disc 2.1
This chapter's a lil shorter than I planned.... put it's coming along. Enjoy!
n_n
*Treno, mere moments later
"Welcome home," the servant said. The greeting was irrelevant. This was not home. Nowhere on Gaia could be home. This had not bothered Kuja for years, but quite suddenly, he was homesick. He desperately missed the recovering terrain, a whole world away. The world he would soon own. It's because of Zidane; I am reminded of times long past. They were not good times… Surely these times were better. He made his way over to his balcony overlooking the auction. It would certainly get his mind of things: to watch completely inferior being willingly deposit large sums of monetary value for completely worthless and overpriced items. He by chance happened to scan the heads below…
Garnet? Here? The princess turned and walked out the door, apparently not even noticing him. It was all he could do not to laugh out loud. So, you've returned to me, my little summoner? Of course, the restless canary was let out of the cage, away from morals and duty, but she finds that she too, becomes homesick. She must return to the cage. As must I.
*Burmecia, about the same time
Freya crawled over to Zidane, who, upon the departure of all the enemies, had promptly fallen over. He trembled and shivered from his pain and the rain. Freya felt very guilty. She had been numb and almost completely paralyzed from the attack Beatrix had landed on her, so she had just lain there while Zidane had taken on the knight by himself. She felt guilty, as she watched him suffer on the wet ground. He was so giving: he had abandoned the safety of his home to help her protect hers, and then he had risked his life for her and Vivi, who was still unconscious. Zidane never ceased to amaze her. She had one potion with her, but she knew he wouldn't take it, not with Vivi still lying on the ground. She placed her hand gently on his shoulder, feeling the damp quivering of his hairless skin.
"You were very brave, Zidane," she said, hoping it might offer some condolence. His shoulders shook slightly as a shallow laughter echoed between the silver drops of falling water. "You were," she insisted. He forced himself upright again, although not so stiffly as before.
"Just a boy…" he murmured, between his gasps pain, "and a fool. Hey, Vivi? Are you alright?" Freya shook her head with admiration. If only she had been like this, without thinking of herself all the time
"I have a potion…just one," she knew what he'd say.
"Give it to Vivi," just as she'd predicted. "Maybe we can get him to wake up." To Freya's astonishment, Zidane slowly stood up and walked over to Vivi, his tail aiding him when he stumbled. He was recovering right before her eyes. They soon left for Cleyra.
*Just outside of Cleyra, a day or so later
Beatrix watched the sandstorm as she heard Kuja approach her from behind. At first she ignored him as he drew alongside to watch along with her. But of course, he looked at her.
"Is something wrong, General?" he asked lightly.
"Yes, you are invading my personal space," she snipped, surprising even herself. Of course, he surprised her more. He took a step to the side.
"Is that better?" he asked, politely. Damn you, Kuja.
"It'll have to do for now." He smiled that smile and looked up at the towering pillar of flying sand. His sole purpose in this operation was to dispose of this sandstorm. Beatrix could almost not help but laugh at the idea. The sandstorm had been quite safe for centuries. She watched him stare intently at it for a while. "You do know what that is, right?" He glanced at her, wearing a smile she had never seen before: one of admiration.
"It's a magic barrier powered by a magic source from within, highly effective. I have never seen one anywhere close to this magnitude."
"You have to get inside to turn it off then."
"Something along those lines."
"This storm has existed for a thousand years, Kuja," she finally stated that she didn't think he could do it. He smiled again, apparently getting the message. His ice blue eyes focused into the funnel of sand. Then they closed, his brow furrowing into concentration. The air around him slowly began to bear a crimson light. His eyebrows twitched periodically. She quickly glanced at the storm. It remained unchanged. Suddenly, Kuja jolted back with a grimace on his face. Her first inclination was to rush to his aid, but she managed to stop herself.
"I told you," she said instead.
"He's there…" Kuja murmured before resuming his former position.
"What? Who?" she asked quickly, sensing that this statement held part of the secret he wouldn't reveal. But he would reveal no more.
"I lost my concentration," was all the more he would say. The process started over again. This time, the storm began to glow an electric blue. Her soldiers gasped.
"They're strengthening it…" Kuja groaned and his glow intensified. Both glows continued to intensify until Kuja suddenly let out a gasp. His glow was gone. Streaks of shattered magic ripped away from scattering sand. The storm began to dissipate, as he walked, no, staggered slightly towards his dragon. Only the sight of him in possible distress could have pulled her gaze away from the phenomenon of the century. This was indeed what did it. She turned to watch him lean against the shimmering whiteness of the massive beast's neck, resting his face against it and his own silver locks of hair. He held a hand to his temple. Beatrix walked towards him, resolved not to show any signs of pity.
"How did you do that?" she demanded, aware that her retinue was watching. He smiled, opened his eyes, and shrugged.
"Piece of cake," he stepped onto the paw of the silver dragon, which then lifted him up to its back. He's leaving? After that?
"Well, don't you want to eat your cake?" she asked, annoyed. He laughed.
"Surely you know, General," he chuckled, "you cannot have your cake and eat it too." He slowly settled onto his mount's back.
"Where are you going?" she asked, her curiosity rising over her irritation.
"Elsewhere," he responded. Or rather said to avoid responding. Beatrix knew that he wouldn't tell her any more, and she was disturbed by the fact that she hadn't a clue to what was going on. She was supposed to be in charge here.
"Why?" she blurted in her frustration. He turned his gaze up to the bridge, where the Queen was waiting, his eyes narrowing into an unreadable expression.
"Because I am next," he replied. Before Beatrix could respond, the force of air from the dragon's wings nearly knocked her over. Kuja left her one lingering glance as the beast spilled from the ship to take on the open skies on its own. Kuja… You never answer any of my questions………Kuja.
*Alexandria Castle, upon the rescuing of Garnet
"What the hell?! The only scoundrels around here are you and your fat queen!" he shouted back angrily. Beatrix shook her head again. How the blonde boy had escaped Cleyra she would have really liked to know. Here he stood, along with his comrades, right in front of her. She had to admit: he was incredibly intriguing. Okay, how did you pull that off? she was dying to ask. She had left them fairly weakened when she had left so that her Majesty could use the eidolon. "This boy could become a problem." Kuja had obviously seen something that she hadn't, which wasn't surprising. However, he was in her homeland now. Here he stopped.
"Fools like you will never learn." This time, she went after him first. He was a little stronger now, and wise to her style. Her first slash at him sent him leaping well out of the way, keeping his distance as Steiner rushed at her. Steiner, you fool. There is a reason that I have this position. A Thunder-slash—she batted him aside like a bothersome fly. She dodged a thrown spear and cast Silence on the black mage in the same instant she needed before the one she had to block a quite forceful attack from her tailed foe. She swirled around and made use of her large blade, driving him back. The three others were coming at her. She knew she had to take Zidane out: he was the heart of this operation. He spun his weapon deftly and smoothly, giving her no opening for attack. However, her experience made the difference. He glanced behind him as they drew towards the bema of the throne. As he did so, she barreled all her weight into him, bending his spine over the edge. He cried out in pain and surprise as her knee pressed against his chest, pushing him into the raised floor. The company froze as her sword hovered as his throat.
"Don't hurt him!" the rat knight's voice rang into her ears, urgently. Why not? He is a thorn in the foot of all Alexandria. Why should he not be pulled out? She looked down into the deep cerulean eyes before her. To her surprise, they showed no fear. It seemed he was probing into her good eye, searching for something… To what end…?
"Your pathetic powers are useless against me," she told him flatly. She was startled by the clattering sound of metal on tile. She glanced down to see his weapon by their feet. He had had it handy the whole time. Before she could be shocked by her own carelessness, he spoke up.
"Hey, wait a minute…" he breathed despite his awkward position. "You're the general of this kingdom. As the general of Alexandria, isn't it your sworn duty to protect Dagger—your princess, Garnet?" She stared at him for a moment. Are you taking advantage of my sense of purpose? What are you getting at? Before she could ask these questions… "I'm sure you know who's sitting over there." He motioned with a gentle nod of his head toward the throne. She followed his gaze to Garnet, stretched out in a deathlike state.
"It can't be…" Beatrix got off of the blonde and quickly ascended the stairs. Zidane quickly retrieved and sheathed his weapon before joining her. "Princess…"
I've been a fool. Kuja saw it, why couldn't I? The queen is full of greed no matter how many lives are lost, she will never be satisfied. I've killed—without reason, I have conducted the destruction of two civilizations. And now a third… She looked upon the princess, alive but dead as easily. She glanced at the boy, Zidane. His eyes were upon Garnet, full of naught but concern. Deep concern. He was from Lindblum. He had to be. Then a fourth? I don't know who you are or what you want, but I should thank you. However, I cannot thank you. I can do nothing.
"You can help your princess." Beatrix stared at the speaker, the knight Freya, for a second. Can I?
"I can try," she answered. Can I stop what I've helped set in motion? I can naught but try… She tried, but to no avail. She shook her head. I can do nothing.
"Irrevocable is the spell we have cast!" The words in themselves were a challenge… Beatrix tried again. For nothing.
"It is useless!" I am useless. I can do nothing. She looked up to the boy, almost ready to apologize. He was biting his lip, his eyes dry—the dry before the flood. His soul wept, his heart bled… Beatrix could read each and every one of his emotions through his face. He emanated his feelings as a flame spread it's light. He loves the princess. Or at least is beginning to have strong feelings for her. His actions against Alexandria… He knew all along? Why am I so useless?! He caught her eye and flashed her a smile of encouragement. His emotion changed when he looked at her. Hope. You want her to live? I cannot blame you... Optimism. Third time's the charm? You think I can do it? Of course, you seem to think the Impossible can be. Why not? You pulled off some stunts. Desperation? No. Your attitude made the difference. PLEASE. You believed? Desperation. Must. Beatrix did not try. She did.
Bababum! *bows* *her back cracks* Ack.... I'll try to get the next part out. I know we're all getting old while I write this. PATIENCE. It makes a difference.
Oh, and, although this is kinda like plugging myself, read "The Indwelling" by ....Mistress of the Mist. *makes face at new pen name* I don't want her to quit; she quits too often in the face of opposition. Review! Me too!
*Treno, mere moments later
"Welcome home," the servant said. The greeting was irrelevant. This was not home. Nowhere on Gaia could be home. This had not bothered Kuja for years, but quite suddenly, he was homesick. He desperately missed the recovering terrain, a whole world away. The world he would soon own. It's because of Zidane; I am reminded of times long past. They were not good times… Surely these times were better. He made his way over to his balcony overlooking the auction. It would certainly get his mind of things: to watch completely inferior being willingly deposit large sums of monetary value for completely worthless and overpriced items. He by chance happened to scan the heads below…
Garnet? Here? The princess turned and walked out the door, apparently not even noticing him. It was all he could do not to laugh out loud. So, you've returned to me, my little summoner? Of course, the restless canary was let out of the cage, away from morals and duty, but she finds that she too, becomes homesick. She must return to the cage. As must I.
*Burmecia, about the same time
Freya crawled over to Zidane, who, upon the departure of all the enemies, had promptly fallen over. He trembled and shivered from his pain and the rain. Freya felt very guilty. She had been numb and almost completely paralyzed from the attack Beatrix had landed on her, so she had just lain there while Zidane had taken on the knight by himself. She felt guilty, as she watched him suffer on the wet ground. He was so giving: he had abandoned the safety of his home to help her protect hers, and then he had risked his life for her and Vivi, who was still unconscious. Zidane never ceased to amaze her. She had one potion with her, but she knew he wouldn't take it, not with Vivi still lying on the ground. She placed her hand gently on his shoulder, feeling the damp quivering of his hairless skin.
"You were very brave, Zidane," she said, hoping it might offer some condolence. His shoulders shook slightly as a shallow laughter echoed between the silver drops of falling water. "You were," she insisted. He forced himself upright again, although not so stiffly as before.
"Just a boy…" he murmured, between his gasps pain, "and a fool. Hey, Vivi? Are you alright?" Freya shook her head with admiration. If only she had been like this, without thinking of herself all the time
"I have a potion…just one," she knew what he'd say.
"Give it to Vivi," just as she'd predicted. "Maybe we can get him to wake up." To Freya's astonishment, Zidane slowly stood up and walked over to Vivi, his tail aiding him when he stumbled. He was recovering right before her eyes. They soon left for Cleyra.
*Just outside of Cleyra, a day or so later
Beatrix watched the sandstorm as she heard Kuja approach her from behind. At first she ignored him as he drew alongside to watch along with her. But of course, he looked at her.
"Is something wrong, General?" he asked lightly.
"Yes, you are invading my personal space," she snipped, surprising even herself. Of course, he surprised her more. He took a step to the side.
"Is that better?" he asked, politely. Damn you, Kuja.
"It'll have to do for now." He smiled that smile and looked up at the towering pillar of flying sand. His sole purpose in this operation was to dispose of this sandstorm. Beatrix could almost not help but laugh at the idea. The sandstorm had been quite safe for centuries. She watched him stare intently at it for a while. "You do know what that is, right?" He glanced at her, wearing a smile she had never seen before: one of admiration.
"It's a magic barrier powered by a magic source from within, highly effective. I have never seen one anywhere close to this magnitude."
"You have to get inside to turn it off then."
"Something along those lines."
"This storm has existed for a thousand years, Kuja," she finally stated that she didn't think he could do it. He smiled again, apparently getting the message. His ice blue eyes focused into the funnel of sand. Then they closed, his brow furrowing into concentration. The air around him slowly began to bear a crimson light. His eyebrows twitched periodically. She quickly glanced at the storm. It remained unchanged. Suddenly, Kuja jolted back with a grimace on his face. Her first inclination was to rush to his aid, but she managed to stop herself.
"I told you," she said instead.
"He's there…" Kuja murmured before resuming his former position.
"What? Who?" she asked quickly, sensing that this statement held part of the secret he wouldn't reveal. But he would reveal no more.
"I lost my concentration," was all the more he would say. The process started over again. This time, the storm began to glow an electric blue. Her soldiers gasped.
"They're strengthening it…" Kuja groaned and his glow intensified. Both glows continued to intensify until Kuja suddenly let out a gasp. His glow was gone. Streaks of shattered magic ripped away from scattering sand. The storm began to dissipate, as he walked, no, staggered slightly towards his dragon. Only the sight of him in possible distress could have pulled her gaze away from the phenomenon of the century. This was indeed what did it. She turned to watch him lean against the shimmering whiteness of the massive beast's neck, resting his face against it and his own silver locks of hair. He held a hand to his temple. Beatrix walked towards him, resolved not to show any signs of pity.
"How did you do that?" she demanded, aware that her retinue was watching. He smiled, opened his eyes, and shrugged.
"Piece of cake," he stepped onto the paw of the silver dragon, which then lifted him up to its back. He's leaving? After that?
"Well, don't you want to eat your cake?" she asked, annoyed. He laughed.
"Surely you know, General," he chuckled, "you cannot have your cake and eat it too." He slowly settled onto his mount's back.
"Where are you going?" she asked, her curiosity rising over her irritation.
"Elsewhere," he responded. Or rather said to avoid responding. Beatrix knew that he wouldn't tell her any more, and she was disturbed by the fact that she hadn't a clue to what was going on. She was supposed to be in charge here.
"Why?" she blurted in her frustration. He turned his gaze up to the bridge, where the Queen was waiting, his eyes narrowing into an unreadable expression.
"Because I am next," he replied. Before Beatrix could respond, the force of air from the dragon's wings nearly knocked her over. Kuja left her one lingering glance as the beast spilled from the ship to take on the open skies on its own. Kuja… You never answer any of my questions………Kuja.
*Alexandria Castle, upon the rescuing of Garnet
"What the hell?! The only scoundrels around here are you and your fat queen!" he shouted back angrily. Beatrix shook her head again. How the blonde boy had escaped Cleyra she would have really liked to know. Here he stood, along with his comrades, right in front of her. She had to admit: he was incredibly intriguing. Okay, how did you pull that off? she was dying to ask. She had left them fairly weakened when she had left so that her Majesty could use the eidolon. "This boy could become a problem." Kuja had obviously seen something that she hadn't, which wasn't surprising. However, he was in her homeland now. Here he stopped.
"Fools like you will never learn." This time, she went after him first. He was a little stronger now, and wise to her style. Her first slash at him sent him leaping well out of the way, keeping his distance as Steiner rushed at her. Steiner, you fool. There is a reason that I have this position. A Thunder-slash—she batted him aside like a bothersome fly. She dodged a thrown spear and cast Silence on the black mage in the same instant she needed before the one she had to block a quite forceful attack from her tailed foe. She swirled around and made use of her large blade, driving him back. The three others were coming at her. She knew she had to take Zidane out: he was the heart of this operation. He spun his weapon deftly and smoothly, giving her no opening for attack. However, her experience made the difference. He glanced behind him as they drew towards the bema of the throne. As he did so, she barreled all her weight into him, bending his spine over the edge. He cried out in pain and surprise as her knee pressed against his chest, pushing him into the raised floor. The company froze as her sword hovered as his throat.
"Don't hurt him!" the rat knight's voice rang into her ears, urgently. Why not? He is a thorn in the foot of all Alexandria. Why should he not be pulled out? She looked down into the deep cerulean eyes before her. To her surprise, they showed no fear. It seemed he was probing into her good eye, searching for something… To what end…?
"Your pathetic powers are useless against me," she told him flatly. She was startled by the clattering sound of metal on tile. She glanced down to see his weapon by their feet. He had had it handy the whole time. Before she could be shocked by her own carelessness, he spoke up.
"Hey, wait a minute…" he breathed despite his awkward position. "You're the general of this kingdom. As the general of Alexandria, isn't it your sworn duty to protect Dagger—your princess, Garnet?" She stared at him for a moment. Are you taking advantage of my sense of purpose? What are you getting at? Before she could ask these questions… "I'm sure you know who's sitting over there." He motioned with a gentle nod of his head toward the throne. She followed his gaze to Garnet, stretched out in a deathlike state.
"It can't be…" Beatrix got off of the blonde and quickly ascended the stairs. Zidane quickly retrieved and sheathed his weapon before joining her. "Princess…"
I've been a fool. Kuja saw it, why couldn't I? The queen is full of greed no matter how many lives are lost, she will never be satisfied. I've killed—without reason, I have conducted the destruction of two civilizations. And now a third… She looked upon the princess, alive but dead as easily. She glanced at the boy, Zidane. His eyes were upon Garnet, full of naught but concern. Deep concern. He was from Lindblum. He had to be. Then a fourth? I don't know who you are or what you want, but I should thank you. However, I cannot thank you. I can do nothing.
"You can help your princess." Beatrix stared at the speaker, the knight Freya, for a second. Can I?
"I can try," she answered. Can I stop what I've helped set in motion? I can naught but try… She tried, but to no avail. She shook her head. I can do nothing.
"Irrevocable is the spell we have cast!" The words in themselves were a challenge… Beatrix tried again. For nothing.
"It is useless!" I am useless. I can do nothing. She looked up to the boy, almost ready to apologize. He was biting his lip, his eyes dry—the dry before the flood. His soul wept, his heart bled… Beatrix could read each and every one of his emotions through his face. He emanated his feelings as a flame spread it's light. He loves the princess. Or at least is beginning to have strong feelings for her. His actions against Alexandria… He knew all along? Why am I so useless?! He caught her eye and flashed her a smile of encouragement. His emotion changed when he looked at her. Hope. You want her to live? I cannot blame you... Optimism. Third time's the charm? You think I can do it? Of course, you seem to think the Impossible can be. Why not? You pulled off some stunts. Desperation? No. Your attitude made the difference. PLEASE. You believed? Desperation. Must. Beatrix did not try. She did.
Bababum! *bows* *her back cracks* Ack.... I'll try to get the next part out. I know we're all getting old while I write this. PATIENCE. It makes a difference.
Oh, and, although this is kinda like plugging myself, read "The Indwelling" by ....Mistress of the Mist. *makes face at new pen name* I don't want her to quit; she quits too often in the face of opposition. Review! Me too!
