Disclaimer: I don’t own any of the Final Fantasy characters.
Guess Who...Surprise!!!
It is now the aftermath of the when Sora, Donald and Goofy have sealed the keyhole of Kingdom Hearts and restored all the worlds. For a few, life has returned to normal, where as for some, their lives have either changed for the better or for worst. As the three heroes continue their search for King Mickey and Riku, their other friends are living about their lives in different fashions.
On Destiny Island, Kairi waits for Sora’s return. Wakka, Tidus, Selphie made new friends with kids, Zell, Lulu, Yuna, Garnet, Zidane and Vivi. They got close instantly and are a close-knit caring family.
Even though they had just met, Tidus and Wakka had shared paupou fruits with Yuna and Lulu. Now they are inseparable, Yuna and Tidus never miss a chance to be with each other and it’s the same with Wakka and Lulu. But that, for now would be another story to tell.
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In Traverse Town, Cid, Yuffie, Squall, Aerith and Cloud had moved into an inn and taken over it for business. Cid was the manager, Yuffie was the receptionist, Aerith took care of the washing, cleaning and the convenient store, Squall was Mr. Fixit and Cloud took care of the other hard labor with Aerith.
Those two would always find chances to be together, lucky for them; Cid married them shortly after they moved to Traverse Town. Now they go everywhere together without being disturbed but Yuffie would always find ways to interrupt them.
Even though Cid was the manager of the Inn, he still ran the Gummi shop and the artillery store, so usually he won’t be back by dinner time and it would only be Yuffie sitting at the boring reception desk the whole day unless Squall takes over to give her a break.
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Today was like any other day at the Inn. There weren’t many customers and the only time there were... was mainly in between lunch and dinner, the afternoon or brunch. That was until a much unexpected person dropped by searching for work. No one would have guessed that she would turn up out of the blue.
“Hi…I’m new here and could you address me to the manager?” she started when she reached the counter.
“I’m sorry, he’s not in right, now, but if you like, you could make yourself at home till he gets back, ok ?” she slowly looked up at the girl clad in a baby blue outfit , with long ebony hair and soft features kinda like Aerith but only around Squall’s age. She was very pretty and had a kind and caring air about her.
“Thank you, * squinting her eyes as she looked at Yuffie’s nametag* Miss Yuffie…” she was cut of by Yuffie.
“Please…please just call me Yuffie, here we’re all friends.” She beamed at the girl. In her mind she thought, ‘yeah… if she stays, I’ll have another big sister to look up to *grins*.’
Unfortunately, the one whom came through the door about 15 minutes later, was not Cid, not even Cloud or Aerith. Oh… would he be shocked to find someone whom he'd thought he lost a long time ago.
“Hey... Yuffie, any new customers today?” he asked as he brushed his hair away from his face.
“Nope, but we do have an employee to be, in the next room. Any idea when Cid would be back?” she asked as she leaped on his back for a ride.
“Get off… will ya…it’s embarrassing especially with a guest in…” before he could finish, the mystery girl swooshed in asking * what’s the commo...*
The two just stared at each other for the longest time. “Rinoa…?” “Squall…?”
Yuffie looked from Squall to the girl with an ‘am I missing something here’ expression.
“I thought I had lost you when our world perished,” he said as he trod towards her with Yuffie pulling at his back.
“I survived barely but luckily a friendly couple found me and cared for me till I fully recovered,” she too walked towards Squall.
“You have no idea how I’ve pined or concerned for you,”
“Not as much as how much I’ve missed your touch or feeling you with me.”
With that Yuffie jumped off Squall’s back as the two fell into each other’s embrace. Rinoa pulled him closer and tugged at his jacket while he brushed his lips on her forehead and stroked her hair contently.
Yuffie stood like a statue as she stared at them and another mean thought popped into her mind, ‘woo hoo, another couple to annoy.’
5 minutes later, the newly weds stepped in and flabbergasted to find Squall in a tight embrace with a stranger (to them that is). Yuffie then explained the situation to them and they understood. As a reflex, they ‘tip-toed’ out the room hand in hand dragging a pouting Yuffie behind them by the collar.
After what seemed to be hours, the reunited lovebirds released each others embrace. It was then they realized that they were truly alone. Not like he cared or anything, but it seemed peaceful and just right especially with her. As he couldn’t help himself, he pulled her into a passionate and yet gentle kiss. Unfortunately, it was cut short when *finally* Cid came home.
“*Grinned evilly* Hey, hey attracting the ladies now, eh Leon…” He took them by surprise.
Immediately Squall pulled back and Rinoa released herself from their embrace.
“Hi, I’m Rinoa and I was wondering whether I could get a job and a place to stay,” she explained.
“Well missy, you’re in luck as we have vacancies open for jobs and shelter, as long as you do your job, you can stay. Is the job at the convenient store alright with you, as we do need help managing it?” He implied briefly.
“It’s fine with me, as long as I have a job, that’s all that matters, thank you,” she replied with a smirk.
“No biggie and May I ask how you ended up romancing with Mr. Stiff, here? He usually doesn’t converse much or mingle.”
“Oh … er...we were separated when our world perished . I’m just glad that fate reunited us,” as she said that Squall wrapped his arm around her waist.
“Hmm, another reunited couple, looks like there’d be wedding bells clanging pretty soon.” He whispered that softly and luckily the two kids were too into each other that they didn’t hear.
“Anyway, we’re glad to have you aboard Miss…”
“Rinoa…Rinoa Heartilly…” she shook his hand.
When that was over, Squall brought her to his room where they chatted and from time to time did a little romancing. Even though their case of pining for each other wasn’t as serious as Cloud’s and Aerith’s, they still had the need for each other.
Most of the time in the room they were either smooching or on top of each other rather than talking. They were like that nearly the whole day and actually missed dinner.
As they weren’t seen during dinner, the newly wed lovebirds guessed wildly with wide grins where they were and what they were doing.
Cid and Yuffie just took their words for it as they knew this would be just like the day Cloud and Aerith got reunited, but unlike Squall and Rinoa, Cloud and Aerith were all over each other everywhere they went, literally, even when they were having dinner, actually.
As they got up to leave, guess who would step through the door…yup… it was Squall and Rinoa, and they looked as if they had just walked through a storm. Their hair looked like it had seen better days and their clothes were creased.
“Sorry we’re late, we got a little carried away and hadn’t realized …” Squall explained but was cut of by Cid.
“Hey don’t worry kid, come sit here and I’ll fix u guys some dinner,” Cid smirked as he got up and hurried into the kitchen with an apron.
Squall felt a little awkward as everyone stared at them especially with Rinoa at his side. Rinoa glanced up at her boyfriend almost sighed at his behavior. It was then did she notice the flower girl and the ninja urging them over.
“Hey you two, come on and sit with us or your feet would get cranky,” Yuffie shouted over to them.
“She has a point you know, wouldn’t want you to strain yourselves by standing,” Aerith got up and welcomed Rinoa to sit in her seat as she and Cloud were leaving.
“Thank you, Mrs. Strife. That’s nice of you,” Rinoa replied as she was led by Aerith to the seats. Cloud did the same with Squall.
“Oh please, we’re all friends here, call me Aerith and …” she was interrupted by a coughing sound behind her.
“And please don’t call me Mr. Strife, call me Cloud (to Aerith) and shouldn’t we be you know,” he bobbed his head to the right.
“I’ll see you around Rinoa, make yourself at home and welcome to our family…” Aerith was then carried off by Cloud out of the room.
“Wow, Squall, interesting bunch of friends you have. Very homey, too,” Rinoa beamed excitedly at Squall whom was lost for words at the site of her beauty.
“Yeah… they are and other than you, they’re the closest thing to a family I’ve got since our world perished. But that’s the past now, you’re here and that’s all that matters to me,” he got up and wrapped his hand around her from behind.
As a reflex, Rinoa lowered her head and held on to his hand. Squall leaned in towards her and brushed his lips on her hair. Just as they were about to get passionate, Cid arrived with the food.
“Dinner is served, Heh, Heh, enjoy and eat hearty, I f you want more just holler, I’ll be in the kitchen. Yuffie, come with me, I need help with the dishes,” Cid gestured.
Reluctantly she obeyed and secretly wished that she was in a relationship. As though he knew what was going on in the young ninja’s head, Cid patted her shoulder and told her that her time will come.
All she could do was believe in Cid’s words and wait for that day to come. But unknown to her, that day may come sooner than she thinks.
Meanwhile, in their room, Cloud and Aerith were busy ‘romancing’ again, but stopped when Aerith pulled away.
“What’s on your mind, Aerith? Do you need anything?” Cloud asked concerned for his wife and wrapped an arm around her waist.
“It’s nothing serious, Cloud but *looks up at her husband* for some reason I worry about Yuffie. I know it’s crazy, but I sensed a disturbance in her since dinner,” she explained.
“Don’t worry too much about her. She’s a strong ninja and knows how to take care of herself better than last time. It will come to past and she’ll find what she’s looking for,” Cloud kissed her neck tenderly.
Aerith knew that she could trust her husband’s words and spun around to meet his lips. With his arms still around her, Cloud lay her gently on the bed as they continued where they left off.
After their dinner, Squall and Rinoa went for a walk outside. He wanted to show her around the place as she was going to live with them for a long time. Yuffie watched as they disappeared around the bend hand in hand.
She admits to herself that she was jealous of them and Aerith. Yuffie then gets up and heads for the underground cavern underneath Merlin’s home to train. To get herself warmed up, she took the long way. Unknown to her, a pair of violet eyes watched her and followed.
Rinoa was having a marvelous time with Squall and every now and then they stopped in a private place to kiss. While they were kissing, Squall noticed Yuffie passing by and called out to her,
“Hey, Yuffie, where are you off to?”
“To Merlin’s, you two have fun, if you need me just pop over,” she replied with a smile.
“Alright, but don’t hurt yourself too much while training,” Rinoa continued as Squall had told her about how they train at Merlin’s house and the underwater cavern.
“Thanks and see ya *waves to them*”
Both just smiled at her. They were just about to continue kissing when they noticed a mysterious and odd looking guy in an armor following Yuffie’s tracks. Rinoa called out to warn her, but she had already disappeared through the gate.
“We have to get Cid, she may be in trouble,” Squall suggested.
Rinoa nodded and followed closely behind him.
At Merlin’s house,
“Ahh, Yuffie, here to train again?” the old wizard asked thoughtfully.
“Yeah, could you open the trap door again for me?” she asked nicely as she was quite attached to him.
“As you wish *waves his wand and the trap door is revealed*. Take care now, wouldn’t want you to get injured,” he said with a smile.
“Don’t worry, I’ll be fine. I’m the great ninja Yuffie aren’t I?” she grinned cheekily.
Merlin smiled again as she lowered herself into the trap door.
The stranger then came through the main door with his futuristic armor gleaming in the light.
“May I help you sonny?” Merlin asked astonished with how the stranger looked. He even noticed that he was no older than Yuffie!
“I’m looking for Yuffie, have you seen her?” he asked the old wizard.
“Ah, yes…yes I have, she’s down below training in the cavern. Are you a friend of hers?” he asked the stranger cautiously.
“You could say that but she doesn’t know of me, yet.”
“Well I guess she would like the company *reveals the trap door*, there, this door will lead you to her, my boy,” he sensed the goodness in the stranger and allowed him to pass.
“Thank you, Merlin and by the way, my name is Grey Fox, but call me Naz,” Grey Fox held out his hand to Merlin.
Merlin shook it and was convinced that he wouldn’t do any of them any harm. As Grey Fox lowered himself into the cavern, he wouldn’t have guessed what he was in for when one of Yuffie’s shurikens darted his way.
Lucky for him, he had quick reflexes and dodged as soon as it came into view. Then and only then did Yuffie notice him.
“Hey are you ok? Who are you?” she asked franticly.
“I’m fine and I’m Grey fox but call me Naz *smiles at her*” he blushed a little seeing how pretty she was.
In fact, Yuffie felt herself redden by the sight of him. He had shiny indigo hair and lovely violet eyes which got her attention. Soon enough instead of training they were chatting away and from time to time stole glances at each other.
Back at the inn,
“Cid…we have a problem!” Squall shouted as he and Rinoa emerged from the main entrance.
“What is it Leon?” Cloud answered instead as he and Aerith stood up from where they were sitting in the lounge.
“It’s Yuffie, she’s been stalked by a stranger that we hardly even know. He doesn’t even look like he’s from around here either,” Rinoa continued as Squall was too stunned too speak.
“Then we have to rescue her, no matter what. She may be annoying but hey, she’s family,” Cid concluded slapping the counter.
Not a moment too soon, the five of them made their way to the underground cavern better known as the ‘Waterway’.
“So Yuffie * he glances at her shyly* how’s Cloud, Aerith, Squall, Rinoa and Cid? If you don’t mind me asking” he inquired out of the blue.
“They’re fine and how did you know about them?” she jumped abruptly.
“Like I told you before I’m not of this world and have my sources. Besides that my elder sister is a big fan of Cloud and Aerith, actually she loves ‘em too bits. Anyway, I got separated from her and my other ‘family’ members recently and hoping that they’ll find me, just like how Aerith waited for Cloud,” He explained desolately.
Yuffie felt her heart race as he enlightened her and couldn’t help but pity the poor guy. He must really miss his sister a lot.
But judging by his appearance, he’s actually no older than her and was falling for him. Apparently he felt the same way and looked as if he was about to flip any moment.
Both started reacting with instinct and were moving closer and closer when…
“Unhand her stranger, or we’ll, make you sorry you messed with us!” Squall yelled as he, Rinoa, Aerith, Cloud and Cid entranced from Merlin’s house.
“No Leon, it’s not what you think,” Yuffie defended him.
“Move out of the way, Yuffie, he won’t disturb you while we’re here.” Cid got into his battle stance and Aerith ran to her and grabbed her hand but Yuffie released herself.
“Why don’t you just hear him out? He’s had it bad and now you wanna attack him? I’ve always admired all of you but now, you’re no more than just barbarians, why didn’t you try to talk to him first than go straight to drastic measures???!!!!” Yuffie shouted as she prepared for any attacks.
From behind her, Naz sheathed his weapon and pushed her aside so they could see him. After hearing Yuffie’s plea, Rinoa and Aerith loosened up and held their lovers back. As Cid noted the situation, he, too stepped down.
Yuffie saw that everyone listened to her and turned towards Naz, who in turn looked at her contently with a smile. Both of their cheeks flared as they gazed at each other, but then they turned their attention to the others.
Finally after a long silence, Aerith spoke, “Yuffie, let’s bring him home, we can talk there.” At the same time, Rinoa extended her hand to the young stranger and Yuffie.
Beaming, Yuffie gratefully took her hand and pulled Naz along as they all walked back to the inn together. Once there, Naz introduced himself and explained his situation to them. All listened intently to his tale half not believing it even if it was true.
When he was done, everyone was silent and the first to break it up was Cid.
“So you mean that there are other universes other than the ones we’ve traveled and seen?”
“Yes and basically all you actually are part of a video game that my sis and I enjoy playing.”
“Were you serious when you send that she is our biggest fan?” Cloud asked curiously as he held Aerith on his lap. Aerith snuggled closer as his hand tightened around her waist.
“That’s what I said, she actually loves ya to bits, and everything she does or says is mainly about you two and sometimes of Rinoa and Squall.”
“About …us * looks up at Squall*, too?” Rinoa asked as her eyes widened. Squall placed his arms on her. He himself was surprised.
Naz merely nodded. Before anyone else could ask further questions, the main door opened and a group of people walked in. Being the manager of the inn, Cid got up to greet the guests.
From where he stood in the living room, Naz recognized the visitors to be none other than… “Kak Lisa… Jacques… Aunty Aisyah, everyone…!” he shot off towards them and hugged an older woman with orange hair tied in a bun.
All present were flabbergasted with how much love the boy had for his family.
“I guess they must be his family,” Aerith smiled smug as a bug.
“Yeah, and I’ve never seen one as close-knit as this in a long time.” Cloud added as he glanced at Squall.
“Neither have I, Cloud.”
After sometime hugging his sister, ‘brother’, cousins, aunt and friends, Naz / Grey spun around and introduced his family to the others.
“Everyone, meet my family, my sister Enima, her boyfriend Speed, my aunt Falcon, my cousins Seraph and Celest and last but not least my sister’s best friend Lynn.”
“Call me, Lisa,” Enima extended her hand to Yuffie who was the nearest.
“Call me, Jacques,” Speed shook hands with Cloud.
“You can call us by our real names as we consider all of you as family,” Lisa explained.
“My real name’s Siew Mei,” Lynn shook hands with Rinoa.
“Just call me Sam *shakes hand with Cid*,” Seraph said.
Celest and Falcon were the last to reveal their names as they were complex. Celest’s name was Serena and Falcon’s was Aisyah.
After all the introductions, Cloud and Aerith approached Lisa.
“Um… Lisa,” Cloud bashfully asked with Aerith following closely behind.
“We would like to know whether what your brother said was true. Are you really that big a fan of us?” Aerith asked with her arms coiled around Cloud’s.
“Yup, it’s true, have been, ever since I was 12 years old. When I started playing ‘Final Fantasy VII’ where you two first appeared. You two touched the hearts of many, but there were others whom disagreed with your pairing. But anyway, I’m glad to have finally met you *beams at them*” Lisa explained as Jacques came up behind her.
“I’ve always wondered about worlds other than the ones we’ve been to, but mostly believed that they were myths or unreachable,” Cloud supposed.
“We understand as, we ourselves didn’t believe that it was possible until we were pulled in one by one. Lisa here was the first to be pulled in, then Naz, me and so on,” Jacques enlightened them.
As we were conversing, Yuffie was with Naz, Aunt Aisyah, Cid and Sam.
“Were you serious when you said that you were a family?” Cid asked.
“It’s true, Grey Fox here is my nephew and Sam… well, is sort of like a distant nephew,” Aunt Aisyah told them.
“Oh, I see. But what’s really been bugging me is, how did you guys get here in the first place and how did Grey end up separated from you?” Yuffie inquired, blushing.
“Well, it’s like this,” Sam began, “when we were pulled in here, we were sent on a mission that lasted for what seemed to be a month. Upon completion, we were supposed to be sent back the way we came, which was in a stream of glistening light. But something malfunctioned, as there was a disturbance in the stream.”
“According to what we had supposed, it may have something to do with Sora battling Ansem in Kingdom Hearts. As soon it was over and Kingdom Heart was sealed, only then could we go looking for him.” Aunt Aisyah continued.
“I landed at first in Hollow Bastion. That time the Heartless still were many and I had to battle on my own to survive. But luckily I still had my powers and could travel from world to world without a ship. Finally I ended up in Traverse town, and that was when I saw you *glances at Yuffie*, right after you guys moved here,” Naz said bashfully feeling heat rush into his cheeks.
“Oh, I think I always noticed you, but you were always in the shadows, why’s that?” she asked.
Aunt Aisyah, Sam and Cid just looked at each other grinning as they knew that there was something going on there. The spotlights now were on the two ‘kids’.
“Well… I …, how can I say this? *receives shoulder nudge from Sam* Ow, what gives?” Naz yelled.
Yuffie just giggled at the site with Naz embarrassed.
“Just tell her how you feel, Nazrin, sayang (means ‘love’ or ‘dear’ in Malay),” Aunt Aisyah encouraged.
“*sigh* I was watching over you, making sure you were alright *receives another nudge by Cid*. Hey..! Alright…! I admit I care for you, Yuffie. No… more than that. I’m in love with you!” Naz burst till the whole room was silenced.
All except Yuffie were making any sound at all.
“I … I …” lost for words, Yuffie ran into his arms into an intimate embrace.
Everyone either beamed or smirked at the two young lovers. Even all the other lovers in the room were affected as they looked on.
“Well Rinoa, looks like she had finally found her no. 1,” Aerith exclaimed while cuddled in Cloud’s arms.
“Very true Aerith, at least now we won’t have to worry about our little sister anymore,” smirked snuggling closer to Squall.
(Later that week)
Ding…dong…ding…dong….
The bells of the church chimed brightly as Rinoa and Squall strolled out as man and wife.
Behind them were Cloud as the best man, Aerith as the maid of honor, Yuffie, Lynn and Lisa as the bride’s maids, Serena as the flower girl (luckily she didn’t mind), Sam and Jacques were the ushers, Naz was the ring bearer, Falcon the wedding planner and last but not least, Cid was the ‘priest’ being a captain once.
It was a marvelous day for all. But like always, not all happy things or days last as soon it was time to bid farewell to their new found friends.
All were in tears, not even the newlyweds could hold back their sorrow.
“We thank you for your hospitality and kindness,” Lisa bid, being the leader of the group.
“No, thank you, for believing in us,” Cloud extended his hand.
“We’ll miss you a great deal, Lisa,” Aerith hugged her goodbye.
“Do you really have to go?” Yuffie asked Naz teary-eyed.
“Yeah, my family and friends need me. Besides, if fate is on our side, we’ll return.”
The two were in a tight embrace not wanting to part. Yuffie was sobbing softly at his chest and only stopped when he kissed her tenderly on the lips.
“Jacques, thank you for you help during our wedding, we’re grateful for it,” Squall shook his hand thankfully.
“All the best, to you and Lisa, Hopefully your wedding would be as grand as ours,” Rinoa smiled through tear stricken eyes. Like Aerith, she had grown fond of Lisa.
“Surely it will. Thank you, Rinoa.”
“I’ll miss you, too,” Lisa hugged her, with Jacques’s head resting on her shoulder.
Serena, Siew Mei, and Aunt Aisyah couldn’t help but shed tears themselves at the fact that they’ll miss Traverse town. It was a fun place to be with a homey environment.
“It’s been fun, Cid. I enjoyed myself and learned a lot from you. You have my thanks,” Sam patted the blonde man’s shoulder.
“Hey, no problem, you’re very much welcome. I learned a lot from you guys, too and should be thankin’ ya.”
(Back to Naz and Yuffie)
They were in a long tender kiss, till Lisa called them to say good bye.
“Wait a sec, Kak (short for ‘Kakak’, means big sister in Malay) *takes out a chain from underneath his shirt and hands it to Yuffie*”
“What’s this for?”
“Keep it safe, for when we return it will glow and I be sure to retrieve it the first thing I come back.”
“I promise to cherish it till you return.”
He smiles at her and gives her a peck on the forehead. From where she stood, Lisa smirked. She could finally see that her brother was no more a boy, but a man (despite his young age).
“Cloud, Aerith, Rinoa, Squall, thank you for everything and I promise, we’ll return someday. Be sure that you take care of yourselves and I’ll miss you all dearly *gets pulled into a bear hug by Aerith and Rinoa*” Lisa announced.
“We’ll be off now, don’t worry, I’ll keep her from any harm,” Jacques told them as he pulled Lisa away.
“Goodbye everyone, we’ll meet again someday!!!” Naz hollered as he and his family floated upwards engulfed by the same light they had told them about.
(A few hours later)
Squall and Rinoa were in their room, wondering if their friends would ever return.
“I know they just left, but *sigh*. Forgive me Squall, I...”
“Shh…It’s ok, I miss them, too, but I know they wouldn’t want us to pine for them like it was the end of the world. *strokes her face, wiping away the tears* they’ll be back, she and Jacques gave their word and they would never break it,” brushes his lips along his wife’s ears.
“I hope you’re right, Squall, I hope you’re right *sighs and falls into her husband’s strong arms*,”
Soon after a passionate kiss, the newly weds dozed off into what seemed to be a peaceful slumber, or was it.
In the next room, however, Yuffie wept bitterly as she had to part from the one she loved and the family that she had longed for ever since hers had passed away. Overhearing her, Cid popped in and comforted her.
“Hey, kid, cheer up. You’ll meet them again soon and don’t you cry no more. They wouldn’t want that and would be miserable, especially Naz,”
“You really think so *wipes tears*”
“I know so, Yuf. Despite that fact tomorrow is your favorite breakfast day and I know how much you hate missing it,” He winked.
“Thanks Cid, I owe you one,” Grins widely back to her cheerful self.
“No biggie, now get to sleep, wouldn’t want ya to get all cranky in the morning* ruffles her hair*,” With that Cid left the room and switched off the lights.
Before going to bed, Yuffie took out the chain which had a pendant of a sword with dragons encircling it. She stroked it and stared out of her window into the horizon above. There she saw a shooting star, not long after a picture of Grey Fox appeared in the sky with his family not far behind him gleaming at her.
Surprisingly, unknown to her, Squall, Rinoa, Aerith, Cloud and Cid, too were staring at the starry sky with her from their respective rooms.
They promised to return, will they, or will they not? Only time will tell, yup, only time will tell.
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By the way, this is my brother's story. It's up to you to believe :P .
My third story as my first was too long to fit and I can't find the file which contained my second one :P :D .