Disclaimer: I don't own FF9.
Author's Note: Just so you know the 's represent Vanessa's and Garland's telepathic speech.


"Vanessa, wake up!"

'Who?'

"Come on, Vanessa!"

'Vanessa? Who's that?'

"Please don't die on me now.."

'I am soulless. I am the loyal servant of Garland. Nothing more…'

Kuja's P.O.V

I shook Vanessa's body desperately searching for life within her. I admit I was scared for her life. I found her in the central hallway just a couple of inches away from the infirmary. Apparently she was still breathing so I took her back to the bed. I felt helpless again. Why couldn't this happen to me? She doesn't deserve this. I felt like crying just then. It wasn't fair..

I stayed in the infirmary until morning. Misha stood in the doorway, watching me. She walked in and faced me.

"Zidane called for a meeting." She muttered.

"Tell him I'll talk later."

"It's a meeting about Vanessa." I glanced up at Misha then stood up. Soon I was in the Throne Room with everyone else.

"Hey Kuja." I muttered a hello and sat down in one of the chairs.

"We just talked to Dr. Tot. He said what happened to Vanessa is strange."

"Can he find a cure?" I asked.

"Yeah. He said someone who is psychic should be able to get Vanessa to fix what's wrong all by herself."

"Hmm.."

"But there is a problem. No one we know is telepathic."

"I could try." I muttered.

"Are you sure?" I nodded. I would risk it. I guess I've grown attached to her. I walked out of the room and down to the infirmary again. Vanessa looked peaceful although I knew she had troubled dreams. I could normally talk to people easy telepathically, but I never tried to enter someone's mind. I wasn't sure if this was right, but I had to try. I kneeled down next to the bed and took Vanessa's hand into mine. It was soft and warm to the touch.

I closed my eyes and tried to focus within Vanessa's mind. It was easy at first.

'Vanessa?'

'Who are you? Why are you in my mind?'

'Its me, Kuja.'

'…Oh its you.'

'Vanessa what happened to you?'

'..I dunno. I just blacked out and I haven't been able to get up.'

'Please Vanessa. Tell what happened all of it. Your childhood and everything.'

'…Fine.'

'Go ahead, I'm listening.'

'I was created sometime after Mikoto was. I was supposed to be The Neo Angel of Death since Mikoto failed to carry out her mission. Of course, I was born slightly different, like you, but I had something more than any other Genome. I had unlimited power, strength, agility and life. I discovered my Dragon powers a year later after I was created. I had a good life. Garland always took care of me.'

'So that's why Mikoto refused to acknowledge your presence.'

'Exactly. I was pampered until I became 18 in human years. That's when Garland found something else to treasure. During that time, I was abused verbally. Garland was scared to touch me. He was scared of my power to transform whenever I wanted. However, my spirit was hard to break so he made me into a soulless Genome for a while. He sent me out into Gaia to live in isolation for a few years. I grew rapidly while I was on this planet.'

'So who was that Genome Garland created?'

'Misha.'

'Seriously?'

'Yes. After a few years of isolation, I finally received my orders. They were to attack and destroy Lindblum, Alexandria, and the others. I was to personally eliminate both Angels of Death, you and Zidane. I carried out this order carelessly and almost got killed. That's when the spell broke and I became normal again. And then on the Invincible..'

'What about the Invincible?'

'Katrina managed to knock and teleport me out to the Invincible. I woke up and found Garland standing right over me. He was glad to have his loyal Genome back. He brainwashed me the same way before and forced me to swallow some poison. He said he wouldn't hurt me while I was carrying out my mission, but once I returned to normal..'

'..I'm sorry, Vanessa.'

'Don't feel sorry for me. I'm not worth it.'

'I entered your mind so I could save you.'

'You really want me to live that bad?'

'Yes I do.'

'..Thank you, Kuja.' I opened my eyes and let go of her hand. I hope that worked. I really hope it did. Vanessa balled her hand into a fist and opened her eyes. She sat up almost effortlessly.

"I'm alive?" I nodded.

"..I'm normal again." She muttered to herself. Before I could step back, she jumped up and hugged me tightly. I almost choked.

"Thank you, Kuja. I owe you my life."

"Y-your welcome. Umm..can you let go of me now?" She released me and laughed. For once, her face was light up in joy and hope. Maybe we can stop Katrina after all.

"You know we still have to save the world.." Vanessa said.

"From Katrina and Garland?"

"Not Katrina. She's being used. We must keep her alive. Garland is who I want."

"So you're joining us in one last battle?"

"Of course."

Author's Note: Ok this chapter was kinda short, but it'll get better in Chapter 8. Please keep reviewing . .