A pure white seagull shot over the cool beach as the tide continued its eternal flow in and out. A calm figure sat on a grassy plain, watching the sea until his left eye caught the seagull streak by. It was heading towards the ocean, a sure sign that the gull was preparing its plight to death, as all seagulls do. The figure chuckled to himself quietly. If only death could be so easy: You live, and when the feeling hits instinct takes over. The figure shook his head and stood up, stretching his arms as he did so. It wasn’t too long before dusk, and he wanted to cover a little more area before night hit, even though he was already close to his destination.
As he hobbled along a semi-constructed road he saw the usual people riding chocobos or the occasional cart. Most of them gave a friendly hello to him, and he politely returned the compliment. It was only the right thing to do.
But there were still the rare ones who looked at him funny, and picked up their pace ever so slightly upon seeing him. He knew it wasn’t going to change, as some people just don’t want to ever think differently then they already have. Then again, the figure thought as he tightened his gloves, some people aren’t even capable of forming thoughts past instinct. In any event, he continued to walk over the stones, every once in a while adjusting the straps which kept his coat on.
Finally he saw the castle, a very welcome sight. In the three years since he had last seen it, Alexandria had been almost completely rebuilt. He could make out several of the buildings he had been in during his past adventures, and he gave a very faint smile. Alexandria was his own home away from home, and now that he was back it was as though he had never left.
The sun was still showing a few glimmers of light as he walked through the mighty doors of Alexandria, but as he did so he tripped on one of several jagged rocks slightly above the rest on the road. He stood and dusted himself off, and continued walking. The streets were certainly a pleasant sight to him, seeing everyone again.
It had been three years since he had seen any sight of the ones he had traveled with during the quest to save the world he had taken part in. Knowing full well that nearly half of the seven he experienced it with would be there, he suddenly felt a burst of joyous energy, so powerful that he actually jumped in the air and gave a little squeal of delight. As he did so, a gust of wind nearly blew off his giant floppy hat, but he caught it in time and walked into the square.
Time and memories had finally caught up with the young one, and seeing everything again caused small tears to form in his years. Everything seemed so perfect to him, with the same townspeople bustling to and fro, that only one thing could make him feel any better than he did. He walked onto a boat and began ferrying himself across the small castle stream.
Upon reaching the other side he took a long look at the castle. It was just as he envisioned it would be, with the obvious touch-ups. He walked past the statue in the courtyard and began towards the main doors. The knights guarding it immediately recognized him and started shouting with delight. Before long nearly the entire castle was curious as to what the ruckus was - Including the very confused figure!
Finally the doors swung open and standing before him was a young woman, clad in a gorgeous silver gown, with several bracelets and necklaces adorning her flawless. Upon seeing him her eyes lit up and she immediately hugged the tiny one voraciously. His entire body was being swung around crazily until finally the girl set him down. The boy would have blushed if it were possible for him to do so. The girl began talking excitedly.
“Welcome, my humble guest!” She said in a playful mockery of formality. “I, Queen Garnet, will be your personal host upon your delightful and unexpected return to Alexandria. Welcome home, Vivi Ornitier!”
The figure smiled again and shook his head. This wasn’t just a home away from home; This was home.