Disclaimer: *frowns*.....I'm not going to do anything for this one. Because you all know the drill.....so I ain't going to repeat it...
Dedication: To all who read and review.....
~*~Chapter 6~*~
~*~A time for sorrow~*~
" Come! Hurry...before Pierre arrives....", Zorn whispered fantically to his jester friend.
" I coming! Just wait....", Thorn whispered back. Zorn looked over across the empty hallway at Thorn. He waved to him and
Thorn scurried over, gripping the tiny vial in his hands.
He looked at Zorn and grinned, " Made it! Now....how long til Pierre returns? "
" In a few minutes...hurry! Pour it into the mix sitting on the table...", he instructed.
Thorn nodded and walked into the kitchen. He looked around and then spotted the cup full of steaming black liquid. He jumped up onto a stool and looked down into the cup. He grimaced as the little clouds of steam floated up into the air and then into his nostrils.
Zorn frowned, " What is it now? "
Thorn shook his head, his little bells jingling noisily, " nothing...."
" Alright then...what are you waiting for? "
" Nothing...", he repeated.
He slowly unscrewed the cap to the vial. He looked at it and grinned as he held it over the cup. Transparent liquid quickly flowed out and landed in the cup, causing some of the black liquid to splash over the sides. Zorn giggled and clapped his hands as he jumped up and down, " Good! Good....now Steiner will be no more. Hurry Thorn, I heard a noise. "
Thorn nodded and finished pouring all of the contents in the vial into the cup. He smiled and then jumped off the stool. He looked at Zorn and nodded, " All gone! No more Steiner....and then no more Quuen! "
Zorn giggled again and then he headed for the door. Thorn followed closely behind him. He frowned and scratched his head, " How will we get rid of all the other people? "
Zorn stopped and turned to look at him. He shrugged, " Me don't know. I guess Anomen will think of a way...ya think? "
Thorn nodded, " Yeah! You're right...let's go back to Anomen and tell him the good news. "
" Yes, let's! ", Zorn cried in excitement.
***
Garnet slowly made her way back to the dinning room with Zidane in two. He reached out and gave her hand a gentle squeeze, " It'll be alright. They won't be mad, they'll be happy...happy that you're finally going to settle down. Alright? ", he whispered lightly as he brushed his lips across her ear.
She closed her eyes and nodded, " I hope you're right Zidane. I hope you're right...."
He grinned, " When have I ever been wrong, Dagger? "
She giggled, " I could think of a couple of times..."
Zidane lifted a light brow, " Really? Okay...let's hear them...."
She swallowed, " well for one....when you first came back, you said that you'd never leave. But you did a week later...you were apparently wrong then. "
Zidane sighed and stopped. He tightened his grip on her hand and pulled her into his arms. Her head rested on his shoulder as he gently stroked her hair. She pulled away and looked up at him, " What? "
He gave her a small, brief smile as he reached out and gently caressed her arms, " Dagger...you know it was for a good cause. My brother needed help and I needed help. "
She sighed lightly as she reached out and played with the baby-blue ribbon on his white ruffled collar, " I know...I know. It's just that...I was heartbroken for two years. You left me for that long. Did you even think about how I would feel? How much I would hurt? "
He leaned forward and kissed her on the forehead softly, " Dagger my love, I thoght about you everyday and everynight. When I woke up and when I went to bed. You were always on my mind. It was you and always you. No one else. Alright? "
She smiled lightly and nodded, " Alright...I believe you..."
He looked down into her eyes, " You didn't mean what you said, did you? "
She shook her head and smiled again, " No! I could never hate you. I will always go on loving you, till the very day that I die. You should know that Zidane...."
He smiled lightly and encircled his arms around her waist. He pulled her against his body and held her there. She pressed her hands flat against his chest as she looked up at him , " So...there's no one else? "
" No....just you. Not even Eiko can have me! I'm all yours Dagger....", he whipsered as he lowered her face down to hers.
She smiled and nodded. She looked into his eyes and then down to his mouth. She watched as he ran his tongue over his lips. She giggled and looked back up into his eyes. She slid her hands up his chest until they were linked around his neck.
' I can't believe it! We're going to be married....', she thought in content as her mouth found his. She smiled against his mouth. He slowly parted his lips and slid his tongue out. He gently caressed her lips, coaxing her to open up to him. She tightened her arms around his neck and parted her lips slightly, allowing him to enter.
She pressed her tongue to his and they played tag. Zidane smiled secretly as his hands slid down her back to rest on the rise of her buttocks. He slowly slid his hands down to cup her butt cheeks and she groaned lightly. He pulled his mouth from hers and slowly planted kisses along her jawline. He slowly kissed his way down to the curve of her neck where he began to nip gently.
" Z-zidane...we can't get too carried away. N-not in the middle of the hallway...", she whispered.
" MMMmm...come on, no one would care...", he protested.
She shook her head and gently pulled away. He looked at her and shook his head smiled, " You owe me Dagger...."
She giggled and straightened her gown, " I know. You don't think I was enjoying that either? "
He grinned now, " I believe you were...but there's more where that came from too, you know? "
" I know. I think I'll go and announce it now. You wait out here, alright? "
He nodded, " That would be best. Alright....go for it. I think they're all in there eating breakfast....."
" Right. I'll call you, just listen carefully. " , she said over her shoulder as she turned and slowly walked into the dinning room.
Everyine looked up at her from their plates, smiling, " Majesty! ", Steiner cried out. " Where have you been? You're late! "
' I was doing something much better then this...', she thought as she ran her tongue over her lips. " I'm sorry. I got a little...uh, distracted on the way here. But, I have a very important announcement to make. I'm engaged...."
Beatrix lifted an eyebrow and remained silent. Steiner frowned, " Yes...we know. To Anomen...."
She shook her head, " No! I broke that marriage off. I'm engaged to.... - "
" Me! Zidane Tribal! ", Zidane shouted as he calmly walked into the dinning room and stood beside Garnet.
Eiko and Beatrix both jumped up from their chairs and yelled out in unison, " I knew it!! "
Garnet giggled and nodded. Vivi smiled, " Congratulations, Zidane....Garnet. That's very wonderful news to hear. "
Steiner pressed his lips together in an impatient frown, " Yes...congratulation indeed. Can I speak with you Majesty? "
She lifted an eyebrow, but nodded. She followed Steiner to a far corner of the room. When she stood in front of him, she clasped her hands together in front of her gown. She looked up at him, frowning slightly, " What's wrong? "
Steiner scratched his chin, " Are you sure this is wise? Marrying him instead of Anomen? I mean, Zidane just doesn't seem right to play the part as the King of Alexandria...."
" Steiner! Does it matter to you if I get married to him? ", she demanded.
He bit his lip and nodded, " Yes Majesty....it does. "
Garnet crossed her arms over her chest, " And why is that Steiner? Do you defy my choice in finding a suitable King to rule by my side? "
Steiner swallowed, " I...I'm sorry Majesty. It's just that....people might not approve. "
" I don't care what other people think! ", she snapped as she uncrossed her arms. " All I care about is him, and only him. If people don't like him, then fine! But they should be grateful. He's the one who helped save Alexandria with us...he saved their lives as well. ", she pointed out.
Steiner sighed in defeat. He lowered his head, " I'm sorry Majesty. "
Garnet smiled, " It's alright Steiner. I forgive you, and besides you were just a little concerned. "
He nodded and smiled lightly, " I'm sure Zidane will make a wonderful King for Alexandria...."
" Thank you Steiner "
He bowed and brushed past her to go sit back down at the table. Garnet turned and she watched him as he talked with
Beatrix. Zidane smiled lightly as he walked up to her, " So..Dagger my love? How's it going with Rusty? ", he asked lightly as he gently took her hand in his.
She looked up at him and sighed, " He was a little anrgy at first, but he seemed to calm down in the end and agree to it. "
He grinned, " That's wonderful to hear. "
She nodded and remained silent. Zidane sighed and gently enfolded her in the safety of his arms. She slid her arms around his waist and closed her eyes as she rested her head against his chest. Zidane gently bent down and kissed the top of her head before her rested his cheek on her head.
" Zidane? "
" Mm-hmm? "
" How much do you....love me? "
She heard a deep rumbling and figured that he was chuckling at her, " Well...you mean more then life itself to me and I'd gladly give up everything in my life just to be with you..."
She smiled and gently kissed his chest, " Um...you know everyone's watching? ", she giggled.
Zidane looked over his shoulder and laughed, " You're right. They are watching us...."
He flicked his tail back and forth and then brought it around to the front so he could wrap it around her and him, pulling them closer together. She gasped lightly in surprise and the giggled as she realized what he just did, " You scared me. Geez...ooh. ", she reached down and gently stroked the short fur on the tail. " Soft...and beautiful...."
" I'm a freak. ", he stated grimly.
Garnet's head shot up and she looked into his eyes, " No! You're not a freak Zidane. Not at all. "
He shrugged as he tightened his tail around them, " Then what am I Dagger? "
" Not a freak! You're my....lover. And my...soulmate. In my eyes you're a very special man to me. Don't you ever call yourself a freak. Got it? "
A faint smile touched his lips and he nodded, " Alright. I won't...but you're sure that we're soulmates? "
She nodded, " Yes, definantly. "
" Good. Now...how about we go and eat some breakfast? ", he suggested.
She nodded, " Yeah, they're still watching us..."
He shrugged, " God gave men eyes to see. Let them use them for what they're good for..."
She giggled and Zidane unwrapped his tail from their bodies. He reached up and grabbed her shoulders. He quickly spun her around. She let out a squeal as he bent over and placed her over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. Everyone watched in amusement as their Queen and King to be fooled around.
Beatrix chuckled, " Always the joker, huh? "
Steiner frowned, " Yes. You're right. I swear, he's going to drop her on her head one of these days..."
Eiko giggled, " Oh Steiner. They're still so young. Let them have their fun while they still can...."
Beatrix and Vivi both laughed out loud, " She's right steiner. It's not like we can do that anymore. ", Beatrix reminded him.
steiner snorted and then frowned, " Who cares if they can do that and we can't. We still try can't we....Beatrix. ", he added in a low, husky voice.
Eiko and Vivi looked at each other and then bursted into peals of giggles and laughter. Beatrix looked at them and laughed,
" What are you two children laughing about? "
Eiko shrugged, " Dunno....come on. Vivi, let's go play in the gardens...."
Vivi nodded. He jumped down from his chair and headed to the door with Eiko following closely behind. Something fell to the ground and shattered. Beatrix spun around to face Steiner. His face was a deathly white and his lips a light violet. His whole body shook as he slipped from his chair and fell to the ground. Beatrix jumped up from her chair and rushed to his side. His eyes rolled back into his head. She fell to her knees by his side and reached over.
She gently slapped his face, " Steiner! Steiner! Answer me....Steiner! "
Zidane and Garnet rushed over, " What happened? ", Zidane cried.
Beatrix shrugged, her eyes wide with fright and worry as they darted over his body nervously, looking for what was wrong.
Zidane reached over and felt for a pulse. He found a weak one, " Beatrix, go get a doctor. Any doctor you can find in Alexandria..."
She nodded, " Right! I'll be right back..."
She got up and ran to the doors. They flew open and Dr. Tot rushed in followed by Eiko and Vivi, " What's wrong? I heard someone say they needed a doctor..."
Beatrix let out a breath of relief as she turned and rushed back to Steiner's side. Dr. Tot looked back at Vivi and Vivi nodded. He grabbed Eiko by the waist and carried her out of the room, closing the doors behind them. Dr. Tot rushed over.
He looked at Garnet's worried expression, " Don't worry Garnet. He should be fine. Let's just figure out what's wrong with him...."
She nodded, " Oh...please hurry. "
Zidane looked down at Steiner's pale face and he swallowed, " What's wrong with him? He looks....de - "
" No! D-don't you even think that. I don't want him to be d-dead.....", Beatrix exclaimed in a trembling voice.
Garnet stepped over his body and went to comfort her friend. She wrapped her arms around her shoulders and Beatrix turned around to face her. Her lower lip trembled and a tear slid down her cheek from her good eye, " T-this can't be happening. Say it isn't happening. Please...just make it a bad n-nightmare Garnet...", she pleaded.
Garnet swallowed the lump of tears as she felt her own lower lip tremble, " I-I-I'm sorry Beatrix...I can't do anything...I'm sorry. "
Zidane watched the two ladies as they both began to cry on each other's shoulders. He bit his lip and directed his full attention to Dr. Tot, " Could he have had a....stroke? "
Dr. Tot shrugged, " I don't know....it's too early to tell. What do you think he had? ", he asked as he began to prode at
Steiner's throat, checking for any object that could've caused him to choke.
Zidane frowned. He bit his lower lip and then snapped his fingers, " I got it!! ", he cried as he jumped off the ground and ran towards the door.
Dr. Tot looked at Zidane, " What? What are you doing? Where are you going? "
He stopped and turned to find Garnet's teary eyes on him. He swallowed, " I'm going to get something from my room that just might save his life..."
Dr. Tot nodded, " Alright....but hurry back. He might not have long left to live....."
Zidane nodded and then quickly left the room.
***
There was a knock at the door and Anomen growled under his breath, " WHAT?! "
The door opened and Zorn walked in grinning, closely followed by Thorn. Zorn walked over to Anomen and cleared his throat as he clasped his hands behind his back, " We have good news Anomen. Steiner has been given the drink with the potion. "
Anomen turned fully. He looked down at Zorn and smiled, " Well done Thorn...Zorn. You both deserve a reward of some sort. Go to your room and wait there for me to give it to you. Alright? "
They both nodded and left the room happily. Anomen grinned as he turned back to his desk. He looked down at the vial in his hands, " Perfect....now it's time for Beatrix to go down. I'll just give this potion to Zorn and Thorn. They can figure out the rest after when they get it. Now I've got to....figure out what I'm going to do about Garnet breaking the damn marriage off..."
He turned and slowly walked over to his bed. He sat down on the edge and placed his head in his hands. He frowned lightly as he scratched his head, " Hmm....strange. I think I'm going to have to do something about Zidane Tribal and fast....he might prove to become a threat for me and my plans...."
***
Zidane bursted into his room. His green eyes scanned his floor for his bag. He spotted it and ran over to it. He tore open the top and reached inside, digging for a plant and a cure potion. His hand brushed up against something soft and cold and he grasped it.
He quickly brought it out and examined it, " This should be it....and if it ain't, then old Rusty is doomed! ", he whispered to himself as he quickly stood up and ran from the room.
He ran down the hall and practically flew into the dinning room. Beatrix looked up at him, " What did you find? ", she asked lightly.
He held the leaf up and frowned, " This! This should save him...hopefully it works it magic in time. "
She nodded and watched him as he fell to his knees by Steiner's side. He reached over and gently slapped Steiner's cheek,
" Come on Steiner....you gotta listen to me. Come on, wake up. "
Steiner's eyes slowly opened and he looked up at Zidane. He opened his mouth to speak, but blood only oozed from the corner of his mouth to drip from his chin onto the ground. Zidane shook his head, " Shh...don't try to speak...I'm going to need your help Steiner. I need you to be able to chew this...alright? "
Steiner's eyes rolled back into his head and his eyelids closed. He only nodded. Zidane sucked in a sharp breath as he quickly tore the leaf in two, and then into four. He crumpled one part and then placed it on Steiner's bottom lip. Steiner's mouth slowly opened and more blood dribbled down his chin. His tongue slowly slid out and licked the leaf.
Beatrix and Garnet watched in confusion and interest at what was happening. Steiner's body suddenly jerked to the right and he went still.
Beatrix gasped, " No! D-don't go...not yet!! "
Garnet placed an arm around her shoulders, " Shh...just let him try. He'll get him back. Don't worry...", she assured her gently and calmly.
Zidane bit his lip as he reached over and gently opened his mouth. He slid the leaf into his mouth and then gently slapped
Steiner's cheek once again. Steiner groaned and opened his eyes. Zidane looked down into his eyes and nodded, " Chew! ", he commanded. " Just chew it. And then swallow it. "
Steiner nodded and did as he was told. The paleness from his face left as it was replaced with his normal skin colour. Beatrix gasped lightly. Garnet smiled lightly as she gave her shoulders a gentle squeeze. Zidane looked down at steiner's face and then he looked up at Dr. Tot, " Alright...I'm going to give him the second piece. Alright? "
Dr. Tot nodded, " Alright Zidane...but it's obvious that you're in charge from here...."
Zidane nodded as he reached down and gently opened Steiner's mouth again. He slid the second piece into his mouth and Steiner looked up at him. Zidane nodded, " It's alright Rusty....just chew and then rest. "
Steiner nodded and began to chew. The blood dribbling down his chin from his mouth suddenly disappeared and his eyes closed as his breathing came out as even steady whispers. Beatrix looked at Zidane and smiled as tears of joy rolled down her cheeks, " T-thank you Zidane!! Thank you sooo much. "
He shrugged, " It's the least I could do. All he needs to do is rest and take it easy for about....a week or so. Alright? "
She nodded, " Right. How will we get him into his room? "
" Get someone in here to help you. Alright? "
She nodded and slowly got up. She left the room, hugging her arms to her chest. Garnet looked over at Zidane and smiled, " Well done....doctor Tribal! ", she joked lightly.
He smiled lightly and sighed, " Geez....I was sure we'd lose him...thank god we didn't, huh? "
She nodded, " Yeah..."
Dr. Tot looked at Garnet and then at Zidane, " I guess I'll be taking my leave now. If you guys want to see me, I'll be in my chambers..."
They both nodded as they watched him leave quietly. Garnet looked down at Steiner and smiled lightly. Zidane stood up and stepped over his body to go and hug her tightly. Garnet pressed her face into his chest and unexpectantly bursted into tears. Zidane gently stroked her hair, " Shh....it'll be alright. He's going to be fine Dagger...he just needs some rest. "
She shook her head, " It's not just that. It's just that if that had been you I'd never be able to live with myself...I honestly understood how Beatrix was feeling when she was crying..."
He nodded. He gently and tenderly continued to stroke her hair, enjoying the silky feeling under his hands. Together they stood, holding each other, praying that nothing like this would ever happen to either one of them. But they just might be wrong on their assumption......
(A/N**THERE!!! I'm soooo happy that some of you just are in LOVE with this fic...I'm so happy. Well now I'm off to go and start Chp 7 for you peeps who are so dying to just figure out what Anomen has in store for Zidane and Dagger....)
Dedication: To all who read and review.....
~*~Chapter 6~*~
~*~A time for sorrow~*~
" Come! Hurry...before Pierre arrives....", Zorn whispered fantically to his jester friend.
" I coming! Just wait....", Thorn whispered back. Zorn looked over across the empty hallway at Thorn. He waved to him and
Thorn scurried over, gripping the tiny vial in his hands.
He looked at Zorn and grinned, " Made it! Now....how long til Pierre returns? "
" In a few minutes...hurry! Pour it into the mix sitting on the table...", he instructed.
Thorn nodded and walked into the kitchen. He looked around and then spotted the cup full of steaming black liquid. He jumped up onto a stool and looked down into the cup. He grimaced as the little clouds of steam floated up into the air and then into his nostrils.
Zorn frowned, " What is it now? "
Thorn shook his head, his little bells jingling noisily, " nothing...."
" Alright then...what are you waiting for? "
" Nothing...", he repeated.
He slowly unscrewed the cap to the vial. He looked at it and grinned as he held it over the cup. Transparent liquid quickly flowed out and landed in the cup, causing some of the black liquid to splash over the sides. Zorn giggled and clapped his hands as he jumped up and down, " Good! Good....now Steiner will be no more. Hurry Thorn, I heard a noise. "
Thorn nodded and finished pouring all of the contents in the vial into the cup. He smiled and then jumped off the stool. He looked at Zorn and nodded, " All gone! No more Steiner....and then no more Quuen! "
Zorn giggled again and then he headed for the door. Thorn followed closely behind him. He frowned and scratched his head, " How will we get rid of all the other people? "
Zorn stopped and turned to look at him. He shrugged, " Me don't know. I guess Anomen will think of a way...ya think? "
Thorn nodded, " Yeah! You're right...let's go back to Anomen and tell him the good news. "
" Yes, let's! ", Zorn cried in excitement.
***
Garnet slowly made her way back to the dinning room with Zidane in two. He reached out and gave her hand a gentle squeeze, " It'll be alright. They won't be mad, they'll be happy...happy that you're finally going to settle down. Alright? ", he whispered lightly as he brushed his lips across her ear.
She closed her eyes and nodded, " I hope you're right Zidane. I hope you're right...."
He grinned, " When have I ever been wrong, Dagger? "
She giggled, " I could think of a couple of times..."
Zidane lifted a light brow, " Really? Okay...let's hear them...."
She swallowed, " well for one....when you first came back, you said that you'd never leave. But you did a week later...you were apparently wrong then. "
Zidane sighed and stopped. He tightened his grip on her hand and pulled her into his arms. Her head rested on his shoulder as he gently stroked her hair. She pulled away and looked up at him, " What? "
He gave her a small, brief smile as he reached out and gently caressed her arms, " Dagger...you know it was for a good cause. My brother needed help and I needed help. "
She sighed lightly as she reached out and played with the baby-blue ribbon on his white ruffled collar, " I know...I know. It's just that...I was heartbroken for two years. You left me for that long. Did you even think about how I would feel? How much I would hurt? "
He leaned forward and kissed her on the forehead softly, " Dagger my love, I thoght about you everyday and everynight. When I woke up and when I went to bed. You were always on my mind. It was you and always you. No one else. Alright? "
She smiled lightly and nodded, " Alright...I believe you..."
He looked down into her eyes, " You didn't mean what you said, did you? "
She shook her head and smiled again, " No! I could never hate you. I will always go on loving you, till the very day that I die. You should know that Zidane...."
He smiled lightly and encircled his arms around her waist. He pulled her against his body and held her there. She pressed her hands flat against his chest as she looked up at him , " So...there's no one else? "
" No....just you. Not even Eiko can have me! I'm all yours Dagger....", he whipsered as he lowered her face down to hers.
She smiled and nodded. She looked into his eyes and then down to his mouth. She watched as he ran his tongue over his lips. She giggled and looked back up into his eyes. She slid her hands up his chest until they were linked around his neck.
' I can't believe it! We're going to be married....', she thought in content as her mouth found his. She smiled against his mouth. He slowly parted his lips and slid his tongue out. He gently caressed her lips, coaxing her to open up to him. She tightened her arms around his neck and parted her lips slightly, allowing him to enter.
She pressed her tongue to his and they played tag. Zidane smiled secretly as his hands slid down her back to rest on the rise of her buttocks. He slowly slid his hands down to cup her butt cheeks and she groaned lightly. He pulled his mouth from hers and slowly planted kisses along her jawline. He slowly kissed his way down to the curve of her neck where he began to nip gently.
" Z-zidane...we can't get too carried away. N-not in the middle of the hallway...", she whispered.
" MMMmm...come on, no one would care...", he protested.
She shook her head and gently pulled away. He looked at her and shook his head smiled, " You owe me Dagger...."
She giggled and straightened her gown, " I know. You don't think I was enjoying that either? "
He grinned now, " I believe you were...but there's more where that came from too, you know? "
" I know. I think I'll go and announce it now. You wait out here, alright? "
He nodded, " That would be best. Alright....go for it. I think they're all in there eating breakfast....."
" Right. I'll call you, just listen carefully. " , she said over her shoulder as she turned and slowly walked into the dinning room.
Everyine looked up at her from their plates, smiling, " Majesty! ", Steiner cried out. " Where have you been? You're late! "
' I was doing something much better then this...', she thought as she ran her tongue over her lips. " I'm sorry. I got a little...uh, distracted on the way here. But, I have a very important announcement to make. I'm engaged...."
Beatrix lifted an eyebrow and remained silent. Steiner frowned, " Yes...we know. To Anomen...."
She shook her head, " No! I broke that marriage off. I'm engaged to.... - "
" Me! Zidane Tribal! ", Zidane shouted as he calmly walked into the dinning room and stood beside Garnet.
Eiko and Beatrix both jumped up from their chairs and yelled out in unison, " I knew it!! "
Garnet giggled and nodded. Vivi smiled, " Congratulations, Zidane....Garnet. That's very wonderful news to hear. "
Steiner pressed his lips together in an impatient frown, " Yes...congratulation indeed. Can I speak with you Majesty? "
She lifted an eyebrow, but nodded. She followed Steiner to a far corner of the room. When she stood in front of him, she clasped her hands together in front of her gown. She looked up at him, frowning slightly, " What's wrong? "
Steiner scratched his chin, " Are you sure this is wise? Marrying him instead of Anomen? I mean, Zidane just doesn't seem right to play the part as the King of Alexandria...."
" Steiner! Does it matter to you if I get married to him? ", she demanded.
He bit his lip and nodded, " Yes Majesty....it does. "
Garnet crossed her arms over her chest, " And why is that Steiner? Do you defy my choice in finding a suitable King to rule by my side? "
Steiner swallowed, " I...I'm sorry Majesty. It's just that....people might not approve. "
" I don't care what other people think! ", she snapped as she uncrossed her arms. " All I care about is him, and only him. If people don't like him, then fine! But they should be grateful. He's the one who helped save Alexandria with us...he saved their lives as well. ", she pointed out.
Steiner sighed in defeat. He lowered his head, " I'm sorry Majesty. "
Garnet smiled, " It's alright Steiner. I forgive you, and besides you were just a little concerned. "
He nodded and smiled lightly, " I'm sure Zidane will make a wonderful King for Alexandria...."
" Thank you Steiner "
He bowed and brushed past her to go sit back down at the table. Garnet turned and she watched him as he talked with
Beatrix. Zidane smiled lightly as he walked up to her, " So..Dagger my love? How's it going with Rusty? ", he asked lightly as he gently took her hand in his.
She looked up at him and sighed, " He was a little anrgy at first, but he seemed to calm down in the end and agree to it. "
He grinned, " That's wonderful to hear. "
She nodded and remained silent. Zidane sighed and gently enfolded her in the safety of his arms. She slid her arms around his waist and closed her eyes as she rested her head against his chest. Zidane gently bent down and kissed the top of her head before her rested his cheek on her head.
" Zidane? "
" Mm-hmm? "
" How much do you....love me? "
She heard a deep rumbling and figured that he was chuckling at her, " Well...you mean more then life itself to me and I'd gladly give up everything in my life just to be with you..."
She smiled and gently kissed his chest, " Um...you know everyone's watching? ", she giggled.
Zidane looked over his shoulder and laughed, " You're right. They are watching us...."
He flicked his tail back and forth and then brought it around to the front so he could wrap it around her and him, pulling them closer together. She gasped lightly in surprise and the giggled as she realized what he just did, " You scared me. Geez...ooh. ", she reached down and gently stroked the short fur on the tail. " Soft...and beautiful...."
" I'm a freak. ", he stated grimly.
Garnet's head shot up and she looked into his eyes, " No! You're not a freak Zidane. Not at all. "
He shrugged as he tightened his tail around them, " Then what am I Dagger? "
" Not a freak! You're my....lover. And my...soulmate. In my eyes you're a very special man to me. Don't you ever call yourself a freak. Got it? "
A faint smile touched his lips and he nodded, " Alright. I won't...but you're sure that we're soulmates? "
She nodded, " Yes, definantly. "
" Good. Now...how about we go and eat some breakfast? ", he suggested.
She nodded, " Yeah, they're still watching us..."
He shrugged, " God gave men eyes to see. Let them use them for what they're good for..."
She giggled and Zidane unwrapped his tail from their bodies. He reached up and grabbed her shoulders. He quickly spun her around. She let out a squeal as he bent over and placed her over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. Everyone watched in amusement as their Queen and King to be fooled around.
Beatrix chuckled, " Always the joker, huh? "
Steiner frowned, " Yes. You're right. I swear, he's going to drop her on her head one of these days..."
Eiko giggled, " Oh Steiner. They're still so young. Let them have their fun while they still can...."
Beatrix and Vivi both laughed out loud, " She's right steiner. It's not like we can do that anymore. ", Beatrix reminded him.
steiner snorted and then frowned, " Who cares if they can do that and we can't. We still try can't we....Beatrix. ", he added in a low, husky voice.
Eiko and Vivi looked at each other and then bursted into peals of giggles and laughter. Beatrix looked at them and laughed,
" What are you two children laughing about? "
Eiko shrugged, " Dunno....come on. Vivi, let's go play in the gardens...."
Vivi nodded. He jumped down from his chair and headed to the door with Eiko following closely behind. Something fell to the ground and shattered. Beatrix spun around to face Steiner. His face was a deathly white and his lips a light violet. His whole body shook as he slipped from his chair and fell to the ground. Beatrix jumped up from her chair and rushed to his side. His eyes rolled back into his head. She fell to her knees by his side and reached over.
She gently slapped his face, " Steiner! Steiner! Answer me....Steiner! "
Zidane and Garnet rushed over, " What happened? ", Zidane cried.
Beatrix shrugged, her eyes wide with fright and worry as they darted over his body nervously, looking for what was wrong.
Zidane reached over and felt for a pulse. He found a weak one, " Beatrix, go get a doctor. Any doctor you can find in Alexandria..."
She nodded, " Right! I'll be right back..."
She got up and ran to the doors. They flew open and Dr. Tot rushed in followed by Eiko and Vivi, " What's wrong? I heard someone say they needed a doctor..."
Beatrix let out a breath of relief as she turned and rushed back to Steiner's side. Dr. Tot looked back at Vivi and Vivi nodded. He grabbed Eiko by the waist and carried her out of the room, closing the doors behind them. Dr. Tot rushed over.
He looked at Garnet's worried expression, " Don't worry Garnet. He should be fine. Let's just figure out what's wrong with him...."
She nodded, " Oh...please hurry. "
Zidane looked down at Steiner's pale face and he swallowed, " What's wrong with him? He looks....de - "
" No! D-don't you even think that. I don't want him to be d-dead.....", Beatrix exclaimed in a trembling voice.
Garnet stepped over his body and went to comfort her friend. She wrapped her arms around her shoulders and Beatrix turned around to face her. Her lower lip trembled and a tear slid down her cheek from her good eye, " T-this can't be happening. Say it isn't happening. Please...just make it a bad n-nightmare Garnet...", she pleaded.
Garnet swallowed the lump of tears as she felt her own lower lip tremble, " I-I-I'm sorry Beatrix...I can't do anything...I'm sorry. "
Zidane watched the two ladies as they both began to cry on each other's shoulders. He bit his lip and directed his full attention to Dr. Tot, " Could he have had a....stroke? "
Dr. Tot shrugged, " I don't know....it's too early to tell. What do you think he had? ", he asked as he began to prode at
Steiner's throat, checking for any object that could've caused him to choke.
Zidane frowned. He bit his lower lip and then snapped his fingers, " I got it!! ", he cried as he jumped off the ground and ran towards the door.
Dr. Tot looked at Zidane, " What? What are you doing? Where are you going? "
He stopped and turned to find Garnet's teary eyes on him. He swallowed, " I'm going to get something from my room that just might save his life..."
Dr. Tot nodded, " Alright....but hurry back. He might not have long left to live....."
Zidane nodded and then quickly left the room.
***
There was a knock at the door and Anomen growled under his breath, " WHAT?! "
The door opened and Zorn walked in grinning, closely followed by Thorn. Zorn walked over to Anomen and cleared his throat as he clasped his hands behind his back, " We have good news Anomen. Steiner has been given the drink with the potion. "
Anomen turned fully. He looked down at Zorn and smiled, " Well done Thorn...Zorn. You both deserve a reward of some sort. Go to your room and wait there for me to give it to you. Alright? "
They both nodded and left the room happily. Anomen grinned as he turned back to his desk. He looked down at the vial in his hands, " Perfect....now it's time for Beatrix to go down. I'll just give this potion to Zorn and Thorn. They can figure out the rest after when they get it. Now I've got to....figure out what I'm going to do about Garnet breaking the damn marriage off..."
He turned and slowly walked over to his bed. He sat down on the edge and placed his head in his hands. He frowned lightly as he scratched his head, " Hmm....strange. I think I'm going to have to do something about Zidane Tribal and fast....he might prove to become a threat for me and my plans...."
***
Zidane bursted into his room. His green eyes scanned his floor for his bag. He spotted it and ran over to it. He tore open the top and reached inside, digging for a plant and a cure potion. His hand brushed up against something soft and cold and he grasped it.
He quickly brought it out and examined it, " This should be it....and if it ain't, then old Rusty is doomed! ", he whispered to himself as he quickly stood up and ran from the room.
He ran down the hall and practically flew into the dinning room. Beatrix looked up at him, " What did you find? ", she asked lightly.
He held the leaf up and frowned, " This! This should save him...hopefully it works it magic in time. "
She nodded and watched him as he fell to his knees by Steiner's side. He reached over and gently slapped Steiner's cheek,
" Come on Steiner....you gotta listen to me. Come on, wake up. "
Steiner's eyes slowly opened and he looked up at Zidane. He opened his mouth to speak, but blood only oozed from the corner of his mouth to drip from his chin onto the ground. Zidane shook his head, " Shh...don't try to speak...I'm going to need your help Steiner. I need you to be able to chew this...alright? "
Steiner's eyes rolled back into his head and his eyelids closed. He only nodded. Zidane sucked in a sharp breath as he quickly tore the leaf in two, and then into four. He crumpled one part and then placed it on Steiner's bottom lip. Steiner's mouth slowly opened and more blood dribbled down his chin. His tongue slowly slid out and licked the leaf.
Beatrix and Garnet watched in confusion and interest at what was happening. Steiner's body suddenly jerked to the right and he went still.
Beatrix gasped, " No! D-don't go...not yet!! "
Garnet placed an arm around her shoulders, " Shh...just let him try. He'll get him back. Don't worry...", she assured her gently and calmly.
Zidane bit his lip as he reached over and gently opened his mouth. He slid the leaf into his mouth and then gently slapped
Steiner's cheek once again. Steiner groaned and opened his eyes. Zidane looked down into his eyes and nodded, " Chew! ", he commanded. " Just chew it. And then swallow it. "
Steiner nodded and did as he was told. The paleness from his face left as it was replaced with his normal skin colour. Beatrix gasped lightly. Garnet smiled lightly as she gave her shoulders a gentle squeeze. Zidane looked down at steiner's face and then he looked up at Dr. Tot, " Alright...I'm going to give him the second piece. Alright? "
Dr. Tot nodded, " Alright Zidane...but it's obvious that you're in charge from here...."
Zidane nodded as he reached down and gently opened Steiner's mouth again. He slid the second piece into his mouth and Steiner looked up at him. Zidane nodded, " It's alright Rusty....just chew and then rest. "
Steiner nodded and began to chew. The blood dribbling down his chin from his mouth suddenly disappeared and his eyes closed as his breathing came out as even steady whispers. Beatrix looked at Zidane and smiled as tears of joy rolled down her cheeks, " T-thank you Zidane!! Thank you sooo much. "
He shrugged, " It's the least I could do. All he needs to do is rest and take it easy for about....a week or so. Alright? "
She nodded, " Right. How will we get him into his room? "
" Get someone in here to help you. Alright? "
She nodded and slowly got up. She left the room, hugging her arms to her chest. Garnet looked over at Zidane and smiled, " Well done....doctor Tribal! ", she joked lightly.
He smiled lightly and sighed, " Geez....I was sure we'd lose him...thank god we didn't, huh? "
She nodded, " Yeah..."
Dr. Tot looked at Garnet and then at Zidane, " I guess I'll be taking my leave now. If you guys want to see me, I'll be in my chambers..."
They both nodded as they watched him leave quietly. Garnet looked down at Steiner and smiled lightly. Zidane stood up and stepped over his body to go and hug her tightly. Garnet pressed her face into his chest and unexpectantly bursted into tears. Zidane gently stroked her hair, " Shh....it'll be alright. He's going to be fine Dagger...he just needs some rest. "
She shook her head, " It's not just that. It's just that if that had been you I'd never be able to live with myself...I honestly understood how Beatrix was feeling when she was crying..."
He nodded. He gently and tenderly continued to stroke her hair, enjoying the silky feeling under his hands. Together they stood, holding each other, praying that nothing like this would ever happen to either one of them. But they just might be wrong on their assumption......
(A/N**THERE!!! I'm soooo happy that some of you just are in LOVE with this fic...I'm so happy. Well now I'm off to go and start Chp 7 for you peeps who are so dying to just figure out what Anomen has in store for Zidane and Dagger....)
