Disclaimer: ... you know the drill...

Chapter 2: Nightmares



Beatrix walked through the moonlit garden admiring the roses and the twinkling stars above. No night on Gaia seemed so perfect. As the cool breeze brushed through her light chocolate hair, her attention was drawn to another. He was on the other side of the garden, also viewing the roses. He looked up at her, tilting his metal helm up to show his dark brown eyes and his large, warm smile. It was the man she loved, Albert, Albert Steiner.

He motioned her to 'come hither'. She nodded and made her way towards him on light feet that felt like they barely touched the solid, granite ground. Once she stood before him, he warped his arms around her and closed the space between them. Beatrix looked lovingly and deeply into his dark eyes. His face slowly inched towards hers. She could feel his breath caressing her face.

But, suddenly, out of the blue a piercing sound cut through the air, getting louder with every second. Steiner's eyes shot open as he pushed her away, drew his sword and turned his back on her spreading his arms to the sides. Beatrix was shocked as she looked up into the sky to see what he was reacting to. It was an arrow heading straight for them!! But as the arrow came down it began to morph into a different form… Beatrix's Save the Queen!!!! Beatrix's eyes shot wide open and she screamed for Steiner to run, but he didn't move. He was determined to protect her. She kept shouting at him until… it was too late… the sword came down, cutting through Steiner's armor.

"SSTTTTTTTTEEEEEEEEEEEIIIIIIINNNNNNNNEEEEEEERRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" She screamed as he fell to the ground.

She ran to his side holding him up. He just merely smiled at her as the color faded quickly from his face. Tears rolled down her face as his eyes slowly closed and he became limp. Beatrix broke out into uncontrolled sobs as she held him closer to her. Suddenly, out of the blue, a voice echoed around her.

"…You mustn't get too close to Steiner…" the voice echoed, "For if you do… it will be the death of him… Stay away from him! Stay away or watch him die like this when the time comes when being near you is a death sentence…"

Beatrix sat up, "WHO ARE YOU!?!?" She demanded, "ANSWER ME!!!!!!!"

There was no reply.

Beatrix, held Steiner close and continued to cry. This was all so confusing. Tears streamed down her face as the darkness consumed her…

*************************************************************

"SSTTTTTTTTEEEEEEEEEEEIIIIIIINNNNNNNNEEEEEEERRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Beatrix screamed as she sat up in bed.

She opened her eye to find herself in her room. Her was dripping in a cold sweat and was breathing heavily. She looked at the clock on the wall… 3 AM. It was all a dream. One horrible dream. She hugged her knees as the fear drained from her body. Suddenly, the sound of rapid footsteps could be heard in the hallway and stopped at her door. There was a loud knock at the door followed by a voice filled with concern.

"Beatrix!? Are you in there!? Is something wrong?! Are you ok?! May I come in?"

Before Beatrix could answer the voice that clearly belonged to Steiner, he burst through the door with his sword ready and was in full armor.

"Albert?" Beatrix merely stared at him.

He turned to her and his face blushed a bright crimson, seeing her in just a short rose-red silk nightgown that was cut very low at the neck. Lower than her uniform. He covered his eyes and began to babble.

"I-I-I-I heard you scream my name so I came t-t-t-to y-y-your aid!" He blurted out still blushing.

"Why are you blushing and covering your eyes like that?" She asked.

"Y-y-you're n-n-n-n-not in p-p-p-p-proper u-u-u-u-uniform!" he blurted out again.

Beatrix smiled at him, "It's quite alright, you have my permission to remove your hand."

"*Gulp* Are…are you sure?" he asked still covering his eyes.

"Yes. I am quite sure."

Steiner removed his hand and continued to radiate the same crimson color in his face. He looked upon her, trying to avoid the most "obvious" areas that clothe did not cover too well. He walked towards her and sat at the foot of her bed staring into that one beautiful blue eye he admired so much. She didn't need two. One was enough to show all the beauty within, he thought in his mind. Beatrix turned her head to the side and her smile faded.

"So… you came to my aid…" Beatrix said quietly, but just loud enough to hear.

"Indeed." Steiner nodded, "I thought you were in danger."

"Heh…" her smile returned. "You were always so overprotective."

"I think not. A scream is not to be taken lightly now-a-days." He told her.

"Well I am fine, as you can see." She spread her arms in a gesture that no bodily harm had come to her.

"Then why did you scream? I was worried." He asked in concern.

"I…" She began.

"Yes?" He gestured her to continue with a movement of his hand.

"I… just had a nightmare… that's all." She blushed in embarrassment.

It was quite embarrassing for her to tell him that. It was silly, she thought, A grown woman having nightmares. She hoped by telling him she didn't come off as weak or too soft. The worst thing for a general was that her peers thought of her as soft, weak or worst of all… scared. As this thought crossed through her mind, she grabbed and pillow and hugged it tightly, almost squishing it to death, and shifted her eye to the side making her seem to be in distant thought. Steiner saw this and smiled with a light chuckle. He read that face like it was an open book. He shifted closer to her turned her head back to face his direction. He smiled and caressed her lips with a kiss. Beatrix's eye shot open in surprise. It was as if time had stopped, just for that moment. She slowly began to relax and returned his kiss. After they pulled away from each other Steiner held her close and stroked her hair lightly, helping her relax a bit.

"I'm sorry I worried you." She whispered in his ear.

"There is nothing to be sorry for, I assure you. It is part of my duty to protect those in need." He whispered rubbing her back in a soothing, circular motion. "What was your nightmare about anyway?"

Beatrix paused. Should she really tell him? Would he get upset if she told him that her dream was his gruesome death and a mysterious voice telling her to stay away from him? She looked into his eyes. Now above all times was not the best time to cause pain to those eyes. So… she lied.

"You know what…?" She faked a laugh, "I can't remember a thing. I guess your comfort not only wiped the fear from my mind, but the vision of the ghastly dream in my memory as well."

Steiner smiled, "I'm glad to be of service."

He fell for it.

"Thank you for checking up on me. I don't know how I can repay you…" Beatrix smiled with a slight blush.

"Nay, it is I who should be thanking you. Just knowing that you are safe will help me sleep well tonight." He told her as he kissed her on the forehead.

He stood up and headed for the door. Once he reached the door, he turned around to look at her.

"I shall see you in the morn." He smiled.

"And I you." She replied.

He beamed at her then quietly left the room. Beatrix let out a long sigh. 'He's very gullible.' She thought in her mind, 'He'll have to work on that…' She let out another sigh. She never had to lie to him before… but how could she tell him that she had a dream that he was killed by her own sword? It wasn't the best thing to tell a loved one. She placed her pillow down then arose from bed. She walked over to the make up table and looked at herself in the mirror.

"A vision of perfection as always." A voice cooed.

Beatrix spun around to find the window/door to her balcony open and Kuja standing in the doorway with his silver hair flowing in the wind. His sapphire eyes sparkled with desire.

"How did you get in through there?! I locked it before I went to bed! And my room in on the 2nd level!" Beatrix demanded.

"I have my ways." He smiled devilishly.

"So I see." Beatrix sat down at her make up table and began to brush her hair. "So why are YOU here?"

"I heard you scream. I was worried." He told her.

"Kind of a late reaction don't you think? I'm disappointed in you." She smirked, "I would have expected you to come quicker than this."

"I would have, but when I arrived the Captain had just entered the room. If I had entered first he probably would have thought I was what ever made you scream." Kuja explained.

"You don't have to worry about that. I would have told him otherwise." Beatrix told him as she set the brush down.

"…You would?" Kuja stepped towards her.

"Of course. You were not the cause of my… scream. It was only cause by a nightmare." Beatrix blushed in embarrassment.

"A nightmare? How dreadful!" Kuja said placing a hand on her shoulder.

"You don't have to be sarcastic, Kuja! I know it's silly." Beatrix gave him a quick glare.

"No, I am serious, Lady Rose." He said in a concerned tone.

"…Sure." She rolled her eyes.

"Heh, anyway, if I had entered first, I would not have seen such a touching display." Kuja said as he spun around and held his hand out to her like an actor in some play.

"Excuse me!?" Beatrix asked.

"Oh you know, the part where you caressed each other's lips with a heart felt kiss and held each other in the passion of the moment as all time seemed to stop all at once, then let go as the scene ended." Kuja said in a formal, acting voice.

"You make it seem so theatrical." Beatrix smirked.

"It's what I do, Lady Rose." Kuja smiled devilishly and kissed her hand then suddenly continued up her arm to her neck.

Beatrix stood up and quickly pulled her arm away, "Please don't do that."

"Why not?" Kuja asked with an evil smirk.

"Because I'm with Steiner! Not you! And if he found out he'd go on an all out rampage!" Beatrix told him in a stern tone.

Kuja shrugged, "So? All the better."

"No, it's not!" Beatrix crossed her arms.

There was a long silence… Suddenly Kuja lunged at her and pinned her against the wall.

"What in Alexander's name are you doing?!?!?!?!" Beatrix shouted.

"One kiss, that's all I ask." Kuja pleaded.

"No! It's a sin against my morals!" Beatrix told him.

Kuja merely laughed. "Pleasure is a sin, but sinning is pleasureful." Kuja said in a lusty tone.

Beatrix pushed him away with all she had, causing him to fall to the ground. She walked over to the balcony door, opened it and pointed out.

"Get out." Beatrix breathed.



Kuja merely sat there for a moment's time until she spoke again.

"Get out." She snarled, giving him a death glare.

Kuja stared at her for awhile, then got to his feet and glided out the door without a word. Beatrix slammed the door behind him and continued to the table. Kuja climbed onto the balcony's railing. He looked back to see her brushing her hair like nothing had happened. He smiled, then jumped off the edge. He glided through the air to his own balcony where Zidane waited for his return.

"Where have you been?! If you were causing trouble-" Zidane began.

"Oh shush, Zidane! I was only seeing what that scream was all about." Kuja cut him off.

"Oh…" Zidane said calming down. "Where did the scream come from?"

"It was from Beatrix's room, I went to comfort her." Kuja told him.

Zidane began to panic again, "WHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAATTTTTTTTTT!? Steiner did see you? Did he!? You didn't touch her right? Oh merciful Alexander! If Steiner knows-"

"Relax, my brother. Nothing happened. Steiner got there before I did and he didn't catch a glimpse of me. Nothing you'd find interesting happened." Kuja cut him off again.

Zidane relaxed once more, "What a relief. Like I told you last night, he'll kill us both if you even try to do something like that!"

"If I could I would take her away from all this." Kuja sighed as he entered the room.

"Well you won't. Right? … Right!? KUJA!!!!!!!!"

Seven hours later, Zidane was outside with Garnet standing at the Airship docking bay. A Lindbulmian airship was hovering above them, slowly descending into the dock. Zidane's blue eyes grew wide with impression as the airship landed gracefully. Suddenly out of the blue a flash of pink tackled Zidane to the ground!

"Help! It's an attack! Get the guards!" Zidane yelped.

Garnet laughed, "Zidane, it's just Eiko!"

Zidane looked up to see a young purple-haired girl with a horn sticking out of her forehead in a flowing pink gown sitting on his chest.

"Hi-ya, Ziddy-poo!" Eiko squealed hugging his head.

"H- ow- hi Eiko." Zidane groaned in pain.

"Did-ja miss me?" Eiko asked with a large grin.

"Sure (but not long enough)." Zidane smiled.

"So where is everyone? Is Vivi here yet?" Eiko asked.

"He's in Lounge with Steiner." Garnet said as she pried Eiko of Zidane's head.

"GOODIE!!!!!!!!!!!!" Eiko squealed as she leapt from Garnet's hands and ran towards the castle.

"Wow, she's giddy today…" Zidane smirked as he rubbed his head.

"You should see her on a normal day." A voice spoke up from behind them.

They turned around to find Regent Cid and Lady Hilda.

"She'll be bouncing off the walls and scaling statues till who knows when." Lady Hilda smiled with a giggle.

"Ha ha ha. Indeed." Cid smiled.

"Uncle Cid, Auntie Hilda!" Garnet hugged them both.

"Oh my. What a welcome!" Cid laughed happily.

"Hey! Where's our welcome?" a voice called out from the air ship.

Garnet looked up to find Amarant and Freya waving from the airship.

"Hey guys! Long time no see!" Zidane shouted and waved back.

"Hmph, not long enough is more like it." Amarant rolled off his tongue.

"Don't mind him, Zidane, he's just full of hot air." Freya told the genome as they approached.

"Yeah, I kinda noticed." Zidane smirked.

"Come, let us escort you all to your rooms then we shall meet in the conference room at 1600 hours." Garnet beamed and led them all inside the castle.

Six hours later…

"I hope you all know why you've been invited here." Garnet began, sitting at the head of a large conference table.

"You mentioned you had something urgent to tell us." Regent spoke up stroking his mustache.

"Indeed I did. This is of the utmost importance." Garnet said with a calm serious face.

"Well what is this important news?" Freya asked.

"Yeah! You can tell us Sarah!" Eiko told the young Queen.

"Eiko, hush." Lady Hilda told the young summoner.

"This better not be a waste of time." Amarant murmured.

"I hungry!" Quina piped up.

"Please everyone, settle down." Garnet plead, "I find it easier to show you than to tell you in words." Garnet nodded to Zidane.

Zidane nodded back and turned to the door, "You can bring him in now!" Zidane called out.

The doors swung open to reveal General Beatrix and Captain Steiner escorting Kuja into the room. All the guests gasped in surprise.

"Good holy Alexander!" Regent Cid shouted in astonishment.

"What in hell's name!?" Freya gasped.

Eiko screamed in shock and Lady Hilda fainted.

"KILL IT!!! KILL IT!!!!!!" Eiko screamed.

"Eiko! N-no!" Vivi said trying to console her.

"My pleasure." Amarant smiled as he strapped on his claws and rushed at Kuja.

Kuja merely stepped out of the way and let Amarant crash into the wall.

"My what a exciting 'hello'." Kuja smirked.

"Well you deserve what ever you suffer!" Steiner snarled.

"Albert!" Beatrix scolded the ironclad knight.

"Please everybody! Calm down!" Zidane told everyone.

"Calm down? CALM DOWN?!?!?! ARE YOU BLOODY MAD!?" Regent Cid shrieked.

"I have agree with Cid, Zidane! I mean, this is Kuja we're talking about!" Freya shouted at the genome.

"What in your right mind let him stay here NOT locked behind bars!?" Lady Hilda snarled.

"Please, do not blame Zidane. It was I you gave him permission to stay here." Garnet told the crowd.

"Garnet, how could you!?" Hilda scolded.

"I knew Zidane would put awful ideas in your head!" Cid snarled at the genome.

"Uncle Cid PLEASE!!!" Garnet raised her voice, "I believe Kuja has changed. If he hasn't why didn't he destroy us already?"

"Regent Cid, Lady Hilda, and friends of my brother, I can assure you I pose no fret to you or your planet no longer. I've given up my hateful ways and hope to make a difference here. Do not scold the young Queen and my brother, they were only trying to help." Kuja explained.

"I don't believe this!" Freya snarled, folding her arms.

"Believe what you wish, I shall retire to my room. Good day." Kuja bowed gracefully then exited the room.

"I just don't get it…" Eiko sighed and left with Vivi to retire to their room as well.

"No matter how many he sweet talks us, I won't believe a word of it!!" Freya hissed as the rest of them followed.

Will the others ever trust Kuja? Will Beatrix continue to have these weird nightmares? Will Kuja ever get his way? Will Eiko drive everyone bonkers from being so giddy? Will I ever stop asking stupid questions?

To be continued…