Hey, if metaphysics people are hgard pressed to agree on a sensible explanation for temporal mechanics, how do you expect game designers to deal with that stuff?

Because of the liberally tossing around of the word 'fate' and Ellone's mentioning about the failure of her plans to change the past, I would say FFVIII goes with 'one timeline' argument. There is ONE timeline, and Edea ALWAYS had Squall telling her about SeeD. (but.... Edea told Chid, and Cid told Squall and Squall told Edea and... HELP!)

Regarding the dream. Yes, according to us that is basically Squall going through time compression and seeing that Rinoa will turn into Ultimecia. (that's why he shed a tear. You KNOW it's gotta be bad for Squall to actually cry) Us supporters think we see (and the detractors deny) that Rinoa's face turns into Ulti's in the scene, and her face is rather often put next to her face. There's still an open thread on this discussion, so I'll leave it at that.

And yes, eventually he's still there and kisses Rinoa. (eventhough, according to me, he knows he's gonna lose her someday)