Author's Note: Greetings everyone! Well, this is it, the final chapter. I want to thank everyone who read and reviewed this story—although the ones who gave critical reviews I thank the most. I don't know if I'll ever write a sequel to this one. Chances are I probably won't—unless someone gives me just a really good idea. But I'm moving on to other things. Thanks again though!

Everybody's got to live together.
All the people got to understand.
So love your neighbor like you love your brother.
Come and join the band.
All you need is love and understanding.
Ring the bell and let the people know.
We're so happy, and we're celebratin'.
Let your feelings show.
Love is all.
Love is all.
Can't you hear the call?
Love is all you need.
Love is all you need,
at the Butterfly Ball

"Love is All"—Roger Glover and Guests (Ronnie James Dio on vocals)

Mother Terra

Chapter XVII

A few months later, Zidane entered the royal chamber with a newly purchased book. He placed the book on a table near the Master bed, and turned to his wife.

Zidane embraced Garnet, and kissed her. "How has your day been so far?"

"A typical day mother's day of running after Hunter and changing his diapers, but it was good to get away from the politics of Alexandria and be with the baby—even if it'll only be for a short time."

Garnet stopped to giggle. "Speaking of the baby, you might want to turn around."

Zidane did as his wife advised. And when he did, he noticed Hunter's pudgy fingers trying to grab his book. "No, Hunter, that's Daddy's."

The two-year-old looked up at him and smiled.

Zidane returned the smile. "Tell you what, big boy; if you can wait for me to finish talking with Mommy, I'll read you a book from your shelf."

"'Kay!" Hunter said, although he demanded that his father hold him.

"What is the book that you picked up?"

With his free hand, Zidane handed Garnet the book. "Here. It's a book written by Goldwin and Aldous."

"Mother Terra: Its Rise and Fall—The Homeland of Kuja, Garland, and Prince Consort Zidane Tribal of Alexandria."

"From what I understand, it's pretty good."

"Do you know how well it's sold?"

"Pretty well, from what I understand. It sold very well in the Black Mage Village, but that's fairly obvious—since the genomes were interested to hear about the history of their homeland. And all that stuff about Kuja and myself a few years ago has made it interesting for other people. Plus, Goldwin and Aldous wrote the book from a personal perspective and not as a scholar. It's different than something Doctor Tot would write, although he did serve as an editor."

"Well then, I'll have to read it."

"Only when I'm done with it," smirked Zidane.

Garnet returned the smirk, before she changed the subject.

"By the way, did you see Steiner and Beatrix's new baby?"

Zidane smiled. "Sure did! A healthy baby boy, they've named him Connor. I guess Hunter'll have something of a little brother, unless you and me have another baby."

Garnet chuckled. "Well, young Connor'll be loyal to his prince, I'm sure."

"Yeah. Now all we have to do is make certain that Hunter doesn't act like a tyrant…If that ever happens, we'll tell him that he's acting like how Steiner would be acting if he was king."

Prince Hunter looked at his mother and father.

Zidane and Garnet chuckled, and Zidane placed Hunter on the bed and tickled him.

The toddler laughed and kicked.

Garnet sat beside them, and ran her fingers through Hunter's hair. "Come now, you know that Steiner's not that like anymore; thanks to you."

"Yeah, that's a good thing, but it'll also be a good thing if this baby takes after his mother and not his father."

Garnet chuckled. "That remains to be seen. He could run around in rusty armor chanting 'Prince Hunter' all the time."

Zidane also chuckled. "God I hope not." And then he placed Hunter on his lap. "Well then, I think it's time I read Hunter one of his favorite books." He returned Hunter to the floor, and giving him a pat on the bottom. "Why don't you go and find me one?"

The End

+ Cody the Impaler +

August 20, 2006