II; Nightmare the First

[paxivalice]

Warnings: Some spoilers for the ending of Final Fantasy IX.
Effects: Extreme discomfort, some guilt, and finally, fear.

Comments

[callmecharming]

My Little Emperor-in-Waiting.

[He paused for a second, still horrified by what he saw.]

...

It seems that you had a nightmare.

[paxivalice]

[Thtat... voice. Was it-? But how was that possible?

Grasping the device, he sat up, eyes going a bit wide.]

Al-Cid?

[callmecharming]

The one and only.

[He forced a small smile.]

It seems that you are here in this weird world as well. [A soft sigh.] I was going to ask how you were doing, my little emperor-in-wait. But I am afraid I know the answer already.

[paxivalice]

[At that, he manages a small smile. Who would have thought, out of everyone, Al-Cid...?]

I am not an Emperor-in-Waiting anymore, you know.

[He remarked, trying to sound more cheerful than he felt.]

I am fine, my friend. And you? For how long have you been here?

[callmecharming]

Oh, my apologies. Old habits are hard to break, my emperor.

[His smile grew wider.]

I am happy to hear that you are doing fine, even if you do not seem it right now.

I am doing fine, as well my little emperor.

I have not been here for long.

[paxivalice]

At least you did not call me 'little'.

[He huffed, trying to get his wits about him and seem undisturbed. In front of the Prince of Rozzaria, he did not want to seem... unworthy.

Oh, bother, and then he went and did call him little. So much for that.]

...The first time, anyway.

Have you found accomadations that suit you?

[callmecharming]

Quite the contrary.

[He chuckled, thinking it was endearing for the little emperor to try and act more mature than he should for his age.]

I have not yet found accommodations that suit me, my friend. Have you?

[paxivalice]

I have indeed, at the kind behest of others.

Where do you stay, then? Not with some unknown maiden, I hope.

[callmecharming]

I am not surprised. If a maiden saw you wandering the streets, she would take you in immediately. If two maidens saw you wandering the streets, I fear you might end up in pieces.

[He chuckled.]

I have nowhere permanent. But the people have been kind to me here so I am not worried about finding a permanent place.

[He lied easily to make sure Larsa wasn't worried about him.]

[paxivalice]

I doubt that there are many ladies willing to fight for my company; you do exaggerate greatly. I have been taken in by soldiers, in fact. Two very great, kind men.

And, oh? Have you been living from place to place? That suits you, Al-Cid. Though I do worry you leave a trail of broken hearts behind, in your wake...

[callmecharming]

That suits you as well, always surrounded by men who protect you.

[He paused for a second.]

...

[Then burst out in laughter.]

How you know me so well, little Emperor. I promise I would never leave a trail of broken hearts.

[paxivalice]

You make it sound as if--

['I need protection.'

Well.

After that dream, and his mistake with the doctor, perhaps it was not his place to act so sufficiently.]

--nevermind.

The whole of Rozzaria would beg to disagree with that assessment.

[callmecharming]

Hmm...?

[He noted the pause.]

As if...? [Thinking that the young emperor had something on his mind.]

[paxivalice]

As if I am still very young. Which I suppose I may indeed be.

[callmecharming]

Well, my young emperor. You are still very young.

[He smiled a little, but it quickly disappeared.]

I do have a question for you.

[paxivalice]

Oh? Do ask it, then.