The knock on the door came some half hour after we'd gone to bed. Eiko didn't wait for me to answer before she entered my bedroom, closing the door quietly behind her. I felt the mattress shift as she climbed up beside me and smiled inwardly at this. It was good to know Eiko still felt close to me. We were much like sisters, she and I, and I hoped that would never change.

Knowing the answer already, I asked, "what's the matter, Eiko? Can't you sleep?"

A long, drawn out sigh ensued. Then, "I'm concerned about Zidane."

I nodded, knowing that gesture would go unnoticed in the darkness of my room. "So am I."

"Oh, Sara... Isn't there anything we can do to help him? This isn't right."

"I'm doing the best I can," I assured her. "I only hope it's enough. And I wish…"

"What is it?"

I sighed. "This whole dispute over the rightful ruler of Alexandria. I don't know what to do. There are days when I give great consideration to conceding. If Lord Siticus believes himself capable of ruling a kingdom, who am I to stop him? Who am I? Nothing but an orphan, with no blood ties to Alexandria."

"I'm an orphan!" Eiko stated firmly. "There's no shame in that."

"No, Eiko. I didn't mean to say I was ashamed of my heritage. I'm proud to be a summoner. One of two survivors of our tribe. It's just… Don't you ever miss your home in Madain Sari?"

"Of course," she replied. "I don't go back as often as I'd like. I'm so busy with my studies and everything, there's just no time."

I hesitated before asking my next question. "If you had the choice, would you go back?"

Eiko was quiet a moment while she considered this. "You're not really asking me are you? You're asking yourself."

Not for the first time, I was a little surprised at Eiko's intuitiveness. "You're right," I said. "I don't know which is right. Do I stay in Alexandria? Do I give my whole life to servitude, marry a man I don't love just to produce an heir?"

"So that's it," Eiko muttered thoughtfully. "That's why you wouldn't marry Zidane."

"I… What?" The statement had taken me by total surprise. To my knowledge, the matter had been a completely private one. The only person I'd shared it with, aside from Zidane himself, was Beatrix – and I would not entertain the notion that Beatrix was a gossip.

"Am I right?"

"Eiko, how did you know about that?"

"Zidane bought your ring in Lindblum when he was touring there last month. He showed it to me. It's beautiful. But I didn't see it on your finger, so I'm assuming you turned him down."

"He… never formally asked me. I didn't know he bought a ring." I felt ashamed. Since Zidane's procedure, I hadn't even thought of his recent proposal. Presently I felt as though I would do anything to be back in that moment. If I had it to do over again…

"Don't beat yourself up," Eiko said, tearing me from my downward spiral. "He knew what he was getting himself into. He knows… knew you would if you could."

I was silent for a moment. "Eiko, do you think you'd be able to go with me to visit Zidane when this legal matter is settled?"

"Can I?" she asked, suddenly excited.

"Of course. In fact, I've been thinking about it. I'd like it if we could get everyone out to the village at some point. It might help him to see familiar faces."

"That's a great idea," the younger girl exclaimed. "But does Amarant have to come?"

I laughed quietly. "I think he'd feel left out if we didn't invite him. Whether or not he'll show is anyone's guess."

"Back to what you were saying before," Eiko said, suddenly changing the subject. "Do you really think you could give up Alexandria just like that? You've lived here all your life."

"It would not be a decision to take lightly," I agreed. "I'm only thinking of the possible outcome of this trial. If the court should decide on Lord Siticus' side, then I won't have a choice in the matter."

"I don't think your people would be very happy about it. Or Beatrix and Steiner, either."

"I would do what I could to make the transition as painless as possible for all parties involved."

Eiko laughed. "Of course you would. You're too nice. If it were me, I'd make his life a living hell. By the time I was done with him, he'd never want to see this city again."

"That's not how things are done, Eiko. You're going to have to learn that before you rule Lindblum."

"Oh, I've already got that all figured out," she remarked coyly.

"You do, do you?"

"I'm just going to get married and let my husband do all the tough stuff. Of course, I'll certainly let him know if he's doing something wrong."

I laughed again, despite my sour mood. "Oh, Eiko. I ought to have you move in here with me just to cheer me up."

"Maybe I could stay a while. That is, after we win in court!"

Again, I felt torn between the two possible outcomes of that looming date. Presently, I told myself I would find a way to live with whichever way the court decided. At that point, it would be out of my hands. Even so, I had to do my best to argue my case. It would not be fair to my people were I to simply hand my kingdom over to a stranger. Family or not, I had no reason to assume this Lord Siticus was even capable of ruling a kingdom.

"I'm glad you all came. I'll feel a lot betting knowing you're with me. I have to admit, I'm feeling very nervous about tomorrow."

"Don't worry. They'll listen to Father."

"I hope you're right, Eiko."

"Of course I am! Don't give it another thought. Now, back to Zidane. I've been thinking. Does he know about your past?"

"I… haven't told him any details about our relationship. To my knowledge, nobody has. I'm just not sure it's the right time."

"You need to tell him, Sara."

I sighed. "I don't know how. When I see him, it's so difficult not to just throw my arms around him. He looks so vulnerable, so helpless. I'm afraid if I push him too quickly, he'll ask me not to come back."

"I don't think that'll happen," Eiko said. "Deep down, he must know he loves you."

"He doesn't even knowwho I am!"

I felt Eiko's hand seeking mine in the dark, and reached out to take it. She squeezed my fingers tightly and leaned against my shoulder. "You have to make him remember. Otherwise, neither of you will ever be happy again."

"What are you talking about?"

"You and Zidane… It seems silly now, but once I realized I didn't have a chance with him, I gave it a lot of thought. In the end, I realized you and Zidane were made for each other. Nobody else will ever take your place in his life."

"Do you really think that?" I asked.

"I don't think it. I know it."

I leaned back into my pillows and pictured Zidane's face in my mind. I missed him terribly. Even with amnesia, just the sight of his face warmed my heart. I thought of the past two weeks and of how hard he was trying to remember. I thanked my stars that his spirit and constitution had not been altered. Any lesser person might not be able to deal with the pressure, but Zidane seemed up to the challenge. Just thinking about that made me smile.

Yes, I thought. I'll find a way to help Zidane. One way or another, we'll be together again. It's fate.

Eiko and I talked long into the night and, eventually, we both fell asleep on my bed. It was the best night's sleep I'd gotten since the night before Zidane and I had left Alexandria to go to that damnable party, but something told me my newfound comfort was to be short-lived.

***Okay, I don't know if anybody even considered this, but I want to make it VERY clear that this scene between Garnet and Eiko is not meant to be sexual in any way, shape or form. I think of Eiko as Garnet's kid sister, and that's more or less the role she is playing here. Please don't read into any yaoi references that simply aren't there. That having been said, I hoped you enjoyed this chapter. More to come soon, I hope. If not, be patient!***