Disclaimer- I don't own anything. If I did I would be a very rich and happy student. Alas, I am a poor high school student struggling through the years of adolescence.

Author's Note- Hence the title, there will many flashbacks of memories that will be italicized to keep you readers from getting too confused. They do not go in particular order but I will try to keep it as simple as I can. Thanks for reviewing everyone!

My apologies for not updating this sooner, finals are done and senior year is almost within my grasp. Expect chapter 4 to be up very soon after some final revisions. Also I am sorry that the transitions were messed up. i must have uploaded an older document. Very sorry!

Chapter 3

"Time, it will not wait...no matter how hard you hold on...it escapes you," -Sorceress Ultimecia

The dull surface of the bronze pendulum swung lazily back and forth, its movement struck midnight, causing the ancient grandfather clock to chime, signaling the day's end.

Cigar smoke lazily rose from the glossy black ashtray, abandoned to burn itself out, its thick, heavy scent drifted until it left an odor that consisted of the sweet scent of tobacco and the sharp intake of ash. A handful of candles overflowing with manila colored wax lit the room in an eerie softness. Rough, callused knuckles rapped against the armrest of an old but comfortable wooden chair that came from a nation, long dead and forgotten after the first Sorceress War. Its delicately entwining design of vines and roots could match any manufactured product as far as he was concerned. Under the placid silence of night, watchful gray eyes listlessly followed the steady stream of traffic that rushed across the bustling roads.

The faint glow of light illuminated on filed paperwork, folders and office supplies, neatly organized on a priceless darkwood desk, handcrafted from Balamb Island. Just one of the many souvenirs he had picked up during his travels. Although he was one of the most influential senators of Esthar, his extensive outside experience had earned him the contempt of the other congress members who had been cloistered all their lives in a bubble of security within Esthar's isolation. Even his taste in the classical, "old world" was enough for them to criticize even his office, which was a visible contrast to the popular mechanized rooms that so many others preferred.

A light above the door clicked green, and in swept his assistant, Lores Alcome. A rather tall, stiff-necked individual, he was a man who worked with such efficiency that years of service had taught him. His once black hair was now a blanched gray, but it remained neatly combed to the side. The gray collared uniform he wore reflected his work ethic; clean, crisp and flawless. Despite being called upon on such short notice, his appearance was no different than if he had walked in any other day for work.

"You asked for me Senator Trask?" he asked with an emotionless face. For ten years Lores had worked as his aide and he could easily tell by now that the seemingly dry and colorless man was proficient with controlling emotions. Whatever his true feelings were, they were hidden behind a calm mask of professionalism.

"Yes I did Lores, I'm sorry if I disturbed your sleep. I know it's late," He didn't need to turn around to know that his aide waited in perfect composure. He was lucky to have such a trustworthy friend. Few people these days could afford that.

"How is your granddaughter? Has she started school yet?"

"Yes sir, she just started last week," he replied as if on cue.

"And your daughter? How is she doing?"

"As well as she can sir,"

"Good," his knuckles stopped rapping against his chair. "Good. Please give them my regards."

The chair creaked as he stood up; weathered hands tightly gripped the cuffs of his sleeves behind his back to the point it was almost pain. His eyes faced the window, but he no longer paid attention to the flashing night-lights and speeding vehicles across the entwining intersection of roads. There was a momentary pause before he began with the more pressing issues at hand.

"Has the bill been passed yet to the Senate?" he asked expectantly, even though he knew it was unnecessary. Since the day he asked his aide he knew the job was as good as done.

"Yes sir," he replied automatically. "There will be a session in two days for an open house debate. It has also been arranged that the president will be there in attendance before he leaves for Galbadian City for the peace talks,"

Senator Trask chuckled almost amusingly at the name. "Ah yes. The 'mighty' Galbadian government ruled by dictator Vinzer Deling for 18 years and the first thing they do to appease the world is change the name of their capital," he remarked, barely concealing his sarcasm.

"It would appear so senator," agreed Lores.

"And have you any idea of the provisions of the treaty?"

"The Presidential Committee has already offered their terms of dismantling Lunatic Pandora and ending the isolation by opening trade to the western nations. Although the senate has yet to approve of this, I have already notified your supporters to approve unconditionally,"

"Good, thank you Lores. You may take your leave now, I should like to be alone for a while,"

"Yes sir," And as quietly as he entered, he was gone.

Alone in his office again, the man named Trask inhaled the intoxicating feeling of anticipation. In two days, he would have the majority of the senate backing his proposal, and within a week with carefully selected speeches, he would win the hearts and minds of the public. Any opposition would be swept under the overwhelming outcry and soon the western nations would join their cause. Seven years of waiting and he was poised to strike. His wife and daughter would have been proud.

There was nothing left of them now except for a faded photograph; a dazzling, humble woman who smiled back from the wooden frame that sat across his desk. Bronze hair had caught up in the wind, creating a cascade of golden brown that only magnified her simple beauty. Covered in a white, snug fitting dress that reached to her ankles, she held hands with a younger mirror image of herself, a beaming girl with wildflowers tucked behind the ears.

They remained frozen in time; their expressions unmoving for seven years. But it was not the same case for him. Time had been cruel and grueling and the once youthful face was replaced with a tired, restless man. Sleep would only come by the exhaustion of his body, not the peacefulness of his mind. Yet his grim eyes remained emotionless, and his nerves had been calmed. He took some comfort knowing that their murderer had been put down and their deaths avenged but he had suffered too much to stop there. Twice had Sorceress Adel had reigned terror and he swore he would never allow another woman of such horrendous power to even have the chance of bringing about the same destruction. After the recent Lunar Cry, the people of Esthar were itching for a cause to blame their suffering on. President Laguna Loire had long been a victim to the sorceresses before he ascended to the presidency. He would undoubtedly give his support. A war to end all wars. Everything was going according to plan.

Leaning back comfortably, the curves of his lips formed a satisfied grin.

It would be the beginning of the end.

"Quistis, Quistis dear is something wrong?"

The young child dressed in old overalls and a faded shirt stood on the tip of her toes, pointing curiously out the stone window of the small bedroom.

Edea Kramer stood up from the rickety bed, thankful to have an excuse to stop folding the endless piles of clothing. Smiling fondly at the young blonde, she caught sight of a small boat on the beach near the old lighthouse. She let out a small gasp of surprise. Even if the war had ended, visitors rarely came by this area. What were they up to?

"Looks like we have visitors Quistis," said Edea, frowning slightly when she realized someone was missing. "Where did Zell head off to now?"

"He's looking for his moomba toy, Matron."

Edea covered a chuckle with her hand. Hyne, that boy and his stuff animal were attached to the hip.

"Well in that case, would you please go find Cid and let him know we have visitors?"

"Yes Matron," the girl replied obediently and rushed passed the creaking door and down the stairs."

Smiling to herself, she smoothed out her travel worn but comfortable black dress and continued down the steps to greet the newcomers. On the way she passed the kitchen, where a young girl in old jeans and a T-shirt stood on a stool, washing dishes in meticulous fashion.

"Ellone! There's no need for you to wash the dishes again. Please, let me handle it next time,"

The water stopped running. The chestnut haired girl turned around and nodded apologetically.

"I'm sorry Mrs. Kramer, it's just an old habit of mine back at Winhill,"

At the mention of her hometown, Ellone was silent, busying herself with drying the last plates. It had only been two months since the man who called himself Laguna had left Ellone in Edea and Cid's care with an unexpected visit and only a brief explanation. It was only understandable that she was still uncomfortable with her new home but it almost seemed if she carried a burden of guilt, always brushing it off with forced reassuring smiles and blaming her quietness on being homesick. She often wondered if it had to do anything with this Uncle Laguna.

"Mrs. Kramer-" The blue uniformed man bowed respectively. His right eye was blanketed under dark brown bangs, with hair that fell beyond shoulder length. He bowed hurriedly, almost as if he was hoping to get this over as soon as possible. His first visit had been friendly, almost childish but this time his usual shining eyes were clouded, and he carried a shadow under his eyes, a clear indication that he had little, if any sleep.

"Welcome back Laguna," replied Edea, standing up from her chair. "How have you been? Have you found Ellone yet?"

"Yes, we found her. She's safe," he breathed out heavily. Facing the window, his pale hands nervously clutched the cool stone. "For now.

Edea knew there was something wrong. She contemplated if she should ask about Ellone's well being but after seeing the pained expression, she held her tongue.

"I'm sorry to have come on such short notice but I have a favor to ask of you,"

"And what would that be Laguna?"

Scratching the back of his head tensely, he gestured outside the window to a little girl holding hands with a dark skinned man in a strange uniform.

"When I was last here, I remembered that you and your husband were taking care of orphaned children from the war and all,"

Edea nodded. After she and Cid had arrived safely to this stone cottage, they were already sheltering two orphans. Bright and calm Quistis Trepe and loud but adorable Zell.

"I know what you're thinking. There are other orphanages in the cities and why would I travel so far to the middle of nowhere for this one but," He broke off for a minute, and began pacing back and forth on the weathered stone tiles.

"But the girl-, I mean Ellone, isn't like other children. She's…" He thought for a moment, searching for the correct word. Despite his boyish appearance, Edea found him to be a fascinating man, someone who commanded humble strength and championed the down trodden. It was well known now that Adel had fallen from power but how was still a mystery. Yet Edea had no doubt that this man had played a role in it. She had even read the few articles he had published in the Timber Maniacs magazines about his worldly travels as a solider. For Laguna, the pen was truly stronger than the sword.

"Different," he finally answered albeit hesitantly. "And there are people out there who would take advantage of her powers,"

Understanding all too well, Edea placed a reassuring hand on his rigid shoulder.

Laguna smiled in gratitude but she detected a sign of regret that lingered, even when the curves of his lips grinned while he watched the spunky girl chase after the other man with surprising speed.

"After Raine," the tone of his voice dropped suddenly, and he could only stare blankly at the ring on his hand. "I mean, when her caretaker passed away, there wasn't anyone left who could take in a little girl and it would be too dangerous for me to keep her in Esthar,"

"I.." he began, his arms shook as he fought an inner battle with himself. "I don't know what I would do if I lost her too."

"We will do whatever in my power to protect her," she answered soothingly. "You have my word Laguna,"

"Thank you," he quietly replied. "Thank you for understanding Edea."

"Ellone," she began softly. "We have visitors down by the lighthouse. Would you like to accompany me?"

Nodding sullenly, she dried her hands and followed Matron down the cracked stone path, passing blooming wild flowers that were growing rampant this spring, which were aided by the powers of Edea of course. But even the glamorous display of colors couldn't lift Ellone's spirit, whose eyes were downcast and her movement apathetic. They reached the end of the path, where Cid was already exchanging words with an old couple. Beside him stood Quistis, who watched a brown haired boy in an orange shirt with black stripes try vainly to hide behind the old woman.

"Well Edea, it seems we have another visitor here," Cid gestured to the boy who clutched the dress with his pudgy fingers.

"Why hello there, what's your name child?" asked Edea but the frightened child if anything pulled even further away.

"He's a little shy," chuckled the man.

"Of course. It's only natural," Edea said. "Please, will you two stay a while for some tea?"

"We would like that, thank you,"

"Ellone? Would you and Quistis be so kind to show our new guest around?"

"Yes Matron," the two girls replied in unison.

The elderly woman gave a gentle encouraging push and the boy eventually complied, leaving the three youngsters alone on the beach.

"My name is Ellone. This here is Quistis but you can just call her Quisty," Ellone began. "Zell is off looking for his moomba. Do you like moombas?" she asked but he made no sign of letting down his guard. Ellone regarded his remarkable storm colored eyes with tender interest. For some unknown reason, she felt a strange attachment as if she had always known this frightened boy. His face looked all too familiar but she couldn't quite put her finger on it. Feeling suddenly back to her old self, Ellone offered a warm grin and whispered softly to him.

"What's your name?"

"Squall," he replied just under his breath.

"Squall," Ellone repeated to herself and attempted a quirky grin that was her Uncle Laguna's trademark. Laguna was always smiling like that when he first moved into Winhill and it was that happy-go-lucky attitude that had made Ellone instantly drawn to him. Perhaps she could do the same for this poor war orphan. "A strong name for a strong boy huh?"

A faint blush of pride was all she needed to know she was heading in the right direction.

"Do you have a last name Squall?"

Growing a little bolder, his voiced was more controlled when he spoke.

"Leonhart."

For the first time in weeks, Ellone genuinely smiled and with a ridiculously flashy bow she learned from of course, Uncle Laguna, she was awarded with a quiet giggle.

"Pleased to meet you Mr. Squall Leonhart. Welcome to our home,"

Quistis smoothed out the hidden wrinkles on her SeeD uniform and resisted the temptation to adjust her knee high skirt. These uniforms were flashy but they were just too constricting. And not to mention the dark colors were just absorbing sun's heat. Hyne, it would be a miracle if anyone didn't pass out. Shifting her legs in a last ditch effort to try to be comfortable, she gave up promptly when Headmaster Cid stepped up to the podium. But she did notice fiery, hotheaded Zell Dincht with his tattoo squirm uncomfortably in his chair and even her long time friend Xu looked a bit unnerved. At least she wasn't the only one she sighed mentally. The only person who seemed unfazed was Squall. Typical.

Balamb Garden's Director had exchanged his usual plain clothing for an elaborate SeeD uniform with gold embroidery and shining boots that obviously had not been used recently. Quistis almost chuckled. He looked just as uncomfortable as they were.

"Welcome," Cid began. His calm and collected fatherly voice carried over the heads of the hundreds of students from the Gardens. Out of the three Gardens, the smaller body of Trabia Garden students in their pale grayish blue uniforms sat to the right, waiting in eager anticipation while the showy, military drilled students of Galbadian Garden sat in stiff ordered rows on the left. Now and then Quistis noticed a few Trabia students give spiteful looks at the Galbadian students. The only thing that separated the two student bodies from an all out brawl were the Balamb Garden students wedged in between them. Not that she could blame Trabia for their behavior. The Galbadian Government did bomb their home. Thank Hyne Selphie had planned this event to be outside. She doubted all three Gardens would survive five minutes indoors with each other.

Cid calmly waited for the initial noise to die down. Beside him stood Headmaster Martine, newly reinstated as Garden Director who looked both proud but nervous to be back in his former position. On the other side stood a red haired woman; a little taller than Cid himself with high cheekbones and wearing a simple blue uniform that was a sharp contrast from Martine.

"That's Headmistress Elizabeth for Trabia," Selphie whispered behind her. The spunky brunette wore the Balamb SeeD attire but had a blue pin of a snowflake that Quistis assumed to represent her original Garden, Trabia.

"Balamb Garden would like to welcome the students and faculty of Trabia and Galbadian Garden here today for this celebration," Cid's voice was clear and crisp, which commanded authority without sounding too demanding. Cid was a natural orator.

"As you all know, we have gathered here today for a new milestone in the history of Garden," he smiled broadly, indicating to the audiences with his outstretched arms.

"Through the selfless sacrifice of our Garden, the determination of our fighters, the teachings of our instructors, the dreams and hopes and goals of all of that Garden has stood for has been won."

There was complete silence. He certainly was gifted with public speaking.

"The sorceress has been defeated. The threat to our lives has ended. The securities of those we hold dear have been upheld,"

Quistis was even surprised that she was holding her breath.

"We have finally come to the end. We have ended possibly one of the greatest wars in history. Peace has come at last."

There was a deafening cry of applause roared from every direction. Hugs and kisses were exchanged and students leapt from their seats, cheering wildly.

"But our victory has come with a terrible price. Trabia Garden has been laid to ruins and Galbadia's prominence scarred. We have lost many priceless lives to this cause."

The cheering died down and just as quickly, they turned to grim silence.

"But their deaths were not in vain. For they fought with their heart and soul for a cause they believed in. They fought and died for Garden. For their home. Their destinies have been fulfilled and they will always remain a part of Garden and our memories."

A roaring applause that dwarfed the initial one was nearly deafening. Quistis almost had to shield away from Zell and Selphie, whose shouting alone was more than her eardrums could handle.

"We shall never forget those who fell in the defense of this noble cause. I ask you, to not mourn for their deaths, but to celebrate the life they lived. As we pay our respects to their memory, let us praise those who lived. Through their leadership, character, sense of justice and duty, we owe them our respect, our friendship and our lives,"

She should've seen it coming.

"Quistis Trepe,"

When she failed to stand up quick enough, Xu gave an encouraging shove towards the isle, beaming with pride for her friend. Selphie bounced up and down, her arms flailing wildly. Zell clobbered a snickering Galbadian student while recovering fast enough to roar his approval. The young sorceress Rinoa gave her a tight hug, smiling in delight, and even Squall managed a respectful nod of his head but Quistis could have sworn she saw traces of a faint grin. A horde of the Trepies were tossing confetti and making such a ruckus until Quistis heard the piercing sound of gunfire. She whipped around to see Irvine, the copper long haired sniper tip his beloved cowboy hat and shrug his shoulders while holding a smoking rifle. 'They're just blanks,' she thought he mouthed. Her reply was rolling her eyes but she couldn't help but grin. Stepping up to the stage, Cid pinned a shining medal to her uniform, that resembled the Garden symbol with its black and white curved points that aimed in opposite directions on a cross, finely decorated with gold fixations. Shaking hands firmly, Cid leaned in and whispered in her ear, "I always knew you were better than the other instructors." Having the courtesy to blush, Quistis shook hands with the other Headmasters and stood off to the side, awaiting her friends to join her.

Selphie dashed up the stage, bounded back and forth with endless energy and having the entire Trabia Garden shower her with tiny, four petal flowers that were probably native to the frigid northland or Trabia. Irvine twirled his rifle idly and winked as he strode up to the podium that drove the female students even a few of the younger instructors wild. Zell punched the air and the young fighter showed off his gleaming white teeth with a cocky grin. Xu received hers with the conduct of a SeeD, calmly, quietly and efficiently. Nida blushed furiously with pride and when several girls started whistling, Zell and Selphie had to catch him before he fainted. And of course there was Squall. The entire assembly went into an uproar even if he received his award rather stiffly. The cheering was so loud that she was only half surprised when she noticed his cheeks were a slight pink.

Squall? Blushing?

When the last of the names had been announced, Cid made a quieting gesture with his hands and cleared his voice for what had to be the finale of the speech.

"We've completed what we have set out to. Our destiny has been fulfilled. But what else is there for us to do you wonder? What other cause is there for SeeD?"

"We have fought for peace. And now we must uphold it with all of our might. No longer will we be mercenaries for hire, mindlessly following the words on a contract. We will no longer fight for the sake of capital to sustain our own resources. We will never again turn our backs on those in need simply because of the lack of profit."

"Garden was created to nurture the seeds of the future. And now it is time for us to protect that future. Garden will henceforth be known as a peacekeeping force. An international organization devoted to the safety and security of this world. Through diplomacy and strength, we will defend the innocent and oppose all those who stand in the way of world peace."

The approval was unanimous. Quistis could see Dr. Kadowaki wiping away a tear from the corner of her eye, the students were applauding wildly and even the most hardened SeeD veterans were nodding. Brushing off a stray lock of hair behind her ear, she could only sigh in relief. Garden was saved. SeeDs had accomplished the dreams of Cid and Edea and the world was safe for now. Taking off her glasses, her eyes closed for a brief moment, absorbing the warming gaze of the sun and echoes of applause. Hyne, it was done. They could finally relax.