Disclaimer: Final Fantasy 9 belongs to Squaresoft.

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Cid's Birthday

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"Zidane! Where have you been? I was looking all over for you," said Dagger.

"I was at the usual place waiting for Doctor Tot to arrive, then I remembered that he had some business to do in Lindblum so I came back," Zidane said. "Why were you looking for me anyway?"

"Have you forgotten that today is Uncle Cid's birthday and we are invited to his party?" asked Dagger.

"WHAT?! Today is his birthday? And I haven't bought him a present yet," said Zidane.

"Looks like we both have the same problem," said Dagger. "I was too busy preparing for the coming festival that I completely forgot about it. We have only about an hour and thirty minutes to buy him a present, get changed, and go to Lindblum."

"Alright, if we're going to do that, then let's get started. We'll go to town and look for a present. Then we'll just get change at the Red Rose," said Zidane.

Dagger nodded. Both Zidane and Dagger went to town and looked for a present. Zidane pointed at a store that sells flowers and said, "How about we go buy him some flowers and tell him that we thought it was Hilda's birthday instead?"

"Zidane! If you're going to do that then I'll ignore you for a week and pretend that you're a stranger," said Dagger.

"I was just kidding," said Zidane. Dagger didn't say anything. She just kept on walking until she saw a shop that sells wine. She entered the store followed by Zidane. "You're going to give him a bottle of wine for a birthday present?" Zidane asked.

Dagger nodded. "There's this wine I remember that my father and Uncle Cid like. He hasn't tasted it for a long time and the castle does not keep that kind of wine. That's why I'm here," said Dagger. Dagger kept on searching until she saw a bottle with a purple cover and a pink ribbon. Some letters were written on the cover. "I found it!" she said as she went to the owner and paid for it. She saw Zidane at the entrance waiting for her.

"So you're done with your shopping, now it's my turn to go and look for a present," said Zidane.

"You don't have to. I know this place that sells different kinds of figurines," said Dagger.

"Aren't figurines for girls?" Zidane asked.

"No," said Dagger. "You'll understand what I'm talking about when we get there." Zidane and Dagger continued walking until they reached a house with some wooden animals outside. They entered and Zidane was surprised too see the place full of people. "This looks like an ordinary house but this is actually a very famous place especially for tourists who wants to buy some souvenirs. There's a new arrival of Cid I; you can buy one for him. He doesn't have that yet," said Dagger.

Zidane took one of the figurines Dagger told him about and asked the girl to wrap it for him while he was trying to get some gil from his pocket. After paying, they went back to the castle with only forty minutes left. Dagger rushed to her room and picked out one of her gowns and brought it to her own room at the Red Rose while Zidane took his own suit to his own room. When they reached Lindblum Grand Castle, they were already wearing their formal attire and found out that there is still some time to go to town to buy Eiko a present. They went to town first and bought some flowers and a moogle doll for Lady Hilda and Eiko.

They went back to the castle and arrived just in time for the party. Regent Cid was already greeting some of the guests accompanied by Lady Hilda. Eiko was not around. "Zidane, Garnet! Welcome!" said Regent Cid.

"Uncle Cid! Happy Birthday!" said Dagger smiling. Zidane just smiled at them.

"Here's your present," said Zidane as he gave Cid the figurine. Dagger gave her gift to Cid after she finished talking to Lady Hilda.

"Here are some flowers for you too Aunt Hilda, by the way, where's Eiko? I don't see her anywhere," Dagger asked.

"Oh, she's with Vivi a while ago. I wonder where she went?" said Lady Hilda.

"We'll just go and look for her," said Zidane. Zidane and Dagger looked for Eiko but couldn't find her. "Maybe she's at her room," said Zidane. They went to Eiko's room and saw Vivi outside. "What are you doing Vivi?" asked Zidane.

"Oh, hi Zidane, hello Dagger. Eiko told me to wait for her out here while she change her clothes since she accidentally spilled her water on her dress," said Vivi.

The door opened after a few seconds and Eiko went out wearing a pink dress. She blushed a little when she saw Zidane. "Here Eiko, this is for you," said Dagger as she handed to her the moogle doll that they bought.

"Thank you," said Eiko as she took the doll from Dagger. "It's so cute!" she said as she took a look at it. "Wait here while I put it in my room," she said. She entered her room and put it in her bed. She was so happy because she saw Zidane again.

"I knew you won't be able to do it!"

Eiko turned around, "Why are you here?" she said.

"Have you forgotten? I will be with you when you think of Zidane."

"Of, course. How could I forget?" said Eiko, she walked a few steps towards the door and said, "I won't let you ruin my day." Then Eiko went out. When she saw Zidane, Dagger and Vivi, she began to wonder if she should tell them about the voice.

Author's Note: This is longer than most of the chapters in my fanfic. By the way, are you irritated because I keep on asking questions? Please tell me if it irritates you. Thanks also to those who answered my question, gave me advice and reviewed my story!