Okies! Here it is, getting into the heart of the story. Of course you know some stuff that Arrow and Topaz do not know . . . like the whole . . . Luke Skywalker and Princess Lea dealio. Okies. Here goes some stuffy stuff. Bear with me, it seven pages. Sexy, huh? Tankies and read and review please!

Chapter 3: Eye to eye, Summoner to Summoner

Eiko's long dark blue hair flowed in the wind from the airship docks. Her green eyes swept across the Alexandrians, her blood yearning for something. The stones in her pack bounced lightly as the armored soldiers that her Father had sent with her. Blank was an odd one, but he too was commissioned to aid the guards during her stay in Alexandria. Her cousin Topaz was in dire need of female assistance.

Garnet had sent a letter detailing the balls that had happened. Eiko also thought that Topaz should bear his horn with pride, though she knew there could be some repercussions. But Zidane had also written. And Eiko very much valued his words. He had said that he too was worried, he was worried that his son would never get a girlfriend.

Dr. Tot had said that it was time for Topaz to discover his true ability to summon. The eidolons were ready for him, perhaps. So Eiko was bringing all of the precious summoner items, not just from their previous adventures, but also from the excavations in Madain Sari.

Blank coughed to capture Eiko's attention. She looked back to him, the sun light in the distance catching a glimpse of turquoise in her eyes. Blank couldn't help but appreciate the princess's beauty. Who wouldn't? He walked a few paces behind her, his stealth allowing him to walk beside her, yet be unnoticed by many.

The palace lay in the distance, the Neptune statue staring at the youthful summoner and her guardians. The theatre ship they ridden on was preparing for the show. And Eiko could hardly contain herself when she saw her old comrades. Dr. Tot was standing with Topaz, the handsome lad that was the son of the great King and Queen of Alexandria, stood tall with pride and power. He reminded Eiko of Zidane back when they were fighting, though Topaz held a softness in his eyes that had to come from his mother.

Eiko's cousin was going through troubles, though he did not show it. Eiko's bag jingled a bit as she ran over to hug him. He was still taller than her, though, making Eiko put up her guard a bit more than usual. She smiled to him, and flicked a bit of her blue hair behind her ear.

"Hello, the mighty Prince Topaz! Are you finally through with playing around with little magic? Ready to become a true summoner just like Dagger and me?" Eiko asked, putting her hands on her hips, her soft yellow and red gown swaying with her exaggerated movements.

Dr. Tot coughed. "Princess Eiko, the grammatically correct way to say that was 'Dagger and I,' and may I suggest that you use everyone's official name? It has been over two decades since your adventure and you still act like a nine year old!"

Eiko clenched her jaw. Dr. Tot was making her feel very old. She herself only felt as if she were eighteen, though technically she was about thirty two. Summoners had a bit of a lenient aging process.

"She looks pretty good for some one who's been around for three decades, don't she?" Blank asked. Eiko turned around. She held out her hand as a ball of green light formed in her hand.

"Just because I am skilled in mostly white magic does not mean I can't poison you."

Blank smiled and bowed in mock respect. Dr. Tot was about to correct Blanks apparent disregard for royalty, but King Zidane walked through to the dock with Queen Garnet walking by his side. Eiko smiled to them, excited to see them once again, excited to look upon their happiness. They had gone through so much and now life was wonderful. What could possibly happen to disrupt this cornucopia of love?

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

The streets were filled with so many people, it was insane. Arrow had already been around the world with her Mother, but she could barely remember it all. Alexandria was a little bit out of her way, truly, and the blue skies above were beautiful, though nothing could match the rain in Burmecia.

Arrow kept her pack slung over her shoulder and moved her jagged bangs out of her eyes. There was so much talk about a play on a theatre ship, so Arrow had to wonder if the King would be there. Of course he would. Arrow smiled, briefly touching the dragon's feather that hung from a single braid in her gold hair. It was one of the things that she still had from her mother before she left. Lani had given her her head band also, which was wrapped around the middle of Arrow's tail.

There were so many different types of people spilling into Alexandria. There Qus around, humans, Burmecians, dwarves, and the list went on. Black mages were setting up a shop that caught Arrow's attention. A black mage waved to her and so she walked to the booth.

"Welcome to the Vivi Shoppe! Here we will sell you magically enhanced items as well as items that can teach you to use black magic! If you want to sell something of value to us, then something can be arranged!" said the female black mage. The younger mage had strange glowing green eyes between the huge hat and the cloak. Arrow was so curious as to what the mages looked like underneath.

"Do you have a cloak? Something that would let me, I dunno, fade in with the shadows perfectly? And how about some boots of silence or something?" Arrow asked, getting excited. The woman mage shrugged and looked behind her in the shelves. After seeing a monkey tail peeking from underneath the jacket, Arrow gasped. The mage was a mix between Genome and Black Mage?

"Hey! You have a tail!" Arrow exclaimed before she could stop herself. The mage turned around and dropped the items on the ground. Arrow heard some whimpering underneath the hat.

"What? What's wrong? I have a--" Arrow was cut off by wailing. The mage ran away to the weapons shop right next to the booth. Arrow looked after her, wondering how she could have offended her so. What's wrong with having a tail?

A taller mage came out of the weapon shop and to the booth.

"Did you say something about her tail?" asked the male mage. Arrow nodded and then held up her own. The mage laughed and nodded his hat.

"You have to excuse my sister Mimi, she is a bit sensitive. I am Zian. My dad Vivi is on a tour of the castle with Mom at the moment, so I'll handle what you need." said the mage. Arrow nodded and thanked him. She ending up trading in a few of her items for the cloak and boots, but once she got them, she bowed and walked towards the mass of people going to the theatre ship. Now it was time to get on with her plan.

The sun started to set in the back ground and Arrow made her way to a tour which cost an absurd amount of fifty gil. She was sort of a sore thumb in the crowd, her weapons and garb being a bit more rough than the nobility and tourists.

The tour guide was ridiculously boring and many people yawned during the tour. The assassin walked through the doors of the castle and her breath caught. The smell was so familiar. She felt as if she knew the place already. The feelings that she was feeling were so bizarre that it was all she could do to stay from crying. She touched the dragon feather lightly. The feeling was gone within a few minutes. They went into the library and it returned once again, but this time, Arrow was remembering the layout of the castle. She was so sure that she and her mother had never been here before.

Arrow faded in with the book cases and watched the group walk out of the library. A memory flashed in Arrow's mind of a woman in a white gown pulling a book out of a wall. Arrow ran towards the wall. She drew out the book and there was a creaking sound. The book case moved a bit to reveal a secret passage way. A librarian caught a glimpse of a moving bookcase, but did not see the girl behind it.

Taking a deep breath of memories, Arrow turned to see a large portrait that was fading. The crystals on the wall glowed with an eerie blue luminosity. Creeping closer, Arrow scrunched her eyes as she looked at the faded faces of the King and Queen, their son and in the left corner, there was a blond baby. There was a plaque below the life sized portrait that read:

In remembrance for our daughter Opal. May you find your way back to us someday. Remember that the light is always shining for you and only you.

Arrow gave a huff of air and nodded to the picture.

"Sorry for your loss. You are about to suffer and even greater one," Arrow said, now more determined than ever. She looked at the glyphs around the portrait and managed to get the wall to open to another passageway. There were quite a few cobwebs now, though in Arrow's memory's eye, Arrow knew where to go.

She would follow closely to the woman in white, follow her down this dark hallway. There were rooms full of odd artifacts that were ancient. When Arrow passed a room full of dusty weapons, she stopped. The lady in white called for her to come, but Arrow stilled the memory for a moment.

Silvery glints came from underneath the dust and cobwebs. There were nine dusty displays, each with legendary weapons. These must have been what the King and Queen defeated the Mists with. Arrow was beginning to feel excited as she traveled quickly to a selection of daggers. These were used in the Mist Wars. The King himself used this dagger, Arrow thought as she picked up the Ultima Weapon. She sheathed it at her side and walked out of the room and recalled the memory once more.

The white lady was walking again and Arrow followed the figure.

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

The breeze from the sea came in and soothed the troubled Prince. He was feeling something odd. Something particularly odd. He felt as if a part of him that was missing was coming back. Topaz heard the door behind him open, and his older cousin Eiko stepped out of her room.

Topaz had never seen Eiko in travel garb, but she looked ready to fight. Now somewhat worried about what lay ahead of him, Topaz put his hands on his hips.

"Should I bring Excalibur?" he asked. Eiko rolled her eyes.

"Steiner let you have that thing?" Eiko asked, surprised.

"Whenever he retired two years ago, he let me have the sword. Beatrix gave her sword to Mother."

Eiko nodded and started to lead the way. Topaz couldn't help but stare at the wings on her back.

"So, your father wanted to have a word with you before we move down into your big scary basement," Eiko said.

Topaz gave another heave.

"You mean that father isn't going to be there?" Topaz asked. Eiko laughed.

"Yes, silly, he will be. But once the ceremony begins, it is necessary to not be disturbed. You have studied it thoroughly, I hope."

Topaz nodded as they descended on the stairs. His father was waiting there for him, his mother dressed as if she were ready to fight as well. Dr. Tot was very excited at this point as well as Moog.

"Paz!" Zidane called, and rushed up the steps. He threw his arms over his shoulders and pulled teasingly on the horn.

"It's a shame you didn't inherit my tail, cause that always turned the ladies on." Zidane proclaimed. Topaz rubbed his blushing face with his hand and Garnet squealed a scorning phrase. "Anyway, how do you feel up to a trip to Lindblum on the Prima Vista? As soon as the ceremony is over with, you can go check out all of the Lindblum Babes!"

Garnet gave Zidane a harsh look. "Topaz might be a little weak after awakening the Eidolions. And besides, he should have already performed this ceremony already!"

Zidane let loose his son and kissed his wife's hand. "Darling, this is a happy day, meant for celebration! Our son is becoming a summoner and one of the first male summoners since . . . A long time!"

Garnet smiled to her son and batted her husband away. "Well, shall we proceed?" she asked. Captain of the Guards Henry, a Hippo Man, walked up to the King with a report that one of the tourists had been lost.

Zidane gave a huff. "Are you serious? Its okay, just find her. And in the future, try to stop these things from happening."

Henry coughed and stood to attention. "Yes your highness, however I must say that it would be unwise to travel to the Chambre of Beasts--"

"We will be going down--"

"And there are two visitors awaiting your audience," Henry finished off. Zidane folded his arms.

"Who are they? Can they not wait till morning?" asked the King, Zidane disappearing behind his duty.

"Sir, it is an urgent matter of the state." Henry said, his tones low. Garnet touched her husband's arm.

"Alright, lead the way. Garnet, would you like to see to our son's ceremony?" Zidane asked. Garnet looked to her son and gave him an apologetic glance and then turned to her husband.

"Last time you excluded me from an important meeting, I regretted it. It will not be so now."

Zidane nodded and took Garnet's arm. Topaz stood up straight as he tried to hide his disappointment. Somehow, Topaz felt as if he could have proven to his father that he was a man. But Topaz just lead the way to the Chambre of Beasts.

"I'm sorry. I'm sure it was important," Eiko managed to get out. Topaz just gave her a cold look with his dark eyes. He pulled the candle stick in the Queen's chamber that lead to the room.

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

"Freya?" Zidane called when he saw the Burmecian. Sir Fratley was also there, tagging along lovingly. Freya refrained from smiling. Her message was grim.

"Last time I saw someone from the old days, my daughter was kidnapped. Please tell me you have some good news." Zidane said. Freya removed her hat as Zidane and Garnet sat in their respective thrones.

"The daughter of Lani, the once famed bounty hunter, is intending to kill you." said the Dragon Knight.

Garnet grabbed Zidane's hand, but the king's eyes just narrowed. "Lani? She had a daughter? I never imagined her having a child. She doesn't seem the type."

Fratley nodded. "Exactly. Freya has informed me of all of her excursions. A few years ago, a young genome girl was found close to Cleyra. She said her name was Arrow and her mother was the infamous bounty hunter Lani."

Fratley paused. Freya jumped in where he faultered. "We taught her everything she knows and trust me Zidane, the girl could best most of your military force, though she was not traine dto fight large numbers. Her magic abilities are not as major as her physical abilities, though she has been taught to make do with what the gods decided not to grace her with."

With her arms on the arm rests and her back perfectly straight, Garnet told them with eyes as hard as stone. "Who sent her on this mission. We have not heard from Lani since Madain Sari."

Sighing, Fratley shook his head. "Lani returned. She must have told Arrow something that would suggest you, King Zidane, are the reason that Lani was so damaged. I hope that you are not the cause--"

"Like Garnet said, we have not heard from the hunter. She is formidable. She could not have gone far in the castle without premeditating. Henry!" Zidane boomed. "My son's life is in danger. Put every man and woman we have on staff in this castle for the night."

Henry bowed to the king and trudged out of the room. The light from Zidane's face had gone. He looked to his wife.

"I have need for my weapons. Do you?" he asked. Garnet stood and nodded.

"We will go as well. After all, this bastard is our problem as well." Freya growled. Fratley was going to admonish Freya about her language in front of royalty until he heard Zidane say something ten times as bad.

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

Topaz walked ahead of Eiko. He was not just angry with his parents, he was frustrated. Slowly, his mind was working his current lack of abilities as lack of manhood. What did his father think of him? Was it because he was a mage instead of a warrior? Maybe it was the fact that Topaz was not as much of a player as Zidane had been in his younger days.

Topaz gave a frustrated sigh. Once Topaz awakened the Eidolions within him, he would show his father some how, some way, that he was not a total failure. Topaz knew he had huge shoes to fill, yet he did not know how he was going to do it. Eiko gasped, pulling Topaz from his reverie.

The ceremony room that his mother had at one point been held hostage in was before him. The stones were laid on the table. Eiko pulled out her favorite flute and began to play soft notes of summoning.

An old man came forth from the green peridot stone. His beard was long and white and Topaz had a distinctive feeling that he had seen this man before. Ramuh gave Topaz a shocking glare as the room exploded with lightening.

Topaz heard soft footsteps from behind him, but refused to turn. Ramuh looked past the prince's shoulder. There was a loud lightening clap and Eiko screamed. Ramuh pointed past Topaz's shoulder. Topaz was ready to shout when he saw who Ramuh was pointing at.

A silvery Burmecian mask and a shadowy cloak hid the identity of a person at the mouth of the room. He was holding two daggers in his rather petite hands. When Topaz looked past the weaponry, he saw the womanly figure.

Oh, he was a she. Wait, what is she doing here? Topaz was caught off guard as the masked figure pointed towards him. Her voice boomed out.

"Who are you?" her voice was commanding. Ramuh smiled.

"You have returned. It is good to see you child," Ramuh said. The masked figure hesitated as the peridot floated to her and landed in her gloved hands. Topaz swept the other stones in the bag before drawing his weapon. He was good at one physical thing; a sword. And he could basically take this girl down soon enough. She was just a girl afterall.

This girl did something unexpected. She shouted, "Confuse!"

Then a burst of yellow light erupted from the tip of very familiar daggers as it hit the Prince. A stupor surrounded Topaz's senses before he realized the magic.

Arrow looked towards the back of the hall whence she had come. She heard the echo of footsteps. Great. They were on her trail. Arrow took a deep breath. If push came to shove, why not take a hostage?

She grabbed the Prince's hand and pulled him along. Her confuse spell was pretty good, it would only wear off in a few hours anyway.

Ramuh bowed to her before she left the room.

"Can you please show me the quickest way out of here?" Arrow asked the Eidolion. The old man shook his head and lightening cracked.

The oncoming knights were stopped and the Princess Eiko was laying unconscious on the floor. The rest of the halls were nothing but a blur as the confused prince and the masked bandit rushed through the halls to an open space. There were a few clickings in the air of the abyssal before Arrow and Topaz.

Ramuh laughed and faded. Arrow nearly swore. But then she saw it; the Gargant. And here she thought Gargan Roo was a myth.