The Rise of Terra
Fire Angel
AUTHOR'S NOTE 1: Woohoo! Finally, an FF9 fic from me to all you guys out there! I've wanted to
write one for so long, but I just HAD to finish the game first, so I could understand what I was
writing about!!! By the way, the prologue and half of the first chapter revolve around the ending
sequence of the game… so in other words, there are some spoilers (most of my stories are a bit
that way…).
Have fun, and hope you enjoy the fic! Comments can be sent to rinoa_heartilly86@hotmail.com (and
yes, in case you're wondering, I am completely hyper right now…)
Ja ne, minna-san!
AUTHOR'S NOTE 2: I've used all the English names in this text. I think 'Salamander' is way cooler
than 'Amarant', but I don't like the sound of 'Tantarus' as opposed to 'Tantalus', and I don't
know the names of some of the Japanese characters. And I don't like to mix and match. If the
names are English, they're ALL English!
The Rise of Terra
Part 1: A Dream of Fate
PROLOGUE
The queen of Alexandria, Garnet Til Alexandros, sat on her throne with her personal guards behind
her, waiting almost sadly for the performance to begin.
"The theatre ship will arrive any minute," she murmured, watching the surging crowd of people
below her. They were all trying to get the best seats to watch the play. "It's been so long… I
can't wait to see everyone…"
Tantalus, a daring band of thieves, came annually to Alexandria to perform the nation's most
loved play, I Want to Be Your Canary. The young queen adored the play, but right now she was not
in the mood for a sappy love story. The only thing she could think about was Zidane Tribal… the
thief she had met by chance and, over time, the man she had fallen in love with.
"But… it'll never be the same," she whispered, closing her eyes.
Why haven't you come back, Zidane? I can't live like this!
"I have to let go of the past," she told herself firmly, more for Steiner and Beatrix's benefit
than her own. Her guards had much more to worry about than their queen's love life.
"I have to move on. Just like he taught me."
Zidane… please, come back! I love you!
* * * *
The crowd broke into vigorous applause as the theatre ship landed in front of Alexandria Castle,
with the stage just touching the ground in front of them. A huge smile spread over Eiko Carol's
face as Baku stepped out from backstage. With a booming voice, he introduced the play, and the
scene they would be performing.
A few seconds later, Ruby came out on stage, reciting the lines of the play's princess, Cornelia.
A cloaked man, who was playing the part of Marcus, joined her.
"Why is that man wearing a cloak?" A little girl in the crowd asked Eiko. Eiko just smiled
mysteriously.
"You'll find out soon enough."
* * * *
"As the sun lends me no ear, I pray instead to the twin moons!" The young man, who was swaddled
in a long, hooded cloak, recited the lines in a way no one had ever said them before.
He's bursting with emotion, Garnet thought; despite herself, the man playing Marcus' part
intrigued her.
"I beseech thee, wondrous moonlight, grant me my only wish!" he cried to the moons in the 'sky',
spreading his arms wide as his voice cracked with emotion. His back to the audience, he bent over
just slightly, grasping his cloak. With one swift movement, he ripped off the cloak, spinning to
face the audience at the same time; his blue eyes twinkling with unshed tears, his blonde hair
shining in the sun's gentle rays.
He hesitated, letting the crowd take everything in. Then he cried, louder than before, "Bring my
beloved Dagger to me!"
CHAPTER 1
Queen Garnet leapt to her feet, anxiously staring at the young man on the stage, praying her eyes
were not deceiving her.
Zidane! Oh, dear God, it HAS to be! Please let it be real! Please!
She turned around and ran to the doorway, only to find her path blocked by Beatrix and Steiner,
who were holding their arms up across the door, frowns on their usually gentle faces.
Garnet felt like she was about to burst into tears.
Please! Can't you understand? I love him! I want to be with him!
When she took a second look, she noticed that her guards were pushing the double doors open for
her. Beatrix gestured invitingly, and a smile broke out over Garnet's face. As she ran eagerly
down the stairs, she heard Steiner yell, "Go get him, Dagger!"
Garnet giggled at Steiner's informal, but friendly tone, as she pushed open the next set of
double doors; the ones that led her into the crowd of commoners watching the play. Trying to be
polite, she pushed her way through the crowd, trying to get to Zidane. As she ran towards the
stage, she bumped into someone and her necklace, the Falcon Claw, unclasped and flew off onto the
ground.
She grabbed at her throat, where the sparkling gem usually sat, closing her eyes and trying to
blink away the tears. She knew now that she had to make a choice… was it Zidane she wanted… or a
good future for the kingdom she was supposed to be ruling in her mother's place? She took a
hesitant step towards the necklace, tears welling in her eyes.
My duty is to my country…
Wait! What am I thinking?! I love him!
She turned hurriedly from the necklace, and ran to Zidane, tearing off her crown as she ran. She
leapt into his arms, with glimmering tears sliding down her face. "You're back," she sobbed,
still hardly believing it herself. "You're finally back."
He winced as she suddenly punched him. "You had me so worried!" she shouted. "I didn't think you
were gonna come back!"
Queen Garnet burst into tears, clutching onto Zidane like she was never ever going to let go.
* * * *
Where… where am I?
Zidane opened his eyes and looked around. Only a few seconds ago, he and his Dagger had been
curled up together on a couch in one of the many guest rooms of Alexandria Castle. Now, he was in
a surreal world, floating in the air amongst hundreds upon hundreds of stars.
Am I dreaming…? What is this place?
-You're not dreaming. This is a world that was created for the purposes of our meeting here-
"What?! Who's there?!" Zidane yelled, looking for his weapon. Strangely, it wasn't where it
usually was…
-Calm down, Zidane. It's just me-
"Kuja?!" Zidane asked, suddenly recognising the voice.
-You guessed it- His usually cold voice was warm and friendly as he addressed his younger
brother. But then his tone changed more serious. -Zidane, I only have a short time. I am here to
warn you of Terra's rise-
"What do you mean, 'Terra's rise'?"
-Well… Necron is still alive, and he's been helping the Terran spirits to speed up their planet's
cycle. It will be a few days before Gaia and Terra collide with one another-
"A few DAYS?!" Zidane exploded. "What can we do in a few days?!"
-I will do everything I can to help you-
"Yeah, but you're DEAD!" After a few seconds, Zidane sighed, "Sorry. It's just that I've just
found everything I ever wanted in life, and now this Necron's gonna take it all away from me."
-Then fight him-
"Kuja, as much as I respect you, you're an idiot. We nearly died last time we fought Necron, and
even if we do kill him, it won't stop the collision of the planets."
Kuja hesitated, then said, -I'm sorry, Zidane. My time with you is up. You'll have to deal with
this now. Farewell, my brother-
"Kuja, don't leave!" Zidane yelled at the sea of stars. "Kuja? Dammit, answer me! KUJA!"
But Kuja was gone. All Zidane could hear was an echo of his voice…
-Necron will go for the Genomes first…-
CHAPTER 2
Garnet opened her eyes as she heard someone scream 'KUJA!'. She felt very stiff and
uncomfortable, and in a few seconds she was confused by her now sunlit surroundings. She was in
the guest room, on the couch, and for some reason she'd fallen asleep there.
What am I doing in the guest room? And how did I manage to fall asleep while sitting on the
couch?
Her answer came a second later, as someone stirred underneath her. Suddenly, her mind cleared,
and she remembered that she had fallen asleep while sitting on Zidane's lap, curled up with him
on the couch. She had been so tired from the previous day's proceedings that she didn't have the
strength to move back to her room.
Smiling, Garnet turned her head to look at Zidane, just as he jolted awake. Their lips touched
for a brief moment. Then Garnet was up and leaping off of the couch, her face burning, with a
hand pressed to her mouth.
"Sorry," she murmured, averting her eyes. Zidane just laughed.
"There's no need to apologise," he said slyly, pulling her back down towards him. "I don't mind."
She squirmed as he ran his lips teasingly over her own, then kissed her, running his hands
through her raven-black hair.
"Zidane," she protested, pulling away.
"What?" he moaned, trying not to pout.
"While you were sleeping, you yelled Kuja's name," Garnet said, looking concernedly at him. "Was
anything wrong?"
"It was just a dream," Zidane said dismissively. "And right now I don't give a shit about a
crappy dream like that one." Leaning towards her, he kissed her again.
Garnet tried to pull away, knowing something was wrong, but his embrace kept her where she was
sitting.
I'll find out later, she thought. I should enjoy this while I can. For the rest of the day we'll
have Steiner breathing down our necks.
Sighing, she succumbed to Zidane's kiss.
* * * *
"Lord Steiner! Wake up, please! It is urgent!"
Adelbert Steiner, captain of the Knights of Pluto, opened his eyes to find the face of a panicked
girl hovering over him, shaking him in an attempt to wake him up. It was Mikoto, Zidane's younger
sister.
"Mikoto?" he muttered. "You look like you've seen a ghost."
Mikoto shrugged nonchalantly, flicking her tail. "I have. But that is not the problem. I need to
address the Queen and my brother right away! I fear that Gaia may be in danger."
"Gaia? In danger?" Steiner asked, bolting upright. "We must find the Queen right away and warn
her!"
At that moment, Eiko burst in. "Has anyone seen Dagger?" she gasped frantically. "Beatrix asked
me to find her."
A strange look spread over Steiner's face, and he went a significantly lighter shade.
"What's wrong, Rusty?" Eiko asked, having picked up Zidane's nickname for the knight.
"I just remembered… Queen Garnet never left the guest room last night… the one that Zidane is
staying in," Steiner moaned. "I swear, if that brigand has done anything to her I will tear him
apart with my bare hands!"
"What my brother and the Queen did last night is not important right now!" Mikoto yelled. "Our
lives… and the life of our planet… may be in grave danger! We must find them!"
"Then let us go," Steiner grated. "I will show you the way."
* * * *
"Queen Garnet!"
Garnet pulled away from Zidane and looked up as the door flew open, and Steiner burst in.
"Steiner, Zidane and I would like some pri…"
"Sorry Dagger," Eiko apologised, walking in with Mikoto. "But it's urgent. Gaia may be in
danger."
"I beg your pardon?" Garnet asked, standing up. She looked down at Zidane, thinking of his
'dream'. "Do you know something about this?"
"He does, your highness," Mikoto cut in. "Kuja told him."
"You said it was just a dream!" Garnet accused him angrily.
"I thought it was," Zidane replied sheepishly. "Now I know it wasn't, because he's obviously told
Mikoto, too."
"What did he say?" Garnet asked.
Zidane explained, and when he had finished, Eiko cried, "THAT explains it, then!"
"Explains what?" Garnet asked.
"A huge group of Terran monsters have been spotted moving towards Alexandria," Eiko said.
"Beatrix asked me to tell you."
"You're kidding," Garnet said flatly.
"No," Eiko said, feeling deflated. "Maybe that Necron whosiwhatsit sent them to distract us."
"It does not matter what we do though," Mikoto muttered gloomily.
"Whatever happens, the planets will collide with one another, and the Terrans will take over our
lives," Steiner agreed.
"They are NOT getting this planet," Garnet said firmly. "I, Queen Garnet Til Alexandros, will
make sure of that. I swear to protect this country, and this world, with my life." She turned to
the others. "I ask for your help."
"It's a hopeless fight," Eiko said sadly. "But I'll help."
"A hopeless fight is sometimes the best kind." A smile lit Mikoto's face as she said it. "I shall
do what I can."
"I will also assist you in your battle, my queen," Steiner added.
Zidane stood from the couch and took Garnet's hands in his own.
"Your fight is my fight, Dagger," he whispered, with a slight smile.
Garnet looked out of the window. When she turned back, there were tears in her eyes. Then she
wiped them away and said bravely, "Then we must start preparing for battle right away."
CHAPTER 3
Zidane stood on his own, looking at Alexandria from one of the castle's many towers. The city was
swarming with activity as people prepared for the battle. In the distance, he could see the
approaching monsters. They didn't have much longer before the monsters would be upon them.
What did Kuja say about the Genomes? he asked himself. Somehow he knew that Kuja's final warning
to him had been important, but he couldn't remember why. Dammit, why can't I remember? WHY?!
"Zidane."
Zidane spun to find Mikoto standing behind him, a solemn look on her face. She smiled briefly,
then came and stood next to him.
"Everyone is very busy," she said, observing the crowd below. "But we do not have much time."
"Think I don't know that?" Zidane asked, his tone a little harsher than he'd meant it to be.
"Bloody hell, Mikki. I'm standing up here watching the monsters move in on Alexandria. I think I
can tell that we don't have much time left!"
Mikoto didn't apologise. Instead, she said, "Zidane, Kuja told me that Necron would go for the
Genomes first. I think…"
-Necron will go for the Genomes first…-
Zidane's face paled as he remembered Kuja's final words.
Shit! Why couldn't I remember that sooner?! Of course Necron will help the Terran spirits go to
their vessels! The vessels he created for them… and the black mages… oh no. We have to go to
Black Mage Village and try and protect them! It's worth a shot, at least. I have to find Dagger
and tell her…
"Zidane, are you listening?"
Zidane was brought back to reality with a jolt.
"We have to go and protect them!" he yelled. "We can't let them be taken over by the Terrans!"
"That is what I was just saying," Mikoto replied grumpily. "We should go find the queen and…
Zidane, where are you going?" she asked as she noticed her older brother was already halfway
through the doorway that led to the tower's staircase.
"I'm going to find Dagger," Zidane said firmly. "We're going to Black Mage Village - to save the
Genomes!"
Mikoto rolled her eyes as he disappeared down the winding staircase.
* * * *
"I'm sorry, Dagger," Zidane said again, trying to ignore the tears welling in the young queen's
eyes. "I have to go."
"I know," Garnet whispered, biting her lip. "You don't have to apologise, Zidane. I understand.
It's just…"
She burst into tears, burying her face into his shoulder. Zidane had not idea what to say to
comfort her, so he wrapped his arms around her, holding her in a gentle embrace.
After a minute or so, Garnet pulled away, her face slightly red.
"Sorry," she whispered. "It's just, you only just got back, and now you're gonna go away again."
She bit her lip again, trying to stop another flurry of tears.
Zidane sighed, brushing a stray tear from her cheek.
"I won't be long, Dagger. I promise."
Garnet turned away and looked out through the window of her room.
"You can take the Invincible then," she said bleakly. "I had it repaired, just in case."
"Thankyou," he murmured as she turned back to him. He tried to ignore the tears in her brown eyes
as she hugged him.
"But you're not going on your own," she said, more firmly. "You can take Amarant and Freya with
you. Vivi and Mikoto will want to go as well, of course. Prepare yourselves, and then go right
away."
"Right away?"
"The sooner, the better," Garnet managed to choke out. "If you're quick, you might get there in
time to save the Genomes."
"What about Alexandria?" Zidane asked. "The monsters?"
"We'll be fine," Garnet said firmly. "We have our armies, and Eiko and I have our magic skills.
Beatrix is a White Mage too, so she can help if she needs to."
There was an awkward silence for a few moments. Then Zidane whispered, "I'm sorry, Dagger."
"Just go," she sobbed, a single tear streaming down her face. "Go and get yourself and the others
prepared."
* * * *
"Are we all ready?" Zidane asked, turning to the group of people assembled beside him. "Dagger
said we should go as soon as we possibly could."
Everyone nodded mutely. They could all see it was tearing Zidane up, having to leave Garnet
behind even for just a short time. He was trying his hardest to be cheerful, but it just wasn't
the same.
He's acting like he did that time when Queen Brahne died, Vivi thought. He was so torn up,
losing Dagger like that…
They heard a soft sob, and turned to see Garnet standing back a short way, her lips quivering and
tears welling in her eyes.
"Well, let's go," Amarant said uncomfortably. He and Freya teleported into the airship, shortly
followed by Vivi and Mikoto. Zidane hung back, and turned to look one last time at Garnet.
Suddenly, she ran to him and flung herself into his arms, tears spilling onto her cheeks and
splashing down onto the yellow jumpsuit that she wore.
"Please don't cry, Dagger," Zidane whispered. "I'll be back really soon. I promise."
Garnet pulled away slightly, letting more tears run over her face.
"Zidane, we have to go!" Mikoto called impatiently.
"I'm sorry," he whispered one more time.
He kissed her on her still-trembling lips, brushing away the tears that were sliding down her
face with his fingertips.
"Take care," he whispered.
She tried to smile, but failed, and more tears rolled down her face.
"You'd better come back," she murmured, averting her eyes. "Please be careful, Zidane."
"I will," he promised. Then he walked slowly onto the teleporter, not pausing to look back at
her.
The airship rose away into the clear blue skies. Her eyes trailed it until it finally disappeared
from sight. Then, with a sob that sounded like her heart itself was breaking, she turned and fled
into the castle.
He had only been gone for minutes, and she wanted him back already…
~To Be Continued~
Fire Angel
AUTHOR'S NOTE 1: Woohoo! Finally, an FF9 fic from me to all you guys out there! I've wanted to
write one for so long, but I just HAD to finish the game first, so I could understand what I was
writing about!!! By the way, the prologue and half of the first chapter revolve around the ending
sequence of the game… so in other words, there are some spoilers (most of my stories are a bit
that way…).
Have fun, and hope you enjoy the fic! Comments can be sent to rinoa_heartilly86@hotmail.com (and
yes, in case you're wondering, I am completely hyper right now…)
Ja ne, minna-san!
AUTHOR'S NOTE 2: I've used all the English names in this text. I think 'Salamander' is way cooler
than 'Amarant', but I don't like the sound of 'Tantarus' as opposed to 'Tantalus', and I don't
know the names of some of the Japanese characters. And I don't like to mix and match. If the
names are English, they're ALL English!
The Rise of Terra
Part 1: A Dream of Fate
PROLOGUE
The queen of Alexandria, Garnet Til Alexandros, sat on her throne with her personal guards behind
her, waiting almost sadly for the performance to begin.
"The theatre ship will arrive any minute," she murmured, watching the surging crowd of people
below her. They were all trying to get the best seats to watch the play. "It's been so long… I
can't wait to see everyone…"
Tantalus, a daring band of thieves, came annually to Alexandria to perform the nation's most
loved play, I Want to Be Your Canary. The young queen adored the play, but right now she was not
in the mood for a sappy love story. The only thing she could think about was Zidane Tribal… the
thief she had met by chance and, over time, the man she had fallen in love with.
"But… it'll never be the same," she whispered, closing her eyes.
Why haven't you come back, Zidane? I can't live like this!
"I have to let go of the past," she told herself firmly, more for Steiner and Beatrix's benefit
than her own. Her guards had much more to worry about than their queen's love life.
"I have to move on. Just like he taught me."
Zidane… please, come back! I love you!
* * * *
The crowd broke into vigorous applause as the theatre ship landed in front of Alexandria Castle,
with the stage just touching the ground in front of them. A huge smile spread over Eiko Carol's
face as Baku stepped out from backstage. With a booming voice, he introduced the play, and the
scene they would be performing.
A few seconds later, Ruby came out on stage, reciting the lines of the play's princess, Cornelia.
A cloaked man, who was playing the part of Marcus, joined her.
"Why is that man wearing a cloak?" A little girl in the crowd asked Eiko. Eiko just smiled
mysteriously.
"You'll find out soon enough."
* * * *
"As the sun lends me no ear, I pray instead to the twin moons!" The young man, who was swaddled
in a long, hooded cloak, recited the lines in a way no one had ever said them before.
He's bursting with emotion, Garnet thought; despite herself, the man playing Marcus' part
intrigued her.
"I beseech thee, wondrous moonlight, grant me my only wish!" he cried to the moons in the 'sky',
spreading his arms wide as his voice cracked with emotion. His back to the audience, he bent over
just slightly, grasping his cloak. With one swift movement, he ripped off the cloak, spinning to
face the audience at the same time; his blue eyes twinkling with unshed tears, his blonde hair
shining in the sun's gentle rays.
He hesitated, letting the crowd take everything in. Then he cried, louder than before, "Bring my
beloved Dagger to me!"
CHAPTER 1
Queen Garnet leapt to her feet, anxiously staring at the young man on the stage, praying her eyes
were not deceiving her.
Zidane! Oh, dear God, it HAS to be! Please let it be real! Please!
She turned around and ran to the doorway, only to find her path blocked by Beatrix and Steiner,
who were holding their arms up across the door, frowns on their usually gentle faces.
Garnet felt like she was about to burst into tears.
Please! Can't you understand? I love him! I want to be with him!
When she took a second look, she noticed that her guards were pushing the double doors open for
her. Beatrix gestured invitingly, and a smile broke out over Garnet's face. As she ran eagerly
down the stairs, she heard Steiner yell, "Go get him, Dagger!"
Garnet giggled at Steiner's informal, but friendly tone, as she pushed open the next set of
double doors; the ones that led her into the crowd of commoners watching the play. Trying to be
polite, she pushed her way through the crowd, trying to get to Zidane. As she ran towards the
stage, she bumped into someone and her necklace, the Falcon Claw, unclasped and flew off onto the
ground.
She grabbed at her throat, where the sparkling gem usually sat, closing her eyes and trying to
blink away the tears. She knew now that she had to make a choice… was it Zidane she wanted… or a
good future for the kingdom she was supposed to be ruling in her mother's place? She took a
hesitant step towards the necklace, tears welling in her eyes.
My duty is to my country…
Wait! What am I thinking?! I love him!
She turned hurriedly from the necklace, and ran to Zidane, tearing off her crown as she ran. She
leapt into his arms, with glimmering tears sliding down her face. "You're back," she sobbed,
still hardly believing it herself. "You're finally back."
He winced as she suddenly punched him. "You had me so worried!" she shouted. "I didn't think you
were gonna come back!"
Queen Garnet burst into tears, clutching onto Zidane like she was never ever going to let go.
* * * *
Where… where am I?
Zidane opened his eyes and looked around. Only a few seconds ago, he and his Dagger had been
curled up together on a couch in one of the many guest rooms of Alexandria Castle. Now, he was in
a surreal world, floating in the air amongst hundreds upon hundreds of stars.
Am I dreaming…? What is this place?
-You're not dreaming. This is a world that was created for the purposes of our meeting here-
"What?! Who's there?!" Zidane yelled, looking for his weapon. Strangely, it wasn't where it
usually was…
-Calm down, Zidane. It's just me-
"Kuja?!" Zidane asked, suddenly recognising the voice.
-You guessed it- His usually cold voice was warm and friendly as he addressed his younger
brother. But then his tone changed more serious. -Zidane, I only have a short time. I am here to
warn you of Terra's rise-
"What do you mean, 'Terra's rise'?"
-Well… Necron is still alive, and he's been helping the Terran spirits to speed up their planet's
cycle. It will be a few days before Gaia and Terra collide with one another-
"A few DAYS?!" Zidane exploded. "What can we do in a few days?!"
-I will do everything I can to help you-
"Yeah, but you're DEAD!" After a few seconds, Zidane sighed, "Sorry. It's just that I've just
found everything I ever wanted in life, and now this Necron's gonna take it all away from me."
-Then fight him-
"Kuja, as much as I respect you, you're an idiot. We nearly died last time we fought Necron, and
even if we do kill him, it won't stop the collision of the planets."
Kuja hesitated, then said, -I'm sorry, Zidane. My time with you is up. You'll have to deal with
this now. Farewell, my brother-
"Kuja, don't leave!" Zidane yelled at the sea of stars. "Kuja? Dammit, answer me! KUJA!"
But Kuja was gone. All Zidane could hear was an echo of his voice…
-Necron will go for the Genomes first…-
CHAPTER 2
Garnet opened her eyes as she heard someone scream 'KUJA!'. She felt very stiff and
uncomfortable, and in a few seconds she was confused by her now sunlit surroundings. She was in
the guest room, on the couch, and for some reason she'd fallen asleep there.
What am I doing in the guest room? And how did I manage to fall asleep while sitting on the
couch?
Her answer came a second later, as someone stirred underneath her. Suddenly, her mind cleared,
and she remembered that she had fallen asleep while sitting on Zidane's lap, curled up with him
on the couch. She had been so tired from the previous day's proceedings that she didn't have the
strength to move back to her room.
Smiling, Garnet turned her head to look at Zidane, just as he jolted awake. Their lips touched
for a brief moment. Then Garnet was up and leaping off of the couch, her face burning, with a
hand pressed to her mouth.
"Sorry," she murmured, averting her eyes. Zidane just laughed.
"There's no need to apologise," he said slyly, pulling her back down towards him. "I don't mind."
She squirmed as he ran his lips teasingly over her own, then kissed her, running his hands
through her raven-black hair.
"Zidane," she protested, pulling away.
"What?" he moaned, trying not to pout.
"While you were sleeping, you yelled Kuja's name," Garnet said, looking concernedly at him. "Was
anything wrong?"
"It was just a dream," Zidane said dismissively. "And right now I don't give a shit about a
crappy dream like that one." Leaning towards her, he kissed her again.
Garnet tried to pull away, knowing something was wrong, but his embrace kept her where she was
sitting.
I'll find out later, she thought. I should enjoy this while I can. For the rest of the day we'll
have Steiner breathing down our necks.
Sighing, she succumbed to Zidane's kiss.
* * * *
"Lord Steiner! Wake up, please! It is urgent!"
Adelbert Steiner, captain of the Knights of Pluto, opened his eyes to find the face of a panicked
girl hovering over him, shaking him in an attempt to wake him up. It was Mikoto, Zidane's younger
sister.
"Mikoto?" he muttered. "You look like you've seen a ghost."
Mikoto shrugged nonchalantly, flicking her tail. "I have. But that is not the problem. I need to
address the Queen and my brother right away! I fear that Gaia may be in danger."
"Gaia? In danger?" Steiner asked, bolting upright. "We must find the Queen right away and warn
her!"
At that moment, Eiko burst in. "Has anyone seen Dagger?" she gasped frantically. "Beatrix asked
me to find her."
A strange look spread over Steiner's face, and he went a significantly lighter shade.
"What's wrong, Rusty?" Eiko asked, having picked up Zidane's nickname for the knight.
"I just remembered… Queen Garnet never left the guest room last night… the one that Zidane is
staying in," Steiner moaned. "I swear, if that brigand has done anything to her I will tear him
apart with my bare hands!"
"What my brother and the Queen did last night is not important right now!" Mikoto yelled. "Our
lives… and the life of our planet… may be in grave danger! We must find them!"
"Then let us go," Steiner grated. "I will show you the way."
* * * *
"Queen Garnet!"
Garnet pulled away from Zidane and looked up as the door flew open, and Steiner burst in.
"Steiner, Zidane and I would like some pri…"
"Sorry Dagger," Eiko apologised, walking in with Mikoto. "But it's urgent. Gaia may be in
danger."
"I beg your pardon?" Garnet asked, standing up. She looked down at Zidane, thinking of his
'dream'. "Do you know something about this?"
"He does, your highness," Mikoto cut in. "Kuja told him."
"You said it was just a dream!" Garnet accused him angrily.
"I thought it was," Zidane replied sheepishly. "Now I know it wasn't, because he's obviously told
Mikoto, too."
"What did he say?" Garnet asked.
Zidane explained, and when he had finished, Eiko cried, "THAT explains it, then!"
"Explains what?" Garnet asked.
"A huge group of Terran monsters have been spotted moving towards Alexandria," Eiko said.
"Beatrix asked me to tell you."
"You're kidding," Garnet said flatly.
"No," Eiko said, feeling deflated. "Maybe that Necron whosiwhatsit sent them to distract us."
"It does not matter what we do though," Mikoto muttered gloomily.
"Whatever happens, the planets will collide with one another, and the Terrans will take over our
lives," Steiner agreed.
"They are NOT getting this planet," Garnet said firmly. "I, Queen Garnet Til Alexandros, will
make sure of that. I swear to protect this country, and this world, with my life." She turned to
the others. "I ask for your help."
"It's a hopeless fight," Eiko said sadly. "But I'll help."
"A hopeless fight is sometimes the best kind." A smile lit Mikoto's face as she said it. "I shall
do what I can."
"I will also assist you in your battle, my queen," Steiner added.
Zidane stood from the couch and took Garnet's hands in his own.
"Your fight is my fight, Dagger," he whispered, with a slight smile.
Garnet looked out of the window. When she turned back, there were tears in her eyes. Then she
wiped them away and said bravely, "Then we must start preparing for battle right away."
CHAPTER 3
Zidane stood on his own, looking at Alexandria from one of the castle's many towers. The city was
swarming with activity as people prepared for the battle. In the distance, he could see the
approaching monsters. They didn't have much longer before the monsters would be upon them.
What did Kuja say about the Genomes? he asked himself. Somehow he knew that Kuja's final warning
to him had been important, but he couldn't remember why. Dammit, why can't I remember? WHY?!
"Zidane."
Zidane spun to find Mikoto standing behind him, a solemn look on her face. She smiled briefly,
then came and stood next to him.
"Everyone is very busy," she said, observing the crowd below. "But we do not have much time."
"Think I don't know that?" Zidane asked, his tone a little harsher than he'd meant it to be.
"Bloody hell, Mikki. I'm standing up here watching the monsters move in on Alexandria. I think I
can tell that we don't have much time left!"
Mikoto didn't apologise. Instead, she said, "Zidane, Kuja told me that Necron would go for the
Genomes first. I think…"
-Necron will go for the Genomes first…-
Zidane's face paled as he remembered Kuja's final words.
Shit! Why couldn't I remember that sooner?! Of course Necron will help the Terran spirits go to
their vessels! The vessels he created for them… and the black mages… oh no. We have to go to
Black Mage Village and try and protect them! It's worth a shot, at least. I have to find Dagger
and tell her…
"Zidane, are you listening?"
Zidane was brought back to reality with a jolt.
"We have to go and protect them!" he yelled. "We can't let them be taken over by the Terrans!"
"That is what I was just saying," Mikoto replied grumpily. "We should go find the queen and…
Zidane, where are you going?" she asked as she noticed her older brother was already halfway
through the doorway that led to the tower's staircase.
"I'm going to find Dagger," Zidane said firmly. "We're going to Black Mage Village - to save the
Genomes!"
Mikoto rolled her eyes as he disappeared down the winding staircase.
* * * *
"I'm sorry, Dagger," Zidane said again, trying to ignore the tears welling in the young queen's
eyes. "I have to go."
"I know," Garnet whispered, biting her lip. "You don't have to apologise, Zidane. I understand.
It's just…"
She burst into tears, burying her face into his shoulder. Zidane had not idea what to say to
comfort her, so he wrapped his arms around her, holding her in a gentle embrace.
After a minute or so, Garnet pulled away, her face slightly red.
"Sorry," she whispered. "It's just, you only just got back, and now you're gonna go away again."
She bit her lip again, trying to stop another flurry of tears.
Zidane sighed, brushing a stray tear from her cheek.
"I won't be long, Dagger. I promise."
Garnet turned away and looked out through the window of her room.
"You can take the Invincible then," she said bleakly. "I had it repaired, just in case."
"Thankyou," he murmured as she turned back to him. He tried to ignore the tears in her brown eyes
as she hugged him.
"But you're not going on your own," she said, more firmly. "You can take Amarant and Freya with
you. Vivi and Mikoto will want to go as well, of course. Prepare yourselves, and then go right
away."
"Right away?"
"The sooner, the better," Garnet managed to choke out. "If you're quick, you might get there in
time to save the Genomes."
"What about Alexandria?" Zidane asked. "The monsters?"
"We'll be fine," Garnet said firmly. "We have our armies, and Eiko and I have our magic skills.
Beatrix is a White Mage too, so she can help if she needs to."
There was an awkward silence for a few moments. Then Zidane whispered, "I'm sorry, Dagger."
"Just go," she sobbed, a single tear streaming down her face. "Go and get yourself and the others
prepared."
* * * *
"Are we all ready?" Zidane asked, turning to the group of people assembled beside him. "Dagger
said we should go as soon as we possibly could."
Everyone nodded mutely. They could all see it was tearing Zidane up, having to leave Garnet
behind even for just a short time. He was trying his hardest to be cheerful, but it just wasn't
the same.
He's acting like he did that time when Queen Brahne died, Vivi thought. He was so torn up,
losing Dagger like that…
They heard a soft sob, and turned to see Garnet standing back a short way, her lips quivering and
tears welling in her eyes.
"Well, let's go," Amarant said uncomfortably. He and Freya teleported into the airship, shortly
followed by Vivi and Mikoto. Zidane hung back, and turned to look one last time at Garnet.
Suddenly, she ran to him and flung herself into his arms, tears spilling onto her cheeks and
splashing down onto the yellow jumpsuit that she wore.
"Please don't cry, Dagger," Zidane whispered. "I'll be back really soon. I promise."
Garnet pulled away slightly, letting more tears run over her face.
"Zidane, we have to go!" Mikoto called impatiently.
"I'm sorry," he whispered one more time.
He kissed her on her still-trembling lips, brushing away the tears that were sliding down her
face with his fingertips.
"Take care," he whispered.
She tried to smile, but failed, and more tears rolled down her face.
"You'd better come back," she murmured, averting her eyes. "Please be careful, Zidane."
"I will," he promised. Then he walked slowly onto the teleporter, not pausing to look back at
her.
The airship rose away into the clear blue skies. Her eyes trailed it until it finally disappeared
from sight. Then, with a sob that sounded like her heart itself was breaking, she turned and fled
into the castle.
He had only been gone for minutes, and she wanted him back already…
~To Be Continued~