Rain
*
Ninja Rage
* *
Disclaimer:I seriously don't own FF.SO dont be an idiot and sue me for what little money I have...
* * *
Author's note:Thanks fer stickin with me.PLease keep reading and reviewing I promise to stick with the story and update at least once every 2 weeks.
Oh,and there may be some spoilers in this chapter if you haven't beaten FF9 yet.Some of this has flash backs so I hope you don't get confused.
Chapter V
False Hero
*
In my dearest memories..I see you reaching out to me..Though your gone..I still believe that you can call..out my name..
DO you still love me?Or have you forgotten...Are you lost? Or are yuo just in a maze between me and your other life on the other side of the ocean...
Rain.Showering down on shadowed streets.The only light was the flashing in the distance and the foggy moth covered street lights on the lining of the pathways.People clearing the streets and filing into their homes in a bustle. Not only because of the rain but because of the flashing signal from the top of the castle to exit the streets into their homes.
Children stared out their windows with depressed frowns.Leaned up on their elbows supported by the window seal,they dreamed about when the rain would halt and their poor little legs could run out in the sun again.Oh, how they dreamed of taking in the first real breath of fresh clear morning air.
6 years.For 6 years the rain had clattered the streets,flooding many areas but then quickly flowing over the cliffs of Alexandria forming a large waterfall.There were disadvantages and advantages of being on a cliff.The advantage was having a drain for the water to flow over the cliff and slide into the ocean.The disadvantage was someone could get caught in the draining waters and fly over the cliff and die.But that is why everyone steered clear of the steep drop off.
At this moment,Beatrix was not thinking of this.She was in a deep trance of wonder state.Her mind wondered on the fact that they had to bring in the coming stock ship without losing it and it crashing off in the distance.The rain had not shallowed but had gotten harder.and the night had gotten darker.The stockship's lights were dull and didn't have much power so they couldn't be seen all to well.
A tall,thin soldier rushed up behind Beatrix and shot still soluting and then began to shout out,"ma'am!The stock ship has reported how it will enter!They believe that they can get to the top dock enterance without our help if they keep up their speed but they might need help slowing down and entering!"he dropped his solute to stand tall with his arms and hand tight at his sides.
Beatrix narrowed her eyes and soluted,"Thank you for your report.Inform them that their request for enterance has been confirmed,"she nodded,"and yes..we will do what we can."She smiled and him and returned her arms to an unnoticed cross across her chest and turned.The soldier took off toward the kingdom doors and ran into an excited Garnet,"oh!"She yelped as he grabbed her wrist to pull her up,"oh!Miss..I mean..uh I mean your majesty,"He gulped loudly,"oh!um,I'm so sorry!Please forgive me!ma'am!Oh my god..I mean!uhh!"He blushed wildly,soluted stiffly,and took off down the long red carpetted hallway.
Garnet justed stared at him as he flew passed her,"What on Earth?"She cocked her eyebrow and then slowly turned her head in the direction of Beatrix,"There she is!"Garnet approached Beatrix stepping out from under the balcony which protected her from rain.It poured down over her head and soaked her dress and robe quickly.
Beatrix heard the faint voice behind her and turned,"Queen!What are you doing!"Beatrix's voice was more angered than usual.Garnet could tell she was irritated and stressed.She hadn't gotten any sleep since she had gotten the first call from Lindblum telling them in a fuzzy buzz voice that they couldn't make it to them.But for some odd reason,she guessed,they had changed their minds because,here they were coming for the kingdom right now,
"Beatrix,please.Allow me to stand with you!I am the queen!I need to know what is going on!Please,Beatrix,please!"She stepped forward taking a soft hold on Beatrix's soaked,cold,armor plated forearm.
Beatrix looked at Garnet's hand then dropped her cross-armed fold and sided heavilily,"I agree with you completely Miss Garnet,but.This is dangerous and I am worried for your health!You must stay alive to watch over this kingdom not me!There can be others like me!Not other of you.That is why..you must marry and have children,descendants,My queen.Now please respect what I say and if you want to be here stand under the balcony!"Beatrix quickly laid her head on Garnet's shoulder and sighed,"do understand?"
Garnet smiled and nodded,"yes.I understand.But-" Beatrix looked at her swiftly,"no!please your majesty.Go"Beatrix then turned around and focused on the night sky.
Garnet dropped her head and turned toward the balcony cover up.
~*~
Zidane held tightly onto the side of the cliff rocks bearing the weight off a feirce waterfall gushing all over him,"gaah!This is rediculous!Alexandria's never been this stormy!"
Nuiki pulled herself on top of a rock a few ways down under him,"It all started 6 years ago!,"She clutched strongly to a protruding root as another thick gush of water piled ontop of her,"ugh!Well,they say it's because the city has felt a long sorrow.This city has been nicknamed after that!'The city of sorrows..'The city does seem very depressed if you go there."She pulled her self up another rock,"You ever been?"
Zidane smirked grabbing hold of another rock,"yes..a long while ago.."
~*~
Baku grunted and smirked,"Well,guys!This is who we're after!"He held out the small rag doll wearing a small pink dress and raggedy stringy black hair which was supposed to be Princess Garnet,"Princess Garnet!Age 15! The loveliest of all!"He chuckled and began assigning the roles of the gang,"In this play,'I want to be your canary' I want you guys to do the best performance ever!Just to leave the crowd in awe! The queen must be impressed as well as the princess!Then,"he smacked his folded fist into his open palm,"we snatch her!"He pointed a fat finger at Zidane,"Zidane!You and Blank are just the guys to do it!"
Zidane smirked from his position leaned up against a backwards chair with his tail curling left and right,and Blank with a smirk of his impressive thievery skills.Baku smiled broadly and threw his arms in the air,"Let's do this!" He howled and hooted and the others cheered in confidence as well before they took off to the main deck preparing for landing.
The large lovely airship drifted across the sky of the beautifully sunlit sky of Alexandria.Everyone in the streets stopped what they were doing to look up at the ship.Covering their eyes with a curved hand they watched the ship glide over to the kingdom.Just as they passed everyone,excitedly rushed off for the ticket booth.
Zidane looked over the railing of the deck at the excited people of Alexandria with a big smile on his face,"This place is beautful."He said with awe in his voice,"Almost as spectacular as Lindblum..But this place..seems more..like a home.."He said his mind wondering over how busy and high tec Lindblum was and how Alexandria was just a peaceful kingdom with wooden houses and a large castle made of stone and the end of it's long brick roads.
The sunset seemed to hit Alexandria just right,making the view even more astonishing.He couldn't help but gaze in a soft eyed manner.Blank,the red haired man,with a large bandanna around his lower forehead approached Zidane slowly and then with a quick motion he slapped him on the back making Zidane lurch forward grabbing the side catching himself,"what the hell?!"Zidane yelped ruining the beauty of silence,"What was that for?!"
Blank laughed at Zidane with a full fledged smile,"I was just making sure you weren't off in another world dreaming about the 'lovely' princess Garnet!THe boss is all over her man."He laughed again as ZIdane turned to him with a frown and narrowed eyes,"I was just looking out at the city thats all!It..It looks nice..Not like Lindblum,even though Lindblum is a nice city.." Blank cocked an eyebrow,"What're you talkin about?crazy man I tell ya."he chuckled,"What does the scenery have a nice 'romantic' glow to it?"He laughed and smiled,"I was just seeing if you were ready.We're going to land soon."He said when he realized Zidane looked so angry his head was going to pop.
Zidane sighed and smirked,"Ready when you guys are!"he chuckled and took one last look out at the roof tops of the city and then turned following behind Blank at a slow pace.
~*~
Another gush of water plummeted Zidane bringing him back to reality,"whoah!" He stumbled back and flopped on top of Nuiki who was waving her hand in front of his face.
She yelped as they fell to the rock a few layers down,"ugh.."Zidane dragged himself off on Nuiki and managed to stand up and take hold of a rock,"heh.Sorry about that."He reached out his hand and helped Nuiki up,"heh.I just thought you'd lost it!"She giggled and then took a look at his bullet hole,"Well.It seems that it's bleeding harder the more you move.."
Zidane blinked.He had forgotten about the wound.He was completely focused on getting to Alexandria and Garnet.He looked down slowly staring at his blood soaked strips for bandages and his partially covered pants,"oh.I forgot about that.."His voice drifted and he looked up at Nuiki,"I'll be fine.Let's just hurry."
Nuiki shrugged and started back up,"Keep your mind on the rocks!We don't want that to happen again!"
Zidane stared up at Nuiki as she slowly inched toward the next rock.Shaking his head he started up just now noticing the stingy pain in the left side of his chest,"Man..Why'd she have to remind me.."His mind wandered back to his trip to Alexandria...the day he met Garnet...
~*`
Blank scratched himself in the ichy soldier's suit,"man!These things are ichy!"He hastily scratched every part of his body as Zidane fitted on the soldier's helmet.Laughing he said,"If you start scratching your head..the boss might have to give you a lice check!"He chuckled and turned toward the door,"Alright c'mon!We don't have much time!"
Zidane and Blank carefully sneaked out the door leaving behind to knocked out soldiers in their underwear.They doing their absolute best to act as soldiers as they snuck throught the hallway to the curling stairs.Zidane stopped silently and whispered back to Blank,"psst!Did you hear that?" Blank looked all around,"what?"
Zidane peered up the steps to see if anything was going on,"I thought I heard somethin'.C'mon!"He urged Blank up the steps slowly.
As they began to run a white hooded-cloaked figure with a thick strip of red lining the sleeves and rim of the hood rushed out of the royalty corridors and ran right smack into Zidane who fell back and then stood up quickly,"hey!"He shouted.
Then getting a glimpse of her face he smirked,"Aren't you..." The figure quickly answered,"no!I mean.I must be going I'm none of your concern excuse me."As she tried to push through he nudged her back,"no wait!I think you're the-" She pushed through him and Blank leaving them spinning with dizziness before they stopped.
Zidane then grabbed Blank's arm,"C'mon!" Blank looked surprized,"why?" Zidane shouted losing his patience,"That was her!The princess!PRincess Garnet!"
And with that they rushed after her down the stairs and out the door.
~*~
Zidane reached the rock Nuiki had just stepped onto,"We're almost to the top!"Nuiki shouted not realizing that their was another peak to climb.ZIdane chuckled,"Actually,Nuiki,there's another peak."Nuiki turned back to him,"How do you know?" He sighed,"I told you i've been here before.and this place..I could never forget."
Nuiki glanced at him before turning back around and spitting out some rain water that was drowning her mouth,"well.We might as well keep on!"
Zidane looked up watching the thin,fast streaks of water pour down from the sky which seemed to be just a bottomless pit of rain.He looked back down blinking the water out of his eyes,"6 years ago,hunh?"He thought back to 6 years,"That's when Baku got sick and I left,perhaps there sadness is from me.."
He grabbed the next ledge and pulled himself up with the help of Nuiki,"It just keeps getting harder!"She shouted as she tugged him up,"and you keep getting heavier!"
~*~
Master leader smirked leaning on his folded hands and laced fingers,"Amazing,"he muttered,"I can't believe we've actually made it throug those awful storms to this hard rain fall." He chuckled and watched as Saki steered slowly pulling them closer and closer to the enterance,
"Almost there Sir.They have confirmed our request for enterance and will do as we ask." Master smirked wider,"Excellent,Continue with the process.."his voice trailed off as he slowly got up and approached the wide long window placed on the front of the ship.
He placed his hand on the window and watched as the rain fell,"There's my kingdom."He said quietly to himself placing his hand so that the kingdom looked as if it rested on the palm of it,
"It looks so small...from a distance..but with this kingdom I can rule..over so much."He chuckled loudly bringing attention to Saki."Sir?What are you talking about over there?" He turned to her with a frown.He didn't like people to interupt his thougthts of power,"Excuse me pilot?Why don't you keep your eyes and mind on your job and keep of me."
Saki gasped slightly and turned staring straight at the path infront of her,"Oh.I'm sorry.You're right Sir."He sighed and crossed his arms,"Of course I am right."He fluffed his perfectly placed red hair and smirked,"I am the Master leader you know."he laughed loudly and walked in such an odd way it looked like he was waltzing back to his 'thrown'. He was happy.Joyous.Grateful for that pethetic excuse for a thief,or man for that matter,tried to save ALexandria all on his own.Mainly because the stupid monkey boy had no reinforcements to help him stop the master from taking over.He smirked madly and leaned up against his elbow with his other arm supported by his armrest.
A knocking came from the door just across the pilot room,"who is it?"shouted the master,irritated by yet another dream interuption.
A young girl's voice came from it,
"Sir.I've brought you the tea you asked for." The master's smile broaded.He had asked a young lass about the age of,oh,17 to bring him tea.Hot tea.he liked this girl.She was pretty,young,slim,and full of hard following him work,
"oh yes!I'll let you in right now."He waltzed over to the door and let her in.She quietly and carefully crept in setting his tea on the table beside his chair.Then stepping toward him she asked,"Anything else?We're almost to Alexandria.I thought you might need something for the rain.."
She didn't look him in the eye.He was a little nerve racking to her.His short red hair and shiny green eyes was a lovely sight but,still,he wasn't the kindest looking.
The master smiled at her,"nothing more.You can go off.But be careful my darling when we are about to enter the dock you must be seated..it could get a little bumpy!"The master was a complete pervert.He had a main focus on Garnet.The princess of Alexandria but his other focus...well.Was any other pretty girl.
The master walked quickly over to his cooling tea and sipped it,"Are we almost there pilot?" Saki growled in her throat,"Almost there...master."She muttered lurching this way and that to keep heading through the rain,"But our power may completely stop soon.."
"hmm..well.If you keep going they will pull us in..no worries.Just do as I say."he smirked and flinched as the steaming tea stung his tongue,"ouch"he said softly.
Saki sighed and frowned.
~*~
Garnet stared out in to the distance as the light got brighter and brighter.Although it was still blurry she could see it. 'There coming.'she thought,'who could be willing enough to come out here if not Zidane?'
Beatrix shouted a hourse command,"Get the ropes ready!we'll need to pull them in as soon as possible the're losing power!"A soldier alerted the docks and they began setting up the procedure.
Garnet watched as they tied the ropes and slowly cranked them back folding them around to large round winded barrel looking machines.The rain blurred her other senses so all there was,was her sight.She turned to watch the light begin to shake and get off balanced,"Beatrix?!What is happening over there!?"She pointed to the lights and squinted her eyes when the light became so close and bright it burned from the dark.
Beatrix gasped,"They came at such a fast speed!Hurry!Prepare for pulling!"She marched over to where Garnet was,"Careful now my queen.We're going to pull in the stock ship!It's lost control!and we don't want it crashing!"Beatrix took off inside the kingdom running up the red carpetted curving steps.Garnet was left in a state of shock as she watched the ship quickly move right over the rooves of Alexandria.She could see blurry figures of people looking out their windows with wide eyes.Then gathering back her mind she turned and started after Beatrix inside the kingdom.
~*~
The ship quickly crossed over the rooves and was heading straight for the enterance of the dock.The soldiers were in a hurry to climb to the top of the castle and toss the ropes at the ship and skid across them to safely hook the ship up.As the ship neared the soldiers became even more baffled by it's speed.
"Now!"Came an order from Beatrix who was just at the gates of the docks. The soldiers lept from the castle to the air and skid along the ropes landing on the deck.They hooked the ship to the decks poles and tightened them,"We're ready!"They shouted at the top of their lungs,"pull 'em in!"
The soldiers lurched back cranking the handles and continuing to do this over and over again pulling the ship to a slow and steady pace in order to enter the dock.
~*~
Master looked out of the front window,"Amazing,such skilled soldiers.and in such intense weather.Pilot!how shall we dock properly?"Saki growled at her name,'pilot' but still answered,"Well,sir,when they've pulled us in we will turn all notches down and I will pull us to a halt in the center of the ship docking.Easy."She smirked at how great a pilot she was and how impressed he much be. "good."He said. 'Good?'she thought,'good?!' "That's it?!"she said aloud,"o-"she stuttered.He turned and smiled at her as if it was a joke,"That's it?Are you asking me a question?"he said mockingly. She sighed and glared out at the rain,"no,sir."she muttered silently.
He turned again,"Of course not."He chuckled and clapped his hands together and then laced his gloved fingers,"Yes,almost there.Just a few feet away and all thanks to that scoundrel,monkey boy."he smirked broadly,"But really all that midget did was steer this ship around and get us throught the main storm and to the island of Alexandria's mountain...hmm..that does seem like much though."He chuckled again and shrugged,"oh well.Now I get his glory."
~*~
The soldiers heeved and hoed.Finally the steaming ship was able to make it into the enterance.The bottom slowly slid into the dock and glided along until it completey came to a halt.Beatrix let out the breath she had been holding,"yess!"she congratulated to herself. The others wiped beads of sweat from their foreheads and throwing their hands into the air all cheering.
Garnet slipped through the dock gate and looked up at the ship with awe,"Amazing..They did.The ship is inside.Out of..the storm..finally."Garnet smiled and clapped.The soldiers that were on top of the ship's deck lept off and prepared to open the ship's ramp.
~*~
Saki cheered and turned to the master,"Yes!W-" She was interupted by the master,"I did it!" Saki's mouth dropped as he boastfully stood and strolled toward the door fixing himself up to look his best,"He did it?"Saki's angry flared and she slowly tagged behind him.
He opened the door to hear the cheers of the other crew members,"yay!We're not dead!" A man stood,"The monkey kid didn't kill us!"They all charged to open the stock ship's ramp.
Saki pushed through and pulled a latch.The ramp lurched and slowly opened. The master pushed everyone out of the way so he would be their first view.
The ramp was prompt against the ground and the master was standing tall and handsome with his cape tossed behind him.The smiled broadly staring directly at Garnet,"My lovely Queen,Garnet." were his first words before he began strolling one foot infront of the other down the ramp.
The crew stood out of view just watching out of small corners and the soldiers outside of the ship stood staring in awe at this tall,handsome,red haired,green eyed,leader.
Garnet's eyes watched with only curtiousy,"Thank sir."Was all she said. He strolled over to her and bowed kneeling on one knee,"My queen.My name is Master Velaogo.I am from the city of Lindblum.Your uncle,Regent Cid,is ill and I have takin over for him for the time being.It was my decision to bring this stock ship to your cursed kingdom,when noone else would."He smirked knowing it a lie and took her hand.
She held a look of disgust on her face as he pressed his wet,cold lips against her hand,"um.Master Velaogo.I thank you for your..help and I welcome you to my city.But please,tell me.Have you seen a man,named Zidane?" Her look was concerned and hopeful.He sneered in his head,'another man she is worried of.I wander who it is?Zidane..Zidane...doesn't sound familar..' He frowned,"No.I've seen noone of this name."
Beatrix gave Garnet a lok,'That is no way to greet someone who has practically saved your life!' She thought in her head.
The master stood,"Now,My Queen I ask of your..wonderfully trained soldiers would gather the stocks inside of this ship and...assure that you get..what i've brought you."He smiled broadly as Beatrix nodded for the soldiers to take off inside of the ship.
The crew stood and helped unloading even though they thought that it was weird to unload stocks into the wrong city.These stocks were for the south gate market.But they just shrugged and did what Velaogo had told them.
Saki was not happy.Especially with 'Velaogo' had done.She growled.Maybe she should tell she thought.Maybe I should rat him out.Or, maybe I should just keep quiet.
Beatrix thanked Velaogo with a hand shake.Garnet stood behind Beatrix thinking only of Zidane,she was happy that the city was stocked.And with enough to last them a long while,but,her mind kept wandering.
~*~
The white cloaked figure rushed through the corridors and to the roof of Alexandria.Her thoughts racing,over how much fun it was running from the two soldiers..or the two fake soldiers.
They weren't like normal Alexandrian soldiers.They looked like the men from the play.She shrugged it off realizing that the blonde one had caught up with her.
He chased her along the roof and behind him a close follow of Albert Steiner.Garnet's gaurd.
She rushed along the roof toward the long roped streamers hooked from one tower to another for decoration of this lovely axtravaganza.
THe blonde one had ditched his armor and was now running in his full fledged clothes;blue vest,tight white shirt,blue puffy pants,large gloves with cufflings,belt sleeves,boots,and a tail? She was smiling to herself as she saw a tower's railing.An idea struck her,"there."she whispered.
Zidane ran faster to catch up and run from the other soldier.His focus was on the princess.He wanted to catch a glimpse of her beauty.When he saw her run for the tower he followed,"She wouldn't" he whispered as he thought what she might be thinking..
Just then she climbed the small wall and turned to face the blonde boy standing just below her.
Zidane looked up to see her hood blowing from her face revealing a beautiful brown-eyed,Dark black haired,goddess.Her face looked so smooth,kind and sweet.She smiled at him before turning around and leaping off the edge.
Zidane lurched forward reaching out his hand to stop her but it was to late she had fallen just close enough to grab one of the decoration ropes with the small flags on it and glided down quickly.He smirked at her ability to grasp fun while trying to escape and he lept off the edge too follow by Steiner who wasn't so lucky to reach the side and ran into another Tower's wall.
Garnet was so excited gliding down the rope and then jumping off of it landing on the bottom of the theatre stage.Zidane landed behind her and then...the play..
~*~
Garnet was blinked back to reality when Beatrix nudged her a little. "Are you alright?You looked a little lost."
Beatrix smiled and sighed,"Well.That man.He went to help restock people's homes and stores.A very kind and helpful man wouldn't you say?"
Garnet shrugged and looked off into the distance,"If you say so.But he seemed a little odd to me." She sighed and turned toward the dock gate with Beatrix.
Beatrix smiled and looked at Garnet,"Cheer up.I know that you knew I was going to say this but..about your marriage.." Garnet frowned and shot a glare at Beatrix,"Don't you say it!"She crossed her arms and continued her slow pace down the hallway.
Beatrix chuckled,"Miss Garnet you must marry.And he look eligable.Very handsome,brave..he brought your kingdom supplies did he not?"she smirked and turned a corner.Garnet looked down at the velvet red carpet of the golden walled hallways and torched light. "Yes.But.I-"
Beatrix rolled her eyes,"I respect what your wishes are,Garnet but,You have to understand that..Zidane..is not coming back..It's been 6 hard years,he still hasn't returned.Just forget,Garnet.You need to think for your kingdom's sake." She frowned at what she had said.She had grown to like Mr.Zidane.But she honestly didn't think he would come back.
Garnet bit her lip,"What you have said..It's not true!He will come back.He loves me!I know he does!I will not marry that...that man!I hardly even know him!" She ran down the hallway toward the outside door and barged through it.
~*~
IT had gotten cold outside.and of course.There was no change in the rain.The wind blew harder and the sky grew pitch black.The moons had faded into the clouds and disappeared.The streets were empty other than the soldiers still unloading packages and walking it to people's homes.Garnet could see the man..Velaogo.That man.
Garnet ran out into the rain not caring about how much Beatrix was worried.She wanted to be alone.To think.So she ran out towards the theatre.
The streets were cold on her slippered feet.Her hair was all bunched in a wet cload.Her wet gown was sticking to her legs as she ran and her eyes were blurred from water droplets landing on her eyelashes.
~*~
She stood at the top of the theatre.Staring down the rows of chairs lined up facing the large round stage.She gazed at the soaked chairs and flooded theatre.No one had even stepped foot here for 6 years.6 long,wet,cold,miserable years. She took her first step heading towards the theatre.She had to dodge running mice every now and then.But when she made it to the theatre's stage.She turned slowly looking up at the scenery,imagining that night,rows and rows of an audience,the cheering and laughter in an uproar.
Glancing up at the royalty seats she imagined her mother..well..the formal Queen sitting at the top cheering and clapping her hands holding a fan,Steiner behind her at the door,and..a depressed..princess.Garnet frowned thinking of how she once felt and how she now did.The same in a way.But she had more heart brake at the moment.
But Garnet swung around and blinked off the droplets from her lashes as she saw a bright and beautiful stage in a choas of drama.
Baku the king,Marcus,Blank,Cinna..as well as Zidane..the beauty of their playful acting and fighting.She twirled just thinking of when the play had come to an end and she was the princess who died at the end.It was like Romeo and Juliet!But she frowned when she came to the thought of Zidane.
She sat down and curled up hugging her knees,"Zidane..I love you so much.Why did you leave me for so long?WHy are you still gone?"She tucked her face between her chest and knees.Tears which looked like small rain drops slid down her cheeks,"I remember you that day.."
~*~
Garnet stood at the top of the balcony.Staring out over the theatre watching the play,"I want to be your canary"once again.She smiled as the actors portrayed so nicely to when they did it the first time in ALexandria.Well,the first time she'd met Zidane.At the moment..a cloaked figure stood on the stage.Suddenly it started walking toward her...."what's this?"She stood slightly looking down to see..
"Bring me my,"the figure throw off his cloak to reveal a golden locked man with a broad smile,"Dagger!"
Garnet's heart uplifting and skipping a beat.She turned and ran for the door getting a look of assurance from Steiner and Beatrix.They opened the door and she took off running.Down the steps she flew throwing off her crown and finally she protruded out into the crowd.
She rushed out dodging fellow citizens who looked back at her in awe.her neclace was torn from her neck and flew across the ground.She turned and held her neck,which stung.Then with a thought of Zidane streaking through her mind she turned back and headed towards him.
Zidane stepped closer to her slowly smiling with a flicker of complete joyousness in his eyes.Garnet ran towards him spreading her arms wide and leaping inot his arms twirling around like a faery tales ending..She beat his chest with her fists only for him to grab her hands and hug her.Zidane pulled her to the ground with a smirk on his face.Garnet's eyes were watering.She looked into his happy face as his hand stroked her head and her back,"hi."
She smiled and shook her head,"hey."She chuckled as his warm expression hug her tight,"I hope you didn't miss me much."
She wrapped his arms around his waist and chuckled,"oh,not much."She smiled and laid her head on his chest.
As soon as this took place the whole audience began cheering.Everyone clapped and jumped up and down.Many little Vivi's hopped and cheered.Everyone was there..the whole gang and more.
Up on the balcony stood Steiner and Beatrix who,lifting and Beatrix's sword save the queen,smile at eachother and watched as the sun's rayes reflected on a beautiful ALexandria.
~*~
Garnet cried onto her knees.She let it all out.Everything she remembered.Everything..just memories.Would it ever happen again?She thought.
She cried harder as the rain grew harder.."I don't want him!That..that Velaogo!I want Zidane!Not that false hero!"
End of Chapter V
*
Ninja Rage
* *
Disclaimer:I seriously don't own FF.SO dont be an idiot and sue me for what little money I have...
* * *
Author's note:Thanks fer stickin with me.PLease keep reading and reviewing I promise to stick with the story and update at least once every 2 weeks.
Oh,and there may be some spoilers in this chapter if you haven't beaten FF9 yet.Some of this has flash backs so I hope you don't get confused.
Chapter V
False Hero
*
In my dearest memories..I see you reaching out to me..Though your gone..I still believe that you can call..out my name..
DO you still love me?Or have you forgotten...Are you lost? Or are yuo just in a maze between me and your other life on the other side of the ocean...
Rain.Showering down on shadowed streets.The only light was the flashing in the distance and the foggy moth covered street lights on the lining of the pathways.People clearing the streets and filing into their homes in a bustle. Not only because of the rain but because of the flashing signal from the top of the castle to exit the streets into their homes.
Children stared out their windows with depressed frowns.Leaned up on their elbows supported by the window seal,they dreamed about when the rain would halt and their poor little legs could run out in the sun again.Oh, how they dreamed of taking in the first real breath of fresh clear morning air.
6 years.For 6 years the rain had clattered the streets,flooding many areas but then quickly flowing over the cliffs of Alexandria forming a large waterfall.There were disadvantages and advantages of being on a cliff.The advantage was having a drain for the water to flow over the cliff and slide into the ocean.The disadvantage was someone could get caught in the draining waters and fly over the cliff and die.But that is why everyone steered clear of the steep drop off.
At this moment,Beatrix was not thinking of this.She was in a deep trance of wonder state.Her mind wondered on the fact that they had to bring in the coming stock ship without losing it and it crashing off in the distance.The rain had not shallowed but had gotten harder.and the night had gotten darker.The stockship's lights were dull and didn't have much power so they couldn't be seen all to well.
A tall,thin soldier rushed up behind Beatrix and shot still soluting and then began to shout out,"ma'am!The stock ship has reported how it will enter!They believe that they can get to the top dock enterance without our help if they keep up their speed but they might need help slowing down and entering!"he dropped his solute to stand tall with his arms and hand tight at his sides.
Beatrix narrowed her eyes and soluted,"Thank you for your report.Inform them that their request for enterance has been confirmed,"she nodded,"and yes..we will do what we can."She smiled and him and returned her arms to an unnoticed cross across her chest and turned.The soldier took off toward the kingdom doors and ran into an excited Garnet,"oh!"She yelped as he grabbed her wrist to pull her up,"oh!Miss..I mean..uh I mean your majesty,"He gulped loudly,"oh!um,I'm so sorry!Please forgive me!ma'am!Oh my god..I mean!uhh!"He blushed wildly,soluted stiffly,and took off down the long red carpetted hallway.
Garnet justed stared at him as he flew passed her,"What on Earth?"She cocked her eyebrow and then slowly turned her head in the direction of Beatrix,"There she is!"Garnet approached Beatrix stepping out from under the balcony which protected her from rain.It poured down over her head and soaked her dress and robe quickly.
Beatrix heard the faint voice behind her and turned,"Queen!What are you doing!"Beatrix's voice was more angered than usual.Garnet could tell she was irritated and stressed.She hadn't gotten any sleep since she had gotten the first call from Lindblum telling them in a fuzzy buzz voice that they couldn't make it to them.But for some odd reason,she guessed,they had changed their minds because,here they were coming for the kingdom right now,
"Beatrix,please.Allow me to stand with you!I am the queen!I need to know what is going on!Please,Beatrix,please!"She stepped forward taking a soft hold on Beatrix's soaked,cold,armor plated forearm.
Beatrix looked at Garnet's hand then dropped her cross-armed fold and sided heavilily,"I agree with you completely Miss Garnet,but.This is dangerous and I am worried for your health!You must stay alive to watch over this kingdom not me!There can be others like me!Not other of you.That is why..you must marry and have children,descendants,My queen.Now please respect what I say and if you want to be here stand under the balcony!"Beatrix quickly laid her head on Garnet's shoulder and sighed,"do understand?"
Garnet smiled and nodded,"yes.I understand.But-" Beatrix looked at her swiftly,"no!please your majesty.Go"Beatrix then turned around and focused on the night sky.
Garnet dropped her head and turned toward the balcony cover up.
~*~
Zidane held tightly onto the side of the cliff rocks bearing the weight off a feirce waterfall gushing all over him,"gaah!This is rediculous!Alexandria's never been this stormy!"
Nuiki pulled herself on top of a rock a few ways down under him,"It all started 6 years ago!,"She clutched strongly to a protruding root as another thick gush of water piled ontop of her,"ugh!Well,they say it's because the city has felt a long sorrow.This city has been nicknamed after that!'The city of sorrows..'The city does seem very depressed if you go there."She pulled her self up another rock,"You ever been?"
Zidane smirked grabbing hold of another rock,"yes..a long while ago.."
~*~
Baku grunted and smirked,"Well,guys!This is who we're after!"He held out the small rag doll wearing a small pink dress and raggedy stringy black hair which was supposed to be Princess Garnet,"Princess Garnet!Age 15! The loveliest of all!"He chuckled and began assigning the roles of the gang,"In this play,'I want to be your canary' I want you guys to do the best performance ever!Just to leave the crowd in awe! The queen must be impressed as well as the princess!Then,"he smacked his folded fist into his open palm,"we snatch her!"He pointed a fat finger at Zidane,"Zidane!You and Blank are just the guys to do it!"
Zidane smirked from his position leaned up against a backwards chair with his tail curling left and right,and Blank with a smirk of his impressive thievery skills.Baku smiled broadly and threw his arms in the air,"Let's do this!" He howled and hooted and the others cheered in confidence as well before they took off to the main deck preparing for landing.
The large lovely airship drifted across the sky of the beautifully sunlit sky of Alexandria.Everyone in the streets stopped what they were doing to look up at the ship.Covering their eyes with a curved hand they watched the ship glide over to the kingdom.Just as they passed everyone,excitedly rushed off for the ticket booth.
Zidane looked over the railing of the deck at the excited people of Alexandria with a big smile on his face,"This place is beautful."He said with awe in his voice,"Almost as spectacular as Lindblum..But this place..seems more..like a home.."He said his mind wondering over how busy and high tec Lindblum was and how Alexandria was just a peaceful kingdom with wooden houses and a large castle made of stone and the end of it's long brick roads.
The sunset seemed to hit Alexandria just right,making the view even more astonishing.He couldn't help but gaze in a soft eyed manner.Blank,the red haired man,with a large bandanna around his lower forehead approached Zidane slowly and then with a quick motion he slapped him on the back making Zidane lurch forward grabbing the side catching himself,"what the hell?!"Zidane yelped ruining the beauty of silence,"What was that for?!"
Blank laughed at Zidane with a full fledged smile,"I was just making sure you weren't off in another world dreaming about the 'lovely' princess Garnet!THe boss is all over her man."He laughed again as ZIdane turned to him with a frown and narrowed eyes,"I was just looking out at the city thats all!It..It looks nice..Not like Lindblum,even though Lindblum is a nice city.." Blank cocked an eyebrow,"What're you talkin about?crazy man I tell ya."he chuckled,"What does the scenery have a nice 'romantic' glow to it?"He laughed and smiled,"I was just seeing if you were ready.We're going to land soon."He said when he realized Zidane looked so angry his head was going to pop.
Zidane sighed and smirked,"Ready when you guys are!"he chuckled and took one last look out at the roof tops of the city and then turned following behind Blank at a slow pace.
~*~
Another gush of water plummeted Zidane bringing him back to reality,"whoah!" He stumbled back and flopped on top of Nuiki who was waving her hand in front of his face.
She yelped as they fell to the rock a few layers down,"ugh.."Zidane dragged himself off on Nuiki and managed to stand up and take hold of a rock,"heh.Sorry about that."He reached out his hand and helped Nuiki up,"heh.I just thought you'd lost it!"She giggled and then took a look at his bullet hole,"Well.It seems that it's bleeding harder the more you move.."
Zidane blinked.He had forgotten about the wound.He was completely focused on getting to Alexandria and Garnet.He looked down slowly staring at his blood soaked strips for bandages and his partially covered pants,"oh.I forgot about that.."His voice drifted and he looked up at Nuiki,"I'll be fine.Let's just hurry."
Nuiki shrugged and started back up,"Keep your mind on the rocks!We don't want that to happen again!"
Zidane stared up at Nuiki as she slowly inched toward the next rock.Shaking his head he started up just now noticing the stingy pain in the left side of his chest,"Man..Why'd she have to remind me.."His mind wandered back to his trip to Alexandria...the day he met Garnet...
~*`
Blank scratched himself in the ichy soldier's suit,"man!These things are ichy!"He hastily scratched every part of his body as Zidane fitted on the soldier's helmet.Laughing he said,"If you start scratching your head..the boss might have to give you a lice check!"He chuckled and turned toward the door,"Alright c'mon!We don't have much time!"
Zidane and Blank carefully sneaked out the door leaving behind to knocked out soldiers in their underwear.They doing their absolute best to act as soldiers as they snuck throught the hallway to the curling stairs.Zidane stopped silently and whispered back to Blank,"psst!Did you hear that?" Blank looked all around,"what?"
Zidane peered up the steps to see if anything was going on,"I thought I heard somethin'.C'mon!"He urged Blank up the steps slowly.
As they began to run a white hooded-cloaked figure with a thick strip of red lining the sleeves and rim of the hood rushed out of the royalty corridors and ran right smack into Zidane who fell back and then stood up quickly,"hey!"He shouted.
Then getting a glimpse of her face he smirked,"Aren't you..." The figure quickly answered,"no!I mean.I must be going I'm none of your concern excuse me."As she tried to push through he nudged her back,"no wait!I think you're the-" She pushed through him and Blank leaving them spinning with dizziness before they stopped.
Zidane then grabbed Blank's arm,"C'mon!" Blank looked surprized,"why?" Zidane shouted losing his patience,"That was her!The princess!PRincess Garnet!"
And with that they rushed after her down the stairs and out the door.
~*~
Zidane reached the rock Nuiki had just stepped onto,"We're almost to the top!"Nuiki shouted not realizing that their was another peak to climb.ZIdane chuckled,"Actually,Nuiki,there's another peak."Nuiki turned back to him,"How do you know?" He sighed,"I told you i've been here before.and this place..I could never forget."
Nuiki glanced at him before turning back around and spitting out some rain water that was drowning her mouth,"well.We might as well keep on!"
Zidane looked up watching the thin,fast streaks of water pour down from the sky which seemed to be just a bottomless pit of rain.He looked back down blinking the water out of his eyes,"6 years ago,hunh?"He thought back to 6 years,"That's when Baku got sick and I left,perhaps there sadness is from me.."
He grabbed the next ledge and pulled himself up with the help of Nuiki,"It just keeps getting harder!"She shouted as she tugged him up,"and you keep getting heavier!"
~*~
Master leader smirked leaning on his folded hands and laced fingers,"Amazing,"he muttered,"I can't believe we've actually made it throug those awful storms to this hard rain fall." He chuckled and watched as Saki steered slowly pulling them closer and closer to the enterance,
"Almost there Sir.They have confirmed our request for enterance and will do as we ask." Master smirked wider,"Excellent,Continue with the process.."his voice trailed off as he slowly got up and approached the wide long window placed on the front of the ship.
He placed his hand on the window and watched as the rain fell,"There's my kingdom."He said quietly to himself placing his hand so that the kingdom looked as if it rested on the palm of it,
"It looks so small...from a distance..but with this kingdom I can rule..over so much."He chuckled loudly bringing attention to Saki."Sir?What are you talking about over there?" He turned to her with a frown.He didn't like people to interupt his thougthts of power,"Excuse me pilot?Why don't you keep your eyes and mind on your job and keep of me."
Saki gasped slightly and turned staring straight at the path infront of her,"Oh.I'm sorry.You're right Sir."He sighed and crossed his arms,"Of course I am right."He fluffed his perfectly placed red hair and smirked,"I am the Master leader you know."he laughed loudly and walked in such an odd way it looked like he was waltzing back to his 'thrown'. He was happy.Joyous.Grateful for that pethetic excuse for a thief,or man for that matter,tried to save ALexandria all on his own.Mainly because the stupid monkey boy had no reinforcements to help him stop the master from taking over.He smirked madly and leaned up against his elbow with his other arm supported by his armrest.
A knocking came from the door just across the pilot room,"who is it?"shouted the master,irritated by yet another dream interuption.
A young girl's voice came from it,
"Sir.I've brought you the tea you asked for." The master's smile broaded.He had asked a young lass about the age of,oh,17 to bring him tea.Hot tea.he liked this girl.She was pretty,young,slim,and full of hard following him work,
"oh yes!I'll let you in right now."He waltzed over to the door and let her in.She quietly and carefully crept in setting his tea on the table beside his chair.Then stepping toward him she asked,"Anything else?We're almost to Alexandria.I thought you might need something for the rain.."
She didn't look him in the eye.He was a little nerve racking to her.His short red hair and shiny green eyes was a lovely sight but,still,he wasn't the kindest looking.
The master smiled at her,"nothing more.You can go off.But be careful my darling when we are about to enter the dock you must be seated..it could get a little bumpy!"The master was a complete pervert.He had a main focus on Garnet.The princess of Alexandria but his other focus...well.Was any other pretty girl.
The master walked quickly over to his cooling tea and sipped it,"Are we almost there pilot?" Saki growled in her throat,"Almost there...master."She muttered lurching this way and that to keep heading through the rain,"But our power may completely stop soon.."
"hmm..well.If you keep going they will pull us in..no worries.Just do as I say."he smirked and flinched as the steaming tea stung his tongue,"ouch"he said softly.
Saki sighed and frowned.
~*~
Garnet stared out in to the distance as the light got brighter and brighter.Although it was still blurry she could see it. 'There coming.'she thought,'who could be willing enough to come out here if not Zidane?'
Beatrix shouted a hourse command,"Get the ropes ready!we'll need to pull them in as soon as possible the're losing power!"A soldier alerted the docks and they began setting up the procedure.
Garnet watched as they tied the ropes and slowly cranked them back folding them around to large round winded barrel looking machines.The rain blurred her other senses so all there was,was her sight.She turned to watch the light begin to shake and get off balanced,"Beatrix?!What is happening over there!?"She pointed to the lights and squinted her eyes when the light became so close and bright it burned from the dark.
Beatrix gasped,"They came at such a fast speed!Hurry!Prepare for pulling!"She marched over to where Garnet was,"Careful now my queen.We're going to pull in the stock ship!It's lost control!and we don't want it crashing!"Beatrix took off inside the kingdom running up the red carpetted curving steps.Garnet was left in a state of shock as she watched the ship quickly move right over the rooves of Alexandria.She could see blurry figures of people looking out their windows with wide eyes.Then gathering back her mind she turned and started after Beatrix inside the kingdom.
~*~
The ship quickly crossed over the rooves and was heading straight for the enterance of the dock.The soldiers were in a hurry to climb to the top of the castle and toss the ropes at the ship and skid across them to safely hook the ship up.As the ship neared the soldiers became even more baffled by it's speed.
"Now!"Came an order from Beatrix who was just at the gates of the docks. The soldiers lept from the castle to the air and skid along the ropes landing on the deck.They hooked the ship to the decks poles and tightened them,"We're ready!"They shouted at the top of their lungs,"pull 'em in!"
The soldiers lurched back cranking the handles and continuing to do this over and over again pulling the ship to a slow and steady pace in order to enter the dock.
~*~
Master looked out of the front window,"Amazing,such skilled soldiers.and in such intense weather.Pilot!how shall we dock properly?"Saki growled at her name,'pilot' but still answered,"Well,sir,when they've pulled us in we will turn all notches down and I will pull us to a halt in the center of the ship docking.Easy."She smirked at how great a pilot she was and how impressed he much be. "good."He said. 'Good?'she thought,'good?!' "That's it?!"she said aloud,"o-"she stuttered.He turned and smiled at her as if it was a joke,"That's it?Are you asking me a question?"he said mockingly. She sighed and glared out at the rain,"no,sir."she muttered silently.
He turned again,"Of course not."He chuckled and clapped his hands together and then laced his gloved fingers,"Yes,almost there.Just a few feet away and all thanks to that scoundrel,monkey boy."he smirked broadly,"But really all that midget did was steer this ship around and get us throught the main storm and to the island of Alexandria's mountain...hmm..that does seem like much though."He chuckled again and shrugged,"oh well.Now I get his glory."
~*~
The soldiers heeved and hoed.Finally the steaming ship was able to make it into the enterance.The bottom slowly slid into the dock and glided along until it completey came to a halt.Beatrix let out the breath she had been holding,"yess!"she congratulated to herself. The others wiped beads of sweat from their foreheads and throwing their hands into the air all cheering.
Garnet slipped through the dock gate and looked up at the ship with awe,"Amazing..They did.The ship is inside.Out of..the storm..finally."Garnet smiled and clapped.The soldiers that were on top of the ship's deck lept off and prepared to open the ship's ramp.
~*~
Saki cheered and turned to the master,"Yes!W-" She was interupted by the master,"I did it!" Saki's mouth dropped as he boastfully stood and strolled toward the door fixing himself up to look his best,"He did it?"Saki's angry flared and she slowly tagged behind him.
He opened the door to hear the cheers of the other crew members,"yay!We're not dead!" A man stood,"The monkey kid didn't kill us!"They all charged to open the stock ship's ramp.
Saki pushed through and pulled a latch.The ramp lurched and slowly opened. The master pushed everyone out of the way so he would be their first view.
The ramp was prompt against the ground and the master was standing tall and handsome with his cape tossed behind him.The smiled broadly staring directly at Garnet,"My lovely Queen,Garnet." were his first words before he began strolling one foot infront of the other down the ramp.
The crew stood out of view just watching out of small corners and the soldiers outside of the ship stood staring in awe at this tall,handsome,red haired,green eyed,leader.
Garnet's eyes watched with only curtiousy,"Thank sir."Was all she said. He strolled over to her and bowed kneeling on one knee,"My queen.My name is Master Velaogo.I am from the city of Lindblum.Your uncle,Regent Cid,is ill and I have takin over for him for the time being.It was my decision to bring this stock ship to your cursed kingdom,when noone else would."He smirked knowing it a lie and took her hand.
She held a look of disgust on her face as he pressed his wet,cold lips against her hand,"um.Master Velaogo.I thank you for your..help and I welcome you to my city.But please,tell me.Have you seen a man,named Zidane?" Her look was concerned and hopeful.He sneered in his head,'another man she is worried of.I wander who it is?Zidane..Zidane...doesn't sound familar..' He frowned,"No.I've seen noone of this name."
Beatrix gave Garnet a lok,'That is no way to greet someone who has practically saved your life!' She thought in her head.
The master stood,"Now,My Queen I ask of your..wonderfully trained soldiers would gather the stocks inside of this ship and...assure that you get..what i've brought you."He smiled broadly as Beatrix nodded for the soldiers to take off inside of the ship.
The crew stood and helped unloading even though they thought that it was weird to unload stocks into the wrong city.These stocks were for the south gate market.But they just shrugged and did what Velaogo had told them.
Saki was not happy.Especially with 'Velaogo' had done.She growled.Maybe she should tell she thought.Maybe I should rat him out.Or, maybe I should just keep quiet.
Beatrix thanked Velaogo with a hand shake.Garnet stood behind Beatrix thinking only of Zidane,she was happy that the city was stocked.And with enough to last them a long while,but,her mind kept wandering.
~*~
The white cloaked figure rushed through the corridors and to the roof of Alexandria.Her thoughts racing,over how much fun it was running from the two soldiers..or the two fake soldiers.
They weren't like normal Alexandrian soldiers.They looked like the men from the play.She shrugged it off realizing that the blonde one had caught up with her.
He chased her along the roof and behind him a close follow of Albert Steiner.Garnet's gaurd.
She rushed along the roof toward the long roped streamers hooked from one tower to another for decoration of this lovely axtravaganza.
THe blonde one had ditched his armor and was now running in his full fledged clothes;blue vest,tight white shirt,blue puffy pants,large gloves with cufflings,belt sleeves,boots,and a tail? She was smiling to herself as she saw a tower's railing.An idea struck her,"there."she whispered.
Zidane ran faster to catch up and run from the other soldier.His focus was on the princess.He wanted to catch a glimpse of her beauty.When he saw her run for the tower he followed,"She wouldn't" he whispered as he thought what she might be thinking..
Just then she climbed the small wall and turned to face the blonde boy standing just below her.
Zidane looked up to see her hood blowing from her face revealing a beautiful brown-eyed,Dark black haired,goddess.Her face looked so smooth,kind and sweet.She smiled at him before turning around and leaping off the edge.
Zidane lurched forward reaching out his hand to stop her but it was to late she had fallen just close enough to grab one of the decoration ropes with the small flags on it and glided down quickly.He smirked at her ability to grasp fun while trying to escape and he lept off the edge too follow by Steiner who wasn't so lucky to reach the side and ran into another Tower's wall.
Garnet was so excited gliding down the rope and then jumping off of it landing on the bottom of the theatre stage.Zidane landed behind her and then...the play..
~*~
Garnet was blinked back to reality when Beatrix nudged her a little. "Are you alright?You looked a little lost."
Beatrix smiled and sighed,"Well.That man.He went to help restock people's homes and stores.A very kind and helpful man wouldn't you say?"
Garnet shrugged and looked off into the distance,"If you say so.But he seemed a little odd to me." She sighed and turned toward the dock gate with Beatrix.
Beatrix smiled and looked at Garnet,"Cheer up.I know that you knew I was going to say this but..about your marriage.." Garnet frowned and shot a glare at Beatrix,"Don't you say it!"She crossed her arms and continued her slow pace down the hallway.
Beatrix chuckled,"Miss Garnet you must marry.And he look eligable.Very handsome,brave..he brought your kingdom supplies did he not?"she smirked and turned a corner.Garnet looked down at the velvet red carpet of the golden walled hallways and torched light. "Yes.But.I-"
Beatrix rolled her eyes,"I respect what your wishes are,Garnet but,You have to understand that..Zidane..is not coming back..It's been 6 hard years,he still hasn't returned.Just forget,Garnet.You need to think for your kingdom's sake." She frowned at what she had said.She had grown to like Mr.Zidane.But she honestly didn't think he would come back.
Garnet bit her lip,"What you have said..It's not true!He will come back.He loves me!I know he does!I will not marry that...that man!I hardly even know him!" She ran down the hallway toward the outside door and barged through it.
~*~
IT had gotten cold outside.and of course.There was no change in the rain.The wind blew harder and the sky grew pitch black.The moons had faded into the clouds and disappeared.The streets were empty other than the soldiers still unloading packages and walking it to people's homes.Garnet could see the man..Velaogo.That man.
Garnet ran out into the rain not caring about how much Beatrix was worried.She wanted to be alone.To think.So she ran out towards the theatre.
The streets were cold on her slippered feet.Her hair was all bunched in a wet cload.Her wet gown was sticking to her legs as she ran and her eyes were blurred from water droplets landing on her eyelashes.
~*~
She stood at the top of the theatre.Staring down the rows of chairs lined up facing the large round stage.She gazed at the soaked chairs and flooded theatre.No one had even stepped foot here for 6 years.6 long,wet,cold,miserable years. She took her first step heading towards the theatre.She had to dodge running mice every now and then.But when she made it to the theatre's stage.She turned slowly looking up at the scenery,imagining that night,rows and rows of an audience,the cheering and laughter in an uproar.
Glancing up at the royalty seats she imagined her mother..well..the formal Queen sitting at the top cheering and clapping her hands holding a fan,Steiner behind her at the door,and..a depressed..princess.Garnet frowned thinking of how she once felt and how she now did.The same in a way.But she had more heart brake at the moment.
But Garnet swung around and blinked off the droplets from her lashes as she saw a bright and beautiful stage in a choas of drama.
Baku the king,Marcus,Blank,Cinna..as well as Zidane..the beauty of their playful acting and fighting.She twirled just thinking of when the play had come to an end and she was the princess who died at the end.It was like Romeo and Juliet!But she frowned when she came to the thought of Zidane.
She sat down and curled up hugging her knees,"Zidane..I love you so much.Why did you leave me for so long?WHy are you still gone?"She tucked her face between her chest and knees.Tears which looked like small rain drops slid down her cheeks,"I remember you that day.."
~*~
Garnet stood at the top of the balcony.Staring out over the theatre watching the play,"I want to be your canary"once again.She smiled as the actors portrayed so nicely to when they did it the first time in ALexandria.Well,the first time she'd met Zidane.At the moment..a cloaked figure stood on the stage.Suddenly it started walking toward her...."what's this?"She stood slightly looking down to see..
"Bring me my,"the figure throw off his cloak to reveal a golden locked man with a broad smile,"Dagger!"
Garnet's heart uplifting and skipping a beat.She turned and ran for the door getting a look of assurance from Steiner and Beatrix.They opened the door and she took off running.Down the steps she flew throwing off her crown and finally she protruded out into the crowd.
She rushed out dodging fellow citizens who looked back at her in awe.her neclace was torn from her neck and flew across the ground.She turned and held her neck,which stung.Then with a thought of Zidane streaking through her mind she turned back and headed towards him.
Zidane stepped closer to her slowly smiling with a flicker of complete joyousness in his eyes.Garnet ran towards him spreading her arms wide and leaping inot his arms twirling around like a faery tales ending..She beat his chest with her fists only for him to grab her hands and hug her.Zidane pulled her to the ground with a smirk on his face.Garnet's eyes were watering.She looked into his happy face as his hand stroked her head and her back,"hi."
She smiled and shook her head,"hey."She chuckled as his warm expression hug her tight,"I hope you didn't miss me much."
She wrapped his arms around his waist and chuckled,"oh,not much."She smiled and laid her head on his chest.
As soon as this took place the whole audience began cheering.Everyone clapped and jumped up and down.Many little Vivi's hopped and cheered.Everyone was there..the whole gang and more.
Up on the balcony stood Steiner and Beatrix who,lifting and Beatrix's sword save the queen,smile at eachother and watched as the sun's rayes reflected on a beautiful ALexandria.
~*~
Garnet cried onto her knees.She let it all out.Everything she remembered.Everything..just memories.Would it ever happen again?She thought.
She cried harder as the rain grew harder.."I don't want him!That..that Velaogo!I want Zidane!Not that false hero!"
End of Chapter V