Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy, or anything else by Square-Enix, that includes characters, abilities, spells, summons … well, you get the picture. Oh, and I don't own MSN, Microsoft, Antonio Banderas, rights to any kind of movies whatsoever … things like those too. By the way, I don't own Josh or Glenna, but I have their permission. (I heart you two.)

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I was cuddling under my covers with my teddy bear, blanket over my head, thinking about how ordinary and boring my eighteen year old life was going. Sure, I might be moving soon. Sure, I had someone incredibly special in my life. Sure, I had planned on possibly going to college in fall, but damn, right now nothing exciting was happening. Sighing, I flipped the covers off of my head and sat up.

For the past week or so, I had been trying to brainstorm some ideas to write a fan fic. The results? Nothing. I had been spending my days trying to come up with what exactly I wanted and realized I wanted it all. "It" being Final Fantasy. I leaned against my head board.

Sighing, I hopped out of bed and made my way downstairs to the computer room. I had been a Final Fantasy fan for ages, my first one being VIII. Naturally, my favorite out of the series, not to say that the others weren't as awesome. Which was my dilemma.

Which one to choose?

I played the older games in the series, and even the newest. What was one I could really get into? The latest one I had been playing was XII, but I wasn't too sure if I could write about the game. After all, I hadn't even beaten the twelfth installment of the series yet.

Turning on the computer, I waited for MSN to automatically sign me in and I clicked on Microsoft Word to open up.

I glanced up to the upper corner of my screen to see that someone was trying to add me to their list. "Hmm, who are you?" I muttered to myself as I allowed the contact.

Hello? I typed.

I Lyke Nutz says:

Hiiiii!

… Who's this? Naturally, I had to ask.

I Lyke Nutz says:

I'm Nuva, and yourself?

I sighed. "Might as well play along until I get bored."

I Lyke Nutz says:

Bored? I understand you have been recently. Trying to write?

My eyes widened. "Yeah right …"

I Lyke Nutz says:

Are you going to tell me your name? I bet it's pretty!

Shaking my head, I let my fingers do the talking. Who's this, seriously?

I Lyke Nutz says:

I'm Nuuuuuuva.

That answers nothing. I responded. … Or at least wasn't the answer I was looking for.

I Lyke Nutz says:

One answer unravels another. You are a writer, yes?

"I'm going to block your ass." I rolled my eyes, getting tired of this game.

I Lyke Nutz says:

Wait Lary! Tell me that you're knowledgeable in the area of alternate universes!

Oh, so you DO know my name, huh? And really, the only thing I know about alternative universes is that if they did exist, hundreds would. Have anything else to say in the five seconds before you're blocked and deleted? Not only was I now creeped out, but now I was getting really pissed off, letting my fingers pound away at the keyboard mercilessly. How did this person know what they possibly couldn't?

I Lyke Nutz says:

I just noticed your username and Lary's in it. Anyways, as I said, more answers will reveal themselves as we go along. You are a part of a great phenomenon. You've been thinking a lot about a game, yes? A work of fiction?

…No idea what's going on, but yeah. I know a lot about many games. Your point? I decided to humor "Nuva".

I Lyke Nutz says:

There's a big problem with a certain place, and you have been selected to aid in the restoration of peace.

Okay, I was getting intrigued. Whoever this person was, they sure knew how to keep a girl online. Much better than the "OMG! CAM? ASL??!?" guys anyway. Still answers nothing.

I Lyke Nutz says:

You won't believe me until it happens, but just keep in mind Final Fantasy, okay?

"Hahah! Oh, man." I laughed. Grinning, I typed: No worries. I'm a pro when it deals with FF.

I Lyke Nutz says:

I believe you. You've had the game on your mind for the longest time. One reason as to why the worlds rely on people like yourself.

Righto. I giggled to myself. Well, I added, I have somewhere to go today, so ttyl Nuva.

I Lyke Nutz says:

TTYS & I KNOW YOU CAN DO IT!

I raised my eyebrow as he/she/whatever logged off. "Talk to me soon? Know I can do it?" I shrugged. "Ah well." I leaned back into my chair and looked at my blank Word document. I groaned. Nothing coming to me, and it was about thirty minutes before I had to leave to meet my friend, Glenna, via public transportation.

Signing off MSN, I picked up my phone and called her.

"Hello?" She answered.

"Hey," I greeted, "Just woke up from my nap. I'll be at your place in … give or take an hour. Taking the bus since the parents aren't home right now."

"Okay. See you then." Glenna said in her regular cheery tone.

"You know it." I hung up and turned the computer on stand by.

With that, I rushed upstairs to get ready, putting on makeup, brushing my long dark hair. By the time I was done, my large hazel cat eyes were outlined in black, my lips a little fuller than usual and lashes a tad longer. Sometimes I wished for contacts so that people could see my eyes better, but hey – I loved my burgundy frames. I grumbled at my hair, noticing fly away strands. "Hair spray." I muttered to myself as I went searching for it in my parent's bathroom.

When I returned to my room with the spray, I noticed a lone piece of paper resting on my bed.

"Where'd you come from?" I said, placing the hair spray down to pick up the document.

The sheet said:

Weapons License

As according to law, you are now able to now purchase a spear Javelin as a weapon. On behalf of Ivalice, please use this weapon with responsibility. Thank you for acquiring a proper license.

At the bottom was a signature, and at the top a crest of arms.

"…Final Fantasy twelve?" I blinked. If this was a joke, it had gone on far enough. First with MSN, and now, with this garbage being placed on my bed …

My insides sunk. Did that mean whoever was messing with me online was in my house, without me noticing?

"That can't be." I mumbled, trying to sort this out, feeling my stomach unknot at my rekindled rationality. "Someone's just messing with me, and somehow got my parents to play along - even though my parents aren't the joking type." I sat down on my bed, the "license" held tight in my grip. Glancing at it once more, my gaze lingered. And then, something just clicked. This license … was genuine.

Then I felt something move behind me.

"No they aren't, kupo!"

A jolt of pure fear ran through me. I scrambled out of bed and shrieked, feeling wave after wave of adrenaline being pumped into my system. I spun on my heel to get a look at whatever the hell was behind me, simultaneously grabbing the vase full of fake flowers on my dresser. Screaming again, I threw my arm back, ready to chuck the vase when I saw –

"Holy crap, a moogle!" My mouth dropped open, still armed with my make-shift weapon.

"P-please!" Cried out the voice, high and squeaky, yet completely clear at the same time. The creature had his arms shielding his face. "Don't throw!"

I dropped the vase, letting my hand slowly loosen its clutch until the smooth glass fell to the carpeted floor, my mouth still agape and arm suspended in air.

Peeking from behind his arms, he took a deep breath. Placing his arms at his sides, I was able to see what he actually looked like. He was about two feet tall, furry white with adorable puffy cheeks and sparkling emerald green eyes. Small wings poked out from his back and flapped a bit as he cocked his head, making his burgundy pompom tip to the side. He wore tanned knickerbockers, black boots, and a maroon vest filled with bulging pockets. On his arms were multiple watches, some digital, others not.

Locked eye-to-eye, we stared at each other for what seemed like an eternity until he cleared his throat and said, "I like nuts."

I blinked. Mogs eat kupo nuts … The … screen name from before was "I Lyke Nutz". "You're that … you're N – Nuva!" I was still in awe.

A smile lit up his face. "Yes!"

I backed up until my butt hit the dresser. I slid down until my rear was on the ground, my back resting against cedar. "Uhhhh yeah."

"Listen, you don't have to be afraid." He hopped down off the bed. "I'm a scientist of sorts from Ivalice."

"I'm hallucinating. I need to get outside, and well … get outside." I shook my head. "All these attempts at writing … I've gone nuts, haven't I? And that's probably why you like nuts, because I'm nuts."

He scratched his head. "Mmm that's one way to look at this turn of events. But you're not crazy, kupo!"

"In that case, explain why you're here. Every little detail." I demanded.

Nuva opened his mouth just as I added –

"But pinch me first! I have to really know this is real … this event … you …"

He smiled. "Okay!" With that, he flapped his wings with great exertion, and started to hover. Nuva then began to advance in the air, coming closer to my face, paw outstretched and snatching at my cheek. I felt his soft fur and delicate fingers caress my face, and then squeeze with almighty force.

"Owww!" I grabbed at my cheek. "Dammit! Your claws sunk into my flesh!"

The moogle laughed. "You're fine. Now let me continue?"

I nodded, rubbing my tender face.

Wings ceasing in mid-flap, he fell a few centimeters onto the floor. "As you know, Ivalice has a strong magickal force within it known as Mist, which is the core of magicite, and can bestow upon a person otherworldly abilities they could not attain on their own. One night, while I was researching the magicite, learning of its ins and outs in order to discover more about manufacturing nethicite – stones which can absorb magicks – an overwhelming feeling of dread over took me.

"I didn't know what or where the feeling was from at first – but then I realized it was the Mist. As I held the magicite, I couldn't help but remember the war. With the world so uneasy, the Mist wanted balance. That's when the magickal device started to glow.

"A single beam shot from the magicite, and hit my lab's wall, creeping outwards like ethereal vines, creating a window to your world."

"Wow." I muttered.

He dipped his head at my statement and continued: "I learned so much over the days, about the magicite, about your world! Kupo! But the magicite could only create windows at certain hours … and finally, doors - portals. For about a week now, I've been dabbling in and out of both worlds. And using this cell phone for many purposes." He reached into a pocket and pulled out a hot pink cell.

"How did you get that?" I asked, cocking an eyebrow.

"Found it, but the device shall be returned in time." He said defensively. "I learned to chat online. Very odd." Nuva thought for a moment. "But at least I was able to reach you with such an invention!"

"Hmmm right." I leaned forward. "Which brings me to my next question – why me?"

"This is most brilliant! Kupo! You, because … you are someone who knows this world; the Mist saw you. With so much concentrated thought focused on Ivalice, you helped give power to a world you didn't think was real. That is one of your very own special abilities, which can be amplified with Mist."

"Meaning?"

"Once you step inside Ivalice, your ability to create shall fuse with the Mist, making Ivalice as solid under your feet as this world is." He took a breath, placing the cell back into his pocket.

I closed my eyes, giving a mental scoff. Well, I guess writers block is good for a couple of things. "So … the Mist wants me to go to Ivalice … and help end the drama from the war?" Thoughts of Ashe, Basch and the land of Dalmasca, which would be in the grip of the Archadian Empire, filled my mind. My eyes opened. "Is it because I know so much already and can make it … more real than it is, I guess … Is that why I was chosen?"

Making an agreeing sound, Nuva reached into another pocket and pulled out an odd amber lump, which reminded me of certain save crystals. "Hold this, kupo."

I reached out, palm up. I had a feeling I knew what this was. As soon as the item fell into my grasp, a bright white light lit up my room. "Magicite." I mumbled. "Amazing." The light crept up a wall, spinning. Within seconds, I noticed my wall becoming more and more transparent, until I could see sandy hills of a desert.

"The South Gate of Rabanastre is quite close to where you see right now." Nuva stated. "This piece of magicite opens portals to destinations where you may go. I had to wait for certain times for it to be used, whereas you were able to open a portal between worlds as soon as you touched it. Quite interesting, no? Kupo!"

"You know when you get excited you say that a lot, right?" I said offhandedly as I was mesmerized by the giant hole in my wall. Rabanastre is somewhere out there? A gust of wind lightly kicked up some sand.

"Kupo!" Exclaimed the moogle.

"Mhm." I took a deep breath. "So, I can open a portal at any time? How do I close one?"

Nuva searched through his pockets again and produced a dark blue lump. "Nethicite. This should nullify the effects of the magicite." I held out my other hand and as soon as I came into contact with the lump, the nethicite seemed to swallow the effects of the magicite. The portal had vanished.

"Keep those two in separate pouches." Said the mog.

I nodded, and rose to my feet. "This is great and all, but … why would you help me?"

Puffing out his chest, Nuva replied, "Anything for the pursuit of knowledge! The Mist knows this. People of all races can find information so wonderfully neutral, and use such a gain for evil. I won't. You have my word, kupo."

I smiled.

"Say … where's the license I got for you?" He tilted his head.

My eyes widened. I scanned the room quickly and noticed that the sheet of paper had floated into a corner after I had grabbed the vase earlier. "Found it!"

"All right!" He patted his pockets. "Oh, I have other things for you. You just have to go to Migelo's Sundries. There are more licenses for you I tucked away. And items! Not a lot of Gil, though." Nuva finally got a hold of something and yanked it out. "Ah! Bring this in with you. This is the package's paperwork. Don't loose this, kupo!"

"Right." I agreed, receiving two papers. "But why give me this license now if I'm getting others later?"

"Always be sure to have a weapon with you! You'll need something to defend yourself no matter where you are. Speaking of which, are you trained in weaponry?"

"…Is that a rhetorical question?" I crossed my arms. In the back of my mind I remembered Antonio Banderas in "The Mask of Zorro": "… The pointy end goes into the other man."

"Hm," casually the mog rubbed his chin. "I'm sure you'll do fine. The Mist will aid you – just be sure to find Amal's Weaponry."

"Okay." I glanced down. "What should I do about my clothes?" I had on snug black jeans with a white belt, a form fitting green t-shirt and black high-heeled boots. "I really wouldn't fit in."

"Your armor may help your attire. Besides, I'm sure you'll be able to sell some battle loot later and purchase clothes better suited, kupo."

"Makes sense. But … What do I do after Migelo's?" I asked.

"I'm not sure." He thought for a moment. "I think you should be sure to see Vayne Solidor make his speech. The rest is up to you, as I won't be able to accompany you."

"You won't?" My stomach churned. Guideless, was I? Ah, not like I didn't know some parts of Ivalice quite well. I should be okay.

Nuva shook his head. "I am a scientist working in Archadia. Perhaps you'll meet me there. Unless I find you first somehow."

"Don't you have more of this magicite to open portals?" I asked.

The creature frowned. "There are crystals which can teleport people to great distances over Ivalice. However, none are as special as that piece you hold, which allows the user to find any destination or person repeatedly without using a Teleport Stone. And let me not even get started on the opening of portals to other worlds, kupo!"

I glanced down at the nethicite and magicite in one hand, then to the documents in the other. Portals, Mist, moogles, Ivalice …I wonder what Glenna would think? "Dammit! I forgot I have to meet my friend later."

"Is that them?" Nuva walked over to my dresser and pointed to a framed picture of me and a thin blond guy with glasses, staring into the camera, happy to be close to each other.

I felt a blush creep up. "No … he's my fiancé. His name is Josh. He's a couple years older than me."

The moogle looked up at me. "That explains the ring on your finger. Does he live here with you, kupo?"

I flexed my ring finger and remembered I had put the ring on when I woke up. Happens every morning so automatically that I hardly noticed the gold and diamonds on my finger anymore – the ring had become that much a part of me. "No, he lives in another country right now, for his work. He usually calls me or emails me these days."

"How sweet, kupo! Anyways, you won't be long, providing you use the portals correctly." Smiled Nuva. "Going back and forth between worlds shouldn't be difficult. It would be like playing a game, being able to shut it off and turn it on, to leave and enter on your terms."

"That sounds too easy. I'm sure there's a catch." My brows furrowed. That could mean I could go for days without returning to a world that needed me.

"I'm unsure." He shrugged. "I wouldn't advise spending more than a few hours in your world until you have restored what the Mist wants."

"Gotcha." I muttered. Then a thought hit me: "Ooh, I should get my old bag!" Placing the items in my hands on my bed, I peeked underneath the frame and pulled out a small black and navy blue back pack. Unzipping the pack, I placed the license inside. Before I was able to put the magicite into a compartment –

"Wait!" Nuva exclaimed. "Can you open up a portal for me to Archadia first?"

"Oh … right." I let out a nervous laugh. "Got ahead of myself there." I concentrated on what my memory recalled of Archadia and held out the magicite. Again, bright light filled the room as a portal was made.

"Thank you! Kupo!" The moogle proclaimed. "I'll see you later, okay? Bye bye!"

"Bye!" I called as I watched him hop through my wall onto a pathway. I grabbed the nethicite and watched the portal disappear once more. Sitting on my bed I pondered what else I could take with me. Since the back pack was in actuality, just a cute accessory for relatively little trinkets, I couldn't hold too much.

I went to my bathroom and picked up some toiletries, a hair and tooth brush, and make up. "What's a pseudo-prep without make up?" I grinned to myself. Packing them away and slinging the bag over my shoulders, I held the magicite in one hand and the nethicite in the other.

"Here I go." I huffed, feeling nervous. I looked over at the picture of my fiancé and I once more, as if for moral support. "I'll be home soon."

Raising my hand, I envisioned Rabanastre's South Gate, large, packed with many races and Imperial guards, an area to rent chocobos, and the paved path leading into the entrance.

Once my wall became transparent and the sight of the desert city was in my view, I walked close to the portal, putting my magicite-filled hand through slowly, feeling hot desert air touch my flesh. I took a deep breath, closed my eyes and stepped all the way through.