Out on the Line

Chapter twelve: The Path to Power

Luffy and Robin took turns telling the tale of High Roll. Robin enlightened the prince and his guardian to the darker side of Alucard and the Lucky Seven. The pirates rescued Candy from her gilded prison and she joined them as their ships musician. Everyone was happy to have her with them, Luffy in particular. Monkey D Luffy and Cherry Candy had always been the best of friends. They made a new promise together, to marry after the captain became king of the pirates.

Nami took on explaining the kidnapping. She began with their arrival on the island and moved on to their fabulous shopping spree. She narrated up to the point in the fight when she ran to go get help and Ussop took over from there. He told Balthier and Quatre what he heard Trump Card say. Balthier winced and something inside of the prince crumbled. Zoro added his own part to the story, how they found their injured nakama and chased after Candy. They found Card's ship and extracted Candy's location from his mates. Nami guided them to a sheltered cove and then on to Bevelle. They broke into the palace to rescue their friend and from there on, the men of Spira knew the rest.

Quatre swallowed his emotions and asked about Candy and her stones. Again it was Ussop that mostly explained things. The research they did before he presented her with the modified set made him and Robin most knowledgeable. Candy had been wearing the Kai set for a while before she utilized the releases Ussop had built in just in case. Candy became stronger and faster; Sanji testified to it. He was the one doing the training with his chwan. It was no small accomplishment that she could keep up with him. Luffy kept his mouth shut until he thought everyone was done. Still rocking Candy he asked the prince, "Oi taishi why you so interested in Candy's bracelets?"

The prince didn't look at the pirate, Balthier answered for him. "Those stones are native to this island."

That hooked Robin's attentions. "In all my research I've not come across the origins of the stones. I would like to hear more about them if you know anything else."

"That would be fine," Quatre answered. "But if it's all the same to you I'd like to wait until Miss Cherry wakes up. It's getting very late and I'm sure she'll want to hear it too."

Balthier took the master's cue. The young prince was far too emotional now to continue even if it didn't show on the outside. Rathwal what have you done? "Long history and master Quatre is right. We should all try to get a little shut eye. It will be best to get moving again as soon as it's light."

Luffy guessed it could wait; he was a little sleepy having Candy in his arms again. It had been a very long few days. "Tomorrow then."

"Just as soon as my lady awakes," Balthier nodded.

When Luffy could rock no more he fell into a light sleep holding Candy against him. He dozed in and out for a while listening to the snores of the others around the campfire. Leaning up against the rock got uncomfortable so eventually Luffy shifted. He lay on the rough ground snuggling up close to Candy. She was warm and the sound of her breathing relaxed him. I missed you. An hour before dawn her soft snores ceased and Candy sighed coming awake. Luffy pulled himself from sleep and looked at his sweetie. She was frowning a little. "Candy?"

She could hear Luffy calling her. Candy wondered why half of her body felt so cold. She cuddled closer to Luffy. Luffy…. All at once the memories came back. Luffy? Candy startled out of sleep and opened her eyes. Luffy was smiling at her in the dim. "Luffy…"

Finally she had come to. Sweet relief washed over him and Luffy brought a hand up to brush the hair out of her eyes. "Welcome back Candy." His sweetie blinked up at him, Luffy just had to kiss her. "I missed you."

Luffy! Everything must be alright if she was with him again. Candy clung to him. "Luffy!" He hugged her tight and her heart sped up. "Are Ussop and Nami alright?"

"Yes, they're fine. Everything is okay now." It felt like a weight had been lifted off of his heart. "Candy I…" It was hard to find the words. He had missed her so much, worried about her so much. Luffy looked down into her eyes. "I never want to be away from you again."

Candy took a handful of Luffy's shirt. Her betrothed had sad eyes. "Oh Luffy." Candy pressed her lips to his and Luffy hugged her tighter. She wasn't sure where they were somewhere outside or why they were here, but Candy knew it must be alright. Luffy was here holding her and kissing her. The explanations could come after they celebrated their reunion. "You saved me."

"I can't live without you Candy," he admitted softly. "Are you okay?"

Her shoulder and her foot hurt only the slightest bit. Candy still felt weak and tired, but otherwise she was intact. "I'm alright Luffy." He rested his forehead against hers and sighed. "How long have I been out?"

"Days," it was almost a groan. "Trump Card took you to Lucca and then we followed you to Bevelle. I just got you back again tonight. It's been terrible without you Candy."

Separated for days. "It's alright Luffy I'm here now. You said everything is alright?"

Luffy nodded shaking both their heads. "Yeah I just," he looked at her. Her sea green eyes met his again. "I missed you. I was so worried about you. I never want to be away from you again. I love you Candy, so much."

She smiled at her boyfriend. "I love you too Luffy."

Quatre closed his eyes. He didn't want to see the woman he wanted to marry kiss the grubby pirate. She really… His father had done the young lady a terrible wrong; the pirates had told the whole truth. Candy is Mugiwara's girlfriend. They are…in love…. It made his chest hurt worse to think about it. The prince squeezed his eyes shut and tried to go back to sleep.

Their internal clock woke both Sanji and Balthier just before daybreak. The cook was used to starting up breakfast around this time. Sanji got up and took a stroll to pee away from the others. When he got back Balthier was sitting up. "Morning," Sanji greeted lighting a cigarette.

"Good morning to you Sanji." Balthier rubbed the sleep from his eyes.

Sanji's eyes swept his nakama around the campfire all sleeping peacefully. Behind Robin and the prince Candy was using Luffy as a mattress. "That bastard," he couldn't keep from grumbling.

Balthier couldn't keep from chuckling. "A bit jealous of your captain are you?" he stood and stretched his back. "Can't say I blame you, Candy is a lovely young lady."

"She's my protégée," Sanji exhaled. "I've been teaching her some moves. Candy chwan is tough; she can kick a lot of ass. Makes a man wonder if she'll do just that when she wakes up. I know I'd be pretty pissed off if one of my old friends had me kidnapped."

"Master Quatre meant no harm to anyone. He didn't know my lady would have to be shanghaied into marrying him; there was no indication of foul play until she was delivered to us in Lucca. I'm afraid this is King Rathwal's doing."

"The king ne?" Sanji smoked. Royalty always thought they were above the law.

"Quatre is of age to wed. My king insisted he take a bride. Quatre has always been fond of Candy, he chose her. Dark Alucard had approved of the union himself before his untimely disposition."

The cook drew a fat satisfying drag off of his cigarette. "Alucard held Candy chwan prisoner in High Roll. He blackmailed her into behaving."

"We didn't know that then. Candy spent weeks with Quatre and never mentioned it."

"I don't imagine she did."

Balthier turned to fully face the tall smoking blonde in the early light. "She confided in your captain though."

"Candy chwan has always trusted Luffy, since they were little kids." It pained Sanji to admit it, "She's always loved the idiot."

"Enough to marry him?"

"Apparently so. Luffy proposed months ago and Candy chwan accepted."

The slight frown on the other man's face said it all. He's jealous. "You do not approve of their engagement?"

"I was surprised by it's timing," Sanji stayed cool.

"But you weren't surprised she said yes to him?" Balthier cut his eyes over to the young couple asleep on the sparse grass. Candy was mostly on top of the pirate and he had his arms around her. They both looked comfortably content.

Sanji smoked eying Balthier over the hot end of his cigarette. "I guess not."

"Well I am," Quatre stopped trying to sleep and sat up. The young prince was cold and miserable this morning. He looked over his shoulder, Candy's way. "Miss Cherry and that pirate?" he sneered. "She was raised far better then that."

He didn't particularly want to defend Luffy but he would anyway. "It's what they want. Luffy will become pirate king and Candy chwan will marry him."

"If she wants to marry a king I'm right here," Quatre huffed a sigh and returned his gaze to the smoking pirate.

"Take a big step back buddy," Sanji pointed his cigarette at Quatre. "Candy chwan don't need you, Mr. Prince is right here."

Quatre frowned at Sanji. "Can you give her a kingdom?"

"I'd give her the world."

"She shouldn't be running with criminals. You're all wanted by the World Government. It's scandalous."

"It's her choice."

Balthier stepped forward to break it up. "Let's wake the others. We should collect ourselves and move out as soon as possible. We need to get back under cover soon. Bury any traces of the campfire and let's go."

It was the sensible course of action and Quatre appeared to take it as an order. He leaned closer to Robin. "Miss Robin? Senorita?"

Sanji rolled his eyes and kicked at Zoro. "Oi, wake the hell up marimo."

Robin stirred and Zoro swatted at Sanji. "Stop kicking me asshole," the swordsman growled a warning.

Ussop could sleep no more and announced himself before he could get a heel in his ribs. "I'm up too Sanji." He reached around and felt Nami's foot. He grabbed her around the ankle and tugged. "Nami? Please don't kick me in the face."

Robin sat up and looked behind her. "Captain, its time to wake up."

Nami groaned and curled up into a ball. "I'm cold," she whined half asleep.

Immediately Sanji started unbuttoning his jacket. "Here you are Nami swan, nice and warm." He slipped off his jacket stepping over to her.

Her arm flailed until it found something in the air above her. Nami grabbed Sanji's jacket and sat up to put it on. She looked around at the others sliding her arms into warm sleeves. Everyone was up but Luffy and Candy. "Luffy? Oi, somebody wake him up."

Chopper opened his eyes and looked at the sky. It sure was noisy this morning.

Quatre reached back and pinched Luffy's weird rubber skin. He pulled and it stretched, rather interesting. He let go and it snapped back startling the pirate awake. "Wake up, it's time to go."

His leg was itchy. Luffy frowned at the prince ordering him. "I'm up." He turned his attention to more pleasant things and looked down at Candy. He was only vaguely aware that they were cuddling in front of everyone. "Candy chan, wake up. It's time to go."

The prince sighed aggravated. "Must you start so early in the morning."

Luffy kept his eyes on Candy. She stirred and he smiled at her. "Good morning Candy chan."

Candy opened her eyes and looked at Luffy in early light. "Morning Luffy."

There was a collective gasp and then Nami was on her feet. "Candy chan!"

Her nakama rushed to welcome her back as Candy and Luffy sat up to meet them. Prince Quatre sat where he was mostly obscured from her sight by her excited friends. It confirmed what he really didn't want to believe; she was happy with these people and they all loved her. They were nakama. Candy hugged Ussop and Nami to her as the little animal hopped up and down. They missed her.

"Nami! Ussop!" Candy hugged them hard. "I'm so glad you're alright!"

"We were just worried about you Candy chan. Are you feeling better?"

"Yes much better."

Chopper wriggled forward. "Let me see your wounds Candy chan." She offered him her foot and he unwound the dressing. The bullet hole was barely a scratch. "Sugee its working! Kai is healing you again."

"I knew it would!" Ussop crowed triumphant.

"Everything is alright now Candy chwan You're saved!" the love cook had hearts in his eyes. Candy chwan looked divine in her silky sleepwear.

She was happy to be with them again and her big smile showed it. "I'm so glad to see you all." Candy's eyes swept over her nakama. It was then she saw a familiar looking man standing behind Sanji. Is that….Balthier? A moment later someone else stood up; the prince of Spira. "Quatre?" she blinked at him.

Quatre bowed his head. "Forgive me Miss Cherry. You have been mistreated because of me. I shall escort you for your own protection from here on."

"Eh?" She looked to Nami for an explanation.

Nami was more then happy to unconfuse her blonde friend. "Card had already taken you to the palace in Bevelle before we caught up to you." She nodded toward the men of Spira. "They're getting us out of here, back to our ship."

"Where are we?"

"In an oogliet that leads out of Bevelle." Nami had to fuss over Candy. She did up the buttons on her robe for her. It was chilly this morning.

"A wha?"

"It's kinda like a mystery cave," Luffy tried to help.

The prince couldn't help but sigh again. "A series of caverns behind the palace." He stepped up next to Sanji. Quatre stared down at Candy trying not to see the grubby pirate beside her. "Are you alright Miss Cherry?"

One thing Candy remembered very clearly about Quatre was how nervous he could be. Even now he looked like he was totally stressing out. "I'm okay, what about you? I've never seen you such a mess Quatre."

All eyes bounced between Candy and Quatre. The prince straightened and started dusting himself off. "I don't usually sleep in my clothes."

It was more then that and her mind slowly worked it out. Leaving Bevelle, Quatre is apologizing and freaking out… "Trump Card kidnapped me to marry you."

"Candy I had no idea." Quatre smushed in between Nami and Ussop. He got down on one knee and took Candy's hand. "I was told you had consented to be my bride, that our wedding was all arranged."

The prince was being noisy again and this time Luffy didn't like it. He pulled his girlfriends hand away from Quatre. "Well it wasn't so just apologize taishi."

Quatre favored Luffy with a disgruntled look and bowed to Candy again. "I'm sorry for all of this Candy please, forgive me."

She was still trying to figure out all of what was going on. At least it was clear Quatre was remorseful she had been abducted. Luffy was being protective, probably jealous. Her nakama were all watching them. The prince of Spira looked up at her through his hair and she smiled. "Of course I can forgive you Quatre. I don't think kidnapping is quite your style."

Luffy and Sanji both sagged a little. Deep down they were sort of hoping Candy might want to beat the prince up. "How gracious of you Candy chwan."

"What happened Quatre, why did it come to this? Did you and your father…?"

The mention of his father stung him like a slap. "We haven't been getting along for some time now."

"King Rathwal isn't well," Balthier added. "Master Quatre turned twenty one recently and the king believes its time for him to marry. He's insisted. My king wishes to see Quatre's heirs before he leaves this life."

"I can't let my father bear all of the blame. It was I that said you were the one I wanted to marry."

That she didn't understand. Sure they had got along well in High Roll but Candy never saw this coming. "Why would you say me?"

Quatre squirmed a little. "A few reasons actually. I certainly didn't expect you'd come so soon."

Balthier smiled. Here there were no celebratory decorations to distract the prince; they had made him terribly anxious. "Master Quatre has been trying to dodge the bullet."

"That isn't true Balthier!" The prince's cheeks flushed. "I didn't want to rush into something is all."

Nami put a hand on her hip and frowned at the hostage. "So you said you wanted to marry Candy chan because you were trying to stall ne?"

Robin poked her head forward. "What were these 'few reasons' of yours prince?"

The women turned on him like a pack of dogs. Quatre started to sweat. "Well you see…" they were making him nervous. The matronly redhead was a frightening woman. He thought perhaps it was just easier to show them. His fingers worked the button on his right cuff. "When I met you Candy you were wearing the Edelbrock set. The stones you wear now as well, indigenous to this land." Prince Quatre rolled up his sleeve.

Miss archeologist recognized Quatre's stone at once, so did Ussop. They had seen it in books before. "Is that…" Robin stared.

"Yes, a stone like Candy's. This is Behlit of the Sand."

"That slide!" Nami remembered. "That was you?" Quatre nodded and Nami smiled. The hostage could prove useful in more then one way.

"Yes. I use a stone like Candy does, but mine," he rotated his forearm to show them the backside of the cuff holding Behlit close to him. There was no seam. "Mine doesn't come off."

Ussop lifted a brow. The prince's armguard had been welded shut around his forearm. "There's no way to remove it."

"You could cut your hand off," Zoro corrected.

Quatre shook his head at the swordsman. "No thank you Zoro. I'm perfectly content to wear it." His eyes went back to Candy. "The stones are drawn to each other, often you'll find two of them together at any given time. That is why Roulette had the Edelbrock set to give you; it was drawn to her all on its own just as our stones pull us together now."

"You wanted Candy because of the stones?" Nami was still frowning.

"No not because of the stones. I want her because of what she can do with the stones. These things don't work for just anyone. Candy likely ended up with Edelbrock because none of the others could use it. She was able to use Edelbrock and now Kai. That is an extraordinarily rare talent."

Luffy hugged Candy around the middle and pulled her closer to him. He didn't like the prince saying he wanted Candy. "No Candy for you."

Nami put an arm around Candy's shoulders and pulled her back her way. "No Candy for you either! Shut up and sit still I'm trying to listen!"

Candy froze up a little, Luffy's shoulders sagged and his bottom lip stuck out. "He can't have Candy chan," Luffy pouted.

"Of course not dummy Candy chan is with us!" It was her way of reassuring her simple captain. Nami turned back to her hostage still hugging her blonde friend. "So Candy has a rare talent ne? Can it make us rich?"

Zoro couldn't hold his tongue. "You're such a greedy bitch Nami," he snorted a laugh.

Sanji kicked him. "You take that back you damn marimo."

Ussop leaned over and put his hands between them. "Guys! Oi knock it off I wanna here this!"

"What can Candy do?" Nami asked prince hostage with a big smile.

The prince looked from the plotting redhead to his baffled friend. Quatre stood up and looked back at Balthier. His mentor nodded and Quatre returned his attention to the curious pirates. He focused on Candy. "I do believe that you have what it takes to become a summoner, perhaps even a high summoner. You have the potential to command incredible power."

"Power like…?" Ussop was trying to think it through.

"Calling down a god," Balthier folded his arms across his chest.

Chopper's jaw dropped. "Kami?"

Luffy was taken aback. Candy stronger…. "Wait a minute, what about you taishi? You got a stone and I don't see you calling down kami to fight your battles."

Quatre nodded at Luffy. "It's true. Being the only heir to the throne of Spira I was not permitted to make a summoners pilgrimage."

"Pilgrimage?" Robin picked up on the archaic. "To do what exactly?"

Balthier offered the abridged version. "A summoner journeys to test their strength. They make for the holy city of Zanarkand beyond the heights of Mount Gagazet. If they can get that far and commune with the faith, Seireitei is within their reach."

Robin lifted a brow. "The court of pure souls, I thought that was a legend."

"Umm," Candy hated to sound dumb, but she was confused. "I don't understand."

Luffy pulled Candy closer. "I think they want to put you in a hippie commune."

Nami pulled Candy back again. "That's not what he's saying retard! Stop being stupid or I'm taking Candy chan!" Luffy stopped pulling on Candy and slouched. Nami turned back to Balthier. "What's the goal of this journey ne? What does Candy get out of it?"

"Unimaginable power," Balthier pondered.

"Or death on the mountain," Quatre lowered his eyes. "Gagazet is one giant sacrificial alter. The mountain is cruel and inhabited by fierce beasts. No one has come down from Gagazet in my lifetime."

The captain wasn't afraid of any mountain. "We can kick anything's ass. We aint scared of monsters. Chopper comes from a winter island. He's sugee in the snow."

"You would journey?" Balthier had to ask

"Balthier!" Quatre snapped. "I'll thank you very much not to invite Miss Cherry to danger."

He stepped to his ward and waited for Quatre to give him his full attention. "There are two of you now master Quatre and her friends," Balthier gestured at the pirates. "It can be done."

"It's a perilous undertaking. My father would never allow me to go."

Balthier laughed. "Of course not, but there's nothing he can say about it if you've been kidnapped by pirates."

Nami wasn't quite sure where Balthier was going with this, but it sounded profitable. "Yeah that's right hostage. You'll take us where we want you too or else."

Quatre bravely faced the red head. "Or else what?"

She grinned devilishly and pushed Candy back towards Luffy. "I think Candy chan needs a hug Luffy."

The prince grit his teeth as the grubby pirate glomped Candy again. "Keh! Alright, call him off!"

Chuckling manically Nami yanked Candy back to her. "Now tell me about this holy city, is there treasure there?"

Robin stood up. He was eager to hear more but didn't want to be caught out in the open. "Sir Balthier, I would like it if you could explain to us in detail a summoners journey to power. Perhaps you will share your tale with us as we move."

Her nakama started getting up around her. Luffy picked up Candy before anyone else could. He was all smiles to have her with him again. Nami pointed at Luffy and growled a warning too low for Balthier to hear. Candy giggled and Quatre turned to face him. "Come along then, it's this way."

Balthier spoke of a time out of mind; a time before missing history far back into the ages. Then the great island of Gai was united under one ruler and the nations of Spira and Midgar had yet to be thought up. The ancient ancestors were highly advanced and highly evolved beings. One of the most ancient glyphs discovered in Spira depicted the ancestors with wings. Some of their technologies still survived in Spira today. The temple of St Bevelle was one of the marvels of the ancient world preserved to the present by the royal blood of Spira.

The people of Gai lived in peace and prosperity. They had reached a new place on the path to enlightenment and then suddenly their empire was gone. Histories scarcely recount the brave deeds of the few that took it upon themselves to save Gai from annihilation. Those whose very souls exist within the stones; ancestors who became beings known as fayth. Ancient sacrificial rites tore their souls from their still living bodies. The soul was set to power and their bodies petrified. The god stones were born from spilled blood and given names, Edelbrock, Behlit and Kai among them.

For a time Gai held together and in some places the stones were venerated as saintly objects. Civil war in the north brought an end to decent record keeping for several hundred years and the missing history crept into the equation; the stones were lost. Gai saw many kingdoms rise and fall. Eventually Spira stabilized the southern half of the large island. Some years later Spira chose sides in the civil war in the north. The country of Midgar was the result of that war.

Quatre spoke more about St Bevelle as he was most familiar with the temple. There was far more to the place then what you saw from the city streets. Inside there were secret rooms, ancient technology that could take you places deep within the catacombs. At the heart of St Bevelle, only accessible using the ancient's way to navigate a trial was the chamber of the faith. Within this room sealed by a method no one could comprehend was a fayth. What records survived in the temple identified the fayth as a monk that lived here in the time of the ancients. He had been one of the sacrifices made for Gai; he was Adame the Healer. Unfortunately the stones to summon Adame were still lost.

Records from the bowls of St Bevelle recount Adame's ceremony, transformation and protection of Bevelle. He was turned into a fayth there in Bevelle temple; the others went on to Zanarkand to protect the whole of Gai. Whatever it was they did high atop Mt Gagazet it saved the island from the great catastrophe referred to as the spiral of death. Academics within the church like to think that the ancients had found a way to repel a hurricane.

The fayth that both Quatre and Candy needed to commune with to further their power were thought to be somewhere in the lost city of Zanarkand. To get there they had to leave Spira behind entirely and trek their way across Midgar; a journey north to the mountain and up. The pilgrimage would take them through rough and untamed back country and up the sheer faces of Gagazet. If fate smiled on them they would survive to find the holy city and receive the power of the fayth.

Robin had many more questions, but Quatre didn't have many more answers. The prince was sure that the answers they all sought could be found in Zanarkand including the way to Seireitei. He stressed again that such a quest could be most dangerous, he didn't want to fascinate Candy into making an unwise decision.

Candy looked up at Luffy thinking it all over. He looked down at her and smiled. "Wherever you want to go Candy, I'll protect you."

She looked over Luffy's shoulder at the prince. "Going to Zanarkand can really make us a lot stronger?"

Quatre looked up into Miss Cherry's sparkling blue eyes. "It's very possible since we can use the stones." He didn't want to endanger her but Quatre didn't want to see Candy sail off with the scruffy pirate.

Robin couldn't help herself. "An opportunity to study ancient writing," she thought aloud.

"It wouldn't hurt for Candy to be a little tougher," Zoro helped. If she's going to keep using those bracelets then… "Climbing a mountain is no big deal. We've done it before. Who knows, maybe there's treasure just lying around waiting for us in that ancient city," the swordsman sweetened the deal.

"Yes," Nami was dreaming of replenishing the treasure in the hold. They had thrown a fortune in gold into the sea on the way to this island. "That would be good."

Candy looked back at Luffy. It sounded as if their nakama were up for the challenge. Robin could study the ruins and if there were treasure Nami would be happy. If I could get stronger… It was a necessity. Candy couldn't have herself getting shanghaied again. She wouldn't make Luffy worry about her like this ever again if it could be prevented. "Ne Luffy, what do you think? Wanna climb a mountain?"

He moved his lips closer to her ear. "Anything for you," he said too quietly for the others to hear. "If it can make you stronger Candy chan, I say lets do it. I wanna see the mystery ancient city, I bet Robin does too." Like his girlfriend Luffy knew that if Candy could become stronger she should.

"I would love the opportunity to study the ruins," Robin supported the captain.

Nami stepped up between Ussop and Balthier. "There's treasure there ne? Priceless artifacts and gold!"

Balthier looked to his left, the redhead was smiling and the kid with the long nose was nodding at Balthier behind her. "Yes, I'm sure. Zanarkand was a wealthy city."

"Oh Candy chan," Nami practically sang. "What do you think? Want to go get all powered up and rich?"

She smiled at Nami's excitement. "Yes Nami, that sounds really great."

"Yatta!" Nami slapped a hand down on Balthier's shoulders. "You hostages can guide the way ne?"

At the rear walking beside the swordsman Quatre rolled his eyes. Pirates and abductees wasn't exactly the way the prince envisioned a pilgrimage to Zanarkand. Candy was still being carried by her scruffy pirate boyfriend, Quatre didn't like that either. He was thirsty and getting hungry. The prince decided he would endure until they took a rest at the stream about an hour ahead of them. When they stopped Quatre would make it a point to speak to his would be princess, hopefully alone.

Balthier led them to the stream and the troop stopped to refresh themselves. The ladies sat together in the grass by the stream. Further downstream Zoro and Sanji stood poised ready to catch fish Luffy Chopper and Ussop tried to scare their way. Luffy was beyond starving and had to have something to eat. The cook was sure he could find something around here to go with fish. Sanji could whip up some sashimi in no time.

Quatre took the opportunity to talk to his old friend without the scrub around. He went to Candy and hunkered beside her. The redhead was watching him carefully. "How are you feeling Candy?"

"Much better thank you. My strength is already returning." Candy looked at Quatre wondering what the stone was like for him. "How are you doing Quatre?"

He smiled sadly at her. "About the same as always." Quatre took her hand. "I must apologize again you have been put in this situation Candy. Sorry for all the trouble."

"It's alright. I know kidnapping isn't your thing."

Nami thought the hostage was sort of handsome when he smiled. "You seem pretty friendly with Candy chan," she flat eyed the prince.

His cheeks flushed a little and Quatre tentatively released Candy's hand. "Excuse me again. I forget that you're spoken for."

Candy blushed a little too. She still wasn't used to people bringing up her engagement to Luffy. "It's alright Quatre."

"I have to admit I was rather surprised to hear you had said yes to that man," Quatre looked upstream at the fool stomping around in the water. "I would have thought you would find yourself a proper gentleman, you're a smart young woman Candy." The prince of Spira smiled at her again. "Circumstances aside, it's good to see you again. You look beautiful."

Robin lifted a brow, Candy's blush deepened and Nami's grin became more devious. "Candy chan is very pretty ne? She's a real celebrity. Someone as cute as her should be treated special don't you think rich generous prince?"

Quatre favored Nami with a shy smile. "That was my intention. I know it's impolite to brag," he turned his smile to the former star of High Roll. "But you should see some of the wedding gifts I had for you."

"Gifts? What kind of gifts? Expensive ones I'm sure."

He had hooked the greedy redhead and the other women were watching him as well. "I found us the most beautiful château out in the hills. Incredible gardens and a spectacular view of the valley. I had hoped that you would want to vacation there after the wedding."

"You mean honeymoon in your new country estate Prince Quatre," Robin still had an eyebrow lifted. Miss Navigator looked impressed, Miss Singer looked embarrassed.

The prince laughed nervously. He had been consumed with the thoughts of their wedding and honeymoon for weeks. "Yes unless Candy wanted to go on the yacht instead."

Mr. Big Bucks! "Yacht you say? You bought her a yacht?" Nami liked the hostage more with each passing moment.

"I was hoping to spoil her a bit," he admitted and looked back at Candy. She was lovely with pink cheeks. "I was hopeful that you were looking forward to our marriage as much as I was. I was always so fond of you."

Candy's cheeks were burning. The look in the prince's eyes was serious, wanting. "Uh… I always liked you too Quatre."

Nami didn't mind prince hostage flirting, but he was starting to fluster her blonde friend. "It's been a while since you two have seen each other ne?"

Balthier smiled at the way Quatre was smoothing things over with the ladies. The prince was gifted with a silver tongue. Quatre bowed to Nami. "Yes miss nearly two years. I dare say Candy has become even more beautiful."

Quatre looked up at her through his hair again and Candy blinked at him. His flattery was a lot like flirting. "That's sweet of you to say."

Nami chuckled. Her wealthy hostage was sweet on her friend; certainly there was a way to profit from this. "Perhaps you'll want to get to know Candy chan again ne? You should treat her and her nakama to a stay in a luxurious resort and of course shopping."

"I'd be delighted," Quatre bowed again.

Nami squealed and clapped her hands together. "A massage and a manicure is just what I'll need when we get out of this place."

She hated to burst Miss Navigators bubble but "We will still be fleeing when we leave here if the prince and Sir Balthier are our hostages." Robin shifted and looked at Nami.

Robin was right about that and Nami nodded. "I guess it will just have to wait until we get to Midgar."

When it was time to get moving again Quatre stepped forward to carry Candy. Luffy protest but Quatre insisted someone dry carry the lady. Nami agreed and Quatre got to carry Candy. Luffy got bumped back to the rear to fill the prince's spot and he wasn't happy about it. He was scowling every time Candy peeked over Quatre's shoulder to talk to him or Zoro.

Luffy's luck didn't improve much that night either. It was sashimi again for dinner and Nami took his Candy chan to sleep with the women. Luffy got stuck between Ussop's stinky boots and Zoro's bad breath. His night was miserable and he woke up with cold feet.

They didn't have any breakfast which was bad, but Candy could walk on her own today and that was good. Luffy was first to take her hand to lead her. "Yosh Candy lets get back to the ship and eat some meat!"

Later that morning the Mugiwara pirates and their two hostages left Bevelle proper behind.