Yes Thanksgiving delayed my writing. I was out spending time with the family.

Thanks to those who took their precious time to review! Love ya!

I do not own so please enjoy!

The South Gate Grand Citadel was just before Dagger, Steiner and Jen, they each stood in the shadows, in the bushes and behind some trees thinking of a way to get past the two guards. Jen knew how Dagger was going to get by, but she didn't know how she would get through. Dagger finally stated, "Well you can sneak me in with a bag of pickles."

Steiner shook his head that had to be one of the worst ideas he had ever heard of, "That is impossible, where are we going to find a bag of pickles out here in the middle of nowhere?"

Dagger pointed over to an old man who was having troubles carrying a bag of pickles, "Over there, I'm sure if we reason with him we can make some kind of deal. Then we'll empty out the pickles, stuff my clothes over me, then throw the pickles on top to hide me in case the guards want to know what's inside."

Jen bobbed her head, knowing that the plan would work, "That's not a bad idea but what about me? I don't think they're looking for me as well but then what if they are?"

Dagger shurgged, the bag was only big enough for one person, she then though of a classic plan that should work, "Well, if the guards do happen to look in the bag and if they see the pickles and my clothes, Steiner could say that his 'wife' packed his favorite snack and that she insisted she bring a change of clothing for she wishes to stay with him."

Steiner's jaw practically came unhinged, the Princess's first idea was one thing but that was dragging it out to a whole different level, he looked over to Jen, who was now staring at him, it was quite noticeable that she was in as much shock as he was, he looked over to the Princess, "That is nonsense! There's no way! She is too young for them to believe that we are m-married!"

Dagger thought this was a bit amusing, both of them wore horrified expressions, she continued to push the idea off, hoping they would both comply, "If they mention anything, you can say it was an arranged marriage and that you got the better end of the deal. As I see it, this is the only way we can get through, so Steiner go buy the bag of pickles from that old gentleman, give him a good deal, I'm sure he's tired of carrying that around."

Steiner knew better than to argue with a royal family member, especially the Princess, he stepped back in line and saluted her, "Yes m'am!"

Dagger looked over to Jen who still hadn't said anything. Jen needed time for this to sink in, she looked over to the Princess and slowly asked in a nervous and somewhat scared tone, "You want me to pretend to be his wife?" She continued trying to find some humor in this, "You know Dagg. You owe me big time for this one." Dagger nodded her head and Jen quickly added as Steiner came back with the bag of pickles, "This is never to be repeated to anyone, not even Zidane. He would never let it go."

Steiner imagined Zidane making a fool out of him in front of the Knights of Pluto, he knew his reputation would be ruined, he would not only be the laughing stock of Beatrix and her squad, but the laughing stock of his men as well, that was too much humiliation, more than he could handle, he could imagine the Queen thinking less of him for doing that to a young girl and the Princess, he saw his career ending in a flash, he dropped the bag onto the ground, "I gave the man 400 Gil for the bag, he said if he took anymore he would be stealing from us."

Dagger then asked Steiner to go stand watch outside of the bushes so she could change, while Steiner was watching one end Jen walked further into the forest to make sure there were no monsters or bandits lurking around. She looked at her clothes, they were pretty dirty but it must be common. Daggers clothes are dirty and she seems to be okay with it. Jen heard Dagger call out, "Jen come cover me with my clothes first, then the pickles." Jen shrugged and did as the Princess ordered, she tied the knot to the bag and grabbed the pole, she slid it through the knot and handed it over to Steiner.

Steiner took the pole and lifted the bag over his shoulder, he struggled at first but he gained his balance, he said reassuringly to Dagger, "This bag is very light, I can't even tell your in there Princess."

Jen looked at Steiner, "Well, let's get this over with."

Both Jen and Steiner slowly walked towards the South Gate Grand Citadel, as they approached the two guards, they were stopped by a short guard who held out his right hand as his other hand held a spear, this made Jen nervous as she remembered when the Burmecians pointed their spears at her, the short guard brought her back to reality as he said, "Hold it right there."

The tall guard standing near the short guard asked in a serious tone as if he was a business man, "What's the purpose of your visit?"

Steiner almost sounded uncertain as he stated, "I heard workers were needed to fix South Gate. I brought my belongings so that I might live and work here."

Jen quickly said as she was nervous too, "I came along with him to make sure he doesn't fool around."

The short guard looked at Jen and raised an eyebrow, "And who are you?"

Steiner looked at Jen and then to the short guard, he slowly started, "She is my wife." Jen could tell that Steiner had to force out the 'wife' part. Steiner swallowed the remaining saliva in his mouth hoping that the guards would believe him.

The tall guard sounded very pleased to hear this, they must've needed more workers as he said, "That's great! They've been working on the gate non-stop since the accident but it's still broken."

The short guard then said to Steiner using his officer tone, "I need to check your bag. Rules and regualtions, you know."Jen watched as Steiner froze, he reluctantly set the bag down and looked that guards, the short guard then asked, "Would you both step back?" Both Jen and Steiner took two steps back and watched as the guard as he tried to open the bag.

The tall guard then said, "There's, that's good. Sorry, just doing our job. So where are you from?" Jen looked over to Steiner wondering if he was going to say something, she watched as he muttered something under his breath, the tall guard continued, "The police are searching for a girl and a middle aged man. You both fit the profile...except the discription is a little off. The girl supposedly looks alot like Princess Garnet, did you see a pair like that on your way here?"

Steiner shook his head, "No, I have not." He obviously had his attention on the short guard.

The short guard who had been struggling with the knot finally exclaimed, "There! Got it!"

The tall guard continued, "But you know how Queen Brahne looks. It's hard to believe that she'd have such a beautiful daughter." Jen also wondered how it was that Queen Brahne had a daughter that resembled Dagger. It did seem impossible. The king of Alexandria must have been a real hunk.

The short guard then shouted gaining everyones attention, "Ungh! WHAT IS THIS!? Wh-what is that!? What are those...those rotten things!? Are they poison!?"

Steiner almost sounded offended by the short guards remark, "Rotten? I'm not carrying anything that is rotting..."

The tall guard then said realizing what his partner was harping about, "Oh, it's your least favourite food...The Lindblum delicacy, gysahl pickles. I can't believe how many you brought with you!"

Steiner tried assuring them with a postive attitude, "My wife packed them! They are my Favourite! I cannot start my day without them! Isn't that right honey?"

Jen blushed, she was mortified, but she smiled and said happily, "He can't."

The tall guard decided they were clear, "Yeah sure, people who like 'em all say that."

The short guard then said something that made Jen furious, it also made Steiner a bit scared, he was afriad to look at Jen after he said, "You know, I like your wife, she only speaks when spoken to, that's a good quality in a wife, make sure you keep her in line or she'll start acting like the rest of them if ya know what I mean." Steiner did not know how to repsond to this, so he said nothing. Jen had to stop herself from beating the guy down to a bloody pulp, it took every ounce of strength she had to restrain herself, she had to keep her character, and keep reminding her that this was for Dagger.

The tall guard felt his friend was talking too much, "You can go now."

Steiner said with relief, "Thank you." He picked up the bag and started to walk through the gate as the guards opened it for them, "Good day."

Steiner then whispered to Dagger, "We're inside the gate! Princess, you've done it again. I must find a spot where I won't be seen." Steiner looked left, then right, and kept looking right, "That alley looks acceptable. But a girl and a man are in the way. Miss Jennifer, stay here while I deal with them."

Jen almost felt insulted by his order after what that short guard had said to her. She knew it wasn't Steiner's fault, so she didn't hold it against him. She watched as Steiner walked off to talk to the man. Jen was half tempted to go back out and beat that guy up, he was short, she could take him on. It wasn't long until Steiner spoke to Mary, that part-time worker, she ran over to go talk to the guy who went out of business. Steiner then signaled to Jen that the coast was clear. Jen started over towards Steiner but was soon stopped by the short guard, "Hey, hold on! Rules and regulations, would you come here?"

Jen turned around and slowly walked over to the short guard, he ticked her off again by saying, "No, I want your husband to come here as well, man talk." Steiner walked over to the short guard who then ordered, "Stop right there! Don't make a move until I tell you! Now, turn toward me slowly... Don't make a false move. Phew...You need a Gate Pass to reach the South Gate summit. I'm leaving it right here. Pick it up after I leave. I'd come closer, but you're carrying those stinky pickles! See? I'm leaving it right here!" After the short guard left, Steiner picked it up, both Jen and Steiner walked over to the alley.

Jen finally said, "I can't believe that guy."

Steiner set the bag down and cleared his throat, "Ahem...Tis foolishness! If all were so easy, why, none would suffer in this world!"

Dagger then asked, "Steiner...? Is it okay for me to come out?"

Even though Dagger was still in the bag, Steiner saluted her, "Yes!"

Dagger replied, "Thank you. I will come out now. Please keep an eye out."

Jen helped Steiner keep an eye out for anyone, she knew there was nothing to be afraid of, she just didn't want to watch or help Dagger because she was saturated in the scent of nasty pickles. Dagger finally said, "You guys can turn around now."

Steiner saluted Dagger again, "Princess!" Jen was unsure why he did that...

Dagger then scolded the knight, "Steiner! You can't call me that anymore and you can't salute me either, not until we reach Treno."

Steiner compromised, "Yes miss Dagger, until we reach Treno and find a way back to the castle, I will be careful."

Jen then said, "Alright, let's go!"

Steiner and Dagger nodded and they three of them made their way to the cable car. As they approached it, Dagger exclaimed, "Wow! That cable car will take us to the summit. We're almost there, Alexandria is just beyond the summit. I managed it without idane's help!" She sounded proud of herself.

Steiner said trying to convince Dagger that she could do anything on her own, "You never needed him to begin with, Princess." Jen noticed that he slipped and called her 'Princess' she decided not to call him on it.

Dagger didn't say anything, she knew she needed his help from the start, this reminded her how helpless she was. The three of them walked up to the conductor who asked for the pass, it was a wonder that he didn't expect all three of them to have their own individual passes, Jen thought it was better to ignore this. After the conductor informed them that they would be departing shortly, the made their way into the air cab and found a seat. Jen sat next Dagger as Steiner talked to Mary. After he sat down the cable car then took off. Dagger stated, "I feel more relaxed now."

Steiner agreed, "That is understandable. Our journey from Lindblum was very tough. But...it was your white magic that helped me through the battles against all those monsters...your fortitude that got us past the obnoxious moogles in Chocobo's Forest...and finally, your idea to use gysahl pickles to get past the South Gate guards! I am thoroughly impressed by your intelligence and courage, Princess!"

Dagger then said quickly catching the knights mistake, "Steiner, you can't call me that."

Steiner noticed his mistake, "My apologies, I'm just not used to..." His voice trailed off.

Dagger forgave Steiner, "It's okay. I made lots of mistakes whe Zidane taught me how to talk like this."

For whatever reason, Steiner was annoyed whenever Dagger gave credit to Zidane, it was amusing,"That peasant had no manners whatsoever! Although...he did have some wit for a bumpkin, but...The way he spoke to you was simply unacceptable!I say good riddance."

Jen felt invisible but she didn't care at the moment, she was tired and sitting down made her acknowledge that fact, she dozed off into a dream, a dream that was a reality. It was as if she was there but not physically, she witnessed a battle, the battle between Beatrix and Zidane, along with the others. She could only see but not hear what was going on, it was like a silent film. There was another person there, someone Jen recognized, he was fighting someone she couldn't see, the figure was a shadow. The person she did recognize was...Ryan. Jen tried screaming out to him but nothing was heard. She watched as the shadow pierced Ryan in the chest, he fell. Jen kept crying out, "Ryan! Ryan! No!" The shadow figure then left with Kuja on the silver dragon, the dream started to fade out and Jen kept crying out, "Ryan! Come back! Come back!"

She was soon awaken by Dagger who had a frightened expression on her face, she asked Jen, "Are you alright?"

Jen felt sick to her stomach, the dream was vivid it made her want to puke, "Yeah, bad dream, that's all..." At least that's what she hoped it was and nothing more.

Dun-dun-duuun.

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-Huggyssupreme

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