Here is the next chapter and it's not the Festival. It's just a collection of ATEs that happen in Lindblum but are interesting and takes me eleven pages. The Festival is in the next chapter (already finished), promised. So, just wait a little longer. Thanks. Now, may you enjoy your read and ... not forget some reviews, please.

Also, I apology for the few spelling errors that you may find near the end, the auto-corrector suddenly broke as I was writing and I have no ideas how to get it back (but I tried. It just doesn't want to work).


Living in a big city

A lot of things happened the next day. Lindblum was a big city and a lot happened in its streets … as well as in its castle.

At the regent's apartments …

Garnet and Cid quietly walked in the throne room.

"So" The regent asked. "How is the queen? Is she still as vibrant as ever?"

"Yes, but … since Father died, Mother has been acting very strangely."

"I'm not surprised-gwok,gwok-. They loved each other so much …"

"We haven't spoken much lately. Also, a suspicious man has been prowling around the castle. I don't know what's going on anymore. I fear that she might be planning something terrible. I've brought this matter to everyone's attention, but no one has taken me seriously. They all think I'm distraught over losing Father …"

Cid smiled.

"I understand why you were so eager. I'm happy that you came to me for help."

"At this point, I think you're the only person Mother will listen to. When I heard that Lindblum's theater ship was coming to Alexandria, I decided to sneak on board and come here no matter what. I just never expected the crew to kidnap me …"

The regent lowered his head.

"It was me … I was the one who ordered the Tantalus to kidnap you."

The princess almost leaped in surprise. Was it true? She sat down the throne as her uncle explained.

"I once promised your father-gwok-that, should anything happen, I would protect you. We've known about the disturbances in Alexandria for some time. But had we acted directly, it would've started a war. So, I asked Baku for help. He and I go way back. The play was the perfect cover to enter Alexandria and get you out. No one would suspect Lindblum was behind it. We were-gwok-forced to take action, because we knew Alexandria would never seek our help. I'm relieved we were able to get you here."

Garnet smiled in understanding. It seemed she and the regent had the same idea … She suddenly frowned as Dali came into her mind.

"At the village of Dali, we saw numerous black mages. They looked like golems, controlled by some powerful magic. On top of that, they were being created under Alexandria's supervision. I don't know how they're related to Vivi, but if Mother is planning to use them for war …"

"We won't let that happen." The regent cut sharply. "Even if she were to command an army of black mages, she won't make a move as long as we have our airship fleet. Don't worry-gwok,gwok-. Everything will be fine."

The princess kneeled to her uncle's level.

"I'm so sorry, Uncle."

"Now, now, come on. Don't be so formal. I'm helping you because I am your Uncle Cid, not because I am the regent of Lindblum."

"Thank you so much."

Cid smiled and took the girl through the palace to what seemed to be a wide workshop inside the castle. The princess was surprised to find such place in the royal building but Cid quickly explained its purpose.

"This is the heart and soul of Lindblum: our airship dock. This is Dock No.1, where we conduct our research-gwok-."

"But … where are the airships?"

The regent sighed at the comment.

"Lonely, isn't it? We had a new airship model in here about six months ago. It was our lately creation: it didn't require Mist to fly."

Garnet frowned at the dates.

"The man who attacked you, was he the one who ran off with it?"

"Good guess but no. Actually …"

Cid lowered his head in shame.

"I met a lovely lady a the pub … When Hilda found out about our little affair, she used her magic and turned me into an oglop. Then she stormed off in the new airship, which I named Hilda Garde. Pretty ironic, eh?"

The princess shook her head. No kidding … At the same time, it explained a lot. The regent sighed.

"She hasn't been back since. I've been working on Hilda Garde 2 since, but it hasn't been going too well. My mind just isn't the same as an oglop. I am hopeless … But that doesn't mean I can't help you. I'll do my best for Alexandria."

"Thank you." Garnet kindly said. "But with South Gate badly damaged, I don't know how we can get to Alexandria."

"Don't worry. South Gate is being repaired as we speak. Once the repairs are finished, we'll go to Alexandria."

"Yes. I'm sure Mother will finally open her eyes to the truth."

Cid lowered his head and thought a little. His niece gave him a look.

"Uncle, is something wrong?"

"Huh? No, I was just thinking … about how the theater ship crashed. Baku sure has good men working under him."

Uncle and niece left the silent place.

At the inn …

The sun rose over Si'Nai's face. To forget he was surrounded by stone, the ranger had left the window open and the morning wind coldly breezed over his face. Yawning and stirring, he dressed himself and went to the next room where Zidane was sleeping. Seeing the thief in dreamland, he smiled, shook his head and left. First, find something to eat. Then, fill up his quiver with new arrows and find a better bow. He had kept his yew one in case and had some Black Waltz feathers in his bag …

Zidane rose around a quarter to nine AM. Vivi quietly entered his room and smiled.

"Good morning."

"You're up early." The thief noticed.

The boy looked around.

"Lindblum is really a busy place. I've never seen this many people before. I wonder where people go when they wanna be alone …"

Zidane smiled. The last question was typically Vivi.

"Lindblum has always been like this. People come here from all over the world. Some of them come here to become airship engineers, sculptors, actors …"

"Wow!"

The thief scratched his head.

"I don't remember why I came here my first time. Before I knew it, I was living here with my Tantalus brothers."

"Do they still live here?"

"Yes. Our hideout is in the Theater District. I'm gonna go there right now. Do you wanna come along?"

Vivi hesitated.

"Um, that's okay. I'm gonna go look around town."

"Okay. Then I'll give you a little tour."

"No, that's okay. I can go by myself."

Zidane had a suddenly devious smile.

"Ohhhh … okay … Go find yourself a cute girl, alright?"

Vivi frowned but still went. Maybe he could see Si'Nai. At the same time, Steiner, thinking the princess was safe in Lindblum's castle, decided to visit the town … But, for a small-town knight, it was sure easy to get lost in a big city. And thus he found himself unable to find his way back. He looked around, desperate.

"What a huge town! I'm completely lost."

He noticed a young red mage walking and called her.

"Pardon me …"

But the mage didn't let her finish.

"Geez …You're dressed awfully funny."

Steiner remembered Si'Nai's advice to find a better armor. The ranger was definitely right: he needed a new armor. Not only so to better protect the princess, but also to get along the black sword. Maybe he could also ask for a good blacksmith. He took his breath.

"I am Captain Adelbert Steiner of Alexandria, and I humbly request your assistance to get back to the castle."

Strangely enough, the red mage laughed at him.

"Ha-ha-ha! That's a new one! Nice try but I don't date bums."

She looked at the armor with a frown.

"You should really scrape that rust off. It's disgusting."

The knight was so deeply surprised by the reply that he began wandering away. A stand caught his eye so he decided to give it a look. The holder, an elderly woman, growled.

"Do you always strike out that badly? I think you need a new line. A little shine wouldn't hurt either."

Steiner looked at the merchandise. It looked like greenish-brown dried vegetable smelling hard.

"What are these things?" He asked.

"They're called gysahl pickles. They're one of Lindblum's delicacies. Do you wanna try one?"

Steiner frowned.

"It smells terrible!"

"The worst they smell, the better they taste."

"I guess I'll try one."

He picked one of the dried vegetables and swallowed it full. The effect was immediate: the poor knight fell on the ground, gasping for air. The old woman placed a hand on her mouth.

"Oh, my. Even the locals don't eat them in one bite."

"But you're right." Steiner managed to mutter. "They are good."

Vivi visited the town. He entered a shop, hoping to find some interesting goods and was soon lured by a delicious smell. He found a small nut on a shelf.

"Wow, this nut smells really good. I think I'll buy one."

The boy looked around at the merchandise.

"This place has a lot of unusual things."

Once again, a jar and its content caught his eye.

"Is it food? It looks good. It looks like the sesame buns that grandpa used to make."

At the entrance was a marking.

'Alice's Item Shop. Festival of the Hunt Sales ends today.'

Vivi jumped.

"Wow, there's gonna be a festival!"

He went to the counter with the nut. The shop was held by a beautiful young woman with a kind face that told of great gentleness. The boy caught her attention.

"Hi. I wanna buy this."

"Oh." The girl said. "Are you friend with the moogles?"

"Huh?"

"That item is called a Kupo Nut. Kupo Nuts are moogles' favorite food."

"Oh. I didn't know that."

The woman looked at the small nut.

"I think that's the last one … Go ahead, honey. It's on me."

Vivi gladly accepted the present.

"Really? Thank you! And … what is the Festival of the Hunt like?"

"Well, we let a bunch of animal loose and …"

The boy jumped.

"It sounds like fun! Thank you!"

He quickly left under the surprised eyes of the woman.

"What's so fun about fighting savage beasts? Wait a minute! Did I say 'animals' again?"

Steiner was still lost. He had wandered the streets for hours, unable to find his way to the castle, and he was starting to get exhausted.

"I'm lost again. Where is the princess? The town is big, the castle is big, why does everything have to be so big?"

Turning around, he noticed an old man who was looking at the city below.

"Pardon me. Can you tell me where I am?"

"What?" The man asked. "You're lost? Gee … You're a soldier for cryin' out loud. This is the bridge that connects the castle and the airship docks. That big building in front of us houses the docks."

The building was in fact almost as big as the castle itself and very tall. The hull of an airship was appearing from it.

"What is that large airship?" Steiner asked.

"Amazing, isn't it?" The old man answered. "It's the Hilda Garde 2. Since it is developed with a steam engine, developed by the regent himself, it can fly without Mist."

"Impossible." Steiner replied. "How can it fly without being powered by Mist?"

"What kind of cave did you just crawl out of?" The old man asked with laugh in his voice. "This is the age of steam power. The source of steam power is water. It is much safer than Mist. Heh-heh-heh! A bright future awaits us all!"

As the man left, Steiner looked at the massive building, pondering about those words. Steam power …

Si'Nai walked through the streets of Lindblum and bought an apple at the market. The next place he went was the Business District to find a synthesis shop. There was one held by a man and his son, and it was said to be a good one. So the ranger went. The man, Torres, growled.

"The fire's too strong! How many times do I have to tell you? A few degrees can make a difference between a good weapon and a bad one. Use a lower flame!"

"Stop nagging!" Wayne growled. "We've got a customer."

Old Torres sighed.

"When is he gonna get it through his head?"

Si'Nai smiled and came to the young man who greeted him.

"How's it going? Do you want me to make you something for the festival?"

"Yeah. I was wondering if you could make something out of this."

The ranger took his yew bow, the silver one, his arrows and the Black Waltz's feathers. Wayne gave it a surprised look.

"Sure I could! That's some goods you've got there. Let's see … Well, well, well, I think I got it!"

The craftsman took the materials and smiled.

"I can make you special arrows that can bind your opponent and inflict poison damages along the way. Then, using the remaining yew and silver, as well as some wyerd horn, I can make a composite bow. Not only will it have more power, but it will also have a greater range and its small size will help you use it in any situation."

Si'Nai smiled widely.

"Sounds very interesting … but I'm afraid the price will be high."

"What? No kidding, there's a 50% reduction over all article for the time of the festival. It'll be cheap, I promise."

"And I trust you."

An hour later, the ranger was getting out of the shop with his new weapons. Wayne and Torres had worked on the silver so that it was more flexible and allowed greater storage power. The wyerd horn helped the stiffer yew to bend more easily and increase both the range and the power of the bow. Now the composite weapon was sheathed in its owner's back. Si'Nai gave a look to his new assassin's arrows. Since yew held a kind of poison, Torres managed to bring it out and strengthen their effect with the Black Waltz's feathers. The sharp and flat silver heads made them very aerodynamic, a perfect combination with the composite bow. Satisfied, the ranger came back to the inn.

Zidane walked through the theater district to the Tantalus hideout. As he thought, the place was desperately empty. Located near a bell tower, there were gears of various size everywhere and a series of beds on a platform.

"I figured there wouldn't be anybody here. It looks like no one's been there for a while."

Bored, he leaned against one of the many gears that were in the room.

"What to do, what to do?"

The gears suddenly moved and the bell began ringing. Once, twice, thrice … it was three o'clock PM. A good part of the day was gone by now. The thief sighed.

"Geez. It's that late already? I wonder what Dagger's doing."

How could he know that, at the same time, the princess was asking herself the same question: what was she going to do? Lying on the fence in her bed room, Garnet was bored. She didn't know what to do and inactivity was getting to her, which was bad after all she'd been through. A bell rung afar, earning a smile.

"A bell's ringing … a performance in the Theater District must've just ended."

This made her want to get out. She was feeling bad and some air would do her good. She had just made three steps that a guard in a red armor came.

"Is there anything you need, Your Highness?"

"No, thank you. I'm thinking about going outside and having a look around."

"I'm sorry, Your Highness, but we cannot grant this request. Right now, there are many people coming to Lindblum for the Festival of the Hunt. Therefore, things are quite chaotic in the town, making security rather difficult. Also, very few people know of your presence here. It's for your own safety. Please, understand."

"Okay, I understand …"

But there was a gap between understanding and accepting. The princess sat on her bed and shook her head.

"I can't stand sitting around like this. I didn't come here to be protected. I just want to help Mother …"

Zidane was deep in thought when two kids entered the hideout.

"There he is!" The boy said.

"I told you he'd be there!" The girl proudly replied.

The boy frowned.

"Why didn't you tell us that you were back? We're in Tantalus too, you know?"

The thief was surprised. He knew the pair. It was Baku's nephew and niece, Bunce and Lucella. He frowned.

"What?"

"Yeah. Uncle Baku said that, if we find some treasure, we can be in Tantalus , too."

"Yeah, check this out."

The boy took a handful of feathers from one of his pockets. Zidane recognized them instantly.

"Wow, those are trick sparrows' wings! That sure is some treasure you've found, alright."

The two kids jumped in happiness. Bunce turned to his elder.

"So, did the plan work?"

"Yeah. Princess Garnet is at the castle."

The thief willingly ran over the details of the crash in the Evil Forest. He knew nothing about how the others were doing and didn't want to worry the kids.

"Really? Wow … So, what's she like?" Lucella asked. "Is she cute?"

"Did you ask her out yet?" Bunce followed.

"No … I think she's pretty busy. Plus she's a princes and I'm a … you know, so … I don't know."

The kids were right, the princess was damn beautiful. And, now they were talking about her, he really wanted to pay her a visit. Hey, why not? He was a thief. He managed to get into places harder to get in. So when the kids offered to go and see her, he made his mind. His next destination would be the castle. Taking the aircab, he quickly reached the Regent's home and, following corridors he knew quite well, after all he raided the place more than once, he reached the room where Garnet was meant to stay. There was only Steiner, seemingly crying.

"What are you doing here?" The thief asked.

The knight quickly turned.

"You! What have you done with the princess? Where is she?"

Zidne backed up.

"Whoa, take it easy. I just got there."

"The princess is gone." The knight explained. "She was supposed to stay in this room."

"Maybe she went out for a little walk."

The knight growled.

"How can you be so calm? This is a very serious matter! Have you forgotten all the danger she faced just to get here? What if something terrible happens to her? What am I doing here? I must go find her! Out of my way!"

The knight ran outside the room as Zidane closed his eyes. Of course, he didn't forget all the trials their little team faced to get to Lindblum. Still, it isn't that he was worried about the princess. In fact, he was beginning to understand how she worked. But he had to find her. Going outside, he looked around.

"I wonder where she went …"

As he came to the fountain crossroad, he heard a song, a very soft song coming from somewhere in the castle. He closed his eyes.

A voice from the past, joining yours and mine
Adding up the layers of harmony
And so it goes, on and on
Melodies of life,
To the sky beyond the flying bird - forever and on

Zidane had a sudden smile.

"That sweet voice … It's Dagger. She's upstairs."

He ran to the path leading to the lift but a guard stood before him.

"Sorry. Only autorized personnel can use the lift."

The thief smiled. As he thought. He remember having seen a sleeping guard near the sleeping room. Time to pay him a visit and trick him Tantalus style. He came to him and shouted.

"Wake up! There is a suspicious character wandering around!"

The results were instant.

"WHAT? Where?"

"Upstairs. Follow me."

The guard ran away bt took the wrong turn. Zidane quickly called him back and the man went straight to the room, the thief behind. Taking his spear, he growled.

"Alright, you bastard! Show yourself!"

Zidane smirled, took his new swallow blade and, before the man could react, mowed his legs. The man was surprised.

"Hey, what are you doing?"

Too late. The thief smacked the weapon over his head, sending him to dreamlad and took his armor. Taking a bit of rope, he placed a knee on his back and tied him, arms and legs, before placing him in a wardrobe. Quickly dressingh he returned to the crossroad. This time, the guard let him pass and reach the lift. The engine drove him to the last level and Zidane used this time to undress himself. Finally free of the armor, he went through the machine room where an engineer was taking care of the big machinery that kept the lift working and followed the song. He ended up on top of a big tower.

The princess was here singing as she fed the doves that lay here. Zidane stood watching her for a moment, listening to her singing voice as she rested on the fence.

Alone for a while I've been searching through the dark,
For traces of the love you left inside my lonely heart,
To weave by picking up the pieces that remain,
Melodies of life - love's lost refrain

Our paths they did cross, though I cannot say just why
We met, we laughed, we held on fast, and then we said goodbye
And who'll hear the echoes of stories never told?
Let them ring out loud till they unfold

In my dearest memories,
I see you reaching out to me
Though you're gone,
I still believe that you can call out my name

A voice from the past, joining yours and mine
Adding up the layers of harmony
And so it goes, on and on
Melodies of life,
To the sky beyond the flying birds - forever and beyond

The doves suddenly flew away, causing the princess to turn and notice her visitor. Zidane was here, watching her. She sighed and looked at he doves. At least they were free. The thief noticed the melancolic look on her face and came at her side.

"Nice song."

"How did you get up here? This is a restricted area."

Zidane smiled.

"Come on. I do this for a living."

Oh, Yeah. You're a member of the Tantalus. It must've been easy for you."

The princess was definitely in a sad for a way to bring back her smile, he looked to the horizon.

"Whew … What a view."

He turned and noticed a very special device.

"Hey! There's a telescope. Let's go check it out. Come on."

The pricess followed. She was grateful of her friend for trying to distract her. She was getting bored out of her mind, resting in the castle like that. So she came to his side as he checked the telescope. Through the device, they could see as far as the mountains. Zidane looked everywhere with it, comenting what he saw until Garnet asked for a try. After some time, the thief asked.

"How's the view?"

"Great. We can see a lot of things from there."

Better play the game. Thought she answered, the princess was deep in thoughts.

I've made so much troubles for everyone … Uncle Cid knew 's why he asked Tantalus to get me out of Alexandria. No matter how hard I try, I'm a step behind in everything. I'm so helpless …

Noticing how deep into thinking she was, Zidane placed a hand on her shoulder.

"What's wrong?"

The princess left the telescope and came to the stone fence.

"Zidane, why did you help me come here in Lindblum? Is it because your boss ordered you to?"

"I just wanted to help you. That's all." Those words came from the heart, she could feel it.

"The boss didn't agree with me, so I ended up leaving the band."

"Really? I'm sorry."

"Don't worry about it. It's not the first time I've left."

The princess was surprised by the comment. Zidane didn't seem to be like a common thief. She could feel there was something more inside of him, like a shining stone hidden under a layer of rock. And it attracted her. She turned to him, an idea in mind.

"How were you planing to abduct me?"

Zidane smiled.

"we were gonna put you to sleep with sleeping weed, then kidnap you. It's mostly used for kids, but a big dose can knock out an adult just as easily."

"I guess you didn't need it, since I came along on my own. Hey … would you mind giving me some? I've had a hard time sleeping, lately."

She seemed innocent enough, but her friend was an accomplished actor. He frowned.

"Um, I don't think that's a good idea. You might get addicted. Maybe all you need is some company, eh?"

Nice try, but it still fails. Garnet found the thief attractive, but there were limits. Plus she had a plan in mind and really needed sleeping weeds to set it.

"Oh, please. DO you think I'm that naïve?"

Zidane rubbed the back of his head in apology.

"Heh, heh. Can't blame me for trying."

He tried to turn the conversation away.

"U-um … Th-that song .. were you singing it in the Village of Dali?"

"Yes. So, you were up that night …"

"What is that song, anyway?"

"I don't know. I don't even remember where I learned it. I sing it whether I'm sad or lonely. For some reason, it comforts me and reminds me that I'm not alone."

"I guess it's a mystical song. Let me hear it again."

Garnet nodded and placed a hand oh her chest.

"Alone for a while I've been searching through the dark,
For traces of the love you left inside my lonely heart,
To weave by picking up the pieces that remain,
Melodies of life - love's lost refrain

Our paths they did cross, though I cannot say just why
We met, we laughed, we held on fast, and then we said goodbye
And who'll hear the echoes of stories never told?
Let them ring out loud till they unfold

In my dearest memories,
I see you reaching out to me
Though you're gone,
I still believe that you can call out my name

A voice from the past, joining yours and mine
Adding up the layers of harmony
And so it goes, on and on
Melodies of life,
To the sky beyond the flying birds - forever and beyond

So far and away, see the birds as it flies by
Gliding through the shadows of the clouds up in the sky
I've laid my memories and dreams upon those wings
Leave them now and see what tomorrow brings

In your dearest memories,
Do you remember loving me?
Was it fate that
brought us close and now leaves me behind?

A voice from the past, joining yours and mine
Adding up the layers of harmony
And so it goes, on and on
Melodies of life,
To the sky beyond the flying bird - forever and on

If I should leave this lonely world behind,
Your voice will still remember our melody
Now I know we'll carry on
Melodies of life,
Come circle round and grow deep in our hearts,
As long as we remember"

Zidane smiled. It was in fact a magical song. Even he could feel it. He closed his eyes and let it take him away.


Well, how was it? The really interesting bit (a.k.a. the festival) is coming next. 'til next time!