Disclaimer: I do not own FF9.
The next morning, Alicia woke up bright and early. She ran down the steps into the decorated grand hall. She stopped at the doorway, sensing that someone was in there. Alicia looked around. The Grand Hall was empty. All she saw was the tree and the tables decorated with placecards and empty glasses. However, she couldn't shake off the feeling. Kuja walked down the steps into the Grand Hall. He had gotten very little sleep. He saw Alicia standing there, looking around. "Alicia, what are you doing?" he asked with a slight hint of concern in his voice.
Alicia turned around quickly. "Oh…Uncle Kuja.." "What's wrong?" "I feel like someones watching me." Kuja looked around slowly. He could feel it too but he wasn't sure what he should say to Alicia. "Go get Zidane, ok?" "Ok." Alicia nodded and ran up the steps. Vanessa…Kuja thought. Alicia pushed open the doors to her parents room. Queen Garnet woke up instantly. "Alicia, whats wrong?" "Uncle Kuja told me to get you." By then, Zidane had awakened. Meanwhile, in Bermecia, Freya, Sr. Fratly, and Katrina was preparing to head to Lindblum to meet up with the others.
Within minutes, they were inside Lindblum Grand Castle. Eiko and Vivi greeted them at the airship docks with their three sons, Vivi Jr., Nathan, and Vivielo. Meanwhile, in Alexandria Castle, Beatrix, Steiner, and their son, Cyrus were checking the perimeter. Cyrus was 26 and had the looks of his mother and father all mixed together. He had light brown hair and brown eyes which he got from his mother, Beatrix.The Ragnarok was in its sheath on his side, ready to use if there was trouble. He was a knight in training still so he couldn't really fight yet. It was still snowing. However, that didn't stop the others from coming. Inside the castle, Zidane asked a very disturbed Kuja a question. "Kuja, what's wrong? You havnt been acting yourself lately." "She's alive…" Kuja muttered. "Who's alive, Kuja?" "Vanessa…" "Your not telling me much, Kuja. Now spit it out." "Last Christmas I ran into a demon named Vanessa. She's a Genome, much like you and me, only with a soul full of hate. She wants both of us dead and the crystal all to herself. I sealed her at the Iifa Tree, hoping to make sure she never caused havoc again. But someone released her. I thought my spell would last forever…"
"So, who knows where she could be right?" "She would have to rest, but not for long. I doubt she would make it to Alexandria." Zidane nodded. "Well, lets get ready. The others will be here soon. Try not to worry." Kuja nodded slowly and walked up to his room. Meanwhile, the Hilda Guarde 4 entered Alexandria's airship docks. They landed just outside the Castle. Katrina, Vivi Jr., Nathan, and Vivielo looked around in amazement. Alexandria was beautiful. Like Aunt Freya said, Katrina thought. Zane greeted them at the Grand Hall. Kuja was staring out the window again. Zidane walked down the steps, smiled then gave everyone a hug. "Zidane, I havnt seen seen you in forever!" exclaimed Freya. "Well, I realize its been a long time. This is why I got you together."
Katrina had moved over to where Kuja was in a short time. Kuja slowly turned around. He didn't mind people around him..but it was a girl. He had to pour on the charm. "I don't believe I have seen you around before." He said, adding a light purr of charm to his voice. "This is my first time being here and seeing everybody." "Oh really." Kuja looked into her face. There was something about her. Something he couldn't put a finger on..yet. "So your part Genome and Bermecian?" "Yeah..why? Is there something wrong?" "No, of course not." Kuja took one of his silvery feathers out of his hair and hand it to Katrina. "Thanks. But what is this for?" "Protection." "Sure…" Katrina looked at Kuja oddly, but didn't say anything else. Meanwhile, outside the castle, The girl waited on the roof. So you thought you could hide Kuja, she thought. The girl shifted her weight and slid down towards the nearest window. They were all happy. After all it was Christmas Eve. Everyone was at the table, joking or either laughing. It made her sick to see so much happiness. A frown played out on the girl's face. She hated them greatly.
Author's Note: Another repost. Kuja knew that something was going to happen so don't think he was trying to get a girl. Just so you know. Anyway, Chapter 3 will be up in a few days.