Sorry that took so long, everyone. Been busy with school. But it's out now! I'm free! At least until I start college in August. Until then, I'll try to update more. I have ideas, I've just been either busy or lazy. Hope you like it, and constructive criticism is always welcome. I don't own the characters, the world, the original script or the original story.

Jack walked silently behind Al, the castle steward, as he was lead to a room of which he already knew the location. When he stopped and turned around, Jack nearly ran into him, his mind full of thoughts already. Clearing his throat, the steward gestured towards the door.

"This will be Master Jack's room. You will find your trainee knight's wear on your bunk. Once you have changed, proceed to the third floor meeting room, as you are expected at the Rose Cochon inauguration ceremony."

Jack sighed and shook his head. I can travel back through time, try to change the future…but I still get stuck in a crappy room.

"Thank you, Al" he said to the steward, giving him a slight nod before entering the room. Upon closing the door, Leonard looked up from the desk to Jack.

Al frowned slightly. That's funny. I didn't introduce myself to him…

"Can I help you?" he asked almost lazily. Jack nodded.

"I'm Jack, one of the new knights. This is my room, right?"

Understanding crossed Leonard's eyes and he nodded. "Yeah, that's right. I'm Leonard, and I'll be the room leader. That's your bed back there," he said, pointing to the lower bunk. Jack grinned weakly to himself, remembering his initial reaction to this predicament (a dramatic and overly drawn out death wail), almost feeling like laughing. Leonard waved a hand in front of his face and brought him back to reality.

"Think I lost you there for a moment. Anyways, go ahead and get changed. Won't be good to keep your new captain waiting."

After a few moments, Jack was in his new uniform, looking down with a sigh. "This thing definitely isn't comfortable." Leonard looked back at him and laughed.

"Well, if you make captain, you can wear what you want. 'Til then, you stick with regulation." Jack nodded to this and reached for the door handle, pausing for a moment before continuing. Leonard stared after him for a second, then shook his head. "Weird kid."

Jack progressed straight to the meeting room as planned, still remembering the basic layout of the castle. Memories definitely come in handy here… he thought, smiling lightly as he recalled all the times he got lost. Opening the door to the room, an excited Ganz looked up.

"Ah, good timing Master Jack. They do say clothes make the man. You do look like quite the little lord!" he said, smiling. "Ms. Ridley should be here shortly, as I got word that she woke up some time ago. Tell me, how are your new quarters?"

"Good, Captain. Everything's good. Though this armor definitely isn't very comfortable…" Jack replied with a weak smile, sitting down at the table and looking to him.

Suddenly the door opened, and both turned to see Ridley enter the room. While she looked a bit weary, at least she was up and moving. "Ah yes, Lady Ridley! Please, take a seat right there," he said, gesturing towards the seat across from him. Ridley, however, took the seat across from Jack, staring at him with a look of curiosity. After a moment, she narrowed her glare slightly before closing her eyes.

"What's this? Do I sense some bad blood between you two?" Ganz asked aloud, and Jack merely smiled.

"Nothing from my side, Captain. Give her a day and she'll be fine, I think," Jack answered, to which he received a glare from Ridley. Looking between them, Ganz shook his head.

"That will not do. Teamwork! Teamwork is the key to the success of the Radiata Knights!" he stated, to which Ridley sighed and shook her head, looking to Ganz and nodding.

"Very well sir. There will be no problems working with him in the future," Ridley said firmly.

"Excellent. Now, onto business," Ganz started, fumbling for a paper with notes. "Er…On this, the most auspicious of days…we are all thrilled to be here for the inauguration of the Rose Cochon brigade!" Jack started to unintentionally tune out Ganz's speech and concentrated on what he would do next.

I don't have a chance to do anything, for now…but I definitely need to improve myself physically. I'm glad that Quasar guy left me the training equipment…but I should keep it hidden. I need to act natu-

"Master Jack? Are you paying attention?" Ganz cut into his thoughts, causing Jack to flinch and jump back into reality.

"I'm sorry, Captain. I'm…tired out. From the trials and everything," Jack lied trying to laugh it off.

"Well then, pay more attention Jack. Some of this is important, you know," Ganz said, looking a little hurt. "I'm about to go over the mission details anyways, so please pay attention." Clearing his throat, Ganz began. "As I've told Lady Ridley, Lord Larks has honored us by giving us an important mission. We will escort a dwarf carrying metal goods and weapons for trade. It will be our mission to see both dwarf and cargo brought safely back to Radiata. It's a real honor that the brand new Rose Cochon brigade would be given such a super important task! If we do well on this mission, I think we can expect to see the Rose Cochon's stock rise considerably! We're on the fast track to fame!" Ganz said, practically beaming. Jack smiled weakly and turned his gaze to Ridley, who was staring at him as well. Looking back to Ganz, he nodded.

"Sounds great, Captain. When do we leave?" he asked, trying to throw in a bit of his enthusiasm.

"Tomorrow morning. Make sure that you're prepared, as the journey will be a long one. Both of you are dismissed."

All three knights stood, and Jack made his way to the door, opening it for Ridley. As she passed, her eyes locked with his. "I want to know how you're so good, farm boy," she whispered as she passed, not looking back as she walked toward her room. Jack winced and shook his head, leaving Ganz alone in the meeting room, very confused.

That night, Jack dreamt of the past. Or rather, his past. He was sitting under the Resin tree, watching the stars, waiting for Ridley to show up. Jack watched from the sky, as if in the audience, as the two exchanged their words. As Ridley walked off, Jack smiled weakly and shook his head. Maybe this time I can make a happy ending for myself… he thought, shaking his head. Not with her, though. I have to choose a different path this time.