Running Out of Time
Author's Note: To check on status of updates of this story and my other fics, click on my member profile.
Disclaimer: Don't own anything. We all know who does.
~Chapter One~
I have to move on, Garnet thought as she sat on her throne, watching the same play that she had watched years ago. Don't cry, he's been gone already for years. She blinked back tears that were stinging at her eyes as she remembered the last time she had seen this play, the day she met him. She looked up to the towers of the castle around her. There were so many memories.jumping from the edge and swinging from a string of flags as she ran from him as he tried to kidnap her. When Bahamut destroyed Alexandria, he had jumped through the fire to her and taken her in his arms as he held on to those same flags as they swung to safety. She remembered how relieved she had felt, that she was okay and he was okay, and in the midst of her kingdom being destroyed, she had smiled when he had looked at her.
The play had not begun yet, and Beatrix came to the Queen's side. "Is everything alright, your highness?" Beatrix asked, concerned.
"Yes, thank you, General," she replied, her tone even regardless of the knot in her throat. Beatrix hovered for a second in case she changed her mind, which she did not. Beatrix backed away and joined Steiner near the door.
"How is she?" he asked.
"She'll be alright. Its still going to take more time though," she replied, sighing and returning to her post.
Garnet looked out at the crowds gathered for the performance. She could see Vivi and his children, Freya, Eiko, and Armarant. She had met with them all earlier in the day and there were many questions for each other. At one point, Vivi had asked if anyone had heard from him. Nobody had to ask who he was. Everyone got very quiet as they all sadly replied, "No." Garnet's heart had sunk with everyone's answer, and when they looked at her she shook her head, feeling defeated. She could see them all seated together now, all but one. The one that was left behind.
She looked back to the stage and Baku had come out to welcome the audience. She remembered being on stage with them years ago, being thrown into the play and she had loved it. Then the play started, and her eyes focused once again on the stage.
She watched the play, mouthing all the words as they were spoken, but soon her mind wandered. She closed her eyes and remembered the last time she saw him. In that desert so far away, so long ago.
"I have to do this," he'd said, looking off to the roots that were violently reacting to what they had done. "I have to save him." She looked away when his eyes returned to her. "Promise me one thing," she said quietly, looking into his eyes and hoping this wouldn't be the last time she saw him. "Please come back." Then he had turned and walked away from her and out of her life. She realized now that he hadn't agreed to her promise because he knew he might not come back.
The memory faded as she heard lines being proclaimed on stage.
"Now I'll pray to the twin moons." Marcus stated, raising his arms in the air. "Grant me my only wish."
My only wish is to see Zidane, one more time, she thought, closing her eyes as a tear rolled down her cheek.
"Bring my beloved Dagger to me!"
Time seemed to slow down. She gasped and opened her eyes. There stood Marcus, swiftly pulling off his cape. He was staring at the Queen and suddenly the fabric was no longer blocking his face. There he stood, his hair waving into his eyes as they stared longingly at the throne. The cape fell to the floor as it revealed his body, tall and strong and just as it was the day he left. She didn't hesitate.
She jumped from the throne and ran to the ledge. Its him, she thought. He's here. She turned and ran for the door, where Beatrix and Steiner were blocking her path. She lowered her head, remembering that she was a Queen now, no longer free to run off when she wanted. She tightened her jaw in frustration at the thought of having to wait for him to be escorted into the castle to see him. He's here, she thought again. Behind the door.
And then the door swung open, held by Beatrix and Steiner. She looked at Steiner who nodded, and then to Beatrix, whose content smile reassured her that he was really here. Beatrix bowed, waving the Queen on. Garnet ran through the door, holding her dress as she bounded down the staircase, and burst onto the streets of Alexandria.
People were everywhere. Blocking the street, blocking her way to Zidane. She pushed through the people, absentmindedly apologizing to people as she pushed them aside. They turned to her, shocked to see the Queen on the streets. People began moving aside to make a path for her, when someone turned to see what all the commotion was about. Garnet ran into him, and the pendant flew off her neck and onto the street. Everybody was suddenly quiet, and turned to see what had happened.
Garnet starred as her necklace flew onto the pavement. She reached to her neck and looked at the pendant, glimmering in the sun. Oh no, she thought. Zidane.
Her eyes glared at the necklace, then she turned toward the stage again, the necklace and her sense of royalty left behind. She broke into the stage audience now, everyone turning from the mysterious man on stage who had caused the Queen to flee her throne to the Queen that now ran among the normal citizens. She threw down her hairpiece, leaving her title and obligation to properness behind.
He waited for her, seeing her work her way towards him. He walked stiffly to the edge of the stage, injuries of old keeping him from running and meeting her halfway.
And then she was there. She threw herself into his arms, her hair and dress swirling around them both. He held onto her tightly, overcome with her smell and warmth, what he'd waited for and lived for patiently for years.
He placed her back on the ground, her eyes looking into his, asking a million questions and saying a million things. He smiled smally and shrugged, made speechless by seeing her beauty once again. Her face became troubled, remembering his sarcasm, and pounded her fist on his chest. Don't ever do that again, she thought. He withstood the blows, understanding why she would be angry. H had to go play hero for Kuja who had died after Zidane had comforted him. He had told her to leave him behind, that he could no longer adventure around the world with her. He had broken her heart and his own, sending her back to her throne, unknowing if he was alive. He hadn't been able to get back for years. But he was here with her now, and that's all that mattered.
They looked at each other and suddenly couldn't take it anymore. His face softened and pulled her close to him, still shocked by her beauty and suddenly realizing where he was. He was home. Home.what he'd been looking for all his life was right here in front of him.
Garnet couldn't think about anything else. He was here. She was in his arms. She remembered the explosion she had seen from the Hilde Garde where Zidane had gone back to save one of his own. She remembered crying when they had landed in Alexandria, missing one of their own. She cried now in joy and relief.
The crowd had erupted into cheers and applause. They all knew their story, that he had protected their Queen on her many journeys and helped save the world, and had given his life to save another. How the Queen stood at the top balcony of the castle at sunset, watching for him. How after 2 years of doing this, she stopped, and disappeared into her chambers and out of the public eye for 5 days, mourning him, only allowing General Beatrix to enter her room. And now he had emerged, years later. Their Queen was the happiest they had ever seen her.
She pulled her face away from his chest, looking up and into his eyes. Those eyes that had haunted her now comforted her. He looked older, of course, but age brought on by experiences, not years. He had a scar on the left side of his jaw, and another above his left eye that disappeared under his eyebrow.
"How did you survive?" she asked, tracing the scar on his jaw with her finger. He looked at her then down to the ground, becoming conscious of the scars once again.
"I didn't have a choice. I had to," he said, taking her hand from his cheek and holding it with his own. "I wanted to come home to you." He looked up at her, hoping she wouldn't be taken aback by this. He had loved her when he had left her to go back for Kuja. He had loved her for a long time before that. Any attempt he had made to show it had been taken the wrong way, or interrupted by something. But ever since that day when he stayed behind, she was all he had thought of. Nothing else had mattered. He still loved her today. And he prayed for the feeling to be returned.
Her expression was unreadable. She looked surprised, and for a second he was worried he had ruined everything. Then she was back in his arms, holding him tightly. He smiled, maybe for the first time in years. He leaned his head against hers and whispered in her ear.
"So, I sang your song. Our song," he told her, and realized how she had no idea what he had been through. The song had been the only thing that kept him alive. That and his love for her. They looked at each other again, smiling. She took his hand and turned back to the crowd.
"Everyone," she said, the crowd quieting down. "I am sure you all know of my travels before becoming your Queen. I'd like you to meet who guided and accompanied me.my friend, Zidane Tribal." The crowd cheered again, and Vivi, Eiko, and Freya came rushing forward. Zidane put his arm around Garnet's waist and held her close to him while he was engulfed in hugs from his other companions. He thought he had lost her for years, and now that he had her back, he wasn't letting go. Vivi reached them first, tripping when he was almost to them. Zidane reached down to help him up and Vivi straightened his hat. Freya reached them next, curtseying. "Welcome home, Zidane." He nodded, still refusing to let go of Garnet.
"Thank you," he said, smiling again.
Eiko came up next, rushing and jumping up to hug Zidane. "I'm so glad you're home!" she exclaimed.
"So am I," both Garnet and Zidane replied at the same time. They looked to each other and smiled.
Armarant trailed behind them all, coming up slowly, stealthy. He caught Zidane's eye and Zidane tightened his grip on Garnet, his smile fading. He knew that if Armarant was the same as always, he would be looking for a fight. And Zidane was no longer able to fight like he used to be. He tensed up and his breath locked in his throat as Armarant stopped in front of him.
Then Armarant surprised them all by offering his hand. Zidane let out a sigh of relief and shook his hand.
"Hell of a trip, eh?" Armarant asked. Zidane nodded.
"You have no idea."
"I'd love to hear it," Garnet added, taking Zidane's hand and motioning toward the castle. "Come on, let's go home."
They began walking back through the crowd, which erupted into applause once again. Garnet noticed his stiff, slow stride, and tightened her grip on his hand.
"Are you alright?" she asked him, bending down on the path to pick up her headpiece.
"Of course," he replied. "I'm home." A townsman came running up to them, and kneeled before the Queen. "Your pendant, your highness," he said, bowing his head and presenting the necklace to the Queen.
"Thank you," she said, taking it by the chain that was now broken. Steiner and Beatrix had headed down into the crowd, and escorted them the rest of the way.
"So wonderful to see you alive," Steiner said, smiling. He had been so wrong about Zidane. He was the best thing to ever happen to Garnet. She was the happiest he had ever seen her.
Beatrix had turned back to the others. "There will be a grand feast in the cast as a celebration of Zidane's return. Vivi, Eiko, Armarant, Freya, you are all welcome." She yelled back across the crowd. The friends began following her into the castle when Eiko turned around to face the crowd.
"Three cheers for the safe return of Zidane!"
Zidane and Garnet smiled at each other as the crowd cheered, and they entered the castle together, for the first time in four years.
Author's Note: To check on status of updates of this story and my other fics, click on my member profile.
Disclaimer: Don't own anything. We all know who does.
~Chapter One~
I have to move on, Garnet thought as she sat on her throne, watching the same play that she had watched years ago. Don't cry, he's been gone already for years. She blinked back tears that were stinging at her eyes as she remembered the last time she had seen this play, the day she met him. She looked up to the towers of the castle around her. There were so many memories.jumping from the edge and swinging from a string of flags as she ran from him as he tried to kidnap her. When Bahamut destroyed Alexandria, he had jumped through the fire to her and taken her in his arms as he held on to those same flags as they swung to safety. She remembered how relieved she had felt, that she was okay and he was okay, and in the midst of her kingdom being destroyed, she had smiled when he had looked at her.
The play had not begun yet, and Beatrix came to the Queen's side. "Is everything alright, your highness?" Beatrix asked, concerned.
"Yes, thank you, General," she replied, her tone even regardless of the knot in her throat. Beatrix hovered for a second in case she changed her mind, which she did not. Beatrix backed away and joined Steiner near the door.
"How is she?" he asked.
"She'll be alright. Its still going to take more time though," she replied, sighing and returning to her post.
Garnet looked out at the crowds gathered for the performance. She could see Vivi and his children, Freya, Eiko, and Armarant. She had met with them all earlier in the day and there were many questions for each other. At one point, Vivi had asked if anyone had heard from him. Nobody had to ask who he was. Everyone got very quiet as they all sadly replied, "No." Garnet's heart had sunk with everyone's answer, and when they looked at her she shook her head, feeling defeated. She could see them all seated together now, all but one. The one that was left behind.
She looked back to the stage and Baku had come out to welcome the audience. She remembered being on stage with them years ago, being thrown into the play and she had loved it. Then the play started, and her eyes focused once again on the stage.
She watched the play, mouthing all the words as they were spoken, but soon her mind wandered. She closed her eyes and remembered the last time she saw him. In that desert so far away, so long ago.
"I have to do this," he'd said, looking off to the roots that were violently reacting to what they had done. "I have to save him." She looked away when his eyes returned to her. "Promise me one thing," she said quietly, looking into his eyes and hoping this wouldn't be the last time she saw him. "Please come back." Then he had turned and walked away from her and out of her life. She realized now that he hadn't agreed to her promise because he knew he might not come back.
The memory faded as she heard lines being proclaimed on stage.
"Now I'll pray to the twin moons." Marcus stated, raising his arms in the air. "Grant me my only wish."
My only wish is to see Zidane, one more time, she thought, closing her eyes as a tear rolled down her cheek.
"Bring my beloved Dagger to me!"
Time seemed to slow down. She gasped and opened her eyes. There stood Marcus, swiftly pulling off his cape. He was staring at the Queen and suddenly the fabric was no longer blocking his face. There he stood, his hair waving into his eyes as they stared longingly at the throne. The cape fell to the floor as it revealed his body, tall and strong and just as it was the day he left. She didn't hesitate.
She jumped from the throne and ran to the ledge. Its him, she thought. He's here. She turned and ran for the door, where Beatrix and Steiner were blocking her path. She lowered her head, remembering that she was a Queen now, no longer free to run off when she wanted. She tightened her jaw in frustration at the thought of having to wait for him to be escorted into the castle to see him. He's here, she thought again. Behind the door.
And then the door swung open, held by Beatrix and Steiner. She looked at Steiner who nodded, and then to Beatrix, whose content smile reassured her that he was really here. Beatrix bowed, waving the Queen on. Garnet ran through the door, holding her dress as she bounded down the staircase, and burst onto the streets of Alexandria.
People were everywhere. Blocking the street, blocking her way to Zidane. She pushed through the people, absentmindedly apologizing to people as she pushed them aside. They turned to her, shocked to see the Queen on the streets. People began moving aside to make a path for her, when someone turned to see what all the commotion was about. Garnet ran into him, and the pendant flew off her neck and onto the street. Everybody was suddenly quiet, and turned to see what had happened.
Garnet starred as her necklace flew onto the pavement. She reached to her neck and looked at the pendant, glimmering in the sun. Oh no, she thought. Zidane.
Her eyes glared at the necklace, then she turned toward the stage again, the necklace and her sense of royalty left behind. She broke into the stage audience now, everyone turning from the mysterious man on stage who had caused the Queen to flee her throne to the Queen that now ran among the normal citizens. She threw down her hairpiece, leaving her title and obligation to properness behind.
He waited for her, seeing her work her way towards him. He walked stiffly to the edge of the stage, injuries of old keeping him from running and meeting her halfway.
And then she was there. She threw herself into his arms, her hair and dress swirling around them both. He held onto her tightly, overcome with her smell and warmth, what he'd waited for and lived for patiently for years.
He placed her back on the ground, her eyes looking into his, asking a million questions and saying a million things. He smiled smally and shrugged, made speechless by seeing her beauty once again. Her face became troubled, remembering his sarcasm, and pounded her fist on his chest. Don't ever do that again, she thought. He withstood the blows, understanding why she would be angry. H had to go play hero for Kuja who had died after Zidane had comforted him. He had told her to leave him behind, that he could no longer adventure around the world with her. He had broken her heart and his own, sending her back to her throne, unknowing if he was alive. He hadn't been able to get back for years. But he was here with her now, and that's all that mattered.
They looked at each other and suddenly couldn't take it anymore. His face softened and pulled her close to him, still shocked by her beauty and suddenly realizing where he was. He was home. Home.what he'd been looking for all his life was right here in front of him.
Garnet couldn't think about anything else. He was here. She was in his arms. She remembered the explosion she had seen from the Hilde Garde where Zidane had gone back to save one of his own. She remembered crying when they had landed in Alexandria, missing one of their own. She cried now in joy and relief.
The crowd had erupted into cheers and applause. They all knew their story, that he had protected their Queen on her many journeys and helped save the world, and had given his life to save another. How the Queen stood at the top balcony of the castle at sunset, watching for him. How after 2 years of doing this, she stopped, and disappeared into her chambers and out of the public eye for 5 days, mourning him, only allowing General Beatrix to enter her room. And now he had emerged, years later. Their Queen was the happiest they had ever seen her.
She pulled her face away from his chest, looking up and into his eyes. Those eyes that had haunted her now comforted her. He looked older, of course, but age brought on by experiences, not years. He had a scar on the left side of his jaw, and another above his left eye that disappeared under his eyebrow.
"How did you survive?" she asked, tracing the scar on his jaw with her finger. He looked at her then down to the ground, becoming conscious of the scars once again.
"I didn't have a choice. I had to," he said, taking her hand from his cheek and holding it with his own. "I wanted to come home to you." He looked up at her, hoping she wouldn't be taken aback by this. He had loved her when he had left her to go back for Kuja. He had loved her for a long time before that. Any attempt he had made to show it had been taken the wrong way, or interrupted by something. But ever since that day when he stayed behind, she was all he had thought of. Nothing else had mattered. He still loved her today. And he prayed for the feeling to be returned.
Her expression was unreadable. She looked surprised, and for a second he was worried he had ruined everything. Then she was back in his arms, holding him tightly. He smiled, maybe for the first time in years. He leaned his head against hers and whispered in her ear.
"So, I sang your song. Our song," he told her, and realized how she had no idea what he had been through. The song had been the only thing that kept him alive. That and his love for her. They looked at each other again, smiling. She took his hand and turned back to the crowd.
"Everyone," she said, the crowd quieting down. "I am sure you all know of my travels before becoming your Queen. I'd like you to meet who guided and accompanied me.my friend, Zidane Tribal." The crowd cheered again, and Vivi, Eiko, and Freya came rushing forward. Zidane put his arm around Garnet's waist and held her close to him while he was engulfed in hugs from his other companions. He thought he had lost her for years, and now that he had her back, he wasn't letting go. Vivi reached them first, tripping when he was almost to them. Zidane reached down to help him up and Vivi straightened his hat. Freya reached them next, curtseying. "Welcome home, Zidane." He nodded, still refusing to let go of Garnet.
"Thank you," he said, smiling again.
Eiko came up next, rushing and jumping up to hug Zidane. "I'm so glad you're home!" she exclaimed.
"So am I," both Garnet and Zidane replied at the same time. They looked to each other and smiled.
Armarant trailed behind them all, coming up slowly, stealthy. He caught Zidane's eye and Zidane tightened his grip on Garnet, his smile fading. He knew that if Armarant was the same as always, he would be looking for a fight. And Zidane was no longer able to fight like he used to be. He tensed up and his breath locked in his throat as Armarant stopped in front of him.
Then Armarant surprised them all by offering his hand. Zidane let out a sigh of relief and shook his hand.
"Hell of a trip, eh?" Armarant asked. Zidane nodded.
"You have no idea."
"I'd love to hear it," Garnet added, taking Zidane's hand and motioning toward the castle. "Come on, let's go home."
They began walking back through the crowd, which erupted into applause once again. Garnet noticed his stiff, slow stride, and tightened her grip on his hand.
"Are you alright?" she asked him, bending down on the path to pick up her headpiece.
"Of course," he replied. "I'm home." A townsman came running up to them, and kneeled before the Queen. "Your pendant, your highness," he said, bowing his head and presenting the necklace to the Queen.
"Thank you," she said, taking it by the chain that was now broken. Steiner and Beatrix had headed down into the crowd, and escorted them the rest of the way.
"So wonderful to see you alive," Steiner said, smiling. He had been so wrong about Zidane. He was the best thing to ever happen to Garnet. She was the happiest he had ever seen her.
Beatrix had turned back to the others. "There will be a grand feast in the cast as a celebration of Zidane's return. Vivi, Eiko, Armarant, Freya, you are all welcome." She yelled back across the crowd. The friends began following her into the castle when Eiko turned around to face the crowd.
"Three cheers for the safe return of Zidane!"
Zidane and Garnet smiled at each other as the crowd cheered, and they entered the castle together, for the first time in four years.