A shrill scream followed by a dull thud was all the noise heard in this dark, foreboding side wall. Eiko had, luckily, landed on a pile of sand, and was not injured. As she sat up, and attempted to look around, she had to strain her eyes to see her hand infront of her face.

Eiko: ''Oh great...''

Her voice echoed, obviously a large area, she thought.

Eiko: ''Madeen... can you hear me? I'm scared... it's dark...''

Madeen: ''I noticed Eiko. I think I can do something about it... hold on.''

A white light emmanated from Eiko's wings on her back, and it's power reached all the way into the crevices of the visible room. It looked to be an old deserted library, maybe recently used. Dust was covering everything in the room, except for a chair, desk, and small book.

Madeen: ''That could be something... it's different then everything.''

Eiko: ''Duh! I can see that!''

Madeen: ''Don't be so rude!''

As they bickered back and forth in her head, Eiko walked over to the book, trying not to disturb anything. When she reached the book, it became more clear to her. It was a journal... someone had used it recently...

Eiko picked it up, and carefully opened it, as though it would tear from the slightest touch. It's pages were crinkled, but not yellowed from age. She started to read the passages, whispering it to herself.

Eiko:
''I kidnapped four of Cid's friends yesterday, one turned out to be his niece. I also had the young bounty huntress capture Amarant, who had refused to help me. Currently he is under my control and should be reaching Lindblum shortly. With little trouble I took over the knight's body.''

Madeen: ''The next day...''

Eiko continued to read the journal, coming to the current day.

Eiko: ''The knight disposed of the girl, and hid the rat woman. He is on his way to Alexandria with the Queen. Amarant is now battling 'Zidane', the other 4 I captured friend. I'm questioning why I even write this journal... it does nothing for me. I am so busy I don't even write like I used to... my elegance is disappearing. Oh well...''

Madeen: ''Everything... that happened. This person must have some reason for causing all this trouble...''

Eiko: ''Well maybe...''

Eiko was cut off as she heard footsteps in the opposite way she came in. Without hesitation, Madeen put out the light that Eiko had and she slipped out of the room, confused as to what was going on.
--------------------------------

Mage: ''Hurray Vivi! Hurray Mr.288! You won!!!!''

The two woke up in a state of confusion in the southern area of the Business District , as celebration was everywhere. A post- Festival of the Hunt party had begun.

Vivi- ''Umm...''

Mr. 288- ''Oh yes! Now I remember, we recieved the most points in the Hunt! This party must me for us.''

Vivi- ''Quite odd... US winning!''

All of the Genomes, who had just gotten back from Dragoo's Weapon shop came up behind the two mages, and congratulated them on their victory. In a rush, the announcer ran up to Vivi and Mr. 288 and told them about a ceremony where they would recieve their gifts, and pointed to a table for refreshemnts.

Announcer: ''We have Heckran churros, Lindblum pickles, various beverages... uh-oh, look at the time, I have to go prepare for the ceremony!''

All of the Genomes and Mages stared at the out of breath announcer as he ran off. For around half an hour, the group just talked about the experience and ate a little, something they still were getting used to.

Announcer: ''AAAAAAAAAAlright everybody! Soon we will start the award ceremony for out two winners! Let's give them a round of applause...''

Before he could even finish, a large explosion came from the castle, near where Cid's chambers were.

Announcer: ''We are experiencing some technical difficulties... please calm down! It's...''

The announcer was cut off again, as a fist sized rock from the debris fell and hit him in the head. Although not seriously injured, he fell to the ground, unconcious.

Vivi: ''Looks like trouble... we better get going!''

Mr. 288: ''I was thinking the same!''

A air cab screeched to a stop nearbye, it was on it's regular routine, oblivious to the commotion. Within seconds, everyone in the group had boarded the cab, and they were off to the castle.

Vivi: ''Something's the matter... I wish this thing could go faster!''

He started to pace back and forth, but stumbled when the cab made it's stop at Linblum Castle. Only a second went by before they were outside and running up the steps to Cid's throne room. In a somewhat dramatic scene they slammed open the doors and saw first, Quina on the ground clutching is stomach with one arm. To the left was an already exhausted Zidane, who was motioning to Vivi to step back. Fifteen feet away was the imposing Amarant charging in their direction.

Zidane: ''Stay... back... I can... take him...''
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The low beeping sound was constant... no light except the red dot that kept time with the beep. No light was need though, the darkness covered the machinery. All of the otherworldy mechanical cranks, bolts, and sheet metal groaned under the new pressure as they roared to life for the first time.

The master computer whizzed numbers and calculations, it's original intention almost complete.

The image of the planet melding with another in the demo was routine, but then a warning blared throughout the base. Flashing lights filled the room. The display image repeated the picture melding, this time only one planet visible. The computer, if it could, was panicking. The assimilation could not be complete without a second planet!

Computers scanned their memory banks frantically in a vain attempt to find a solution. They found one. A small planet identical to the original to be used was selected. What the machines were too busy to compute was a figure, around 4' 11" and long flowing black hair that reached the ground had been typing something in.

Whatever it was, IT had pointed out the new planet for assimilation.

A emotionless voice was heard the through the crackly loudspeaker.

Computer: "Assimilation of unidentified and Gaia to be complete in twenty four hours time."

The figure shifted it's weight nonchalantly and... giggled.
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Author's Note: Ok, end of Part One! ^__^ It should be more interesting from now on, I hope SOMEONE is enjoying this... -_-;;;