I've finally decided to write another chapter after I found out that someone actually wanted me to write another chapter. I feel so honored! ::jumps up and down:: Welp, here ya go!

Notice: I do not own any of the characters! Nor do I own Final Fantasy 9! So don't try to sue me, because I don't have any money, and all you will receive is a very evil, and old dog!




Chapter 2: (A Almost Perfect Day)

"So do ya wanna come with me?" quipped Zidane, "I could really used the company."
"I-I guess," stammered Vivi worriedly, "But..."
"Aw thanks! You're a pal!" Zidane walked towards their room, "You might wanna start packing, since we gotta be there by seven."
Zidane walked out of the kitchen leaving a highly confused Vivi standing holding a cup of coffee.

~ Alexandria Castle ~
With their packs slung over Zidane's shoulder, Vivi and himself finally arrived at Alexandria's Castle.
"Here Viv," Zidane huffed, giving Vivi his pack, "I'm sure you can manage the rest of the way."
"I could have managed the whole way," muttered Vivi, taking his pack from Zidane.
Together, they slowly walked the rest of the way to the front gate.
"Halt!" a guard stepped out of the booth and held up a hand, "What is your business here?"
Rolling his eyes "Well, if Queen Garnet doesn't want her body..." Zidane started glaring at the offending guard, but was quickly cut of by Vivi,
"Q-Queen Garnet has ask that my friend Zidane here to be her personal body guard, so if you would kindly inform them that we have..."
"MASTER VIVI!" waved an enthusiastic Steiner as he ran towards the gate.
"I didn't think you would mind that I bring him," Zidane stated grimly.
A look of recognition appeared on the guards face, "I can't believe it! Master Vivi, and Z-Zidane Tribal!"
Upon see the evil death glare aimed at him from Zidane, the guard quickly open the gate. Zidane then walked past the rest of them towards the castle.
"You must forgive him," Vivi apologized, "He isn't in a very good mood."
"No need to apologize for that commoner," Steiner quipped, "Come Master Vivi, I will escort you to your room, I hope you don't mind having a room remotely close to him." Steiner pointed at Zidane.
"Not at all"
With that, Steiner and Vivi followed Zidane into the luxurious castle.

~Queens Suite~ (Garnet's POV)
"Hmmm... What is taking her so long," Garnet whined, "I wonder if..."
Garnet was cut short by the sound of her bedroom double doors opening. Spinning around, she caught sight of Beatrix swiftly walking in, and then bowing slightly at the waist.
Clearing her throat, Beatrix announced, "Steiner has just informed me that Zidane Tribal, and Mast...Vivi has finally arrived. They are now resting in their guestrooms, for they have traveled by boat, then foot."
"They be joining us for dinner I suppose?" She replied, heart pounding in her chest.
"Yes my Queen"
"Oh stop with that already!" Laughed Garnet, "You are like a sister to me, and you know it!"
"I know, I know!" retorted Beatrix giggling, "But it sounds so good on you! Well, I must be going, I will send someone to inform you when dinner is ready...your highness." With that, Beatrix left the room, and shut the doors behind her.
Garnet sighed as her thoughts wonder to the last time her and Zidane had seen each other. After the startling play that brought Zidane back to her, he took her out to eat. Things went downhill from there. She had explained how it would never work out between them, with her being the Queen and all and him being a...
'Why? Why! Why did I have to say all those things! I love him... No! I loved him! That was all that mattered at that time... Oh well,' Garnet was brought out of her thoughts when she heard a timid knock on her doors, "Come in."
"H-Hello," answered a small black mage, with bright yellow eyes.
"Vivi!" Garnet jumped to her feet, and rushed towards the mage, "I didn't expect you were going to be sent to retrieve me!" Garnet then swooped down and hugged Vivi, "It's so good to see you!"
"Likewise," replied Vivi hugging Garnet back. Watching the young mage take in the plush red, and pink surroundings of her expensive bedroom suite, Garnet checked her appearance in the full length mirror on her wall, pinched for cheeks to add some color, and flattened the ruffles in her light and dark blue dress.
"Come Vivi, I don't want to keep everyone waiting," Garnet smiled politely trying to ease Vivi's nervousness.

~Dining Room~ (Vivi's POV)
Walking to the dining room seemed to take forever. Though keeping the polite conversation with Garnet, Vivi's mind wondered elsewhere. There was something deadly wrong, and very evil going on, and Vivi could sense it. But what was it, whatever it is; its power is strong, but how strong. So many questions ran through Vivi's head as they approached the opening to the dining room.
"...Vivi?" Garnet asked lightly touching Vivi's shoulder, concern showing avidly on her honest, and flawless face.
"H-huh?" Vivi replied creeping out of his reverie.
"Are you okay?"
"Yes."
Vivi continued into the dining, which was just like every other room in the castle. Expensive, with its very own uniqueness. A fire, warm and welcoming, set ablaze in the marble fireplace. The table, long and sturdy, was surrounded by oak, cushioned chairs which matched the table. Vivi gratefully sat in the seat next to Zidane, who, when Garnet walked in, stood up along with Steiner and Beatrix, and bowed politely at the waist. Vivi watched interestedly as the two friends, and almost lovers, locked eyes. Garnet then walked gracefully to her seat, nodding in welcome to Zidane.
After a few seconds of silence, Garnet then stood, daintily tapping the campaign glass with the end of her spoon, extracting a small chime to echo from the crystalline.
" As I know, you are most likely very ravished because your long journey, so I won't keep you long, but I must say my part, as I am the Queen, and you are my guests, as well as friends. I must extended my welcome, and gratitude for taking the time out of your lives to come, once again, to protect me. Therefore, do not feel as if you are a burden, for I am glad to have you both here."
With that, Garnet smiled and ran her hand along the back of her dress as she sat down to straighten the wrinkles out. Diner went relatively well. Everyone at heartily, and small chat circled around the table. Vivi felt more at home now that he began to get used to his surroundings. Patiently replying to Steiner's eagerness to pry information about what he has been doing since their last rendezvous, Vivi noticed that the warmth from the fire beckoned him. Growing sleepy, Vivi stood, and politely excused himself. Walking down the hall, Vivi found his room, which was exquisite, and endowed in deep blues, and another fireplace, which also crackle, and spurt warn flames, sending a eerie glow around the room. Changing into his night attire, Vivi smoothed down the covers of his bed, and climbed in, falling asleep almost immediately, unknowing of the events to come.

~Main Balcony~ (Zidane's POV)
Excusing himself shortly after Vivi, Zidane walked around the castle, looking for any clues as to who might be threatening the beautiful women his eyes had set on tonight. Coming upon a set full view doors, Zidane opened them to find that they extend onto a balcony. Welcoming the fresh night air, Zidane breathed deeply while walking to the railing, as he looked up at the starry sky in awe. It was beautiful, thousands of millions of diamond like crystals twinkled at his, as if they were winking at him, trying to hint at the secrets they held within their light.
"Beautiful aren't they?" A sweet, yet familiar voice, causing Zidane to jump slightly.
"Dag- Garnet, um, I mean your highness," Zidane stammered, searching for the right title to call her.
"Garnet. You may call me Garnet," she replied, giggling softly.
"Y-yeah, sorry"
"It's okay"
Silence reigned as they both turned their attention to the velvety, sparkling sky. Zidane looked out of the corner of his eye, just to find her staring back at him. Tilting her head slightly, causing her soft black tendrils to cascade to the side of her delicate face, Zidane gawked.
"W-what?" Garnet whispered, noticing his stare.
"Gods. Your so beautiful." Zidane then covered his mouth, and blushed as he realized he had voiced his thoughts, "Um... I-I am so sorry. I don't know what came over me."
Garnet only laughed, touching her index finger his mouth to quiet his apologies. Upon feeling her delicate finger touch his lips, a wave of electricity seemed wash through his body, shutting his mouth almost instantly. For what seemed like minutes, Zidane and Garnet stared at each other's eyes, as if entranced. Garnet then swooped in and kissed Zidane soundly on the cheek, and said her good night. As she walked towards the doors, and spark of red light shot out from the sky towards Garnet's unsuspecting back. Zidane, only noticing the fire aiming for Garnet, but not the figure in the sky, hastily ran and shoved Garnet's form out of the way, diverting the attack to hit him.
"ZIDANE!" Garnet screamed, standing up and rushing to his side, and kneeling down. Her scream caused three guards to rush out onto the balcony. Beatrix arrived soon after, followed by a clanking amour clad Steiner. Beatrix rushed to the aid of the hysterical Queen, while the guards pick up the limp, and wounded body of the unconscious Zidane, who had protected Garnet from flaming arrow, which stuck out of his back at an angle. Crimson blood, slowing oozed from his back, and forehead.

TBC