Wow, a new chapter. And all it took was 4 years. WOO HOO!
I started writing this chapter ages ago and thought I lost it when my computer crashed. I found it recently lying around on an old data CD so I decided to finish it up and upload it. I've started playing FF9 again in my spare time and I would really love to finish this story, but time is not on my side right now… university is really stressing me. I will try though.
It's long and overdue, so enjoy chapter 3. Not perfectly written but I never said I was good at this writing thing. ^_^
Chapter 3
The day for Eiko's 18th birthday party had finally come. The whole of Lindblum Castle had been decorated for the occasion, as had a couple of banners all over town. All of Eiko's friends had been invited to celebrate, including her best friend, Vivi Ornitier, who hadn't set foot in Lindblum for years.
It was now about 12 o'clock midday and the guests had just started to arrive. Cid himself was standing at the door with Hilda to greet the guests as they came through the castle doors, many of them being nobles from all over the Mist Continent. Eiko herself however was still up in her chamber, getting herself ready for her party.
'I can't wait to see Vivi again.' Eiko thought to herself whilst brushing her long violet hair. 'It's been so long since we last met.' She then grabbed one of the many yellow ribbons (to match her light yellow dress) on her dressing table and tied her hair back into a long pony tail.
'I still can't believe Father reacted the way he did over this though. I know Vivi…and he wouldn't hurt a fly. I really wish he'd get over this hatred he has for Black Mages…'
She then rose from her chair to gaze down from her window. Her chamber being in one of the highest towers from Lindblum Castle meant that she had a great view over all the Lindblum Districts, and could see anyone approaching the castle.
'Look at all those guards. They're probably there to make sure no other Black Mages come into the castle… this is ridiculous…' her train of thought was cut off when she spotted the Red Rose approaching the castle.
'Yeah! Zidane and Dagger could make it!'
She applied the last of her make up on then raced downstairs to greet two of her dearest friends.
The Red Rose had just landed in the castle's ship bay, and everyone had gathered round to greet the King and Queen of Alexandria. They and the two Alexandria Captains, Steiner and Beatrix soon emerged from one of the side doors, causing everyone to bow their heads in respect. Dagger bowed her head back, Steiner and Beatrix gave their traditional Alexandrian salute, whilst Zidane just waved and gave a cheesy grin. Cid smirked at this and walked forward to shake his hand.
"You haven't changed a bit, despite being a King." He chuckled.
"Yeah, well, you know me." He smiled.
"Uncle Cid, haven't seen you for a while." Dagger said, giving her uncle a hug.
"Yes, I agree. Time sure flies by."
"Hey, where's the birthday girl?" Zidane asked, noticing that Eiko hadn't been there to greet them.
"She's probably still upstairs getting-" Cid replied until he was interrupted.
"Zidane!! Dagger!!" Eiko screeched from across the hall, racing to give her two friends a big hug.
"Ready." Cid finished, shaking his head, chuckling to himself.
"Hey Eiko. Greet to see you too!" Zidane laughed.
"Hello Eiko. You haven't changed much either." Dagger smiled, returning her friend's hug. "Happy Birthday."
"Yeah." Zidane agreed. "Still a loudmouth!" Eiko laughed at his comment and gave him a friendly punch on the shoulder.
"Happy Birthday Lady Eiko." Steiner said, giving her a light hug. In his eyes, he still saw her as being a little brat, but he didn't let this show today.
"Yes, many happy returns." Beatrix added, handing Eiko a big box. "A present from Steiner and I."
"Wow! Thanks guys. More to add to my pile of gifts!" She joked, chuckling slightly.
She then turned to face her father. "Has anyone else from our old group turned up yet Father?"
"Not yet, but I'm sure they will in due time Eiko." He replied, and then walked off to talk to some other guests. Eiko shrugged and after politely excusing herself from her friends, she walked over to the Buffet table to grab some food, all of which was presented beautifully and of the highest quality. She leaned over to grab a piece of marinated Trick Sparrow breast, when she bumped into another pair of familiar faces.
"Hello, lady Eiko."
"Fratley! Freya! You made it!" she smiled, giving them a hug.
"Of course we did. We wouldn't miss this for the world, would we dear?" Freya said to her beloved.
"Of course not." He replied, handing her a present. She smiled, and added it to the present table, so when the time comes, the guests would gather round and watch her open all her gifts.
Meanwhile, just outside Lindblum Castle, Vivi was walking towards the front door, quietly humming to himself. When he was within the eye sight of the guards, they all instantly focused on him, and raised their weapons. Vivi gave a heavy sigh and continued walking until he was staring directly at the Army General. He eyed the mage suspiciously.
"You are Vivi Ornitier, correct?"
"I am."
"I've been given orders by the Regent to watch you around the castle. You so much as even try anything funny; you'll be dangling from the gallows by tomorrow morning."
Vivi sighed again and nodded his head. From Eiko's note within his invitation, she had told him to expect this, so he wasn't surprised.
"Why would I try anything like that sir?" Vivi asked "I-I'd never hurt anyone."
"Sure. I bet that's what all the Black Mages said." The General said sourly. "Now come on. You're wasting all our time standing here." The General and two other guards then followed Vivi into the castle. All the Lindblum nobles instantly stared and gasped when they saw Vivi walk in.
"Are you mad Cid?" One man said, in a state of shock.
"Yes, you know what those evil creatures did to our city."
"I'm fully aware of what those vermin did to Lindblum." Replied Cid, "But my daughter unfortunately has built a friendship with this one."
"That certainly is a problem." One of the noble ladies said "What if he was to suddenly turn on her when he is alone with her?"
"That is impossible." Cid reassured her "I have my Army General watching him. If he does intend to attack us today, my men will make short work of him in no time at all." And at that moment the Army General gave Vivi a hefty shove in the back, which forced him to lurch forwards, directly in front of Cid. The Regent glared at him angrily.
"Um, hello Cid." Vivi grinned, trying to set a good example.
" Listen Mage. I only let you come here today for Eiko's sake. You stay for no longer than 3 o'clock. If I catch you on my premises after that, I will not hesitate to order my guards to execute you." Seeing as it was utterly pointless to argue with Cid about this, he just decided to accept his terms without saying anything.
"As you wish." Vivi said sharply, a hint of annoyance in his voice.
"Hey! Get out of his way!" One of the guards snorted and pushed him again out of Cid's way, and right into Zidane, which nearly made him spill his wine glass.
"Offff! Hey watch it!" He shouted, turning around. His angry frown soon turned upside down after he saw the person who knocked into him was a face he hadn't seen for ages…
"Hey! Vi!" Zidane smiled, giving his best friend a slap on the shoulder.
"Hi Zidane." The mage smiled, although you couldn't really see it through his black face. However, Zidane could tell this gesture by his eyes.
"I never expected to see you here Vi." He admitted.
"I know. Cid still hates my guts." Vivi replied, although a little quieter so the guards watching him from across the room couldn't hear. "I'm even being watched now."
"That sucks." Zidane said sadly "I don't even know what you did to piss Cid off so much. You even helped defend Lindblum against the mages under Brahne's command." Vivi just nodded and grabbed a glass of wine when one of the waiters walked past.
"I hope you don't think I'm being rude Zidane, but I'd best go find Eiko." Vivi said between sips of wine "I'm only allowed to stay here till three." Zidane nodded understandingly and let him go off find Eiko. Vivi did after a while, still at the Buffet table. He smirked to himself when he saw her trying to cram as many sausage rolls as she could on her plate.
"Heh Heh…Some things never will change…" he chuckled to himself, walking over to greet her. The guards were instantly hot on his tail, following his every movement. He groaned loudly, but still went to tap Eiko on the shoulder, making her turn round and gasp.
"V-Vivi?! Is it really you?!?"
"Is it really you, Eiko?" he joked. Eiko laughed and threw her arms around her best friend, crushing his spine.
"Urgh… I know you've missed me, but please don't break my spine…" he groaned weakly. Eiko giggled slightly and finally let him go.
"Sorry. It's just been too long since we last saw each other." She said with a huge smile etched on her face.
"Yes, and it's been too long since I last visited Lindblum. I'd forgotten how big a city it is."
"Uh-huh. I used to compare it to Madian Sari and just think about the huge difference between them" Eiko said as she munched on a sausage roll, which caused Vivi to chuckle a little.
"What's so funny?" she pouted.
" N-Nothing. It's just how you've lived around nobles most of your life, yet you still speak with your mouth full."
"No I don't!" She whined playfully, giving him a friendly slap on the brim of his hat, causing it to tilt slightly over his eyes.
"H-Hey! Don't touch my hat!" he laughed, re-positioning it.
'Still the same ol' Vivi.' Eiko thought to herself. 'He always moaned when I messed with his hat…' she then turned around to notice the guards giving him a hard, cold stare. Eiko frowned and motioned for them to leave. They took no notice of this though, and just shook their heads, still watching the black mage's every move. Vivi also turned around at this point and sighed deeply.
"It's clear by your father and all the Lindblum Nobles that I'm not wanted here today." Vivi said, gesturing towards the guards.
"… I'm so sorry about my father." She said sadly "This was the only way I could convince him to let you come. Those attacks on Lindblum were what did it for him, and when the aware mages got tricked into helping Kuja"
"That's OK Eiko." He reassured her, smiling. "You don't need to apologize. At least I could be here for your big day." Eiko smiled, admiring his never ending thoughtfulness.
"Always the thoughtful one weren't you?" she smirked.
"I guess so…. That's what folks always tell me anyways. Just ask my friend 14."
"Oh yes, 14. How is he?" she asked.
"He's OK. Still his usual happy self." Vivi laughed, eating off one of the sandwich trays. His face turned a little green as he bit into the little triangle and let it slide down his throat. Eiko giggled, as she could tell he thought it was vile.
"What?" he said, as he noticed her laughing "I'm just not used to rich food…" he examined the bitten sandwich with disgust. "What is that?"
"It's Seasoned Coronation Oglop Sandwich." Eiko said, smiling. "One of the many delicacies in Lindblum Castle. Along with many others, like Stuffed Blazer Beetle Shells, Ladybugs in Garlic Butter, and…"
"Ok Eiko! I get it!" Vivi yelled, having had enough of listening to Eiko go on about disgusting food. Any more and he felt sure he would have thrown up.
"It's actually not that bad, once you get used to it." Eiko said "I hated having to eat this stuff at first as well, but you just kinda get used to it after a while. In Madain Sari I lived on much more simply prepared food."
"L-Like that rock fisted potato stew and barbequed fish we had that one time." Vivi said, bringing back memories to both of them of when they first met.
"Yeah, those were good times…" she said, sighing happily.
"Not really. That fish you cooked tasted horrible." Vivi said, laughing. Eiko's cheeks suddenly became a little rosier, with a playful frown on her face.
"You meanie! I tried hard on that dinner I prepared for you guys!"
"I know you did Eiko. I'm just joking…" Vivi smirked as he reached into his satchel. He then pulled out a small wooden box.
"Here, this is my gift to you. Sorry it's not wrapped, only we don't have gift wrap back at the Village and the stall that wraps up parcels and things refused to serve me." He explained, smiling. Eiko inwardly frowned at that but still kept her smile on her face as she carefully lifted the lid off the box, revealing a sterling silver curb chain with a golden chocobo's feather dangling from the centre.
"It's supposed to bring luck. Sorry it's not much, but it's all I could afford." He said. Eiko's smile seemed to grow a little wider as she dangled the chain across her face.
"Whatever are you talking about? It's a wonderful gift, and it came from you. It couldn't be anymore special!" she cried, hugging him.
"I'm so glad you like it. I got it made especially at Conde Petie."
" Wow, I haven't been there in a while…" Eiko said thoughtfully, remembering all the times she and Mog used to steal food from there.
"Well, it hasn't changed a bit. That old Dwarf marriage custom is still there, as well as the exotic fruits and the 'Rally Ho's!" Vivi explained, laughing. "We really should go re visit there sometime."
Eiko sighed heavily. She'd love to revisit all the old places on the Outer Continent such as the Iifa Tree, Conde Petite, and, of course Madain Sari. But, deep down she knew she never would again.
" I-I… you know I can't do that Vivi." She whispered sadly, gazing at the guards. " My father would never let me go anywhere without him or his men."
"Well… that's why we don't tell him exactly what we're planning." Vivi said suddenly, but quietly so no one could hear.
"What do you mean by that?" Eiko whispered, intrigued.
"Well, we could make a plan so as you don't get in trouble with Cid and you can still come back to the Outer Continent." The Mage explained. "And I think I already have that plan."
Eiko smirked. "Really? Well then, Oh wise Mage, enlighten me."
Vivi couldn't help but laugh at that little joke, but still carried on talking "We get Zidane and Dagger to organize a trip to the Outer Continent, and you tell Cid you want to go. He'd trust you in the hands of the Alexandrian King and Queen, so I'm sure he'd let you. Then, when you land at the end of the forest leading to Black Mage Village, I'll meet up with you guys there."
"Wow, I never realized you were so sly Vi!" Eiko beamed, hugging him in delight "It's a great plan!"
"Well Eiko, it won't work if you tell the guards with your loud voice…" Vivi groaned as his body was crushed by the power of the hug. Eiko's eyes widened and instantly let go.
"Sorry." She said, clamping her hands over her mouth.
That's OK." Said Vivi "We now just have to hope Zidane and Dagger agree to this."
"Agree to what?" said a voice from behind them. They jumped and whirled round to see that it was Zidane and Dagger, each holding some food and a wine glass. The Alexandrian Queen smiled widely at the sight of Vivi.
"Vivi! It's been so long!" She said happily and gently hugged the Black Mage.
"I know Dagger, and it's great to see you too!" he replied, returning her hug.
"What were you guys talking about before we got here anyways?" Zidane inquired as he took a sip from his wine glass. "I could have sworn you said our names."
"Actually Zidane, we did." Vivi said quietly. "We wanted to ask you guys if you'd do us a favor."
"Of course we can." Dagger said with a smile. "We'd do anything for our old friends." Zidane nodded his head in approval with his wife.
"We were wondering if you guys would arrange a trip with me to the Outer Continent so that I can go see Vivi without my Dad getting all angry about me going to the Black Mage Village alone." Eiko explained. Dagger and Zidane turned their heads towards each other with worried looks on their faces.
"Eiko, wouldn't Uncle Cid get suspicious if we were to arrange this trip so shortly after you seeing Vivi?" Dagger asked. "He'd know what you were planning to do for sure."
"Obviously it wouldn't be straight away." Vivi reassured her "You'd have to ask him a little while later after today… perhaps a fortnight or so later."
"2 weeks?!" Eiko frowned.
"Sorry Eiko, Dagger's right." Vivi said with a sigh "He might get suspicious if we ask sooner than that. A fortnight is even a tad risky." Eiko pouted, but she knew they were right.
"I guess it wouldn't be that hard to arrange." Zidane mused as he rubbed his chin "We haven't been to the Outer Continent for a while. We could say we're on a trading goods trip." Dagger nodded her head in agreement.
"Yeah!" Eiko beamed "It's easily believable seeing as many places trade with Conde Petie for goods!"
"Yeah it is, but do turn down the dial on your voice Eiko, the guards will surely hear you if you talk much louder!" Zidane warned. Eiko nodded and blushed in embarrassment.
"I'm sorry... I'm just excited. Does that mean you guys will do it?" she asked with pleading eyes. Vivi also gave the King and Queen a pleading look. The couple looked towards each other and then back at Vivi and Eiko.
"We'll be in so much trouble if we're found out…" Zidane said with a small smirk.
"You mean?!?" Vivi and Eiko said together excitedly.
"Of course we'll do it." Dagger said with a smile. "We understand how much you guys love to spend time together and how hard it is for you to do so giving the circumstances."
"Thank you so much you guys!" Eiko squealed, unable to hide her excitement and threw her arms around Dagger and Zidane. Vivi would have too, but since the guards were watching him the whole time it may have looked suspicious. Instead, he smiled at them and mouthed 'Thank you' towards Zidane, to which he mouthed, 'You're welcome'. The Black Mage then turned around to get something to drink, but he bumped straight into a big guard. The guard looked down upon him and scowled.
"Alright Mage, the Regent has decided he wants you gone." He said sourly.
"What?!" Vivi said in disbelief "It's not 3 o'clock yet! I still have 2 hours before I have to leave!"
"You dare to defy the Regent's orders?" The guard bellowed. Eiko noticed the commotion and ran up to the guard with a face like thunder.
"Hey! You leave him alone! He's done nothing wrong!" she protested.
"I agree." Zidane said with a frown "This Black Mage has done nothing but talk to us. How can you possibly throw him out for doing that?"
"Sorry your Majesty… Princess Eiko…. It's the Regent's orders." The guard said as he grabbed Vivi by the arm. The Black Mage glared at the guard angrily as he felt himself being forcefully dragged out of the room, but he knew resistance was futile. He sighed sadly and turned back towards Zidane, Dagger and Eiko and yelled his goodbyes. He gave Eiko one last looked and mouthed 'See you soon!" with a small reassuring smile. She smiled back and him and nodded her head, and stormed off to find her father once Vivi was out of her sight. Dagger and Zidane sighed and started to mentally prepare themselves for what was to come, and how they were going to ask the Regent to take Eiko on their trip to the Outer Continent. It wasn't going to be easy, but as Dagger said earlier, they would do anything to help two of their oldest friends.
--
Again, I'm SO sorry for the really long wait for the update. I really will try and make sure the next one isn't as long. The next one will focus on Eiko and Cid's upcoming argument, and Zidane and Dagger's help in putting Vivi's plan together. Will it work? Well, it must do or else it would be a rather boring story wouldn't it? ^_~
Till next time! R+R!