Diary of the Rose of May
MUST READ: "Hello reader. I wanted to bring up to your attention, that there are no Beatrix and Steiner vingerettes! NONE! ZIP! I want to know why :'( Or even stories of Bea/Kuja. Am I the only one? But anyway, I think you will enjoy this one... i hope..."
Note: I do not own this Squaresoft game or the characters. I've only written this for the pleasure of others who love Fanfics! It might not be funny or superexcellent, but it's my second fanfic and I'm trying. Anyway, just to let you know, It starts out like it's written in a diary then goes to a story mode kind of thing. So ya! Thank you and enjoy General Beatrix's POV!
Dear Diary,
I can't believe it! We actually made it to Terno. Thanks to Marcus and Blank that is. We are forced to stay in a hotel and dress like noble to hide from Alexandrian spies. Lately I've been begging Freya to forgive me… although she says she does… I don't believe her. Plus we got some advice from my friend Lani on the best way to hide out in Terno… which is kind of harder than we thought… Not to mention all the conflict between the three of us! We fight constantly (We I mean by the Captain and I)! I don't know if I can survive this much longer…Especially in this dress…
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Gargan Roo, Terno, Under Dr. Tot's tower…
Beatrix awoke to a light shining in her face. She covered her face and groaned in pain.
"I think she waking up."
"She's kinda pretty."
"Hey! Don't get too attached, Bro, she's wearing Alexandrian armor. She could be our enemy. I wonder why he was carrying her…"
"Heh, who wouldn't?"
"You've been hanging around Zidane too long, Bro."
"Hey don't compare me to him!"
She turned to her side and groaned again and opened her eye.
"Hey! Bro! She is waking up!"
"What should we do?"
"Get ready, she might attack us."
"Right."
Beatrix slowly sat up, everything was so fuzzy. All she could see was a fuzzy bright light and two blurry figures on each side of it. She let her vision take some time to focus. She could make out two young men standing over her holding a candle in front of her face. The young man on the right was wearing a bandana and jean clothing and his eyes were squinting. His face reminded her of a gargoyle, not that he was ugly, but the way his face bone structure was built. The one on the left wore a belt over his eyes, brown leather clothes, and flaming red hair. She recognized them from the play the night the Princess was kidnapped. They had their swords drawn and stared at her. Beatrix smiled.
"There is no need for weapons." She said. "I mean no harm."
The one with the Flaming red hair lowered his sword, "Alright then."
"Who are you? And what are you doing with Freya and Tinman?" The one in the bandana asked.
"Who is this 'Tinman'?"
"The metal head over there." The red head pointed to Steiner laying beside her on the ground unconscious with Freya beside him also unconscious.
"Is he alright?" Beatrix asked trying to keep in a laugh from the amusing nickname for him.
"Yeah, he's just KO'd. Now answer the question." The one in the bandana demanded.
"I am General Beatrix of Alexandria. And I was with these two, trying to escape to Terno and help the princess get out of there and far away from the Queen." Beatrix explained.
"Did you say Beatrix of Alexandria!?" The red head exclaimed.
"Yes."
"Holy crap, Marcus! We have a power warrior in our midst!"
"…"
"I still don't know if we can trust her, Blank. She's the one who help destroy Burmecia and Cleyra." The one in the Bandana told the redhead.
"Yes… It's true I did do that. It's a sin I'm willing to regret and wished to never have happened. But I can assure you, I am on your side." Beatrix told them.
"Are you sure you're on our side?" The one in the Bandana asked.
"Yes, I swear it on my grave."
"…Alright. I guess you're okay. By the way, I'm Marcus and this is my Bro, Blank. We're apart of Tantalus, a band of thieves."
"Nice to meet you." Beatrix smiled, "How did we get here?"
"That's an interesting story." Blank laughed. "You see, we found Rusty here carrying you and Freya over each of his shoulders. He was running through the Gargan tunnels since Dagger and Zidane took the cart, and this Bandersnatch was chasing him, so we tried to help him. But in the process get got KO'd by the Bandersnatch before we got there to help so we had to kill it by ourselves and drag all three of you here."
"I thank you." Beatrix smiled.
"Don't thank us, thank him." Marcus laughed, "If he didn't yell so much we never would have heard him coming. Not to mention having the strength to carry two women over his shoulders and run at the same time! Hahaha!"
Beatrix laughed, and looked at her two companions still unconscious. Suddenly Freya began to snap out of it and sat up.
"Where am I?" She asked.
"Gargan Roo, Terno." Blank told her.
"We made it? How come I don't remember that?"
Blank and Marcus explained everything to Freya.
"I see. Thank you." Freya said.
"So what do we do now?" Beatrix asked.
"Wait for bucket head to wake up I guess." Marcus said.
"Speak of the devil…" Blank laughed pointing to Steiner who began to grunt and roll over.
"…Oh… My head…Damn it…" Steiner grunted sitting up.
"Welcome back to Terno, Rusty." Marcus laughed.
"You dirty scoundrel! No one calls me… wha? Terno?" Steiner became confused as he looked around frantically.
"Yup, Terno." Blank smiled. "We dragged you practically all the way here."
"…Right. I remember now… Where's Beatrix and Freya?" Steiner asked, beginning to calm down.
"We're right here." Beatrix told him.
"What a relief. I thought you two were done for when I blacked out."
"Thank you for your concern, but it isn't needed." Freya told him.
"…"
"Well you guys will have enough time to have to catch up later. Let's get out of here before we have to fight some other freak of nature." Marcus told them.
"Indeed. Lead the way." Beatrix said as she got to her feet.
Beatrix, Freya followed Blank and Marcus through the catacombs of Gargan Roo. Steiner mostly led the way since he knew it as well as Marcus did with their journey back to Alexandria. They made their way to a small room with a ladder leading upward into a shaft that led to the surface. Steiner began to climb with an arrogant grin on his face. Suddenly before he could actually climb over a foot off the ground he felt a tug on his armor and fell backwards.
Beatrix stood over him, "Ladies first." She smiled as she stepped over his body and climbed up the ladder followed by Freya, Blank and Marcus.
Steiner growled as he watched them climb to the top, he didn't like being last in anything. Once at the top, Beatrix pushes on a trap door above her head for it to open. It was made of metal and extremely heavy. But she managed. She opened the hatch and pulled herself out of the shaft. She looked around the room. It was lined with bookshelves, papers, texts and parchment scattered around the floor, and a world shaped telescope in the middle of the room. Freya pulled herself and walked over beside Beatrix.
"What is this place?" Freya asked, looking around in wonder.
"I'm not sure." Beatrix said to her.
Suddenly the door of the room opened and a short man in a top hat, thick glasses, suit, wingtip shoes, and had a long beard entered the room. He spotted the two women and let out a cry of surprise. Beatrix and Freya stared at him awkwardly. The man's face began to soften after wiping his glasses and taking another look at them.
"Lady Beatrix is that you?" He asked.
"Dr. Tot?" Beatrix had a look of confusion.
"You know him?" Freya asked.
"Yes, I do! He tutored the Princess long ago and was a good friend of mine." Beatrix smiled. "It's nice to see you again Doctor."
"Oh ho ho ho! Likewise, my dear… But how did you get in here?" Dr. Tot asked.
Beatrix was about to explain but was interrupted by another voice, "Dr. Tot! A pleasure to see you again!"
The three of them turned around to find Steiner climbing out of the shaft and Marcus and Blank dusting themselves off.
"Ahh! Master Steiner! So that is how you got in here?" Tot chuckled.
"Yes. We are deeply sorry for the intrusion. Is the Princess here?" Steiner asked joining Beatrix and Freya.
"The Princess? Oh no. I haven't seen her since you left for Alexandria using the Gargan cart. And if they did come here they couldn't have exited my house. It was locked when I left this morning and it still was when I came in." Dr. Tot explained.
"Oh no! Something must have happened to the Gargan cart!" Marcus exclaimed.
"Well, if they took they missed the stop at Terno… they could have went all the way through to…"
"To where doctor?" Beatrix asked.
"Pinnacle Rocks. It's located near Lindbulm." Dr. Tot told them.
"They must have went back to Lindbulm!" Blank smiled.
"Yes. Indeed." Said Dr. Tot.
"I hope they're okay…" Beatrix whispered.
"Don't worry, Zidane will protect her." Freya assured her.
Steiner grimaced at the words and his face went red. Marcus and Blank noticed this and began to laugh hysterically.
"Our only problem now is a place to stay." Beatrix noted.
"Can we stay with you, Dr. Tot?" Steiner asked.
"It would be an honor, but unfortunately, I have no extra bed and no extra room as you can see." Points to the mess on the floors and tables.
"Then I guess we'll just have to stay in a hotel." Freya shrugged.
"Well good luck you guys." Blank called to them as he and Marcus headed for the door.
"And where do you think you're going!?" Steiner bellowed.
"We're heading back to the Tantalus hide out. You guys are on your own." Marcus told them as he shut the door behind him.
"Well there went our guides to survival in this strange city." Freya sighed shaking her head.
"Don't be silly! We can do fine on our own!" Steiner told them, putting his hands on his hips as a sign of pride.
"Oh please, Captain, if we're going to stay here under cover from Alexandrian soldiers then we're going to have to learn the ropes here or we'll stick out like soar thumbs!" Beatrix argued smacking him in the back of the head.
"What do you suggest?" Freya asked.
"I have an old friend that lives here. She'll help us." Beatrix told her.
"Oh ho ho ho! Excellent thinking as always, general." Dr. Tot smiled.
"Thank you, Dr. Tot. We shall take our leave. It was pleasant to see you again. Take care." Beatrix hugged the old man then exited through the door followed by Freya.
"We're never going to stay undercover with HER leading us." Steiner growled.
"I wouldn't be to sure about that, Master Steiner. You must trust in her experience more. I predict that you and her will be working together a lot." Dr. Tot told him.
"Sigh… Everyone's against me…"
"Now, now, Captain, you best be heading out. They're leaving you behind."
"What!? Hey wait!" Steiner shouted as he ran out the door.
Meanwhile Beatrix and Freya were at the bottom of the steps waiting for Steiner.
"Do we honestly have to wait for him…?" Beatrix sighed.
"I could care less." Freya said staring up at the sky.
Beatrix turned to her, "Freya… I just want to say that I'm deeply sorry for what I've done. I know it can't be fixed, and that I can't change the past, and if I could I would, but… I'm sorry."
"I understand. You were only following orders… doing what you believed to be right, but were wrong. It's understandable. I forgive you." Freya told her.
"I don't think you mean that." Beatrix looked at her.
"Look I said I forgave you, that is enough for now. Let's just not talk about it… I prefer to cry in silence…"
"Freya…"
"I'm sorry… I'm just upset that I failed to protect beautiful Cleyra like I failed to protect Burmecia…I'm a failure…"
"That's not true! You did your best!"
"My best wasn't good enough!"
"If it should be anyone's fault, it's mine!"
"No! You weren't aware! I was!"
"It doesn't matter! I should have been aware! Heck it was a mistake worth taking away my rank! My life!"
"Beatrix…"
"I've killed too many innocent lives, I was not knowing of the attacks to the north gate, I hurt people who were fighting for what was right while I fought for what was wrong…!!"
"…"
"…"
"Wait!!!" Shouted a voice from above.
Both of them turned around and look at the tower. They watched as an angered Steiner ran down the stairs to where they stood.
"Thank god you waited!" He said as he approached them, completely out of breath.
"As a matter of fact we were just discussing about leaving behind such a tardy sluggish man. You'll slow us down for sure." Beatrix mocked, as her and Freya pretended like their discussion never happened.
"How dare you call my sluggish!" Steiner shouted.
"I dare to call you anything I wish!" Beatrix argued.
"Please can we just see this friend of yours?" Freya asked.
"You're right. I hope she's home." Beatrix wondered.
"SHE!? Now I KNOW we're in trouble!" Steiner groaned.
"YOU SEXIST PIG!" Beatrix placed a hand on her sword, but Freya place a hand on her shoulder and shook her head no.
Beatrix glared at Steiner for a while… then led the way through the Terno streets. Beatrix led them to a small little apartment with a large green door. Beatrix knocked three times and waited. The green door opened a crack and two dark eyes could be seen.
"Who's there?" A husky voice came from the door.
"It's me, Beatrix." Beatrix whispered to the person behind the door.
"To you what am I?"
"Sister."
The door opened to reveal a woman the same height as Beatrix, she had shoulder length brown hair and dark brown eyes. She wore a yellow, pink and orange tube top, tight black shorts, a red and pink short skirt like thing that was cut at the front so you could see her shorts, a yellow, pink and orange headband with a yellowish green feather in it, red boots and black and yellow gloves. Her style was quite exotic, but she was rather pretty. She stared at Beatrix for a while, with a serious face. Suddenly her serious face turned to a smile as she hugged Beatrix tight.
"Sister Beatrix! Where have you been!? I haven't seen you in ages!" She exclaimed.
"Hush, Sister Lani. My friends and I are on the run." Beatrix told her.
"You? In trouble? Ooo! You must have done something I would have done." The one known as Lani smirked, "Come in!"
The house was dark and the walls were lined with Axes that were hung on the walls like trophies. Lani motioned them to sit on a couch as she sat in a chair across from it.
"So what brings you to Terno?" Lani smiled.
"We have defied one of the Queen's plans and now, we are fugitives in her eyes." Beatrix explained.
"I see. Well, sister, why have you come to me?"
"As you know, I am no longer familiar with this city, and neither are my friends here. So we need some help."
"Ahh. Wait here." Lani smiled as she left the room.
Steiner turned to Beatrix, "She's your sister?"
"Not exactly. We grew up in the same orphanage and were best friends. Almost like sisters." Beatrix explained.
Lani reentered the room with tea cups and a kettle, "Tea anyone?"
"No thank you." The three all said at the same time.
"Fine more for me." Lani smiled while pouring herself a cup, "So who are your friends?"
"Well, this is Freya and he's …"
"Your boyfriend?" Lani smirked.
Steiner's eyes went huge as he blushed, "What!?"
Beatrix blushed as well, "What!? No!"
"Hahaha! I was only kidding. I know who he is. Albert Steiner right? I heard him yelling at one of the drunks and he mention his name a few days ago." Lani giggled. "I heard a lot about you from Beatrix. Funny, the way she talks about you I thought you'd be ugly."
"I don't know weather to take that as a compliment or and insult…" Steiner said confused.
"Lani please!" Beatrix groaned.
"Sorry, sorry. So you want to know how to stay undercover here am I right?" Lani smiled.
"Yes."
"Ok, here's what you do. Number one, ditch the clothes somewhere and buy new clothes. Something that a noble would wear. Number two, go to a fancy hotel and ask for a room. I trust you know how to do that. Number three, never talk to any kind of knight, officer, drunk or suspicious looking person. Only to nobles if you have to. And Number four attend all parties and auctions that are mentioned to you. That way you appear to be a noble and no one will tell the difference. Unless you act like a total peasant at the event, they will get suspicious. So act like a noble. Remember even Nobles will do anything for cash around here, so be on your toes."
"Thank you, Lani."
"Well, I need to be on my way, I have some business to attend to." Lani walked over to the door and opened it letting them exit, "Good luck."
Lani closed the door behind them.
"Well that was helpful." Steiner growled.
"Dress as nobles… good plan… but will it work." Freya wondered.
"We might as well give it a shot." Beatrix told them.
They walked through the streets looking for a clothing shop. Steiner spotted one and they went inside. The place was filled with frilly dresses and fancy suits. They stared at the shop in amazement at how expensive everything looked. They went over to the tailor and got their measurement taken then headed for the change rooms.
"I'm sure you are going to love these." The Tailor said happily.
The tailor handed Steiner a couple of suits, boots, and gloves. Steiner stared at them for a while, left them girls his sword, then headed into change room. Beatrix and Freya waited several minutes for him to show them what he hand chosen. Finally Steiner exited the change room. Beatrix and Freya turned to look at him and let out a large gasp.
"What? Do I look bad or something?" Steiner asked.
Beatrix and Freya's expressions did change as the shook their heads no. Steiner was wearing a dark green tuxedo with a white dress shirt underneath, a red sash around his waist, white gloves and a fine pair of black boots. His dark black hair was a bit spiky at the front and looked very spiffy. Besides the faint trace of his muscles showing through the coat of the tuxedo, he didn't look all that bad. He looked good enough to actually be declared as… dare I say it… handsome!
"Well, well, where'd you hide Steiner, handsome?" Beatrix joked.
"Steiner you look splendid! What a change!" Freya said, smiling.
Steiner blushed and put his hand behind his head with a cheesy smile on his face. The tailor walked up to Freya and handed her a bunch of frilly dresses, hats and gloves. Freya was overwhelmed by how heavy they were, left her spear behind, then walked into change room. While they were waiting for Freya to return from the change room, Beatrix could help but stare at Steiner. Whenever he noticed her looking in his direction she'd turn her head away, and held in a blush. Freya came out of the change room wearing a scarlet pink sleeveless gown, matching flowery hat and long gloves. The hat was tilted to one side to shade her eyes.
Beatrix clapped her hands, "Freya! You look wonderful!"
Steiner stuck in fingers in his mouth and whistled, "Beautiful, Miss Freya!"
Freya smiled and blushed. The tailor walked up to Beatrix and handed her some long fancy dresses, gloves and shoes. Beatrix was about to walk into the change room when Freya walked up to her and unhooked Beatrix's scabbard from her belt.
"What? You can't! I need th-" Beatrix began to protest.
"You won't need it where you're going." Freya interrupted and smiled.
Beatrix frowned as she entered the change rooms. Steiner and Freya waited and waited. Until they got impatient. Freya walked up to the change room door and knocked.
"Are you okay in there?" Freya asked.
"I'm not coming out!" Beatrix told her.
"Why not?"
"I said it once, and I'll say it again. I feel naked without my sword!"
"Come on! It can't be that bad."
"…"
"Hurry up!" Steiner shouted as he looked up at the ceiling.
"…Fine…"
Beatrix opened the door. Freya's eyes went wide.
"B-Beatrix…" Freya began.
"That bad?"
"No! No! Not at all!" Freya told her. "Steiner! You have to see this!"
Steiner lowered his eyes from the ceiling to the change room. Steiner's jaw dropped and his eyes shot wide open. Beatrix was wearing a long rose red sleeveless silk dress that was cut low at the front showing the top slopes of her chest, with long red gloves and black high heels. Her bronze brown hair was finely combed and seemed to shine in the light. She looked absolutely drop dead gorgeous! Steiner began to walk towards her.
"What? Is there something on my face? Or is it that fact that I look dumb?" Beatrix asked.
"No! You look absolutely gorgeous!" Steiner exclaimed.
"Fake flattery will get you no where." Beatrix told him.
"No… I mean it…" He said softly.
Beatrix blushed immensely as the three of them headed for the cash register. The tailor typed in some numbers.
"That comes down to… 65 000 gil, please." The tailor smiled.
"65 000 gil!?" Steiner exclaimed.
"Don't worry I'll cover it." Beatrix told him.
She handed the tailor the gil and they exited the store, threw their old clothes and their weapons in a bag and headed off. They walked through the streets looking for a hotel. Beatrix caught Steiner staring at her a lot and blushed. They entered a large building called the Choco Hotel. They entered and walked up to the counter.
A man in a black tuxedo popped up as they approached, "Good evening, Gentleman and Ladies. Welcome to the Choco Hotel. Our service is as fast as a Chocobo and our beds are as soft as their feathers. May I be of service?"
"Hi," Steiner begun, "Umm… I uh…"
"Hi, we are a newly wedded couple, and this is our best friend. We're here from out of town and want to rent a room." Beatrix finished.
"Ahh, so I see." The man at the counter said, "What kind of room?"
"I'll take care of this." Steiner told Beatrix and Freya.
They nodded and went to check out the art hanging on the wall.
"Well, you see. We kind of need separate beds… separate rooms… you know." Steiner babbled, trying to act like he had done this all the time.
"Ahh! I see!" The man at the counter winked.
Steiner was confused by the wink, but just decided to wink back.
"I have the perfect room for you! Right this way!" The man took a key from behind him and ran up the stairs on the far left.
Steiner motioned Beatrix and Freya to come as the followed the man up the stairs, down the hall to a door that was numbered "9". The man opened the door and led them inside. The room was painted pinkish red color with a matching couch, and three doors on the other side to the room.
"As you can see, we have a mini fridge, a fireplace, mini bar, and comfy couch." He smiled then led him to the three doors, and opened the first one, "As you can see it's a nice teal color, complete with a bed, night table and a dresser. This will be the young lady's room." he pointed to Freya, then continued to the next door and opened it, "This is the bathroom, complete with shower, sink, hot and cold running water, etc." The led them to the last door and opened it, "This, will be your room."
The three of their jaws dropped and their eyes went wide. The room was painted a hot red, with a night table, dresser and a double bed.
"Umm… I'm sorry. But I asked for SEPARATE rooms." Steiner told him.
"I know. And that's what I gave ya!" The man winked again as dropped the key in Steiner's hand and he left the hotel room.
"Wait a second!" Steiner shouted but the man was already gone.
"What did you tell him!?" Beatrix asked Steiner outraged.
"I-I just told him we wanted separate rooms then he winked and I winked back thinking is was some kind of custom or something."
"YOU DON'T WINK! IT MAKES HIM THINK UP STUFF LIKE THIS!"
"It's not my fault! You're the one who mentioned the married couple thing!"
"I was a cover!"
"You two fight like an old married couple." Freya told them.
"WE ARE NOT MARRIED!!!!!!!!" They both shouted.
"Whatever. Well, good night you two. Have fun." Freya began to head for the teal room.
"Oh no you don't!" Beatrix shouted, "You sleep in that room! I'm not!"
"He said the teal room was for me. So enough said." Freya told her as she shut the door behind her.
"Just splendid…" Beatrix groaned. "It's going to be a LONG night…"
Note: If I get some good reviews I'll start the eighth chapter! Yay! Start Writing! And it'll be better than this one! Promise! Yay! Terno! ^_^
MUST READ: "Hello reader. I wanted to bring up to your attention, that there are no Beatrix and Steiner vingerettes! NONE! ZIP! I want to know why :'( Or even stories of Bea/Kuja. Am I the only one? But anyway, I think you will enjoy this one... i hope..."
Note: I do not own this Squaresoft game or the characters. I've only written this for the pleasure of others who love Fanfics! It might not be funny or superexcellent, but it's my second fanfic and I'm trying. Anyway, just to let you know, It starts out like it's written in a diary then goes to a story mode kind of thing. So ya! Thank you and enjoy General Beatrix's POV!
Dear Diary,
I can't believe it! We actually made it to Terno. Thanks to Marcus and Blank that is. We are forced to stay in a hotel and dress like noble to hide from Alexandrian spies. Lately I've been begging Freya to forgive me… although she says she does… I don't believe her. Plus we got some advice from my friend Lani on the best way to hide out in Terno… which is kind of harder than we thought… Not to mention all the conflict between the three of us! We fight constantly (We I mean by the Captain and I)! I don't know if I can survive this much longer…Especially in this dress…
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Gargan Roo, Terno, Under Dr. Tot's tower…
Beatrix awoke to a light shining in her face. She covered her face and groaned in pain.
"I think she waking up."
"She's kinda pretty."
"Hey! Don't get too attached, Bro, she's wearing Alexandrian armor. She could be our enemy. I wonder why he was carrying her…"
"Heh, who wouldn't?"
"You've been hanging around Zidane too long, Bro."
"Hey don't compare me to him!"
She turned to her side and groaned again and opened her eye.
"Hey! Bro! She is waking up!"
"What should we do?"
"Get ready, she might attack us."
"Right."
Beatrix slowly sat up, everything was so fuzzy. All she could see was a fuzzy bright light and two blurry figures on each side of it. She let her vision take some time to focus. She could make out two young men standing over her holding a candle in front of her face. The young man on the right was wearing a bandana and jean clothing and his eyes were squinting. His face reminded her of a gargoyle, not that he was ugly, but the way his face bone structure was built. The one on the left wore a belt over his eyes, brown leather clothes, and flaming red hair. She recognized them from the play the night the Princess was kidnapped. They had their swords drawn and stared at her. Beatrix smiled.
"There is no need for weapons." She said. "I mean no harm."
The one with the Flaming red hair lowered his sword, "Alright then."
"Who are you? And what are you doing with Freya and Tinman?" The one in the bandana asked.
"Who is this 'Tinman'?"
"The metal head over there." The red head pointed to Steiner laying beside her on the ground unconscious with Freya beside him also unconscious.
"Is he alright?" Beatrix asked trying to keep in a laugh from the amusing nickname for him.
"Yeah, he's just KO'd. Now answer the question." The one in the bandana demanded.
"I am General Beatrix of Alexandria. And I was with these two, trying to escape to Terno and help the princess get out of there and far away from the Queen." Beatrix explained.
"Did you say Beatrix of Alexandria!?" The red head exclaimed.
"Yes."
"Holy crap, Marcus! We have a power warrior in our midst!"
"…"
"I still don't know if we can trust her, Blank. She's the one who help destroy Burmecia and Cleyra." The one in the Bandana told the redhead.
"Yes… It's true I did do that. It's a sin I'm willing to regret and wished to never have happened. But I can assure you, I am on your side." Beatrix told them.
"Are you sure you're on our side?" The one in the Bandana asked.
"Yes, I swear it on my grave."
"…Alright. I guess you're okay. By the way, I'm Marcus and this is my Bro, Blank. We're apart of Tantalus, a band of thieves."
"Nice to meet you." Beatrix smiled, "How did we get here?"
"That's an interesting story." Blank laughed. "You see, we found Rusty here carrying you and Freya over each of his shoulders. He was running through the Gargan tunnels since Dagger and Zidane took the cart, and this Bandersnatch was chasing him, so we tried to help him. But in the process get got KO'd by the Bandersnatch before we got there to help so we had to kill it by ourselves and drag all three of you here."
"I thank you." Beatrix smiled.
"Don't thank us, thank him." Marcus laughed, "If he didn't yell so much we never would have heard him coming. Not to mention having the strength to carry two women over his shoulders and run at the same time! Hahaha!"
Beatrix laughed, and looked at her two companions still unconscious. Suddenly Freya began to snap out of it and sat up.
"Where am I?" She asked.
"Gargan Roo, Terno." Blank told her.
"We made it? How come I don't remember that?"
Blank and Marcus explained everything to Freya.
"I see. Thank you." Freya said.
"So what do we do now?" Beatrix asked.
"Wait for bucket head to wake up I guess." Marcus said.
"Speak of the devil…" Blank laughed pointing to Steiner who began to grunt and roll over.
"…Oh… My head…Damn it…" Steiner grunted sitting up.
"Welcome back to Terno, Rusty." Marcus laughed.
"You dirty scoundrel! No one calls me… wha? Terno?" Steiner became confused as he looked around frantically.
"Yup, Terno." Blank smiled. "We dragged you practically all the way here."
"…Right. I remember now… Where's Beatrix and Freya?" Steiner asked, beginning to calm down.
"We're right here." Beatrix told him.
"What a relief. I thought you two were done for when I blacked out."
"Thank you for your concern, but it isn't needed." Freya told him.
"…"
"Well you guys will have enough time to have to catch up later. Let's get out of here before we have to fight some other freak of nature." Marcus told them.
"Indeed. Lead the way." Beatrix said as she got to her feet.
Beatrix, Freya followed Blank and Marcus through the catacombs of Gargan Roo. Steiner mostly led the way since he knew it as well as Marcus did with their journey back to Alexandria. They made their way to a small room with a ladder leading upward into a shaft that led to the surface. Steiner began to climb with an arrogant grin on his face. Suddenly before he could actually climb over a foot off the ground he felt a tug on his armor and fell backwards.
Beatrix stood over him, "Ladies first." She smiled as she stepped over his body and climbed up the ladder followed by Freya, Blank and Marcus.
Steiner growled as he watched them climb to the top, he didn't like being last in anything. Once at the top, Beatrix pushes on a trap door above her head for it to open. It was made of metal and extremely heavy. But she managed. She opened the hatch and pulled herself out of the shaft. She looked around the room. It was lined with bookshelves, papers, texts and parchment scattered around the floor, and a world shaped telescope in the middle of the room. Freya pulled herself and walked over beside Beatrix.
"What is this place?" Freya asked, looking around in wonder.
"I'm not sure." Beatrix said to her.
Suddenly the door of the room opened and a short man in a top hat, thick glasses, suit, wingtip shoes, and had a long beard entered the room. He spotted the two women and let out a cry of surprise. Beatrix and Freya stared at him awkwardly. The man's face began to soften after wiping his glasses and taking another look at them.
"Lady Beatrix is that you?" He asked.
"Dr. Tot?" Beatrix had a look of confusion.
"You know him?" Freya asked.
"Yes, I do! He tutored the Princess long ago and was a good friend of mine." Beatrix smiled. "It's nice to see you again Doctor."
"Oh ho ho ho! Likewise, my dear… But how did you get in here?" Dr. Tot asked.
Beatrix was about to explain but was interrupted by another voice, "Dr. Tot! A pleasure to see you again!"
The three of them turned around to find Steiner climbing out of the shaft and Marcus and Blank dusting themselves off.
"Ahh! Master Steiner! So that is how you got in here?" Tot chuckled.
"Yes. We are deeply sorry for the intrusion. Is the Princess here?" Steiner asked joining Beatrix and Freya.
"The Princess? Oh no. I haven't seen her since you left for Alexandria using the Gargan cart. And if they did come here they couldn't have exited my house. It was locked when I left this morning and it still was when I came in." Dr. Tot explained.
"Oh no! Something must have happened to the Gargan cart!" Marcus exclaimed.
"Well, if they took they missed the stop at Terno… they could have went all the way through to…"
"To where doctor?" Beatrix asked.
"Pinnacle Rocks. It's located near Lindbulm." Dr. Tot told them.
"They must have went back to Lindbulm!" Blank smiled.
"Yes. Indeed." Said Dr. Tot.
"I hope they're okay…" Beatrix whispered.
"Don't worry, Zidane will protect her." Freya assured her.
Steiner grimaced at the words and his face went red. Marcus and Blank noticed this and began to laugh hysterically.
"Our only problem now is a place to stay." Beatrix noted.
"Can we stay with you, Dr. Tot?" Steiner asked.
"It would be an honor, but unfortunately, I have no extra bed and no extra room as you can see." Points to the mess on the floors and tables.
"Then I guess we'll just have to stay in a hotel." Freya shrugged.
"Well good luck you guys." Blank called to them as he and Marcus headed for the door.
"And where do you think you're going!?" Steiner bellowed.
"We're heading back to the Tantalus hide out. You guys are on your own." Marcus told them as he shut the door behind him.
"Well there went our guides to survival in this strange city." Freya sighed shaking her head.
"Don't be silly! We can do fine on our own!" Steiner told them, putting his hands on his hips as a sign of pride.
"Oh please, Captain, if we're going to stay here under cover from Alexandrian soldiers then we're going to have to learn the ropes here or we'll stick out like soar thumbs!" Beatrix argued smacking him in the back of the head.
"What do you suggest?" Freya asked.
"I have an old friend that lives here. She'll help us." Beatrix told her.
"Oh ho ho ho! Excellent thinking as always, general." Dr. Tot smiled.
"Thank you, Dr. Tot. We shall take our leave. It was pleasant to see you again. Take care." Beatrix hugged the old man then exited through the door followed by Freya.
"We're never going to stay undercover with HER leading us." Steiner growled.
"I wouldn't be to sure about that, Master Steiner. You must trust in her experience more. I predict that you and her will be working together a lot." Dr. Tot told him.
"Sigh… Everyone's against me…"
"Now, now, Captain, you best be heading out. They're leaving you behind."
"What!? Hey wait!" Steiner shouted as he ran out the door.
Meanwhile Beatrix and Freya were at the bottom of the steps waiting for Steiner.
"Do we honestly have to wait for him…?" Beatrix sighed.
"I could care less." Freya said staring up at the sky.
Beatrix turned to her, "Freya… I just want to say that I'm deeply sorry for what I've done. I know it can't be fixed, and that I can't change the past, and if I could I would, but… I'm sorry."
"I understand. You were only following orders… doing what you believed to be right, but were wrong. It's understandable. I forgive you." Freya told her.
"I don't think you mean that." Beatrix looked at her.
"Look I said I forgave you, that is enough for now. Let's just not talk about it… I prefer to cry in silence…"
"Freya…"
"I'm sorry… I'm just upset that I failed to protect beautiful Cleyra like I failed to protect Burmecia…I'm a failure…"
"That's not true! You did your best!"
"My best wasn't good enough!"
"If it should be anyone's fault, it's mine!"
"No! You weren't aware! I was!"
"It doesn't matter! I should have been aware! Heck it was a mistake worth taking away my rank! My life!"
"Beatrix…"
"I've killed too many innocent lives, I was not knowing of the attacks to the north gate, I hurt people who were fighting for what was right while I fought for what was wrong…!!"
"…"
"…"
"Wait!!!" Shouted a voice from above.
Both of them turned around and look at the tower. They watched as an angered Steiner ran down the stairs to where they stood.
"Thank god you waited!" He said as he approached them, completely out of breath.
"As a matter of fact we were just discussing about leaving behind such a tardy sluggish man. You'll slow us down for sure." Beatrix mocked, as her and Freya pretended like their discussion never happened.
"How dare you call my sluggish!" Steiner shouted.
"I dare to call you anything I wish!" Beatrix argued.
"Please can we just see this friend of yours?" Freya asked.
"You're right. I hope she's home." Beatrix wondered.
"SHE!? Now I KNOW we're in trouble!" Steiner groaned.
"YOU SEXIST PIG!" Beatrix placed a hand on her sword, but Freya place a hand on her shoulder and shook her head no.
Beatrix glared at Steiner for a while… then led the way through the Terno streets. Beatrix led them to a small little apartment with a large green door. Beatrix knocked three times and waited. The green door opened a crack and two dark eyes could be seen.
"Who's there?" A husky voice came from the door.
"It's me, Beatrix." Beatrix whispered to the person behind the door.
"To you what am I?"
"Sister."
The door opened to reveal a woman the same height as Beatrix, she had shoulder length brown hair and dark brown eyes. She wore a yellow, pink and orange tube top, tight black shorts, a red and pink short skirt like thing that was cut at the front so you could see her shorts, a yellow, pink and orange headband with a yellowish green feather in it, red boots and black and yellow gloves. Her style was quite exotic, but she was rather pretty. She stared at Beatrix for a while, with a serious face. Suddenly her serious face turned to a smile as she hugged Beatrix tight.
"Sister Beatrix! Where have you been!? I haven't seen you in ages!" She exclaimed.
"Hush, Sister Lani. My friends and I are on the run." Beatrix told her.
"You? In trouble? Ooo! You must have done something I would have done." The one known as Lani smirked, "Come in!"
The house was dark and the walls were lined with Axes that were hung on the walls like trophies. Lani motioned them to sit on a couch as she sat in a chair across from it.
"So what brings you to Terno?" Lani smiled.
"We have defied one of the Queen's plans and now, we are fugitives in her eyes." Beatrix explained.
"I see. Well, sister, why have you come to me?"
"As you know, I am no longer familiar with this city, and neither are my friends here. So we need some help."
"Ahh. Wait here." Lani smiled as she left the room.
Steiner turned to Beatrix, "She's your sister?"
"Not exactly. We grew up in the same orphanage and were best friends. Almost like sisters." Beatrix explained.
Lani reentered the room with tea cups and a kettle, "Tea anyone?"
"No thank you." The three all said at the same time.
"Fine more for me." Lani smiled while pouring herself a cup, "So who are your friends?"
"Well, this is Freya and he's …"
"Your boyfriend?" Lani smirked.
Steiner's eyes went huge as he blushed, "What!?"
Beatrix blushed as well, "What!? No!"
"Hahaha! I was only kidding. I know who he is. Albert Steiner right? I heard him yelling at one of the drunks and he mention his name a few days ago." Lani giggled. "I heard a lot about you from Beatrix. Funny, the way she talks about you I thought you'd be ugly."
"I don't know weather to take that as a compliment or and insult…" Steiner said confused.
"Lani please!" Beatrix groaned.
"Sorry, sorry. So you want to know how to stay undercover here am I right?" Lani smiled.
"Yes."
"Ok, here's what you do. Number one, ditch the clothes somewhere and buy new clothes. Something that a noble would wear. Number two, go to a fancy hotel and ask for a room. I trust you know how to do that. Number three, never talk to any kind of knight, officer, drunk or suspicious looking person. Only to nobles if you have to. And Number four attend all parties and auctions that are mentioned to you. That way you appear to be a noble and no one will tell the difference. Unless you act like a total peasant at the event, they will get suspicious. So act like a noble. Remember even Nobles will do anything for cash around here, so be on your toes."
"Thank you, Lani."
"Well, I need to be on my way, I have some business to attend to." Lani walked over to the door and opened it letting them exit, "Good luck."
Lani closed the door behind them.
"Well that was helpful." Steiner growled.
"Dress as nobles… good plan… but will it work." Freya wondered.
"We might as well give it a shot." Beatrix told them.
They walked through the streets looking for a clothing shop. Steiner spotted one and they went inside. The place was filled with frilly dresses and fancy suits. They stared at the shop in amazement at how expensive everything looked. They went over to the tailor and got their measurement taken then headed for the change rooms.
"I'm sure you are going to love these." The Tailor said happily.
The tailor handed Steiner a couple of suits, boots, and gloves. Steiner stared at them for a while, left them girls his sword, then headed into change room. Beatrix and Freya waited several minutes for him to show them what he hand chosen. Finally Steiner exited the change room. Beatrix and Freya turned to look at him and let out a large gasp.
"What? Do I look bad or something?" Steiner asked.
Beatrix and Freya's expressions did change as the shook their heads no. Steiner was wearing a dark green tuxedo with a white dress shirt underneath, a red sash around his waist, white gloves and a fine pair of black boots. His dark black hair was a bit spiky at the front and looked very spiffy. Besides the faint trace of his muscles showing through the coat of the tuxedo, he didn't look all that bad. He looked good enough to actually be declared as… dare I say it… handsome!
"Well, well, where'd you hide Steiner, handsome?" Beatrix joked.
"Steiner you look splendid! What a change!" Freya said, smiling.
Steiner blushed and put his hand behind his head with a cheesy smile on his face. The tailor walked up to Freya and handed her a bunch of frilly dresses, hats and gloves. Freya was overwhelmed by how heavy they were, left her spear behind, then walked into change room. While they were waiting for Freya to return from the change room, Beatrix could help but stare at Steiner. Whenever he noticed her looking in his direction she'd turn her head away, and held in a blush. Freya came out of the change room wearing a scarlet pink sleeveless gown, matching flowery hat and long gloves. The hat was tilted to one side to shade her eyes.
Beatrix clapped her hands, "Freya! You look wonderful!"
Steiner stuck in fingers in his mouth and whistled, "Beautiful, Miss Freya!"
Freya smiled and blushed. The tailor walked up to Beatrix and handed her some long fancy dresses, gloves and shoes. Beatrix was about to walk into the change room when Freya walked up to her and unhooked Beatrix's scabbard from her belt.
"What? You can't! I need th-" Beatrix began to protest.
"You won't need it where you're going." Freya interrupted and smiled.
Beatrix frowned as she entered the change rooms. Steiner and Freya waited and waited. Until they got impatient. Freya walked up to the change room door and knocked.
"Are you okay in there?" Freya asked.
"I'm not coming out!" Beatrix told her.
"Why not?"
"I said it once, and I'll say it again. I feel naked without my sword!"
"Come on! It can't be that bad."
"…"
"Hurry up!" Steiner shouted as he looked up at the ceiling.
"…Fine…"
Beatrix opened the door. Freya's eyes went wide.
"B-Beatrix…" Freya began.
"That bad?"
"No! No! Not at all!" Freya told her. "Steiner! You have to see this!"
Steiner lowered his eyes from the ceiling to the change room. Steiner's jaw dropped and his eyes shot wide open. Beatrix was wearing a long rose red sleeveless silk dress that was cut low at the front showing the top slopes of her chest, with long red gloves and black high heels. Her bronze brown hair was finely combed and seemed to shine in the light. She looked absolutely drop dead gorgeous! Steiner began to walk towards her.
"What? Is there something on my face? Or is it that fact that I look dumb?" Beatrix asked.
"No! You look absolutely gorgeous!" Steiner exclaimed.
"Fake flattery will get you no where." Beatrix told him.
"No… I mean it…" He said softly.
Beatrix blushed immensely as the three of them headed for the cash register. The tailor typed in some numbers.
"That comes down to… 65 000 gil, please." The tailor smiled.
"65 000 gil!?" Steiner exclaimed.
"Don't worry I'll cover it." Beatrix told him.
She handed the tailor the gil and they exited the store, threw their old clothes and their weapons in a bag and headed off. They walked through the streets looking for a hotel. Beatrix caught Steiner staring at her a lot and blushed. They entered a large building called the Choco Hotel. They entered and walked up to the counter.
A man in a black tuxedo popped up as they approached, "Good evening, Gentleman and Ladies. Welcome to the Choco Hotel. Our service is as fast as a Chocobo and our beds are as soft as their feathers. May I be of service?"
"Hi," Steiner begun, "Umm… I uh…"
"Hi, we are a newly wedded couple, and this is our best friend. We're here from out of town and want to rent a room." Beatrix finished.
"Ahh, so I see." The man at the counter said, "What kind of room?"
"I'll take care of this." Steiner told Beatrix and Freya.
They nodded and went to check out the art hanging on the wall.
"Well, you see. We kind of need separate beds… separate rooms… you know." Steiner babbled, trying to act like he had done this all the time.
"Ahh! I see!" The man at the counter winked.
Steiner was confused by the wink, but just decided to wink back.
"I have the perfect room for you! Right this way!" The man took a key from behind him and ran up the stairs on the far left.
Steiner motioned Beatrix and Freya to come as the followed the man up the stairs, down the hall to a door that was numbered "9". The man opened the door and led them inside. The room was painted pinkish red color with a matching couch, and three doors on the other side to the room.
"As you can see, we have a mini fridge, a fireplace, mini bar, and comfy couch." He smiled then led him to the three doors, and opened the first one, "As you can see it's a nice teal color, complete with a bed, night table and a dresser. This will be the young lady's room." he pointed to Freya, then continued to the next door and opened it, "This is the bathroom, complete with shower, sink, hot and cold running water, etc." The led them to the last door and opened it, "This, will be your room."
The three of their jaws dropped and their eyes went wide. The room was painted a hot red, with a night table, dresser and a double bed.
"Umm… I'm sorry. But I asked for SEPARATE rooms." Steiner told him.
"I know. And that's what I gave ya!" The man winked again as dropped the key in Steiner's hand and he left the hotel room.
"Wait a second!" Steiner shouted but the man was already gone.
"What did you tell him!?" Beatrix asked Steiner outraged.
"I-I just told him we wanted separate rooms then he winked and I winked back thinking is was some kind of custom or something."
"YOU DON'T WINK! IT MAKES HIM THINK UP STUFF LIKE THIS!"
"It's not my fault! You're the one who mentioned the married couple thing!"
"I was a cover!"
"You two fight like an old married couple." Freya told them.
"WE ARE NOT MARRIED!!!!!!!!" They both shouted.
"Whatever. Well, good night you two. Have fun." Freya began to head for the teal room.
"Oh no you don't!" Beatrix shouted, "You sleep in that room! I'm not!"
"He said the teal room was for me. So enough said." Freya told her as she shut the door behind her.
"Just splendid…" Beatrix groaned. "It's going to be a LONG night…"
Note: If I get some good reviews I'll start the eighth chapter! Yay! Start Writing! And it'll be better than this one! Promise! Yay! Terno! ^_^