Amor Vincit Omnia - Ellone

Bye bye Irvy (chapters 8-10)
By
Ellone

BYE BYE IRVY: a Final Fantasy VIII Flick!
(parody based on the hit Broadway show "Bye Bye Birdie")
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DISCLAIMERS: Final Fantasy VIII ©1999, 2000 Squaresoft. "Bye Bye Birdie" ©1960 Charles Strouse/Lee Adams/Michael Stewart. I recently watched "Bye Bye Birdie" at a friend's high school (school play) and somehow I started to imagine our beloved characters from FF8 portraying these characters... thus this fic has been written just to let my crazy imagination out. Oh yeah, there may be some changes and the songs in the play won't be too elaborate as it is in the actual script of the musical. I don't know ALL the words to ALL of the songs, so I may make stuff up with the tune to the "actual" songs... besides... this is FF8! Gotta have some inside jokes here now... Happy reading and let me know what you think!

NEWS FROM THE AUTHOR! *dodges all the tomatoes being thrown by Squall & Rinoa fans after ending ch. 7 with Rinoa running away with Irvy...* "Wait! Wait! I'm on YOUR side!!" *ahem* Anyway, in BGE (link button below!), I have two sections where I invite FF8 fans to "integrate" their lives to Balamb Garden life--- "Tall Tales" and "Garden Moments." I'm looking for Balamb Garden-related fanfics to host, so if you have one, email me! (sefie@balamb-epitaph.net) I look for everything--- humor, drama, romance, poetry, prose, etc. etc. But I advise you--- please refrain yourself from using foul language... it's an online yearbook, for goodness sake... -_- If I catch one single foul word in there, I'll change it to something else (whether you like it or not). If there's too much of it, sorry... it's not landing in the site. Come on--- there are children who love the game too, you know... and this is a YEARBOOK, dang it! In addition, I'm looking for fanart as well, preferably "student profile pictures."

Speaking of that, I MAY be opening a clique/ring-type of thing called "Balamb Garden Student Body." It's gonna be tough though because I'm thinking of forming a section called "Balamb Garden Student Body," where it'll have all the pictures of all the students categorized by grade year. Now all i need is to "hire" a really good artist to draw our people in Garden uniform//SeeD uniform and post them up in the website... CAN ANYONE HELP ME OUT...? Oh well, that's just one of my future plans...

Anyway... I'm not exactly sure how long we are towards the ending. As you can tell (for those of you who know the "Bye Bye Birdie" storyline) that I'm sorta going "out of the storyline"--- which it was meant to be anyway since we have FF8 going on in here, right?

One more thing though--- sorry about ch. 7... I know it's too long for one chapter... I didn't realize it myself till I checked it out up online (I'm writing this in my laptop, and since my laptop doesn't have net access...) in my own computer. But anyhow, I think ch. 8 may be shorter than this.

CH. 8 SONGS:
Talk to Me - Cid (Raine as background)
Got a Lot of Living to Do! - Irvy (Winhill teenagers as background)
Young Emotions- Laguna & Squall

Balamb Garden yearbook site is up! Come, please visit, and sign the yearbook!

On to chapter 8! Hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and a happy new year to you all!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CHAPTER 8: Got a Lot of Living to Do!

Winhill, Galbadia; the night when Rinoa and Irvy disappeared

So, thus begins "Operation: Revenge" devised by both the Irvy Fan Club Officers and "The Posse" that they earlier today. Rinoa was just fed up with this problem with Squall and now she's with Irvy, showing him around on a nighttime tour. Just by looking at her expression, she became aloof towards anything that meant to her--- her house, her family, her friends, and most of all, that heartbreaker of a man who captured her heart AND broke her heart at the same time. And now, here she is with Irvy, proceeding with the plan. She trusted Irvy enough to give him a small tour, but it looks like Irvy's got something else in his mind. In the meantime at the Caraway Home, all the adults were panicking already. Edea, Rinoa, and Irvy are missing in the house. Right now, Cid has been calling practically everybody in Winhill to see if they have seen a tall, pale-skinned young woman wearing black; long, shiny, silky black hair with hazel eyes; as well as the famous Irvy Kinneas.

CID: (on the phone) ... Yes, this is Cid Kramer, manager of Irvy Kinneas... I'm reporting a-- wait--- THREE missing people right now. Have you seen them...? They're my secretary, Edea; the general's daughter, and most of all, Irvy Kinneas himself!... What?... You've seen Edea?! Where...?? (takes a notepad and writes down what the person on the other line had provided him) What about the others...? Dang it... very well then... if there's news concerning, please call the Caraway Residence... thank you! (hangs up the phone) YES! WE HAVE LOCATED EDEA'S WHEREABOUTS!

ULTIMECIA: (shrugs) Ciddy-poo... don't you think you're overreacting...? I mean, poor Edea is just... you know... poor Edea...

CID: (pouts) Mama, please... I know you may have some kind of hatred or jealousy or something against Edea, but I just wish you'd understand my situation...

ULTIMECIA: (shakes her head) You--- you're krazy, Ciddy! You don't even know a single thing about being independent! What kind of a woman who would just run off like that without letting her man know what was wrong with her? Ciddy, your mama is telling you know--- shop around--- Edea is not for you...

CID: (stands up, looking very pressured) Mama, please, for once, listen to me! I'm tired of this whole charade! I know I love you and you love me, but there will be a time where a mother must let go of her son to move on with his life independently... the reason why I don't look SO independent to you is because you keep spoiling me rotten! "Cidrik, Ciddy-poo, Sonny Boy"... I'm tired of hearing you call me those names... I'm not a kid anymore, Mama... look at me... I'm working successfully, even if I'm losing my star to the Army... and practically I have everything to survive without you, Mama... I have Edea--- the woman I loved for eight years... EIGHT YEARS, Mama, and we're still not married... why? Because we've spent too much time to pamper our star to popularity and concert tours and appearances when we hardly even spent time together as a couple...

ULTIMECIA: (sighs and shakes her head once more) Ciddy, Ciddy, you don't even know what you are talking about!

CID: Mama, I'm trying to say this--- I DON'T need you anymore, Mama... I can live by on my own... (Ultimecia gasps with shock to hear her son say that)

ULTIMECIA: And so... the time has kome... the time FINALLY has kome... (Ultimecia stands up from her seat, as she slowly heads to the kitchen. Cid, looking curious as to where she is heading to, follows her from behind)

Ultimecia arrived at the kitchen and stared at the gas stove. Without letting anyone know, she suddenly opens the oven door, pulls the rack out from the oven, and then lies her head on to it. Slowly, she slides the rack along with herself inside the oven and just lies her head right inside the oven.

CID: (blinks) Mama, what are you doing?!

ULTIMECIA: (points her finger towards the "ON" switch on the stove) Please turn on the oven for me... I will be joining Lou up in the Great Hyne's Kingdom very soon...

CID: (shakes his head in disbelief) Mama, stop that... what you're doing is absolutely ridiculous...

ULTIMECIA: Well then, since you do not need me anymore, what other reasons why I should live and move on...? I have lost both my loves of my life... Lou from the car accident... and you to...

Cid heads to the oven and pulls her head out from the oven and looks through his mother's eyes.

CID: Mama... you still have me till the end... in fact, you are not losing a son... you are gaining a daughter... please, Mama, give Edea a chance... she really is a kind, intelligent, and sweet person to be with. Without her, I would be a failure in my career, the agency will be a total flop, and Irvy Kinneas would not become a sensation that he is right now... please...

Ultimecia starts to think through things when they both heard the phone ringing. Cid immediately runs to the phone and answers it:

CID: Caraway Residence, Cid Kramer speaking... (gasps) WHAT?! YOU LOST EDEA IN SIGHT?! WHY YOU--- (blinks) what...? You found Irvy? Where? Where...? Er... WHAT?! Oh no... ohhhh nooo... DON'T GO AWAY... PLEASE HOLD! (he presses the "HOLD" button on the phone, hangs up, and runs to Ultimecia) Mama, they found Irvy... he and Rinoa are together... they're found at the town square... we have to head there and get them back---

Before Ultimecia can say something, they heard a scream coming from upstairs--- a scream of surprise. Then from there, we see Caraway heading downstairs with a very angry face, followed by both Julia and Angelo.

JULIA: (angry face) HONEY, YOU'RE OVERREACTING AGAIN!! RINOA WILL BE BACK, I KNOW IT!!

CARAWAY: (yelling out) THAT'S IT! I'M THROUGH WITH ALL THIS! I KNEW THAT IRVY KINNEAS IS A BAD INFLUENCE TO ALL KIDS... LOOK AT YOUR DAUGHTER--- SHE RAN OFF WITH... WITH... HIM! SHE RAN OFF WITHOUT MY PERMISSION... DO YOU KNOW HOW SHAMEFUL THAT IS FOR A PARENT, JULIA?! NOW WHERE'S MY SHOT GUN...

CID: (gasps) SHOT GUN?! (dashes to Caraway) Now now, General, don't you think this is just a little too much---

CARAWAY: (yells right at him) YOU! YOU'RE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL THIS MESS! IT'S ALL BECAUSE OF HIM THAT COMPLETELY BRAINWASHED ALL OF WINHILL'S KIDS INTO IRVY ZOMBIES--- MY OWN DAUGHTER RINOA HAS BECOME A ZOMBIE, DON'T YOU GET THAT, MISTER?! LOOK HOW DISRESPECTFUL KIDS HAVE BECOME--- AND HALF OF THEM HAVEN'T EVEN REACHED PUBERTY YET!!

ANGELO: (interrupts in) I respect you, Dad!

CARAWAY: (turns to Angelo and pats him on the shoulder) Yes... I know you do but you're not a child...

ANGELO: (blinks in confusion) What...? I'm not a child?? (thinks to himself) Cool! So... can I run off, Dad---

CARAWAY: QUIET, ANGELO! (looks around for his shot gun) DAMMIT, WHERE'S MY GUN?! I KNOW I HAVE IT HERE SOMEWHERE---

Julia pulls Caraway back with a panicked face.

JULIA: Honey, stop it please! You're embarrassing yourself, ALL of Winhill, and EVEN the Galbadian Army! We don't want to let the WORLD know that the Great General of the Galbadian Army has gone insane due to his missing daughter, who happens to be the one chosen to receive that goodbye kiss from Irvy at the Laguna Loire Tonight Show, ran off for no reason and somehow finds herself hanging out with the great Irvy Kinneas... remember the Laguna Loire Tonight Show... remember that Laguna's staying right NEXT DOOR to ours... if he hears us arguing like this, he might even decide to cancel the whole show!

Caraway then remains quiet after hearing those magic words from Julia.

CARAWAY: (sighs) Then... what do I do to get both Rinoa and Irvy back...?

ULTIMECIA: (interrupts) Why don't you gather all your Winhill townfolk and make a town-wide search for them, huh?

The adults looked at each other, then actually agreed with Ultimecia's idea.

JULIA: (thinks) Mrs. Kramer, that's a great idea! We can bring out all of Winhill to look for them... they have to be somewhere in this town... I mean, it's small enough to easily locate anybody lost!

CARAWAY: We'll do that then...

Right when Caraway was about to pick up the phone, they heard the doorbell ring. Caraway opens the door and is visited with a large mob of Winhill parents...

CARAWAY: (gasps) Ack! What are you all doing at my house this hour?! CAN'T YOU SEE WE'RE HAVING A FAMILY CRISIS?!

MR. THAING: (Xu's father; looking worried) Ay.... General Caraway, have you seen my daughter Xu? She hasn't been back home for a long time now...

MRS. CARINO: (Raijin & Fujin's parents) Where are Raijin and Fujin?! Those two are always out! Don't you know what time it is?!

MRS. TILMITT: (frowns) I KNOW IRVY KINNEAS HAS GOT SOMETHING TO DO WITH THIS--- WHERE IS HE?!

More parents continued to complain right at the general, as Caraway closes the door behind him and makes a loud announcement.

CARAWAY: (yells out) PLEASE, LISTEN UP, ALL OF YOU!!!!! (the mob fell to silence, as they hear their general speak) THIS HAS BECOME OUTRAGEOUS! THE WINHILL THAT WE ALL KNEW IS JUST A FADED MEMORY... NOW, WINHILL HAS BECOME THE WILDEST, MOST OUTRAGEOUS TOWN IN ALL OF GALBADIA, AND I'M LIVING IN THIS PLACE!! IT'S ALL BECAUSE OF THAT BAD INFLUENCE IRVY KINNEAS THAT CAUSED ALL OF OUR KIDS TO GO INSANE, REBELLIOUS, AND LOSE THEIR RESPECTS TO THEIR PARENTS!!!

The mob cheered in support, as Caraway calls out for his wife.

CARAWAY: JULIA! COME OUT HERE! LET US LEAD OUR FELLOW WINHILL FOLKS TO FIND OUR OUT-OF-CONTROL CHILDREN!

Julia walks out from the door nervously, as the mob gets out of hand by making loud gestures so they will be heard by all of Winhill. As the large mob lead by Caraway were about to exit, next-door-neighbor Raine exits from her door with a curious yet angry tone.

RAINE: (yells out) WHAT IN THE NAME OF HYNE IS GOING ON OUT HERE?! I'VE GOT GUESTS TRYING TO GO TO SLEEP RIGHT NOW!!

CARAWAY: (turns to Raine) THIS IS A MATTER OF FAMILY VALUES AND REBELLION, MISS RAINE! EVER ASKED YOURSELF WHERE YOUR DAUGHTER MAY BE HANGING AROUND ON YOUR EVERYDAY LIFE HERE IN THIS TOWN?!

RAINE: (frowns) MUST YOU YELL, CASPER?! THERE'S NO REASON TO YELL! (clears her throat) We're just next door to each other, you know... (shakes her head) Alright, tell me what's going on here...?

JULIA: (sighs) Rinoa ran off... so did Edea and Irvy... this is absolutely horrible!

RAINE: (scratches her head) Relax, Julia dear, Edea's at my place. She wants to get away from Cid and his mother and Irvy for the night right now. She doesn't feel very well tonight.

CARAWAY: (curious) Why do I see the notion that for all the important people that we know of in this town seem to sleep over at your place whenever they have problems they cannot solve with the help of the others in the same house...?

RAINE: (shrugs with a smile) Well... I do have some psychological therapy training while I was in college, you know... many people regard me as a "hidden" shrink sometimes. Anyhow, as for Rinoa and Irvy, I really have no clue... but seriously, those two will be back home... maybe Rinoa just decided to get to know Irvy more and show him around town...

CARAWAY: AT THIS HOUR?!

RAINE: (pats Caraway on the shoulder) Being a celebrity can be dangerous, my friend. Of course, a celebrity wants to be treated like the rest, you know? And he wants privacy... therefore, nighttime is definitely the best time to have a tour... (turns to the mob) Now, I understand your teenager kids are hanging out at this hour somewhere in this town, but please, have a heart... you're only going to be young once... and since Winhill is a very peaceful town anyway that there's hardly any form of crime in here, why are you all worried? They have their friends to be with, so they're never alone--- and besides, all of us know each other here in Winhill, right? Now, right now, Edea is at my place. My daughter Ellone is helping Laguna Loire and his crew out for their special shooting of their "pre-show" before the BIG show starts. So please... (the others turn to each other with curiosity) I want you all to turn back to your homes and trust your hearts in trusting your children... they're very good kids, they are... I've met every single one of them...

MA DINCHT: (gets through the mob) Raine, am I glad to see you out here!

RAINE: (blinks) What's the matter, Ma Dincht...?

MA DINCHT: (sighs) It's Squall... he came home after his date with Quistis... without a word and even ignoring us, he just ran off, not telling us where he was going! I've been worried sick of him since his break up with Rinoa... (sighs sadly, as Raine lowered her eyes) Please, Raine... I know you're the only one who can help him...

CARAWAY: (to the others) ALRIGHT, EVERYONE, I GUESS WE CAN GIVE OUR CHILDREN A CHANCE TO HAVE FUN FOR THE NIGHT... I'M SURE THEY'LL BE BACK...

The mob turned away, as they headed home. The Caraway Couple greeted goodnight to Raine and Ma Dincht, as they head back home. In the meantime, both Ma Dincht and Raine sat at the swinging porch in front of Raine's window, as they have another long chat.

MA DINCHT: (sighs) I'm ready to give up on Squall, Raine... I don't think I have the capability of taking care of him anymore...

RAINE: (gasps) Don't say that, Ma Dincht! You've done such a wonderful job taking care of Squall, Seifer, and Zell... I mean, especially Squall, I'm just so impressed! He made the girls and I french toast for breakfast this morning after he left early... that was so sweet of him... you must have somehow trained these boys to become gentlemen to the ladies! (chuckles lightly)

MA DINCHT: (blinks in confusion) Raine... to be honest with you, among the three boys in my place, Squall is the most difficult to raise up and get him out of his shell. In fact, the thing about him making breakfast for you and the ladies--- he did it on his own. He never does that at home with us.. in fact, I did not even train him on how to make a good meal for a family... he's always introverted and always mysterious. Now.. I'm not saying he's being a bad boy in my household, but what I'm trying to say is... (pauses, as Raine waits for her to continue. Ma Dincht sighs) Raine... I'm begging you... Squall's been in so much trouble internally... and from what I've noticed, the only adult who I think can actually get through his tough shell is you, Raine...

RAINE: (sighs) I still feel too unfit for everyone to say that I'm a mother at this age... they accept that I have Ellone because the whole town knows I adopted her as my own. Everybody knows that I used to babysit her when I was a teenager... everybody knows that I'm the only one whom Elle would only look up to as a big sister and as a mother at the same time... that's why they were able to accept me as a responsible adult taking care of a child in my own house...

MA DINCHT: How old is Elle now...? Nineteen, correct? (Raine nods) So what's the problem? Elle's even two years older than Squall... probably the oldest Irvy fan girl I've ever known in this town... but seriously, Raine... to be honest with you, Squall loves to talk to me about you. He looks up to you very much... in fact... (sighs) He even said a few times that as much as he loves Rinoa... he loves you as well, Raine...

RAINE: (softly gasps to herself) (Does Squall... know... about me...?) Ma Dincht, I...

Ma Dincht stood up and placed her hands on to Raine's shoulder. She looked straight at Raine's deep blue eyes with a serious look.

MA DINCHT: Raine, it's time... I am no longer able to take care of Squall... he may be the same age as my own son Zell, but... Raine... Squall is yours...

RAINE: (confused) Ma Dincht...?

MA DINCHT: Squall is not mine... remember that, Raine... I believe Squall needs to go back to where he really came from... (Raine lowers her head, as Ma Dincht gently lifts her head up) Don't look down at me like that... Squall belongs to you, Raine... he was born to live in your house... he was really MEANT to be with you, Raine... It doesn't matter what people think--- no moment can ever be happier than seeing a young mother loving and taking care of her son regardless of age!

Raine suddenly closed her eyes and gently placed her hand on her womb, gently rubbing it.

RAINE: (a few tears start to trickle down her eyes) Squall... oh Squall... (shakes her head immediately) No... I... I can't just go up to him and tell him who I really am to him and who he really is to me... he'll never accept it... he'll hate me forever for giving him up away just to hide my shame...

MA DINCHT: Tell me, Raine... (shakes her head) Since when did Squall ever hate you...? When was the last time he was ever mad to you...?

RAINE: (to her mind) (Never... he was never angry with me...)

MA DINCHT: I thought so... if you tell him everything, at least he would know where he came from... even if he ends up not accepting you as his real mother, he would still know that you are his mother... no one else but you...

RAINE: He may never even believe that I'm his mother... I'm too young to be a mother of a teenager...

MA DINCHT: Nonsense! You have a powerful motherly instincts, Raine... you have done well in raising up Ellone... if you can raise Ellone to become who she is now, I'm sure Squall may even change to someone who would be open and considerate to others and the world around him if he is under your care... and on top of that, Laguna is... (Raine shakes her head once more) Raine, listen to me!

RAINE: Laguna has amnesia... His friends, Elle, and I have been trying to give him a few clues just so he can remember who he is, where he came from, and what he has here at his own home...

MA DINCHT: Well... Ellone passed by earlier at my house while she's having Laguna, Kiros, Ward, and that little moomba shooting some videos around our neighborhood for their "pre-show" and told me everything... this "pre-show" idea was all Kiros' work, isn't it? (Raine nodded) I believe the reason why Kiros decided to have this "pre-show" so that they'll be able to have Laguna remember fragments of his memories just by touring around the town. Pretty clever, hm? (Raine chuckles a bit) I believe you're waiting until Laguna gets himself together and remembers you, hm? Then from there you'll have to tell Laguna that the both of you have a son named Squall, hm? (Raine nodded) Things will be fine, Raine... I know it will be... (both Raine and Ma Dincht embrace)

RAINE: Thank you, Ma Dincht...

MA DINCHT: (smiles) No sweat, dear...

Before they can exchange more words, Raine heard the phone ringing.

RAINE: Listen... I have to go... I hear the phone ringing... (the two ladies wave goodbye, as Ma Dincht leaves Raine's porch).

Raine dashed inside the house to get the phone. Right at the kitchen is Edea, nibbling on custard pie Raine baked just recently, looking a little angry right now.

RAINE: Hello, you've reached Raine's and Elle's Residence... this is Raine speaking... (gasps) Ah! Well... I... (Raine turns to Edea, as Edea blinked in confusion. She signals Edea about the person who just called. Edea immediately shook her head) uhh... well, I... (goes back to Edea again) Miss Edea, with due respects, I don't want to be rude or anything but Mr. Kramer is on the phone right now and he would like to speak to you...

EDEA: (sighs with stress and grabs the phone) Miss Raine, tell that (speaks on the phone) MEASLY LITTLE RAT (back to Raine) that I'm not here and that he needs to get a REAL life!

RAINE: (blinks and goes back to the phone) Mr. Kramer, I--- well, actually... No no... I... but... (sighs; she turns to Edea again) Miss Edea, I'm begging you now, please... please speak to Mr. Kramer... he sounds so desperate and so lonely... please... it's rather important...

EDEA: (reluctant) FINE... (grabs the phone) What is this idiot want now...? (to the phone) WHAT?!

CID: (on the phone) Edea... please, don't hang up right now, I really need to talk to you... this is a complete emergency...

EDEA: (grunts softly) Have you finally decided whether you should stay as an almost-going-out-of-business musical agent or a prestigious, respected Garden headmaster, hm?! I want you to answer this question and I want to hear your answer NOW, pronto!

CID: Look... please... I'm serious about this... first of all, I really want to make up with you... I know that my mother was very harsh and rude to you for these past eight years, but she and I had a talk... I told her everything on how much you mean to me...

EDEA: (rolls her eyes) Yeah, sure... please indulge me with one of your little lies again, Cid!

CID: Please, Edea... I'm begging you on my knees right now... please talk to me... listen to me... please, Edea...? (music plays again and starts to sing)
Talk to me
Oh dear Edea, talk to me
Speak with me, listen to me
Talk to me...

EDEA: (rolls her eyes once more) Hurry up, let's get this over with!

CID:
Did you know
How you broke my heart
When you stepped out the door
For you and I be apart
Oh talk to me
Baby, talk to me
Darling, talk to me
Walk with me, listen to me
Talk to me...

Edea was about to hang up the phone, but Raine stops her and brings the receiver back to Edea's ear

CID:
Talk to me
My sweet Edea, talk to me
Darling talk to me
Walk with me, listen to me
Talk to me...

RAINE: (joining in, supporting Cid)
Talk to him
The night right now is very dim
The time's right for you to talk to him
Walk with him, listen to him
Talk to him...

CID: (back to speaking mode) Edea, you had no idea how much you truly mean to me... we've been so happy together in love for eight years and we've gone this far for us to stay together... I don't want to throw everything away, Edea... and I'm admitting now... I'm sorry... I've been such a moron... my mind was so much for Irvy that everything was just going so well for us since his popularity... now that Irvy will be leaving us very soon... I wanted to do everything to keep Irvy to us and maybe... maybe persuade the Galbadian Army--- Rinoa's father, specifically--- to pardon Irvy and not draft him to go to the army... but now, I have finally become a REAL man... and my mother finally understood what you and I truly meant... (all of a sudden, they hear another phone line opening between them) Huh?! Hello??

ULTIMECIA: (speaking in between) Cidrik, are you still begging Edea right now?! (clears her throat) Edea, this is Mrs. Kramer speaking... if you don't please my Ciddy now I will be forced to match Ciddy up with that young lady Mara!

EDEA: (gasps with surprise) Uhh... Mrs. Kramer...? I...

ULTIMECIA: (sighs) Yes, it is I... I'm very sorry for putting you down like that... you don't deserve it... I see how much my Ciddy-poo loves you very much... I was very foolish... I have underestimated you... you see... Ciddy has had past experiences on being dumped by beautiful ladies like you... but you are different... that is why I am very overprotective of my Ciddy... for goodness sakes, eight straight years! I thought throughout those eight years that Ciddy has gained another girlfriend... but I now realized... all of them turned out to be you... so please, Edea... give my Ciddy-poo a chance... he's a good boy... he deserves a woman like you to love him as much as I love him... please, Edea... even I am begging you for him...

CID: (continues singing)
Talk to me
Darling, talk to me
Sweet lady, talk to me
Walk with me, listen to me
Talk to me...

RAINE:
Talk to him...

CID:
Edea, stay with me

RAINE:
Stay with him

CID:
I need you dearly

RAINE:
Need you so badly, so please...

CID/RAINE:
Talk to (me/him)

The song ends, as we wait for Edea to respond...

EDEA: (sighs with some tears falling from her eyes) Oh Cid... my darling... how... oh I'm so sorry, Cid...

CID: (gasps happily) Oh Edea... I'm so glad that you're--- (suddenly, Edea hangs up the phone, Cid hears a dial tone) Edea?!

Edea embraces Raine happily after hanging up the phone.

EDEA: (smiles) Oh thank you, Miss Raine!

RAINE: (confused) But... I haven't really done anything, Miss Ede---

Without a warning, Edea dashes outside and runs next door and knocks on the door. Cid answers the door, as Edea throws herself to him. Cid embraces Edea tightly, they kiss tenderly, as Cid turns Edea around on the air happily. He brings her down, as the couple embrace each other lovingly and happily. Ultimecia and Raine dashed outside to witness the happy couple.

ULTIMECIA: (sighs happily) Awwww... look how beautiful you two look...

RAINE: (chuckles happily) I'm so happy for the two of you!

CID: (chuckles, kissing Edea) I'm happy completely now... Edea and I are officially now with no more meddling mothers bugging us around...

ULTIMECIA: (glares) EXKUSE ME, CIDRIK KRAMER?!

CID: (laughs) I'm just kidding, Mama! (Edea chuckles, as Cid turns to her. He bends down on his knees, holding Edea's hand to his) Edea Margarita Consuelo Alvarez... will you marry me...?

ULTIMECIA: (blinks) Eh?! Is that what your name is? What is...? Edea Margarita Konsuelo Alvarez? Very LONG name... ay ay ay!

EDEA: (chuckles) Just Edea, Ma'am! (turns to Cid with a smile) How can I not, my darling Cid Kramer...?

CID: OH EDEA MY SWEET! (Cid places a diamond ring gently on to her finger, as the two embrace and kiss)

RAINE: (sighs in bliss) Hmm... I'm very happy now... now that you two are together... I believe it is my turn...

EDEA: (chuckles softly) Look for Laguna Loire, Raine Leonhart!

Cid and Ultimecia gasped with shock to hear Raine's last name for the very first time.

CID: (gasps) Miss Raine--- Leonhart?! I thought "Raine" was your last name! Everybody in town called you "Miss Raine"! I thought "Raine" was your last name! (Raine and Edea giggled)

ULTIMECIA: (thinks) Hmm... if your last name is Leonhart, then... wait... are you related to that sweet girl Rinoa's boyfriend...? That handsome young man with the brown hair and blue eyes...

RAINE: (decides to shock both Cid and Ultimecia even more with a smile on her face) Squall is my son, Mrs. Kramer!

CID: (gulps) What in the--- YOUR SON?! But... but... I mean you look so young... you look like you just got out from college! How old are you, really...?

RAINE: I admit I lied my age as being forty, but I'm really thirty-eight years old. I know that at this time, it's forbidden and immoral for a young woman to become a mother at such an early age, but as of this point, I could care less of what they think of me. I love MY life... MY home... MY Laguna... MY Ellone... and MY Squall! As of tonight I feel VERY proud to be me... VERY proud to be Raine Leonhart!

CID: (scratches his head) Wait a minute... you and Laguna have just met earlier for one day...

RAINE: (shakes her head) Yes... after seventeen years... but he and I have known each other for a very long time. He is also a resident here in Winhill... but he has lost some of his memories because of the war... but now he's back, thanks to Kiros and Ward... all things missing in my life will be complete once and for all!

EDEA: (smiles) Well...? What are you waiting for, Raine...?

ULTIMECIA: (laughs) You go get him now, young lady... or he will be lost forever!

Raine bows humbly to the three, waves at them, and dashes out from her house to look for Laguna. In the meantime, the Irvy girls (minus Rinoa and Quistis) and "The Posse" (minus Squall) were running around town to look for each other. They have split up to proceed with their little spying game with Squall and Quistis until they heard news from somewhere that Rinoa ran away from home with Irvy, Squall is missing, and Quistis locking herself in her bedroom crying in tears. But whatever was going on at this point, they eventually find each other. Right now, Raijin and Fujin arrived at the town square, where there's hardly present but other fellow teenagers like themselves.

RAIJIN: (breathing heavily) Man, what's up with everybody, ya know?! Why can't we find them, ya know?! I've called the guys of the posse but nobody's home, ya know?

FUJIN: SAME. (nodding)

RAIJIN: (frowns) Man, where are they when you need them, ya know? Did ya hear that Squall and Quistis kissed at the end of their date?

FUJIN: (nods and glares) RAGE.

RAIJIN: (laughs) Hey hey, at least it's just a little kiss, ya know? I just hope Squall's not serious about that kiss, ya know?!

FUJIN: (places her hand on her waist, making her signature pose) QUISTY. KISS. SQUALL... RAGE!

RAIJIN: (sighs) Man... I hope Seifer's alright, ya know? I'm getting worried about him, ya know? I just hope he doesn't do anything crazy or else, ya know...?!

SEIFER: (speaking from behind) OR ELSE WHAT?!

Raijin gasped in surprise and turns his head. He sees Seifer approaching right at them.

RAIJIN: Yo Seifer! Dude, thank Hyne ya okay, ya know?

SEIFER: (frowns) Whatever... I'm over my pain and it's time for me to give Squall a-whoopin' for taking my future girl away! I'm tired of being "second best" under him... dammit, I know Squall can get ANY girl he wants since he doesn't seem to have a problem getting a girl anyway thanks to all these other girls chasing after him, but DAMN--- why does HE have to take Quistis away from me?! He knows clearly well that Quistis is mine!

FUJIN: (rolls her eyes) CALM DOWN.

RAIJIN: Yo Seifer, I wonder where all the others are? We gotta hear all sides of the story to see who's the REAL heartbreaker between Squall and Quistis.

SEIFER: I'll never forgive him for hurting poor Rinoa like that... (raises out his gunblade from his sheath) NEVER!! HE'LL DEFINITELY REGRET THIS SOMEDAY!! (both Raijin and Fujin back away so they won't get hit by Seifer's accidental swing)

FUJIN: RAIJIN. ME. SUPPORT. YOU... SEIFER.

RAIJIN: And the rest of the posse and the Irvy chicks, ya know?

SEIFER: (crosses his arms as he places his gunblade back to his sheath) Hmph... Squall Leonhart BETTER not be showing up right here and right now and start bragging about his little fiasco movie date with Quistis when that movie date was SUPPOSED to be just for Quistis and ME!

FUJIN: (clears throat and just doesn't seem to like pretending to have a speech problem anymore) SEIFER...

Seifer turns to Fujin with curious eyes.

FUJIN: QUISTY... it's all Quisty's fault. I don't believe Squall Leonhart's got something to "ruin" your chances with her. But don't get me wrong... I am one of Quisty's friends, remember that... and so is Rinoa. Seeing Quisty "stealing" Squall away from Rinoa after Squall broke up with Rinoa was completely unexpected for the girls and I. (sighs) I guess everyone has their own "evil" side... we've seen Quisty's and it's just plain shocking for us...

SEIFER/RAIJIN: (gasps with eyes widened) YOU CAN TALK STRAIGHT?! SINCE WHEN CAN YOU TALK STRAIGHT?!

RAIJIN: (blinks) That's weird... I didn't know you can talk straight like that, ya know...? How come you never talk like that back home, not even with Mommy and Daddy, ya know? (Fujin deliberately kicks him back on his shin) OWW! THAT HURT, YA KNOW?!

FUJIN: Because I am not a big loudmouth like you, you moron! (rolls her eyes) Okay, so I admit--- I'm being too difficult, but that's just me... I'm insane. But I'm a lot smarter than you think... (shakes her head) ARGH, why the hell are we talking about me? This is about Rinoa, Squall, Quistis, Irvy--- argh, whatever--- OH MY HYNE!!! (Fujin gasps for breath, as she goes back to her "normal" self again) RINOA. SQUALL. IRVY. FIND? (Seifer and Raijin both spanked their foreheads and just shook their heads)

Then, the three heard footsteps nearing towards their direction. They looked ahead east of where they are at the town square and spotted two couples--- both holding hands--- dashing right towards their direction. The three couldn't make the view since it was so dark and squinted their eyes to make their vision clearer. Then as they try to make clear of their faces, they hear a voice coming from one of them.

ZELL: (calls out) SEIFER! RAIJIN! FUJIN!!

RAIJIN/FUJIN: (blinks) ZELL?!

Zell and Selphie, both holding hands, and Nida and Xu, also holding hands, were arriving right towards their direction.

SEIFER: (blinks) CHICKEN-WUSS, NIDA, AND THE CHICKS?!

The two "couples" (why are they holding hands anyway?) arrived with worried look on their faces.

SELPHIE: (gasps) Fu! Have you seen Rinoa?! Or even Squall?!

FUJIN: (blinks in curiosity, as she stares at Zell's and Selphie's hands holding each other) SELPHIE... ZELL... TOGETHER?!

ZELL/SELPHIE: (gasps) Uhhh... (immediately they let go of their hands and pretend they did not mean it) You didn't see that, Fujin...

FUJIN: (smirks) HEH.

SEIFER: (frowns) What the hell do you want, Chicken-wuss?!

ZELL: (smirks) Seifer, GREAT news!

SEIFER: SHUT UP, CHICKEN-WUSS! I ALREADY KNOW SQUALL KISSED QUISTIS AFTER THE DATE AND BOY SHE LOVES IT, I KNOW THAT, SO WHAT'S SO GOOD ABOUT THAT?!

SELPHIE: (jumps up and down) NO NO NO, SEIFER! It's QUISTY who kissed Squall... but you know what?! SQUALL DIDN'T LIKE IT! HE DUMPED HER! HE LEFT RIGHT AFTER SHE KISSED HIM!! MWA HA HA HA HA!!! RINOA AND SQUALL FOREVER!! (everyone's eyes turned to her) Uhh... hehe... (blushes in embarrassment) Sorry...

NIDA: We've been looking for Rinoa, Squall, and Irvy... we heard from a big mob of parents that Rinoa and Irvy ran away from home... nobody knows where they went!

XU: (sighs) Rinoa still has a chance to get Squall back... the only problem is, Squall is missing too! We looked for him everywhere... he's not even on the beach on his rock, sitting down and resting...

FUJIN: (bends down and also notices Nida and Xu holding hands) XU... NIDA... TOGETHER... OOOOOOH....

Nida and Xu gasped and let go of each other's hand... both of them started blushing heavily.

FUJIN: (laughs and points at them) HA! TOGETHER... AFFIRMATIVE!!

NIDA: (Xu sticks her tongue at Fujin, as Fujin gives a smirk at Xu) S-s-so what...? So what if Xu and I like each other... a lot... at least I was able to break her Irvy obsession away and was able to pay attention to me...

XU: (blushes) Um... well... Nida and I... well... umm...

ZELL/SELPHIE/RAIJIN: (gasps with a smile) Oooooooh.... Nida and Xu... when did this happen?!

SEIFER: (shrugs) Look, whatever, it just happened.. it's all good... they're together, end of story! Now... let's go split up again and look for---

Before Seifer can continue, they hear a familiar voice coming from behind.

RINOA: (calling out) SEIFER! SELPHIE! ZELL! YOU GUYS!

Both the Irvy girls and the posse turned and saw Rinoa running right towards them. Where's Irvy?

SEIFER: (blinks in confusion) Rinoa, where have you been? We've been looking all over for you...

RINOA: (frowns) Look, if it's about Squall and Quistis, I DON'T CARE! (sighs to herself) (Stop lying, Rinoa... you know you still want Squall... nobody can EVER refuse Squall's charms, especially you...)

SELPHIE: (gasps and looks around) Where's Irvy, Rinoa?!

Rinoa points her thumb behind her, as they spot Irvy just following Rinoa, looking happy with a mob of teenage girls walking along with him, asking him to sign autographs and trying to get him to speak to them.

IRVY: (swarming with girls around him, feeling loosened up and just signing random autographs) Ladies, ladies, calm down now, hm...? There's plenty of Irvy around for all of you, hm? (he winks at the ladies)

IRVY FANGIRL #1: Ohhhhh Irvy... the sound of your voice... really chills down my spine... oh how I want you so badly...

IRVY FANGIRL #2: (clinging on to Irvy's arm) Oh Iiiiiirvy... please sing us a song... make us Winhill girls happy...

IRVY FANGIRL #3: (sighs) Please... at least, just for us... our president of the club Rinoa Heartilly already has your heart, especially that you're going to kiss her at the Laguna Loire Tonight Show... please...?

IRVY: (stretches his arms from having his arms being clinged by obsessive fangirls, he spots Rinoa and friends and waved right at her) Yo baby, wait up!

SEIFER: (rolls his eyes) Oh great... Rodeo Playboy is here...

They wait till Irvy approaches right to them.

IRVY: Whoa, what's this? The Winhill Teenage Committee meeting...?

SEIFER: (points right at Irvy with a glare on his face) YOUR ASS IS MINE, KINNEAS!! YOU ARE THE MAIN CAUSE FOR BREAKING RINOA AND HER BOYFRIEND AND taking MY future girl AWAY from me---

Rinoa covers his mouth with a small glare on her eyes.

RINOA: Seifer, let me handle this... (turns to Irvy) Irvy, I believe it's time for you to open yourself up to the real world...

IRVY: (shrugs) Whoa, baby, what's with the serious face now, hun? I'm beginning to love Winhill more and more 'cuz it's beautiful, it's warm, it's near the totally awesome beach, really nice people, and HOT DAMN... (sighs in bliss) REALLY, REALLY, REALLY HOT CUTIES!! (the fangirls giggle, as they cuddle closer on Irvy) Whoa... not too tight now, beautiful... (turns back to Rinoa) Besides... don't think of me as some self-centered celebrity who cares nothing but money and looking good, now come on... I'm a very sensitive kind of fellow... in fact, I've got SO much living to do... here, I'll show you guys something... come on!

Irvy leads the Irvy fangirls and "the posse" towards the streets, as he starts to have another song coming on to their scene. The way he moved really caught all the fangirls and even the posse boys into dancing to his song ready to begin

IRVY: (singing)
Yo... I'm just an average guy
Who just wants to live and enjoy life
I just happen to be a guy who passes by
Living my life and looking for a wife

So come on now and join with me
Heading forward to the path of the future
I don't want to be stuck in the same world for eternity
'Cuz I've got a lot of living to do!

IRVY FANGIRLS: (except Rinoa)
I'VE GOT A LOT OF LIVING TO DO!

IRVY: (turns to Rinoa) You see, sweetheart? You may think I'm just a guy who only thinks of fame, but I'm beginning to love your hometown... makes me feel so much at home, even if this place really isn't my home... so much things to do here even if it's just a smal place and so much things going on here... and oh boy... (starts to sing again)
Baby baby can't you see
I need someone to take care of me
And this place has got it all
A lot of living to do, all in all

I love what I do and I love to make you happy
But deep inside me all of this is not enough
This is why I wish to be set free
Being stuck as a star is just too tough

So come on now and join with me
Heading forward to the path of the future
I don't want to be stuck in the same world for eternity
'Cuz I've got a lot of living to do!

IRVY FANGIRLS:
I'VE GOT A LOT OF LIVING TO DO!

IRVY: (turns to Seifer) Don't look at me, buddy boy... this love relationship thing between a boy and a girl is none of my business... I may be a guy who loves the company of women, but I respect every single one of them... and please.. (turns to Rinoa) I had no idea this chick's got a man... and quite a good-lookin' one too-- almost mistaken for a star like me... but hey, I don't know what your problem is, all I'm asking you is to let me be... I've got a lot of living to do! (sings again)

So come on now and join with me
Heading forward to the path of the future

IRVY/FANGIRLS: (together)
I don't want to be stick in the same world for eternity
'Cuz I've got a lot of living to do...

Irvy suddenly places his arms around Rinoa, as Rinoa looks right towards Irvy. Selphie, Xu, and Fujin were about to drool on Irvy again. Irvy gently caresses Rinoa's face, which made "the posse" get even angrier. But at the same time, Rinoa felt herself hypnotized by Irvy's look towards her.

SEIFER: HEY! YOU LEAVE HER ALONE!!

IRVY: (whispers to Rinoa) You ARE quite a lovely lady... I see why I find myself envying your man... he's the lucky one... let's just say he's my match for your affection... you see, hun... (without even being aware of it, Irvy gently pulls Rinoa to him, as all the fangirls including Selphie, Xu, and Fujin, follow them from behind. They hide nearby and spy on the two) The first time I saw you when I first arrived here... to me, it was pure love at first sight...

RINOA: (suddenly finds herself falling for his charms, as she shakes her head) No, Irvy... I know I'm excited as much as you are with the Laguna Loire Show, but...

IRVY: Hm? But what, hun...?

RINOA: (sighs to herself) (I love Squall Leonhart with all my heart...) I love Squall... with all my heart...

IRVY: (blinks) Hm...? Then... where is he...? I don't see him running towards us and pull you away from him... where is he, Rinoa Heartilly...?

RINOA: (immediately pushes herself away from Irvy, as she slowly backs away from him) Please, Irvy... I know that we'd end up kissing in the show, but... I don't have those "love at first sight" feelings for you...

IRVY: (sighs) But Rinoa... can't you see, sweetie...? I want you... I know you want me too... I can tell by the way you look at me...

RINOA: (shakes her head with tears falling from her eyes) The young Rinoa Heartilly who's obsessed with the rock legend Irvy Kinneas wants you... but I, Rinoa Heartilly at age seventeen, no longer wants you... this Rinoa wants Squall Leonhart--- the legendary teen idol of Winhill... and I know in my heart that he wants me to, despite of what happened to the both of us... Goodbye, Irvy...

Rinoa runs off in tears, as Irvy reaches out for her.

IRVY: (reaching out for Rinoa) Rinoa--- wait, please... I... I think I'm in love with you, Rinoa.... wait.... (but it was too late... Rinoa disappeared from his sight and Irvy sighs sadly) Oh Hyne... why...? Why does it have to be now...? Why didn't it happen earlier...? Why didn't I stumbled upon this place just to meet a girl so beautiful and so sweet as she...

As Irvy was about to sigh out his sadness, the Irvy girls lead by Selphie, Xu, and Fujin, arrive.

SELPHIE: (sighs) Irvy...?

IRVY: (turns around and sees Selphie) Oh... hey.

SELPHIE: (blinks) My name is Selphie Tilmitt, Rinoa's best friend and vice-president of you fan club here... I... I know it's an honor for me to get to speak to you, but... it's about Rinoa... you see... I just realized it now.. Rinoa has passed through this stage of crushing over a celebrity... she has Squall Leonhart... even if Squall broke her heart because of what you are about to do to her in the Laguna Loire Show...

XU: (smiles) I'm sure there are lots of girls like Rinoa out there!

FUJIN: (smiles) RINOA... TAKEN. ME... SINGLE! (suddenly reveals a calling card and gives it to Irvy) CALL ME. (she winks right at Irvy)

SELPHIE/XU: FU?!! (Fujin smirks, as Irvy smiles a bit)

Meanwhile, Rinoa runs away from the scene, passing by "the posse." She accidentally bumps into Seifer.

SEIFER: (being shoved back, as he hangs on to Rinoa) Rinoa, whoa... what's wrong...?

Rinoa looks up to him with teary eyes.

SEIFER: (eyes widened) Why you crying...?

RINOA: (suddenly cries over his shoulder, as Seifer embraces Rinoa for comfort) Squall... where is he...? I miss him so much... I want to see him... I want to hear his voice... I want his voice to say that he loves me with all his heart... I want him to hold me into his loving arms... and kiss me lovingly and passionately... (weeps gently) oh Seifer, Irvy just declared--- it was love at first sight--- he wants me to be his girl... he knows that I'm no longer taken.. that's why he's taking this opportunity... please help me, Seifer, please...

SEIFER: (turns to Zell, Nida, and Raijin, as the other three just shrugged) I... I don't really know what to do.. I mean, I'm having problems of my own too.. and I don't know where to find Squall... he's not found anywhere at all including the beach... (Rinoa just cried even more over his shoulder)

RINOA: (cries out) SQUALL!!!!!!!

SEIFER: (stares right at the other three while patting the sobbing Rinoa) Help me out here, you losers!

ZELL: (frowns) Man that Squall... he always ditches us like this, whether if he has problems or not... he's more of a problem child at home than both of us combined!

SEIFER: (rolls his eyes) I DIDN'T ASK YOU TO TELL ME WHO SQUALL IS TO YOU, CHICKEN-WUSS... WE'VE GOTTA FIND HIM SOMEHOW...

ZELL: (shrugs) YOU CALL ME CHICKEN-WUSS ONE TIME AND I'LL... (he was ready to make his "violent" move when Nida steps in between them again)

NIDA: (frowns) WILL YOU TWO CUT IT OUT?! Jeez... you two just can't get along, do you?

SEIFER: Whatever man, jeez... think, guys, think!! There's gotta be ONE MORE place where Squall would hang out to be alone from his problems other than his rock down the beach...

The boys start to think and find out the next possible place where Squall could be. The last time he was seen was right after he left Quistis back home after he was kissed. Meanwhile, Laguna, Kiros, Ward, and Ellone were still busy shooting for the "pre-show" when things start to somehow come back to Laguna's mind...

LAGUNA: (narrating) And here we are--- our last stop of our Winhill Tour "pre-show"--- the Winhill Town Square. Lots of things happen here at the town square--- and this here fountain here was built about a hundred years ago right after Winhill was founded!

KIROS: (signals Ward to turn the record button off) Uhh... Laguna... can I ask you something?

LAGUNA: (frowns) MAN! WHY'D YOU INTERRUPT FOR, KIROS?! I was doing good too...

KIROS: Well.. uhh... that's the thing... I DO have a question...

LAGUNA: Err... what?

KIROS: How'd you know this fountain was built a hundred years ago right after Winhill was founded...?

Laguna was about to answer until he lost his train of thought.

LAGUNA: (thinking inside his head) (Hey... Kiros is right... how the heck did I know when this fountain was built...? Man... this is weird...) Uhh... I dunno... it just... popped into my mind... (Ellone giggles from behind)

KIROS: (places his arms on his waist) Alright, let's take it to the top...

WARD: .... (does countdown) (Four... three... two... one... ACTION!)

LAGUNA: (clears his throat) As I was saying, the Winhill Fountain, like most fountains around the world, is also famous for being a "wish maker", meaning people would throw coins into this fountain and make a wish. But this fountain in particular is one very special fountain indeed. They say that when you do make a wish here after you throw the coin, your wish ACTUALLY comes true! In fact, when I was younger say around twenty years ago, I made a wish that the girl I've had a crush on for a very long time would also be in love with me the same way as I do... and a year later--- BOOM! My future wife Raine Leonhart and I have officially become a couple--- (Laguna suddenly blinks in confusion, as he immediately covers his mouth) (What am I talking about...? What the... what's going on...? What are all these things just popping out from my mind...?)

KIROS: (shakes his head) Cut! Cut! Cut! Cut! (Ward turns the camera off, as Kiros head up to Laguna) Laguna... this is awesome!! You're beginning to remember!!!

Laguna shakes his head as he slowly sits down on the edge of the fountain, rubbing his forehead on both sides.

LAGUNA: (murmuring to himself) (Ugh... what's happening to me...? Why is it now that I remember everything...?) (he starts to gaze all around Winhill from all sides and gasps to himself) (Is the war... over...? Am I really... back home...?) (stares at himself) (Why do I suddenly feel a bit... older...?) (touches his face and turns to the water. Thanks to the moonlight, he was able to see his reflection) (Oh man.. .I do look older... what's happening... I... I'm back home...? Really...?) (immediately turns to Kiros) Kiros! Please tell me it's not a dream...

KIROS: (shakes his head) No... it's not a dream.. this is a reality... the war is not exactly over due to threats outside Esthar, but yes... the war is over... Sorceress Adel is gone forever and we're home now! (Ward and Ellone run to both Laguna and Kiros)

LAGUNA: (shakes his head) How come it's now that I remember all these things...? Kiros... what's going on? What have I been doing...?

Kiros tells Laguna the whole story when Ward and Ellone arrived to the scene.

LAGUNA: (stares right at Ward) Ward... is it really you...?

WARD: (nods with a smile) ..... (TR: "Finally you remembered, you idiot!")

Laguna gazes at Ward with confusion as to why he couldn't talk.

LAGUNA: Ward, what's wrong with you...? Aren't you glad to see me remembering who I really am...?

KIROS: Uhh... Laguna, um... you see... we were all badly injured during the war and we were all captured.. you suffered amnesia while Ward here... well.. somehow something happened to his voice box that unables him to speak his words forever...

Ward sighs sadly as Laguna sighs as well.

LAGUNA: You've been a great man and a great soldier, my friend... (the two embrace each other, patting each other's backs) Now I'll have to get used to you not talking anymore...

WARD: .... (TR: "Tell me about it...")

Laguna turns to Ellone.

LAGUNA: Hmm... and who might you be, Ma'am?

Ellone chuckles, as she introduces herself.

ELLONE: (bows) Uncle Laguna, I remember you quite well... I understand that you don't recognize me because I was only around four when you, Uncle Kiros, and Uncle Ward were drafted off to war...

LAGUNA: (gasps) Uncle... Laguna? There's only ONE little girl I know back then who only calls me that... (approaches Ellone and tries to picture her sweet, beautiful face) Are you.... Ellone...? Please say you are and that I'm right...

Ellone suddenly embraces Laguna tightly, placing her head on his shoulder.

ELLONE: Welcome back home, Uncle Laguna... Mom has been waiting seventeen years for you to come back... oh we're so glad you're back home...

LAGUNA: (releases Ellone and takes a good look at her) Look at you, little Elle! You're all grown up! (Ellone chuckles) You have a boyfriend yet? (Kiros and Ward join in the laughter)

ELLONE: Not yet... but seriously...

LAGUNA: (gets worried) Raine.. how's my Raine doing...? I mean... I hope she hasn't forgotten about me and...

ELLONE: No, never! She loves you dearly with all her heart! She never got married all those seventeen years because she waited for you... her love for you is just too strong... in fact---

RAINE: (calling out from behind) LAGUNA!!!

Laguna slowly turns his head and sees Raine waving right at him. He expressed a big smile, as he runs to Raine. Raine also started running towards her.

LAGUNA: RAINE!!! OH RAINE, I'M BACK HOME!!!!

They reached each other and gave each other a warm, loving embrace. Laguna carries Raine and turns her around, as the two suddenly kiss each other passionately.

KIROS/ELLONE: (sighs) Awwwww.... (Ward sheds a tear on his eye)

LAGUNA: (places Raine down, as the two gaze at each other) Oh Raine... how I've missed you... you still look so beautiful just like you were seventeen years ago...

RAINE: (gently kisses him) I would say the same with you, my love...

LAGUNA: (blushes heavily) Oh my Hyne... I can't believe you waited for me all these seventeen years... why, Raine...? Why didn't you decide to be married after you learn that I won't come back till seventeen years later...

RAINE: (the two embrace each other tightly again) Laguna... you see... (she whispers on to his ear) when you were drafted the next day... the doctor and I discovered that... well... I was conceived...

Laguna slowly parts from Raine with a shocking look.

LAGUNA: (gasps) Is the child... mine...?

Raine nodded with a smile, as the two embrace each other happily again.

LAGUNA: Where is he...? Our... son...?

RAINE: (smiles again) I know where he is.. please come with me... (the two look at the other three, as the three waved. The reunited couple ran off to a certain place where they may be able to find their son--- Squall Leonhart)

Laguna and Raine, hand in hand, headed to the flower meadows not too far from the beach and reached a small treehouse right at a certain tall oak tree. Raine calls out to the tree house.

RAINE: (calls out) SQUALL!! IT'S US... RAINE AND LAGUNA... PLEASE COME DOWN...

Squall looks out from the treehouse window, looking emotionless towards them, as he climbs down slowly from the treehouse.

RAINE: (sighs sadly) Squall... um... I know you're not in the mood to hear any other truth other than your problem with Rinoa and Irvy, but...

SQUALL: (thinks to himself) (What's going on here...? Why is Laguna with Miss Raine...?) No, go ahead... I'm listening.

RAINE: (glances at Laguna, then back at Squall) You see... well... I... (she sighs, feeling overly nervous about revealing to Squall the truth about himself) oh Squall, please understand me for what I'm about to tell you may be completely shocking to you...

SQUALL: (What's Miss Raine pointing at...?) I won't be able to understand you if you don't tell me what I need to know... what is it about...?

LAGUNA: (embraces Raine gently and whispers something on her ear, as he sits on the log next to Squall) Squall... listen... Raine and I... I mean... (he can feel his leg cramping up once more) No.. not now... stupid cramp...

SQUALL: What is it, Miss Raine...? Laguna...? Is there something wrong...? Can I help...?

RAINE: (bites her bottom lip and closes her eyes) Laguna and I know more about you than anyone else in this town... your past... everything!

Squall blinks in confusion, as he pats to an empty seat on the log, inviting Raine to sit next to him. Raine takes the seat, as now we see Laguna and Raine sitting next to their son.

SQUALL: My past...? I don't understand... I don't really have a past... I'm an orphan with no parents---

LAGUNA: (shakes his head) Y-y-you see... about that part... about... you having no parents... well... (he gazes at Raine again, as he starts to hold on to his cramping leg) you see...

SQUALL: Laguna, Miss Raine, what's going on...? I don't understand... what do you know about my past...? What about your parents...?

The couple gazed at each other once more. They both nodded finally, no more hiding and nervousness through this. It is time for Squall to learn the truth about himself... who he is, where he belongs.

RAINE: Before Laguna became the popular Laguna Loire in his own tonight show... Laguna is a resident here in Winhill, just like you and me. He was born and raised here in Winhill, completely purebred, and... Laguna and I were good friends. Then... we both grew up and fell in love... then... one day...

LAGUNA: (continues from where Raine left off) One fateful night... Raine and I did something that was somewhat regretting yet at the same time so wonderful... but because we were so young back then, it was completely forbidden to do that deed here in Winhill. People will look down on both of us, calling us "insults to real world," and Raine and I didn't want this to happen, but... it did...

SQUALL: (glances at both Laguna and Raine) Something... regretful yet at the same time so wonderful...? (to himself) (Are they trying to say...? Raine and Laguna had a child of their own together...? What's all this got to do with me...?) Times have changed, Laguna... everyone's liberal now... no one will ever think of this as forbidden...

RAINE: (sighs) I... I understand, but... can't you see, Squall...? I feel so ashamed... ashamed at all my sins and mistakes that I'm afraid of even facing them...

LAGUNA: (sighs) Two days after that night, I was drafted to go to war against Esthar... it was our final goodbye until the war ended... that night... it was not until Kiros and Ward, our two other best friends who were drafted a few days later I went away, told us that Raine... was conceived...

SQUALL: (I knew it... they did have a child... but still... what's this got to do with me...?) Miss Raine... really...? You've been a real mother...? (Squall blushed a bit, gazing right at Raine) I... oh Miss Raine... I just hope you didn't... you didn't... your child, I mean...

RAINE: (shakes her head) I didn't want to give up my own child so I decided to keep it... I wanted to become a mother while his father is away to war... and when the war is over and comes back home.. we would be married... but since it was forbidden for a woman to become a mother at such a very young age--- I was twenty-one when I gave birth--- instead of giving my child up for abortion... I decided to give it up for adoption instead...

SQUALL: (Now this is getting to be REALLY confusing... why are they telling me this...? What do I have to do with it...?) Miss Raine... please don't be afraid to reveal everything... I'm glad you came up to me to tell me your past...

LAGUNA: (sighs) The point is, Squall, Raine didn't tell you this just to look for someone she could trust... when Raine and I have finally reunited tonight... we both knew it was time for us to reveal the truth...

RAINE: (sighs in pure bliss) Oh... that tiny little baby... it was so beautiful when I gave birth... a beautiful baby boy... (gazes at Squall's eyes) he's got such beautiful ice blue eyes... (gazes at Squall's hair) very soft, velvety brown hair... (gazes at Squall's skin) and a creamy skin so soft to touch... it was like... a fluffy feather... so tender... so warm... so... he was just so... beautiful... oh I was so happy that there's someone so kind to me who would be willing to take care of our son for years until I have finally grown up to be suitable as a mother... and now... here I am... and my son... oh my beautiful, wonderful, son...

Laguna reaches his hand over to Raine, as Raine reached hers to him. They held each other's hands tightly, as both sighed.

SQUALL: (Miss Raine... Laguna... I... I don't know what to say... are you trying to tell me...? Wait... the war happened seventeen years ago... I wasn't even born yet... unless... (gasps to himself) No... oh man... are they trying to tell me...? Hyne, tell me... am I....? Is this the reason why they're telling this to me...? Is Raine and Laguna's son be... me?) Your son is seventeen-years-old now... isn't he...?

Laguna and Raine nodded.

SQUALL: Blue eyes... brown hair... soft skin... (he suddenly looks at himself.. his hands... he felt his face... his hair... suddenly he stands up) Miss Raine... Laguna... please tell me... I need to know now... is your son....? (he places his hands on to himself) Am I.... your son...? Am I... that beautiful baby boy that you described to me...? From the sounds of it, Miss Raine... the way you described your missing son... completely fits my description... these blue eyes--- I have blue eyes... the brown hair--- I have brown hair... and maybe the baby's creamy skin...? Could this skin of mine fit that description...? Miss Raine... (sighs) Are you and Laguna... my mother and father...?

Without even aware of it, Raine suddenly bursts into tears, covering her face to hide herself from Squall.

RAINE: (crying endlessly, tears falling down from her eyes one by one) I'm so sorry, Squall..... I'm VERY, VERY sorry... please forgive me... it would completely break my heart if you find yourself hating me now for giving you up to someone else's care...

Laguna takes Raine into his arms and comforts his lover, as he glances his eyes towards Squall, who has not had a chance to respond to Raine's reaction.

LAGUNA: (clears his throat) I don't blame you for being angry with your mother and I... but you deserve to know the truth about yourself... I should apologize myself... for losing my memories in the aftermath of war... and not coming back to your mother like I promised...

Squall lowers his head and shakes his head with his eyes closed.

RAINE: (lifts her head up and gazes at Squall with teary eyes) I love you with all my heart, Squall... you don't know how much it really hurts me so whenever I see you calling someone else "mother" instead of me... how it hurts me so much to imagine that my own son would turn against me because of the sin that I have committed to him... you don't deserve all this, Squall, but I just... I just don't know what else to say to make everything up to you... (Laguna hushes Raine, caressing her back gently in comfort)

SQUALL: (in his mind) (How... how could they do this to me...? After all these years of being softspoken yet living my life through the hardest of times on my own...? Not even Ma Dincht succeeded in turning me into happy teenagers like Zell and Seifer... but...) (sighs) There's too much in my mind right now... (Ever since I was a kid... Miss Raine was always visiting us, not just to do the gardening, but to also give the guys and I treats... I knew all alone that I was Miss Raine's favorite... that everytime she sees me, it brings joy and bliss to her heart, as she said... now I see the reason why...) (he gently glances back at Raine, then goes back to his thinking mode) (But... what am I talking about...? Miss Raine never left me alone... she was always there, coming over the Dinchts' place... always there when the guys and I hang out... always there...) (sighs once more) (Miss Raine... was always there... for me... with my breakup with Rinoa and... Oh Hyne... Miss Raine... my mother... I just can't believe it, but on the other hand... I always knew and felt in my heart that she and I are connected somehow...) (turns to the weeping Raine once more) (I've dreamt many dreams at times... other than being with Rinoa in my dreams and in reality... I've dreamt of Miss Raine being my guardian angel... and... to my surprise... it is true...)

After having a long thought to himself, Squall leaned closer to Laguna, as he gently moves his hands towards Raine's head... he gently lifts Raine's head up from Laguna's shoulder, and with his other hand, wipes the tears off his mother.

SQUALL: Don't cry... please...

Raine gazed right through Squall's eyes, as Laguna's eyes turn to his son as well.

SQUALL: I love you...

And right at the moment, Squall takes Raine from Laguna, kisses her on the cheek, and embraces her tightly in to his arms.

RAINE: (still weeping softly) Oh Squall...

Mother and Son held each other tight, as Laguna stood up and embraced both Raine and Squall into his arms.

LAGUNA: (whispers) We're a family... we are now officially a family... Raine... Squall... Elle... and myself... we ARE the Leonhart-Loire Family...

SQUALL: (whispers) Yes... just you, Raine Leonhart, my mother... and Laguna Loire, my father... and Ellone... take me home...

The three parted with smiles on their faces. Raine wipes off her tears, as both Laguna and Squall help her wipe off her tears away, as the three started chuckling.

SQUALL: (smiling) I'll have to tell Ma Dincht, Zell, and Seifer that I'm moving back to the Leonhart Residence... or Loire Residence.. whatever...

From behind, we see Ellone, Kiros, and Ward running towards them. It looks like they followed them from behind, as the three waved at them.

RAINE: (waving happily with both her arms) ELLE! KIROS! WARD!!

Ellone, Kiros, and Ward approach them with happy smiles, as they all embraced each other. Ellone turns to Squall with a sweet smile on her face, as the (adopted) big sister and little brother embrace each other.

SQUALL: (chuckles lightly) Sis Elle...

Ellone curtseys right in front of Squall.

ELLONE: Little Brother Squall...

Squall turns to Kiros and Ward...

SQUALL: Uncle Kiros... Uncle Ward...

The two men nodded, as they patted the young teen from the back.

LAGUNA: (laughs) Wait... before you move in back to us, Squall... there's something that I really need to do with your mother before we can officially call ourselves the Loire Family!

SQUALL: Hm...?

ELLONE: (blinks) There is, Uncle Laguna?

KIROS: (smirks) This I gotta see... (Ward shrugs away)

Laguna turns to Raine, as he holds her hand gently into his. Then, he bends down on his knees, looking up to Raine.

LAGUNA: (clears his throat) It has been seventeen years that we have been apart, yet as of now I feel so much that we really are truly to be together for eternity... I don't want to miss this chance with you, Raine... never... and I feel so obliged that... I want to spend the rest of my life with you... with two lovely kids and two great friends who supported us...

RAINE: (blushes) Oh Laguna...

LAGUNA: (finally, the words...) Raine Elizabeth Leonhart... will you marry me...?

Everybody stood still, as they await for Raine to answer. Again, more tears start to flow down from her eyes.

RAINE: Yes, Laguna Loire... yes!!! YES!!!

Laguna removed the ring that he was wearing and gently places it around Raine's finger. Even if it was too big, Raine lifted her hand up and stared at the ring. The two embrace each other and kissed passionately. Ellone started to shed some tears of joy, Kiros and Ward shot the whole proposal scene, as Squall placed his arm around his adopted older sister.

KIROS: (sighs in bliss) This is beautiful... just simply beautiful...

WARD: ... (TR: "They were really meant to be all along...")

ELLONE: Ohhhh... I just love romantic happy endings...

SQUALL: (sighs to himself) (Someday when I propose to Rinoa when we're older... it would definitely just like the way Laguna--- err--- Dad--- would do...)

The two part, as everybody started cheering happily for them. They decided to head back with smiles--- all except for Squall. They all headed back to Raine's house inside to celebrate a bit. Squall, on the other hand, did not feel like celebrating. Although he is very happy for both his parents to be married soon, he still has one more problem to resolve before the big show comes. He sat outside the porch, sighing deeply to himself, keeping himself quiet. Minutes later, both Raine and Laguna came out from the door to meet their son.

RAINE: (sighs) Aw, Squall... what's wrong, sweetie...?

SQUALL: (slightly turns his head towards them) I still have my own problem to resolve, Mom... Dad...

Both Raine and Laguna nodded, knowing what Squall was talking about.

LAGUNA: (turns to Raine) You go back and entertain Elle and the boys, Raine... I'll take care of this, hm?

Raine nodded at Laguna, as the couple kiss. Raine goes back inside, as Laguna relaxes himself against the swinging porch next to Squall.

LAGUNA: (stretches his arms) Aaaaaahhh... it feels SO good to be home... as they say, there's no place like home!

Squall remains quiet, as Laguna turns his head to him.

LAGUNA: Aw, come on, son! (gently spanks Squall from behind his shoulder, as Squall nudges away with a small smile on his face) What's bothering you, hm? Not gonna talk to your old man, eh?

SQUALL: (sighs) I don't know anymore... I completely messed everything up between Rinoa and I... I got this thing with Irvy got to my head so much... it just really tore me apart so much that I really wanted to get up to Irvy and kill him off myself... but... I don't want to disappoint Rinoa... she is one of Irvy's biggest fans, after all...

Laguna shook his head with a small smirk on face, as he turns his head away.

LAGUNA: Sounds like the both of you are confused right now as to what you have is really pure love or not...

SQUALL: (blinks) Lagu--- I mean Dad... I mean... how would you know all that stuff? It's not like you've fallen in love with someone special when you're my age...

LAGUNA: Maybe, but what I'm seeing here is... well... your emotions are still too young...

SQUALL: (confused) Our emotions are still... young...? I don't understand...

LAGUNA: (nods) You hear me, kiddo... young emotions... gets everything complicated to this point... maybe you ought to think further more and like... I dunno... try to contest your feelings for each other and all that shnazz, etc. etc. etc.

SQUALL: (thinks) Young emotions...?

Laguna can feel the perfect time for him to sing his part:

LAGUNA: (starts to sing)
Young emotions
Are mixed emotions
For it's a world where love and confusion reign
A world of hope and laughter and tears of pain
At times a gentle breeze and a hurricane
A world full of doubt, but love works it out

SQUALL: (in mind) (Young emotions...? Rinoa and I...?)

LAGUNA:
Young emotions
Are strange emotions
Although you're brave, sometimes you are so afraid
But knowing there are memories to be made
You'll face each new tomorrow on dismay
For your love will keep you together
For your love will help you to whether
These young emotions

Laguna pats Squall from the back with a smile, as Squall just glanced right at his optimistic father. He nodded to his son, as Squall smiles a bit and starts to think...

SQUALL: (singing)
Young emotions
Are strange emotions
Although we're brave, sometimes we are so afraid
But knowing there are memories to be made
We'll face each new tomorrow on dismay
For our love will keep us together
And our love will help us to whether
These young emotions...

Squall sighs deeply, as Laguna places his arm around his son.

LAGUNA: Aw, come on now, cheer up, boy... this can't be THAT bad... I mean come on... who would anyone dump you for some other goon, eh? You've got everything that'll make girls go cuckoo on you!

SQUALL: (smiles a bit) Thanks, Dad...

LAGUNA: (chuckles) Hehe... you'll find a way soon...

SQUALL: (sighs) I miss Rinoa... and... I just dumped Quistis... not that we were going out in the first place, but... she's still going to be after me and I don't want that... I want to be set free and love Rinoa freely... but it's not working... at all...

LAGUNA: (hugs his son tightly) Bah... there will be a way... don't let these young emotions get to you, kid... (sings again)
Young emotions
Are different emotions
As they say this is what life should be
But love can always change what things would be
Someday you will discover that there is hope
For your love is strong, and your love is for real

SQUALL: (singing)
Young emotions
Are odd emotions
I know that someday we'll choose a path
A path that will tell us where our fate have sat
I see the good and bad in what life truly is
But our love will keep us together...

LAGUNA:
And your love will help you to whether...

LAGUNA/SQUALL:
These's young emotions...

After the singing, both father and son embraced each other, with Squall sighing and Laguna just comforting his son with a smile on his face. Just by that smile, we already know--- Laguna sure is very proud to be a father--- and not just another father, the father of Squall Leonhart.... The only thing that they need to fix now are three things: #1 - Deal with Quistis. #2 - Deal with Irvy. #3 - Declare Squall's love for Rinoa. Now we have Cid and Edea settled together with the eccentric Ultimecia... then Raine and Laguna reunited along with their long-lost son Squall... the Laguna Loire Tonight Show with Irvy kissing Rinoa on TV is just a few days away... what's going to happen next...? Squall will still be living at the Dinchts until Laguna and Raine get married; Laguna still preparing for his show; Irvy looking very confident in winning Rinoa's heart just by that single kiss on TV alone... what worse can come right after all this...?

Stay tuned--- Chapter 9!

BYE BYE IRVY: a Final Fantasy VIII Flick!
(parody based on the hit Broadway show "Bye Bye Birdie")
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NEWS FROM THE AUTHOR! (I just hope you guys are reading this before you can actually get to the actual story!!!!)

Everybody had a great holiday season? New year's coming! Happy happy New Year to all!

Welp... as it turned out right when I started writing this chapter, it's likely that there will be ten chapters for "Bye Bye Irvy", plus an epilogue (what happens after all this madness happened?). I was going to plan to write a sequel to this, but I need as much input as I can to all you readers. To be honest with you, I suck at writing action-adventure-type of stories; I'm more into the "romantic comedy"-type. Well, whatever the sequel may be should be something as great as this, right...?

One small note to all the "Quiefer", "Saifuu," "Quall," etc. etc. fans--- you're expecting ONE specific couple to be focused on this fanfic... well, to be honest with you people, there's MORE focuses than just one couple, and now I'm already addressing this to you people--- if you DON'T like the couples I pair up here in my series, here's my take--- TOO BAD! This is my fic; I wrote it; developed the characters and plot to become a parody of a Broadway musical--- please, deal with it and get a life. I REALLY appreciate for all of you to NOT TELL ME HOW TO WRITE MY FANFIC! The reason why I'm bringing this up is because I've received a review for one of the chapters, telling me this pointless review:

"You'd better make this a good 'Quiefer' or 'Quall' fic... that's the ONLY reason why I'm reading this..."

Here's my answer: DO NOT TELL ME HOW TO WRITE MY FANFIC!!! I do NOT need to know the reason why you're reading this... I really want to know from readers if the story that I'm writing is good or not. I don't really care whether if you're a "Quiefer," a "Saifuu," a "Squinoa," or whatever the heck of strange name you are... do you like the story or not? That's all I ask... First of all, this is an "overall" romantic humorous fic starring ALL of the FF8 characters, correct? Personally I'm having a blast writing this, but since I've encountered readers like these people who commented things like the one above mentioned, all the fun is gone. Now... if you all don't agree with me on this little rant of mine, please DO NOT post at the reviews section. Email me instead: Sefie Tilmitt. Thank you.

Also, I'm looking for an avid, talented fan artist who would be willing to draw and color a "poster"-like artwork of "Bye Bye Irvy." In fact, I was thinking of having a contest... the thing is, I don't know what to give them yet... other than using that fanart as part of my "special" layout section for "Bye Bye Irvy." It's an experiment. More later.

I'm kinda running out of ideas for songs, so I MAY start making up weird lyrics that don't even make sense but in some way they actually do make sense.

CH. 9 SONGS:
In the Still of the Night - Elle and the Timbers
We Belong Together - Laguna, Kiros, & Ward
Earth Angel - Seifer ("The Posse" as background)
Magic is the Night - Rinoa

Balamb Garden Epitaph is currently switching servers, so the site is down for the moment. Anyhow... Chapter 9... here we go!

Oh yes, one more thing before I forget...

WARNING!!! Mushy romance alert! If you hate mushy romance, PRESS THE BACK BUTTON NOW! =P

-Sefie T.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CHAPTER 9: Serenade

Winhill, Galbadia; two days later

Hmm... let's see... oh yes, the very next day after Squall discovered that he really was not an orphan after all, things were a little boring at that time. Rinoa decided to stay at Selphie's house for a few days before the BIG show; Irvy is still pining for Rinoa's heart (even if they really didn't get to know each other THAT well); Cid and Edea already planning how their wedding is going to be like with the help of Ultimecia and Julia; Raine and Ma Dincht are also planning for their wedding; Laguna hassles through the guest lineup before the Irvy final show occurs on his show while rehearsing; everything's just fine at that day. In addition, even if the Leonhart-Loire Family decided for Squall to move into the household after the wedding, Squall could not wait any longer, so he decided to move in that day. As for Kiros and Ward, Laguna's longtime buddies and comrades at war, the couple begged the two men to live with them. Kiros and Ward, since they don't have any other place to live at in Winhill, decided to live officially with the rest of the family. Of course, it wouldn't be fun without these two around, right? And so, the Leonhart-Loire Family Household consists of six people.

Squall and Seifer work out their differences after what happened without violence for the very first time (oh joy!) and decided to work things out with this Rinoa-Irvy-Quistis dilemma. Zell and Selphie were getting closer and closer by the minute since their little "mission" to spy on Squall and Quistis; Nida and Xu were talking more and more on the phone more frequently than in the past; Raijin and Fujin are still the same, no change at all.

The following day came and more rehearsing at the auditorium took place. Only this time, there's some problems occured at the guest lineup, and Laguna was getting upset.

LAGUNA: (frowns angrily) Jeez... I can't believe the magician's backing out on tomorrow's show... dammit... why did it HAVE to be the last minute!

KIROS: (overlooking the lineup) We need to have another guest to perform over the magician's segment... it has to be really spectacular because the Irvy segment is coming after that...

LAGUNA: (grunts to himself) Dang it... of ALL the times... it HAD to be the day before the show...

KIROS: (frowns) It's not the Shumi magician's fault that he's suffering Shumi Fever, so calm down... we'll look for someone to take on the segment...

Laguna snaps his fingers and turns to Kiros with a big smile.

KIROS: What.. you have an idea already?

LAGUNA: YEAH! (smirks) Can we have Squall and Rinoa on the show singing my song? (both Kiros and Ward spank their foreheads, shaking their heads at the same time) Aw come on, man... why not?!

KIROS: We already told you--- NO! That'd spoil the whole surprise with the Irvy show... come on, Laguna...

LAGUNA: (sticks his tongue) Well Squall's MY son and I can have HIM in my show whenever I want and however I want, so nyaaaaaah!

KIROS: (shakes his head) Whatever happened to the element of surprise, Laguna? We can't have Rinoa out in the show before the Irvy segment... that'd just make the Irvy segment less popular than the previous guests that we have... don't you get it?

LAGUNA: (frowns) Fine... you already win... you know I can't have Squall in my show by myself without this sweetheart, hm?

Ellone overhears the conversation while fixing up the sets with the volunteers and approaches them.

ELLONE: (sneaks in) Hi Uncle Laguna, Uncle Kiros... what's going on...?

LAGUNA: (pats Ellone on the shoulder) My dear... we're a family now... call me Dad! (Ellone giggles)

ELLONE: Okay... Dad... so what's up?

KIROS: The Shumi magician can't make it tomorrow at the show... we need to fill that segment in before the Irvy show... and so far we haven't had any ideas as to who we're gonna invite.

Ellone turns towards her three guy pals in her a capella group "The Timbers," chatting while painting the sets.

ELLONE: Uhh... Dad... um... I think I have an idea...

LAGUNA: (blinks) Hm? Hehe... atta girl... what's your idea, sweetie?

ELLONE: Well... how about me?

LAGUNA/KIROS: (blinks) YOU?!

ELLONE: (smiles and nods) Yup! And my friends over there... (she turns towards them and whistles loudly to them. Zone, Watts, and Bradley paid attention right to their group leader and approached them)

ZONE: Hey Elle, what's up?

Ellone starts snapping her fingers... the Timber boys follow her.

ELLONE: (to Laguna) Just give me a chance, Dad... and hear me out...

Ellone notions to the boys, as she gives them different signals. The Timbers follow her, as Watts starts off as the bass voice...

WATTS:
Ba-doom-ba-doom

Zone and Bradley follow...

ZONE/BRADLEY:
Shoo-doo-shoo-be-do
Shoo-doo-shoo-be-do
Shoo-doo-shoo-be-do
Shoo-doo-shoo-be-wah

Ellone starts to sing...

ELLONE:
In the still of the night
I held you, held you tight
For I love, love you so
Promise I'll never let you go
In the still of the night

ZONE/BRADLEY/WATTS:
In the still of the night

ELLONE:
I remember...

ZONE/BRADLEY/WATTS:
I remember... (repeatedly)

ELLONE:
...back in May
The stars all shine up above
I hoped and then I prayed
To be your precious love

So before the night
Hold me again with all of your might
In the still of the night

ZONE/BRADLEY/WATTS:
In the still of the night

All the volunteers stopped what they're doing, as they go around the group, listening to them sing...

ELLONE/ZONE/BRADLEY/WATTS:
Shoo-do-be-doo
Shoo-do-be-doo
Shoo-do-be-doo
Shoo-do-shoo-be-wah
Shoo-do-be-doo
Shoo-do-be-doo
Shoo-do-be-doo
Shoo-do-shoo-be-wah

ELLONE:
So before the night
Hold me again with all of your might
In the still of the night...

ZONE/BRADLEY/WATTS:
In the still of the night...

ELLONE:
... in the still of the night...

ZONE/BRADLEY/WATTS:
Shoo-doo-shoo-be-doo....

ELLONE:
Ohhhh... whoa whoa....

Everyone on the scene including Laguna, Kiros, and Ward applauded loudly, completely impressed by Ellone's hidden talent (not to mention hidden hobby)... after the song, Ellone curtseys and the three boys bow.

LAGUNA: Wow!! Oh man!!! Ohhhh maaaan!!! I had NO idea we've got singing talent in the family!!! Bravo bravo bravo!!!!!

KIROS: (applauding) Hmmm... I think we've got our problems solved, Laguna...

LAGUNA: Ohhhhh-yeeeeeaaaah!

A few hours later, Raine arrived at the auditorium, carrying a large tray of sandwiches while Ma Dincht brings in a large cooler filled with drinks for all the volunteers. She greets Laguna with a kiss, as he tells her the good news about Ellone and her Timbers.

RAINE: (smirks) Of course, Laguna dear! We've got REAL talent in our family genes, you know that!

LAGUNA: (chuckles) Hehe... first there's Squall with his cute song for me... then we've got Elle here!

RAINE: Anyway... umm... I've been thinking about this, but... I believe we really do need to get everyone's hopes as possible as it can be before tomorrow's show, darling...

LAGUNA: (thinks) What do you mean?

RAINE: I mean... we have to do something for our son's love problems, but the thing is... how...? I mean, we can't have everybody feeling down when the show's coming up tomorrow, right, dear...?

Ellone joins in the conversation.

ELLONE: (thinks) Uhh... I don't wanna change the subject and all, but...

RAINE: What is it, dear...?

ELLONE: Umm... I've been curious... I mean... how did you two finally get together as a couple...?

The couple turned to each other, as Raine started to giggle softly. Laguna scratches his head in confusion.

LAGUNA: (blinks) What's so funny, Raine...?

RAINE: (continuously giggling) The way you finally wooed my heart back in the days... I personally think it's the sweetest thing a man can do to a lady just to win her heart... but you cramping your leg at the same time as you were serenading in front of my window was the most hilarious moment I have ever seen!

Laguna scratches his head, trying to remember. Kiros and Ward joined them.

KIROS: (overhearing the whole conversation) It was deliberously stupid, but I'm surprised it actually worked...

WARD: ... (TR: "Not to mention Laguna cramping his leg like heck while he was making his move... he looked REALLY stupid... hehe...")

Kiros and Ward started laughing along with Raine.

LAGUNA: I still don't know what you're talking about, Raine...

ELLONE: (gives a small smirk) Please do tell, Mother! What was that hilarious yet romantic moment that Unc--- err--- Dad did!

RAINE: (refrains from giggling) You see... one night, Julia and I had a slumber party at my place and invited all our girl friends when one hour, Laguna, Kiros, Ward, and all their buddies came right at the front of my house and started singing a really beautiful love song... the girls and I came out and listened... oh it was such the sweetest moment... a very sweet way for a man to attempt to win a girl's heart...

The adults remember that special moment...

((dreamlike state...))

One night about more than twenty years ago, Laguna, Kiros, and Ward in their teens overheard somewhere that Raine will be having a slumber party at her place. After hearing of the news, Laguna decided to finally make his move. It has been a long time that Laguna has been having a special liking to Raine that he felt that it was time for him to show her how he feels. Laguna had come up with a good plan... not just a good plan, a great plan... a wonderful plan... a very... VERY... insane... plan... this, of course, made his buddies Kiros and Ward nervous.

YOUNG LAGUNA: (frowns) Come on, you guys... I can't do this alone... you know what's gonna happen when I get REALLY nervous, right? I don't wanna look like an idiot if I do this by myself, you know??

YOUNG KIROS: Are you sure, Laguna? Are you REALLY, REALLY, REEEEAAAAALLY sure? Do you REALLY think this would get Raine's attention? If all else fails, everything will be your fault!

YOUNG WARD: (still has his voice back then) Hmm... Laguna seems confident that he'll get her attention for sure... hey, why not, Kiros? I'm up for it...

YOUNG LAGUNA: (smirks) SEE?! EVEN WARD AGREES WITH ME!

YOUNG KIROS: (shrugs) Okay then... whatever you say...

YOUNG WARD: (nudges Kiros and whispers) Besides... we won't have our "oldie" days as goodies without our buddy Laguna, eh, Kiros?

YOUNG KIROS: Hmm... you've got a point there, Ward...

Laguna marched right up towards the front of Raine's house, as he, Kiros, and Ward looked up the window. They knew that Raine was up there, having a slumber party with her girl friends. It was time for Laguna to make his cue.

YOUNG LAGUNA: (clears his throat) Okay... ready...? One... two...

Kiros and Ward started singing background, as Laguna waits for the right beat...

YOUNG KIROS/YOUNG WARD:
Whoa... whoooaaa.. whooooaaa....
Yeah yeah yeah...

YOUNG LAGUNA: (starts to sing)
You're mine... (suddenly changes his mood) OWWWWWWWWWWW.......

Right at that moment, Laguna trips over. His right leg is cramping again...

YOUNG LAGUNA: (grunts to himself, struggling through the cramp) Owwwwww... my leg....

Kiros and Ward started giggling at the same time.

YOUNG LAGUNA: Dammit, quit laughing!

YOUNG KIROS: (laughing) Sorry... that was JUST too funny...

YOUNG WARD: (laughing) Man.. I wished I brought my camera with me... a Kodak moment... hehehehe... (Kiros and Ward exchange hi-fives)

YOUNG LAGUNA: (still hanging on to his cramping leg) Come on, quit clownin' around... let's do this!

Kiros and Ward go back to singing, as Laguna grabbed a long stick lying around on the floor and decided to use it as his support, just so he would not have to suffer his leg cramps.

YOUNG LAGUNA: (singing)
You're mine...
And we belong together
Yes, we belong together
For eternity...

YOUNG KIROS/YOUNG WARD:
For eterni--- for eternity...

YOUNG LAGUNA:
You're mine...
And you belong to me
Yes, you belong to only me
For eternity...
Eterni---eternity... ohhh...

While singing, the window opens and young Raine comes out and smiles at the serenaders down her window. She rests herself against the window sill and starts to listen to the three boys singing... and giggling at the same time for seeing Laguna with an "old man" posture with the long stick acting as his cane.

YOUNG LAGUNA/YOUNG KIROS/YOUNG WARD:
You and I... my love
Together forever
Will you be mine...
Forever and ever
You're mine... oh mine
My love... you and I...
Together...

YOUNG KIROS/YOUNG WARD:
I'm yoooooouuuuuurs...

As their song ended, Raine calls out and runs down to the door... she runs outside and approaches him with open arms.

YOUNG RAINE: Oh Laguna....you're so sweet... that's the most beautiful song I've ever heard...

YOUNG LAGUNA: (attempts to approach Raine towards the door) RAINE!! (he decides to run, but trips on the ground instead... he has forgotten that his leg was cramping) OWWWWWWW...

Raine stopped right in front of Laguna, as she gasps, giggling at the same time. From behind, Kiros and Ward were just laughing at the situation.

YOUNG RAINE: (helping Laguna up) Oh Laguna... are you alright...?

YOUNG LAGUNA: (blushes shyly) Umm... I'm okay... just a leg cramp... hehehehe...

((Back to reality...))

LAGUNA: (blushing) Hey... I WAS NERVOUS! YOU KNOW HOW MY LEG CRAMPS WHEN I'M NERVOUS! But... so what... so what if it was hilarious... at least it was my idea and it WORKED! I always know all my plans are always perfect...

KIROS: (shrugs, still laughing) Yeah, whatever you say, Laguna...

ELLONE: (curious) So... what's the hilarious part...?

RAINE: (giggles) Well... while he was serenading, he couldn't even stand up straight... his right leg was cramping really bad... it was just sooo funny!

ELLONE: (started to giggle) Oh my goodness... poor Daddy Laguna! (she joined in the laughter with Raine, Kiros, and Ward... Laguna doesn't look too impressed by the way they interpreted his romantic move)

LAGUNA: (glares) Fine... laugh all you want for all I care--- AT LEAST I'VE WON THE HEART OF THE GIRL OF MY DREAMS, SO NYAAAAAH!!! (Laguna sticks his tongue out at them again, as the four lessened their laughter)

KIROS: I gotta admit... it actually worked.

ELLONE: (giggles) Awww... Daddy Laguna... you MUST have a beautiful voice for Mother to fall for you just like that...

LAGUNA: (stands up straight with his arms on his waist) Of COURSE I have a wonderful voice... why do you think I'm so popular throughout the whole world with my show, huh?

KIROS: (in his mind) (Actually you're just a plain goofball in the show... that's why everyone loves you...)

RAINE: (giggles again and gives Laguna a tender kiss) Awww... don't be hurt now, my darling... actually, I'm planning to have a sleepover party tonight at our place--- the thing is, girls only! I don't know if I told you that already but I invited some of the girls to sleep over yesterday. The party is tonight.

LAGUNA: (blinks in confusion) Hey... where the heck are we guys gonna stay at, hun?

KIROS: (sighs) And I was getting used to living under the same roof with you guys...

RAINE: Why, you're staying at the Dinchts' place! Ma Dincht and I already talked about plans for tonight's slumber party, so...

LAGUNA: (thinks about it) (Hmm... that would mean Squall's buddies will be there too, since Squall will be coming along with Kiros, Ward, and me over there... I'm getting the feeling that Raine has something else in mind...)

ELLONE: (cheers happily) Oh wow! Who's coming over to our place, Mother?

RAINE: Rinoa, Selphie, Quistis, Xu, Fujin, and Julia...

Ellone gasps with surprise.

ELLONE: Quisty?! You're inviting Quisty over?! Why?! I mean Rinoa obviously has some hatred for her now...

RAINE: Elle, it's time to resolve this whole problem... I don't want any rivalries between you friends... and besides, it's obvious that Squall has no interest in going out with Quistis, am I correct? (Ellone nodded) Don't worry--- remember--- so long as the visitors are inside our house, they abide by MY rules.

ELLONE: I understand, Mother...

RAINE: (smiles) Now... (places her arm around Laguna's) Honey, as for you, you will also be having a slumber party of your own with the boys, courtesy of Ma Dincht. Now, see, remember how we talked about yesterday on how we can help solving all these lovelife problems as our symbol of love, protection, and trust for our son...? This would be OUR chance... that's why I'm separating the girls away from the boys... do you understand me...?

KIROS: (thinking to himself) (Oh I get it... Raine seems to want Laguna to have the young boys--- Squall particularly--- to relive that sweet moment-- -the serenade thing!)

WARD: ... (TR: "Laguna have BETTER figure out what Raine's trying to tell him so that we can get this over with...")

LAGUNA: (thinking to himself) (Hmm....... I still don't get it.....)

RAINE: (smiles) Well then! It's finally settled! Alright everybody, let's all get back to work!

The volunteers head back to work, as Laguna coached Ellone and the Timbers to start rehearsing their last-minute segment for his show tomorrow night. Oh, what a grand night tomorrow would be... Meanwhile, Quistis appeared at the auditorium entrance. She seems to be looking for someone on stage--- particularly the volunteers. Since she barely recognized anybody around except for Ellone, Raine, and Laguna, she was lucky to catch someone right on the spot of the stage.

QUISTIS: (waves and approaches to that area) RAIJIN!!

Raijin, who was carrying two boxes of wooden boards, accidentally drops them on the floor, startled by Quistis' voice.

RAIJIN: Eeek! (hurriedly he picks the boxes up, as Quistis reaches him... Raijin looks up and sees Quistis's face) EEEEEEEEEEEEEK!!!

QUISTIS: (hushes) Raijin... I know you hate me right now, but please, listen to me---

RAIJIN: (blinks in confusion) I dropped the boxes, ya know? You know I may have broken something because of you, ya know...?

Quistis sighs, as she helps Raijin pick up the boxes.

RAIJIN: (curious) What do you want, ya know...?

QUISTIS: (looks around) Where's Seifer...?

RAIJIN: (blinking again in confusion) Seifer? I thought you don't like Seifer, ya know...? I mean, you stood up on him on your movie date days ago, ya know?

QUISTIS: (sighs sadly) Seifer's not here, isn't he...?

RAIJIN: (rolls his eyes) Well DUH... ya know?

Quistis takes out an envelope from her side pocket of her dress and hands it to Raijin.

QUISTIS: Raijin, please... if you would be so kind... please give this to Seifer... please...?

Raijin stares at the envelope with the name "Seifer Almasy" on it.

RAIJIN: What's this...? What's in it...? Ya know Seifer's really pissed, ya know...?

QUISTIS: (sighs) Just give it to him, please... it's... very private...

RAIJIN: (stares at the envelope again) Awrighty... I see him later tonight anyway... okay...

Quistis suddenly embraces Raijin. Raijin blushed a bit, but was very startled.

QUISTIS: Raijin... thank you so much...

RAIJIN: (blinks in confusion again) Uhh... no problem... ya know...?

QUISTIS: I have to go... (the two wave at each other, as Quistis leaves the scene)

Nighttime came and it was time for the men inside the Leonhart-Loire household to head off to the Dinchts' Residence to have an all-guys sleepover party. Squall seems reluctant to go, as Laguna, Kiros, and Ward try to convince the difficult young boy to come.

SQUALL: (frowns) Why do I HAVE to go, Dad...? I'm too depressed to go to a stupid sleepover party with the guys---

LAGUNA: (shakes his head) Bah, nonsense! None of that depression crap in this house now... there's no such thing as a Leonhart OR a Loire depressed like this... come on, son...

SQUALL: (glares) Can't I just lock myself up in my room so I can be alone and sigh out all my woes...? (Like looking out at Rinoa's window right next door so I can see her...?)

KIROS: (shakes his head) Man, you're impossible, kid, you know that...? Besides--- Rinoa's going to be in your mother's slumber party... we don't want you to suffer anymore when you see her, right?

SQUALL: (glares again) Uncle Kiros, are you crazy?! I'd rather be here and watch her have fun with the girls rather than seeing her running around with Irvy---

Without anymore words exchanged, Ward comes up to Squall and carries him easily and places him over his shoulder...

WARD: ... (tr: "Just shut up, kid, 'cuz we're going!")

SQUALL: (blinks) What the hell?? Come on, put me down... put me down...

LAGUNA: (smirks) Well then, Squall... say goodbye to your mother and sister... we'll be sleeping over at the Dinchts for the night, hm?

Raine and Ellone come out from the kitchen, as both ladies give Squall a kiss on the cheek. Squall finally calms down after he was kissed by two of the three important women in his life.

RAINE: (smiles) Have fun at your party, sweetie-pie!

ELLONE: (waves with a big smile) Bye Squally-poo! Have fun!

SQUALL: (in his mind) (Man... this is embarrassing... luckily the guys aren't inside this house...) Bye Mom... bye Sis.

LAGUNA: Hehe... let's go!

The men leave with Squall still being hauled over Ward's strong shoulder.

SQUALL: Uncle Ward, can you put me down now, please...?

An hour later, all the girls arrived at the Leonhart-Loire Household. Of course, like typical women they are, it's more chattering, chattering, and chattering. The main focus of the chattering is of course, the discovery that their beloved Squall Leonhart turned out to be Raine's and Laguna's son after all. As of this point, both Rinoa and Quistis remained quiet.

RAINE: (bringing in bowls of popcorn and snacks, as Ellone comes out with a tray of hot cocoa) Alright ladies, snack time!

The girls giggle happily except for Rinoa and Quistis, who still haven't said a single word ever since they came.

JULIA: (inviting Rinoa along) Aw, come on, sweetie... we should be having fun... now, come on...

Rinoa sighs sadly, as she curls herself together. Quistis, on the other hand, also did not look too good. In fact, she looks even more depressed than Rinoa is.

SELPHIE: (frowns at the two girls) Come on, Rin, Quisty, don't spoil this night for us now! I mean, we should be all happy for Miss Raine! She's got her fiance back, they find out that Squall is actually their son... you know... be happy and celebrate!!

FUJIN: (frowns) NO FUN? RAGE.

The two girls still remained quiet. Raine went up to the two ladies.

RAINE: Alright, you two, up you go... (both Rinoa and Quistis blinked with surprise... is Raine kicking them out?) Let's take this upstairs, shall we? Come on...

The two girls did not even bother to ask what Raine is up to, but followed her upstairs. They headed to the master bedroom.

RAINE: Please, do sit down...

Rinoa sits on one side of the bed. Quistis sits on the desk chair far away from the bed. Raine crosses her arms and shook her head.

RAINE: Will you two sit together please? I don't really like raising my voice up.

RINOA: (to herself) (Oh no... I don't want to get Miss Raine to her bad side... I heard from people that Miss Raine has got a NASTY bad side... I have to be careful... (stares at Quistis) Why... why did you have to cause so much trouble between Squall and me, Quistis...? Why did you have to add yourself into the problem.. it's bad enough that it's all because of Irvy that Squall and I broke up...)

QUISTIS: (frowns as she thinks to herself as well) (I feel so guilty of all this... I didn't know that Squall was only going to be apart from Rinoa for a short while only... how can I be so stupid... not to mention selfish...? I'm a complete traitor... a backstabber... but I don't want to lose Rinoa as a friend because of all this...)

The two reluctantly sit together at one side of the bed, facing Raine.

RAINE: Good... much better! (Raine takes the desk chair, brings it to them, and sits on it, facing the two girls) Just in case you two have been wondering, I know all about the situation. You do know that I get along with many of kids your age in this town, correct? Anyway... first of all, this depression and this big deal over Squall and Irvy has gone too far! I'm tired of seeing two young friends hating each other because of the matter of boys. (stands up and glares at them) Rinoa, Quistis--- how long have you known each other? How long have you been hanging out together? I know both of you have a lot of things in common--- other than the two of you are somewhat competing for Squall's heart... yet at the same time you both worship Irvy Kinneas as well! Now, what's up with all that?

Rinoa and Quistis turned their eyes on each other, but still did not say a single word.

RAINE: (continuing) Look, all I'm saying is this... (sits back down on the chair) Friendship is far the most wonderful thing two people can share. Friendship can solve all problems if you only trust each other, believe in one another--- take advantage of this friendship to destroy everything that's been giving you so many troubles... I know you don't have to be best friends, but think about it... would you rather lose your friendship over to someone you are in love with...? Is that really necessary...? Or rather... is it worth the risk towards the joy and happiness in your lives...?

Rinoa closes her eyes and sighs, while Quistis starts to shed some tears.

RAINE: Now... as of tonight you all learned the real truth about me. I am a young mother--- a young, somewhat inexperienced thirty-eight-year-old mother with a seventeen-year-old son... and fortunately or unfortunately depending on how you look at it, that son turned out to be Squall. Although I may have given him up to hide my shame back then, I always sacrificed my time to visit him and give him all the love and care that I have for him that nobody would able to provide him... and he accepted it. Two nights after I revealed to Squall about myself and who he really is, he was willing to forgive me for all the trouble I have caused for him... and it was not because of pity... it was because of friendship... love... trust...

The two girls look at each other again, with Quistis wiping tears off her eyes. Rinoa starts to shed some tears as well, thinking of what Raine just talked about.

RAINE: Now I have to admit something to the two of you... I didn't just hold this party because of the family reunion... but to bring two good friends in trouble of losing their friendship back together again, resolve their differences, and make the world back to normal once more... I just hope this would work... but anyhow... (stares at the two girls staring at each other) I'll leave you two alone... I have to head back downstairs to entertain the guests.

Raine leaves the two girls behind, as both Rinoa and Quistis sighed to one another. They waited for someone to say something until...

QUISTIS: (bursts into tears) Oh Rinoa... I'm so sorry.... SO sorry... (she ends up bursting in to tears with her knees bent on the floor, facing towards Rinoa) I was selfish... I was heartless... I didn't think clearly about all of this... I didn't know what Squall really had on his mind... oh Hyne I didn't know that you're only apart temporarily.. I should have asked first... Rinoa, please... forgive me...?

Quistis continued to cry with her tears completely out of control. Rinoa bends down on the floor and places her arms around Quistis for comfort.

QUISTIS: And now I hurt Seifer completely... I know because of my selfish acts that I have done to hurt him... now I know he would never ever want to see me or speak to me again...

RINOA: (sighs sadly to herself) Quisty... I'm the one who should be sorry... it was all my fault that I hurt Squall like that... by going gaga over Irvy when there's really nothing so appealing about him after all...? I guess... we're both even... we both hurt our loves...

Quistis continued crying over Rinoa's shoulder, as Rinoa parts from her. She takes a piece of tissue from her pocket and wipes off her friend's tears.

RINOA: Tell me, Quistis... one thing, please... did Squall say something about me when you went out on that movie date...?

Quistis tried to remember what Squall said to her that night...

SQUALL: (in mindlike state) ... It's not Rinoa who I'm trying to get over... it's this stupid Rinoa-Irvy thing fiasco that I'm trying to get over...

Quistis nodded and answered...

QUISTIS: He loves you very much, Rinoa...

Rinoa sighs sadly.

RINOA: I haven't seen Squall for such a long time... wherever I go, he's never there... I just hope he's not trying to avoid me at all... you don't know how much I truly---

QUISTIS: (interrupts) I know exactly how you feel for Squall... which is why I envy you so much... you love someone who completely loves you with all his heart... and you just cannot afford losing him out of your life forever... oh Rinoa... I wish I could make everything up to you...

The two did not exchange anymore words, as the two friends embraced tightly.

RINOA: (cries) Quistis... I don't want to lose you as my friend... not this way...

QUISTIS: Me neither, Rinoa!! I'm so sorry all this happened... I just wish I could go back in time and prevent myself from doing something so foolish...

The two sigh, thinking about the situation.

QUISTIS: I simply have no idea that love can be so dangerous...

RINOA: (lowers her head) It can be if you don't be careful... most of the times you'll have to control love... oh I don't know anymore... everything's hopeless... Squall would never want to see me or speak to me again...

QUISTIS: (frowns) Don't say that, Rinoa... why do you think I isolated myself from you guys after the date...? It's because... (sighs) it's because the boy whom I've been secretly in love with for a very long time still rejected me... did you know...? This is probably like the seventh time that he rejected me since I can remember...? (sits on the bed and lies down) But you know... after that night... I finally understood what Squall really wants... he doesn't want a boy-crazy girl like me... he wants someone who feels comfortable being with him because she accepts who he is completely, both inside and outside... maybe infatuation for me...? I never really had a chance to get to know his real self... I mean... from what I heard from "the posse"... there's hardly anyone who even dared tried to get to know the real him... but you, Rinoa... (got up and glanced at her) it's you whom Squall is very comfortable with... I mean ever since childhood he was always there for you whenever you were in trouble...? He's not just like your guardian angel, but... a knight in shining armor, you know...?

RINOA: (sits next to Quistis) Quisty... I know someone is out there, waiting to become your knight... I guess as they say, "never try to woo someone who was already been wooed by someone else..." or something like that... but I want you to know this, Quisty... (short silence) I think you're beautiful, Quisty... I bet there are lots of guys who would want to go out with you... I can tell by some guys' eyes whenever we pass by them...? They would always look at you as if you're some kind of a goddess to them...

QUISTIS: (thinks) I... well... I know one particular guy who I feel like I've been secretly in love with at the same time as Squall... I know it sounds crazy, but... me...? In love with two guys at the same time...? Could it be possible...?

Rinoa chuckled a bit.

RINOA: Who knows... that all depends on the person...

QUISTIS: (sighs) I should've went to Seifer instead of Squall...

RINOA: (blinks) Seifer...? I didn't even know...

QUISTIS: No one knows... I didn't want everyone to know... I mean, Seifer sorta has a bad reputation around the people in town, but deep inside I can see that he can be a sweet, sensitive, and caring person... (thinks again) I wonder if Seifer... I mean... (sighs deeply) I called Seifer up few days ago before Laguna Loire showed up... that I wanted to watch "The Sorceress's Knight" with someone... a guy particularly... for some reason... and since Squall was already with you, I called Seifer to see if I'm better suited to be with Seifer or with Squall...

RINOA: And then...?

QUISTIS: I screwed everything up... after I heard about what happened between you and Squall, I immediately got excited and jumped into Squall's picture... completely forgetting about Seifer. (sighs sadly) Oh Rinoa... now that I thought about it... I feel as if I want to offer myself to Seifer more than to Squall... Ever since that night, I've been having these dreams every night about Seifer and me... and even the voices in my head kept telling me... Squall will never be yours... but Seifer will always give you his heart whenever you want it... (stands up) I'm completely insane towards love, am I, Rin...?

RINOA: What are you trying to say...?

QUISTIS: (whispers softly) I'm now in love with Seifer after those dreams... Squall just suddenly faded away from my memory... I know I can never have Squall... now the voices are telling me--- "Seifer is just there... he's waiting for you... go to him..." (turns to her) Do you think that's crazy...?

RINOA: (confused) Err... well... if you think that you're in love with Seifer... why not go for him...?

QUISTIS: (lowers her head, thinking) I just hope Seifer gets my letter... oh I just hope Seifer would understand me... I just wish he would see my side of the story and how much I felt so bad to stand him up like that... running to Squall rather than to Seifer... I hate myself...

RINOA: (patting Quistis) Things will be alright, Quisty... I'm sure Seifer will understand...

The two comforted each other. We finally know that they are both forgiven for their cruel deeds. Now... the only problem left now is dealing with the ones they love the most... Rinoa to Squall, and now, Quistis to Seifer. The thing is now, how are they ever going to deal with this...?

ELLONE'S VOICE: (from behind the door) Rinoa... Quisty... are you guys okay there...?

RINOA/QUISTIS: COMING!

The two girls smile at one another, as they leave the master bedroom to join the party.

Meanwhile at the Dinchts' Residence, the boys are having their own fun time. Raijin arrived late, but he was just in time for dinner.

ZELL: (wide-eyed) Damn, Raijin, where the hell have you been?

RAIJIN: (runs to the table and takes his seat) Sorry 'bout that, Zell... had to look for my favorite PJs, ya know?

ZELL: Well, at least you're in time--- hehe... HOTDOGS, BABY!!! (grabs seven hotdogs for himself, as all the others just started eating their dinner)

LAGUNA: (laughing happily) Aaaah.. this is the life... having dinner with the cool young guys... makes you feel like a king!

NIDA: (chuckles) Wow... did your Ma made this potato soup? Tastes really good, Zell!

ZELL: (smirks) That's my Ma awright! (glances at both Squall and Seifer, who doesn't look like they're in the mood to chatter with the rest of the boys) Hey, whatsa matter with you dudes? Come on, y'all... don't spoil the night!

SQUALL: ... (I've got too many things in my mind right now... I should've stayed home... but then Rinoa would be there... so that'd be a bad idea...)

SEIFER: Leave me alone, Chicken-wuss... (Zell glared, but both Nida and Raijin stared right at Zell, ready to pull him back)

LAGUNA: (stares at Seifer and his son) Hey, now, you're missing out on the food, boys... come on, eat up!

Seifer remains silent.

SQUALL: Whatever...

Raijin immediately snaps his fingers.

RAIJIN: OH! I REMEMBERED SOMETHING!!! LUCKILY I DIDN'T TAKE IT OFFA MY POCKET, YA KNOW?!

Raijin reaches into his pockets and out reveals that envelope that Quistis gave him earlier.

RAIJIN: Yo Seifer! For you, ya know?

SEIFER: (glares) What the hell is that??

RAIJIN: Man, just read it, ya know?! Somebody gave it to me!

Seifer snatches the envelope from Raijin, as he tears the edge of the envelope. He removes the folded paper from the inside and opened it. He started to read the letter to himself:

Dearest Seifer,
I have been a cruel, insensitive, moronic, inconsiderate wench. I hurt your feelings when I stood you up. I ignored you when I tried to get attention of my premiere love.

And now I regret it... everything. He completely tore my heart that night. I feel lost and alone and lonely. I'm such a complete fool to run to someone who would be willing to give me what I always wanted in my life... Love... comfort... joy... security...

I just wished the Great Hyne would never have toyed with my mind this way... I wished I would have been a more devoted Irvy Kinneas fan than being another girl in love with the lion... the lion who happens to be your closest friend and rival at the same time. I wished that I would rather find myself gazing into your deep, mysterious blue eyes... now because of what I have done to destroy your heart... your dignity... your pride... I wish I would be able to give you all if you would be willing to give me a chance...

Seifer blinked right at the first few paragraphs of the letter. He immediately folded it and turned to the others:

SEIFER: Uhh... I'll be right back, 'kay? I can't concentrate reading this letter...

Everyone nodded, as Seifer leaves his sit and sat right on the sofa at the living room. He opens the letter and continues on:

... I have been having these wonderful, sweet dreams...It had you and me in it... happy together, sharing everything that we have... and that's when I realized that all along... I felt so destined to be with you...

So now... I'm asking willingly and honestly and desperately... I do hope you would find in your heart to accept my apology. I don't know how to express this in my own words when we confront each other, so I decided to write you this letter.

I really wish you can give me another chance... in fact... I'm even beginning to fall in love with you deeply... but we don't have to be in love... we can start of as just friends and who knows what may happen between us...

And for the first time saying this now... I love you... Seifer Almasy...

Begging for mercy,
Quistis Trepe

Right at that moment, Seifer completely froze in shock. Did he just read what he thought he read? This can't be happening, he thought to himself. No way.

SEIFER: (calls out a random name from the table) SQUALL!! Can you get over here at the living room?

SQUALL: (back at the table) What do you want, Seifer?

SEIFER: Just get your butt in here and back me up here!

Squall was a little shock to hear Seifer say something a bit insulting to him, but he decided not to delve in to it. He headed towards the living room to meet with Seifer.

SEIFER: (hands the note to Squall) Read it, please...?

Squall snatches the letter and reads it to himself. His eyes widened with surprise then glanced right at Seifer.

SQUALL: Well, what do you know... Quistis Trepe finally opened herself up to your feelings, Seifer...

SEIFER: (starts to think) Squall, what do you think...?

SQUALL: (I think she's telling the truth, Seifer...) Call her. She's in my place right now, partying with the rest of the girls.

SEIFER: Hmm... good idea... (before Seifer was about to pick up the phone, he was stopped by Laguna from behind by pressing the dial tone button) HEY!!

LAGUNA: I overheard your conversation! Phone calls are a bad way to get attention from a girl, son... you gotta be creative and show your true love for them, hm?

SQUALL: (curious) Dad, what are you getting into...?

LAGUNA: (winks) Instead of calling her to talk about the situation, why don't you just "woo" her out of the house instead, huh?

SEIFER: Quistis... oh you had no idea how long I've dreamed about this... me... and Quistis... together in love... can it be possible?

SQUALL: (shrugs) I dunno, I'm not good into this stuff, why don't we ask some random people who had gone through this kind of dilemma since childhood. Anyway... what are you suggesting, Dad?

LAGUNA: Ah, well then... (Laguna tells Squall and Seifer the plan until we see their reactions)

SEIFER: (blinks in confusion) Mr. Loire it looks like you're up to something... I can tell by the way you look at us right now...

Laguna takes a seat next to the two young men, as he rests himself.

LAGUNA: You boys call yourselves "modern"? You both sound like you got no creativity in wooing a woman's heart! Take it from me... anything creative that any guy would do to win a woman's heart really turns women on! How else did you think I won Raine's heart, hm?

SQUALL: (thinks to himself) (I heard from Mom you sacrificed your cramping leg just to sing to her in front of her house... don't tell me that this is what you're planning to do...) Dad... you're lying, right...? We are not gonna...

Laguna smirked, nodding at his son's reaction.

SEIFER: (curious) WHAT? WHAT?! COME ON, FILL ME IN NOW!!

SQUALL: Forget it, Seifer... you'd look ridiculous if you go for this idea---

LAGUNA: (frowns) Hey, don't criticize my genius mind, boy! At least I'm not suggesting it for YOU to settle things with Rinoa... this is all for Seifer! (pats Seifer on the shoulder) Now Seifer, if you really wanna win a certain girl's heart, you gotta be creative! Girls love it when guys do something really cute just to get their attention, so... what do you think...?

SEIFER: (patting Squall on the shoulder) I don't care what you say about your old man's plan, Puberty Boy... I'd do ANYTHING to get Quistis's attention... and now that I've got a possibility that MY ROMANTIC DREAM is about to come true TONIGHT! (waves Quistis's letter around, as he stands up and raises the letter up to the sky) TONIGHT, MY FRIENDS, I, SEIFER ALMASY, WILL NO LONGER BE A SINGLE MAN! STARTING TONIGHT, THE NEW WORD WILL BE SEIFER ALMASY AND QUISTIS TREPE--- TOGETHER!!! SQUALL LEONHART AND RINOA HEARTILLY WILL BE OLD NEWS... WE ARE GONNA BE THE MOST HAPPENIN' COUPLE IN ALL OF WINHILL!!

SQUALL: (glares) MUST YOU MENTION MY NAME IN YOUR LITTLE SPEECH, SEIFER?!

The rest of the men from the dining room came and heard Seifer declaring his "future" along with the letter he received from Quistis.

RAIJIN: (excited) Whoa! Now we're gonna have two people in the posse who's gonna have girlfriends, ya know?! Ack... we're being invaded by the Irvy girls, ya know?!

ZELL: (rolls his eyes) Who cares--- I'm THIS close to being with Selphie!

NIDA: HEY! (frowns) What about me?! I'm taken too-- by the lovely Xu!

RAIJIN: (sticks his tongue at Nida) Bah... nobody cares about you, ya know? This time, it's all about Seifer and Quistis, ya know?

LAGUNA: (stands up and makes his famous pose with his arms around his waist and his head high) Heh! Tonight will be another pair of lovers will be falling in love for the very first time... thanks to THE genius matchmaker, yours truly, Laguna Loire!

KIROS: (moans in disgust to himself) I knew he was gonna say that...

WARD: ... (TR: "That's Laguna for you...")

SQUALL: (shrugs) Whatever...

The night is purely magical tonight. The stars are shining bright. The moon is full yet it's as bright as the sun. The crickets are chirping softly. The famous Winhill breeze is cool and calm. The mood tonight is purely spectacular, enchanting... romantic. Right now, the ladies at the Leonhart-Loire Residence were just having fun by playing truth or dare at the master bedroom. None of them are aware of their problems anymore, because tonight should be their night. Rinoa and Quistis both reconciled and thought of nothing else to themselves but to have fun with the rest of their friends. Rinoa did not care anymore about her problems with Squall nor being the girl whom Irvy is going to kiss at the Laguna Loire Tonight Show tomorrow. It did not matter anymore because tonight is definitely "All Girls' Night." No worries, no problems, and most of all, no boys. At the moment, Ellone had to do a dare from Selphie, imitating Irvy Kinneas and his famous dance and song gig right in the middle of the bed.

ELLONE: (imitating Irvy, singing that song)
OH! MY BABY!
OH! MY BABY!
OH! MY BABY!
OH! OH! OHHHHHHH...
YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!
YEEEEEAAAAAH!!!!

The girls applauded, as Selphie and Fujin imitated themselves as the screaming fans.

SELPHIE/FUJIN: (clinging all over to Ellone) OH IRVY!!!!

ELLONE: (gasps) Hey! Get offa me, you two!

They started laughing, as they go to the next person in line.

RINOA: Okay! It's your turn, Quisty! Truth or Dare?

QUISTIS: (thinking) Truth, Rinoa.

RINOA: Hehe... good! (smirks) Do you dream about yourself and Seifer Almasy "doing it"?

QUISTIS: (gasps) What?!

RINOA: (giggles) Oh you heard me... do you dream about yourself and Seifer Almasy... "doing it"?

QUISTIS: (gasps) That's disgusting, Rinoa! I would never ever dream of him that way...

XU: (smirks) Wanna hear something though? I heard from Rinoa that sometimes she dreams of herself and Squall Leonhart "doing it" all alone at a very cold and stormy weather inside a log cabin...

Rinoa gasps, as the girls started laughing.

RINOA: Xu Thaing you'd better take that back!

QUISTIS: (smirks) Now we're even, Rinoa Heartilly!

The girls continue playing their Truth or Dare game. In the meantime outside the house...

LAGUNA: (looks up the lighted window at the second floor of the Leonhart-Loire Residence) Perfect! The girls are right upstairs! This is perfect!

ZELL: (curious) How do you know that, Mr. Loire?

LAGUNA: (frowns at Zell) BECAUSE I KNOW THEY'RE UPSTAIRS! THEY'RE IN MY HOUSE, SO I KNOW THEY'RE UPSTAIRS!

KIROS: (from behind) Calm down, Laguna... the boy's just curious... it's not like they're thinking you're a moron, buddy.

SEIFER: (excited) Who cares! Let's do it now, come on!! I know my future love is getting lonely in there... she misses me, I know that... YOU SEE HOW MUCH OF A CHARMING HOTTIE I AM?!

RAIJIN: (agreeing with Seifer) Yes, Seifer, you are the greatest, ya know?

SQUALL: (eyes lowered) Whatever... let's get this over with.

LAGUNA: (thumbs up) Good luck, you guys! And what a surprise that you picked the right song! Good luck!

The posse, with Seifer leading, approach the gateway fence of the Leonhart-Loire Residence, staring right up the window. Seifer, looking confident, smiles to himself, while the others except Squall are preparing themselves, clearing their voice. Laguna, Kiros, and Ward hide behind some nearby trees to watch these young boys do exactly the same thing as Laguna did to win Raine's heart. This time, the subject of this whole operation is Seifer and Quistis.

SEIFER: (counting; snapping his fingers) Ready, and... one... two...

The other four guys snap their fingers in sync with Seifer's.

SEIFER: Go Raijin!

RAIJIN: (singing bass)
Ooooooh.... ooooooooh...

SEIFER: Go Nida, Zell, Squall!

SQUALL/ZELL/NIDA:
Whoa whoa...

RAIJIN:
Oooooh... oooooooh...

The four boys repeated their part, as Seifer plays his part.

SEIFER: (singing)
Earth Angel, Earth Angel
Will you be mine...?
My darling dear
Love you all the time...
I'm just a fool
A fool in love with you...

RAIJIN:
Oooooh... ooooooh...

SQUALL/ZELL/NIDA:
Whoa whoa...

Right after that verse, the window upstairs opens and out came Quistis and Rinoa, looking down towards the singing boys. The two girls gasped with surprise, as both blush.

SEIFER: (singing)
Earth Angel, Earth Angel
The one I adore
Love you forever
And ever more
I'm just a fool
A fool in love with you...

SQUALL/ZELL/NIDA/RAIJIN:
Whoa whoa ohhhhh...
Ooooooooh....

SEIFER:
I fell for you
And I knew
The vision of your love--- loveliness
I hoped and I prayed
That someday
I'll be your vision of your hap--- happiness
Oh oh oh ohhhh...

Selphie, Ellone, Xu, and Raine come out from the same window, as all the ladies listen to the boys singing to them.

SEIFER:
Earth Angel, Earth Angel
Please be mine
My darling dear
Love you all the time...
I'm just a fool
A fool in love with you...

SQUALL/ZELL/NIDA/RAIJIN:
A fool in love with you...
Oooooohhhhh...

SEIFER: (speaks) Quistis Trepe... I acknowledge thy letter thou hast addressed to me... and I completely understand thee of thy woes and thy troubles... thus I, Seifer Almasy of Winhill, Galbadia, accept thy apology... I love thee so much for me to be angry with thou... therefore... I ask of thee my lovely Quistis... dost thou love me too...?

RAIJIN: (whispers to the rest of the boys) Oh no... not that stupid poetry crap again... that is so NOT Seifer, ya know...? It only makes him look like a pansy, ya know?

Seifer overhears Raijin's comment and immediately kicks him behind his shin. Squall, Zell, and Nida turn their heads around, shaking their heads. Quistis, Rinoa, and the rest of the girls started giggling.

RAINE: (whispering to Ellone) Oh my goodness... this is just like your father back then!

ELLONE: (giggling) Poor Seifer and Raijin...

RAIJIN: OWWWWW!! THAT HURT, YA KNOW?!

SEIFER: (grits his teeth) SHUT UP, RAIJIN!! I'm making my poetic move so shut the hell up!

Seifer turns to Quistis and smiles at her, as the posse continues to sing...

SEIFER: (singing again)
I fell for you
And I knew
The vision of your loveliness
I hoped and I prayed
That someday
I'll be the vision of your happiness
Ohhhhhh oh ohhhh...

SEIFER/SQUALL/ZELL/NIDA/RAIJIN:
Earth Angel, ohhhh Earth Angel
Please be mine
My darling dear
Love you all the time...
I'm just a fool...

SEIFER:
A fool in love with... yoooouuu...

ZELL: (highest note)
You...

NIDA: (high note)
You...

SQUALL: (moderate note)
You...

RAIJIN: (low tone)
YOU...

The girls applauded happily, as Quistis gets up and calls out...

QUISTIS: (happy and completely flattered) OH SEIFER!!!

Quistis leaves the window and runs downstairs. The other girls except Rinoa run downstairs to follow Quistis. Rinoa closes the window and decides to walk downstairs rather than run.

SEIFER: (fixing his hair with a smirk on his face, as the rest of the posse except Squall give him the thumbs up) Score, baby!

NIDA: (thumbs up) You're the MAN, Seifer! THE MAN!!

SEIFER: (smirks) I know I am, Nida... thank you.

ZELL: (shocked) Whoa... I can't believe it worked!

SEIFER: (to Zell) Let this be a lesson to you, Chicken-wuss... poetry DOES make women fall all over for you... victory is mine, baby!

RAIJIN: Whoa... I gotta try that poetry crap when I meet a cute girl in this town, ya know? (to Squall) Hey Squall, maybe you oughta try that poetry stuff for Rinoa, ya know?

SQUALL: (rolls his eyes) Whatever...

Squall leaves the scene without the rest of the posse or even Laguna, Kiros, and Ward noticing. Then, Quistis and the girls exit the house. Quistis dashes right at Seifer and throws herself on to him.

QUISTIS: (shedding tears) Oh Seifer... Seifer... Seifer... Seifer...

Seifer places his arms tightly around Quistis, caressing her gentle back at the same time.

SEIFER: (whispers) Quistis...

The two gaze at each other's eyes, as both slowly get closer to each other... their lips met and transformed into a very tender kiss.

GIRLS: Awwwwwwww...

ZELL: (sighs) That's so romantic...

NIDA: (sighs) Yeah...

RAIJIN: (sheds a tear on his eye) Look at that lucky moron Seifer... (sniffs) lucky lucky lucky Seifer..

Laguna, Kiros, and Ward came out from the bushes and cheered happily, jumping up and down.

LAGUNA: WOOHOO!!! YOU GO SEIFER!!!

KIROS: (smirks) I have to admit... some of Laguna's crazy, wacky ideas do actually work...

LAGUNA: (glares at Kiros) Oh shaddup, Kiros! You KNOW that I AM a born genius! All my plans NEVER fail! AND THAT--- (points at the kissing Seifer and Quistis) IS THE PROOF THAT LAGUNA LOIRE IS A GENIUS!

KIROS: (smirks) Alas... I have been mistaken... yes, my dear Laguna, you are a genius.

RAINE: (from the door, watching the couple kissing with a big smile on her face) Oh Laguna... this is just so you, dear...

LAGUNA: Hehehehehe... (laughs happily, scratching his head at the same time)

Later, Rinoa arrives at the door.

RINOA: (gasps) Oh my gosh... did I miss something?

Raine, Ellone, Selphie, Xu, and Fujin point at the new couple, as Rinoa gasped happily.

RINOA: (gasps) Ohhh... Quisty... Seifer... you guys are soooo sweet together!

SELPHIE: (sighs) I wish something so romantic would happen to me like that...

XU: (smiles) I have my Nida, so I don't have to worry...

FUJIN: (pouts) ME... WANT IRVY... (sniffs sadly to herself)

Rinoa had a big smile on her face as she started scanning around the scene. While scanning, her smile suddenly disappeared.

ELLONE: (blinks) Rinoa, what's wrong...?

RINOA: (sighs) Squall... he disappeared... again... this is like the fifth day that I haven't seen him...

ELLONE: What? That's impossible! He was here with Seifer and the others, singing too... where'd he go all of a sudden...?

Quistis and Seifer part, as Seifer gently caresses Quistis's face with the gentle touch and trace of his finger.

RINOA: (calling out) Squall...?! Where are you...?!

SEIFER: (blinks in confusion) Rinoa... he's right here... (Quistis signals Seifer, shaking her head. He turns around to see that Squall ran off again) WHAT THE HELL?! WHERE'D THAT PUBERTY BOY RAN OFF TO THIS TIME?!

Rinoa sighs sadly once more, as Ellone places her arm around her.

ELLONE: Squall will be back... I'm sure of...

This time, Rinoa separated herself from Ellone, with some tears falling from her eyes again.

RINOA: I don't care anymore... I want to see Squall and talk to him about this... I'm tired of waiting and hoping that Squall would appear in front of me... I can't wait anymore... I have to find him...

Without any warnings, Rinoa dashed off from the scene.

SELPHIE: (calls out to Rinoa) RINOA!! WHERE ARE YOU GOING?! WAIT UP!!

Selphie was about to run after her, only to be stopped by Raine.

SELPHIE: (blinks) Miss Raine?

RAINE: (smiles) Let her go... she'll find him...

XU: (sighs) Poor Rinoa...

ELLONE: Where do you think Squall could be, Mother...? Usually for some reason you would know where he'd be...

RAINE: (shakes her head) Not this time, sweetie... but I do know this... Rinoa will find Squall... she will... I know it...

QUISTIS: (watching Rinoa running away while she rests into Seifer's arms) Poor Rinoa... I do hope you find him...

About a few minutes later, Rinoa ran all around town, calling for Squall's name.

RINOA: (all over the place) SQUALL?!! WHERE ARE YOU...?! PLEASE SHOW YOURSELF... I WANT TO SEE YOU SO BADLY... PLEASE, SQUALL...?!

And still, no Squall around. She continued to run around some more to look for him until she reached the flower meadows near the beach. She stopped right in the middle of the flower field and looked around, only to remember a certain flashback that just appeared in her mind.

((Dreamlike state...))

Rinoa and Squall were only seven years old while they were playing "tag" together along with their friends with Squall running away from Rinoa while Rinoa is being the "it" person.

LITTLE SQUALL: (calls out, laughing) COME AND GET ME, RINOA!!

LITTLE RINOA: (shouting) I'M GONNA GET YOU, SQUALL!!

The other kids stopped to watch the two running around until Rinoa jumps on to Squall from behind, grabbing Squall and bringing him down to the ground.

LITTLE SQUALL: (still laughing, as both of them fall down) Okay, okay, you got me, Rinoa! I'm "IT" now!

Little Rinoa giggles innocently, as they both stand up.

LITTLE RINOA: (sticks her tongue at him) See? You'll never ever EEEEVER gonna get away from me now!

Little Squall finds himself tripping on to the ground again, as Rinoa sits next to him, still giggling.

LITTLE SQUALL: Okay already, Rinoa, you got me already! What more do you want?

Little Rinoa glances at Little Squall, as she gets a little closer to him.

LITTLE RINOA: Squall... keep a promise...?

LITTLE SQUALL: (smiles at her, as he sticks out his right pinky) I promise that I will always protect Rinoa from all the bad guys who try to hurt her... and I promise that I will be Rinoa's bestest friend in the whole wide world... and I promise that Rinoa will always win the game of tag when she's the "it" person! And most of all... I promise I will never ever hurt Rinoa EVER!! How's that?

LITTLE RINOA: (thinks) Okay... my turn... (sticks out her pinky) I promise that I will always protect Squall from all the bad guys who try to hurt him... and I promise that I will be Squall's bestest friend in the whole wide world... and I promise that Squall will ALWAYS lose the game of tag when I'm the "it" person! And most of all... I promise I will never ever hurt Squall EVER!!

LITTLE SQUALL: (frowns) HEEY! That's the same promise that I said... biter!

LITTLE RINOA: (giggles) Sorry, Squall... I'm not very good at saying promise speeches or something like that...

LITTLE SQUALL: (starts to giggle as well) Well... that's okay... just... Pinky Swear Promise!

LITTLE RINOA: Pinky Swear Promise!

Both the two children hook their pinkies together, as they make their Pinky Swear Promise to each other.

((Reality state...))

Rinoa's mind heads back to reality and sighs sadly to herself. She stares at her pinky where she made her little "Pinky Swear Promise" with Squall when they were little kids. She closes her eyes, trying to refrain herself from shedding more tears, as she places her hand on to Squall's ring hanging around her chain and recites the promise to herself.

RINOA: (whispering to herself) I promise that I will always protect Squall from all the bad guys who try to hurt him... I promise I will be Squall's bestest friend in the whole wide world... and I promise that Squall will always lose the game of tag when I'm the "it" person! And most of all... I promise...

She trails off suddenly... she could not continue on reciting her Pinky Swear Promise anymore... her mouth trembled a little and could not keep control of her falling tears. Right on the spot, she breaks down to tears and finds herself sitting down on the ground, curling herself together, crying. It looks like she has given up on looking for Squall, not just to convince him to give her another chance, but to even dare look for him. It was obvious to her that Squall does not want to see her anymore ever. She guessed this Irvy thing was just too much for him to handle that he decided to disappear away from her life forever.

RINOA: (crying) Oh Hyne... please... let it not be true... please help me... I can't stand this anymore... I want to see Squall... please, Hyne, oh please... give me one more chance... don't let our love be thrown and wasted away like this... I'm begging you, please... oh please... please... (whispers softly) I love him... I love Squall Leonhart... with all my heart... forever...

She continued crying, shivering at the same time from the very cold breeze. Then without any awareness, she felt a warm touch on her shoulder, which startled Rinoa a little.

SQUALL: (whispering) Rinoa...

RINOA: (turns her head and gasps to see her love) Squall... oh Squall... (she throws herself on to him, yearning for his comfort)

Squall slowly placed his arms around her, comforting her.

RINOA: Squall... why...? Why are you doing this to me...? I've suffered sadness so much for the last five days... I couldn't take it anymore... please, Squall... I'm begging for your mercy... please give me another chance...

Squall says nothing, but instead, he removes his leather jacket and places it around her. He continued to hold her tight, comforting her, keeping her warm.

RINOA: (whispers) Why are you doing this to me...? I've completely given up... you win... yet you're still...

SQUALL: (in his mind) (The show is tomorrow night... come on, Squall, think... are you gonna let her go for that Irvy kiss thing and get this over with or just give yourself in to her AND find a way to stop Irvy from putting his lips against hers...? Well...? Think...?) I told you, Rinoa... even if we're apart like this, I still care for you... our friendship is just too strong to be broken.. not even love can break it apart, Rinoa...

RINOA: (continues crying) You had no idea what I've gone through these five days... five days of not seeing you... I've looked everywhere around Winhill from the beach to the park to the Dinchts and even to Miss Raine's house, hoping you would be home but you were never there... I don't know where else to anymore that I even assumed that...

SQUALL: (whispers) Rinoa... remember that "Pinky Swear Promise" that we made when we were little...?

RINOA: (resting herself on to Squall's shoulder) Of course I remember... every single word of it...

SQUALL: (What the hell am I saying...?) It's too long... I want to make it short and simple...

RINOA: (sighs) I want to change mine's too... and that is... I promise to myself that I would NEVER ever let you run away from me... remember, you said so yourself--- you promised to let me win when I'm the "it" person at the game of tag... the way that I searched for you all these five days was like playing "tag"...

SQUALL: Rinoa...

Squall closed his eyes, as Rinoa waited for his answer.

SQUALL: Okay then... here's my Pinky Swear Promise, Rinoa...

Rinoa waits, as Squall gazes at Rinoa's dark brown eyes.

SQUALL: I'll be here...

RINOA: (blinks, not knowing what he's talking about) Wh-why...?

SQUALL: I'll be here... waiting...

RINOA: (looks through Squall's ice blue eyes) For what...?

SQUALL: I'll be here waiting for you... so...

Rinoa gasps softly to herself, as she gets closer, attempting to get ready for what may come after this...

SQUALL: If you come here...

Rinoa blinks her eyes, completely hypnotized by the look of his blue eyes towards her...

SQUALL: You'll find me...

Rinoa closes her eyes and gently lowers her head down.

SQUALL: ... I promise ...

Squall held her tighter and closer to him. He bends down and whispers to Rinoa's ear.

SQUALL: That is my Pinky Swear Promise to you, Rinoa...

Rinoa looked up to him with confused yet relieved, blissful eyes. Although she did not know what he meant by "here," she looked up the sky, seeing more stars shining brighter than ever. Squall stares up the sky as well, and without any expectations... a shooting star flew by them. Both lovers turned to each other, as Rinoa smiled sweetly at him, pointing her finger towards the shooting star. Squall smiled a bit, as Rinoa placed her head against his chest once more. The night was just so perfect and the mood was as perfect as the night that Rinoa felt a sweet tune coming to her.

RINOA: (singing)
Magic is the night
And the stars are shining bright
Angels above
Are singing of our love
And they say you're the one I adore

Squall parts a bit from Rinoa just to look at her beautiful face. Rinoa glances back at Squall, blushing crimson red on her face.

RINOA: (singing)
Magic is the night
So baby, hold me tight
Oh can't you see
That you were meant for me
Won't you show me the way to your heart

Squall looks up as if he was thinking of something. Rinoa looks up to him.

RINOA:
Say you'll be my baby
Let me be your girl
We would be so happy
I know, I know we will
I'll never be unfaithful
I'll never tell you lies
Please believe me darling
'Cuz my heartache wants to die

Rinoa rests herself against his chest...

RINOA:
Magic is the night
Your eyes shine out the light
Oh can't you see
That you were meant for me
Won't you show me the way to your heart...

Rinoa waits for Squall's reaction. Squall lets her go and looks at her.

SQUALL: It's getting late, Rinoa... we'd better head back.

Rinoa sighs sadly, but believed that she does have a chance to get him back.

RINOA: (sighs) I'm sorry... I... I'm really sorry I said that... I...

SQUALL: It's okay... you have a right to say whatever you want to me, Rinoa... I understand... come on... we'd better head back...

The couple head back to town. Everybody is now asleep, as they did not see anyone else present outside. Squall brought Rinoa to his house, where the slumber party is waiting for her.

SQUALL: Rinoa, there is one thing that I'd like to say before I let you go...

RINOA: (in her mind) (That you love me, Squall...? Please say you do... please... I want to hear it from your voice... not from someone else's... please, Squall... say that you love me...?)

SQUALL: When you get up the stage tomorrow night when the Irvy show starts... please don't be nervous... don't be shy... and don't cry because the one who's kissing you on TV is not me... in fact.. you should be happy... it's Irvy Kinneas who's kissing you... aren't you excited...?

RINOA: (No...) Well... yes... because I'm a big Irvy fan...

SQUALL: (smiles) Good... (takes her in his arms and holds her tight) Have a good night's sleep, Rinoa...

RINOA: (sighs) Goodnight, Squall...

SQUALL: (smiles a bit) Sweet dreams, Rinoa...

RINOA: (Let it be a very sweet dream of me and Squall... please...) Sleep tight, Squall... and sweet dreams to you too...

Squall nodded, as he turns away, heading to the Dinchts' Residence. Rinoa immediately calls him...

RINOA: SQUALL!

Squall turns around and faces Rinoa.

RINOA: Your jacket... (she attempts to remove it, but...)

SQUALL: Keep it for tonight, Rinoa... you can give it back tomorrow.

Rinoa nodded and kept the jacket. Squall proceeds to his way, as Rinoa calls him out again.

RINOA: SQUALL!

Squall turns around again.

RINOA: I... I'll be fine... tomorrow... at the show... just like you want me to, Squall... I'll be fine...

Squall smiles, nods, and proceeds his way once more. Before he can even get further...

RINOA: SQUALL!!

Squall blinks, scratches his head, and turns his head around.

RINOA: Umm... well... I do hope you show up at the show tomorrow... so I won't get nervous... I want to see your face at the front row... please...?

Squall nods, smiles, and proceeds once more. Rinoa was about to call him again, but this time, Squall immediately turned around to face Rinoa before she can even call his name.

RINOA: SQU---

SQUALL: Yes, Rinoa?

Rinoa blushed and gulped in nerviness.

RINOA: (blushes) I... I...

SQUALL: Yes?

RINOA: I... (gulps, sighs) I love you, Squall Leonhart...

Squall did not show any emotion. He just stood there and gazed at the shy Rinoa. Then...

SQUALL: Goodnight, Rinoa...

Rinoa nodded, as Squall finally made his way back to the Dinchts' Residence. Rinoa watches him walk away, as she starts to sing to herself, sighing...

RINOA: (sings and sighs)
Magic is the night
So baby, hold me tight
Oh can't you see
That you were meant for me
Won't you show me the way to your heart...

Rinoa finally goes back inside the house so she can go to sleep. Meanwhile while this was all happening, Raine and Ellone were watching the couple from upstairs through the master bedroom.

ELLONE: (frowns) Why didn't Squall just kiss her goodnight...? That's really messed up of him...

RAINE: (hushes) Tonight is not exactly the right night for Squall, Elle... give him some time...

ELLONE: (frowns) Ugh... I can't believe that he's even your son, Mom... he's not even as sweet as you OR Daddy Laguna...

RAINE: (hushes again) Don't say that about your brother, Elle... I know he knows what he's doing...

ELLONE: (blinks) How come you know so much about what Squall's thinking in his mind, Mom...?

Raine just smiled and embraces her daughter.

RAINE: Because Squall is my son, Elle... a mother has a very powerful instinct towards her children, especially if she only has one--- AND a male as well. Squall has a surprise for Rinoa... something that Rinoa will never, EVER forget... and for that, it's a sure guarantee that they will be together forever...

ELLONE: (sighs) Oh Mom...

RAINE: You'd better head to bed now, Elle. I'll meet up with Rinoa and prepare her bed.

Ellone and Raine part, as the rest of the night becomes history.

And so...... so what's going to happen next...? Tomorrow IS the night. The Laguna Loire Tonight Show will be shown LIVE on TV. Irvy's Final Show and his final single before he heads to the Galbadian Army. Rinoa Heartilly, the girl destined to receive the "final goodbye kiss" from Irvy Kinneas, will be up on stage along with her family. What is Squall thinking? It sounds like he's over Rinoa that he's willing to let this Rinoa-Irvy thing go...?

Yes, again, tomorrow is the Laguna Loire Tonight Show. A lot of things will surely expected to happen... oh yes... something IS going to happen tomorrow night... something VERY interesting is going to happen tomorrow night... this something is just SO interesting, it would be SOMETHING that ALL of Winhill and EVEN the whole world will never, EVER forget...

Stay around... the FINAL chapter of "Bye Bye Irvy" coming soon--- CHAPTER 10!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
END CHAPTER 9 (to be continued...)

BYE BYE IRVY: a Final Fantasy VIII Flick!
(parody based on the hit Broadway show "Bye Bye Birdie")
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NEWS FROM THE AUTHOR! (I just hope you guys are reading this before you can actually get to the actual story!!!!)

Happy New Year--- finally, it's the 21st Century!!!

And finally--- the moment that you've been waiting for--- the FINAL CHAPTER of "Bye Bye Irvy"! Yes... sad to say, but finally, this darn parody has finally come to an end. I'm sure for those who despise "corny" humor chapter stories are probably happy, but regardless of what fan you may be, thank you for reading my first-attempted fic for FF8. I've got plans for a sequel but I won't proceed until I hear it from you guys. I know I haven't gotten that many reviews, probably because people don't want to read "too-too-long" chapters... hey, I admit they're long, but I can't help it... I'm insane like that... ah well...

To be honest with you, I've suffered temporary writer's block for ch. 10, so it may look really bland or corny compared to all the chapters, and I apologize for that.. If you're wondering, yes... I am a Broadway musical/doo-wop oldies/romance comedy/FF8 fanatic. Yep, that's Sefie Tilmitt for ya!

Please continue on reading and reviewing... it was really fun, people... I just wish all fans would just appreciate every single plot of every fanfic... in fact, I really DO wish that people would just be devoted to the actual storyline of the game (ESPECIALLY the characters and the relationships between characters) rather than having the fans "re-write" the character of every character... come on, people... "Squall and Quistis together and Rinoa dies?!" Give me a break... write a BETTER plot than that... argh... NOBODY dies among our heroes, dammit!!!!

Finally, my final words before I leave you to chapter 10... please STOP ALL THE CHARACTER BASHING! It's not worth it, it wastes precious time, it's pointless, it won't make a difference anyhow, and most of all, it'll only make you look ridiculous to all the "purist" FF8 fans out around the world. Get a life, people... thank you!

FF8 FANFICTION AWARDS: The FF8 Fanfic Awards on fanfiction.net is on! Please do vote for your favorite FF8 fanfic in different categories... and guess what, "Bye Bye Irvy" has been nominated for "Best Long Fic" AND "Best Series"! I feel very honored... please do support "Bye Bye Irvy", whether if it wins any awards or not. Thank you all!

"BYE BYE IRVY" CONTEST: I WILL be creating a special section for "Bye Bye Irvy" for my Balamb Garden Epitaph website, but for that, I really need help from all the talented artists out there. Love my fic? Love to draw and color? Please help me... I need a very, really COOL-looking fanart--- a "movie poster" for "Bye Bye Irvy". I'm not sure how long this contest will be, however, I would never ignore all the fanart turned in. Send in your fanart (colored!) in .jpg or .gif format in the ACTUAL size and send it as an attachment to Sefie Tilmitt with the subject line "FF8 'Bye Bye Irvy' Contest." The winner of the contest will win TWO packs of FF8 trading cards freshly imported from Japan! Wouldn't you like that, everyone? Well... good luck!

And now, for the song "lineup" for this chapter...

CH. 10 SONGS:
Till... - Elle and the Timbers
One Last Kiss - Irvy Kinneas
We Belong Together (Squall & Rinoa version) - Squall & Rinoa

Balamb Garden Epitaph is currently switching servers, so the site is down for the moment. Anyhow... Chapter 10... here we go!

Oh yes, one more thing before I forget...

WARNING!!! Mushy romance alert! If you hate mushy romance, PRESS THE BACK BUTTON NOW! =P

-Sefie T.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CHAPTER 10: One Last Kiss

Winhill, Galbadia; hours before the Laguna Loire Tonight Show

At last, the moment that we've been waiting for all this time. After all the happenings going on all around in Winhill, the time has finally arrived. It's the night of The Laguna Loire Tonight Show! All of Winhill are definitely prepared for this big moment. Rise up the curtains, turn on the lights, focus up the TV cameras--- Laguna Loire Tonight Show Presents--- The Final Show of rock sensation Irvy Kinneas starring his last single, "One Last Kiss," and that special fan whom Irvy will kiss goodbye--- Rinoa Heartilly-Caraway of Winhill, Galbadia, and her family--- the great general of the Galbadian Army himself, General Caraway, his beautiful wife Julia Heartilly-Caraway, and their one and only son, Angelo Heartilly-Caraway. The fans are excited--- all because of Irvy... the old folks and the adults are also excited--- all because of Laguna Loire... the only thing left now is the new reaction towards those who despise the idea of having Rinoa being kissed by a celebrity.

One late morning, we go back to the famous Winhill Pub once more, where we see those same old folks that we met in the beginning. Again, enjoying the cool breeze of Winhill, chatting about the latest happs around town, it looked like all of Winhill were already excited, even if the main even would not start till later tonight.

OLD FOLK #9: (relaxing while sipping on his mug of beer) Welp... tonight's the big night, eh fellas?

OLD FOLK #10: Yup.

OLD FOLK #11: Yup.

OLD FOLK #9: Laguna Loire's gonna have the the show tonight at the auditorium... Winhill's going to be well-known around the world know, since Winhill's going to be ON TV! I'm definitely excited!

OLD FOLK #10: Yup.

OLD FOLK #11; Yup.

OLD FOLK #9: (stretches his arms) Yup yup... more of 'em youngins are gonna be screamin' one last time 'cuz we ain't gonna see or hear the name of Irvy Kinneas on TV, on the papers, and on every youngin's mouths, that's for sure!

OLD FOLK #10: Yup.

OLD FOLK #11: Yup.

OLD FOLK #9: Say... did you hear that Laguna Loire's ACTUALLY a native here in Winhill? He's a Winhill local boy, doncha know?

OLD FOLK #10: Yup.

OLD FOLK #11: Yup.

OLD FOLK #9: Nobody knows yet but I've heard from the grapevine that Miss Raine's actually a REAL mother... Laguna Loire's her beau, and the kid's name is none other than that yougin' lady's boyfriend... what's his name again...? Ah... Squall!

OLD FOLK #10: Yup.

OLD FOLK #11: Yup.

OLD FOLK #9: Yup--- there goes one big happy family down there yonder... Laguna, Raine, young Squall, and Miss Ellone!

OLD FOLK #10: Yup.

OLD FOLK #11: Yup.

OLD FOLK #9: Yup... something bound's gonna happen tonight, doncha know? Something REALLY big's REALLY going to happen tonight, doncha know? It's gonna be all over Winhill again like the youngins' in love and Irvy kissin' the little lady Rinoa and then tonight's event, doncha know?

OLD FOLK #10: Yup.

OLD FOLK #11: Yup.

OLD FOLK #9: (irritated) IS THAT ALL YOU CAN SAY?! DON'T YOU HAVE ANY OTHER OPINION TOWARDS WHAT'S BEEN GOIN' ON IN WINHILL THIS PAST WEEK?! WE ALL KNOW THAT THIS WHOLE WEEK IS HISTORICAL TO WINHILL HISTORY!!! WINHILL'S DEFINITELY GOING DOWN IN HISTORY!!!

OLD FOLK #10: Yup.

OLD FOLK #11: Yup.

OLD FOLK #9: AAARGH... never mind... forget I mentioned everything.

OLD FOLK #10: Yup.

OLD FOLK #11: Yup.

OLD FOLK #9: (immediately spanks his forehead) DOH!

The old folks continue with their rest, as we now head to yet another place...

It was the middle of the day--- noontime, to be exact. The Winhill Town Hotel finally finished its renovations, and all of the Laguna Loire Tonight Show crew members and their guests were able to board at the hotel for the performance of tonight's show. The Irvy Fangirls took a train to Deling City just to go shopping for their best outfit for tonight. The guys also get themselves ready, especially with "the posse," led by Seifer, who came to visit the Leonhart-Loire Residence to meet up with their "posse" leader Squall Leonhart. The posse is still worried about Squall, even if Squall tried to avoid having these boys hanging out with him too much because of his depression. When they arrived at Squall's house, the boys were shocked... COMPLETELY shocked... to see something they have never seen before in their lives...

SEIFER: (bows to Raine after Raine answered the door for them) Miss Leonhart... well... the future Mrs. Loire... is your son Squall Leonhart present in your humble abode at this moment...?

RAIJIN: (wonders) Whoa, since when did you become so polite, Seifer? This is so NOT like you, ya know?

Seifer elbows him on the stomach.

RAIJIN: (struggles in pain) OWWWW! That hurt, ya know?

SEIFER: Hey hey, I'm trying to be a gentleman here, so shut your big fat mouth, dumbass... (glares at Raijin)

Raine chuckled, as she invites them in.

RAINE: Please, make yourselves at home, boys. Squall is upstairs in his room right now. I'll be heading off to the auditorium to check up with Laguna and Ellone for the show tonight.

SEIFER/ZELL/NIDA/RAIJIN: (bows again) Thank you, Ma'am!

Raine calls up to the stairs...

RAINE: SQUALL! YOUR FRIENDS ARE HERE! I TOLD THEM TO COME UP TO YOUR ROOM! I'M HEADING OFF NOW... TAKE CARE OF THE HOUSE!!

Raine leaves the house, as Seifer, Zell, Nida, and Raijin climbed upstairs to meet up with Squall. They reached the closed door of Squall's room, as Seifer slowly opens the door. When they entered, they gasped in shock to see Squall fixing himself in front of the mirror, fixing his hair with hair gel and comb as well as fixing his earring on his left ear. The boys decided to play jokes with him by scaring him off with their attempted a capella-style of saying hello.

SEIFER: (alto note) Hey yo...

ZELL: (high note) Hey yo...

NIDA: (moderate note) Hey yo...

RAIJIN: (low note) Hey yooooooooooo....

Squall turns around and gives a smile to his buddies. This even made the boys shocked with surprise even more.

ZELL: (gasps) Whoa... is that a SMILE on your face I see? Dude, this is like the FIRST TIME that I've seen you smile for the whole week!

SEIFER: (suspicious) You're up to something, aren't you, Squall? Yeah... I can tell just by looking through your eyes, Puberty Boy!

Squall snickers a bit, as he starts cracking his knuckles. He still has not said a word to his "posse" buddies.

NIDA: (confused) Well...? So...? What's up, Squall...? We all know you've got A LOT of secrets hidden inside that mind of yours... sometimes thinking about it really scares us, you know?

RAIJIN: Yeah man, what's with the smile and the nice clothes and the hair gel and... (sniffs something refreshing) cologne?! But you never try to make yourself look nice like this, ya know? It's about Rinoa, isn't it, ya know...?

After Squall cracks his knuckles, without any awareness from around them, Squall immediately punches Raijin on the face, as Raijin suddenly faints from the impact of Squall's forceful fist. This, of course, shocked the rest of the posse even more than ever. It was official, they thought. There was something wrong with Squall.

ZELL: (shrieks) DUDE!!! YOU KNOCKED RAIJIN OFF!!

SEIFER/NIDA: (gasps) Whoooooaaaaaa...

Seifer and Nida bend down to examine the knocked-off Raijin. Seifer starts slapping Raijin's face, as Raijin slowly gets up.

RAIJIN: (feeling the intense pain on his left eye) Owww... that... hurt... ya... know...?!

Squall only snickered, as he left his bedroom. Zell runs after him, as Seifer and Nida carry Raijin from the ground.

ZELL: (following Squall) DUDE! YO, SQUALL!! WAIT UP!!! WHERE YA GOIN', DUDE?! WAIT UP!!

Meanwhile next door to the Heartilly-Caraway Residence, Julia and Rinoa are alone in the master bedroom with Julia bringing out a lot of dresses from her large wardrobe for Rinoa to wear for tonight's show. On the other room, we have Cid, Edea, Ultimecia, and Irvy, getting themselves ready for the show as well.

IRVY: (stares at the mirror, admiring myself) Oh man... am I a hottie, or what? Hah... that pretty girl Rinoa Heartilly can't resist me when she sees me in THIS!

EDEA: (clears her throat from behind while reading the show itinerary she received from Laguna from next door) Don't get your hopes high, Irvy dear... even if you do kiss Rinoa at the show, there's no way she's going to fall head over heels from you. She's still depressed over her break-up with her boyfriend...

CID: Look, Irvy, the most important thing that you'd do at the show is to MAKE SURE that you DO memorize your song correctly! You don't know how long it took me to come with the right words till I got the whole song correctly and perfectly as possible... please DO NOT mess up by drooling on the local Winhill girls, please...?

IRVY: (taps his forehead with a smile) Rest assured, my friends! I, Irvine "Irvy" Kinneas, never messes up in a show... after all, it's ALL for the ladies, correct? Even if I HAD to struggle my life training at the Galbadian Army, I'm sure that my name will always be remembered by my devoted fans... (sighs sadly) Cid... Edea... it's been fun and wonderful... who knows what might happen to me out there... I may never even come back to Galbadia alive... but... I will surely, dearly, and respectively miss the both of you...

ULTIMECIA: (pats Irvy from behind) Now, now, Irvy, don't be down now... just pray that the war will be over right before you kan even get drafted out there somewhere and engage in kombat, eh? At least tonight, you will be able to give that sweet young girl a sweet kiss, hm?

IRVY: Like I said, Mrs. K... it's ALL for the ladies... especially that pretty one named Rinoa... (sighs mockingly) Alas, dear Squall Leonhart, thou art a fool to let go of such fair beauty as Rinoa... alas she will be taken by another tonight... when she runneth towards I for comfort and love... thou art at fault, dear lad...

Cid, Edea, and Ultimecia blinked in confusion to hear Irvy speak something... poetic...

CID: I didn't know you can recite something in old language... or... whatever you call that...

EDEA: (thinks) Ye olde Galbadian dialect...?

IRVY: (starts practicing his signature "Irvy Shake") Heh... I just hope I have all my signatures still within me if I do get back here in one piece... if I fail to win Rinoa's heart tonight, I guess I can start writing pen-pal letters to that cute albino chick with the black eyepatch... but no matter... (starts dancing around in his signature... dance) Yes baby, Rinoa and Irvy... destined to be together... uh huh... uh huh... uh huh...

As he continues dancing around...

EDEA: (shakes his head) I'm sure by the time that he returns back here, there won't be anymore "Irvy Kinneas" in the popular trend... somebody else may be taking over his popularity...

CID: (snaps his fingers) I heard from next door... Laguna Loire and Rinoa's boyfriend are related... did you know that...? I bet that young man may EVEN take over your popularity, Irvy...

IRVY: (frowns) HIM?! I don't think so... I don't see him do his stuff that will match MY stuff, especially with that stoic attitude of his... ARGH... nobody can EVER dethrone Irvy Kinneas... NEVER NEVER!!

EDEA: Even if he's Laguna Loire's son?

IRVY: YOU BET, BABY!!! I'M BETTER LOOKING AND MORE ROMANTIC THAN LOSERS LIKE HIM... (starts dancing some more)

CID: (thinks) Well, whatever... we'd better head to the auditorium for rehearsal... I heard from Laguna recently that there will be a new music band who would be playing right before your segment, Irvy.

IRVY: (shrugs) Let's go, let's go...

Meanwhile back to the master bedroom...

JULIA: (fixing Rinoa's hair) Hmm... Rinoa... you look so happy today, sweetie...

RINOA: (blushes heavily) Mmm... Mother... I know it... I just know it in my heart... Squall never promises to things he cannot keep... but this particular pinky swear promise that he made last night... I know he would keep his word... Squall will be here... I know he will be... he will be here waiting for me... when I do go there to where he's waiting, I will find him... it's his pinky swear promise...

JULIA: Hm, I see... I thought you're still depressed over him...? From what I can tell he MUST be very special to you, Rinoa...

RINOA: (sighs to herself) You have no idea, Mom...

JULIA: (giggles thinking about the situation) Ohh... you two looked so adorable together when you were little... I remember Mrs. Dincht always visited Raine just to do some gardening and little Squall would always be with her whenever she visits... when I first saw the two of you playing and getting along together as friends... I imagined myself... what would happen if you two grew up and end up falling in love with each other...? (continues brushing Rinoa's hair) And one day when the two of you do get married, that would mean that Raine and I would become family... with her being Squall's mother, of course...

RINOA: (sighs sadly to herself once more) (I wish Squall and I would be together forever... but... as of now it's not happening... not even a single "I love you" did I hear from him last night... I guess he really is over me... romantic-wise... but... I just can't help myself... I'm too attached to him since childhood... it's not fair...) If Squall asks me to marry him, of course...

JULIA: (giggles) Well, dear... if only I knew what Squall's thinking right now... he's such a sweet, nice boy... quiet and softspoken and sometimes introverted, yes, but he is such a kindhearted young man... Raine is so lucky to have him as her son after all these years...

RINOA: (sighs once more) Now I know where Squall got his sweet, sincere, and not to mention loving side from... (Miss Raine is the most respected citizen in all of Winhill after all... and not to mention LAGUNA LOIRE being Squall's father!!)

JULIA: (finishes combing her daughter's hair and gives her a peck on the cheek) Now dear, when the show starts, I want you to smile for the camera and for the whole world, okay? Just think of yourself being so anxious to being kissed by today's most popular rocker in the world, hm...?

RINOA: (sighs) Mom, I can't imagine being anxious... I can't EVEN pretend that I'm anxious... I miss Squall so much... it hurts me so much last night when he just walks off away from me after he brought me back to the party... there was a voice telling me that I should have ran after him and kissed him goodnight... even if he didn't like it or not...

JULIA: Don't think about it too much... Squall will come around... I'm sure of it... you two are just so attached together, there is no way that he's ever going to hate you...

RINOA: I hope you're right... (both mother and daughter embrace, with Julia comforting Rinoa to her shoulder) (I wonder how Squall is doing right now...?)

Finally we head to the Winhill Bluffs Auditorium, where we head backstage to see what the fuss was going on before the show. In the meantime, both Kiros and Ward were busy editing the pre-show segment before the actual show starts. Behind them are Laguna, Raine, and Ellone, watching all the clips. While watching, Kiros was fast-forwarding to a particular scene before he can get to the actual clip that intrigued the family.

LAGUNA: (gasps) Whoa, whoa... Kiros, rewind to that part you just fast-forwarded...

KIROS: (blinks) Uhh... I don't exactly want to see you that portion...

LAGUNA: (frowns) What the heck is that?!

KIROS: (gulps) It was Ward's idea... I swear, Laguna! (Ward makes an angry expression for Kiros saying that about him)

LAGUNA: JUST REWIND IT!!

Kiros reluctantly rewinds to that particular segment. Laguna tells him to pause right at the beginning of that segment, then press play. The five took a closer look at that particular segment. Focusing on the screen, it looks like it's a small segment of two people--- a young girl and a young guy--- holding each other tight in the middle of the night right at the flower fields right next to the beach. This looked like it took place last night during the slumber parties. The family gasped with surprise to see this scene.

ELLONE: (blinks) Um... Mom...? Daddy Laguna...? Isn't that... Squall and Rinoa...?

Kiros spanked his forehead, while Ward immediately covered his mouth, trying not to say anything... (not like he can say ANYTHING literally). Laguna and Raine took a closer look at the screen.

RAINE: (blinks) I can't make it out... all I see is a silhouette of two people holding each other tight... I can't make out the faces...

LAGUNA: (cheers happily) WOOHOO!! (he starts dancing around again) THAT'S MY BOY!!! HEHEHEHE... CLASSIC ROMANTIC RIGHT THERE!!!

RAINE: (blinks) How do you know it's Squall, sweetie...?

LAGUNA: (stands up straight with his arms on his waist, looking up) How do I know it's Squall, Raine? How?? You dare me ask HOW?? I'LL TELL YOU HOW... IT'S SQUALL BECAUSE I AM HIS FATHER--- HIS POP KNOWS EVERYTHING!!! HIS POP KNOWS HIS EVERY SINGLE MOVE!!! AND HIS POP---

KIROS: (interrupts) His pop does not know jack about what Squall has in store for Rinoa... yes, that is a fact, ladies and gentlemen... (Raine, Ellone, and Ward giggle)

LAGUNA: (sticks his tongue at Kiros) MEANIE!! MEANIE!! MEANIE!! MEANIE!! (gets excited once more by jumping up and down, pointing at the screen) YES!! YES!! LET'S ADD THIS ONE INTO THE PRE-SHOW!!! HEHE... AT LEAST I GET TO HAVE MY SON AND HIS PRETTY GAL RINNY IN MY SHOW NOW... BWA HA HA HA HA!!!

KIROS: (shrugs) Seriously, Laguna, is it really necessary to add the "young love" segment into our pre-show? I mean, I thought we decided not to add the "young love" segment into the pre-show after we caught Squall kissing Quistis on camera that other night...?

ELLONE: Hey, it was Quisty who kissed Squall, Uncle Kiros!

WARD: ... (TR: "Please, Laguna, let's leave the two young lovers alone... pleeeeeeaaaase...?")

LAGUNA: (smirks) BWA HA HA!!! It's settled then! We're putting that clip as our "young love" segment in the pre-show!!

KIROS: Oh man... (Kiros sighs, as he decided to record this segment to the next tape, editing it to the other video) I suppose you want your narration here too..

LAGUNA: (happily applauding) YEP YEP YEP YEP YEP YEP YEP YEP!!

RAINE: (giggling) Oh Laguna, you're just such a silly man! (gives Laguna a kiss on the cheek)

ELLONE: (giggling) I really can't believe that you're also Squall's real dad, too, Daddy Laguna! You're just basically complete opposites of each other!

Laguna flashes a smile when Ellone felt a tap on the shoulder.

ELLONE: (happily) You guys!! I'm glad you guys made it just in time!!

ZONE/WARD/BRADLEY: (bows) Just as usual, Miss Elle!

Ellone goes up to them and rests her palms onto her knees, looking right up to them.

ELLONE: Shall we rehearse, boys?

ZONE: You bet!

WARD: (thumbs up) Ready when you are!

BRADLEY: "Till" it is, Timbers!

Ellone and the boys split from Laguna, Raine, Kiros, and Ward, as they start to rehearse for their segment on the show.

Finally after many hours of getting ready, the time finally arrived. The auditorium was jam-packed with practically the whole town of Winhill and some other outsiders who would like to see the Laguna Loire Tonight Show up close. The Irvy Fangirls and invited guests were able to sit right at the first front row seats of the auditorium, since they are the VIPs for support for Irvy. The Caraway Family arrived backstage, meeting with the Leonhart-Loire Family. Right after that are Irvy, Cid, Edea, and Ultimecia. In the meantime, the newly-edited pre-show was showing on the white screen of the stage while waiting for other guests to arrive on sight. The Pre-show was simply about Laguna going around all certain places of Winhill, basically giving a tour around Winhill for the whole world to see. Rinoa took a peek to see who's at the front seat. Then she noticed that there's one empty seat right at the center. Squall was nowhere to be found. Rinoa sighed sadly, as she just went ahead and watched the pre-show.

Later at the pre-show, it now shows the "young love" segment in which Laguna made Kiros insert it in the clip in the last minute. It shows that sweet "Pinky Swear Promise" scene of Squall and Rinoa from last night, while on the background is the old narration of Laguna that he made when they accidentally caught Squall and Quistis on a date on video...

LAGUNA'S VOICE: (in the Squall & Rinoa promise scene) Ah, young love in Winhill... yes, that's right! There is nothing more refreshing, memorable, and sweet as a beautiful romantic and charming scene of two young lovers in love under a shower of bright stars and the silver moon! We now have a short focus on one cute couple in Winhill who know how to be in love...

Rinoa blushed heavily in both shyness and embarrassment. How in the world did they get a video clip of her and Squall making this special promise to each other last night...? Who in the world was the culprit? Luckily no one can tell who the people are in the clip, so the identity of her and Squall is safe for now. She continued watching that clip, making her realize that this moment should be the most wonderful in her life. Even if Squall did not tell her if he loves her or not, this was enough for her.

RINOA: (in her mind) (I wonder if Squall's somewhere in here...? Watching this pre-show right now...?)

Meanwhile somewhere around the auditorium is Squall, who's actually hiding in his own place to watch the show. Why is he there and not at the front row? Surely he does have something in store in mind right now.

SQUALL: (watching the pre-show while thinking to himself) (I don't know how Uncle Ward found us, but... argh... I can't wait any longer... hurry it up with the show and let's get this over with!)

Finally, the pre-show was about to end with this final piece of the narration. The clip now has Laguna walking towards the camera, with the horizon of Winhill in the background and the beach just right next to him. Also in the background along with Winhill is the huge flower field that Winhill is known for.

LAGUNA: (in the pre-show clip, walking towards the camera, narrating) I do hope that you find my little tour and insight of Winhill entertaining and engaging. You're probably wondering now why I decided to have a pre-show for this special episode, since Winhill would probably the new base of the Laguna Loire Tonight Show. Winhill, to my humble opinion, is probably the most charming, most wonderful, and not to mention beautiful town in all of Galbadia--- probably even the world. This is the type of place where you can even call it yourself as home. If you're wondering, it's true to my view. I am a Galbadian, living in Esthar for almost seventeen years and now I've finally made it back home. I am definitely proud of being a Galbadian... I am mostly proud of being a Winhill local... and most of all, I'm proud of my roots, heritage, and customs--- they all derived right here in this here place. Welp, that's all I gotta say... so if you wanna come and watch the Laguna Loire Tonight Show up close and personal with me and the usual folks, come over here to Winhill! Have a reservation at our local hotel! And if the whole hotel's booked, we can always accommodate you personally by our friendly and lovable townfolk here... their doors to their humble abodes are ALWAYS welcome to curious tourists, so if you don't have a place to stay yet you still want to come to watch the Tonight Show, just come up to a fellow Winhill local and tell him "I'm here to meet with Laguna Loire!" And everything will be taken care of... (looks at his time) Oh whoops... I yap too much, don't I...? Hehe... so, what are we waiting for? You don't wanna here all my babbling--- (jumps up and returns to his goofy yet outgoing self again) LET'S HIT THE PARTY 'CUZ IT'S TIME FOR THE LAGUNA LOIRE TONIGHT SHOW!!!!!!

The pre-show finally ends, as the screen rises up and the curtains open. The audience applaud and cheer wildly as if they're watching a rock concert. Of course, it's understandable--- Irvy Kinneas is the SPECIAL GUEST in today's episode of the show!

ANNOUNCER IN BACKGROUND: (announcing, presenting the show) LIVE IN WINHILL, GALBADIA--- GOOOOOOOOOD EVENING, YOUNG WORLD!! FROM ALL THE CORNERS OF ESTHAR, DELING CITY, CENTRA, BALAMB, TIMBER, AND DOLLET--- PUT YOUR HANDS UP AND WAVE 'EM UP HIGH--- IT'S TIME FOR THE LAGUNA LOIRE TONIGHT SHOW!!!!

The audience cheer loudly and wildly, jumping up and down.

ANNOUNCER IN BACKGROUND: AND NOW FOR OUR SPECIAL GUESTS OF THE DEBUT EPISODE LIVE HERE IN WINHILL--- YOUR REGULAR TWELVE DANCING MOOMBA BROTHERS UP FOR ANOTHER FUN OF LAUGHS, SONG, AND DANCE... A VERY SPECIAL LOCAL GUEST STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART OF WINHILL, READY TO MAKE THIS NIGHT A MEMORABLE AND ROMANTIC FOR ALL YOU LOVERS YOUNG AND OLD OUT THERE--- OF COURSE, IT'S A SURPRISE, SO WE CAN'T REVEAL IT TO YOU YET TILL LAGUNA TELLS US TO DO SO... AND OF COURSE, THE MOMENT YOU'VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR, YOUNG WORLD--- THAT'S RIGHT--- THE FAREWELL SEGMENT OF OUR HOT, YOUNG, AND CHARMING ROCK SENSATION---- IIIIIIIIIIIRVY KINNEAS!!!!!!!

IRVY FANGIRLS: (front row going wild and loud, luckily they're not rowdy) IRVY!!! IRVY!!!! IRVY!!!! IRVY!!!!

SELPHIE: (screaming loudly) I WANT IRVY!!!!!! I WANT IRVY NOOOOOOOW!!!!!!!

ZELL: (pouts) (This sucks... now I'll NEVER get to have Selphie pay attention to me...)

QUISTIS: (hanging on to her darling boyfriend Seifer's arm, shouting out happily) IIIIIIIRVY!!!!

SEIFER: (smirks) Yo Quisty... I just hope you're not getting obsessed TOO MUCH with Irvy and then forget about me... please don't make that mistake...

Quistis kisses Seifer gently on the lips without awareness, as she parts from him with a sweet smile on her face.

SEIFER: (thinks) Hmm... I take that back...

FUJIN: (suddenly faints) IR...VY... (Xu catches Fujin before she hits the ground)

XU: (giggles) Goodness, Fu, Irvy hasn't come out yet and you fainted already... wake up, Fu!

NIDA: (stares at Fujin) Yo Raijin, what's up with that sister of yours...?

RAIJIN: (whispers on Nida's ear) Fujin's insane... my folks just picked her up from the mental institution last year... you know how long she's been in there? Practically for almost NINE years! She's still got some screws needed to be tightened in her head, ya know?

From out of nowhere, Fujin recovers and kicks behind Raijin's right shin and pinches his ear at the same time...

RAIJIN: OW! OW! OWWW... LEGGO LEGGO... YA KNOW THIS HURTS, YA KNOW?!

NIDA: (turns to Fujin) It's okay, Fujin... just let the poor guy go... I think you're a very sweet person, Fujin...

FUJIN: (smiles a bit) THANKS.

NIDA: (smiles sweetly) Not to mention cute...

FUJIN: (gasps) WHAT?!

Xu frowns and steps on to Nida's foot.

NIDA: OWW... XU?!

XU: (frowns) And I'M not a sweet and cute person...? How could you, Nida?!

FUJIN: (speaks from out of nowhere again) Get a grip, Xu! Your man's just trying to cheer me up... jeez, calm down!

Xu blinks in confusion, as she turned to Fujin.

XU: (blinks) Did you just... talk... Fujin?

FUJIN: (rolls her eyes) WHATEVER.

Selphie turns to her right side and noticed that one of the seats in their row is unoccupied.

SELPHIE: Where's Squall?! Where is he?!

ZELL: (thinks) I have no idea... we visited him earlier, he knocked Raijin off, then he just ditched without even telling us where he's going...

SELPHIE: (frowns) Jeez, what is up with him?!

ZELL: It's all good, Selphie... he's always like that.

XU: (interrupts) Speaking of Squall, where's Elle?

QUISTIS: (overheard the conversation) I guess she's also backstage, since she's helping her dad with the show, I think...

SEIFER: (thinks) Something's up with Puberty Boy, and I'm gonna FIND OUT what it is...

NIDA: Well Rinoa's backstage too, since she's gonna be the spotlight of the Irvy segment, so... oh man, I hope Squall didn't decide not to show up just to spite her more...

SEIFER: (frowns) If he ever does that he's gonna get a BIG whoopin' by yours truly, Seifer Almasy! (cracks his knuckles)

QUISTIS: (gasps) Seifer, don't hurt poor Squall like that!

SEIFER: (yawns) Eh... he's used to it... we always fight like that... and we don't even care...

QUISTIS: (rolls her eyes) Men...

Meanwhile backstage, the Caraway Family finished their rehearsing part, as General Caraway looks around for Laguna...

CARAWAY: (bugging one of the crew members) Hey... is Laguna around? I'd like to introduce myself to him. I'm his BIGGEST fan!

CREW MEMBER #1: General, you'll see Mr. Loire later... right now, it's his cue to appear on stage. Maybe during commercial break.

JULIA: (gasps happily) Oh, I'm so excited!! We're all gonna be on TV!

ANGELO: (smiles happily) YEAH!! I'M GONNA BE FAMOUS!! MAYBE I CAN EVEN BECOME A STAR WHEN I GROW UP!!

JULIA: (turns to Raine, who also has an excited look on her face) Oh Raine... I'd REALLY like to thank you for everything... first, our friendship; second, your devotion to a romantic relationshp with Laguna Loire; and most especially, your son, Squall...

RAINE: (chuckles) My son...? I don't understand...

JULIA: My daughter would never be happy with her life without a sweet, handsome young boy like your son, Raine... I owe everything to you...

RAINE: (chuckles) No, no, you don't have to, Julia! I really can't say much if everyone found my son so irresistible... I guess his irresistibility was inherited from his father...

JULIA: But his heart and his mind and his words were inherited from your persona, Raine...

Raine lowers her head with a small smile and a heavy blush on her face.

RAINE: (smiles) Thank you very much, Julia... I really appreciate your support of me and my completely-wrecked past...

JULIA: (embraces Raine) Don't think about the past, Raine... this is the present... finally your family is complete... now you have a future husband--- as well as the fact that he's the father of your son--- well, we can include Laguna's buddies Kiros and Ward as well...

The two ladies part, as finally, the show finally begins...

ANNOUNCER IN BACKGROUND: ...AND OF COURSE, WE'VE GOT YOUR USUAL LAGUNA SAYING OF THE NIGHT, THE TOP TEN LIST, AND OTHER GAGS AND FUN THE SHOW'S GOT IN STORE FOR YOU! AND NOW, PUT YOUR HANDS UP IN THE AIR 'CUZ THE SHOW'S ABOUT TO BEGIN! HEEEEEEEEERE'S LAGUNA!!!

The audience continue on cheering and applauding and just going wild, as Laguna enters the stage with his usual grin and his gesture of saying hello to his fans all around the world.

LAGUNA: (calls out through his hidden microphone on his shirt) GOOOOOOOOOOD EVENING WINHILL!!!!!!!

AUDIENCE: YAAAAAAAAY LAGUNA!!!! (more cheering and shouting continue endlessly, as Laguna hushes them down)

LAGUNA: (calls out again) WELCOME TO THE LAGUNA LOIRE TONIGHT SHOW! Of course, as you all know, I'm Laguna Loire...

The audience cheer wildly once more.

LAGUNA: (clears his throat) Well... whew... and as you all know then... we're here in good ol' beautiful and peaceful Winhill, Galbadia!!

The audience respond again with the usual cheering and applauding with many excited faces.

LAGUNA: And to top it all that, my friends and fellow Laguna watchers, I would like to say this one simple statement to all of you--- (rises up his fist up on the sky) I'M HOME, BABY!!!! I'M HOME!!! OH WINHILL, WINHILL... WINHILL--- MY HOME SWEET HOME!!!

AUDIENCE: YEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!!!!!

The crowd continues to go wild, as Laguna takes a seat on his desk-like table with his microphone already set on the table.

LAGUNA: (to the audience) Yes, my friends, as you can tell by the turnout of this beautiful Winhill Bluffs Auditorium, we all know that this particular episode of the Laguna Loire Tonight Show is a definite SPECIAL one... it could be the most SPECIAL episode of all the special episodes we've had throughout fifteen years of keeping this show alive... I thank you all for your support!

The crowd cheers and applauds.

LAGUNA: Very well then, let's see here... (he takes out his notecards and reads them) First off, we've got a small segment from our regulars, the twelve Moomba Brothers...

Everyone applauds.

LAGUNA: And sorry for all of you who are devoted fans of the great Shumi Magician, however, he is sick of the Shumi Fever, therefore, he won't be here on today's show...

AUDIENCE: (sighs sadly) Awwwwwwww...

LAGUNA: BUT DON'T YOU WORRY, my friends... in fact, we've got an EVEN better segment in place of the Shumi Magician... I can't tell you WHO it is yet but I can tell you one thing--- they're your fellow Winhill locals...

AUDIENCE:YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!!!

LAGUNA: And last, but not least... (clears throat) A special farewell segment to our dear rock sensation and friend Irvy Kinneas..

IRVY FANGIRLS: AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!

As we all can tell, the show's start was going really strong and really good so far. The audience and hopefully those who are watching around the world are also enjoying what was going on. Laguna finally presented the twelve Moomba Brothers doing their segment, as Laguna leaves for backstage to take a rest for a bit. In the meantime, General Caraway tries to approach to Laguna to introduce himself, not as the General of the Galbadian Army, but as a devoted fan of Laguna and his world-renowned tonight show.

CARAWAY: (approaches Laguna and introduces himself) Ah, Mr. Loire! Finally after all this time--- I have finally met you up close and personal!

LAGUNA: (big grin) Hey there, neighbor! It's the mighty General of the Galbadian Army! (the two men shake their hands) Glad to meet you!

CARAWAY: (gets excited) Ooooh... I would just like to thank you for your sincere kindness and appreciation on hosting this special show here in Winhill... you know how much this means to my family and myself... I've been a big fan of your show for FIVE years now! Never I have seen such television entertainment such as yours... I say, you ARE the GOD of TV!

LAGUNA: (scratches his head) Eheh... uhh... you're actually the first one to consider me as "The GOD of TV"... thank you!

CARAWAY: This is going to be the BEST episode you'll ever have in your TV history, Sir! And this would obviously be my favorite too! I'm so glad I get this opportunity to have a memorable event before I head off to war, leading these fine young men to victory against the cult faction in Esthar... yes, Galbadia will have its victory!

LAGUNA: (scratches his head) Did anybody tell you that I'm a war veteran also? That's how I ended up in Esthar? Hehe... imagine... an ex-soldier of the Galbadian Army--- doing an entertainment primetime show in Esthar... but all of that is behind me now because as of now, I AM HOME WITH MY FAMIILY AND FRIENDS!!!

CARAWAY: (sighs) I just hope my daughter Rinoa would find a very nice young man for her to be with someday... I would be a very proud, lucky man...

LAGUNA: (smirks) Why hope when your daughter already found him?

CARAWAY: (blinks) Er, what?! Not that goon Irvy... oh no! Not in MY house she won't!

LAGUNA: Er, no, that's not who I'm talking about---

CARAWAY: Or what about that local boy with a long history of being a problem child?!

Laguna spanks his forehead. He knows the general was talking about his son.

LAGUNA: No no no... I'm talking about my son, General...

Caraway blinks in confusion.

CARAWAY: Son...? You have a seventeen-year-old son?!

Laguna nodded with a grin.

LAGUNA: And DANG proud of it too!

CARAWAY: Then.. we must arrange Rinoa and your son to meet and someday fall in love!

LAGUNA: (rolls his eyes) They're ALREADY in love!

CARAWAY: WHAT?! How come I'm the last one to know? How does he look like?

LAGUNA: (shrugs) Ask your wife? Your daughter? Your little son? Or even Raine?

Caraway starts to think. Obviously he seems very confused.

KIROS: (from behind) Laguna, it's your cue... 12 Moomba Brothers' segment's almost over.

LAGUNA: (checks the time) Whoops... time for me to head off! Later!

Laguna dashes out to the stage and takes his position on his TV desk. He waits for the stage manager to give him a signal, signaling him that the camera is now focused on him and on air. As Laguna started with his part, Kiros alerts Ellone and her Timbers to start doing any last-minute rehearsal before they can go on stage. Ellone and the Timbers nodded and decided to go to an isolated room backstage to rehearse and warm up before they start their segment. When they reached the perfect spot, they happened to stumble upon somebody who has been in hiding while watching the show all this time.

ELLONE: (blinks) Squall?! What are you doing here hiding?! Why don't you go to your seat at the front row?

Squall motions his head towards his sister and her a capella group.

SQUALL: What are you doing here backstage, Sis?

ELLONE: (blinks) HEY! Wait a minute, I asked first!

ZONE: (scratches his head) Uhh... Elle... the guys and I will be back at the dressing room... sounds like a family quarrel going on here... later!

The Timbers leave the scene. Squall stands up, leans against the wall, crosses his arms, and turns his head away from her.

ELLONE: Squall, Rinoa's been worried sick about you! She wants to see you at the front row when she goes on stage!

SQUALL: (smirks) Oh, I'll be there alright...

ELLONE: (frowns) Squall?! Why are you making Rinoa suffer like this?! I mean come on, it's just a stupid little kiss... for all we know it may be just a kiss on the cheek, now come on! She doesn't deserve this kind of treatment... don't you understand?! She loves you!

SQUALL: (thoughts in his mind) (Sometimes I may end up having to hurt her... just to show her... how much I love her...) What are you getting at, Sis?

ELLONE: (shakes her head) Squall, this has gone TOO far! I mean... what kind of a lover are you? All of Winhill thought that since you were little kids, it would definitely be you and her together! And.. and... (sighs) you've been like the sweetest boy all of Winhill has ever met back then... and for some reason you've changed into this... I don't even know how to say it...?

SQUALL: (shrugs) A cold, mean, introverted jerk...? (yawns a bit) And should I care...?

Ellone sighed sadly to herself, as she heard the Timbers calling out for her.

ELLONE: I do hope you're enjoying what you're doing to Rinoa now... but I'm betting for sure that when the time comes you are definitely going to regret on what you have done to her... if something happens to Rinoa because of what you did to her, all the blame will go to you, Squall Leonhart-Loire!!

SQUALL: Whatever... (without any more words exchanged, he walks off his spot)

ELLONE: (calls out) WHERE YOU GOING, SQUALL?!

BRADLEY: (from behind) COME ON, ELLE! IT'S OUR CUE!!!

Ellone went ahead and joined the Timbers and waited till Laguna mentions their group in his announcements...

LAGUNA: (continuing from his announcements) ... AWRIGHTY, EVERYBODY, HERE THEY ARE--- STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART OF WINHILL, HERE THEY ARE--- LET'S GIVE 'EM A BIG ROUND OF APPLAUSE TO--- THE TIMBERS!!!!!!!!!

Ellone and the Timbers enter the stage, as the audience applaud with cheers, screams, and more cheering. The Timbers begin their performance...

WATTS: (bass)
Dum dum dum dum dum dum
Dum dum dum dum dum dum
Dum dum dum dum dum dum
Dum dum dum dum dum dum

ZONE/BRADLEY: (duet)
Ohhh.. oh oh oh
Ohhh.. oh oh oh
Ohhh.. oh oh oh
Ohhh.. oh oh oh

ELLONE: (solo voice)
Till the moon deserts the sky
Till all the seas run dry
Till then I worship you

Till the tropic sun turns cold
Till this young world grows old
My darling, I'll adore you

In the meantime this song was sung, Squall was just walking away without any care or concern at this whole mess until he heard the voice of his sister singing words that somehow touched his heart.

SQUALL: (turns his head towards the auditorium) (Rinoa...)

The song continues to echo from out of the auditorium, hearing his sister's powerful voice on high notes...

ZONE/BRADLEY/WATTS:
Aaaaaaah...

ELLONE: (strong high notes)
You were my reason to live
All I own, I would give
Just to have you adore me

Till the rivers flow on streams
T ill all these things turn to dreams
Till then I'm yours
Please be mine

Squall gets closer back to the auditorium, as he continues to listen to his sister's song...

ELLONE: (singing)
You were my reason to live...

SQUALL: (Are you telling me you'll die for me...?)

ELLONE: (singing)
All I own, I would give
Just to have you adore me

SQUALL: (You would give up your personal dreams...? Your goals... just for me...?)

ELLONE: (singing)
Till the rivers flow on streams
Till lovers cease to dream
Till then I'm yours
Please be mine...

SQUALL: (Is this what you're feeling now, Rinoa...?)

Right at that moment, he runs back to the auditorium to give another chance to this show. He now wants to know what's going to happen in the Irvy segment of the show. Later in the auditorium, The Timbers finish their segment with a huge standing ovation from the audience.

IRVY FANGIRLS: ENCORE ELLE, ENCORE!!!!!

POSSE BOYS: SING SING SING!!!

ELLONE: (waves humbly to the audience, and speaks through her mic) Some other time--- I'm sure Mr. Loire would want to do that... hm?

Laguna appears with the Timbers and takes the mic from Ellone.

LAGUNA: (presenting the Timbers to the world) AREN'T THEY WONDERFUL, EVERYBODY?!

The audience cheered and applauded at the same time.

LAGUNA: SEE?! NOW THIS IS WHAT I CALL A REAL MUSICAL ARTIST! FROM WINHILL WITH LOVE, LET'S GIVE ANOTHER ROUND OF APPLAUSE TO THE TIMBERS!

Ellone, Zone, Watts, and Bradley bowed, as they leave the stage. Laguna goes on with his usual announcements before he can go right to the Irvy segment.

LAGUNA: (clears his throat) Hmm... let's see... oh yes! We've only got fifteen minutes left till the end of the show--- you ALL know what that means...

SELPHIE: (from front row) HURRY, SIR LAGUNA, WE WANNA SEE IIIIIIIIIIIIIRVY!!!!

IRVY FANGIRLS: (screaming wildly from the top of their lungs) IRVY--- AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!

LAGUNA: (chuckles) YOU SEE THAT, EVERYBODY?! THEY WANNA SEE IRVY NOW... COME ON, SCREAM OUT LOUDER AND CONVINCE ME TO BRING IRVY OUT RIGHT NOW... HURRY, HURRY, NOW NOW NOW!!!

IRVY FANGIRLS: (screaming) AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!

LAGUNA: LOUDER, EVERYBODY!!

HALF OF THE AUDIENCE: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!

LAGUNA: COME ON, YOU ALL CAN DO BETTER THAN THAT...

EVERYBODY IN THE AUDITORIUM: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!

LAGUNA: (jumps up with a wink on his smile) Thank you, everybody... that's enough now... (he looks at the time, as gives everybody a big grin) Welp.... ONCE AND FOR ALL SO WE CAN ALL GO HOME AND SLEEP AND LIVE ON WITH OUR LIVES, LET US GIVE A BIIIIIIG ROUND OF APPLAUSE AND SAY OUR FINAL FAREWELLS TO ROCK'S BIGGEST SENSATION OF THE WORLD--- IIIIIIRVY KINNEAS!!!!!!!

All of the fangirls cry out wildly and insanely, as the stage dims... smoke comes out from the sides, as they see a silhouette shadow of Irvy right at the center. This looks like a very entertaining farewell segment from Irvy Kinneas himself. Then gradually, the light comes back and the silhouette reveals our Irvy, all in a cool white clothing. He holds his guitar as if he was holding a rifle. As the screaming fans go wild, he points the end of his guitar towards them and speaks...

IRVY: (winking) Whoa, whoa, this ain't a final goodbye... this is just temporary... of course I'll be back--- just for all the special ladies out there... but tonight, my friends... (walks closer to the edge of the stage and whispers through the mic to the Irvy fangirls) but tonight is a special night for a certain young yet so beautiful girl--- a Winhill native, to be exact...

IRVY FANGIRLS: (drooling) Oh Irvy...

POSSE BOYS: (rolls their eyes) Oh please...

IRVY: (gets up and goes back to the center of the stage) Therefore, here's my final song... and my final kiss... 'cuz tonight, that special lady will be the one chosen for me to give my one last kiss... if things go right, I may be able to win this special lady's heart...

ZELL: (from front row, murmuring to himself) Up yours, Irvy! Rinoa belongs to Squall!

SEIFER: (murmuring to himself) If that idiot Puberty Boy doesn't show up right now, I may have to get up stage and beat the crap out of Irvy for him...

QUISTIS: (overheard his murmuring) Are you insane, Seifer?! That's IRVY KINNEAS that we're talking about!! How dare you say that to Irvy!!

SEIFER: (glares at Quistis) Which side are you on anyway?!

QUISTIS: (rolls her eyes) You can get arrested for attempted assault, you buffoon!

SEIFER: (blinks) Oh... whoops... sorry, sweetie... (gives Quistis a kiss on the cheek)

And somewhere near backstage...

SQUALL: (keeping his eyes wide open for this Irvy segment) (Not when I'M around, you girlfriend-stealing bastard...)

IRVY: (continues wooing the ladies at the front row) And finally, my friends... it is time... my "One Last Kiss"...

More white smoke streams out from the ground on the stage, appearing Zone, Watts, and Bradley, who are the backup singers for Irvy's new (and final?) single... the song that Cid was writing ALL THE WAY in the beginning of this whole event... "One Last Kiss."

ZONE/BRADLEY/WATTS: (singing while dancing a bit)
One last kiss
One last kiss
Baby, give me one last kiss!

IRVY: (does his signature dance routine while playing his guitar; singing)
Oh one last kiss
Oh baby, one last kiss
It never felt like this
Oh baby, just like this
You know I need your love
Whoa oh oh
Gimme one last kiss...

ZONE/BRADLEY/WATTS:
Gimme one last kiss!

Spotlight immediately appears right on the left side of the stage--- right on Rinoa, all dressed up in sleeveless cream-colored short dress, looking so beautiful and refined like an angel. Rinoa gasped at the spotlight on her, as the fans cheer happily for her. At the same time behind her is her family, with General Caraway standing proudly in his formal Galbadian Army uniform, trying to get himself in the camera, while Julia and Angelo try to pull him back from messing up the whole segment. In the meantime, Squall gasps softly to himself, completely amazed at his love looking so beautiful on stage, on spotlight, on the TV camera.

SQUALL: (Oh Hyne... she's so beautiful... and so radiant... argh, that's it... I can't take it anymore... it's TIME for me to make my special appearance...) (turns his head and sees his parents and Ellone just enjoying the segment) (Sorry Dad, Mom, Ellone... I don't wanna ruin your show, but this is a matter of life and death for me... I can't take it anymore...) (he shuts his eyes tight and sighs deeply inside)

Back to the show...

IRVY: (sings while he slowly approaches Rinoa. Rinoa, at the same time, tries to back out slowly)
Oh one more time
Oh baby one more time
This kiss won't cost a dime
Oh honey, so sublime
You know I need your love
Whoa oh oh
Baby, one last kiss...

ZONE/BRADLEY/WATTS:
Gimme one last kiss!

Irvy advances to Rinoa, only to end up almost kissing General Caraway's cheek, for he sneaks in between Rinoa and Irvy, trying to get himself into the camera. The audience laughed at the hilarious situation; Squall sighs in relief that her father got in between them; and Julia getting really furious at her husband.

JULIA: (pulling Caraway away) DEAR, STOP THAT!

CARAWAY: (blinks) But I wanna be on TV, dear...

JULIA: You ARE on TV, you moron!! (Angelo gasped with shock to hear his mother actually calling his father names)

CARAWAY: (pouts) But... but Julia...

Scene suddenly changes, as dancers start to come out from the sides, dancing along with the song. Again, Irvy sings while gets even closer to Rinoa. Rinoa, on the other hand, tries to back out as much as she can from Irvy.

RINOA: (inside her mind) (Oh Squall.. where are you...? You nodded last night that you would be here... where are you when I need you, Squall...? Please take me away from this place... I don't want to be kissed by Irvy...)

IRVY: (continues to sing)
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
I know you like it like this

LAGUNA: (from the side stage) What is Rinoa doing...? I thought we've got all this settled...?

RAINE: (getting worried) Where in the world is Squall??

Ellone sighs to herself sadly, as they continue to watch the segment.

IRVY: (still approaching Rinoa, Rinoa still trying to avoid him)
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
Ba-a-a-a-a-by
Baby, just one last kiss...

Irvy reaches Rinoa, but again, Caraway gets in between them and says hello to the camera.

CARAWAY: (waving) HEY, EAT YOUR HEART OUT, DELING--- I'M ON THE LAGUNA LOIRE TONIGHT SHOW!!!! BWA HA HA HA HA HA!!!!

RINOA: (spanks her forehead) Dad, you're embarrassing yourself...

Julia walks up to Caraway and pulls him away on his ear.

CARAWAY: (struggling through the pain on his ear) OW OW OW OW OW OW...

JULIA: You are impossible, you know that?! You're ruining your daughter's spotlight!!

The family including Angelo exit the stage, as well as the dancers. And now, the only ones on the stage is Irvy and Rinoa. The backup singers are now on a booth far away from the center stage. Irvy continues to do what he does, as well as Rinoa.

IRVY: (singing)
Oh one last kiss
Oh baby, one last kiss
It never felt like this
Our kiss will be pure bliss
You know I need your love
Whoa oh oh
Baby, one last kiss...

ZONE/BRADLEY/WATTS:
Gimme one last kiss

Irvy suddenly got a hold of Rinoa's wrist, making Rinoa feeling completely feared from what was about to happen tonight. At first she didn't mind, but because of what was currently happening between her and Squall, she's finally found her right answer to the test of true love...

RINOA: (gasps) Irvy... (Please let me go...)

SQUALL: (witnessing the whole scene with his fists clenching very tight in anger) (ARGH, THAT'S IT!!! I'VE HAD ENOUGH!!!! TIME FOR ME TO MAKE MY APPEARANCE ON STAGE!!!!)

Squall finally gets up from his hiding place and dashes right towards the side of the stage where Laguna and family were watching. As he was about to approach, he was caught by Laguna.

LAGUNA: Ah, so there you are, Squall!

SQUALL: (gulped to himself) Dad...

Laguna and Raine went up to their son.

RAINE: (glaring) Where have you been, young man?!

SQUALL: (sighs) Mom... Dad... I'm sorry... please forgive me...

Both Laguna and Raine turned to each other with confused reactions. Squall already succumbing to them without any arguments...?

SQUALL: (lowers his head, shaking his head at the same time) Forgive me on what I'm about to do...

RAINE: (gasps) Oh Squall...

SQUALL: (turns to Raine) I love her, Mom... Dad... and I can't stand seeing another guy placing his lips on hers... I'm the first who ever had my lips laid on to hers ever in her life... and I want to be the only one who will ever touch her lips... ever...

The two parents look at each other with puzzled faces. Then...

LAGUNA: (thinks) Well... son... just... do what you think it's right...

SQUALL: (lowers his head) I'm sorry... Dad...

He dashed right to the side of the stage, as the segment was about to finish...

IRVY: (now heading center stage, holding Rinoa's wrist gently but forcingly)
Yo, one last kiss
Oh baby, one last kiss
Yeah baby, this is bliss
Just tilt your head like this
You know that you're mine now
Whoa oh oh
Gimme one last kiss...

ZONE/BRADLEY/WATTS:
One last kiss...?

IRVY: (now placing his arm around Rinoa, as Rinoa gasps in shock)
Yes, baby... oh baby...
One... last...

He gets himself closer to Rinoa, as Rinoa suddenly closes her eyes tight, making a weird face on purpose so her lips won't be too perfect for Irvy to kiss.

IRVY: (winks to Rinoa, as he is just about one inch closer) Brace yourself, baby, 'cuz this one last kiss is forever destiny...

RINOA: (in her mind) (Squall...)

Right when Irvy was about to touch his lips and Rinoa trying to avoid her lips from touching his, she suddenly felt a powerful force pulling her away from Irvy. Irvy suddenly lost his grip on Rinoa and evidently loses her from his grip.

IRVY: (blinks) HEY! What the---

The audience start to have soft commotion going on as to what had just happened. Rinoa opened her eyes and found herself apart from Irvy, but a familiar touch was holding gently on to her hand.

RINOA: (gasps to herself) What... what in the world...?

Rinoa slowly turned her head to see who was the one who separated her from Irvy right when she was about to be kissed. Spotlight slowly moved right from Rinoa towards the one who pulled her away from Irvy...

RINOA: (gasps happily with surprise) SQUALL!!!!

The audience gasped with a big shock.

SELPHIE/QUISTIS/XU/FUJIN: (eyes wide open completely) SQUALL?!!!!!!

ZELL: (shrieks) DUDE!!!!! IT'S SQUALL!!!!!!

SEIFER/NIDA/RAIJIN: (gasps) Whooooaaaaa...

Squall stood there with a very serious face, glaring right towards Irvy, as Rinoa threw herself on to him.

RINOA: (started shedding tears of joy and leans her face on to his shoulder) Oh Squall... I can't believe you came... Squall... my Squall...

Squall placed one arm around Rinoa to comfort her, as Irvy heads right up with a glaring look towards Squall.

IRVY: (glares) WHO ARE YOU TO TAKE MY SPECIAL GIRL AWAY FROM ME?!

The audience gasped with shocked. It looks like something dramatic is going to happen at this point... and not just that, it's on worldwide TV as well...

ZELL: (gasps) DUDE!!! THERE'S GONNA BE A RUMBLE, YO!

SEIFER/NIDA/RAIJIN: (gasps) Whoooooaaaa...

Squall's reaction to Irvy's words...

SQUALL: (glares and points right at Irvy) "Special girl"?! YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW HER ENOUGH TO CALL HER "SPECIAL," YOU GIRLFRIEND-STEALING BASTARD!! I KNEW THE FIRST TIME THAT YOU CAME HERE THAT YOU HAD AN EVIL INSTINCT FOR RINOA... AS HER BOYFRIEND, I HAVE THE RIGHT TO PROTECT HER FROM THE LIKES OF YOU!!

The audience gasped even more with shock... so shocked that even Laguna himself was very shocked.

LAGUNA: (gasps) OH MY HYNE... RAINE, SQUALL'S ONE TOUGH KID!!

RAINE: (shrugs shyly) Umm... I don't think I raised him that way... I don't think Ma Dincht even raised him that way...

LAGUNA: (gulps) But he's scary-looking now... I don't even wanna get near him...

RAINE: (chuckles) Laguna, we're talking about OUR son here!

LAGUNA: (thinks) Oh... oh yeah... hehe... well... if Squall's THAT tough, then that would mean that I can get tougher, since he must have gotten his tough exterior from me... hehe...

ELLONE: (whispers) Daddy Laguna, I think Squall got his toughness from Mom... I mean, you know how she is when she gets really strict at home...?

Laguna slowly turned to Raine nervously, as Raine just started giggling at him.

Meanwhile back on stage...

RINOA: (whispers softly) R-really, Squall...? Is it true about you being... my boyfriend... now?

IRVY: (smirks) Oh I see... so you're the popular Squall Leonhart, the one a lot of kids in this town have been talking about... heh.. not bad for being Rinoa's boyfriend... of course, I could do better...

RINOA: (turns her head and glares at Irvy) YOU ARE JUST A CELEBRITY FLING FOR ME, IRVINE KINNEAS!! I WAS NEVER IN LOVE WITH YOU... IF YOU THINK YOU CAN GET ANY GIRL THAT YOU WANT JUST LIKE THAT, WELL YOU CAN NEVER GET THIS GIRL HERE!

SQUALL: (whispers) Rinoa, let me handle this...

Rinoa nodded and gets behind Squall. Squall approaches Irvy, as the two are now close right at each other with glaring faces.

IRVY: You know, I've heard a lot of bad things about you... I've heard that Rinoa is NOT exactly the first girl that you kissed... that you obviously cheated on her with that other chick when you went out on that date in the movies...

The audience continued to be captivated into this situation.

ZELL: (shrieks) DUDE!!!! IRVY'S INSULTING SQUALL!!!!

SEIFER/NIDA/RAIJIN: (gasps) Whoooooaaaaa...

Back on stage...

IRVY: (continuing) And not to mention that aside from your popularity, you were also known as the one who gets into trouble too much--- a "Problem Kid," that's what they call it here... Rinoa doesn't deserve you!!

SQUALL: Then tell me, Irvy Kinneas--- if I don't deserve Rinoa's love, then tell me WHY she cries her tears out, calling MY name instead of yours? TELL ME EXACTLY WHY RINOA SHOUTS OUT TO THE WHOLE TOWN EVERY NIGHT, DECLARING HER LOVE FOR ME?! (backs away from him) And besides... the way you pulled her out from her corner during your little song and dance gig really got to me... you treated her as if she's more of a property rather than escorting her center-stage like a REAL lady... Rinoa is NOT a trophy that you just one, only to put it on display with all the other girls that you MAY have won on other towns... yeah, that's right, I've heard about your little scandals in the past... (crosses his arms) Lemme tell you this, Irvy Kinneas--- you're NOT as charming or as dashing as you may think you'd be... and as for Rinoa, she's not MEANT to be treated like an award statue... Rinoa is a beautiful and heavenly angel sent from above--- MY angel, to be exact, and if you or anybody else ever DARE touch her, your ass is MINE!!

ZELL: (shrieks) DUDE!!!! YEAH!!!! YOU TELL 'IM, SQUALL!!!!!

SEIFER/NIDA/RAIJIN: (gasps) Whoooooaaaa...

Irvy's reaction...

IRVY: Hmph... is that so...? It's YOU who should be at fault, since YOU'RE the one who dumped her, avoided her, and even not show her any feelings... no chick wants a problem kid like you as their boyfriend, hell no no way!

RINOA: (yells out) I AM NOT A CHICK!!!

IRVY: (shrugs) Whatever...

SQUALL: (gets even angrier) There's no so-called love in your own vocabulary... with you, Rinoa is just another conquest... for me, Rinoa is everything a guy could ever want, and I'm so happy that I thank Hyne for giving me this special power in making a really sweet girl like Rinoa fall in love with me... I deserve her in my life... for her I will lay down my life, and I would do anything to keep sticky-fingered jerks like you AWAY from her...

IRVY: (gets fed up and attempts to assault him by aiming for a big punch) OH THAT'S IT... WANNA DUKE IT OUT... YOU'RE GONNA REGRET FOR MESSING WITH THE ROCK SENSATION IRVY KINNEAS!!!

RINOA: (calls out) SQUALL, BEHIND YOU!!!

Squall immediately turns his head and sees Irvy approaching him with a large fist aiming for his head, Squall shifts his front leg back, slides to the side, blocks the punching arm and with his right arm, he punches Irvy right on the face, knocking him off right on the floor... the same way as he knocked Raijin earlier today before the show. The audience were even more shocked than before... Squall Leonhart had just knocked Irvy unconscious right in front of the camera.

ZELL: (standing up from his seat) DUDE!!! YOU KNOCKED IRVY OFF!!!!

SEIFER/NIDA/RAIJIN: Whooooooaaaaaa...

SELPHIE/QUISTIS/XU/FUJIN: (Selphie hits Zell on the head, Quistis hits Seifer on his head, Xu hits Nida on the head, and Fujin kicks Raijin behind his shin) WILL YOU SHUT UP ALREADY... YOU FOUR ARE GETTING TO BE ANNOYING!!!!

This, of course, made the whole auditorium go insane as their reaction towards the Irvy-Squall fight.

CID: (gasps and runs to Irvy) Oh my goodness... IRVY!!

Squall slowly backs away and murmurs...

SQUALL: Aah.. I'm sorry... I didn't mean to... (shakes his head immediately and speaks out) WELL, HE ASKED FOR IT, SO THERE!!!

Cid just looked up to Squall and smiled at him.

CID: I'm very proud of you, son... the way you declared your love for Rinoa in front of everyone ... that was very brave of you...

SQUALL: (blinks in confusion) Um... thank you...

Cid, Edea, and Ultimecia check to see if Irvy really was completely knocked off unconscious. Luckily Irvy is alright. Rinoa dashed right to Squall and right into his arms. Squall carried her to him and held her tight. Now the two are very close to each other on their faces.

RINOA: (sighs in pure bliss) Oh Squall... please let this be real on what you just said... please make me believe that everything's alright now...?

SQUALL: (slowly gets closer to Rinoa's lips while he's still carrying her) I love you, my beautiful angel Rinoa... I can't let another man lay his lips on yours... I just can't... I want to be the first one to kiss you... and I want to be the only one who would only touch your lips the way you want it...

RINOA: (blushes) Oh Squall... I love you so much...

SQUALL: (whispers) I love you, Rinoa...

The couple kiss oh-so-tenderly and passionately, even way much more than the first time they kissed. This, of course, really wowed the audience.

AUDIENCE: (sighs in awe) Awwwwwwwww...

ZELL: (sniffs) DUDE!!!! THAT WAS BEAUTIFUL, YO!!!!

SEIFER: (hits Zell from behind) SHUT UP ALREADY, CHICKEN-WUSS!!!

ZELL: OWW! (frowns) OKAY ALREADY, JEEZ!!

Laguna then appears on stage again, as the audience gives a standing ovation to him for a very wonderful show.

LAGUNA: (chuckles) Hehe... how about that, eh? This is TRUE LOVE in the making, courtesy of your Winhill folks!

Rinoa and Squall suddenly part, only to realize that they're still on TV.

RINOA: (gasps) Oh my Hyne... we're still on TV!

SQUALL: (sighs in embarrassment) Great... it's bad enough my dad's already famous on TV...

Laguna then approaches to the lover who set Rinoa free from getting kissed by Irvy and pats the savior on his shoulder. Squall smiled a bit, staring at Laguna.

LAGUNA: (announces about Rinoa and Squall) AREN'T THEY THE SWEETEST THING EVER?!

AUDIENCE: Awwwww...

LAGUNA: (laughs) HEHE... COME ON, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, LET'S GIVE A BIG ROUND APPLAUSE TO--- (pats Squall on the shoulder) MY SON!

AUDIENCE: (eyes widened with surprise) YOUR SON?! RINOA'S BOYFRIEND IS YOUR SON?!

IRVY: (waking up from unconsciousness and overhears what Laguna just told the audience) What?! Laguna... this punk-ass kid is your SON?!

Right when Irvy said those insulting words, Raine walks out from the side of the stage and looks right at Irvy with an angry look.

RAINE: (forms a tight fist) HOW DARE YOU INSULT MY SON THAT WAY, YOU UNGRATEFUL JERK!!!

Without being aware of it, Raine punches Irvy on the face and knocks him off for the second time. The audience gasped with shock-- so shocking that even Laguna, Squall, Rinoa, and Ellone were shocked.

SQUALL: (eyes widened) MOM?!

RINOA: Miss Raine!!

ELLONE: (gasps) Oh my goodness, Mom!!

ZELL: (gasps) DUDE!!! SQUALL'S MOM KNOCKED IRVY OFF FOR THE SECOND TIME!!!

SELPHIE/SEIFER/QUISTIS/NIDA/XU/RAIJIN/FUJIN: (gasps) Whoooaaaa...

LAGUNA: (blinks) Now sweetie, there's no need to knock Irvy off the second time now, hun...

RAINE: (growls angrily) NOBODY INSULTS MY SON THAT WAY 'CUZ IF THEY DO, I'LL GIVE THEM A PIECE OF MY MIND!!!

Laguna calms Raine down, as Squall and Ellone spanked their foreheads, lowered their heads, and just shook their heads.

Irvy recovers from his temporary unconsciousness for the second time, then stood up and just left the stage without his "one last kiss" and without the proper goodbye. Cid, Edea, and Ultimecia followed Irvy from behind. The audience goes wild again, as Laguna invited Raine and Ellone to come up on stage.

LAGUNA: And listen up, everybody! Times have changed... yes, Squall Leonhart is MY son... to be specific... (he places his arm around Raine) It's mine AND Raine's son...

AUDIENCE: SQUALL LEONHART--- SON OF LAGUNA LOIRE AND MISS RAINE?!

LAGUNA: Yes, and Raine and I are proud of being parents... even if Raine is a bit too young to have a mother at age seventeen, we were definitely the luckiest in life after all... So now that you know more about Miss Raine, please respect her as THE most respected citizen in all of Winhill... I surely would take pride of it, everybody...

RAINE: (gets in the center and lowers her head) I apologize for not exactly being the picture of what you thought I really am, everyone... I just wanted to be treated fairly and kindly like the rest of the townfolk here... I know it may not seem so hard, but I'm afraid that you would treat me like an outcast if I ever reveal to all of you that I had Squall when I was only twenty-one...

The audience gasped with shock.

RAINE: (humbly speaks) I know that being a mother at age twenty-one is forbidden here in Winhill, but all I know is that what I have done was no mistake... Laguna here was being drafted to war, and I'm sure that for those who were old enough to remember, we were the most talked-about couple in all of Winhill... (sighs) What would happen if your one and only love suddenly gets killed or missing in action out there in the battlefield...? You don't know how heartbreaking that sight would be... for my fear of not seeing Laguna again... (she placed her hand on to Squall's shoulder) Squall existed into this world... it may have been a big mistake for me to just give him away, but my former babysitter Mrs. Dincht was so nice enough to take him in and raise him up--- until I become old enough to be a mother of a teenager... every day... EVERY single day... I visit the Dinchts' place, not to help coordinate and arrange their garden, but to see my son growing up healthy, strong, and have a very good character towards others... and you know what--- I DON'T care about what you all think of Squall, being somewhat of an introverted person he turned out to be to some people, but as the Great Hyne as my witness, I AM PROUD TO BE A MOTHER AND I AM PROUD TO BE CONSIDERED THE MOTHER OF SQUALL LEONHART!!

AUDIENCE: (awed again) AWWWWWWWWWW... WE STILL LOVE YOU, MISS RAINE!!

SQUALL: (inspired by his mother's words) Mom...

Raine embraced her son, as Squall gives a kiss on Raine's cheek.

SQUALL: I love you, Mom...

Laguna pats both Squall and Raine altogether. Ellone joins in as Laguna places his arm around her.

LAGUNA: Ah yes, here we are--- the Leonhart-Loire Family... aren't we somethin' or what?!

The audience cheered happily, as Laguna invites all of Winhill to come up stage and celebrate.

LAGUNA: (waves at everybody again) WELL THEN, TIME'S UP!! SORRY TO DISAPPOINT ALL THE IRVY FANS OUT THERE, BUT THE GOODBYE KISS DIDN'T TURN OUT TO BE AS WHAT YOU'VE EXPECTED, BUT HEY--- YOU LADIES JUST KEEP ON DREAMING 'CUZ SOMEDAY IT MIGHT BE YOU!!! COME ON IN AND JOIN THE FUN NOW!

The audience slowly climb up to the stage to join in the dancing. In the meantime, Squall and Rinoa, holding each other's hands, sneak away from the auditorium to get away from the large crowd.

LAGUNA: (saying his final goodbye) Welp, we sure hope you enjoy tonight's premiere episode of The Laguna Loire Tonight Show... and before we sign off, I want you all to remember this...

The audience stays quiet, as Laguna says his signature line...

LAGUNA: (announcing to the camera) When the going gets tough, the tough get going! What goes around, comes around! It is better to forgive and forget rather than not forgive and forget at all! Be careful what you wish for because you might get it! It is better to walk the walk rather than talk the talk...

AUDIENCE ON STAGE: (finishes Laguna's line) ... AND ALL THAT SHNAZZ, ETCETERA, ETCETERA, ETCETERA!!!!

LAGUNA: (waves on the camera) GOODNIGHT, EVERYBODY, LIVE FROM WINHILL!!!

AUDIENCE: (waving) SO LONG TILL NEXT TIME!!!

While the partying at the auditorium was going on, Squall and Rinoa arrived at the beach near Winhill, the exact same place where they first declared their love for each other. They arrived at Squall's "thinking rock", but instead of sitting on top of it, they decided to sit on the sand and lean against the rock. Just like last night, the night sky was simply perfect with diamonds in the sky shining so bright. The moon is white yet it shows a lot of light. Squall leaned against his rock, as he sat Rinoa in front of him so she can lean against him like a comfortable seat. He placed his arms around Rinoa's waist, as she placed her hands on his. Rinoa leaned her head against his chest and closed her eyes in comfort.

RINOA: (whispers) Oh Squall... Squall... I...

Squall hushes her, lifts her head from his chest and plants a sweet kiss on her lips. Rinoa could not find the right words as her reaction, as she surrenders herself to his tender kiss. He kissed her deeply, tenderly, softly, lovingly... then he parts from her just to examine the beautiful face he really missed to gaze at for one whole week.

SQUALL: (sighs) Forgive me, Rinoa... for being such a jerk to you...

RINOA: (shakes her head and plants a kiss on his lips) No... I deserved it... it's like... a test to see who I'm really in love with, Squall... now it's completely proven... no handsome, cute, popular rock star can EVEN take my breath away more than you...

SQUALL: But still, I... (sighs) I just don't want to lose you to someone else...

RINOA: (rests back to his chest once more) I love you, Squall Leonhart... Loire...

SQUALL: (chuckles) Just... Leonhart is fine... in that way no one would know I'm related to Laguna Loire...

RINOA: (blushes heavily) Oh Squall...

They look into each other's eyes again, as they kiss in the same fashion. They part once more as Squall gazes his eyes on to hers once more.

SQUALL: (starts singing softly)
You're mine...
And we belong together...
Yes, we belong together...
For eternity...

RINOA: (wonders) Squall... those are such... sweet words... where did you get it from...?

SQUALL: (starts to think to himself) (I have no idea, really... it just popped into my mind...) Umm... I don't know... it just... came to me...

Rinoa goes back to leaning on to his shoulder, as he continues...

SQUALL:
You're mine...
And you belong to me
Yes, you belong to only me
For eternity...
Eter--- nity...

RINOA: (joins in the singing)
It's been such a long time
I've got this feeling so sublime
My eyes have been gazing right at you
Oh I hoped, prayed, wished and dreamed
That one day
That someday I'll hear you say you love me too

SQUALL: (thinks) Where did you get that, Rinoa...?

RINOA: (giggles) From Miss Raine...

Squall starts to think about it... Miss Raine? Since when did his mother got to do with their love for each other...? He shrugged the thought off, as they continue...

SQUALL/RINOA:
You're mine...
And we belong together...
Yes, we belong together...
For eternity...

You and I... my love
Together forever
Will you be mine...
Forever and ever
You're mine... oh mine
My love... you and I...
Together...

Their song ends, as they held each other tight, not letting the other go, as they delve themselves into a kiss more passionate and sweeter than they ever have in the past. This time, officially and definitely, Squall and Rinoa will be together so much in love for eternity until they die...

Two weeks later came after that night. Irvy Kinneas already left to go to the army. Ultimecia finally let go of her son towards independence and returned to Deling City. Cid and Edea decided they would stay in Winhill to settle down. Everything else are back to normal... or so we thought. One particular day of this week, word has come out once more. This time, it's definitely GREAT news. There's so many couples that had fallen in love when Irvy was around that this was definitely the most special news all of Winhill has talked about. We go back to the Winhill "gossip" Pub, where we see those same old folks hanging around at the outside tables once more. Let's see what this big news is about now...

OLD FOLK #1: Heeey... have you heard the latest news?

OLD FOLKS: WHAT?!

OLD FOLK #1: SOMEBODY'S GETTING MARRIED NEXT WEEKEND!

OLD FOLKS: WHAT?! ALREADY?!

OLD FOLK #1: YUP. Someone's gettin' hitched next weekend. All of Winhill is invited to witness this wonderful day!

OLD FOLKS: WHO'S GETTING MARRIED?!

OLD FOLK #2: IS IT SQUALL AND RINOA?!

OLD FOLK #3: They love each other so much... they're just like Laguna and Raine when they were their ages! Those two youngins' look so adorable together!

OLD FOLK #4: Oh I know! Cid and Edea?

OLD FOLK #5: Maaaaaybe... what about young Quistis and that fine young lad Seifer?

OLD FOLKS: ALREADY?!

OLD FOLK #5: (shrugs) Hey.. why not? They would look like they would get married!

OLD FOLK #6: SO WHO'S GETTING MARRIED NEXT WEEKEND?! COME ON, TELL US!!

OLD FOLK #1: Well... the couple who's getting married next weekend will be.......

Who is getting married next weekend? With so many things gone by, this has got to be something wonderful! Shall we find out who gets married in that weekend? Or shall we just let them be...? Going once.... going twice...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE END...........? (or so you heard...)