Disclaimer: I don't own Final Fantasy VIII or its beautiful characters .. but I will one day ! x) It all belongs to SquareSoft. :salutes: -.-;;

A/N: Hey all! x) Just a lil note, to really feel the mood of this chappie, listen to Dance With The Balamb Fish, Waltz For The Moon and Ending Theme (not the scary/Eyes On Me part!) while reading it. (x Or if you have the FF7 soundtrack as well, listen to Staff Roll instead of Ending Theme, but not the beginning main FF7-theme part. You know what part I'm talking about, the famous camera scene one w/ the graduation-type-like song!!

Balamb Garden Amazing Race

Chapter Sixteen ll Epitome Of Victory

----------

Balamb Garden has to be the most beautiful Garden in the world, Irvine thought as he strolled along the clean, pearly white ground and smiled appreciatively over at the water feature at the centre, And the most peaceful one, too.

Girls in their dark blue Garden uniform giggled and waved as he walked past, and Irvine grinned back and greeted casually, "Morning, ladies." Now that his limbs no longer ached and his body was in tact once again, Irvine was enjoying his free time by simply appreciating the Garden.

Up ahead near the library he recognised the figure of Zell, looking rather cautious and careful as he sent glances into the faraway library. With a grin, Irvine slowed down his pace and moved up behind him quietly.

"Hey, Zell!"

The blonde almost jumped out of his skin as he spun around, "Geez, Irvine! You scared me."

As Zell disdainfully turned back, Irvine chuckled and asked, "What're you skulking out here for? Shouldn't you be waiting in line at the cafeteria?" He checked his watch, "Hey, hey it's almost past ten, they'll be serving hot dogs soon."

Zell just shot him a look, "I already ate breakfast," he said in a low growl, peering down the blue-lined corridor again, "Bacon and eggs. Very nice."

Irvine watched him intently, "Lots of protein, too..." He stood beside Zell and also looked down the library corridor curiously, "What are you doing?"

The blonde fist-fighter turned his head towards Irvine and then sighed, straightening up and scratching the back of his head.

"Alright, I'll tell you," he murmured, "But you've got to promise not to laugh." He looked seriously at the brown-haired young man.

Irvine feigned shock, "Would I ever laugh?"

Ignoring him, Zell said woefully, "It's... well, it's Shizuka..." he sighed, sending nervous glances down the corridor again, "Haven't spoken to her much since the race... and... well, I've been wanting to see her."

"Well then why don't you just go inside?" Irvine asked, perplexed, "You can't see much from out here."

Zell seemed embarrassed, "But... but I think she's avoiding me!" he spluttered, "So I don't want to barge in and put her in an awkward position. I just wish I knew why she doesn't want to see me..."

Feeling rather amused at Zell's dimwittedness, Irvine was about to pay him out when he noticed the utterly dejected look on the blonde's face and his soft side got the better of him.

"Ahh, c'mon, Zell," Irvine said bracingly, "She's just a busy girl - there are a lot of books in there. I'm sure she's not avoiding you. And besides, you'll see her tonight at the presentation. Has she hinted that she doesn't want to see you?" he asked with a sudden hush.

"Well... not exactly," Zell said doubtfully, "I mean... well... I dunno. I've been there a few times when she's not in and her friend told me there's been this conceited SeeD hanging around lately... and talking to her a lot." Without warning Zell slammed his fist into his other hand vehemently, "What the heck does he think he's up to?" he fumed.

Irvine gasped, "Another man? Zell, you can't let this happen. Quick, into the library!" He darted down the corridor, much to Zell's alarm, and stopped short outside of the quiet room. He beckoned Zell imperiously.

"What the - ? Irvine, what are you doing?" Zell hissed anxiously.

"C'mon, I'm helpin' you out here!"

Against his own will, Zell quickly sprinted up to Irvine and the two boys craned their heads around the doorway. There at the receptionist's desk was Shizuka in her blue Garden uniform, talking to a young blonde man happily.

Both boys immediately cried out in shock at the same time.

"AHHH! It's Seifer!"

"He's the SeeD?" Zell said in a hushed voice, dumbfounded, "What? No... that is so wrong."

Irvine scratched his head, "That is totally wrong." He leant in closer at the door jamb and hissed, "Hey, I think she's finished her shift." Zell also peeked in and to be sure, Shizuka was walking into the backroom and another girl had come out to the counter.

"Let's go confront Seifer," Irvine suggested eagerly as Shizuka disappeared.

Zell grimaced slightly, "Yeah, I wanna know what he's doing in here."

The two boys stepped briskly into the library and innocently followed Seifer into the study area. He was sitting at the desk with his back turned to them; they crept up and jumped out on either side of him.

"Hey, Seifer."

"Hi, Seifer."

Seifer started and let out a hiss when he saw them, "What're you two creeps creeping up on me for?" He gave an effective little shudder, "What a wake-up call..."

"Sorry, Seify," grinned Irvine as he and Zell pulled up chairs beside him, "We just wanted to drop in and say hi to our buddy ol' pal, fellow Garden student, old Amazing Race comrade..."

"Whatever."

"Seifer, what are you doin' in here?" Zell asked blandly. He looked apprehensively around the library as though it was haunted, "Man... the silence of this place gives me the spooks."

"I've been studying here for the past week," Seifer drawled, tapping the textbook in front of him. Irvine snatched it up and studied it with an awed look, while Zell echoed disbelievingly, "Studying?"

"Good gravy... how boring," Irvine turned the book upside down to see if it looked better that way, "Nope..."

Seifer grabbed it back impatiently, "Yes... studying. You see, some people have a written exam next week and I'd like to pass for once." Zell and Irvine exchanged slightly stunned looks while Seifer put on reading glasses and resumed his revision.

They ogled at him.

"Since when did you wear glasses?" Irvine wanted to know.

"Hey, one day your vision won't be twenty-twenty either," Seifer said defiantly, looking at both of them through his stylish reading glasses whilst they exchanged goofy smiles.

"Haha, Seifer's ageing."

"You old fart."

"Oh, shut up."

There was a moment's pause as the younger boys snickered at Seifer and he irritably continued reading. Then as Zell scanned the quiet room and his eyes fell upon the counter, he remembered why they were here at all.

"Hey Seifer, while you've been studying in here, have you noticed... anyone... talking to Shizuka lately?"

Seifer looked up with a frown, "Plenty of people," he said, rather amused, "I know I've been hunting her down to find this stupid thousand-year-old book." He indicated the book in front of him, "It took her two days to locate it. She only gave it to me just then."

Irvine's eyebrows shot up sceptically, "Maybe he is the supposed SeeD we're looking at, Zelly."

Zell ignored him and persisted, "No, not just anyone. Like... a guy. Who's not interested in books or studying or even being in here. They just wanna... talk to her."

Seifer thought for a second, his eyebrows knitted, "Uhh... hey, I think I know what you're talking about. Some arrogant SeeD guy, right? Always wearing that ruddy uniform and rubbing it in my face, that pompous jerk - "

"Yeah, him!" Zell said with sudden vigor, making people hiss, "SHH!" at him. Irvine had leant forward with a very interested and curious expression. Zell lowered his voice and hissed, "That guy... he's been hanging around her a lot, huh?" Then he seemed to deflate and drooped in his seat, "Ahh... no wonder why she's avoiding me," he mumbled pathetically.

Seifer looked at him and felt a shred of sympathy for the younger boy. Shaking his head, he said firmly, "Hey, you don't have anything to worry about. That guy's twice the wimp you are, and she's definitely not interested. Geez, chicken-wuss, doesn't take a genius to figure that one out. What has a week of being together proven to you?"

Evidently, Zell wasn't convinced. He still looked as gloomy as ever as he climbed to his feet, "Yeah... I'm goin' to the cafeteria now... might cheer me up." Irvine and Seifer both watched as he shuffled out of the library miserably.

"What an idiot," Seifer said pitifully, "He doesn't actually think she's going for that other guy, does he? Because that is so... dimwitted."

Irvine shrugged, "I dunno. He's just working himself up because they haven't spoken much since the race and because of that other guy... Anyway, how can you be so sure?"

"Because," Seifer said in a tone of superiority, shuffling his papers, "She's been asking me how he is almost every day and it's crystal clear that she misses him. Besides, who could see anything in that other conceited ponce?"

The bell rang and the blonde stood up, packing away his things. "Class time," he said placidly, glancing over at the deep-in-thought Irvine, "Where're you headed?"

"Oh..." Irvine woke from his slight reverie and also got to his feet, "What's the time? Half past... yeah, I'll be at the hall. Gonna help Sef set up for the presentation tonight. We need all the elbow grease we can scrounge for; I mean, you and Quisty have class, Shizuka's got her responsibility with these books, and Zell's busy moping."

"Commander Puberty gonna help out?"

"Yeah, Headmaster Cid's been cutting down his paperwork so he's got no excuse," grinned Irvine.

Seifer snickered as they walked out of the library together, "Well, see you tonight, Kinneas, when the Amazing Race trophy shall be in my arms."

"You wish," Irvine rolled his eyes, "Have fun with the books, Almasy... it's the only prized possession you'll have for awhile."

And with that, the two tall, young men parted ways to pursue their interests in the fair Balamb Garden.

---

Quistis Trepe walked into her classroom placidly. She was the epitome of perfection; her neat, impeccable instructor uniform donned, her posture straight and shoulders back, her blonde hair pinned up elegantly without a lock out of place and her expensive, professional glasses subduing her crystalline blue eyes. Her hands were held together politely at the front and she took swift, complacent strides forward.

"Good morning, class," she greeted, looking at the seated students in front of her and noting that Seifer was already in his seat, on time, once again, "As you should be well aware of, your written examination takes place next week. Once again, this exam is very important as it arbitrates whether you can proceed further in your SeeD course. For some of you, the field examination is not very far off, and the Fire Cavern trip even nearer still; therefore, you should put all your energies into revising for this exam."

Her eyes swept over the class again and lingered a little longer on a certain blonde boy sitting at the back. She felt her heart sink slightly in regret; since Seifer was re-doing his entire SeeD course, he still had several written examinations to undergo before he could even consider going to the Fire Cavern. This meant at least another year of theory for him.

"I will be giving you this morning's lesson to revise for the test. Please use this time wisely."

The classroom was immediately full of movement as students half-heartily pulled out books or switched on their study panels. Quistis hid a smile as she watched them, glassy-eyed as they stared at the screens, probably daydreaming.

She briskly toured around the class, pausing at every desk and helping students at times. Finally, she reached the very far left one and silently looked over Seifer's shoulder. To her surprise, he was scribbling away on his page of notes as if his soul was completely absorbed in them. After a few minutes, he paused to look up at her innocently.

Quistis felt her breath catch in her throat, "You're - you're doing well, Seifer."

He just smiled smugly, "I know."

The blonde instructor walked back to her own desk and sat down, deep in thought. Every now and then she'd look up and glance towards Seifer, her brow furrowed.

When the bell rang again, Seifer jumped up and sped out, calling out gaily, "See you tonight, instructor!" All the other students gaped after him and several of the Trepies looked gob smacked. Quistis just blinked and ushered everyone out, feeling flustered. When they had all left, confused and indignant, she picked up her folder and marched out towards the elevator, taking it up to the Headmaster's office.

---

"Selphie is absolutely remarkable," Headmaster Cid repeated for the fifth time that night, gazing around the brightly lit hall in delight, "I can't believe she organised all this in one week."

Beside him was his wife, who smiled and nodded pleasantly, "My dear Selphie has always possessed the vitality and spirit to do things when she sets her mind to it."

Night was upon Balamb Garden, but inside the Garden hall was a merry party, full of music (at the moment the chirpy Dance With The Balamb Fish) and delectable food and bubbly chatter. It was the official presentation of the Balamb Garden Amazing Race, where the winner would finally be announced. According to Selphie, Edea had been tallying the points up all week.

"So be there, or be square! Oh, and try to dress up a little."

The boys inwardly scoffed. Sure they'd dress up.

Now that this very much anticipated night had arrived, none of the boys had bothered to change out of their regular clothes, though both Selphie and Rinoa so far were wearing dainty dresses.

"Look, there she is," Cid said brightly, watching as a green-clad Selphie walked blithely with Irvine and Seifer, the three of them talking with drinks in their hands.

"...so really, it's a matter of nerves and guts," Seifer was saying contemplatively to an attentive Irvine and Selphie, "A bit like how you have to cope when you receive an unexpected love letter, actually."

There was a registering pause, then they both cracked up laughing. Seifer paused in his speech and frowned at them.

"Ahhh, Seifer, I think the time has come for you to learn the truth about that," Irvine said with dignity after he had calmed down. He glanced over at his partner-in-crime who grinned and nodded, "Squall didn't write that letter. It was me."

"YOU?" Seifer gave a yelp as if electrocuted, leaping a foot back with a wild look in his eyes, "It was you?"

"Yup," Irvine grinned, enjoying his reaction while Selphie stuffed a fist in her mouth to stifle her giggles.

"You... you..." the poor boy was spluttering, "You wrote that letter?"

"Well, I addressed it to you and said it was from Squall," Irvine said briskly, "It's been so long already, I felt the prank ought to be explained. But it was hilarious watching you chase him around with your gunblade."

"...Prank?" Seifer managed to say feebly after five seconds of being struck dumb. Selphie beamed at him like an innocent little girl, "Pretty funny, huh, Seify?"

He just stared at the grinning pair in a kind of horrified desperation, like a stranded puppy dog.

Over by the side of the hall, Cid inclined his head, "Oh, and there are Squall and Rinoa over at the refreshment table with Zell."

Edea chuckled, gently brushing a strand of black hair away, "Zell... remember when we baked a cake for Irvine's third birthday?"

"Yes," Cid said resignedly, relaxing in his seat, "You mean the time Seifer hit Zell with a spatula?" Edea couldn't help laughing heartily and his mouth twitched, "He was crying for hours."

"Hey, Zell, why the long face?" Rinoa asked caringly, during a break in their conversation.

Zell recollected himself, "Oh - uh - food's not tasty," he grunted. Squall scoffed audibly and Zell sent him a fleeting glare, pegging a gummi bear at him that Squall easily caught.

Squall smiled smugly as he popped the bear into his mouth, "It's Shizuka, isn't it?" Rinoa leant forwards interestedly and Zell looked taken-aback.

"Wha - ?"

"Irvine told us," explained Rinoa, gazing sympathetically at him as though he was the most darling creature in the world, "Oh, Zell, you know she loves you."

He grunted non-committedly again, feeling the tips of his ears go warm. She opened her mouth to speak more words of comfort, but thena very familiar melody began playing and her brown eyes lit up like morning stars. Squall immediately hiccoughed.

"Squall..."

"No, please, Rinoa," Squall begged half-heartily, "You know I can't dance..."

Zell snorted, "Squall, dance? Yeah, I'd like to see that."

"You'll be surprised, Zell," Rinoa said solemnly, one hand grasping onto Squall's in an attempt to pull him out of his chair, "Squall happens to be an expert at dancing. Did you see the pirouette he performed on the ice rink?"

While Zell burst out laughing at the mental image, Squall groaned, reluctantly getting to his feet, "Rin, must you tell everyone about that?"

A rather cheeky smile spread across her face, "Yup." And so Squall let himself be pulled over to the dance floor, where they would relive their first moment together to the tune of Waltz For The Moon.

Zell watched in amusement as Squall stumbled a little to the waltz, Rinoa dragging him to the sides energetically.

"Hi, Zell!"

Selphie, Irvine and Seifer were all joining him, taking the seats Rinoa and Squall had left empty. "Hi," he replied slowly, noticing Seifer's rather drawn and pale face, "What's up with you?"

"Hehe... he just learnt an inconvenient truth," Irvine answered for him, rather amused. Seifer said nothing; simply gazed on as though oblivious to his surroundings.

Zell just raised an eyebrow and said, "O-kay..."

"Whoo, look at Squally dance," Selphie squealed with wide eyes, watching ecstatically as Squall twirled Rinoa around gracefully and caught her again, "Hey Irvy, let's go join them!"

"Wha - ?" Irvine got out before he was jerked away. Zell raised a lazy hand in farewell and Seifer let out a deep breath.

"Man, I need a pick-me-up," he muttered to nobody in particular, and filled his glass with some fruit punch. He took a sip and then gagged, "What the heck's wrong with this?" he gasped.

"Raijin mixed in some chocolate milk," Zell said casually, surveying the party scene. He caught Seifer's accusing glare and quickly added, "Don't ask me why!"

A disgruntled Seifer forcefully placed his glass on the table, "What an idiot... wasn't Fujin around to kick him?"

"Yeah, but that was after he put it in."

Waltz For The Moon continued playing, and Seifer and Zell became engaged in a game of flicking-M&Ms-into-each-other's-mouths. Then they made a "cocktail" out of soft drinks and pronounced it the Second Worst Tasting Drink in the World, after Raijin's chocolate-milk-fruit punch.

"Argghhhh - you're cutting off my air!"

"Hi, Zell," came a familiar, soft voice from behind the blonde, who was demonstrating how to do a headlock on Seifer. Zell instinctively dropped his arms and spun around, his heart thumping in anticipation.

"Shizuka!" he half-exclaimed, half-gasped.

Seifer straightened himself up, panting for air and rubbing his pink neck. He looked from one to the other and said dodgily, "Hey, I think I see - Quisty!" he exclaimed with sudden joy upon spotting his partner on the other side of the hall, "I'll leave you two kids to it... don't mess it up!" he hissed at Zell as he galloped off.

When Seifer was gone, Zell forced his gaze toward her and felt his heart jump into his throat. She looked as pretty as ever in a little black dress and her chestnut brown hair up in a braid, some strands falling in elaborate curls.

"You - you came," he finally stammered weakly.

A funny looked crossed Shizuka's face as she said carefully, "Of course I came..." She smiled up at him, "I wouldn't miss this for the world!"

Those simple words, her mesmerisingly innocent smile and bright brown eyes; for some reason, they just wiped away all his insecurities and made Zell smile lopsidedly at her, weak with relief.

"You really mean that?"

"Of course... why wouldn't I?"

"No, it's just... I thought maybe... this week has been... I thought you might've been avoiding me," Zell chuckled feebly, trying to pass it off as something insignificant and amusing. However, as his words spilled out of his mouth, Shizuka averted her eyes to the ground guiltily.

"Well, actually..." the brunette ventured quietly, "I have been kind of... deliberately moving out of your way."

In the time it took for Zell to register these words, his mind had gone horribly blank. Almost mechanically he said, "Oh - right - well, sorry to bother you, then," and he turned to walk away, his insides glacial.

"Wait - no!"

The warmth of her hand enclosed his as she grabbed him and pulled him back so that he faced her, "Wait, Zell! I didn't mean it in that way, it's not your fault!" She shook her head vigorously as though she couldn't believe he would even consider such a thing, and Zell just blinked, a little startled but rather relieved.

"It's... wonderful... being with you, Zell," she said earnestly, "It's just... when we're back at Garden..." Shizuka entwined her hands uncomfortably, "It just feels like there's a big gap between us, you know? You're... one of the best SeeDs here, you helped save the world... you should hear how some of the girls talk about you."

"Girls talk about me?" he said, nonplussed.

"I only said some of them," Shizuka said with a little chuckle.

"Hang on... don't tell me you feel unworthy or something," Zell said slowly, "Because if anything, I should be unworthy of you. Hey, you know it's true," he added matter-of-factly when she opened her mouth to protest.

"What, because of your affinity with hot dogs?" she teased with a little spark in her eyes, and Zell was suddenly reminded to a very forceful degree why he felt so fond of that girl.

"No," he said defiantly. She smiled at him and he grinned back, feeling ten times lighter now.

"You know, Seifer told me of your concerns about a certain SeeD frequenting the library..."

Zell flushed, making a mental note to trip Seifer later. For some reason, his fears about Shizuka gaining interest in the conceited SeeD seemed very dimwitted now.

"Well, who is he?" he asked, to preserve any dignity he had left.

"His name is Kent, and he is a nice person... but a bit full of himself," Shizuka said slowly and carefully, "And sometimes quite a bore... he doesn't seem interested in anything that doesn't involve weapons or himself. So..." she smiled albeit mischievously, "You've got nothing to worry about."

Zell flushed, "Who said I was worrying? I wasn't worrying, I was just..." he trailed off and then gave up. Sheepishly, Zell stammered, "So... so if I asked you to meet me at Balamb next week..."

Her eyes widened slightly, but a beautiful smile unfurled across her face and her cheeks turned a faint pink. Taking a step closer, Shizuka reached for his hand, looked appraisingly up into his face, and said softly, "I wouldn't miss it for the world."

And his grin stretched out to its limits, so wondrously happy the blonde fist-fighter was. Only able to beam, Zell pulled in his hand, pulling her closer to him, and she responded by wrapping her arms around his middle and resting her head in his chest. Nothing felt better than being hugged by someone, and if that someone was Zell Dincht...

"Bayooka," Seifer murmured in victory, grinning as he watched the couple, himself cleverly concealed behind a large pot plant.

"Booyaka."

Somewhat startled at the closeness of the voice, Seifer almost jumped as he turned around. There was Quistis, looking extraordinarily different with her golden hair falling loose and straight around her shoulders. Her blue eyes were crinkled up in amusement and suspicion, probably wondering why Seifer had taken to hiding behind pot plants.

Seifer raised an eyebrow, secretly admiring her stunning appearance, "Excuse me?"

"Selphie says 'booyaka', not 'bayooka'," Quistis explained idly, walking closer to him with a small folder in her arms.

"I knew that," Seifer said at once, "I'm inventing my own victory word." He flashed his pearly whites at her, and then his eyes fell upon the folder again, "What's the folder for?"

Quistis looked at it for a moment contemplatively, then passed it over to him.

"Here. It's a SeeD field examination application form."

Seifer frowned as he opened it up and studied the form, looking confused, "...An application form? But..."

"I went to see the Headmaster today," Quistis interrupted briskly, "We had a talk, and we both agreed that it'd be a waste of time for you to complete the entire SeeD theory course again. You can..." she paused and took a breath, "You can sign up for the field examination once you've visited the Fire Cavern."

This piece of information sunk in very slowly while Seifer stared at her, hardly daring to believe it. Quistis shifted uncomfortably, fidgeting with her hands, "You've worked hard, Seifer. You deserve this. You know that, don't you?"

He blinked, "Yeah... I mean... well, sort of. But honestly..." he lifted the folder weakly, "Are you sure? One of the terms to my re-enrollment was that I redo the course again, and - "

"Headmaster Cid agreed, Seifer," Quistis said gently, "I don't think there's anything to worry about."

There was a moment's pause in which he looked intently at her, as if waiting for her to suddenly yell, "April Fool's!" Then he closed the gap between them and pulled her into a bear hug, folder and all. Quistis almost gasped in her surprise.

"Thank you," he muttered feebly, so overwhelmed he was, "You're my idol, Quisty."

Quistis let herself smile, relaxing in the warmth he had encircled her with, "You're welcome."

When Seifer finally let go of her, looking rather delicate, Quistis recognised two figures that were walking towards them. "Oooh, look!" she said brightly, waving, "It's Raijin and Fujin. Let's go talk to them."

"Yeah, let's go. I need to ask Raijin a question about the punch."

Meanwhile, Squall and Rinoa had gone out to the balcony for some fresh air. A little nervous, Squall moved out to the railing and leant on it, his mind full of the memory of the last time he was here. He looked up into the ebony sky, watching the hundreds of twinkling stars. Noiselessly, Rinoa slipped an arm through his', huddling against him for warmth.

"They should really make dresses with sleeves," he said disdainfully, pulling out his arm to wrap it around her bare shoulders.

"That's what I always say," a despairing voice said from behind them; it was the spiky-haired blonde, Cloud, looking very formal in black pants and a white dress shirt. His black suit jacket was placed on the shoulders of Tifa, whose hand he was holding.

"Hey, Mr Macho, I didn't ask you to give it to me," Tifa replied haughtily, making a face at him, just as Rinoa's bewilderment transformed into a pleasant and delighted look.

"Hi, you two! It's good to see you again!"

"You, too, Rinoa!" Tifa greeted back, smiling, "Hey, congratulations for making it to the end. We almost didn't survive that race. In fact, we missed the last five minutes of it because of our stitches."

"More like abdomen pains," Cloud winced, "You guys run at insane speeds, so... good job. It was fun tailing you two, even if Tifa made me somersault into a lake when she cried out that you turned around and saw me."

Tifa giggled and said sweetly, "Sorry about that, Cloudy."

It was Rinoa's turn to giggle and Squall's to smirk as Cloud turned a deep shade of pink at Tifa's pet name. He turned helplessly to her, "Teef..." She looked at him innocently, and then seemed to realise.

"Oh, right! No calling you that in public, sorry," grinning, she stood on tiptoe and kissed him on the cheek in an apologetic gesture. At this contact Cloud went even redder, but looked rather pleased with himself.

"Anyway, congratulations once again," Tifa said warmly, smiling at the two teenagers with her head against Cloud's upper arm, "Even if you don't win, we know you're the best anyway."

"Yeah, we'll be rooting for you," Cloud piped up earnestly, his face still pink, "Go blue!" With one final wave, the pair of them walked back into the noisy hall, leaving Squall and Rinoa by themselves on the balcony once more.

"Oooh, I love night time," Rinoa breathed out whimsically, "Do you think we'll see another shooting star tonight?"

Squall, still amused at the pet name 'Cloudy', merely smiled appreciatively, "It doesn't really matter..."

Rinoa looked round at him in surprise, "But it's your sign of hope! Of course it matters."

"Well, it does," he admitted slowly. He turned to face her and only her, "But you see... I don't need just a sign anymore. My hope, my dreams, my comfort... they're right here with me already." Squall smiled a small, sure smile, taking one of her hands and leaning in closely to finally give his angel their long-awaited kiss.

Neither of them noticed the shooting star that streaked and glimmered away above their heads.

---

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the presentation of the first ever Balamb Garden Amazing Race..."

Edea's address was greeted by a round of enthusiastic applause. The seats in front of her were occupied by guests and interested students, and people in the hall were still making their way over.

"What a major turn up!" Irvine exclaimed in awe, "I don't even know half the people here." He and Selphie were standing at the back, watching as people settled themselves in.

"Matron did the invites," Selphie explained cheerily, "I don't know some of these people, either." They both made to join the others sitting by the side, their eyes (particularly Squall's and Seifer's) fixed on the bronze trophy set up on the podium. They had only taken a few steps, however, when they were stopped by two people. The dark-haired girl was short with a pale, angelic face, and the boy behind her was a bit taller with flicked-out blonde hair.

"Hi, Selphie, Irvine!" the girl exclaimed in a chipper voice, grinning, "Wow, it's great to finally be able to speak to you guys!"

"It's great to walk freely without having to dive behind trees and edge around," the blonde boy beside her said frankly. He smiled at the clueless yellow team and put out his hand, "Hey there, the name's Zidane. And this one's Princess Garnet Til Alexandros the Seventeenth."

"Do not call me that," the girl said firmly, shooting Zidane a sharp glare, "My name's Dagger."

Then Selphie cottoned on with sudden excitement, and she sprang forward and grabbed onto a startled Dagger's hands, "You're - you're our followers!" she cried in delight, eyes starry.

Dagger beamed, seemingly amused by Selphie's awe, "Yeah!"

And the girls squealed and hugged each other tightly as though they were lifelong friends. A look of comprehension dawned on Irvine's face and he grinned at Zidane, "Hey, good to finally meet you! Matron told us about people following us and that had us stunned... you guys were really good. We were totally oblivious."

Zidane grinned modestly, "Of course. What can I say, we're stealthy people."

Edea began talking again, and the four of them fell quiet and took seats at the back. Almost everyone was seated now and was paying their undivided attention to the middle-aged woman up on stage. Edea talked about the origins of the race and introduced the competitors and the teams (a reasonable amount of rooting ensued), as well as the eight 'pursuers', as they were called. Squall, Zell and Selphie were all very shocked to realise that the two strange men that had followed the pink team were actually Biggs and Wedge.

"Whoa, dude, they look completely different without their Galbadian thingos!" Zell exclaimed, eyes wide in bewilderment.

"Helmets?"

"Yeah... that."

Then a perky Selphie went up to greet the crowd enthusiastically and acted as a commentator as photos (both cringe- and smile-worthy) were shown on the projector. Then she went back down and Edea took the microphone again.

"Now," Edea smiled graciously upon them all, "I'm sure you all want to know which team won the Amazing Race - " six out of eight competitors glanced at Squall and Seifer; the other two teams felt it foolish to even hope that they would win, " - but before we announce the winner, there are some other trophies we'd like to hand out."

"Ack, c'mon," a very tense Seifer managed to get out.

"For the best poem written for the twentieth challenge," Edea announced happily, reading off a card, "The winner is... the yellow team! Congratulations Irvine, Selphie!"

The yellow team also claimed trophies for 'Best Team Spirit' and 'Most Unique Way of Return', while the 'Best Alternative Conduct with Children', 'Most Interesting Dish' and 'Most Amusing to Watch' trophies went to the red team. 'Best Pirouette', 'Second Best Accident' and 'Sweetest Moment Ever' were granted to the blue team, Edea having to explain that the accident was when Squall fell down the grassy hill at Balamb. The trophy giveaways were all accompanied by photos, which displayed several shots of the pink team ('Most Snap-Happy') and another of Zell and Shizuka falling down the dinosaur fossil ('Best Accident') and still another of Zell swinging her up onto the statue of Vinzer Deling ('Best Teamwork Overall').

They were all sitting in their seats, grinning happily as they clutched onto their many trophies and the people around chattered in amusement. Then a hush descended upon everyone and they all sat up straighter; it was finally time.

"As we can see, everyone has been a winner," Edea was saying seriously, "Some have learnt to respect one another - " Quistis glanced over at Seifer and smiled to herself, " - while others have found a strength within themselves they never knew before." Shizuka listened with a sweet smile. "Bonds have been made, friendships strengthened, and although these fine young people have been divided in the race, they will always be united in heart and soul.

"And now," Edea grinned again, opening up the card, "It is time to announce the overall winner, the one team with the most points."

Seifer and Squall sat so stiffly in their seats that their knuckles began to gleam white. Both had their heads up towards their Matron, not even blinking, possibly not even breathing, in their suspense. It seemed like nobody could breathe. No one even coughed; all eyes and ears were alert for the tiniest sound.

"The winner of the Balamb Garden Amazing Race is..."

Squall felt like he was being painfully suffocated, and Seifer looked as though he were fit to burst. This was it; this would determine who was the loser and who was the winner, who would be wearing a skirt and who would be the one laughing hysterically on the sidelines...

"...the pink team, Zell and Shizuka!" Edea cried eagerly, and the hall was full of thunderous applause and screams and shouts, whooping and booing and whistling and noises in general. The Ending Theme song began to play, such an uplifting and victorious tune it was that it roused the spirit in the crowd.

"Oh my goodness," Shizuka said blankly as chaos broke out around her.

"Oh my gooses," Zell agreed just as blankly, still firmly seated.

"YOU TWO WON!" screamed Selphie gleefully, jumping up and down and trying to push them up, "Go get your trophy!" Shizuka and Zell just glanced at each other, as if confirming if they had heard right. Then Zell grinned manically and grabbed her hand, hauling her up.

"We did it, Zee!" he whispered delightedly at her as people roared with approval and clapped so hard their hands tingled.

As overwhelmed as she was, Shizuka beamed at him, "I can't believe it!" The two flushed winners walked up onto stage, where a beaming Edea presented them the Amazing Race trophy.

"GO PINK!" yelled Biggs and Wedge together, somewhere in the noisy crowd.

Neither of them felt more exhilarated and light-headed as they did now, grinning so hard their cheeks hurt and looking with sparkling eyes as strangers cheered for them and confetti dusted down from above. In the corner were their friends, all cheering and grinning as well, even Squall and Seifer.

"WHOO, GO ZELL AND ZUKA!"

"AREN'T THEY CUTE?" Selphie hollered over the noise, repeating what she had said on the first day of the race.

"YES!" Squall, Rinoa, Seifer, Quistis and Irvine all chorused in answer, then cracked up laughing.

Still holding the trophy, Zell tore his eyes away from them to look affectionately at Shizuka.

"Aren't we lucky to have friends like them?"

Shizuka's proud smile widened even more, "The luckiest," she agreed, feeling a little teary-eyed.

It was getting late and quite a few people had left the hall to return to their dormitories. Shizuka and Zell had been congratulated a thousand times and were deep in conversation with the Headmaster and his wife, Biggs and Wedge also sitting with them, while the rest of the competitors lounged at the refreshment table, laden with leftovers.

Squall turned to Seifer with a wan smile, "So I guess we both learnt our lesson, huh? Not to be so arrogant, next time... Well, at any rate, I'm glad we don't have to wear skirts."

Seifer looked at him suspiciously, "What are you talking about? Tryin'a back outta the deal, huh?"

The brown-haired gunbladist took a step back, confused, "What - what are you talking about? Neither of us lost to the other."

"That's right," Seifer said pointedly, "And neither of us won, and I just heard from Matron herself that our teams both drew for third-slash-last place. So you know what that means, don't you? Between the two of us, whoever doesn't win the Amazing Race must fight a T-Rexaur in an instructor uniform."

Poor Squall couldn't believe his ears, "But... but that means you - you've got to do it, too!" he spluttered indignantly, sure that the blonde must have forgotten this vital piece of information.

Seifer grinned and Squall felt his heart drop somewhere near his ankles. He should've guessed; this guy was absolutely nuts.

"I've always wondered what it feels like to have a nice breeze up there."

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A/N: ONE MORE CHAPTER TO GO! xD Sorry it took me awhile to update this time, I'm in the middle of my School Cert exams. One more to go and THEN I'M FREE! I also had sucha bad day today, I was like chucking a tantrum in my room. -.-;; But ANYWAY. x) GO PINK TEAM! I love them, I thought they'd be so hard to write but they ended up being so cute. (pinches their cheeks) Puehehee. I wish I had the chance to intro Biggs and Wedge more, but I was really stuck on who should follow them so I just.. threw them in. But FF9 characters made their appearance here. xD And um .. yeah! THEY BOTH HAVE TO WEAR SKIRTS MUAHAHAHAHA; so many of you saw that coming, you smart, insightful little people! (x Next chapter's gonna be brief, possibly rather short, it's just to sum it up and give you a little image of our Seifer and Squall .. in skirts! Oooh, yeah, and I forgot to add before that the whole bet thing was inspired by the Simpsons, when Bart and (Todd?) battle it out at mini-golf. xD See you all soon, when we will say goodbye. Sniff. love always - msq.