Hi, Cat Megex here. This is my first fanfiction, so I hope it's enjoyed. Just as a warning, I haven't finished FF8 yet, so some of the details may be wrong. I'll try to finish the game as soon as I can.
Five years have passed since the young SeeD Squall, along with his companions, defeated the sorceress Ultimecia. Life at Balamb Garden slowly returned to normal, with some differences, the most notable being Garden's ability to move. Quistis was reinstated as an instructor, thanks to a petition by the Trepies, while Squall was asked by Headmaster Cid to instruct those students who wished to use a gunblade in its use. Zell, Selphie, and Irvine settled down into life as normal SeeDs, though they held quite a reputation among the rest. As for Rinoa, she became Doctor Kadowaki's assistant and was allowed to stay at Garden.
Although gunblades are not commonly used, Squall did have several students. One of the best was a girl named Shera Lisind. She was almost as good as Squall was when he became a SeeD, despite being only 15 years old. She was also skilled in the use of kamas and throwing knives, and could use them to great effect.
Shera's best friend was another girl, whose name was Marecia Katari. They were the same age, and had been friends since the two of them had come to Garden. This is the story of their journey, and of a young Ultimecia.