Battle Strategies

Steiner was no doubt concerned about this predicament. In fact, he must have been the most concerned team member about the situation… aside from Eiko, who was more concerned of herself than the party in question. That was it, he had lost her. Just like that, some strapping young thief came and stole her heart away. Steiner by no means was the brightest burning candle, but even he could see that she had fallen, and his only concern now was whether or not a thief had the strength to catch her after such a long drop. And even if he could catch her how long would it be before he tripped and she smashed into a million pieces? That was one porcelain doll Steiner wasn't looking forward to piecing back together.

The realization eventually set in after months of watching her follow him to all the corners of Gaia. Eventually he had to put aside his denial, and faced the pure and simple fact: Garnet loved Zidane. The more distance he gave them, the stronger their bond became, and the more he lost her. He hated losing her; he preferred life when she depended on him. Now, she depended on Zidane, and his services were nearly useless to her. While it felt like defeat, he could not escape the happiness it gave him. Seeing her smile and laugh even when times were at its hardest, made the hate and anger towards Zidane slowly vanish. Maybe he was not so bad… still he was a criminal, and that should be taken into account! Still, Zidane had changed too; maybe… maybe Zidane loved Garnet. No! Preposterous! Brigands like Zidane do not love, just merely lust for scantily clad women, and whores (given you find any un-scantily clad whores). He should interfere! Quick, before it's too late and he completely loses her! As these thoughts and fears rise... he sees them again. Shyly looking from across rooms and slightly touching and bumping into each other… what do they call it?… flirting? Again, the look on her face settles him… she's happy… she's in love. As he looks to the man that it's directed to, he sees the same emotion reflected right back. He's lost her. His little princess is now a strong queen, and she's in love with a thief… a dirty, rotten thief.

And there was no battle strategy good enough to defeat a love like theirs.

"Yo, Rusty!" Zidane yelled from some distance.

As his mind affixed to his body once more he looked out to Zidane.

"Ya back on Gaia? Come on! Let's go beat the shit out of Kuja!"

"We'll catch up to, Zidane!" Garnet called back. He looked to his side and there she was smiling up at him. She linked her arm with his, and as they set off asked, "What were you thinking about so intently, Steiner?"

He looked to her, and as he saw her face lit up in ways he had only ever seen when she spoke to Zidane, he smiled back, "Battle strategies."


A/N: Been a while, eh? Hah! My triumphant return? I wouldn't count on it. Anyways, I've always adored Steiner. It was about time I gave him his own one shot. Anyways, hope you guys enjoyed it! Critics are welcome! (even flames, go ahead, I'm ready to get burrrrrned!)

You read it. Now, review it. I hope you LOVED it.