Time to get the thank you's outta the way...
Yue-Chan, Nice to meet you! Yeah, Blase and Kuja WOULD make a nice little couple, wouldn't they? And about my name. People have said they can't find me on FP.com... and yeah, it'll drive someone batty. But if you can't find me through search, try the Directory. It's at the top where Search is, of course. Try looking for me that way. And while you're at it... look for Diablo Moon. She's also known as FoxFury around here, and she has a story (which, by the way, is MUCH better than her fanfictions) called Fight for Freedom. If you like my story, hers is based on Caitaria, too, with a whole new cast of characters. It's also set in a different time period.
Twilight Star: Well, dernit. I really liked your fic... I'll miss it a lot. I genuinely will. But... you do your best to be your best, and I know you're busy... just don't get to busy to read this fic, okay? And I got your Email. You and I are alike in many ways, except I'm not the "Come near me and I'll hurt you" type. I'm the quiet, "let's just assume I'm a bitch and don't want to talk to you today. Or tomorrow. Or ever." kind of person. I don't stand out in a crowd, but people KNOW I'm there. I've got a little bit of split-personality disorder, though, I think...
Angel of Death 87, for the record, Kuja's expression probably was priceless! After all, Blase jumped to "I love you" right after hearing about how Kuja planned to go about killing people. How did THAT work? Hm... I dunno... (shut up, dangerous mind...) ...maybe Kuja likes him, too? Maybe not... perhaps, we'll find out in this chapter! ...Oh, that was brilliant... Thanks for visiting my site! It's not much right now, but at least I actually GOT a site. *smirks at FoxFury* *Fury: I'm workin' on it!*
Neko Kuroban... *pins badge onto the floppy hat from BbL chp. 15* *puts hat on... it's about five times too wide for her head* Thanks for the badge! ...However... I'm not entirely thrilled with the way you were treating me... you tried to put me in a bottle (MD Code Red is one of my favorites, though), then you started acting like I was some kind of weird play-dough! Honestly, do you not realize that I have FEELINGS!? And they were hurt quite badly, too. *picks up remains of jar* But I was happy to get out of the jar, though! ^^* haha, and NO HANDCUFFS for this Fox!
Neko: =) *takes out handcuffs* Hehehe! ::click, click:: ... ::click, click::
LeFox: ... Me and my big mouth...
This chapter is MUCH longer than usual. In fact, it's probably the longest thing I've ever written! It's about Burmecia (well, duh). -.~ I love and hate this chapter...
DESERT PALACE
I sat on the bed quietly. Why had I opened my big mouth...? Damn, who knew what would happen now?! Kuja hadn't spoken to me the entire way home. He was taking a shower now... possibly to avoid speaking to me. I had never felt so foolish in my whole life. I could have continued to admire his grace and beauty without blabbing like that... now... I'd have to face the consequences of my action. I remembered the look on his face when I had told him. Shock, disbelief, confusion, and perhaps a flicker of amusement... and then... we had left. It had been my suggestion, of course, hoping to change the subject... but... obviously, I hadn't changed anything, because Kuja had maintained a silent look of apathy until we had gotten back. And even then, he still...
The door opened to the bathroom, and Kuja stepped out. I looked up at him. He was wearing the bathrobe again... with that same arrogant but yearning smile... and his hair was combed the same way it had always been before bedtime. He looked as though nothing had ever changed... but... there was a shadow between us, making us seem further and further apart than ever before. He looked up... and smiled. "You're staring again." the familiar remark, mixed with his usual laughter and sarcastic voice, lifted the shadow slightly. "...You're speaking again." I retorted, meeting his eyes evenly. Was it too much to hope that he had forgiven me...? "Kuja, I just wanted to say... I'm sorry for what I said." I told him, speaking as carefully as I could. He shook his head conceitedly, shrugging. "I've chosen to think you meant that in a less personal way. Don't-" he looked at me sharply. "-give me a reason to think otherwise." (A/N: ...Somehow, I'm finding this to be a Don't Love Me/Blinded by Love kinda thing in reverse... Kuja is the one doing the anti-love campaign...) I nodded, unable to hide how relieved I was.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
NEXT DAY, DESERT PALACE
I was awake earlier than usual. There was a hazy reddish glow in the room from the many candles Kuja let burn overnight. You know the moments just before you completely wake up, when your mind is drifting trough time and space, finding answers to the questions no one can find a solution too... when you're caught between dreams and reality? I was somewhere within that time... letting time stand still, balanced perfectly on that second. It was cozy in the bedroom, curled up under these downy blankets. It seemed strange that in the desert, being warm could feel... so good. As for Kuja? He was sprawled gracefully across his side of the bed. One long, pale arm was tucked under his head; the other draped over his pillow, the hand close to my face. His feathered hair tumbled over him, the mattress, and the pillow. His face was peaceful, smiling. His legs were loosely tucked up against him, and his tail lashed slightly. He was dreaming. I hoped it was a happy dream... it seemed to be. I couldn't help but think of how beautiful he looked...
His dark eyelashes fluttered slightly, then his eyes opened. He gave me a drowsy smile, then sat up and stretched. "Good morning." I said softly, sitting up next to him. He looked at me with his arrogant smile. "How long did you spend staring at me?" his voice was oozing sarcasm... playful sarcasm. I pretended to think. "Hm... about... four hours now. Pity you would have to wake up." He shoved me teasingly, and leaned closer. He sniffed, and pulled back. "You... you stink. Take a bath!" he demanded, holding his nose. I laughed, and walked away, entering the bathroom. I hadn't entered the bathing area yet. You see, Kuja's elaborate bathroom was divided into two smaller areas. One area was the toilet and one sink, complete with sweet-smelling soap (which, I know, Kuja had used many times. His hands always smelled of this.), and two lavender hand towels. I cautiously entered the bathing area. Kuja spent a lot of time in here before I came along, obviously. The shower was lined with blue-violet tiles, as was the floor. There was a white vase, holding a pretty bouquet of white roses, sitting on the edge of a very large bathtub.
Judging by the fact that the tub was already full of water, this was what I was supposed to use for my bath. I smiled to myself. Kuja had been up even earlier than I had. I stripped down to the skin, and slipped into the warm water. It was perfect. I sighed. I had forgotten how good hot water felt when you had about a week and a half of living to wash off. "Jani, Jani... if you could see me now..." I said out loud, realizing that this tub was fit for a king. "Jani. Who's Jani?" I looked over to the entrance of the bathroom. Kuja. "Jani... Janira Razhal. My fiancé. Or at least... she was. She was... I don't want to say it, but she was-" I began, but Kuja finished my thought. "...a slut." he was smirking. "Aren't you cheating on her, as well, falling in love with me?" I decided not to answer that. "...She slept with a new man every week, it seemed. I walked in on her three times... but I know there were more men in her life. I'm not that much of a fool." He sat on the edge of the tub, which was about a foot across on all sides. He leaned against the wall, stretching out languidly. It took me about ten more minutes to realize that I was completely nude in a room with Kuja. The realization made me blush redder than a Bomb.
"Um... Did you need something?" I asked, wishing that, at the very least, he would say something. He looked at me and smiled. "Would it be unnerving if I continued while you were bathing?" he asked politely. The suggestion made my embarrassment leave immediately. "That... That would be wonderful," I replied, relaxing into the hot water..
=Queen Brahne issued her orders the next day, but they weren't carried out until a week later. We were to attack the Realm of Eternal Rain, Burmecia. The queen hated these "rats", and wanted nothing more than to rid Gaia of them. In her eyes, they were subhuman, incapable of thinking past the moment they lived in. At the time... I suppose I was nothing short of naive, for I thought mostly the same way. It was after we entered the city that I understood... Their civilization was incredible. But I won't start so far ahead... first, I want to describe the rain.
I had felt rain before... not on Terra, of course, but it had rained in Alexandria. I had only felt cold, wet drops then, mingling with a cool breeze that left me shivering. Burmecian rain is different. It's warm, like a million tears of joy falling endlessly to bless those who are below. The rain holds the laughter and tears of the Burmecians, and they live with it as the Genomes had lived with me: They understand its difference, they know they can't change it, but they know they cannot get past it. The wind in Burmecia is warm. They live at the foot of the mountains, but they feel no coldness. I was amazed. Queen Brahne, Beatrix, the Black Mages, and the Alexandrian Army didn't feel the rain as I did. They couldn't tell how unbelievable it felt... I don't know why... but they didn't feel it. They saw it as normal rain. They despised it as they despised the "Rats."
The attack began the instant we entered the city. Magic and swords were everywhere, and the Burmecians put up a considerably good fight, when you think about the fact that they had been taken by surprise. The Black Mages did the most fighting. I watched the battle... I couldn't participate in the slaughter. I'll confide something to you... I can't kill someone in a one-on-one fight. There's no way to avoid looking into the dying person's eyes... and see the absolute hatred they have for their killer. I can do mass murder... but... not single. There was death and blood everywhere. Something in the Black Mages' spells made the bodies vanish instantly, but it wasn't enough to make me forget. I carry that memory with me today, intensely. I hung around in the palace with Queen Brahne and Beatrix. I... I was crying. My tears were hidden by the rain, thankfully. The battles gradually ceased, but we never found the king of Burmecia. That had been the queen's goal: find the king and kill him herself. She had sent Zorn and Thorn, the so-called "castle jesters," to find them.
Unknown to us, Zidane and his motley crew made up of a Qu by the name of Quina, Vivi, and a Burmecian Dragon Knight called Freya, had made their way into Burmecia with hopes of saving the town. Needless to say, they didn't succeed. They searched the town, making their way to the palace. Along the way, they faced two Black Mages, as well as the monsters that had entered the town during the siege. Zidane and Freya entered the palace before the others... they heard the conversation between Queen Brahne, General Beatrix, and myself.
** Kuja walked toward the elephant of a queen and her puppet-ish general. His stomach felt queasy after all that he had seen. The queen looked at him with shining eyes, expecting a report of some kind. He looked up at the sky, silently praising the rain. "I find this rain quite pleasant..." he said softly, before returning his gaze to Brahne. She was staring quizzically, so he rushed to make sense of his previous statement. "It feels as though the raindrops are blessing our victory..." Brahne nodded, and beamed proudly. The expression was horrible. "This is a great victory for us. Kuja, your Black Mages made this conquest so simple." 'Don't remind me of my role in this.' Kuja thought bitterly. Brahne continued. "My only concern now is finding the King of Burmecia. We must take care of him once and for all, and prevent these rats from ever rising up again." She turned to Beatrix. "Beatrix, what's taking so long?!" The harassed general looked at her queen, feeling for the first time in her life, pure anger. "I don't know, your majesty. I've ordered Zorn and Thorn to search the perimeter, but there's been no word so far. I will join them and lead the search." Kuja looked up sharply. The king was still in Burmecia... but Zorn and Thorn were too stupid to figure that out. There had been enough bloodshed.... Kuja thought fast. Very fast.
"You're wasting your time." he said, as Beatrix began walking away. She looked at him, shock evident on her face. "What?" she asked. Kuja gave an elegant gesture, and explained. "Rats often look for new homes when they sense an earthquake. They probably moved to the sandy tree house by now... So you see, it's too late. The king has already turned tail and fled." Brahne's face twisted angrily. "Sandy tree house... Surely, you don't mean Cleyra?! It'll be quite difficult if they escaped to Cleyra." Beatrix looked at Kuja. She wasn't as foolish as her queen... but she played along. "Cleyra... unless we can get through that sandstorm, it will be impossible to attack them." Kuja looked at her gratefully, and mouthed the words, 'Thank You.' She nodded. It was, perhaps, the reason he later said, "I was wondering if you would gather your troops near Cleyra. I'm certain those filthy rats will retaliate in full force, and my Black Mages may not be enough." **
Shortly after that, a Burmecian soldier ran up to us. I think he believed that Beatrix was a lowly soldier before he learned her name. He wasn't quite as willing to face her after he heard it. She, however, was more than inclined to fight. And then... they appeared. Zidane and Freya came first. I'm not entirely sure, but I think for a moment, Zidane recognized me. He and Freya looked at me, but his eyes carried more of an 'I know you from somewhere' kind of emotion. I doubt he knew exactly who I was... but he knew he had seen me before. It made me furious, but I don't... I don't really know why I got so angry when I knew he almost identified me.
They took the Burmecian's place as Beatrix's opponent after Vivi and Quina appeared. The battle wasn't even close in the end. Zidane, I noticed, was wearing a Coral Ring, so none of Beatrix's Thunder attacks worked. He was the only one with that protection, however. I hate to rush through it, but it seems that you are soaking up the bath water... at any rate, Beatrix used Stock Break... and it was over. Again, I'm not sure why, but it hurt somewhere deep inside of me to see Zidane's body crumble like that. I thought he would die... and it hurt... It really hurt. I don't suppose they know this, but as I stood over them, I healed them. And I admired Zidane... he had grown to be stronger than I had thought he would be. I remembered... when he would crawl into bed beside me... and tell me that he loved me. He never felt that way about me again. And it hurt! Everything hurt that day.=
His voice carried a tone of unbelievable sadness, flavored with the pain he had felt that day. Kuja had a way of doing that: he could pull you into what he was saying; make you feel like you were there beside him as it happened. I could almost taste the rain of Burmecia as it fell on his skin. He left, and I got out of the tub, dried off, and walked back into the bedroom. He was sitting on the bed, with a lost look on his face. I walked over to him, and pulled him into my arms in the way I always had, and his small body relaxed into my embrace, cuddling against me like a lost kitten who has finally found its home. Such a small, pretty thing. So strong... yet so incredibly weak and delicate. "...Kuja?" I said slowly, fingering one of his feathers gently. "Yes?" he replied, not moving even an inch. "...Tell me more..."
A uthor's Note: ...Ugh. Can you tell I got lazy on the last parts of the chapter? I need a new fic! But I can't decide on a new pairing... should I do another shounen-ai fic? I can't decide... I'm at a complete loss... Should I just stop for a while? Take a vacation? Or maybe... I should write another Kuja/Raz fic... Or even a Kuja/Blade fic... or a Kuja/Alonia fic...? ..Maybe I'll write a prequel to On/By Your Side? Oh, the possibilities are endless... Whadda you guys think? I leave it up to my loyal... er... fans! I can call you all fans, right? Or should I just say "Reviewers"?
Fury: ...Make up your stinkin' mind.
Anyhow, FIC NEWS! I've decided to skip ahead of Cleyra, Lindblum, and Alexandria, and go straight to just before the Desert Palace bit. Why? Simply because I got bored while trying to decide on a storyline for these parts. *sigh* I'm getting lazy... and the homework's piling up... my grades aren't great... my life sucks... the only good news is... no, wait... there isn't any.
...
...
...
...
WAIT! Yes, there IS good news! Well, for me. ^.~ I got Clay Aiken's new CD! Sure, you people might not think he's a good singer, but I'm the one who listens to almost everything. You don't like Clay Aiken? I suggest you keep your opinion to yourself. I can be dangerous. *Neko looks scared... she is still handcuffed*
Yue-Chan, Nice to meet you! Yeah, Blase and Kuja WOULD make a nice little couple, wouldn't they? And about my name. People have said they can't find me on FP.com... and yeah, it'll drive someone batty. But if you can't find me through search, try the Directory. It's at the top where Search is, of course. Try looking for me that way. And while you're at it... look for Diablo Moon. She's also known as FoxFury around here, and she has a story (which, by the way, is MUCH better than her fanfictions) called Fight for Freedom. If you like my story, hers is based on Caitaria, too, with a whole new cast of characters. It's also set in a different time period.
Twilight Star: Well, dernit. I really liked your fic... I'll miss it a lot. I genuinely will. But... you do your best to be your best, and I know you're busy... just don't get to busy to read this fic, okay? And I got your Email. You and I are alike in many ways, except I'm not the "Come near me and I'll hurt you" type. I'm the quiet, "let's just assume I'm a bitch and don't want to talk to you today. Or tomorrow. Or ever." kind of person. I don't stand out in a crowd, but people KNOW I'm there. I've got a little bit of split-personality disorder, though, I think...
Angel of Death 87, for the record, Kuja's expression probably was priceless! After all, Blase jumped to "I love you" right after hearing about how Kuja planned to go about killing people. How did THAT work? Hm... I dunno... (shut up, dangerous mind...) ...maybe Kuja likes him, too? Maybe not... perhaps, we'll find out in this chapter! ...Oh, that was brilliant... Thanks for visiting my site! It's not much right now, but at least I actually GOT a site. *smirks at FoxFury* *Fury: I'm workin' on it!*
Neko Kuroban... *pins badge onto the floppy hat from BbL chp. 15* *puts hat on... it's about five times too wide for her head* Thanks for the badge! ...However... I'm not entirely thrilled with the way you were treating me... you tried to put me in a bottle (MD Code Red is one of my favorites, though), then you started acting like I was some kind of weird play-dough! Honestly, do you not realize that I have FEELINGS!? And they were hurt quite badly, too. *picks up remains of jar* But I was happy to get out of the jar, though! ^^* haha, and NO HANDCUFFS for this Fox!
Neko: =) *takes out handcuffs* Hehehe! ::click, click:: ... ::click, click::
LeFox: ... Me and my big mouth...
This chapter is MUCH longer than usual. In fact, it's probably the longest thing I've ever written! It's about Burmecia (well, duh). -.~ I love and hate this chapter...
DESERT PALACE
I sat on the bed quietly. Why had I opened my big mouth...? Damn, who knew what would happen now?! Kuja hadn't spoken to me the entire way home. He was taking a shower now... possibly to avoid speaking to me. I had never felt so foolish in my whole life. I could have continued to admire his grace and beauty without blabbing like that... now... I'd have to face the consequences of my action. I remembered the look on his face when I had told him. Shock, disbelief, confusion, and perhaps a flicker of amusement... and then... we had left. It had been my suggestion, of course, hoping to change the subject... but... obviously, I hadn't changed anything, because Kuja had maintained a silent look of apathy until we had gotten back. And even then, he still...
The door opened to the bathroom, and Kuja stepped out. I looked up at him. He was wearing the bathrobe again... with that same arrogant but yearning smile... and his hair was combed the same way it had always been before bedtime. He looked as though nothing had ever changed... but... there was a shadow between us, making us seem further and further apart than ever before. He looked up... and smiled. "You're staring again." the familiar remark, mixed with his usual laughter and sarcastic voice, lifted the shadow slightly. "...You're speaking again." I retorted, meeting his eyes evenly. Was it too much to hope that he had forgiven me...? "Kuja, I just wanted to say... I'm sorry for what I said." I told him, speaking as carefully as I could. He shook his head conceitedly, shrugging. "I've chosen to think you meant that in a less personal way. Don't-" he looked at me sharply. "-give me a reason to think otherwise." (A/N: ...Somehow, I'm finding this to be a Don't Love Me/Blinded by Love kinda thing in reverse... Kuja is the one doing the anti-love campaign...) I nodded, unable to hide how relieved I was.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
NEXT DAY, DESERT PALACE
I was awake earlier than usual. There was a hazy reddish glow in the room from the many candles Kuja let burn overnight. You know the moments just before you completely wake up, when your mind is drifting trough time and space, finding answers to the questions no one can find a solution too... when you're caught between dreams and reality? I was somewhere within that time... letting time stand still, balanced perfectly on that second. It was cozy in the bedroom, curled up under these downy blankets. It seemed strange that in the desert, being warm could feel... so good. As for Kuja? He was sprawled gracefully across his side of the bed. One long, pale arm was tucked under his head; the other draped over his pillow, the hand close to my face. His feathered hair tumbled over him, the mattress, and the pillow. His face was peaceful, smiling. His legs were loosely tucked up against him, and his tail lashed slightly. He was dreaming. I hoped it was a happy dream... it seemed to be. I couldn't help but think of how beautiful he looked...
His dark eyelashes fluttered slightly, then his eyes opened. He gave me a drowsy smile, then sat up and stretched. "Good morning." I said softly, sitting up next to him. He looked at me with his arrogant smile. "How long did you spend staring at me?" his voice was oozing sarcasm... playful sarcasm. I pretended to think. "Hm... about... four hours now. Pity you would have to wake up." He shoved me teasingly, and leaned closer. He sniffed, and pulled back. "You... you stink. Take a bath!" he demanded, holding his nose. I laughed, and walked away, entering the bathroom. I hadn't entered the bathing area yet. You see, Kuja's elaborate bathroom was divided into two smaller areas. One area was the toilet and one sink, complete with sweet-smelling soap (which, I know, Kuja had used many times. His hands always smelled of this.), and two lavender hand towels. I cautiously entered the bathing area. Kuja spent a lot of time in here before I came along, obviously. The shower was lined with blue-violet tiles, as was the floor. There was a white vase, holding a pretty bouquet of white roses, sitting on the edge of a very large bathtub.
Judging by the fact that the tub was already full of water, this was what I was supposed to use for my bath. I smiled to myself. Kuja had been up even earlier than I had. I stripped down to the skin, and slipped into the warm water. It was perfect. I sighed. I had forgotten how good hot water felt when you had about a week and a half of living to wash off. "Jani, Jani... if you could see me now..." I said out loud, realizing that this tub was fit for a king. "Jani. Who's Jani?" I looked over to the entrance of the bathroom. Kuja. "Jani... Janira Razhal. My fiancé. Or at least... she was. She was... I don't want to say it, but she was-" I began, but Kuja finished my thought. "...a slut." he was smirking. "Aren't you cheating on her, as well, falling in love with me?" I decided not to answer that. "...She slept with a new man every week, it seemed. I walked in on her three times... but I know there were more men in her life. I'm not that much of a fool." He sat on the edge of the tub, which was about a foot across on all sides. He leaned against the wall, stretching out languidly. It took me about ten more minutes to realize that I was completely nude in a room with Kuja. The realization made me blush redder than a Bomb.
"Um... Did you need something?" I asked, wishing that, at the very least, he would say something. He looked at me and smiled. "Would it be unnerving if I continued while you were bathing?" he asked politely. The suggestion made my embarrassment leave immediately. "That... That would be wonderful," I replied, relaxing into the hot water..
=Queen Brahne issued her orders the next day, but they weren't carried out until a week later. We were to attack the Realm of Eternal Rain, Burmecia. The queen hated these "rats", and wanted nothing more than to rid Gaia of them. In her eyes, they were subhuman, incapable of thinking past the moment they lived in. At the time... I suppose I was nothing short of naive, for I thought mostly the same way. It was after we entered the city that I understood... Their civilization was incredible. But I won't start so far ahead... first, I want to describe the rain.
I had felt rain before... not on Terra, of course, but it had rained in Alexandria. I had only felt cold, wet drops then, mingling with a cool breeze that left me shivering. Burmecian rain is different. It's warm, like a million tears of joy falling endlessly to bless those who are below. The rain holds the laughter and tears of the Burmecians, and they live with it as the Genomes had lived with me: They understand its difference, they know they can't change it, but they know they cannot get past it. The wind in Burmecia is warm. They live at the foot of the mountains, but they feel no coldness. I was amazed. Queen Brahne, Beatrix, the Black Mages, and the Alexandrian Army didn't feel the rain as I did. They couldn't tell how unbelievable it felt... I don't know why... but they didn't feel it. They saw it as normal rain. They despised it as they despised the "Rats."
The attack began the instant we entered the city. Magic and swords were everywhere, and the Burmecians put up a considerably good fight, when you think about the fact that they had been taken by surprise. The Black Mages did the most fighting. I watched the battle... I couldn't participate in the slaughter. I'll confide something to you... I can't kill someone in a one-on-one fight. There's no way to avoid looking into the dying person's eyes... and see the absolute hatred they have for their killer. I can do mass murder... but... not single. There was death and blood everywhere. Something in the Black Mages' spells made the bodies vanish instantly, but it wasn't enough to make me forget. I carry that memory with me today, intensely. I hung around in the palace with Queen Brahne and Beatrix. I... I was crying. My tears were hidden by the rain, thankfully. The battles gradually ceased, but we never found the king of Burmecia. That had been the queen's goal: find the king and kill him herself. She had sent Zorn and Thorn, the so-called "castle jesters," to find them.
Unknown to us, Zidane and his motley crew made up of a Qu by the name of Quina, Vivi, and a Burmecian Dragon Knight called Freya, had made their way into Burmecia with hopes of saving the town. Needless to say, they didn't succeed. They searched the town, making their way to the palace. Along the way, they faced two Black Mages, as well as the monsters that had entered the town during the siege. Zidane and Freya entered the palace before the others... they heard the conversation between Queen Brahne, General Beatrix, and myself.
** Kuja walked toward the elephant of a queen and her puppet-ish general. His stomach felt queasy after all that he had seen. The queen looked at him with shining eyes, expecting a report of some kind. He looked up at the sky, silently praising the rain. "I find this rain quite pleasant..." he said softly, before returning his gaze to Brahne. She was staring quizzically, so he rushed to make sense of his previous statement. "It feels as though the raindrops are blessing our victory..." Brahne nodded, and beamed proudly. The expression was horrible. "This is a great victory for us. Kuja, your Black Mages made this conquest so simple." 'Don't remind me of my role in this.' Kuja thought bitterly. Brahne continued. "My only concern now is finding the King of Burmecia. We must take care of him once and for all, and prevent these rats from ever rising up again." She turned to Beatrix. "Beatrix, what's taking so long?!" The harassed general looked at her queen, feeling for the first time in her life, pure anger. "I don't know, your majesty. I've ordered Zorn and Thorn to search the perimeter, but there's been no word so far. I will join them and lead the search." Kuja looked up sharply. The king was still in Burmecia... but Zorn and Thorn were too stupid to figure that out. There had been enough bloodshed.... Kuja thought fast. Very fast.
"You're wasting your time." he said, as Beatrix began walking away. She looked at him, shock evident on her face. "What?" she asked. Kuja gave an elegant gesture, and explained. "Rats often look for new homes when they sense an earthquake. They probably moved to the sandy tree house by now... So you see, it's too late. The king has already turned tail and fled." Brahne's face twisted angrily. "Sandy tree house... Surely, you don't mean Cleyra?! It'll be quite difficult if they escaped to Cleyra." Beatrix looked at Kuja. She wasn't as foolish as her queen... but she played along. "Cleyra... unless we can get through that sandstorm, it will be impossible to attack them." Kuja looked at her gratefully, and mouthed the words, 'Thank You.' She nodded. It was, perhaps, the reason he later said, "I was wondering if you would gather your troops near Cleyra. I'm certain those filthy rats will retaliate in full force, and my Black Mages may not be enough." **
Shortly after that, a Burmecian soldier ran up to us. I think he believed that Beatrix was a lowly soldier before he learned her name. He wasn't quite as willing to face her after he heard it. She, however, was more than inclined to fight. And then... they appeared. Zidane and Freya came first. I'm not entirely sure, but I think for a moment, Zidane recognized me. He and Freya looked at me, but his eyes carried more of an 'I know you from somewhere' kind of emotion. I doubt he knew exactly who I was... but he knew he had seen me before. It made me furious, but I don't... I don't really know why I got so angry when I knew he almost identified me.
They took the Burmecian's place as Beatrix's opponent after Vivi and Quina appeared. The battle wasn't even close in the end. Zidane, I noticed, was wearing a Coral Ring, so none of Beatrix's Thunder attacks worked. He was the only one with that protection, however. I hate to rush through it, but it seems that you are soaking up the bath water... at any rate, Beatrix used Stock Break... and it was over. Again, I'm not sure why, but it hurt somewhere deep inside of me to see Zidane's body crumble like that. I thought he would die... and it hurt... It really hurt. I don't suppose they know this, but as I stood over them, I healed them. And I admired Zidane... he had grown to be stronger than I had thought he would be. I remembered... when he would crawl into bed beside me... and tell me that he loved me. He never felt that way about me again. And it hurt! Everything hurt that day.=
His voice carried a tone of unbelievable sadness, flavored with the pain he had felt that day. Kuja had a way of doing that: he could pull you into what he was saying; make you feel like you were there beside him as it happened. I could almost taste the rain of Burmecia as it fell on his skin. He left, and I got out of the tub, dried off, and walked back into the bedroom. He was sitting on the bed, with a lost look on his face. I walked over to him, and pulled him into my arms in the way I always had, and his small body relaxed into my embrace, cuddling against me like a lost kitten who has finally found its home. Such a small, pretty thing. So strong... yet so incredibly weak and delicate. "...Kuja?" I said slowly, fingering one of his feathers gently. "Yes?" he replied, not moving even an inch. "...Tell me more..."
A uthor's Note: ...Ugh. Can you tell I got lazy on the last parts of the chapter? I need a new fic! But I can't decide on a new pairing... should I do another shounen-ai fic? I can't decide... I'm at a complete loss... Should I just stop for a while? Take a vacation? Or maybe... I should write another Kuja/Raz fic... Or even a Kuja/Blade fic... or a Kuja/Alonia fic...? ..Maybe I'll write a prequel to On/By Your Side? Oh, the possibilities are endless... Whadda you guys think? I leave it up to my loyal... er... fans! I can call you all fans, right? Or should I just say "Reviewers"?
Fury: ...Make up your stinkin' mind.
Anyhow, FIC NEWS! I've decided to skip ahead of Cleyra, Lindblum, and Alexandria, and go straight to just before the Desert Palace bit. Why? Simply because I got bored while trying to decide on a storyline for these parts. *sigh* I'm getting lazy... and the homework's piling up... my grades aren't great... my life sucks... the only good news is... no, wait... there isn't any.
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WAIT! Yes, there IS good news! Well, for me. ^.~ I got Clay Aiken's new CD! Sure, you people might not think he's a good singer, but I'm the one who listens to almost everything. You don't like Clay Aiken? I suggest you keep your opinion to yourself. I can be dangerous. *Neko looks scared... she is still handcuffed*