Author's note: So, the big five-o has been passed and moving on... I like this chapter. I'm taking quite a risk here, with the Matron's POV...

to Lizzie : Yup, not so good... Yay, when are you getting a scanner? Or was that supposed to be "if" you get a scanner? :) Whaddaya doing in Sheffield? Muja oui duu, rih!

to Shadow-Seraph : :) Thankies.. And thanks for the confetti :P I have no idea 'bout how long this'll be, but probably 'round 70-80... Could be more, tho :P

to Iskander : Thanks :)

-Seifer's POV-

Some minutes later, we're gathered around a table in a cafe. I look at our group. The Orphanage Gang and our Matron. Together again. Together for years, tho unknown by us. Threatened by the Sorceress, none other than our very own Matron.

Oh Hyne... I press my head and rub my temples. How did our lives come to this point? Nothing will ever be the same again, that's for sure, but how will things go from now on? Are there any more dark secrets from our past, just waiting to be revealed?

"Seifer," Matron says, laying a hand on my arm. "You look troubled, son."

I raise my head to look at her and attempt a smile. "Sorry."

"What's on your mind?"

I shrug. "A lot of things. The events of the past days. I just can't believe all this is happening."

Matron sighs and turns to the others. "That's what I've been wanting to talk to you about. I hope that when this is over, we can have a chance to really talk. I will explain all these things to you and beg for your forgiveness."

"In what matter?" Quistis asks.

"For keeping your past a secret all these years. For keeping many things a secret. But we, Cid and I, we had our reasons. It will all eventually make sense, if only you're willing to listen."

"We will be, Matron," Squall says.

She looks at him, smiling. Then she turns to the rest of us again. "Let's go then, my children. We have a long way ahead of us."

-Edea's POV-

Ah, my children. I had much faith in you, and you haven't failed me. It's comforting to know we raised you well.

In front of me, Selphie and Irvine. You wouldn't believe me if I told you, that even when you were four years old, I knew you were gonna be close. You were friends, like all the rest of this group, but there was this certain shyness always lurking between you two. I'm happy that you have found each other again.

Selphie, you are a natural in cheering people up and setting a certain ambience. You are the ideal hostess for any party to come. You have a unique passion for entertaining, and I am sure you will be using that ability of yours well.

Irvine.... You are a real charmer, aren't you? Your pretty face and lithe body make every woman fall for you. You know exactly what to say to a woman. That is a good thing. I know too many men who know nothing about how to treat a woman.

To my left, Quistis. Oh Quistis, you were always the natural leader of the group. It didn't take long to figure out you'd carry out that role even in adulthood. You have the special ability of making swift decisions, and you know to fight for a good cause. When you were all younger and you used to play together, it was always you Quistis that would decide on the teams and the rules of the game.

To my right, Zell. You are full of life and energy, you always were. You have a wonderful gift, my boy. You can embrace life as it is and as it's handed to you, you can adapt to changes and you can always see the bright side of things. You are a passionate fighter and you collect knowledge, tho you don't often show this side of you.

And behind me, the two boys who will eventually change the course of history. These young men will do great things, if the prejudiced world won't stand in their way.

Squall, the quiet one. The one to silently go along with the others. Yet I see the potential in you. The others may call you the Ice Prince, but I know of the fire that burns in your heart. You live in a world inside your head, because it's too hard for you to open up to the world around you. You are deep and thoughtful, and I appreciate that, but someday you will need to understand that everybody around you isn't looking to hurt you.

Then finally, Seifer. The only one ever to break thru Squall's shell, the only one to climb over his walls. You are a smart boy, Seifer, if only you would see that you don't have to hide the real you behind that arrogant, self-sufficient facade. There are many great qualities in you, but not many people see them because of the image you tend to give people of yourself. You are loyal, intelligent, and most of all strong, physically and mentally. Why don't you show people these qualities of you?

I sigh, satisfied with myself. When I was younger, when we all were younger, I was not sure of myself. I didn't know the first thing about taking care of children. But you, my dear childen, you guided me all the way thru my journey with you. You taught me so much.

My fated children.

Author's note: Hm, that sounds like the fic would end here, doesn't it? :) Maybe I should... No no no, I can't do that. Besides, I've already figured out the perfect ending for this fic :P