-1Chapter
One
A Much Needed Holiday
General Beatrix was a phenomenal
soldier. An elite whom would one day have a statue built after her in
Alexandria. However, what no one knew was that she sometimes doubted
herself. Her abilities in combat were second to none, but when it
came to her emotional state, it was a battle she couldn't win. There
was no forgiveness in a soul that had slain many, even if she was
only following orders.
The Alexandrian General made her daily
rounds around Alexandria castle. Sundown was fast approaching and
that was when her shift would end. She was excited about today and
would have jumped for joy, but her self discipline and orderly
conduct prevented her from doing so. Inside herself she rejoiced for
this special day. It was her twenty-eighth birthday today and Captain
Adelbert Steiner promised her something special.
Beatrix and
Steiner grew steadily closer throughout the past year. They had
looked over each others battle formations and discussed battle
tactics and exercise drills for their respective armies. They had
even gone so far as to train their squads together. General Beatrix
couldn't imagine life without Steiner by her side; yet, she wondered
if she had chosen the right profession.
Sundown finally came. The
rays of light reflected beautifully on the water as the sun sank into
the hills beyond the horizon. The sky was filled with many pinks
hanging onto the sun and a bit of blues. General Beatrix stood on the
paved dock awaiting the boat to the busy streets of Alexandria.
When
the boat arrived Beatrix's heart skipped a beat. Not only was Steiner
on the boat, but he was not garbed in his traditional rusty armor.
Beatrix stood still a moment drinking in his elegance. He wore a
brown jerkin with a long sleeve white shirt, black pants made of
silk, and the most elaborate brown boots Beatrix had ever laid her
eye upon. Also, he had his black hair tied behind his head. He bowed
before Beatrix and offered her his hand to help her on the
boat.
"Happy Birthday, my love," he said to her and
pulled her into a lover's embrace. Beatrix silently and calmly rested
there in his arms for the time being.
In the Alexandrian streets,
they both walked hand in hand. It was no secret that they loved
eachother; their relationship encouraged the townspeople and made
them appreciate that their beloved general had a precious human side
as well, regardless of how rare.
"May I ask what you have
planned tonight, my dear Adelbert?" she asked humbly. Steiner
smiled but wouldn't let up.
"It's a surprise love." he
said still smiling and lead her to an alley on the right of the
ticket booth. They came to Ruby's personal mini-theater. Beatrix
smiled to herself. When it came to romantic evenings Adelbert Steiner
was golden. He had also captured her heart; something she never
expected would happen. She had never let anyone get close to her but
Steiner was different. Not only was he entirely devoted to her, he
was the only male in Alexandria aside from Zidane whom didn't fear
her.
"Beatrix I asked Ruby to perform something very special
for you. I sincerely hope you enjoy it." Steiner said and kissed
Beatrix's hand. She in turn gave Steiner's hand a friendly
squeeze.
They both entered the mini-theater and took a seat at one
of the empty tables. Both Beatrix and Steiner looked captivatingly at
each other and were about to kiss when Blank rushed out from behind
the curtains.
"General Beatrix, Captain Steiner! I have
terrible news." Blank panted. Both Beatrix and Steiner quickly
stood at attention.
"Calm down Blank! What seems to be the
problem?" General Beatrix asked calmly yet sternly. She let her
professional side take over to the task at hand and silently cursed
this turn of events.
Blank handed her a piece of paper. "It's
Ruby," he said "She's been kidnapped!"
"Who
would do such a blasphemous thing!? Steiner shouted waving his arms
around like an idiot. Beatrix forced herself not to smile.
"It
is a troupe claiming to be the second Tantalus. They are awaiting-
Well that is disturbing." She said matter of factly.
"What
is it Beatrix?" Steiner asked a hint of worry in his
voice.
"It's addressed specifically to us!" Beatrix said
and handed Steiner the note.
Steiner looked over the note taking
it in slowly. His eyes widened and then he let out a breath. He
tucked the note in his jerkin and looked Beatrix in the eye.
"We
should go and bring these brigands to justice. How dare they do this.
We must see Queen Garnet first about this. Let us go my dear General
Beatrix." he said and stormed out of the mini-theater with
Beatrix following close behind him.
Ruby came out from behind the
curtains. "Well Blank did it wurk?"
She asked him. Blank
laughed with delight.
"It did Ruby, it did." he said
between laughs. He was laughing so hard that tears formed in his
eyes. Ruby started laughing to.
"It sure is generous of the
Queen to trick both pf them into a romantic getaway!" Ruby
choked out between laughs.
"Yeah," Blank replied and
stopped laughing altogether. "Though I have a feeling there not
going in for a complete vacation."
Ruby looked at Blank
intently, worry etched in her face. She believed she knew were this
was going.
"Are ya sure about this?" she asked.
Blank
sighed. "Well it could just be my imagination."
"I
sure hope so," said Ruby "but let's tell Zidane just in
case."
