Never Forget Them: Vivi and Steiner

[Pumpkin]

Never Forget Them: Vivi and Steiner

Welcome back to another edition of Never Forget them! In this article series, we take a look at some of the under-appreciated and often overlooked friendships between some of our favourite Final Fantasy characters. Today we are going to dive in to FFIX and take some time to appreciate the adorable Vivi and the big lovable oaf that is Steiner.

Black Magic Sword

The friendship between Vivi and Steiner blossoms early in the game when Vivi shows off his black magic after being imprisoned by an evil plant that also kidnapped Garnet. Steiner takes notice after Vivi shows off his magical prowess. Having a great respect for Vivi's abilities, Steiner asks if Vivi will help him with a special idea he has: A magic sword. Not only does their relationship benefit them, it benefits the player as well!

Master Steiner and Master Vivi

Let's face it, Steiner isn't the easiest fellow to please. Kidnap a princess one time and he just goes on about how you're a lowlife and deserve a hanging and whatever. But Vivi manages to make his way in to the big lug's heart, bypassing all of that rusty armour, and earning Steiner's respect. We see this well upon returning to Alexandria when Steiner greets Vivi in a much kinder and more welcoming way than the other guests.

Steiner: "Silence! What are you all doing here!? This is a royal castle! You do not belong here!"
Vivi: "Hello, Master Steiner."
Steiner: "Master Vivi! A pleasure to see you again."
Vivi: "We came here to see Dagger."
Steiner: "The princess? Hmm... If that is Master Vivi's wish, I shall arrange a meeting."

Mutual Respect

At the end of the day, the thing I think bonds them the most is their genuine and mutual respect for one another. Steiner is often made a butt-monkey of the group and made fun of or ignored by his traveling partners, despite working hard and trying his best to do what's right. But Vivi never shows him any disrespect. Vivi shows him the same kindness and warmth as he does for all of his friends and he respects Steiner for who he is. As we see in the Wind Shrine, the two make an excellent team because they both respect and trust each other.

"I trust you, Vivi."

What are some of your favourite Vivi and Steiner moments? Would you have liked to see more group effort between the two? What other friendships would you like to hear about. Let us know!

[Depression Moon]

You're making me want to play this again, but my PS3 died and I still have to wait on the steam release.

[Ayen]

I mean, Vivi is just so darn likable. How can you not love him?

[charliepanayi]

Vivi is so great, even Steiner (who spends the first part of the game cursing everyone around him basically) instantly likes him.

[Freya]

Now i get to replay this in HD YAAAAAY. I love their relationship.

[Midgar Mist]

Yeah its nice. For a large part of the game Vivi is the only one Steiner isnt mad at/panicked about.

[Quindiana Jones]

As we see in the Wind Shrine, the two make an excellent team because they both respect and trust each other.

And, indeed, because one of them imbues the other with a smiting Magic Sword.