Audience of One

Chapter Fourteen

As the Blue Narciss Marx cut through the waves of the ocean, Steiner, Eiko and Liam worked on packing meals, supplies, and equipment into rucksacks. Freya was on the bridge with Blank, reviewing maps and protocol. No one knew what to expect, but Freya emphasized that Blank should remain off-shore once they disembarked. Absolutely no one could overtake the boat. Freya worried that Blank would be bored, but he assured her he had plenty of work to do in understanding the true powers and capabilities of Regent Cid's newest invention. Plus, he was sure there were many repairs to make since they had pushed the engines so hard. Together, the Dragoon and thief went over the map of the Outer Continent, drawing X's where all the beaches were. Their only form of communication would be flairs. All Blank had to do was look for a red bombardment in the sky and that was his signal to get as close to it as he could. Freya surmised they'd be gone for days at a time. Blank would make sure to keep the food well stored during their absence. He had taken Cinna's trusty rubber mallet on his way out from the hideout. His first task would be sealing all the non-perishables in crates to prevent dust and water from getting to them. Freya also asked for him to bring a table from the mess hall up onto the deck. She was a well-trained field medic and something in her gut told her to be prepared for an emergency surgery. On who, she didn't quite know yet. As they craned their necks to review the map once more, Eiko's sharp gasp roused their attention. When everyone looked up, the boat stuttered into silence. Everyone's eyes were as wide as saucers. Slowly, Freya and Blank stepped out from the bridge. Freya's mouth was agape, her light eyes darting everywhere. Blank approached the railing and gripped it tightly. He glanced down the boat to make sure everyone was seeing what he was.

"But… this… this can't be possible," Steiner stuttered, his face paling.

Eiko pinched her palm, shaking her head wildly. "The Outer Continent has never had something like this happen to it in all of history…"

"I thought it was eradicated years ago," Liam's voice was quiet and concerned.

"With no Iifa Tree, this should be impossible," Freya's breath was shallow, her jaw clenched tightly. "The entire Outer Continent… covered in mist…?"

It wafted densely towards the stunned people on the deck. It was difficult to see beyond the sandy shore. Eiko felt goosebumps puckering across her skin as the mist slowly wrapped around her. She remembered the Iifa Tree from all those years ago. The havoc it pumped out to the rest of the world. The grounds of its pulse, however, were never marred by any of its doings. Something terrible must have happened to disgrace the remains of the summoners land. Eiko's stomach was twisting inside her as she heard the engines rumble to a stop just short of the coastline. The anchor thunked into the water. Freya stared intensely towards the Outer Continent. It seemed much thicker than when it had consumed the Mist Continent. There was nothing stopping it from spreading to the rest of the world, she reasoned. Freya wrangled her rucksack over her shoulders and glanced at her stitched together team.

"Time is of the essence," Freya told them as she tugged the straps on. "We have to get a move on now. We have to find Dagger and Zidane immediately."

"Black Mage Village is that way," Eiko pointed towards the wall of mist. "At least… I think it is."

"Blank, reverse out of the mist when we get to shore," Freya turned towards him. "With how thick it is out there, I don't think you'd have a lot of notice if someone was approaching you."

"If I go any further out, I won't see any flair you might shoot."

Freya looked back towards the foreboding land that was practically beckoning to her. "Just tune your ears." In the next beat, Freya clambered onto the other side of the railing. She then dropped down into the knee height water. Liam, Steiner, and Eiko still held onto the side of the ship. Freya sloshed forward through the cool waves of salty water and paused, her shoulders rising and falling. "We just have to do it. We've come so far and faced so much adversity and frustration. We can't let the mist stop us now." She looked to the dangling trio as the ocean continued to wash against her brown corduroy slacks. "If we can just find Zidane or Mikoto or Dagger… anyone, we will be one step closer to figuring all of this out."

Steiner was next to drop into the ocean and he shuddered at the chilliness of it. "We've never been the type to turn our back in times of trouble. Growing older doesn't change a thing."

Eiko leapt onto Steiner's back, dangling her arms over his shoulders. "Nobody messes with the pulse of the planet. We'll find the source and smash it to smithereens, just like old times."

Liam lowered himself down into the water, grimacing at the mushy sediment floor. The mist of the waves sprinkled across his black satin coat. "I've, uh, never done anything like this or left the Mist Continent before. But you all seem sure, so I'm with you every step of the way."

Freya grinned and nodded between everyone. "Let's go." Together, the four of them began fighting against the outward tide to make it to shore.

…

Boots thumped against the uneven boards of the winding deck. It was the same as yesterday. Gray. The sunlight unable to pierce through. Day by day, it only grew more monotone as the mist became denser and more powerful. The little cabins built between the majestic trees had their shutters closed and their curtains pinned tightly together. What should have been a lively day was again canceled as everyone hunkered down inside and did their chores quickly and diligently. They were all gravely aware of the delicate existence they now had in the forest. They simply grinned and bared the newfound restrictions while taking into account the little things. When night time fell and candles could be safely lit inside their closed off cabins, neighbors often made soundless darts to the next house to enjoy a meal with someone they couldn't speak to all day. They had found small joys in pinning letters to clotheslines and tugging them along to the next closed shutter for the person to find when they did their laundry. It was far from the life they all used to live just a little under a year ago, but the people of Black Mage Village were optimistic and experienced. Slowly, a weak hand came to press against a wooden pillar for support, ragged breaths ringing out. In the gray mist, a silver stamped bracelet glinted. Nearby, across a clearing, a shed door opened quietly and Mikoto appeared, hauling a bag of grain. She seemed quite displeased and shocked when she emerged and rushed away from the shed, coming to stand at the base of the deck stairs.

"Zidane, what are you doing up? You could re-open your wound."

"It's Dagger," Zidane said, disregarding her chastising. He leaned against the wooden pillar for support, a thin layer of sweat plaguing his pale face. "She's here, Mikoto. She's at Madain Sari."

The young Genome was quiet as she shifted the sack on her hip. "How is that possible? Why would she be here? You said you never sent the letter informing her."

"I didn't," Zidane nodded, letting out a shallow breath as his ribcage seared beneath his white t-shirt. "But if she's here, Mikoto, that means she's having the visions like I am."

Mikoto set the bag of grain down and lumped against the steps. She then stepped up and began coercing Zidane back towards his hut. "That is both troubling but helpful," Mikoto said, glancing around the deserted town. They rounded a corner and she kept her hand firmly planted against his shoulder blade. "I wonder if all your friends are experiencing the same phenomenon. And if it is not just you, I ponder what the reason for the visions are. The source."

They stopped outside of his hut. It had once belonged to Vivi and Zidane had taken residency up to pore through his impressive collection of books from around the world and study his journals and findings. Even after a year, Zidane hadn't even gotten through half his work. He had experimented a bit with the alchemy instructions Vivi had left behind that seemed promising to extending the Black Mages lives. Nothing had procured from his research and even with the infiltration of mist and disturbing corpse-like people running amok on the Outer Continent, Zidane did not lose determination or momentum. "She's in trouble, Mikoto. I didn't want to think it was true but I saw it all through Dagger's eyes. Astrid is here. Looks like she's back for round two."

Mikoto pushed the door open to reveal his cozy little hut, warm with an orange hue from a dwindling wax candle. "Well, there is certainly nothing that you can do right now, Zidane. You are in awful shape and if you do not stay in bed and keep resting, you are going to get a fever and then an infection." Zidane sulked into the room and lowered himself down onto his bed with some effort. He clenched his jaw as he hugged his torso.

"We can't just leave her out there, Mikoto," Zidane looked up with his sweaty, pale face. "We have to get her here to the village. It's the only way she'll survive more than a day out here. She couldn't possibly have known what she was getting herself into."

"You have always spoken of how strong she is. How she can take care of herself," Mikoto fluffed his pillow and reached for an empty mug to refill with mint tea. "I do not believe something like that evaporates, no matter how much time has elapsed." Zidane sighed as he laid out across his bed, a leg dangling off the side. It was all his fault, he reasoned. He promised to write. He promised to see her again. Zidane had told Garnet he loved her. How could he do this to her? Slowly, he lifted his arm, his eyes studying her bracelet in the flickering candlelight. Tenderly, Mikoto reached out and felt the cool silver of the band. "Perhaps I can scrounge up a team. We will go to Madain Sari to collect her."

Zidane's light eyes darted to her matching ones. "Do you think anyone would be willing to go out into the forest? I tried to convince them we could still own our space and look at me now…"

"Dagger is important to our situation," Mikoto told him. "Everyone here knows that sacrifices will have to be made if we want to take our lives back. Dagger would be an invaluable asset to doing just that. And perhaps we could call on your friends to aid, as well. We have to get a letter out of the mist, Zidane."

Zidane sighed, tilting his head back into his pillow. "I haven't seen an owl in months, Mikoto."

"I will bring you tea and lunch," she replied. "You should have plenty of time to think of something. You always do."

And with that, she left, gently closing the door behind her. Zidane stared up at the straw ceiling above him and laced his fingers over his stomach. The candle sent flickering shadows that danced wildly in front of him. His mind was only filled with thoughts of Garnet. Zidane pursed his lips. He was stupid, he cursed in his mind. He was a chump and every other adjective in the book. The first three months of arriving at Black Mage Village were hectic and exciting. He had delayed writing to her. By the time Zidane was ready to sit down and compose a letter to Garnet, the mist was slowly creeping around the sturdy tree trunks of the forest and the owls were evacuating. Zidane didn't know what had been happening in Garnet's life. And she was as in the dark as he was. The first time Zidane had ever had a vision through Garnet's eyes, he was staring at a sea of familiar faces that were pinched and concerned. He remembered a roar of a waterfall behind him. And the next thing he knew, his stomach was in his throat and he was sailing downward off the edge of a cliff. Zidane blinked rapidly as he returned to his hut. It was all his fault, he told himself. No matter how much he tried, no matter how much he was so conscious of what he did, he always was the master of destruction. He caused wakes of torment and problems. Zidane had to fix this. But how?

…

Beatrix forcefully slammed the Alexandrian Courier against the table. Her cheeks were red with frustration as she crossed her arms over her chest. Gathered before her in the meeting hall of the castle was the entire team of Squad Beatrix and the Knights of Pluto. Beatrix was having trouble controlling her rage and so many harsh words pinged around in her mind. Not a single soldier spoke as they all sat at full attention with backs as straight as arrows. Everyone simply waited for the General. Beatrix paced back and forth for a moment, scanning each face of the young recruits carefully. She stopped in front of the newspaper and stared at its dark ink as if it was blood splattered everywhere. "Who did it?" She finally asked with a cold tone. She looked up and down the table again but was still met with silence. Beatrix lurched forward, slamming her palms to the table and making a few jump. "I asked who did it?! Speak up, reveal yourself right now!" Her voice echoed through the tall vaulted ceilings. Beatrix pointed to the bold assaulting title printed largely across the top. "How the hell did this happen?!"

THE QUEEN HAS ABDICATED THE THRONE. Sources from within the castle confirm that Queen Garnet til Alexandros XVII has abdicated from the Alexandrian Castle. The Queen, who has not been seen in weeks since the disastrous royal wedding, already had many rumors swirling around her and her relationship with Sir Liam Winters of Lindblum. Many have speculated of the two reconciling their love and taking an extended honeymoon. It was only just a year ago when a peasants revolution exploded within the Alexandrian Castle garden and destroyed it with the Queen narrowly surviving the attack. In the midst of recovery, Sir Liam Winters became the promised future king-consort for Queen Garnet. But now sources are revealing that is not the case at all and the Queen is not in Alexandria nor is she in company with Sir Liam. The future of Alexandria's monarchy stands on shaky grounds. Regent Cid Fabool of Lindblum did not respond to letters sent by the Alexandrian Courier before pressing.

Beatrix straightened up, her eyes piercing all the silent, meek soldiers with a look that could practically kill. "Who is out there speaking with all these quacks of journalists? Who would dare open their mouths when we are in the process of decoding an emergency?!" Again, no one said a word and Beatrix clucked her tongue. "If you speak up now, you will not lose your place in the ranks. There will be mandatory probation to serve for a time, but you will not be blacklisted. Should no one say anything now, when I find out, and trust me, I will, you are going to be very sorry."

"Out of respect, General…" one Knight of Pluto hesitantly spoke up. "Why do you assume it was one of us? We… we aren't the only sources in the castle."

"Yes, but you and your cohorts are the only permitted workers of the castle to leave the premises," Beatrix was quick to retort and the soldier shrank back. She again paced up and down the table. The soldiers did their best to hold steady and return the direct, furious eye contact of their General. Finally, she stopped and sighed. "Okay, fine. Everyone wants to stay silent? I will get to the bottom of this and if I find out anyone else was trying to help cover for their friend, there will be a price to be paid." Beatrix then snagged the paper into her hand, nearly crumpling it. "Back to your shifts. Right now." The soldiers rapidly obeyed the order and funneled out of the room. Beatrix let out a frustrated sigh, looking to the awful news article once more. She bit down on her lip so hard, she tasted copper. There was trouble looming. She lowered the paper again, looking towards the sunny windows that let all the afternoon sun bleed through. And yet, she was all alone, left to figure it out with only her mind. Beatrix huffed before she turned and left the room.

…

Garnet's foot caught the edge of a rock, sending her tumbling over a crumbling half-wall. She let out an 'oof' as she landed harshly on her braced arms. Immediately, she felt warm blood from her scrapes dripping into the sleeves of her blouse. She heard the sound of footsteps and Garnet scrambled to press herself against the wall. She put a hand over her mouth to stifle her pants as the steps came closer and closer. Her heart was thumping in her chest, her shoulders rising and falling heavily, as she listened to boots scrape against the dusty ground covered in pebbles and rocks. Garnet's face was flushed and covered in sweat. Her body was shaking from fatigue and fear. Her dark eyes darted up to see the sun high and hazy in the sky. Garnet practically begged it to stay there. It couldn't sink and leave her to the darkness. She glanced at the rocks surrounding her. She could have a chance to squeeze and clamber over them. With unsteady hands, she began to reach forward to pull herself up onto the piles of rocks. She stopped abruptly in the next moment, however.

"Garnet! Oh, Garnet! Come out, come out, wherever you are!" Astrid taunted from not far away. "Why don't you come out to play? That's all we want." Garnet remained petrified in place, her scraped palms pressing firmly into the uneven ground. "You can run, but you can't hide!" Astrid continued, her voice bouncing off the ruins around them. "You're in my kingdom now!"

Garnet's breath was short and shallow, her eyes darting everywhere. She didn't know what to do. It was so unfair, she thought. This was her home at one point. This couldn't be what her ancestors envisioned. In that beat, Garnet folded her hands together and squeezed her eyes shut. Please, O holy land. I am sorry if I have disobeyed or disappointed you. It was never my intention to alienate myself from what is innately me. I will always be proud to be a summoner. Just give me a sign. What can I do to speak with my friends, the eidolons, again? The world needs them. I need them. Garnet's body shook as she tried to force all her thoughts out of her mind. Can anybody hear me? I did not mean to forsake you. I can make things right again, I swear. I can restore order. I can make again the pulse of the planet something of great virtue. She stiffened as she heard the shuffling of boots again. Nothing was changing. Garnet didn't feel a thing at all. Not a single spark of connection. Just total silence in the blankness that had become her state of mind. Garnet sighed and leaned forward, pressing her palms to the ground. The rocks stung into her raw skin. She let out a huff and shook her head, strands of onyx hair falling from her ponytail. Was this the end of her journey? Garnet couldn't help but feel herself in a checkmate. The Queen had been bested. What was she going to do? Slowly, Garnet tilted her head up to look at the hot rocks surrounding her. She hadn't come this far just to give in, she thought. But her aching body and fried mind argued that it was the end of the rope. Dead end. Nothing left to do. As her shoulders rose and fell, she wondered if she'd live long enough to see one last sunset. Even in the thick blankets of mist, the intensity of the swirling orange, pink, and blue skies were able to penetrate through, even if it was just a little.

"You know, you really are being rude and unfair right now!" Astrid called out. Garnet was still as she tried to pinpoint where the voice was coming from. "You thought you'd come on an adventure out here to the Outer Continent and not even consider visiting your dear little sister? All of my friends have been anxiously awaiting you, too. Don't act like you're better than us, Garnet!" She turned her dark eyes towards the wall of rumble in front of her again. Just beyond the cover of the crumbling wall there was a gap she was certain she could squeeze through. It would lead to a cliff side beside the canyon outside of the Eidolon Wall. She figured she could either swim or traverse the rocks to make it to the western portion of Madain Sari. Her train of thought was interrupted by Astrid, who was rapidly growing frustrated. "I feel like I don't understand you, Garnet. But at the same time, I feel like I know you so well. I knew you'd come to the Outer Continent. You wanted your little canary, but you have no idea what you've walked in on."

Carefully, Garnet began making her way down the wall. Her knees were shaking as she crouched beneath the wall and craned her neck. Through the small gap in the wall, she could see a precariously cliffs edge. It was her only choice, she decided. Slowly, Garnet peaked her flushed face around the edge of the rocks and saw Astrid across the clearing. Her back was to Garnet as she held her sword steady and scoped the area out. In a rush, Garnet darted out and began pressing herself against the hole in the fallen rocks. After a moment, she realized her backpack didn't fit and quickly, she began untangling it from her shoulders. Astrid heard the clanking of the belts and turned around quickly. Garnet gasped sharply as she jammed her backpack through and then began squirming. Astrid shot across the clearing, rearing her sword back. As she came to swing, Garnet tilted her head into the gap and threw her leg out, kicking Astrid directly in the gut. She staggered backwards, giving the Queen enough time to panic jam herself through. She windmilled her arms as she spilled out, coming within inches of the fall into the river below. In a panic, Garnet snagged her backpack off the ground and began pulling it over her shoulders as she raced along the rock canyon edge towards the Eidolon Wall. All she could hear were her shallow breaths and her pounding heart in her ears as she ran without regard. She heard Astrid's angered cries as she forced herself onto the other side of the wall. Garnet fleetingly looked over her shoulder before she caught another rock and fell onto all her fours. Her palms and knees were searing as she tried to catch her breath.

The sound of Astrid's slow pace could be heard behind her and weakly, Garnet looked to her, sweat covering her brow. Astrid held her sword at her side as she shook her head. "Gods, you're a pathetic mess now. I can't believe I was ever envious of who you were."

"Why are you doing this?" Garnet's voice was hoarse and scratchy as she continued to pant.

"Can't you see I've been given a second chance?" Her sword glinted in the mist as she swung it about. "All my time living on Gaia, I've always been the second choice and the let down. I died trying to finally put myself first on this forsaken planet. Everyone who doubted me and stood in my way should be punished. I am done being forgotten and pushed aside. Everyone must answer for their indiscretions. It's the only answer as to why all of this has happened."

Garnet looked forward again. "You get a second chance and you choose to be miserable and pitiful."

"Oh, look whose talking," Astrid pressed the tip of the sword against Garnet's shoulder. "You had everything in the world and you chose to be dramatic. All because some stupid, idiot of a man-child broke your heart."

"Even if you kill me, Astrid, it won't change a thing," Garnet shook her head, the cool steel of her sword seeping through her tunic. "You still will just be a queen of a forgotten land. I guarantee it won't make you feel better."

"And what do you know!?" Astrid sneered, jabbing the sword against her. "I think I would feel a hell of a lot better. You're just another check mark on my list."

"You might think nothing of me, but I am a whole lot more than what you give me credit for," Garnet told her. "You see a pitiful, sad person. But I have more merit than you in every way. And I'll do anything to protect my friends."

"What friends are those?" Astrid snorted. "You're all alone."

"And that won't stop me."

In the next beat, Garnet reared her foot back, sending Astrid onto her side. The lifeless girl was quick to react and swung her sword towards Garnet, catching the sleeve of her shirt. It sagged at her elbow now, bright crimson blood bubbling from a fresh cut. In one deft move, Garnet began yielding her dagger and pinned Astrid down. Their faces were only inches apart as Garnet brought the blade to her neck. Astrid grinned, their arms shaking as they fought against each other. "You don't scare me in the least, Garnet. I know all the vulnerable parts of you. You can't keep on at this rate, but I can. And I won't stop until I exhaust you and crush all of your hopes and dreams. I want to destroy you, Garnet."

The next Garnet knew, Astrid wrapped her legs around her midriff. Garnet struggled against her before Astrid twisted, sending Garnet out into the open space of the canyon. At the last moment, Garnet grabbed hold of her collar and Astrid tumbled after her. The two spiraled through the air. Their dark onyx hair followed in ribbons behind them. Garnet collided with the water with a massive thunk strong enough to send her unconscious. Astrid pedaled to the surface as the current ebbed and flowed them back and forth. She slicked her wet hair from her face. Astrid then attempted to grab hold of the rocky wall to stop herself but the current dragged her against her mercy after Garnet's motionless body. As the chilly water splashed against Astrid's face, she blinked her coal-like eyes rapidly, watching Garnet ahead of her. Surely she was dead, the lifeless girl reasoned. And if she wasn't right now, this would do her in rapidly. The crest of a waterfall had appeared down the curvy cut of the canyon. Astrid grabbed hold of a protruding rock in the middle of the tide and held on for dear life. Water sputtered from her lips as she looked over her shoulder to watch Garnet's descent. She was just beginning to smile before suddenly an intense white light erupted around Garnet. The tide began to roll in high waves. A loud screeched filled the air. Astrid gasped as she looked back up the coursing river. In the next moment, the surface exploded upwards as a massive serpent emerged from the depths. It had scales that glistened blue and purple. Its shrill scream was enough to pop an eardrum. From behind, the waterfall began to defy all gravity as the water shot lifted to the sky, carrying Garnet's body with it. And then, Astrid was completely submerged beneath a wall of a wave. Her lungs burned and her eyesight span about as she suddenly found herself getting propelled up the tall canyon walls. The next she knew, Astrid was sailing through the sky. She landed in Madain Sari, scraping across the jagged rocks on the ground. Nearby, her sword clattered violently against the stone. She let out ragged coughs as slowly, Astrid propped herself up on her elbow. Her face was knitted in confusion and bewilderment. Astrid blinked rapidly as she looked at the Eidolon Walls that surrounded her. Her eyes came to rest on a distinct engraving in the rocks. Astrid sat up now, pushing her mop of soggy, knotted hair from her face. She had assumed all forms of eidolons had become an extinct gift. The pulse of the planet was practically obliterated. She was somewhat sore as she stood and slowly meandered over to where her sword came to rest.

Delta and Felicia appeared in the archway of the Eidolon Wall, looking at Astrid's rough state. "Is she dead?"

Surprisingly, Astrid began to laugh as she turned towards her sister's. "Gods, I hope not. Go to the little hut in the western portion of Madain Sari. Down in the basement of the pier, in that little room, collect the gems in the gilded box."

Delta glanced towards Felicia, her brow knitted together. "Astrid?"

"I have just discovered the weapon we need to become queen's of this entire world," Astrid looked to them. "Do as I say. It will all become clear soon."

…

The sound of a bubbling fresh spring could be heard. Then the chirping of birds. When Garnet opened her eyes, she was sat on a moss covered log on the bank of vibrant, luscious green forest. Garnet was slow to look around. It all looked so surreal. The air was so fresh and crisp. The sky could be seen through the dense canopy of trees above. There wasn't any mist. There wasn't any chaos. Garnet simply sat there. She folded her hands in her lap, resigned to watching the rippling water course by. She didn't know what she was supposed to be doing. She didn't know why she was there. But for some odd reason, Garnet couldn't compel herself to stand and figure out. A stream of sunlight came across her face and she lifted her head towards it, relishing in its warmth. It was the little things she found herself deprived of. The sing-song of the birds crooned through her ears and she listened to toads croak from their lily pads. It was still and peaceful and, for a moment, Garnet felt a semblance of content.

"So, this is your happy place?" Garnet looked over her shoulder to see Zidane leaned up against the trunk of a tree. He was sharpening his dagger with a jagged rock. "Can't say I blame you. This is nice."

Garnet stood now and her boots crunched through the clovers and fallen leaves. "How do you always manage to find me but I can never find you?"

Zidane grinned as he ran the rock against the edge of his blade. "I'm sneaky like that."

"Are you really here with me? Do you remember any of this afterward?"

Zidane shrugged now as he looked up at her. "It's whatever you want to believe, Dagger."

"Why does this keep happening?" Garnet's voice was soft as she looked at him with a face of hurt. "This isn't a vision. It's a dream. Or… or a nightmare, I don't know."

"Maybe it's just a sign," Zidane told her. "Maybe this is just to let you know you're going the right direction."

"Do you believe that?" Garnet asked.

Zidane was still smiling as he lowered the rock and his dagger. "That's up to you."

Garnet turned away from him and watched the stream a few feet away. Her brow was furrowed and she ran her palms along her pants. She could only shake her head. "Zidane, none of this makes sense. Why is all of this happening? How much longer does it have to go on?" Garnet went and knelt down in front of the water, dipping her hand into it. It was shockingly cold. "I've never wanted anything more in my life. But I'm struggling to ascertain it. And I hate to admit it but… Zidane… I'm losing hope."

He tossed the rock onto the ground and only watched where she crouched on the bank. "I think that's a good thing."

Garnet looked over her shoulder at him as a fresh breeze came across the small clearing. "Why would you say something like that? Can't you see how important this is to me?" Garnet stood and turned towards him, shaking her head. "All I'm doing is running in place and making a fool of myself. I thought I was stronger than this, but if I can't help myself, what place do I have in your life?"

"You're looking at it all wrong, Dagger," Zidane pushed away from the tree. "Nobody said any of this would be easy. And even when it feels like hope is gone, you know exactly what you'll do. You'll keep going like you always do, Dagger. You're not a quitter. Even if you think you want to, you don't. And you'll figure something out. I know you."

"Do you, though?" Garnet approached him, stopping just short of reaching out to touch him. "Why did you leave me, Zidane? You know we could have made things work."

Zidane was quiet as his hair rusted across his forehead. Finally, he licked his lips. "You know I love you, Dagger. And no matter how much I love you, sometimes I just can't explain why I am the way I am. I can't lie to you. So it's easier to say nothing at all. This wasn't how it was all supposed to happen. I wish I could go back and erase everything. Zeke Tisdoll and all."

"If you love me as much as you say, Zidane, then why can't we just be together? Why is all of this happening?"

Zidane shrugged and shook his head. "I'm not right for you, Dagger. But the beautiful thing about us is how much we love each other."

Garnet's eyes grew wet and she blinked rapidly. "This isn't a Lord Avon play, Zidane. We live in reality. We're not as star-crossed as you're believing. And even if we are just characters in one of his imaginary worlds, he would have no choice but to have Cornelia lay down her crown and put herself first."

"I won't let you, Dagger. I'm not worth it."

She stepped towards him and grabbed hold of his vest. "You must be real," she whispered. "If you were just a figment of my imagination, you'd be feeding me all the bullshit I could ever dream you'd finally say to me. You're really here, Zidane. You're really trying to tell me all of this. And where does that leave me? Was all this hopeless to begin with?"

"I don't know what's going to happen, Dagger. But nothing you desire or want is a waste of time."

Garnet released him now and paced away, crossing her arms over her chest. "You're talking in riddles, Zidane, and I'm afraid I just don't have the bandwidth to figure them out. What will happen when we're finally reunited? What will this all be for if you don't think you have a place in my life? Because, even after all this hurt and discomfort and boundary crossing, I still want a place in your life."

She heard Zidane's boots crunch through the clovers but she kept her back to him, her glassy eyes gazing across the stream at the dense forest. "You know, Dagger, that anything is possible in this crazy, fucked up world we live in. We've seen first hand atrocities and also what many people would call miracles. We have defied odds neither one of us will ever understand. Sometimes, you can't just wallow in the questions. You just have to keep rolling with the punches and, who knows, you may surprise yourself. Just promise me you won't give up. Because I won't either." Garnet heard scratching behind her and when turned around, she saw Zidane digging his knife into the trunk of the tree. She approached slowly to see Zidane had carved D + Z into the bark. He grinned as he looked to her. "All we can do is our best, Dagger. We don't know where the future will take us. Just stay true to yourself for me, alright?" Tenderly, she ran her fingers along the grooves of his engraving. "We'll see each other again, Dagger. And I know we'll know what to do then."

Her dark eyes darted towards him as he slowly backed away from her. "Wait, Zidane!" He disappeared around the massive trunk and Garnet was quick to follow. But he was gone without a trace like a ghost that only existed in her mind.

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