Alexandria, Two Years After the Fall of the Iifa Tree

  The spring breeze gently blows, carrying the fragrant aromas of blooming flowers in the vibrant palace garden, where the colors weave together like a painter's palette. On a high balcony, beneath the warm morning sunlight, Zidane Tribal stands gazing at the city that has become his home, perceiving it as a living canvas, vibrant with color and filled with new hope and possibilities.

  His eyes sparkle as he witnesses the joy that fills the streets, but a faint smile appears at the corner of his lips, as if he longs for something that cannot be explained. Alexandria.

  The city that once served as a stage for heart-wrenching tragedies is now alive with the laughter of children, the marching feet of guards, and the bustling sounds of the marketplace. These sounds create a rich tapestry of life, painting a harmony that pulses through the air; yet to Zidane, everything resonates like a bittersweet melody, evoking both nostalgia and unforgettable memories of the past.

  Yet beneath all this tranquility, there lies an emptiness that time cannot fill. He places his palm against the balcony railing, feeling the slight chill of the metal, as if waiting for a lost presence.

  Vivi Ornitier.

  The name lingered in Zidane's heart like an echo that would never fade, like a sweet memory. Each time he thought of it, a heaviness settled in his chest, accompanied by the image of his old friend's friendly face and that unmistakable mischievous grin. In that silence, he imagined Vivi teasing him, delivering a joke that always lifted his spirits, a reminder of their shared moments.

  "Zidane."

  The soft voice of Garnet, known formally as Queen Garnet Til Alexandros XVII, broke his reverie, pulling him back to the present. She wore a simple white dress, starkly different from her royal attire, symbolizing a blend of grace and humility. The afternoon sunlight streamed through the window, casting a gentle glow that illuminated the room, enveloping them in an aura of warmth and nostalgia. Garnet stood slightly leaning forward, her eyes focused on Zidane with profound concern, as if she were trying to penetrate the layers of sorrow that enveloped his thoughts.

  “You’re daydreaming again, aren’t you?”

  She smiled gently, but there was a note of genuine concern behind her smile. Her delicate fingers brushed a fallen strand of hair away from her face, revealing an expression that suggested a depth of feelings she might have kept buried deep within her heart. Zidane felt the emotional vibrations in that smile; he knew there was so much that Garnet wished to express, yet the unsaid often created an empty space between them that was hard to bridge.

  "I'm just... thinking of Vivi," Zidane replied slowly, his voice hoarse with memories that had not fully faded. "Today... marks exactly two years." He lowered his head, gazing at the softly illuminated floor, as if hoping to find traces of the past in its wooden surface.

  Garnet clasped Zidane's hand tightly, their fingers intertwining in a moment filled with meaning. "Vivi may be gone, but his spirit remains alive in Alexandria. In the children he left behind and in every cherished memory we carry,” Garnet's words flowed gently, wrapping around Zidane like a warm embrace and calming the storm that surged within his chest. He could feel the warmth of her fingers, and for a moment, the weight crushing his heart felt a little lighter, shared between two friends who understood loss.

  Zidane nodded in agreement, though his chest still felt heavy with unresolved feelings. “I feel... like there’s still something unfinished,” he said, his gaze shifting to the window where birds flitted about, dancing freely against the backdrop of the clear blue sky. In his mind, he imagined Vivi joyfully running between the trees, a cheerful smile adorning his face, filled with laughter and life. His heart trembled, recalling the figure that was fading from memory yet never dissolved in the hope of reunion.

  There was a knock at the door.

  A servant entered, carrying a small wooden box adorned with carvings of Black Mage. The sound of his footsteps broke the silence, and the damp smell of wood mingled with a hint of nostalgia enveloped the room. Soft light from the window illuminated the box, highlighting every intricate fold of the carvings.

  "This... was just sent by someone claiming to be from the Black Mage Village," said the servant, carefully placing the box on the table as if he were lifting a precious treasure. His face displayed astonishment, and he glanced at Zidane and Garnet with curious eyes, seemingly awaiting their reaction.

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  Zidane and Garnet exchanged glances, a wave of anxious energy coursing through their hearts.

  Carefully, Zidane opened the box, his fingers brushing against the smooth wooden surface, sensing the emotional vibrations hidden within, like whispers from the past merging with the present.

  Inside, he found a letter, written in small, neat handwriting. The letters seemed to come alive, as if each word had a story to tell.

  "To Zidane Tribal,

  I am writing on behalf of my father, Vivi Ornitier, who carries a message that transcends even time itself.

  He left behind a message I have yet to convey to you. If you are willing, come to the Black Mage Village. We are waiting.

  — Puck."

  Zidane froze in place, his expression softening at the mention of his name. Memories from the past whirled chaotically in his mind, waking him from the dark nightmare of grief that had lingered for so long.

  "Puck...? But Puck should be in Burmecia..." he whispered, his voice barely louder than the evening breeze.

  Garnet took the letter and read quickly, her eyes searching as she gripped the paper like a precious item. "This... cannot be a coincidence. Why is Puck sending this now?" she asked, her voice laced with confusion and concern.

  Zidane clenched his fists, his fingers pressing down until they turned white. "I have to go. I must hear what Vivi has to say," he declared, his determination resonating with an electrifying tone.

  A Few Hours Later — Port of Alexandria

  Steiner, now holding the rank of Grand Master of the Knights of Pluto, approached Zidane as he prepared to board the ship. Behind him, Beatrix, the legendary commander, stood with her arms crossed, her commanding presence adding weight to the decisions surrounding the moment.

  "We won't let you undertake this journey alone," Steiner declared in an official tone, his voice firm and unwavering as iron. A deep longing was also woven into his words, echoing the times they've shared, filled with danger and unwavering friendship forged in the fires of battle.

  Zidane gave a wry smile, his face radiating warmth despite the burden in his heart. "I thought you guys had retired from adventures," he joked, his tone calm, yet hidden within it was uncertainty.

  "Adventures? No." Beatrix shook her head. "We’re just resting. For Vivi... we will take steps once again."

  In the distance, Eiko waved cheerfully, wearing her white robe as a White Mage. The gentle sea breeze tousled her cloak, creating the illusion that she was flying above the waves.

  "I’ve prepared protective magic just in case there’s danger!" she called out, a sweet smile adorning her face.

  Zidane felt a warmth in his chest. Old friends, gathered one by one, all because Vivi's name was mentioned. A deep sense of nostalgia stirred within him, like a beautiful reflection dancing on the surface of water, reminding him of all the adventures they had shared.

  "Vivi, even in your absence... you still bring us together," he thought, sensing a vibration of hope intertwined with sadness.

  Night — At Sea

  The sea breeze brushed against Zidane's face as he stood at the bow of the ship. The stars shone brightly, reflecting light on the water's surface, creating an elegant dance of light, as if honoring their journey.

  He gripped the letter tightly, each crease of the paper holding within it hopes and doubts.

  "Vivi... what message did you leave behind? Why wait until now?"

  Soft footsteps approached. Garnet stood beside him, her black hair flowing in the night wind. She looked so graceful, meant to combat the sadness that enveloped the atmosphere, yet her sincerity emanated a reassuring strength.

  "Are you afraid of what you might encounter?" she asked gently, gazing at Zidane with understanding in her eyes, as if trying to untangle the knots in his mind.

  Zidane nodded, a serious expression gracing his face. "I'm afraid... if I fail to understand. I'm afraid that Vivi's message might be too heavy for me to bear." His hand trembled slightly, reflecting his nervousness.

  Garnet placed a reassuring hand over her heart, sending warmth and encouragement to Zidane. "Zidane... you’ve always taught us to move forward courageously. Do not let fear hold you back," she said, her voice soft yet filled with an empowering strength that resonated in the still night air.

  She smiled, though that smile also carried the weight of deep sadness, the kind one feels when holding onto cherished memories that are tinged with loss. "And remember... you are never truly alone in this journey." In her heart, she prayed that Zidane would find the answers he so desperately sought amidst the uncertainty.

  Zidane inhaled deeply, the salty scent of the sea fueling his thoughts. "That's right. Not alone." The words felt like a mantra, empowering him and preparing him to face whatever lay ahead.

  In the distance, the coastline of the Outer Continent became visible. The forest sheltering the Black Mage Village loomed like a silent shadow. Following the shore, a cool breeze whispered softly, carrying the aroma of damp earth intertwined with the sadness of the past.

  Zidane buried his hands deep in his pockets, feeling his racing heartbeat echoing in the stillness. His smile dimmed for a moment, as shadows of the past danced vividly in his mind. His heart ached for the presence of friends who had gone, and here he was, standing on the brink of a new hope, ready to step into the unknown.

  "I'm coming, Vivi. I will listen."

  With a gently trembling voice, he emphasized each word, determined to support his friend. The branches of the trees seemed to quiver in response to his hope, reminding Zidane that although the path ahead was difficult and rocky, there was beauty in the journey.