."
"Do what your mother said and go to bed."
"But Daaaaaaaaaaaad?" he sat up in bed, leaning on one hand and rubbed his eyes.
"What time is it?" he looked over at the digital alarm clock glowing green in the darkness. "Five thirty?" he arched his back, stretched out his arms and yawned. [I]Got to be up in half an hour anyway[/I] he thought. He got out of bed, and picked up the little girl.
"Yay!" he put a finger to her lips.
"Shhhhh. Let mommy get some sleep." He carried the girl out of the bedroom, and downstairs. He sat her at her special booster seat at the table, and went about preparing breakfast. He placed a bowl of mushy cereal in front of the girl, and she started eating quickly. "Hey, slow down. We wont leave any sooner if you eat faster." He warned. She giggled and slowed down.
He popped some toast in the toaster, and poured some orange juice in a glass. He took a swollen grapefruit from the fruit bowl, cut it in half, and put one half into a bowl. The toaster popped, and he extracted the two golden pieces and buttered them. He took a tray from the top shelf, and put the orange juice, toast and grapefruit onto the tray. He carried the tray upstairs and into their bedroom, leaving the child happily munching on her cereal.
"Wake up." He whispered as he placed the tray on the bedside table.
"Go back to bed like a good girl." She mumbled under the sheets.
"Shame I'm not a girl." He said, sitting sown on the bed, making the springs creak.
"What?" she sat up confused. "Oh, its you. Not time to go already is it?"
"Not quite. Made you B in B"
"Oh, breakfast in bed? You shouldn't have." She leaned forward and kissed him gently on the cheek.
"Well, your daughter woke me up early, so I thought, 'Hey, why not treat the woman I love?'"
"She's your daughter too you know?" she giggled.
"No no no." he replied smiling. "When she wakes me up at the crack of dawn, she is your daughter." He said tapping his finger on the end of her nose. "Eat up. We got to leave at half past."
"Squall?" she said.
"Yes?"
"Thank you."
"Its ok Rinny. Just don't expect this every morning." He joked.
After they had all breakfasted, Squall helped his daughter get ready, making sure she brushed all of her teeth and washed behind her ears. Rinoa got ready in the bedroom. She decided to wear a pink and white flowery dress, and her sandals. The invitation said smart-casual, and she thought it would best suit the unexpected summer heat wave they were experiencing. Specially trained doctors in Esthar had removed the red and black tattoos that ran like lightening across her cheeks years ago by lasers. Her hair had returned to its usual black, and she had put in the gold highlights herself.
Reluctantly, she picked up the wristbands from the dresser. She looked at her wrists, and the white scars that ran across them. How could she have been so stupid? No matter how low you get; suicide is still the chicken's way out. It scared her to think of the life that she could have been missing had Squall not found her in time. She tried to shrug away the image of Squall's white face, as she lay bleeding to death on the kitchen floor. It was one year after the Yannie incident she tried to take her own life. No longer being able to cope with the guilt, she felt this was her only way out. But that was six years ago, and all behind her. She had a new life now. She had a family.
"Mommy, Daddy says to hurry up, or we will be late."
"Come here." She said to her. The little girl walked up to her mother, and she picked her up. "Give me a hug." The little girl obliged and hugged as hard as she could. Rinoa pretended to be in pain. "Oh no! You're hurting me! Stop it stop it!" Squall heard the commotion upstairs, and came bursting into the room.
"What's the matter? Is everything ok?" Rinoa burst out laughing.
"Daddy, you so silly. I was giving mommy a hug." Rinoa put her on the ground.
"Oh yeah?" said Squall mockingly. "I thought I heard a MONSTER!" he charged towards the girl, and chased her around the room making growling noises. The child laughed and jumped on the bed. She held out her hand and shouted,
"Cast fire!" Squall pretended to be hit by a ball of fire, and clutched his chest.
"Oh no!" he knelt on the floor. "You got me. Is this the end?" Rinoa burst out laughing.
"I thought you said we had to hurry to catch the train?" Squall stood up, snapped out of wounded monster mode, and looked at his watch.
"Oh yeah." He said. "Come on, let's go."
"Yay!" shouted the girl, and ran down toward the front door. Squall looked at Rinoa in her pink dress.
"You look fabulous." She walked towards him and started adjusting the top button of his shirt. He wore a blue shirt, and black trousers.
"You know what. You don't look too bad yourself." He pulled her to him and kissed her. "Rinoa Leonheart, I love you." She laughed.
"I remember a time when I had to ask you to say that. And then you would stutter."
"That was the old me." He paused. "Seriously, we are going to be so late. Lets get a move on." At the door, the girl was jumping up and down excitedly. She wore a bright yellow dress with pink open toed sandals. She had her father's black hair and looks, and her mother's stubborn streak. "Daddy, is Auntie Ellone going to be there?"
"I think so."
"Are we taking her there in our car?"
"No, she making her own way there."
"But she only lives next door."
"Yes, but she is getting there later. Don't worry, she will be there." She sighed. "Come on Yannie, get into the car. We've got a train to catch."
********************
On the train, little Yannie was avidly looking out the window. Rinoa was teaching her the train song that Selphie had taught her.
[I]"Train train, Take us away."[/I]
"I wonder why Cid called this reunion?" said Squall, his nose in a weapon magazine. Though there was no need for fighting anymore, weaponry was still a profitable business, most buyers being collectors. Rinoa shrugged.
"Maybe he just wants to see us all again. I mean, it has been seven years since we all met up. A lot has happened." For the year following the Garden break up, everyone did his or her best to keep in touch. But one by one, they lost contact. Each had their own lives to lead, and had to concentrate on the future, rather than the past.
"Mommy, are we going to meet them all?"
"Yes, all of them will be there."
"I remember you talking about Kwisteese, and Zell, and Selfy and Urvine and Zu and Nida."
"Don forget Cid. And Edea. Or Gered." She dwelt on the word Gered. "Squall, do you think he will be there?"
"I don't know. He might be."
"Do you think he is still mad?"
"He's had seven years to see you were not in the blame. I think he should have realised that by now."
"I hope so."
"What did you do mommy?" asked Yannie.
"Nothing you need to worry about. Let's sing that song again."
***************
The train pulled into to Balamb at eleven o'clock. Rinoa got off first, followed by Squall who held the sleeping Yannie in his arms.
"My god. This place hasn't changed a bit." Rinoa nodded in agreement. "I wonder if Zell is still here?" Yannie rubbed her eyes.
"Are we there Daddy?"
"Nearly." They walked through the streets of Balamb. There were many ex-students in the streets all turned up for the reunion. Squall recognised many of the faces. Some he had fought alongside. Everyone remembered him, and he stopped to talk to a few people. Had he not stopped, his journey to Garden would have taken half the time. Eventually, at ten to twelve, ten minutes before they were due to arrive; they entered through the gates of Garden. Rinoa now held Yannie, and Squall walked ahead. He stood in wonderment at the place. Something caught his eye.
"That's new." He pointed to a statue. It was of a young woman, arms outstretched. At her feet where flowers, and she had a serene look upon her face. They didn't need to read the plaque to know whom it was.
"Look Yannie." Said Rinoa. "That lady was who you were named after." Yannie thought for a minute.
"I'm not going to turn to stone too am I?" they both laughed, and Yannie failed to get the joke.
"RINOAAAAAA!" they heard a screech from behind. Rinoa turned to see Selphie running towards her at breakneck speed. She put Yannie down on the ground, and the two women hugged each other.
"Selphie! Oh my god. It's been so long!" Selphie stood back, and held Rinoa at arms length, looking her up and down. She thought she looked older, but none the less beautiful. Rinoa thought that Selphie had changed a lot. She had lost the flicked out hair, and now wore it in a ponytail. She was wearing a red knee length corduroy dress, with black leather boots.
"Squall! I almost missed you."
"Great to see you Selphie." To her surprise, he hugged her.
"Woah!" she looked him up and down examining him. "Ok Rinoa, what have you done with the real Squall?"
"Hey, being a dad softens you up a bit." He said in his defence.
"Dad? Squall? Our Squall? A dad?" he nodded. It was then for the first time she noticed the small child at her feet. She knelt down and looked at her at her own height. "And what is your name?"
"I'm Yannie. Are you Selfy?" she nodded.
"Please to meet you." She held out her hand, and she shook it.
"Mommy taught me your train song."
"Did she?" she looked up at Rinoa and smiled. "I suppose mommy and daddy told you all about the others?" she nodded. "Then lets see if you can guess who I brought along." She stood up and shouted. "Hey! Over here." A tall man in a cowboy hat and a beige trench coat sauntered over.
"Squall! Rinoa!" she shouted. Rinoa hugged him and Squall shook his hand. "Great to see you." He looked down and saw the young child. "Who is this?"
"Your Urvine." She said.
"Sure am. And you are?"
"I'm Yannie." Irvine looked up.
"Yannie?" Rinoa nodded
"Yannie Raine Leonheart." She confirmed. Her eyes were full of tears at seeing her two friends again after so many years.
"That is a pretty neat name." Said Irvine.
"Mommy and daddy named me after a statue." The group laughed. "Can I try your hat on Mister Urvine please?" she asked.
"Yannie!" reprimanded Rinoa. "Don't be so rude."
"Hey, its fine." He took of his hat, and put it on her head. Everyone except Selphie gasped. Instead of the long ponytail, there was a short spiky do. He stood up. "You like it? Blame Selphie. She made me have it cut."
"Are you two a couple?" asked Squall. Irvine put his arm around Selphie's waist and nodded. There were more screams of excitement and hugs all round.
"How long?" asked Rinoa.
"Oh, only about a year. We happened to bump into each other in Trabia, and well, we got chatting, and we both admitted we fancied each other like mad, and well, one thing led to another and…" she held out her left hand. On the ring finger was a diamond solitaire encased in silver.
"Well, I would never believe it." said Squall. "Our Irvine, getting married. Congratulations, both of you."
"Woah!" Irvine stood back. "This ain't Squall is it? The same Squall who told many people on numerous occasions to talk to a wall?" Squall smiled. "Now he is smiling? Whatever next?"
"Shut up." He laughed. Irvine turned serious for a moment.
"Squall, I am so sorry to hear about your dad."
"Yeah," Selphie added, "We were all devastated to hear of his death. Did they ever catch the assassin?" Squall shook his head.
"No. But thanks for your sympathy. It means a lot." He paused and looked down. "It was a year ago. But I'm fine." Rinoa took his hand.
"Remember me?" said a voice behind the others. They turned to see a tall blonde woman walking toward them. She wore a short white tennis dress, and pumps. Her hair was sill blonde, but was cut into a chin length bob.
"Quistis?"
"Rinoa? Selphie? Squall? Irvine! Your hair!"
"I know." He laughed running his fingers through it.
"We have so much to catch up on."
"Hey guys!" they heard a 'vrooom' and a familiar figure pulled up on his hovering board. The group shouted.
"Zell!" Yannie pulled at her dad's trousers, and he lifted her up, so she could see.
"Typical." Said Irvine. "You live the closest, but you are the last to arrive." He laughed and jumped of the board. He slammed his foot down on the one end and caught it in his hand.
"Yo people! S'up?" there were more hugs and handshakes. "Yo Irve? What's with the manly cut?"
"Hey you can talk!" he said looking at Zell's hair. It was still the same style, but had been dyed a bright blue. Zell wore a pair of baggy jeans, and a baggy white tee shirt. "Ands what's with the cloths? You did read the invitation?"
"Hey, these are the smartest clothes I got." After more chit-chat, and "Oh my God! Squall is a dad!" Rinoa said,
"Come on, let's go inside I'm dying to see Garden again." Garden still looked pretty much the same from the outside, and inside the corridors were the same as they had left them. They made their way inside, and were greeted by Xu. Quistis came running over to her.
"Xu! Its been too long." The women hugged. "So what are you doing here before us?"
"You kidding? I work here!"
"No way!" she nodded her head.
"Yup, I took a job in Deling, but it didn't suit me. So I came back here. They were more than happy to have me back. Let me give you the guided tour." She motioned for the others to follow. They took an anti-clockwise direction. She pointed to the first corridor on the left.
"That's still the infirmary."
"Is Kadowaki still here?" asked Selphie. Xu was quiet for a moment.
"Oh, you must not have heard. She died three years ago. There's a new doctor now. His name is Doctor Khrig."
"Oh. I didn't know. Sorry."
"Hey, its ok, lets carry on with the tour." They continued walking.
"That used to be the quad." She pointed.
"What is it now?" asked Quistis.
"It's our sports centre. The children here also have schooling here. So we turned it into a gym come sports field." She carried on walking.
"Hey Xu? Where are all the children?"
"Oh, some of the staff have taken them out on a day trip to the beach. Cid wanted it so that it was just the SeeDs and ex-students."
"Oh right. And where is Nida?" Xu hesitated in answering.
"He is still in Deling. He loved his job there, and I craved for Garden, so we spilt up."
"I'm sorry to hear that." Sympathised Quistis.
"Ah, these things happen." she continued with the tour. "The cafeteria is still a cafeteria. The dorms are still dorms. The Car park is still…"
"A car park?" enquired Rinoa. Xu laughed.
"How did you ever guess?" then they came to the training centre. "Now this is the [I]piece de resistance[/I] of the new Garden. Follow me." The doors to the training centre opened. Inside the barbwire had gone, as had the security doors. Picnic benches were dotted around the place. There was a gentle bubbling of the brook and the trees whispered in the breeze. There were flowers everywhere of all descriptions, and high up in the trees, birds sang their song. It was a genuine Garden of Eden. The metallic floor had been hidden under layers of soil and grass. People were running around carrying trays of food and cutlery.
"Isn't this a kind of dangerous place to have a picnic?" said Squall holding tightly onto Yannie.
"We gave the monsters to a zoo years ago." She stood back. "Welcome to the Yannie Memorial Garden. Garden of Garden if you will."
"It's truly beautiful said Rinoa, close to tears."
"Ah, you haven't seen the best bit yet." She smiled and walked over to a control panel by the door. She punched in a few numbers, and looked up. Everyone else looked up at the grey metal ceiling. There was the crunch of gears, and suddenly a crack of light appeared. This crack grew bigger and bigger as the shutters opened. In a matter of minuets, the sun was shining down on to faces of the gathered.
"Wow…" said Zell. The rest were gobsmacked.
"I know. Isn't it amazing? Come on, I haven't shown you he rest yet. We're coming back here for the big party."
"Daddy?" said Yannie. "Why are so many things with my name?"
"I'll explain when you are older." Reluctantly, they left the Garden, and continued.
"This is still the library." Said Xu, pointing to the blue door. "Upstairs are the classrooms, where I teach, and on the third floor is Cid and Edea's private residence."
"What do you teach?"
"Oh, everything. History, science, geography, current events…"
"Do you still teach magic?" asked Squall.
"Yes, but we only teach the students cure spells, life spells, and fire thunder and blizzard. There is a strong emphasis on only using magic to help, and as self-defence only. People may no longer hold a threat, but there are still the odd monsters."
"Hey Zell…" a woman with pigtails walked past, fluttering her eyelashes.
"Excuse me…" said Zell as he ran after her. "Hey, wait up!" Squall shook his head. [I]He hasn't changed a bit[/I]
"Hello strangers." The group turned to see a familiar face. He walked with a stick, and a crescent shaped scar ran from his ear to his chin. Behind him was an elegant woman, dressed in red dress. The group saluted.
"No, don't salute. I'm not your headmaster anymore." He laughed. Cid and Edea went around and shook everybody's hand. When Edea reached Rinoa, she hugged her.
"There's someone I'd like you all to meet." Said Edea. "Tyler. Come meet mommy's friends." A boy about five years old ran towards Edea. She picked him up. He was dressed in black trousers and a smart waistcoat he obviously begrudged wearing. "Say hello."
"Hello."
"Yours?" said Selphie in amazement. Tyler looked at Yannie. She looked back at him and stuck out her tongue. He did the same.
"Tyler!" said Edea. "That's rude." Yannie giggled. She put him down on the floor. "Is this your little girl?" Yannie held out her hand.
"I'm Yannie Raine Leonheart."
"That's a lovely name." Said Edea, shaking her hand.
"Yeah, everyone always says that. But I don't know who Yannie is." Edea stood up.
"Come, let us go to the Garden. I think they should have put on the banquet by now." The group followed, slowing down as to allow Cid to keep up.
The banquet was more like a buffet. It was all you could eat, and Zell certainly made sure he had his share of hotdogs. The group all sat together. There were many children, including Yannie and Tyler. As the grown-ups talked, they ran around screaming in the sun. Yannie still wore Irvine's hat.
"Grrr! I'm a monster!" shouted Tyler as he ran around Yannie. "And I'm going to eat your hat!"
"No you're not. Because I'm a sorceress, and I'm going to turn you to stone!" she pointed her finger at him, and said, "ZAP!"
"Ha ha! Missed me!"
the children carried on playing, while the adults talked for what seemed like hours. Everyone told what he or she had done since the Garden break up.
Zell had taken over the running of the Balamb Hotel when the owner had died. It was now a booming success due to the increased amounts of tourists taking their holidays there. And hotdogs were ALWAYS on the menu.
Selphie had returned to Trabia Garden to help in its reconstruction. After much deliberation over what to turn it into, they had finally decided on a theme park come concert venue. It now hosted some of the world's top bands.
Quistis had moved to Timber, she became a journalist at the Timber Maniacs, as a Media Correspondent, for timbers newly revamped television network. She had won the Journalist of the Year Award three years back for her stunning article on the safety of live TV sets, quoting the infamous Seifer incident.
Irvine returned to Galbadia Garden, and helped in its running. The Galbadian military was long since dissolved. Galbadia Garden now trained 'Peace Mercenaries' Irvine's own idea. They were sent out to places in need of help, for whatever reason, be it natural disaster or monster attacks. He had met Selphie when he travelled to Trabia to see his favourite band 'The Esthar Dogs' live.
Xu had gone to Deling with Nida to run the city, as General Caraway had absconded after the Yannie incident. However, Xu longed to be back at Balamb Garden, and knew they were hiring staff. She left, and Nida became General Nida. She commented on how he didn't turn up today because he would be too busy with his duties.
But everyone was interested about Squall and Rinoa. Everyone commented on how much Yannie looked like Squall. And no one could fail to notice how much Squall's attitude had changed. Squall and Rinoa gave a brief synopsis of their life in Winhill, leaving out the suicide incident and nobody asked about the wristbands. But there was one person missing from the table. Gered. They had all noticed, but surprisingly, it was Rinoa who spoke first.
"Has anyone seen Gered?" there were blank faces, and people shook their heads.
"Yeah, I was wondering where he was." Said Zell.
"He might turn up later." Said Irvine. After everyone had eaten enough, and even Zell had his fill of hot dogs, they made their way up to the plateau outside Garden. On the way there, Squall saw a group of three people. He recognised them as Seifer Raijin and Fujin, the old disciplinary committee.
"Rinoa, give me a minute will you?" she nodded and waited holding Yannie's hand. Squall walked over to the group. "Hey Seifer." He said. Seifer turned and faced Squall.
"Squall!" He said surprised. "What do you want?"
"Its been many years Seifer." Seifer nodded in agreement.
"Sure has."
"Lets end this now." Squall held out his hand. Seifer looked at it suspiciously. Once satisfied this was a genuine peacemaking agreement, he shook it.
"I'm too old for rivalries anyway." He laughed.
"Too right." He agreed. Raijin and Fujin stood in disbelief. Two sworn enemies making peace after all these years.
"Squall?" called Rinoa.
"I've got to go." He said. "See you around some time."
"See ya." Squall jogged over to Rinoa.
"I'm very proud of you." She said taking his hand. Squall smiled.
"I'm too old for rivalries." They made their way to the top of the plateau, Cid taking his time hobbling up. When they reached the top, they found they were not the first ones there. Kneeling beside the grave was Gered. He was pulling the weeds from the earth. Beside him was a bunch of flowers. He looked up, and wiped his brow.
"Hey." He stood up brushing himself down. "Nice to see you all again." He meant it when he said it. "Just tidying up a bit." His face was aged beyond his years, and his eyes deeply set. "Sorry I wasn't there before. I got here late." He bent down and placed the flowers on the grave.
"Hey Ged." Said Selphie. There was a bit of an awkward silence. Everyone paid their respects, and then they all talked about how they remembered her. They laughed about the jokes she used to make, and how she would always get so nervous in front of strangers. Everyone had a story to tell about the girl who saved the world. Rinoa bent down net to Yannie.
"This girl was a very special girl. She saved the world, and she saved your mommy's life. That is who we named you after."
"How did she save your life?"
"I'll tell you when you are older." After a while, they left, and Gered listened to all their stories. He had spent a year just wondering around from place to place, feeling sorry for himself. Then he decided to take hold of his life. He moved to Esthar, and took a course in psychology at the university. He was now a fully trained grief councillor. That way, he felt as if he was helping people, and actually serving some purpose.
The day was drawing to a close, and students were making their way home. At the main gate, there were hugs and tearful goodbyes. There were many 'Let's not loose touch again.' Especially between the girls. Yannie was asleep in Squall's arms. Gered shook his hand. Then he came to Rinoa. He hugged her to her surprise and whispered in her ear. "I know it wasn't your fault. I don't hate you." Then he got into his car and drove away. Rinoa felt as if a great weight had been lifted of her shoulders.
They heard the toot of a horn, and a car drew up outside the gates. The window came down, and a voice said,
"Do you need a ride?" It was Nida, and the question was directed at Xu.
"Nida? I thought you weren't coming." He opened the door and got out.
"Xu, I cant stop think about you. I was a fool to let you go so easily." He got down on one knee. From his pocket he produced a small box. He opened it up, and inside was a diamond ring. "Will you marry me?" Everyone was stunned.
"Oh my? But how would this work out? You work in Deling, I work here."
"We will make it work. I know you love me. So just say yes."
"What can I say? Yes." She was all choked up as he placed the ring on her finger. He stood up and passionately kissed her. He shouted out.
"You're all coming to the wedding!" everyone cheered. He helped Xu into the car, and got in himself. Everyone waved as the happy couple disappeared over the hill.
One by one, everyone left. Squall Rinoa and Yannie caught their train home, and didn't arrive until one am next morning. Squall was wondering why Ellone hadn't turned up. He had just tucked Yannie into bed, already fast asleep, and Rinoa had crashed out on the couch, when there was a knock at the door. Squall opened it to see Ellone stood there.
"Hey sis. Is there something wrong?"
"Squall, come next door with me now. It's really important."
"What is it?"
"I can't explain, just come with me." She dragged Squall into the house next door. At the top of the table, with his back toward them was a man with long hair.
"Who is this." Asked Squall. The man stood up, and faced the siblings. "Laguna?" Ellone smiled.
"I told you it was urgent."
"But, your dead." Squall was stunned.
"Hello son." He said. He walked over to him. "I'm sorry I had to make you think I was dead, but there was no other way."
"Wha…?" Squall was lost for words.
"When I heard you had a child, I had to do something. I faked my own death. I was tired of being the leader, a position I never wanted. For the last year, I have been in hiding. Only two people have known my whereabouts. Kiros and Ward. If I had told you or your sister, I could have put you in danger. Now the dust has settled enough for me to go about living a normal life." He held out his hands. "I'm not expecting you to like me straight away, and if you tell me to leave, I will. But I want to make a start being the father, and grandfather I never was." Squall was absolutely flabbergasted. The dead had come to life in front of his very eyes.
"Did you know about this." He asked Ellone.
"Not until three o'clock this afternoon. By then you had gone." Laguna rubbed the back of his head.
"So what now?"
"Now," said Squall, holding out his hand. Laguna shook it. "We make a start."