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lightwithinthedarknessu · 8 months ago

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Destined ※ Star Speckled Sunset

A SoKai Fic written for @twosidesfanzine

I had a deliciously sweet time writing for @twosidesfanzine and was paired with the wonderful @wiavi who created the most beautiful spot art for the story! Leftover sales are still open so head on over here to pick up your very own sokai and rokunami cookbook!

Thank you so much for having me!

Summary: As the first step on their next journey, Sora and Kairi return to the Islands to fulfill a long-held tradition. Along the way they meet a few friends and reaffirm just how sweet it is to cook together side by side. Set post-KH3, featuring familar friends from the Islands, seafaring folklore, reaffirmed oaths, new outfits, and descriptions of delicious sweets.

Full fic under read more and on AO3

Kairi took a deep breath, savoring the soft breeze as she stepped onto the island shore. Their round-trip visit to Master Yen Sid’s was longer than expected, earning a stretch and a yawn from Sora as he exited the Gummi Ship. His dark red hoodie peeked out from underneath his dark grey and black cotton jacket. Paired with his lax and loose cargo pants, Sora looked like he had finally grown into his clothes. Kairi jogged up behind him, dressed from head to toe in a long light pink overcoat. Her pink plaid flare dress swayed as she linked arms with Sora, beaming at the realization they’d made it back, safe and sound.

Sora and Kairi were done for now with fighting Heartless, Nobodies, and denizens of darkness. Their long-held promise of traveling the worlds was a reality. When deciding where they would begin their journey, the islands were an obvious choice. A world filled with greetings and partings. It only seemed fitting that they meet with their friends before going off on a long journey.

Kairi was practically giddy at first. But now, seeing their little island off in the distance, her eyes began to sting. The image of Sora fading away shimmered in her mind’s eye. Her racing heart faltered at the memory as she clung to him a bit tighter.

“It feels just like yesterday, that we were here,” she said, taking another breath to steady herself.

Sora tilted his head, not sure what brought on her sudden change. But a grin soon spread across his face as he put an arm around her waist to pull her closer. “Hmm, just tells you that nothing really changes! I’m glad, it’s nice to be back. I can’t wait to see everyone!”

Kairi reddened at their sudden closeness before easing into his rhythm. Sora was right, the Islands never changed, not really. Even if they had, it was a comfort to return to a place so closely tied to their hearts. “Yeah, and this time we aren’t saying goodbye, not really. It’s more like we’re setting off again and it’s an exciting journey. I can’t wait to see what other worlds we’ll find!” Kairi giggled as she broke free from his embrace and ran ahead of him. The tall hill before them extended off past the horizon.

Sora put his hands on his hips and drank in the scene of his hometown. There were a few new rooftops and terraces sprinkled about, but all in all, it was the same sleepy little beachside town he loved. “Yeah! I wanna see all that’s out there. But I’m glad to be back home for a bit, one last time before we set off on our own adventure. No Heartless, no Nobodies, just the two of us.” Sora beamed at her. It was a smile as bright as the sun on a clear summer’s day. Kairi felt all her past worries fade into the shadows cast by his light.

“Hmm, there may be some Heartless around. But I know you and I can take 'em!” Kairi pumped a fist as Sora fell into light laughter beside her.

“I know,” he said, gripping her hand a bit tighter. “So, where should we stop by first?”

Kairi traced the outline of a small square of double-folded paper in her jacket pocket. There was a place she wanted to go, and something she wanted to do—fulfill a dream she’d had for a long time. “Do you remember—when your mother first invited me over for your father’s Voyager Dinner?”

“Yeah, of course!” Sora grinned.

“Your mom…she told me the legend behind it, back then you know,” Kairi began.

***

It was both long ago, and yet just yesterday that a treasured memory took root in Kairi’s heart one sunset-kissed evening. It all began after a full day at the beach looking for sea glass with Sora. The two had taken their little haul and rushed to O’aka’s Odds and Ends, fully expecting to stuff their cheeks with candy before dinner. O’aka would usually buy the little bobbles from the kids in exchange for a bottle of Ramune or sweets. But not this evening. Instead, the two ran into Sora’s mother, who was out shopping for a “Voyager’s Dinner.”

“What’s a Voyager’s Dinner?”

“A seafarer’s wish of good luck,” Sora’s mother explained.

Sora soon stepped in with his own excitement and described how delicious the dessert was—asserting that Kairi had to have dinner with them and try it.

Wide-eyed and filled with curiosity, Kairi stood next to Sora’s mother in the kitchen that night, her tiny hands gripping the counter as she diverted all her attention to the woman’s careful movements. A gentle folding of dough and a scattering of cubes of butter left the little girl salivating. As Sora’s mother began to smooth the dough, Kairi dared to ask what it was she was making. What made it so special? Slowly, the woman’s voice filled with the crackle of the warmth of a fire and weaved a tale.

“Long ago, the seas were rougher and the night sky darker than it is now. Only a few stars twinkled in the sky and could guide seafarers to their destination. The mainland itself was larger, much larger than it is now, and connected to so many other villages. And the sea, well, it was so large that you could travel hours by boat and only barely see the shore of another island. Our people, spurred on by the tales of passing travelers, took up their masts and set out to sea to find new lands, aware of the dangers and all they could lose.

Still, despite the pleas of their families , many decided they must set off for broader horizons. And so, the mothers, fathers, lovers, and friends banded together to wish their passionate travelers well. One proposed that they use the mystical properties of the paopu to ensure their loved ones would return. Another felt they should make a dish that could give them the warmth of home for one last time. And so, they put their heads together and created something that could give both. A crust so thin and crumbly, filled with the richest butter to sate their appetites. A smooth crème to cut the fat, and lastly topped with the tart soul-connecting fruit.

They say that even after the world changed and the stars in the sky grew in number, eating this tart brought their loved ones home even years later. And so we continue to make it as a send-off, a way to wish them a safe voyage home and remind them of the connection we share. We don’t use the paopu much anymore…but I like to sneak it in. Don’t tell anyone else, ok?”

***

Back then Kairi had giggled and found herself dreaming of what it would be like to create her own tart for someone she loved. And now was the perfect time to make that dream a reality. She licked her lips as she fumbled with the small slip of paper in her hand.

“I had forgotten about it—the recipe I mean. Until I remembered your name again. Somehow, I knew I’d see you again soon so—I asked your mom for it.” Kairi gingerly handed Sora the recipe and placed her hand over his. “I couldn’t find the right time to make it till now but…this time...”

Sora’s eyes were focused on her the whole time, searching her expression for the truth behind her eyes. He knew what she wanted to say and it made his heart flutter. “Let’s make it together since we’re leaving again. We can go say hi to everyone while we shop for ingredients!”

Kairi beamed. He always seemed to notice what she wanted to do even before she said the words. Hand in hand the two headed off to find all they needed.

***

Word got out fast around Destiny Islands. For a seafaring village, gossip and new arrivals were always the talk of the town, so Sora and Kairi’s return didn’t go unnoticed. Reunions abounded with familiar faces, some tearful and others filled with laughter as the two visited store after store hunting for ingredients. The pair even stopped by O’aka’s and ran into a bubbly Selphie who got in a few teasing comments.

“Here for some special ‘announcement’ to your parents before going off again?”

Kairi and Sora bashfully took a glance at one another—they had never told anyone how committed they were, yet Selphie already knew at a glance. Now wasn’t the time, but maybe someday they’d share everything with their families and friends.

As Kairi and Sora gathered their ingredients, a familiar pair of friends entered the shack with the loudest and cheeriest of greetings. Tidus and Wakka, although a bit taller, had hardly changed at all. Kairi admired how easily the two conversed with Sora as if no time had passed since he’d last been home. It was heartening to see how much of an impact he still had on their hearts. With a brisk goodbye and promise of a reunion, the two bid farewell to their friends.

Before leaving, Selphie slipped a grateful Kairi a bag of fruits. Inside shined a ripened paopu fruit. With a wink and a smile, a girl starving for the future juicy details wished her traveling friend good luck.

****

Kairi was reminded of Sora’s cooking skills immediately upon entering his mother’s kitchen. Although it had been years, the boy knew where everything was kept and didn’t miss a beat gathering the pots and pans they needed.

Joy filled his features as the two poured over his mother’s detailed recipe. Kairi could tell he was excited to use what he had learned from Remy on a dish all his own. Teasingly, she suggested that he should teach her a few skills along the way.

Sora got into the idea more than she expected and took on his own little chef role to guide her through the process. With every chop, sift, and stir, the klutzy boy from her memories was replaced by the image of a true chef.

The crack of a perfect egg by two and a whisk of sugar. The gentle click of a gaslit stove and a warm simmer of coconut milk slowly helped the pair gain a rhythm as they baked.

While the pastry crème chilled, the two made the puff pastry. Along the way, Kairi tossed a pinch of flour at Sora in a sudden fit of mischief, earning a teasing grin and a dash of flour to her own face. His laughter filled the air. It reminded Kairi of the wholeness she had felt back then cooking alongside Sora’s family in a home filled with laughter and love.

After the chopping of fruit and a couple of hours of reminiscing, the tart was complete. Or so Sora thought. Kairi insisted on adding one more special fruit. With an impish grin, she pulled out her secret ingredient, much to Sora’s heartfelt surprise.

Together, the two dotted the top of the tart with thin slices of paopu fruit.

***

Kairi and Sora arrived at the Play Island with a wicker picnic basket dangling between them. Gingerly, Sora hoisted Kairi up onto the paopu tree before taking his place beside her. The setting sun before them was a welcome sight—a perfect end to their last day on the islands. Tucked inside the basket was the tart, glistening like the evening sunset. Sora cut a slice for the two of them. He held up a slice to Kairi with a boyish grin, taunting her to take a bite.

An ache that had long persisted inside her heart faded away at the gesture. For over a year she couldn’t bring herself to visit the island—not until she brought Sora home. It was a fleeting dream come true to be here, with him, full and whole. Beaming, she held up her own slice—the two completing the ritual once more.

The taste of their shared tart was sweet and refreshing, the tang of the fruit juice filling their taste buds with the nostalgia of home and the sunset’s burst of light. Gone was the bittersweet memory of their last parting at the base of the paopu tree, replaced with the promise of a new beginning.

“You know, back at that Voyager’s Dinner—I was so happy you were there, Kairi. It felt like a piece I was missing had finally fallen into place,” Sora said, red kissing the tips of his ears.

Kairi leaned in and gave Sora a playful kiss. “Me too. I felt at home. You were all so welcoming, and it was like a part of me that was missing became whole. My home is with you Sora, now and forever.”

Sora interlaced their hands and smiled. “No matter where we go, or how far, our connection will bring us back—

“Safe and sound.” Kairi finished. A promise and a childhood wish were fulfilled against the fading horizon, a tried and true guarantee for a safe voyage.

Notes:

Written for Two Sides Zine Volume 2: A SoKai and RokuNami Cookbook! I'm so thankful to have had the chance to write for sokai, a dream come true project and I had the most amazing time working on it!

Thank you to Wiavi for bringing the story to life with her gorgeous spot art. It was amazing to work together and I just adore how you protrayed the scenes! Kairi's conflicting emotions come through so brilliantly and their little chibi forms cooking make my heart warm every time I see them!

And thank you to Phoenix and Liv for editing the story. Your feedback and lovely comments during the whole process really made this zine piece a love letter to SoKai and I grew so much as a writer because of it! It was so wonderful and a blast to work alongside everyone! I had so much fun and truly loved every minute.

Thank you to @true-intha-blu for the absolutely delicious tart recipe that inspired the same tart in the story! Your feedback and direction for the recipe made every mouth-watering detail come to life in words, I'm so happy we got to work together! If you haven't, definitely pick up a copy of the zine to enjoy the delicious recipes <3 Thank you all so much!

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lightwithinthedarknessu · 9 months ago

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Getting a chance to share my fic focusing in Vivi for @ff9zine with spot art from the amazing @mariibeann thank you so much for bringing this story to life with your beautiful art!! I had so much fun writing an epilogue for Vivi, he’s such a sweet little guy and deserves all the love.

Leftover Sales are open for @ff9zine ! There are still a few merch items left and a chance at the digital zine. It’s such a gorgeous zine, so if you haven’t yet go on over and take a look at the options here

You can check out the fic here below or on AO3

Summary: The ultimate gift of a journey is one well lived. As Vivi comes to terms with his life, he looks back on the letters he once sent—deciding to compile them together as a last message to all of his friends. One in particular for his dear friend Zidane in hopes he’ll return someday. Set before and after the epilogue.

At One with the Sky

Vivi bobbed his head back and forth, teetering his bum on the edge of a small wooden stool. Life had changed drastically since his dear friend Zidane had gone off on a journey that even now, Vivi wasn’t sure when he’d return. Back then, Zidane had said he was taking life more seriously because of Vivi’s influence. With those words, Zidane went off to save Kuja and never came back.

Vivi knew someday his friend would come back. Just…Vivi might not be there to welcome him. And so, today the little mage decided to put himself to the pen once more. His journey had been filled with nights spent writing in a small “journal” given to him by his Grandpa. Unlike most journals, it was a simple leather folio, bound with black twine that wrapped around a brass button that acted as a simple closure. Vivi gingerly unraveled the twine until he could peek inside. The space was large enough to hold the mage’s quill and pen, alongside a stack of nine completed letters.

Master Vivi, what is that? Steiner had asked him that question once.

Letters to my Grandpa, Vivi had replied, adjusting his hat to stealthily hang over his eyes. He couldn’t bear to explain that at first, he thought it was a “journal.” Over time, and after learning more about the world Vivi had come to know keeping a journal was different than the art of letter writing. Still, in his own way—writing letters was an act of keeping a record of his life.

Zidane was the one who explained the difference. The memory tugged at the edges of Vivi’s whirring heart. Back then, his friend had caught him writing by candlelight after they spent the night at the Black Mage Village. Zidane, being Zidane had swiped the letter Vivi had been writing and began teasing the little mage after he told him to “give his journal back!”

A Journal? Isn’t this a letter? See it reads like one too! Zidane laughed, then began to tease Vivi by reading his letter out loud. Slowly, the rogue’s face fell as he read Vivi’s statement that the little mage probably had a year or so left to live, maybe more. Maybe.

Neither addressed the moment and instead quietly went to sleep. But the next morning, Vivi found a scrawl from Zidane on his letter. He wrote that Vivi shouldn’t think about it too much and just keep moving. Vivi took the words to heart. If Zidane, Dagger, Steiner, Eiko, and Freya were able to keep moving forward—maybe someday he’d stop worrying about it.

Vivi tugged on his hat. The memory made his head feel fuzzy. Tears pooled at the edges of his golden eyes as he looked out the window of Alexandria castle. The sky. Right, the sky was so blue the day Vivi had finally had enough. He was frightened, scared that the feelings plaguing him would never go away. He wanted them to stop.

You don’t have to do everything my way, you know? Vivi…Well…in the end, it boils down to two simple choices. Either you do or you don’t. You’d think with all the problems in this world, there’d be more than two answers. It’s not fair…but that’s the way things are. The choice is yours. I just wanna protect the people I’m with. Doesn’t matter whether I can or not. It’s what I believe.

Those words Zidane spoke took root in Vivi’s heart and slowly but surely, a sense of peace overcame him. It helped Vivi keep searching for the answers he sought—and when he found them—life made no more sense than before. But Vivi kept going. Even when Zidane wasn’t there to encourage him anymore: he remembered those words.

Vivi took a deep breath. Time was fleeting. Life was slowly seeping out of him. But he wanted to leave something and relive his journey one last time.

The little mage set out a leather book cover he had obtained from Queen Garnet.

I’d be honored to hold your memories. Hold them for him—for his return.

Vivi shook away the ache forming in his throat. Words that couldn’t be said. Words of thanks that conveyed a journey well lived. Slowly, the little mage began to unwrap each letter and put it inside the cover. Soon it would be bound by the court archivist.

As he picked up each one, Vivi began to relive his journey.

****

Grandpa, I set off today on my adventure.

It’s been about a week since you faded into the sky. For days I didn’t know what I should do. It was scary, being alone and not hearing your stories anymore. So, today I decided to head to Treno. It was scary at first, there were so many people! But I met a Moogle who gave me a ticket to see, “I Want to Be Your Canary” in Alexandria. I hope it’s as good as your stories. Next time, I’ll tell you tomorrow about what the town is like!

I met a Moogle!

The world is so much bigger and sometimes scarier than I thought it would be. But the sky, it’s so clear and bright here. I keep looking up at it and wondering just how far I can go. I’d like to think I’ll be able to visit everywhere the sky touches.

But Grandpa, Alexandria is filled with so many people! I fell over once and almost lost my ticket, but it wouldn’t have mattered if I did. The man at the ticket booth said it was a “fake” and I wouldn’t be able to see the show with it. I wandered around not sure what to do next. But then, another guy as little as me came running through the streets with a ladder! He helped me get a spot on the roof to watch the play. I think I like it better this way, you can see the sky and the tops of the houses for miles. I’ll tell you how the play was later, the show is about to start!

The Evil Forest is really scary…

I’m scared. I don’t know how it happened, but I was taken away from the play on an airship with a bunch of “kidnappers,” a “knight,” and the princess herself! Somehow right after we took off the airship broke apart and we fell into this dark forest. My head feels a bit fuzzy from it all, so much has happened. I know you told me there were things out there that wanted to eat me, but I didn’t think plants would! I passed out after that, then Mr. Blank gave me some yucky medicine to get the seeds out of me. I thought I was going to die. The world really is dangerous.

I hope the princess is ok. My new friends Zidane and Mr. Steiner said I could help save her with my magic. I couldn’t do anything before. I was able to help myself but not the princess. I feel like I’d just be useless. Can I really help? Mr. Steiner called me Master Vivi and seems to believe in me. I’m not sure what to think about that, but I’ll try my best.

Maybe I can be useful too!

I was able to use my magic! I feel better that I was able to be useful. I’m happy to have made friends with Zidane, Mr. Steiner, and maybe I will be with the princess too when she wakes up. I hope she’ll get well soon. Right after defeating the monster, the entire forest attacked us! We barely made it out.

Grandpa, it’s strange. I’m all messed up inside. Mr. Blank worked so hard to save us but—the Evil Forest took him too. I couldn’t do anything again. From now on, I’ll work hard to not be afraid and use my magic to help keep everyone safe. So far, everyone’s said my magic is really useful. That made me really happy. Is it strange to want to be needed by my new friends? I feel like, maybe they can help me find where I belong.

What am I? I never thought about it before…

In Dali, I found dolls that looked like me. What does it mean? Why do they look like me? I don’t know what to think. Zidane said that they only looked a bit like me. Maybe he’s right. They don’t act like me at all, and their clothes are different. But when I got on the airship, they were up and moving—just like me! I tried talking to them—but it’s like they don’t even see me at all. Then another one of the Queen’s mages attacked us. The dolls tried to protect me. And that mage killed them all….

I couldn’t do anything…they were swallowed up by the sky. I got so angry. I asked my friends: “Were those black mages and I…the same?”

Steiner said it didn’t matter, even if they were. And Zidane said that I’m an “individual.” I’ve decided to believe in those words. I’m me and no one else.

Grandpa, I’m so happy to have friends. Maybe they’ll help me find out who I am. I miss you. If you were here—what would you say?

Lindblum’s Grand Castle is so huge!

Dagger,

Thank you for bringing me here! The food was really tasty, I think my Grandpa would have loved it. I even saw something that looked like his sesame buns in one of the shops. It’s so busy and people from all over are trying to live their dreams! I’m sure you know that…you’ve been here before after all.

I was really excited about attending my first festival until Zidane signed me up to hunt the monsters. I never thought I’d be using my magic that way! Zidane won, but I had fun touring the city while hunting monsters.

I felt useful until we saw that Burmecian soldier die. When I heard that the enemy soldiers might be the same black mages—I realized it’s even more important to find out who I am. Dagger, I’m like you—I was really sad to see him die. And scared. I’m scared to find out what I am. Maybe, I’m not even human. But, I feel it’s my duty to visit Burmecia and find out. I think—I understand why you did what you did. In your own way, you’re fighting too.

The rain just won’t stop falling…Burmecia is gone…

Freya,

I’ve never seen so much death before---so much sadness. Grandpa once told me death was a part of life. But, is this really what he meant? I don’t think so. I’d like to ask Zidane, but something aches in my chest. Freya told me that it’s possible the answers I seek will change my life for the worse. But—I think it’s worse if I don’t find out what I am. Thank you Freya, for worrying about me even when you’re the one hurting the most. As we journey together, I hope we’ll both understand someday and be able to turn our anger and hurt into something meaningful.

I don’t understand…

Puck, I’m sorry! Steiner, what can I do?

So many people have died. I keep seeing the Black Mages kill people over and over. I haven’t been able to stop them—tell them that they don’t have to kill. But that’s all they’ve kept saying: KILL. All I’ve been able to do is watch—watch them kill. When will it stop? I don’t understand—why does everyone around me keep dying? How…how can I help?

I’ll keep going. I gotta know why.

I visited a village…filled with mages like me!

Grandpa,

There ARE others like me! They talk and they’re scared of humans! I couldn’t believe it, there was a whole village! It’s in the middle of a dying forest and Black Mage 288 told me they traveled all the way across the ocean to get here. But…I found out something else. One day, a Black Mage will “stop moving.” When Mage 288 told me that, I ran away. Zidane asked me if I was ok, but I lied. I’m scared.

These mages talk and live like me. They have hobbies, jobs, and people they love—friends. They don’t kill, they just live peacefully away from humans. Earlier tonight I asked Black Mage 288 more about it. He said, our lifetimes are limited—it varies but after a year most die. He too fears death; he doesn’t want the others to know—sometimes he’d like to run away too.

“The joy of living with them far outweighs the fear of death. Isn’t it the same for you? Traveling with your friends gives your life meaning.”

I didn’t know how to answer him. I don’t know what to think. What does it mean to live? To exist?

Everyone in the village asked me to see the outside world and tell them all about it. I think continuing my journey will help me find the answer.

It’s not fair, but don’t think about it too much. You should keep writing your letters, Vivi. I know all of us would like to read them, even your friends in the village. So, just keep moving forward. That’s all you gotta do right now. – Zidane

A new friend!

Quina,

I made a new friend, her name is Eiko and she can summon Eidolons just like Dagger! It’s a bit annoying but Eiko likes bossing me around. It’s ok, I think she does it because she’s lonely. Maybe being around friends will make her stop teasing me someday.

I’m learning a lot!

Grandpa, I’m running out of ink…so it may be a while before I write again. Once I can, I’ll tell you all about everything that’s happened. I think…I’m beginning to understand myself more.

Holding onto anger doesn’t help anyone.

Grandpa,

I got so angry after we ran into Kuja again. He’s the source of everything—all the pain and death. But thanks to Zidane I was able to pull myself together. I’m still mad, but I was able to get a new pen and quill in Alexandria at Dagger’s coronation. Kuja…he’s caused a lot of pain for Dagger too. She lost her mom. Brahne was terrible and I hated her too–but seeing her not moving anymore and how hard Garnet cried made me realize something. Life is precious. My existence too—I want to make it all mean something.

I’m so glad I met my friends

Eiko,

Zidane hasn’t been himself lately. He was angry and said things he didn’t mean. But Zidane is like me, he was created too—so maybe that’s why he got so angry back then. I was able to help him like he helped me, I think. Zidane is Zidane again.

I’ve learned that someone be there for you when you need it is important. I think I’d still be angry, lost, and scared if I was alone But my friends helped me realize that it’s ok not to know yet what your existence means. We all still have time to think. I’m so thankful to have met my friends. Regardless of what we face next: I’m ready to face it all.

It’s been a while…

Zidane,

This is my first real letter. Remember when you said I should keep writing them? Well, I’ve learned how to properly write one thanks to Steiner. Everyone’s gone their separate ways now. Garnet is doing well as Queen with Steiner and Beatrice protecting her as always. Eiko was adopted by Regent Cid, can you believe it? She has a family now and seems really happy. Freya went on a journey with Sir Frately. Even if he doesn’t remember her, she’s getting to be with the person she loves. I see Quina now and then eating at places all over. Amouranthe—I hear stories about him everywhere I go. I hope to see him again.

Oh, that’s right! I’m traveling again too and making a big book filled with drawings and stories to share back in the village. I…don’t know how much time I’ll have left. So, Zidane. When you get back. I’m going to ask you a favor, ok? I’d like to meet you again, but even if I don’t—I’ll always remember what you taught me.

I feel like I have so much to say, but there isn’t enough time. So, I plan to write a letter to all my friends. A letter that tells them how thankful I am. Maybe, I can leave more of myself behind that way. Maybe…my memories will become a part of the sky and keep going on with you. I really…love the sky. I hope a part of me keeps journeying with everyone, somehow.

****

Zidane closed the bound record of his friend’s life with a reverence he had never experienced before. The soft light of the sun peeking through the glass latticed windows of Alexandria castle warmed the cold sensation that had been seeping its way into his heart. Vivi really was gone—at least the Vivi who left this journal. He had come back to find so much had changed, and yet so little. It felt overwhelming at first, but Zidane being Zidane sorted through it all quickly with Vivi’s help.

Garnet had handed him the journal with tears kissing her eyelashes. He didn’t fully understand till now what those tears really meant. With a sigh, the former rogue made his way to the top of the castle. The bright sky above was such a deep blue he could almost feel himself falling into its cloudy maw.

“One with the sky, huh? Cheeky kid. Making the sky all about him.” Zidane chuckled. Soon he found himself opening the journal again, staring at that last line. Hastily he scribbled his own words beneath it.

Alright, well if this journey is going to continue with you: then I hope you don’t mind me borrowing your journal. I’ll finish filling out every last page. Till we met again, little guy.

#FFIX zine #final fantasy ix #final fantasy #Vivi #zidane tribal #FFIX fanfic #my fanfiction #my fanfics #final fantasy IX fanfic #long post

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