Authors Note: Okay, fine, so it wasn't ten reviews yet. Do I care? No, not really. I don't blame you for not reviewing, either, for the plot/other characters have yet to be revealed. And to answer your question, my first reviewer, yes, Skyler does have a tail--I forgot to mention that in the last chapter. Oh well. Hopefully, this chapter will be a bit more interesting for you--let me know what you think!
Also, Jag, you made some great points for me. She has made me realize that reviews do not matter--I should write just to write and that's the bottom line. After talking and getting to know Jag, I have absolutely no grudges against her. She is a fabulous writer and person, and I encourage you to read my review box and check out her stories! (CH1 has been revised; if you will, go back and read it!)
Rikku@twisted.nu


Through an Hour Glass: Chapter two: a promise



 Many emotions were flooding through Zidane as he trudged on, most of which were the results of his thinking about Garnet. The guilt which he had felt earlier seemed to relax a bit, after all, he was making an effort to get back to her. He smiled at the thought of what her reaction might be--but it quickly faded as he thought of what negative things he may be greeted with.


His main concern was that she had married. It had been twelve years, after all..not 12 weeks. How long did he expect her to wait for him? She promised she would, and he promised he'd come back. If she did remarry, it was most likely because she was forced to. But somehow, he felt that she had not betrayed him in such a way.

Zidane looked at his feet. The once white tips of his shoes had been eroded to show the brown leather on which the white had been painted. His once baggy pants were short on him now, he had grown quite a bit since the age of sixteen. He was twenty-eight now--it was no wonder his physique had become more defined.


He continued to drag himself further; never tiring, atleast not physically. His mental exhaustion had slowed him down quite a bit, and there was no one to blame but himself. If he had gone back years before, there would be hardly anything to worry about. But now, after so much time, so much could have happened.


But he continued forward.


How much time would it take to reach Alexandria? Probably not too long. As long as Conde Petie was up and running. He would stay in the little town a few days, allow word to spread around of his being alive. Surely, he would find some type of transportation to Alexandria from there. He stopped, stood there for a moment, and allowed himself to think--to prepare for his return to Garnet's kingdom.

But was it possible to prepare for what was awaiting him?


* * *


Garnet looked out upon the gardens, smiled as the small black headed figure strutted on past her window. Skyler looked up at where his mother sat, smiled, waved, and walked on. He wished he had time to stop and say hello, but Lady Beatrix often got mad when he was tardy for his lessons. It was best not to risk it.


He soon arrived at the stable, not in the least bit surprised to see Beatrix already waiting out front for him. She smiled as he approached, glancing at the clock. He was on time, for once. That showed improvement.


Good morning, Skyler, she said, saluting him.

he responded.

She noticed he had his sword still equipped. How many times had she informed him not to brig his sword to magic instructing? It was not needed, and it proved hazardous to him and her alike. However, it could be proven useful. She gestured towards it, and knowingly, he removed his belt and tossed it into the barn. Avoiding her look, he spoke.


So...what's on the agenda for today? his slick voice reminded her so much of Zidane. Having Skyler around was like getting to know Zidane all over again. Noticing her silence, Skyler swished his tail about impatiently.


Steiner has informed me that you are getting along quite well with a sword. Let's see how well you can do combining both magic and your skills, she said, raising a curious eyebrow.


Skyler shrugged, and reattached his belt. She nodded at him when he was finished, and unsheathed her Save the Queen.


This move, said Beatrix, is called a thunder slash. She paused for a moment. Do you remember the thunder spell I taught you? she asked.


Skyler nodded, and turned, demonstrating the skill.


Beatrix nodded in approval.


Now, it's really quite simple. Grip your sword with both hands--good. Now, concentrate hard on unleashing a thunder spell. The magic should run through your sword--unleashing the power of both attacks.

Beatrix charged at the metal dummy before her, unleashing a devastating attack. The dummy was left with a rather large tear straight down it's middle.


Now, you try it.


Skyler shrugged, and did just as she said. Gripping his sword, he charged at the dummy. He focused all his energy on the attack and the spell, creating a gash almost as large as Beatrix on the side of the tin man.


Beatrix could not hide the grin. I am surprised you went for the side--it is the point in which the most critical damage is done. You are a natural, Skyler. Beatrix tossed her golden-brown hair.


The boy blushed. Never before had he received this much praise from Beatrix, hell, it was on a rare occasion that he received any! He just hoped that at some point, his skills would come to use.


* * *


Garnet smiled as her son trotted back up the pathway leading to the entrance. She hoped he had not given Beatrix much trouble, for he was known for his rather cocky--not to mention stubborn--behaviors. The queen removed her silky black hair from its clip, running her delicate fingers through it. She smiled to herself; despite the loss of ZIdane, she was really quite content. The joy of having Skyler outweighed the grief Zidane's absence had brought her.

She thought to herself for a moment; what would she have done if Skyler had not been conceived? Married someone else? It was not likely...these suitors were completely and utterly ridiculous. Her attitude towards them was pretty much fuck you.' They knew it, she knew it; those petty suitors did not have a shot at getting a chance to rule Alexandria. And even if they did, they would most likely be scared off by a short-tempered Skyler.

She chuckled at the thought--and then at the memory.

Not too long ago, a suitor by the name of Jacq had come to Alexandria to ask for Garnet's hand. He had been handsome; tall, with light brown locks of hair; and eyes the color of her own. The problem with good old Jacq was this--

He was a lame excuse for a man; a prince? Even more so.


He had come to the castle, asked---no----demanded Garnet's hand in marriage, and when she denied, he proceeded to insult her ways of ruling.

You treat the peasants as though they are equal to your grace! They are unworthy of such respect; if I were to be king, I could teach you how to properly govern a country!'

Before she could reply to his pitiful outburst, Skyler had done so.


Properly govern a country?', he had asked. Why, you stupid, inferior, piece of excrement. The last thing I need is a second mother. I suggest you pack your bags, take your purse, and hi-tail it out of here.'


Garnet herself had to cover her mouth to stop the chuckles from sounding.

Speechless, and flushed, Jacq had turned, and left the castle. Skyler (of course) was scolded and sent to bed, but he knew he had atleast amused his mother.


Rascal..' she said out loud, smiling to herself.

What am I going to do with you.'



* * *

At this point, Zidane was becoming quite tired. His legs were aching, and the desert sun was giving him the most excruciating headache he had ever had the displeasure of experiencing. He groaned and stopped, allowing himself to rest his back on a nearby shrub. He shut his eyes, if only for a moment.

A vision of his princess flashed in his head. He smiled at the sight; but then something strange, completely unexpected happened. There was a vision, a vision of a handsome, raven haired, chocolate eyed boy before him; Remarkably, it looked almost exactly like himself.

Shrugging off the vision, he stood, and again continued forward. It would not be long before he reached Conde Petie--actually, he could see the square-shaped building from where he stood then. He smiled and began to jog...then gradually ran...towards the town. Sooner than he had expected, his boots hit the gravel of the walkway, and he was greeted by a dwarf. The little creature remained speechless, gawking at Zidane as if he had just seen a ghost.

said ZIdane, an impish grin on his face.

* * *


Skyler breathed heavily as he jogged into his home. His legs carried him quickly through the building, and he stopped himself at the kitchen. No servants were around, sadly enough, so the boy was forced to pour himself a glass of water. He gulped it a little too hastily, causing a slight cramp to form in his right side. He gritted his teeth, turned, and hopped up the hallway stairs. He stopped in his mothers room.


Garnet turned and smiled at Skyler. He returned the smile and walked over to where she sat. She raised an eyebrow at him, reaching her hand out to wipe off a clump of dirt which stuck to the boy's face.


He pulled away and wrinkled his nose at her. Skyler thought himself too old to be pampered by his mother. It was then that he knitted his brows together, another thought suddenly crossing his mind. It was random; but it was certainly a deep reflection. Skyler almost fealt as though he were posessed; he could sense his father. He spoke before he speculated the outcome of his words.

I want to find him, he blurted, catching himself off guard.


Dagger stared at him questionably.

Find who? she asked.


Zidane. My father--I wanna find him.

The words nearly caused Garnet to fall out of her chair.


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Authors Note: Hope you liked the chapter; the next one should be up shortly, like as in---saturday at very latest :-)