This is it everyone! As promised, the final chapter of Lost and Found. Expect a long author's note at the end and enjoy!

Cuore had spent the morning isolated from the Eidolons and her parents, preparing herself for the ritual at hand.

It would require a great deal of focus, and she needed to be prepared in mind and body, with as few distractions as she could muster.

There was still a piece of the puzzle missing, she felt, but no matter how many times she racked her brain, the answer never came.

But something Phoenix had said made her think that the key to the spell was really more instinct then knowledge.

Both would be required to set the Eidolons free; latent talent and dumb luck, as the case may be.

Contraries, conflicting powers, another thing Phoenix had mentioned before she'd gone to sleep the night before.

"Opposites attract, destined one," she'd said, smiling ever so slightly, "Just look at Leviathan and Asura."

She'd gone on to say that her and Bahamut were opposing forces; life giver and life taker, destruction and rebirth, light and dark, in a way.

Those opposites were needed; they balanced each other out, kept the world from closing in on itself.

Ultima and Zodiark were counterparts, but completely different. Light couldn't exist without darkness, the future was tied to the past.

Cuore thought about how true the concept was, especially in terms of magic. Not to mention in terms of this ritual. She would have to oppose the spell already cast, reverse its effects.

She sighed and cradled her head in her hands, going over the theory once more.

"Too many variables," she complained inwardly, not enjoying the sensation of uncertainty that washed over her.

She liked order, precision, perfection. This was too haphazard; it made her nervous and uneasy, to place so much faith in 'luck' and 'chance'.

Cuore stood up, sighing again, and began to pace.

"I don't know if I can do this,"

There was too much pressure. These were the Eidolons very souls they were entrusting her with. She didn't want to command that much authority, to have that kind of power and control over another being.

It was frightening, as was the idea that one mistake and they could be gone forever.

"I suppose that's what makes life precious." Cuore thought, crossing her arms so she could hug herself. "It can so easily be lost, and quite possibly, never found again. So, maybe that's why you have to treasure it while you have it; maybe that's why people try to protect life…"

Her gaze trailed the length of the wall, knowing that what she saw was merely an illusion. Even if it felt real, solid, it wasn't really wood. It was made of magical particles constructed into something her human eyes and mind could process.

Just like the Eidolons.

Cuore opened her eyes and nodded, although no one was in the room to actually see the action.

She understood.

Understood magic; its compositions, its forms, its very nature.

Understood the Eidolons; what they were, where they came from, why they existed.

Understood life.

"I'm as ready as I'll ever be." she whispered aloud, reaching for the doorknob.

There was nothing more to plan, or prepare. The time was now or never, and she had to set aside her fear and focus on what was important.

Freeing those that had been cruelly bound against their will and building a better, brighter future.

Outside, the Feymarch appeared unchanged but there was an air of anticipation in the very fabric of the realm.

Cuore swallowed, feeling as though she couldn't breathe properly with the tension thickening the air around her. It was dense; this hopeful feeling dancing about.

She stepped away from the door and headed for the largest square in town, where the ritual was to be performed.

The Eidolons had gathered there, including Bahamut who stood slightly behind the king and queen, eyes watchful and looking misplaced in the face of the child guise he wore.

Asura's expression, as always, was unreadable, but Leviathan nodded to her as she approached. Cuore took a deep breath and surveyed the area, taking a moment to gaze at each of the Eidolons she had come to trust and respect, not to mention those she befriended on her last visit.

As she watched, Barbariccia stepped away from Siren, who bit her lip in worry and watched her go. The golden haired Eidolon avoided looking at Cuore as she muttered to Rubicante, "Let's get this over with."

"Your faith is overwhelming." he commented back to her, sarcastically.

She said nothing, and Scarmiglione stepped forward as well, beckoning Anima from her corner to join them.

Cagnazzo and Midgardsormr came next, followed by Carbuncle who bolted from some unknown location to skid to a halt in front of her, drawing out a little smile, despite the somber mood.

Cuore paused and lowered her gaze feeling as though she needed to speak one last time before attempting the ritual.

"I thought…it was you who were lost, but now I think that I was the one that needed to be found. I didn't know who I was, and how do you find something if you don't know it's lost in the first place?"

She smiled and looked back up, "But you taught me so much, and I'll never be the same since I've met you. Thank you."

There were emotions that flashed across their features, but Cuore was concerned that if she dwelled on them, she would lose her courage and so she turned away, mumbling, "As Barbariccia said, let's get this over with."

The first step was to feel the pulse of magic in the world around her. Chaotic yet ordered, a force of opposites, somehow working together to keep everything in it from ripping apart.

Then she felt the Eidolons.

Each was like a color, or a song, wispy and ethereal but so real she could lose herself in the magic they were comprised of.

Cuore could feel the constricting forces of the crystals keeping them in place. Magically, they were bound; their magic had been bent and twisted and conform until it turned into something else entirely.

Cuore wasn't sure when she started to move her hands, but she was suddenly aware that she was somehow dancing to the music of the Feymarch.

Siren had told her there was a melody of Eidolons. It could only be heard if someone knew how to listen.

And today, she heard it.

It was like a hymn, a testament to everything they had ever experienced, to their very cores. Yet, the song was missing cords and she smiled slightly.

"Ah, that's where you belong."

Somehow she had begun to sing with the song as well as dance to its tune, and it was in this moment that she realized the Eidolons weren't the only ones in danger of being lost during this ritual.

It would be so simple to lose her focus and become a part of this song forever, but she resisted that urge and merged the harmonies of lost Eidolon and Feymarch until they slipped back into the drapery of the hymn.

The crystals attempted to confine them, but Cuore channeled the Maenad's heritage through her, down her arm, to the tips of her fingers until she waved a hand at the objects resting on the ground, shattering them instantly.

With their chimes of destruction finally the tears that had been building slid down her cheeks.

There had been so much pain in the past, so much hurt and darkness that it pierced her heart.

They'd been abused by former masters unworthy to even utter their names. They'd been cursed by others of the world, those ignorant of who and what they truly were. They'd been condemned by themselves for what they had done.

Forced to hurt those closest to them, forced to watch their lives slip through their fingers, forced to kill and spread terror.

Cuore shuddered, feeling and seeing and hearing their memories and their hopes, dreams.

The instant came where their souls were solely in her hands and she paused only briefly in dance and song, holding the moment to make sure that everything was precise.

Time stopped with her, as if blessing the ritual, and she sighed, weaving magic into variable forms.

Suddenly, she knew the part of the spell she'd been unable to decipher.

Although the spell had started with her Maenad knowledge guiding it, the final movements were the opposite. It was the same force that had freed the Eidolons from the Maenads hold over them even when her magic was strong and unyielding.

Love.

Like multicolored threads they wove back together, the spells that had created them, living elements, condensed once more and burst to life.

She felt it and smiled, stepping once more, releasing her note and their forms from her hold, giving them their freedom.

It was because of bonds of love that the Eidolons lived. Love had transformed their spells the first time into images of life.

Why should this time be any different?

As the light faded, as her steps stalled, as the hymn dropped off into the background once more, Cuore felt a rush of energy leave her as well.

She'd given much of herself to the spell and now it demanded its payment.

With a sigh, Cuore crumpled, smiling despite her weariness.

Someone caught her before she hit the ground, lowering her gently while keeping her in an embrace.

"Is she alright?"

The voice was that of her father, and she assumed that was who caught her, though she recognized her mother's touch across her forehead, "I…think so."

Cuore's eyes fluttered open and she sighed again, exhaustion slowly ebbing as she awakened once more.

Edge sat her up slowly and carefully, hands on her shoulders, "Cuore?"

She glanced at him, and nodded, trying to catch her breath, "I'm alright, I just…"

She trailed off, gaze drawn to the Eidolons.

The fragments of their crystal prisons littered the flooring of the Feymarch, scattered in every direction, and the lost Eidolons stood, just as they had been when she started.

But something was different.

It was a subtle change, but Cuore's lips pulled to a smile and she watched, fascinated, as they noticed the difference too.

Anima held her right hand up and brushed the back of it with her left fingers, eyes wide, "I…forgot what we…"

Cagnazzo finished the thought, likewise tapping his feet against the ground as if testing them, "What we looked like?"

"What we are," Rubicante said, shaking out a hand.

Siren hesitantly stepped forward, hands clasped to her chest, "Barbariccia?"

Her sister turned, one hand poised in the air, fingers still flexing experimentally. Her lips twitched to a smile, and Siren giggled, running forward and throwing her arms around her.

"Dear sister! Welcome home!"

Barbariccia laughed, returning her sister's embrace, "It's good to be back, Siren."

The reunions around them weren't quite as touching, but Cuore smiled nevertheless, noticing that the Eidolons had stepped forward to tentatively welcome back their long lost brothers and sisters.

It would obviously take time for the Feymarch to fully heal from the wounds of the past, but this was the first step, and it was beautiful to watch.

Rubicante was the first to glance back at her, break out of the crowd to stand before her and offer his hand to her.

It mirrored the first time she'd unwittingly summoned him, but this time she grinned and took his hand, letting him pull her to her feet.

Cuore swayed for a moment, and then shook her head so hard her hair cascaded over one shoulder.

"Are you alright?" Rubicante asked, eyeing her.

She nodded, smiling, "Yes, thank you."

Her attention was diverted by Asura's gaze on her, unyielding but lenient, even evaluating. Once their eyes locked, the queen inclined her head in a slight bow, leading Cuore to smile and press one hand over her heart, likewise bowing.

There was a strange sensation on her leg and she glanced down, spotting Midgardsormr grinning up at her, coiled around her left ankle.

"Nice job!" he exclaimed, hissing slightly, "I'm pretty sure you managed to put all my particles in the right place."

She giggled, "Good to hear, Midgardsormr."

He winked and freed himself from her leg, slithering through the crowd and nearly tripping a few Eidolons on the way.

Cuore took a deep breath and closed her eyes, basking in the joyous occasion and taking a moment to reach out and feel the Feymarch at its core.

Phoenix had been right.

As much as the Eidolons needed summoners, their realm needed them home. All of them.

Where there had been holes and tears, new strings of magic slid into place, mixing the melody and spectrum into a startlingly beautiful dance.

It would take time, but all would be set right in the end, at long last. She didn't believe it would be too late to undo the damage already done; it may never be the same, of course, but it would recover and grow once more.

The Eidolons would have their home once again, and the balance of the world would be set right as well, whether or not anyone noticed was another matter entirely.

Cuore felt a set of hands rest on her shoulders from behind and she turned, meeting Phoenix's gaze as the Eidolon smiled down at her.

"Well done, High Summoner." she congratulated.

Cuore paused at the title and her brow furrowed in confusion, "I'm not a summoner,"

"Well, then," Phoenix comment, tipping her head to one side in a slightly teasing gesture. "We'll have to name you, won't we?"

Cuore stared at her, confused and uneasy with her words though it took her a moment to speak, voicing her feelings.

"I…don't know about that." she started, slowly, glancing around at the gathering before she let her gaze slide back to the Eidolon. "I'm not a summoner, and I'm not sure I want to be."

Phoenix's smile never wavered, "But if you aren't a summoner, how will I give you my name?"

There was an awkward pause and Cuore back stepped out of her grasp, "Phoenix, I don't think…I mean, you've just been freed! Why would you ever want to give your name to someone else again?"

Phoenix shook her head, "I wouldn't give it lightly, I never did. But to you, destined one, to you I would. I would answer your call. I've seen your heart, and I'm witnessed the manifestation of your unyielding will in what you've done today."

Her lips curved into a gentle smile, "There is no one else I would rather give my name and my life too."

Cuore continued to stare at her, unsure how to argue with the powerful embodiment of magic standing in front of her. There was a surge of conflicting emotions roiling in her heart at that moment.

Pride that such a powerful Eidolon would even consider her, joy that she had been successful and able to keep her promise, and a tinge of confusion over the whole conversation mixed with less pleasant emotions. Anxiety over what a bonding would mean, guilt because she wasn't worthy enough to have that trust and influence and fear.

That annoying sensation fear was crawling along her skin. She frowned inwardly over its immortality.

Before she could ponder the words anymore, her parents were at her side, likewise congratulating her. She smiled, pushing Phoenix's odd comments to the back of her mind while she accepted a hug from her father.

"I knew you could do it!" her mother told her, stroking her hair in a familiar gesture. "I'm proud of you, my small lady."

Cuore grinned over her shoulder, hugging her mother next while Edge commented, "Even Asura is happy. Well, maybe not happy; less unhappy."

Rydia pursed her lips at him, but Cuore choked down a snicker, thinking 'less unhappy' was a perfect way to describe the current look on Asura's face.

She and Leviathan were standing apart from the other Eidolons, merely watching the proceedings, though the king looked well pleased with the result.

Cuore noticed that Zodiark and Ultima were also apart from everyone else present and she frowned, glancing at her parents.

"I…I'll be right back," she explained, gesturing vaguely in the direction of the two solitary Eidolons.

Her parents nodded in understanding, and she slipped out of their embraces and hurried over, dodging around Scarmiglione and Anima with a quick smile and touch on their arms as she passed.

Cuore stopped at the end of the platform, looking up at the floating Eidolons and taking in Zodiark's new form. His true form.

It looked much like his sealed form, but this one was more colorful, with three extra sets of wings that stacked upon the one set she'd seen him with before. The colors shifted on each feather, surrounding him with a rainbow of magical energy. His actually body was still that of an armored fish-like creature, but it had a more defined appearance. The head was elongated with several eyes inset and hard to spot, and the body had no arms or legs, only the impressive wings and a little tail could be seen.

The armor on his body was now a shiny, silver color instead of the dull blackish it was before, when the spell held his voice in and kept him tame.

Ultima, of course, looked the same, but she was a stark contrast to her counterpart of darkness in her gold and white attire.

Cuore smiled at them both, but her gaze settled on Zodiark and she bowed slightly, addressing him quietly.

She wasn't sure what sort of reaction to expect from him since he was an Eidolon of unstable emotions on occasion. After years of imprisonment and silencing, there was no telling what sort of mood he would be in.

"Zodiark, it is good to see you in your true form." she commented as she straightened.

Since she couldn't see a mouth, his voice merely seemed to echo from the air around him. It was deep and heavy, with the same echoic quality that Ultima's had.

"Destined one, it is good to see you through my own eyes at long last." He hovered a little lower and spoke again, "I had my doubts you would be able to keep your promise."

She stiffened at that, not sure if she should be insulted or not, but he continued once more.

"It was not an easy task, to undo the past and set right the future."

Cuore frowned, "But you saw this future,"

"I saw a possibility." he corrected, "Nothing is ever certain. The future can always be changed and molded. Despite my doubts, you have succeeded and kept your promise."

Zodiark's form shivered, "I am also in your debt, destined one. You have returned me to my original form. My mind is clear once more, my memories are ordered. I am myself once more. I thank you."

Cuore smiled and bowed again, "No, you owe my nothing. I am glad I was able to set everything right."

A thought occurred to her and she paused, glancing up at him, "May I ask a question?"

"Yes."

"Are you…angry with the people of Mist? Or maybe I should ask if you are angry with summoners in general…they did this to you, after all." she said, thinking out loud more than asking a question.

"You fear I will want retribution." Zodiark remarked, "You know I am more emotional than my counterpart."

She shifted uneasily, smiling shyly, "I don't mean to offend you,"

"You have not." he said, "You are right to ask. Fear not, destined one, I have no desire to do ill-will towards the village of Mist, or any summoners I may meet. The time for hate and bitterness is long past. It is time to let go and move forward."

Cuore nodded, pleased with his answer, but then she heard her name being called from behind her, by the other lost Eidolons.

She glanced over her shoulder and then back again, feeling torn between wanting to continue the conversation with Zodiark, since there was still so much she didn't know about him, and returning to those that were celebrating.

Ultima answered her gaze, "Go, destined one. There will be time for us to converse later."

Cuore nodded and spun around, briefly wondering what 'later' there would be.

She'd have to leave the Feymarch soon, to meet Asura's deadline, and then it was unlikely she would ever see the Eidolons again.

That thought, despite that she'd known it all alone, made her heart constrict painfully in her chest. She was upset with the knowledge that these beings she had grown so close to would be closed to her forever after this day.

No wonder her mother was always so sad.

Still, she had today, and she would make the most of it.

Cuore giggled as Carbuncle leaped into her arms, purring, and she cuddled him as she rejoined the festivity and grinned at Cagnazzo, who had gotten into another argument with Barbariccia.

"Shut up turtleface!"

Cuore had no idea what had started this argument, this time, but she couldn't help but shake her head at them in exasperation, catching Rubicante's eye and rolling her own.

He nodded agreement but she was distracted by Anima who touched her arm.

"Thank you," the Eidolon woman whispered.

Cuore smiled at her, "You are most welcome. Are you…happy?"

Anima beamed at her, nodding, "Yes, yes I am. I thought…I thought it would be better to avoid this all, to run away, but I…am a part of this place, and these people, and I can't deny myself the joy at seeing them all again."

Cuore returned her smile and gave her shoulder a squeeze as best she could with her arms filled of a mint-fur buddle.

"I'm happy for you, Anima."

Anima nodded, smiling briefly at Rydia as she wrapped an arm around her adopted daughter's shoulder from behind.

"Phoenix wants to talk to you," she whispered.

Cuore frowned and craned her neck to find the feathery Eidolon, spotting her in conversation with Asura and Leviathan.

She wondered if there would be more ridiculous discussions about her being a summoner and receiving names.

Phoenix broke from her conversation with the king and queen and gracefully swept over, resting her hand on Cuore's shoulder once she was in front of her.

"I spoke to Leviathan and Asura,"

Cuore blinked, "About?"

"About naming you as a summoner," Phoenix commented causally.

Annoyed, Cuore sighed, "I can't be a summoner. I never completed the cloister of trials, you never tested me, and I highly doubt the king and queen will agree to naming me at all."

Phoenix laughed at her and Cuore scowled, annoyed by the mocking sound, even if the Eidolon sounded amused, not patronizing.

"I do not appreciate you assuming you know what I would do," Asura said as she walked over, frowning, "It's rude."

Cuore glanced at her, "But I-"

Phoenix held up her hand to stall the argument, "Destined one, you will be a summoner."

"But I-"

She was cut off again, this time by Leviathan who shrugged, "The cloister of trials is just a fancy term we use. It's a test, yes, but it's unique to each summoner."

Rydia nodded and put in, "My trial was staying here for a decade and then leaving,"

Cuore glanced at her, and then back to Phoenix, "But you never tested me. You can't just give me your name."

"Actually I can," she replied, "We had this conversation, about how the Laws of Summoning used to be different…" Here the Eidolon smiled again, "Besides, don't you think there's been plenty of tests as of late? I don't need to assess your will, or examination your strength of mind body and spirit, Cuore. I know who you are, and I would be honored if you would accept my name."

Cuore hesitated, and then glanced away, "I'm…flattered, Phoenix, really, I am. It's nice to know that you would trust me so much but I…"

She closed her eyes, feeling ashamed for saying these words out loud; "I don't want to be a summoner anymore."

There was a pause and she sighed, looking up once more, "I don't want that kind of power over someone. I don't want to make them do things for my, or send them off to die. I don't want to hold your life in my hands. Never again."

Phoenix sighed, "Cuore, the real, true bond between summoner and Eidolon is not like the false ties the Maenads made with their captives, and it goes beyond what you experienced with our crystal prisons. This bond is like friendship; it strengthens both parties involved, it becomes part of you."

Cuore still hesitated, but her mother set a gentle hand on her shoulder to draw her attention, "Phoenix is right," she said quietly, "this bond is very different. It goes both ways, you know. I think you're scared of the danger you might place your Eidolons in,"

Cuore dropped her gaze; her mother knew her well.

"But," Rydia continued, "this is different. You can call them, yes, and they will answer, but…there is a connection there. What happens to them happens to you, too."

"If your Eidolon is hurt, so are you." Edge said, elaborating on the point Rydia didn't want to say. She nodded at his words and Cuore bit her lip, knowing that much was true but still feeling oddly uncomfortable with the thought.

She'd always wanted to be a summoner, for as long as she could remember, but then she wondered if that desire was only because she was a Maenad. A being copied from Rydia, someone who had always had that connection to the magical realm of the Feymarch.

Maybe in had never been her idea. Maybe it was all past programing.

Maybe that was why now it bothered her so much to be even considered the same as her beloved mother.

"I…" she trailed off, not even sure what she wanted at that point. Instead of answering, she glanced up and brushed a stray hair behind her ear nervously, looking at the formerly lost Eidolons.

She knew one thing for certain.

She loved them as if they were family.

Maybe that was enough reason to become a summoner, like she'd always wanted.

"This is fear again." she realized, surprised. After all, she had resolved to never submit to fear again. Yet, it clung to her like a disease and she cringed, realizing it was still making her choices for her.

Cuore glanced over her shoulder, wishing for her parents guidance on this matter, though they both merely smiled at her.

"As always, Cuore, whatever you chose to become, you will have a proud mother." Rydia told her, kissing her quickly on the forehead. "Summoner or not, you'll always be my little girl, and nothing will ever change that."

She smiled, touched by the words and was glad to feel some of her fear ebb from them as soon as they were spoken.

Edge, on the other hand, frowned at his wife, "How am I supposed to top that?"

Cuore giggled and he rolled his eyes, "Well, fine, ditto, I guess…"

Turning serious, he set a hand on her shoulder and told her, "Cuore, whatever you decide, make sure it's what you want."

Confused over the emphasis on the word 'you', she tipped her head to one side, prompting him to continue with a sigh.

"So far you've done everything for everyone else. And that's good, but…this is something you have to decide. This is your life, Cuore, and you can make of it whatever you want. Do what feels right."

She smiled and nodded, understanding the point her father was trying to make. She looked over her shoulder at Phoenix, searching the Eidolon woman's expression.

"Are you certain?" Cuore asked her.

Phoenix nodded, "Yes,"

"She's not the only one!" Midgardsormr declared, popping into view as he wove between her feet and her parents.

"I'll give you my name, too. You're the only one who can stand my jokes," he teased, winking at her.

Cuore smiled, "Really?"

"Yeah! Saving the world was pretty cool, I've got to say. Maybe we can do it again some time."

She giggled again, "I'd like that, Midgardsormr."

"How about a joke to remember this moment by?" he didn't wait for anyone to say yes or no and took a deep breath, asking; "How do snakes show they love you?"

"I don't know." Cuore commented automatically, knowing that she wasn't witty enough to even bother taking a guess.

"With hugs and hisses!"

There were groans all around and Cuore snickered, shaking her head back and forth.

Carbuncle purred in her arms, and even without his words, Cuore felt the rush of another Eidolon giving her leave to summon them. She smiled and nuzzled the little creature, whispering mentally, "Thank you,"

"Cuore,"

She turned to Anima, who was smiling, and felt a flash of surprise when the Eidolon told her, "I give you my name as well."

"Anima," she said, eyes widening, "are you sure?"

She nodded, "As you agreed to share my pain with me, I agree to share your joy with you. If…you will accept, that is…"

Cuore's expression broke into a smile and she placed Carbuncle back on the ground so she could embrace Anima.

"I would be grateful."

Over her shoulder she saw the former advisors floating over, apparently deciding to once again join in the gathering.

It was Ultima who spoke first, once Cuore had slipped past the Eidolons to stand before them.

"Destined one, no," she paused and then began again, "High Summoner; summon me if you have need."

"And I." Zodiark chimed.

Cuore's eyes widened, "Both of you?"

They were powerful, opposing forces and she was surprised that they would both agree to let someone like her call on them.

"You owe me nothing," she explained, "I don't need your names. Please, only give them to me if you want too."

"We do." they replied in unison, and it was Zodiark who added, "You owe us nothing either. We are as equals, High Summoner."

She bowed, "As it should be."

There was a hesitation as she straightened, debating even glancing towards the archfiends. They were close to her heart, but after everything that had happened she didn't want them to feel as if they had to accept her.

She would be fine simply knowing they were free at long last, that they were regaining their lost lives and heading into tomorrow.

Still, Cuore's blue eyes flickered in their direction and she paused, seeing that they were staring at her as well.

The actual moment wasn't that long before they spoke, but in that pause a dozen emotions flashed through them and Cuore bit her lip, wondering just what would be the outcome.

Naturally, Rubicante spoke first, walking until he stood in front of her, "I cannot speak for all the Element Guard, but I respect you, Cuore, and it would be my honor to give you my name."

His eyes flickered over her shoulder as he added, "If, that would be acceptable."

Cuore didn't bother to follow his gaze; she knew where he was looking and who he was asking, and judging by the way he nodded and glanced back at her, she assumed it was permitted.

Cagnazzo nodded, "I agree with Rubicante." He came to her side as well, and despite his light tone, up close she could see the seriousness of his words as he spoke them, staring at her as though he could see her soul.

And, maybe, in a way, he could.

"I know for sure that I will never regret giving you my name, Cuore. You are more human than anyone I have ever met."

She blinked back tears, smiling at him but being distracted when Scarmiglione moved forward, reaching out to grasp her hand as he smiled slightly. "After everything that hasss happened, how can I not give you my name? You've ssseen what no one elssse could in me, and for that, I am eternally grateful."

She continued to smile as well and he leaned forward to whisper to her alone, "Thank you, and sssummon me when you have need, beautiful Cuore."

Nodding, she mused that she was the one who felt grateful; appreciative to have met and gotten to know these creatures.

She glanced at Barbariccia. Out of all the fiends, she would be the least likely to ever give her name to someone again.

However, once all eyes were on her she heaved a sigh, tossed her golden locks over her shoulder and declared, "Well, I can't be the only hold-out, now can I?"

Pinning Cuore with a sharp look, she remarked, "Don't make me regret this, girl."

The other three archfiends rolled their eyes at her, but Cuore could hear the feeling in her voice despite her scornful words.

"Don't worry Barb, I won't let you down." Cuore assured her, purposely using the nickname she despised.

Barbariccia cringed, "Don't call me that!"

Siren giggled, "I think its cute sounding. And you need something to sound cute…no one is going to want to date you after all this time, you know…"

Her sister slapped a hand to her forehead, "Sister, do you think of anything other than romance?"

"…Sometimes." she admitted sheepishly, "but really, you've been off the market for a long time,"

Barbariccia groaned and Cagnazzo and Scarmiglione snickered at her plight. Rubicante just sighed and shook his head, muttering, "Oh yes, it's so good to be back."

Cuore could hear the dripping sarcasm in his voice and she grinned up at him, mentioning, "But just think, now that you're free of the confines of the crystal, you can hide from them."

He snorted, but Phoenix drew their attention by spinning around to face the king and queen. Tipping her head to one side she asked, "So, what say you? Will you name her?"

Asura sighed, "It seems we have no choice."

Leviathan clapped his hands once, "Of course we shall name her."

Then he glanced behind him and asked Bahamut, "Correct?"

The dragon boy nodded silently.

Phoenix took Cuore by the shoulders and steered her away from the gathered group, making her glance back at her parents one last time for reassurance.

She was glad then they smiled at her and wished her well. It put her nerves at ease to know that they were alright with what she was about to do, even if, as her father said, it was her choice entirely.

Once she stood before the king and queen, Leviathan smiled at her, and as usual, she forgot for a moment with whom she was speaking. He was so cheerful in his human guise that she often forgot his true form was that of the sea serpent and lord of all waters.

Still, there was no denying the powerful aura swirling about him, and his voice, although placid, was deep with ancient magic.

"Oh Cuore." he began, "You are such a delightful adopted foster granddaughter."

She giggled and he sighed, "And thank you."

She didn't bother to ask what he meant, she just nodded, "It was my pleasure."

Asura brushed her clothing down despite the lack of dust on it, "Come, come, let's get this over with."

Bahamut pushed his way past, "You got to name the last one. Allow me."

Asura sighed, but stepped aside and let the child continue on his course. Leviathan looked amused, though he didn't actually say anything.

Cuore knelt without being told and bowed her head, feeling the ethereal touch of Bahamut's hand on the top of her head. He spoke, voice belying his true form, and she couldn't help but smile even if the ritual surrounding this tradition was completely illogical.

"Child of the stars, healer of the Feymarch and finder of those lost…I, Bahamut, ruler of the skies, hallowed father of the Eidolons, lord of all dragons, name you as High Summoner."

He removed his hand and nodded once, announcing, "Rise, High Summoner Cuore Rydia Edge Geraldine, caller of high Eidolon Phoenix."

Cuore wasn't sure why she expected to feel differently after being official 'named', but she was mildly disappointed that she didn't. Once she was on her feet, however, she felt Phoenix's hands on her shoulders from behind and heard the woman whisper into her ear, "I can never help you cheat death again, destined one. Understand that it is not my decision, but one that must be made."

She nodded and shifted her gaze backwards, "I understand. I have every intension of never needing to cheat death again."

At that, the Eidolon laughed and released her, leaving the three before her a chance to congratulate her.

Bahamut smiled up at her, "Destined one, well done. I am well pleased." He happened to lean to one side, peering around her to call, "I forewent using your given name,"

Edge held up a hand in a half wave, "I noticed. Thank you for that."

Rydia swatted him across the shoulder blades with her hand and rolled her eyes.

Cuore giggled, finding the absurdity of the situation highly amusing. Eidolons were living spells, revered and feared by anyone sane in the world above, including those who called them.

Yet, at this moment, they acted like nothing more than normal beings with personalities and faults, traits and quirks. It was somehow comforting, and made her feel even more at home then she already did on this planet.

Asura's calculating golden gaze swept over the group and she announced, "I don't want to be the bitch everyone seems to think I am, but you really must leave."

There was a shocked silence broken by Leviathan who chuckled deeply, the sound reverberating like the crash of a wave, "Ha, that is my queen."

He kissed her cheek but she pushed him away without any comment, expression blank.

Everyone scrambled to say goodbye, and Cuore lingered in curiosity as Bahamut paused in front of Phoenix.

For a moment, neither of them spoke, and finally it was Phoenix who sighed and closed her eyes, "Then it is farewell once again."

"You're never going to take me up on that offer, are you?" Bahamut asked with a smirk.

She smiled slowly, "Oh, one day, perhaps."

"Not goodbye, lady Phoenix. Our fates are tied, you know that. Guard this one well, she is…well, you already know."

"Yes, I do."

Cuore blinked, "Wait, are you talking about me?"

Bahamut frowned at her, and Phoenix shooed her away, "High Summoner, say goodbye to the others and leave us be for a moment."

She wanted to protest but she did as she was told, not enjoying the idea that there was still something they knew about her but weren't saying.

But then again, as everyone had told her before, she would never be normal.

But for once, that didn't bother her anymore.

Cuore hugged each of the lost Eidolons one last time, knowing that, despite their new bond, it would never be the same. She laughed and shed a few more tears, but all too soon it was time to go, and she watched as Asura pulled her mother from a conversation with Shiva to speak with her.

From her vantage point she couldn't hear what was said, but Rydia nodded, and smiled a little, and Asura seemed to hesitate before embracing her adopted daughter.

There was history there, but Cuore smiled, glad that it appeared to be working out.

She felt Bahamut at her side and commented, "Done talking about me?"

"You are special, destined one."

She glanced down at him, seeing that his gaze was pinned on some far off vision she couldn't see. "This is not an ending, destined one, it is a beginning."

Cuore nodded, "I know."

He walked by her without another word and wandered over to Rydia to be dismissed, most likely, while Leviathan sighed sadly from his place near Asura, in the thick of the gathering.

"I'm afraid my queen is right. The time for you to go is here."

Asura's lips were pursed, "Stay any longer and the time difference will begin to affect you. You must leave."

Rydia sighed sadly, but nodded in acceptance, while Edge waved to them both with a quick goodbye.

Cuore was distracted, however, by her Eidolons.

They clustered together, still looking slightly uncomfortable with all the fuss going on around them, and she smiled, waving.

"Call us," Rubicante said hurriedly, as if he wouldn't have time to finish, "If you need us. We will come."

Cuore nodded once, "The reverse is true as well. If you need me, then call. I will find you."

With one last smile, she finished; "Promise."

"We're going two hours late," Edge explained, "we're going in through the side door and I sent Izayoi in first and she assures me the announcer guy has been long gone."

Rydia sighed, "This seems to thrill you,"

"Yes, it means we can sneak in." he said.

Cuore chuckled and swung Leo and her arm back and forth since they were holding hands, "Dad, you try this every time and it's never worked."

"There's a first time for everything." he replied merrily.

Cuore wasn't sure how she felt about a month going by since her last visit with any of their friends. It seemed only yesterday they'd been at one of these parties, but she supposed time was a funny thing.

A nervous babble of uneasy thoughts were swirling in her head, and she couldn't deny the prickle of tension on her skin.

She owed so many people apologies that wouldn't even begin to cover her sins. But she would face them, and try her best to make up for what had happened.

Leo grinned up at her, pleased to be at her side, as he'd told her earlier that day, and she smiled back, giving his hand a quick squeeze.

They teased about there needing to be another 'save the world day' now that Zeromus had been defeated for the second and last time.

Cuore was joking when she suggested it. She wanted to avoid these riotous events as much as possible.

Some things never changed.

They were at the double doors on the opposite side of the ballroom from where most of the guests would be entering.

She stifled another laugh as they all pause wordlessly outside, steeling themselves for the rest of the evening. How like-minded they all were.

The doors swung inward and they all jumped from an unexpected proclamation;

"They're majesties king Edge Geraldine of Eblan and queen Rydia Madain Sari Geraldine and High Summoner of the village Mist."

Cuore winced from the loud announcement and then peeked into the room, past her parents, to see Kain leaning against the wall next to the doors.

He looked smug.

"Kain," Edge hissed, glaring at him, "I'd hate to think you had anything to do with this."

The dragoon scoffed, "Please, I have better things to do then wait for you and your family to arrive."

"Oh, like hell you do." Edge retorted, frowning.

Kain held up a finger, "What you should be asking, is did your dear cousin have anything to do with this,"

Rydia snickered and Edge sighed, "Damn her."

Kain just continued to look smug, watching them walk by though Cuore suspected they'd be having more conversations, or arguments, with him later.

She paused and glanced at him, grinning, "That was risky."

"Mm."

She averted her gaze, "I know I already apologized to you, but I never…said thank you."

Kain frowned, "For what?"

"For…telling me what no one else would." Cuore explained, looking back up, "For…being you."

Despite her awkward words, he seemed to understand what she meant and he nodded, "Your welcome."

Leo tugged on her hand, "Sissy, we have to keep moving or Pamela is going to find me. She's even more annoying now that she's been to the tower!"

Cuore chuckled and let her brother pull her along, waving goodbye to Kain as she went.

The party was crowded and noisy, and Cuore winced as she traversed the length of the ballroom, searching out more friends of the family she needed to speak with.

Leo followed after her, keeping step with a grin on his face. Cuore had asked him if he wanted to part with her for the evening but he had adamantly refused.

"Sissy," he said, looking up at her with wide eyes, "I'm not letting you out of my sight again. I'll keep you safe."

She'd ruffled his hair and teased, "What are you, then, my guardian?"

"Sure!"

Despite how she'd laughed it off, his brotherly concern touched her, and she smiled inwardly that he cared for her that much.

The feeling was mutual.

It wasn't long before Cuore was dragged to a stop by Ursula hugging her from behind, squeezing her just tightly enough to make her gasp for breath.

"Cuore!" the blonde princess greeted, spinning her around to look her over.

"Hi Ursula," Cuore said, smiling.

Her friend playfully punched her shoulder, making her wince as usual, "Hey, I heard you've got a fancy title now, High Summoner."

Cuore wrinkled her nose, "Don't call me that, it sounds…"

"Weird?" Ursula teased, lightly before shaking her head. "I'm just glad you're back with us."

There was a sobering in the air from that comment, and Cuore averted her gaze, "Listen, Ursula,"

Her friend leaned forward and gripped her shoulders, "No, don't, Cuore. You have nothing to feel sorry about. You, no one else, you saved the world this time around. Zeromus is gone, we should all be thanking you."

Cuore smiled ruefully, "Thanking me, eh?"

Ursula grinned, but they were interrupted by Ceodore who was wiggling his way through knots of people to reach them, expression slightly put-out.

"Hey!" he said, looking at the princess, "You left me!"

Ursula frowned and put her hands on her hips, "It's not my fault your pokey. I wanted to see Cuore."

He huffed but turned to Cuore and smiled hesitantly, "Hi, how are you?"

"I'm…alright." Cuore assured him, not wanting him to become as fussy as his parents could be.

Ceodore nodded, thankfully trusting her word, "I'm glad. It's good to see you."

Ursula glanced at Leo, "And how are you, little prince?"

He grinned but ducked halfway behind Cuore's skirt to hide, "I'm okay."

"Avoiding Pamela?" Ceodore teased.

Leo's grin flipped to a mischievous smirk, "Yeah, but she'll be after you, first, so I'd better go."

Cuore chuckled at her brother's antics until she heard the little girl cry out Ceodore's name.

The next few seconds were a blur as Leo was suddenly gone from her view, Ceodore winced and Pamela appeared, latching onto him.

"Hi!" she squealed.

Cuore tried not to snicker, even as Pamela turned to glare at Ursula, "Oh…you're here."

"As always," Ursula shot back, one hand still propped up on her hip.

Pamela pouted, but then she brightened and looked up at Ceodore, "Guess what?!"

He chuckled nervously, "What?"

"I helped save the world! You know what that means?" Pamela asked, blinking at him, "No? You don't? You sure are out of it tonight, Ceodore. But that's okay, I forgive you."

She looked confused and pouted, "I forgot what I was saying…"

Ceodore looked at Ursula for help, but she just stared back at him, unmoved. Cuore tried not to snicker as Pamela hopped a few times on the balls of her feet, "Oh, never mind. But guess what? I'm learning to cast Libra! You know what that is, right?"

"Yes," Ceodore started to say only to be cut off as she continued to chatter, "I have no idea why it's called Libra though…what's a Libra? Or, maybe it's named after a person?"

Cuore shook her head, "Libra is a stellar constellation in the tenth sector of night sky, using the Lunarian's mapping system of the stars, and is fairly faint with no first magnitude stars. Its stars are said to resemble weighing scales in their outline. The Lunarians named the spell 'Libra' after this constellation because of the symbolical association with balance."

Pamela stared at her, awed, and finally heaved a sigh, "Thank you! I kept asking and no one could tell me. You sure are smart. I wish I was as smart as you. But it's okay, because someday I'm going to be the bestest mage ever!"

Cuore just listened to her, amused, until Ursula touched her arm and whispered, "You seem back to your normal self,"

"Yes and no." Cuore replied just as quietly, "I had never known that about Libra…I have Zeromus's memories."

Her friend shifted uncomfortably, "And…that's okay?"

"Well," she said, lips twitching, "It just means I'm even smarter."

Ursula giggled and wrapped an arm around her shoulders, giving her a half hug, "I sure am glad your back,"

Ceodore glanced at them with a pitiful expression as Pamela prattled on to him. He mouthed the word 'help' and Ursula sighed with an eye roll while Cuore chuckled.

Pamela frowned and glanced around, pigtails slapping her shoulders, "Hey, where's Leo?"

"Around here somewhere," Cuore answered vaguely, shrugging.

She spun back around and pointed at Ceodore, "You, stay put. I'm going to go find Leo and tell him I'm learning Libra. But I'll be right back!"

She squealed and ducked into the crowds.

Ceodore breathed a sigh of relief and then glanced at Cuore quizzically, "Shouldn't you warn Leo?"

She grinned and tilted her head to her left, "He's right over there."

Both the royalty turned and looked but frowned in confusion. Cuore chuckled, "Under the table and wearing a jacket that's the same color as the table cloths."

Ursula laughed, "So, he heard?"

"Oh yes. We planned this."

Ceodore chuckled and shook his head, "Devious,"

"We're Geraldines," Cuore said, shrugging.

A sudden thought occurred to her and she frowned, mentioning, "Actually, that reminds me. Where are your parents Ceodore? I believe I owe them an apology, too."

His expression softened, "Cuore, you don't."

She looked away, "I would feel better."

With a sigh he pointed through the crowds and she thanked them both, mentioning she would be back. She noticed Leo sneak from his hiding place and dash around a different table, keeping his promise to watch over her while still avoiding Pamela.

Cuore sighed as she worked her way through the crowd, trying not to put much stock in the looks she was receiving or the overall noise of the event.

It took a little bit of time to finally make her way over to the king and queen, and when she did, she waited on the fringes of their conversation, waiting for them to finish speaking with someone she didn't know before she slid into their line of sight.

"Cuore!" Rosa greeted happily.

Cuore felt a flash of guilt about breaking the sweet lady's nose and tried her best to smile, "I…wanted to say hello and…tell you that I was sorry."

Rosa dismissed the comment with a wave of her hand and hugged the teal haired teen, "You have nothing to be sorry for, Cuore. We're all just glad you're alright."

Cuore peeked at her after she released her and asked carefully, "Even though I broke your nose?"

Rosa chuckled, "Well, I would appreciate it if you didn't do that again, but it's alright."

As soon as she was free of the white mage's grip, she glanced at the king, only to have him dismiss her comment as well as he gave her a brief hug.

"Rosa is correct. We'll all just glad to have you back." he told her.

"I'm sorry for what I said, as well, in Troia. I…was not myself but that hardly makes up for it," she commented, frowning a bit.

Cecil shook his head, "No, we all know, Cuore."

She nodded, though still uneasy about the situation. As much as Cecil and Rosa occasionally grated on her nerves, they were good people, and she did care about them.

They obviously cared for her, as well, and she felt badly to have hurt them, no matter how small the wound.

As if noticing she was lost in less than pleasant thoughts, Cecil frowned slightly and spoke again, "Enjoy yourself tonight, alright?"

Cuore nodded, "I will."

Rosa gently touched her shoulder again, "Spend time with Ceodore and Ursula. They both missed you."

"I will, promise," Cuore said, flashing a smile before she quickly parted ways with them. She knew how her evening would play out, and most of her time would be spent with the prince and princess, but not quite yet.

There was still one person she needed to find, one relationship that needed to be mended. The only problem was she was fairly certain that too much had happened to properly fix anything.

But regardless, she owed him an apology, at least.

Cuore slipped past droves of partygoers, peering into corners and balconies in the hopes of spotting her objective while still trying to avoid contact with guests.

It took several minutes but she finally spotted him on one of the smaller terraces overlooking the darkened fields beyond the castle.

Cuore took a deep breath and maneuvered around one last bunch of people before sliding behind a screen of pillars, near the wall, and approaching the door.

She paused on the threshold and gripped the doorframe firmly, hoping that the contact might make her bolder.

"Kieran?"

He glanced over his shoulder at her, hands still gripping the railing in front of him. As was common whenever they spoke, the moment he stared at her she lost her courage to continue and forgot what she intended to say.

She swallowed, wishing she could read his expression to know he was thinking, feeling, but there was no clue present on his face.

Trying her best to keep her voice even, she spoke, "I'm sorry."

Kieran said nothing, and he gave her a once over she deemed condescending. What she was apologizing for, even she wasn't sure.

There was so much she needed to make up for; the fights, the loss of his family, the dangers on Ordeals, the way she treated him…

"I'm sorry for…everything," she said, settling on keeping it simple.

When he failed to reply again she let her hand drop from the doorframe, heart sinking. "I-I know that I don't deserve your trust," Cuore said, forcing herself to maintain eye contact, "But…if there's anything I can do to earn it, anything at all…please, let me know."

Kieran was silent, and she grew uneasy of his gaze, so she looked away and turned, discouraged but understanding why he wouldn't want to even speak to her. She could respect that, and she would for as long as he needed her too.

She walked away, taking an unsteady deep breath when his voice caught her off guard.

"Cuore,"

She glanced over her shoulder to see him frowning, eyes studying one of the potted plants in the corners of the balcony.

She hesitated, but then he glanced at her and shrugged, "Do you…want to dance?"

Cuore stared at him, surprised, and he looked away, then back again and added, "Without anyone telling us we have too?"

"I…would like that." she whispered, surprised he would offer. She expected him to yell at her, or ignore her, or possible rattle off a list of impossible tasks for her to do to redeem herself. But she never expected him to ask her to dance.

Kieran walked over and took her hand from her side, gently coaxing her to follow him back inside to where the music was just about to change.

Cuore felt uneasy, nervous, even, and she took another deep breath, hoping on some level that he wasn't just leading her into a false sense of comfort only to spring something on her.

She wanted to think the best of him, but her emotions were still to raw and her mind too pained to trust anyone just yet.

As he set his hand on her side he finally spoke, "I don't hate you,"

Cuore looked up, blinking, and he added, "I never really did."

That, she found hard to believe. She'd heard what he said about her, she'd seen the looks he would carelessly toss in her direction. It was hate, justified or not, and she was slightly annoyed he would try to tell her otherwise, now.

Kieran continued, voice low so that only she could hear him, "I…didn't really like you, either, but I didn't hate you. I just…I wanted you to prove me wrong. I…wanted you to be different."

"Kieran…" she started, but he was still talking. "I was angry, but not…with you. I…was really bitter and angry with myself, I think. But…it was so easy to reflect all that back on you, somehow…it was…easier to be mean to you then be…nice, I guess."

He frowned and looked away, muttering to himself, "I don't know why I'm making excuses…"

Cuore bit her lip and dropped her gaze, "I'm sorry I disappointed you."

"You didn't."

Cuore swallowed nervously and he sighed, "You aren't like the Maenads. None of them would have sacrificed so much for others. Not many people would have."

She closed her eyes, and he paused in the steps, freeing his hand from hers to lift her chin, "Hey,"

She looked at him again, cautious, and he swallowed, "You don't need to do much to earn my trust that you haven't done already, Cuore. I do trust you, and I respect you."

That was the last thing she expected him to tell her, after everything that had happened, and Cuore couldn't say she wasn't glad. Maybe there was hope for them yet.

"Thank you." she managed to whisper, meaning it.

Kieran nodded before studying her for a moment and brushing a stray piece of hair behind her ear. "You shouldn't hate your reflection so much," he murmured distractedly, "you're very beautiful."

Her eyes widened, wondering if he had said that out loud or if she had accidentally read his mind again. She remembered telling him in the Tower of Babil that she hated to look in a mirror, but she'd never thought that out of everything she'd said he'd bother refuting that.

Kieran's expression was equally mortified and he diverted his eyes off to one side, while she smiled softly, flushing, "Thank you again."

Admittedly, he was the first person outside her family that had ever said something like that to her. She would be lying if she said she wasn't flattered.

After the awkward moment had passed, they began their dance again, and she relaxed somewhat, wanting to feel comfortable in this setting and to accept his words at face value. He had no reason to lie to her, and she was doing her best to trust him.

"I'm sorry, too." he muttered after a moment, "I…was cruel to you."

Cuore dropped her gaze, "We both have plenty to be sorry for…"

He'd been harsh, yes, but she felt equally as culpable in the situation. Knowing what she did now, his instant dislike of her made sense, and she no longer felt it was unjustified. Besides, if she wanted him to forgive her, then she needed to forgive him, too.

"You really…don't need to tell me your sorry." he admitted, gaze averted, "It wasn't your fault."

Cuore studied him, making sure he was telling her the truth. She didn't need to question what he was speaking about, but she needed to believe he didn't blame her.

She needed to know he could see her as something other than the Maenad that ruined his life.

But she could tell. In his expression, his voice tone; there was sorrow there still, underlying all his words, but there was no accusation, no heat of anger towards her coloring what he said.

Cuore bit her lip again, "Maybe…do you think, we…can start over? Pretend we've just met tonight?"

Kieran gave her a funny look and she shrugged, "I'm not…very good at making friends…"

"Neither am I," he admitted, adding as an afterthought with a hint of embarrassment in his voice; "The first time I met Ceodore I punched him in the face."

Cuore's eyes widen and she giggled quietly, finding that an amusing story for another time.

He gave a sort of half-laugh that was devoid of humor, "Yeah…"

She let her gaze fall to the floor, wondering if things would ever be fully remedied between them. He had reasons for being how he was, reasons she understood now, but she hoped that they could, just maybe, get through an entire evening without fighting or hurting each other. And maybe after one evening, maybe then next time they ran into each other it wouldn't be so painful.

"Astor."

Cuore looked up, his voice breaking out of her own little world, "What?"

Kieran nodded once, "My last name, you once asked me what it was. Astor."

She smiled slowly, "Astor? Why did you keep that a secret? I was thinking you didn't want anyone to know because it was ridiculous, but that's a good last name."

He shrugged, "It's just a name, and unlike other people my family name means nothing. I'm not from some important line or anything."

She hummed for a second, eyes watching the floor, "Names are notable," she contradicted, "they make us who we are, somehow they define us, tell our story…"

"So what does yours mean?" he asked, sounding genuinely interested.

Cuore laughed softly and looked up, giving him a funny look at the irony of life before she answered; "Heart."

Kieran winced, obviously realizing just how much impact his words last time they danced had on her. "I'm sorry." he said, sighing and sounding like he meant it.

She shook her head, "Don't be. You weren't wrong."

"Yes, I was."

The song was slowing, coming to an end, and she felt a little disappointed since it also signaled the end of their conversation. The first conversation they had ever had without snapping at each other. The first conversation they had where she actually felt better after talking with him, rather than worse.

As she stepped away, after the music had ended and the applause from the rest of the guests reached a fever pitch, he maintained a grip on her hand, speaking over the din of noise, "Oh, and Cuore?"

She paused and glanced up at him, catching his eye.

Kieran smirked, "I want a re-match."

Cuore grinned, "Careful what you wish for, Kieran Astor."

It felt strange, but nice, to have a normal conversation with a former antagonist. Perhaps, in time, they would even be friends.

If there was one thing she'd learned through all this, it was that anything was possible, and that the future was never set in stone. It was whatever you made of it; your choices defined not only who you were, but what you became.

She'd been lost, but now she was found, and for the first time in her life she didn't wish for things to be different.

She was a Maenad, yes, but that had saved the lost Eidolons, and for all her mistakes, she could learn from them.

She was High Summoner Cuore Rydia Edge Geraldine.

Zeromus was gone, once and for all, the lost Eidolons were found and had been freed. The Feymarch was being rebuilt, the past had been undone and her family was together once more.

Whatever the future held for them all, it no longer frightened her.

Author's note: Tada! The ending. Ack, some of those lines at the end are cheesy...couldn't resist.

Now, before anyone starts booing or throwing rotten fruit at their computer screens because of a lack of romance here at the end, I must point out that in real life there is no way people go from being tempted to murdering someone and falling madly in love. Nope, doesn't happen. That said, there were hints, because shocker, we all know where that's going.

I know most of my reviewers already asked, but for all the readers out there; I have plans to write more fanfictions in this 'verse along the same timeline as Lost and Found. I wouldn't call them 'sequels' since the themes will be different, but they they will come after this story and feature all the same loveable characters and fun. (I'm also infected with massive one-shot ideas, but that's beside the point...) These storys will range in length and theme but keep an eye out for the first one; "My Brother's Keeper" that I'm thinking will appear sometime in the summer, perhaps.

Now, onto the story you've just read and some fun things to note.

I had ideas for a story like this for a long time, even before The After Years came out or was mentioned, but I saw no reason to bother writing it up. Then I 'met' Cuore and instantly adored her. (She's a tad like me, in case you missed it) I started thinking of random ideas for her and somehow she got attached to this story and I molded it to fit her. But I still never thought to write it up.

What finally pushed me into it was for a dear friend who was, at the time, going through some tough life-things. As we talked about them, I realized somehow that parts of my story were direct reflections of all the struggles she was going through. I had mentioned this story as well, and the person noticed the similarities as well.

That was the final push to get me to write this up and finish it out. For my friend, you know who you are, and I hope I enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it, and that somehow, this story is helpful! :)

A note about Cuore's full 'title', as it were. I mentioned in one of the my other stories, (and no, I honestly don't remember which) that it bothers me how mage users in IV have no last names, and how Summoners in nearly every game don't have any. The exception is Eiko Carol. Carol is a first name, and thus this created a convaluted naming system in my head about how summoners use their parents names as family names to honor those that came before them. Thus, Cuore uses both of her adopted parent's names in her title.

Each of the lost Eidolons reflects a facet of Cuore's personality. (I wasn't sure if anyone caught that or not)

Ultima: Logic

Zodiark: Emotion

Phoenix: Will

Migardsormr: Humor

Carbuncle: Innocence

Anima: Sorrow

Rubicante: Guilt

Barbariccia: Arrogance

Scarmiglione: Resentment

Cagnazzo: Apathy

There's massive references to other Final Fantasy games in this fic, and it would simply take too long to list them (I'm not even sure I could remember them all at this point!) but well done if you caught any/all of them.

I think that's all...

A huge thank you to my readers, followers and reviewers! You've made this a blast to finish Cuore's first story. She's such a sweet like borg-child...

Keep watch for more, but this is the end of Lost and Found.

~Fin