Here is the start of my new story, World War. Actually, this chapter is veeeeeery long. And was, by far, the most annoying to write. But it had to be done and is finally done. Took me two days to make it ... while I usually use only one day to write a chapter (Yes, I'm a no life. But the village I live in is so lost ...).

Well, enjoy.


The Queen and her friends

Coming back from Queen Brahne's grave, Steiner drove the gondola to the entrance of the castle. Doctor Tot looked at the princess, clad in her white magical dress that was the main pert of Shiva's armor. Not only did Garnet look like a princess in this outfit, but it also gave her greater magical powers. But the set was incomplete and, until the last parts were found, she couldn't wear it officially. She could keep the scepter thought.

"Princess, we have arrived at the castle."

Beatrix smiled kindly and with a tingle of amusement in her eyes.

"She won't be a princess for much longer, Doctor Tot."

The scholar chuckled lightly.

"Indeed. I shall have to call you 'Queen Garnet' after the coronation. I must make preparations for the crowning of our new queen. General Beatrix, Captain Steiner, will you help her?"

The two nodded. The scholar got out of the gondola and offered his hand to the princess. Garnet hesitated before taking it.

"Princess, please watch your steps."

Nodding, the young girl took her professor's hand and got out of the gondola as well. She turned to him. Going back to the real life after those weeks spent in the Outer Continent, with only her friends at her side and finding Kuja as a goal, promised to be painful.

"Doctor Tot …"

"Princess, I know how hard it must be. But I will be by your side. Please, take the throne with full confidence."

This wasn't what she meant. She just wanted to see her friends one more time. She sighed and nodded, feeling her heart become heavy in her chest. Yet, she hid it and went to the castle, escorted by Beatrix. Steiner looked at them.

"Three more days until the crowning of the new queen … What a day!"

The following days went in a blur. The team that had formed over the past weeks was now broken and everyone felt it. It was a little like a family torn apart, yet everyone somehow managed to get over it … eventually. In fact, the only one who really couldn't get over it was Zidane. The poor thief was staying at the Morning Star Bar, drinking his sadness out. And his friends started to seriously worry. The Tantalus, especially, were surprised to see him in that state.

"We ain't seen each other in ages! Why the sour puss partner?" Ruby asked.

Marcus was sitting at a table, frowning.

"What happened?"

"Maybe that Dagger chick dumped him." Blank tried.

Zidane's silence was enough of an answer. Cinna smiled.

"Bingo …"

Ruby shok her head.

"This ain't like you at all, Zidane!"

How could the poor girl know? Falling in love with a princess was never that good, especially when you were a thief. And Zidane had fallen for Dagger, hard. Cinna turned to Ruby.

"Hey, Ruby, I heard that you started a mini-theater."

"That's right, darlin'! My plays are a hit!"

Blank smiled.

"Cool, let's go watch."

"Yeah."

Ruby smiled.

"Awright, cowboys!"

She turned to her tailed friend.

"Zidane … You ain't coming, are ya?"

His silence was her answer. The girl shook her head. She had never seen him so distraught before.

"That's awright, darlin'. Come on over whenever you want."

As the bubbly girl led the boys to her theater, Blank bumped into Vivi, who was passing by. Happy to see the kid, he went to him and helped him rise up.

"Hey, Vivi!"

The young black mage smiled.

"Hello."

"I haven't seen you since you left Alexandria Castle! How are ya?"

"Well, a lot of things happened, but I'm doing fine. How about you? What have you been doing since we left the castle?"

"Me? Let's see … Oh yeah, it's been crazy since you guys escaped! Rusty, that rat-chick, Freya and … what's her face, that girl general of Alexandria?"

"Beatrix." Marcus answered in her back.

"Yeah, the three of them got totally worked! Marcus and I had to carry 'em out on our backs!"

A presence in his back made him turn over. His 'bro' was here, slightly worried. Blank frowned.

"Marcus?"

"We gotta get going before Ruby gets mad at us again."

Blank sighed.

"Oh yeah, she hates it when we're late. Sorry, Vivi. I'll see you later."

Vivi straightened his hat and decided to look around the town. He found Zidane moping sadly at a bar, trying to get drunk to forget his pain. The barmaid looked at him.

"Are you friend with the man sitting at the table? I think his friends went to the mini-theater. The mini-theater was started by the last owner of this bar and a girl named Ruby."

A mini-theater? Sounds interesting. Alright, Vivi decided. He would take a look at it. At the same time, Marcus and Blank were sitting near the entrance of the place. Blank was worried, really. Thought he had a crush on Ruby, his relationship with her was … rather eventful. Especially when he was late, which Ruby absolutely hated. He sighed, thinking to his tailed friend.

"Zidane's done himself in this time."

Marcus nodded.

"Yeah."

"But think about it … He's never been in a serious relationship before. He probably doesn't even know what to do with himself right now."

Marcus smirked and shook his head.

"Come on, he's in love with a Queen. Did he think it'd work out?"

"I'm sure he thought about that a lot. That's why he's in turmoil."

Marcus smiled.

"He looked so depressed …"

"Yeah, but this is something he has to learn to deal with head-on. This is gonna make him stronger. You'll see."

When Vivi joined them a few minutes later, Blank was worrying upon himself.

"Ruby's mad at me again. How can I calm her down?"

He suddenly noticed the young black mage.

"Yo, Vivi. Can you do me a favor?"

The kid frowned.

"What is it?"

"I want you to see Ruby's play with us."

The boy's face lighted up.

"Of course! I came here for that!"

"Cool! Do down the staircase behind us. That's where Ruby's theater is."

Nodding, Vivi went down the stairs. He didn't hear Marcus frowning.

"Bro …"

Vivi followed the stairs to a nice bar. The place had a small platform with nice decorations, a few tables and chairs and a stand where people could get refreshments. Ruby heard steps in the stairs and growled.

"Blank! Don't ya know I hate it when yer late? How many times do I gotta tell ya-huh?"

Turning around, her eyes widened. It wasn't Blank that had come in her bar but a young kid with black skin and big yellow eyes. Coming closer to the kid, she kneeled to his level.

"Who are you? Strange, kinda …"

"Hey Vivi!"

Ruby turned to the pig-like man.

"Is he a friend of yer, Cinna?"

Vivi smiled and went to the man.

"Hello, Uncle Cinna!"

Cinna reddened.

"I'm not old enough to be your uncle! I'm younger than I look!"

Vivi chuckled. He just called Cinna 'uncle' for fun, and it worked well. Ruby laughed too.

"Hahaha … Yer a funny one! I like you! Wanna see my play, little fella?"

"Yeah!"

"Oh, what a sweetie! I like you even more! We'll get rollin' in a minute. Sit wherever you want."

As Vivi took a chair, Blank and Marcus finally went into the bar. Marcus smiled to his bro.

"I think your plan worked."

Almost.

"Ain't nothing to it."

"Blank, we'll talk later!"

Marcus chuckled.

"Busted …"

Blank hung his head. Marcus shook his head. Blank and Ruby weren't together, but they already argued like a married couple.

At the same time the other members of the team had their own thing doing. Eiko had managed to sneak past the castle's walls and looked in awe at the big building.

"Oh my! What a gigantic house! I gotta see the inside!"

At that moment, three cooks walked past her, humming a song.

We cook good food!

We cook good food!

We cook good food for the new queen!

Eiko didn't miss the delicious smell that came from them. She started to droll.

"Hey, something smells delicious!"

The eggmeister looked at her.

"You hundry?"

Eiko shyly nodded. The ovenmeister looked at her.

"You very hungry?"

Eiko shyly nodded. The dishmeister looked at her.

"You unbearably hungry?"

Eiko shyly nodded. The three turned away.

"Too bad …"

Eiko almost grabbed her flute to play them an angry tune. In her room, Garnet was getting ready for the crowning. Yet, before the ceremony began, there was something she wanted to do.

"Steiner?"

The knight came to her.

"Yes, Princess?"

"I'd like to find Zidane and talk to him."

The knight shook his head.

"Princess, you have more important matters at hand! You live in a different world now!"

The future queen was about to retort something but Doctor Tot entered at that moment, Beatrix, behind him.

"Uh-oh, what's happening here? Princess, it is time for you to get changed. General Beatrix, will you help her?"

"Yes, sir."

The scholar came to Garnet and handed her three jewels, an opal, a topaz and an amethyst.

"Those stones contain your powers, which Queen Brahne forcibly … Well, that is all in the past."

He went to the door.

"Master Steiner?"

Nodding, the knight left at once. Garnet turned to Beatrix.

"Beatrix, I'd like to see Zidane. Please?"

"Now may not be a good time." The General answered.

Garnet stomped the floor with both feet, anger on her face.

"Even you agree with Steiner!"

"Your Highness …"

Beatrix looked at the young princess. She was in love, there were no doubts about it. In love with a thief. The girl finally shook her head as her anger left her.

"I know … It's okay."

She sighed. In her chest, her heart was heavy.

Eiko walked through the castle, her head buzzing with ideas.

"With Dagger out of the picture, now is my chance to win Zidane's heart! First, I'll write him a love letter. I'll make it the most romantic letter ever written!"

Up in the stairs, Tot got out of the princess's domain. Her anger and pain hadn't escaped him but there was nothing he could do.

"Becoming a Queen must be quite a burden on Princess Garnet. But she must persevere. The people of Alexandria are watching."

On this, he got down. Eiko didn't miss his sight.

"He looks pretty smart!"

Smiling, she went to him.

"Hey, you look like the bookish type!"

Tot chuckled at the girl's honesty.

"Hahaha … What gives you that impression?"

"You really want me to explain?"

"Oh, yes. I'm very curious."

"Where should I start …?"

The girl frowned, then her face brightened.

"First, your beard! Second, your nerdy hat! Third, your thick eyeglasses! All signs of a nerdy philosopher!"

The scholar smiled.

"You don't hold back, do you?"

Eiko gave back the smile.

"Hey, are you a writer?"

"Well yes, I did make my living as a writer for a while."

"Will you help me write a letter?"

"A letter?"

The request surprised the old man. But the girl had picked his curiosity and he wanted to know more about her. He accepted.

"Gladly, if you think I can be of assistance."

"Okay, then. Follow me."

As the scholar followed the little girl, he couldn't help but be surprised.

"She has a horn …"

In her room Garnet had finished dressing. Beatrix smiled at the sight.

"Princess, you look splendid."

Indeed, the maiden was clad in a long white dress that reached the floor and flowed behind her. A crown was on her head and there were white gloves on her hands.

"Thank you. By the way, there is something I must tell you."

"What is it?"

Garnet sighed. Time to say the truth.

"I am not my mother's … I mean, Queen Brahne is not my real mother."

Bearix smiled.

"Princess, Doctor Tot has already informed us. However, my allegiance to you remains the same, if not stronger."

Garnet smiled and came to the general.

"Beatrix, thank you."

Down there, Eiko had finally finished writing her letter, with Tot's help.

"It's finished! Zidane will fall in love with me the moment he reads this letter. Thank you, Mister!"

Tot chuckled. The little girl was fun. In a way, she reminded him of Garnet when she was younger.

"It was my pleasure, my lady."

The girl suddenly hit her head.

"Oh, I forgot to tell you. My name is Eiko! I'm from Madain Sari! I hope to see you again! Buh-bye!"

On this, she left. The professor thought a little.

"She comes from Madain Sari … Madain Sari is the village of summoners, but I thought it was only a legend, like Selvaren. What could this mean?

Eiko walked in the castle's corridors, all happy and proud of herself.

"I can't wait to hand this letter to Zidane! Where did he go anyway?"

As she walked over a balcony, she was pushed by Baku and only a statue stopped her fall. As she started screaming for help, Baku went down the stairs and saw her.

"Hey, are you okay?"

"I can't breathe!"

"Sorry! I didn't see ya jump out. But yer too high up. I can't getcha down! Gwahahaha!"

Eiko growled.

"Stop laughing, you poop!"

As she shook on her spot, the letter fell from her hand.

"Oh, shoot. My letter …"

She looked at the man and frowned.

"Hey, if you can't get me down, deliver that letter to Zidane! Alright?"

"To Zidane? Yeah, no problems. Gwahahaha!"

Baku took the letter and left. Eiko sighed.

"What am I supposed to do now?"

This is how the 'Love Letter Incident' started. Baku went to the river that separated the castle from Alexandria town. He growled.

"Hey, the boat ain't here!"

Steiner, who was passing nearby, remarked the man instantly.

"Why, if it isn't Baku, the leader of the Tantalus!"

Baku merely turned.

"Who just called my name? Oh, it's you."

The two Pluto Knights who were with the captain looked at him.

"Should we capture him?" Haagen asked. Steiner shook his head.

"No, he saved my life. You may go. I will handle this."

The two knights left at once. Baku smiled.

"Ain't such a knucklehead anymore, huh?"

"Silence!" Steiner growled. "This is no place for thieves! You must leave now!"

Baku smirked.

"So that's how it is, huh? Do I gotta remind you it's one of my boys who saved your kingdom? But I bet you ain't got no ears for listenin' to a lowlife like me."

Steiner frowned.

"Are you talking about Zidane? Yes, he did protect the princess and her kingdom, but that doesn't change the fact that you are all thieves! I cannot let your kind roam about the castle!"

Baku shook his head.

"No appreciation whatsoever, eh? Well, I don't go any reason to stay here anyway. Hey, you know where Zidane might be?"

Steiner shook his head.

"He hasn't visited the castle since we returned. Maybe he can teach you a thing or two about proper manners!"

Baku started to have enough of it. He jumped.

"Okay, I get yer point! I've had enough with yer self-righteousness!"

The gondola arrived at that moment. Baku smiled.

"Hah! Perfect timing!"

He went in.

"Take me into town!"

He didn't notice he had dropped the love letter. Steiner fumed and left. Beatrix arrived a few moments later.

"So, it was Steiner. I thought I heard him yelling."

She sighed and went to the few steps leading to the river.

"Alexandria is at peace again, yet my heard is full of sorrow. Why?"

She suddenly noticed the letter and picked it.

"Steiner must've dropped it. Let's see …"

She didn't expect what she found.

'When the night sky wears the moon as its pendant, I shall await you at the dock.'

Now this surprised the general.

"What is this letter? Did Steiner … write me a love letter?"

She looked away, her cheeks red.

"Steiner …"

In town, Si'Nai and Sari were walking side by side, happy.

"Alexandria is really a great town! There are so much things to see …"

Si'Nai had a devious smile.

"Let's consider it our honeymoon. You're sure a union occurring during a Ritual doesn't need an official weeding afterward?"

"I'm sure of it."

"Okay, then this means we are married … my so beautiful wife!"

The ranger took his bride bridal-style in his arms and kissed her lips. They tasted like honey. Sari was surprised at first but eventually returned the kiss. Her husband quickly brought her back to her feet.

"Well, have you thought about Aria's offer to become the next ranger leader?"

Si'Nai frowned.

"I thought about it."

"And …"

"I think … I will say yes. The rangers are nice. And neither Seld nor Aria has an heir. I understand Aunt Aria's desire for me to become the next leader. This way, I'll be able to remain in touch with Garnet … and Zidane along the way since he lives in Lindblum."

Sari smiled at him.

"You have plans."

"Yep, but I don't think I'm ready yet to become a king. I don't know, I didn't live long enough among people. I don't really know them, which is a big problem if I want to lead them with care."

Sari chuckled and caressed Si'Nai's cheek.

"Don't worry. You know how to rule people already. You just don't know how to rule us well yet."

Si'Nai nodded. Together, they saw the Tantalus enter a bar in the main street. Curious, they decided to follow them.

Zidane was sitting at a table in the Morning Star Inn. Despite having drunk quite a few shots, he wasn't completely drunk. He let go of a long sigh.

"Dagger … Are you all cozy on your throne already? No! No, no, no! I can't start my days without Dagger! Her smile! Her voice! Her voice is like a beautiful song … And her song makes me soar high into the sky! But now …"

"You can still fly high, darlin'!"

Surprised, Zidane turned around to see his Tantalus friends enter the room. Ruby smiled.

"Zidane, you can do it!"

Cinna nodded.

"She's right."

Blank looked at his friend.

"Why are you still moping? This isn't like you at all!"

"Yeah."

Zidane growled and turned away.

"Stop it! You don't understand how I feel!"

He was about to leave the inn when Baku entered. The big man smiled.

"Long time no see, Zidane! What happened? You look pathetic!"

Zidane looked at Baku and hope, as well as some despair, filled his eyes.

"Boss! Let me join the Tantalus again! We can steal treasures together, just like old times!"

"Treasures, eh?" Baku smirked. "There ain't much treasure lyin' around in this world, boy. Besides, a Tantalus always gets what he sets his eyes on! That's our rule number one, remember?"

The man turned away, shaking his head.

"No, you don't. You got no rights to join us. You understand what I'm sayin'? If you can't even capture a canary, you ain't got what it takes to join Tantalus."

"Boss …"

Si'Nai entered at that moment, Sari at his side. He was smiling.

"Hey, Zidane! Finished moping around?"

Zidane gave him sad eyes.

"Knock it off, Si'Nai. I'm not in the mood."

The ranger smiled.

"How about I tell you there's a way for you to see Dagger again?"

This caught the thief.

"Spell it."

"Your armor. It gives you better eyesight and greater speed. Add this to your thieving skills, which are quite great already, and you can easily sneak into the castle at night to join Dagger. I talked with Ayden before coming. He said she was angry at Steiner and Beatrix because they didn't let her talk to you."

Zidane's eyes widened.

"You're sure?"

"Promised."

The ranger's eyes narrowed.

"Listen to me, Zidane. It seems you won Dagger's heart. Don't drop it now. Use your skills to pay her nighttime visits. I'm certain she will enjoy those meetings. Besides, Vivi asked me if we could go see her, a minute ago. I'll say I am the ambassador the rangers sent and get to see Dagger again. If some guards are on our way, well … We'll see."

Zidane managed to summon a weak smile.

"Okay, I'm coming."

Baku smiled.

"Nice one, man."

Si'Nai turned to him.

"Baku?"

"Yes?"

"You have no ways with people."

On this, the trio left the inn, leaving a dumbfounded Baku behind.

Si'Nai POV

When we found Freya, she was about to start a fight with Amarant. Zidane and I quickly stepped between the two. To make matters worse, the two guards were about to arrest them. Zidane frowned.

"Hey, what's going on here?"

Freya looked at us.

"Zidane! I'd love to stop and talk, but I'm busy right now."

Amarant didn't look at us.

"Is she … a friend of yours?"

I nodded.

"She is. Calm down, Amarant. This is a misunderstanding."

"Go tell her that …"

While Vivi was looking at the scene, Sari talked to the two amazons.

"It's alright, you can le them go. It was a misunderstanding all along. Don't worry and sheath your swords. There's no more need for them."

One of the soldiers nodded, even saying that Princess Garnet had given orders that we would receive a special treatment. Zidane went to Freya.

"Hey Freya, stop being so mad, alright?"

The burmecian knight turned to him.

"Do you know why I'm really mad?"

Sari went closer to me. I could feel a big outburst coming. And I guessed right.

"It's because of you! Where have you been? Dagger's about to become queen and you're off wandering about! Have you found out anything more about Kuja? Well? Answer me!"

Zidane was taken aback.

"Well, I tried to find more info but …"

Sari smiled.

"You were too busy being heartbroken."

Freya frowned.

"Look, if Kuja was responsible for taking Dagger's eidolons and killing Brahne, who was working with him, don't you think he'd come after Dagger again?"

Zidane sighed.

"I know … But what can I do? I couldn't even talk to her, remember? I don't even know if I can protect her. Besides, she's gonna be a queen. She'll have all the guards she needs. She won't need me."

Sar smiled.

"She will need you. Believe me. Right now, let's just go and see her."

Zidane nodded.

"Alright, but we'll leave as soon as we're done."

Amarant turned to him.

"Zidane, you're not getting away from me. You still owe me a rematch."

"Suit yourself."

I frowned. Zidane was in a bad mood, something I never saw before. We crossed the river and went to the castle, only to see Steiner drop a pissed Eiko in front of the door. The girl turned to him.

"This is no way to treat a lady!"

"Quit streaming or I'll throw you into the dungeon!"

"Gaaaaah!"

Zidane looked at Eiko.

"What happened?"

The girl turned to him and smiled.

"Zidane! Oh, it was horrible! He called me a liar, a loudmouth and a brat!"

Amarant had a half-smile.

"He's right."

I held my laughter when Eiko turned and glared angrily at him.

"What did you say? Do you want to repeat that?"

Amarant turned away, his smile upside-down.

"Man, I hate kids …"

Freya smiled and went to Eiko.

"Calm down a little. What is your name?"

"Me? I'm Eiko. Eiko Carol of Madain Sari."

Freya frowned.

"From Madain Sari? I never heard of it."

"Of course, you didn't." I said to Freya. "Madain Sari was once the village of the summoner people. Eiko and Dagger are some of them, and so is my mother."

Steiner growled.

"Silence! What are you all doing here? This is the royal castle! You do not belong here!"

This is when Vivi decided to use his childish charm on the angry knight. Clever kid. He didn't forget Steiner would always listen to him and treat him with respect. He smiled to the knight.

"Hello, Mister Steiner."

Steiner bowed.

"Master Vivi! It is a pleasure to see you again."

Vivi straightened his hat.

"We came here to see Dagger."

"The princess? Hmm … If that is Master Vivi's wish, I shall arrange a meeting."

Sari came to Vivi's side as Steiner left.

"Way to go, Vivi."

The kid turned to her and held his hands in his back.

"Thanks, Aunt Sari."

I chuckled.

"Well, if you consider Sari as your aunt, can I be your uncle, kiddo?"

"Of course!"

I smiled. Vivi was a brave kid. The black mage's short lifespan came back to my mind. Soon, Vivi would have to leave forever. It saddened me greatly, especially given he was like a child while most black mages in Tamassa were adults. Steiner soon came back and let us near the royal domain.

"You all wait right here."

He climbed the stairs.

"Princess, we are ready."

Garnet appeared, clad in her white royal robes, a diadem on her head.

"Thank you for coming, everyone."

We all looked at her as she stood on the pathway above our heads. Eiko couldn't help it.

"Wow, she looks beautiful …"

In echo, Vivi smiled.

"Wow, you look beautiful!"

Sari waved at her.

"Good luck for your new reign."

"Yes." I smiled. "See you soon."

Freya smiled.

"Splendid! Zidane, have you got nothing to say?"

Zidane looked at her. There was sadness and pain in his eyes. I could feel this sadness in me and Sari could feel it too. We rangers have the gift of empathy. We are sensible to people's feelings, especially when they were as strong as Zidane's. The thief lowered his head and shook it.

"No."

Steiner turned to Garnet.

"Princess, we must go now."

Garnet looked at Zidane. Her eyes somewhat echoed that of our friend. She was sad too, and guessing why was easy. She closed her eyes.

"Alright."

Eiko suddenly climbed the stairs.

"Dagger, wait! Is this the last time we're ever gonna see each other."

Garnet had a kind smile.

"No, of course not. I won't be able to wander around the world with you anymore, but I'll never forget our journey together."

Eiko went to the future queen.

"Dagger, I wanted us to remain good rivals forever."

This caused a chuckle to escape the princess.

"Rivals? You say funny things at times, Eiko. Oh, there are some things I wanted to give you. Let's trade the jewels as a symbol of our friendship."

She gave Eiko the Falcon Claw and the Memory Earring, keeping the Desert Star and the Royal Pendant with her.

"Goodbye, Eiko."

Before she left, I climbed the stairs and went to her level.

"Dagger, before we part ways, I want to tell you I plan on becoming the next leader of the rangers. Given our respective positions, I think we will see each other again."

Garnet smiled.

"This is a nice thing to know, Si'Nai. You and Sari will always be welcome in Alexandria."

"I hope so. Sari is my wife, after all."

This caused the princess to chuckle. She left soon after with Beatrix and Steiner. Down the stairs, Vivi looked at Zidane.

"Why didn't you say anything to her, Zidane?"

Zidane shook his head.

"I don't know. I tried …"

"And?" Freya asked.

"I couldn't say anything! I had a whole speech ready for her, but it would've been a lie! How could I lie to her? 'Good luck, Dagger! I'll be watching you from afar. Come find me if you need someone to talk to.' It's a big fat lie! That's not how I feel at all! That's not how I feel … at all."

He was on the verge of crying. Seeing this, I took him in my arms in a brotherly hug, my hands rubbing his back. To my surprise, Zidane returned the hug and began sobbing in my arms. I shook my head. Zidane was really in pain.

Normal POV

That night, Eiko sat at the dock, brooding.

"So, there's only one room for Dagger in Zidane's heart. I wish I hadn't written that stupid letter. Zidane looked so sad … Isn't there anything I can do for him?"

She rose from her seat and streamed her anger.

"Aaaaah! Zidane, I hate you! You insensitive fool! You don't even know how I feel … I feel bad about ditching him, but I don't really feel like seeing him tonight. I gotta hide before he shows up!"

She was about to take a path when a noise was heard.

"Shoot! Someone's coming! Could it be Zidane?"

Two men arrived shortly after the girl hid behind a stone fence near the river. It was Marcus and Blank, who looked around the place. Marcus turned to Blank.

"There's no one here, Bro."

"I guess I'm early."

"Maybe. I wonder who wrote you that love letter."

"Well, read the letter. I bet she's beautiful!"

"Really? Are you sure you didn't write it yourself? I mean, you caught the letter falling from the floor above you, right?"

"I'm telling you, she was too shy to hand me the letter herself! And if you don't think I'm a ladies' man, you're wrong; Chicks are intimidated by good-looking guys. That's why …"

"Someone's coming!"

The two thieves jumped no far from Eiko's hideout. Steiner and his slightly clanking armor appeared. The man was just doing his night patrol. As he looked around, he saw the letter Blank had dropped … and as in fact Eiko's love letter.

"A piece of paper? This looks like a letter. Let's see …"

Of course, the content took him completely aback.

"M-m-my goodness! This is a love letter! Who wrote it to whom? Hmm … No address or addressee … Did someone drop it there, knowing that I would pass by? Who could it have been?"

As if on clue, remembering the message from the letter, Beatrix came. She wasn't interested whatsoever, only curious to see who would or could write a love letter like the one she found. She was deeply surprised to see her ex-rival standing here. After all, the eye she lost was partially his fault. Partially. Damn that woman, Ariane, and her fighting skills! The day people discovered she wasn't a noble, she escaped the castle and battled the two of them at the same time, managing to turn their strength against them. A missing swing from Steiner's sword robbed her from her right eye and Ariane escaped. Later on, news was heard that she married the Lord King of Treno, Kuja … who was now their enemy. She looked at the captain.

"Steiner …"

Steiner turned to her.

"Beatrix … Was it you …?"

The knight suddenly felt his face heaten. Could Beatrix have written this letter? The two got closer. Beatrix's face was red as well. She slowly took the letter from his hands but Steiner didn't let it go.

"Steiner …"

She raised a hand and caressed his cheek. Steiner's face was now tomato red. Te two got closer, closer, closer … their lips were at mere inches when a big snoozing was heard. Scared, Beatrix hid behind Steiner. Baku walked here, totally unaware of what was happening at the moment. Eiko got out of her hideout, angry.

"Oh, you totally ruined the scene!"

On this she left. Everyone wondered what the little girl was doing here but soon, no one was in the dock anymore.

The team had gathered at the Morning Star Inn. Freya drank a glass of wine.

"That Zidane, where did he go?"

"Who knows …" Amarant replied.

Sari shook her head.

"Maybe he doesn't want to be found. He's heartbroken."

At her side, Si'Nai nodded. Vivi got out of his chair.

"I'll go look for him …"

He walked to the exit but bumped into Eiko who turned to him.

"Watch it! I'm not in a good mood right now! Stay out of my way!"

The ranger smirked.

"This night is starting to get cloudy …"

Doctor Tot soon entered and greeted the party.

"Excuse me. Have you seen a young lady named Eiko?"

Eiko was sulking up the stairs. Her face brightened when she heard the scholar.

"Hey, that's the nerdy guy!"

Tot smiled as he saw her jump down the stairs.

"Hahaha … You're as energetic as ever."

"Yup!" The girl smiled. "I'm always energetic!"

Then she muttered something no one heard. A smile on her face, she looked at the doctor.

"Didn't you come here to talk to me about something?"

"Oh, yes. I almost forgot. Your village … What was the name …?"

"Madain Sari."

"Yes. I wanted to ask you a few questions about Madain Sari."

"Sure! I'll tell you everything I know. You helped me out."

Si'Nai smiled too. The sky was clearing.

"Maybe I could add the little knowledge I have of Madain and its inhabitants to yours. My mother was a summoner from this village."

Doctor Tot turned to him.

"You? Are you a summoner too?"

"Not completely. My mother was a summoner and my father was half-ranger, half-summoner. I am a half-breed."

"A ranger … I heard those people were related to the summoners …"

"Right. Our two races come from the same people, much like the burmecians and the cleyrans."

The scholar's face lit up.

"How interesting! We have to talk about it!"

Eiko smiled.

"Why don't we go to your place? We can relax here."

"To my home? My home is in Treno. It's a bit far from here."

"Treno? Sounds like a cool place. I'm really interested in sightseeing! I wanna go there."

"I'm coming with you." Zidane said as he entered the inn. "There's a card game tournament going on right now in Treno. I wanna participate."

Vivi smiled.

"A card game tournament? That sounds fun. I wanna go too …"

Freya nodded.

"I'd like to go as well."

Sari smiled.

"And I want to go too. I want to see the continent Si'Nai grew up in."

I smiled.

"And I'll come along. Diablo said that Kuja used to live in Treno. Maybe I can learn more about him here. Him … and his mysterious family."

Amarant frowned.

"Treno, huh?"

Tot laughed.

"What a party this is becoming! It would be my pleasure. We shall all go to Treno."

Si'Nai POV

So we followed Tot to the Gargan Roo. There was still Mist here but not as much as before. I still kept my bow ready, in case some predators came looking for a dish. Along the way, Ayden gave Freya another part of her Set Armor, a pair of boots that took the shape of her feet and made her legs stronger. While we were heading to Treno, Zorn and Thorn were leaving the castle. Rats often leave the boat first.


Wew. I know, it's early for me to post a chapter, moch more a story. But I am a write-o-maniac. When I got something in my mind I have to write it. On anything. So, having it done for having it done, better start now. I wan't wait to reach Desert Castle and Kuja's past with Ariane ...

'til next time!