Author's Notes: This is the end. It's all that Hyne's War has left for you. I'm sorry about that. But it where it was always meant to end. That being said, this isn't the final end. The story continues. Keep your eyes peeled for the sequel, Eden's Chosen, in the coming days. In addition to this there will likely be more than a few shorter stories meant to fill in some gaps. Hopefully they will satisfy. It's been a pleasure writing for the few of you out there that I know read this. So thanks for sticking around. I hope to see you again in the future.

Hyne's War: Epilogue

"Nomura, wait!"

Exasperated was not quite a strong enough term for the sigh Nida let loose as he heard the voice calling after him. If there was only one person he'd been hoping to avoid through all of this, none topped the list quite like Dr. Veringas. Since Squall had shared the tidbits of knowledge that Nida had gained from the GFs at the Deep Sea Research Center, Veringas had not let Nida have anything resembling a moment of peace. It had almost been amusing the first time as Veringas insisted that he describe Ashura in detail, apparently not recognizing her until Nida described the pure psychosis in her eyes. Another afternoon had been blown listening to Veringas go on, at frustrating length, about the 'finer' points of the research project at the DSRC. It didn't help that the man was quite perceptive when he wanted to be, and he seemed to want to be whenever it was least convenient for Nida. Like right now for instance, as Nida was making his way towards Squall's office with a carefully wrapped package in his hands.

Still, nothing was gained from trying to ignore Veringas but a headache, and so he slowed and came to a stop so the scientist could catch up. He was left waiting a while as Veringas apparently decided that, having caught his attention, he no longer needed to rush. His progress from the direction of the library was so slow that Nida finally sat down on one of the stone benches by the central water fixture, and made a show of pulling out Elijah's journal from his pants pocket. Even as he opened the journal to one of the pages he marked as a favorite, he could see the look of amusement on Veringas's face. The man knew Nida wasn't reading, just showing his annoyance, and he was the kind of man who enjoyed that kind of honesty.

At last the older man reached his side and made a snatch for the journal. It was easy, far too easy, to pull it away, leaving nothing but empty air for the scientist to grab at. Had they not gone through this many times before, Nida might have been offended by the attempt. As it was he was only amused.

"One day you must give me a chance to study that, Nida," Veringas said as he moved to sit by Nida.

"Not likely, Michel. I've told you, a vast majority of the contents are private."

"Definitionally so, being a diary."

"He preferred to refer to it as a journal."

That earned him a sigh from the other man, who proceeded to shake his head pityingly. "I am not a young man, Nida."

"As I well know.

"Impertinent boy. Listen to me the whole way through for once. It is not healthy that you cling so strongly to the dead. You have told me you are not even sure if you truly loved him..."

"I never had the chance to learn."

"Anyway, from what you tell me, his feelings were clear despite his actions. Surely he would desire you to move past your mourning."

"As much as said so," Nida was forced to admit.

"Then move on. Stop living in the shadow of actions you cannot change."

The way Veringas turned his attention to the paper wrapped bundle in Nida's lap, clearly implying his sentiments about what it symbolized. All Nida could do was shake his head and put his hand protectively over the bundle.

"Don't you think it's a bit hypocritical of you to say that when you are clearly trying to change my actions?"

"Ah, but there is a difference, my young friend. I seek to change the future. You wish to hold on to the past."

Nida scoffed. "If you want to try and change things then just come out and say what you mean, Michel."

"Yes, I see your point. Nida, I do not believe you should be doing this. We have discovered much this last month. Much that I could not know without your connection to the GFs. Imagine what we could discover with more time!"

The sheer enthusiasm of Veringas's words were enough to make him genuinely smile. If there was one thing he had come to truly enjoy about spending time with the scientist was his sheer enthusiasm for what he did. If only he could stand to be around him for more than a few hours a day. The last month had taught him that the hours that Michel put into his work was too much for Nida. It was better than doing nothing, but not quite as bearable as a long deployment mission or just normal training. Not that he was going to get much of either in the future.

"Squall gave me his word, Michel, and I'm holding him to it. I can't do this anymore. There are too many memories here. The only way to move on is to move away."

"The war touched everyone, everywhere. Do you really think you're going to find peace there?"

To be honest, no. Veringas was right about that. Everyone had been touched by the war. Boyce's death had solved nothing. There had been some relenting in the Zebalgan forces, some desertion, but mostly it had taken brute force to end things. A new council had risen to fill the void of the one Nida had helped destroy, but their control had lacked the mysterious power Boyce used to solidify his rule. They had still managed to sustain the war for another two months, during which Nida was not given his old command. Instead he found himself deployed to cover Irvine when he was sent to snipe down military leaders or sent to infiltrate the bases or operations centers to find new information. There were even a few missions either alone or with Squall or Seifer to recover captives. It had been hard, unforgiving work that only rarely felt rewarding, and it had only solidified his resolve to leave Balamb. People should not have to do this with their lives. This wasn't the life he wanted to live.

Finally Zell and Seifer had manged to take a major Zebalgan general captive, and Quistis had found a certain harbor housing Zebalgan non-combatants on ships in the same day. It had been the final straw, the combination of losing a major military leader and having their innocents see Selphie react to children by starting up an impromptu game of tag... Well, it was enough to change things. Or start a change. A cease fire was agreed upon, trials arranged for military traitors had found surprisingly light sentences due to an ingenious political maneuver by Squall and his father, and people were slowly being welcomed back to their homes, a move being tolerated through SeeDs from the various Gardens being posted in towns and cities to serve as temporary peacekeepers, but mostly to protect Zebalgans.

Yet the war didn't end without its losses. A Zebalgan of high regard had put forth that nearly a quarter of their population had been lost in the war. No one knew quite what to make of that. Nida and Irvine were less convinced than others. Both had admitted to a gut reaction when the figures were presented, and while they couldn't say why they'd felt it was off, they felt that it was. Irvine thought the number was lower, but Nida still felt it had to be higher than that. He'd seen the numbers at their Centran refuge, and it was supposed to be only one hide away for them. The numbers that came forth after the war were far too small. Nida was certain far more had died than claimed, and that the people were afraid of admitting just how numerous they were.

Everyone, everywhere had been affected. There were still damages to Deling that had to be dealt with due to the artillery force Fujin destroyed with the Rag. Esthar's barrier had been damaged beyond easy repair from a naval attack at their southern borders. Even Winhill had been affected by another attack attempt repelled by Esthari forces. The old mansion had been nearly completely destroyed, and even now new homes were being built due to a fund set up by Laguna and supported by both Squall and himself.

"It's where I need to be," Nida said at last, pushing himself to his feet, slipping the journal away and adjusting his grip on the bundle. "I've heard you out..."

"No you haven't. If you can't stay here, I can get the funding to work in Esthar. You could live in the most advanced city in the world. I can get you your own personal flier. You could spend the time you aren't working..."

"No, Michel. Just let me do what I need to do. Friends support friends, right? And are we not friends?"

"Friends don't let friends waste their true potential. Which is what you'll be doing if you go there. Can't you see that there is nothing there for you?"

"I'll build a life that I want there. It's all I can do."

"So you're going to do it, aren't you? That's your uniform..."

Nida chuckled, patting the bundle. "Just one of them. The rest are in my room. This is more symbolic than anything. He'll appreciate the gesture."

"Seems I can't stop you. Just know that if you ever change your mind..."

"I'm sure someone will point you out to me. Good luck with your research. I've heard Irvine's connection to Mateas has gotten pretty strong lately. He can help the same way I did."

"No," Veringas said with an odd certainty. "I don't think he can."

Nida just smiled and gave Veringas a wave goodbye and resumed on the way toward the central elevator. Squall would be waiting for him. No, more like expecting him. Nida couldn't help but try to smooth out his t-shirt. Not that Squall would care, but he still had to try to look his best as he resigned his position.

"Squall?"

"Nomura. I wasn't expecting to see you before your departure."

"Just wanted to drop this off."

"I see. And the others?"

"Left in the closet when I leave. Or, at least, the ones in any real condition."

"Understood. While you're here, take these. It will save me a runner."

"What...?"

"Your final paycheck."

"I thought we had made arrangements to see this into the Winhill rebuilding fund."

"You'll need it to get yourself set up. If this is an example of your wardrobe..."

"I'll see what I can do. Thanks. I'll see you around Squall."

"Likely enough. Good luck."

"Thanks."

"And Nida?"

"Yeah, Squall?"

"There's always a place for you here."

His life boiled down to one box, and two weapons in a sling over his shoulder. In truth, it was almost pathetic. There's been more once, right? Before he'd gone mad and destroyed so much. Now it all came down to a single box. Not even a big one. Large enough for his few changes of clothes, some mementos, pictures, the few items that had survived it all. Did he even need more? The rest could be filled in with time. Time wasn't infinite, but it would have to be enough.

"That's really all you've got?"

"Not everyone burdens themselves through their lives," Nida suggested, but Seifer just laughed it off.

"Really? I assumed it had something to do with that fit you had after killing your lover."

Months ago that might have been enough to drive him to a fight. He liked to think he'd mellowed out and that was why he wasn't punching Seifer. In truth it was more about the fact that he'd damaged the framed picture of his mother once in a rage, and he wasn't going to risk the glass in the new frame hurting it when he dropped the box.

"You're so funny that I actually forgot to laugh. Silly me. What do you want, Seifer?"

"You really think you're getting away from the posse so easily? I've told you, haven't I? Posse is for life, Nomura."

"You three aren't exactly welcome where I'm going."

"Like I even care," Seifer laughed. "Rules have no meaning for me."

"Says the..." Nida looked toward the arrogant blonde and frowned. "You're not in your uniform."

Sure enough Seifer's SeeD uniform was missing. Nida had never seen him out of it since he'd won his rank. The blond had quickly abandoned the overly formal uniform given to him when he was Zell's second after the war, happily returning to his SeeD uniform, but Nida hadn't seen him out of it once since then. To see him now in casual dress was unnerving.

"But, see, I can't exactly send Fujin. She's still pissed at you. And Raijin... Well, like he'd fit in."

"They hate you there," Nida pointed out. "A lot."

"Nothing new," he responded, smirk saying he wasn't lying. "I'm used to making a place where I'm not welcome. I'll just keep up my record."

"And if I don't want your company?"

"Too fucking bad. Besides, Squall's given me my marching orders. Got to make sure you don't create an international incident or something."

Nida laughed. "Great. I get to babysit you. That's what is really happening here, isn't it?"

"Maybe. Maybe not. I guess we'll see. But I promise you one thing: that place won't be the same when we're done."

As Nida looked up at the red beauty that was the Ragnarok, his lift to his new home, he couldn't help but smile. Chances were Seifer was right. Things wouldn't be the same. But that was precisely what he wanted. Something new. And Galbadia Garden offered him just that.

A stone arch rises out of the fog, filled with a pale blue light that makes his heart skip a beat. Here. This. It was the root of it all. The source of all of the purpose of his life.

And between him and it stood a shadow that he could not help but recognize.

His hand tightened on his tambo. This time he wouldn't fail. It ended today.