Right after defeating Hades (Disk 4).

Author's Note: Well, this is it! I know I skipped a ton of storyline, but the vast majority of what happens in Disk 4 is pretty self-explanatory character/story-wise. "Yes," I am aware of the intense debate surrounding the origins and purpose of Necron at the end of the game (and I have my own theories), but I'm going to decline from commenting on THAT in this fic.

To the readers who have kept reading this sad excuse for a fanfiction: Thank you and enjoy the last installment!

Gift

Zidane was tapping his foot again, anxious to continue. Rusty was taking forever with Hades' Synth. How long did it take to turn out Tin Armor? Finally, Steiner clamored toward them…in his rusty armor. Zidane's eyes narrowed on the new weapon fastened to the knight's back. "Where's the Tin Armor, Rusty?"

The knight reddened and stared fixedly at the path ahead. "We should continue," he said, pointing resolutely past them.

"Steiner, what's the matter?" Dagger pried.

Zadane caught the humor and leaned forward on his toes. "Hang on," he started, as if noticing it for the first time, "The grip on that sword is all wrong for you. You'll never be able to use it."

Steiner backed away and blushed again.

Dagger smiled gently. "Steiner, is that for Beatrix?"

He shifted his eyes nervously. "W-w-well—BEATRIX'S SAVE THE QUEEN IS A FAMILY HEIRLOOM AND HAS BEEN SCORED BY NUMEROUS VICTORIES IN BATTLE BUT IF IT BREAKS THERE ISN'T ANOTHER ONE LIKE IT SO I THOUGHT THIS WOULD BE A FITTING WEDDING GIFT!"

Everyone blinked at him. Of course, gossip had spread like wildfire that General Beatrix and the Captain of the Knights of Pluto had finally confessed their love, but this?

Recovering, Zidane punched Steiner on the arm. "Wow, Rusty. Didn't know you had it in you."

Steiner blushed but looked very pleased with himself.

"Congratulations, Steiner!" Dagger enthused, eyes shining. She cast a strange look at Zidane, but a moment later everyone else was pushing forward to slap Steiner on the back.

Finally composed, Steiner's face settled into a determined mold. "There will be time for celebration later. First, we must defeat Kuja."

Grinning, Zidane slapped him on the shoulder. "Well, we have to now, don't we?"