Train Ride

            Garnet opened her eyes and awoke from her peaceful slumber.  She saw Steiner, too, was asleep on the bench across from her.  She looked out the window and gasped as she saw Zidane's face in the window's reflection.  She spun around to face the aisle, and saw…no one.

            Turning back to the window, his face disappeared.

            Am I going insane?  The princess wondered.

            She was thinking about him too much.  Especially lately…

            "We made it!  We finally made it!  And without Zidane's help!"  Garnet exclaimed as they entered Burmecia. 

            "You always could do it princess.  You never needed that scoundrel from the beginning."  Steiner replied.

            "…"

           

            She hadn't replied, because she didn't truly believe it.  He had been a great help to her in her travels so far, and leaving him had been harder than anyone believed, including Garnet herself.  She never felt this way about anyone, but then again, she had never been out of the castle this long either.

            Zidane had saved her life many times, from helping them escape the Evil Forest, to protecting her in battles with his skill.  She had initially left in a huff because of his reluctance to have her fight this war with them.  She wasn't some baby to be pampered and protected all the time.  She wanted to be out in the real world and fight her own battles.  And this one was no exception.

            But, she did miss him.  His gentleness towards her and his kind eyes.  The blue in his eyes seemed as calm as the ocean waters, yet when she was threatened or in danger of any kind, they turned to jagged chips of ice, ready to pierce her attacker.

            Inside, she was touched.  No one ever bothered to do such a thing.  Steiner didn't count, because he was sworn into duty to protect the princess at any cost or any other member of the royal house.  But Zidane was different.  From the very beginning, he'd protected her and stuck by her on his own accord.  It was his choice.

            Now she had abandoned him.  Leaving him passed out in Lindblum speak to her mother.

            Oh, Zidane…please forgive me.  We will meet again.  I promise.  But this is something I have to do, please understand…

            As she thought of Zidane and his face smiling at her, she closed her eyes once more and fell back asleep.  Wait for me…I promise…Zidane…