A/N: I didn’t realize when I named this chapter that I used some of the lyrics from “Melodies of Life” from FFIX until after I had finished the entire story and was re-reading back through it. So I guess it’s time for a disclaimer:

I don’t own anything relating to Vivi (or FFIX) or Orko (i.e. He-Man), or to the aforementioned song and it’s artist. Dregan, Zentarou, and the rest are mine.

Also, when Vivi talks about the end of FFIX, I’m not positive if it’s exactly right, it’s been a while since I saw it, but it’s the best to my recollection. Sorry for any glaring mistakes.

Chapter 46: Searching Through the Dark

After going down three levels, Zentarou, Orko, and Vivi still hadn’t found Dregan, nor could even see him. For a while Zentarou had tried to use a spell to give him darkvision, like the elf, but soon dismissed it. It had done no good.

Vivi and Orko, who’s vision was nowhere near the cat’s, took up the job of keeping Dregan talking, by telling him stories and asking questions about Sindaya, anything to make the elf stay awake.

I almost forgot, Vivi said. I said I’d tall everyone why Kuja was there at Alexandria, yet I’d said he was an enemy.

Yeah... came Dregan’s somewhat sleepy reply.

Stay awake, Dregan, the Black Mage encouraged. You’ll like this, after all you’ve told us about you and your fellow Dunedi rejecting evil.

Yeah...

At the end of our adventure, we were all in the Lifa Tree. I’m still not sure why, but suddenly it almost seemed to become alive. Kuja was there too. Still listening?

So far...

Okay, we were trying to escape, dodging the roots and such, and it looked like we weren’t going to make it. Then Kuja used what was left of his magic to help us escape. Then Zidane went back to him. You’d never guess why. At the silence from Dregan, Vivi prompted, Can you guess?

N... no...

Remember the Genomes?

Yes...

Well, both Kuja and Zidane are Genomes, only their maker gave them souls, to use them as parts of his plan. Because of that, Kuja called Zidane his brother. Again Vivi worked to keep Dregan awake. Sounds like something your brothers would do for you, huh? They heard a chuckle.

Yeah... and I’d do it... for them - Ow!

Dregan? each asked in almost perfect unison.

My leg... twitched on it’s own... ouch...

We’ll be there soon, Vivi promised.

I know. Finish your story, Vivi. The refreshed alertness was encouraging, so the Black Mage didn’t hesitate to do so.

Zidane told us to leave, and although we didn’t want to, we weren’t given much choice. We didn’t see anything of either of them after that for a while, as we were forced to leave the area. Then one day we all gathered for a play called ‘I Want to be Your Canary.’ It’s Garnet’s favorite. She was really missing Zidane. Anyways, during the most dramatic scene, the star actor - we thought it was one of Zidane’s friends named Black - threw off his hood and cloak, and it was Zidane! Dregan chuckled. He’s brought Kuja back with him, and Kuja had realized his misdeeds. It took a while to trust him, but now he’s a friend. Now Vivi chuckled. I never thought I’d say that, when we first met him in Bermacia.

Just like how Ev probably never said he’d call a Dunedi ‘brother.’ Dregan sighed. Redemption and acceptance are blessings indeed.

Tell us about Ev. Orko tried, hearing Dregan’s voice drift a bit. Why wouldn’t he call a Dunedi brother? Of course they knew Dregan had said Dunedi were evil, but anything to keep him talking.

Evarion is a Sylvani, the most arrogant, elitists type of elves ever, and he’s the exemplar of the Sylvani way of life. Sylvani live in the mountains alongside the Dunedi, and they always fight. Usually if the Dunedi want to win, they have to ambush or trap the Sylvani, otherwise the Sylvani are more than able to wipe them out. Evarion’s team, called Evarion’s Elites, obliterated a Sind’ala’nil, a Dunedi city, right down to its foundations. Fifty-one Sylvani, Ev included, wiped out thousands of Dunedi without serious injury.

Wow! replied Vivi, encouraging Dregan to continue.

Heh, when we first met, he attacked me and my sister, and nearly cut my leg off. I still have the scar. But now I’d trust him with my life. He helped me with my Test, and had pulled me out of my worst depressions. We sometimes sit up late at night, just talking about whatever, like Tavannes’ doctrine, or our pasts. Sylvani were created by the Magic Giver, and Ev understands his doctrine better then any. Dregan chuckled. And I credit Ev with my ability to recognize my broken leg.

Oh?

Ev is helping me with my Selkynil training. He’s in charge of my strength and endurance training, meaning he spars with me, and knocks me around, using all his considerable strength. He’s broken my limbs more than once.

And you let him do that? Orko sounded surprised. Dregan chuckled at that.

Well, I don’t exactly let him, but that’s beside the point. I know he’d never seriously hurt me. It’s much like how a trainer won’t pull his blows with a practice sword. The sting teaches, as does him hurting me. It helped me to learn to endure what he decks out, and therefore what anyone decks out. And Kest is always nearby with healing potions and magic. Ev may act like he can barely tolerate me sometimes, but I know he considers me a brother and friend...

Dregan, stay focused, Zentarou ordered.

“I don’t see many other paths that go this far down,” Orko said. “I think we’re on the right path.”

“C’mon.” They began to run, hoping this was the right route, and that they weren’t too late.