Author's Note: I know the Prologue doesn't do much to set up the story, so here is the next installment, Chapter One. While this isn't very exciting as far as action, this sets up the story. Hold out until Chapter Two – that's when things get interesting. I hope to have that up soon! Enjoy!

Chapter One

She sighed quietly, eyes lingering over the stage. Blank, a man she knew well after their endeavors, approached Ruby – or Cornelia, in this act. They spoke, but she was unknowing of the redhead's intentions. A dull thud echoed over the atrium, and the actress collapsed into his arms. The crowd gasped, nobles and viewers in awe at the brazen act of betrayal; but the young queen knew better. She knew this script, every line, every motion as it was intended. It was an act, a story…none of it was true. A silent sigh escaped her lips as Marcus again took the stage.

"The time for our departure is long past," he said, wondering to himself. Another member of Tantalus she knew all too well, having helped him back in Treno after she… Her mind trailed, lingering on the events from a year past. "Where is Cornelia?"

"Marcus! The ship soon embarks," Cinna warned, and he shook his head. "Board ye this boat alone, and peace could come to both kingdoms, as Blank so said." He hesitated, awaiting some answer. "Speak Marcus!"

"She told me that she could not live without me," he replied to himself absently. The notion here was not that he was speaking to Cinna, but that he was still trapped, ensnared in his own thoughts; a common misconception when performed. But Tantalus knew their scripts well, each motion, each line delivered flawlessly. The cloaked Marcus turned to the sky as it lightened. Painted birds scattered the lit sky, and he chuckled darkly. "So, the sun is our enemy too. The eastern sky grows bright. Will we not spread our wings, as yonder birds in joyous flight?"

"Hark, Marcus! They cannot wait any longer," Cinna offered once more. "The ship departs!" He left, not willing to miss his own ship. Marcus didn't follow, barely moved as his head sank beneath the hood.

"Could she have betrayed me?" he queried, words fragile and daring as they escaped his lips. As quickly as he made the suggestion, he shook his head, turning back toward the audience. "Nay, ne're would my love speak false. I must have faith! She shall appear if I only believe!"

'If only that worked, Marcus,' she answered mentally, closing her eyes. Salty heat bit at her eyes, but she blinked it away. 'I have to let go of the past…move on…just like he taught me…' she reminded herself absently, letting her attention find the stage below.

"As the sun lends me no ear, I pray instead to the twin moons!" he turned, pleading to moons painted upon the set. "I beseech thee, wondrous moonlight, grant me my only wish!" He hesitated, hands wrenching at the charcoal fabric. Suddenly it took to the wind, whirling as it fell to his side. "Bring my beloved Dagger to me!"

She stood from her throne so quickly, it might have toppled had it not been bolted to the balcony that she peered over. Speechless, her limbs betrayed her – they wouldn't move! No, it was her eyes that betrayed her – this wasn't realit couldn't be! But he waited, bright cobalt eyes locking with hers despite distance, and for a moment she couldn't tear them away. Finally, stubborn limbs pried themselves from the ground, and she raced to the doors, trembling fingers tearing at silk to keep heels from snagging it. Breath caught as she reached the doors; in her tizzy, she had forgotten about her General and Captain! They blocked the door, and glassy eyes studied them for a moment.

Of course, Steiner had hated Zidane – he had considered him a criminal, and had never quite forgiven him for abducting her, even if she had left of her own accord. And though Beatrix had spoken well of the blond thief, there was no doubt she would side with her lover. A stunning maroon eye met a dark gaze, and smiles flickered over their lips as they pushed the door open. Dagger beamed at the Capitan, and Steiner returned the gesture; russet eyes flickered to the General, bowing as she motioned the queen through.

Dagger wasted no time; feet quickly took her down the staircase, stumbling over red velvet as they moved too fast. Ebon bangs danced before her eyes as she rushed down, but she didn't bother to tidy them as she reached the landing. The Alexandrian Soldiers hardly noticed her commotion, lost in their own conversation, but moved quickly as she burst through the doors. Bright light nearly blinded her for a moment, the warm sunlight hindering her view, but she persevered. Nobles mumbled as they wondered what was going on, why the play had stopped, why the actor stood on stage, beaming, pleased with himself. Impatiently, she pushed through them, nudging shoulders, and bumping arms. New mutters began, but she didn't care – she squeezed through two people, shoving their shoulders to the side.

An unsuspecting passerby walked into her, stammering an apology as he realized he'd struck the queen. The chain broke from the heavy pendant, and it danced through the air. Light glittered over the surface as the prized jewel clattered against the cobblestone, scrapping as it skidded to a stop. Dagger hesitated, clutching her bare neck; the jewel was the only thing left of her heritage, of her mother.

Quickly, fiercely, she turned, shoving the empty thought to the back of her mind. She could see him through the crowd, and he watched her race towards him. The blond took a step towards her, lingering still on the stage of the Prima Vista II. Her crown started to slide away, the beaded tiara catching in silken tresses, and she yanked it free. The trappings clattered emptily against the stone, but he was close, and she threw herself to him.

Strong arms caught her, and tears streamed down her face as the reality sank heavily over her. Her knees were weak, and she could barely support her own weight as she looked into those eyes. Deep, like the crystal waters they sailed over many moons ago. Like the sea, like waves rolling and tumbling and sucking her beneath the surface, drowning. He smiled weakly, and she embraced him.

It was a dream, she told herself, pulling him closer, hands tearing at soft fabric. He left her – went into the tree – he died! A balled fist punched him in the chest as she sobbed, unable to scold him, unable to make sounds turn into syllables. A gloved hand brushed through her hair, and he shushed her quietly as she buried her head into his shoulder. She could hear his breath, and breathed in the warm sweet scent of his skin beneath the snug vest. The crowd applauded, cheers and whistles filling the atrium, filling Alexandria. But her mind drowned them out; only the whispers of breaths and the pangs of racing hearts reached her mind. He buried his face in her hair and she wept into his shoulder, laughing at herself quietly for having ever doubting the resourceful blond.

Finally, she pulled free, and she could only make one thing form into words.

"How did you survive…?" she managed hoarsely.

"…I didn't have a choice," he replied quietly, resting his head against hers. "I had to live." She pulled away, studying him closely. A smile tugged at his lips, glassy eyes dancing over every flawless feature of his canary. "I wanted to come home to you. So…I sang your song. Our song."

Eyes fluttered open, drinking in the warm rays of sun that spilled from the open window and flooded the room. The queen sat up, startled from her slumber, and slung her legs to the side of the bed. On the window pane, a dove noisily chirped for her attention; brows furrowed and she quickly crossed the sun-kissed tile, shooing it away. Silken feathers rustled in protest as the bird took flight, and she leaned absently against the stone pane.

A summer breeze, still crisp with a morning chill drifted by, and she took a deep breath of dew-glazed grass and sea salt. Sighing, she let a hand brush her cheek, wiping away the tear stains that streaked fair skin. From her window, she could see most of Alexandria – the town square, the bustling citizens, the plush seas of grass beyond the wall; and the Prima Vista II as it approached Alexandria Castle. Dark eyes lingered on the distant figure, mind drifting back to the dream she'd awoken from…

She would rather stay asleep forever if she had to, to be by his side again. To gaze into pools of crystal waters, into the bright blue light she recalled from Terra, into eyes that flooded with emotions, but still, steady – like the eye of a storm. To touch warm skin, caress a muscular arm, and tug the crisp fabric of his vest. To hear his nonchalant voice, humming their song, whispering and shushing her quietly. To take in the sweet scent of Zidane, to savor it for the rest of her life.

Two sounds gently echoed from the door; gently, but enough to pry her from sweet daydream. As silently as she could, she tiptoed to the vanity across the room, letting a hand drift over the sheers as they danced in the morning breeze. Delicate fingers snatched the handkerchief from the vanity, dabbing gently to remove the traces of her dream.

"Come in," she finally called, knowing well that the loyal General Beatrix would wait all day for her response. The reaction was nearly immediate, the wooden door opened almost soundlessly as the general stepped inside. She saluted, a formality Dagger had long since outgrown. To the kingdom, she was Queen Garnet til Alexandros; but she knew it was a false identity. And so, to any who knew her, she was – and would always be – Dagger. But she was still the only heir Alexandria knew, and so…she was Garnet.

"Good morning, Your Majesty," she greeted, walking to the youth's side. "Happy birthday," she added warmly, lowering her head.

"Thank you, Beatrix," Dagger said, plastering a false smile to her rose petal lips. "But…please, don't be so formal."

"Old habits die hard, Dagger," the general replied, hesitating as she called the queen by her preferred name. Like most days of occasion, Beatrix pinned back short raven bangs, and began brushing on a thin layer of powdered makeup. If she noticed any trace of the queen's dream, she made no mention. Silence settled over them, a routine Dagger was far too used to, and she let her mind drift.

It made sense that she had been thinking about him recently; after all, today was her seventeenth birthday. A year ago, she had met the rambunctious thief, begged him to kidnap her, and set out on her journey. And for the first time since, Tantalus would be back to Alexandria kingdom to perform I Want to be Your Canary, and she would see all of her friends again.

Well…almost all of them.

"Does something trouble you?" Beatrix asked, voice soft but sure; the general knew Dagger best these days, and could always tell if something bothered the youthful queen. Chocolate eyes met the general's, and she sighed quietly.

"Just…overwhelmed, I think," she replied distantly, knowing well that Beatrix would read between the lines. Dagger stood, crossing once again to the open window. The scent of powdered makeup tickled her senses, and she scrunched her nose. "It's been a year…I can't wait to see everyone…" Dagger trailed, and she vaguely realized she sounded disappointed.

"…But…?" Beatrix asked.

"…But…it'll never be the same…" She turned from the window, giving a half-hearted smile to the general. Gently, she lifted the pearl-white dress from the chair – the one she'd been wearing in her dream; the one she'd been wearing on her sixteenth birthday. Russet eyes trailed the silken form, limp against her arms. The bustier was embroidered with an intricate floral vine motif, and the delicate gloves that matched rested on the red velvet chair. Already in her undergarments, the general helped her pull the dress on, fastening the back and pulling down the netting underneath. Dagger slid her hands into the smooth gloves as Beatrix placed the tiara over her head. Uncomfortably, she adjusted it until it didn't tug at raven tresses before sliding on the heavy pendant she always wore.

She turned back to the window, the Prima Vista II now over the city; it would dock in a matter of minutes, and the play would begin in the late afternoon. She had arranged for a feast after, for the friends she'd not seen since. Quina had been more than happy to learn he'd be cooking for his friends, and enthusiastically planned an array of dishes. Everyone would be there – save for Vivi; Mikoto had sent a letter through Mognet months ago, and Dagger learned that he had stopped. And, of course…Zidane.

Dagger sighed, crossing her arms over her chest. Maybe she would never accept it – what everyone else believed had become of him. It would be like Freya – her lost love, presumed dead, would finally return in her dire hour of need; that sounded like something Zidane would pull. She gave a soft, half-hearted giggle, gentle enough that tightly attuned ears would find the gesture inaudible. Tears bit at her eyes, but she blinked them back, painfully aware of the general's knowing gaze that lingered over her slender form.

"Beatrix, would you mind seeing how Quina is coming on the preparations?" she asked humbly, feigning her composure. The general hesitated but a near-silent sigh finally escaped into the sun-warmed room.

"Of course, Your Majesty," she answered dutifully. Heavy footsteps left the room, the wooden door closing with a quiet click behind her. Finally, Dagger released the shaky breath she had been holding, and felt a tear slip from the corner of her eye. Quickly, she snatched the handkerchief, dabbing it away before it could leave traces in her makeup.

Maybe…maybe it was time. Maybe she needed to see what had become of Zidane for herself. Her stomach churned as she imagined crawling through the Iifa Tree, rumored to be petrified, and found his decaying skeleton, still framed with the tattered jeans and blue vest she recalled. Or maybe he would be like Blank, petrified, frozen in time; maybe she just had to find another Supersoft to free him from his stone prison.

…Maybe, all this time, he had been waiting for her as she had waited for him! Waiting for her to swoop down from the sky and save him! He could be alive! He could be…

Then it was decided; she would journey to the Outer Continent after the feast. Steiner and Beatrix would be thrilled to hear of her decision…and likely promptly close her in her room and tell her to forget such delusions. So she would wait to reveal her decision, then – until the feast. Surely Eiko or Freya or Blank would side with her; and if nothing else, Tantalus had kidnapped her once before with no penalty, what would be a second time?

She would find him. No one would stop her.

*~*~*0*~*~*

The play had gone smoothly, though not as well as her dream. No hiccups, sudden improvising, or missing heroes revealing themselves dramatically. The nobles, of course, had been pleased. Her friends had gathered in the banquet hall, and she had made her way back to her own room, escorted by Steiner and Beatrix. She had told them she wanted to change before she greeted them, the formal white dress a little too…well, formal for the occasion.

She stood before her full-length mirror, examining her figure. She wore a comfortable white blouse with bell-shaped sleeves and puffy shoulders, and a pleated orange skirt that brushed her knees. A thready breath escaped over pale lips, and fingers trembled as she ran them through short silken tresses. Maybe it was nerves – seeing everyone again after such a long time. Dark eyes closed as she stilled her racing heart; no, it wasn't that.

It was the first time Dagger would be seeing them in a year. And they all believed him dead. All…but her. What would they think, when she told them of her plans? Would they think her mad? Desperate? Dagger shook her head, ridding herself of such thoughts. It didn't matter what they thought. It was about Zidane – it always had been. She turned from the mirror, crossing and opening the door with no hesitance. Beatrix awaited her, as she expected, but Dagger simply smiled.

"Steiner went to the Great Hall," she said quickly. "He was so ecstatic to see the others, I told him to go ahead without us." Dagger chuckled lightly; Steiner had been prattling on about seeing them for days now. Like a giddy schoolgirl. It was somewhat funny, considering he had been the most unwilling comrade in the beginning. Beatrix turned quickly, chestnut curls bouncing slightly as she led the queen down the hallway; Dagger followed silently, much more comfortable with her change of clothes.

The Great Hall was alive with chatter, even as they approached the room. She could hear Steiner, telling a story in his over-exaggerated manner; Amarant replied with a sarcastic quip, and Eiko shrieked with laughter. Suddenly, Dagger's stomach fluttered, not quite nervous nor excited, and her heart skipped a beat as she stepped over the threshold.

"Dagger!" Eiko squealed, hugging her abruptly. Startled, Dagger returned the gesture, realizing just how much the rambunctious youth had grown over the past year. "I missed you!" Beatrix chuckled lightly as she crossed to the empty chair across from Steiner, and Dagger smiled.

"It's been too long, hasn't it?" she agreed warmly, and Eiko beamed, releasing her.

"You left your hair short!" the adolescent beamed.

"And I see you're growing yours out," Dagger said, noting the violet tresses that spilled over her shoulders. The summoner smiled, and turned, and chocolate eyes scanned the oversized mahogany table; it seemed as though everyone had attended. Eiko rejoined Regent Cid and Lady Hilda, the pair having taken in the youth as their own after everything settled. Freya sat beside her, red cloak adorned with the familiar crest of Burmecia – though she looked a bit lonely without Sir Fratley at her side. The Tantalus gang had joined them, too, though she had known Baku wouldn't be one to pass up a feast. Quina set the last of the dishes on the table, before sitting at the opposite end. All six of Vivi's 'sons' had joined them, too, though most of them looked anxious and out of place. Even Amarant and Lani had decided to show up; Dagger had been near-certain they would not. "Thank you all so much for coming – I'm glad you could make it!"

"Th-thank you for inviting us, Y-your Majesty," one of the mages managed, nearly trembling from his nerves as he adjusted his hat.

"Oh, please – call me Dagger," she retorted. "It's nice to finally meet you." He sank into his chair, clearly not expecting the queen act so informally; Dagger couldn't help but chuckle to herself – after all, Vivi had acted the same when they had first met.

"I-I'm Sumaru," he answered quickly, voice still straining to form words. "These are my brothers," he added, gesturing to each one as he named them, "Raiga, Tao, Orion, Zaide, and Marcin." They murmured a meek hello, bright moon eyes glimpsing each other nervously.

"I hope you all hungry!" Quina chortled. "I cook good food. There plenty for all!"

"It certainly looks delicious," Hilda complemented brightly.

"It certainly smells delicious!" Blank corrected impatiently.

"Well, it isn't just for show – let's eat," Dagger said, stifling a growl from her stomach as she sat at the head of the table. Though she had grown accustomed to Quina's cooking, she had to admit: he had outdone himself. It was by far the best meal he had prepared; roasted trick sparrow, vegetable-stuffed peppers, barbequed fish, rotisserie cooked frogs, stewed butternut squash, a dozen casseroles – it was endless! The room quieted as the group ate their fill, with the occasional compliment to the cooking. Finally, everyone had finished, bellies low, bulging, and stuffed; Dagger couldn't remember the last time she'd eaten so shamelessly.

Time passed, and the group reminisced over old stories, laughing as they recalled moments in their adventures, and listening intently as they caught up on their lives and happening from the past year. It seemed like everyone had been doing so much…Dagger felt as though she had been standing still, just twiddling her thumbs, watching as time passed, and waiting for Zidane. When finally the conversation had become slow, stories told, and comebacks made, Dagger cleared her throat.

"It's great to see all of you…to hear stories, laugh and talk like we used to…but…" she began, suddenly trembling, nerves tugging at her mind and trying to scramble her words. "But it hasn't been the same…not without Zidane." She shuddered as she spoke his name, the syllables sending a shiver over her body. "It's been a year…and…I know it sounds crazy, but I've been waiting on him to come back."

"Dagger…" Eiko began sympathetically.

"That's why…I've decided," Dagger continued, heart racing, throbbing against her ribcage. "I want to go back to the Iifa Tree."

"What?!" Beatrix and Steiner gasped and stuttered at once, but she continued.

"I know, but…I have to know the truth – I need to see it for myself," she added quietly.

"I would happily escort you, Dagger," Freya said, nodding respectfully; if anyone understood Dagger's denial, it would be the jaded Dragon Knight, and she had expected her to react with compassion, despite her sometimes cold façade.

"My queen, I understand your decision, but…" Beatrix began hesitantly; likewise, Dagger had assumed the general would be the first to oppose. "Now is not the time to leave the kingdom. Alexandria is finally getting back on its feet from the tragedy last year – the queen leaving at a time like this…it might cause an uproar among the citizens."

"I know, Beatrix, but…" Dagger sighed, the breath escaping long and low from her lips.

"Steiner?" Beatrix urged, nudging the captain.

"I…I must agree with Dagger," he answered finally. The general studied him, gaping at the knight, clearly having expected him to side with her. "If this is what you need for your heart to be at peace…Beatrix and I will watch over Alexandria during your absence." Dagger beamed, unable to stifle her reaction; she had expected him to protest, make some snide remark about Zidane as a petty thief. She hadn't realized how much the blond had grown on him, how much the captain cared.

"…Then go as well, Steiner," Beatrix suggested. Brows furrowed, and he exchanged a wary glance. "You began this journey with her as a knight protecting his princess. It seems only fitting that you should see it to the end. I can watch over the kingdom." Steiner hesitated, but nodded.

"…Very well, then," Steiner answered humbly; Dagger grinned, despite herself, grateful for the support of her friends.

"Well, if you're going back to the Iifa Tree, count me in!" Eiko said.

"Eiko, it will be very dangerous…" Cid trailed, tone harsh and denying.

"But Father –"

"No buts, Eiko," he interrupted demandingly. She pouted, eyes catching on Hilda's gaze before falling to the elegant plate before her.

"Cid, dear," she began, and Cid shook his head; he knew by her tone he had been overruled. "Eiko is a big girl, and she wants to see her homeland. With Dagger and a Dragon Knight, plus the captain of the Knights of Pluto…I'm certain she can hold her own." Eiko beamed, and Cid grunted, though he made no offer to argue.

"Well count me out," Amarant grunted darkly, his gruff voice shattering the excitement buzzing around him. "You're wasting your time." Dagger's brows furrowed, chocolate eyes unwavering as they settled over the redhead. Her gaze dared him to say it, but she knew that daring the monk only encouraged him. "He's dead."

"We don't know that!" Blank protested abruptly, standing from his chair.

"That idiot went back into the raging tree, after a homicidal psychopath that didn't hesitate to take out his planet and tried to take out ours," Amarant leaned back in his chair. "The punk is dead, and that's that."

"You no good, sleazy –" The brash redhead had almost crawled onto the table, fists balled and ready, teeth gritting; Baku immediately yanked the over-eager rogue back to his seat. Blank mumbled something quietly, tugging at his headband, and Baku shook his head.

"Yer entitled to yer opinion," Baku said, nodding to the monk. "Don't mean we have to agree with ya."

"Not to piss on your party, Dagger," Lani began haughtily, eyes lingering suspiciously over the rogue, "But if he is alive, wouldn't he have come back for you? Either he's dead or he's moved on. It's high time you moved on, too." She stood from her seat and gave a soft smile; an expression that seemed abnormal replacing her usually smug and stiff expression. "We've got to be going anyway. Meeting with some richy-rich nobles in Treno at the end of the day." Amarant stood, heading for the door with a half shrugged, half waved goodbye. "…If you're going…good luck," Lani added, though the encouragement fell flat beneath the skepticism laced between her syllables.

"Dagger, count me in," Blank interjected with a stern nod towards the queen, ignoring the boisterous woman as she followed the monk out. Dagger returned the gesture, grateful that she wasn't the only one with heightened emotions.

"Quina?" she asked, turning to the Qu. Though he could be a nuisance, he, too, had been good friends with the blond. In fact, Quina spoke of him often after they returned to Alexandria.

"You need no worry," he answered warmly. "I take care of soldiers for you, feed them lots good food!" She smiled, nodding to him.

"You'll need an airship," Cid offered. This was true, a setback she hadn't considered; the Red Rose had become virtually useless once the Mist had cleared. In fact, it had dissipated shortly before Beatrix had arrived back to Alexandria, and coasted into the dock on what Mist remained in the engine. "Fortunately, I have just the thing!" Not that Dagger expected anything different from her uncle. "I've just finished construction on a new airship - consider it a birthday present."

"Thank you, Uncle Cid!" Dagger cried, wishing he weren't at the other end of the table so she could embrace him. "And we can take all of you back to the Black Mage Village on our way," she added, nodding to the mages. Sumaru returned the acknowledgement, though hesitantly; among them, he seemed to have inherited the strength Vivi had found during their journeys – no doubt learned from Zidane.

"A-actually, could I…could I join you?" the mage asked tentatively; Dagger studied him a moment, but nodded.

"Of course – the more the merrier," she replied.

"…Spoken just like Zidane," Freya chuckled to herself. Heat rose in the queen's cheeks, and she flushed. The Burmecian was right – Zidane had said the very same thing during their adventures.

"If you don't mind my asking, Master Sumaru," Steiner began, threads of curiosity laced in his tone. "Why do you wish to go to the Iifa Tree?"

"O-oh, I mean…I didn't mean to…" His meek voice trailed, and the white mage threw a look at her guardian. Steiner shrugged innocently, but cleared his throat.

"Forgive me," he finally said, "I wasn't implying that you were imposing. Just curious, is all."

"I-I've heard stories," he answered, almost obediently. "Mikoto and…some of the older mages told me stories about our father and his adventures with Zidane. They've been passed down into the generations of black mages, and…and I'd really like to see some of the things he saw – meet some of the people he met."

"…Well then, it's settled!" Eiko piped up cheerfully. "Sumaru will come with us!"

"Yes, it's settled," Dagger nodded, beaming. "If you'd like to stay at the castle, we will leave first thing in the morning."