This story isn't going to get into much of a plot until chapter 11 when I'm done with the "what's going on in their lives" prologues. However short and possibly meaningless they are, please read them. It really explains how each character is, and how they'll react when they get to Dissidia in later chapters.

Chapter 2- IX-Prologue

Promise me one thing. Please come back.

((((()))))

The lyrics of the familiar song I was so used to now seemed foreign in my mouth. It seemed impossible to sing such a thing as this when my joy was gone.

Did I feel alone? In spite of the people I was always surrounded by, yes.

Did I feel betrayed? Zidane never came back for me like he promised, but I will never give up hope on him.

I refuse to believe that yet another thing I love has now gone! And yes, despite every law and implied rule, I do love Zidane. I love everything about him- even down his thievery and mud-caked, scuffed boots that had been passed down from one of his "brothers" in Tantalus. I loved the way his eyes always seemed to be looking for something past the sorrow in our world. I loved the way he always flicked his tail, dismissing the horrible things as nothing but another part of the past he was willing to forget.

Everything about him, and now I feel like as though it was a dream.

"Queen?" Steiner asked, poking his head out onto the balcony outside my room.

I straightened, smiling warmly at my old friend. "Yes, Steiner?"

He saluted. I couldn't help but roll my eyes and stifle a laugh- a trait I derived from Zidane. "Your Majesty," he began, his face turning slightly pink from having to be so formal. I guess he too was feeling like our adventures was naught but a dream. "Your Majesty, General Beatrix and I… well… we were, uh, hoping that you'd, um…-"

Smiling, I told him, "You don't have to come to me to ask permission to get married, Steiner. I'm not a dictator, just a queen."

Steiner let out a sigh of relief. "Queen Garnet, you truly are as great as your late father."

"Thank you."

We lingered a bit longer, both having another conversation topic on the tip our tongues, but unable to speak it aloud. Finally I giggled, "So, am I to be a bridesmaid?"

"O-of course!" Steiner stuttered, aghast I'd even suggest being left out. I now openly laughed, that too seeming foreign. Could I not even laugh properly without Zidane? Well, I suppose it was likely.

As for everyone else, things were going well for them. Eiko was now the "Terror of Lindblum", but we all loved her. Freya was helped Fratley regain his memory. So far, things were great. Quina was elected leader of his Qu tribe, bringing "yummies" from far off lands to share with them. Vivi lived with Mikoto and the others in the Black Mage Village, teaching the genomes the simplicities of life, and constantly reminded them that it wasn't "the magic, moving water" but a river. I try not to laugh when I think of their blank expressions, but it's hard not to. But when I try to picture Zidane in my mind, I only think of that time in Terra when he looked like that. It was the only time he had ever given up hope….

Well, Amarant was still just as evasive as ever, only occasionally coming to Alexandria when Lani was in the neighborhood. Although I cannot be sure, I've heard that he was thinking of joining Tantalus. Who would have thought Amarant could have a sweet, poetic side?

Of course we know about Steiner and his success with Beatrix. It was about time he finally asked her to marry him! I wonder how Zidane would react to it. Of course he would be appalled- Zidane had thought that Steiner was more likely to find Big Foot than a girlfriend, let alone a fiancé!

I'll miss him. I always will.

But, as we all have come to learn and accept, life goes on.

Please review!

-WiREP