Chapter 3: We meet again for the First Time

Vivi's mind was moving a mile a minute. Here he was, standing in the same room as his once mortal enemy, everyone acting as if nothing had happened all those years ago…something was wrong with this picture…Vivi turned to Zidane, his mouth moving but sadly no words were coming out of them.

"Zi-Zi…Zidane?" He asked finally, after what seemed like hours. Zidane turned and Vivi began to speak again.

"Um…You do realize that…Kuja…THE Kuja…our enemy…is standing right here, in this room…right now?"

"Yes…"

"…Oh…just making sure…" Vivi did the first thing he thought of, which might not have been the best course of action… "FIRA!" he shouted holding his arm out as the fire attack flashed forward, striking Kuja in the chest. Kuja, not really expecting the attack was sent flying backwards, slamming against the wall and falling down to the floor, coughing as he did so. Dr. Tot jumped back and watched in slight fear and fascination…he had never actually seen Vivi cast magic, and even he thought it sad that he was excited to be witnessing it.

"Vivi!" Zidane shouted in surprise as he jumped up, standing before the fallen Kuja with his arms spread out on either side of him, as if to protect him. Vivi, stopped mid-sentence of a Blizzaga spell, halted his attack long enough for Zidane to give an explanation.

"He's not the same Kuja! He's changed!" Vivi gave Zidane a "What the Hell?!" look, but said nothing as he waited for more, "You see, after I went into the Iifa Tree all those years ago Kuja and I talked…but when the tree collapsed I managed to escape…Kuja didn't…So-" Interrupting Vivi spoke in a angered tone.

"Then explain why he's in the room! Hurry up Zidane or I swear I will send a Flare spell so far up his ass that-!"

"Vivi!" Garnet spoke from the side of the room, causing Vivi to once more come aware of his former crush's presence. She looked at Vivi as if he had spouted another head, causing the young black mage to look to the ground, ashamed.

"I'm sorry…" Vivi said softly, chancing a glance at Zidane as he lowered his arm, locking it to his side so as to not jump to attacking again, "Continue…"

"Please…" Kuja spoke from behind Zidane. Vivi looked past him as Kuja attempted to stand, but settled for a kneeling position on his right knee. His clothing was a little burnt but mostly he seemed unharmed. Kuja wore a white button down shirt, along with a pair of black dress pants, his white tail freely swinging from behind, "Allow me to explain…perhaps if you hear it from me then you'll be more inclined to trust me…"

Vivi's eyes locked with Kuja's for a moment before he nodded, not taking his eyes from his former enemy. Zidane, feeling it was safer then before, moved slowly out of the middle of the two of them before he stood to the side, watching.

"Two years ago, I found myself suddenly awake…suddenly alive…and I didn't know why. You see boy, my memories were wiped clean, and as if I were a newborn I wandered about trying to find out where I was and who I was. I ended up somewhere outside the village of Dali. They took me in, gave me food…and a job. Under the name Miroku, as one of the children named me, I worked for them in their farms for a year. The next year there was a delivery to be made to Alexandria Castle. They sent me, along with two others to bring the food to the palace…" Kuja took a breath before he continued.

"Well, as you can assume it didn't go as well as planned. The moment I entered the castle I was seized, handcuffed, silenced so I could not cast magic and thrown into the dungeon. The two with me fought to try and get me released but Steiner wouldn't have it. The next day I was visited by Zidane and Garnet, who asked me questions that I had no hope of answering. After another day I was released and shown the castle, Zidane keeping a closer eye on me then I was comfortable with."

"So you still don't remember anything then…?" Kuja shook his head.

"I remember a few things, once Zidane explained to me why I was held captive. I remember coming to Gaia, and what I had wanted…but other than that I have no recollection of what I have done. After working in Dali for so long, I felt a great pain for what I wanted…how I wanted all life to end…I can never bring myself to do such an abomination again…" Kuja looked down as Vivi stared at him. To say Vivi trusted him would be a lie…but Zidane seemed to do so…as did Garnet…Vivi turned to the two of them, first Garnet, then Zidane.

"Do you…believe him?" He asked softly. Garnet nodded and Zidane smirked somewhat.

"He hasn't killed me…so for now I kind of have to" He gave a small chuckle at that but watched Vivi as he stared ahead, watching Kuja, who now was standing and watching Vivi as well. Vivi sighed, relaxing somewhat.

"If Zidane and Dagger trust you, then I will too…for now…" He said softly before turning towards everyone as he bowed.

"I'm sorry, to everyone for what I did"

"It's fine Vivi" Garnet said as she smiled softly, "Are you alright, Kuja?" Kuja nodded as he dusted himself off lightly. Zidane visibly relaxed as he sighed, nodding.

"I don't hold it against you boy" Kuja said as he nodded as well, before turning to Zidane, "Now then, the Hilde Garde is ready when the two of you are" Kuja said, finally delivering his message. Zidane nodded as he smirked. Picking up his suitcase and looking to Dr. Tot and Vivi, Zidane seemed to have returned to his normal almost whimsical state of mind.

"Well then, let's go" Vivi and Dr. Tot nodded as they picked their own bags up, following the King and Queen out to door and towards the Airship Dock. Kuja stayed behind slightly as he folded his arms.

"Vivi…The black mage…Black…Mage…Waltz…!" Kuja's eyes opened in surprise as a memory flooded back to him…He would have to speak to Zidane later…maybe he could explain to Kuja what this sudden memory meant.

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The Hilde Garde III hadn't changed at all, ever since it was built the airship has run smoothly, and with the crew keeping it in "like new" shape, it continued to do so even after all these years. As the crew bustled around the airship Vivi entered carrying his bag over his shoulder…only to be knocked to the ground by a small grouping of brown bushy hair. Vivi laughed to himself softly as he fell, hugging the small girl who had just magically found the strength to tackle him. The small girl looked up, blue eyes shining as her brown hair fell around her, looking so innocent it was almost impossible for Vivi to be mad at the small thing.

"Uncle Vivi!" The five year old girl yelled with a giggle as Vivi smiled down at her, his hat falling behind him and landing on the ground about a foot away. He rubbed the top of her head affectionately, causing the girl to grumble slightly.

"You've gotten bigger Sarah…last time you hardly made me loose balance" He smiled as footsteps were heard from behind him.

"She's been practicing" a calm female voice spoke. Vivi turned and saw the figure of General Beatrix, a small smile on her face as she folded her arms. She wore her usual armor, which didn't surprise Vivi was he chuckled, standing as she set the small girl down.

"Mommy!" the girl said happily causing Vivi's face to become surprised before returning to normal. It was almost hard to believe that Beatrix, the hardened General of the Alexandrian Kingdom had actually had a child…and with none other then Captain Steiner of the Pluto Knights.

"She knocked Adelbert over a few days ago…she seems to have her father's strength"

"If not his stubbornness" Vivi added, causing the two of them chuckle, Sarah looking on confused. A few seconds of silence passed before the sound of crashing and things falling were heard from below…as well as the all too familiar shouting of a disgruntled Captain.

"Well what in heaven's name was it doing there in the first place?!" Steiner's voice trailed up as he entered from below deck, sighing deeply as he removed his helmet, running a hand through his brown hair. Vivi had hardly ever seen Steiner without his armor, and it was always an interesting sight. He looked…normal…what a woman might find attractive…He sighed, where had that come from? Steiner turned from his rant and noticed the pair standing there, as well as Sarah, who had run to her daddy and was now hugging onto his leg.

"Ah…Master Vivi…Beatrix…" He blushed slightly as he scratched the back of his head.

"What happened, Adelbert…?" Beatrix asked in a warning voice. Steiner smiled and closed his eyes, chuckling nervously. Vivi couldn't help but smile…it seemed Zidane had rubbed off on Steiner after all…

"Well…I was putting her Majesty's luggage in the royal suite, but as I did a large assortment of equipment fell on my head and…"

"Stop…" Beatrix said as she held her hand up. Steiner stopped where he was and looked down as Beatrix smiled, walking over towards her husband. Leaning up, she placed a small kiss on his lips before asking softly.

"Will you please go settle Dr. Tot in, I'm sure he's having a hard time due to his size" Steiner, though blushing, nodded and turned on his heel, leaving the area and moving back down the stairs.

"It's still strange to see you like that" Vivi said with a smile. Beatrix smiled as well and followed Vivi as they stood at the railing, looking out at the men running to and from the ship. Vivi sighed as he leaned down on the railing, resting his head on his hands. Beatrix looked down at the young mage and smiled.

"Nervous I assume?" Vivi squeaked in surprise, he had been lost in his own thought to the point that he had forgotten she was there with him. He looked over to her and smiled, standing straight.

"Of course not, why would you think that?"

"Could it be because of a young, horned princess?" Vivi blushed lightly as he looked away, the roof of the airship bay opening as the engines started, telling everyone that they were about the leave and as the ship began to raise both Vivi and Beatrix gripped the railing for safety reasons. Vivi turned back o Beatrix as she stared at him, waiting for his answer.

"And if I say no?"

"I'll call you a liar" Beatrix smiled, but the tone of her voice told Vivi not to mess with her right now. Vivi sighed and nodded, but didn't say anything.

"Why would you be nervous of seeing her?"

"Because…look at me…to Eiko I'm still the way I was, she has no idea what I look like now!"

"And that would make her upset…?" she asked skeptically. Vivi nodded.

"I didn't tell her, she, I mean…I dunno…" he stopped and sighed. Realizing how stupid he probably sounded. Beatrix smiled and looked out as the ship began to move, the clouds rushing beneath them.

"Seeing an old friend after so many years is difficult for anyone…its human nature to wonder what others will think of you." Vivi looked up at the woman in confusion, but Beatrix just smiled, turning away as she began to walk below deck, "I wouldn't worry about it much".

Vivi sighed and grumbled something along the lines of "Easy for her to say". He continued to watch the clouds, or more importantly the propellers at the back of the ship. He began to hum as he normally did when watching windmills…they fascinated him, he wasn't exactly sure why, but as far as he could remember he would find himself staring at them and thinking. Vivi sighed again and placed his chin on the railing.

Maybe I am making something out of nothing…Eiko's my best friend, she is she'll accept me! …Right? Vivi sighed and slammed a fist against the top of the railing.

"It'll be fine…it'll be fine…" he said over an over as he turned, walking towards the inside of the ship.

"He's scared out of his mind" Garnet spoke softly as she watched the young man enter the interior of the ship. Kuja, who was standing with her simply nodded, saying nothing more as the ship drove on towards Lindblum.

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Eiko smiled as she turned in the halls, dodging people carrying boxes, blueprints, and guards as she finally made her way to the elevator which would take her to the throne room. As a man called out after her, asking her to hold the elevator, she just stuck her tongue out and pushed the button, the elevator beginning to move up. She giggled as the man growled and said something that Eiko couldn't hear. She knew he wasn't truly mad, though. The man's name was Simon, her father's oldest and most experienced engineer. As the elevator stopped Eiko stepped out and watched as the elevator began to descend back to the lower levels. She composed herself as she walked swiftly down the hall and up the stairs, the guards moving to the side in order to allow her access. Eiko smiled at them as she opened the doors, watching as all heads turned to her direction. One figure that caught her eyes was a strange looking creature, which at the time seemed to be speaking with her mother and father just seconds before she had entered the room. With a smile Eiko began running towards her old friend.

"Quina!" After their journey, Quail had pronounced Quina superior and decided to leave on a journey in order to broaden his own horizons, leaving Quina in charge of his master's business. Quina had come to live in Lindblum after a few years, deciding that he wanted to be closer to everyone and began his own catering business, which now reached out to all three kingdoms. Quina smiled and wrapped Eiko in an overly friendly hug, causing the young princess to squeal lightly as she laughed.

"Eiko, friend! Good see you!" Quina still looked exactly the same as when their adventure ended, aside from the more decorated chef's hat he now wore. Eiko smiled brightly as she ended the hug, it had been so long since she had seen any of her friends…she had begun to worry that she might never see any of them again…but now wasn't the time to think of such things, she decided.

"Eiko, we just wished to speak to you dear" Hilda said. She seemed to have a few extra grey hairs here and there, due to the stress she was evidently going through. She heard a cough as Blank and Cinna stood over by the wall, holding a pile of what looked like assorted cloths and other supplies. Eiko giggled at the looks on both men's faces as Hilda sighed.

"Alright, you're free, just come back in two hours, understand?" Both Cinna and Blank nodded as they dropped the supplies quickly and bolted out the door, "But pick up the-!" she stopped as she heard the door slam. She sighed and seemed to growl in frustration as she muttered something about "finding good help".

"How long have you been here Quina?" Eiko asked, ignoring the situation that just occurred. Quina showed what appeared to be a smile as he jumped slightly.

"Hour, Cid tell Quina what Yummie-Yummies Eiko wants for party!" Eiko grinned.

"The best you can cook up!" Eiko giggled again, remembering their first cooking experience.

"Fish!" they both yelled, causing both Eiko and Quina to break into a fit of laughter. Cid smiled at his daughter and allowed them the laugh before he coughed, bringing their attention to him.

"Quina, I hate to break this up, but would you please leave Eiko and us for a while, we'll come get you when we need you again" Quina nodded, and smiled.

"Quina check Kitchen Yummie-Yummies" he said as he began leaving the room, waving once to them before he left the room entirely. Eiko smiled and turned to her parents.

"Now then, what did you wanna talk to me about?" Eiko asked, cocking her head to the side slightly in confusion.

"Well, as you know, your fifteenth birthday is coming up, and you do remember what that means don't you?" Cid asked. Eiko looked at them for a minute and shook her head, she didn't.

"Eiko" Hilda began, "…We…That is to say, the kingdom of Lindblum, has a tradition for all princesses on their fifteenth birthday" Eiko nodded, wanting them to continue. Cid sighed and began to speak once more.

"Eiko…as you know we won't be around forever, so we just want to make sure you're taken care of...provided for" Cid said fatherly. Eiko was now really confused.

"Daddy…" she said, her voice starting to fill with worry, "Is something wrong?"

"Eiko…It's time you found yourself…a husband"

"A WHAT?!" was all that came from Eiko's mouth. Hilda covered her ears as Cid took a step back, knowing what was to come, "Marriage, me?! Are you kidding me?! I'm only fourteen, almost fifteen, and you expect me to know who I want to be with for the rest of my life already?!"

"Princess, listen to me" Cid began but was cut off.

"So what? Do I have to listen to a bunch of snobby rich people talk about themselves all day to find out which one of them is less snobby enough for me to marry?!"

"Dear, listen, it has to be done" Hilda spoke, which cause Eiko to stop mid tirade, looking at her parents. A tear fell down her face as she sighed, looking down to the ground.

"Do you even care if I love him?"

"Of course we do! We want nothing more than that but time is short…"

"Isn't there anything you can do?" Cid looked to Hilda who sighed, looking at her daughter in sadness. Eiko sighed, she was expecting there to be no other way.

"One year" Cid said suddenly, causing both Hilda and Eiko to look at the regent in confusion, "One year, on your sixteenth birthday. If you haven't found someone by then…we'll have no choice but to…to pick one for you" Eiko gasped in fear as she looked to the ground. There was no way around it. She sighed as she was suddenly enveloped in a hug from Hilda, who was letting her own tears fall. Cid sighed and turned away, not wanting to show his own sadness. He hated when he had to find a bride…he was lucky to find Hilda…but he didn't' want to force this kind of thing on Eiko…but…He sighed. He had his own battle to fight. He just hoped Eiko would be alright.

"...One year...my next birthday..." Eiko whispered in defeat as she hugged Hilda back, a few tears fell down her face as she sighed.

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Eiko smiled as she watched the Hilda Garde III land in the docking bay. After she had heard the news from her parents an hour ago she was glad for anything to get her mind off of it. And the fact that her best friend was supposedly on this airship was enough for her to take her mind away from any problems that might be bothering it. The ramp unloaded and Eiko smiled as she saw a little figure running towards her. Bending down, Eiko caught the little girl in a hug and laugh as the little one giggled.

"Hello Sara!" Eiko said happily as the little girl began to jump up and down in front of her.

"Daddy said I could play with you when I got here!" Eiko smiled and nodded, causing the little girl to cry out happily. Eiko looked up as the others began to file out of the Hilde Garde. First were Steiner and Beatrx, who were quickly followed by Garnet, who hugged Eiko as soon as she reached the ground. Zidane wasn't too far behind with Kuja and Dr. Tot following. Zidane hugged the young princess as Eiko looked to Dr. Tot, and then to Kuja. Of course, she knew of Kuja, but wasn't ready to treat him as a friend just yet. Kuja said nothing, not really remembering the horned princess, but he bowed to her in respect. Eiko curtsied back before she turned to Dr. Tot.

"I'm so glad you all could come" she said happily, hugging the older doctor. She pulled away and smiled before Zidane spoke up again, looking around for a moment.

"…Um…Where did Vivi go?" he asked. Looking around no one could see any sign of the young black mage. Eiko's heart stopped at the mention of Vivi being missing…did he not come.

"He was the first to leave the ship" Garnet replied as she looked around, "Sara wasn't Uncle Vivi with you?" Sara nodded and smiled.

"Uncle Vivi got really red and then ran away; I dunno where he is gone"

"Where he went" Beatrix corrected her daughter in an almost automatic way. Eiko looked to the ship and sighed. If he was scared…she knew where he would go. She smiled as she turned to the others.

"I'll get him, be right back!" she said happily as she ran up the ramp and onto the ship.

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Vivi sighed as he looked at himself in the mirror. He had changed his clothes so that they now consisted of a dark blue cape that hung to his ankles, a white shirt with a black vest, and pure black pants. His hat sat on the bed beside him. He needed to get away from the party, he couldn't face Eiko yet. He now stood in what was used at Zidane and Garnet's room, but was originally a storage room. He sighed, closing his eyes. This is where he would go when he was scared of flying, and only he knew where it was…him and…

"Vivi?" a voice spoke out that cause the young black mage to jump in surprise. Vivi turned to see the door opening as he jumped across the room, grabbing his hat and hiding behind a dresser, making sure to hide his face.

"Go away please!" he shouted, not sure who it was. When he saw the purple hair and horn he paled, turning away as he put his hat on, covering his face as best he could.

"Vivi it's me, Eiko…" she said as she began to walk around the room, "There's not as many places to hide in here anymore so-" she stopped, seeing a flash of blue as Vivi quickly attempted to make it to the door. Eiko growled in a playful manner as she grabbed him and pulled him down, causing the black mage to cry out in alarm. Eiko forced the mage on the bed and held him down, smiling with her eyes closed.

"Found you! I win" She opened her eyes and gasped. Vivi stared up at her, chuckling nervously as his hat fell off the bed and onto the floor…just like his hopes. Vivi blinked slightly before he spoke softly.

"…Um…surprise?" Eiko was blushing deeply, getting up quickly as she dusted off her clothes.

"Oh god I'm sorry I thought you were a friend of mine I-" she looked at him again as Vivi sat up, staring at her with hurt eyes. Eiko gasped again as she moved towards him, staring into his eyes.

"Vivi?" she asked softly. Vivi, without saying a word nodded solemnly. Eiko moved towards him as she sat next to him on the bed. Reaching up she touched the black hair that now was falling out of the ribbon that held it back, and let her hand trace the black mark on his face. Staring into his eyes Eiko smiled softly.

"It is you…I'd recognize that helpless look anywhere" Vivi smiled softly before Eiko slapped him lightly across the face. Vivi, surprised, let out a cry as he held his face.

"What was that for?!"

"For scaring me! Is this why you hid yourself?" she asked as Vivi nodded slowly. Eiko sighed and smiled again, "Did you think I'd hate you or something?"

"Well, you normally get mad when I don't tell you things and…"

"Well I'm not happy you kept a secret from me" she said softly, looking down to the ground before looking up once more, "But I am happy you're here…Now come on, we have a lot to talk about" she smiled and hugged the black mage again before she pulled him up, realizing how much taller he was then her now, at least a full head. Vivi smiled and followed Eiko out of the room. Neither of them had let go of the other's hand.

(There, three done, on to four…)