Freya's search: Hidden Dagger, Sharpened blade.

Note: Ahh disclaimer ahhh. I do not own the rights to FF9. So there. But if any one from square is reading this. . .don't sue. I am just a poor girl trying to make it on her own and. . .(Looks around) Oh silly me they aren't hear. (Laughs) I guess I can save that excuse for another time. Oh well enjoy this story. . and please review. It's a great ego buster.

It had been quite on the Thantos ship. Perhaps a bit to quite for what Freya was expecting. They had been in the air for a while, slowly making their way towards the place where Freya and her friends had faced down an old evil.

But now she was sitting in her room, thinking about the old days, more specifically about Zidane and Sir Faltery. She was staring out the window when she saw a mountain pass by. Jumping to her feet she leapt away from the mirror.

The ship was scraping the side of the mountain.

Grabbing her Lance she ran to the upper deck to see what was going on. Normally any damage to an airship meant that there could be danger. When she reached the bow she saw Baku shouting and waving his fists in the air at a short red hair man wearing a mask.

"BLAKE!" He shouted. "What da hell were you thinking letting the trio drive?" Baku shouted pointing to three short blue men.

"Well Boos," Blake said sarcastically. "When you are about to hit a mountain you
get pretty desperate. Besides none of this would have happened if you had remembered to flue up!"

Freya walked towards them. The trio waved at her and then ran towards the back end of the boat. Freya shouldered her lance and waited until the shouting had stopped.

"What da ya mean?" Baku shouted. "I didn't forget. That was your job!"

"MY JOB!" Blake shouted. "Boss you said you were going to take care of it. What the hell are we suppose to do with out flue. We'll have to make a stop!"

"Damn it. Your a fool for not refulin. I told you to do it!"

"You did not!" Blake shouted back. "We were taking off and before that I asked you if you filled the flue and you said. 'Yeah Blake bugger off.'" Blake said mimicking Baku.

"Oh well it don't matter. We have to make a stop now."

"I JUST SAID THAT!" Blake shouted bring his hand to his head. "What are you losing you hearing as well as your mind?"

"Ehh?" Baku said turning. Blake smiled and shook his head as he backed away.

"Never mind. I'll go tell the crew were making a stop." He turned to leave.

Freya smiled at him as he passed. Blake smiled back.

"Oh hey Freya." Blake said. "Watch out for that old man. He can't hear anything." Blake whispered.

"Who are you callin old!" Baku boomed causing Blake to jump and run off down the stairs.

Freya walked to Baku who was rubbing his head.

"Sorry bout that." He said. "But I hate to stop when we don't need ta."

"It is quite allright." Freya said calmly. "Where are we stopping at?"

"Well," Baku said crossing his arms. "The closest is Alexandria."

Freya stared at him with a puzzled expression.

"But. . .Alexandria is south east." Freya said. Baku blushed.

"Yeah. . .I know. I sort of. . .steered us the wrong way." Freya sighed. "Well what
Blake said is true. I aint so young any more. I forgot which way ta go. Sorry."

Freya leaned against the edge of the ship and smiled.

"It is all right Baku." Freya said. "Now I can visit with Dagger, Stiner, and Quina. It will be good to see them for a while."

"Glad ta see yer not mad. I'd be damned if I wana see a Dragon knight all pissed off at me." Baku laughed and hit her on the back. Freya stumbled forward a bit. "Oh sorry bout that. I better go and make sure the boys know."

He walked off his head slightly drooping.

Freya turned to look over the edge of the boat. Below her, forests and rivers passed by as Birds dodged the large ship. Her bangs blew around her eyes as she held on to her hat. She couldn't let it blow away.

She stayed their for a while, remembering what it was like to approach Alexandria by air. It was a sight to behold.

When the ship did reach the city. Freya could see large cranes lifting building material as workers scurried about trying to repair the place. When the ship landed a large crowd started to form.

Freya smiled. The people of Alexandria loved the Thantos troupe and their wonderful skill of acting. Part of her had hoped that Dagger would be among the crowd. But that was foolish.

Dagger was a queen now. She had other things to do.

Freya told Baku she would return in a few hours. Baku laughed.

"Take yer time Freya." He said. "This will take a while. I'll send someone to get ya when we're ready ta go."

"Thank you Baku." Freya said and leapt from the ship onto a building. She heard awes as she leapt down to the street and landed in a crouch. Standing she began to walk off, ignoring the gasps of the crowd and shouldering her lance.

The place was still being worked on.

From the looks of it Dagger had saved constructing it for last. Freya smiled as she stared up at the large pillar. The symbol of Alexandria, this time it was being made of stone, not crystal.

Passing by some workers Freya continued to look around. The construction seemed to be very painstaking and detailed work. However each worker seemed to enjoy what they were doing. A few sang as they hammered nails and painted.

"Halt!" Shouted a voice. Freya stopped and looked down at the knight infront of her. She could tell that he belonged to the Knights of Pluto. The armor was unmistakable. "Only workers and kitchen hands are permitted to use this entrance. By order of Stiner the leader of the Knights of Pluto."

Freya smiled.

"I will respect that." She said. "Will you please send Sir Stiner a message for me?"

The knight scratched his head and looked around nervously.

"Uh. . ."

"Could you do that?" Freya asked.

"Uh. . ." The knight turned around and then began to shout causing Freya to jump. "Sir Stiner!" He shouted. "A Woman is hear to see you!"

Freya, along with the surrounding workers stared at the Knight, unsure about his sanity. Freya was about to tell him that a proper knight should not act in such a way when she heard the clanging of armor.

A smile formed on her face as Stiner ran out of the castle and began to jump around in anger.

"What are you doing?" Stiner asked the knight. "The Knights of Pluto do not shout!" Stiner shouted. "Now return to your post and. . ."

"I am at my post." The knight said.

"Don't be fresh with me. Just. . .ahh get back to work." Stiner shouted. He cleared his throat and turned. Apparently he had not seen Freya until then because he gasped and
blushed.

"L. . .Lady Freya," Stiner said bowing. "It is a pleasure to see you. Please come with me."

"It is good to see you again Sir Stiner," Freya said as they walked past the now frazzled knight. "I see that you are doing well."

"Yes," Stiner said with a smile. "Her highness is doing so much for the city."

"I am glad to hear that." Freya said. "How is Dagger doing?" Stiner stopped and turned to Freya. His eyes seemed a bit stern."

"Lady Freya," he said softly. "Please. . .could you call her. . .Garnet."

"Oh," Freya said. "That's right. I forgot." She shouldered her lance. "I guess I got used to the name Dagger."

"Yes," Stiner said. "Well follow me. Her highness is in a meeting right now but she will not mind you sitting in."

"Are you sure?" Freya asked.

Stiner stopped infront a set of large double doors and smiled.

"Lady Freya," Stiner said with a smile. "I am positive." He pushed open the doors and stepped aside to let Freya pass by first. As she stepped inside she noticed that there
were twelve sets of eyes, all staring at her and Stiner.

"We are in the middle of a meeting!" Snapped a tall man in green silk. "How rude!" he shouted.

"An insult," Said another man in red. Freya shot an angry glare to Stiner who frowned at the two men.

"Gentlemen," said a soft but stern voice. "Remain calm." Freya looked down the long line of nobles to see Dagger standing and smiling at her. Behind her stood the throne of Alexandria.

"Freya," Dagger said running down the isle to her. She smiled up at Freya and led her to the front of the large room. "All of you go." She ordered.

"Your majesty!" One noble shouted. "What about what we were discussing? Surely you will consider. . ."

"Go!" Dagger said in an angry voice. "I will not do what you are asking. Now leave or I will have the guards show you out."

Freya saw Stiner stick out his chest and smile with pride as he held the door open for the Nobles.

"I am sorry," Dagger said sitting down and putting her hand on her forehead. "They," she shook her head. "Well forget them. Who cares," She said.

"I am glad to find you well your highness." Dagger made a sour face.

"Freya," Dagger said. "You do not have to call me that. You may call me Dagger." Dagger looked at Stiner who was blushing a bit.

"Stiner will you please go and get Quina. I am sure she will like to see Freya as well."

Stiner saluted.

"Yes your majesty." Dagger nodded her head slightly and watched as Stiner ran from the room, his armor clanging loudly as he went. Once he had left. Dagger looked at Freya with a face full of concern. Slowly she sat down on her throne.

It was Odd for Freya to see Dagger sitting on the large throne. Almost as if she were a child sitting in her fathers favorite chair, waiting for him to come back to her. Freya smiled and bowed deeply as Dagger stared blankly at her.

"Please don't do that." Dagger said returning to a more common speaking tone. "I don't ever want my friends bowing to me. You and the others are my equal, and I consider you to be better than anyone else in the world."

"Thank you." Freya said smiling.

"Freya," Dagger said lifting her head.

Something wasn't right. Dagger looked distant. Her deep brown eyes seem to
swell with hidden sadness as she fought to hide something from Freya.

Freya, However knew. She knew because she had seen that look before. A look that had been reflected in her mirror long ago.

"Dagger, are you feeling allright?" Dagger closed her eyes and nodded.

"Yes. . .no. . .I'm not sure. Can we go someplace to talk? Someplace that isn't so confining?"

"Yes." Freya said as Dagger stood. Dagger looked down at the pale blue gown she was wearing and then looked at Freya.

"I will be back shortly, I feel like changing. I'm not comfortable in this."

"Of course," Freya said and started to bow but stopped as she remembered what Dagger had asked. She stood striate as Dagger walked past her and out of the room.

Slowly Freya turned and walked towards one of the large windows that set behind the large throne. She could still see the workers, each smiling, and most likely still singing happily. She also saw the guards, each of them stood ridged, except for one who swayed a bit.

"This place will be great again," Said a voice from behind her. Freya turned to see a Tall man dressed in fine cloths staring at her. Freya bowed slightly to him as he walked towards her.

"Yes," Freya said. "Queen Garnet is doing very well."

"Not well enough," The man said as reached out and set his palm against the window pane.

"What makes you say that?" Freya said coming to Daggers Defense. "Dag. . .I mean Garnet is doing her best and the people of Alexandria love her."

"Yes but the people of Treno disagree with her policies." The man's fist tighten as he glared at Freya.

"What policies are you in disagreement with?" Freya asked angrily.

The man had locked eyes with her, causing a wave of furry to rush through her body. In Burmacia, such a thing was considered a challenge. Freya, however knew that not many people knew of this and held her temper.

However, it was hard to ignore the rising anger in her body.

"The trade polices with your people." The man said in an almost shouting voice. "You. . .the people of Burmacia are an abomination. Cowards! The former Queen saw this," He smiled evily as he continued to stare at her. "And she had the right idea. To wipe your kind out."

Freya glared at him. Her right hand clenched around her lance. How could he hate her people. Call them cowards? When the bravest knights on the mist Continent fear those of the Dragons crest. Her healed lifted.

"What are you doing hear?" Dagger demanded in a sharp voice.

The man turned and bowed to Dagger. He smiled and walked towards her.
Dagger's shoulders started as she lifted her head up and glared down at him. Freya smiled. There was no mistaking who was in charge.

"I came to see if I could speak with you in privet?" He asked.

"As I have already told you I speak to no one alone. I either have my advisers with me or my royal guard. Now our meeting has ended so I must bid you farewell." Dagger smiled at Freya. "Oh allow me to introduce a very deer friend of mine. This is Freya Crescent a brave Dragon knight and true friend."

"We've met." Freya said coldly as she glared at the man.

The man bowed again and left quickly. Once he was Gone Dagger shuddered and turned to Freya. "That man gives me the creeps."

"He is a bigot." Freya said allowing her anger to be set free. Her grip on her lance tightened even more as she stood glaring at the floor. "A pathetic little man with no honor."

Dagger gasped and touched Freya's shoulder.

"Your hand," she said quickly. Freya's eyes widened as she looked down at her hand. A thin trickle of blood was running down the smooth surface of her lance. She switched her lance to her other hand and stared at the small self-inflicted cut that she had made with her long nails.

"Are you ok?" Dagger asked.

Freya nodded as she quickly wrapped her hand in a cloth that she was caring.

"Yes, my anger got the better of me. As a Dragon knight I should learn to control it better."

"Angelous has that effect on me as well." Dagger said with a long sigh. "Lets go to my garden," Dagger said softly. "We can talk there. No one bothers me there."

The two of them left the large lavish room. Freya, had been to the castle before, but she never took the time to marvel at the many fine things that decorated it's halls.

There were paintings of past kings and queens, statues of angels and cats, and many sets of armor. As they walked Freya noticed that Dagger seemed to walk as if there were a burden weighing her on her shoulders. As they entered Daggers privet Garden Freya saw that it had been decorated with deep red roses and lilies. An odd combination that seemed to make the garden seem otherworldly.

"It is very lovely." Freya said as Dagger sat down on a small stone bench. Freya sat down next to her.

"I love it hear." Freya said closing her eyes and grasping the crystal a round her neck. "I feel free hear."

"I can see why." Freya said looking at the many flowers. "The scent of this place seems to take me away." She smiled contentedly and turned her head towards Dagger who was looking down at her hands.

"How are you doing Dagger?" Freya asked.

Dagger closed her eyes.

"I am fine thank you."

"No," Freya said shaking her head. "Please do not lie to me Dagger. I can see it when I look into your eyes. You are weighted down with many burdens."

"You always could tell when something was bothering one of us." Dagger said smiling slightly. "I admire that about you Freya," she set her hands back in her lap and classed her eyes. "You can read people so well. I wish I could do that."

"It comes with growth my friend." Freya said. "You learn it quickly as you meet more people. I am sure that you can do it to Dagger."

Freya carefully set her lance on the ground. Then a glinting light caught her eyes. She stared at it for a moment and then stood. Dagger watched as Freya walked towards a small rose bush and carefully pushed aside some branches.

When she saw it Freya wondered why it was there. The small dagger didn't seem to belong in this garden. But in a way it almost did. The rose bush had grown around it, small vines had entangled it. Freya turned to Dagger with a smile.

But that smile was brief as she saw Dagger in tears.

"Dagger," Freya said rising to her feet. "What is wrong?"

"I wanted it to be hear," she said through her sobs. "Because this is where the sword of Alexander rested. . .before Kuja. . ."

Freya walked over to her and sat down next to her.

"Dagger," she said touching Daggers shoulder gently. "Tell me what you will," She removed her hand and placed it on her chest. "By my crest and life I shall not reveal what you tell me in confidence. You have my oath."

"After a while. .he never came back. . .he promised he would. But he never did."

Zidane, of course why had she not seen it before.

"I waited to keep believing he was alive but my people. . .I had to think of them. I couldn't let them down." She said wiping her eyes. "Then when a year had passed and he had not returned. . .I just gave up. . .On everything."

Freya stared intently at Dagger. What was she saying?

"I came to this garden."

Why was the dagger among the roses.

"I brought the dagger, his dagger. The very one I chose my name by. . .the one that started my new life."

What did she mean?

"I sat down right hear. . .I held the dagger in my hands and I . . ."

Freya watched as Dagger rolled up the sleeve on her right arm. A gasp escaped her as she brought her hands to her face quickly. There, on Daggers small wrist was a thin scar.

"I tried to end my life with that dagger."

"No," Freya said staring at Daggers small scar.

"But. . just as I finished with this arm. .and was about to do the other. . ." Dagger rolled down her sleeve. "The dagger flew out of my hands and landed over there. Then I heard them. . .I heard them Freya."

"Who?"

"My Edions." Dagger said with a smile. "They stopped me. It had been so long. . .to long since they had spoken to me. When they did they told me that I was a fool." She stood and walked towards the dagger.

"They said that if I were to throw away my life then Zidane, if he was dead. Would have died in vein."

"They were right." Freya said stiffly. "He wanted you safe."

"I know, so I left it there to remind me of his sacrifice. To remind me to be strong."

"I'm searching for him." Freya said standing. "I do not think he is dead. Something in my heart tells me that he is alive Dagger."

"I wish I could feel that way Freya. I'm trying to feel that way. But please understand," She plucked a rose from the bush surrounding the dagger and turned to Freya. "I must think of my people now. Now more than ever. There could be trouble soon."

"What do you mean?"

"Angelous is gathering support from all of the nobles in Treno. Many of them are like him. They wish to. .to. .I can't say it. It is to horrible."

"Do they want to harm my people?" Freya asked angrily.

Dagger nodded.

"I've been trying to fight them. I am happy that the people of Alexandra are supporting me as are many of the people of Liblum." She smiled. "Especially deer Uncle Cid. I guess I should tell you that he. ."

"Adopted Eiko." Freya said smiling. "I met with her. The child is very happy," Freya said sighing. "I wanted to see all of you. . .to see how you are doing. I met with Vivi and Amarant. They are doing fine."

"I saw Vivi a year ago. I wish I had the time to see him again." Dagger looked at Freya with a confused look. "How did you get hear so fast from Libum?"

"Our old friends of the Thantos Theater troupe." Freya said laughing. "They are searching for Zidane as well."

"Freya," Dagger said suddenly. "Thank Baku for me," she said smiling. "I know it is difficult for him, he was Zidane's father after all."

"I shall." Dagger sat back down.

"Are you searching for your love as well?"

Freya nodded.

"I didn't think you knew about Sir. Flattery."

"Zidane told me."

"Yes, I am. I know that he is alive," Freya stood. "I just need to revive the memories he has lost. The ones that were of our love."

Freya turned and forced a smile.

"I should go and Visit with Stiner and Quina," she said quickly. "The Troupe will be leaving soon."

"I'll be sure to see you off." Dagger said. "Come I'll show you to the Kitchen."

Dagger stood and Freya followed her towards the Kitchen where she knew she would find Quina.

As they walked, they did so in silence. Nither of them needed words.

All that had been said, had been said. And Freya true to her word, did not mention it again to anyone.