Disclaimer: I don't own Final Fantasy IX. Squaresoft does. If I did own it,
I would be filthy rich and wouldn't need to be writing these stories....
Hello?
He had thought he heard a voice. He couldn't have, but he thought he did. It was too late for him now. He was dead, and all alone. Had he had a choice to where his life was going? Had he done this to himself? No, he thought, This was all Garland's fault! And he slipped back into darkness.
"I-is he dead?"
"No, he's still breathing. Come on, help me get him into some warm clothes before he catches the Virus!"
"Hello? Hello! Sir, wake up!"
Who's there? Who's disturbing my sleep? The young man's mind was broken, the shards lay around him as mirrors to look through and see his former self. One of them seemed to glow to his senses, though he could see nothing. He picked it up and saw his blood and dirt covered body, cradled in unfamiliar hands.If his body was still alive, he could swim back for it!
The current of the lifestream was strong, but his determination was stronger. For each "step" the river drew him back, he had two more..... It hurt, to be wading through angry souls. They tore at him, and at what little sanity he had left. But he made it, and the light welcomed him for the first time since he had shunned it.
Everything has a price.
The first thing he saw was the quilt, a hand-stitched masterpiece. All the noises of a bustling home in the early hours of the morning were amplified, as if he still needed to get used to using his ears. He dared to open his eyes further than the sleepy slit of vision he had indulged in for a moment, and found a little girl at the foot of the bed. She seemed startled.
"G' day, Mr. Kuja." The little girl performed a clumsy curtsey and ran off.
"Kuja." The name sounded both foreign and familiar on his tongue. He tried to remember where he had been before this, but nothing would rise forward. No memory showed itself in his mind. This little cottage sparked no thought. He had a name, a name which was blurry and clear, both at the same time, to his lips.
His legs were wobbly and he had to lean against the wall for support as he made his way to the open door and looked around the quaint kitchen and table with finely carved chairs of oak. His eyes rested on a frail-looking old lady, making breakfast, or something like it. When he sat down, she jumped and whirled around. Kuja stared at her.
"Who am I?"
"Yer Kuja, suh. Ah ye feelin' okay?"
"Where am I?"
"Dali."
"Dali?"
The old woman frowned, then noticed the real blank expression in the young man's eyes. She gaped at him, and he tilted his head to her in inquiry.
"Ye really dun know who ye are?"
At Kuja's shake of the head, the old woman sighed, sounding relieved. She explained that it was for the better that he didn't remember anything. She continued by issuing introductions, taking him on a tour of the village (careful to ignore the windmill), and telling him as much of his story as she could without placing guilt on him. The old lady, known affectionately as "Grammy", decided that he'd live a better fulfilled and kinder life without the hate and ambition which had twisted his heart from creation.
Kuja, ironically, helped Grammy in the vegetable gardens and the re-created farms and sheep herds. The village's inhabitants treated him with warmth, and all was well. All but the empty space in Kuja's mind and heart, where he could remember nothing.
"Um, Grammy?"
"What is it, sonny?"
"I have a tail........"
Grammy laughed, a warm chuckling sound. She stayed on the opposite side of the door where Kuja was dressing, but yelled, "Yer not da only one, sonny!"
Kuja felt much better in clothes that fit him, especially ones that allowed his dove-white tail to move freely, but he still looked confused. Yes, he had noticed the others with tails this morning on the "tour", but he hadn't really had time to..... discover...... this addition to his body. Ah, well. He wasn't the only one. Difference in race did not matter, there were many in this village. The young man would not be fazed. He walked over to Grammy for inspection.
The old lady smiled and buttoned the cuffs of his white shirt. She checked his vest, the color of his eyes, and found it to be fitted as well as it could be. His black trousers and boots were perfect to finish off the outfit, and Grammy stepped back in approval.
"If yer not careful, methinks the gals would make bids on you instead of the merchandise!"
"I wanna make a good impression." He leaned over and pecked Grammy on the cheek in a move of thanks and a temporary good bye. Kuja had taken over the Item store at the request of the former owner so she would be able to watch her son more closely. His first day here and in the store was important to him, so he walked out with his head high, and fumbled with the key to open the little store.
Kuja leaned back in his own bed with a sigh of content. Everything had gone perfectly. The Item Store had had many customers due to a new cargo ship's docking to refuel. After locking up the store, he had spent some time helping Grammy gather vegetables from the graden for dinner, and catching fireflies with Lila, the little girl he had first seen when he woke up, and her freinds. He felt laughter threaten to rip open his heart at the end of it all, and knew this was the life he had been meant for.
That night, Kuja dreamed a peculiar dream. A shining blue light beckoned to him, his homeland, perhaps? The light grew in intensity and disappeared for a time before returning and starting all over again. Kuja wrapped himself up tighter in his quilt, and settled back to sleep. The morning would promise a new day, a beautiful day. He would continue living his peaceful life, and not dare sorrow to cross the line.
The damn dream kept returning..........
"Zidane?"
"Mmf?"
"Are you awake?"
"Well, I am now......."
Dagger leaned over and kissed Zidane's hair. She rested her head on his shoulder, and stared up at the ceiling of the airship chamber. She was restless, and was grateful to Vivi for inviting them on a little "adventure" to show his children to The citizens of the Black Mage village, and teach them about the world and their magic. The castle had gotten stuffy after awhile, and the monsters in the forests were all but extint due to her hunting with Zidane.
"I can't sleep." She mumbled. The Genome responded by wrapping an arm around her, pulling her closer. The young Queen sighed and settled down further in his arms.
"Where's our next stop Zidane?"
Blinking a bloodshot eye at her, he managed to mumble, "Dali."
"Oh. Dali. That's nice... good scenery...."
"Mmm."
"Oh! Sorry, Zidane....." Dagger grinned and nibbled on her lover's ear before finally closing her eyes in sleep.
A whole month had already gone by, and while his complexion didn't change as he expected from his work in the sun, his figure did, much more toned and built, though not overdone. His near feminine figure due to a life of little work whatsoever was smoothed over with muscle and an accent that dripped with masculinity. He was proud of himself, having disliked the body he had worn, much too curvy for a man.
He grinned to himself and continued polishing the counter of his Item Store. Grammy would never let me become vain. He rechecked the inventory then turned around to find the clock. He could open the store a little early today. He had heard from Morrid that there was another cargo ship coming in. Kuja allowed himself a moment to wonder if the travellers would trade any stories of the far-off places they came from. He was overly curious about the world, but couldn't leave Grammy just yet. Not until all the crops were in.
Kuja heaved a sigh, and started to polish the potion bottles.Outside he heard a high wind, and figured the visitors were finally here. He straightened his favorite vest, the one Grammy had made for him the first day he was here, and made a mental check of all the materials on display. Potions, remedies, antidotes, softs, everything was in it's proper place. His tail flicked about as Kuja reached up on the ladder to grab an extra phoenix down for display. As he struggled to reach it, he heard the door open, and began climbing down the ladder, item in hand.
The visitors, which turned out to be routine, purchased the usual stock of potions, phoenix downs, and vaccines. They made tried to make conversation with the young, pale Genome, telling him of the places they'd seen and the amazing landmarks they'd made part of their trip. Afterwards, they'd murmured their goodbyes, like the village's considerably bastardous members would and left on the ship again.
His next visitor was Lila; she always kept him company. He smiled down fondly at the girl, and braided a phoenix pinion into her hair. She giggled, and asked Kuja to tell her a story. Kuja frowned. The child had almost run his imagination dry.
"What kind of story?"
"One with a beautiful princess!"
".....Once upon a time," Kuja began, intending to create a likeness of "I Want To Be Your Canary", which he'd read in the library last week. "There was a beautiful princess. She lived in a giant castle by the sea, and everyone was happy there. The princess fell in love with a man she met in the Castle's Square. They both met secretly afterward, every day, until the man asked the king for his daghter's hand in marriage. The man was a commoner, and the king didn't want a commoner to marry the princess."
"Why not? Weren't they in love?"
"Yes, very deep in love, but the king was greedy. The king wanted his daughter to marry another man, a prince, with a tremendous kingdom."
"Why did he want two kingdoms?" Lila asked, confused.
Kuja smiled wider. "The king thought that the more land he had, the more power came with it. So, he ordered the commoner executed, and also anyone who tried to get in the way. The commoner's mother and father tried to stop the soldiers, and so did one of his friends. They were, all three of them, killed."
"He's a mean man!"
"Yes, he is. In anger, the commoner went to go to his princess, and they were both going to run away together, away from the evil king."
"And?"
"The king found them while they tried to run away. Saddened because of his parents' death, the commoner confronted the king, and they had a duel."
"Did the commoner win?"
Kuja closed his eyes. He'd hate to have to tell a sad ending. Then, a picture, maybe a memory, rushed forward to the front of his mind. "Yes. Yes, the commoner won. And he and the princess flew away on a silver dragon, and lived happily ever after."
"Wow!" Lila's eyes lit up at the idea. She seemed for a moment to stare off into another place, as if watching the two lovers fly away. When her eyes focused on his again, she gave him a choke-hold hug, and bounded off, eager to spread the story.
"My silver dragon......" Kuja closed his eyes and remembered his pet. Silvery feathers floating everywhere, and its malevolent gaze. But that was where it stopped. No more could be seen.
When it was time to close down the store, Kuja watched the children play their games of tag and catch-the-firefly. When the festivities were over, he and Lila went inside to retire to the shadow's symphony. That night's song was peaceful and lulling for all, except one.
Except Kuja.
In his dream, he saw the blue light. That comforting light that signified his home. That harsh and hurting light that seared his eyes and made them water. The same light that was constantly snuffed out and turned crimson. That dark of despair that made his insides churn with fear. The red light could be bearable, even loving. Its blood hues seemed to welcome him just as much as the blue. And then the cerulean light was born again, and it's arms were opened wide, ready to protect him.
The lights would not let him go. He was theirs.
Kuja turned over in his sleep, sweating and breathing heavily. Grammy stood over him concerned, and made a ward over him.
"Oh Alexander. Don't let this poor boy be misguided."
The Genome visibly calmed, and his sleeping patterns returned to normal. The kind old woman watched him for a minute more, then went back to check on Lila for the night.
Author's Note: What'd you think? If you liked it, tell me so and I'll write more! If you flame it, I'll probably ignore you and write more anyways! There will be action pertaining to my rating in the next one or two chapters so you won't be bored. Can anyone think of a name for Kuja's silver dragon?
Hello?
He had thought he heard a voice. He couldn't have, but he thought he did. It was too late for him now. He was dead, and all alone. Had he had a choice to where his life was going? Had he done this to himself? No, he thought, This was all Garland's fault! And he slipped back into darkness.
"I-is he dead?"
"No, he's still breathing. Come on, help me get him into some warm clothes before he catches the Virus!"
"Hello? Hello! Sir, wake up!"
Who's there? Who's disturbing my sleep? The young man's mind was broken, the shards lay around him as mirrors to look through and see his former self. One of them seemed to glow to his senses, though he could see nothing. He picked it up and saw his blood and dirt covered body, cradled in unfamiliar hands.If his body was still alive, he could swim back for it!
The current of the lifestream was strong, but his determination was stronger. For each "step" the river drew him back, he had two more..... It hurt, to be wading through angry souls. They tore at him, and at what little sanity he had left. But he made it, and the light welcomed him for the first time since he had shunned it.
Everything has a price.
The first thing he saw was the quilt, a hand-stitched masterpiece. All the noises of a bustling home in the early hours of the morning were amplified, as if he still needed to get used to using his ears. He dared to open his eyes further than the sleepy slit of vision he had indulged in for a moment, and found a little girl at the foot of the bed. She seemed startled.
"G' day, Mr. Kuja." The little girl performed a clumsy curtsey and ran off.
"Kuja." The name sounded both foreign and familiar on his tongue. He tried to remember where he had been before this, but nothing would rise forward. No memory showed itself in his mind. This little cottage sparked no thought. He had a name, a name which was blurry and clear, both at the same time, to his lips.
His legs were wobbly and he had to lean against the wall for support as he made his way to the open door and looked around the quaint kitchen and table with finely carved chairs of oak. His eyes rested on a frail-looking old lady, making breakfast, or something like it. When he sat down, she jumped and whirled around. Kuja stared at her.
"Who am I?"
"Yer Kuja, suh. Ah ye feelin' okay?"
"Where am I?"
"Dali."
"Dali?"
The old woman frowned, then noticed the real blank expression in the young man's eyes. She gaped at him, and he tilted his head to her in inquiry.
"Ye really dun know who ye are?"
At Kuja's shake of the head, the old woman sighed, sounding relieved. She explained that it was for the better that he didn't remember anything. She continued by issuing introductions, taking him on a tour of the village (careful to ignore the windmill), and telling him as much of his story as she could without placing guilt on him. The old lady, known affectionately as "Grammy", decided that he'd live a better fulfilled and kinder life without the hate and ambition which had twisted his heart from creation.
Kuja, ironically, helped Grammy in the vegetable gardens and the re-created farms and sheep herds. The village's inhabitants treated him with warmth, and all was well. All but the empty space in Kuja's mind and heart, where he could remember nothing.
"Um, Grammy?"
"What is it, sonny?"
"I have a tail........"
Grammy laughed, a warm chuckling sound. She stayed on the opposite side of the door where Kuja was dressing, but yelled, "Yer not da only one, sonny!"
Kuja felt much better in clothes that fit him, especially ones that allowed his dove-white tail to move freely, but he still looked confused. Yes, he had noticed the others with tails this morning on the "tour", but he hadn't really had time to..... discover...... this addition to his body. Ah, well. He wasn't the only one. Difference in race did not matter, there were many in this village. The young man would not be fazed. He walked over to Grammy for inspection.
The old lady smiled and buttoned the cuffs of his white shirt. She checked his vest, the color of his eyes, and found it to be fitted as well as it could be. His black trousers and boots were perfect to finish off the outfit, and Grammy stepped back in approval.
"If yer not careful, methinks the gals would make bids on you instead of the merchandise!"
"I wanna make a good impression." He leaned over and pecked Grammy on the cheek in a move of thanks and a temporary good bye. Kuja had taken over the Item store at the request of the former owner so she would be able to watch her son more closely. His first day here and in the store was important to him, so he walked out with his head high, and fumbled with the key to open the little store.
Kuja leaned back in his own bed with a sigh of content. Everything had gone perfectly. The Item Store had had many customers due to a new cargo ship's docking to refuel. After locking up the store, he had spent some time helping Grammy gather vegetables from the graden for dinner, and catching fireflies with Lila, the little girl he had first seen when he woke up, and her freinds. He felt laughter threaten to rip open his heart at the end of it all, and knew this was the life he had been meant for.
That night, Kuja dreamed a peculiar dream. A shining blue light beckoned to him, his homeland, perhaps? The light grew in intensity and disappeared for a time before returning and starting all over again. Kuja wrapped himself up tighter in his quilt, and settled back to sleep. The morning would promise a new day, a beautiful day. He would continue living his peaceful life, and not dare sorrow to cross the line.
The damn dream kept returning..........
"Zidane?"
"Mmf?"
"Are you awake?"
"Well, I am now......."
Dagger leaned over and kissed Zidane's hair. She rested her head on his shoulder, and stared up at the ceiling of the airship chamber. She was restless, and was grateful to Vivi for inviting them on a little "adventure" to show his children to The citizens of the Black Mage village, and teach them about the world and their magic. The castle had gotten stuffy after awhile, and the monsters in the forests were all but extint due to her hunting with Zidane.
"I can't sleep." She mumbled. The Genome responded by wrapping an arm around her, pulling her closer. The young Queen sighed and settled down further in his arms.
"Where's our next stop Zidane?"
Blinking a bloodshot eye at her, he managed to mumble, "Dali."
"Oh. Dali. That's nice... good scenery...."
"Mmm."
"Oh! Sorry, Zidane....." Dagger grinned and nibbled on her lover's ear before finally closing her eyes in sleep.
A whole month had already gone by, and while his complexion didn't change as he expected from his work in the sun, his figure did, much more toned and built, though not overdone. His near feminine figure due to a life of little work whatsoever was smoothed over with muscle and an accent that dripped with masculinity. He was proud of himself, having disliked the body he had worn, much too curvy for a man.
He grinned to himself and continued polishing the counter of his Item Store. Grammy would never let me become vain. He rechecked the inventory then turned around to find the clock. He could open the store a little early today. He had heard from Morrid that there was another cargo ship coming in. Kuja allowed himself a moment to wonder if the travellers would trade any stories of the far-off places they came from. He was overly curious about the world, but couldn't leave Grammy just yet. Not until all the crops were in.
Kuja heaved a sigh, and started to polish the potion bottles.Outside he heard a high wind, and figured the visitors were finally here. He straightened his favorite vest, the one Grammy had made for him the first day he was here, and made a mental check of all the materials on display. Potions, remedies, antidotes, softs, everything was in it's proper place. His tail flicked about as Kuja reached up on the ladder to grab an extra phoenix down for display. As he struggled to reach it, he heard the door open, and began climbing down the ladder, item in hand.
The visitors, which turned out to be routine, purchased the usual stock of potions, phoenix downs, and vaccines. They made tried to make conversation with the young, pale Genome, telling him of the places they'd seen and the amazing landmarks they'd made part of their trip. Afterwards, they'd murmured their goodbyes, like the village's considerably bastardous members would and left on the ship again.
His next visitor was Lila; she always kept him company. He smiled down fondly at the girl, and braided a phoenix pinion into her hair. She giggled, and asked Kuja to tell her a story. Kuja frowned. The child had almost run his imagination dry.
"What kind of story?"
"One with a beautiful princess!"
".....Once upon a time," Kuja began, intending to create a likeness of "I Want To Be Your Canary", which he'd read in the library last week. "There was a beautiful princess. She lived in a giant castle by the sea, and everyone was happy there. The princess fell in love with a man she met in the Castle's Square. They both met secretly afterward, every day, until the man asked the king for his daghter's hand in marriage. The man was a commoner, and the king didn't want a commoner to marry the princess."
"Why not? Weren't they in love?"
"Yes, very deep in love, but the king was greedy. The king wanted his daughter to marry another man, a prince, with a tremendous kingdom."
"Why did he want two kingdoms?" Lila asked, confused.
Kuja smiled wider. "The king thought that the more land he had, the more power came with it. So, he ordered the commoner executed, and also anyone who tried to get in the way. The commoner's mother and father tried to stop the soldiers, and so did one of his friends. They were, all three of them, killed."
"He's a mean man!"
"Yes, he is. In anger, the commoner went to go to his princess, and they were both going to run away together, away from the evil king."
"And?"
"The king found them while they tried to run away. Saddened because of his parents' death, the commoner confronted the king, and they had a duel."
"Did the commoner win?"
Kuja closed his eyes. He'd hate to have to tell a sad ending. Then, a picture, maybe a memory, rushed forward to the front of his mind. "Yes. Yes, the commoner won. And he and the princess flew away on a silver dragon, and lived happily ever after."
"Wow!" Lila's eyes lit up at the idea. She seemed for a moment to stare off into another place, as if watching the two lovers fly away. When her eyes focused on his again, she gave him a choke-hold hug, and bounded off, eager to spread the story.
"My silver dragon......" Kuja closed his eyes and remembered his pet. Silvery feathers floating everywhere, and its malevolent gaze. But that was where it stopped. No more could be seen.
When it was time to close down the store, Kuja watched the children play their games of tag and catch-the-firefly. When the festivities were over, he and Lila went inside to retire to the shadow's symphony. That night's song was peaceful and lulling for all, except one.
Except Kuja.
In his dream, he saw the blue light. That comforting light that signified his home. That harsh and hurting light that seared his eyes and made them water. The same light that was constantly snuffed out and turned crimson. That dark of despair that made his insides churn with fear. The red light could be bearable, even loving. Its blood hues seemed to welcome him just as much as the blue. And then the cerulean light was born again, and it's arms were opened wide, ready to protect him.
The lights would not let him go. He was theirs.
Kuja turned over in his sleep, sweating and breathing heavily. Grammy stood over him concerned, and made a ward over him.
"Oh Alexander. Don't let this poor boy be misguided."
The Genome visibly calmed, and his sleeping patterns returned to normal. The kind old woman watched him for a minute more, then went back to check on Lila for the night.
Author's Note: What'd you think? If you liked it, tell me so and I'll write more! If you flame it, I'll probably ignore you and write more anyways! There will be action pertaining to my rating in the next one or two chapters so you won't be bored. Can anyone think of a name for Kuja's silver dragon?