Disclaimer: I do not own the characters of FFIX but all the peeps who aren't familiar to you are mine. If I see the names I use in anything they will not find your body….I promise….j/k that's just if the character acts the same. But if you ask my permission to put my character in it might be okay.. But ask first!!!
_________________________________DEDICATION________________________________________
I have decided to make my first dedication I dedicate this story to my pal Emkay from WA thanks for always being there for me and being a faithful reader to LBtC. I love ya man!!
---------Chapter IX: Memories Past------------------------
The once spunky green eyes settled on the icy figure of the fallen demon as the sun began its accent into the early sky. As the sun hit the monster, the ice began to melt rapidly and plumes of smoke rose from the burning demon. Then in a brilliant flash, the creature exploded, millions of sparkling pieces flew about and reveled the monster into nothing more than a smoldering pit on the grassy plain. Goodbye my dear Sebastian, the maiden girl thought her eyes catching sight of the misty black spirit rising from the ash. Good thing that idiot Zidane didn't leave someone out here to keep watch over the demon. She smiled and opened her arms wide drawing it to her. The spirit entered her body, her green eyes fluttering closed as she gasped in the power of millions of dying virgins. Her cropped mousy brown hair flicked wildly about as it grew long turning to a charcoal black. The once innocent girl opened her eyes and smiled.
"It may be too late to consume the queen's power," she said aloud, her voice full of power and evi;l not the once meek, timid whisper of a voice she had owned all her life. She turned her now golden hued eyes to the sun and smiled again.
"But I will need to avenge my creator, not yet though, it is too soon. I must first grow strong like him," she said raising her arms to the sky. Wings as black as great Lucifer's cut from her tattered maiden gown and rose to greet the sky.
"I will find you, your majesty, the pain is not over," Cathleena laughed, rising into the sky and flying off towards Treno, city of the damned, she remembered hearing it called that once. Home sweet home, she smiled again knowing that Treno would be the perfect home for her growing evil…
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Zidane sat in the parlor room of the large castle, bored, uncomfortable, and tired. It had been morning when they had returned to the castle and there was no reason to go back to sleep. Dagger had been swept away to her room to get dressed for the King of Ipsen's Domain's arrival and Zidane didn't have much to do. Damn this sucks, he thought staring at the large clock that sat on one wall the gold trim lacing around the face reminding him of where he was. I should be scarce when that King finds out that he lost out to a commoner, he won't be happy and if he sees me… Zidane shook his head and stood from his seat. He shoved his hands in his pockets and turned towards the door.
"Zidane where are you going?" Steiner asked from the wall where he stood.
"Out, I think it's a bad idea for me to be around when the castle is entertaining civilized company," he mumbled as he walked towards the door.
"Oh do you? But I thought you were going to keep that civilized company from making a move on me?" Came Dagger's voice from the doorway blocking his escape. She stepped into view and Zidane stopped, not feeling the need to leave any longer. She was beautiful. She wore a long ivory gown with golden trim running along the seams, her hair she wore brushed back into a tight braid wrapped around her head, and atop the raven braid set a delicate gold crown, different than the one that she normally wore. Zidane grinned and walked to the queen's side.
"Now I can't leave," he said, putting his arm around her. "You look beautiful," he whispered in her ear as they crossed the room to Dagger's seat. She smiled and took her seat looking up at Zidane. He grinned and gave her a quick kiss no more than brushing his lips across hers, and then he ran back over to the chair he had been in. When Zidane sat back down he looked up at Steiner noticing a slight grimace across his face from the kiss that Zidane had given Dagger. Zidane shook his head thinking that Steiner would never really fall into the idea of Zidane marrying Dagger. He's gonna have to deal, Zidane thought looking back at Dagger.
"So, any clue what this King guy is like?" Zidane casually asked, gazing at the young queen. She smiled back and shook her head.
"No, all I know is that he rules Ipsen's Domain a kingdom that was settled around Ipsen's Castle a few years back," she said.
"Hmm great idea building a city around that loony bin, this guy must be a regular nut," Zidane stated sarcastically remembering the trip taken to Ipsen's Castle and the twisted, up is down; down is up, concept that ruled that strange place. Just then Beatrix entered and shot a smile in Steiner's direction. Steiner smiled an unfitting look for a stately knight back to the general and she proceeded with why she had entered.
"Your Majesty, your guest has arrived," she said looking at the queen. Dagger rolled her eyes slightly and smiled at Beatrix.
"You may let him in," she said almost reluctantly. Dagger looked back at Zidane and sent him a sweet half smile one full of love. Zidane smiled back and mouthed 'I love you' just as the King of Ipsen's Domain walked in. Zidane looked at the man and frowned. He wore a wardrobe of purple and silver long and flowing as if he had to prove that he was royal by over indulging in the regal colours. He had long blonde almost white hair pulled back into a tight ponytail. He had light green eyes that looked the color of sea foam. He looked sinister to Zidane but he soon realized that was because the man was a king after the heart Zidane had already claimed.
"Ahh, Queen Garnet it is an honor to finally meet you," the man said walking across the room towards Dagger. He took her hand in his and bowed down.
"I am King Alan, of Ipsen's Domain," the man said kissing Dagger's hand. Zidane's eyes narrowed and he stood.
"Yeah well, I'm sure you're a really great guy but you're about a day late," Zidane said walking towards the man and Dagger. "Ya see Dag-err Garnet has already chosen who she wants to marry and it ain't you actually not even close," Zidane said as rudely as he could, stopping a meter away from them.
Alan stood and smiled at Zidane, a smile that made Zidane even angrier. He saw Dagger over Alan's shoulder and she was shaking her head telling Zidane to back off.
"My my, you are a quite boisterous servant, if I have ever met one. I am guessing you serve some allegiance to the man who has requested the hand of the queen," Alan said looking over Zidane, judging him, making Zidane hate him even more. "Well even if this man chose Garnet as his wife he can't have much sense you being one of his servants," Zidane then noticed Dagger's eyes narrowing at the rude man that stood between him. She stood and shot a glance at Zidane.
"Well you must feel quite ashamed right now," Zidane said matter-of-factly. "Not only have you lost any chance of Garnet deciding to be your wife which I assure you was never there, but you have insulted her fiancé to his face," Zidane said looking at the man and grinning impishly.
"What?! You are the fiancé? The queen has no sense either!" Alan cried his eyes widening at the last sentence he spoke. That was enough for Dagger she walked around the man and towards the door.
"That is enough! King Alan, one of my knight's will escort you out!" she said walking from the room.
Zidane grinned as Alan began to follow Haagen out the door. That's my girl, he thought.
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Garnet rushed into her room and quickly shut the door. Frowning she pulled her hair from the braid as she stripped the royal garment she wore. What a jerk saying those things when I was right behind him, she thought rushing over to her wardrobe pulling a simple peasant's gown from it's hidden place behind her fineries. Just like all the other suitors, only concerned with either the kingdom or my renowned reputation for being the most beautiful woman ever to grace the throne, never who I really am. Just thought to be a prize. She pulled the gown over her head and began to lace up the front.
"I'm not just a silly prize! I belong only to Zidane now," she whispered harshly spinning around to the door. She was caught off guard when she came face to face with Zidane. He had come in through the door when she wasn't paying attention.
"Zidane! Will you stop doing that!" she cried as he smiled and walked towards her.
"So, do you really belong to me?" he whispered coming close to Garnet. She could feel his breath and yet again it sent shivers of pleasure down her spine. She looked down at her feet and felt her cheeks grow warm with color.
"I-I guess… that is.. I, um," she stammered trying to figure out what she was saying. She then noticed the ring on her finger glittering gold and red and remembered what the ring symbolized. It meant that in a few months she would indeed be Zidane's wife and that the reason she had said 'yes' was because he already owned her heart. She looked back at Zidane, into his deep clear blue eyes. "Yes, I do, we are getting married aren't we?" she said quietly. Zidane grinned and pulled Garnet into his arms, she welcomed the embrace and closed her eyes as she leaned against his chest. I'm just lucky he came back when he did I may not have had the will to turn away that last man, he was civil until Zidane stepped in, she thought, pushing away from Zidane and looking into his eyes again.
"Just making sure," he whispered leaning towards her. She smiled as his lips touched hers then she drew them closed. As the kiss prolonged she remembered why she had changed into the simple low cut brown dress. She drew away and smiled again at Zidane.
"Hey, do you wanna go into town?" she whispered, nuzzling her face against his.
"Wait a minute you're the queen you can't leave the castle," he said. Garnet grinned and looked at Zidane.
"Since when are you one to follow the rules?" she said looking lovingly at the young man. He smiled back and rubbed his hands up and down her arms.
"I'm not I just needed to say that so if Steiner tries to throw me in the dungeon for abducting the queen and taking her into a hostile situation I can blame you," he said his smile widening into his trademark impish grin. Garnet laughed and took his hand leading him from the room.
"So how are we gonna get out of the castle without the guards spotting us?" Garnet whispered into Zidane's ear as they crept down the hall. The young man turned and looked into Garnet's eyes, dark strands of honey falling into his face.
"Well we can swipe a gondola, and row across or we can swim, your choice," he whispered teasingly on the second option. Garnet held back the urge to giggle as one of the guards walked past oblivious to the two lurking in the shadows. After the guard was out of earshot Zidane turned back to Garnet.
"So why are we going to town anyway?" he whispered.
"Today's the Rose Festival and I've always wanted to go but being the queen I couldn't get out of the castle but with you along it shouldn't be a problem," she whispered back looking nervously around. Zidane smiled and started down the hall once again.
"So that's the only reason why you wanted me to come back, so you could sneak out of the castle," he whispered over his shoulder. Garnet dropped her jaw and hit him playfully on the back.
"Why you! Zidane you know I would never-" Zidane pressed his hand to Garnet's mouth as he pulled her into a small crevice in the wall. Then she suddenly heard the clanking of Steiner's armor and realized they had almost been caught. She glanced towards the entrance of the small hole they hid in to see the large man pass by. Garnet held her breath for what seemed to be an hour, Zidane's and her hearts beating far too loud as they listened to the clanking of the knight while he continued down the hall towards the royal chambers. Good thing I locked my door, Garnet thought. The noble knight would just assume that Garnet had gone to sleep because of the fact that they had gotten little sleep the night before because of that monster, Sebastian who no doubt was nothing more than cinder and ash by now well after three o'clock.
Suddenly realizing that it was so late Garnet couldn't help but smile. Zidane looked at her and frowned she just smiled wider. It took me longer to get dressed than to meet with the man whom I was dressing for. Would've been easier if I had just worn this, she thought glancing down at the simple brown lace-up gown she wore now. As soon as the sound of Steiner was no longer present Zidane pulled Garnet from the small hole.
"What were you grinning about?" he asked keeping his voice low.
"Oh nothing, I was just thinking about how pointless it was for me to spend all that time getting dressed when I could've been sleeping," Garnet said, walking down the hall. Zidane quickly caught up with her and took her hand; she smiled and squeezed it lightly as they continued towards the door.
Once they got to the docks they quickly ducked off to the moor house where the other two gondolas were kept. Garnet followed obediently behind Zidane as he stepped into the small house.
"Okay which one milady?" he whispered motioning to the golden boats with a great sweeping of his arm. Garnet giggled and pointed to the one farthest from the door.
"That one," she whispered. "It's farthest away from the main dock and the chance that a guard will spot us isn't as great,"
"Ahh, good choice, your not as bad at this sneaking around thing as you think," Zidane said walking towards the boat. Garnet followed and once Zidane reached the boat he spun around gracefully and held out his hand to her. Garnet smiled and stepped down onto the dark brown dock. The dimly lit boathouse was the perfect cover for an escape no one ever watched the house except for at night. That might be a problem for getting back though, she thought.
Zidane helped Garnet into the boat and climbed in himself untying the rope from the dock. He pushed away and dipped the oar into the water. As they started to move Zidane looked at Garnet and smiled.
"So what are we gonna do once we get into town?" he asked. Garnet smiled at his question and blushed.
"Well, I thought we could go around town until sunset so I could show you the new schoolhouse and then we could circle back to the center square for the festival," she replied.
"Hmm sounds like a plan Dagger, so this festival it's like dancing drinking and eating right?" Dagger nodded her head.
"Yeah, I think so I've only watched it from the castle before there is normally a lot of dancing but that's all I can see from the balcony," Garnet said.
"Okay well that's cool," Zidane grinned.
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The square was decorated beautifully. Dagger had told Zidane that around this time of year the roses were in full bloom and that was what the festival celebrated. As the couple walked into the square Zidane lost his breath at the sight. The pale cobblestone glittered as if it had reversed into the sky sparkling lights glittering along the pathways. Roses of white red and pink hung from the shops and terraces that stood around the square. The lamps were turned low and the twin moons were the primary source of light. It's almost magical, Zidane thought looking around the square. He noticed a band of minstrels on the porch that lead to the inn. As he looked at them they raised the instruments and began to play a lively waltz. Zidane grinned and turned to Dagger extending his hand.
"Would you honor me with a dance milady?" he said bowing slightly. Dagger giggled and placed her hand in his.
"Stop it," she whispered a smile whisping across her lips as Zidane lead her out into the glittering square. "I'm a commoner tonight, you don't need to act so formal." Zidane smiled and placed his hand on Dagger's hip as she rested her hand on his shoulder. The two began to move to the music stepping in time to each other each step in perfect harmony gliding over the cobblestones never missing a beat. Zidane smiled at Dagger and felt as if he was floating off the ground. He had to quickly look down to make sure he didn't have auto-float equipped and wasn't actually flying. When he looked back up he gazed into Dagger's dark eyes sparkling in the moonlight. Her lips were curled into a slight smile, small but angelic in Zidane's eyes.
"What is it?" she whispered moving closer to him as the music slowed.
"I was making sure I wasn't floating away to heaven," Zidane whispered back. Dagger smiled and leaned her head against Zidane's chest.
"Well if you are we'll go together," she whispered. Zidane smiled, leaned his head against Dagger's and closed his eyes. If this is heaven it's cracked up to it's reputation, Zidane thought. The couple continued to dance in a slow motion in time with the soft music.
Zidane opened his eyes suddenly feeling like they were being watched. Sure enough Zidane saw an old man staring at them from beneath a dark cloak. The man's features were difficult to see and Zidane could just barley see he was watching them.
"Hey Dagger there is some guy staring at us, think he knows that you're queen?" Zidane whispered quietly so only Dagger could hear. She looked up at Zidane and frowned slightly.
"I doubt it if my own subjects don't reconised me than I don't think anyone would," she whispered back. "But I'll take a look," she said turning to look at the man. The scruffy figure bolted upright as he caught sight of Dagger, Zidane could see surprise in the movement, and he knew he had surprised many people before.
"Sarah!" the old man yelped before turning and running down the alley.
"Hey!!" Zidane reached out his arm past Dagger but she didn't move. She was frozen in place. [I recognize that look, Zidane thought seeing the look Dagger had gotten many times over they're adventures. She's remembering something. As if on cue Dagger staggered back into Zidane's arms, falling unconscious. Dammit, Zidane cursed in his mind as he lifted the woman from the ground and carried her towards the pub. Guess dancing is over.
Zidane walked casually into the large bar and went to one of the booths. He placed Dagger on the cushioned seat and slid in next to her. Almost immediately Ruby rushed over worry set deeply into her violet eyes.
"Oh my gawd! Zidane what happened?!" Zidane looked at the woman and frowned.
"Ruby keep it down! She just passed out she had a flash of something when she was little or something she'll probably get up soon but could get a waitress over here?" Zidane said calmly, wrapping his arm around Dagger to keep her from falling over. Ruby stood up straight and smiled.
"Sure darlin' whaddya want?" Zidane looked at his old friend and grinned.
"So you're a waitress now?" he said, his voice dripping with amusement. Ruby smirked and pulled a pad of paper from her skirt.
"Damn straight! Actin' hasn't been payin' the bills lately thar ain't enough people who keep wantin' at see 'I Want to be Yer Canary' as thar used at be. Now what do you want?" she huffed pulling a pen from behind her ear.
"Uhh right well get some water, a pitcher of ale and two house specials," Zidane said gently pushing a strand of raven hair off of Dagger's face. I hope she wakes up soon I don't want someone to recognize her and call Rusty saying that I killed the queen…that would be very bad. Just as Zidane thought that the queen began to stir at his touch. Her eyes slowly fluttered open and she looked at Zidane.
"Hi," he whispered, Dagger frowned and sat up.
"I'm sorry Zidane, it was just that man.. He called me Sarah, that name sounds so familiar to me somehow," Dagger shook her head and smiled at Zidane. "Why are we in here?" she asked.
"Well you passed out and my arms got tired holding you while I pretended we danced so I brought you in here, what do you think?" Zidane said sarcastically. Dagger smiled slightly and nodded her head.
A few minutes later Ruby returned with the food and drinks. As Zidane poured the ale he saw Dagger staring at him out of the corner of his eye. He turned to her and smiled.
"You've had ale before right?" he asked casually. Dagger shook her head.
"No, ale isn't something served at the castle we have wine though," she said.
"Uhh than you should stick to water, wine doesn't pack nearly as much of a punch as ale and after a pint I've seen big men totally buzzed," Zidane said pouring water into Dagger's mug and passing it to her. She frowned but she didn't put up any kind of argument. Good I don't want to fight about getting her majesty drunk that would be bad too if Dagger shows up tomorrow with a major hangover or is still hammered. Nope Rusty is just itching for a death warrant on me and I'm gonna do everything in my power to be the best fiancé there is and when we are married I'll be the best husband.
After the couple finished their meal it had gotten rather late and they decided to head back to the castle. They had to row around the back and hide the boat in the reeves so the guards that patrolled the grounds wouldn't catch them. They snuck around to the front and crept into the side door. Once they got into the castle they hurried to Dagger's room and quickly shut the door behind them.
"I can't believe we didn't get caught!" Dagger giggled as they stood in her chamber. Zidane smiled and kissed her lips gently.
"Of course we didn't get caught I was the best Baku had," Zidane said. The two then drifted into an awkward silence. Zidane looked at Dagger and realized how much he loved her. He wanted her to know it but he didn't know if she was ready.
"Dagger I love you," he whispered kissing her gently.
"I love you too Zidane," she whispered back her warm breath blowing across Zidane's ear sending chills throughout his body. Zidane slowly counted to ten and kissed Dagger's neck gently. From her reaction and the remembrance of what she had said earlier decided it. He pressed his lips gently into hers as he began to unlace the front of her gown…..
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Cathleena heard it she could always hear the virgins losing themselves, it was the curse of the powers given to her by Sebastian. But she recognized the sound of the queen. Dammit it's too late I didn't get strong enough. She frowned realizing she was unable to complete part of Sebastian's plot to control Gaia. Oh well there is still the sweet revenge, she thought a wicked smile crossing her crimson lips. Yes I should be strong enough in three months, just in time for the wedding I will strike then.
Cathleena gazed at the black sky above Treno and laughed joyously to the twin moons. She felt they were smiling upon her ensuring that Sebastian's memory would live on inside of her. She smiled again and turned back to the mansion she had assumed control of after the owner had become insane and died per her wonderful new powers who would have thought that a man over sixty was still a virgin. She had sucked his spirit and mind dry and pretended that she was his mistress. So she received the estate. Yes my plans are all flowing smoothly…
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Author's note: heehee!! See where I could put the lemon? But I changed my mind it's not likely I'll do a lemon it's just not my style and I can't bring myself to write it!! Well the next chapter I don't know when it will be up but I hope that you all will read SaT Strange and Twisted that's one of my fics and it's cool please I'm begging read it!!! Okay well no flames please and comment!!! I don't want short comments either!! I want full manuscripts professing your love of this fic!!!! Naw I'm kidding LoL well please at least reply (P.S. thankies Ace!! That you like my fics so much really mean's a lot to me cuz you're a great author too ^_^)