"I never understand why grownups don't play anymore, it's like they all think other grownups will think they're stupid."

Haha, I think I've had thoughts like that as well, when I was a kid :P

Anyway, what a fantastic chapter. I've never really thought about it, but yes, Laguna would have had to make the incredibly difficult decision to leave Squall alone after saving Ellone. I wish the game had addressed it (or maybe it did, but I don't remember). I can't imagine anything more difficult than letting your kid grow up without you, believing that you just didn't care or died or something.

Cute ending :)

Interesting character development of Laguna.

I liked how you showed his surprise towards Ellone being so much more mature now. And his reason for not killing Odine.

I liked the bit with Zell and Quistis, and how you're paying attention to all the characters and not just Laguna, Kiros, and Ward.

I really hope this story isn't unfinished. It's easily the best Laguna (and Kiros and Ward)-centric story I've read so far. You also use flashbacks very well.

I love that you're covering all the things the game just left open to interpretation. These were all things I've been hoping to see explained in fanfic, and yours is the first I've come across that does it satisfyingly. Plus, you're a good writer in general.

"Laguna had spent the whole of the next day, and the night after that, sleeping on his wife's grave. He slept there until Ward came and carried him off."

That's so sweet and sad :(. I like that you haven't actually shown any flashbacks with Raine alive and with Laguna, as it adds to the impact. Also liked the part with the Winhill resident who showed resentment towards Laguna, but then felt bad for him. And Laguna does seem like the eager to please type. Anyway, really excellent characterizations and story so far. And I can tell you love Laguna (as do I).

Haha, I love how Laguna slapped Odine after he called Ellone stupid. He totally deserved it :P...

And Laguna being happy with the little information Odine gave him, before Kiros and Ward gave Odine an ass-kicking and made him tell them everything. That was sweet (and satisfying).

It's nice to read a story that keeps Laguna as himself- naive, somewhat childish- but also shows that he's human. It doesn't matter how 'carefree' you are. When you lose people you care about, and feel responsible for it (or are responsible for it), you obviously don't just get over it. I can believe that he'd react this way. It's rare to find a story that shows Kiros and Laguna (and Ward)'s friendship with some depth, too. I almost passed over this story because of the lack of reviews, so I shall try to compensate for that :)

I liked the part with the dream. It was eerie, but not ridiculous.

I really like this so far :). Especially the whole Caraway and Rinoa thing, and just the way you're developing it in general.

Nice characterization of Kiros, too.

That was just amazing. It wasn't how I saw the timeline before, but it works so well. You've nailed the characters perfectly. You show what Edea went through and there seem to be so few fics that do that. It's a pleasure to read about the children and to know how they will grow.

Hmm... But didn't Elle stay with the White SeeD ship until Squall went looking for her? Hmm.. "he would realize that it was better that he didn't shout", plus the fact that he's speechless :D heh...yeah, i see... Very interesting dialogue between Odine and Elle in the car... Hm (thoughts turn to Squall...good knight?) Ah...and it's just so sad! So many people getting hurt because of some future sorceress! Ah balderdash...! Hahaha, man I'm too caught up with this story! Ai..
But, absolutely most excellent! Man, oh man... Definite favourite! BOOYA!

Heheh, nice installment of the train song! Very shocking arrival Laguna made into the story...wohee!
Very interesting... I was worried for a moment that you might have gotten the plot mixed up, heh sorry! But, no I guess I've just never thought of them splitting up like that. Exciting twist to the usual idea (mine included) that the trio had remained in Esthar, and that Laguna had instantly been shoved up to president status! I very much love how you incorporated characteristics, like Kiros' tactfulness, and Laguna's "idiotic" front he hides behind! And well Ward, he's usually shown as an intellectual guy! *Nods enthusiastically* Most excellent! I'm so surprised not alot of people are totally into your story! Gah! I love it! ;_; (yeah, I'm into angst these days...but this is fantastic!)
Oh man... Just cracked me up about the pirate antics! And Kiros as Laguna's wife, now there's a scary thought! Hahahah! I'm continuing to love your insight on Laguna! Heh, good ol' Shumi's...
One suggestion:
going to [ ] chocobo forest as part
"the" or "a" maybe?

Wonderfully depicted! Booya ;)! Go Kiros! Not a lot of people put effort into describing him, and I believe you've got him down pat! I wish I could finish reading the rest, but it'll have to wait a bit (don't want to ruin the it by rushing! Heh!) Hmm... lemme guess... Is that Rinoa? Something about "angel" reminded me of that... anyway, here is one suggestion:

[Adamentine]. Betrayal sword
"adamantine"

Wow. That was BEAUTIFUL. A deeper look into the lives and sacrifices of the characters who came before, yet remained in the background of the game's story.

Emotional and powerful. Thank-you.

*claps*

This was a really, really, good story. I really enjoyed it! (I had to, if I read all of it in one sitting.)

Yay!