"...Oh? Beatrix. Is THIS...part of the performance as well?" says Brahne to her greatest general of whom observes the "unexpected additions" upon the Prima Vista stage. "...I...do not know, your majesty. To be honest, I am not truly well versed in the works of playwrights." says Beatrix in reply towards her queen. "Hmph! no...of course you are not." says Brahne, insulting Beatrix, again of whom merely remains silent at the insult...not wishing to offend her queen "any further". Because of bowing in front to the queen's presence, Beatrix takes a quick look at the airship...but. Is unable to make out just whom has now appeared and instead thinks to herself "...That silhouette amongst the smoke...no, it couldn't be. Why would...HE be there?" says Beatrix in her mind, wondering...if whom she saw with a quick glance...was Steiner. She immediately dismisses this thought however, believing that Steiner should still be serving out his duty. Which...in a way, he was.

Speaking of, back on the stage down below...Steiner takes his own glance at his surroundings. "W-W-Wha!? hwah!? what is...going on here!? why am I...HERE!? on the stage!? in front of...queen Brahne and...BEATRIX no less!?" says Steiner, as he starts to realise that he was now part of the act and in a certain sense, being quite literally "caught" in it. Steiner had great stage fright and didn't know what to expect henceforth. However, because both the queen and especially his rival-general Beatrix were watching what was unfolding. Unbeknownst of the truth and the circumstances that had led up to all of this...Steiner had also realised something crucial. He would now have to force himself to play along with whatever the Tantalus crew of actors, nee thieves were plotting for the rest of their "show". In order to save face and not bring shame to his queen of the kingdom of Alexandria.

FF9 Zidane's Theme/Tantalus Orchestral Medley by RebeccaETripp-da:embed id="qQ2bwD2SW-E" height="315" width="560" profile="youtube"

"!? Z-Zidane! is this...where I think it is!?" says Garnet, almost comically outraged. "Heh! yep! you got it princess. Welcome to the theatre life!" says Zidane, stretching his arms, breathing in the performance's atmosphere and finally wiping his nose. "Y-Y-Y-YOU IDIOT! this is the VERY LAST place that I wanted to be! look! my MOTHER is right there!" says Garnet, shaking Zidane both back and forth, still in comical of sorts denial. Zidane doesn't appear to be bothered much though, merely letting out a light-hearted snigger at the circumstances. "Zidane! what in the heck-what are YOU doing here!?" says Baku under a hush-hush tone without letting everyone catching on. "Ah, boss...here you are." says Zidane casually before then getting a right wallop upon the head. "OWW!" says Zidane, slightly in pain from the thwack.

"Don't YOU dare say that to me! monkey for brains! YOU and Blank were supposed to-... !" Baku then realises whom is standing next to Zidane. "And we did, didn't we? mission accomplished. O course...that knight there was a great huge pain in the neck, so me and the guys had to improvise." says Zidane to his captain. "...Is that the truth?" says Baku, observing Steiner and thinking what to do with him. "Y-Yeah..." says Zidane, hesitant to answer, knowing how mad that Baku could REALLY get if he were serious enough. "...Sigh, fine. No matter. Let's just consider this an improvisation on your behalf Zidane, though your pay's going to get quite the downfall for this." says Baku, as he intends to severely deduct Zidane's salary for this operation. "D'oh!" complains Zidane.

"Shuddup! you have absolutely no right to complain, considering this foolhardy stunt of yours! now then, ahem. Princess...Garnet, correct?" says Baku, redirecting his attention to Garnet. "!? Y-Yes!? yes boss-!? I-I mean sir!" says Garnet, fearful of Baku. "Hey relax, don't worry. I ain't no tyrant...which is more then I can say for this bozo idiot son of mine here. Anyways. You can act, right? your mum is right then and there. If we don't do something and fast...we're going to be plucked faster then headless roosters." says Baku, using a weird analogy to try and explain things. "Yeah, boss? I don't think that analogy is going to work here-OOF!?" Zidane is punched in the stomach, as Baku resumes talking with Garnet. "You get what I mean? unless you want to be found and rat us out...now's your big chance. The smoke's going to clear in a few minutes, it's pretty effective for the duration." says Baku about the smokescreen being strong, still continuing to last.

"HEY! what's going onstage!? resume the play already! we want to see the final act!" says the rude passer-by from earlier, alongside his friend saying "Yeah! what he said!" says the "friend". "Well? what's your call? are you...in Tantalus? or are you out? the choice is entirely yours." says Baku, demonstrating a real quality of character before Garnet, starting to actually make her rethink her stance both on and about thieves. "...If...one of your men here can get me safely to Lindblum...then I shall agree to help you all." says Garnet, wanting Zidane to continue escorting her, even after in the short time that they have only known one another. Zidane is greatly shocked by Garnet's words...causing Baku to laugh at this. "!? Heh. BWAH HA HA HAAA! hmm? ... ! AAACHOOO! "sniffles". Dang it! my hay fever medicine is starting to come loose! hey y'all! let's wrap this up nice and sweet already so that we can get a move along!" says Baku, wanting to escape as soon as possible before Brahne could realise anything wrong happening both behind the scenes...and literally onstage.

"Princess...you're...sure about this? I mean..." says Zidane, not knowing what to say in reply. "If you can keep your oath to get me towards Lindblum guaranteed, then...you shall be greatly rewarded for your efforts." says Garnet with a simple stern upon her brow. "! No that's...not what I mean at-" before Zidane could finish however, Baku interrupts the two. "Hey! princess! you're taking the role of Cornelia! get to it. This is the scene where she interrupts the king from killing her lover." says Baku before winking at Ruby backstage. "Sorry Rubes." says Baku in his head. Knowing the meaning behind the wink right away...Ruby pratically collapses on her legs, being attended to by Zenero and Benero. "N-NO WAAAY!" says Ruby in outrage behind the stage, as she laments her missed chance at performing the role of Cornelia.

"Well? I'll ask again. Can you act? no point getting out of here if we don't have good talent to give ourselves a good getaway." says Baku, explaining that the escape plan is absolutely vital, depending on how well the performance of the role of Cornelia is acted out. Garnet...decides to answer this "challenge" by stepping up to the plate, as it were. Lastly stating "...Okay, I'm going to give this...my every best!" says Garnet...with the smoke starting to clear...and then the lighting returning towards the stage. Mostly everyone was ready to begin...the 2nd half of the final act. Though concerned...Zidane had faith. Faith that Garnet could pull this performance off and without a hitch in the very slightest too. This last act...was all upon the princess.

TO BE CONTINUED.