Deception?
Pilotslover
Chapter 6 - Fire and Separation
Disclaimer: I don't own FFIX and all it's related places, people etc, I wish I did. I won't be making any profit from this work, again, I wish I did, I need the cash.
AN: Hello to my reviews, even Rifa who decided to be incredably condescending, I've nothing against bad reviews people. They sting a little bit but after a while I do get over them. If you're still reading this Rifa, all your points have been taken into consideration for my next work, chiefly because I've finished writing this one already. The pace in this fic is supposed to change, in a few chapters there is a slow moment between Vivi and Valian, basically to give the reader time to get their barings.
To my reviewer whose reviews I can't read, uhh ... (Anxiously rubs the back of her neck.) If you like it, I'm very glad. (Realises this is a huge, egocentric assumption to make.)
Random Monkey: Thanks, I think most of the questions you ask are answered, kudos on noticing the 'father'. The simple reason for that is highlighting the fact that Vivi isn't technically their father; I will admit that that part of the ending has intregued me since I saw it.
DDD
"Fire, Fire in the castle!"
The guard's panicked calls woke Vivi, who was soon changed, pulling his floppy hat into place, in his haste he forgot the usual black mask. Since he was now in the castle, a place of relative safety, he could once again dress how he liked and he felt most comfortable in the things he had worn whilst journeying with the others.
He ran to the main entrance lobby of the castle, a fire was eating quickly at the rug and was snaking its way towards the portraits of the Alexandrian royal family. A guard was moaning in pain, another was crying out and several people were choking on smoke. He closed his eyes for a few seconds, calling forth a spell to hover over the whole room. "Water," Vivi allowed the spell to burst and it extinguished the fire.
"Is everyone okay?" A familiar voice called over the sense of panic, Vivi stood in place on the staircase looking over the blackened rug. Many of the soldiers were running around, checking on their companions.
"One of the guards has been burnt sir; and many inhaled a lot of smoke."
"Send for Doctor Tot at once,"
"Yes sir,"
The guard Zidane had been talking too ran off, the Genome jogged over to join the mage. "Thanks Vivi, it would've taken a lot longer to put that out normally." He had been standing to one side of the entrance lobby, worried about what to do.
"Might as well earn my keep while I'm here,"
Tot was soon taking care of the wounded, checking over any who had been close to the blaze and to the dangerous smoke that it created. "I guess your mysterious attacker is behind this," Zidane guessed. "He's probably trying to unbalance us by scaring us." Vivi nodded, a chill shot through his body and he folded his arms across his chest to try to block it out.
"Zidane, I should leave, find a safe place for the children,"
"It's okay Vivi, we've dealt with worse. Plus, it's safer for you all here."
Nodding grudgingly, Vivi thought about the conversation he had had with the boys. "I meant to ask you something." Zidane nodded to show he was listening. "I don't want the boys to be alone; if this … person is after me then they're at risk too. I think it'd be best if someone kept an eye on one each."
"Like a mentor you mean? Sure we can talk about it tomorrow, go and get some sleep, there's a guard in the hall outside."
DDD
The mage did not sleep then night and spent its entirety watching the boys sleep; as soon as they woke the next morning, he took them to the court. "Hey Vivi, what's with the mask?" Zidane queried as they entered, noticing that his friend once again wore the mask of a Black Mage.
"I - I feel more comfortable with it,"
"Fair enough,"
Vivi looked up; he had been looking at his feet for a long time so he could avoid Zidane's eyes. "The others will be here soon," Zidane told him, sharing a private grin with the children. "Garnet's fussing over her dress, she said to start on breakfast without her, she'll be a while." Vivi got the decisive impression that this was something of a morning tradition in the castle, they all took seats at the grand table, and started to eat their breakfasts in tense silence.
Garnet entered shortly after, flanked on either side by Steiner and Beatrix; hastily, those who were eating stood and bowed to the monarch. As she sat they all did the same, she bowed her head. "Morning everyone, Dr. Tot and Kuja will join us shortly." Her eyes drifted to Vivi, who was trying to ignore the fact that she was looking at him. "Gosh, Vivi, it is you, I kind of got used to how you were yesterday." She offered with a smile, "You'll be beating the girls off with a stick when you go looking for one."
"I think I should start getting jealous," Zidane said with a wink and a grin. Kuja and Dr. Tot entered, the doctor sat besides Nicara and Kuja took the only remaining seat, next to Vivi. "Right, now everyone's here, there's something important we have to discuss." Freya had returned to Burmecia the night before, making sure that she said good-bye to everyone first. "I think it's pretty easy to say that whoever's after Vivi is some where around the castle, that fire last night shows that whoever it is has caught him up." There was a knock at the door and the two guards by the door opened it when bidden to do so.
Clothed once more in the robes of a Priest of Esto Gaza, Daihan entered. He bowed deeply to the Queen and Zidane, "Good morning your majesty, you asked to see me?" He asked Garnet curtly.
"Yes, Mister Daihan we owe you for ensuring Vivi's safe return to Alexandria,"
"I didn't do it for a reward; I merely did it because Vivi needed help. I require little more then passage back to Esto Gaza."
Remembering the fire that Daihan had started in the ancient building, Vivi could not help but feel a little guilty. "There's nothing left," Zidane told him voicing what Vivi was thinking. "A fire tore the place apart."
"A building can be rebuilt and in the future pilgrims shall return once more to the path of souls. I was ordained as a priest of Esto Gaza; I don't intend to leave it so easily."
Garnet sat in contemplative silence for a while, before looking up to Daihan. "If that is all you request it seems very little to ask for in return for a life. However, if you wish it, then that is what will be given you. If you require any assistance in the repair of Esto Gaza, please don't hesitate to ask."
Daihan bowed once again, "Thank you your majesty." He took three steps backwards and left the court. Realising that he would probably never see the priest who had saved his life again, Vivi watched him all the way to the double doors; he was not sad because he meant to write letters to the man who had so selflessly saved his life.
As Vivi turned back to the table, his eyes met with Kuja's for a moment but the look was fleeting as they both looked to Zidane. "Anyway, at this time, it's probably best if the boys are well defended. However, it's far too dangerous to let them stay together, so each of us will have to keep one of them safe each."
"Nicara and I are in the middle of a fascinating study; to interrupt now would be unwise."
"Alright doc, me and Sola had plans today so I'll keep an eye on him."
Garnet looked to Ollan; she had been helping him with a piece of music recently. "If Ollan still requires my assistance then I shall insure his safety," Ollan nodded eagerly, Garnet made a very good experimental audience.
"I'm supposed to have Sword Training today,"
This drew Vivi's gaze sharply to Calan, "C - Calan, did you just … Sword training?" He managed to stammer out at length. "You're a mage not a knight," He said bluntly as if a person could not logically be both things. Calan laughed slightly, in part enjoying the look of shock in Vivi's eyes.
"I want the skill to defend my brothers and my friends; I can't do that with magic alone."
A small rueful smile bit into Vivi's manner, as he locked eyes with his eldest son. "Sorry, I've never heard of a Black Mage being a knight as well, it shocked me a little." Calan nodded, he had never really intended to learn sword skills but when Steiner had seen the eldest boy playing a game with Nicara, pretending to be knights, he recognised a latent talent in the boy. Admittedly, Calan's skills with magic were not as developed as those of most of the others anyway, so he had been glad of the chance to do something else.
"Master Calan, I will gladly teach you, and at this time defend you from this foe."
Turo lowered his head; with all the pranks he had played on everyone, no one other then his father would want to watch him. "If it is not too bold, I volunteer to watch Turo." Kuja's voice offered, "As way of atonement for my sins against his father."
All eyes went to Vivi, who blushed furiously under the black mask. "I - I guess that's okay," Seeing the frailty to his once powerful foe, the mage had grown to realise that he had not been the man who had attacked Esto Gaza. "I'll watch Valian," Vivi completed the cycle of travellers, companion and enemy in defending the young mages.
"For the times being, you're to be split up, allowing you to sleep in the same room still is just asking for trouble." Zidane's voice sounded older and wiser as he spoke, "Each mentor will share their room with their charge, who is not to be left alone for any elongated period of time." This comment brought the severity of the situation home to those present.
A host of shocked yellow eyes went to Vivi, "I - I'm sorry, but … I agree with Zidane. T - This maniac is after me and you all look like me." He sighed heavily, in part questioning the decision that had lead to him making them to look like he did. "I - I'm so sorry to come back to you only to split you up but when this is all over we can be together again and be a family, I promise."
"Come on you lot, no need for the long faces," Zidane attempted brightly, sensing that all the boys were distressed by the idea of being away from their brothers; he could even sense that Vivi too was not pleased with the idea inside. "It's not as if we're splitting you up around Gaia."
Pilotslover
Chapter 6 - Fire and Separation
Disclaimer: I don't own FFIX and all it's related places, people etc, I wish I did. I won't be making any profit from this work, again, I wish I did, I need the cash.
AN: Hello to my reviews, even Rifa who decided to be incredably condescending, I've nothing against bad reviews people. They sting a little bit but after a while I do get over them. If you're still reading this Rifa, all your points have been taken into consideration for my next work, chiefly because I've finished writing this one already. The pace in this fic is supposed to change, in a few chapters there is a slow moment between Vivi and Valian, basically to give the reader time to get their barings.
To my reviewer whose reviews I can't read, uhh ... (Anxiously rubs the back of her neck.) If you like it, I'm very glad. (Realises this is a huge, egocentric assumption to make.)
Random Monkey: Thanks, I think most of the questions you ask are answered, kudos on noticing the 'father'. The simple reason for that is highlighting the fact that Vivi isn't technically their father; I will admit that that part of the ending has intregued me since I saw it.
DDD
"Fire, Fire in the castle!"
The guard's panicked calls woke Vivi, who was soon changed, pulling his floppy hat into place, in his haste he forgot the usual black mask. Since he was now in the castle, a place of relative safety, he could once again dress how he liked and he felt most comfortable in the things he had worn whilst journeying with the others.
He ran to the main entrance lobby of the castle, a fire was eating quickly at the rug and was snaking its way towards the portraits of the Alexandrian royal family. A guard was moaning in pain, another was crying out and several people were choking on smoke. He closed his eyes for a few seconds, calling forth a spell to hover over the whole room. "Water," Vivi allowed the spell to burst and it extinguished the fire.
"Is everyone okay?" A familiar voice called over the sense of panic, Vivi stood in place on the staircase looking over the blackened rug. Many of the soldiers were running around, checking on their companions.
"One of the guards has been burnt sir; and many inhaled a lot of smoke."
"Send for Doctor Tot at once,"
"Yes sir,"
The guard Zidane had been talking too ran off, the Genome jogged over to join the mage. "Thanks Vivi, it would've taken a lot longer to put that out normally." He had been standing to one side of the entrance lobby, worried about what to do.
"Might as well earn my keep while I'm here,"
Tot was soon taking care of the wounded, checking over any who had been close to the blaze and to the dangerous smoke that it created. "I guess your mysterious attacker is behind this," Zidane guessed. "He's probably trying to unbalance us by scaring us." Vivi nodded, a chill shot through his body and he folded his arms across his chest to try to block it out.
"Zidane, I should leave, find a safe place for the children,"
"It's okay Vivi, we've dealt with worse. Plus, it's safer for you all here."
Nodding grudgingly, Vivi thought about the conversation he had had with the boys. "I meant to ask you something." Zidane nodded to show he was listening. "I don't want the boys to be alone; if this … person is after me then they're at risk too. I think it'd be best if someone kept an eye on one each."
"Like a mentor you mean? Sure we can talk about it tomorrow, go and get some sleep, there's a guard in the hall outside."
DDD
The mage did not sleep then night and spent its entirety watching the boys sleep; as soon as they woke the next morning, he took them to the court. "Hey Vivi, what's with the mask?" Zidane queried as they entered, noticing that his friend once again wore the mask of a Black Mage.
"I - I feel more comfortable with it,"
"Fair enough,"
Vivi looked up; he had been looking at his feet for a long time so he could avoid Zidane's eyes. "The others will be here soon," Zidane told him, sharing a private grin with the children. "Garnet's fussing over her dress, she said to start on breakfast without her, she'll be a while." Vivi got the decisive impression that this was something of a morning tradition in the castle, they all took seats at the grand table, and started to eat their breakfasts in tense silence.
Garnet entered shortly after, flanked on either side by Steiner and Beatrix; hastily, those who were eating stood and bowed to the monarch. As she sat they all did the same, she bowed her head. "Morning everyone, Dr. Tot and Kuja will join us shortly." Her eyes drifted to Vivi, who was trying to ignore the fact that she was looking at him. "Gosh, Vivi, it is you, I kind of got used to how you were yesterday." She offered with a smile, "You'll be beating the girls off with a stick when you go looking for one."
"I think I should start getting jealous," Zidane said with a wink and a grin. Kuja and Dr. Tot entered, the doctor sat besides Nicara and Kuja took the only remaining seat, next to Vivi. "Right, now everyone's here, there's something important we have to discuss." Freya had returned to Burmecia the night before, making sure that she said good-bye to everyone first. "I think it's pretty easy to say that whoever's after Vivi is some where around the castle, that fire last night shows that whoever it is has caught him up." There was a knock at the door and the two guards by the door opened it when bidden to do so.
Clothed once more in the robes of a Priest of Esto Gaza, Daihan entered. He bowed deeply to the Queen and Zidane, "Good morning your majesty, you asked to see me?" He asked Garnet curtly.
"Yes, Mister Daihan we owe you for ensuring Vivi's safe return to Alexandria,"
"I didn't do it for a reward; I merely did it because Vivi needed help. I require little more then passage back to Esto Gaza."
Remembering the fire that Daihan had started in the ancient building, Vivi could not help but feel a little guilty. "There's nothing left," Zidane told him voicing what Vivi was thinking. "A fire tore the place apart."
"A building can be rebuilt and in the future pilgrims shall return once more to the path of souls. I was ordained as a priest of Esto Gaza; I don't intend to leave it so easily."
Garnet sat in contemplative silence for a while, before looking up to Daihan. "If that is all you request it seems very little to ask for in return for a life. However, if you wish it, then that is what will be given you. If you require any assistance in the repair of Esto Gaza, please don't hesitate to ask."
Daihan bowed once again, "Thank you your majesty." He took three steps backwards and left the court. Realising that he would probably never see the priest who had saved his life again, Vivi watched him all the way to the double doors; he was not sad because he meant to write letters to the man who had so selflessly saved his life.
As Vivi turned back to the table, his eyes met with Kuja's for a moment but the look was fleeting as they both looked to Zidane. "Anyway, at this time, it's probably best if the boys are well defended. However, it's far too dangerous to let them stay together, so each of us will have to keep one of them safe each."
"Nicara and I are in the middle of a fascinating study; to interrupt now would be unwise."
"Alright doc, me and Sola had plans today so I'll keep an eye on him."
Garnet looked to Ollan; she had been helping him with a piece of music recently. "If Ollan still requires my assistance then I shall insure his safety," Ollan nodded eagerly, Garnet made a very good experimental audience.
"I'm supposed to have Sword Training today,"
This drew Vivi's gaze sharply to Calan, "C - Calan, did you just … Sword training?" He managed to stammer out at length. "You're a mage not a knight," He said bluntly as if a person could not logically be both things. Calan laughed slightly, in part enjoying the look of shock in Vivi's eyes.
"I want the skill to defend my brothers and my friends; I can't do that with magic alone."
A small rueful smile bit into Vivi's manner, as he locked eyes with his eldest son. "Sorry, I've never heard of a Black Mage being a knight as well, it shocked me a little." Calan nodded, he had never really intended to learn sword skills but when Steiner had seen the eldest boy playing a game with Nicara, pretending to be knights, he recognised a latent talent in the boy. Admittedly, Calan's skills with magic were not as developed as those of most of the others anyway, so he had been glad of the chance to do something else.
"Master Calan, I will gladly teach you, and at this time defend you from this foe."
Turo lowered his head; with all the pranks he had played on everyone, no one other then his father would want to watch him. "If it is not too bold, I volunteer to watch Turo." Kuja's voice offered, "As way of atonement for my sins against his father."
All eyes went to Vivi, who blushed furiously under the black mask. "I - I guess that's okay," Seeing the frailty to his once powerful foe, the mage had grown to realise that he had not been the man who had attacked Esto Gaza. "I'll watch Valian," Vivi completed the cycle of travellers, companion and enemy in defending the young mages.
"For the times being, you're to be split up, allowing you to sleep in the same room still is just asking for trouble." Zidane's voice sounded older and wiser as he spoke, "Each mentor will share their room with their charge, who is not to be left alone for any elongated period of time." This comment brought the severity of the situation home to those present.
A host of shocked yellow eyes went to Vivi, "I - I'm sorry, but … I agree with Zidane. T - This maniac is after me and you all look like me." He sighed heavily, in part questioning the decision that had lead to him making them to look like he did. "I - I'm so sorry to come back to you only to split you up but when this is all over we can be together again and be a family, I promise."
"Come on you lot, no need for the long faces," Zidane attempted brightly, sensing that all the boys were distressed by the idea of being away from their brothers; he could even sense that Vivi too was not pleased with the idea inside. "It's not as if we're splitting you up around Gaia."