Wolf: (Waving goodbye to Bob.) Bye Bob! Don't come back!

Bob: Bah, I'll be back! Mark my words, next time you sit down to write I'll be there.

Wolf: Sniff Last chapter! I don't own anything of Square Enix's.

Final Chapter: Resolutions

Part one: Reward.

Eternity lay in ruins after the battle. Just sitting there with the land torn, the watcher's ruins were just a memory now. All that was needed for what was planned.

The shadows were now twined around the realm under the pale moonlight as invisible eyes surveyed the realm before faint forms took shape. Humans and animals alike resembling the dead appeared standing side by side.

" It is ours again," breathed the watchers, now free of their Imprisonment.

"Remember your duty," the wind seemed to whisper, but the watchers understood who was speaking. Each and every shadow disappeared from view to start work on their realm, their Haven.

Part 2: Goodbye

A young woman, a sorceress, placed a few flowers on a stone gravestone. From what she had heard they were called periwinkles. She was in bluffs of Windhill, one of the few places, which hadn't been ravaged by Sorceress Cal. In bold letter the name 'Ellone Loire' was inscribed onto the best she could find.

Her blue eyes looked onto the other two graves there that had belonged to her great grandparents, Raine Loire and Laguna Loire. " Take care, all of you," she whispered, in her mind she was seeing her family that had died. Most had died to protect a slowly dying world, like Trance and her ancestors. Unlike them the young sorceress had seen what would come but she still wanted to fight. Who knew what might happen? Maybe she could work some changes on this time.

"Commander! Hurry up!" Yelled her best friend, Zell Dincht the second. Frowning in his direction before turning her attention back to the three graves, and everyone else she had met.

" Good bye," Ariel Leonhart, commander of SeeD, whispered, smiling faintly as she returned to what was left of SeeD. She would pay Cal back for what she did her own way. If she died, it wasn't going to be without giving Cal a hell of problems.

Part 3: Reunited

A woman in her early twenties stood in a rose garden with a bewildered look on her face. Her golden hair blew gently as a light breeze blew by while her amber cat like eyes searched and every corner of this place. "This place, this garden was so familiar", the woman said in a whisper.

" This is a similar to the place he made the promise," a disembodied delicate, female voice said. The woman gripped her head and struggled to remember. Faint, sharp flashes went through her mind of events that both scared yet captivated her. Some were peaceful while most were painful.

" I don't understand," she declared finally, her voice gaining back some of the command it once possessed. " Shouldn't I be in hell?"

" Perhaps one day," was the reply. " But for now, you deserve a chance for what you were robbed of at birth, freedom and happiness. One day I will come to you again and truly decide, whether you should be in hell as you say, but in the meantime this your chance."

The wind suddenly stopped. The amber-eyed woman just stood there barely registering what was happening until two certain people stepped into the garden. One was a little girl with blond hair and...

Sapphire eyes. The little girls' face wore a smile the woman had only prayed to see again.

Her companion was a black haired man in his early twenties looking down at the ground, but the woman could still see his dark green eyes. The mere sight of this made the woman wonder if this was even real, if it wasn't some wonderful dream that would end any second.

"Cally?" The man said in a quiet tone: he finally looked up. That was enough for her. The former sorceress ran to the two and embraced the man she had known and loved in life. The past crimes didn't seem to matter anymore. All she knew was, she, Cal Ultimecia Dragonfang, was finally truly happy.

Part 4: Funeral

A teenager of age eighteen prowled around a mansion. He had regained consciousness only about a week ago. Dressed in black he was covered with several bandages since his last fight. The sorceress was gone but he remained along with the rest of the failed country. Just like years past Galbadia had lost yet another war.

He stopped briefly to look out the window. A freshly dug grave, a coffin…

… and his father.

As rain plummeted against the window while lightning flashed briefly to reveal his face. The young man wore an expressionless face before smiling eerily. " Almost time to start something new, without the past's mistakes," his voice echoed through the empty corridor in the same lofty tone he had possessed before. Visser Deling, president of Galbadia, vanished into the darkness.

Part 5: Sunset

A tall blond wearing sunglasses stood at the Balamb docks. Absently his gloved fingers tapped impatiently against the wood. What was taking them so long?

" So is it true?"

" Brad claims he saw them talking."

" Who would have thought Trepe would pull that?"

" Shush! Here she comes!"

Quistis Trepe barely looked up as she drove out away from Garden. As usual the students saw her strict face they were used to seeing. Nothing that would betray if she had heard them speaking about the latest news around garden. The one thing that had surprised them was to see the traveling bag beside her. Had their former instructor finally been forced to leave?

The blonde drove for about half an hour staring into space. Her mind drifted.

" Quistis?" Squall asked. As usual his desk was full of reports. The former instructor nodded her head, dressed in her SeeD uniform.

" You wanted to see me?" She asked.

" I'm assuming you have a good idea of what's going on around Garden," the commander spoke. " With all the rumors flying around Rin is suggesting you take some time off."

" Commander, I'm fine," Quistis insisted. She couldn't shake the feeling she was getting. " Garden is-"

" Will be fine," Squall cut in. His face had already settled into a stubborn look. "Instructor Frey said he'd take over your duties until you get back. Quistis, you haven't gone on vacation in a long time. Weren't you the one that told me it's not healthy to work to hard?."

" Yes Sir," she said with a final salute before disappearing out the door.

On the outside she remained the same but inside was a different matter. A feeling of helplessness had taken place, the dark feeling of not being needed.

Seifer let out a growl of frustration. The dog that had just taken a seat beside the former knight now leapt up and abandoned him. " That's right, leave me all alone like everyone else! " Getting up he took off around the corner muttering something incoherent.

Quistis arrived in Balamb in the late evening. To Selphie's advice she had chosen a simple peach jacket over a white wool sweater and beige slacks and left her hair untied. A few of Zell's neighbors let out warm hellos as they watched her pass by as an everyday woman, not a SeeD that had recently fought in a war.

" Um, Miss?" The clerk at the Balamb hotel squeaked. " We've got a room but it's beside some noisy guests. Is that fine with you? They said they would be checking out in a day or two."

" That's fine," Quistis replied politely.

" One of our bellhops can bring your bag upstairs while we get the room ready," she said with an obedient nod.

Seifer grumbled as he walked up the hill toward the hotel. Raijin and Fujin were supposed to have come back for him after they picked up new supplies. Maybe instead they skipped off to dinner and were back at the hotel stuffing their faces without him.

" Hey, missy, have you seen my friends come back?" He asked the clerk gruffly.

" Not since this afternoon, sir," piped the clerk. " That reminds me, the manager wanted me to kindly remind you and your friends to keep it down or he's going to add another hundred gil to the bill. We happen to have a lady lodging here to night."

" Of really?" He asked cocking an eyebrow. " Is she as much an angel as you?"

" Not even close!" She said instantly with a small giggle. " Besides, you just missed her sir, she didn't want to be"

Win some, you lose some, Seifer Almasy thought rolling his eyes. " Thanks, angel," he said flashing a smile before vanishing out the doors. It was almost dark; maybe he'd move to the docks and watch the sunset.

Quistis Trepe took a seat on a bench at the docks. She watched the faint sun's rays bounce off the water blindingly.

Her mind drifted along with the wind. For some reason an image of Seifer filtered through her mind, maybe it had to do with the fact she only had one GF junctioned at the moment. Oddly enough she managed to remember this was the nineteenth, maybe twentieth anniversary of when she received the mission to help out the rebels, the same night she had been proposed to by her ex-fiancé. The more she thought about it, the more old thoughts surfaced, thoughts that been buried when she returned to being a SeeD.

Fate really had been a fickle her whole life. There were times in life where happiness had breezed in and out of her life. When her parents had died in the war as a child she thought nothing could replace that. But when she had come to the orphanage she had a new family but like before she lost it when she was adopted into the aristocratic Trepes. She worked hard to protect what was gained, what came back, during the second Sorceress war. Afterwards it all seemed to have gone well, she gained a boyfriend who eventually became a fiancé and gained back the job she loved. Then when she met Seifer again she soon gained something more out of a brother.

But back then she made the mistake of letting go. She let go of what happened, buried the past and chose to move forward in life. Years had slipped by; so much time had been wasted. And one question remained. What if she had chased after him? What then?

Seifer Almasy moved down the winding path once more. Darkness crept over Balamb and the sun faded.

" 'We'll be right back,' huh," he muttered. Checking his watch it read 1956 hours. Almost time, he thought absently.

Garden would be leaving the Balamb region soon. His body went cold thinking of what was there, why he had to leave. Once he was gone people would probably see it as some Trepie's tall tale and life could go on for everyone normally without trouble. Like all the heroes in the romantic stories Edea had once spun where the heroes lived happily ever after.

It's better this way, he told himself for the hundredth time. Suppressing the tiny annoying voice in his head. 'So does the great knight resort to abandoning someone when they need them?' Shut up! Seifer thought. Huh?

A blond sat on a bench with the same idea as himself. He couldn't make out her distinguishable features, only that she stared out across the Balamb Sea into the sunset. Cocking his head to the side he plastered a smirk on his face. Maybe he could get a date and forget about everything. He must have been two meters away before she noticed she wasn't alone. The moment she turned he dropped his smirk like a rock.

Before him sat one of his problems, Quistis Trepe. Surprise paralyzed them, but only before a few seconds before they regained their senses.

" What are you doing here?" They both demanded at the same time.

" I'm here because I'm only stopping here as a pit stop," he said first in his usual tone. " What surprises me is the fact that my lovely instructor, whom is supposed to be on my former home that's flying away, is sitting down cozily watching the sun go down while others are dealing with clean up, is in the same town as me after we broke up for good… Unless of course Leonhart decided to sac you."

" No, sadly enough for you I didn't get sacked," Quistis responded with a sigh. She didn't have the patience to deal with another annoying banter with Seifer. " I'm on vacation for a week or two."

Both blonds just stood there, remembering the last incident. " Mind if I have a seat? My legs are killing me," he said clearing his throat.

" Feel free, I'm not your keeper." Quistis moved over to the other side of the bench allowing the tall blond a place. The sun had now almost vanished, leaving its bright trails, which would soon fade along with it. " Why are you down here anyway?"

" I happened to come watch the sunset," the former knight commented. To his surprise she let out a small laugh. " What?"

" I never pegged the great Seifer Almasy as the type of guy that loved watching sunsets," she replied, pushing a loose hair strand back behind her shoulder.

" Laugh it, just laugh it up," he muttered. " I never pegged you one to take a vacation when Garden's getting back on it's feet, I thought you were too busy obsessed with work."

" So what now?" Quistis asked after a while. Seifer looked at her with a confused look. " What are you going to do, now that you've been relieved of duty?"

" Travel always seems like a tempting idea, as long as I'm not being chased by mobs with pitchforks on a one way trip to Centra." Seifer leaned back now, the same way he used to years before. " What about you Instructor? Going to reapply for being an instructor, find a boyfriend, and forget that everything happened?"

" I wouldn't say the latter," she replied, her eyes still stared off into the distance across the water. She took a deep breath before continuing. " I actually have a few prospects."

" Heh," Seifer said, ignoring the sting of bitter annoyance. Already she was going to move on and have a normal life away from him. He forced his usual tone without the bitterness. " Like whom? Lover boy from the night before? A Trepie? Some handsome jerk?

" I haven't talked about it yet," she sat back on the bench and closed her eyes. " One is a jerk sitting beside me… and the others are the ones I didn't choose."

Seifer's emerald eyes snapped wide. He quickly inched his arm to make sure this wasn't the crazy dream it had to have been. He must have pinched it twice before the pain caught up.

Quistis before him sighed and pushed back the loose strand of hair. It felt as though pressure had just been released. There, she had finally said it. " I'd better go," the blond said standing up and began the ascend to the hotel.

" Quistis," an unexpected voice said. She felt his hand grab her wrist and gently pull her back, close to his body for the first time in a long time. Almost like the fairytales from Matron's stories.

" Hey Sei-" Raijin called before a hand clapped over his mouth.

" Idiot, look." Fujin and Raijin stood at the top of the small hill leading to the docks. The scene below was enough for them anyway. Grabbing onto their supplies they decided they would shopping for a little bit longer.

Part 6: Average

Alloran tried keeping her eyes shut as the sunlight hit her face.

Leviathan, Bahamut?

Here,both guardians chorused.

Alloran finally gave up and pushed herself up gripping her head, ignoring the protests of her sore muscles. For a while she just sat there, registering what had happened before she had woken up. She couldn't shake the feeling of emptiness. Her head was feeling much lighter then before, like pressure had been released. Fenerir was truly gone.

" Your awake," remarked a voice that made Alloran practically jump. Standing at the door was Squall Leonheart. I'm doomed, she thought. Alloran bit the bottom of her lip to keep herself from blurting things out. Silently she braced herself, looking down at her sheets, awaiting something along the lines of yelling and punishment.

" What happened?"

" I fought against Sorceress Cal," Alloran stated. "In the end she was eliminated and vanished. Where she went afterward, I don't know."

Squall stood there wearing the same emotionless face Alloran was used to seeing. At the moment she would have given anything to know what her commander was thinking. " And after that?"

What was she supposed to say? " I don't remember sir." She lied forcing herself to look straight at his eyes.

" We had an interesting battle ourselves," the brunette said. He seemed to accept her answer. "The eight creatures summoned seemed to have lost whatever power boost they received nearly a day later. Some of the Esthar researchers think that it must have happened when Cal's power left her body." Alloran quickly shook her head when she met his gaze, knowing what he was about to ask. "After that most of the Galbadians chose to leave us to take care of Sorceress Cal's pets. The rest are being held under the Esthar government."

" Dian Deling was reported to have been killed in the crossfire and his son has taken over (Alloran hid a scowl). President Deling will be facing several charges, if we can get the evidence of his father pressing the war. The Galbadian government is claiming their part in the war was forced by the Sorceress."

" What about Garden, sir?"

" FH technicians have already finished the major repairs and a service for those whom died took place yesterday morning," stated Squall. A short silence followed before he finally cleared his throat. " The truth behind your parents is also out."

Alloran felt her stomach drop. Chalk up one fear come true. " How?"

" Apparently someone overheard a conversation between Trepe and Almasy," the commander explained. " The news spread like wildfire throughout Garden."

"So everyone knows?" Alloran asked.

" See for yourself," Squall finally turned away and started walking for the door. " You'll get used to having a father, eventually." How would he know? Alloran asked. Just before she saw him fade silently out the door another question popped out.

" Wait a second!" Alloran mentally kicked herself for saying the wrong thing yet again. " What about-" Alloran's only response was a brown envelope tossed onto the bed.

" I won't be so lenient next time," by the time Alloran looked up in his direction all she saw was his back disappearing out the door.

Are you going to open it or not? Leviathan's calm voice filled Alloran's mind.

Inside, imprinted on cream white paper, were written the regards of her rank. Alloran could clearly remember the last time she had seen this, when her rank had been dropped after the Galbadian attack. Taking a deep breath she read the letter to receive a surprise. Her rank had been dropped then raised a fair bit, enough to make up for her loss of rank from the last mission. And orders regarding her next mission: to help out at the new orphanage being built near Dollet as well as rebuilding the damage caused during the war. As well the time for the festival to celebrate the defeat of the Sorceress, which was mandatory.

Why couldn't I have woken up after the dance? The blonde asked herself.

At least you weren't kicked out of Garden, replied Leviathan's cool voice. And to think, you were so worried.

First Fenerir, now you, Alloran growled. Another pang of sadness hit Alloran. The SeeD was still sorely missing hearing her voice and for some reason she had a feeling she would have it for a long time.

Alloran unlocked the door to her old dorm taking a deep breath. It was still early in the day so nobody had spotted her yet. As she entered the room it felt like she had been away for several years and had finally come home. Immediately she noticed someone had been here at the sight of her possessions neatly put away. On her desk were scattered pictures of herself, Tal, Casseil, and several others at Garden.

Alloran's eye was now caught on a dusty book under a pile of papers. 'A Sorceress's Knight', Alloran thought, brushing dust away from the bold letters on the front. Before she had realized it her fingers flew across the pages looking for the right page only to find a crumbled page with a dog-ear.

Sorceress Mia, Sorceress Empress. Age of death, 23. Sorceress knight Leo Leonhart, age of death unknown.

A rebel group dedicated to the death of all and power restraint of all sorceresses opposed sorceress Mia. Each assassination attempt brought about an unavoidable war that would change the history of the world, as we know it. A traitor inside the court of Sorceress Mia brought forth an ancient spell, used for the binding of sorceress powers. The rebel group succeeded in bringing forth the end of Sorceress Mia but brought forth a great threat. Leo Leonhart went on a rampage both rebels and defenders of Sorceress Mia. Including the death of another knight, Iorek Almasy.

When reinforcements arrived to the scene all that could be found was the body of those slain while Leo Leonhart and Sorceress Mia were nowhere to be found. To this day researchers have yet to know where the knight and sorceress vanished…

Alloran shut the book. So it HAD happened. She felt like she was one hundred instead of eighteen before she collapsed onto the bed.

Alloran sat there on the bed just thinking when her thoughts were interrupted with the sound of her door opening. " Think she's here?"

" No clue," said the second voice. " Don't be so worried, you act like she's going to pop out of no where."

Suddenly she any worries she had vanished. Seeing the two figures with their backs turned to her as she entered the room.

" What if I just popped out from behind?" She asked, watching the two jump. Before Alloran knew it her two best friends had tackled her, for the second time. " The lungs, the lungs!" Alloran gasped as the got off her.

" You idiot!" Tal said taking a whack at Alloran's head. " What were you thinking at the time? You could have warned us before you decided to play hero and nearly get yourself killed!"

" Sorry," the blonde SeeD replied looking at the ground.

" Sorry?" Casseil's voice cracked.

" And you say I'm the idiot," Tal growled. " Is that all you can say after charging off without so much as a warning, worrying us half to death after about whether your alive or not, coming back torn up, and that's all you can say?"

" But if I told you, would you have let me go?" Alloran asked stubbornly. " Besides, you probably would have thought I was insane."

" Too late for that," Tal said flatly. " Like those visions Casseil was telling me about? The ones that you were probably yelling about at night when we were cadets? And being talked to by Guardian Forces?"

Shooting a death glare at Casseil she saw a sheepish look, for a only a second before it was replaced with anger again. By the look on their faces neither of them were going to simply drop it if she kept more things from them. Looking at them she said quietly, " Let me guess, there's a lot I should be explaining right about now, right?"

" Like what happened wherever you went," Tal said with a nod. In a softer tone she added. " If you want to…"

For the first time Alloran revealed several secrets she had kept to herself and her Guardian Forces. It almost embarrassed her saying everything she had kept hidden after all this time and at the same time undid a knot of anxiety in her. What surprised her wasn't the fact they weren't wearing skeptic looks or suspicion of insanity. Instead she saw the same faces she had often seen just when they were revealing little tales or secrets. After she had finished silence followed. Behind their faces she could tell they were putting together the little odds and ends that had happened.

" So," Tal said suddenly, her tone was low. " Is it true then, what rumor is flying through Garden? Have you heard about the one, saying your dad is… Seifer Almasy? I mean, it could just be a rum-"

" It's true," Alloran said taking a deep breath. Her palms were starting to become sweaty and her face seemed to heat up. Before any of them could say a thing she supplied, " I found out after the mission in Timber, the night of the attack. I just-just didn't-" a knot had formed in her throat as she tried to find the right words. "-I didn't want you to hate me if you found out my dad was a 'villain' in the last Sorceress War."

" You really don't give people enough credit, you know?" Tal said quietly. "We really wouldn't be very good friends if we suddenly said, ' We hate you because your dad did terrible things' and abandoned you. Of course lots of people might hate you now but who cares? You still have a good amount of friends who'll still see you as Alloran Wolfeyes." Alloran quickly wiped a sleeve over her eyes to avoid any of them from noticing the tear that slipped out. It was different hearing words like this from someone she trusted than a stranger.

All she managed to say after a while was, " Thanks."

" No prob," Casseil said in his usual cheerful tone with a slap on the back. " Up for hearing what's been happening while you were away?" Suddenly everything seemed right side up again.

Alloran spent the next few days receiving weird looks from most people while trying to adjust to her old life once more.

To her surprise the Trepies all seemed to be leaving her alone, a few would even actually say 'hi'. According to Tal the Trepies were starting to pretty much disband, now that the truth was out. Even Kara whom had been the leader seemed to let go of it. Whether it was the fact they no longer worshipped Quistis or the fact several male Trepies dreams had been crushed and people were starting to lose interest.

As for SeeD missions, things were starting to go back to the usual mercenary work. Defeat monsters in certain areas; visit locations for reports, help rebuild ruined areas in the war, bodyguard work, or even assassination attempts… Just the usual ordinary work for a SeeD, something Alloran was actually looking forward to, and nothing that had to with visions or mysterious woman.

Apparently several rumors were spreading their way through Garden about what really happened to Sorceress Cal and her parents. Tal's prediction came true when she found her inbox stuffed with hate mail.

" It could be worse," Tal had told her absently when they were in the library. Her dear friend was engrossed in the book her mother had recently sent her. " Look at it this way, only a few hundred emails to block."

" That doesn't make me feel better," Alloran said flatly. Her friend shrugged and continued looking through her book. " What are you reading anyway?" She asked looking over Tal's shoulder.

Suddenly Alloran turned pale as a pair of golden emotionless eyes stared back at her. The color of the picture was golden as it revealed a woman with long wavy hair in a garden. Every touch of the woman was perfection. The same woman she had encountered.

" Alloran? Alloran? Come in Alloran!" Tal said waving a hand in front of her.

" Tal, who is that?"

" Who?" She asked with a confused look.

" The woman in the painting, the one on the top right corner."

" Oh her?" Tal asked. "They say that's what Hyne looks like. Says right here that an artist painted the picture after some priest saw this woman in a vision. Not very likely though-"

At that point Alloran fainted. A Goddess, she had been played around with by a Goddess.

A week later August rolled by. It was a Sunday evening, and much to Alloran's dismay the night of the party. Tal had taken the liberty of escorting Alloran to her room and waiting for her with a grin on her face.

" You didn't have to follow me," Alloran said flatly.

" Just making sure you didn't decide to skip out and abandon me," Tal replied.

" That's why you have Sef to keep you company," the other SeeD replied. "When you two aren't getting all romantic." She heard her friend protest at the comment just before she closed the door.

You two interested in going? She asked, half-begging for someone to talk to so she wouldn't get bored.

You can live one night without us, Leviathan's cool voice filled her head. Frowning Alloran unjunctioned the serpent and placed the placed the aquamarine on in her desk.

Baha-

You will be fine for one night, was his reply. Alloran hadn't expected him being interested in going. Repeating the same with Bahamut she heard with deep confident voice saying, Good luck, Alloran. Alloran's eyes snapped wide at his last comment before her connection with Bahamut fade. She looked at the glowing garnet in her hand. Had he just-since when did he call her by her name?

" Alloran, hurry up already! Sef's waiting!" Tal called impatiently. Lovers, Alloran thought shaking her head. With one final look at the garnet she followed Tal out of the room.

Alloran's eyes trailed around the ballroom. Almost everyone dressed casually and celebrated (under the watchful eyes of instructors) in what ways they could. All for the end of another war, another successful war.

" You're late," Casseil said shaking his head.

" You're the one to talk," Tal retorted. Suddenly Tal smiled at them and waved a silent farewell as she disappeared into the masses towards a certain brunette. Leaving the two alone.

" So Casseil, where are the flocking girls?" Alloran asked with a smirk.

" You're never going to let me forget that, are you?" he said accusingly. " Like I keep telling you guys, they just haven't noticed my good looks. In any case." Casseil nodded his head in the direction of a short redhead surrounded by several friends. "Do you think Laura would be interested in a dance?"

Alloran rolled her eyes, trying to ignore the annoyed part of her. It figured. " How should I know?"

" Never mind, I'll ask her as soon as it lets up a bit," Casseil sniffed. " In meantime if you need me I'll be seeing if anyone else is interested. After all, I might just find the right girl awaiting me."

Watching him fade into the crowds she moved toward a place on the wall shaking her head.

About one hour passed. Alloran leaned back against the wall watching couple's dance.

Casseil was going around asking girls to dance. So far he'd managed to find a few girls while Tal was trying to keep an eye on Sef. Leo and Flare were taking turns playing DJ, with their own admirers around to keep them company while Flare snapped pictures with his camera. A few people came over and talked to her much to her surprise about various things before they went back to what they were doing. Drake had come to talk about what had happened after the D-District Prison incident, right before Michelle dragged him off to the dance floor again.

One hour left, she thought.

" Hmm, isn't this how I saw you at the last dance?" Remarked a familiar voice.

Alloran nearly jumped as the speaker settled down on the wall beside her. Alloran felt herself go rigid as she watched the man out of the corner of her eye. If anyone noticed the two standing there no one said anything. Alloran stole a glance at her former instructor to notice a look different than his usual cocky one. Nervousness? She wondered. Over and over in her head she had wondered what to say if she ever met him again after their last confrontation, and she thought she had known what to say until now.

" Are you leaving Garden?" Alloran finally managed to ask in a low tone. Silently she wished she had some support from her G.Fs.

"I hear Leonhart's looking for a new instructor," was all he said.

" Someone who can teach slackers limit breaks, help out a bit. Or there's always the position as a contact for Garden… Someone that knows a lot of shady characters in Galbadia would be useful right about now."

Hearing his voice trail off there was silence again. " Then what's stopping you from taking it?" She asked.

" Maybe I'm trying to manage swallowing enough pride without choking," Seifer said. " Or maybe I'm just waiting someone to admit they want me around."

Alloran stared at him blankly. Was he talking about Quistis? Or Squall? Or maybe… Her thoughts drifted to what she had wanted before, to find out about her parents and why they did things. All along she kept doing what she was doing all this entire time: Procrastinating out of doubt.

" I wouldn't mind," she said at last, somewhat lamely.

" You?" Seifer said cocking an eyebrow as he turned to face her. " Hm, wouldn't you mind the problems that might follow? What everyone else would think? The-"

" I'll live," Alloran interrupted.

" Nice to hear," he father said with his trademark smirk much like her own. " Exactly what I needed to hear before I got to work whipping some new cadets into shape. Now if you'll excuse me I've got someone to meet instead of standing around like furniture."

" Hey," Alloran started feeling her face go red. What else could she say?

" We've got plenty of time, as long as you don't rush off to play hero and get killed," he said in his usual arrogant tone.

Alloran couldn't help but smirk as he rejoined the commander's group. Within the first ten seconds he seemed to get into an argument with Zell. It was interesting to watch Quistis scold Seifer and try and keep another fight from breaking out. Somehow it felt like Garden was going to get a bit more hectic between the staff.

Like Seifer had said, she had plenty of time to decide whether she was ready to get to know her parents and vice versa.

Tal checked her watch before looking over at Alloran. Folding her arms she rolled her eyes. Each time she looked at her friend she was just watching the events. At least she could 'try' and see if there's someone to dance with, Tal thought as her blue eyes drifted to Casseil. As Flare switched from fast paced music inspiration hit.

Sef was talking with a group of girls when he felt a gentle tug on his ear. With a polite nod to the girls and a apologetic grin he turned to face Tal. She grinned impishly as she pulled Sef over. " I'm innocent," Sef said holding up his hands.

" Not what I wanted to talk about," Tal said crossing her arms. " I just need a little help with an experiment."

" Uh oh." Leaning over Tal whispered her plan into Sef's ear. An evil grin was spread across Tal's face. " They'll both be in the mood to kill us."

" We'll be fine, just remember to get out of the way," the blond said with a grin as her and Sef split up in opposite directions.

Alloran stood against the wall just watching people pass by.

" Don't you ever take the time to enjoy dances?" Asked Tal, taking a spot beside Alloran.

" I just don't like them," Alloran replied dryly. " There's never really anything to do."

" Of course there is," Tal said sweeping her arm around. " Everyone-including the instructors and commander- is doing something. Look, I'm heading over to meet with Sef, you don't have to stay but at least come say hi."

" Fine," Alloran replied, a word she was later going to regret. Alloran managed to weave through the crowd near the dance floor, closely following behind Tal. Tal looked over behind Alloran before getting a look in her eye Alloran didn't like. " Tal-" Alloran started. Tal just smiled at Alloran and 'accidentally' pushed her into another on the dance floor.

" So, Laura, are you interested in a dance?" Casseil said rubbing the back of his head. The redhead gave Casseil a small pitying smile while she laughed.

" Sorry, but I promised to dance with Riley," Laura said walking a short distance away before another SeeD named Adam gave her an invitation to dance and accepted.

" Sad," Sef commented giving his hat a tug. " Never see me having those problems."

" They just haven't realized my good looks," Casseil muttered defiantly.

" Then I take it all the girls you've asked this evening have turned you down?"

" No," Casseil hissed. Actually, one girl accepted but then had to leave because her boyfriend came back from the restroom.

" Ah huh," the cowboy muttered. Suddenly he pointed over at an empty corner of the dance floor and said, "Hey, isn't that Kara looking at you!"

" Wha-" Casseil had barely any time to register where Sef had pointed until a certain cowboy pushed Casseil into another person on the dance floor.

" This song is for the couples tonight!" Yelled Flare. " Yes, this for all of you young love birds out there too. An old favorite still loved today, Eyes on me, by Julia Caraway!"

" You two just going to stand there or dance?" Tal said with a mischievous glint in her eye as her and Sef passed a confused Alloran and Casseil.

The Sorceress gently pulled her husband onto the dance floor with her husband wearing a face of pure joy. Several people around them were now pairing up as the first few notes played. Everyone they're except Alloran and Casseil started the dance. As Alloran looked over at Tal she became even surer of something. She was going to get her back for this. As for Casseil, Alloran caught him shooting a death glare over at Sef.

Whenever sang my songs,

On the stage, on my own,

Much like the lessons from being cadets they didn't bother saying anything knowing they were stuck together once again: just took each other's hand and began the steady dance with a annoyed sigh. All that Alloran could hear was the calm song, so she never noticed her heart beating quickly. At least I'm not stepping on his foot this time, Alloran thought slightly relieved as the song finally hit the middle mark. Casseil probably can't wait till this is over anyway. Stealing a glance at the taller SeeD she noticed he had looked at her at the same time before they looked back to the way they were when the dance started. Only blushing this time.

So let me come to you,

Close as I wanna be…

Soon they were moving naturally, on time with the motions. Alloran hardly noticed her and Casseil's grip tighten as her heart pounded in her ears. The fact that they had been forced into each other seemed to be forgotten as the moved as elegant as they could manage. As the song finally they made a move to leave the dance floor, Alloran heading straight toward a smirking blond.

Sef saw Alloran first. The brunette quickly excused himself wearing a sheepish look. Tal tried to hide her grin but was failing terribly. " Um, hi…"

" Tal," Alloran said tartly.

" Look it this way, at least you can say you actually danced," Tal responded sheepishly. " And you seemed to enjoy yourself… Gotta go!"

" Tal Angela Carter!" Alloran growled as she ran after her.

Alloran moved to the balcony after ten minutes of attempting to hunt down Tal. She lost track of her when a group of former Trepies got in the way and ended in a full on collision. After apologizing to the ticked off group she realized Tal had disappeared, probably hiding with Sef. I swear, next chance I get… She thought vengefully.

" Boo!" Said a voice as someone reached for her shoulder. Alloran gripped onto whomever was on the other end and threw them into the balcony. " Ow! Can't you take a joke?" Casseil whined rubbing his head. " You already did that to me once, did you really have to do it again?"

" Tough question," Alloran's eyes twinkled mischievously. Some things never changed. " I take it you haven't seen Tal and Sef around?"

" For all I know their laughing their heads off in Balamb," Casseil said in a low growl. " Figures, we're probably going to be in for a teasing for about a week… Or a month… Or maybe the rest of our careers…"

The both grinned and laughed. For a while they managed to make jokes and talk about things going on in Garden until they reached what was going to happen in the future. That's when silence fell on them. Clearing his throat finally Casseil asked, " What're you going to do now anyway? Now that things are over with Cal? Now that the little secret's out."

" Just living a normal life I guess," Alloran answered leaning against the rail. " Or at least as normal as a SeeD can manage."

" And should me and Tal be expecting anything else unexpected?" Casseil asked with a cocked eyebrow. " Like visions?"

" No, I have a feeling I won't be having them anymore." As long as a certain Goddess stops playing with my life, she silently added.

" Maybe I'm crazy too then," Casseil suddenly said. His fingers repetitively hit the marble. He barely looked up to Alloran as he finished. "When you came back… I kept thinking about the last time, except you were much worse this time. I kept thinking of something Rose said at last time until I fell asleep. It's crazy but she came up to me and was telling me I shouldn't be believing her words. Sounds crazy, huh?"

Rose, Alloran thought. Flashes of Rose's demise and words crawled back to the surface. The more she thought about it up the point the more she was losing her personal hatred toward Rose Haylight.

" Not really, considering all that's been happening," Alloran remarked quietly. Taking a deep breath she managed to say something on behalf of the dead girl, the one that had loved Casseil so much. " She really-Rose really, seriously cared about you. She just had her own problems to deal with, problems she couldn't overcome in the end." She couldn't tell him the truth about Rose quite yet.

" Hm," her friend replied. His eyes seemed to glaze over in thought.

Inside they could hear Leo start to play soft tunes. Looking over at Casseil she realized he probably wanted to go ask some more girls to dance instead of hanging around.

" Going to see if you can find someone to dance with?" She asked. "Might find the right girl awaiting you." She added.

" And chances are she'll have a bruiser boyfriend," Casseil said gloomily looking behind them. " All the good looking girls are either taken or have a mob of admirers."

Alloran rolled her eyes wondering how many other guys thought that way. " Maybe that's why you can't find anyone."

" You know, that sounds like one of those corny stories," Casseil said, leaning against the rail. " Who knows? Maybe flirting is the best thing to do for now…" Grinning slightly he continued. " Or maybe I'll pull your thing and never fall in love."

" Copycat," Alloran retorted.

They both turned their eyes away from the starry sky before their eyes met. He looked kind of handsome-The blond SeeD bit the inside of her cheek realizing she was thinking the same way she had at the inauguration party. Damn, Alloran thought. She hated not knowing this feeling or knowing why it kept happening.

" Hey, Alloran?"

" Hm?"

" Do you remember the night of our inauguration?" Casseil asked. He gripped the rail tightly. " Do you remember what I said? I just got caught up in the moment spouted out nonsense. Just so you know. But then again, you probably didn't take it seriously anyway."

Alloran blinked before smiling. " Yeah, just the moment, nothing more."

Alloran and Casseil just stood there, like any movement would destroy the sacred silence between the two that blocked out the rest of the world. Sapphire met hazel eyes as they drew close enough to feel each other's breath on their faces…

" FLARE DINCHT! GET BACK HERE!" The two twirled around to see Flare being chased by Sef and Tal as they ran through the crowd of cadets and SeeDs. If you looked at Sef's face carefully you'd see small traces of lipstick, while Flare held a camera.

" I didn't mean to Sef! Honestly!" Flare yelled back holding back a snicker.

" Flare, I'm going to skin you alive!" Tal yelled running after the two along with several others, leaving the poor crowd of adults to try and sort through the chaos.

" Um, see you later then, just so Tal doesn't actually kill Flare," Casseil said with a quick nod before going after them, leaving Alloran alone with her thoughts on the balcony once more. Shaking her head she guessed the party was over. Taking a deep breath she sighed shaking off the feeling from her talk.

A gentle gust a wind whirled around as it had often done before in the strange realm. Looking at the starry sky once more she could have sworn she heard Fenerir's voice remarking on her and Casseil as Fenerir had often did. Smiling she thought of the Guardian Force and their promise as she whispered up to the sky, " Don't start," before Alloran Wolfeyes, Daughter of Seifer Almasy and Quistis Trepe, disappeared inside.

The End.

Wolf: Yep that's it! Epilogue will be up tomorrow!

Tobias: For once, we are not going to try and kill each other to celebrate the end. All Wolf wants to say is please review.