XX

Esthar City
« You're gonna do what !? » Laguna asked while standing up behind his desk.
« We're gonna break into the Galbadians' computer systems and disable it. » Zell pointed out. « Permanently. »
« And how are you going to do this ? »
« We were hoping if we could use Esthar's mainframe. » Zell said, a bit hesitating.
« It's too much machine for you. »
« Maybe. Maybe not. » Skywalker interjected. « I think the two of us can pull it off. »
« They'll find you like this. » Laguna snapped his fingers. « You've got at least fifteen minutes before they track the signal to its source. And they use a Lexan super computer. »
« You're fried. » Irvine joked.
« Maybe the others can help. » Duncan suggested.
« Like what ? » Tifa asked.
« When we establish the connection and take the others into the system, you guys just goof around with the secondary systems. That'll distract them while we do the hard work. » Duncan explained.
« That'll narrow it down to about seven minutes. That leaves ample time to get out before they find us. » Moira said.
« And how are you going to get in there ? » was Laguna's next question.
« Superuser account. » Duncan merely said. « That'll give us access to the whole system. »
« It seems you thought this out rather well. » Laguna said, pondering. « Okay, let's give them a real hard time. »
He went to the door and guided Squall and the others to the mainframe which was located in the lower levels of the city.

Mainframe chamber, Esthar city
Everyone took a seat at the keyboard access points of the Esthar mainframe. Except Nanaki.
« Okay, here we go. » Zell said and began to make a connection to the Lexan. But then, be bumped into a password barrier. He typed and typed in passwords but didn't get past it.
« Damn, I've tried every password I could think of the Galbadians would use. From Deling' to Iron Clad'. »
« Try GOD'. » Duncan said with a smile.
Zell typed it in and got access. « Yes ! We're in. How'd you know it was GOD' ? »
« All major system operators like to use GOD'. Big ego. » he grinned, then turned to the others. « Okay everyone, start goofing around. »
Squall and his friends and Moira, Cloud, Tifa and Cid began to mess with the secondary systems while Duncan and Zell began to sabotage the primary systems.

Deling city, Galbadia
All was quiet in the super computer chamber in Deling City. The only ones who were there were a handful of technicians, computer operators and guards.
But then, they all bolted upright as GOD' appeared on the screen, followed by Password Accepted.
« Get the Commander. » the operator in charge ordered. Someone gave him a telephone which had already been connected to Heidegger's carrier.
« Yes ? »
« Someone's broken into our system, sir. Whoever he is, is messing around with the secondary systems. »
« Then kick him out, you lousy technofreak. We're almost there. »
« Yessir. » he hung up.
« Get me Comm Central. We need to trace this hacker. »
A moment later, the Galbadians started to track the signal.

« They've begun to track us. » Moira announced. She monitored their progress. « We've got seven minutes before they find us. »
Rinoa uploaded a rabbit virus into the secondary core processor. « Let's see how they handle this. »
« Nice. » Duncan said.
« Why thank you. »
« Guys, not now. » Zell complained.
« Okay okay. » Duncan groused. « Keep your shirt on. »

« Get me a systems display ! » the head operator ordered. On the big screen, a systems schematic appeared.
« Holy shit ! » another cursed. « Look at all that activity in the secondary systems. »
« We got a rabbit virus in the secondary core processor ! » a mainframe technician said.
« Send in an anti-virus program. »

« They're attacking my virus. » Rinoa announced.
« Keep them busy. » Zell said.
« Eat this. » Cloud snarled and uploaded the Old Lady'-virus. »

On the screen, an old lady began to walk around. Let's go shopping appeared beneath it.
« What's this ? » Heidegger asked. He'd arrived in the meantime.
« Old lady'-virus. » the head operator explained. « Designed to roam around the system and overload it. »
« Get rid of it. »
« Yessir. »
The technicians began to eradicate the Old Lady'-virus while others kept tracking.

« Five minutes. » Moira announced.
« They're gonna get it. » Zell said with a grin while he reconfigured the system to fry its circuits and shut itself down after they had left.
Duncan meanwhile was busy messing with the primary core processor.
« Whatcha doin' ? » Zell asked.
« Wrecking the primary core processor. They'll be unable to reboot then. Even if they replace the circuits. »
« All right ! » Zell cheered.
« Keep going with those viruses, guys ! You're doing great ! » Duncan complimented.
« Three and a half minutes. » Moira warned.

The head operator eyed the screen. On it, small cubes flashed as they got infected.
« It's a ruse. » he said, finally getting it.
« What ? » Heidegger asked.
« It's a ruse. They're not interested in the secondary systems. But in the primary. » He turned to the nearest technician. « Let's echo the primary core and see what's up. »
The screen shifted and the primary core was displayed.
« Oh man. »
The damage was extensive there. Way worse than in the secondary core.
« Get rid of that hacker ! »

« They're on to us. » Zell said. « They're gonna find us. »
« Two minutes. » Moira read on her display.
« Watch this. » Duncan said and rerouted the signal to another node in the world's comm system.
« They temporarily lost the signal. » Moira said astounded. « We've got five minutes. »

« We lost him. »« Dammit. » Heidegger swore. « Keep tracking. »
The computer operators resumed tracking the signal.
« Geez, our whole system is gonna be toast if this doesn't stop real soon. » a technician observed.
« But we're not gonna let them. » Heidegger snapped and took a seat and started to block the hacker's attempts to sabotage the system.

« We got trouble. » Zell announced. « Someone is on to us. He's trying to block us. »
« We'll see. » Skywalker said and traced Heidegger's signal. When he got through, he typed : Last chance to give up ! You're going down for what you've done !
Who says we'll ever give up ?
Heidegger's words appeared on their screen.
Skywalker narrowed his eyes and typed Sephiroth.
The others kept bugging the Galbadian super computer with minor viruses.
« Three minutes. » Moira warned.
« Almost there. » Zell said through clenched teeth.

When Sephiroth appeared on the big screen, Heidegger swore. « Him again. »
« Who is this Sephiroth anyway ? » the head operator asked Heidegger.
« You don't want to know. » he replied.
Then, the results of the hacker presented themselves. « Sir, we just lost control of the comm system ! All our bases out of contact Production facilities are at a halt Galbadian computers are going crazy Timber Mako Reactor is collapsing »
« This is too much. » Heidegger sighed.

« And then this, then that. » Zell was having a great time messing around with the primary core processor. Duncan was rounding off his work and the others had run out of viruses.
« How's it going ? » Squall asked.
« BAM. That's it, Galbadians. Enjoy your useless computer. » Zell cheered.
« Bye bye processor. » Duncan terminated the connection.

The systems display was blazing with flashing red boxes. Then, it flashed white one last time and switched to a pitch-black screen. Total shutdown. The entire computer assembly was sparking.
« We're done for. » the head operator said. « Without this Lexan, there's no Galbadian army. »
« Bullshit ! » Heidegger spat.
« No sir, with this computer we used to work out strategies. Now it's impossible. »
« We'll see. » Heidegger ran out to his repaired robot machine.

Outside Esthar city
« Way to go ! » Moira cheered and hugged Duncan.
« Those Galbadians won't be a problem anymore. » Skywalker said.
A bit futher, Squall kissed Rinoa. As did Irvine and Selphie. Cloud and Tifa soon did the same. After saying good-bye to Laguna, they had left the city and were on their way to Balamb Garden. Ellone remained in Esthar.
« Yeah, we sure gave them something to remember. »
He looked at the kissing couples with an air of recognition. It had been seven and a half years since he'd done anything like that. He turned and looked deep into Mora's dark brown eyes. Oh, what the heck he thought and kissed her. It took her by surprise and after that, she returned it.
« Look at that. Look at that ! » Zell yelled.
« What is this ? » Cid groused. « Lover's Lane ? »
« Well I'll be » Irvine said. « Didn't think I'd be seeing that anytime soon. »
« What did you think then ? » Duncan asked.
« Well, I thought you'd kick the Galbadians' asses and then fade outta here. »
« That's exactly what I'm gonna do. »
« Let's head for Garden. » Squall suggested. Everyone followed. Some of them hand-in-hand.
« What do you mean ? » Irvine asked.
« Well, after we get back to Balamb Island I'm going home. Back to Oregonia. »
« Pick up your life again. » Moira said for him.
« Exactly. »
« You're going with him ? » Squall asked her on the way to Balamb Garden which was waiting in the inlet near Esthar city.
« That's what I wanted to talk to you about. I want to leave SeeD. »
« You do ? »
« Yeah. But don't get me wrong. I like it in SeeD. But I want something more quieter. »
« We'll discuss this later. Somehow I feel this isn't over yet. » Squall said.


XXI

Balamb Island
After it had left the inlet near Esthar city and picked up headmaster Cid, Balamb Garden had set course for home. The journey had proceeded without interference.
Garden approached the coast of Balamb Island and used it to get onto the island. Then, the Garden set course for its old spot.
Once arrived there, the process of mobilisation was reversed. First, Garden positioned itself over the gap, lowered itself into it and locked in place. Then, the stability fin which was also the support pylon righted itself up. After that, the rotating disc transformed itself into pure energy and rose up, passing over Garden and reacquired solidity when it was back at the top of the support pylon.
Evening was setting in when the process was done.

On the bridge, everyone except Moira and Duncan remained on the bridge platform.
« See you in a minute. » Moira said as the platform descended through the energy circle in the floor. The patch floor became solid again as the platform had passed through. The platform soared down to the bowels of Garden and after a few seconds it arrived on the MD level. There, it locked in place and shut down.
« Well, that's it. » Duncan said. « Garden's safe. The world's safe. No Galbadians. »
« Yeah. » she replied while they were walking to the elevator. « I hope it'll last this time. »
The two of them stepped inside and she pressed the 1st floor button. The doors closed and the car rose up towards the first floor.
« Sure it'll last. » Duncan replied. « They've got no more computer to fall back on. »
The two laughed as they arrived on the first floor and stepped out into the main corridor.
« Now we've got plenty of time to figure out where that Grendel is hiding and how to send Cloud and his friends home. » Duncan said.
« I think it's pretty weird how they got here. »
« Me too. But they got here through that gap in the reality border. The laws of Quantum Physics say it's impossible but it happened anyhow. » Duncan explained.
Moira stared ahead of her, trying to grasp the concept.
« Don't bother. » Duncan said laughing. « This goes way over your head. »
« And not over yours ? »
« Well, I pretty much understand the basics of Quantum Physics. But not all of it. It's pretty complicated. »
« I'll bet. » she replied as they went to the Dorm to get some rest.

Dormitory
Squall as lying on his back on his bed when Rinoa suddenly rolled on top of him, leaning on her hands, her elbows right next to his head. He in turn wrapped his arms around her waist. « What ? »
« We saved the world again. » she replied, looking down.
« Yep. So, tell me. How does it feel to be a Sorceress ? »
« I'm not » she tried to say but Squall finished it for her. « fully a Sorceress. Yeah, I know. »
« Well, » Rinoa tried again. « it's kinda fun. You've got a huge potential at your disposal. But it's dangerous too. Like in case something or someone interferes with my power, it could lead to disaster. »
« Rinoa dear, like Moira said : there's no more Ultimecia. »
« Yeah, I know. But » Rinoa couldn't say anything more as Squall knocked her elbows away and the upper part of her body came down while she yelped out in surprise.
« Gotcha. » Squall teased.
« Why you conniving little » Rinoa teased back and kissed him.
Squall turned out the lights.

In her room, Moira lay tossing and turning in her bed, unable to sleep. Bloody hell, I should sleep like a log now this mess with the Galbadians is over she thought. She turned onto her back and stared up at the ceiling. Then why can't I sleep ? Somehow I feel this isn't over just yet. But it's just a feeling.
She sighed and got up. Then, she went out into the Dorm corridor. When walking through the corridor, she passed Duncan's room and noticed the door was partially open. She pushed the door open. Shirrah, who was sleeping on the back of the chair lifted his head out of his plumes to see who'd dare to disturb him. But he was too tired and went back to sleep.
Skywalker however, was also wide awake. « How's the shoulder ? »
« Better. »
« Let's have a look. » he untied the bandage and examined the wound. « Looks good. It's almost fully healed. »
« Great. My mom always said I heal fast. »
« Well, she's right. Can't sleep ? »
« Nope. » Moira settled beside him on the bed. « Just can't get to sleep. »
« Maybe this'll help. » he pulled out a small wooden flute and started playing. Not the modification of Watch Over Me, but the original.
« Now that's relaxing. » Moira said and laid down. The rest of what she was trying to say was lost as she drifted off to sleep.
Duncan smiled and laid down beside her and also went to sleep. Somehow he had this gut feeling they would need every bit of rest they could get.

Cafeteria
The next day, they all sat down at a table in the Cafeteria.
« So, how are we gonna get you four home ? » Quistis asked.
« Don't look at me. » Rinoa said. « I can't break through any reality border. »
« Well, it'll take a lot out of me, but I think I've got enough reserves left to generate a stormfront and cause a Lifestream energy spike. » Duncan said.
« Oh great. » Cid Highwind grumbled. « Back to stinking Midgar. »
« You don't have to stay in Midgar, Cid. » Tifa said. « You can go back to Rocket Town if you want. »
Cid grumbled something.
« I think I'll go visit grandpa Bugenhagen at Cosmo Canyon sometime after we're back. » Red XIII said.
« And we'll see our friends again. » Cloud finished.
Skywalker stared out the window at the clear blue sky. Moira saw it and moved her chair a bit closer to his. « What's up ? »
« After this I'm definitely going home. I've had enough. »
« What are you saying ? » Selphie asked.
« I've seen every part of the world. It's time I settled down, go back home and resume what's left of my life. »
« Maybe you should do that. » Tifa said.
« And I will. » Duncan acknowledged.
« Every part of the world. » Selphie said, daydreaming.
« Don't get your hopes up. » Duncan said. « It's a mess out there. »
« Hey, what about that beast that attacked her ? » Cid wondered, pointing to Rinoa.
« That's right. We have to figure that one out too. » Cloud realized.
« Let's get busy. » Squall said and got up.
Rinoa guided them out into the fields. She looked around some and headed for the nearest forest. « I think it was here. »
Skywalker looked around, searching for prints. After several seconds, he found some. « It's here all right. »
Everyone gathered around.
Duncan pointed down at the ground. « Here's where they fought. And over there, I wounded it. »
Cloud pushed some bushes aside. « Hey, a blood trail. »
« All right. » Zell was enthusiastic. « Bring him on. »
Duncan whirled around, sensing. Then he drew his sword. « It's here, somewhere. Keep your eyes peeled. »
« How near ? » Selphie asked shakily.
« Very. »
« O kay. »
« Let's follow the trail. » Tifa suggested.
« Good idea. » Irvine replied. Squall took point, followed by Rinoa, Selphie, Irvine, Zell and Quistis. Then came Cloud, Tifa, Nanaki, Cid and Moira. Duncan brought up the rear. While they followed the trail, they kept their eyes open and looked in every direction in order not to be taken by surprise.
« Anyone seen it yet ? » Irvine asked silently.
« Not here. » Squall said.
« Haven't seen it. » Cloud replied from the middle of the group.
« He's around here somewhere. He's just not showing himself yet. » Duncan said. « He's biding his time, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. »
« And when will that be ? » Quistis inquired when the group stopped.
« When Rinoa's alone. » Duncan explained. « It attacked her when she went into the forest by herself. »
« So we leave her here, unprotected ? » Squall asked, not believing what he was hearing.
« She'll be protected, trust me. By us. We'll hide in the bushes nearby. »
« I don't know about this. » Rinoa said.
« We're in the neighborhood. » Duncan reassured her. « When the Grendel shows up, we spring into action. You just happen to be the bait. »
« Oh great. »
« Besides, you have your Sorceress power to fall back on. You know, in case it should go wrong. »
« Okay okay, let's go already. »
Everyone fanned out and hid in the bushes and at Duncan's suggestion, they kept very quiet.
« We're right here. » Squall reassured.
« I hope this works out. » Rinoa said, looking around with frightened eyes.
For several minutes, nothing happened. Then, something ristled in the bushes.
« Heads up. » Duncan whispered. « He's right on schedule. »
The Grendel flashed out of the bushes and straight for Rinoa. She held her arms up, trying to protect her and erected a shield between her and the Grendel. The creature banged against it at full speed and staggered back.
« Let's go ! » Squall ran out of the bushes. They all came out and formed a circle around Rinoa, boxing the Grendel in.
« End of the line. » Squall said while stepping forward. The Grendel hissed and went for Rinoa again but hit the shield once more. It shook it's head, recovering from the dizziness and charged towards Squall. He brought his gunblade up and let it come down and hit the creature in the shoulder. The Grendel shrieked and changed course.
Damn, should've pulled the trigger Squall said in the back of his mind.
The Grendel was looking for a weak link in the circle and went for Tifa. Tifa, however, gave the Grendel a wallop that rattled its teeth. No luck with Cid too. He kept the creature at bay with his spear. But then, it found the weak link : Moira. She had no weapons. The Grendel changed course and went for her. Rinoa saw it and threw an icicle which drilled itself into the ground between Moira and the Grendel. After that, Rinoa cast a shield over Moira.
« Thanks, close call. »
« Don't mention it. » Rinoa replied.
The Grendel ran around the circle.
« Remember me ? » Duncan said while looking the Grendel straight in the eye. It charged towards him. « Give us some room here ! He's coming for me. »
Everyone backed off.
« This is it, my friend. » Duncan said, reversed his blade so it pointed down and rammed it down at full force when the Red Grendel was within range. The blade hit the creature right in the head.
« Game over. » Skywalker said while blood sprayed everywhere. The Grendel had been killed right on the spot.
« Mega blow. » Zell said. « That's an instant kill. »
« Yeah. » Duncan replied while cleaning his Daïkatana. « That one is done for. »
Rinoa sighed. « Finally. »
Squall gave her a hug. « It's okay. It's over now. »
Then, the ground rumbled and a shadow fell over them.
« Uhh guys, I wouldn't say it's over just yet. » Irvine said while looking up.
« Oh shit. » Cid said for all of them.


XXII

Balamb Island
After leaving the Galbadian complex, Heidegger had crawled into his robot machine. When he had downloaded a navigational map, he had set course for Balamb Island. Now he had arrived and stood before the SeeDs who had dared to foil his plans.
« Payback time, SeeD. »
« Oh shit ! Hit the dirt ! » Zell yelled as the robot's fist came down. Everyone dove for cover as pebbles and rock splinters flew everywhere.
« I knew this wasn't over yet. » Moira muttered.
« Here. » Duncan gave her his two daggers. « Do you know how to use these ? »
« Do I ? » she grabbed the daggers and tried them out. « Hm, they handle pretty well. »
« That they do. But please keep them in one piece. »
« Will do. »
« Scramble everyone ! » Squall ordered. They all scattered, making it harder for Heidegger to keep them all in his sights.
Moira charged towards the right kneejoint and slashed the coolant pipes, then she got out of there as fast as she could. Rinoa made use of another icicle and threw it at the blaster weapon the giant robot had in its left hand. The icicle hit the weapon and it froze up.
Heidegger let the robot's fist come down again and nearly crushed Cloud, but he jumped away in time.
« Okay Heidegger, no more Mister Nice Guy. » Cloud ran towards the robot when its back was turned towards him and climbed up its leg, then on the robot's back. He kept climbing until he reached the head. There he drove his Buster Sword into one of the shoulders. Sparks flew everywhere. Cloud lost his footing when the machine jerked and fell off, right into the foliage of a tree which broke his fall.
« Cloud, are you okay ? » Tifa asked as Cloud stumbled out of the tree.
« I'll live. » he said shakily.
Meanwhile, Heidegger cursed out loud. Half of the power production was lost and the machine slowly began to heat up.
« I'll crush you like bugs ! »
« Missiles incoming ! » Irvine yelled as eight missiles were launched. The friends scrambled to safety as the missiles hit the ground all around them. Rinoa generated a shield for those who were in her vicinity. Three missiles smashed against it but the shield held.
« We don't stand a chance. » Cid growled.
« There has to be a weak spot. » Cloud reasoned.
« But where ? » Duncan wondered. Then, he got an idea. « Squall ! »
« Yeah ? »
« Tell Heidegger we got an army of some hundred men in the woods. Leave the rest to me. »
« Wait a sec. What are you saying. »
« I'll generate small Lifestream eruptions. On his infrared scanners it should look like there are hundreds of infrared contacts in the forest. »
« Brilliant. » Quistis commented as Duncan ran into the woods. Squall stepped out of the bushes.
« Heidegger ! »
The machine turned to face him.
« Thought you liked to know. We've got an army in the woods, waiting to enter the fight. »
That's my cue Duncan thought and began his little trick.
« What ? » Heidegger wondered and activated his scanners. About one hundred infrared contacts showed on the screen. « He's right ! There is an army. But I'm not giving in. »
« Charge ! » Moira ran towards Heidegger's robot machine to wreck more havoc.
« Moira ! No ! » Squall shouted. But it was too late. The robot's hand came down and caught her.
Here's a trump card Heidegger grinned. « Tell that army to back off or I'll squeeze the life out of her. »
Squall turned towards the bushes. « You can stop now. » he whispered.
« Why ? I'm having the best time of my life. » Duncan replied.
« He's got Moira. »
« What ? »
« He wants the army' to retreat or he'll kill her. »
Duncan sighed and the little Lifestream energy fountains disappeared. Then, he ran out of the bushes to see for himself. « Geez. »
« Duncan ! Help ! » she pleaded. Heidegger squeezed a wee bit harder and heard her cry out.
« You let her go right now ! » Skywalker yelled.
« You're in no position to make threats. I believe I've got your precious little girlfriend in my grasp, Sephiroth ! » The last word was loaded with sarcasm. Duncan clenched his hands into fists.
« Duncan ! » Moira called out. « Lose self-control ! It's the only way to save me ! »
« Do you realize what this means !? I could go permanently mad ! »
« That's a risk you'll have to take ! Hurry ! »
Skywalker looked over his shoulder at the others. « I have to do this. »
« We know. » Rinoa said while putting her hand on his shoulder. « We know you have to do this for her. We'll make sure nothing goes wrong. »
Skywalker nodded. « Thanks. I'll try to snap out of it myself. »
Then, he turned back to Heidegger's machine. He remembered seeing Moira hang in the safety belts in the Tomcat's cockpit, relived the feeling of losing the most precious treasure in the whole wide world. The hardness returned in his eyes. « You picked the wrong guy to mess with, Heidegger !! »
Duncan drew his Daikatana and charged towards the robot.
« Fool ! » Heidegger spat and wanted to crush the girl in the robot's hand when bolts of Lifestream energy leapt up from the ground and interfered with the systems. « What the » Every system showed Red Alert'-messages and System Overload'. Energy tendrils snaked all over the machine.
Meanwhile, Duncan had reached the enemy machine. He slashed the remaining coolant pipes and then then knee joint. The robot couldn't make another move. He climbed up until he reached the robot's shoulder. There, he checked on Moira. She had passed out. Or so it seemed from his position. He went back down and drove his sword into the robot's back. Sparks flew as every system crashed and shut down. The robot came down with a lot of noise. Skywalker leapt off the machine just before it hit the ground and landed right next to it. Then, he ran to Moira which was still in the robot's fist. But first, he looked around and saw fuel leaking onto the ground. He turned back to the fist, grabbed his daggers and drove his sword through the wrist. It opened and Skywalker took her in his arms. When he grabbed hold of her, a Lifestream energy jolt which which had remained behind, touched Skwyalker's rings. Then, he ran.
In the cockpit, Heidegger rubbed his head and checked his screen. On it, Fuel Leak' flashed. In the background, he could see Skywalker run away. « Hey, you're not going to leave me here, are you ? » he pleaded. But he kept running.
Duncan crouched and used his body as a shield to protect Moira when the robot exploded in a fiery storm of hot metal shards. Everybody else had taken cover when th machine had crashed on the ground.
Skywalker was breathing heavily as the others joined him.
« Easy now. » Rinoa warned the others. « Duncan, it's all over. Moira's safe. » she said gently. Duncan had a confused gaze in his eyes again, the aftermath of the experience.
« She's still alive. » Quistis added. Duncan turned and noticed Moira was still breathing. The confused gaze disappeared and made place for the determined look. He knelt beside her. « Moira, please don't do this to me. Don't make me go through this again. »
She didn't show any reaction. He noticed a faint blue-green glow. He looked down and saw his wife's ring glow with blue-green energy. While the others gathered, he untied the ring and put it in her hand. Then, he placed his right hand on hers. From between their fingers, bright energy spikes shone outward. From that point on, Duncan and Moira were linked for a short period of time. Come on he pleaded in the back of his mind. I don't want to go through it again. The energy spikes fainted and she opened her eyes.
« Hey, how do you feel ? »
« Like hell. » she said in a weak voice.
« Can you stand up ? »
« Don't think so. »
He tied the ring to the piece of string and took her in his arms. « How's that ? »
« A lot better. » she said smiling.
« Thought so. » he replied. « To the Dorm ? »
« I don't care. As long as I'm with you. »
« Okay then. »
« So, when are we going to send them home ? » Squall asked.
« Tomorrow. » Duncan said. « I'm too tired. »
« I'm in no rush to go just yet. » Cid said.
« I think we can stay a little longer. » Tifa added.
« Yeah. » Red XIII said. « Let's give these two love birds some time alone, shall we ? »
Moira felt herself blush. « Give us a break. »
Everone laughed and went back to Garden.
What remained of Heidegger's plan was a smoking pit.

Dormitory
« My room or yours ? »
« Let's go to mine. » Moira suggested.
« Okay. As you wish. » Duncan took her to her room and went in. Then, he placed her on the bed and sat beside her. Right before the door closed, Shirrah flew in and landed on the chair.
« Now it's totally over. » he sighed. Moira stretched out on the bed, looking up at the ceiling.
« So now you're going home ? » she asked.
« Yeah. And I want you to come with me. »
« What ? » she sat up straight. « Are you serious ? »
« Yep. » He looked into her eyes. Then, he untied the ring and gave it to her. « This ring was Charlene's. Now I want you to have it. »
« Duncan, I can't take this. »
« Sure you can. I found Charlene in you. » he said. « Come with me to Oregonia. You'll have your quiet life. And I'll have someone to love. »
She saw in his eyes that he was serious. « You're pretty serious about this, aren't you ? »
« I'm as serious as I'll ever be. »
She put the ring on her ring finger of her right hand and felt a shudder run through her. Somehow, she felt how lucky this Charlene Tremaine had been. « Give me some time. »
He nodded. « Okay. » Duncan got up and walked to the door. Shirrah flew up and landed on his master's forearm.
« I'll let you know by tomorrow. » she said.
« You need anything ? »
« No, I'm fine. I'll manage. »
« See you tomorrow. »
« See ya. » she said and he went out into the corridor.
When the door had closed, she took he ring off her finger and closely examined it. On the inside stood Together Forever. She put it back on her finger and noticed the ring lit up with a blue-green glow for a brief period. Then it disappeared.
She looked at the door Duncan had walked through about a minute ago.
A chance to get a quiet life without fights settle down leave SeeD leave my friends. Who'll take care of the optical links then ?
She sighed and laid down. But I'm kinda curious.

In his room, Duncan also stared up at the ceiling. I sure hope she'll come along. Without her, it'll be pretty lonely once I get back home.
He looked beside him and saw that Shirrah was already sleeping. He turned back to look at the ceiling.
I think she understands me. Leaving your friends behind is hard, I know. I felt it too when I left to journey the world.
He sighed.
Oh heck, we'll see tomorrow.
He turned on his side and went to sleep.


XXIII

Dormitory, Balamb Garden
The next day, Skywalker woke up as rays of sunlight spiked through the window. His winged companion was already awake and was looking at him with a questioning gaze.
« What ? » Duncan asked. « You want her to come with us, don't you ? »
The bird squeaked.
« Thought as much. Well, let's find out. » He got out of bed and put on his boots and coat. Then, he put his weapons away. He opened the door and stepped into the Dormitory corridor. Shirrah flew ahead. « Okay, you lead the way. » he said shrugging. Together, the two went to the Cafeteria.

Cafeteria
« So I guess the time has come for us to leave. » Cloud said.
« I like it here. » Tifa said. « Much quieter than Midgar. »
« Why don't we stay here ? » Cid Highwind suggested.
« You know we can't do that, Cid. » Cloud protested. « Who knows what other Shinra scum is roaming around in our reality ? »
« Yes Cid. » Nanaki added. « Cloud's right. We have to go back. It's for the best. »
« Besides, who knows what kind of effect your presence here has on our reality ? » Squall wondered.
« Yes, » Quistis cut in. « you being here for a few weeks didn't seem to have any effect at all. But what if you stayed here for a few years ? »
« I don't like where this is heading. » Rinoa said.
« Neither do I. » a voice cut in. They all turned to the entrance to the Cafeteria to see Duncan walk in. « That's why we have to send them back. A prolonged stay of several years will have desastrous effects. »
« Like what ? » Irvine wondered.
« The scientist who had conducted the RBBE warned about visits which exceeded the one year'-barrier. These effects would gradually build up and increase in strength. These effects could be simple earthquakes, shifts in the reality borders, yadda, yadda, yadda. But in the worst case it could lead to the destruction of this planet in this reality. »
« We're going back. » Cid said, his mind made up. « I don't want to take part in the destruction of a planet. »
Cloud, Tifa and Red XIII smiled.
« Then let's send you guys home. » Duncan said. Everyone got to their feet and went outside.
A thin bank of morning was visible when they exited Balamb Garden and went out in the fields. Skywalker began to warm up for the task which lay ahead : to send Cloud and his friends home.
« Farewell Cloud. » Squall said. « Take care. »
« You too. » Cloud replied.
« Good luck. » Tifa said to Rinoa. « Sorceress. »
« I'll try. » she replied.
« All set ? » Duncan asked.
« Better stand back. » Cloud warned. « This gets a little windy. »
Everyone stepped back.
« First a stormfront » Skywalker said silently. But Selphie cut in. « You don't have to worry about that. » She pointed at a bunch of thunderclouds closing in.
« Perfect. » Duncan said. « Gives me more energy to focus on the eruption. How big was it ? » he asked Cloud.
« Uhh. » Cloud looked around, then his eyes came to rest on Garden. « Twice the size of Garden. »
« Okay. »
The thunderclouds came overhead. Lightning flashed, thunder rolled.
« Ready ? Here we go. » Skywalker retracted deep within himself and felt the raw energy rise up. Everyone gaped at the giant spike which shot up from the ground and had twice the size of Balamb Garden. Then, three lightning bolts hit the spike and followed it down. Because of the thin bank of fog, the hole in the reality barrier which followed was clearly visible. Like it did in Midgar City, the hole began to suck in everything which was within range.
« This is it ! » Cloud yelled over the din. He turned one more time at the newfound friends. « Farewell ! »
Squall and his friends waved good-bye. Cloud turned back to the hole. He took Tifa's hand in his and they both ran to the hole and jumped in. Shortly thereafter, Cid and Nanaki followed. Before he vanished in the phenomenon, they heard Cid yell : « Here we go again ! »
A few seconds after the four had jumped into the hole, it closed and the spike evaporated. Duncan let out a big sigh.
« You okay ? » Rinoa asked.
« Fine. Just took a lot out of me. »
Moira had witnessed Cloud's departure from their reality from her window. Spectacular she said in the back of her mind. She got dressed and went out into the Dorm corridor. From there, she headed to headmaster cid's office.
« Well, they're on their way home. » Quistis said to breake the silence that followed.
« Let's hope they arrive safely. » Selphie added.
« And they don't run into any more trouble. » Squall finished.
« Shall we go back in ? » Rinoa asked.
« Yes, let's. » Zell instantly replied, eager for his next load of hotdogs.

Midgar City
Nearly every day, one of the four which had remained behind went to check on the place where their friends had disappeared into the swirling hole to see if they hadn't returned yet. This time, it was Vincent's turn.
He gazed at the partially active Mako Reactor. Small amounts of Lifestream energy spiked up in the largely ripped open core. Where could they have gone to ? he wondered.
The others joined him, Aeris' mother among them.
« Still no sign of em ? » Barret asked.
« No. » Vincent answered. « I hope they're allright. »
« I'm sure they can take care of themselves. » Aeris' mom said.
« Yeah. » Yuffie cut in. « Cloud's a pretty good leader when it comes to dangerous situations. »
« I wonder what they ran into in wherever they might have ended up in. » Vincent wondered.
« They'll take care of any enemy. » Cait Sith pointed out. « Besides, who knows thay might've made an ally. »
« Then let's hope hothead Cloud didn't screw things up. » Barret growled.
« Barret, how can you say that ? » Cait Sith said astounded. « After all we've been through with the Shinra ? »
« It's just » Barret was cut off by a noise coming from the reactor. They turned to see a spike shoot up and near the base of the spike, a hole appeared. Cloud and Tifa were thrown out first, still holding hands. Then came Cid and Red XIII.
« Whoaa, heads up ! Urgent request for emergency landing !! » Cid yelled, then hit the ground. « Ouch, that hurt. »
« Cloud ! You're back. » Yuffie yelled extatic.
« We made it. » he said while getting up and dusting off his clothes. The others got to their feet as well. The hole closed behind them.
« We owe them bigtime. » Tifa said.
« Yeah. » Nanaki said. What he wanted to say next was lost as a lightning bolt hit the reactor housing and ripped it apart. Everyone dove for cover as hot metal fragments rained down.
« There, it's off line. You happy now ? » Barret growled.
« Yeah, very much. » Cloud admitted. « Now we don't have to worry about such accidents anymore. »
« Speaking of which. » Cait Sith said. « Where did you guys end up ? »
« In an alternate reality. » Cloud said.
« A what ? » Barret asked.
« An alternate reality. » Cloud said again.
« Let's go over to my house so you guys can explain everything. » Aeris mom suggested.
« Great idea. » Cid said. « I'm getting tired from all this standing. »
They all laughed and went to Sector 7.

Sector 7
After their arrival, they went inside the house and Cloud told the story of how they arrived in that alternate reality of how they found another world there about the Galbadian soldiers which looked like Shinra soldiers about Balamb Garden and SeeD. Cloud told them everything in detail, including Squall and his friends and, of course, Duncan Skywalker, the one who had sent them home.
When he was finished, Cait Sith, Barret, Yuffie, Vincent and Aeris' mother stared at them. Yuffie broke the silence. « Mega adventure. »
« Yeah. It sure was. » Cloud said.
« Cloud, you forgot to mention something. » Tifa pointed out.
« I did ? » Cloud asked astounded. « Like what ? »
« Heidegger. » Tifa simply said.
« Oh right. »
« Heidegger ? » Vincent asked, on the alert. « What of him ? »
« He came with us. » Nanaki said.
« WHAT ? » Barret jumped up. « Then he's still in that other whatever it is ? »
Cait Sith hushed him. « Keep it down, Barret. Marlene's asleep. »
« Blast, I forgot. » Barret cooled down. « So, is he still there ? »
« Nah, you needn't worry about Heidegger anymore. He's gone. We took care of him. » Cid said proudly.
« With the help from SeeD. » Tifa added.
« Well yeah, that too. » Cid admitted.
« His robot machine go sucked in as well. » Cloud explained.
« The story of this Rinoa is fascinating. » Vincent said.
« Sure is. » Red XIII said. « And a very pretty girl. »
« Don't start. » Cid said which made everyone laugh. « All that Sorceress stuff gives me the shivers. »
« And what about this Duncan Skywalker ? » Yuffie inquired.
« Believe it or not. » Cloud said while leaning forward in his chair. « He looked like Sephiroth. »
« Sephiroth ? » Caiht Sith wondered.
« Yeah, Sephiroth. » Cloud said matter-of-factly.
« Something tells me there's more to this. » Vincent said, narrowing his eyes.
« There is. » Tifa cut in. « He wasn't exactly Sephiroth. He only looked lke Sephiroth, but he wasn't all that bad. A bit secluded, nothing more. »
« Aside from the fact he can influence Nature. » Cid added.
« He can do that ? » Aeris' mother asked.
« Yeah sure. » Nanaki said. « We've seen him do it. »
« But the fact he lost his wife many years ago still gnawed at him. » Cloud said.
« He can find another, can he ? » Yuffie asked. « It's not that hard. »
« He did find someone. » Red XIII said. « According to him she looked almost exactly like his late wife. »
« No way. Really ? » Barret wondered.
« Way. We also saw her. » Tifa pointed out. « She also was in that elite mercenary unit. But she wants out and have a quieter life. I hope she'll go with him. »
« So do I. » Nanaki said.
« So, who wants something to eat ? » Aeris' mother asked.
Everyone raised their hand, or in Nanaki's case, paw.
« All starving, I see. »
« You don't know how. » Cid admitted.
She smiled and went into the kitchen to fix something for her guests.


XXIV

Balamb Garden, Balamb Island
Squall and Rinoa were walking through Garden's main corridor when headmaster Cid stepped up to them. « Squall, Moira has something to tell you. »
« Like what ? »
« Why don't we let her tell it. Moira ? »
Moira Luna stepped forward. « I'm leaving SeeD. »
« Are you sure ? » Rinoa asked.
« Absolutely. I can't take it anymore, all this fighting. I'm not cut out for SeeD when you think hard about it. »
« Nonsense, you're a real asset to SeeD. » Squall protested. But Rinoa saw in Moira's eyes she couldn't be swayed.
« You can't force her to stay. » she said to Squall.
« My mind's made up. » Moira said. « I'm going with Duncan. »
« Yo, what's going on ? » Zell joined them.
« Moira's leaving SeeD. » Squall said. Zell looked at Moira to see if they weren't pulling his leg. As he saw, they were serious.
« Who'll take care of the optical links then ? » Quistis asked from behind.
« Zell can do it. » Moira suggested.
« Great, sure. Can I use your stuff then ? »
« No can do, hot dog boy. You want to fix those links, you get your own stuff. » Moira said.
« Aw, c'mon. » Zell protested.
« Treat those links with dignity and they'll last a lifetime. »
« Fine. Okay. » Zell muttered.
Moira turned to Squall. « I'll miss you guys. »
« We'll all miss you. » Rinoa said. « But you've got to follow your heart. »
« If you're going with him, he's already at the front gate. » Selphie said.
« Oh crap. Stall him. » Moira said in a measured voice. « I'm gonna pack my stuff. »
Selphie ran off. Moira went to her room to pack her stuff.

Front gate
Duncan Skywalker was walking to the front gate. He'd miss this place, all the new friends, the new faces. Especially these young people who formed this elite mercenary unit called SeeD. Now he knew his fear of SeeD had been needless. He shouldn't have worried. These people found out the truth through skillful assessment of facts and situations.
His winged companion Shirrah sat on his forearm, eyeing with a questioning gaze. He looked down at the bird. « What ? »
Shirrah simply kept looking at his master.
« You ant her to come along, don't you ? I knew it. I haven't heard from her since I sent Cloud and his friends home. So I suppose she stays here. »
« Duncan ! Wait up ! » a voice yelled. He turned to see Selphie run towards him and come to a stop when she reached him.
« What ? »
« Lemme catch my breath here for a sec. » she said out of breath.
« Is there something you want to tell me ? » he asked.
« Just wait a little longer. Then you'll see why. »
« Uhh okay. »
Duncan and Selphie talked about this and that when Moira had finished packing her belongings and ran through the corridor towards the front gate. There she met up with Duncan.
« Wait a sec, Duncan. I'm coming along. »
« What changed your mind ? »
« The kind guy who took care of me back in Esthar. That's what I've been looking for. »
« Really ? »
« Yeah, really. » Moira said.
« Shall we go ? »
« Off we go. » Moira said.
Together with Duncan she went out into the fields towards Balamb Town where the little ship he had arrived in, was still moored to a pier in the harbor.
« By the way, do you have a phone back home ? »
« I think so .... Yeah, I got one. »
Moira turned to face Garden. Under the arch of the front gate, nearly every SeeD member was waving goodbye.
« I'll call you guys sometime ! » she yelled.
Selphie yelled back : « Do that ! »
The two continued on their way to Balamb Town. Once arrived there, they took the little wooden ship and set course for Oregonia.

On the way to Oregonia
The journey had taken a bit more than two days.
Along the way, Duncan had told Moira all about Oregonia. About the people, the woods nearby, the cliffs, the town itself and, of course, his place.
« So Oregonia is a port town too ? » she asked.
« That's exactly what it is. » Duncan said. « But it's mostly calm in the harbor area. »
« I see. When do we arrive ? »
« In about an hour, I guess. » he replied, estimating. « It shouldn't take long. »
She snuggled up to him and laid her head on his shoulder. He in turn, wrapped his arm around her.
An hour later, Oregonia's harbor area loomed ahead.
Duncan sat up straight. « There it is. »
« Hey, you nervous ? » Moira asked.
« I guess. It's been seven and a half years. » he said, still looking at the harbor area coming closer. « Hold on. I'm going to dock us at the nearest pier. »
Skywalker steered the little ship towards the closest pier and secured it. Then, they stepped onto the pier and proceeded to his house.
« Nice place. » Mora said as they stepped inside. Everything was covered in a layer of dust of seven and a half years.
« Thanks. But we need to do some cleaning up. »
« I'll say. It'l take about a ful week to clean this mess up. »
« Maybe not. » Duncan said with a glint in his eyes. « Open every door and window and make sure it won't slam shut. »
« What are you up to ? » she asked, but then it sunk in. « Oh, I get it. »
She ran all over the house, opening doors and windows and jammed a piece of wood under the door and between the window and the wall so they wouldn't slam shut. « Done ! »
« Okay ! Don't move ! » Duncan yelled back, then let a gust of wind rush through the entire house. As he had expected, his plan had the desired effect. The wind took all the dust with it and dumped it outside. « There. »
Moira came back down after closing the doors and windows. « Way cool. All the dust is gone. Really nice place. »
Meanwhile, Duncan had opened a panel in a nearby room. « Those were the converters she was working on. » he muttered to himself.
« Let me have a look. » she knelt beside him and examined the situation. The converters were fried. « Got any spare ones ? »
He checked in a nearby chest and found four of them, all brand new converters. « Here. »
Moira installed them. « That's it. » She saw him walk to another panel and activate a switch.
Outside, a cartwheel in a nearby stream began to turn next to the house, a small windmill also began to turn in the breeze. Both installations produced enough power for the house. And, as he had explained in Garden, the excess power was stored in the batteries she was standing next to. Duncan checked it by flipping on the lights.
« Great, it's working. » Moira cheered. But he didn't seem to share her optimism. « Something wrong ? »
« Got to do something first. » he said and walked outside.
Near a big oak tree, he stood before a grave. Charlene's grave. « Hey Charlie. I'm back in town. Y'know, it's kinda weird. I found you again. Don't ask me how, but I got a feeling you've got something to do with it. » He knelt before her grave as Moira joined him.
« Hey, did I come at a bad time ? »
« Nah, not at all. »
« Whose grave is this ? » she asked and brushed aside the foliage that had covered it over the years. Her eyes widened as she read what was on it.
Here lies Charlene Tremaine Skywalker. Wife of Duncan Skywalker. Next to her picture stood in elegant letters of gold : Together Forever.
« You see, Charlie. She looks almost exactly like you. »
« There's nothing in the fridge. » Moira said quietly.
« Blast. Then we'll have to do some shopping. C'mon, let's head to town. »

The town was busier than the harbor area. Most faces still seemed familiar to him, though there were some new ones among them.
« Nice town. »
« Yeah. Hasn't changed a bit. » Duncan looked all around him as they walked through. « Why don't you go buy everything we need. I'll go check on some friends. I think they might still be around. »
« Okay. See you soon. »
Moira went in another direction while Duncan went to check on his buddies. There was a restaurant around here somewhere. The owner used to be one of his closest friends. Before he had left town, Duncan hadn't known what part of the world he was from, but now he knew. The owner had journeyed all the way from the East to this place and settled down.
He reached the restaurant and stepped inside. « Anyone home !? »
« I know that voice. » someone said from in the back. The owner stepped around the corner to meet whoever had spoken. He was an old man but with the energy and enthusiasm of a kid. His eyes widened when he saw who was standing before him. « Duncan-san, you're back. »
« Hello, Li-Chin. How ya doin' ? »
« Good good. Business is good these days. I see you've acquired a Daïkatana. »
« Yeah, I got it from some Shaolins in the Eastern Regions when I had mastered martial arts. »
« Fascinating. By the way, did you find what you were looking for out there ? »
« More than that. » He looked straight into Li-Chin's eyes. « I found this girl, y'know. Moira Luna's her name. »
« Nice, very nice. »
« And there's something special about her. » Skywalker moved to the window and pointed at her walking down the street. Li-Chin couldn't believe his eyes.
« That's impossible. She looks like Charlene, your wife. »
« Fascinating, isn't it ? If we're around we'll visit ya for dinner, or something. »
« You do that. I'll give you two my best table. »
He went out and headed for the bar. There, he met up with another of his friends.
The bell sounded as he opened the door. The place was a bit crowded. The bartender had his back towards him. « Yeah ? What'll it be ? »
« How about a hug for an old friend ? »
« What the » Jack, the bartender turned around and gave him a hug. « Hey Duncan, you came back. »
« Yeah, it feels great to be back. » he smiled.
Moira came in. A big fellow got up and took her by the arm. « Hey precious. Wanna dance ? »
« Lemme go, you big creep. » she kicked him against the shin. But that made his grip on her wrist even tighter.
« Back off. She's with me. » Duncan said while confronting him.
« Uhh Duncan, dude ? You don't wanna mess with that guy. »
« I'll take my chances. He's got ten seconds to let my girl go or he'll get into really big trouble. »
« Okay midget. » the big guy growled and released Moira. « Put em up. »
He came at him with the intention of hitting Duncan square in the face, but before he knew it, the tide turned.
Skywalker ducked an threw his adversary over his shoulder. The man landed hard on his back. Then, Duncan pressed the nerve bundles on his neck and saw him tense up. « I've cut off the blood supply to your brain. If I don't do anything about it, you'll be dead in 3 minutes. » he hissed in the man's ear. « I suggest you leave right now before anything worse than this happens. Got it ? »
« G .. got it. » he croaked. Skywalker pressed the same nerve bundles again and the man left.
« That's settled. »
« Cool man. Where'd you learn that ? »
« Somewhere way over the horizon. Jack, meet Moira Luna. »
Moira stepped out of the shadowy corner.
« Whoa, major dilemma. I'm seeing your wife here, man. »
« I know. » He leaned across the counter. « They look almost identical, don't they ? »
« Yeah. C'mon, have something to drink, now that you're back. »
« I still got stuff to do. » he protested.
« Come on, Duncan. It can wait. Besides, I want to know this town as soon as possible. » Moira cut in.
« Tell you what, » Jack said. « this one's on the house. »
Duncan sighed and gave in. « Okay, why not. » He and Moira both took a seat at the counter.
« So, what was it like out there ? I want details, man. Details. » Jack said as he dove under the counter to take a few bottles.
Skywalker gave him a short summary of his journeys.


Epilogue

Balamb Island
Ever since Duncan and Moira had left, even in those few weeks, Balamb Garden had become a bit more quiet. Zell was busy repairing the optical links. The others were in the Cafeteria.
Zell came in when he was done with the repairs. He looked around and saw them sitting in the usual corner near the window.
« That's it. » he said as he joined them. « I hope they'll last, those links. »
« If it's professionally done, they sure will. » Irvine said.
« Hey, I did my best to fix em. » Zell snapped. « I tried to do it like Moira said, but it ain't easy. »
« If it were easy, Zell, they would've been repaired ages ago. » Squall said.
« Yeah, I know. »
« I really miss her. » Rinoa said. « With Moira around, things were a bit more fun. »
« We all miss her. » Quistis said. « All of Garden does. »
« I'm going to my room. » Selphie said as she saw the evening setting in.
« Can I join ya ? » Irvine asked.
Selphie gave him a playful grin. « Sure, why not ? »
« Oh yeah. Party City, here I come. »
Irvine and Selphie got up and moved to the entrance. Soon, the others followed as well. When she reached her room, Selphie heard her phone ring. She ran in and answered it.
« Hello ? »
« Hey Selphie. It's Moira. »
« Moira ! » Selphie waved at the others to come in and put the phone on speaker. « What's up ? »
« This town is great. It's like Balamb Town, a coast town. We're having loads of fun here. »
« Really ? » Squall asked.
« Squall ? Is this a multi-line or am I on speaker now ? »
« You're on speaker. » Rinoa said.
« Okay. As I said, this is a great town. Quiet, out-of-the-way, just the way I like it. »
« What's Duncan doing ? » Quistis inquired.
« He's busy in the back yard, checking on the vegetables and other stuff. »
« Cool. » Zell said. « By the way, he said you generate your own power. How does he do it ? »
« It's really simple, Zell. » Moira explained. « I think he explained to you before. In a nearby stream, there's a cartwheel and not far from the house, there's a small windmill. Both of them are hooked to an alternator which converts the motion energy from the wheel and the windmill into power. And excess power is stored in batteries. »
« That's ecological energy. » Squall flapped out.
« That's exactly what it is. » Moira said. « No pollution, no wastes, just plain ecological power. We're thinking about using solar panels too. But we don't know where to find them. »
« I'm sure there are some nearby. » Selphie said.
« Hope so. »
« How are you doing ? » she asked.
« I'm fine. This is the life I've always wanted. » Moira said. « By the way, can I tell you a secret ? »
« Sure. » Irvine said instantaneously.
« But don't go running around and tell it to everyone. »
« Promise. » Rinoa said. « Now what is it ? »
« I think I'm pregnant and we're gonna marry soon. »
« No way ! That's great ! » Quistis said.
« Now don't go telling everyone. I know how fast gossips spread around in Garden. »
« We won't tell a soul. » Squall vowed.
« I'll send you guys a card. Got to go now. You guys take care. »
« You too. See ya. » Selphie switched off the speaker. « Looks like she found what she was looking for. »
« Lucky her. » Zell said.
« Quit griping, Zell. » they all said.
« Okay. » Zell shrugged.

A month thereafter, a postcard arrived at Garden from Moira and Duncan. Rinoa, who was the first to wake up, read it. Her eyes widened and she ran to the Dorm. « Hey guys, wake up. »
The others woke up while muttering their protest because they had a day off.
« What ? » Squall asked bluntly.
She gave him the card. « Here, read this. »
Squall sat up straight on the bed and read the card. « They got married. That's great. »
« Yeah. I'm gonna tell Selphie and the others. » But she didn't get very far as the rest entered their room. « Oh good, you're here. » Rinoa snatched the card out of Squall's hands and gave it to Selphie.
« Oh wow. » Selphie managed to say zs she read it. « They got married. »
« I got to that part right before she snatched it. » Squall complained.
« Way cool. » Zell flapped out. « I wish I had that kind of luck. »
« What else is there ? » Irvine wanted to know.
« And they're definitely expecting a baby. » Selhie read. « I can't wait to find out what it'll be. A boy or a girl. »
« Exciting, isn't it ? » Quistis said.
« Totally. » Rinoa added.
« C'mon, let's get dressed. » Squall ordered. « We still have a lot of work to do. »
« Hey, it's our day off. » Selphie complained. « Cid said so. »
« Well, I'm still Garden's Commander and I say we keep going with the repairs. »
The others complained.
« But take your time. » Squall finished. That improved the mood a bit.

A good ten months later, Duncan and Moira honored Balamb Garden with a visit. It didn't turn out to be one baby, but two. A boy and a girl. Both were surprised, but happy.
The two of them stepped through the arch of the front gate and saw Squall and Rinoa sitting on a bench under a tree. Duncan gave her the boy. « Wait here. I'm going to gave them a scare. »
« Duncan, don't »
« Just for fun. It won't take long. » He ran off in an arc and leapt up and disappeared in the foliage. Then, he crawled across the branches towards the bench.
« Hey guys. »
Both Squall and Rinoa searched for the source of the voice. « What was that ? » Squall wondered.
« Up here. »
They looked up and saw a familiar face among the leaves. « Duncan ! » Rinoa flapped out.
« That's me. » he said as he jumped out and landed before them.
« I've heard you got a baby. » Squall said.
« Not one, but two. » Duncan corrected.
« Two ? » they both asked at the same time. Moira joined them, carrying their two children. Squall and Rinoa got up and came over to look at the two.
« They're so cute. » Rinoa said. She noticed both kids had their father's blue-green eyes.
« Come on in. We got to tell the others. »
They went to the Cafeteria where they found Zell and the rest.
« Hey guys. » Duncan said.
« What's up ? » Selphie got up from her chair and came to check on the two kids. « Two of them. »
« Yeah. » Moira said. « A boy and a girl. »
« What are their names ? » Quistis asked.
« Lucas and Catherine. » Duncan said.
« Cool. » Zell said.
« Are you two staying long ? » Irvine asked.
« For a couple of days. » Duncan replied.
« They're wonderful. » Squall said.
« Yeah. » Zell said, his hot dogs totally forgotten.
« Are they also capable of influencing Nature, like you ? » Rinoa wondered.
« I have no idea. » Duncan admitted. « I think so. They also have those blue-green eyes of mine. »
« Geez, what died in here ? » Irvine sniffed.
« Uh-oh, diaper change. » Moira said as baby Catherine began to cry. She changed diapers and baby Catherine stopped crying. « There. »
Baby Lucas gazed at a small plant in a nearby corner. It grew at an accelerated rate until it reached the ceiling.
« I have a hunch they've got the ability. » Squall said.
« So it seems. » Duncan said. « Way to go, Lucas. »
The boy gave them a smile.
Two days later, the time had come to say good-bye and go home again.
« Until next time. » Duncan waved.
« Give us a call once in a while. » Rinoa said before Selphie.
« Yeah, don't wait too long. » Selphie added.
« We won't. » Moira said.
The two turned and went to Balamb Town to catch the next train home.
Squall and Rinoa remained under the arch of the front gate while the others went back in.
« He's got his life back. » Rinoa said.
Squall turned to face her. « Did you really see what his life was like ? »
« I did. » she replied and looked at the ground. « The death of his wife Charlene shattered it. I sensed it all when we were down there, in the Lifestream. He went through hell. »
« But now he has risen again like a Phoenix reborn, rising up from its own ashes. »
She looked up at thim. « Squall, I didn't know you had a poetic side. »
« A relatively small one. » he said while scratching the back of his head, clearly a bit embarrassed.
In the distance, they saw the train disappear into the tunnel.
« Maybe we ought to think about getting married. » Rinoa flapped out.
« What ? » Squall was astounded.
« We've been together for so long and gone through a lot. » Rinoa looked deep into his eyes. « Maybe we should. »
Squall looked up at the clear blue sky. « Maybe. Somewhere in the near future. »
« Of course. No need to rush things. »
« What made you think about all this getting married' stuff ? »
« Them. » Rinoa said while looking at Balamb Town where Duncan and Moira had taken the next ride home. « They're so happy together. That's why. »
« And count on it Selphie will be organizing the party. » Squall said with a smile.
« Yeah. » Rinoa sighed.
« Speaking of which. » Squall yelled through the front gate : « Hey Selphie ! What's with that festival you had planned !? »
« Oh blast ! With all that Shinra ruckus I forgot all about it ! Mega bummer ! »
Squall and Rinoa both laughed when they heard Selphie's complaints. She joined them.
« The Quad's still being repaired. »
« Then throw the festival in the ballroom. » Squall said.
« Hey, that's a great idea. » Selphie ran off.
« Okay, get ready for commands. » Both Squall and Rinoa counted down. « Three, two, one, go. »
« Move it people ! » they heard Selphie yell. « We've got a festival to organize ! »
« She's on it. » Rinoa giggled.
« Yup. We'd beter help too. »
The two walked into Garden to help set up Selphie's festival.
Garden and the world took up its normal life again.