He sat cross-legged before the quiet platform situated by the eastern border of the Black Mage village. There was a light breeze disturbing the stillness of the surroundings, and the sweet songs of the birds mingled melodiously with the low-pitched hoots of the resident owls that defied instinctive practice by being out in the daylight. Only in this place, he thought, were the owls known to be so bold. Perhaps it was due to the abse nce of natural enemies, or maybe it was the protection offered by their oversized Zemzellet brothers. Or maybe they could have been aptly called brothers if the larger variety weren't always trying to eat their smaller counterparts.
And speaking of 'eat'...
"I so hungry!"
Again...?
"Quina, didn't we just have lunch an hour ago?"
"I no can call that lunch, Zidane." The gluttonous Qu replied. "I call that light snack. I not remember teach Mikoto how to prepare feast."
Like how s/he taught Eiko, Zidane remembered. The reminiscence reminded him how such odd people can actually play a role in the eventual salvation of the world. He took one look at Quina and wondered silently about the force that drove him/her to risk his/her life against the destroyers of worlds even though what s/he merely wanted was to experience the myriad gourmet variety in different parts of the world. That was why s/he traveled with him in the first place. And that was the reason why s/he had grown to become a sid ekick of his, in a manner of speaking. At first he didn't like the prospect, but Quina did prove to be interesting company especially during the time when they paired to vanquish the earth guardian en route to breaking the barrier between Gaia and Terra.
A genome and a Qu. Pretty interesting combination.
He then thought of Amarant. Now there was one oddball character who couldn't be trusted with a potato gun as far as conventional paranoia was concerned. Still, even though the others saw Amarant as a loose cannon, Zidane opted to let him join the band if only to give him the answer that he was searching for. Besides, Zidane's gut instinct was right on the dot when Amarant lived up to expectations with his great fighting skills, even though he did threaten to abandon the crew at one point. He still lent his might and fought by everyone's side. Who cares about the underlying motive? In the end, they wouldn't have done it without him.
And in the end, the most unfitting of personalities emerged as heroes in the drama of life and death. Some people lauded him for making heroes out of such unlikely denizen. But Zidane knew more than to accept the praise. He had always believed that heroes exist in everyone, no matter how popular consensus judge d them as unworthy. And he had always stood behind the principle that one should never let the opinion of others sway him as long as he believed in himself. If Zidane hadn't believed in this, he would have allowed Steiner's belittling remarks get to him a long time ago.
He felt a smile wanting to form across his lips as he remembered his friends. He would have allowed it if his reminiscence didn't bring his thoughts to the one that was lost to him. The biggest hero in his book... who stood no more than five feet tall, hat included. And he was lying there in eternal rest in the mound before him.
Vivi taught him more about courage and dedication than anyone else ever did. In the face of imminent death, the little black mage who packed a magic wall op fought on, ignoring his fear of the eventual darkness to avenge the plight of his brothers and ultimately, to give everyone else a chance to create as yet unwritten memories. How does it feel like knowing that anytime now you'd just fall dead without so much as a warning? That must have been the horrible thought that tormented Vivi along the road of their adventure. He never showed it, but Zidane knew that his friend was afraid.
Never mind the fact that he knew he and his black mage brothers were just 'synthesized life.' For all intents and purposes, so was Zidane, though he didn't share the same horror of an abbreviated life span. But whenever he thought about it, he couldn't avoid recalling the hate Vivi felt for Kuja. It wasn't like he also hated the wayward genome. As a matter of fact, Zidane was familiar with an ancient and hidden language where the word 'Kuja' can be loosely translated to 'big brother.' He was almost like that to him, which was probably the reason why Zid ane chose to reach out when he learned that Kuja didn't immediately die after their battle. The former enemy had a change of heart in the end, something that gave Zidane an uncanny sense of inner peace.
He wished he had the chance to let Vivi know about it. Perhaps it might have led to forgiveness. Perhaps. But he was not about to presumptuously speak for his departed friend. He didn't try to speak for Garnet when she said forgiveness wouldn't be for thcoming in the near future. Zidane didn't like the attitude, but he couldn't blame her either. A lot of people in Alexandria were still grieving their loss as a result of that assault Kuja staged that all but completely annihilated the kingdom. Garnet herself lost a mother to his malevolence. Twice.
Fortunately, the girl that he still fondly called Dagger was too busy to dwell on her hatred. Ruling a whole kingdom was no mean feat, especially for a young queen who had to be broken in to the job prematurely as a result of her adopted mother's untimel y demise. The fact that the Alexandrians loved her was a welcome recompense for the challenge that she had to face, but it didn't make things any easier. There was still much rebuilding to be done along with the scores of wounds that needed to be healed .
Besides, she wasn't really the deeply hating type of person. Dagger said that perhaps one day, she might forget about her loathing for Kuja. And she really couldn't persist on hating someone who had to pitifully face a horrendous fate after Garland callously slapped on his face that he wouldn't be living much longer. What does that do to a person? Kuja must have been very terrified of the prospect, driving him to lose his grip on his sanity.
But that was no excuse. Look at how Vivi dealt with it.
How did he deal with it anyway? The skillful Tantalus will never know. He wished he had the chance to at least talk to his black mage friend for the last time before he 'stopped functioning.' But as it was, his recovery took too long after those accursed vines nearly killed him during that futile effort to rescue Kuja from the wrath of the Iifa tree. He missed a lot of things while in his forced exile. Yes, he eventually rejoined his Tantalus brothers who never gave up the search in hopes of finding him alive. They were successful in rescuing him. But as the cliche proverb went, too late the hero.
Not that he wasn't grateful. In the end, his heart's persistent yearning was granted the moment that youthful queen tossed her tiara aside before hurling herself towards him. Throughout most of his painful recuperation, he had nearly nothing in mind but to be reunited with the love of his life. And when Dagger threw her arms around him in a hug together with a couple of anxious pounding on his chest, he knew that his persistent will to live had finally reaped him his reward. He was again together with the woman he loved, and her touch alone was more than enough to make it all worthwhile.
Still, he couldn't have it all. He wanted to see everybody during that fateful reunion, but was met instead by the sullen news of one who had already fallen. For the first time since Garland tried to break his spirit by telling him that he was a Terran genome, Zidane felt helplessness overcome him. He didn't know whether to feel pity or anguish or anxiety for Vivi. He wished desperately that he had been there sooner to at least do something about his friend's crisis.
But it wasn't meant to be. And at the end of it all, all he had to show for it was a letter. A letter written by his departed friend...
Zidane had lost count of the number of times he read that letter. And now he was doing it again. Why?
Simple. He missed his friend. He missed the way Vivi always went about his business while displaying the most polite and courteous demeanor he had ever seen in anyone. He missed how he habitually straightened his pointy hat even though it wasn't dishev eled enough to merit such attention. He missed that short but rapid way of gaiting to compensate for the shortness of his legs. And that gentle and boyish voice that presented the irony of a meek and kind heart in the person of a powerful magic wielder.
Sure, his sons all display the mannerisms that their father often exhibited. But still, there will only be one Vivi.
The world was at peace again. After what seemed like hundreds of years of endless wars that they only later on realized was being caused by the warmongering Mist, it looked like lasting peace was finally within reach. Under the tutelage of Dragon Knights Sir Fratley and Freya, Prince Puck of Burmecia was slowly growing into the mold of a ruler in the midst of his kingdom's rebuilding, after he lost his parents in Cleyra's destruction. Lindblum has again reassumed the form of the world power that it used to be. But with the benevolent Regent Cid Fabool in the helm, the citizen s were assured peace and prosperity unthreatened by foreign aggression now that Alexandria's former queen had passed away.
Zidane wished Vivi could see all of these. But then, he was probably in a much better place right now.
He never thought losing a dear friend could sting like this. Consequently, Zidane thought about all the other people who lost at least a loved one in the battles and conflagration that razed the planet before. He wondered if people were aware of the pain that they will feel on ce time comes when they had to say farewell to a loved one. Aren't they afraid? Aren't they supposed to be afraid? What's the point of loving someone when you know you'll eventually lose that person, or vice versa? What's the point of holding on to so mething that will hurt you sooner or later?
Zidane looked into himself, and realized that he already knew the answer. The simple joy of loving is worth more than the pains of losing. Besides, loving in itself is already one form of winning. If he had to go through this again even though he knew of the eventual loss, he would do so gladly. That's what life is all about.
Besides, he wasn't like this scarface he used to read about in fantasy books when he was a kid.
"Vivi, wish you were here, buddy. " He whispered fondly. "But don't sweat it. I got everything covered on this end so don't worry anymore. We've won, and we finally got what we fought so hard for. So you rest easy there, chum... whatever part of the sky you're looking down from. Everything is gonna be alright."
----------
Eiko had been wondering what the buzz was all about. Ever since she got up this morning, she had been noticing the palace aids and sentries busily participating in a grand preparation, hurrying about to either bolster Lindblum castle's security or decorating the already picturesque halls that were starting to look more like a great church being spruced up for a wedding. Is somebody getting married today? She could only wonder, for not even her usually headstro ng personality could attract enough attention from anyone who could possibly answer her curiosity. She was already getting annoyed for being persistently ignored so she decided to retreat back to her royal chamber.
"Hmph... can't even find mother and fa ther." She complained, wondering what could possibly be keeping Cid and Hilda so busy as to not even greet her a pleasant morning like they always did. Displaying characteristic impatience, she looked out the window of her room, only to notice that even the whole town seemed to be engrossed in this preparation. Now her curiosity was getting the better of her irritability. Something was about to happen today, and she could only wonder what it was.
Silently, she wished Zidane were here. He used to be a lways available whenever she needed to get away for one reason or another. She wasn't anymore intent on capturing his fancy, since even she had to accept that there could only be one girl in his life. Eiko had gotten over it a long time ago, and now mer ely looked at him as a big brother figure. Though she admit that she sometimes feels jealous of the attention Zidane gave to Dagger even though the Alexandrian queen didn't always return the favor. She was just too busy with her duties as ruler. And i n her young age, Eiko was already thinking about the kind of pressure this setup must be exerting on Zidane. How could he survive a relationship when he knew he had a whole kingdom rivaling him for Dagger's attention?
Growing impatient once more, she opted to once again make for the exit. This time, she proceeded straight to the lift that connected the castle's mid-level to the upper level chambers where Cid and Hilda normally stayed and conducted their business as rulers of Lindblum. Eventually reaching the regent's chamber, Eiko frowned when the sentries stationed there blocked her path with their lances.
"I'm sorry, Miss Eiko. But the regent gave strict orders not to be disturbed by anyone."
"What?" She bellowed with her high-pitched voice. "What do you mean 'not to be disturbed by anyone'? Don't you know who I am?"
"Yes we do, Miss Eiko. You're..."
"Well, answer me!"
"You are..."
"Are you just going to stand there with your mouth shut and not answer my question? Then maybe you know who I am and you're afraid of what I can do if you don't let me in this door right now. Would you like to end up guarding a Chocobo stable for the rest of your life?"
"Uhh... no ma'am..."
"Then let me in this instant!"
"Um... yes, Miss Eiko." The startled guard stuttered. "Please... uhh... the regent is expecting you."
"Thank you." She quipped back with a smile, delighted that she hasn't lost her obstinate touch yet. Doctor Tot would be rolling over the floor laughing had he witnessed that scene, she thought.
"Mother, Father, we really should replace those guards outside." Eiko opened with her patented frown. "They're big bullies and they won't let me in."
"And good morning to you too, my sweet child." Cid returned cheerfully. "You're the feisty one in this lovely morning. What seems to be bothering my little girl, huh?"
"Mother, Father, what's all the commotion about?" She asked, referring to the ongoing preparations. Cid and Hilda momentarily sported quizzical expression before realizing what her question was about.
"Oh, that." The regent's wife answered. "Oh, we're so sorry, dear. We got the news rather abruptly ourselves that we forgot to tell you about it."
"What news?"
"Why, Sir Ethan Chase is coming home today, my dear." Cid replied excitedly. "Isn't that great news?"
"Y-Yeah..." Eiko quipped. "It would be great news if I knew who Sir Ethan Chase is."
"Oh yeah, you never met him, a forgot." The regent said back. "He's my nephew, the son of my long departed older sister. And he's coming home today after spending six long years living in Esto Gaza."
Eiko thought for a moment, trying to remember where Esto Gaza was. "Oh, that priest's house in the Lost continent? Okay, so what did he do there?"
"Sir Ethan was training to be a knight a long time ago, Eiko." Hilda began to explain. "But when his parents died, he thought he couldn't continue his training here in Lindblum because it might only remind him of them and then distract him. So he decided to live in a far away place to continue training and meditating. And now he's coming back to assume his duty as Lindblum's first knight."
"Oh I see..." The young summoner trailed off before being interrupted by an announcement.
"That's the herald." Cid remarked. "Ethan has arrived. Come on, let's go meet him outside."
Shortly after, the trio was already standing by the airship dock, with Cid eagerly waiting for his nephew to alight from the cargo ship the returning lad used as his personal transp ort. Trumpets started blaring loudly to welcome the final arrival of Sir Ethan Chase as his leather-clad feet touched the lavish red carpet covering the docking platform. The regent didn't wait for his wife anymore when he proceeded to meet his nephew h alfway across the concourse.
"Uncle Cid!"
"Ethan, my dear lad. How are you?" Cid bellowed eagerly while hugging the newcomer. "My, you've grown to become a fine and mighty young man, I see. How was your trip?"
"Well, I was a little sad when I left Esto Gaza and my friends back there. Six years is a very long time to spend in a place without making new friends, after all. But still..." Ethan paused to heave a deep and fond breath, "there is indeed no place like home."
"True. So true, young lad."
"Welcome home, Ethan." Hilda greeted with a smile. "I trust that your homecoming brings with it glad tidings."
"On the contrary, that's what I'm expecting to see upon my arrival, Aunt Hilda." He replied with bright grin. "I regret the short notice. If I had given you more time to prepare, I expect you would at least have told Garnet of my return. How is she? I trust that she's in good health."
"My, I almost feel jealous, nephew." Cid countered. "You're making it sound like she's the only reason why you came home."
"Heh, you know how it is, Uncle. When you're in a faraway and cold place, there's nothing like fond memories to keep you warm at night." Ethan said, his eyes flashing a reminiscing look. "And I would really like to see my princess as soon as possible."
"Why? What do you want with Dagger?"
Ethan looked down, seeming to notice Eiko only for the first time after her unabashed question.
"Why, hello there, young lady." He echoed. Despite her lingering scowl, Eiko was flattered for being addressed as a 'young lady' instead of the perennial 'little girl' she usually got from other people. "I'm sorry but I missed your question the first t ime. Would you be so kind as to repeat that?"
A gentleman in words and manners, the summoner thought. And he seemed genuine. Still, she opted to stick to her reputation.
"I said, what do you want with Dagger?"
"Uhh... who's 'Dagger'?"
"Ah, she's uhh... it's a long story, Ethan." Cid intermitted. "But Dagger is what Eiko calls Garnet."
"Really? That's... rather interesting." Ethan acknowledged the regent before going back to Eiko. "Well you see, 'Dagger' and I used to play a lot when we were kids. We were the best of friends, she and I. And before I left, she made me promise to return soon. So now that I've come back, I wanted to see her because I missed her. And I'm sure she wanted to see me too."
"Really..." Eiko trailed off.
"Come, young sir." Cid interrupted once more. "There's plenty of time for stories and reunions once we attend to this business called breakfast. And I promise you, I will send a message to Garnet right after you've rested."
"I can't wait!" Ethan eagerly replied.
They didn't notice Eiko falling behind as they left the airship docks. The last of the summoner tribe began to think deeply, as if disturbed by the cognizance of a coming event that didn't sit well for her. Ethan Chase seemed friendly, courteous and chivalrous enough to be liked by even the most callous and anti-social person in existence. But something didn't feel right...