Disclaimer: I don't own any Squaresoft characters, or the plot to
FF9. The original characters are, however, mine, as is the most of the
plot to this story.
A/N: All right, I finally have it out here. The FF9 fic I've been dying to do forever. I'm not going to lie to you and tell you I have the best writing skills, but they're decent enough to get me through this thing. I'm not really great at beginnings, either, so I apologize if this chapter is a little rough.
All right, now that I'm done bashing myself in front of everyone, there are a few things I need to clear up. Names have a been changed, and although you'll probably be able to figure out who is who, I just want to add this key to clear a few things up.
Garnet is now Toy.
Zidane is now Arich.
Eiko is now Michi.
Everyone else keeps their names, unless I decide randomly to change them. You'll find out everyone's roles soon enough, and they will be as clear as I can make them.
The only other thing I have to say is enjoy, and please leave a complimentary review on your way out! ^_^
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It was a hot, sticky evening. The full moon glowed red, illuminating the starless sky. An orange eye enveloped in a dark shadow, it stared down at the lush grounds of Alexandria castle. Though it was so bright it was almost like the sun itself, it failed to expose the figures of two young people, racing towards the castle walls.
They sped over the sticky grass, staying low to the ground. None of the simple-minded guards noticed them, of course, for they were half-asleep at the late hour. The few that weren't sleeping with their eyes open were busy complaining to each other. After all., the royalty got to sit inside and watch Tantalus perform their spectacular play, while they had to patrol around, in the sweltering heat. Nothing was ever fair, as far as they were concerned.
Not that the two cared. They virtually ignored the guards as they crept nearer to the castle. They ducked into a shadow provided by the high walls as a sleep-drunken guard passed them on his patrol. Pressed against the cool stone walls, they waited impatiently as he strolled by.
One of them, a smaller figure with a lopsided hat, gazed anxiously at his comrade, who was hidden under a white hood laced in red. She (it was definitely a she- her body hugging jumpsuit revealed that) returned the gaze with a confident smile, reassuring him with her eyes.
When the girl was sure no one could see them, she took a few steps into the light. Her eyes scanned over the grass for a second, until she found whatever it was she was looking for. Her friend watched her, but didn't move as she ran a little ways out. She came back a few moments later, shaking her head. In her hands was a sturdy rope with a hook attached to it. She stepped back, and swung it over her head a few times before releasing the top end. It flew, whistling with the speed it gained, towards the top of the castle, hooking onto the edge of a balcony.
The girl smiled again at the creature beside her, motioning for him to lie low. He gave her a confused glance- or, as confused as he could with the absence of a face- but did as she had bid him. Tugging three times on the rope, the girl began to climb.
She made quick work of it. Within seconds, she had ascended onto the balcony and was leaning over the edge.
"Vivi," she called, whispering harshly. The creature did not lift it's head.
"Vivi!" Still no response.
Knowing she could not talk any louder- the guards would definitely hear- she looked around for other ways to catch her companion's attention. All that she could find was a small branch. Snatching it up, she broke it into small pieces as quietly as she could. Shooting a cautious glance over her shoulder, she took one of the miniature pieces and hurled at the hat her comrade was wearing.
"Ow!" he said softly, lifting his head. The girl atop the balcony motioned for him to climb, Rising to his feet, Vivi grabbed a hold of the rope. He began to climb himself, but stopped short when the girl started to pull him up.
Within moments, the strong female had successfully yanked Vivi up to her level. The tiny creature gave her an indignant look.
"I could've done it myself, Toy," he growled. His comrade laughed.
"It would've taken too long," she pointed out. Vivi narrowed the two glowing yellow orbs that were his eyes.
"I've gotten better."
"But we don't have the time. We have to get a move on before the guards catch us."
"Like they'll notice us. They're so tired they wouldn't see us we walked right in front of them," Vivi murmured under his breath.
Toy ignored him, creeping silently towards the window that looked into the castle. She peered cautiously in, just to make sure no one was about. Although it was a celebration tonight in the castle, it was possible a random servant could pop in to check up on things. But, to Toy and Vivi's relief, there was no one there.
Toy removed a tiny file from a hidden pocket on her leg. She stuck it under the window, sliding it along the wood. A soft ripping noise could be heard. When Toy yanked the file out, a slight pop sounded from the window, and it lifted just a tiny bit.
Vivi looked at her, amazed. "What did you do?"
Toy smiled. "There's a bit of sticky goo stuff on the bottom of the window that prevents it from being opened from the outside somehow. I just scraped it off." She shrugged. "I'm not exactly sure how it all works, but as long as we get in without getting caught, who cares?"
Vivi nodded. Toy slid her fingers as far under the window as they would go, and gave a mighty yank. Even with all the strength she put into it, it came up slowly. Toy grunted as it slid as far as it would go, and motioning for Vivi to follow, ducked into the thankfully vacant room.
It was a guest bedroom of some sort, probably never used. It was spotless, the alabaster surfaces shining. Off to one side, Toy could see a bathroom, the door slightly ajar. The bed in the middle of the room was a canopy, decorated in a feminine fashion.
The two crept softly over the fancy (probably imported) rug towards the door at the end of the room. Silently, they opened it and poked their heads out. When they saw no one, both slinked out into the hall, Vivi quietly shutting the door behind him.
It was silent, save for the muffled cries of the people on the floors below. Toy began to shuffle down the red-carpeted hall, eyes flitting back and forth.
"Do you have any idea where it is?" Vivi said, his voice louder than made Toy comfortable. She let him know by slapping him lightly on the head.
"Keep your voice down!" she reminded him. Vivi lowered his head.
After a few seconds of silence, Vivi asked his question again, but quieter.
Toy shook her head. "It could be anywhere really. It's a castle... There's got to be at least a thousand rooms. The chances we'll find it on the first shot are about a thousand to one."
Vivi groaned. "You mean we might have to come here again?"
Toy, looking over her shoulder, nodded. Vivi let out another pitiful groan. "Why do we have to come get it? Why can't we go for something that's easier to find, or less likely to get us caught?"
Toy grinned. "Do you know how much a piece of dirt that was once in here would be worth? The pendant has got to be worth at least ten million gil! We can't forgo an opportunity like this - the Eidolons have given us a shot at becoming rich! We're not gonna pass that up, are we, Vivi?"
Vivi sighed. "I'm happy like we are, Toy. I just wanna go home!"
"Well, if you want to go home so bad, I won't stop you, but there's no way I'm leaving. This is a golden opportunity!"
"To end up dead," Vivi mumbled. Toy didn't hear him, and instead went on walking.
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Arich wrapped his tail unconsciously around the leg of his chair. The fuzzy limb snaked it's way as far up as it could go, tightening like a python. The tip of it waved back and forth, thumping against the chair leg softly.
He gripped the arms of his chair tightly, gritting his teeth. Beside him, his mother rose out of her seat, waving her fan and shouting with the crowd. A huge grin spread across her blue face, and she cackled insanely.
Trying to keep his breath under control, he turned his gaze back to the stage. He hadn't been following the plot- he had never really liked I Want to be Your Canary to begin with. Two of the actors ran amongst the audience, striking at each other with cheap imitations of weapons. Arich sighed. He hadn't wanted such an elaborate celebration for his birthday- in fact, he had wanted to be as far away from any people, especially his commanding mother, as possible.
A movement at his side alerted him, and he slowly lifted his gaze to the face of a gruff looking man. His flaming red hair fell in dreadlocks onto his face, hiding his eyes. His pointy chin stuck out prominently, decorated with a clean-cut goatee. He was muscular and tall, somewhere in his late twenties, dressed in the garb of a Pluto Knight. The way he stood commanded attention and obedience, but the way he gazed down at Arich was all but professional. It was worried.
"Arich, are you all right? You seem quiet tonight," he commented in a deep, rumbling voice.
Arich forced a smile, and said through gritted teeth, "Just fine, Amarant. Everything's fine...."
The queen looked over to the both of them, fanning herself. Her expression changed from joy to annoyance as her eyes fell onto the intimidating knight.
"What are you doing here?" she asked without any attempt at being courteous. "I'm trying to watch!"
"I apologize, Your Majesty. I was just making sure Arich was all right. He looked a little pale."
Queen Brahne rolled her eyes at her son's guardian. She looked at him disapprovingly for a minute, but then her expression softened into one of fake concern. "Why don't you take him outside for a bit? I'm sure he'll feel better if he gets some fresh air." She smiled. "You never did like crowds, did you, Arich?"
Arich feigned a smile. Queen Brahne waved her hand. "Go on. No use in wasting a good performance on you if you aren't gonna watch, anyway."
As the two exited the platform, Amarant shot his charge another glance. Arich did his best to ignore it.
"What's wrong, Arich? And tell me the truth this time," Amarant scolded, and although Arich couldn't see much of his face, he guessed his eyes were narrowed.
Arich glanced over his shoulder at the unguarded door to the queen's seats. He kicked half-heartedly at the red carpeting, watching as the threads changed direction under the guidance of his boot. "Nothing serious, Amarant, honestly. I just didn't want such a hubbub on my birthday this year. I hate all these people. I don't even know them. And I hate that stupid play."
Amarant chuckled softly, looking out the window before them. "You're acting," he teased, "like a spoiled prince."
Arich glared at him, despite the fact he knew his friend meant no harm. He walked over to the spiraling steps and glumly sat down. His eyes were fixated on the walls, his mind wandering.
Moments of silence passed, neither of the two talking. When they did move, it was only because they heard some commotion coming from below.
ClatterClangBangBoom.
"Ow! Gods and Saints alike!" a tiny voice squeaked, the sound of it ascending the stairs. Arich gave Amarant a knowing look, the former shaking his head exasperatedly.
"Michi, if you're trying to sneak up on us, this is not the way to do it. The point of a stealth attack is silence," Amarant scolded playfully.
Footsteps, light and quick, could be heard coming up the stairs, and soon an entire person was visible. A tiny child, she looked the part with her bottom lip jutted out and her hands on her hips. Her emerald eyes were filled with gentle malice. Her lavender hair curved towards her chin, framing her gentle face, but doing nothing to give her appearance the angry edge she wished it to have. The only thing that made her look even remotely threatening was the small horn on her forehead.
"I wasn't trying to attack," she pointed out, sticking out her tongue. "I was just bringing Arich here his gift. There's no crime in that, is there, brother?"
Amarant smiled, a slight of laughter sounding. Of course she would have the prince's gift - she had had a killer crush on him since the day they met, and never forgot to get him a gift for any sort of holiday.
Michi approached the prince, who watched her with curious teal eyes. "What did you get me?" he asked, his tail swiping back and forth over the carpet, a sure sign he was amused. "C'mon, let's see it.'
Michi waved a delicate finger at him. "Guess first."
Arich's eyes narrowed. "You know I hate guessing games," he said. Michi smiled at him, shuffling her weight in between her feet.
"You won't get it unless you at least try to guess, Zidane," Michi said, using her pet name for him. When she was little, he often read her a book in which the main character was a young man named Zidane. Since the two had seemed so alike to the young child, she had proclaimed that she would call the prince Zidane.
Arich rolled his eyes, but it was obvious he wasn't the least bit annoyed with the child. He chewed his lip thoughtfully for a moment, the his face brightened with an idea. "A pony?" he suggested, leaning forward in anticipation. "I always wanted a pony."
Michi giggled, shaking her head. "Try again," she said, her face a mask of determination.
Arich leaned back against the stairs, fiddling with his tail. "Hmm," he mused. "What about a puppy? Puppies are nice."
"No! C'mon, you gotta try harder than that!"
Arich looked puzzled. "Why don't you just tell me what it is? Or better yet, just hand it over." He stood up, extending his hands, awaiting his gift. Michi shook her head. "Unless you take another guess - a real guess - I won't give you anything," she smirked.
Arich pretended to be shocked. "You wouldn't!" he said, his mouth wide open and his hand on his forehead.
Michi's smile grew larger. "Would too."
Arich sighed a sigh of defeat. "Well, I have no choice. How about.... a bracelet? I hear those are popular this time of year."
In the background, Amarant rolled his eyes.
"Nope, silly. Those are for girls," Michi reminded him. Arich slapped his forehead. "Ah, yes. Why can I never remember?"
Michi giggled. "Silly!" she accused, and Arich swooped down to tickle her. She screamed in delight as Arich proclaimed, "Never!"
"Stop, Zidane - STOP! You're gonna make me drop the gift!"
Arich pulled back, plunking back down on the stairs. "Sorry," he said, his tail twitching. "Now c'mon, hand it over."
"Promise you won't laugh?"
"Promise."
Michi pulled her hands out from behind her back, revealing a large purple sack. She held it out to Arich, who took it, giving her a curious glance. "I wonder...," he began.
Within the blink of an eye, Arich had removed the satchel and was holding the gift in his hands. Lying dormant in his hands was a large chocobo egg, its outer shell gleaming silver. Arich lifted his eyebrows, his expression one of surprise.
"Where did you get this, Michi?" he asked, his voice full of wonder.
"I saved up for a whole three months. A very nice man on the street corner sold it to me." She lowered her eyes, her voice quiet and demure. "I always wanted a chocobo for my own," she whispered.
Arich smiled at her. "Tell you what," he said, lowering the egg to his lap, "since I'm prince and I don't have too much time, why don't you take care of this little guy for me? That way, someone will always be taking care of him. I can't think of a better person for the job! Besides, he's gonna need someone younger than me to play with him - someone with lot's of energy."
Michi looked up sharply, her eyes gleaming. "Really?" she breathed, a smile spreading rapidly over her face.
Arich nodded sternly. "I proclaim you, Michi, Official Chocobo Keeper and Play-Wither." He handed the chocobo egg over to Michi, whose eyes became aglow at the sight of it. "Take good care of him," Arich whispered, rising.
Michi nodded vigorously. "I promise! He won't want for anything!"
"Michi? Where you go? Time for cook, not play!" Someone ascended the stairs, and all pairs of eyes turned to see Quina the Qu panting atop them. "Why so many stairs...?" she wondered aloud, her breath coming short.
Michi spun on her heel to face her friend and boss, clutching the egg protectively to her chest. "I'm right her, Quina! I was just giving Zi- I mean, Arich his gift."
Quina clambered up the last few stairs to face the child. "You give gift? Only gift you should be giving dinner! Not enough people to cook without you! Come back and work, youngling, before I make dinner of you."
Although her face betrayed nothing, it was obvious Quina was only teasing. Quina had, after all, practically raised the child. Right after Amarant had become a Knight of Pluto, his parents had died, leaving Michi homeless. She had moved into the castle with her brother, but although Amarant cared for the child, he did not have much time to be with her. So Michi had found the kitchens, and the comfort of Quina with it. And ever since then, she had helped with the work in the kitchen, especially on busy nights like that one.
Michi sighed. "I'm coming. I wasn't gonna be that long!" she grumbled playfully as they descended the stairs.
"What that you got there?" Arich and Amarant heard Quina say.
"It's a chocobo egg! Arich's letting me take care of it," Michi boomed, and they could both picture the broad smile on her face.
"Look like good for eat," Quina said.
"Quina! Eww, get your tongue off of my baby!"
"Hm, need more salt."
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Red Steel sat in front of the mirror in his dressing room, his eyes wide in anticipation. In a few minutes, he, a small-time actor virtually unknown to the world of Gaia, would appear before the queen of Alexandria herself! His was the role of a lifetime!
A knock came at his door and a shout from someone on the outside could be heard. "Five minutes, Steel!"
Red tensed, nodding. He glanced at the large clock in his room, then turned back to the mirror in front of him. With a determined nod, he donned the fake metal helmet and charged out of the room.
People bustled back and forth behind the stage curtain, all looking nervous and tired. Red walked among them like a prince among men, head held high. A knowing smirk crept across his face as he watched them bustle about.
Poor souls, he pitied, shaking his head. Half of them aren't even going on stage tonight! And yet I, Red Steel, have the privilege of performing for the queen! When I become famous, I will remember them. Poor, poor souls indeed.
Red stood high and tall behind the curtain. He listened patiently for his cue, for the line that would allow him enter the stage.
"The guards should report back soon, milord."
Ah, there it was. Charging out from behind the curtain, Red Steel strode across the stage to where two actors were waiting for his all- important arrival. He stopped and turned towards the audience just as one of them asked, "Have you seen milady this night, noble guard?"
From here, he could see the queen, smiling down at him expectantly. There were hundreds of friendly faces staring at him, all waiting for what he might say. Would he seal the fate of Marcus and Cornelia, or would they live to see another day?
He looked into the faces and became thunderstruck. There had to be at least five-hundred of them, all lords and ladies, or people of noble descent. And then, high above them all, was the queen.
Oh, gods! The queen was watching!
He froze, the one line he had to say stuck in his throat.
"I said, have you seen milady this night , noble guard," the actor beside him hissed, the sound of his voice echoing in Red's ear.
The queen looked down at him, disgusted and confused. He had failed to impress her - he had ruined her evening! His fate was sealed now! There had to be some way to make it up to her...
Behind the queen, Red saw a motion - a flourish of a white cloak, a glimpse of a person's body. A covered face peered from behind the queen's chair, and a single pale hand reaching for her neck.
Suddenly, Red knew how to save himself from certain humiliation.
"Queen Brahne! Behind you! Assassin!"
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Toy's hand froze in midair as the queen turned around to face her. Brahne's cruel eyes bored into hers. For a single moment, everything was still and calm. And then...
"Kill her!"
There was no time to think. Toy just reacted. Suddenly, she was up, dodging the weapons of two guards, and squeezing in between the doors before they shut. Her feet fell out fast beneath her, leading her to... Well, anywhere but there.
Under her breath, she cursed herself. What had she been thinking, sneaking into the queen's theater box? That was suicide. Vivi had warned her against it, but she had been so focused on her prize she had blocked him out.
Speaking of which, where was the little creature?
Toy heard footsteps behind her, and spying a staircase at her side, slid down the banister. She barely had time to breath before she was on her feet and running again.
"You can't get away!" she heard a guard call out.
Racing down the hallway, she prayed to whatever god existed that she survived. She would never pull anything so stupid again, if she could only get out of here unharmed.
Glancing quickly over her shoulder at the advancing guards, Toy turned a corner.
"Oof!"
She bumped into something hard. Very hard. Taken aback, she looked up, stricken dizzy, terrified. Toy sucked in a breath as she found herself looking into the face of the crown prince of Alexandria.
Her first though was a childish one. The people of the town had been right. He was very good looking, but far more so than any old woman on the street corner had warned. And, Toy noted, he had very hard abs.
His golden-blonde hair was bushy, but in a natural and calm sort of way. It fell all over his face elegantly, brushing curiously against his cheek. It was long, tied into a formal ponytail in the back. His eyes were almond, cat-like, glimmering teal and rimmed in yellow. They blinked twice at her, slowly. He was tall and thin, but Toy could make out some muscle beneath the confines of his shirt.
Toy sucked in another breath. Now she was in for it.
"She went this way!"
"Over here!"
Upon hearing the voices of the guards again, Toy's feet picked themselves up. But the strong arms of the prince kept her from going anywhere. She found herself face-to-face with his chest again.
And then she saw it.
It was hanging from his neck on a long chain, glowing softly in the dim light. The pendant was all colors at once, and then, none at all. It changed from every angle she looked at it, winking at her. She had found it. All by luck, it was right there in front of her.
She heard the clanging of the guards approaching, and vaguely noted that their armor must be slowing them down quite a bit. Toy pulled back, struggling against his grip.
"Let me go!" she growled, placing her hands on his chest and pushing back. Keeping her face turned away, Toy let her fingers wrap around the pendant. With a gentle, imperceptible tug, the chain broke and the pendant was in her hands.
Not skipping a beat, Toy kicked him hard in the gut. The prince doubled over, letting out a gasp of pain. His grip on Toy released, and she was off and running again.
Or so she thought.
In moments, she found herself splayed out on the floor, face down. Making sure the pendant was still in her hands, she pushed herself up, facing the fallen prince. His leg was extended out- with her on top of it- and realizing what he had done, she shot him a nasty look. With a smug smile, the young prince returned the glare. But his expression changed to one a shock as he saw the pendant in her hands.
Toy jumped to her feet, seeing the guards turning the corner. Gasping, she ran as fast as she could, praying this would be the last of her encounters this evening.
The footsteps behind her were like thunder, and Toy was sure the prince had joined both the guards after her. She had no idea where she was going. She just let her feet guide her.
Maybe it wasn't such a smart idea.
She turned yet another corner, hoping that no noble or foreign king was there waiting for her to bump into. It wouldn't have stopped her, but still...
The footsteps were coming closer. She could feel the breath of someone on her neck, and she put all her energy into speeding up. If she ever made it out of here, it would be a close one.
She glanced back and forth as she raced onwards. Where had Vivi gone? Had the little chicken wimped out on her? She grumbled under her breath. He would be of real use right now.
With a quick glance over her shoulder, Toy bounded up a flight of stone stairs. The prince was practically on her heels again, and silently, she groaned.
Around and around the stairs went, getting higher and higher. Toy was beginning to feel very tired, but she suspected the guards with the heavy metal armor weren't doing much better. The prince however...
No time to think. She broke open a door in front of her, light flashing into her eyes. A balcony. Great.
Toy ran to the edge of the balcony, leaping onto the stone rail that lined it. The prince stumbled to a halt, angry light catching in his cat- eyes. She smirked at him from atop her perch. She looked above her quickly, searching for a way to get down without killing herself. After all, there was no way she was going to stay here and get caught.
A rope, covered in tiny flags, was just within her reach. Hastily, she grabbed it. She pulled hard on it, and one end came loose. Just as the guards came panting through the door, and just as the prince lunged at her, was when Toy jumped back.
Time slowed down, stopped even. Toy could hear nothing but the wind rushing through her ears. A sense of exhilaration overcame her as the ground below rushed up to greet her.
Blinking, Toy's mouth opened a little. No, that wasn't ground beneath her. That was an airship.
She began to swing over it, and realizing her limited options, released the rope. Her feet had barely hit the ground before she was up and running again. Crew members of the ship gave her odd looks as she raced by, the audience before it watching her, mesmerized.
"Toy!"
Not stopping, the young thief looked up. Immersed in the sea that was the audience, Vivi stared up at her in surprise. Toy sighed heavily.
He had been watching the play.
The young mage came running through the crowd after her, leaping onto the airship's stage. He disappeared beneath the built-in stage, and Toy pushed on.
Before she knew what she was doing, Toy found herself in the cockpit of the hybrid theater-ship. She stared blankly at the controls, trying to regain her breath, when her objective became clear.
The only way to escape - to get both her and Vivi out of here alive - was to take over the ship.
With renewed determination, Toy pushed up a lever that said clearly, "Engine." The airship hummed to life beneath her, rising a few more feet into the air. She heard people yell and scream, and did not doubt some of the people aboard had slipped off.
But it didn't matter. Not to her. Not right now.
Grabbing ahold of the wheel, Toy turned it sharply to the right. It obeyed her command immediately, slowly moving in a wide circle to the right. People below screamed as it slammed into a castle wall, but the ship kept turning, slicing though the stone as if it were air.
Toy kept pushing the wheel to the right, and she murmured under her breath to comfort herself. "It's just like those minis in Lindblum," she told herself. "Only much bigger..."
It seemed like forever before the ship turned all the way, facing the world. Facing freedom.
Narrowing her eyes, Toy shoved a lever beside her as far up as it would go. Painstakingly, the ship began to move forwards.
"Come on! You can go faster than that!" Toy chided, gritting her teeth.
The ship slowly began to pick up speed, but it wasn't enough... Nervously, Toy wondered why the queen wasn't firing at the ship yet.
With a giant lurch, speed caught up with the ship. It seemed for a glorious instant she was going to escape when the explosion came.
The ship had leaped forwards, only to be pulled back. Toy looked out the window behind her. The queen had begun firing. From cannons mounted on the castle walls came spear-chains, slamming into the hull of the ship. Grinning, Toy pushed the ship on. After a moments struggle, the ship broke free with a groan, the chains falling uselessly to the ground.
Toy almost laughed out loud, seeing the blue face of the queen turn almost purple with rage. And then her laughter stopped short.
An explosion shook the side of the ship, yells of the crew members sounding off in the background. The ship was going faster and faster, but now it was swaying violently, the wooden hull m moaning. Another explosion came from behind, shoving the ship forwards, but jarring those aboard.
One after another, the explosions came, attacking the ship from every conceivable side. Toy yelled out in anger, biting her lip. She was convinced the ship would fall, but somehow, it kept going. Bits of glass and wood were flying everywhere, but Toy made herself keep her focus on her objective. Freedom.
All in a moment, the explosions stopped, and everything became deathly silent. She could hear vaguely the popping of more bombs being fired in the distance, but she was unsure whether or not it was just the first explosions ringing in her ears.
Sighing, Toy slowed the ship some, not wanting to strain it. The city of Alexandria was shrinking fast behind her, but that did nothing to diminish the damage the bombs had caused. Any second now, the airship could crumble beneath.
It was all a matter of time.
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A/N: I know, I know a strange place to end. But hey, it was a strange chapter, so it fits. I'm sorry if this wasn't as good as you expected it to be, but I am just coming out, so I can only improve from here. I promise the other chapters will at least be remotely better! Please, leave me a review. I know it gets annoying, people asking you to do that, but I would at least like to know what everyone thinks before I start working on another chapter. If I do start working on another chapter...
Well, anyway, thanks for reading, and I hope I did my best to please you!
A/N: All right, I finally have it out here. The FF9 fic I've been dying to do forever. I'm not going to lie to you and tell you I have the best writing skills, but they're decent enough to get me through this thing. I'm not really great at beginnings, either, so I apologize if this chapter is a little rough.
All right, now that I'm done bashing myself in front of everyone, there are a few things I need to clear up. Names have a been changed, and although you'll probably be able to figure out who is who, I just want to add this key to clear a few things up.
Garnet is now Toy.
Zidane is now Arich.
Eiko is now Michi.
Everyone else keeps their names, unless I decide randomly to change them. You'll find out everyone's roles soon enough, and they will be as clear as I can make them.
The only other thing I have to say is enjoy, and please leave a complimentary review on your way out! ^_^
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It was a hot, sticky evening. The full moon glowed red, illuminating the starless sky. An orange eye enveloped in a dark shadow, it stared down at the lush grounds of Alexandria castle. Though it was so bright it was almost like the sun itself, it failed to expose the figures of two young people, racing towards the castle walls.
They sped over the sticky grass, staying low to the ground. None of the simple-minded guards noticed them, of course, for they were half-asleep at the late hour. The few that weren't sleeping with their eyes open were busy complaining to each other. After all., the royalty got to sit inside and watch Tantalus perform their spectacular play, while they had to patrol around, in the sweltering heat. Nothing was ever fair, as far as they were concerned.
Not that the two cared. They virtually ignored the guards as they crept nearer to the castle. They ducked into a shadow provided by the high walls as a sleep-drunken guard passed them on his patrol. Pressed against the cool stone walls, they waited impatiently as he strolled by.
One of them, a smaller figure with a lopsided hat, gazed anxiously at his comrade, who was hidden under a white hood laced in red. She (it was definitely a she- her body hugging jumpsuit revealed that) returned the gaze with a confident smile, reassuring him with her eyes.
When the girl was sure no one could see them, she took a few steps into the light. Her eyes scanned over the grass for a second, until she found whatever it was she was looking for. Her friend watched her, but didn't move as she ran a little ways out. She came back a few moments later, shaking her head. In her hands was a sturdy rope with a hook attached to it. She stepped back, and swung it over her head a few times before releasing the top end. It flew, whistling with the speed it gained, towards the top of the castle, hooking onto the edge of a balcony.
The girl smiled again at the creature beside her, motioning for him to lie low. He gave her a confused glance- or, as confused as he could with the absence of a face- but did as she had bid him. Tugging three times on the rope, the girl began to climb.
She made quick work of it. Within seconds, she had ascended onto the balcony and was leaning over the edge.
"Vivi," she called, whispering harshly. The creature did not lift it's head.
"Vivi!" Still no response.
Knowing she could not talk any louder- the guards would definitely hear- she looked around for other ways to catch her companion's attention. All that she could find was a small branch. Snatching it up, she broke it into small pieces as quietly as she could. Shooting a cautious glance over her shoulder, she took one of the miniature pieces and hurled at the hat her comrade was wearing.
"Ow!" he said softly, lifting his head. The girl atop the balcony motioned for him to climb, Rising to his feet, Vivi grabbed a hold of the rope. He began to climb himself, but stopped short when the girl started to pull him up.
Within moments, the strong female had successfully yanked Vivi up to her level. The tiny creature gave her an indignant look.
"I could've done it myself, Toy," he growled. His comrade laughed.
"It would've taken too long," she pointed out. Vivi narrowed the two glowing yellow orbs that were his eyes.
"I've gotten better."
"But we don't have the time. We have to get a move on before the guards catch us."
"Like they'll notice us. They're so tired they wouldn't see us we walked right in front of them," Vivi murmured under his breath.
Toy ignored him, creeping silently towards the window that looked into the castle. She peered cautiously in, just to make sure no one was about. Although it was a celebration tonight in the castle, it was possible a random servant could pop in to check up on things. But, to Toy and Vivi's relief, there was no one there.
Toy removed a tiny file from a hidden pocket on her leg. She stuck it under the window, sliding it along the wood. A soft ripping noise could be heard. When Toy yanked the file out, a slight pop sounded from the window, and it lifted just a tiny bit.
Vivi looked at her, amazed. "What did you do?"
Toy smiled. "There's a bit of sticky goo stuff on the bottom of the window that prevents it from being opened from the outside somehow. I just scraped it off." She shrugged. "I'm not exactly sure how it all works, but as long as we get in without getting caught, who cares?"
Vivi nodded. Toy slid her fingers as far under the window as they would go, and gave a mighty yank. Even with all the strength she put into it, it came up slowly. Toy grunted as it slid as far as it would go, and motioning for Vivi to follow, ducked into the thankfully vacant room.
It was a guest bedroom of some sort, probably never used. It was spotless, the alabaster surfaces shining. Off to one side, Toy could see a bathroom, the door slightly ajar. The bed in the middle of the room was a canopy, decorated in a feminine fashion.
The two crept softly over the fancy (probably imported) rug towards the door at the end of the room. Silently, they opened it and poked their heads out. When they saw no one, both slinked out into the hall, Vivi quietly shutting the door behind him.
It was silent, save for the muffled cries of the people on the floors below. Toy began to shuffle down the red-carpeted hall, eyes flitting back and forth.
"Do you have any idea where it is?" Vivi said, his voice louder than made Toy comfortable. She let him know by slapping him lightly on the head.
"Keep your voice down!" she reminded him. Vivi lowered his head.
After a few seconds of silence, Vivi asked his question again, but quieter.
Toy shook her head. "It could be anywhere really. It's a castle... There's got to be at least a thousand rooms. The chances we'll find it on the first shot are about a thousand to one."
Vivi groaned. "You mean we might have to come here again?"
Toy, looking over her shoulder, nodded. Vivi let out another pitiful groan. "Why do we have to come get it? Why can't we go for something that's easier to find, or less likely to get us caught?"
Toy grinned. "Do you know how much a piece of dirt that was once in here would be worth? The pendant has got to be worth at least ten million gil! We can't forgo an opportunity like this - the Eidolons have given us a shot at becoming rich! We're not gonna pass that up, are we, Vivi?"
Vivi sighed. "I'm happy like we are, Toy. I just wanna go home!"
"Well, if you want to go home so bad, I won't stop you, but there's no way I'm leaving. This is a golden opportunity!"
"To end up dead," Vivi mumbled. Toy didn't hear him, and instead went on walking.
/~*~/~*~/~*~/~*~/~*~/~*~/~*~/
Arich wrapped his tail unconsciously around the leg of his chair. The fuzzy limb snaked it's way as far up as it could go, tightening like a python. The tip of it waved back and forth, thumping against the chair leg softly.
He gripped the arms of his chair tightly, gritting his teeth. Beside him, his mother rose out of her seat, waving her fan and shouting with the crowd. A huge grin spread across her blue face, and she cackled insanely.
Trying to keep his breath under control, he turned his gaze back to the stage. He hadn't been following the plot- he had never really liked I Want to be Your Canary to begin with. Two of the actors ran amongst the audience, striking at each other with cheap imitations of weapons. Arich sighed. He hadn't wanted such an elaborate celebration for his birthday- in fact, he had wanted to be as far away from any people, especially his commanding mother, as possible.
A movement at his side alerted him, and he slowly lifted his gaze to the face of a gruff looking man. His flaming red hair fell in dreadlocks onto his face, hiding his eyes. His pointy chin stuck out prominently, decorated with a clean-cut goatee. He was muscular and tall, somewhere in his late twenties, dressed in the garb of a Pluto Knight. The way he stood commanded attention and obedience, but the way he gazed down at Arich was all but professional. It was worried.
"Arich, are you all right? You seem quiet tonight," he commented in a deep, rumbling voice.
Arich forced a smile, and said through gritted teeth, "Just fine, Amarant. Everything's fine...."
The queen looked over to the both of them, fanning herself. Her expression changed from joy to annoyance as her eyes fell onto the intimidating knight.
"What are you doing here?" she asked without any attempt at being courteous. "I'm trying to watch!"
"I apologize, Your Majesty. I was just making sure Arich was all right. He looked a little pale."
Queen Brahne rolled her eyes at her son's guardian. She looked at him disapprovingly for a minute, but then her expression softened into one of fake concern. "Why don't you take him outside for a bit? I'm sure he'll feel better if he gets some fresh air." She smiled. "You never did like crowds, did you, Arich?"
Arich feigned a smile. Queen Brahne waved her hand. "Go on. No use in wasting a good performance on you if you aren't gonna watch, anyway."
As the two exited the platform, Amarant shot his charge another glance. Arich did his best to ignore it.
"What's wrong, Arich? And tell me the truth this time," Amarant scolded, and although Arich couldn't see much of his face, he guessed his eyes were narrowed.
Arich glanced over his shoulder at the unguarded door to the queen's seats. He kicked half-heartedly at the red carpeting, watching as the threads changed direction under the guidance of his boot. "Nothing serious, Amarant, honestly. I just didn't want such a hubbub on my birthday this year. I hate all these people. I don't even know them. And I hate that stupid play."
Amarant chuckled softly, looking out the window before them. "You're acting," he teased, "like a spoiled prince."
Arich glared at him, despite the fact he knew his friend meant no harm. He walked over to the spiraling steps and glumly sat down. His eyes were fixated on the walls, his mind wandering.
Moments of silence passed, neither of the two talking. When they did move, it was only because they heard some commotion coming from below.
ClatterClangBangBoom.
"Ow! Gods and Saints alike!" a tiny voice squeaked, the sound of it ascending the stairs. Arich gave Amarant a knowing look, the former shaking his head exasperatedly.
"Michi, if you're trying to sneak up on us, this is not the way to do it. The point of a stealth attack is silence," Amarant scolded playfully.
Footsteps, light and quick, could be heard coming up the stairs, and soon an entire person was visible. A tiny child, she looked the part with her bottom lip jutted out and her hands on her hips. Her emerald eyes were filled with gentle malice. Her lavender hair curved towards her chin, framing her gentle face, but doing nothing to give her appearance the angry edge she wished it to have. The only thing that made her look even remotely threatening was the small horn on her forehead.
"I wasn't trying to attack," she pointed out, sticking out her tongue. "I was just bringing Arich here his gift. There's no crime in that, is there, brother?"
Amarant smiled, a slight of laughter sounding. Of course she would have the prince's gift - she had had a killer crush on him since the day they met, and never forgot to get him a gift for any sort of holiday.
Michi approached the prince, who watched her with curious teal eyes. "What did you get me?" he asked, his tail swiping back and forth over the carpet, a sure sign he was amused. "C'mon, let's see it.'
Michi waved a delicate finger at him. "Guess first."
Arich's eyes narrowed. "You know I hate guessing games," he said. Michi smiled at him, shuffling her weight in between her feet.
"You won't get it unless you at least try to guess, Zidane," Michi said, using her pet name for him. When she was little, he often read her a book in which the main character was a young man named Zidane. Since the two had seemed so alike to the young child, she had proclaimed that she would call the prince Zidane.
Arich rolled his eyes, but it was obvious he wasn't the least bit annoyed with the child. He chewed his lip thoughtfully for a moment, the his face brightened with an idea. "A pony?" he suggested, leaning forward in anticipation. "I always wanted a pony."
Michi giggled, shaking her head. "Try again," she said, her face a mask of determination.
Arich leaned back against the stairs, fiddling with his tail. "Hmm," he mused. "What about a puppy? Puppies are nice."
"No! C'mon, you gotta try harder than that!"
Arich looked puzzled. "Why don't you just tell me what it is? Or better yet, just hand it over." He stood up, extending his hands, awaiting his gift. Michi shook her head. "Unless you take another guess - a real guess - I won't give you anything," she smirked.
Arich pretended to be shocked. "You wouldn't!" he said, his mouth wide open and his hand on his forehead.
Michi's smile grew larger. "Would too."
Arich sighed a sigh of defeat. "Well, I have no choice. How about.... a bracelet? I hear those are popular this time of year."
In the background, Amarant rolled his eyes.
"Nope, silly. Those are for girls," Michi reminded him. Arich slapped his forehead. "Ah, yes. Why can I never remember?"
Michi giggled. "Silly!" she accused, and Arich swooped down to tickle her. She screamed in delight as Arich proclaimed, "Never!"
"Stop, Zidane - STOP! You're gonna make me drop the gift!"
Arich pulled back, plunking back down on the stairs. "Sorry," he said, his tail twitching. "Now c'mon, hand it over."
"Promise you won't laugh?"
"Promise."
Michi pulled her hands out from behind her back, revealing a large purple sack. She held it out to Arich, who took it, giving her a curious glance. "I wonder...," he began.
Within the blink of an eye, Arich had removed the satchel and was holding the gift in his hands. Lying dormant in his hands was a large chocobo egg, its outer shell gleaming silver. Arich lifted his eyebrows, his expression one of surprise.
"Where did you get this, Michi?" he asked, his voice full of wonder.
"I saved up for a whole three months. A very nice man on the street corner sold it to me." She lowered her eyes, her voice quiet and demure. "I always wanted a chocobo for my own," she whispered.
Arich smiled at her. "Tell you what," he said, lowering the egg to his lap, "since I'm prince and I don't have too much time, why don't you take care of this little guy for me? That way, someone will always be taking care of him. I can't think of a better person for the job! Besides, he's gonna need someone younger than me to play with him - someone with lot's of energy."
Michi looked up sharply, her eyes gleaming. "Really?" she breathed, a smile spreading rapidly over her face.
Arich nodded sternly. "I proclaim you, Michi, Official Chocobo Keeper and Play-Wither." He handed the chocobo egg over to Michi, whose eyes became aglow at the sight of it. "Take good care of him," Arich whispered, rising.
Michi nodded vigorously. "I promise! He won't want for anything!"
"Michi? Where you go? Time for cook, not play!" Someone ascended the stairs, and all pairs of eyes turned to see Quina the Qu panting atop them. "Why so many stairs...?" she wondered aloud, her breath coming short.
Michi spun on her heel to face her friend and boss, clutching the egg protectively to her chest. "I'm right her, Quina! I was just giving Zi- I mean, Arich his gift."
Quina clambered up the last few stairs to face the child. "You give gift? Only gift you should be giving dinner! Not enough people to cook without you! Come back and work, youngling, before I make dinner of you."
Although her face betrayed nothing, it was obvious Quina was only teasing. Quina had, after all, practically raised the child. Right after Amarant had become a Knight of Pluto, his parents had died, leaving Michi homeless. She had moved into the castle with her brother, but although Amarant cared for the child, he did not have much time to be with her. So Michi had found the kitchens, and the comfort of Quina with it. And ever since then, she had helped with the work in the kitchen, especially on busy nights like that one.
Michi sighed. "I'm coming. I wasn't gonna be that long!" she grumbled playfully as they descended the stairs.
"What that you got there?" Arich and Amarant heard Quina say.
"It's a chocobo egg! Arich's letting me take care of it," Michi boomed, and they could both picture the broad smile on her face.
"Look like good for eat," Quina said.
"Quina! Eww, get your tongue off of my baby!"
"Hm, need more salt."
/~*~/~*~/~*~/~*~/~*~/~*~/~*~/
Red Steel sat in front of the mirror in his dressing room, his eyes wide in anticipation. In a few minutes, he, a small-time actor virtually unknown to the world of Gaia, would appear before the queen of Alexandria herself! His was the role of a lifetime!
A knock came at his door and a shout from someone on the outside could be heard. "Five minutes, Steel!"
Red tensed, nodding. He glanced at the large clock in his room, then turned back to the mirror in front of him. With a determined nod, he donned the fake metal helmet and charged out of the room.
People bustled back and forth behind the stage curtain, all looking nervous and tired. Red walked among them like a prince among men, head held high. A knowing smirk crept across his face as he watched them bustle about.
Poor souls, he pitied, shaking his head. Half of them aren't even going on stage tonight! And yet I, Red Steel, have the privilege of performing for the queen! When I become famous, I will remember them. Poor, poor souls indeed.
Red stood high and tall behind the curtain. He listened patiently for his cue, for the line that would allow him enter the stage.
"The guards should report back soon, milord."
Ah, there it was. Charging out from behind the curtain, Red Steel strode across the stage to where two actors were waiting for his all- important arrival. He stopped and turned towards the audience just as one of them asked, "Have you seen milady this night, noble guard?"
From here, he could see the queen, smiling down at him expectantly. There were hundreds of friendly faces staring at him, all waiting for what he might say. Would he seal the fate of Marcus and Cornelia, or would they live to see another day?
He looked into the faces and became thunderstruck. There had to be at least five-hundred of them, all lords and ladies, or people of noble descent. And then, high above them all, was the queen.
Oh, gods! The queen was watching!
He froze, the one line he had to say stuck in his throat.
"I said, have you seen milady this night , noble guard," the actor beside him hissed, the sound of his voice echoing in Red's ear.
The queen looked down at him, disgusted and confused. He had failed to impress her - he had ruined her evening! His fate was sealed now! There had to be some way to make it up to her...
Behind the queen, Red saw a motion - a flourish of a white cloak, a glimpse of a person's body. A covered face peered from behind the queen's chair, and a single pale hand reaching for her neck.
Suddenly, Red knew how to save himself from certain humiliation.
"Queen Brahne! Behind you! Assassin!"
/~*~/~*~/~*~/~*~/~*~/~*~/~*~/
Toy's hand froze in midair as the queen turned around to face her. Brahne's cruel eyes bored into hers. For a single moment, everything was still and calm. And then...
"Kill her!"
There was no time to think. Toy just reacted. Suddenly, she was up, dodging the weapons of two guards, and squeezing in between the doors before they shut. Her feet fell out fast beneath her, leading her to... Well, anywhere but there.
Under her breath, she cursed herself. What had she been thinking, sneaking into the queen's theater box? That was suicide. Vivi had warned her against it, but she had been so focused on her prize she had blocked him out.
Speaking of which, where was the little creature?
Toy heard footsteps behind her, and spying a staircase at her side, slid down the banister. She barely had time to breath before she was on her feet and running again.
"You can't get away!" she heard a guard call out.
Racing down the hallway, she prayed to whatever god existed that she survived. She would never pull anything so stupid again, if she could only get out of here unharmed.
Glancing quickly over her shoulder at the advancing guards, Toy turned a corner.
"Oof!"
She bumped into something hard. Very hard. Taken aback, she looked up, stricken dizzy, terrified. Toy sucked in a breath as she found herself looking into the face of the crown prince of Alexandria.
Her first though was a childish one. The people of the town had been right. He was very good looking, but far more so than any old woman on the street corner had warned. And, Toy noted, he had very hard abs.
His golden-blonde hair was bushy, but in a natural and calm sort of way. It fell all over his face elegantly, brushing curiously against his cheek. It was long, tied into a formal ponytail in the back. His eyes were almond, cat-like, glimmering teal and rimmed in yellow. They blinked twice at her, slowly. He was tall and thin, but Toy could make out some muscle beneath the confines of his shirt.
Toy sucked in another breath. Now she was in for it.
"She went this way!"
"Over here!"
Upon hearing the voices of the guards again, Toy's feet picked themselves up. But the strong arms of the prince kept her from going anywhere. She found herself face-to-face with his chest again.
And then she saw it.
It was hanging from his neck on a long chain, glowing softly in the dim light. The pendant was all colors at once, and then, none at all. It changed from every angle she looked at it, winking at her. She had found it. All by luck, it was right there in front of her.
She heard the clanging of the guards approaching, and vaguely noted that their armor must be slowing them down quite a bit. Toy pulled back, struggling against his grip.
"Let me go!" she growled, placing her hands on his chest and pushing back. Keeping her face turned away, Toy let her fingers wrap around the pendant. With a gentle, imperceptible tug, the chain broke and the pendant was in her hands.
Not skipping a beat, Toy kicked him hard in the gut. The prince doubled over, letting out a gasp of pain. His grip on Toy released, and she was off and running again.
Or so she thought.
In moments, she found herself splayed out on the floor, face down. Making sure the pendant was still in her hands, she pushed herself up, facing the fallen prince. His leg was extended out- with her on top of it- and realizing what he had done, she shot him a nasty look. With a smug smile, the young prince returned the glare. But his expression changed to one a shock as he saw the pendant in her hands.
Toy jumped to her feet, seeing the guards turning the corner. Gasping, she ran as fast as she could, praying this would be the last of her encounters this evening.
The footsteps behind her were like thunder, and Toy was sure the prince had joined both the guards after her. She had no idea where she was going. She just let her feet guide her.
Maybe it wasn't such a smart idea.
She turned yet another corner, hoping that no noble or foreign king was there waiting for her to bump into. It wouldn't have stopped her, but still...
The footsteps were coming closer. She could feel the breath of someone on her neck, and she put all her energy into speeding up. If she ever made it out of here, it would be a close one.
She glanced back and forth as she raced onwards. Where had Vivi gone? Had the little chicken wimped out on her? She grumbled under her breath. He would be of real use right now.
With a quick glance over her shoulder, Toy bounded up a flight of stone stairs. The prince was practically on her heels again, and silently, she groaned.
Around and around the stairs went, getting higher and higher. Toy was beginning to feel very tired, but she suspected the guards with the heavy metal armor weren't doing much better. The prince however...
No time to think. She broke open a door in front of her, light flashing into her eyes. A balcony. Great.
Toy ran to the edge of the balcony, leaping onto the stone rail that lined it. The prince stumbled to a halt, angry light catching in his cat- eyes. She smirked at him from atop her perch. She looked above her quickly, searching for a way to get down without killing herself. After all, there was no way she was going to stay here and get caught.
A rope, covered in tiny flags, was just within her reach. Hastily, she grabbed it. She pulled hard on it, and one end came loose. Just as the guards came panting through the door, and just as the prince lunged at her, was when Toy jumped back.
Time slowed down, stopped even. Toy could hear nothing but the wind rushing through her ears. A sense of exhilaration overcame her as the ground below rushed up to greet her.
Blinking, Toy's mouth opened a little. No, that wasn't ground beneath her. That was an airship.
She began to swing over it, and realizing her limited options, released the rope. Her feet had barely hit the ground before she was up and running again. Crew members of the ship gave her odd looks as she raced by, the audience before it watching her, mesmerized.
"Toy!"
Not stopping, the young thief looked up. Immersed in the sea that was the audience, Vivi stared up at her in surprise. Toy sighed heavily.
He had been watching the play.
The young mage came running through the crowd after her, leaping onto the airship's stage. He disappeared beneath the built-in stage, and Toy pushed on.
Before she knew what she was doing, Toy found herself in the cockpit of the hybrid theater-ship. She stared blankly at the controls, trying to regain her breath, when her objective became clear.
The only way to escape - to get both her and Vivi out of here alive - was to take over the ship.
With renewed determination, Toy pushed up a lever that said clearly, "Engine." The airship hummed to life beneath her, rising a few more feet into the air. She heard people yell and scream, and did not doubt some of the people aboard had slipped off.
But it didn't matter. Not to her. Not right now.
Grabbing ahold of the wheel, Toy turned it sharply to the right. It obeyed her command immediately, slowly moving in a wide circle to the right. People below screamed as it slammed into a castle wall, but the ship kept turning, slicing though the stone as if it were air.
Toy kept pushing the wheel to the right, and she murmured under her breath to comfort herself. "It's just like those minis in Lindblum," she told herself. "Only much bigger..."
It seemed like forever before the ship turned all the way, facing the world. Facing freedom.
Narrowing her eyes, Toy shoved a lever beside her as far up as it would go. Painstakingly, the ship began to move forwards.
"Come on! You can go faster than that!" Toy chided, gritting her teeth.
The ship slowly began to pick up speed, but it wasn't enough... Nervously, Toy wondered why the queen wasn't firing at the ship yet.
With a giant lurch, speed caught up with the ship. It seemed for a glorious instant she was going to escape when the explosion came.
The ship had leaped forwards, only to be pulled back. Toy looked out the window behind her. The queen had begun firing. From cannons mounted on the castle walls came spear-chains, slamming into the hull of the ship. Grinning, Toy pushed the ship on. After a moments struggle, the ship broke free with a groan, the chains falling uselessly to the ground.
Toy almost laughed out loud, seeing the blue face of the queen turn almost purple with rage. And then her laughter stopped short.
An explosion shook the side of the ship, yells of the crew members sounding off in the background. The ship was going faster and faster, but now it was swaying violently, the wooden hull m moaning. Another explosion came from behind, shoving the ship forwards, but jarring those aboard.
One after another, the explosions came, attacking the ship from every conceivable side. Toy yelled out in anger, biting her lip. She was convinced the ship would fall, but somehow, it kept going. Bits of glass and wood were flying everywhere, but Toy made herself keep her focus on her objective. Freedom.
All in a moment, the explosions stopped, and everything became deathly silent. She could hear vaguely the popping of more bombs being fired in the distance, but she was unsure whether or not it was just the first explosions ringing in her ears.
Sighing, Toy slowed the ship some, not wanting to strain it. The city of Alexandria was shrinking fast behind her, but that did nothing to diminish the damage the bombs had caused. Any second now, the airship could crumble beneath.
It was all a matter of time.
/~*~/~*~/~*~/~*~/~*~/~*~/~*~/
A/N: I know, I know a strange place to end. But hey, it was a strange chapter, so it fits. I'm sorry if this wasn't as good as you expected it to be, but I am just coming out, so I can only improve from here. I promise the other chapters will at least be remotely better! Please, leave me a review. I know it gets annoying, people asking you to do that, but I would at least like to know what everyone thinks before I start working on another chapter. If I do start working on another chapter...
Well, anyway, thanks for reading, and I hope I did my best to please you!