Edonil: Oh dear... This is the second-last chapter... I've started thinking about what I want to write after this, and come to the conclusion that I'd like to work on some original fiction for a bit, so I'll be trying to update Areathe (see my bio) twice a month or something (the chapters in Areathe are considerably longer). So everyone, head over to fictionpress to read my written works!

Oh, and this update isn't late; wasn't working yesterday.

Disclaimer: I don't think I've bought the rights to FFIX since last week...

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Iifa: Ancient Tree of Life

Chapter Twelve

"Kuja! KUJA! KUUUUJAAAA!" Nobody answered. Where was he? Dagger was getting quite worried about him. Was there something wrong with him? Maybe he was going insane... again...

"KUJA!" she yelled, louder. The only sound was the wind, whistling over the top of the castle. It was getting dark; perhaps Kuja was inside?

"Majesty!" It was Beatrix. Had she found him? "No, Majesty," Beatrix said, answering the unspoken question. "I have not yet found him. He does not appear to be within the castle." There went that theory. "Have you checked the city, yet, Majesty?" Dagger nodded.

"Yes, I sent Steiner... Where could he be, Beatrix? What's the matter...?" Beatrix sighed.

"What happened, Majesty? He was last seen less than an hour ago, with you, and now you say he's missing? Where could he have gone in one hour?" Dagger shrugged.

"I don't know, but... Beatrix, he was trying to get drunk! You know him! Does he seem like the type of person to be drinking six bottles of beer at the tavern!" Beatrix was silent for a moment.

"No... I suppose I see your point. That is rather unlike him. But what's the worst that could happen?"

"Beatrix... When I last saw him, he was acting rather... He was acting more like before the Iifa Tree and... I'm worried about him." Beatrix's face softened slightly.

"Alright, Majesty, I will continue to search. And you said you sent Steiner to search the city; Steiner might be a block-head sometimes, but he'll do what you told him as best he can. So don't worry; everything will be alright." Bowing, Beatrix left.

Was Kuja alright? Was Dagger worrying needlessly? Maybe Dagger could go inside, get some work done... Yes, that would be good. All the soldiers and knights were out looking for Kuja; Dagger would only get in their way...

Still worrying, Dagger went back into the castle and into her study. Sitting down at her desk, Dagger took several deep breaths. Kuja was fine... Kuja was fine... Yes, he was fine. Dagger picked up the top paper.

It was a letter from her friends in Tantalus. She'd corresponded with them a lot since Zidane...

"Queen Dagger,

How have you been? I trust nothing unfortunate has happened lately. We've heard rumours of a certain villain... Of course, I am sure you have everything under control.

One of the Treno nobles recently requested that we perform 'I Want to be your Canary' for him. Knowing that you love the play so, and seeing as we will be traveling anyway, would you be interested in us performing in Alexandria?

We have a new member in Tantalus, although he's been saying some nonsense about wanting to live in Alexandria. Perhaps you would like to meet him?

- Baku, and Tantalus"

Yes, a play... Kuja liked plays. Maybe seeing one would cheer him up...

"Majesty!" Dagger looked up at the soldier.

"Yes?"

"The General requests your presence. She says that it is an emergency!" Dagger leapt up. An emergency? Was Kuja...? Wordlessly, she raced from the room, dragging the unfortunate soldier along-side her.

Please let Kuja be alright. Please let Kuja be alright. Please let Kuja be alright... But what if he wasn't alright? First Zidane, and now Kuja... Please, please, please let Kuja be alright!

"Beatrix!" Dagger asked, stopping beside the general. Without a word, Beatrix pointed up. Dagger looked upwards, and her heart nearly stopped.

Standing on one of the upper-most towers was Kuja. He was too far away from Dagger for her to see much, but...

He stepped off the edge of the tower. Dagger screamed.

He was falling... Falling...

This was it. The final time Kuja would fly. He'd loved his flights on his silver dragon's back. Kuja's draconian blood, the blood containing the DNA that gave him is pale skin and feathery silver hair, assured that he always wanted to fly...

But this was it. No more flying.

I should have died... It should have been me, not Zidane... I should not have lived. All that should be left should be a few scattered fragments of bones, littering the forest floor...

How is it that I survived, while Zidane's body rotted away? When I awoke, I did not see him. How did his body rot away, while mine continued to live? How long was I only partially awake?

Perhaps it is the kujhemolets? Yes, that would explain a great deal. But when did they come? From what did they come? It makes no sense... Unless...

Perhaps the Iifa Tree? Surely eating's it leaves has unknown effects... It would be interesting to study...

Perhaps Doctor Tot will in time realize it. It does not matter to me. Soon, I will be dea-

THUMP!