Standard disclaimer: I don't own these character, Squaresoft does!! Anyway,
sorry for the really late installment, I had a horrible writer's block but
now I'm glad to say that it's finally complete!! Hahahaha!!
Chapter 17
Squall watched with a smile as Rinoa gulped down her 6th pancake. It was amazing how much she could eat for someone that small build. Hell, sometimes, she even out eats him! Chuckling, he passed her a cup of orange juice when she finally leaned back on her chair with a very satisfied expression on her face.
Smiling softly, Rinoa took the cup from him. "Squall, what are you laughing at?" Saying so, she took a sip of the sweet juice while staring at him intently. Looking at the beautiful picture in front of him, Squall contemplated that Rinoa had changed so much in these years. Beneath the bubbly and relaxed façade, there was a much more worldly and scarred Rinoa. She was quieter, and there was a certain aura of somberness around her; one who was more often than not weary and bitter about life. Rinoa was more pessimistic and thoughtful and insecure and sometimes Squall glimpsed a shade of self-anger and self-pity in her eyes. It made his heart ache so much for her.
"You still eat a lot." Squall stated the fact and watched as her serious face broke out into laughter. Underneath the table and munching her breakfast, Angelo was startled by the sudden sound. Quieting down, Rinoa replied in an offhand way, "Some things don't change Squall." But you did, Squall thought silently.
Unknown to him, Rinoa was also thinking the same thought. Hyne, he looked older and so much more relaxed. Even though he was still the same serious man, Rinoa saw him smile and laugh more ever since they stepped out of the Garden just last night. They had taken the express night train from Balamb all the way to Deling and she had fallen asleep in his arms. When the train had finally stopped, it was time for breakfast. Walking through the early crowd, both of them, together with Angelo meandered their way to a famous pancake shop. Just being able to be with him made her so happy beyond words; Rinoa almost could not eat!
Both of them had to be very careful since they were easily recognized. So out of need, they had changed their appearance in the train. Squall wore a light yellow shirt, black pants and a cap; his Lionheart and Griever chain was hidden out of sight. Rinoa tied up her hair and exchanged her usual outfit for a plain black sweater with a blue skirt. There was naught that they can do about Angelo, so they left the dog alone (thank Hyne for that!). Angelo was in the meantime, enjoying her own food underneath the table, hiding away from the own world and minding her own business.
Looking at him across the table, Rinoa felt her heart tighten. He always had this effect on her and now they were together, no longer separated by a bloody desk. She remembered the many times she stood at the threshold of his office, looking at his stern countenance and wondering who was that stranger that resembled Squall. Rinoa often felt so distant and far away from him whenever Squall was wallowed up in his work; she felt as if she did not know him at all, but now. . . things were different. They were together.
"Squall, what do we do now?. . .where do we go?" Rinoa asked worriedly.
"We'll go somewhere quiet where there is nothing to disturb us." Squall replied without hesitation, his tone decisive. Rinoa smiled dreamily.
"Somewhere quiet and far away. . .away from the crowds. That will be nice." Rinoa said that in a wistful tone. Reaching across, the table, Squall took Rinoa's hand. "Don't worry, things will be all right. After all, no one can guarantee the future." Rinoa smiled; he loved to throw that phrase back to her; it was kind of an inside joke between the both of them. Both of them sat there together for some time, not moving just holding each other's hands and reveling in the warmth. Underneath the table, Angelo dozed dreaming of a dog's dream…
==
"Squall?" The voice was so familiar. Squall paused in his steps and turned around only to see Cid and Edea. "Matron? Sir?" There was genuine surprise on his face where else Rinoa was the one who was expressionless.
Smiling jovially, Cid seemed to be unaffected by what was going around the last two days. Lifting an eyebrow at their possessions, Cid automatically assumed that they were on vacation.
"Rinoa, are you all right?" Edea voiced out her concern for her former student. For a while, Edea had mentored Rinoa, teaching her how to fully maximize her powers and more importantly, how to control it. In that short period of a time, Edea had grown closer to the young sorceress and had treated her like her own child.
"I'm fine, thank you." Rinoa replied back quietly while Angelo went up to Edea, snuggling up against the older woman's legs. Smiling, Edea bend down and gave Angelo a friendly pat on the head.
"So Squall, how's everyone and the Garden? I haven't heard from them for quite a long time. Tell Selphie that she's free to borrow my guitar." Cid chuckled while he scratched the back of his neck. Almost tenderly, Edea held his other hand, their fingers intertwining. Squall narrowed his eyes before replying. "I'm no longer with the Garden, Cid. I've quit."
"What! Why?" Cid was shocked. He turned his head to give Edea a shocked and stunned expression. Likewise, Edea was speechless.
"There was no reason for me to stay. They don't need me." Squall explained to the best of his ability while shrugging. 'The Garden doesn't need me, but Rinoa does… that's all that matters.' Rinoa seemed to know what he was thinking; she turned around and gave him a sweet smile.
"So where are you going to?" Edea asked in a concerned tone.
Rinoa and Squall looked at each other, secretly amused by the question. "We are not sure yet." Rinoa replied back.
"Are the both of you ever coming back to visit again?" Edea pressed on. Something strange was going on, could it be that they had bonded through the sorceress's powers? No! That would be too extreme and dangerous. . .even she and Cid had never tried to do so.
For the first time in their lives, Cid and Edea witnessed Squall smiling. It was a quiet and contented smile. . .it was as if he was finally at peace. Holding out a hand to Rinoa who accepted it, the couple melted away into the crowd followed by a lively dog while Cid and Edea watched. They had their answer.
==
5 years later. . .
"Honey, did you see my socks?" Nida asked as he dug through his closet. Hang it! He's going to be late soon.
The bathroom door slammed open and Quistis rushed out while combing her golden coloured hair. "Nida, I think it's at that corner over there, beside the lamp." Saying so, she was already tying up her hair, getting ready for her morning class.
In less than a few seconds, Nida was already wearing his socks and were now wearing his boots instead. Sitting down near the door of their room, Nida was busy cursing his uncooperative boots. Hang it!
"Honey, I've got to go now. See you later OK?" Quistis bend down to give her husband a hurried kiss. Pausing in the middle of his task, Nida deepened the kiss, making Quistis sigh. Life could not be any better. Beating everyone else to the altar, Quistis and Nida got married about one month ago. Due to the generosity of Headmistress Xu, they had a wonderfully long honeymoon before returning to the Garden. Like what Selphie always say, married life definitely agrees with her.
Quistis could never imagine getting married to Nida 5 years ago but ever since Squall and Rinoa's abrupt departure, Nida and Quistis had gotten closer until the point where they were no longer friends but much, much more than that. And right now, Quistis was living in a paradise. True, the road was not as smooth as she had envisioned; Quistis and Nida had their occasional spats but eventually, they would straighten things out.
Sighing happily, Quistis barely realized that she was on the verge of colliding into a petite brunette with sparkling green eyes. "Hey wake up! Quisty?!" A tiny hand waved in front of Quistis face and it took a moment before the Instructor realized what was happening.
"Selphie?" Quistis asked in a surprised tone. Her reaction was still a bit slow at this hour.
"Tee hee! You look as if you were stuck in the clouds above. So where's Nida? Xu's looking for him already!" Selphie explained while inspecting the heels of her SeeD boots. Some habits never changed after all.
Just hearing his name made Quistis smiled in a sweet fashion. "He's still wearing his shoes. You'll see him running around soon." Quistis explained. Nida was notorious for dashing around the whole Garden, trying to be on time for all occasions.
"Uh OK. So I'll wait outside the Instructor's dormitories for him then. See ya Quisty." Selphie nodded enthusiastically before she flashed a big grin at Quistis and ran off. Quistis smiled and continued her way.
As she walked past the center of the Garden on the first floor, towards the elevator, Quistis saw Zell training some cadets. Actually, to be more precise, he was jogging with them around the whole perimeter of the inside of the Garden; some of the cadets looked half dead and were panting heavily.
Cheerily, Quistis waved at Zell who waved back enthusiastically. There were rumors about Zell impending marriage to the library girl but Quistis knew that nothing was really confirmed yet; Zell had yet to meet Amy's parents. But nevertheless, Irvine was predicting that they will tie the knot in less than half a year time.
Strangely, when Squall's resignation letter finally arrived at the Garden two days after he left, Squall had chosen Irvine as the next Commander. And to everyone's surprise, including Irvine's own, he did really become the next Commander. Irvine Kinneas was as efficient as Squall but less uptight. On weekends, it was not unusual to catch him hanging out in some pub with Zell, Selphie, Nida, Xu and her self. Irvine was at first not confident in his own abilities but after some time he proved that he does possess leaderships skills and had managed to inspire the cadets of the Garden. What was more admirable about Irvine was that he never let work obstruct his life; all 7 of them, Xu, Zell, Selphie, Amy, Irvine, Nida and her self meet everyday for lunch. It was a good time to relax and enjoy each other's company or to forge bonds; Quistis always look forward to lunch time, it was fun being around Selphie who will regal them with jokes. In fact, due to their 'lunch time' Amy had become one of her closest friend and confidante together with Xu.
So far, Quistis was pretty contented with life; it was good and it could not have been any better.
==
Irvine looked at the pile of hotdogs and was very glad of his status as the Commander. Even though being a Commander was exhausting, the perks such as having a certain amount of hotdogs reserved for him made up for the bad parts. Just looking at the hotdogs made him grin, but being a gentleman he is, Irvine decided to wait for the rest to arrive before attacking the plateful of steaming, fresh hotdogs. Already the cafeteria was packed full with students, some queuing up to get their food, others looking for a seat. There was a few who cast envious glances in his way. Yep, being a Commander has its perks alright! Irvine grinned even more.
His stomach then growled ferociously and he sighed impatiently. Where could they be? He was not only hungry but excited. A SeeD stationed at Deling reported seeing Squall and Rinoa just a few days ago. After they both left the Garden, there was a widespread panic and fear that the sorceress will unleash her powers once more. Sadly, fear gave way to hatred and anti- sorceress feeling especially in Deling where Sorceress Edea had once ruled. Women with dark hair and eye colorings were persecuted by angry and frightened mobs making the streets were unsafe. There were riots and strikes demanding that the sorceress Rinoa be found and put to immediate death. Not only that, strange cults with the aim of killing Rinoa sprung up like mushrooms after a heavy shower. The people could not be appeased despite repeated attempts by the government. In the end, only bloodshed calmed their fears.
A car had slid off the highway up in the Deling Mountains, falling off a sharp cliff and exploding upon impact with the ground. Evidence proved again and again that the only passengers in it were Squall, Rinoa and her pet Angelo. Though there was ample evidence such as scraps of their burnt clothes at the crash site, Irvine, Zell, Quistis and Selphie did not buy the story; the thought of losing two of their closest friends was simply too much too bear. What the six of them had went through during the Second Sorceress War had resulted into a form of bond that was unbreakable; each of them knew each other in an intimate way that was driven by fear and hope, something that others could never understand. In a time when hope was lost, all of them found something within themselves and others: courage and faith.
Smiling at his thoughts, Irvine fingered the brown envelope within his coat. He was so honoured when Squall had recommended him as the Commander in his resignation letter. He remembered how he had almost failed Squall during the assignation of Sorceress Edea and it amazes him how much faith Squall had in him. Truth to tell, Irvine felt a certain kinship with Squall. They were very much alike in a sense; lone wolves. He admired and respected his comrade's abilities and because of that Irvine carried the hope that Squall and Rinoa was still alive. True enough, Squall and Rinoa was seen two years after the car crash walking by Dollet's beach and eating at a seafood restaurant with Angelo close behind. By then, their appearance had changed so much that it took Irvine a moment before he recognized the two figures in the photos. The others had reacted in exactly the same way as him. Squall and Rinoa had gone to such great lengths to prevent anyone from discovering their whereabouts and their identity that it was all they could do to respect the couple's decision.
Nevertheless, Quistis, Selphie and Zell would be glad to see the newest pictures of them. Unable to resist any longer, Irvine pulled out a fat envelope from his coat's pocket and took out those pictures. That figure to the extreme left…Yes! It was Squall with a shorter hair and glasses, wearing a yellow coloured hooded shirt and black jeans. Irvine smiled and wondered how Squall got rid of the scar or how Rinoa got him to wear such a cheery coloured shirt. It must have taken quite a lot of persuasion. At that thought, Irvine's grin broadened. Sometimes, he missed Rinoa a lot. She was as open as Selphie but less cheery; she had mellowed a lot during the time he knew her.
Now she did not even looked like her own self. Sporting a ponytail, Rinoa wore a black tank top and a light blue skirt with a denim jacket. She looked so ordinary! But then she was not an ordinary girl to begin with; she was the most stubborn and determined woman who viewed the world in a naïve fashion. Sadly, she was forced to grow up in such a short time. Unlike the SeeDs, she was not prepared emotionally for death, blood, fear and the brutality of war. Irvine sometimes wondered how she handled it all without suffering from any side effects.
Gazing off into space, his mind full of thoughts, Irvine reviewed the past in his mind, thinking about the times they had shared. Almost absently, he also noted that the hotdogs had gone cold.
==
Mr. and Mrs. Storm were very much loved by the villagers of Winhill. Not only was Mrs. Storm kind and friendly, it also helped that her husband ran the only pub in town. Since the death of the previous pub owner, Raine, Winhill no longer had a pub and many people looked back to the good old days of sitting by a warm fire with a mug of warm spiced ale. So naturally as word got around that Mr. Storm was planning to re-open the pub, the villagers' hostility immediately turned into a warm and friendly welcome. Mr. Storm was amused at the villagers' behavior to say the least.
In that way 5 years passed peacefully, Mr. Storm tending to his pub, Mrs. Storm to her writing. Mrs. Storm was one of the foremost journalists for Timber Maniacs and sometimes she would also play the piano in the pub. It was very obvious that Mr. Storm loved his wife immensely; whenever she stepped into the room, he would break out into a smile. Mr. Storm used to be a Galbadian soldier until he met his wife. As they settled down, he quit his job as a soldier and became a pub owner in Deling. However, 5 years ago after the Great Disaster, dark-haired women were persecuted randomly by bloodthirsty mobs. Fleeing the chaos in the capital, the Storm decided to settle down in someplace quiet where Mrs. Storm could concentrate on her writing.
As time passes by, the Storms adapted to the pace of Winhill's leisurely lifestyle and often, the villagers could see the couple taking short walks with their pet Angelo. The villagers found their habit of star-gazing peculiar to say the least and…romantic. (they hate to admit that!)
There was also no doubt that Mrs. Storm looked beautiful with her lustrous black hair and soft brown eyes. Too bad, her chocolate eyes seemed to be filled with sorrow nowadays. For the second time in a row, Mrs. Strom had suffered from a miscarriage. The local doctor advised her to stop trying for a child least she harmed her own health. Mr. Storm was deeply affected by the news and he did not know what to say when he held his sobbing wife in his arms. A serious man to begin with, Mr. Storm became somber. His grayish-blue eyes would gaze off into space and sometimes, he would bring in more flowers than usual to brighten up his wife. It was hard for the Storms, the villagers agreed. But their love for each other overcomes all.
Nevertheless in spite of all the pain and sufferings, the Storms were content and happy, seizing and making use of each precious moment and filling it with laughter and joy. After all, no one can guarantee the future. . .
~Fin~
R&R!!! pls!! So I bet that u all knew who the Storms are right?? Yesy es, its not the most sensational ending but from what I think, most of the heroes just wanted an ordinary life, thus the ordinary ending… hope u all enjoyed it and for all the readers out there…thanks for your support!!
Chapter 17
Squall watched with a smile as Rinoa gulped down her 6th pancake. It was amazing how much she could eat for someone that small build. Hell, sometimes, she even out eats him! Chuckling, he passed her a cup of orange juice when she finally leaned back on her chair with a very satisfied expression on her face.
Smiling softly, Rinoa took the cup from him. "Squall, what are you laughing at?" Saying so, she took a sip of the sweet juice while staring at him intently. Looking at the beautiful picture in front of him, Squall contemplated that Rinoa had changed so much in these years. Beneath the bubbly and relaxed façade, there was a much more worldly and scarred Rinoa. She was quieter, and there was a certain aura of somberness around her; one who was more often than not weary and bitter about life. Rinoa was more pessimistic and thoughtful and insecure and sometimes Squall glimpsed a shade of self-anger and self-pity in her eyes. It made his heart ache so much for her.
"You still eat a lot." Squall stated the fact and watched as her serious face broke out into laughter. Underneath the table and munching her breakfast, Angelo was startled by the sudden sound. Quieting down, Rinoa replied in an offhand way, "Some things don't change Squall." But you did, Squall thought silently.
Unknown to him, Rinoa was also thinking the same thought. Hyne, he looked older and so much more relaxed. Even though he was still the same serious man, Rinoa saw him smile and laugh more ever since they stepped out of the Garden just last night. They had taken the express night train from Balamb all the way to Deling and she had fallen asleep in his arms. When the train had finally stopped, it was time for breakfast. Walking through the early crowd, both of them, together with Angelo meandered their way to a famous pancake shop. Just being able to be with him made her so happy beyond words; Rinoa almost could not eat!
Both of them had to be very careful since they were easily recognized. So out of need, they had changed their appearance in the train. Squall wore a light yellow shirt, black pants and a cap; his Lionheart and Griever chain was hidden out of sight. Rinoa tied up her hair and exchanged her usual outfit for a plain black sweater with a blue skirt. There was naught that they can do about Angelo, so they left the dog alone (thank Hyne for that!). Angelo was in the meantime, enjoying her own food underneath the table, hiding away from the own world and minding her own business.
Looking at him across the table, Rinoa felt her heart tighten. He always had this effect on her and now they were together, no longer separated by a bloody desk. She remembered the many times she stood at the threshold of his office, looking at his stern countenance and wondering who was that stranger that resembled Squall. Rinoa often felt so distant and far away from him whenever Squall was wallowed up in his work; she felt as if she did not know him at all, but now. . . things were different. They were together.
"Squall, what do we do now?. . .where do we go?" Rinoa asked worriedly.
"We'll go somewhere quiet where there is nothing to disturb us." Squall replied without hesitation, his tone decisive. Rinoa smiled dreamily.
"Somewhere quiet and far away. . .away from the crowds. That will be nice." Rinoa said that in a wistful tone. Reaching across, the table, Squall took Rinoa's hand. "Don't worry, things will be all right. After all, no one can guarantee the future." Rinoa smiled; he loved to throw that phrase back to her; it was kind of an inside joke between the both of them. Both of them sat there together for some time, not moving just holding each other's hands and reveling in the warmth. Underneath the table, Angelo dozed dreaming of a dog's dream…
==
"Squall?" The voice was so familiar. Squall paused in his steps and turned around only to see Cid and Edea. "Matron? Sir?" There was genuine surprise on his face where else Rinoa was the one who was expressionless.
Smiling jovially, Cid seemed to be unaffected by what was going around the last two days. Lifting an eyebrow at their possessions, Cid automatically assumed that they were on vacation.
"Rinoa, are you all right?" Edea voiced out her concern for her former student. For a while, Edea had mentored Rinoa, teaching her how to fully maximize her powers and more importantly, how to control it. In that short period of a time, Edea had grown closer to the young sorceress and had treated her like her own child.
"I'm fine, thank you." Rinoa replied back quietly while Angelo went up to Edea, snuggling up against the older woman's legs. Smiling, Edea bend down and gave Angelo a friendly pat on the head.
"So Squall, how's everyone and the Garden? I haven't heard from them for quite a long time. Tell Selphie that she's free to borrow my guitar." Cid chuckled while he scratched the back of his neck. Almost tenderly, Edea held his other hand, their fingers intertwining. Squall narrowed his eyes before replying. "I'm no longer with the Garden, Cid. I've quit."
"What! Why?" Cid was shocked. He turned his head to give Edea a shocked and stunned expression. Likewise, Edea was speechless.
"There was no reason for me to stay. They don't need me." Squall explained to the best of his ability while shrugging. 'The Garden doesn't need me, but Rinoa does… that's all that matters.' Rinoa seemed to know what he was thinking; she turned around and gave him a sweet smile.
"So where are you going to?" Edea asked in a concerned tone.
Rinoa and Squall looked at each other, secretly amused by the question. "We are not sure yet." Rinoa replied back.
"Are the both of you ever coming back to visit again?" Edea pressed on. Something strange was going on, could it be that they had bonded through the sorceress's powers? No! That would be too extreme and dangerous. . .even she and Cid had never tried to do so.
For the first time in their lives, Cid and Edea witnessed Squall smiling. It was a quiet and contented smile. . .it was as if he was finally at peace. Holding out a hand to Rinoa who accepted it, the couple melted away into the crowd followed by a lively dog while Cid and Edea watched. They had their answer.
==
5 years later. . .
"Honey, did you see my socks?" Nida asked as he dug through his closet. Hang it! He's going to be late soon.
The bathroom door slammed open and Quistis rushed out while combing her golden coloured hair. "Nida, I think it's at that corner over there, beside the lamp." Saying so, she was already tying up her hair, getting ready for her morning class.
In less than a few seconds, Nida was already wearing his socks and were now wearing his boots instead. Sitting down near the door of their room, Nida was busy cursing his uncooperative boots. Hang it!
"Honey, I've got to go now. See you later OK?" Quistis bend down to give her husband a hurried kiss. Pausing in the middle of his task, Nida deepened the kiss, making Quistis sigh. Life could not be any better. Beating everyone else to the altar, Quistis and Nida got married about one month ago. Due to the generosity of Headmistress Xu, they had a wonderfully long honeymoon before returning to the Garden. Like what Selphie always say, married life definitely agrees with her.
Quistis could never imagine getting married to Nida 5 years ago but ever since Squall and Rinoa's abrupt departure, Nida and Quistis had gotten closer until the point where they were no longer friends but much, much more than that. And right now, Quistis was living in a paradise. True, the road was not as smooth as she had envisioned; Quistis and Nida had their occasional spats but eventually, they would straighten things out.
Sighing happily, Quistis barely realized that she was on the verge of colliding into a petite brunette with sparkling green eyes. "Hey wake up! Quisty?!" A tiny hand waved in front of Quistis face and it took a moment before the Instructor realized what was happening.
"Selphie?" Quistis asked in a surprised tone. Her reaction was still a bit slow at this hour.
"Tee hee! You look as if you were stuck in the clouds above. So where's Nida? Xu's looking for him already!" Selphie explained while inspecting the heels of her SeeD boots. Some habits never changed after all.
Just hearing his name made Quistis smiled in a sweet fashion. "He's still wearing his shoes. You'll see him running around soon." Quistis explained. Nida was notorious for dashing around the whole Garden, trying to be on time for all occasions.
"Uh OK. So I'll wait outside the Instructor's dormitories for him then. See ya Quisty." Selphie nodded enthusiastically before she flashed a big grin at Quistis and ran off. Quistis smiled and continued her way.
As she walked past the center of the Garden on the first floor, towards the elevator, Quistis saw Zell training some cadets. Actually, to be more precise, he was jogging with them around the whole perimeter of the inside of the Garden; some of the cadets looked half dead and were panting heavily.
Cheerily, Quistis waved at Zell who waved back enthusiastically. There were rumors about Zell impending marriage to the library girl but Quistis knew that nothing was really confirmed yet; Zell had yet to meet Amy's parents. But nevertheless, Irvine was predicting that they will tie the knot in less than half a year time.
Strangely, when Squall's resignation letter finally arrived at the Garden two days after he left, Squall had chosen Irvine as the next Commander. And to everyone's surprise, including Irvine's own, he did really become the next Commander. Irvine Kinneas was as efficient as Squall but less uptight. On weekends, it was not unusual to catch him hanging out in some pub with Zell, Selphie, Nida, Xu and her self. Irvine was at first not confident in his own abilities but after some time he proved that he does possess leaderships skills and had managed to inspire the cadets of the Garden. What was more admirable about Irvine was that he never let work obstruct his life; all 7 of them, Xu, Zell, Selphie, Amy, Irvine, Nida and her self meet everyday for lunch. It was a good time to relax and enjoy each other's company or to forge bonds; Quistis always look forward to lunch time, it was fun being around Selphie who will regal them with jokes. In fact, due to their 'lunch time' Amy had become one of her closest friend and confidante together with Xu.
So far, Quistis was pretty contented with life; it was good and it could not have been any better.
==
Irvine looked at the pile of hotdogs and was very glad of his status as the Commander. Even though being a Commander was exhausting, the perks such as having a certain amount of hotdogs reserved for him made up for the bad parts. Just looking at the hotdogs made him grin, but being a gentleman he is, Irvine decided to wait for the rest to arrive before attacking the plateful of steaming, fresh hotdogs. Already the cafeteria was packed full with students, some queuing up to get their food, others looking for a seat. There was a few who cast envious glances in his way. Yep, being a Commander has its perks alright! Irvine grinned even more.
His stomach then growled ferociously and he sighed impatiently. Where could they be? He was not only hungry but excited. A SeeD stationed at Deling reported seeing Squall and Rinoa just a few days ago. After they both left the Garden, there was a widespread panic and fear that the sorceress will unleash her powers once more. Sadly, fear gave way to hatred and anti- sorceress feeling especially in Deling where Sorceress Edea had once ruled. Women with dark hair and eye colorings were persecuted by angry and frightened mobs making the streets were unsafe. There were riots and strikes demanding that the sorceress Rinoa be found and put to immediate death. Not only that, strange cults with the aim of killing Rinoa sprung up like mushrooms after a heavy shower. The people could not be appeased despite repeated attempts by the government. In the end, only bloodshed calmed their fears.
A car had slid off the highway up in the Deling Mountains, falling off a sharp cliff and exploding upon impact with the ground. Evidence proved again and again that the only passengers in it were Squall, Rinoa and her pet Angelo. Though there was ample evidence such as scraps of their burnt clothes at the crash site, Irvine, Zell, Quistis and Selphie did not buy the story; the thought of losing two of their closest friends was simply too much too bear. What the six of them had went through during the Second Sorceress War had resulted into a form of bond that was unbreakable; each of them knew each other in an intimate way that was driven by fear and hope, something that others could never understand. In a time when hope was lost, all of them found something within themselves and others: courage and faith.
Smiling at his thoughts, Irvine fingered the brown envelope within his coat. He was so honoured when Squall had recommended him as the Commander in his resignation letter. He remembered how he had almost failed Squall during the assignation of Sorceress Edea and it amazes him how much faith Squall had in him. Truth to tell, Irvine felt a certain kinship with Squall. They were very much alike in a sense; lone wolves. He admired and respected his comrade's abilities and because of that Irvine carried the hope that Squall and Rinoa was still alive. True enough, Squall and Rinoa was seen two years after the car crash walking by Dollet's beach and eating at a seafood restaurant with Angelo close behind. By then, their appearance had changed so much that it took Irvine a moment before he recognized the two figures in the photos. The others had reacted in exactly the same way as him. Squall and Rinoa had gone to such great lengths to prevent anyone from discovering their whereabouts and their identity that it was all they could do to respect the couple's decision.
Nevertheless, Quistis, Selphie and Zell would be glad to see the newest pictures of them. Unable to resist any longer, Irvine pulled out a fat envelope from his coat's pocket and took out those pictures. That figure to the extreme left…Yes! It was Squall with a shorter hair and glasses, wearing a yellow coloured hooded shirt and black jeans. Irvine smiled and wondered how Squall got rid of the scar or how Rinoa got him to wear such a cheery coloured shirt. It must have taken quite a lot of persuasion. At that thought, Irvine's grin broadened. Sometimes, he missed Rinoa a lot. She was as open as Selphie but less cheery; she had mellowed a lot during the time he knew her.
Now she did not even looked like her own self. Sporting a ponytail, Rinoa wore a black tank top and a light blue skirt with a denim jacket. She looked so ordinary! But then she was not an ordinary girl to begin with; she was the most stubborn and determined woman who viewed the world in a naïve fashion. Sadly, she was forced to grow up in such a short time. Unlike the SeeDs, she was not prepared emotionally for death, blood, fear and the brutality of war. Irvine sometimes wondered how she handled it all without suffering from any side effects.
Gazing off into space, his mind full of thoughts, Irvine reviewed the past in his mind, thinking about the times they had shared. Almost absently, he also noted that the hotdogs had gone cold.
==
Mr. and Mrs. Storm were very much loved by the villagers of Winhill. Not only was Mrs. Storm kind and friendly, it also helped that her husband ran the only pub in town. Since the death of the previous pub owner, Raine, Winhill no longer had a pub and many people looked back to the good old days of sitting by a warm fire with a mug of warm spiced ale. So naturally as word got around that Mr. Storm was planning to re-open the pub, the villagers' hostility immediately turned into a warm and friendly welcome. Mr. Storm was amused at the villagers' behavior to say the least.
In that way 5 years passed peacefully, Mr. Storm tending to his pub, Mrs. Storm to her writing. Mrs. Storm was one of the foremost journalists for Timber Maniacs and sometimes she would also play the piano in the pub. It was very obvious that Mr. Storm loved his wife immensely; whenever she stepped into the room, he would break out into a smile. Mr. Storm used to be a Galbadian soldier until he met his wife. As they settled down, he quit his job as a soldier and became a pub owner in Deling. However, 5 years ago after the Great Disaster, dark-haired women were persecuted randomly by bloodthirsty mobs. Fleeing the chaos in the capital, the Storm decided to settle down in someplace quiet where Mrs. Storm could concentrate on her writing.
As time passes by, the Storms adapted to the pace of Winhill's leisurely lifestyle and often, the villagers could see the couple taking short walks with their pet Angelo. The villagers found their habit of star-gazing peculiar to say the least and…romantic. (they hate to admit that!)
There was also no doubt that Mrs. Storm looked beautiful with her lustrous black hair and soft brown eyes. Too bad, her chocolate eyes seemed to be filled with sorrow nowadays. For the second time in a row, Mrs. Strom had suffered from a miscarriage. The local doctor advised her to stop trying for a child least she harmed her own health. Mr. Storm was deeply affected by the news and he did not know what to say when he held his sobbing wife in his arms. A serious man to begin with, Mr. Storm became somber. His grayish-blue eyes would gaze off into space and sometimes, he would bring in more flowers than usual to brighten up his wife. It was hard for the Storms, the villagers agreed. But their love for each other overcomes all.
Nevertheless in spite of all the pain and sufferings, the Storms were content and happy, seizing and making use of each precious moment and filling it with laughter and joy. After all, no one can guarantee the future. . .
~Fin~
R&R!!! pls!! So I bet that u all knew who the Storms are right?? Yesy es, its not the most sensational ending but from what I think, most of the heroes just wanted an ordinary life, thus the ordinary ending… hope u all enjoyed it and for all the readers out there…thanks for your support!!