Welcome to this Fantasy AU taking place in the wonderful world of Final Fantasy IX. You're about to embark on quite the journey; I suggest you take your time reading, and hope you'll stick to the characters and see their story through the end!

" I'm sorry, young boy, but your ticket is forged. "

" What does that mean ? " The short black-haired boy asked in a small voice.

" It means it's not an original. Look, the name of the play here is I want to be your crow. The name's not right. Whoever sold you this ticket tricked you. " The man at the ticket-booth answered, looking annoyed, but more at the idea of someone tricking a child.

" So I can't go see the play ? "

" No, unfortunately. But I'm sure there'll be a next time. You're still young, plenty of other opportunities will come! What's your name young boy ? "

" I'm Kota. "

Kota stared at the smiling man, his black eyes pinned on him, and his face partially hidden by his short, dusty brown cloak. The tall man draped in a colorful costume on the booth didn't take it at heart, and told him warmly.

" Listen Kota. Today's the eighteen's birthday of Prince Garnet. It won't be long before he gets married and then, an even better celebration will be held. For that occasion I'll keep a ticket for you just in case. "

The man gave him a gentle smile, and Kota, despite being generally as emotional as a stone, could feel a warm sensation on his face. He touched his cheek, surprise to feel them slightly hotter than usual. He didn't know why, but a strange sensation bubbled in his stomach. He opened his mouth, and felt warm words spill from it before he could control them.

" Thank you. "

" You're welcome ! Here, take these. It's not much, but I think it's kinda popular with kids these days. "

The kind man handed him a deck of cards with monstrous figures designated on it. Kota took the cards, eyes staring at them so much he'd burn holes through them if he could.

" Never seen Tetra Master cards before ? I'm not an expert, but I know a guy who could explain them to you if you're interested. Name's Johnny, he's usually hanging on the Moogley bar not far from the central place. Good luck if you intend to go kid ! And maybe we'll see each other soon ! "

" Thank you mister. "

Kota bowed lightly, not knowing how to show whatever feeling he was experiencing at the moment that was making him feel like he had to thank the man. The kind mister waved at him as Kota was walking away, staring once again at the cards he was holding as if it was now a treasure he would never let go.

The Moogley bar. Kota hasn't been in Alexandria for very long, so he had no idea where the bar could be. Not that he had any idea what a bar was to begin with. He began to wander through the royal city, not daring to ask any of the well dressed ladies and misters around him. As he was looking around him, taking guesses at what a bar could be between the pretty flower and clothing shops, the ominous stairs in shady alleys and stores filled with books, he heard a collective gasp around him and froze. Before he could ask himself what was happening, he heard something gently roars in the sky. The noise was so loud it made the cobblestone path beneath his feet vibrates, and he threw his head backwards, looking at what was a minute ago a clear and blue afternoon sky.

A gigantic airship was making its way through the sky, floating low above the city of Alexandria. Kota felt a mix of fear and deep awe, eyes wide and glistening. On the front of the ship was a wood sculpture of a beautiful mermaid, and the ship's identity couldn't be mistaken for anything else.

" It's the Prima Vista! " Someone shouted. " The Tantalas Theater Troupe is here at last ! "

Kota watched as the airship hovered the city, making its way to the castle of Alexandria. As each passing year, the comedians were requested to come for Prince Garnet's birthday and perform his favorite play. It was also Kota's, and he really wished he could finally see the play he read so much back to his old home. The play that had woken him up. The only thing that could keep his bond with a life he couldn't get back. Something pinched his heart, and Kota began to follow the ship through the city, running in his shadows, wide eyes never leaving the shape of the Prima Vista. But his course came to a stop when he slammed in someone, and felt himself being thrown on the ground.

" Damn, can't you look out where you're going at all ? "

" I'm sorry. " Kota said while getting back on his feet.

" Yeah, better be ! What were you doing anyway, running after an airship ? "

The man he had bumped into looked older than Kota, whose appearance suggested he wasn't more than seven. Not answering to his question, Kota gazed up at the airship, remaining silent.

" Hey, when someone asks you a question, it's only courteous to answer, geez ! "

Realizing the boy was way too focused on the ship to even care to look at him, the other sighed and decided to drop the attitude. He could've walked away, but the black-haired boy's eyes were wide and filled with sparks, and he felt he couldn't be rude to him. They seem to share the same interest for the airship he was also staring at.

" Okay, I admit it, I wasn't really watching where I was going either. Sorry. My name's Natsuo. What's yours kid ? "

" I'm Kota. "

" Well Kota, you're interested in the Prima Vista ? "

" Yes. "

" Good. I am too. I'm looking for my brother who I think might have gone with the Tantalas, so I want to get a look. Care to come with me and see what's all about it ? "

Once again, Kota felt something warm making its way to his stomach and his face, and without displaying any other emotion than wide eyes, nodded at Natsuo's proposition.

" I know a way to sneak in the castle, but I actually need a little help to do that. We'll have to find a ladder and climb some roofs in the older town, looking out for each other and all. Not afraid of heights I hope ? "

Kota shook his head, already feeling impatient to go and see the play he only dreamed to see.

" So let's go ! "

An hour later, the two boys were leaving the ladder they'd borrowed to sneak on the low rooftops in old Alexandria and jumped ahead an unattended wall of the court. Most of guards were busy with the play's supervision and guidance of the public waiting for it. The royal family, who was really just Queen Ryuko and her son, Prince Garnet, had their personal guard and had apparently no reason to fear any attack.

The sun was setting, basking the old town gently washed by the sea and the horizon behind Kota and Natsuo in a beautiful golden light, making everything looks peaceful. The castle and its very high dust pink towers reaching for the skies looked like they were glistening, and Kota's attention was drawn to a window by one of the tower when he thought he heard the faint voice of someone singing. He noticed long black hair brushed away by the wind, and figured they were the one humming a soft lullaby. It sounded sorrowful, like they were gazing at things they had lost forever. He hadn't any idea who that was, and didn't have time to ask before Natsuo darted in front of him and sneaked behind two unaware guards to access the back of the most remote place from the stage. The older boy waved at Kota, who was soon by his side, face unaltered by the effort while Natsuo was panting, drained by the physical effort and the fear to be caught. He surely wasn't used to this kind of thing, Kota thought.

" Unafraid no matter what ha ? You're a tough kid aren't ya ? "

Once more, Kota only nodded before he sat on the ground, eyes fixated in front of him, barely able to see the stage properly. He was deep in thought, still thinking about the sad lullaby.

" Right, better stay unnoticed before the play begins. Do you actually know what this is about ? " Natsuo asked, kinda uncomfortable sitting in silence with a kid he barely knew besides him.

Said kid's eyes were soon filled with sparks, while none other part of his face could leak any feeling, and he stared at Natsuo.

" I want to be your canary. "

" What ? "

" The play. It's I want to be your canary. It's written by Lord Avon. "

" Ya know it ? "

Kota felt his mouth do something weird, like it twisted upwards, but didn't take much more time thinking about it as he proceeded to explain the whole tale he knew by heart to Natsuo.

It was the story of a noble and a peasant, who fell in love in a most curious turn of events .

Unfortunately, they were not free to love each other, one tied to a parent who wished to use them as a political paw.

Through it all they laugh, they cry, they stand by each other side. They overcome a million impediments. Together, they're unbreakable.

In the end, they decide their own fate. They choose what they felt was right.

" And what was right for them? " Natsuo asked.

Kota smirked a little, happy he succeeded at getting Natsuo's interest, but remained silent. Queen Ryuko and Prince Garnet had appeared, and the play was about to begin.

His blood tainted sword strongly held in his proud but shaking hands, the blond barbarian let a cruel laugh resonate loudly on the stage of his final fight. Blood was pouring from is wounded side. His breath was ragged, and his vision began to faint. His life was ending ; he could feel it.

" You may have disposed of me " He groaned, never letting go of the spark of pride burning in his eyes. " But that's as far as you'll ever get, you traitor. That's as far as you'll ever get... without me... "

Lifelessly, he sprawled on the floor, while the audience screamed and began to cry out.

" It shouldn't have ended this way." His opponent murmured, grief in his voice. " My friend, I bid you farewell. May you ever find peace one day on the other realm. "

The other young man knelt down close to the one who was once his comrade, and closed his eyes with a mourning hand.

" It should have never happened! " His voice broke, tears shedding on the now peaceful face.

" No ! It can't end this way ! " A voice in the audience shouted.

" Why would you even die out of pride ? That's stupid ! Think for yourself dumbass ! "

Behind the emotional spectators, Kota was staring intensely at the scene, while Natsuo was quietly drying his tears.

Under his cold hand, the actor felt his partner shivered.

" Kacchan, this is almost over, bear with it. " He whispered suddenly.

The other man was about to stand up when the lights went out and the floor under him got down. Soon, he was under the stage, surrounded by other members of the crew. He could hear the cheers and protest of the public he just left behind.

" I'm gonna murder the fucker who said that bullshit ! " The ash blond man spitted, throwing his stage cloak on the floor without any care.

" My cloak... "

" Don't worry Todoroki, it's not damaged. "

" It only means you played your role very well, Bakugou ! " A young woman with pink colored cheeks tried to say sympathetically.

" Kacchan, it's only because of the play- "

" Not another word, Deku. " Bakugou hissed with an icy stare.

Without waiting for anyone to talk to him, Bakugou stormed outside of the dressing-room, grabbing his change of clothes on the way.

" Bakugou, remember what Nighteye said to you - "

" I know what he said to me. Keep it down, round face. "

" Come on, it's been three years we're with the Tantalas, can we get along soon ? "

" I'm pretty sure you already are, as far as it concerns Bakugou. "

" I know Kaminari, but still... "

" C'mon Uraraka, it's gonna be your turn with Midoriya. You better get ready before Iida starts storming across the dressing room and gets his stomach upset. We've still got a long night ahead of us. "

Watching Bakugou shutting himself in his lodge, Uraraka sighed. They were a team, the great comedian troupe, the even greater thieves of the Mist continent, the Tantalas. Bakugou and Midoriya even knew each other since before they even joined the famous group, and never the tension between them had been so on edge from Uraraka's perspective.

" Uraraka, are you ready ? "

" Yep, let's get those spectators so impressed by our acting they'll forget their gold filled pockets. " She lifted a thumb up.

" That's right ! " Midoriya smiled. " But that's not the only thing we'll perform tonight... I really hope All Might and Nighteye know what they're doing... "

The two friends silently stared at Bakugou's lodge, and shared an anxious look. Whatever was happening from now on wasn't in their hands anymore.

In a dark and messy room, Bakugou was struggling to find some light to see further than his nose.

" Where the fuck this damn oil lamp is at ?! I told those assholes I needed it by the door, not in the middle of the damn – Fuck ! "

A unpleasant noise of several metallic stuff, books and others materials collapsing together rang through the dark room as the angry young man tripped and felt on the floor.

" Bakugou, what the hell are you doing ? Midoriya and Uraraka are going, it's up to us now ! " Kaminari yelled from behind the door.

" I'd be already far if you fuckers listened to me for once ! "

" Look who's talking... "

" Now's not the time to fight, the situation's already as tensed as it is" A young woman with pink poofy hair winced slightly. " So let's just stick together okay ? "

Usually, Ashido was the happy-go-lucky one, always ready to accomplish whatever mission their group was given, no matter how foolish it was. But this time, it was different from all the previous ones. Bakugou knew it, and hated how nervous everybody was for the kidnapping of a single person.

" I can't believe we're actually snatching away the prince of Alexandria. " Kaminari sighed while Bakugou finally found his oil lamp and stopped cursing to focus on his preparations. " I mean, it's not like we never made anything disrupting politically speaking, but this is on an entirely different level ! What was All Might thinking when he gave us this order ? "

" Shh Kaminari, you know the rules" Ashido shushed with an anxious look. " Boss' orders are absolute, unless you want to get kicked out by Nighteye. "

" I'm not questioning anything, I'd follow him everywhere, like all of us. " Kaminari frowned. " But I can't help worrying over why and for what purpose we're doing all of this. "

It was a tough question, both Ashido and Bakugou knew it. Kaminari, like Ashido, looked more of a friendly and carefree guy, but the truth was, he really tended to overthink. It could be a great asset, but not in the situation they were in.

As a renowned troupe of comedians, the Tantalas were giving each year for Prince Garnet's birthday a representation of a famous play, I want to be your canary, to the royal family and the people of Alexandria. Usually, at this time of the year, Bakugou would be away on his own, not interested in the slightest by theater. But this time, he was personally given a crucial role to play on the mission, and consequently on the play; the later, he absolutely despised. Fortunately, it was over, and the real fun was coming.

The show was about to end, soon to be followed by great fireworks in honor of Prince Garnet's eighteenth birthday. From what their insider told them, the crown prince would be back in his room by the time the fireworks would begin. The rumor was that his relationship with his mother critically deteriorated the last months, and he wouldn't spend more time with her than necessary, particularly not during public displays.

While Queen Ryuko would enjoy the loud fireworks, Bakugou was to sneak in the room and snatch away the prince who'd have been put to sleep thanks to some special plants their insider would put in his tea. It would have been way more efficient to just knock him unconscious and take him away from his perspective. He didn't understand why All Might was so adamant to do things smoothly like that, but he trusted him nonetheless. So he would do things his way. For now. Bakugou put his googles on top of his head, made sure his belt was tight, and took a deep breath.

" If you're done complaining, I'm ready to go. "

Bakugou stepped outside of the room, and appeared, finally dressed with his usual thief outfit : a black shirt, brown pants and high laced boots, his usual orange googles and a brown cloak. His cloak had a large hood, and at his waist, a large belt permitted him to carry stuff like his sword, potions and various items. His pale ash blond hair were brushing his forehead, shadowing his determined eyes, sparkling furiously in the night.

" Then let's go. " Ashido sighed, stretching to prove she was ready too.

" There's no turning back now I suppose. " Kaminari whined. " I wish I was more knowledgeable about political stuff, who knows what we're about to start with this kidnapping ? "

The damn blond idiot was asking questions Bakugou had no answer to, and it was infuriating. He was also kinda uneasy about this whole kidnapping story. It was pretty unsettling, the way All Might sternly talked to them about this mission. Why did he suddenly decided to do that, when they were usually only stealing money, expensive jewelry and work of arts in wealthy people's mansions ? They were supposed to be annoying thieves, taking from the rich to give to the poor. Why were they getting involved in a royal family's business ?

All Might didn't even say what was the purpose to all of this. Of course no one had asked any question, probably because they thought there was no reason to do so. They trusted their leader. Even Deku who was the same meddling asshole he'd always been hadn't said anything. Maybe he had no idea either. Maybe he knew exactly why. It wouldn't be a surprise ; he was known to be close to All Might. The thought hit Bakugou, and made him even more angry than he was already.

" We're retrieving a shitty prince of a country as tiny as Deku's talent as an actor. " Bakugou fumed while leading the way out of their flying ship. " There's absolutely no reason to freak out, it's a goddamn prince of nothing. "

" So why are we kidnapping him then !? " Kaminari squeaked while climbing the ladder to the board of their ship.

" Drop it. " Bakugou growled, opening the trap to access the board.

Fresh and slightly cold night air, loud music from the play and gleeful screams at the scene where the two protagonists were finally reunited confirmed Bakugou they were just in time. Pulling his hood on, Bakugou jumped on the airship's shell, and began to run without waiting for the two others. Bakugou sped up and, for a moment, time stopped. He was looking at the castle beneath him, and could see the tower where the prince was supposed to be. Lights were still out, for now.

He had to get there before Prince Garnet and his guards were. The mission who would change the fate of the world was about to begin.

Final Fantasy IX is my favorite game ever (Horikoshi-sensei is also a fan!). Just for fun, I tried to swap BNHA's cast with FFIX's, and ended up really invested in it. I stick to the main story line but, as characters are different, things obviously won't be the same... I hope you'll like it as much as I do. English isn't my first language so feel free to kindly point out any mistakes. If you're a FFIX lover, leave comments with your guesses about who could be who and so on. If you're not, I'd be very glad to introduce you to this masterpiece.

The prelude is done. First chapter coming soon.