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FINAL FANTASY IX
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Chapter One: The Plan
Princess Garnet was taken aback by the realistic features this dream had presented itself. She had had these nightmares before but this time it was too vivid to be called just a dream. Her eyes watered slightly but as she blinked they dried and she wiped away any other moisture with the back of her gloved hands trying to forget everything she was reliving. She should be happy today. Sixteen already and having a play performed in your honor. It would be a hit, no doubt, considering everywhere else this particular play was ranked highest. "I Want to Be You Canary"; a play that could explain Garnet's captivity as a princess no short of words. She was very fond of the story. At her time here in the castle she read novels and other literary works becoming quite educated and the scholars were, too, impressed by her zeal for knowledge. Sometimes she wished royalty hadn't been her fate. If she could just stroll right now on the streets with the commoners and city dwellers, at least she'd die happy. Noble ladies and lords had gathered too. It wasn't as if her family was isolated among the commoners. Alexandria may be a "hick town" but that doesn't prevent it from controlling its kingdom and that meant Treno along with it. They all thought highly of the Queen's reign over her kingdom and didn't pay much attention to what or how Garnet was involved in ruling. She felt useless. She was a miniscule factor to the important aspect of her mother's worries and obligations. If she were to run away, who would notice? Who would care?
However, she knew it would cause a great uproar. Although she may not be an vital political figure she was still princess and there were many people who knew who she was and dreamed of her beauty. Most people would be coming today to kill two birds with one stone. To experience the wonderful acting in Lord Avon's play and celebrate her birthday. She wasn't nearly as excited as the children racing the streets with balloons and toys. The town seemed oblivious to the schemes around the castle because they were so focused on common things and everyday activities. Another plus about taking a vacation from your royal duties. Princess Garnet may be a bit naive but she'd have to be blind to not see that something was happening. And that "something" wasn't for other's benefits. Mother was acting strangely but others just forced themselves to think that the passing of her husband was driving her a little lunatic. But there were other things like a strange man roaming the castle scaring any bit of courage Garnet found in herself and meetings held secretly late at night while the town was fast asleep. These piled up and made Garnet even more determined to seek out her Uncle's help.
The princess looked down and absent-mindedly roamed her fingers along the silk ivory material that clothed her. The dress was exquisite and with it's turquoise embroideries, any other girl in the kingdom would have dreamed of wearing one just like it. The more she thought of how items like these made her an icon the more she wanted to rip it to shreds and be free from its shackles. But now she was feeling ungrateful. Mixed emotions of whether she was a spoiled child scanned her mind. Would people think her of this way if she gave it all up? It was her responsibility since birth to take over and rule once her time came and as a child she sometimes looked forward to be called "Queen". Now things were different she wasn't so sure if that was the life she wanted to be leading. Garnet caught her reflection on her mirror and saw a saddened expression crowned by an elegant tiara, which reminded her, that no matter how much she wanted to, she couldn't run away.
A small pecking noise brought her attention to her window laced with translucent draping of the most charming type. Her gaze spotted a few heads of curious white doves peeking through the window. Garnet stood from the chair she was seated at, striding majestically past her pale pink adorned bed and furnishings to place her small hand on the window and push it open softly. A light breeze grazed her skin as the doves fluttered slightly in surprise of the abrupt movement and then flew off into the azure sky. They were so free; so wonderfully unaware of problems and reality. How Garnet longed for her a moment of her life to be just like that. She lowered her view to watch the townspeople close their shops early for the show and lucky ticket holders get their ticket stamped. Occasionally she could spot the ones who held fakes and imagined the poor look on their faces. The nobles were so distinct against the simpletons that lived in Alexandria. There grace was easily recognized for they looked down at no one and from the Princess's chambers, she could witness small children hiding or gathering around them, sometimes pointing and admiring their ways. A deep sound was heard off into the distance, and Garnet averted her gaze to faintly see a large theater ship skimming over the town. She squinted gently to identify the mystical mermaid angel riding the ship's bow and distinguished the mist powered ship to be the Prima Vista which held the most famous acting troupe in Lindblum.
The airship floated across town and cast a shadow over parts it had moved across. The mermaid statue was sitting tall and beautiful, presenting a moment captured in stone forever. The rest of the ship was made of a genuine wood, skillfully crafted and assembled to add the intricacy of its cabins and sails. It moved through the wind like a hot knife through butter, not once stumbling or hesitating due to unprofessional maneuvering. Zidane Tribal a young man of just sixteen years of age, leaned casually against the boats railings regarding the differences in this town's customs and design compared to that of Lindblum. At a young age he had joined the group Tantalus and was a skilled master in the arts of thievery way before he could even remember. His trusted dagger was placed in a reachable sheath around his waist for impromptu battles and pillaging missions. His short blond hair was lifted somewhat by the breeze and he appreciated that they would soon be done with this task that had him on his toes for the last few days. He noticed the castle closing in distance and decided to head down into the lower deck where, he assumed, he was probably late for the group's meeting.
He slid down a metal pole landing him in a shadowed area loaded with boxes and useless junk that had probably been lying around since the day of the ship's construction. Then again thieves weren't really known for there organization so all this was probably Baku's trash. Although the ship had quite an intimidating appearance from out front, the inside was more like home, at least for Zidane it was. The monkey tailed boy walked into a pitch-black room near the pole he had just slid down. The floor creaked at every step he took and the darkness around him made him suspicious. Zidane looked around at the unknown obscurity and thought to himself, regardless of his assumptions, that nobody was here yet. Striking a match, he searched the dimness for any familiar faces and then lit the candle in the center of the room, which certainly brought some consoling light.
"Who's there!?"
The voice came suddenly from a door to Zidane's right and after recovering momentarily from the shock replied calmly.
"It's me, Zidane!"
The door bust opened and three males emerged into sight. One of them held a hammer and had a protruding bare stomach out in the open. His lips were big and visible and his eyes were kind of masked by an odd metal helmet he wore. He went by the name of Cinna and worked as an engineer of Tantalus. The character more relaxed had flaming red hair and his eyes were covered by a band tied around his face just above his nose which made Zidane wonder how he could ever see or if he is a highly talented blind thief. He wielded a sword and seemed annoyed at Zidane's tardiness. The group recognized him as Blank. The final member was related to Blank in that he was his older brother, Marcus. He too carried a sword, which is held lazily so that its tip scratched the wooden floor. Although he may have had a gruff personality and a cynical look he had a noble heart and would never let down his friends.
"Hey, Zidane! You sure are late!"
Blank's words were expected and the accused boy rubbed the back of his head thinking of a convincing excuse. Unfortunately he was right about being late but he was kind of glad not to see the boss around. It wouldn't get too pretty if Baku were to find out about this.
"Sorry. So, where's the boss?"
Cinna shrugged, "Ain't here yet,"
Zidane sighed inwardly, grateful that he may have gotten off easy this time. However, just as he started to feel at ease, tension began rising as a heavy set figure crashed into the room from behind roaring through a metallic dragon mask and preparing to fight the band of thieves. Zidane got into a battle stance and then charged the beast head on, slashing his dagger deep into the enemy's stomach. The monster stumbled and cried out before panting loudly. Blank began to think this would be an easy win when his sword dug into the rival's shoulder and he seemed to almost collapse. But being battle-smart as they were there must have been tricks stuck under his sleeve. The trick must have been working because it was not long before the dragon masked intruder was charging for a full-fledged knockout attack.
"Taste steel!"
Slicing without effort the enemy's sword slapped Cinna unconscious and the other members were stalled by surprise at this beast's strength. Marcus wasted no time with hesitation as he pulled out a light amber colored feather that revived Cinna only enough for him to barely stand and monitor his breathing. Zidane showed no mercy cutting through the monster's arms and torso and through the ship's halls the clashing of metal and screams seemed to ring out. The unidentified fiend glared fatally at Cinna once more and the others held their breath waiting for the final blow of their comrade when there was a thud on the floor and the foe was lying on his stomach immobile. Blank seized the opportunity and was able to cut the attacker's mask down the center revealing none other than a hairy pig nosed man clutching his head in pain.
"UGHUAA! Oh, my head! Go easy, you guys!"
The battle was finally won and the defenders were crouched on their knees panting for breath as the sweat dripped down their backs and the so-called "enemy" chuckled at their hard work. His belly jiggled and his beard swayed as he continued to laugh at the effort it had taken them to defeat their boss, their leader, Baku.
"Hey, fools! You're lookin' a lot better! Gwahahaha!"
Baku roughly patted Zidane's head and disordered his hair as Zidane's eyes squinted at this nuisance and tried to push him away. The man laughed harder at his puny attempts and then made his way to the conference room kicking the door effortlessly with his foot as there were muffled coughs and heavy breathing from behind.
"Alright! Let's start this meeting already!"
Through gasps of air, Zidane looked over at Blank and exchanged a sly smile before playfully punching his arm and getting to his feet. They laughed some and wiped the perspiration from entering their eyes and then followed Baku's order. They entered another room that had that same dingy feeling of crime and corruption. A few chairs were scattered messily around a larger table, which would classify the room as a "meeting room". Zidane straddled the chair in front of Baku's station behind the table. He was eager and fully ready to take on this kidnapping. Blank was leaning his back against the door next to a chair that Marcus sat on in the same fashion as Zidane. Cinna however was standing in the back on standby for mission procedures. For dramatic effect it seemed, a weary old fan spun over Baku's head. It really didn't make a difference whether it was on or not but it made the meeting seem more confidential.
"Here's the plan! Tantalus, the infamous band of daring thieves,"
He paused his bellowing and gave his team one of those leader evil smiles and lowered his voice, "That's us,"
There was a rustle of snickers before he continued.
"is headin' to the kingdom of Alexandria...Our mission..."
He looked around and hesitated to capture the look of eagerness on the faces of his band. They weren't bad people but these typed of small gestures gave them the hype they needed to be successful. It was a living. They did what they needed to do.
"To kidnap the heir to the throne, Princess Garnet!"
"I'll take it from here, so listen up!"
Cinna got the attention of the group by speaking loud and clear and using his hammer like a mic. Basically everyone knew what was going on but a review never hurt any dangerous plan.
"Our ship's about to dock at Alexandria...And when it does, we're gonna put on our costumes...and perform 'I Want to Be Your Canary', the most popular play in Alexandria! Break a leg, Marcus! 'Cause you're playin' the lead!"
The short thief motioned over to Marcus handing over the spotlight. His say was quick and simple for his part in the plan was distraction anyway.
"Leave the actin' to me! Of course, the real kidnappers'll be Blank and Zidane!"
Blank barely moved at the sound of his cue but looked up slightly scanning the meeting with apathetic glares before opening a small packet that had been buzzing with jagged movement. A weird pudgy bug like creature with wings and a shade of yellow-orange escaped Blank's grasp.
"I'll distract the audience from the backstage with these little buggers. I can't stand oglops..."
With some trouble Blank was finally able to hold the "oglop" captive once more.
"But I'll manage, so don't worry about me. And that'll be your cue Zidane!"
Zidane was realizing how serious everyone was about the mission and decided it be a perfect chance to throw in some comic relief. He knew they knew he knew what to do but their reaction would be priceless.
"So, that's when I kidnap Queen Brahne, right?"
There was a silence too perfect for crickets. Baku gave Zidane a death glare and then Marcus punched his arm as the rest started to laugh once Zidane burst out through smirks that he was sorry. The Boss's look said he better not be messing around when the time comes but there was glee in his eyes.
"So, that's when I kidnap Princess Garnet, right?"
Baku nodded approvingly and then presented the group with a ragged doll supposedly representing the princess herself. Cinna was looking at 'his' doll wondering how Baku had it but figured it really didn't matter. None of the other members had to know it was his. Heck, Baku probably found it laying around. Who would suspect Cinna owned it?
"You bet! You're gonna kidnap the most babe-ilicious"-he licked his lips almost pervertedly-"beauty in all of Alexandria, Princess Garnet!"
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A/N: So, so, so? What did you think? Please R/R with your thoughts but please be gentle if you're gonna flame me! Thanks