Final Fantasy IXStory

Queen Brahne of Alexandria is trying to increase her domain, and war is brewing among the neighboring kingdoms on the Mist Continent. Something more than Brahne's lust for power is driving the once-peaceful nation of Alexandria to conquest. Princess Garnet, adopted daughter of Queen Brahne, is unhappy in her position and plagued by nightmares of a sea voyage; a flight from a terrible eye in the heavens. Vivi Ornitier, childlike and alone, yearns to know his history and why he exists. All are brought together on a seemingly innocent night of entertainment in Alexandria, one that will spin events out of control and lead to the truth of their lives and others.

Regent Cid of Lindblum is worried about how these troubling events will impact Princess Garnet, so he dispatches the Tantalus group to Alexandria. Undercover as a theater group, Tantalus "kidnaps" Garnet, much to her satisfaction. During the operation, Vivi and Garnet's guardian, Adelbert Steiner, becomes involved. The plan soon backfires, and Tantalus member Zidane Tribal is left in charge of the kidnapping. When Zidane, Garnet, Steiner, and Vivi reach Lindblum, Brahne begins her advancement into the Burmecia region, home of Zidane's friend Freya Crescent. Soon after, Alexandria sweeps through Cleyra and the previously mentioned Lindblum, stealing powerful eidolons for use in future invasions. Zidane and his friends, accompanied by Quina Quen, attempt to stop the attacks, while Garnet unsuccessfully tries to negotiate with her mother.

It is soon discovered that Brahne's sudden shift in attitude is being manipulated by a man named Kuja, who has his own plans for world domination. Meanwhile, Zidane and his allies encounter Eiko Carol and Amarant Coral during their adventures. After Brahne's downfall, Zidane and his allies chase Kuja and observe his antics, which culminate in a journey to the parallel world of Terra. At Terra, all will learn the truth behind Kuja's inferior relationship to Zidane. When the truth is revealed by Garland, Kuja is no longer satisfied with world domination; his depression turns into rage, and he hatches a plot to destroy the source of all existence: the Crystal.