Epilogue: the End and the Beginning

A year has passed since Zidane's return. No sooner than two months after Zidane's return, Zidane and Dagger were married. They weren't the only ones. Freya and Fratley had been wed as well. Puck decided to hand the throne over to Freya and Fratley. He didn't want to rule anymore. He wanted to continue wandering the world.

Freya and Fratley finally rebuilt Burmecia. Freya also told us some good news. She saw that, in the desert where Cleyra once stood, a tree was growing in the center of the crater. Fratley still hasn't recovered his memories, but he is making and cherishing his new ones.

Amarant continued to wander the world. None of us know where he is, but he keeps sending us letters, so he keeps in touch. It's rumored that Lani is accompanying him in his travels. I wouldn't be too surprised if it's true.

Quina continued to stay in Alexandria, though she has an urge to go out into the world, and learn new recipes. I'm pretty sure Dagger and Zidane will let her. She hasn't mentioned when she'll travel.

Eiko is still the Princess of Lindblum. She and Vivi spend time together whenever they get the chance. I'm happy to see them get along together. I can only hope their friendship will become much more than that in the future.

Steiner and Beatrix continue to protect Zidane and Dagger. Steiner and Beatrix are also married. I must say, I am quite happy for both of them.

Kuja became Dr. Tot's apprentice. He shared his knowledge of Terra and Genomes with Dr. Tot. Kuja's planning on being an accomplished historian and scholar like Dr. Tot. He planes on traveling the world to solve Gaia's secrets, and to help those in need. I was also able to talk Cid into letting Kuja keep the Hilda Garde 1.

As for the Black Mages and Genomes, Vivi and I were able to integrate some of the Black Mages and Genomes into Lindblum. They were uneasy at first, but they eventually got used to city life. This was an excellent start at dispelling prejudice. I had learned from the mistakes my people made on Earth, and I wasn't going to have them repeated here.

As for the Black Mage Village, it continues to flourish. I also found out that Mr. 288 and Mikoto are lovers. I found that out a week after Vivi, Kuja, and I returned from Alexandria. I found this to be good news. Now that their life spans are extended to that of a human, the Black Mages can live normal lives. I believe the Black Mage Village has a bright future.

The Genomes are developing more complex personalities. They are also becoming more intelligent. I believe that the Genomes will fit in nicely in this world.

Tantalus was able to finally rebuild their hideout in the Theater District. They still go on escapades every now and then. They also drop by our place as well. Also, Marcus told me that Blank and Ruby are going out now.

With Soulcage and Necron dead, the Iifa Tree eventually collapsed in on itself. The crash was heard all across the Outer Continent. Nothing is there now, but a crater where the once tall tree stood.

I was able to keep the Invincible. It is now my own personal airship. It is currently docked in my own private hanger at Lindblum Grand Castle. I also got Mary's picture back from Artania.

As for Vivi and I, we've moved to the new Education District in Lindblum. We are currently living in our Library home. We decided to name the building 'The Mage.' The Black Mages gave me the idea. It functions as a library were people can buy or check out books, and it also functions as our home. 'The Mage' is a five story building with a basement and a windmill on top of the building. It's as large as a football stadium.

The first three floors are open to the public. Access to the fourth floor is restricted since the fourth floor houses many ancient and delicate texts. You'd need my permission before you can access this room. The fifth floor is also off limits since that's the floor were Vivi and I live. You need permission form either Vivi or myself before you can go up there, unless, of course, it's an emergency.

I've also been able to establish trade routes for 'The Mage.' We get books from Treno, Alexandria, Burmecia, and Daguerreo. Our selection is quite vast. As I've stated before, we have a number of ancient and delicate texts.

'The Mage' also has a hallway that connects to the school which is called 'Lindblum Academy.' The Academy is sixteen stories high and is as large as two football stadiums. It teaches all grade levels, and the upper four levels function as a four year college. I've hired many scholars from around the world to come teach here. Thankfully, many have come.

Regent Cid placed me in charge of the Education District. Running the district is a difficult business. Thankfully, I placed a scholar by the name of Dr. Topkins in charge of the 'Lindblum Academy.' Even though I'm in charge of the District, I also run 'The Mage' as it functions as a home for Vivi and me.

I have yet to find a worthy apprentice, but I'm still young. I have time. Someday, I will find someone who I can train in the ways of the Hiten Mitsurugi Style. Until that time, I'll continue looking.

I'm also looking for that special someone. You know, the woman you intend to spend the rest of your life with. I still haven't found her, but I'll keep looking.

I thank you for everything you've done for me. Without your teachings, I wouldn't have survived. Well, I guess that's all I have to say. It's time to get back to work.

Sincerely,

Michael Ornitier

P.S. Burn this letter when you're done reading it. I don't want anyone else to know that I'm still alive. I ask that you please keep my secret.

I read Michael's letter again. I had found it on my bed when I came back inside after making more clay pots. He must have visited my house while I was outside.

I smiled, and chucked the letter into the fireplace. I used it as a starter to light the fire. I watched as Michael's letter burned in the fire. I smiled 'well, my old apprentice. I really hope you enjoy you're new life' I thought.

Meanwhile…

On a quiet early morning, in the city of Lindblum, in a large library know as 'The Mage' located in the Education District, in a room at the top of the windmill that was part of the building, two figures sat near each other. Both of them were meditating. One was a Black Mage, the other was a human. The two of them were bound in brotherhood by their blood. These two figures are two of the saviors of Gaia, and they shall remain ever watchful.

Meanwhile…back on Earth. Jacob Mathews was visiting his uncle's grave. It had been three years since his uncle's death. This was the anniversary of his death.

I placed the flowers on the grave, and stood up. I looked at my uncle's grave, and sighed. 'It's been three years, Uncle' I thought. I looked into the night sky, and breathed in the cool night air. That's when the wind picked up.

I narrowed my eyes in confusion. 'What's going on?' I thought. That's when I saw a bolt of lightning descend from the sky. It hit a large mausoleum. The roof of the mausoleum exploded. 'What was that?' I thought. I decided to go over, and see what happened.

I got to the mausoleum, and saw the destruction. The roof had collapsed in due to the lightning strike. 'That's odd, there wasn't supposed to be a storm tonight, and it was only one lightning bolt, and why did it hit this mausoleum. It's not the tallest structure here' I thought. I looked up at the mausoleum, and saw the name etched above the door, 'Robert.' I approached the mausoleum to get a closer look.

Suddenly, I saw fire erupt in front of the stairs. The fire rose up higher so it obscured my view of the mausoleum. The fire surrounded the mausoleums perimeter. That's when the ground started to shake, and I heard a loud noise from inside the mausoleum. It was as if the floor had just exploded. That's when a pillar of fire erupted from the inside of the mausoleum. It was like a volcano had just erupted. The pillar of fire ascended towards the night sky, and quickly receded back into the mausoleum. Suddenly, the fire surrounding the mausoleum disappeared. That's when I saw the doors of the mausoleum open.

A dark figure wearing a long torn cape emerged from the mausoleum. I was shocked. "Hey, you alright, sir." The man looked up at me, and when he did I jumped back in fear. His eyes were glowing red. "W-what's wrong with your-" Suddenly, he lifted his hand, and I was pulled into the air. Now I was terrified. That guy was doing this to me. That's when he pulled his hand towards himself, and I flew right at him. When I got close enough, he grabbed me by the neck.

I struggled in his grip, but he was too strong. I couldn't break free. That's when he grabbed the back of my head with his other hand. Then, he let go of my neck, and grabbed my chin instead. Suddenly, I realized what he was going to do. I looked at his red eyes, and shook my head in fear. "No, no please, no!" That's when he turned my head to the right side, and then quickly spun my head to the left. The last thing I heard was a loud crack, before my world went dark.

Well, it's over. My story is finished, but this isn't the end of the adventure. I am planning on making another fanfiction starring Vivi, Amarant, and myself. It'll be my first crossover. My crossover will be Way of the Samurai 2 and Final Fantasy 9. If you've never played Way of the Samurai 2, that's okay. You'll still understand the story anyway. Since my work is piling up at the University, I won't be getting around to it until next summer. Just be patient. I suggest you read my Halloween fic. When I post it. It'll introduce two new characters in my story. If you're curious about Dr. Topkins, you'll find out more about him in the Halloween fic. Also, I'm probably the only person who's ever mentioned a Mr. 288xMikoto pairing.