They all remained there for about half an hour, letting the casters recover from using so much magic in so short a time, before Zentarou whisked them back down not to the foot of the mountain, but to the front of the Palace. Before anyone could get inside, however, the doors opened and out darted Vivi's sons, seeming as if they'd never been ill. At one they piled into their father, hugging, laughing, and crying all at the same time as he hurriedly embraced them each.

"I'm so glad you're well again!" Vivi wept.

"We knew you'd find a way to help us!" exclaimed Valian.

"Never doubted it," agreed Sola, and each nodded in agreement. Garnet came outside then with Beatrix, both gladly embraced by their husbands, and Eiko exited with Cid.

"It wasn't just me," Vivi said. "The Black Mages and Zentarou helped a lot, and Kuja was key to everything." Val went to give Kuja a hug.

"Thanks you!" Kuja smiled, hugging the little Black Mage back.

"Vivi," No. 12 said as all the Black Mages who'd been ill joined the others outside, "I don't wish to alarm anyone, but I feel... odd."

"We too," agreed Nicara." After a moment of introspection, all the Black Mages - and only the Black Mages - felt any sort of lingering sensation at all.

"A side effect?" queried Garnet, concerned. She cast a spell. "The disease is completely gone. I wonder what it is?" Zentarou shook his head.

"Divination spells aren't exactly my forte," he said, "but I do know someone who is an expert at them. When I return home, I'll ask her to check up on it for you."

"Thanks." Vivi wasn't exactly worried, really. Everyone was well again; no one was going to die. The odd feeling, which he already was beginning to ignore without trying, could be dealt with when - if - any trouble came of it.

Everyone went inside to celebrate with a huge banquet, and then Zentarou prepared to leave.

"Hopefully the next time I'll see you all is in the spring," the cat commented at he hugged his 'brother' farewell.

"I look forward to it," replied Vivi.

"Us too," added Callan. Zentarou chuckled as he moved a bit away.

"Make sure your father brings everyone along," he teased. Then, with a farewell wave, he double clicked the cube, and vanished. Then, after a few farewells of their own, Vivi, his sons, the Black Mages, Cid, and Eiko returned to their own homes.

oooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Elsewhere...

"The Plague failed," commented the huge, winder creature viewing the scene through the scrying mirror.

"I know," replied the figure seared in a high-backed chair before the mirror. "I was unaware they had allies in the Spirit Realm. Blast!" He pounded his fist upon the armrest angrily.

"Perhaps a change of plans is in order."

"What would you suggest?" The bestial humanoid motioned, changing the scene to another world.

"Pick off the weakest first. Not only will this be the easiest target, but also will in turn distress the others, and weaken that circle of theirs. Then they will fall easily."

"Yes! Use their emotional ties against them! Friendship is such a weakness! Hahahahah!" He grinned evilly. "Minion!"

"Master?"

"Get the Tower!"