Finding a Voice

by Bart415

Sequel to Voices Past Present: A voice from the past calls upon the daughter of Garnet and Zidane. The princess wonders the meaning behind the mysterious voice and sets forth on a spiritual journey with her closest friend and Eiko to seek the answer. During which Garnet has begun dealing with a political dilemma brought upon her after revealing her deepest secret to Alexandria.

4. The Sixteenth Night Pt 1

-Chapter 4-
The Sixteenth Night Pt. 1

We left my room, its night time now, the walk through the palace felt different, more different than it was this morning. It was a weird feeling to me, while walking through the royal hall; I could hear my heels echoing loud and clearly, until they became mute the moment I stepped upon the carpet; in which I could hear my thoughts more clearly yet I felt nervous but excited. Part of me felt like I walked this path before, it felt familiar. Are these memories from the circle of life? Was this mother's memories?

I remember she told me the night of her birthday when she left her room, to meet with my adopted grandmother on the throne to watch I Want to be Your Canary, she felt nervous about her plan to flee the palace. I wondered if this was what she felt that night. After all her planning she knew then that it was now or never, she wanted to save her adopted mother and her kingdom from an unknown being that may put them in jeopardy.

For me, I don't feel any pressure of the world aimed at me. I've no major issues at hand that are in harm's way. What is this feeling I'm getting? Is it because I must accept someone's hand in marriage at such an early age?

I kept thinking about these feelings during that walk, the moment we entered the main hall, I kept staring at our family portrait; wondering if the answers were there. The smiles on our faces, I can feel that moment inside of me, even the times when Zoe would occasional lick my hands and we all shared laughs together. Maybe I'm overthinking too much of all of this, maybe it's just in my head.

Yet I asked myself again…what is this feeling?

"Your Highness!"

"Huh? Oh! We're already here?" Sarah shook her head as she realized she was standing before a gold trimmed wooden ferry with a bright lit lantern on the bow and Steiner on the stern on a small raised section of the ferry saluting Sarah.

"Good evening Your Highness!" Another voice call out as Sarah looked at the bow spotting Weimer of the Pluto Knights saluting her.

"Oh dear goodness I was lost in thought…I'm so sorry everyone." Sarah said shifting her attention back and forth between Steiner, Weimer, and her maids.

"It's quite alright Your Highness." Melody waved a hand as the other maids shook their heads.

"Your Highness, by goodness you look gorgeous tonight, I must say, Melody you and your maids have outdone yourselves tonight." Steiner applauded.

"Oh Lord Steiner, the compliments are not needed, by all means this is Her Highness' night to shine nonetheless." Melody replied.

"Shucks you're more pretty than your moth…..er…" Weimer stopped after realizing what just came out of his mouth, alerting a certain Captain on the boat giving him the death glare. Weimer hesitantly looked towards Steiner realizing that was also a mistake.

"YOU BLISTERING FOOL! DO YOU DARE MOCK THE QUEEN AT THIS TIME!? ON THIS DAY, THE DAY OF HER DAUGHTER'S BIRTHDAY!?" He yelled and about ready to jump on the boat but took every ounce not to do so in light of potentially sinking it with his heavy weighted armor.

"I WILL HAVE YOUR HEAD FOR THIS AFTERWARDS WEIMER!"

"SO-SORRY CAPTAIN! APOLOGIES YOUR BEAUT-ER I MEAN HIGHNESS!" The pluto knight saluted Sarah while trembling.

Sarah couldn't help but let out a laugh while covering her mouth, she wasn't the only one as the maids followed suit.

"It's certainly not a fun filled night until the Pluto Knights mess up." Sarah teased as Steiner slapped his hand on his face feeling somewhat ashamed.

"Gods…I swear you can never keep your blastful mouth quiet Weimer…I should've asked Laudo to be the one to help escort the princess tonight!" Steiner removed his hand off his face.

"WELL FOR GODS SAKE HELP HER COME ABOARD YOU IDIOT!"

"Sorry Captain and apologies Your Highness! Mind the gap!" Weimer rushed to the center of the boat as he extended his hand to the princes. Sarah chuckled again and gently took the knight's hand; Nadine and Mei kneeled down to pick up the princess' dress train as she was slowly brought aboard the ferry, they carefully laid the train on the hardwood flooring. Weimer pulled his hand back and saluted Sarah once more as she smiled at him all while carefully being watched by the eyes of Steiner.

"Thank you Weimer and don't worry I won't tell mother about your mishap." The princess winked as Weimer felt a small burning sensation crawl across his cheeks.

"Ye…thank you…Your Highness. Ple…please have a seat." Weimer struggled to speak as he extended a hand towards a red cushioned oak finishing chair just beneath the platform Steiner stood on.

Sarah smile as she took a few steps towards the seat and carefully sat herself done; she carefully pulled her train to her left side of her seat.

"Do make sure she gets there safely Lord Steiner." Nadine spoke. Steiner saluted the maid.

"I shall Lady Nadine." He replied.

Sarah looked over to the maids.

"I promised mother before today I wouldn't jump off the tower like she did on her birthday." Sarah teased as Steiner let out a gasp and the maids laughed.

"We wouldn't want poor Lord Steiner to relive having to pull himself out of the Prima Vista or another tower." Allison teased along.

"BAH! Gods please…I rather not relive that night ever again." Steiner shook his head.

Sarah looked up to the knight.

"And that's why I promised mother I wouldn't follow her footsteps."

Steiner let out a sigh as he looked deep in the princess' blue eyes. He couldn't help but let out a sincere smile, seeing the daughter of the Queen he once protected all her life now protecting the next heir to the throne. He could see much of Garnet and Zidane in Sarah, her blue eyes, her soft and smooth fair skin, her raven black short hair, and her tail.

"Gods…you take well after your parents Your Highness." He complimented.

Sarah smiled.

"Thank you…Uncle Steiner." She said happily as Steiner smiled at her.

"Your Highness…I shall do my best tonight to keep you in safe haven." Steiner saluted.

"Hehe, not too overprotective now." She chuckled.

Steiner nodded.

"Now then, onward to the celebration Your Highness!" Steiner looked towards Weimer as he looked back.

"WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!? RING THE DAMN BELL FOR GODS SAKE!" Steiner ordered as Weimer yelped and ran across the ferry while Sarah looked over to her maids.

"I hope to see all of you soon!" Sarah waved her hand.

"We shall Your Highness!" Nadine replied.

"We'll get there as soon as we change into our new uniforms for tonight's festivities!" Mei said.

"Safe travels Your Highness!" Allison said.

"And remember to enjoy yourself tonight Your Highness." Melody said.

The maids waved back as Weimer began ringing the bell on the ferry.

"HER ROYAL HIGHNESS' FERRY NOW DEPARTING!" Steiner yelled out as he grabbed an oar beside him and began pushing off from the dock. The ferry gently rocked as it began floating away from the cobblestoned dock, the maids continued watching as Steiner set forth along the canal of the Alexandria palace while Sarah kept her eyes on them for a bit longer.

"MAKE WAY FOR HER HIGHNESS' FERRY!" Steiner yelled out again.

Sarah looked forward to the canal ahead of her; she could spot many more boats further out from where they were. Steiner began rowing the boat forward as Weimer continued ringing the bell. The princess watched with much interest as her ferry followed its course around the palace, she could hear many of the boats they passed cheers of joy and wishes of a happy birthday. People of many ages old and young waved to her, she found herself waving back to them and spouting thank you to each boat who wished her a happy birthday in passing.

"There are so many people in the canals Uncle Steiner." Sarah said as she continued waving.

"They're all here for you Your Highness; you certainly are the main attraction tonight." Steiner replied as he continued rowing his oar.

"Hmm!" Sarah nodded.

As her ferry continued, the canal became more crowded the more they continued forth, it slowly started to dawn on Sarah, noticing the people on each boat in passing. She continued her smiles and waves; she began taking note the people in passing seemed more like the citizens of Alexandria, all cheerful and happy to see their princess; she was happy to see them but something inside of her had a feeling of something was off about all of this.

"Why are there so many Alexandrians…in the canals?" she thought to herself.

"Your Highness, take a look ahead." Weimer called out as Sarah looked forward towards spotting the opening that lead to the lake. There were endless sight of boats; all lit up with their sky blue lanterns in front and all anchored. The sight caught Sarah by surprise; she cupped her mouth with her hands letting out a gasp. She had never seen the lake as lively at night compared to the day when the fisherman set out for their catches of the day. It was not often Alexandrians boated on the lake at night, Sarah's eyes were dazzled by the sight, she lowered her hands on top of her lap and looked all around her.

"It's…beautiful, did…did everyone planned all of this?" Sarah said as she continued looking all around.

"I believe this might be impromptu; given the special circumstances, Alexandria wanted to partake in your birthday celebration, so leave it to the people to find their way to celebrate with you Your Highness." Steiner said as he too was in awe by the sight.

"It's beyond what I could've ever imagine Uncle Steiner." Sarah responded.

"It also appears they choose blue for your color, I believe that color certainly speaks highly to you, wouldn't you agree?"

"I wonder if its…" Sarah looked downward to her left as her tail curled before her eyes, spotting her ribbon. "Do people remember me most for my ribbon?"

"I would not be surprised Your Highness, it certainly stands out the most and is a memorable color to remember."

Sarah looked back up towards the crowded lake and smiled.

"I'm just in awe by everyone's generosity here and accepting me for who I am."

"You and your mother have made a name for yourself Your Highness, one that I am truly honored to be a part of."

Sarah looked over her shoulder to Steiner.

"Uncle Steiner, you mean it?"

Steiner looked towards the Sarah.

"Every word Your Highness." He smiled at her.

"Captain Steiner, we are almost arriving at the garden!" Weimer announced as both Steiner and Sarah looked forward spotting the top of the white gazebo just within reach with many lights in the garden all lit up as bright as the eyes could possibly see.

Sarah raised herself up slightly trying to gauge the crowd size just barely past the hedges that were along the edges of the garden. Weimer began ringing the bell as loud as possible as they passed alongside the garden making way to the wooden dock just in sight.

"HER ROYAL HIGHNESS' FERRY ARRIVING!" Steiner yelled out.

Several soldiers appeared on the dock lined up on the edges; two soldiers approached the end of the dock and tossed a rope line towards Weimer. The Pluto Knight caught the rope and wrapped it around the shingle near the bow; he tied a knot while Steiner slowly brought the ferry closely and carefully along the dock. Sarah watched with great interest, fascinated by everyone's interaction, a simple task in her eyes yet intrigued by how much more there is to it.

The ferry gently brushed against the dock, gently rocking but everyone stood their ground.

"DOCKING COMPLETED!" A soldier called out.

Sarah looked over her shoulder seeing Steiner rest the oar against a small rail; he carefully stepped down from his platform past her as she watched along. He turned to her and saluted.

"We've arrived Your Highness." He said and lowered his hand. Sarah smiled.

"Thank you Uncle Steiner." She responded.

Steiner extended a hand to Sarah; she reached out and gently grabbed his armored hand and stood up from her seat. She looked over towards the dock gauging the ambient crowd noises in the garden.

"Right this way Your Highness." Steiner gently pulled Sarah's hand as she looked back at him.

"Sorry Uncle Steiner, I was trying to listen in on the crowd." She replied as she followed along.

"AT TEN HUT!" A voice called out.

Steiner and Sarah looked out to the dock while Weimer saluted in the direction of the voice and the row of soldiers saluted. Sarah gasped with delight as she saw Zidane, Beatrix and Rose approaching them. She couldn't believe her own eyes seeing her father dressed in an entire white jacket and slacks, a blue vest over a deep scarlet red dress shirt and small teal bow tie, dress shoes and hair with hints of gel in it.

"Papa! Rose! Auntie Beatrix!" she yelled out with excitement as she waved with her free hand.

Zidane let out a smirk as he, Rose and Beatrix stopped just before the ferry.

"How in the world did seven heavens let you fall from the sky angel?" Zidane said as he winked to his daughter.

"Papa!" Sarah laughed "I'm your daughter; mother might punish you for your little flirt on me." Sarah winked back. Zidane laughed.

"If loving my daughter is a crime, then lock me up and throw away the key."

"That can be arranged." Beatrix snickered as Sarah chuckled along.

"I second that notion as well." Steiner grinned.

Zidane looked to towards Beatrix.

"I was just kidding! Not on the day of my daughter's birthday." He said while shaking his head.

Rose looked back and forth between Zidane and her mother feeling confused.

"Rose you look beautiful tonight!" Sarah said as Rose looked towards Sarah. "Oh…thank you…Your Highness." The young woman blushed as she looked slightly down and held her hands together.

"Rose, call me Sarah tonight please?"

Rose shook her head and looked back to her friend.

"Ah…apologies Your….I mean…Sarah." She replied feeling flustered.

"Sarah angel, we don't want to keep your mother waiting now do we?" Zidane extended a hand towards the ferry.

"Hmm!"

"Mind the gap Your Highness." Steiner called out.

Sarah extended her free hand, gently holding Zidane's as she stepped onto the dock. Steiner gently let go of Sarah's hand as he and Weimer kneeled down picking up her train and carefully carrying it onto the dock as Sarah took in a few steps. Sarah lunged onto her father as they laughed together as he embraced his daughter.

"I missed you all day papa, I wanted to see you and mother this whole time." Sarah said as she tightened her embrace.

"And I miss ya too but this is gonna be a birthday to remember Sarah, Grandpa Baku got the band ready for ya tonight." Zidane said as he and Sarah pulled away.

"Papa, you know he hates being called grandpa." Sarah chuckled.

"But it's your birthday, so he's gotta let you have it your way." He winked.

"Is everyone else from the troupe here?"

Zidane nodded.

"Every one of them! Even the brothers too, I think all of them." Zidane scratched his head.

"Hehe! Oh papa you work so hard, please lets have fun tonight at least, after all you're very handsome tonight."

Zidane winked while letting out a clicking sound.

"Haven't looked this good since your mother's wedding."

"While I do enjoy the catch up, we must present Her Highness to her audience tonight." Beatrix interrupted.

Sarah looked to Beatrix and Rose. "I'm sorry; I don't mean to hold everyone up. Rose will you be introducing me tonight?"

Rose let out a small gasp.

"I…me?"

"It's alright Rose, I believe you shall have the honors tonight." Beatrix smiled as Rose looked over to her mother.

"But…I'm…I'm…"

"My best friend! And best friends always introduce their best friends!" Sarah interrupted.

"She's right Rose, by all means the honor is yours tonight in light of all your hard work you've done to make this venue presentable." Steiner smiled.

Rose looked back and forth between Sarah and her parents, a part of her felt flustered by the idea of introducing her closest friend to the entire court of Alexandria and its guests of honor. Yet this prompted a small idea to use this chance to gain the confidence for her aspiration to follow her mother's footsteps.

"I…I shall." Rose replied as everyone smiled.

"Thank you Rose." Sarah embraced her friend catching her off guard. Rose tenderly wrapped her arms around the princess.

"Your…your welcome." Rose replied as they pulled a part. Sarah spotted something on her friend's belt that was never there before.

"Rose…is that your sword?" she pointed to the large sheath.

"Huh? Oh! It is…" Rose replied as she placed her hands on top of the helm.

"It looks really nice on you." Sarah smiled. Rose tenderly nodded her head and moved her hands away from the helm.

"Tha…thank you. I'm…hoping to make good use of it someday when the time comes." Rose responded.

"You can use it to protect me from all the snobbish boys tonight." Sarah winked. Rose let out a weak gasp as Zidane and Beatrix let out a silent chuckle.

"I have no objections to that Your Highness." Beatrix teased.

"Papa's little angel is in good hands with you Rose." Zidane teased along that left Rose confused.

"I have the best guardians for tonight." Sarah winked.

Zidane looked at Rose.

"Shall we?" Zidane asked as Rose looked to the genome.

"Hmm….hmm!"

"I'm ready!" Sarah chirped; Zidane extended his right elbow to his daughter. She smiled happily and wrapped her arms around it looking into his blue eyes with delight.

"I shall helm from the rear Your Highness." Steiner said as he stepped onto the dock; he quickly turned towards Weimer.

"Watch the ferry and no joy boating!" He ordered as Weimer saluted. "Yes Captain!" Weimer responded.

Steiner turned back his attention towards everyone; as Rose took a small step back facing everyone.

"Let us…make way…" Rose said hesitantly.

Everyone nodded.

"Lead the way." Zidane smiled.

Rose nodded and turned around taking the lead as everyone followed her. Sarah looked towards the tall hedges blocking her view of the garden as the ambient noise grew louder and louder as she approached. She felt more excited the closer she got, she looked at her friend taking the lead; she couldn't stop admiring her entire ensemble. It reminded her of Beatrix without a doubt, yet the small little details tailored to her friend stood out more. She carefully leaned her head against Zidane's shoulder while keeping her eyes on her friend. The sight of the rapier made her feel the need to continue to assure her dear friend what was more important to her life, she gently gripped her father's elbow more tighter and sighed with delight.

The small group made it onto the gardens welcoming cobblestones from the dock, Sarah spotted the tall candle stands and banners line along the way, she smiled delightfully as she could now hear her own heels making contact with the stone beneath her. Her friend paused just before an opening between two hedges as looked over her shoulder with everyone coming to a stop.

"Uhm…allow me to…announce your arrival." She said. Sarah smiled and lifted her head off her father's shoulder.

"You can do it Rose, believe in yourself." Sarah said cheerfully.

Rose quietly swallowed her breath and looked towards the entry way to the garden, she closed her eyes for a moment and stepped forward without even looking, she can feel the bright lights within the garden as she passed the hedges. She opened her eyes to the sight of a large crowded garden full of regal dressed nobles of many different clothing styles and colors. She saw everyone mingling among themselves and maids walking all around the garden with serving trays filled with wine and champagne being served.

The entire garden was at near capacity, along the tall hedges stood the generous sized bandstand where the musicians were still setting up their instruments. Rose continued looking around; she noticed her entire work was nearly impossible to see with the huge crowd. She began to tremble; her job was not to admire her own work but to announce the arrival of her friend. Before her across the large dance floor, she could barely see the gazebo were the Queen sat in the middle of the three placed oak with red and gold cushioned chairs inside; Garnet noticed Rose was paralyzed with fright from where she sat. The Queen felt the urge to remove herself from her seat to help the poor young lady; she looked around to all her maids occupied with their work in hopes someone would take notice.

Rubie whom was among the maids working in the area, luckily noted the Queen's concerning expression and looked in the direction she was spotting Rose by the entrance. She could sense the young lady was experiencing stage freight; she quickly looked for a nearby table, spotting one full of nobles talking among themselves, she rushed to the table while weaving between the crowded venue while avoiding bumping into someone.

"Pardon me." The maid reached for a spoon on top of the table as the nobles took note of her presence.

"Dare say young lady!" A noble cried to her.

"Apologies." She responded, she took several steps back and raised her tray in the air and began taping along the glasses on it. The sound echoed loudly in the garden, all the nobles slowly silenced their conversations and paid their attention to the maid.

"Attention everyone…we've a special announcement from Lady Rose Beatrix." The maid called out as she pointed to Rose by the entrance. Rose felt her throat swallow a small hint of saliva, as all eyes were on her. She constantly kept looking left and rights, the eyes of the entire crowd made her feel more nervous than she already was. Her fingers were twitching gently; she could feel the stage fright tainting her.

She looked up towards Garnet smiling to her.

"Your can do it Rose." The Queen said quietly in hopes Rose could read her lips.

Rose let out a silent sigh; she straightened her back and kept her head straight. She took one deep breath and exhaled.

"La…ladies and gentle…men" she said out loud, as everyone continued to watch.

"It's…with great honor to announce…the arrival…of Her Royal Highness…Sarah til Tribal the 1st." she announced as she extended her left arm out and side stepped to her right as on cue Sarah and Zidane entered the garden to applause.

Sarah looked around to the sight of the endless crowds of nobles present, she saw the overhanging lanterns lighting up the entire area with banners between each lantern. As she and her father passed Rose, she quickly leaned towards her.

"Thank you Rose." She said in passing as her friend gasped nervously as Sarah passed her. Beatrix and Steiner stood beside their daughter as they continued watching Zidane and Sarah walk through the sea of people. The father and daughter begun waving to the crowd as she continued looking around her, she couldn't seem to see any decorations her friend worked so hard on as they were all blocked by the various regal clothing that nearly blocked every decoration on eye level. It made her feel slightly saddened to not be able to admire her dear friend's work.

As she walked through the crowd while still locked onto her father's arm, she began noting of all those in attendance. Endless sight of regal clothing of many colors dark and bright, the many young men in presence she noticed their well-groomed hair and special tailored suits that stood out the most among the crowds. She kept her smiled and kept on waving, making sure she didn't miss anyone in sight. The applause was still echoing in hear ears, a part of her did see her trustful maids all in their new uniforms for the night, their white blouse with a mint colored bow on top and matching colored aprons on top of a black suspender past knee length skirts with a white trim on the edges; to all were applauding along the arrival of the princess. She seemed more happy to see them in attendance despite only serving the crowd.

Sarah couldn't help but shake the thought of not able to see her friend's work as they continued their walk, finally walking off the dance floor arriving before the gazebo housing the Queen herself as she smiled at the sight of her husband and daughter. Sarah looked up to her mother, the Queen stood from her seat and stepped down several steps from the gazebo to meet her daughter as the applause slowly rescinded. Sarah gently let go of her father they both gently bowed to the Queen as she stopped before them. Zidane however couldn't resist winking at his wife as she tried her best not to let out a laugh.

"Mother." Sarah said happily. Garnet smiled.

"Happy birthday my dear daughter." Garnet responded as gently laid a hand on Sarah's cheek.

"I missed you all day mother."

"I'm sorry for making you wait all this time."

Sarah shook her head.

"I understand mother, as long as I'm able to see you and papa and all of our friends that alone will make my day." Sarah smiled. Garnet removed her hand off of her daughter's cheeks and smiled.

"Then let us celebrate your night sweetie."

Sarah extended her right hand to her mother, as Garnet gracefully took it and the other was taken by Zidane as Garnet took a step beside her daughter as the entire family set their attention to the guests before them.

"Thank you everyone for your attendance tonight." She announced as the crowd began applauding.

"I must first apologize if we seem to be at full capacity as I'm sure many of you are aware there is a bit of a wait just outside of the garden for tonight's celebration. I do promise those waiting to meet my daughter tonight will have a fair chance to be a part of her birthday."

The crowd applauded while a few grumbled at the thought.

"Tonight we will begin the celebration with music and dance along with the palace's finest caterers to serve all in attendance tonight. I invite each and one of you to please take the chance to enjoy all the festivities being offered tonight and we are honored to have our musical melodies performed by the Prima Vista Orchestra. They were kind enough to have taken the time away from their tour for tonight's celebration."

The orchestra tipped their black top hats to the crowd as everyone applauded their presence.

"As per Alexandrian tradition, when the bells strike eight tonight, we will allow all youth men to take their time to meet and greet themselves to my daughter. By the end of the night's celebration, she will decide whom will allow her hand to be taken and will join together in matrimony upon her twenty first birthday."

The crowd applauded loudly, Sarah began carefully looking around the guests in her presence. It dawned on her; the people before her, aside from the maids doing their work were nothing but those of nobility. Where were her family friends? She looked all over for someone to recognize among the crowd. Besides Rose, Beatrix and Steiner still by the dock entry and the soldiers guarding the entrance to the garden, it left the princess feeling confined to a world she did not want to be part of.

"Where are all the people from the boats?" she thought to herself.

Sarah kept looking into the eyes of the people in the crowd, their cold and judgmental stares. Not one person appeared to have any genuine sincerity in their eyes. It made Sarah feel uncomfortable; Garnet continued her speech while Sarah kept staring solemnly at the crowd. The princess found herself in a situation she was not expecting herself to be in, the reality of her future about to be written for her and not by her. She knew her place as the Princess of Alexandria meant her life was to be predetermined until the day she either ascends to the throne or she passes.

Time slowed down in her mind, she could barely hear her own mother talk with all the thoughts crashing together in her mind. Her smile began to hurt her cheeks; she tried not to let them sink only to keep her image pristine for herself and for her mother. At the same time, something about this feeling felt familiar to her yet she couldn't understand why?

"And now, it is with great pleasure to let the celebration commence." Garnet finished her speech as the orchestra's violins gently sprang into action, followed by the cellos altogether playing a peaceful and slow tempo tune as the crowd applauded the Queen and began their conversations with one another. Sarah gently waved her hand to the crowd as her parents did the same. Zidane gently released his hold on Sarah's hand and stepped behind his daughter.

"Ready for the big night Sarah?" he asked as he placed his hands on Sarah's arms. Sarah looked over her shoulders and nodded.

"I am papa…will we see our friends tonight?" she asked.

"Of course we will, they wouldn't miss it for the world, we're gonna make sure they get their chance to see you too." He smiled as he gently massaged her shoulders.

Sarah looked up to her mother.

"Mother…where's Zoe?"

Garnet turned her attention to Sarah.

"She'll be here soon, a few maids needed to take her for her relief." Garnet replied.

"Oh…I see, well I hope you won't mind if she stays with me for the night…will you?"

Garnet shook her head.

"Of course not, sweetie this is your night and we're going to do everything we can to make it memorable for you." Garnet smiled.

Sarah at that moment felt the urge to tell her mother how she really felt about what she is witnessing presently. Part of her held back her concern in light of her mother's reputation; if she spoke up would it make her appear selfish? The thought of tarnishing her mother's reputation stood firm than in her mind. It lead Sarah to do something she never thought she would ever do to her own mother; she smiled back to her mother, however it was the first time she let out false smile. She thought to herself how could she lie to her own mother?

"I'm looking forward to tonight mother." Sarah said.

Garnet leaned forward and gently pecked her daughter's cheek.

"Like we said before Sarah; if you ever need us, don't hesitate to ask." Zidane assured.

Sarah nodded her head.

…

An hour or so had passed; Sarah had finally taken her seat in the gazebo after walking among the crowd. She felt drained from all the chatter with the nobles, having to introduce herself over and over again with her parents beside her. Deep down she knew it was the beginning of her new life. The band continued their slow tempo music; to which Sarah always heard the Prima Vista Orchestra perform more valiant music during their tours; she waited for the temp to pick up yet they all remained slow pace. One observation she noted, nobody was dancing. What was the point of the dance floor being setup if everyone was just standing around talking?

Sarah let out a sigh, she watched her parents continue their conversations with some of the nobles who needed her mother's attention with Zidane keeping her company. Sarah leaned down and massaged the back of her ankles from all the walking she did. She sat back up and continued watching the party take place before her. She spent more time looking at the maids and Rose and Beatrix by the garden entrance guarding closely and Steiner making his arounds around outside of the garden.

"Y'know the more you look away from the crowd the more likely they'll start asking questions about why you're not enjoying your own birthday." A familiar voice called out to her as she looked down spotting a purple haired with a horn protruding, wearing a long purple one piece dress with knee past skirt and a pink corset familiar face.

"Cousin Eiko!" Sarah said as she stood up from her seat with Eiko wrapping her arms around Sarah.

"Happy birthday cousin!" Eiko smiled as they pulled away.

"But…how did you get in here?"

"I have my little ways, besides I don't think anyone even noticed."

"I'm impressed…it's not easy to sneak by Beatrix."

Eiko grinned.

"I actually had a little help from her this time actually."

"Huh?" Sarah looked over towards Beatrix and Rose and noted Beatrix staring towards her from the distance and brushed her hair to the side.

"Told ya! So be honest with me, not the kinda party you wanted huh?" Eiko took a seat beside Sarah.

"Well…" Sarah took her seat and kept her attention to her cousin. "I kinda wish we would have our usual birthday celebration where it's all of us, just like our traditional dinners that we do every year." Sarah said.

"I can see why, geez all these nobles, of course they would push their way in for your birthday tonight. What a shame they're blocking the view of Rose's work."

"You mean…you've seen it?"

"Sure did, I managed to come by before the sun went down, it was super pretty and all these people are blocking the view."

Sarah looked to Rose who stood beside her mother watching the crowd. She could sense her friend's work was not being noticed; she lowered her eyes a bit and felt bad.

"Oh Rose she must be heartbroken…" Sarah said.

"I'm sure she is…the poor girl, truth be told nobody here, minus the maids of course since they worked on the decorations with her, even bother to compliment it…it's stupid they just walk in here acting like they own the palace and don't even care about the hard work everyone does around here."

Sarah looked back towards Eiko.

"At least you and everyone we know care about the work everyone here puts together…"

"Like said cuz, it's one of the reasons why I don't wanna helm any throne of either kingdom. Besides father is finally allowing me to take the chance to rebuild Madain Sari."

"He is?"

"Yup! About time too, I was kinda getting sick of the castle life anyways and besides it's not fun being disallowed to cook."

Sarah let out a small snicker.

"But at least the food is good regardless right?"

Eiko shook her head.

"A nice homemade meal is much more relaxing than all the high end food. Even Zidane would agree too, I'm sure he enjoys the peasant food more than here. No offense of course."

Sarah shook her head.

"None taken…but…I'm glad to see you're here at least…I was worried nobody I knew would come…"

"Can't leave my cousin alone and besides if some boy is gonna take your hand tonight they're gonna have to go through me!" Eiko cracked her knuckles as Sarah laughed softly.

"Oh cousin you're too funny."

Eiko looked off towards the garden entrance. "Speaking of which…look whose finally here."

Sarah looked along spotting her trustful maids in their matching uniforms with the rest of the maids along with Zoe being walked by Nadine.

"They're here!" She said excitedly.

"Were you hoping to see them sooner?"

"I was, it's always wonderful to see more familiar faces here." Sarah smiled.

"Whelp at least it's safe to say the cavalry has arrived." Eiko joked.

"Hehe I'm glad."

Sarah and Eiko watched the maids walk through the garden entrance as they met with Beatrix, the group converse briefly as Rose was handed Zoe's leash. Rose nodded towards the maids and began making her way through the crowd.

"Rose is coming over." Sarah said delightfully.

"And she's bringing Zoe too." Eiko said.

The two continued watching Rose as she carefully weaved her way through the crowded area, the dog led the way for Rose as she tried keeping up Zoe's pace. The two finally broke free of the crowd and climbed the steps to the gazebo. Zoe excitedly pulled Rose with all her might having Rose trip over herself before Sarah and Eiko.

"Rose are you okay!?" Sarah called out as her and Eiko got up to help Rose up to her knees while Zoe circled around Sarah and Eiko.

"I'm alright…I'm sorry." Rose responded as she was helped up.

"Zoe! You know better than to do that!" Sarah looked towards the dog whom stopped to her side and looked up to her.

"I'm so sorry Rose; I don't know why Zoe did that." Sarah looked to her friend as Eiko dusted off Rose's jacket.

"I guess maybe Zoe is more excited to see you than these pleabs." Eiko teased.

"Eiko!" Sarah playfully slapped the summoner's shoulder.

"I call it like it is cuz. Right Zoe?"

Zoe let out a gentle bark.

"Zoe…you know I'm not going to feed you any treats for hurting Rose." Sarah looked towards Zoe and gently batted her forehead as the dog wagging her tail happily.

"Oh Zoe…" Sarah kneeled down and began petting behind the dog's ears then she turned her attention back to Rose.

"I'm sorry…Sarah…I should've held a tighter grip on Zoe…"

"Rose don't apologize, Zoe was just too excited that's all."

Rose looked at Zoe and felt slightly ashamed for falling before the princess. Zoe looked at Rose and started licking her face catching her off guard.

"Zoe! Stop, what's gotten in to you tonight?" Sarah pulled Zoe away from Rose; Rose brushed her hands against her cheek cleaning up the dog's drool.

"Maybe she's just really excited for tonight?" Eiko said as she walked around Sarah kneeling down to pet Zoe.

"I'm so sorry Rose; Zoe has never been like this before…Zoe sit!" Sarah raised her voice.

Zoe planted her hind as she looked up towards Sarah.

"Zoe please not tonight, I know you're excited but please calm down."

"Maybe Zoe just wants to spend time with us and not with all those gods awful nobles attending."

"Eiko! Such language tonight." Sarah looked to the summoner. Eiko shrugged.

"I'm only here for you and our friends tonight. Father and mother can mingle with the nobles and all but I want cousin times too!" Eiko grinned.

"Oh dear gods…well…least better you and Rose than with some random stranger."

Sarah looked to Rose.

"Are you alright?"

Rose finished cleaning the drool off her face and shook her head a bit.

"I'm…I'm alright." Rose responded gingerly.

"I'm sorry Rose, I don't know what's come over Zoe…please don't be sad." Sarah said placing a hand on her friend's cheek. Rose looked back at Sarah, she was feeling flustered from her series of mishaps. Her cheek felt warm from her friend's touch, she looked briefly at Zoe and Eiko then back to Sarah.

"It's…it's alright." Rose said as she stood up as Sarah's hand pulled away and stood up as well.

"Rose, I wanted to tell you that, I loved what you've done with the decorations so far. Especially the gazebo, it's very beautiful and I love everything you've done with it."

Rose let out a small gasp as Sarah smiled at her.

"You…you like everything that you've seen?"

Sarah nodded.

"I love every little detail."

Rose held her hands together and rested them against her chest.

"I'm…I'm glad you do…Sarah…I want you to be happy tonight."

Sarah let out a soft laugh.

"I am now that you're here by my side."

"And me!" Eiko interrupted as Sarah and Rose looked to her raising a v sign with her left hand up. Sarah laughed.

"And you too cousin Eiko." Sarah smiled.

The fainting sounds of bells could be heard in the distance ringing, as Sarah kept count of the number of rings. Until no more was heard after the eighth, she looked to Eiko and Rose and felt her nerves tighten.

"Is it that time already?" Eiko asked while looking towards Sarah.

"Hmm…it appears so…" Sarah said turning her attention back to the crowd. The crowd began turning their attention towards Garnet and Zidane who walked towards the center of the dance floor.

"Perhaps…I should return to…my post with mother and father while you're attending to your meet and greet." Rose said. Sarah looked at Rose and grabbed her friend's hand; the gesture startled Rose as she looked to Sarah.

"Rose…please don't leave my side…I know mother and papa are supposed to be at my side but…I rather it be you and cousin Eiko instead." Sarah pleaded.

"Yeah Rose, we can't let these snobby boys try to weasel their way with lies to win Sarah's heart." Eiko said.

"Huh!?" But…but doesn't Her Majesty normally-"

"Mother won't mind, she knows I want to be in good company for this event…it's not every day I have to take someone's hand in marriage…in an arrangement like way." Sarah interrupted.

"I don't think your mother would mind Rose." Eiko pointed towards Beatrix as Rose looked along. Despite not being able to see her mother's expression clearly from the distance, Beatrix let out a gentle smile towards her; Rose tried hard to focus on her mother but couldn't seem to figure her indirect response. The crowd let out a small applause out of nowhere, Rose looked between Sarah and Eiko with their pleading eyes. She started to hear panting sounds and looked towards Zoe, she spotted the dog's tail wagging innocently as if she too was agreeing.

"I…"

Sarah intertwined her fingers with Rose's fingers.

"I…I shall….stand by your side…Sarah." She reluctantly said as Sarah and Eiko smiled.

"Thank you Rose!" She released her hold and embraced her friend.

"Yeah! Let's protect Sarah from some snobby boys together Rose!" Eiko cheered.

Rose and Sarah pulled away as Sarah smiled with delight while Rose felt further confused with her decision.

"I see the three of you are having such a wonderful time together." Garnet spoke as she approached the gazebo, the three ladies looked to the smiling Queen.

"Thanks for letting me sneak in! No way I wanted to miss out on the festivities with the cousin!" Eiko said while letting out an innocent grin. Garnet let out a soft chuckle.

"I wouldn't mind at all, besides it's always a pleasure to see you as always Eiko." Garnet said pleasantly.

"Mother…I know that traditionally you and papa are to be at my side but…may I have Rose and Eiko by my side?" Sarah said holding her hands together.

"Hmm…I don't see why not, besides if anything, I think it's better off that papa doesn't partake since…I don't think you wish to be embarrassed by his over protectiveness of you." Garnet winked as Sarah let out a soft chuckle.

"Papa loves to protect me, but I think Rose and cousin Eiko may help me figure whom I wish to arrange my marriage with tonight."

Garnet looked towards Eiko and Rose, while Eiko was confident in herself Rose seemed more unsure if she would be of any help to her friend. Garnet gently laid a hand on Rose's shoulder as she gasped silently by the Queen's touch.

"Rose, I wish you well in helping my daughter for tonight." The Queen assured the young lady.

Rose felt her entire body become extremely light, as if her entire insides just vanished into thin air. She looked up to the Queen, her gentle smile gave her a small relief in mind, yet still holding herself together in the situation she was a part of now.

"I…I shall do my best to honor…Her Highn…I mean…Sarah's wishes...Your Majesty." Rose saluted the Queen. Garnet smiled and took her hand off Rose's shoulder, she looked towards Eiko.

"Eiko, look after them while I attend to the guests while their sons make their way here."

Eiko raised up a v sign with a hand in the air.

"You can count on me! Oh and make sure Zidane doesn't make a fool of himself in public…he can get away with it when it's just us but not while he's in the presence of your guests as well." Eiko then crossed her arms.

"Hehe, I'll make sure of it, if anything I think he will be with Baku watching from the distance and making sure he doesn't try anything irrational."

"In other words…they're sneaking in a drink aren't they?"

Garnet looked away for a moment then back towards Eiko.

"I did ask him to…not do such things…at least for our daughter's sake."

"Good! I don't want my cousin embarrassed tonight!" She teased as Sarah let out a chuckle.

"Oh Eiko go easy on papa."

Garnet let out a soft laugh; she turned her attention to Sarah.

"Sarah…remember, no matter what decision you make tonight, your papa and I will support you no matter what. It is your night to flourish and it is you decision that only you may make of your own free will."

Sarah smiled and bowed gently to her mother.

"Thank you mother, I appreciate everything you and papa have done for me tonight. I hope to make you both proud."

Garnet smiled and leaned in and gently kissed her daughter on her cheek. She pulled away and looked down towards Zoe.

"And you young lady, do you wish to walk with me or stay with Sarah?"

Zoe looked up to the Queen and looked between her and Sarah as her ears perked and flopped. Zoe placed a paw on Sarah's dress as everyone watched.

"Hehe good girl." Garnet leaned down and gently rubbed the dog's head as she panted. Garnet stood up.

"Best of luck to you sweetie." Garnet nodded.

Sarah nodded as she took her seat in the middle seat; while Zoe sat in front of her; of the three placed chairs inside the gazebo; while Eiko and Rose sat beside Sarah. Garnet held her hands together and took her leave back to the guests as the girls watched.

"Bring on the pleabs!" Eiko fake yelled, loud enough only the three of them to hear. Sarah couldn't help but let out a laugh.

"Eiko! Stop…oh goodness." Sarah struggled to say but could not stop laughing, Rose looked over confused.

"Pleabs?" She asked.

"I'm just warming up that's all." Eiko teased.

"Warming…up?" Rose asked.

Eiko looked over to Rose with a smirk.

"Just wait and watch!" She responded and looked back out into the crowd. Rose adjusted her sitting posture, keeping her back straight as a wall, her legs crossed and hands resting on her lap; she briefly looked at her rapier in hopes she would not need to draw it tonight. Sarah had finally stopped her laugh as she herself rested her hands on her lap and looked out to the guests ahead.

"Oh looketh! The noblest maid of them all hath commeth." Eiko faked a regal accent as Nadine walked before them.

"Nadine! You look gorgeous in your new uniform!" The princess complimented as Nadine curtseyed her.

"Thank you Your Highness, Lady Eiko a pleasure to see you tonight and to you as well Lady Rose." The maid smiled.

"Wow your guy's new uniforms really look nice! Whoever designed them really out did themselves for tonight!" Eiko complimented.

"Many thanks, I'll be certain to pass your compliments to our seamstress, he's much talented in his line of work and we're all very happy to debut them tonight."

"Hmm! Please don't work yourselves to hard tonight at my expense and I hope the guests are not giving you all a hard time." Sarah said.

"We shall do our best Your Highness and we've had a couple grumbling guests here and there but we're doing everything we can to make the night memorable." Nadine replied.

"Nadine…are the maids alright with…all that I've asked of them from earlier?" Rose asked as her eyes drifted away from the maid.

"Lady Rose, the maids had a fabulous time setting up the venue, please take credit for all your work, we loved every ounce of décor you've planned." Nadine said. Rose looked back at the maid.

"Hmm…thank you…and I hope you're all doing well as well."

"Oh Lady Rose you're most kind with your words. If I may intrude may I offer all three of you a drink?"

"Hmm peach tea for me." Sarah responded.

"The strongest drink you got for tonight." Eiko said.

"Uhm…I…uhm…maybe just water for me." Rose said.

"Right away, myself or another maid will stop by with your orders." Nadine smiled.

"Thank you Nadine!" Sarah said.

"Thanks Nadine!" Eiko added.

"Thank you…Nadine." Rose added.

The maid curtseyed the girls and took her leave, as she left a young man wearing a beige colored two piece suit and gelled back black hear and clean white clothes approached the girls. The young man bowed to them with one hand behind his back.

"Good evening Your Highness." He spoke.

"Good evening, may I ask for your name?" She responded.

"Sir Daniel Rowlings of the Rowlings family of Treno."

"As in rowling out of this party?" Eiko teased.

"I beg your pardon? The oblivious youth responded as Sarah almost lost her composure letting out a laugh.

"Don't mind my cousin; she had a long journey here from Lindblum." Sarah looked to Eiko who winked at her.

"Oh heavens…Lindblum you are from lass?" He addressed Eiko.

"Yup! Lindblum's my home and here for my cousin." Eiko looked towards the young man.

"Are you perhaps familiar with my family's newest store opening in the business district?"

"Nope! But you can leave now, we're done here!" Eiko waved off the youth as he gasped in surprise.

"Done? But I've yet to-"

"Bye!" Eiko snapped her finger.

"Well I say I've never felt insulted!"

"Well this was your first and last from me, so roll your way out of here!"

The man scoffed at Eiko and walked off upset.

"Eiko, was that really needed?" Sarah looked at her cousin.

"Cuz lemme tell you a secret, the moment he turned his attention to me, means he won't take ya seriously." She responded.

"You barely let him even speak another word to me."

"Gotta be quick on your toes, trust me." Eiko smirk.

"I…was a bit lost by all that." Sarah and Eiko looked to Rose."I'm sorry I should've…chimed in…"

"Don't worry Rose you'll get your chance." Eiko assured.

"Hmm…I hope so…I don't want to let either of you down."

"And you won't." Sarah smiled. Eiko noticed another young man approaching them. "Psst!"

Sarah and Eiko looked towards the youth wearing a large extravagant colorful silk jacket and breeches with a ton of jewelry all around.

"Good evening Your Highness." He said in a high tone brute like voice that sent chills down Sarah and Eiko's spines.

"Uh…good evening…and you are?" Sarah replied.

"Sir Kensingworth, of the Mordana family of Lindblum." The man bowed.

"And what pleasure do I owe of your presence tonight?"

"Well Your Highness, I must first wish you a happiest of birthday tonight. Have you ever set foot on the fastest airship traversing between here and Alexandria?"

"Um…I've only rode the Red Rose to all my destinations."

"Well, I can assure you one ride on this magnificent airship and you'll never have to go back to the rugged Red Rose ever again."

Sarah felt a small twitch just above her eye brows.

"I see…what is the name of this ship you speak of?"

"We call it the Ghost Rider."

"Because you can't see it?" Eiko snapped.

"Huh? How dare you heathen!" The man snapped at Eiko.

"Do you even know who the seven hells you're talking to?"

"Why would I bother with you? I'm here to receive the honor of Her Highness' hand in marriage toni-"

"You were." Sarah interrupted.

"I beg your pardon?" Looked at Sarah spotting her displeased look aimed at him.

"You can leave now. No one dares disrespect my relatives. Be gone with you!" Sarah pointed outward.

"By gods you're quite rude!" The man turned away and walked off.

"I can't believe he had the nerve of disrespecting the Red Rose…idiot." Sarah pouted. She heard a small hint of sniffles and looked over spotting Rose trying not to cry.

"Rose…are you alright?" she placed a hand on Rose's shoulder as Eiko looked along too.

"Rose what's wrong?" Eiko asked.

"I…I…I love…the Red Rose…why…why did…he mock it?" she stuttered with her words.

"Oh Rose, please don't cry…I love the Red Rose too." Sarah tried assuring her friend.

"Yeah! The Red Rose is always fun to ride! I rather ride it than father's airships…they're so boring compared to the Red Rose." Eiko said added.

Rose looked over to the Sarah and Eiko.

"You…you mean it?" she continued stuttering.

"Of course! I still remember all the times we played on it together." Sarah smiled.

"You…you do?"

Sarah nodded.

"How could I ever forget? Hey, don't let that jerk ruin this night for you too Rose."

Rose brushed off the small tears that crept out of her eyes.

"I…I'm sorry…."

Sarah shook her head.

"It's okay Rose…I won't let anyone mock anything you love tonight…I promise. At least the music is loud enough for the rest of the guests to not hear these conversations."

Rose looked briefly over to her mother in the distance, as if she was looking for a sign. Deep down she knew she had to maintain her self-discipline if she wanted to prove herself. Some part of her felt people were watching her, hoping to see her flourish like her mother.

"Tha…thank you…" Rose looked back to her friend. Sarah smiled.

"Of course, anything to make you happy Rose."

"You can count on us Rose!" Eiko smiled too.

Rose nodded she directed her attention back forward seeing another approaching youth.

"Oh…someone….is coming…" she said. Sarah and Eiko took the cue and looked down to the approaching youth wearing a blue top hat and two piece grey suit. The man bowed to the ladies.

"A fine evening Your Highness." He said in a gentle voice.

"A fine evening to you as well, may I ask for your name?" Sarah responded.

"Lord Maxwell Brigant of the Brigant family of Treno."

Eiko rolled her eyes and shook her head.

"And what brings you here tonight Lord Maxwell?"

"On this beautiful night filled with beautiful stars? I must say the honor being in the presence of three lovely ladies and….is…is that a dog?" he pointed to Zoe as her ears perked up and begun panting.

"Hmm? Oh yes…this my dog Zoe, she's a border collie and very loving." Sarah smiled as Zoe looked briefly at Sarah than back at Maxwell.

"Oh dear…I wasn't aware you had any pets…it's not usual for the Alexandrian family to have…pets…" he shuttered.

"Hmm? Why is that? Dogs are the most noble creatures among the lands. Always playful and always loyal when you give them all the compassion they desire."

"I see…well…I guess if having to have a pet is your desire…then…I guess it's fine."

Sarah raised an eyebrow.

"It's fine? Why do you not have a pet of your own?"

Maxwell shook his head.

"Dear gods no, I've not time to take care of any. My parents own a reputable shoppe in Treno and…animals would simply get in the way of our business."

"Then I guess you won't have time for me then…you can leave now."

"I beg your pardon?"

"Do I need to spell it for you?"

Zoe stopped panting and looked up to Sarah confused.

"Excuse me!?"

"She…she said please leave." Rose spoke up as Maxwell looked at Rose. "By order of Princess Sarah til Tribal of Alexandria…you've been asked to leave." Rose spoke out with little confidence in herself.

"Dear gods what kind of mad house is this?"

"The kind where you apparently have a hearing problem. Leave stupid!" Eiko chimed in.

Maxwell shook his head and took his leave. Sarah looked over to Rose.

"Rose…thank you…I appreciated that." Sarah smiled.

Rose looked back at Sarah.

"He…was being rude to you…and…to Zoe too."

"And nobody messes with Zoe too." Sarah began rubbing Zoe's head as she began panting again.

Rose looked at Zoe briefly then looked out to her mother, she saw Beatrix gently giving her an approving nod from the distance.

As the hour passed many more youth gave their shot at trying to win Sarah's good graces for her hand in marriage. Evidently not one of them could get as far as evening holding a conversation with the young princess, mostly ending in insulting her in some form or way; including insulting Eiko, Rose and Zoe. The three girls pressed hard on all potential candidates, not one could meet Sarah's ideal husband. Although in the grand scheme of the whole ordeal, Sarah still did not know what she was looking for, she mostly let Eiko be her guide to finding the right person during the meet and greet.

It wasn't until the more she met the youths the more she grew tired, flustered and frustrated by their insensitiveness to her directly and indirectly.

"A fair fine evening to you Your Highness." A young man wearing a two piece black and white suit.

"A most wonderful evening to you as well…sir?" Sarah responded.

"Sir Radcliff the 1st of Treno, son of Donovan Winston of the Winston Fine Antiques and Collectables." He bowed to the girls.

"Hmm…and what brings your presence here tonight?"

"I must say Your Highness; you do me the honor of allowing me to be here. With great privilege of being able to speak to you is certainly the honor I am glad to be part of." He smiled.

"Well you've certainly a way of words, if I may ask, do you plan on following your family's footsteps in helming what I may assume if your shoppe?"

"If by means that I am to be declined your hand in marriage then I shall carry on the legacy, it's an honest work that must be done. After all nothing bares more importance than family."

"I see…so allow me to ask what is more important to you in life, gil or people?"

"Ah quite the question, I must say you certainly are a well minded young lady, I expect no less from one of Alexandria's most brilliant minds next to the Queen herself."

Sarah let out a semi smirk with much interest.

"Are you avoiding the question to flatter me?"

"On the contrary though I must say people bare more importance, without good people in this world we would not be able to traverse the unknown parts of the world asking ourselves questions about life's greatest mysteries."

"Like the mystery of unexplored planets from another dimension?" Eiko snuck in a question.

Radcliff laughed.

"My what such brilliant joke young lady, and you are?"

"Eiko! Eiko Carol of Madain Sari."

"Ah the Village of Lost Summoners."

Sarah and Eiko raised an eyebrow.

"You know of the village?" Sarah leaned forward with much interest.

"As a matter a fact, I do, see I've done a thesis on the village at the Mon Truss Academy on the origins on the village. The deep roots of the village dates back to the start of civilization if memory serves me well."

"You mean Treno's most prestige academy on the entire continent?"

"Why yes, I'm in attendance still and shall be graduating by next season's time."

"So if you've been studying Madain Sari, what origins do you know of?" Eiko asked.

"Well…long ago the first known eidolon was none other than Ozma, Ozma was the first eidolon created by the life stream of Gaia before it lost its form. During the evolution of Gaia, the life stream created further more eidolons to protect the planet years past, evolving to where they are today. At least that's the best way I can summarize my thesis."

Sarah and Eiko looked at one another feeling impressed; they both looked back at Radcliff.

"I'm intrigued to want to know more about your thesis." Sarah smiled.

"Ah I'd be honored to share my findings with the both of you."

"Uhm…may I ask you a question?" Rose raised her hand.

Radcliff looked towards Rose.

"Ah my apologies young lady and you are?" Radcliff bowed to Rose.

"I'm…Rose…Rose Steiner Beatrix…" Rose lowered her hand.

"Rose Steiner Beatrix? Daughter of General Beatrix of Squad Beatrix and Captain Steiner of the Pluto Knights? The very same?"

Rose nodded.

"By word an honor to meet you." He smiled.

"Tha…thank you uhm…how do you feel about…flowers?" she asked gingerly.

"Flowers? As in one who fancies the life a florist?"

"Hmm…" Rose nodded.

"One must embrace the plant life of Gaia, after all much of the plants on Gaia have finally taken photosynthesis more pleasantly since the disappearance of the mist. I believe the more plants we have around the planet the more we can savior the clean oxygen in the air, granting us the gift of life."

"Do...you have any particular…favorites?"

"Well I do fancy some daffodils which have a relaxing essence when there's a flourish of them."

"Oh…I…I've planted some recently near the front of the palace." Rose smiled.

"How charming, I wish to see them when the time presents itself."

Rose looked at Sarah who noted her looking to her smiling, the princess nodded and Rose smiled back. Sarah looked at Radcliff.

"I say, is that a border collie before you?" Radcliff spotted Zoe looking to him.

"She is…her name is Zoe." Sarah smiled.

"May I?"

"Hmm! Please, she's very friendly." Sarah nodded.

Radcliff approached Zoe; he kneeled down before the dog and extended his hand just a few inches away from her nose. Zoe started sniffing Radcliff's hand; the cold nose touched his hand as he instinctively rotated his hand allowing Zoe to sniff as much as she could.

Zoe pulled her head back and began to let out a small growl towards him.

"Zoe?" Sarah heard the growl looking down at her.

Eiko, Rose, and Radcliff looked at Zoe feeling confused by her reaction to Radcliff. Zoe showed her teeth and her growl sounded more aggressive.

"Zoe cut it out." Sarah gently pulled on the collar as Radcliff pulled his hand back. Zoe let out a aggressive bark to him as fell back with Sarah holding on to Zoe.

"ZOE! STOP!" She yelled at the dog who continued barking.

"What in gods names is wrong with this mutt!?" Radcliff yelled back.

The barking caught the attention of the guests who looked towards the gazebo as Sarah kept Zoe back from possibly attacking the noble. The band abruptly stopped their musical play and looked along as well. Garnet ceased her conversation with a group of nobles she was conversing with and watched the events unfolding with her daughter and Radcliff.

"ZOE CALM DOWN!" Sarah called out again.

"Control your bitch! She's out of control!" Radcliff said aggressively as he stood up and dusted his jacket.

Sarah paused while her hands still held on tight to Zoe's collar. She, Eiko and Rose looked at Radcliff.

"What did you say?" she gave a disapproving look to him.

"Your bitch is out of control, for gods sake what have you been doing with her?"

"First of all, she's my dog second I've trained her well with my parents; clearly you have something on you that she doesn't like."

"If she was well trained then why is she barking like a behemoth?"

"She's…she is well trained." Rose cut in.

Radcliff looked at Rose.

"I beg your pardon?"

"Sh…sh…she's a good dog…she's just protecting…Her Highness…"

"You cease your mouth you oblivious wench."

Sarah and Eiko gasped.

"You take that back!" Sarah snapped. Radcliff looked back at Sarah.

"Please this dumb brunette is lost in thought and ca-ca-can't even speak a word straight."

Rose let out a gasp and a felt her hands tremble.

"What the seven hells is wrong with you? Was your whole acting smart and kind just an act?" Sarah snapped back.

"Please every noble in Treno knows you're nothing more but a commoner."

"Shut your fucking mouth!"

Sarah looked over to Eiko.

"Eiko! You've…never cussed like that…ever."

"Cuz this stupid clown has overstayed his welcome. I could care less what he knows about our home, but he's crossed the line." Eiko crossed her arms.

"Least I don't have an obnoxious horn on my forehead, does it get signal from all the nearby airships?"

"You did not just-"

Sarah felt the inside of her body heating up, she let go of Zoe's collar and stood up from her seat. Zoe continued growling at Radcliff as he noted the princess standing up.

"Eiko…I can handle it from here."

"Oh look the commoner stands before, you and your parents are nothing more than frauds. Stealing a dead princess' place in the palace because your dear moth-"

"Say another word about my mother and I will personally sick my dog on you."

"I'll say it again so you can hear it. YOUR MOTHER IS A FRAUD!"

A large gasp sounded off among the crowd, however the only people who reacted to the exclamation was the maids. Not one single noble didn't seem fazed by the comment. Garnet began looking around herself as many eyes seemed to have their attention directed at her. Beatrix and Steiner looked at one another and then directed their attention to Garnet seemingly in distress; they slowly started to pace themselves to the Queen bracing for a potential uprising in their presence.

Sarah clenched a fist; the moment she clenched, she could hear her heart beating loudly, she could hear the sniffling of her friend about to cry in tears, the sound of her dog growling, and her closest relative yelling back at the noble before her.

Her breathing got louder, her body heating up; something began to tingle in her fingertips. She lowered her head.

"You insult my closest friend…your insult my pet…you insult a relative of mine, you insult…my papa indirectly…and the worst offense…of them all..."

Sarah raised her head staring directly at Radcliff.

"You insulted…my mother…"

She took one step forward.

"And nobody…on this planet…"

She took another step.

"INSULTS!"

She raised her right hand in the air.

"MY MOTHER!"

With all of her strength her swung her hand across the face of Radcliff, as it made contact to the young man's face, a bright shimmering light appeared briefly and disappeared after he lost his balance from the contact and fell down the small steps. The entire garden gasped in shock by the Princess' actions as they watch the young man fall over. Zoe stopped growling and raised her head trying to keep her eyes on the fallen noble.

Radcliff pulled himself up to his knees and shook his head while blinking his eyes tightly.

"What the?"

He blinked his eyes, he vigorously rubbed his hands all around his head, he looked all around himself seeming lost.

"I…I CAN'T SEE!" he screamed. He looked towards Sarah unknowingly, as Eiko noted Radcliff's pupils were dilated harshly.

"He's blind!" She exclaimed as she looked at Sarah.

Sarah spotted his eyes then looked at her hand, rotating it front and back confused by how he was blinded. She looked back at him as he cried in pain.

"Did…did I do that?" She panicked as she looked up to the startled crowd and her mother trying to weave her way through to get to her.

"How…how?" Sarah felt her hands shaking. Eiko looked at Sarah.

"Sarah, calm down now, take it easy now." Eiko tried to hold Sarah but she pulled away from her.

"Eiko…stay away from me!" Sarah brushed Eiko away from her as she tripped over her train collapsing on top of Rose causing them both to fall to the ground together as Eiko watched.

"AHH!" Rose screamed.

Sarah shook her head and looked over spotting Rose beside her.

"OH GODS! ROSE I'M SORRY!" She yelled out loud as she rushed herself onto her knees while Rose held her waist in pain.

"Sarah! Rose!" Eiko called out as she kept her distance. Zoe rushed to Sarah's side letting out a gentle bark to make attempts to call to her.

"SHE BLINDED HIM!" A random noble yelled out from the crowd.

"THE PRINCESS IS DANGEROUS!" Another yelled.

The crowd suddenly began to panic as several nobles started to push one another attempting to flee from the area, while several maids looked to one another figuring out what is transpiring before them.

"EVERYONE PLEASE CALM DOWN!" Melody yelled out but her call fell on deaf ears. Steiner and Beatrix continued to make their way to the Queen who was being bounce around the panicking crowd like a rag doll.

"Steiner flank left!" Beatrix ordered.

"At once!" He responded.

Nadine and a few maids took a decisive action and began making their way towards the gazebo. While Mei, Allison, Rubie and the rest of the maids made their attempts to coral the panicking crowd.

"Your Highness! Are you alright?" One maid following Nadine called.

Sarah slowly sat herself up from the ground and spotted the maids coming to her.

"NO! STAY BACK! PLEASE STAY BACK!" Sarah crossed her arms in front of her faces as another bright simmering light flashed before her hands then caused the maid to trip over herself. Nadine a two other maids stopped as they rushed to help out their colleague. The maid shook her head and tried picking herself up.

"Oh..gods…I…I can't see!" She yelled. Nadine looked at the maid's eyes seeing her eyes dilated as she began to panic. She looked at the two maids beside her. "Mana, Jade, take Sakura back to the serving tent. Quick before the crowd starts to seek refuge in it." Nadine ordered as Mana and Jade nodded.

She looked towards the gazebo seeing Sarah lower her arms as she saw the fallen maid being picked up.

"Your Highness, please…stay calm." Nadine called to her as she stood up and slowly walked towards the startled princess. Sarah shook her head as she pushed herself back away from her maid with Zoe following along.

"Nadine…no…please…stay away…please!" she called out.

"It's okay Your Highness. You're alright, you're just scared and it's okay."

Nadine walked up the steps and was joined by Eiko.

"Nadine, Eiko, please I beg of you…stay back."

"Sarah, it's okay, everything is going to be okay." Eiko assured.

"PLEASE!" she covered her face with her right hand trying to cover herself. Another bright shimmering light appeared out of her hand. Nadine suddenly tripped over herself as her glasses fell off; she managed land on her hands and knees.

"Nadine are you okay?" Eiko kneeled beside the maid; she grabbed her glasses and handed it to the maid as she kept blinking her eyes tightly. Nadine tried placing her glasses back on her face but had a problem trying to put them on.

"Oh no…Nadine!" Eiko helped put her glasses on her.

"I…I…"

Sarah uncovered her face.

"No…."

She saw her maid's eyes dilated.

"No…Nadine…" Sarah cried. "I'm sorry!"

Nadine followed Sarah's voice as she looked to her unknowingly.

"It's alright…I can still hear you Your Highness." Nadine assured.

Sarah looked around, she saw her friend laying on the ground in pain, her maid reaching out to her despite not able to see with Eiko looking to her with concern, she saw Radcliff being attended by his parents crying for help, and the crowd panicking with a several fleeing the area. She then soon saw her mother finally breaching the crowd with Beatrix and Steiner following behind her, rushing to the gazebo. Her entire body trembled gravely with fear, watching her mother rush to her felt like the entire world began to slow down around her.

Sarah closed her eyes; she took a deep breath, and opened them.

"Sarah!"

Her mother's voice echoed in her ears, she felt her head twitching. She picked herself up.

Without giving any thoughts she gently lifted her dress up and started running with Zoe following along. They passed Eiko as she watched, Sarah hastily sped walk down the stairs towards Garnet's direction.

"Sarah!" Garnet called.

Sarah looked at her mother as she ran towards her; she turned away from her passing along the edge of the crowded dance floor and making her way to the garden's entrance. Garnet reached out to her daughter as she past her with distance between them. Beatrix instinctively wrapped an arm around the Queen pulling her away from the direction of where Sarah fled, making sure the Queen did not get harmed by the fleeing crowd.

"Your Majesty it's not safe!" Beatrix called.

"Beatrix! LET GO OF ME!" The Queen cried back.

"There's too many people running amuck! We have to settle them down!" Steiner added.

"Steiner! Go attend to our daughter; I'll look after Her Majesty." Beatrix ordered.

"At once!" Steiner responded as he split away from Beatrix and Garnet.

"Beatrix my daughter is scared! She needs me!"

"We'll go search for her when we calmed down the situation."

"But Beatrix!"

"Dagger!"

Beatrix and Garnet looked over seeing Zidane pushing everyone in his path out of his way.

"What happened!? Where's Sarah!?" He looked around.

"Zidane…she's scared…she ran." She looked to him as she brushed off Beatrix's arm.

"Where did she go?"

Garnet pointed to the direction of their fleeing daughter. Zidane looked seeing a brief sight of Sarah fleeing the garden. He looked back at Garnet seeing her distress eyes looking back at him.

"Zidane…"

"What? What is it? What happened?"

Garnet looked over to where their daughter fled.

"I…I failed our daughter…"

She looked back at Zidane with tears in her eyes. He quickly embraced the tearful Queen holding her closely. She tenderly embraced him back and lowered her head on his shoulder.

"Don't say that…" he said.

She shook her head.

"Zid…I let her down…"

Zidane tighten his embrace on his wife, she began brushing her hair as she slowly began to cry in his shoulders.

Beatrix watched Zidane comforting the Queen in his arms, she felt sorry for the series of events that transpired throughout the night. She looked around her observing the chaotic sight, the screams of people fleeing, the sorrows of her Queen, the pleas for help by those affected by Sarah's unexpected attacks and lastly seeing Steiner holding their daughter in his hands.

"Her Highness…she must be terrified." Beatrix thought to herself.

"All that pressure on her must've been too much for her to bear…"