Quick disclaimer: I don't own Vivi (FFIX) or Orko (He-Man) nor anything and anyone relating to them. Dregan, Zentarou, and all things/people asspciated with them are my originals.

Chapter 11: A Wish Fulfilled

“It targeted only casters?” Dregan asked as they strolled past the castle, and Vivi told his tale.

“And we had to use Mist to cure everyone.”

“Trolly-Molly, and I thought that my trip to Imagiland was bad!” Orko exclaimed. “It’s a good thing you know that spell, Zentarou, or it could’ve turned out real bad.”

“At least we know something more about the Cubes now,” Dregan surmised. “To an extent, with enough concentration we can control where we end up. Vivi focused on Zentarou, and appeared not too far from him.”

“That is a good thing,” agreed Zentarou. “If one of us needs help ever again, at least we know we can go to their aid quickly, instead of having to appear randomly and then find them.”

“Any idea what Priestess Lynea found out?” Vivi asked, looking a little worried. Zentarou shrugged.

“Not a clue. But no matter what, we’re here to back you up, brother.” Zentarou patted Vivi’s shoulder.

“Well, we’ll find out soon,” Dregan said, as they stood at the temple steps. All took a steadying breath, and then went in.

“All their concerns slipped away when they stepped over the threshold, relaxed by the ambiance. The worship room was empty, save for one person seated in the front right pew. Priestess Lynea had her head slightly bowed, and at first the Bretheren thought she was praying or perhaps even napping. But then they heard the song. It was as if an angel was singing for her, it was so beautiful. Then, abruptly, she stopped singing and lifted her head, turning slightly to look behind at them. She smiled brightly.

“Ah, the Bretheren Arcanum,” she greeted as they approached.

“Did we disturb you, Priestess?” Dregan asked politely.

“Disturb me? Oh not at all. I was merely passing the time while I waited. Come, sit down with me.” She smiled even more broadly when she saw Vivi. “Ah! Vivi Orunitia, sit by me.” Vivi gladly did so.

If I ever had wanted a grandmotherly figure, he thought as she put an arm around his shoulders, the sleeve of her robes covering his back and arms warmly, she’d be perfect. The others took seats on her other side in the pew behind Vivi.

“When Zentarou told me of your Plague, and the odd side-effect,” she began, “I was more than willing to consult those of the heavenly realms for an answer.” Again came Lynea’s king serene smile. “You are nervous.”

“Well, I was, before we entered the temple.” She laughed softly, warming their hearts.

“That is the presence of the Temple itself. But that isn’t important, now is it? I sometimes get off track, so please pardon me when I do.

“I tried to consult a celestial that is familiar to me, and has gladly answered my call before. But instead a spirit came before me, one I had never seen before. He identified himself as ‘one with no name, only a number, who fell into grace while trying to save the Child Black Mage.’ He said you would understand what that meant.” Oh, Vivi did. I could only mean one of the Black Mages who was killed by Black Waltz No. 3 while they were escaping to Lindblum, defending Vivi. He nodded. “He told me, ‘Tell Little Brother that when Mist was used for good, it gained a new benefit. His fondest wish, one once sent to a shooting star, is now a reality. And to those kin also healed by the Mist, shall likewise be, through their generations.’” At first Vivi was puzzled… and then he gasped in a cry and began to tremble. “Do you understand what he said?”

“I… I…” Lynea gave him a hug.

“When one summons a person to talk with as I did, understanding sometimes… slips though. Black Mages do not live long, correct?”

“Y- Yes.”

“I believe what you feel now is the same all of us here feel every day, especially you, Dregan, and I the least for I am old.”

“Trolly-Molly, what do you mean?” Orko was baffled.

“”Vivi.” Lynea’s tone brought his eyes, trembling with tears and hope and fear of disappointment, to hers. “What you felt was life. Not just the return of health, but true life.”

“You - you mean - I’m - all the Black Mages - “ He almost couldn’t get it out, then finally the words burst out of him. “Our lifespans are longer now?” Lynea laughed joyfully.

“Yes, Vivi. Before I spoke with Zentarou to tell him to bring you to me, I confirmed this for myself.” For a few moments, Vivi was too stunned to react. Then he hugged her as he began to cry, then laugh. Lynea embraced him back, rubbing his back in a motherly manner while his emotions ran their course, while the other Bretheren sat, stunned, then began to smile as the significance sank fully in.

“Thank you!” Vivi finally managed to get out, still giggling a bit.

“Don’t thank me. I’m just the bearer of good news.” She gently pushed him back and dried his eyes. “Now, don’t you have someone to tell this good tidings to?” His unseen smile was beaming.

“Will you come with us?” he asked, wanting her to be there to see the joy on his friend’s and son’s faces.

“I would be glad to.” Zentarou offered her his arm, as she said Nepharin, her nephew and usual escort, was tending a patient at their home, and they headed to find the others, Vivi practically skipping along the way.

Behind, a small figure smiled at their backs, then headed unerringly down the street to the Temple.

#toddle toddle toddle#

Oooooooooooooooooooooooo

Author’s Post note: Hehe. How was that? I had that planned from The Spirit Plague, and had a lot of fun with it. Now a question for all readers: Did you catch the part that Vivi and the others missed? Not even Lynea mentioned it. Hehe, it will be revealed later, as will the identity of the giggling figure. Oh, and I recently purchased a DVD of He-Man episodes, and I realized that Orko never seems to say ‘Trolly-Molly.’ Maybe I was mistaken. Oh well, in my fics I’ll leave it. Sounds like something he’d say anyways.