Oh. My. God.

I am officially stunned. I was wondering how everything could possibly be wrapped up in the last chapter. Well, here's an answer... At least I don't have to wait for the continuation.

I couldn't help thinking that beginning this chapter with Seifer and Squall's exhibition match was a brilliant move, a great way to offset the tension while showing, in many ways, what Garden really is. Very cinematic. To that end, I wish someone would dramatize this story (without ruining it, of course). It would make a TV show, since it's got a slightly episodic feel, and TV shows are almost expected to have cliffhanger endings for every season... *sigh* If I ruled the world, it would happen.

(Of course, this has nothing to do with my desire to see a real live Squall. And Seifer. And Zell. Nothing at all... ;)

Oh. My.

Incredible. And thank you for justifying Cid's erratic behaviour, because it seemed rather out of place for a cunning manipulator. I was really hoping it would make sense at the end, and now it does.

Also. MallisMalice. Intentional? (I just made the connection. I'm slipping...)

Hah! I love the depth you bring to Garden. Your ritual of passing on command both verbally and physically is a nice touch - just a small thing, but it adds a lot to the moment, and it fits in with the idea of a military school: ritual and chains of command (pun intended?) are very important, and rightly emphasized.

Also, I have to commend you on your use of secondary characters. It's so nice to see Xu, Nida, and now Fujin and Raijin (not to mention the assorted OCs) playing a role in the plot. It offers some insight into these characters; but more importantly, it makes sense. The Special Six can't do everything. The game provided these characters, and there's no way they all just disappeared after the Second Sorceress War, so why wouldn't they be at Garden, operating at an increased capacity? So often people just ignore all but one or two characters, and you're using them all to great effect. Woot. Go, you.

Whoa! Was I expecting that? No!

Oh, man... This is getting so involved... On to the next chapter.

Hee hee! Zell is gawking over Tidus' pants :)

Or at least that's the image in my head. (I wonder if he's gawking over Tidus, too ;)

This is getting really good. You've got a layered plot, you're developing multiple characters, and you're giving just enough of the bad guys' plans to keep things exciting, without letting me predict anything. This is all very good.

Again, I have to say that I appreciate the straightforward, unflinching battle descriptions. These people have been learning to kill from a very young age, and their targets are chosen by the highest bidder. I like that you don't let me forget that (in fact, it seems to be a central issue in this story - whoo!). These are not fluffy people, but at the same time they're almost normal young people. I think you handle that dichotomy well. So huzzah! to you.

Oh yes, I love you.

Not only is your writing great.

Your Seifer/Zell believeable...

And, you don't make Squall into some OOC bastard prick without a heart. You really have done a nice job with him.

The one thing I've always hated about Seifer/Zell fics is that, Squall is either paired with someone *just* to do something with him or he's made to be the bad guy.

He's always shown as a bastard with no regard to his *real* self.. the one he keeps hidden behind his icy facade.

You changed that and I applaud you!

I'm sorry to send this in as a review. This isn't actually a review. Come to think of it I didn't even read your work. I was just busy copying to stuff so that I could read it later. I happened to notice that chapter 24. and 25. are pretty much alike. Would you like to reply to me if you corrected the mistake. Thanks and I'm looking forward to reading this. It looks real nice. Who knows maybe I'll write a real review some day (I'm pretty busy for the time coming; big studies.) :-)

Wow. Epic. Firstly, I'm very, very glad you finally explained Cid's motivations, because these vital pieces of information were keeping me from believing your take on Cid's character. I'm still rather resisting the idea; Cid seems so 'nice' - though very unhelpful - within the game. At least now you have an explanation to back up your own point of view - a nicely thought-out explanation, as it happens. I admire the way you balanced the action with character development, giving Quistis time to consider and take steps to 'get over' her infatuation with Squall. I was surprised, actually - at a few points in the story I expected Rinoa and Squall to have a big falling out and Quistis to finally have her chance. I'm glad you didn't choose that path, though. Good character portrayal - especially Quistis, though perhaps that's a given. Squall was good, still his introverted self with the pressures of leadership. Rinoa, though largely excluded due to action sequences, has also had her moments. Seifer had his own revelations in the form of the History and even Irvine had his moment during his discussion with Quistis. The others I am unsure about, but I can understand there's only so much character you can develop within a given length of story. Plus you have so many main characters! I can't recall reading any other story that involves Xu and Nida as part of the main group, plus the return of Seifer and the (later) return of Fujin and Raijin would make your job very difficult. Which reminds me, I'd also like to congratulate you on not forgetting any of your characters during conversations. I often find myself guilty of such a crime. Enough said, I think. I'll round off by reinforcing what I said at the start - Epic (and Wow).
Wishing you Motivation, Inspiration, and Luck!
- Draic

Beautifully told. Simply a gem. :)

I apologize for using reviews as bookmarks, but I do have to tell you that I'm loving this story.

You actually have me believing that Squall and Rinoa could have a relationship, which is pretty rare. I identify very strongly with your Quistis, as well. Your take on Cid is so deliciously evil, I just marvel at your ability to tell a good story well. Congratulations, and I'll resume reading when I don't get the "site is busy" error.

I can defititely understand your Quistis.

Very well done, thus far. I'll pick up again when I have more time to read.

great story! i just had to read this. iv been reading 'a question of honor' so i figured i should read this. your writing style is flawless and personally i think you should get more reviews then you do.

are you going to continue 'a question of honor' cos i cant wait to keep reading.

*stunned into a long awed silence*

I am deeply impressed. I have seldom read such a well written FF8 fiction. Your plot is completely captivating, your writing style fluid, and you put one hell of a cliffhanger there.

But what I liked most, were the interrogation scenes. First of all you managed to make them insightful and believable. And second, that you wrote them in the first place is so, well, honest. SeeDs are mercenaries, and mercenaries depend on strategical information. Even if that means that our 'beloved heroes' have to retreat to psychical and physical torture.