Freya's Search Chapter one: A bunch of Little Vivi's
Note: Ok I just beat FF9 and I have to admit it was quite a tear jerker. Hey! Can I help it if I am a sensitive individual? Any way the ending got me asking how in the world did Vivi (my second favorite character) have kids. I mean he was only eight. And I know some of you out there are going to sign the review and say. "But the caption said a while latter." Well Eiko didn't age did she? Anyway I thought I'd fill in the gab with some small stories. This is the first. I plan on the second being about my top favorite character Freya. Yeah the rat chick. By the way Our gall is gong to be the one to search out and find out the story behind the gap.
Note 2: Freya rules her Dragon Knight abilities kick some major ass. Just wanted to say that and oh. I did not create Final fantasy 9. DUh. That assume tittle belongs to square.
Freya stood looking out over the dense forest that led to the Black Mage vilage. Her tale flicked quickly behind her as she plunged her spear deep into the soft earth. How hard could it be to find that village. After all Zidane had done it countless times. Freya stopped.
She looked down at the tip of her spear and wiped away a tear that had trailed down her nose. It was painful to think of her friend. It had been months since Zidane had decided to remain at the Lifa tree. Freya shook her head and pushed her hat up.
"Even when your not around your bugging my thoughts." She said with a smile. She reached out and plucked her spear from the ground and slung it over her shoulder. Above her a few owls hooted.
Looking up Freya laughed and shook her head. "Of course. That ridicules tip. Where there are no owls." Freya said and started down a path. She passed a sign that stated what she had just said and chuckled to herself.
It was wonderful to feel so carefree. The forest was truly lovely, it reminded her of Burmecia, the old Burmecia's forests. As she walked on her mind began to race. What would she say to Vivi.
Vivi, the shy boy, he had always been so gentle. Even when the citizens of Gia shunned him and his kind out of fear. But that had been Kuja's doing. And in the end all was forgiven, even Kuja's evil ways had been overlooked. A part of Freya was glad about this. But another part hated Kuja, and blamed him for all of the heart ache that she had endured.
She was lost in her thoughts as she continued to walk past sign after sign. Her frustration was returning, it seemed as if she had been walking for hours. Freya sighed and wiped her brow. Then out of the corner of her eye she saw him. Jumping to her feet she turned and smiled widely.
"Vivi my good lad." She said. Strangely, Vivi turned and ran away from her. Puzzled Freya called after him. "Vivi, my lad what is wrong?" She started after him.
"Vivi?" Freya called as she entered the Black Mage village.
"Lady Freya?" Asked a voice. Freya turned to see Myketo walking up to her and smiling. Freya smiled at her.
"Myketo," she said. "I am pleased I find you well." Freya said staring at the girl. It was odd how much like Zidane Myketo looked. Apart from her feminine features, she could have been Zidane. OF course all of the Genomes looked that way, and Freya was finding it hard to tell them apart as they gathered around her.
"What brings you here?" Myketo asked as her tale flicked behind her.
"I have come to see Vivi," Freya said. "But I do not think he wishes to see me." Freya said. She tried to hide the hurt in her voice.
"Why do you say that?" Mr. 323, the Black mage shop keeper said. "He speaks of nothing else but you and all of your friends." Freya turned to him and sighed.
"Then why did he run away?"
"What?" Myketo asked.
"In the forest," Freya said with confusion. "I just saw him. I called to him and the lad ran away from me."
Myketo and Mr. 323 exchanged knowing glances and started to laugh.
"Lady Freya," Mr. 323 said. "Vivi will explain all. He is in the Chocobo pin, helping with Bobby Corin." Freya bowed to them both and headed in that direction.
When Freya came to the Chocobo pin she found that it had grown in size, apparently the Mages and the Genomes were trying to raise Chocobo's. Freya turned when she heard voices, thinking that one might belong to Vivi. Sadly it was two other mages. They waved at her.
Freya smiled and waved back.
Suddenly Freya felt a tap on her shoulder. Smiling she turned.
"Kwehhh!" Freya let out a startled shout and stumbled backwards.
"Freya?" Asked a familiar voice.
"Vivi," Freya said happily. Vivi laughed and pet the now grown Chocobo.
"Sorry about that Freya mam," Vivi said fiddling with his hands. "Corin was being playful."
"Kweehhh!" The chocobo chirped and nuzzled Vivi lovingly. Freya stood and smiled down at Vivi and pet the Chocobo on his head.
"It is quiet all right my lad. Now tell me Vivi," Freya said sternly. "Why did you run from me?" Vivi turned his glowing eyes to her and tilted his head. Corin mimicked him and chirped again.
"I'm sorry Freya mam," Vivi said. "But I haven't seen you before now." Freya leaned forward and smiled at him.
"My boy were you playing a little game with me?"
"No." Vivi said honestly. Then he started to laugh. "Oh I know. You must have met my. . ."
"Kweeeh!" Corin chirped and ran to the side of the Fence. Freya followed him with her eyes.
Then she saw them. Freya's jaw dropped as she saw five mages, all looking like Vivi petting and talking to the Chocobo. Freya turned to Vivi and pointed at the Vivi look likes.
"Vi. . .Vi. . ."
"Oh," Vivi said twirling his foot in the dirt. "Uh they are my kids."
Freya turned and stared at the five again. They were all looking at her now, each whispering to one another. One waved at her shyly. Freya turned to Vivi.
"I think you better explain," she said. "I mean how can you have children. You are only eight."
"I think we better talk privately." Vivi said slowly. "Uh, I get embarrassed easily." Freya put her hand to her forehead. Normally she wasn't the feinting type but after seeing the Vivi's she was close to it.
Freya followed Vivi into his small hut after placing her spear outside. Vivi walked over to his small stove and placed a tea pot on it.
"Would you like some Coffee or tea mam?" Vivi asked motioning for Freya to sit down. She did crossing her arms on her lap.
"Tea would be nice." Freya said with a sigh. "I've been traveling for a while now." Vivi walked over and sat down. Freya noticed that his chair was much smaller. Much like much of the furniture. Apparently Vivi had intended this chair for his friends, friends like Freya.
"Oh?" Vivi said looking at her.
"Vivi," Freya started. "I apologize for my rude behavior."
"No it's ok. You should have seen Steiner's face when he came for a visit. But when I explained he wasn't as shocked. He found it funny."
Freya's eyes widened.
It was hard for her to believe that the leader of the Pluto knights would find it humorous that an eight year old boy would have children.
"Oh Really," Freya said in a shaky voice. "That comes as quite a shock to me." Vivi shook his head.
"Oh no let me explain ok?" Freya nodded.
"You don't have to Vivi. It is none of my business," Freya said shifting uncomfortably in her seat. "I am glad that you have started a family, even if you are so young and. . ."
"Freya!" Vivi said covering his face. It was apparent that he had been embarrassed. Freya shifted again in her seat as Vivi giggled.
"Oh, You think that I. . .Oh no I'm to young! I mean. . .uh well that's what Steiner thought to, and so did Dagger. But it's not like you think."
Freya stared at him. "I must admit I am a bit confused Vivi. Are those mages your children?"
"It's kind of hard to explain, mostly because I get embarrassed." Vivi stood up and walked over to the now whistling tea pot. He set a cup infront of Freya and pored her some tea and then pored himself some.
"After we beat Kuja. . ." Vivi paused. Freya could see his sadness. "You know after Zidane. . ." Freya smiled reassuringly at him.
"Well after he disappeared and we all said our good byes I really didn't have a place to go. Dagger said I could stay with her, kind of like a royal magician." Vivi sat back down and picked up his cup. "But I could tell that no one in Alexandria was ready to see black mages again. So I came hear."
Freya sipped her tea, it was very bitter. She swallowed and set the cup down quickly. Vivi sipped his and stared down into it.
"At first I thought about going back to my Grandfathers old place. But then I would be all alone again. When I got hear the mages were glad to see me, and since I had learned so much made me the villages teacher."
"A teacher," Freya said smiling. "That is great Vivi."
"Yes, I teach the mages and the Genoms how every one acts. It's not easy. They don't understand everything yet, nither do I."
"Your still young." Freya said. "And no one can understand everything." Vivi smiled and set his cup down.
"When I came back hear I found a few surprises. One was that the Genomes and the mages were starting to be friendly to one another."
"What do you mean?" Freya asked. Vivi twittered his hands and looked around nervously.
"Well you know. . .uh how Dagger and Zidane used to act." Freya smiled.
"Oh, do you mean that they started to fall in love with one another."
Vivi nodded.
"Yes," he said. "Some of them went to Con Pettie and got married. Well the ones who were in love did. Others weren't ready to marry so they are waiting. Well after a little while those other Vivi's were born."
"What?" Freya said nearly falling out of her chair.
"The parents say that I'm the father because they are just like me. They think like me, well some of them do. And they have the same powers I do. So they call them my kids, even though I'm not their real father."
"I see." Freya said putting her hand on her chest. "I must admit I was a bit worried. I mean you are only a boy."
Vivi's eyes seem to smile as he adjusted his large hat.
"Well, you see they are kind of like my kids. Only. . ."
"Only what?" Freya asked. Vivi took another drink of his tea and set it down.
"Only I wish their real parents would have named them something else."
"Why what are their names?"
"Vivi." Vivi said.
"And what are the others called?"
"Vivi," Vivi said again. "They are all named Vivi. Since they looked like me the Mages thought that they would be like me so they named them. .
"Vivi," Freya said laughing.
The mages were known for their inability to name things.
"Well at least they stopped trying to name thins with numbers." Freya said.
"That's true." Vivi said his eyes still smiling. "For the longest time they called Corins first egg One. I had to talk them out of that."
Vivi stood and walked over to his small stove. He turned to Freya and twirled his foot on the ground. Freya smiled at the shy mage.
"Would you like something to eat Freya mam?" Vivi asked. Freya nodded.
"Yes thank you Vivi. Do you need any help?" Vivi shook his head.
"No, I know how. My Grandpa tought me how to cook," Vivi grabbed a large pot. "He said that good food is important. 'You eat good things Vivi. Make you strong like big frog.'" Vivi said as he began to put a number of ingredients into the pot.
"Sounds like Quina," Freya said sitting back in her chair.
"Yeah," Vivi said sadly as he cut up a carrot. "I wish we could all be together again. But that isn't possible is it?"
"Why do you say that?" Freya asked leaning on the small table. Her tale flicked behind her as Vivi turned to face her. He turned again, this time picking up an onion and turning back to the pot.
"Well, it's all different right? Dagger is Queen. Quina is her cook," he paused and put what looked to be gyisha greens into the pot. Freya tried to hide her disgusted look as Vivi continued. "And Steiner, he's with Dagger. And I don't know what happened to Eiko. And. . .well I think that now that . . .Zidane is . . .gone. Well it's just different now. Right?"
Freya lowered her head.
Vivi was right. It had all changed once Zidane had left. Gone were the days of their adventures. Now they were mear memories. But it had been memories that had brought them this far. Freya rubbed her head. After the final battle, everything about it felt so confusing.
"Things have changed my lad," she said. "But we will always be friends."
"Sometimes I'm not so sure about that." Vivi said sadly. "Your the only one that really came to visit just me."
"But you said that Steiner. .. "
"He came by with his knights. . ." Vivi said sadly. "Dr. Tot thought that the mages and the Genomes might be a danger to the rest of the world and so. . .so Steiner volunteered. I guess that my kind are still not really welcomed."
Freya sighed.
"Vivi," she said. "I would be lying if I told you that there aren't some people who do not like your kind or the Genomes. But for those of us who know you, we know that you are kind. I know how you feel my lad." Freya said standing. She walked over to Vivi and set her hand on his shoulder.
"My people had a similar problem. As did the other animal people of Gia. We were dispose for the way we looked. But that was long ago. That prejudice has faded and we have gained freedom from narrowed eyes."
Vivi looked up at Freya.
"How long did it take?
"A long time I'm afraid. Too long. But I am sure it will not be as long for your kind my lad. Dagger speaks your praise, and I am sure that my people know that the mages mean them no harm." Freya knelt down to him and hugged him tightly.
It was not her nature. What was she doing? She cared for Vivi, like a little brother. It pained her to see him so upset.
"Uh. . .I think the stew is done." Vivi said turning quickly. He served the stew.
Freya ate it slowly at first. The thought of eating Gesha greens turned her stomach but as she tasted it she discovered that it was actually good. Vivi ate his slowly. After a silent Dinner Vivi took the plates away and turned to Freya.
"Why did you come?" Vivi asked. Freya smiled.
"To see you." Freya asked. "After we split up, I decided to return to Burmacia. We rebuilt it but there was nothing there for me. I had to go. When I left I decided to search for those I cared for, those who cared for me. I thought of you first."
Vivi seemed to smile.
"You did?"
"Yes," Freya said. "I traveled to Treno where I boarded an Airship. I just left. I wanted to start by finding you. I missed your carefree outlook on life my good lad. And I was worried about you, you and Eiko."
Vivi sighed.
"I wish I knew where she was. I sent a letter to Con Petite, by the mognet. But you know how reliable that can be."
"Do not remind me."
"But I haven't heard anything from her." Freya sighed.
"She was a bit of a handful that child. But a gentle soul." Freya smiled. "I was also wanting to ask you if you have heard from Prince Puck." Vivi nodded.
"He visited a few weeks ago." Vivi said. "He and another guy. I think that his name was Fa fa.
"Falery?" Freya asked with hope in her voice. "Sir Falery was here." Vivi nodded. Freya fell into her seat and burned her face. Vivi walked over to her, his glowing eyes filled with worry.
"Freya mam? Are you ok?" Freya looked at him and nodded.
"Yes, I am just tired. I have been traveling this land for a few weeks, and I am tired."
"You can sleep hear if you want. That is if you don't mind Baby Corin waking you up a four in the morning." Freya laughed.
"I do not mind my lad. I only need a few hours." Vivi looked up at her, his eyes changing again.
"When we all left, you didn't say good-bye. Nither did Amarant. Why?"
"Amarant. .. he is like me. We do not like to say good-bye. Good bye is final. For me it means not seeing someone again, ever. It is that reason I did not say good bye. I do not know Amarants."
"Oh," Vivi said and stretched. "Oh my." He said looking out his window. "It's night already."
Freya turned and looked out the window.
"We must have talked for hours." Vivi said. "That's funny isn't it. It didn't seem that long did it?" Freya nodded.
"No, it didn't. Perhaps we should turn in." Vivi looked up at Freya.
"Freya," he said sadly. "Will you stay for a while?" Freya smiled.
"A few days," she said. "But then I must away. You see I am going to find our friends. And I mean all of them." Vivi looked Puzzled. Freya stood.
"I do not believe that Zidane is dead. Someone that hard headed must be alive." Vivi lowered his head and turned to head towards his bedroom.
"I will bring you some sheets." He said sadly.
Freya sat back down. She could tell by Vivi's voice that he had lost hope that Zidane was still alive. She rested her head on her hands. Vivi had also seen her true love. Sir Falry was still well. Freya's heart warmed, there was hope, perhaps if she could find Flary then she could remind him of their past.
She looked up as Vivi returned with some blankets and a rolled up floor bed. He handed them to Freya who thanked him. Vivi only fooled with his hands and looked up at her.
"Freya," he said sadly. "I never had a mom. . .not like the other Vivi's do. But. . .well I wanted you to know that you were kind of like a mom to me. Goodnight." Vivi gave Freya a quick hug around her waist and ran to his room where he shut the door.
That night Freya laid awake, listing to the sounds of the forest. Vivi had grown allot. She began to wonder though. Had he truly given up on Zidane? Freya knew that in his heart Vivi would never do such a thing.
Rolling over on her side she stared up at the two moons through the small window. Long ago she had given up, only to find that the person she had given up on was still alive.
"I will find you Zidane," Freya said as her eyes grew heavy. "You and Sir Falery. I will bring you both back."
Freya drifted off to a deep and dreamless sleep.
After spending a few days in the black mage village Freya left. She left in the night after leaving a note for Vivi. She knew that he would understand her leaving so soon.
She had enjoyed the time she had spent in the village, there had been some parties, and stories of the final battle. But she knew she had to find the others.
She knew she had to find Zidane and Sir Falry.
Note: Ok I just beat FF9 and I have to admit it was quite a tear jerker. Hey! Can I help it if I am a sensitive individual? Any way the ending got me asking how in the world did Vivi (my second favorite character) have kids. I mean he was only eight. And I know some of you out there are going to sign the review and say. "But the caption said a while latter." Well Eiko didn't age did she? Anyway I thought I'd fill in the gab with some small stories. This is the first. I plan on the second being about my top favorite character Freya. Yeah the rat chick. By the way Our gall is gong to be the one to search out and find out the story behind the gap.
Note 2: Freya rules her Dragon Knight abilities kick some major ass. Just wanted to say that and oh. I did not create Final fantasy 9. DUh. That assume tittle belongs to square.
Freya stood looking out over the dense forest that led to the Black Mage vilage. Her tale flicked quickly behind her as she plunged her spear deep into the soft earth. How hard could it be to find that village. After all Zidane had done it countless times. Freya stopped.
She looked down at the tip of her spear and wiped away a tear that had trailed down her nose. It was painful to think of her friend. It had been months since Zidane had decided to remain at the Lifa tree. Freya shook her head and pushed her hat up.
"Even when your not around your bugging my thoughts." She said with a smile. She reached out and plucked her spear from the ground and slung it over her shoulder. Above her a few owls hooted.
Looking up Freya laughed and shook her head. "Of course. That ridicules tip. Where there are no owls." Freya said and started down a path. She passed a sign that stated what she had just said and chuckled to herself.
It was wonderful to feel so carefree. The forest was truly lovely, it reminded her of Burmecia, the old Burmecia's forests. As she walked on her mind began to race. What would she say to Vivi.
Vivi, the shy boy, he had always been so gentle. Even when the citizens of Gia shunned him and his kind out of fear. But that had been Kuja's doing. And in the end all was forgiven, even Kuja's evil ways had been overlooked. A part of Freya was glad about this. But another part hated Kuja, and blamed him for all of the heart ache that she had endured.
She was lost in her thoughts as she continued to walk past sign after sign. Her frustration was returning, it seemed as if she had been walking for hours. Freya sighed and wiped her brow. Then out of the corner of her eye she saw him. Jumping to her feet she turned and smiled widely.
"Vivi my good lad." She said. Strangely, Vivi turned and ran away from her. Puzzled Freya called after him. "Vivi, my lad what is wrong?" She started after him.
"Vivi?" Freya called as she entered the Black Mage village.
"Lady Freya?" Asked a voice. Freya turned to see Myketo walking up to her and smiling. Freya smiled at her.
"Myketo," she said. "I am pleased I find you well." Freya said staring at the girl. It was odd how much like Zidane Myketo looked. Apart from her feminine features, she could have been Zidane. OF course all of the Genomes looked that way, and Freya was finding it hard to tell them apart as they gathered around her.
"What brings you here?" Myketo asked as her tale flicked behind her.
"I have come to see Vivi," Freya said. "But I do not think he wishes to see me." Freya said. She tried to hide the hurt in her voice.
"Why do you say that?" Mr. 323, the Black mage shop keeper said. "He speaks of nothing else but you and all of your friends." Freya turned to him and sighed.
"Then why did he run away?"
"What?" Myketo asked.
"In the forest," Freya said with confusion. "I just saw him. I called to him and the lad ran away from me."
Myketo and Mr. 323 exchanged knowing glances and started to laugh.
"Lady Freya," Mr. 323 said. "Vivi will explain all. He is in the Chocobo pin, helping with Bobby Corin." Freya bowed to them both and headed in that direction.
When Freya came to the Chocobo pin she found that it had grown in size, apparently the Mages and the Genomes were trying to raise Chocobo's. Freya turned when she heard voices, thinking that one might belong to Vivi. Sadly it was two other mages. They waved at her.
Freya smiled and waved back.
Suddenly Freya felt a tap on her shoulder. Smiling she turned.
"Kwehhh!" Freya let out a startled shout and stumbled backwards.
"Freya?" Asked a familiar voice.
"Vivi," Freya said happily. Vivi laughed and pet the now grown Chocobo.
"Sorry about that Freya mam," Vivi said fiddling with his hands. "Corin was being playful."
"Kweehhh!" The chocobo chirped and nuzzled Vivi lovingly. Freya stood and smiled down at Vivi and pet the Chocobo on his head.
"It is quiet all right my lad. Now tell me Vivi," Freya said sternly. "Why did you run from me?" Vivi turned his glowing eyes to her and tilted his head. Corin mimicked him and chirped again.
"I'm sorry Freya mam," Vivi said. "But I haven't seen you before now." Freya leaned forward and smiled at him.
"My boy were you playing a little game with me?"
"No." Vivi said honestly. Then he started to laugh. "Oh I know. You must have met my. . ."
"Kweeeh!" Corin chirped and ran to the side of the Fence. Freya followed him with her eyes.
Then she saw them. Freya's jaw dropped as she saw five mages, all looking like Vivi petting and talking to the Chocobo. Freya turned to Vivi and pointed at the Vivi look likes.
"Vi. . .Vi. . ."
"Oh," Vivi said twirling his foot in the dirt. "Uh they are my kids."
Freya turned and stared at the five again. They were all looking at her now, each whispering to one another. One waved at her shyly. Freya turned to Vivi.
"I think you better explain," she said. "I mean how can you have children. You are only eight."
"I think we better talk privately." Vivi said slowly. "Uh, I get embarrassed easily." Freya put her hand to her forehead. Normally she wasn't the feinting type but after seeing the Vivi's she was close to it.
Freya followed Vivi into his small hut after placing her spear outside. Vivi walked over to his small stove and placed a tea pot on it.
"Would you like some Coffee or tea mam?" Vivi asked motioning for Freya to sit down. She did crossing her arms on her lap.
"Tea would be nice." Freya said with a sigh. "I've been traveling for a while now." Vivi walked over and sat down. Freya noticed that his chair was much smaller. Much like much of the furniture. Apparently Vivi had intended this chair for his friends, friends like Freya.
"Oh?" Vivi said looking at her.
"Vivi," Freya started. "I apologize for my rude behavior."
"No it's ok. You should have seen Steiner's face when he came for a visit. But when I explained he wasn't as shocked. He found it funny."
Freya's eyes widened.
It was hard for her to believe that the leader of the Pluto knights would find it humorous that an eight year old boy would have children.
"Oh Really," Freya said in a shaky voice. "That comes as quite a shock to me." Vivi shook his head.
"Oh no let me explain ok?" Freya nodded.
"You don't have to Vivi. It is none of my business," Freya said shifting uncomfortably in her seat. "I am glad that you have started a family, even if you are so young and. . ."
"Freya!" Vivi said covering his face. It was apparent that he had been embarrassed. Freya shifted again in her seat as Vivi giggled.
"Oh, You think that I. . .Oh no I'm to young! I mean. . .uh well that's what Steiner thought to, and so did Dagger. But it's not like you think."
Freya stared at him. "I must admit I am a bit confused Vivi. Are those mages your children?"
"It's kind of hard to explain, mostly because I get embarrassed." Vivi stood up and walked over to the now whistling tea pot. He set a cup infront of Freya and pored her some tea and then pored himself some.
"After we beat Kuja. . ." Vivi paused. Freya could see his sadness. "You know after Zidane. . ." Freya smiled reassuringly at him.
"Well after he disappeared and we all said our good byes I really didn't have a place to go. Dagger said I could stay with her, kind of like a royal magician." Vivi sat back down and picked up his cup. "But I could tell that no one in Alexandria was ready to see black mages again. So I came hear."
Freya sipped her tea, it was very bitter. She swallowed and set the cup down quickly. Vivi sipped his and stared down into it.
"At first I thought about going back to my Grandfathers old place. But then I would be all alone again. When I got hear the mages were glad to see me, and since I had learned so much made me the villages teacher."
"A teacher," Freya said smiling. "That is great Vivi."
"Yes, I teach the mages and the Genoms how every one acts. It's not easy. They don't understand everything yet, nither do I."
"Your still young." Freya said. "And no one can understand everything." Vivi smiled and set his cup down.
"When I came back hear I found a few surprises. One was that the Genomes and the mages were starting to be friendly to one another."
"What do you mean?" Freya asked. Vivi twittered his hands and looked around nervously.
"Well you know. . .uh how Dagger and Zidane used to act." Freya smiled.
"Oh, do you mean that they started to fall in love with one another."
Vivi nodded.
"Yes," he said. "Some of them went to Con Pettie and got married. Well the ones who were in love did. Others weren't ready to marry so they are waiting. Well after a little while those other Vivi's were born."
"What?" Freya said nearly falling out of her chair.
"The parents say that I'm the father because they are just like me. They think like me, well some of them do. And they have the same powers I do. So they call them my kids, even though I'm not their real father."
"I see." Freya said putting her hand on her chest. "I must admit I was a bit worried. I mean you are only a boy."
Vivi's eyes seem to smile as he adjusted his large hat.
"Well, you see they are kind of like my kids. Only. . ."
"Only what?" Freya asked. Vivi took another drink of his tea and set it down.
"Only I wish their real parents would have named them something else."
"Why what are their names?"
"Vivi." Vivi said.
"And what are the others called?"
"Vivi," Vivi said again. "They are all named Vivi. Since they looked like me the Mages thought that they would be like me so they named them. .
"Vivi," Freya said laughing.
The mages were known for their inability to name things.
"Well at least they stopped trying to name thins with numbers." Freya said.
"That's true." Vivi said his eyes still smiling. "For the longest time they called Corins first egg One. I had to talk them out of that."
Vivi stood and walked over to his small stove. He turned to Freya and twirled his foot on the ground. Freya smiled at the shy mage.
"Would you like something to eat Freya mam?" Vivi asked. Freya nodded.
"Yes thank you Vivi. Do you need any help?" Vivi shook his head.
"No, I know how. My Grandpa tought me how to cook," Vivi grabbed a large pot. "He said that good food is important. 'You eat good things Vivi. Make you strong like big frog.'" Vivi said as he began to put a number of ingredients into the pot.
"Sounds like Quina," Freya said sitting back in her chair.
"Yeah," Vivi said sadly as he cut up a carrot. "I wish we could all be together again. But that isn't possible is it?"
"Why do you say that?" Freya asked leaning on the small table. Her tale flicked behind her as Vivi turned to face her. He turned again, this time picking up an onion and turning back to the pot.
"Well, it's all different right? Dagger is Queen. Quina is her cook," he paused and put what looked to be gyisha greens into the pot. Freya tried to hide her disgusted look as Vivi continued. "And Steiner, he's with Dagger. And I don't know what happened to Eiko. And. . .well I think that now that . . .Zidane is . . .gone. Well it's just different now. Right?"
Freya lowered her head.
Vivi was right. It had all changed once Zidane had left. Gone were the days of their adventures. Now they were mear memories. But it had been memories that had brought them this far. Freya rubbed her head. After the final battle, everything about it felt so confusing.
"Things have changed my lad," she said. "But we will always be friends."
"Sometimes I'm not so sure about that." Vivi said sadly. "Your the only one that really came to visit just me."
"But you said that Steiner. .. "
"He came by with his knights. . ." Vivi said sadly. "Dr. Tot thought that the mages and the Genomes might be a danger to the rest of the world and so. . .so Steiner volunteered. I guess that my kind are still not really welcomed."
Freya sighed.
"Vivi," she said. "I would be lying if I told you that there aren't some people who do not like your kind or the Genomes. But for those of us who know you, we know that you are kind. I know how you feel my lad." Freya said standing. She walked over to Vivi and set her hand on his shoulder.
"My people had a similar problem. As did the other animal people of Gia. We were dispose for the way we looked. But that was long ago. That prejudice has faded and we have gained freedom from narrowed eyes."
Vivi looked up at Freya.
"How long did it take?
"A long time I'm afraid. Too long. But I am sure it will not be as long for your kind my lad. Dagger speaks your praise, and I am sure that my people know that the mages mean them no harm." Freya knelt down to him and hugged him tightly.
It was not her nature. What was she doing? She cared for Vivi, like a little brother. It pained her to see him so upset.
"Uh. . .I think the stew is done." Vivi said turning quickly. He served the stew.
Freya ate it slowly at first. The thought of eating Gesha greens turned her stomach but as she tasted it she discovered that it was actually good. Vivi ate his slowly. After a silent Dinner Vivi took the plates away and turned to Freya.
"Why did you come?" Vivi asked. Freya smiled.
"To see you." Freya asked. "After we split up, I decided to return to Burmacia. We rebuilt it but there was nothing there for me. I had to go. When I left I decided to search for those I cared for, those who cared for me. I thought of you first."
Vivi seemed to smile.
"You did?"
"Yes," Freya said. "I traveled to Treno where I boarded an Airship. I just left. I wanted to start by finding you. I missed your carefree outlook on life my good lad. And I was worried about you, you and Eiko."
Vivi sighed.
"I wish I knew where she was. I sent a letter to Con Petite, by the mognet. But you know how reliable that can be."
"Do not remind me."
"But I haven't heard anything from her." Freya sighed.
"She was a bit of a handful that child. But a gentle soul." Freya smiled. "I was also wanting to ask you if you have heard from Prince Puck." Vivi nodded.
"He visited a few weeks ago." Vivi said. "He and another guy. I think that his name was Fa fa.
"Falery?" Freya asked with hope in her voice. "Sir Falery was here." Vivi nodded. Freya fell into her seat and burned her face. Vivi walked over to her, his glowing eyes filled with worry.
"Freya mam? Are you ok?" Freya looked at him and nodded.
"Yes, I am just tired. I have been traveling this land for a few weeks, and I am tired."
"You can sleep hear if you want. That is if you don't mind Baby Corin waking you up a four in the morning." Freya laughed.
"I do not mind my lad. I only need a few hours." Vivi looked up at her, his eyes changing again.
"When we all left, you didn't say good-bye. Nither did Amarant. Why?"
"Amarant. .. he is like me. We do not like to say good-bye. Good bye is final. For me it means not seeing someone again, ever. It is that reason I did not say good bye. I do not know Amarants."
"Oh," Vivi said and stretched. "Oh my." He said looking out his window. "It's night already."
Freya turned and looked out the window.
"We must have talked for hours." Vivi said. "That's funny isn't it. It didn't seem that long did it?" Freya nodded.
"No, it didn't. Perhaps we should turn in." Vivi looked up at Freya.
"Freya," he said sadly. "Will you stay for a while?" Freya smiled.
"A few days," she said. "But then I must away. You see I am going to find our friends. And I mean all of them." Vivi looked Puzzled. Freya stood.
"I do not believe that Zidane is dead. Someone that hard headed must be alive." Vivi lowered his head and turned to head towards his bedroom.
"I will bring you some sheets." He said sadly.
Freya sat back down. She could tell by Vivi's voice that he had lost hope that Zidane was still alive. She rested her head on her hands. Vivi had also seen her true love. Sir Falry was still well. Freya's heart warmed, there was hope, perhaps if she could find Flary then she could remind him of their past.
She looked up as Vivi returned with some blankets and a rolled up floor bed. He handed them to Freya who thanked him. Vivi only fooled with his hands and looked up at her.
"Freya," he said sadly. "I never had a mom. . .not like the other Vivi's do. But. . .well I wanted you to know that you were kind of like a mom to me. Goodnight." Vivi gave Freya a quick hug around her waist and ran to his room where he shut the door.
That night Freya laid awake, listing to the sounds of the forest. Vivi had grown allot. She began to wonder though. Had he truly given up on Zidane? Freya knew that in his heart Vivi would never do such a thing.
Rolling over on her side she stared up at the two moons through the small window. Long ago she had given up, only to find that the person she had given up on was still alive.
"I will find you Zidane," Freya said as her eyes grew heavy. "You and Sir Falery. I will bring you both back."
Freya drifted off to a deep and dreamless sleep.
After spending a few days in the black mage village Freya left. She left in the night after leaving a note for Vivi. She knew that he would understand her leaving so soon.
She had enjoyed the time she had spent in the village, there had been some parties, and stories of the final battle. But she knew she had to find the others.
She knew she had to find Zidane and Sir Falry.
