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Chapter 9: Announcement.

The ball was an extravagant affair as always. The SeeD's danced the night away. Then the time came. Squall stood up behind the podium, and took a deep breath...this would be the hardest announcement he ever had to make. He looked over at Rinoa, and smiled at her...the announcement would be hard yes, but he was doing it for happiness...he was doing it for her.

"Tonight, we come together to welcome Irvine, Seifer, Rose, and Nini into the elite special forces of Balamb Garden, SeeD. We welcome them with open arms, and I for one, know they will be some of our best. Besides that, tonight is a night of changes. Tonight, marks a new beginning for not just Balamb Garden and SeeD, but for all of us. I have received word that Esthar Garden is completed, and will open in the fall. Trabia Garden's repairs have been completed, and they will resume function in the fall as well. A new investor has given us money, and soon we will add Centra Garden to the list of Gardens over the world...In the span of two years we went from three gardens, to two, and now we have four up with a fifth one in the works. I also have a personal announcement to make....myself and Rinoa Heartilly are now engaged to be married," The crowd let out a loud roar of applauses, "Thank you all. I would like to thank Zell Dincht for filling in for me while I was away....Zell come up here," Zell walked over and stood next to Squall on the podium. Squall stood their silent...he took a deep breath before he finally spoke, "Zell, what time is it?"

"A little past midnight, why?" said Zell looking as watch. Squall looked down and spoke again.

"As of now....I, Squall Leonheart, am no longer Commander of Balamb Garden, nor am I a SeeD...I am now an instructor." Zell eyes widened in shock...so did the crowds.

"Squall? Why?"

"I've done it all Zell...now I want to have a family, I don't need them worried about me."

"Well that makes since, but whose the commander now?"

"You are Zell...As of now, your the official Commander of Balamb Garden. I turned it all over to you now...I have complete faith that will do a great job Commander," said Squall with a salute, "May I make one more announcement Commander before I turn it over to you?"

"Of course."

"Then this is also my goodbye announcement. I tired to get a job teaching here, but there is no room. So in the fall, I will be an instructor over at Esthar Garden...this is my last semester here...I will miss you all."

Squall stepped down from the podium and walked to his seat. Zell stood there, looking over the crowd. He finally stepped to the microphone and spoke.

"Well...this is a shock...I guess where going to have to have a goodbye party now...but right now, lets celebrate these new beginnings, and worry later about these new endings."

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The room was barren. All of Squall and Rinoa's things where on the Raganork. There wedding would be in two days in Dollet. Zell would be Squall's best man, while Selphie would be Rinoa's made of honor. Squall stood there, looking at the empty room. He knew he would still talk his friends, threw phone calls and emails and they could see each other during the summer. Squall took a deep breath and smiled. He flicked off the light and closed the door to his old room.

Ladies and Gents, we're near the end! Tune in Next time for the Final Chapter of Hotdogs In Charge! R/R! JA NE!!!!!!