-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."