Quick note: As a handful of reviewers pointed out, I made a huge mistake in the last chapter. You're right: Alexandria wasn't in ruins! I have no idea why I thought that. I just envisioned it in ruins, rolled with it, and didn't check my timelines. So I'm very sorry for any confusion caused! I outright admit that I fked up, and it's now been rewritten to fit the original plotline. Thanks to those who pointed it out.

(Unexpected Guest)

Garnet ran fingers over her orange overalls. Gods, they were a state. They hadn't been new when she'd donned them five months (an eternity) ago, but now they gave the word 'shabby' an entirely new meaning. There were repaired tears here, there and everywhere (Garnet would feel forever indebted to her embroidery tutor), with eyelets missing on the back and front and bearing stains nothing short of phenomenal.

Yet she just couldn't bring herself to part with it. Her cousin had owned a comfort blanket when he was a child and if anyone dared take it away, even for cleaning, he would throw the most tremendous tantrum. She supposed this was no different.

Beatrix had politely suggested she dispose of the article a few hours ago, and Garnet had started to, but the sheer emptiness experienced was too horrific, as if she was peeling a part of herself away.

No, Garnet rendered, not part of myself. Part of my new life. It was like peeling away what I'd become and donning a faulty persona.

So she'd protested mournfully until Beatrix allowed her to keep it. Looking upon the princess' distraught face, the general decided that if Garnet needed a comfort blanket, now was the best time.

"But you must be strong, Princess," Beatrix had commanded, "for yourself and for your kingdom. Appearances reflect the monarchy as a whole, and Alexandria needs you as their pillar of strength during this tortuous time."

"I know," she'd replied listlessly, and hadn't left her room for a long while.

If her coronation had come but seven months earlier she would have felt nothing but excitement and anticipation. She would have felt anxious too, because no one should ascend the throne so young, but it would have been easier then than now because that was before she'd met…

No! Don't think about him! You promised yourself you wouldn't!

But she couldn't help herself. Truth be told, she'd thought of very little aside from the departure of her mother and Zidane, and as awful as it was to admit, she'd thought of the latter much more.

'Alexandria needs you as their pillar of strength.' But who will be mine? What if I fail my kingdom? Make some terrible decision and plunge the city into despair? What if I can't protect my people from Kuja?

These trepidations snatched sleep from grasp, mainly because she knew that if Zidane were with her the consequences of her actions – even the actions themselves – wouldn't be so strenuous.

She hadn't asked about his whereabouts, though. She was going to be a queen soon; she should concern herself more with the kingdom's prospects than the whereabouts of him. However, she courteously demanded that if ever he were to enter the castle, he'd be treated with due respect - though she wondered if Steiner would sidestep that particular order.

But… she couldn't deny her feelings. The lonely hours had been long and she missed him. When asked an opinion or forced to make an important decision she often found herself thinking one of two things: what would mother have done? or what would Zidane do?

By the second day she was positively longing for him. Just a glimpse would do, a few exchanged words. Their departure had been so hurried; she fervently wished she'd taken the time to hear him out instead of letting herself get whisked away. He'd looked so sad… Was he even thinking of her now? Had he moved on already? Re-joined Tantalus and returned to Lindblum?

She sighed. Bad news is better than no news.

On the day of her coronation, three days subsequent to their separation, Garnet knew she needed a push before ascending the throne, and there was only one person who could do it. She didn't like admitting weakness, but decided to allow one last fault before becoming queen and forgetting her personal traumas.

But… there was another reason, too. As painful and as futile as it would be (undoubtedly causing more pain than relief for the both of them) Garnet wanted to tell Zidane everything: that if it weren't for him she wouldn't be where she was today, that he'd changed her in ways she'd never thought possible, that she'd appreciated every kind, encouraging word and that she forgave him all his silly pranks and advances. And maybe… maybe she'd tell him that if things were different… if she wasn't a queen and he wasn't a thief… maybe they could…

Oh, but those thoughts were silly. Beatrix and Steiner both agreed – and they never agreed on anything!

On the day of her coronation, Garnet found herself sleepless once again. She lay in bed with her thoughts in turmoil, watching the early light wash her room in brighter hues. It was time to put behind her foolish whims and desires. It was time to become a queen. Time to grow up!

Yet, with this resolution, Garnet felt how a fruit must feel once the flesh has been scooped out and nothing but the skin remains. She fancied herself made of stone and did well to manifest this feeling of solidity. She was a stone idol, something stoic that people would follow and look to in times of need. She had no need for such fleeting wants and relied on no one for reassurance. In fact, she was getting quite proud of her new persona and humourlessly joked, Maybe I should rename myself again, which was a terrible thing to do, for his face popped before her eyes in an instant, and her stone persona crumbled like a brittle seashell.

She sighed and sat upright to stare out the window, contemplating the pearl sheen of dawn. A walk. Yes, that's what she needed. A walk to clear her mind. She would offer her turmoil to the morning sky and by the time the sun rose above the horizon, all would be well.

So she dressed in a heavy gown of grey satin, with long sleeves and a high neckline to apprehend the chill. She threw on her scuffed leather boots as an afterthought; no one would see them beneath the layers of her skirts, anyway.

Garnet edged the door open a crack and peeped out. She'd hoped to sneak away, like during the Tantalus play

(do not think of him do not think of him)

but this time of day was, perhaps, the busiest for servant and guard; they scuttled here and there preparing for the day ahead, towels, weapons, scrolls and foodstuff in tow. There was no being discreet about it, now.

To reinforce this conjecture, the moment she stepped from her quarters a maid was in attendance, bowing deeply and offering to tend the princess' needs. Garnet dismissed her, and almost wished for her racket when another six hounded her wake as she traversed the corridors. She just hoped she wouldn't run into Beatrix or Steiner; at least institution prevented the lower servants from questioning Garnet's motives.

After a stretch of aimless wandering, the tormented princess found herself seated on the worn steps by the canal, watching subtle colours taint the waves lilac. Bemused servants flitted until Garnet dismissed them from her presence completely, wanting no one but misery for company.

How black her thoughts were! This should be a happy day; a day to remember, celebrate and establish a golden new era. Why couldn't she wallow in the festivities, like the town folk? Observe with excitement and delight the celebratory banners and flowers decorating the town? She would rather feel nothing than feel depressed.

The gentle lapping of water distilled her thoughts, and she looked up. A boat was heading her way, sporting a passenger and the perfunctory Alexandrian solider.

How strange… who would come to the castle at this time? A servant running errands from town, perhaps?

The boat glided alongside the dock and the passenger mounted the steps with an ungainly leap. He didn't bother thanking the boater, and paid no mind of the princess as he began to climb the steps.

Suddenly, Garnet realised who he was.

"Baku…?"

The giant man swivelled on the spot and frowned in the princess' direction. He quickly recognised who it was, but offered none of the usual courtesies. Just a gruff: "What the hell are ya doin' up at this time?"

Garnet smiled. I can see where Zidane gets his –

No no no don't think about him!

"Good morning," she greeted. "I haven't seen you since Treno. How are you?"

The thief scratched his beard and grunted. "Alright, I suppose. What ya doin'?"

"Thinking. About my coronation. I'm a bit nervous."

Baku snorted. "What've ya got t' be nervous about? Yer got yer life laid out on a plate fer ya. 'Sides, ya gonna be a great queen. Maybe the greatest. Ya got a lotta people routin' fer ya, Princess. Me included."

Strangely, his brusque words and mannerisms warmed the girl. She quickly realised why and tried to brush it away.

Being with Baku was a bit like being with –

"What are you doing here?" she quizzed, quickly averting her thoughts. "Steiner will throw a fit if he finds you wandering the grounds." As an afterthought: "Sit with me?"

The boss raised an eyebrow but took up the offer, back cracking as he lowered himself onto the steps nearby. He replied: "Heh, if only that knight was more like you. He's so stuck in his ways he don't know shit from gold. Ah…" He glanced at Garnet. "'Scuse my language."

Garnet waved a hand daintily. "I'm used to it, what with Zidane…" She let that admission trail off, hoping Baku wouldn't pick up on the subject.

He didn't. "Anyways, I'm just trailin' around. Alexandria aint as excitin' as Lindblum, what with it bein' so small. No offence. Man's gotta go lookin' for stuff to do instead of stuff findin' him."

Garnet cast him a shrewd look. "You weren't planning to… steal anything, were you?"

Baku's infamous laughter broke the peaceful dawn asunder. "Gwahahaha! Dunno. Will I get arrested if I say yes?"

"This is my home, so technically you'd be stealing my things."

"Well, I weren't stealin' nothing. S'not what I'm here for."

"Why are you here, then?"

Baku gestured expansively to the castle, and then to Alexandria, while saying, "Fer the coronation, but mainly fer him."

"Who?"

"Zidane, of course."

They fell into silence. Garnet stared down at her hands; absently smoothing imaginary creases from her skirt, and Baku, who probably felt more intrigued than awkward, tugged at his beard, the other hand clasping a knee.

Eventually, the princess said: "Is he really so upset?"

Baku pondered this for a moment. "Well, I aint seen him like this before. None of my boys have. Sure, he's a sulky kid, but he's pretty damn depressed at the moment."

Garnet couldn't apprehend the relief that seized her. She had been so worried he would forget her and move on. Knowing he was wallowing in despair wasn't a particularly satisfying thought, either, but it did quell a fraction of her despair.

But then, wouldn't it be better if he forgot about her altogether? If Baku had told her he'd done just that, it would have been easier for her to move on too. Knowing that his feelings were, perhaps, as steadfast as her own didn't help at all.

Does it ever get easier?

"Naw," Baku said, making her realise she'd voiced her last sentiment. "But it gets better if ya willin' to work hard."

Garnet felt a blush creep into her complexion. Gods, she hadn't meant to speak aloud! And the way he'd answered… so convinced. How could he be so sure of her feelings, when she wasn't sure herself?

"Don't worry about him," Baku advised. "As I said, he's a sulky kid. He was a pain in the ass when he was younger, geez. He'd disappear up into the rafters or under the covers and no one could get 'im out, not even Blank. And when he finally did, he'd walk round with his tail between his legs and his thumb in his mouth, like a bloody three-year-old."

Garnet grinned at the image. And seeing that her spirits were lifted Baku added, "And he only cut that habit a few years ago."

The princess giggled into her hand, and decided to allow herself one last dose. "Tell me about him. Zidane, I mean. When he was younger. What was he like?"

"A devil," the boss responded immediately, shifting on the cold stone. "Hyperactive. Always gettin' into trouble and draggin' us down with him, whether we liked it or not. Always playin' pranks, too." Baku's eyes glazed as he considered the past. "Blank and Zidane, for instance. They get along fine now, but Zid used t' get mighty jealous of him when he was younger. Used to play tricks on 'im. Make himself feel better, I suppose."

"Like what?" Garnet asked, intrigued.

Baku hummed a meditative note and fiddled with his goggles. "Err, well. I don't think I should tell ya most of 'em, 'cause they're not fer a lady's ears – "

"I'm not a child!" Garnet chided, only half joking.

Baku narrowed his eyes, long ears pricking forward, evaluating her, it seemed. "Well, there was this time when he spiked Blank's drink with a potion that… that…" He groaned, searching for decent wording. "Well, let's just say it put Blank in a pretty embarrassing situation concerning… guy things. He couldn't get rid of it for hours. Zidane nearly broke a rib laughing… and a nose when Blank finally got hold of 'im."

Garnet, who had gone a startling shade of fuchsia, covered her mouth with a hand and stared wide eyed at the Tantalus leader. She barely grasped the consequences of Baku's story, but knew enough to comprehend what Zidane had inflicted. "That's… that's awful! What else did he do?"

"Gods, I dunno. Lemme think. Aah… Oh! He sprayed Cinna's pillow with the scent given off by female oglops to attract male oglops. Don't know how the hell he got hold of that shit."

"What happened?"

"We were findin' oglops all round the damn place. Beds, clothes, sinks, toilets - bloody everywhere! Hideout was so infested we had to pay three hundred Gil to hire professional exterminators. Had to sleep in the bloody aircab station for weeks. Zidane claimed he didn't know the stuff was so potent, but I'll bet my last Gil he bloody well did. And don't ask what he replaced Ruby's hair cream with, one day. The beating Ruby dished out was twice as bad as anything I could've done."

Garnet shook her head in disbelief. "I never knew he was so bad!" She paused. "So um… you… found Zidane, right? On the street or…?"

"Naw. It takes a lot to tame one of 'em street kiddies, though Zidane weren't half an effort, anyway. I got him from an orphanage."

Garnet was surprised. "An orphanage?"

"That's right. I was settin' up Tantalus at the time and lookin' fer lackeys. I had a few older kids – gone now, gods bless 'em – but I was after some little'uns to train up from scratch. So I made the rounds in Lindblum, tellin' the orphanages to get hold o' me if what I asked for turned up." The boss looked at Garnet, a wry twinkle in his eye. "So, a few weeks later this chick comes knockin' on the Hideout door, tells me to get my ass down to Capori Orphanage as fast I can. 'Why', I asks, but all she says is, 'You'll see.

"So I grab Blank and Marcus and make my way over, half expecting to find the perfect addition to my gang." He laughed loudly, slapped his thigh. "And what did I get? The most vicious, primitive, dirty urchin I ever laid eyes on."

"Vicious?" Garnet repeated.

"Bloody hell, that kid was wild!" the boss exclaimed raucously. "The people at the orphanage had been watchin' him for a while. Gods, what was he…? Five? Six? He'd devoured more rubbish than a dumpster, they said, and they were desperate to get him to safety. So they lured him to the orphanage with food, but hadn't realised what kind o' prey they was luring 'til it was too late.

"As soon as he'd finished eating he went crazy. Lunging and swiping at everyone like a Zaghnol with a pole up its arse. They tried everything to tame him, but got their purses stolen in the process, and that's when they called me."

"And you took him."

"Sure, at the expense of several bruises, three broken fingers and bite marks so deep I still got the scars!" He guffawed loudly but Garnet was appalled.

"Zidane was really like that? …Why?"

He shrugged, suddenly sombre. "Some parents don't treat their kids like they should; they're left to teach themselves how to survive and can end up like that. But I pounded some obedience into him, and like hell if he aint grown up with a heart of gold." Baku smiled then. His eyes were warm, crinkling around the edges like paper.

"Do you miss him?" Garnet asked suddenly.

The man shrugged his broad shoulders. "Kid's like a son to me. They all are. But I gotta let him go sometime, don't I? He's always runnin' off, anyway. I've never been able to pin 'im down." His eyes fixed on Garnet. "You, on the other hand, seem to be doin' a pretty good job of it."

She blushed and the man stood with a groan, knees popping in protest. He leaned forward and hailed a passing canal boat.

"Well, I best be off. Got things to do, people to see." He turned to her, expression solemn as a statue. "And yer know ya can't forget 'im that easy. And I think it'll be mighty ungrateful to shrug him off, after everything he's done fer ya. I know yer a queen, but he's a good kid. Don't waste the opportunity. I can see he's changed you." He gestured at the leather boots poking beneath the hem of her dress and Garnet retracted them bashfully.

A canal boat slid up beside the steps and Baku boarded. Garnet watched it float away, but the boss didn't look back. Not once.

The sun peeped over the horizon and the waves were triangles of gold.

The day of her coronation had finally broken, and it was time to fulfil the promise she'd made to herself and put her woe and past antics far behind, making way for a new era, a new day.

Garnet turned to the castle and thought of Zidane.

I know the events in the game actually spanned three months, but that's just crazy-talk. I make it longer. :wink:

Hmm… not sure when the next chap is gonna be written… I'm a bit stuck on it. So just some advance warning.

Review?

Merry Christmas! XD