Author's Note: I do not own any of the following people or places. Thank you.



Summary: You are probably familiar with the original Final Fantasy 9 game. Well this is pretty much the same story except with a slightly different plot, a few new characters, and a whole new attitude. Enjoy. (Keep in mind that this is my first fanfic if, which I recommend, you review.)







Prologue: The Abduction



"Ladies and gentlemen," King Leo announced," Queen Brane, Princess Garnet, and our rooftop viewers, this is a story of forbidden love between a princess and a peasant, and so, Tantalus proudly presents, "I Want To Be Your Canary." King Leo took a deep bow before walking off the scene.

Garnet sat in her seat quietly as the play began. Her head was bowed as she sat replayed her plan over and over in her mind. She could find no fault. As long as she could pass the guards, without being noticed, everything would go smoothly.

The third scene began and Garnet got out of her seat. "Mother, may I be excused for a moment?" Garnet asked her mother quietly.

"Yes, of course," came the swift reply accompanied by a wave of the queen's hand.

Garnet bowed her head and turned to face the door.





"Well, that was easy," Zidane, said fitting the bronze gauntlets tightly over his gloves, as he walked past the limp, half naked, guard. "Let's see. Where do I go again?" He looked over his shoulder at his tail.

It pointed toward the left tunnel, and Zidane quickly took its directions chuckling his thanks along the way, his rusty armor squeaking and clanking the whole way.

After a short time Zidane came upon an elaborate hallway compete with red carpet. He turned to the door on his right to where, he assumed the royalties would be enjoying the play. He stepped forward but stopped when he heard a melody coming from beyond the spiral staircase.

"That must be the princess's room." Zidane guessed. "I'll go see if the royal mistress needs assistance."

Zidane climbed the stairs with agility after shedding his armor.

He reached the gold plated doors and turned the latch quietly.

His gaze wandered aimlessly around the room until his gaze fell upon a young woman who was pulling a short robe over her shoulders. Zidane's eye's remained fixed on her until she turned to face him.

She suppressed a scream and stumbled back, tripping over a chair, and falling to the ground.

Zidane chuckled and walked forward to help. "How long have you been here?" Garnet asked dragging herself away from Zidane.

"Not long, really," Zidane said quickly.

Garnet gave him a wary glance before continuing," Well, who are you, and why are you in my chambers uninvited?" She got to her feet and straightening her robe.

"I am Zidane Tribal," Zidane replied," and I am here to kidnap you. So, if you would just come over here it would save us both a lot of running and yelling."

Garnet smiled." I am sorry," she said calmly," but I have other business to attend to." With that she bowed quickly and dashed for the window.

Zidane sighed and shook his head," They always have to do it the hard way, don't they?"

Garnet jumped over the sill with ease and dropped into oblivion.

Zidane's eyes snapped to attention as ran and stared over the edge to see an assumed suicidal princess whisking away on a banner rope to the castle's far side.

Zidane smiled as he climbed onto the ledge thinking about the story he'd tell his friends once this was over.

Garnet giggled as a sharp wind blew against her face causing her to close her eyes tightly. She reached the other side and landed gracefully on the ledge. She glanced back to see Zidane swinging toward her before dashing down the hall. All she could think about was how complicated this escape was getting.

Zidane landed to see Garnet vanish around a corner. He stretched hurriedly. He didn't want to fall to far behind the quick princess. He touched his boots and ran down the corridor.

Garnet led Zidane through a maze of tunnels until Garnet stumbled and fell to the ground.

Zidane put his hands on his knees, breathing deeply in the musty passage. "Man. I. didn't know. girls. could run that fast." He panted.

Garnet sighed angrily." My foot's stuck." She whimpered quietly.

Zidane chuckled at Garnet's effort and straightened himself. He strutted over and took Garnet by the ankle. Garnet lifted her face and looked straight at Zidane's sweat drenched face as he twisted her foot slightly and slipped her shoe out of the crack.

Zidane glanced over at Garnet as he felt her gaze upon him. Garnet looked away instantly chancing one quick glance back at Zidane.

He stayed at her side and kept her ankle in his strong grip. She attempted standing but only fell with the smallest tug from Zidane.

Garnet looked up indignantly." Thank you very much," she spat the words out as if they tasted horrible," but you may let go of my ankle now."

"Sorry, but I have orders to kidnap you," Zidane said matter-of-factly.

"I refuse to be abducted," Garnet glared.

"Orders are orders," Zidane shrugged as if he almost sorry to be doing this.

Garnet replied hotly," I'm not going."

"I hate being forceful," Zidane said," but you're bringing this on yourself." He grabbed her waist and in one swift movement tossed her over his shoulder.

Zidane stood up slowly as Garnet thumped his back repeatedly. He walked a few steps then fell to one knee once Garnet discovered his tail. He set her down gently. "Why do you have to be so stubborn?" Zidane groaned. Garnet's eyes widened with terror as Zidane unsheathed his sword.

'I know I've seen her somewhere before," Zidane thought to himself as the princess crumpled in his arms.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tevven~ so how do you like it so far? This is just the prologue and I'll get more up soon. R&R Please.