Zidane heard a deep, thick laugh coming from Skyler's position behind him. This only caused to aggravate Zidane more. "Shut the hell up Skyler!" Zidane barked, trying to stay focused on Dagger, she needed him right now. Skyler laughed harder.
"I'd be careful Zidane" He said in a warning, almost mocking, tone of voice "Wouldn't look too good on your part if everyone finds out you've hit two descendants of Royal blood!" Zidane whipped his head around to look at Skyler, confusion evident in his eyes. Is he trying to blackmail me? "Didn't think I knew about that, did you? Quite convenient on my part anyway, if you did it once your very capable of doing it again." Skyler's lips turned into a sneer as he unsheathed his sword. Dagger let out of small moan and Zidane turned back to her, trying to keep her awake. I'm his scapegoat! Skyler took another, unbalanced, step forward as Zidane laid Dagger against the wall to keep her sitting upright. He knew she needed help but he didn't want to leave her alone with this psycho bastard. Zidane rose to his feet.
"Do not challenge me." Skyler stared, confused at first by what Zidane had meant than out of no where started to laugh again.
"You honestly think you could beat me!?" He said pointing at Zidane than back to himself. He was about to retort again but Zidane had cut him off
"No. I'm not going to beat you. I'm going to kill you." Zidane wasn't laughing but Skyler made no sign of backing down. He seemed to have gotten his balance back and his dignity but there was dried blood all over his face, Zidane was farley positive he had broken Skyler's nose. Skyler took a step forward and Zidane drew his sword.
"You can't kill me. I am Prince of Dali! I will have you hanged if you so much as lay a finger on me!" Zidane stood there, unblinking, sword drawn. "Besides, what makes you think I would let you just kill me?"
"If I say I'm going to kill you, you have no choice but to die" The confusion in his eyes was now replaced with rage. Rage and hatred. Skyler paled only slightly at this comment but gave no hint to fight, instead, he spat at Zidanes feet, glaring at him.
"You are nothing less then dog food" Zidane, overcome with anger, lifted his sword ready to attack Skyler when both men heard the sound of Steiner's armour coming there way. Instantly Skyler threw his sword he had been holding across the hall, no were near arms length and put himself between Zidane and Dagger. Steiner came walking around the corner and stopped dead in his tracks at what he saw. "Thank the gods you're here!" Skyler called, getting Steiner's attention "This low life! He-he. came out of no where and he st-started attacking me and Queen Garnet!" Skyler was pointing furiously at Zidane now "Arrest him!" Steiner look past Skyler and saw Garnet laying on the floor, her face covered in a crimsion liquid. Steiner slowly took in the situation.
"How could he? I thought he...loved...?" Steiner mumbled to himself. Clearly cunfussed. He let out a low growl. Once a bastard, always a bastard he thought.
"Rusty! Don't believe him! Hear me out! Dagger needs medicl-!" Zidane pleaded stealing glances at Dagger but Steiner wouldn't have it. He advanced on Zidane in a matter of seconds and had him on the ground, arms pinned behind his back. Any other day Zidane could have evaded this simple attack from Steiner but his mind wasn't focused at the moment. "Rusty! Please!"
"I've heard quite enough form you!" He snapped as he pulled Zidane to his feet, hands tied securely behind his back . Steiner pulled a small whistle out from his pocket and blew it. Within seconds, 4 of his men appeared and he instantly began barking orders to them. "GO FIND GENERAL BEATRIX! GET THE DOCTOR RIGHT AWAY! YOU! ATTEND TO PRINCS SKYLES WOUNDS AT THE INFIRMARY ! NOW!"
"Rusty!" Zidane pleaded again "STEINER! You gatta listen to me! I didn't do Anything it was Skyler! I saw him do it! You know me! You know I care to much for Dagger to do anything to her!" But his pleas fell on deaf ears as Steiner shoved a gag on his mouth, making his words no longer audible.
"Yah, I know you." Steiner began "I know you've been trouble since the first day I laid eyes on you!" with that said, He forcefully shoved Zidane aside, his head connecting with the wall. As he slid to the floor, the last thing he saw before he blacked out was Beatrix's boots walking towards Dagger and the sound of the doctor not far behind.
***^^^***^^^***^^^***^^^***^^^***^^^***
He awoke much the same way he did After Daggers birthday party, which wasn't that long ago if he thought about it. He was, again, on the floor only this floor wasn't wood and had very little straw on it. The room itself was black. There was no light what so ever and if he stuck out his arms he would find he could touch all four wall with out moving. Dammit! The Dungeons. He had only ever been in the dungeons once and that was when he and Dagger were bored and extremely hyper after raiding the kitchens. They had decided to play a game of hid and seek and he had hidden down here and she thought it would be funny if she locked him in so she did...only she forgot about him until the following evening. Needless to say she apologized for two days straight.
He could feel his head throbbing and raised his right hand to his temple, feeling dried blood there. Dammit! He tried to think back to what had happened and remembered Dagger was hurt. He quickly got to his feet and found what he had assumed to be the door. He began to bang on it with his fists calling out to anyone who would be outside. If anyone was out side that is.
"HELLO!? ANYONE? I NEED OUT OF HERE! I HAVE TO FIND DAGGER! PLEASE! IS ANYONE OUT THERE!?" he hollered and banged on the door for a good 15 minutes before someone opened the window slot on the door. Light filled the tiny room and Zidane shielded his eyes from the unwelcome brightness that had rendered him blind for a few moments. "I need out of here now! I have to get to Dagger!" He said as his eyes adjusted to the new light.
"You'll be doing no such thing!" Zidane groaned. Steiner's eyes peered back from the tiny window, but a this point he didn't care. "DAGGER!? Is she alright!" Zidane didn't bother letting Steiner speak
"That is none of your business! I came here to tell you to stop the racket your making. Did you actually think you had a chance with Her Majesty? A petty low life like you?" And with that he slammed the window shut, once again leaving Zidane in total blackness. He began to bang on the door again.
"STEINER! I NEED TO KNOW IF SHES ALRIGHT! I NEED OT SEE HER! STEINER!" he swore in frustration and slammed his fist against the door. Numb to the pain it brought. He slumped against the door and put his head in his hands ""Lineage, social status... why should these things matter so much...?"
***^^^***^^^***^^^***^^^***^^^***^^^***
Beatrix paced outside of Garnets room. The doctor had left moments earlier and told her that she might have a small concussion and to keep her in bed until he advised otherwise. She was sleeping at the moment and Beatrix didn't want to disturb her. She had been through a lot. She knew that once she was awake though, she could clear this whole mess up and tell them exactly what happened. She refused to believe that Zidane had abused her on purpose and out of jealousy none-the-less. Skyler had re-told his version to her and she had to admit, it was quite believable, just way out of character for Zidane. Sure, he was the jealous type, but to a point of abuse?. Apparently, Skyler and Garnet were walking along the corridor and she was recalling her birthday party to him. She had told him how Zidane had hit her and that's why there was a bruise. They had gotten closer together and Skyler believed that they were about to kiss when Zidane appeared out of no where. Yelling at Garnet for cheating on him, the event were hazy in his mind he had said, so he couldn't quite remember what exactly happened. Zidane had proceeded to beat Skyler. Thats when Garnet tried to stop him he had lashed out at here, again. Grabbing Skylers glove and using it, so he could stage that it was really Skyler who had hit her and not be blamed. He also said that Zidane swore to kill him. She had sat patiently and listened to his side of the story, locking the guest room he was in behind her once he was done. She wasn't taking chances. Now all she needed to do was get Zidanes side of the story from Steiner once he returned. She stopped pacing once she heard the familiar sound of Steiner's amour coming up the staircase and turned to face him. "Well?" She asked, tapping her foot against the stone floor "Did you let him speak? What did he say?" Steiner let out a low growl.
"He's guilty, it's written all over his face." Beatrix stared at him. Written all over his face?
"Are you telling me that he used soem from of writting utensil in his cell and has written "i'm guilty" all over his face?" She asked in a patronizing tone.
"Don't be absurd!" She glared at him, prompting him to continue "ya see, I didn't actually give him a chance to tell me his side of the story..."
"STEINER! You moron!" Beatrix yelled! "that was the point of going down there!" she let out o frustrated sigh and began rubbing the bridge of her nose with her fingers "What did he say?" She asked again
"Well, not a whole lot" he began "He kept yelling at me to tell him about her Majesty, wanted to know if she was alright. My guess is to find out whether or not he had killed her." Beatrix face lit up in a big grin. Steiner, a little more than confused, looked at her quizzically. "Why are you smiling? He tried to kill the Princess!" Beatrix began to pace again
"Don't you see Steiner! This proves he's innocent!" She stopped in her tracks and looked at Steiner. Gods he was daft. "Listen closely" she started "Zidane doesn't want to prove he's innocent or guilty because he only cares about Garnets health and well being right now! Nothign else matter to him! The minute any one of us gets near Prince Skyler, he's bent on telling us how innocent he is! Not once have I heard him ask of Garnets current condition!" A small light seemed to flick in Steiner's head "Skyler staged the whole thing to get Zidane in trouble!" Beatrix, being so happy that she had figured it out and praying to the Gods she was right, ran over and hugged Steiner, rendering him frozen to the spot. "I knew Zidane wouldn't have done Anything to her! I knew it!"
"But I don't understand?" Steiner was shaking his head as Beatrix moved towards the stairs "I was so positive that he was guilty. It doesn't make sense. I know he cares for her majesty, so why would I think ill of him?"
"I really don't know Steiner but I'm going to find out his story and let him out, you stay here and watch over Garnet until I return! oh! and don't let Prince Skyler out of his room!" She yelled over her shoulder as she took the steps two at a time. He's innocent! I knew it!
***^^^***^^^***^^^***^^^***^^^***
Garnet opened her eyes slowly, letting them adjust to the stream of light that was flooding her room. My room, how did I get here? She wondered as she sat up in bed. She winched as she felt her cheek and the large bandage over it. She must have passed out and than was brought up to her room. She wondered how long she was asleep for but was stirred form her thought by voices outside her door. It sounded like Beatrix and Steiner. She was yelling at him and Dagger smiled. She was always yelling at him. She could Hear Beatrix calling him a moron which only caused her smile to widen, which, in turn brought pain searing through her cheek. The door was pretty much sound proof unless you yelled so she figured Beatrix stopped yelling because she couldn't hear her anymore.
She threw the blankets off of herself and got out of bed. She was still in the dress she was wearing when she went to meet Prince Skyler. Prince Skyler! She thought suddenly I have to find Zidane! He was going to Kill Zidane! She brought her hand to her cheek again and swore at no one in particular, fear gripping at her heart. She looked down at her dress and noticed it was covered in dried blood, she didn't care. She rushed to the door and swung it open. Steiner was standing there looking confused but was that a hint of guilt on his face? She didn't have time to think about it. "Steiner! Zidane!? Where is he!?" She began rushing past him to the stairs. She knew he would follow.
"Princess Garnet!" He gasped being caught off guard! "you must get your rest! You shouldn't be out of bed!"
"Where is he Steiner!?" She was almost yelling now.
"The,the dungeons." He stuttered. Garnet wasted no time and took off towards the basement. Leaving Steiner behind her. She had to get to him. The dungeons was also where they kept the dead.
***^^^****^^^***^^^***^^^***^^^***
Zidane heard his name being called form outside if his cellar door. If he wasn't mistaken it was Beatrix. Gods! Thank you! He thought as he quickly rose to his feet. "BEATRIX! IN HERE!" he yelled, banging on the door. not 5 seconds later he heard the familiar sound of a key being turned in a lock as the light filled his damp cell. "Thank god you here Beatrix! I couldn't get rusty to talk to me. Dagger!? Is she alright? Where is she?" Question flew out of his mouth in a babbled rush. Beatrix put her hand up to silence him ready to tell him it could wait until they were upstairs when They heard someone call his name, again, from down the dark corridor. The both turned their heads and Beatrix let out a startled gasp as Dagger came running towards them. She felt a rush of air pass her as Zidane went by.
"Zidane!" Dagger cried as she flung her arms around his neck meeting him in the middle. He greatly returned the hug. "I thought you were dead!" tears were brimming off her tightly closed eyes now as her hold on Zidane didn't waver, she wanted to make certain that he was alive and very much real. She could hear Zidane whispering, 'your alright, your alright! Everything gonna be okay.' to her, or was it to himself she didn't quite know. She didn't quite care.
"Garnet! What are you doing out of bed!? where's Steiner?" Zidane reluctantly let go of his hold on her when Beatrix came to stand beside them.
"Never mind" she said, holding up her hand "upstairs both of you" Dagger gave Zidane one more hug of reassurance before heading towards the staircase that lead to the main floor, Beatrix following at there heals.
***^^^***^^^***Later***^^^***^^^***^^^***
Skyler paced his room. Worry etched all over his face. What if she awakes before I can get to her? He punched the wall in frustration, regretting it the moment he did so. Stone walls. His knuckles pulsed with pain as he tried not to let out a cry. Stupid, gay-ass, castle. he would have elaborated more about the design of the castle but the sound of his door being opened caused him to turn around faster than expected, causing him to trip on the carpet. He let out a small whimper as his already bandaged, but broken, nose collided with the floor. As he opened his eyes, still on the floor, he found a pair of boots standing directly in front of him.
"Careful now, don't hurt yourself. I'd like to do that for you." came a familiar voice from above. Glancing skyward, he saw the face a Zidane staring back down at him. Scurrying to his feet he began to holler for help. Steiner quickly entered the room and a look of Triumph crossed his face, but fell almost automatically as Beatrix also entered.
"Seize him!" Skyler yelled, pointing vigorously at Zidane "He's escaped from the dungeons!" Beatrix calmly walked over to Skyler and placed a hand on his arm.
"you, you filthy Bastard, are under arrest." Zidane said, the corners of his mouth turning upward. He than stuck his tongue out. Steiner poked him in the side and Zidane just shrugged. "sorry, couldn't resist"
"what do you mean I'm under arrest!? I did nothing! I'm innocent!" Skyler pleaded as Beatrix lead him out of the room. "HE"S LYING! I"VE DONE NOTHING! HES A COWARD!" Beatrix jerked him to a halt
"He steals and he threatens, he does everything but he never lies." Beatrix looked him square in the eyes and Skyler let out a low whimper. He didn't say another word the rest of the way down to the dungeon.
***^^^***^^^***^^^***^^^***^^^***^^^***
Dagger was exhausted. It had to be nearly past midnight by now and she wanted nothing more than to sleep. Her head hurt something awful but she didn't want to leave Zidanes side. She honestly thought that he was dead. She felt like she was going to throw-up. She never thought she would have to experience that dread again, where her heart stops in fear, her breathing quickens and she loses the ability to think straight. She would have kissed Zidane right there in the dungeons but seeing him at the end of the hall, alive, had given her back her ability to rationalize again. Stupid rationalization. She thought. They were sitting in the kitchens now, just talking and drinking coffee. Zidane had showed her the recipe and she rather liked this blend he had made for her. Zidane, noticing how tired she looked offered to help her up to her room and she was very thankful. Beatrix had disappeared after locking Skyler away and Steiner was busy eavesdropping outside the kitchen doors, which did not go unnoticed by either Zidane or Dagger. That was one reason for the lack of conversation.
Heading past Steiner and into the stairwell, Dagger suddenly became very quite. When Zidane had asked what was wrong, thinking she was sick or something, she had merely blushed and thanked him for saving her for about the 10th time. He smiled and shook his head
"Well, I've always gone for the serious, stubborn and misunderstood types." He had told her. She let a small laugh escape her lips and stole a glance at him. Once they had gotten to her bedroom door She had hugged him, as if she always hugged him and it was the most natural thing to do, than disappeared behind her door, whispering another 'thank you' as she closed it. Zidane smiled to himself. Dagger was alright and that bastard was in the dungeon.
Skyler, he thought, as an evil smile formed upon his lips.I think it's about time I keep my promise. With out a backwards glance he headed for the basement. All to familiar with its location. Hopefully he thought, I won't run into anyon-
"Zidane! Where are you headed?" Steiner called, running to keep up with him.
"Uh." he stammered "no where. Why?" Steiner looked at him quizzically.
"Oh, well, if you see Beatrix tell her I'll be at Her Majesty's bedroom door." Zidane nodded. As if he would be anywhere else
"Alright Rusty, can do!" he said before walking again to avoid any further questioning. Luckily Steiner went to his post out side Dagger's room. He would have to be more careful. What if he meet up with Beatrix along the way? Beatrix wasn't that stupid and she would become suspicions of anyone going 'nowhere' . He took the Basement steps that led to the dungeons two at a time but stopped dead in his tracks once he got there. Beatrix was standing at the bottom, arms crossed over her chest, almost like she was waiting for someone. For him.
"Hello Zidane" she said. So she was waiting for him.
"Uh, hi?" He responded, giving a small wave. "uh, what are you doing down here Beatrix?" he asked.
"I could ask you the same thing, but..I already know the answer to that question." He stared at her. How. "look," she began when than english lanuage seems lost to Zidane "I know what you want to do and I know you wont get away with it also, so I cant allow you to do that" Zidane's face looked determined and was abut to speak his mind when Beatrix silenced him "not yet anyway." He blinked. what was she implying? "I'm shipping him back to Dali, I've already alerted the castle and The King of his actions so he will be dealt with there."
"you can't just send him home! How do you know that his father didn't coax him to do what he did!" Beatrix shook her head.
"I've already thought of that but we have no hard evidence or proof that what we say happened actually happened. All we have is mere words against other words. The best we can do is ban him from ever stepping foot in Alexandria again." She let out a frustrated sigh "If I let you carry out your plan, they will hang you and I can't let that happen. I wont do that to Garnet." The rage flared in Zidanes eyes. He couldn't believe that Skyler was actually being sent home without any sort of punishment inflicted by him and after what he did to Dagger! "She needs you Zidane. Promise me you will not lay a hand on him" Her eyes bore into his. He dropped his head in defeat and shook it. "I promise."
"I'd be careful Zidane" He said in a warning, almost mocking, tone of voice "Wouldn't look too good on your part if everyone finds out you've hit two descendants of Royal blood!" Zidane whipped his head around to look at Skyler, confusion evident in his eyes. Is he trying to blackmail me? "Didn't think I knew about that, did you? Quite convenient on my part anyway, if you did it once your very capable of doing it again." Skyler's lips turned into a sneer as he unsheathed his sword. Dagger let out of small moan and Zidane turned back to her, trying to keep her awake. I'm his scapegoat! Skyler took another, unbalanced, step forward as Zidane laid Dagger against the wall to keep her sitting upright. He knew she needed help but he didn't want to leave her alone with this psycho bastard. Zidane rose to his feet.
"Do not challenge me." Skyler stared, confused at first by what Zidane had meant than out of no where started to laugh again.
"You honestly think you could beat me!?" He said pointing at Zidane than back to himself. He was about to retort again but Zidane had cut him off
"No. I'm not going to beat you. I'm going to kill you." Zidane wasn't laughing but Skyler made no sign of backing down. He seemed to have gotten his balance back and his dignity but there was dried blood all over his face, Zidane was farley positive he had broken Skyler's nose. Skyler took a step forward and Zidane drew his sword.
"You can't kill me. I am Prince of Dali! I will have you hanged if you so much as lay a finger on me!" Zidane stood there, unblinking, sword drawn. "Besides, what makes you think I would let you just kill me?"
"If I say I'm going to kill you, you have no choice but to die" The confusion in his eyes was now replaced with rage. Rage and hatred. Skyler paled only slightly at this comment but gave no hint to fight, instead, he spat at Zidanes feet, glaring at him.
"You are nothing less then dog food" Zidane, overcome with anger, lifted his sword ready to attack Skyler when both men heard the sound of Steiner's armour coming there way. Instantly Skyler threw his sword he had been holding across the hall, no were near arms length and put himself between Zidane and Dagger. Steiner came walking around the corner and stopped dead in his tracks at what he saw. "Thank the gods you're here!" Skyler called, getting Steiner's attention "This low life! He-he. came out of no where and he st-started attacking me and Queen Garnet!" Skyler was pointing furiously at Zidane now "Arrest him!" Steiner look past Skyler and saw Garnet laying on the floor, her face covered in a crimsion liquid. Steiner slowly took in the situation.
"How could he? I thought he...loved...?" Steiner mumbled to himself. Clearly cunfussed. He let out a low growl. Once a bastard, always a bastard he thought.
"Rusty! Don't believe him! Hear me out! Dagger needs medicl-!" Zidane pleaded stealing glances at Dagger but Steiner wouldn't have it. He advanced on Zidane in a matter of seconds and had him on the ground, arms pinned behind his back. Any other day Zidane could have evaded this simple attack from Steiner but his mind wasn't focused at the moment. "Rusty! Please!"
"I've heard quite enough form you!" He snapped as he pulled Zidane to his feet, hands tied securely behind his back . Steiner pulled a small whistle out from his pocket and blew it. Within seconds, 4 of his men appeared and he instantly began barking orders to them. "GO FIND GENERAL BEATRIX! GET THE DOCTOR RIGHT AWAY! YOU! ATTEND TO PRINCS SKYLES WOUNDS AT THE INFIRMARY ! NOW!"
"Rusty!" Zidane pleaded again "STEINER! You gatta listen to me! I didn't do Anything it was Skyler! I saw him do it! You know me! You know I care to much for Dagger to do anything to her!" But his pleas fell on deaf ears as Steiner shoved a gag on his mouth, making his words no longer audible.
"Yah, I know you." Steiner began "I know you've been trouble since the first day I laid eyes on you!" with that said, He forcefully shoved Zidane aside, his head connecting with the wall. As he slid to the floor, the last thing he saw before he blacked out was Beatrix's boots walking towards Dagger and the sound of the doctor not far behind.
***^^^***^^^***^^^***^^^***^^^***^^^***
He awoke much the same way he did After Daggers birthday party, which wasn't that long ago if he thought about it. He was, again, on the floor only this floor wasn't wood and had very little straw on it. The room itself was black. There was no light what so ever and if he stuck out his arms he would find he could touch all four wall with out moving. Dammit! The Dungeons. He had only ever been in the dungeons once and that was when he and Dagger were bored and extremely hyper after raiding the kitchens. They had decided to play a game of hid and seek and he had hidden down here and she thought it would be funny if she locked him in so she did...only she forgot about him until the following evening. Needless to say she apologized for two days straight.
He could feel his head throbbing and raised his right hand to his temple, feeling dried blood there. Dammit! He tried to think back to what had happened and remembered Dagger was hurt. He quickly got to his feet and found what he had assumed to be the door. He began to bang on it with his fists calling out to anyone who would be outside. If anyone was out side that is.
"HELLO!? ANYONE? I NEED OUT OF HERE! I HAVE TO FIND DAGGER! PLEASE! IS ANYONE OUT THERE!?" he hollered and banged on the door for a good 15 minutes before someone opened the window slot on the door. Light filled the tiny room and Zidane shielded his eyes from the unwelcome brightness that had rendered him blind for a few moments. "I need out of here now! I have to get to Dagger!" He said as his eyes adjusted to the new light.
"You'll be doing no such thing!" Zidane groaned. Steiner's eyes peered back from the tiny window, but a this point he didn't care. "DAGGER!? Is she alright!" Zidane didn't bother letting Steiner speak
"That is none of your business! I came here to tell you to stop the racket your making. Did you actually think you had a chance with Her Majesty? A petty low life like you?" And with that he slammed the window shut, once again leaving Zidane in total blackness. He began to bang on the door again.
"STEINER! I NEED TO KNOW IF SHES ALRIGHT! I NEED OT SEE HER! STEINER!" he swore in frustration and slammed his fist against the door. Numb to the pain it brought. He slumped against the door and put his head in his hands ""Lineage, social status... why should these things matter so much...?"
***^^^***^^^***^^^***^^^***^^^***^^^***
Beatrix paced outside of Garnets room. The doctor had left moments earlier and told her that she might have a small concussion and to keep her in bed until he advised otherwise. She was sleeping at the moment and Beatrix didn't want to disturb her. She had been through a lot. She knew that once she was awake though, she could clear this whole mess up and tell them exactly what happened. She refused to believe that Zidane had abused her on purpose and out of jealousy none-the-less. Skyler had re-told his version to her and she had to admit, it was quite believable, just way out of character for Zidane. Sure, he was the jealous type, but to a point of abuse?. Apparently, Skyler and Garnet were walking along the corridor and she was recalling her birthday party to him. She had told him how Zidane had hit her and that's why there was a bruise. They had gotten closer together and Skyler believed that they were about to kiss when Zidane appeared out of no where. Yelling at Garnet for cheating on him, the event were hazy in his mind he had said, so he couldn't quite remember what exactly happened. Zidane had proceeded to beat Skyler. Thats when Garnet tried to stop him he had lashed out at here, again. Grabbing Skylers glove and using it, so he could stage that it was really Skyler who had hit her and not be blamed. He also said that Zidane swore to kill him. She had sat patiently and listened to his side of the story, locking the guest room he was in behind her once he was done. She wasn't taking chances. Now all she needed to do was get Zidanes side of the story from Steiner once he returned. She stopped pacing once she heard the familiar sound of Steiner's amour coming up the staircase and turned to face him. "Well?" She asked, tapping her foot against the stone floor "Did you let him speak? What did he say?" Steiner let out a low growl.
"He's guilty, it's written all over his face." Beatrix stared at him. Written all over his face?
"Are you telling me that he used soem from of writting utensil in his cell and has written "i'm guilty" all over his face?" She asked in a patronizing tone.
"Don't be absurd!" She glared at him, prompting him to continue "ya see, I didn't actually give him a chance to tell me his side of the story..."
"STEINER! You moron!" Beatrix yelled! "that was the point of going down there!" she let out o frustrated sigh and began rubbing the bridge of her nose with her fingers "What did he say?" She asked again
"Well, not a whole lot" he began "He kept yelling at me to tell him about her Majesty, wanted to know if she was alright. My guess is to find out whether or not he had killed her." Beatrix face lit up in a big grin. Steiner, a little more than confused, looked at her quizzically. "Why are you smiling? He tried to kill the Princess!" Beatrix began to pace again
"Don't you see Steiner! This proves he's innocent!" She stopped in her tracks and looked at Steiner. Gods he was daft. "Listen closely" she started "Zidane doesn't want to prove he's innocent or guilty because he only cares about Garnets health and well being right now! Nothign else matter to him! The minute any one of us gets near Prince Skyler, he's bent on telling us how innocent he is! Not once have I heard him ask of Garnets current condition!" A small light seemed to flick in Steiner's head "Skyler staged the whole thing to get Zidane in trouble!" Beatrix, being so happy that she had figured it out and praying to the Gods she was right, ran over and hugged Steiner, rendering him frozen to the spot. "I knew Zidane wouldn't have done Anything to her! I knew it!"
"But I don't understand?" Steiner was shaking his head as Beatrix moved towards the stairs "I was so positive that he was guilty. It doesn't make sense. I know he cares for her majesty, so why would I think ill of him?"
"I really don't know Steiner but I'm going to find out his story and let him out, you stay here and watch over Garnet until I return! oh! and don't let Prince Skyler out of his room!" She yelled over her shoulder as she took the steps two at a time. He's innocent! I knew it!
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Garnet opened her eyes slowly, letting them adjust to the stream of light that was flooding her room. My room, how did I get here? She wondered as she sat up in bed. She winched as she felt her cheek and the large bandage over it. She must have passed out and than was brought up to her room. She wondered how long she was asleep for but was stirred form her thought by voices outside her door. It sounded like Beatrix and Steiner. She was yelling at him and Dagger smiled. She was always yelling at him. She could Hear Beatrix calling him a moron which only caused her smile to widen, which, in turn brought pain searing through her cheek. The door was pretty much sound proof unless you yelled so she figured Beatrix stopped yelling because she couldn't hear her anymore.
She threw the blankets off of herself and got out of bed. She was still in the dress she was wearing when she went to meet Prince Skyler. Prince Skyler! She thought suddenly I have to find Zidane! He was going to Kill Zidane! She brought her hand to her cheek again and swore at no one in particular, fear gripping at her heart. She looked down at her dress and noticed it was covered in dried blood, she didn't care. She rushed to the door and swung it open. Steiner was standing there looking confused but was that a hint of guilt on his face? She didn't have time to think about it. "Steiner! Zidane!? Where is he!?" She began rushing past him to the stairs. She knew he would follow.
"Princess Garnet!" He gasped being caught off guard! "you must get your rest! You shouldn't be out of bed!"
"Where is he Steiner!?" She was almost yelling now.
"The,the dungeons." He stuttered. Garnet wasted no time and took off towards the basement. Leaving Steiner behind her. She had to get to him. The dungeons was also where they kept the dead.
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Zidane heard his name being called form outside if his cellar door. If he wasn't mistaken it was Beatrix. Gods! Thank you! He thought as he quickly rose to his feet. "BEATRIX! IN HERE!" he yelled, banging on the door. not 5 seconds later he heard the familiar sound of a key being turned in a lock as the light filled his damp cell. "Thank god you here Beatrix! I couldn't get rusty to talk to me. Dagger!? Is she alright? Where is she?" Question flew out of his mouth in a babbled rush. Beatrix put her hand up to silence him ready to tell him it could wait until they were upstairs when They heard someone call his name, again, from down the dark corridor. The both turned their heads and Beatrix let out a startled gasp as Dagger came running towards them. She felt a rush of air pass her as Zidane went by.
"Zidane!" Dagger cried as she flung her arms around his neck meeting him in the middle. He greatly returned the hug. "I thought you were dead!" tears were brimming off her tightly closed eyes now as her hold on Zidane didn't waver, she wanted to make certain that he was alive and very much real. She could hear Zidane whispering, 'your alright, your alright! Everything gonna be okay.' to her, or was it to himself she didn't quite know. She didn't quite care.
"Garnet! What are you doing out of bed!? where's Steiner?" Zidane reluctantly let go of his hold on her when Beatrix came to stand beside them.
"Never mind" she said, holding up her hand "upstairs both of you" Dagger gave Zidane one more hug of reassurance before heading towards the staircase that lead to the main floor, Beatrix following at there heals.
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Skyler paced his room. Worry etched all over his face. What if she awakes before I can get to her? He punched the wall in frustration, regretting it the moment he did so. Stone walls. His knuckles pulsed with pain as he tried not to let out a cry. Stupid, gay-ass, castle. he would have elaborated more about the design of the castle but the sound of his door being opened caused him to turn around faster than expected, causing him to trip on the carpet. He let out a small whimper as his already bandaged, but broken, nose collided with the floor. As he opened his eyes, still on the floor, he found a pair of boots standing directly in front of him.
"Careful now, don't hurt yourself. I'd like to do that for you." came a familiar voice from above. Glancing skyward, he saw the face a Zidane staring back down at him. Scurrying to his feet he began to holler for help. Steiner quickly entered the room and a look of Triumph crossed his face, but fell almost automatically as Beatrix also entered.
"Seize him!" Skyler yelled, pointing vigorously at Zidane "He's escaped from the dungeons!" Beatrix calmly walked over to Skyler and placed a hand on his arm.
"you, you filthy Bastard, are under arrest." Zidane said, the corners of his mouth turning upward. He than stuck his tongue out. Steiner poked him in the side and Zidane just shrugged. "sorry, couldn't resist"
"what do you mean I'm under arrest!? I did nothing! I'm innocent!" Skyler pleaded as Beatrix lead him out of the room. "HE"S LYING! I"VE DONE NOTHING! HES A COWARD!" Beatrix jerked him to a halt
"He steals and he threatens, he does everything but he never lies." Beatrix looked him square in the eyes and Skyler let out a low whimper. He didn't say another word the rest of the way down to the dungeon.
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Dagger was exhausted. It had to be nearly past midnight by now and she wanted nothing more than to sleep. Her head hurt something awful but she didn't want to leave Zidanes side. She honestly thought that he was dead. She felt like she was going to throw-up. She never thought she would have to experience that dread again, where her heart stops in fear, her breathing quickens and she loses the ability to think straight. She would have kissed Zidane right there in the dungeons but seeing him at the end of the hall, alive, had given her back her ability to rationalize again. Stupid rationalization. She thought. They were sitting in the kitchens now, just talking and drinking coffee. Zidane had showed her the recipe and she rather liked this blend he had made for her. Zidane, noticing how tired she looked offered to help her up to her room and she was very thankful. Beatrix had disappeared after locking Skyler away and Steiner was busy eavesdropping outside the kitchen doors, which did not go unnoticed by either Zidane or Dagger. That was one reason for the lack of conversation.
Heading past Steiner and into the stairwell, Dagger suddenly became very quite. When Zidane had asked what was wrong, thinking she was sick or something, she had merely blushed and thanked him for saving her for about the 10th time. He smiled and shook his head
"Well, I've always gone for the serious, stubborn and misunderstood types." He had told her. She let a small laugh escape her lips and stole a glance at him. Once they had gotten to her bedroom door She had hugged him, as if she always hugged him and it was the most natural thing to do, than disappeared behind her door, whispering another 'thank you' as she closed it. Zidane smiled to himself. Dagger was alright and that bastard was in the dungeon.
Skyler, he thought, as an evil smile formed upon his lips.I think it's about time I keep my promise. With out a backwards glance he headed for the basement. All to familiar with its location. Hopefully he thought, I won't run into anyon-
"Zidane! Where are you headed?" Steiner called, running to keep up with him.
"Uh." he stammered "no where. Why?" Steiner looked at him quizzically.
"Oh, well, if you see Beatrix tell her I'll be at Her Majesty's bedroom door." Zidane nodded. As if he would be anywhere else
"Alright Rusty, can do!" he said before walking again to avoid any further questioning. Luckily Steiner went to his post out side Dagger's room. He would have to be more careful. What if he meet up with Beatrix along the way? Beatrix wasn't that stupid and she would become suspicions of anyone going 'nowhere' . He took the Basement steps that led to the dungeons two at a time but stopped dead in his tracks once he got there. Beatrix was standing at the bottom, arms crossed over her chest, almost like she was waiting for someone. For him.
"Hello Zidane" she said. So she was waiting for him.
"Uh, hi?" He responded, giving a small wave. "uh, what are you doing down here Beatrix?" he asked.
"I could ask you the same thing, but..I already know the answer to that question." He stared at her. How. "look," she began when than english lanuage seems lost to Zidane "I know what you want to do and I know you wont get away with it also, so I cant allow you to do that" Zidane's face looked determined and was abut to speak his mind when Beatrix silenced him "not yet anyway." He blinked. what was she implying? "I'm shipping him back to Dali, I've already alerted the castle and The King of his actions so he will be dealt with there."
"you can't just send him home! How do you know that his father didn't coax him to do what he did!" Beatrix shook her head.
"I've already thought of that but we have no hard evidence or proof that what we say happened actually happened. All we have is mere words against other words. The best we can do is ban him from ever stepping foot in Alexandria again." She let out a frustrated sigh "If I let you carry out your plan, they will hang you and I can't let that happen. I wont do that to Garnet." The rage flared in Zidanes eyes. He couldn't believe that Skyler was actually being sent home without any sort of punishment inflicted by him and after what he did to Dagger! "She needs you Zidane. Promise me you will not lay a hand on him" Her eyes bore into his. He dropped his head in defeat and shook it. "I promise."