Disclaimer: Well, if you really think it is mine... it's not.

Salutations! This is probably the longest chapter, being like three times longer than the previous longest

chapter. It is a real turning point in the story, after this things start to get strange, well stranger. Woe is

me, because now most of the rest of the story is not written.*weeps unabashedly*

Chapter 19

They reached Alexandria that morning, the Ragnarok landing in the relatively new airship

docks. Alexandria had never been a technological hub, but since the events of ten years previous, the

country had changed significantly. The docks were just one of the many improvements.

Mikoto stepped off the ramp, the red, gleaming sides of the Ragnarok towering behind her.

She was met by a squad of guards, plus one visibly relieved Steiner.

"Oh, it is you, Lady Mikoto! Guards stand down!"

The guards reluctantly lowered their weapons, and the genome got the feeling that they were

hoping to fight someone.

"Hello Steiner, I must speak to Her Highness at once...if you would?"

The captain saluted, "Right away!" He then turned to one of the many guards, relaying the

message. The guard hurried off to inform the queen.

While Steiner's back was turned the others descended the ramp. Blank sauntered down,

shifting his bag on his shoulder. Amarant and Lani followed, the bounty huntress glaring at all present

for reasons unknown to Mikoto. Jane took up the rear, her dark eyes darting back and forth, unsure.

The captain shook his fist at the sight of the hunters, "Not you two again. Last time you were

here we had to count all of the silverware just to make sure you hadn't run off with it!"

Lani scowled at him, "We didn't take anything, besides the silverware was all tarnished. If we

wanted a decent price we would've had to clean it."

Amarant clamped her mouth shut with one massive hand.

Steiner narrowed hie eyes at them, "Guards please...escort...the two bounty hunters to a more

secure location." He nearly spat out.

Six of the guards came forward, looking happy to be doing something, and flanked the two.

Amarant let go of Lani, the huntress giving him the evil eye. Mikoto half expected them to protest, but

they went with the escort, giving no complaints.

When they had gone Steiner seemed much more pleased, "Now that the 'unpleasantness' is

over, I will take you to see the queen."

Mikoto added, "But Blank and Jane are welcome as well, of course."

He eyed them a bit wearily. Blank gave him a grin and a 'thumbs up', while Jane shrank under

his gaze. Apparently he saw no harm in them going, "Fine."

Steiner motioned to the remaining guards and they hurried back to their previous duties. He

then started down the walkway that led into the castle.

Mikoto gave Jane a reassuring smile, and the three followed him.

---------------------------------------------------

Mikoto found herself once again being interrogated. She slumped in the plush chair, half

listening to Zidane rant and rave.

"What do you mean everybody is gone? How can an entire village just disappear?"

Blank answered, "The entire village wasn't gone, just the genomes. Everyone else was dead."

Garnet looked worried, the expression adding years to the young queen's face, How could

anyone overpower a village of black mages?"

"I told you we should've just blasted that damned tree in the first place!" Zidane sulked. "And

now Vivi is gone."

"Master Vivi was noble," Steiner added, "even in the end."

Mikoto felt the almost permeable sense of loss in the room. A sense of loss, accompanied by

guilt, and a thousand other emotions. One didn't need to be able to feel other's emotions to know it

was there. It hung like a fog, obscuring everyone's sight.

The queen put an arm around her husband's shoulder, "I promise Vivi's sacrifice will not be in

vain. For now we must take up his burden, and defeat this evil."

The female genome looked down at that, the queen had put it so eloquently. Fitting for a fallen

comrade. A fallen friend.

She had known the little black mage all those years ago when she had first come to Gaia. He

was there, living with the black mages and genomes, helping them understand their new lives. He was

so small, and seemingly weak. Completely the opposite of his true nature. A giant housed in the body

of a child. A heart of gold with a shadowed visage. And a juggernaut with two left feet. A complete

and utter foil of himself. But a true friend and ally to those surrounding her. One who would be missed

for a long time to come. She would miss him too.

------------------------------------------------------

The conversation had picked back up, the main focus now was the Iifa Tree.

Mikoto gave the others a level gaze, "We were ambushed there, so there has to be something

more to that tree."

"Yeah, someone knew we were coming and prepared for it." Blank added.

"Your Majesty, there is a traitor in our midst!" Steiner said.

Garnet sighed, used to Steiner's 'jump the gun' eagerness, "Let's not jump to any conclusions,

it may be the monsters lay in wait for any to pass."

Mikoto shook her head, "No, the dragons were definitely waiting for us, watching for us." Her

voice cryptic.

Zidane looked at her, "Now that she's done giving me nightmares for the rest of my life, what

happened to the Invincible? And were did you get that wicked new airship?"

"About that..." Blank said carefully, "We sort of crashed it, but we brought you a new one!"

Zidane looked about ready to retort with something nasty, but then got an evil glint to his eye.

He apparently thought of something even better, "Damn Blank," he laughed, "I knew my sis can be

distracting, but you couldn't even fly the airship straight?"

All eyes in the room riveted to the thief. He stood there a bit uncomfortably, shifting his weight.

Mikoto watched him too, wondering what he'd say.

"I think you got it wrong, Zidane." he started, "Mikoto was flying the airship, not me." He

looked to her, "I never knew I was that distracting."

Mikoto smiled at his humor, but she could of sworn she had seen a blush on his multi-hued skin.

Beatrix broke the mood by briskly walking into the room. She had a hard edge to her

demeanor, like she had lost her patience, "Excuse my intrusion, Your Highness, but it seems that our

two guests," she nearly choked on the word, "are quite impatient to leave and wish to be on their way.

They ask an audience with you as soon as possible."

"I believe the word I used was immediately." Lani said, walking in. She went to Garnet,

leaning on the fixed head of her axe. She wore a silver locket that Mikoto had not seen before. She

dismissed it, she probably had not noticed. She just hoped Lani didn't steal it.

Amarant maneuvered his bulk through the doorframe, turning his head as if scanning the room.

"Like Miss Uppity was saying," Lani continued, "we need to get out of here. Unfortunately we

had to leave our airship on the Forgotten Continent, and can't get it back. So...we need a ride."

"How is that Her Majesty's problem?" Steiner asked harshly.

Lani moved to him, her eyes narrowing dangerously, "I'd watch what I say if I were you,

because you wouldn't want to make me angry."

"Enough of this!" Garnet said, standing, "Amarant and Lani are guests here. And should be

treated as such." She looked pointedly at Steiner and Beatrix, "Everything will be done to relocate you

once you have a location to go to," she said to the hunters, "but as it is now we cannot use the vessels

in such a frivolous manner...you will have to wait."

Lani looked angry, but said nothing.

"Now," Garnet said, taking charge, "let us hear the rest."

"There isn't too much more to tell," Blank replied, "we got the Ragnarok and came here."

Mikoto said nothing of the dream she had. No one would believe it.

"So what we know is that a whole bunch of things happened, but nothing ties them together."

Zidane said angrily.

The queen sighed, "Well, if no one has anything to add, then this meeting is dismissed."

Everyone left the room, going their own separate ways. Thinking their own separate thoughts,

and never knowing the danger that lurked under their noses.

------------------------------------------------------

Terra had just disappeared from under her nose. Mikoto searched the rooms adjacent to the

new nursery, looking for the little terror. She got impatient, her tail twitching in agitation. She had

wanted to introduce the children to Jane. She had spoken to Garnet about the Chosen, and after much

pleading and cajoling from Zidane and herself, she had gotten the queen to agree to a job for the

homeless woman. It was the least she could do, for the woman.

Mikoto reached out with her power, locating the princess nearby in one of the guest rooms.

She walked down the hall, her typical drab dress now on. Well, it was cleaner than the clothes she had

been wearing.

She stopped in front of Jane's door, it seemed the princess had already found the woman. She

knocked twice.

"Come in."

The genome stepped in, a smile developing on her face. Jane was playing with Terra, dolls

were scattered about. Even the quiet Leo joined in, but he seemed more interested in how the dolls

tasted than how to do their hair.

"Hello, Lady Mikoto," Jane greeted her, and then pulled the doll out of Leo's mouth, "your

niece and nephew are quite entertaining."

"I am glad you think so," she paused, "they are not too much, are they?"

"Oh no, we're having a great time, aren't we?"

Terra nodded very solemnly, "Me and Auntie Jane are playing dollies, now we're best friends!"

Mikoto kneeled down to the princess' level, "I expect you to be on your best behavior, young

lady."

"I will, Auntie Mikoto." she said as she continued to brush the doll's hair.

Mikoto smiled and then went over to the prince. Leo was trying to grab the doll Jane had

pulled out of his mouth. No doubt to put it back in. She tousled his blonde hair and gave him a

chocolate. She had noticed long ago that they shared a fondness of sweets, so she usually kept one

around for him. The prince was always so quiet, that people immediately noticed his older, much

louder, sister. Mikoto tried to give him extra attention.

"Don't worry about us, go out and have fun." Jane interrupted.

"Oh, that is right! I have to go." She then just turned around and left, a bit distracted.

Jane just chuckled lightly at her retreating back.

-------------------------------------------------------

Mikoto walked down the once busy streets of Alexandria. The many vendors and citizens now

either hid in their homes or had left the city, scared of suffering the same fate as Lindblum. Too many

memories remained.

The various animals preferred the deserted streets, slinking around empty doorways and

scavenging through trash. Totally uninhibited by development. The only sign of life in the urban setting.

She turned down an alleyway, stepping lightly over the puddles of water. Windows were

boarded up, as if the layer of wood would protect those within. Mikoto felt as if she was in a ghost

town, and half expected a tumbleweed to roll by. The lack of any noise was just eerie, there wasn't

even any birdsong in the rafters of the homes. Too calm....

"Hey, glad you could make it." A familiar voice interrupted her musings.

Mikoto looked to the source of the only sound in the city. Blank stood there at the top of some

stairs, dressed in his usual brown pants, boots and off-white shirt. He wore a tan jacket as well, the

afternoon being strangely chill. His red hair was nearly black in the shadows of the setting sun, and his

strange skin wasn't so noticeable. He wore the belt over his eyes like always, the crisscross of scars

disappearing under the leather.

She smiled at him, the sight growing on her in ways she couldn't describe, "Wouldn't miss it."

-----------------------------------------------------

They walked into the dimly lit theatre. Candle light shone off of the wooden interior, creating a

warm, welcoming atmosphere. Tables were situated around a small stage covered in large, crimson

curtains.

It was exactly as Mikoto pictured it.

"So whaddya think of our 'lil ole establishment?"

Mikoto spun around to be greeted by a blue woman. No, that wasn't right, a woman dressed

in blue. She was a bit shorter than herself, even in heels. She had wavy blue hair and big blue eyes.

Everything she wore was frilly and had bows, even her hat. All in all, she reminded Mikoto of a

southern belle.

Blank introduced the two, "Mikoto, Ruby. Ruby, Mikoto. Ruby owns this mini-theatre."

"Co-own, but that's not the point, ain't it? So yer Zidane's 'lil sis? Right pleasure ta meetcha.

You gist sit yerself down an' the play will be startin' shortly." She walked away, her hand on her hips,

very primly.

The thief and genome took her advice and sat down at the center table, facing the stage. A

small kerosene lamp shone in the middle of the table, the concentric circles of light emitted were

growing and shrinking with the flicker of the flame.

After a few moments Mikoto asked, "What play are we seeing?"

"It's an old one called 'The Avenging Sword Unsheathed'," he continued when he saw her look at

him expectantly, "It's about this guy who seeks revenge, and he-"

"What are you trying to do sir? Give away our climactic ending?"

Blank looked up and a scowl appeared on his face. "Mikoto, this is Lowell. Ruby's husband

and co-owner of the theatre." he said stiffly.

Lowell puffed out his chest and peered down at the two, the image of haughtiness, "I don't

know why I suffer this commonality. If it were not for dear Ruby-"

"-if it weren't for Ruby, you'd still be stuck in Lindblum..." He started angrily, then trailed off.

All three were silent, the memories all too clear in their minds.

Lowell broke the awkward silence, "The play will be starting soon, I suppose I should ask you

if you would like anything to drink?"

Mikoto looked over to Blank, "Why don't you order for the both of us?"

He got a wicked grin on his masked face, "Lowell, remember that drink Baku used to get all

the time?"

"Yes, but-"

"Two please."

"Your funeral." He commented dryly as he walked away.

Mikoto raised an eyebrow, staring pointedly at the thief.

"What?" he asked, the image of innocence.

"What exactly did you order?"

He laughed, "You'll see."

-------------------------------------------------------

One of those drinks was enough. Mikoto could tell why it was a favorite of Baku's, it must

have been pure alcohol.

"I don't think that drink was such a good idea." Blank muttered, holding his head slightly.

"You were the one to order them." Mikoto retorted.

It was intermission and the skeleton crew were putting up the newest set on the stage. Even

though Blank and herself were the entire audience, the mini-theatre still put on a full production.

"So how are ya'll likin' the play?" Ruby said as she sat down next to Mikoto.

The genome looked over to her, "It is so very sad, he never gets a break."

"It's true, Monroe's really tragic, but what good would the play be if'n he wasn't?" Ruby

mused.

"Well, it would make for a hilarious comedy. Just by changing the dialog a bit." Blank added.

"And lose the dramatic imagery?" Lowell, who had just appeared, said shocked, "I live for the

drama of serious theatre!"

Blank whispered loudly to Mikoto, "This from the guy who starred in 'Moogles and Chocobos

IV', or something like that."

"That was a long time ago, besides I was always more popular than Tantalus. The only reason

your troupe got to preform for Alexandria was because Regent Cid wanted you to kidnap the

princess." He said smugly.

Blank let out a forced laugh, "If you didn't notice, Tantalus isn't really about theatre. We are

quite skilled thieves."

"Well, I guess you have to be good at something."

Blank stood up, his body tense. He looked ready to pound Lowell's smug face in.

"What are you doing?" Mikoto whispered urgently, pulling on his arm.

Lowell noticed Blank's look as well, and shrunk back a bit.

"This ain't no place ta git raudy boys," Ruby said, diffusing the situation, "the second half's

'bout to start, c'mon Lowell." She grabbed her husband by the shirt collar, and hauled him away.

Mikoto felt sorry for him, it looked as if he would've had an easier time fighting Blank.

The thief sat down, frowning.

"What was that about?"

He turned his head towards her, "Lowell and Tantalus never got along, just the way things are.

I had to restrain myself from hurting him, it's more than Baku or Marcus would've done. That's why

they aren't allowed here anymore."

"Do you hate him so?"

A smile, "It's more of a not-so-friendly rivalry. A guy thing, don't worry about it."

Mikoto rolled her eyes, "How could I forget the male ritual of beating each other up for no

reason?"

"Beat each other up?" he shook his head, "No, the only one who gets beat up is Lowell."

----------------------------------------------------------

The play ended late into the evening, so late the moons were setting. Blank and Mikoto left the

mini-theatre, the cold air hanging silently around them. Fog obscured the ground, their boots

disappearing into the haze.

They walked down the streets and alleyways of Alexandria, completely deserted save for the

two. Mikoto wrapped her arms around herself. She wore a thick fabric dress, but with all of the

unseasonal fog, the air was damp and chill. The combination giving her goosebumps.

"You alright?"

She nodded, "Yes, just cold."

But the shivering wasn't only from the cool air. It was deeper, coming partially from within.

"Blank, stop. There is something wrong."

"What is it?"

She glanced around, shivering, "I do not know, but I can feel it in the air."

He motioned to their surroundings, "Maybe it's the atmosphere."

The alleyway did seem like something out of a cheesy horror movie, "Maybe..."

"Well, while we're alone," he seemed a bit nervous, "I...uh..wanted to give you something,

and...now seems as good a time as any."

She looked to him curiously, he was acting very strange, "Why are you so nervous?"

He jumped back a bit, startled. She wished she could see his eyes, he hid so much under that

unassuming belt.

Blank reached into his jacket, pulling something out of a pocket, "I want you to have this." He

pressed it into Mikoto's hand. It was round and fitted easily into her palm.

"A compass?"

It looked old, the brass backing tarnished. The glass top was unmarred however, and showed

clearly the delicate black and red hand. The face was a white enamel, with beautiful capital block

letters for the four cardinal directions. A small loop was at the north end, and through it was strung a

small chain.

She looked back up to him, "It is beautiful, where did you get it?"

"It belonged to my grandfather, if you flip it over you'll see his initials engraved on the back."

Mikoto flipped the compass over, "L.R.?"

"Laguna Raem."

"A general of Lindblum during the war before the alliance, right?"

He smiled, "You know your history."

She shook her head, holding out the gift, "I can not possibly keep this. It must mean a lot to

you."

Blank shut her hand over the compass, "I want you to have it. It's always kept me out of

trouble, or at least gotten me out of it. I consider it my good luck charm."

His hands remained over hers for a few moments, before he abruptly pulled them away and

stepped back.

She raised an eyebrow, "Good luck, right? Has it worked?"

He smiled weakly, "I don't know. I had it with me when I was petrified, and when Lindblum

was attacked again, third times a charm?"

She looked down, it must have meant a lot to him if he joked about it like that, "Thank you...I

will treasure it."

Mikoto undid the clasp on the chain and pulled the trinket around her neck, trying, but failing to

secure the ends. She felt something brush against her cheek, light and fleeting. She looked up, seeing

Blank reach around her neck, and grab the ends of the chain. He fastened the clasp, his fingertips

sometimes touching her skin, creating a tickling sensation. She was getting goosebumps again, only this

time they were not from the night time air.

He stepped a little bit closer, but his arms were still around her neck. Mikoto shut her eyes, not

being able to look him in the eye. One arm left it's position from her shoulder, but the other hand

slowly made it's way around the side of her head to rest halfway on her throat and cheek.

Mikoto found herself waiting for something...

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!

The shockwave sent them both crashing into the ground, landing hard. Mikoto gasped for air,

her head pounding. Blank was on his back next to her, nursing the back of his head.

"God damn it! Whoever did that is going to have my foot so far up their ass-"

"Look!"

Blank stopped his cursing to observe their surroundings, his mouth open wide, in shock.

Mikoto's eyes were wide as well, she had hoped never to witness a scene like this ever again.

Alexandria was on fire.