((Yes yes it has been a very very long time since I have last updated. I'm sorry for that. I swear I started to update several times....but I could never decide WHAT exactly to put. And so for your reading pleasure, I bring you Chapter 9....Please don't shoot me!)

Chapter 9

Outstaged

The sun shone bright on the wooden outdoor stage. Zidane stood behind one of the walls surrounding it. He was nervous. Sure, he always got the lead in plays at Camp Gaia, but that wasn't why he was nervous. He watched Dagger on the stage. She was auditioning for the lead female part, Cornelia. They would spend so much time together if she got the part. They would get to kiss! Zidane shook his head. Now, I am daydreaming. He looked to the councilers responsible for the casting. There was Baku, Freya, Steiner,Beatrix, Hilda, and Cid. He watched as the final scene came up. The part where Marcus would try to stab King Leon but Cornelia jumps in the way. The hopeful Marcus was being played by Blank for Dagger's audition.

"Cornelia!" Blank shouted as the fake sword "Stabbed" Dagger. She fell to the ground. Zidane thought for a moment it was real.

"Forgive me, my love, but I still love my father...." She said softly. Zidane could see Steiner and Hilda near tears. She's perfect! Zidane thought gleefully. Cid stood up clapping. The others followed the suit.

"Well done Dagger! You will be Cornelia! Zidane will be Marcus. Blank, You shall be King Leon," Cid shouted that he could be heard. Zidane watched Dagger get up and walk backstage gleefully.

"Dagger...You were great!" He said proudly as Dagger walked by him.

"Thank you," She smiled. Zidane smiled as well. Now, we can be closer!

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Vivi walked into the playground. He saw Eiko sitting on a swing. He walked over and sat in the swing beside her.

"What's wrong?" He asked gently.

"Nothing...Go away!" Eiko turned away from him.

"Is this...About Zidane?" Vivi didn't like bringing this up. He watched her hang her head.

"Leave me alone," She said miserably. Vivi put a hand on her shoulder. She shrugged it away.

"I know how you feel..." Vivi answered gently.

"How can you know what rejection feels like?"

"Because you rejected me? Because you are rejecting me now?"

"Vivi...I'm sorry I just-"

"It's alright. I still care for you. I can't change that...You can't either. But, I know that I can accept any way you want me. I want you to be happy...Even if that removes me from ever having a chance with you..."

"I didn't mean to hurt you like that..."

"It doesn't hurt me. It makes me feel really special. You told me that you needed friends. At first, I felt bad but then I realized that there was a special place for me in your life. If I can't be the one you love, then it is my responsibility to be the one you can turn to if you ever need me. That made it all better."

Eiko turned to him and smiled.

"You're right Vivi," Eiko said as she stood up. much to vivi's delight, she hugged him. "Thanks..." She walked away. Vivi kicked off on his swing and soared into the air. In his mind, He was flying!

((Tell me what you think....no rants please...I feel bad enough for not updating sooner!