And the Roses Whither

Chapter Two

The Reunion
And
The Night of confession

By Fallon

Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy 9 or any of its characters, they all belong to SquareSoft and bunch of other companies. The song How Can I Not Love You? Is sung by Joy Enriquez. The song is from my favorite movie, Anna and the King. So I don't own any of that stuff BUT this song-fic. So whatever you do… don't sue me peoples! And the other things I own are my own characters. And I would thank my best friend, Tyson, for helping me with my story because without him I wouldn't know how to piece this story together! Thanks buddy! ^_^ A/N: Here's chapter two! This time the lyrics of How Can I Not Love You? Will be on this chapter! Anywayz, you know the rules peoples! READ & REVIEW! Oh yeah, I also corrected the spelling of Mikoto's name. Here I thought it was Motoki! ^^()

@-}—

Mogia was about to give up searching for Amarant but she had to give him his invitation! She kept searching for a flaming red-haired and blue skinned man, "Among all these people and I still can't find this Amarant guy!" she said, sighing Mogia landed on the ground and looked about, hoping she would find Amarant. After a few moments of searching, she was really going to give up but she couldn't stop now! She glanced around one more time and finally spots a large walking person with flaming red hair and blue skin. 'That's the guy!' she thought. Lifting herself off the ground with her wings flapping, she shouted, "Amarant!" the flaming red-haired man didn't stop. "Amarant!" she shouted again over the crowd, this time she caught his attention.
Amarant turned and looked around and seen a flying pink thing flying towards him. Mogia came down and stood before the large blue skinned man. She handed him the envelope; Amarant snatched it from the moogle and looked at it. "What the hell is it?" he asked. "It's an invitation." Mogia responded, Amarant torn open the envelope and read the paper. He looked down at the moogle, "A reunion at Alexandria castle?" Mogia nodded, "Yes, I've been giving out invitations all day long." "Who all got an invitation?" he questioned. Mogia pulled out her list from her bag and read the names. "The first one went to Freya Crescent, Regent Cid, Quina Quen, Vivi Orunitia, and then you." She said. Amarant thought for a moment, if Freya is going to the reunion also… then maybe she hasn't found Fratley yet. He had hoped anyway.
Without saying anything at all, Amarant turned and disappeared from Mogia's sight. Mogia sighed, "Finally! My job is done!" she exclaimed. She looked in her bag and found that she had more invitations but those were for extra. She took them out of her bag and threw them in the near-by trash. "I can finally go home now." She mumbled to herself and she walked through the streets and disappeared from view.

@-}—

Amarant exited Lindblum and it would take him a few days to get to Alexandria, instead he caught a chocobo and that way he could get there faster than walking. He remember Makoto's words that she whispered to him and he planned to tell Freya how he felt, even if she didn't return his feelings but at least he tried.

Freya and Fratley left Burmecia a little early that morning to arrive at Alexandria a few days before the reunion. Fratley had wanted to get to know Zidane and Dagger that Freya has been telling him about. And they decided to travel on chocobo also, and Burmecia wasn't that far from Alexandria.
They passed through North Gate and exited, Fratley looked over at Freya, through this whole time he seemed to notice that she was awfully quiet. "Why so quiet all of the sudden? Freya?" he questioned her, Freya gazed at him and smiled, "Oh I'm sorry, it's just that I was thinking. Just thinking about Zidane and wondering if he changed. Because he married Princess Garnet and became king. Which was hard to believe." She said. Fratley was surprised. "Zidane become king? Was he that great when you were with him?" Freya just laughed, "He is a great man, a good friend of mine also. I know how crazy it must seem to see Zidane as king." She sighed and looked ahead and they were approaching Evil Forest. "We're getting close to Evil forest," she told him. Fratley narrowed his eyes and could see also. "Hmm… is there anyway we could get around it and not deal with those monsters inside?"
"Yes I believe so."
"Good! That would make things easier!"
They both shifted their chocobos around the forest and continued on.

Vivi, the black mages, and Mikoto and the genomes settled out for Alexandria, taking an old airship across the sea. They left a few days earlier and they would get there in time for the reunion to start. Mikoto stared out the window and sighed, seeing her big brother will be exciting. Through the past two years she had learned so much from the world of Gaia and that it was better than Terra. She is more interactive than she was before.
Vivi approached her, "So how do you feel about seeing Zidane again?" he asked, Mikoto turned around and smiled. "I'll be glad to see him, it has been a long time since I last saw him." She said. "I want to tell him that I'm glad he brought myself and the others here, there's a lot more to do on Gaia than there was on Terra."
Vivi nodded, "I'll have to agree, you and the germones seem more happy on Gaia."
Mikoto smiled, "Thanks for letting the black mages let us stay with them in their village, Vivi."
"Anytime Mikoto."
The old air ship flew across the sky.

@-}—

A few days before, Regent Cid was busily starting up the Hilda Garde III airship. Hilda, Eiko, and Dr. Tott got on board of the ship. Cid had wanted to leave a day early because he had wanted to speak to Zidane and Garnet before the reunion had started.
The airship started up and departed from Lindblum. "I can't wait to see Zidane and Dagger!" Eiko exclaimed happily. "I wonder if everyone will be there?"
"Of course Lady Eiko, I'm sure everyone will be there. Besides, who would not?" said Dr. Tott. Eiko nodded, "Yeah, I sure hope so."

Quina had left Quan's Dwelling early also, waving good-bye to Quan she told him h/she will bring back "yummie-yummies" ^^;; For all the travelers that were going to Alexandria, it would take them all a few days to arrive and the reunion would begin.

@-}—

That afternoon back in Alexandria, Zidane had just received word that some of their guests were arriving early. "Well since almost everyone is arriving early, I guess we should get some food ready, whoever comes first gets to eat, don't you agree Dagger?" he questioned his wife. Garnet nodded, "Yes I believe we should darling." Zidane smiled, "Okay."
After Zidane had given orders to the cook crew, he returned to his throne and sat next to Garnet, he sighed. "It's gonna be exciting to see all of them again." Said Zidane, he grabbed Garnet's hand and squeezed it tightly. She smiled warmly, "Yes it will." She responded. Just then a knight entered the throne room, "Your Majesty!" shouted the knight, startling Zidane. "Y-Yes?"
"Your first guests have arrived, sir!" he said, Zidane smiled. "Great! Send them in!"
The knight nodded and left. A moment later, the doors flung open, Freya and Fratley entered.
Zidane rose from his seat and walked down the three steps and as did Garnet. "Hey Freya!" he greeted, "Good to see you again!" he took Freya's hand and shook it. Both Freya and Fratley bowed, "Zidane, it has been awhile." She said, "Why haven't you kept in contact with me?"
Zidane laughed nervously, "Heh, heh… being King is a tough job, ya know?" scratching the back of his head.
"Freya is it wonderful to see you." Garnet said giving Freya a hug. Freya nodded, "Yes, what have you two been doing these past two years?" she questioned. Zidane and Garnet both exchanged embarrassed looks, Garnet blushed and Zidane laughed. "Ah… you know me, just foolin' around." He said. Freya understood what he meant.
Zidane looked towards Fratley, "Oh! So I see you met up with Fratley huh Freya?"
"Yes, I met up with Sir Fratley two years ago at the bar in Lindblum, a few months after we went our separate ways." Freya answered.

Fratley shook Zidane's hand, smiling. "Zidane, it's a pleasure to meet you!" he told him, "Freya has told me so much about you and the others and I'm glad I finally got the chance to meet you both in person." Zidane smiled. "Indeed, Freya has told us about you also. How did you regain your memory?"
"Well while I was backtracking my memories around Gaia, I had gotten some of them back and I went to Lindblum for a good drink and there I met Freya. We both returned to Burmecia, and helped out rebuilding Burmecia and Cleyra. She helped me regain some of my old memories back and now I have new memories to store in my mind."
Zidane and Garnet nodded. Freya just smiled.
"I'm surprised you haven't changed, Zidane." Freya said, "Nope, I'm still the same. When I married Dagger a while back and became king; she and I went to a couple of gatherings to meet other nobles and they are just rude, snotty, and stuck-up is all I can say! I told Dagger I will never be like them!" Zidane exclaimed, Freya and Fratley both laughed.
"Hmm… anyway, since you guys probably had a long trip you're probably hungry right?" he asked them. "Yes, we traveled by chocobo almost all day." Answered Freya, Zidane clapped his hands, "Good! We have some food ready for you in the dining room!" they exited the throne room and went to the dining room to eat.

@-}—

The next day, more guests had arrived, Regent Cid, Hilda, Eiko, and Dr. Tott arrived at Alexandria that morning.
"Garnet!" Exclaimed Cid happily; he hugged his niece tightly. "Uncle Cid!" she said, "I'm glad you came!" Cid nodded, "Yes, and we're happy you invited us my dear."
"Zidane!" squealed a voice, Eiko came running towards Zidane with open arms and they hugged. "Eiko! You've gotten tall!" Zidane told her. But Eiko ignored the last part of his sentence.
"I missed you so much Zidane!"
"I've missed you too Eiko!"
Eiko turned and gave Garnet a hug also, "How could I not miss you Dagger?" she said, Garnet smiled warmly. "I missed you too, I'm glad you came." Eiko just giggled, "I am too! I can't wait to see everyone else!"
"Don't I get a hello and a hug too? Your highness?" said a voice behind Garnet, she turned and looked down at Dr. Tott, she laughed and hugged him. "Hello Dr. Tott, it's been a while." She said. "It has, how are you?" he asked her. "I'm doing well, and yourself?"
"Just fine, I've been teaching Lady Eiko for a while and she reminds me of you when you were young, Garnet." He said looking at Eiko. Eiko smiled and as did Garnet, "I hope you are doing well in your education and on how to be a proper lady, Eiko."
The little summoner nodded, "I am, it's just that I can't handle all this studying and stuff, it's too boring. Why can't this whole thing about being a proper lady stuff be more fun?"
Garnet laughed, "I said the same thing you did long ago, Eiko, but you'll get use to it."
"Yeah I know." Eiko said.

"Well since almost everyone is here, we might as well get some breakfast shall we?" Zidane motioned everyone to the dining room. Regent Cid nodded, "How delightful! Even though we had already ate breakfast on our way here, but it wouldn't hurt to have some more. Wouldn't you say so Hilda my dear?" Cid looked towards Hilda thoughtfully and she smiled. "Oh yes! I would appreciate it!"
Zidane didn't want to say any more but agreed any way. "Great…" he said nervously.
"Shouldn't we invite Freya and Fratley down for breakfast also, Zidane?" she suddenly asked. Zidane nodded, "Sure! Besides once when everyone gets here we'll have the reunion begin tonight at five o'clock." "Splendid!" Cid exclaimed, "But do I dare say that your other friends arrived before we did?"
Garnet nodded, "Yes Uncle, Freya and Fratley arrived yesterday evening. Fratley had wanted to get to know Zidane that Freya had told him about." Cid understood and just smiled. "I see," he said, "Well then how about that breakfast?" By now, Garnet and Zidane could tell that he was a little upset by being the first one here but it probably didn't matter to him.

@-}—

A few hours had passed that morning; Freya and Fratley had joined Zidane and the others for breakfast. Seeing Regent Cid and Hilda and the others was a delight to see again, and Freya introduced Fratley to them. After a morning's breakfast, Vivi, the black mages, the genomes, and Quina had arrived early that afternoon.
"Zidane!" Vivi shouted, running towards him and hugging him. "It's so good to see you again!"
"Vivi! How'd you been?" Zidane asked. "I'm doing fine Zidane, I see you married Dagger and you've became king."
"Yep, it's not that hard but being with Dagger makes it a little more easier for me." he smiled at the black mage. Vivi pulled down his hat mumbling, "That's good to hear."
He was eleven years old and he was still a shy little guy, Zidane thought, but at least he is coming out of his shell a little.
Mikoto came up behind Zidane and hugged him. "Zidane! I've missed you so much!" at first Zidane didn't recognize the voice at first, Mikoto let go of him and Zidane turned around to face her.
She smiled at him and Zidane laughed, giving her hug also. "Mikoto! My little sister!" he said, "How are you doing?"
"Fine Zidane, I just wanted to thank you for bring the germones and myself to Gaia. There's a lot more to do around here than there was on Terra. We've learned so much."
Zidane gave Mikoto a warm smile, "You're welcome Mikoto, besides, I wouldn't want you and the others to die on Terra. You're the ones who told me and I finally understood where I came from and when that damn Kuja was destroying Terra, I had to take you guys with me. Because if I let you all died, I don't know if I could ever forgive myself."
Mikoto put her hand on his shoulder. "You did the best thing that ever could happen to us, Zidane, you're a good brother and a friend."
This made Zidane smile; he kissed Motoki on the cheek.
"Hey!" a voice shouted over the crowd.
"What about me Zidane? Don't I get a greeting too?" Quina made her way through the crowd.

"Quina!" he said, hugging h/her.
"I got invitation and came to castle, I told master I would bring back good food!" Quina said, Zidane laughed. "Well tonight you'll get a lot of good food and when the party's over you can take it home to your master."
Quina shook her head no. "I rather stay here and be master chef!" she exclaimed. Zidane just laughed, "Very well, you may do as you wish."

Zidane then stopped and looked around, "Hmmm… the only people we're missing is Steiner and—"
He was then interrupted when the doors burst open when two figures came walking in. "Your Majesty! Why did you not give us an invitation to this reunion?" said a voice, Garnet gasped and she ran towards Steiner and embraced him. "Steiner!" she said, "I'm terribly sorry that Zidane and I didn't give you and Betrix a invitation!"
"Not to worry your highness, if we didn't know about this sooner we wouldn't have came to this reunion!" he said, taking a glance around everyone. Seeing his old companions was wonderful.
"It is also good to see you, Queen Garnet." Betrix said, Garnet turned around and smiled. "Oh Betrix! It's good to see you also, I'm so glad you both came!" Betrix smiled, "How could we not miss this reunion, it will be good seeing all of you again." Garnet nodded. Zidane sighed, "Now all we need is for Amarant to show up… I hope he will."
"Yes, I'm sure he had gotten our invitation." Said Garnet. This made Zidane wonder for a moment, he was really hoping Amarant would show up or at least make an appearance.

@-}—

The Chocobo squawked for its clawed feet were getting cold from the ground that was covered in a sheet of snow. "I hear ya, but you're a damn chocobo! You're not supposed to get cold! Besides I'm freezing my ass off too so don't complain!" Amarant yelled. He groaned for he was taking longer than he thought he would, taking his sweet-ass time getting to Alexandria. "Now c'mon and get your feather-ass movin'! So I can get to Alexandria before I miss the damn reunion!"
"Kwweee!" squawked the chocobo, it moved through the cold snow. Amarant sighed; he took the rose out of his vest pocket and gazed at it. A smile formed on his lips, once when he got to the reunion, the first thing he wanted to do was look for Freya and tell her how he felt about her. But if Fratley was there… things could get ugly and not going to according to plan. The last thing on his mind was Fratley kicking his ass and it would almost sound like they were fighting over Freya… there goes Amarant's reputation. At first Amarant had thought it was a dumb-ass and a dangerous idea to think he, of all people, would be in love with someone like Freya. A woman from a different species and a female warrior who can really kick ass and let her spear do the talking, with honor and respect, a very wealthy person she was.
That was one of the high points that Amarant liked about Freya, her strength and skills in combat were breathtaking to him. She was the kind of person who wasn't a damsel in distressed, nope; she wasn't like that at all. Dragoon Knights of Burmecia were very powerful warriors, Amarant had once heard that before he joined Zidane and the others and met Freya.

Amarant narrowed his eyes and could see that he was approaching Evil Forest. He stopped the chocobo and looked around. "Hmm… might as well going around the forest and I'll finally reach Alexandria castle." He said, he strained the chocobo to the left and made his way around.

@-}—

Later that afternoon, Everyone was outside in the garden of the castle. Eiko, Vivi, and some of the genomes and black mages were playing in the snow. As for the rest of them, Zidane and Garnet were talking with Cid, Hilda, and the others.
Quina had wanted to stay inside to help around the kitchen with the cooking for the reunion tonight.
"So what do you have planned for the party tonight, Zidane?" asked Cid, they were discussing things over a cup of tea.
"Well," Zidane said, sighing. "We just have an instrumental band and a dinner tonight, plus dancing of course. Maybe even thinking about setting off a few fireworks."
"How delightful!" Hilda said, "Fireworks sure would stir up the others, even the Germones. They probably haven't seen fireworks before."
"Maybe." Garnet mumbled.

Soon enough snowballs were flying back and forth before Zidane and the others. Eiko dug her hands in the snow and made a shape of a ball and threw it at Vivi. Vivi blocked his face with his arm, he looked over at Eiko and she giggled, running away. "This means war, Eiko!" he shouted, digging his hands into the snow and making a shape of a ball and chasing the purple-hair summoner.
Zidane laughed at the sight of them having a snowball fight.
"Incoming!" a voice shouted and everyone got out of the way as fast as they could and the only left sitting was Dr. Tott, who got hit in the face with the snowball.
"Sorry!" Eiko shouted.
Dr. Tott chuckled, "How amusing," he said, getting up from his seat. "Suppose I go join Vivi's side on getting revenge on Lady Eiko." He trotted off to go join them.
Everyone just laughed. To see Dr. Tott in a snowball fight would be like a penguin attacking intruders for invading its space, which would be amusing.

@-}—

A few moments after the snowball fight, everyone had came back in the castle. It was almost three o'clock at that time and Freya had gotten slightly bored. Fratley had spent all afternoon talking to Zidane; they had discussed about many things. Fratley would ask Zidane about how Freya was when she was with him. And Zidane gave him an honest answer by saying that Freya was a companion with honor and strength, a good friend she was to Zidane and the others.
This made Freya smile at Zidane's comment about her. By then Fratley would ask about Zidane's other allies. "Well as you can see most of them are here but the only person that isn't here is Amarant Coral." Said Zidane, he was hoping the man would show up for the reunion but as it turns out he might not come.
"Ah yes," Fratley said, "I have heard about Amarant Coral, Freya has mentioned him to me and she usually talks about him. The poor fellow is a wanted man; maybe the reason why he isn't here is because he was probably captured by soldiers, I suppose?"
Zidane shook his head, "Nah, Amarant is a pretty smart and strong guy. He wouldn't be thrown in jail now—not unless he done something. He's just running late that's all." He told Fratley. "I just hope he got the invitation Dagger and I sent out." He mumbled.
"Well it could be that." Fratley said half-heartedly. He turned towards Freya, (who had been standing by him for quite a while) "What do you think, Freya my dear—Freya?"
He realized that Freya had disappeared from sight. Fratley shrugged and had begun yet another conversation with Zidane.

Freya had wandered off and took a stroll down the long and empty halls of the castle where large portraits of the royal family were portrayed along with large windows. She sighed softly as she gazed out the window, which the scenery had shown half of the town covered in a sheet of white snow.
As people were walking and running about the streets, as the cold wind blew in their faces and the snow was falling from the sky.
When she and Fratley had first arrived, she was hoping she would have a wonderful time seeing all her friends again. But she was wrong she utterly bored. If only Amarant was here, she would have someone to talk to. However, he wasn't here and the only person she could talk to were Garnet, Eiko, and everyone else but they were doing their own thing. And with Freya standing here by herself made her feel neglected.

Freya sighed once more, some reunion this was she thought to herself. She crossed her arms and said to herself, "If only Amarant was here I would have a 'wonderful' time. I wonder where he is anyhow?" She closed her eyes for a moment and reopened them when she heard a gruff voice speak. "Maybe because he was taking his sweet time getting here?"
Freya looked to see who it was and it was none other than her good friend, Amarant Coral. She gasped and her mouth gapped open. To what she could see Amarant was still the same but his clothes were different. He wore a white sleeveless shirt with a black vest, pants that had the color gray, white and black, and black leather boots. He also had a red rose in his vest pocket.
"Don't I get a 'Hi' or a 'Hello'?" he asked suddenly. Freya smiled and threw her arms around him, giving a tight hug. The man with flaming red hair chuckled, "I guess you are happy to see me." he said. Freya nodded, "Yes, and here I thought you weren't going to come."
"Well I'm here now aren't I?" Amarant questioned, Freya laughed. She pulled away from him and she gazed at him for a moment giving him a warm and cheerful smile.

There was a long haul of silence between the Dragoon Knight and the Salamander, and suddenly Freya spoke. "Since you're here now, you might want to see the others." She told him, Freya turned around and was about to walk away but was suddenly stopped when Amarant grabbed her wrist.
"Wait." He said, "Before I do… I just want to talk to you for a moment." He said gruffly. Freya turned around to face him, giving him a puzzled look. "What is it?" she questioned him.
Amarant was silent for a moment, he looked down the rose in his vest pocket and Makoto's voice flowed through his ears.

Love is a Rose…

She whispered softly, Amarant shook his head. He couldn't bring himself to do it, to tell Freya how he felt. He knew what was going to happen if Fratley was here. He would pulverize Amarant.

And Love is apart of Power…

Amarant was suddenly lost in thought of that enchanting phrase. And everything before him turned to darkness like it did before when he first encountered Makoto. There the sandy blonde-haired woman with keen red eyes stood before him. She pointed her index finger at Freya and continued saying,

If one does not confess to the one they truly love…

"I fucking can't do it! Can't you see what will happen if I do!" Amarant screamed at her, but Makoto said nothing to him. She approached him, and whispered the last two sentences of the poetic-phrase.

They will suffer through pain and regret…

Amarant shook his head repeatedly saying "No, I can't do it…" over and over.

And the Roses Whither…

That last phrase echoed in his mind and Amarant felt like he was on the verge of going mad. Love was such a powerful thing, and a person like him had a difficult time expressing it. He fell to his knees and covered his ears, shaking his head. "I-I can't… Makoto…" he uttered. Makoto glanced down at him; "You must let her know, Amarant. And it doesn't matter if Sir Fratley kills you for loving Freya. The only thing that matters if she loves you in return." She said, Amarant looked up at Makoto and with a smile forming on her face, Makoto disappeared.
And Amarant was left alone and some where in the distance he could hear his name being called out.

"Amarant?" Freya tapped his shoulder, trying to get Amarant back to reality. Amarant shook his head and gazed at Freya. "What?" he said suddenly as if he had forgotten where he was.
Freya gave him an odd look for a moment and sighed, "You were going to tell me something, aren't you?"
He exchanged expressions with her for a moment and suddenly remembers what he was going to say. "Um… Yeah, I was." He said, he gave one last look at the rose and sighed deeply. "Freya I just wanted to let you know something that I—"
"AMARANT!" shouted a voice, the doors burst open and a very excited and happy Zidane ran and hugged Amarant. "Where the HELL have you been?! I was worried that you weren't gonna make it! But… I'm so glad you came!"
"Yeah… I was taking my sweet time getting here… Zidane you're hurting me…" Amarant said. Zidane let go of Amarant and laughed nervously.
Fratley and Garnet came a few moments after, "What's all the commotion going on—Oh my! Amarant you're here!" Garnet said, approaching Amarant to give him a hug. "It's wonderful that I get a lot of hugs and stuff… but after I got one from Zidane, I'm not expecting any more hugs." Said Amarant.
He glanced over at Fratley and sighed, 'Great… Freya's Mister Wonderful is here… I should've known. And since he's here… there goes my confession. If I tell her or even get close to her… I'll get my ass kicked for sure.'

"Oh Amarant, since Fratley is here now you two can finally be introduced." Freya said, she led Fratley over to Amarant and he smirked at him. "Ah so you're Amarant Coral." He said, extending his hand to Amarant. "Freya has told me so much about you and I'm glad I finally got to meet you." Amarant looked at his hand for a moment as if it was evil or some sort but he shook his hand. "She has." Amarant mumbled staring at Freya. Freya just smiled.
"Why yes! She says that you were the person she always talked to and such, and she said you are a good friend to her."
"Isn't everybody?" Amarant mumbled half-heartedly. To what Amarant could see he utterly loathed Fratley, for an obvious reason that he was in love with Freya and that Freya was in love with him for the longest time and here they were, finally together. 'How cute… yet so fucking disturbing!' Amarant screamed in his mind.
"Well," said Zidane, "It's best that we have dinner now and then the reunion? Besides it's almost getting dark." Zidane looked towards Garnet, "Wouldn't you say so? Dagger?"
Garnet nodded, "Yes, I suggest we should!" she said suddenly, she walked past the three people. "I'll go tell everyone else, excuse me for a moment." And with that said, she was gone.
"Suppose we should go too?" Fratley said, gazing at Freya. She nodded, "Yes we should, come on Amarant."
Amarant sighed, "Alright."

@-}—

During dinner, Fratley and Amarant sat between Freya. And there was a rather large conversation going on at the table.
"So Zidane," Regent Cid said, "Have you and my niece decided to have children yet?"
Zidane laughed nervously and Garnet blushed, "Um… not at the moment, Cid. But no, we haven't decided yet." He responded. Cid nodded, "I see, but do you plan to do so?"
"Yes Uncle," Garnet said, she then tried changing the subject. "What about you? Freya and Sir Fratley?" Freya shot her head up and stared at Fratley with a shocked—and rather an embarrassing look—on her face. "Now don't start aiming questions like these at us Garnet!" Freya exclaimed nervously. Amarant suddenly felt jealously rising within him, Freya and Fratley have kids?
Fratley ignored everything that was going on around him and he was playing with his meal as if he had not heard Garnet or Freya speak. "Well you and Sir Fratley have been together for a long time now… and haven't you two thought about, oh what's the word? Marriage?" Zidane said in sarcasm. Freya rose from her seat with her face turning crimson red, "What in Gaia are you talking about? You and Garnet have been together for quite sometime now why don't we turn the blasted tables and ask you the same question!"
"But we are married Freya! Geez, you don't have to take this seriously! We're just playing." Zidane laughed. Freya sat down and sighed, she covered her face in her hands and suddenly laughed. Amarant laughed.

Later that evening after the dinner was over and the silly conversation were through, Zidane had told everyone to get ready for the reunion because it was getting close to five o'clock. He mentioned that they dress in there best and come.
Freya was deciding what to wear tonight for the reunion, after all, the only thing that there was to do was dance and talk and dance some more. Fratley came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her shoulders and his lips kissed her cheek. "Still haven't decided yet my love?" he questioned, Freya shook her head. "No, not yet."
"Well it's almost time for the reunion to start so you best hurry up and get ready because we only have a few minutes." He told her.
Freya bit her bottom lip and sighed, choosing between a red silky dress and a yellow-golden one was difficult to choose. "I still don't know what to wear…"
"Oh bloody hell, Freya! Just pick the red one! Besides that dress looks wonderful on you."
"You think so?" she asked him, Fratley nodded his head. "Yes of course! Now get ready or else we'll be late!"

Can not touch
Can not hold
Can not be together

Else where in the other rooms, Amarant didn't need to get ready. He looked good enough, just wearing his black out-fit will do him some good. He needn't to dress to impress anyone. He stood in front of the window, pondering. He held the red rose in front of him. He sighed deeply as the poetic-phrase that Makoto had said to him was repeatedly whispering in his mind. Shaking his head he placed the rose back into his vest pocket. "Makoto's right, I don't care if Fratley kills me for loving Freya. I might as well give it shot tonight and tell her before I loose my chance." He said thinking out loud. He walked away from the window and exited his room.

@-}—

(A/N: I'm sorry if I'm not mentioning other characters but… this is Freya and Amarant here! They make such an awesome couple! ^^;; Enit? Sorry for interrupting but I just had to say it. But to let you all know… I'm a hopeless romantic person… because I'll be crying through this whole thing! Anywayz, get back to reading peoples! And did I mention Read & Review? ^_^)

A few moments after everyone had arrived and the "best" instrumental band was playing a couple of songs to get the party started. Throughout the whole evening, everyone was having a wonderful time.
Especially the black mages and the genomes who were learning how to dance to a waltz, in which it went quiet well with Lady Hilda, Garnet, and Regent Cid showing them how.
Amarant stood far from the dance floor, leaning against the wall as he watched every movement and motion that Freya made. He sneered at Fratley with disgusted.
Freya laughed as Fratley dipped and twirled her around and he pulled her close to him as he brought his hand up to her face and stroking her cheek softly. "Ugh…" Amarant looked away quickly and stared out at the window. 'What's wrong with me? Why the hell am I jealous of Fratley? …Maybe because Makoto is controlling me… that bitch.' He thought to himself, but it wasn't Makoto who was controlling him. It was his mind; his mind was telling him that he should tell Freya. 'The damn woman played with my mind! Telling me that I should tell Freya how I feel… what a bunch of bull shit! Since she says she's been watching me she should know very well that I had no interest in Freya in the first place! …But then she made me admit it. The next time I see that sandy-blonde-hair bitch I'm gonna give her a piece of my mind!'

Amarant turned his attention back to the people who were dancing and the song was almost coming to an ending. Everyone turned to the band and clapped and yet another song was about to begin.

Freya glanced around the room in hopes that Amarant was here. At the corner of her eye she spotted him, "Fratley, you mind taking a break?" she asked meekly.
"Well, yes. I think I'll go get something to drink… why don't you ask someone else to dance with you." Fratley walked away from the silver-white-hair woman, her emerald green eyes followed him as Fratley was heading straight for the beer beryl. Freya rolled her eyes and sighed, "How I could've guessed." she said. And she headed in Amarant's direction.
"Amarant," she said, Amarant looked at Freya and examined her for a moment. She wore a red silky dress and she looked beautiful with her silvery-white hair down, which some of her hair covered the right side of her face. "Do you want to dance?" she asked him.
"Dance? Nah its okay Freya, You can go dance with your wonderful Sir Fratley." He said half-heartedly.
"I'd love to but he's drowning himself in beer." She told him pointing over where Fratley was. "Come now Amarant! Just one!"
"No way! I'm not going out there!" he exclaimed, Freya put one hand on her hip and cocked her head to the side. "And why is it that you won't dance with Freya Crescent? Amarant?" Amarant was silent for a moment and finally he said, "…I can't dance." Freya was shocked; "You can't dance?"
"No."
Freya laughed and took his hand and pulled him up, "Come on, I'll teach you." She said, leading him to the dance floor.
"Freya!"

Can not love
Can not kiss
Can not have each other

The band had begun a waltz and everyone stepped in and took their places.
Freya took his large hands and placed one hand on her waist the other in her hand. "Now step lightly and go slow," she demanded. And Amarant did as he was told, step after step he moved swiftly swing Freya.
"Like this?" Amarant asked, stepping lightly and doing the steps he was told do to. Freya nodded, "Very good, you're a fast leaner Amarant."
The red-haired man smiled at her, "Thank you so much ma'am." He said in a fluent tone. "You dance quiet well also."
Freya blushed slightly, "Why thank you, Sir Amarant."
"Hey, I'm no warrior."
Freya laughed and gazed at him, and as did Amarant.

For a moment or two, Amarant had forgotten all about Makoto and her poetic-phrase, forgetting about Lani, Fratley kicking his ass, and everything else. Because he was dancing with the woman he loved and cherished. Makoto appeared to where Amarant was but she sat down on a chair, crossing her legs and smiling. Watching Amarant dance across the floor with Freya. She sighed, "See what happens when you try Amarant." She whispered. Amarant looked at her and glared. Makoto just smirked and she soon appeared next to Amarant, she hovered over him and whispered in his ear, "Tell her." Was all that she had said and vanished.
Amarant gritted his teeth and cursed under his breath. Freya gave him an odd look, "Are you alright Amarant?" she questioned. "I'm fine…" he responded. Freya shrugged and leaned on Amarant, resting her head on his chest. Right then and there Amarant was startled at that; he glanced over at Fratley who had paid no attention to Freya and Amarant. He was busily dunking his head in the beer beryl.
Amarant then lost himself with Freya in his arms, with her leaning against him and dancing. Nothing could interrupt this moment that Amarant longed for. Even though he knew very well that Freya could not be his.

Must be strong,
And we must let go
Can not say
What our hearts must know

Freya opened her eyes and sighed softly, "Amarant," she said. "Yeah?" Amarant said in a low voice, not wanting to let anyone else hear what he or she was going to talk about.
"Earlier today," she began, "What was it that you were going to tell me?"
Amarant thought for a moment, "Um…it was nothing, I was going to tell you how much I missed you and all. But the rest I'll tell you later, when this is over." He said.
"Oh." Is all that Freya had said.
'I was supposed to tell you how I feel but I just can't seem to bring myself to do that.' He thought to himself.
It had almost felt like the music would go on forever, and Amarant had hoped it was going to be like that. To him it would be like holding Freya for an eternity, as if there were rules that he could not break. He wasn't allowed to kiss her or whisper those three words in her ear, it was almost like that. But they were of different species, two different people. But his dear Freya was already in love and he had to face that, she was in love with Fratley. And to Amarant he thought she was a fool to be in love with a man like Fratley. But here Amarant thought it was nothing but jealously… and perhaps it is.

How can I not love you
What do I tell my heart
When do I not want you
Here in my arms

Freya moved at Amarant's pace of motion as she was still leaning against him. Not that she was tired but she needed to be in his arms. To see what it is like, even though she was in love with Fratley after all but ever since she had gotten with him two years ago, he seemed different and changed. On most days Fratley would get tired of waiting for her and usually yell at her over the littlest things and scowl at her. She didn't seem to mind at first but she continued to shine her love and affection on him. The man she was in love with for years ever since she was young, the dashing and strong Sir Fratley. He was absolutely handsome in her days, but she's now old enough to marry him. Which was one of the most unthinkable and last things she had wanted to do. She wasn't even sure if she was even ready for marriage, or even ready to be with Fratley. But she was ready to be Fratley, wasn't she?
Of course! There wouldn't be any other man on Gaia she would love more than her dear Fratley. And yet there would someone else, someone like her good friend Amarant Coral. But that would be absurd! Yet over all down right wrong. She would surely be the talk of the town if she were with Amarant. That would be the day. Freya Crescent-Coral, she could just imagine it. She would have demi-human children for crying out loud! Which that was a scary thought but it didn't matter what her children would look like, as long as she loved them.
Such questions and thoughts raced through her mind, Freya had begun to think it would be odd to have herself in a position such as this.

How does one Waltz away
From all the memories
How do I not miss you when you are gone

As the music softly played, flowing through the large ballroom as Amarant still felt like that he and Freya were the only two people left on Gaia. Two unlikely creatures of a planet left behind and dancing to a waltz for an eternity.
Through the year that Amarant had first met Freya, he thought nothing of her. The first ten seconds he was determined to fight her but then she refused to do so and Amarant decided not to. He had talked to her on how he became a wanted man, and there that's when Freya understood him. His past, although she knew very little and he did not speak of it very often. And that was when it was Freya's turn to talk about her past, she told him everything.
From her time to when she was young and all the way up to where Fratley had gone off on his quest, and she could not go with him.
Until the last day when all of them had departed and went their own ways, Freya had returned to Burmecia, but before she went there, she had met up with Fratley at the Lindblum bar, for she was going there for a drink or two and found Fratley there. Although he seemed to have gotten some of his memories back and she helped him a little, and they returned to Burmecia together.

While Amarant was on his own again, he had some how bumped into the Bounty Huntress, Lani. What a day that was and she followed him around like a lost puppy and stuck with him to the bitter end until he abandon her at the Lindblum bar. He still hopes he won't run into her again, the short woman was rowdy and loud chasing after every man that walked by her. And all that while when he was with Lani, Amarant had missed everyone dearly and especially Freya, who he had missed deeply. Their conversations and such he had missed talking with her, teasing the rat woman until she would put him down and win the battle.
Those were the good times. And here he was, doing the unthinkable and most unlikely thing he would have never done. Fall in love with a woman like her. But to be tricked into this sort of thing made him pissed off more than ever but he had to admit it to himself that he was. There was no denying it and he couldn't back down. To let Freya fall in love with a fool like Fratley he wouldn't allow her to do.
But, nonetheless, there was nothing he could do… because he was not the one to make decisions for her. He was nothing more but a friend to her, but to him she was more than that.
And he'll be damned that Makoto had put some sort of spell on him to make him think that, indeed she would.

Can not dream
Can not share
Sweet and tender moments

Can not feel
How we feel
Must pretend it's over

As much as Freya had liked, she could do no such thing with Amarant. None what so ever, but dancing with a friend would instantly make one feel head over heels. Nonsense! Although there was a feeling deep inside of her that she had to admit it, but with this going too fast was way over her head! She still disagreed that she could ever love him, like many times she said before she will always and forever will be in love with Fratley! Although the bond between her and Fratley was so strong, they were like a chain that couldn't be broken and not even the strongest weapon could break it. But now she had begun that chain would soon rust and break and the person to break it would be Amarant.
Although to be with him would be in her wildest dreams, which would seem more like a nightmare. But to think of it as that, that would be cruel to do such a thing to her dearest and only friend.
To share a life with him would be another impossible thing, although he would treat her the way he treats her now. As for Fratley, he would do the same to her. Even though, still, she couldn't imagine her life with Amarant.

The sound of the music flowed as it slowly died down and she heard the sound of applause. And Amarant pulled away from her quickly, she had thought he would go back to his spot over in the dark corner watching everyone but he was heading toward the balcony. Out where it was cold and still snowing.
Amarant opened the doubled doors and stepped outside, it was very cold but he didn't seem to mind. He sighed and leaned against the stone rail that was covered in snow and it's icy layer stung at his large hands. Just then, Makoto appeared beside him. Sitting on the rail she had a smirk on her face and her keen ruby-red eyes stared at him. For a long moment, they said nothing. The silence was suddenly broken when Makoto spoke.
"You didn't even tell her yet. Amarant I'm very disappointed!" she said. Amarant glared at her, "Shove it, Makoto." He snapped.
Makoto jumped off from the rail and stepped away from him. "Ooh… getting a little pissed off are we? Or should I say, annoyed?" She threw her head back and laughed. Amarant growled and tried to ignore her but she soon appeared in front of him and stared straight at him.
"Get the fuck away from me Makoto, you might of caused me enough trouble already…" he said, he turned the other way to not look at the sandy-blonde hair woman.

She smiled and hovered over him, her arms wrapping around his neck. "Amarant my dear…" she said sweetly, pulling him close to her. "Why do you cast me away when I can help you with your troubles? Hmm?" Amarant pushed her away; "Because I don't trust you… you won't even tell me who you really are!" he spat. Makoto gazed at him for a long moment and shrugged, she smiled wry at him. "Oh yes! I didn't tell you who I really am! Silly me, how I could've forgotten!" She glanced over at the door and noticed that Freya was making her way through. She turned her eyes back to Amarant and pointed towards the door. "Well I guess that will just have to wait… but for now, you'll have to excuse me. Because someone is coming your way Amarant." She said. Amarant turned around and saw that it was Freya. "Damn…" he cursed, Makoto giggled. "And remember Amarant, tell her." And she was gone again.

Must be brave,
And we must go on
Must not say,
What we've known all along

Freya opened the door and smiled Amarant; he gave her a weak smile. "I just wanted to thank you… Amarant…" she hesitated for a moment. "Think nothing of it, I guess I have to thank you for teaching me how to dance. Although, honestly, I really didn't want to go out there because—"
"You were embarrassed?" Freya added, laughing.
"Yeah something like that." Amarant answered.
"Well that's alright, you have my forgiveness."
Amarant said nothing but laughed. After that, a long moment of silence dragged by as the flaming-red hair man cleared his throat. 'Well it's now or never… with Fratley dead-ass drunk, I won't have to worry about him kicking my ass.' He thought. He gazed at Freya for a moment, "Um… Freya," he began.
The silvery-white hair woman gave him her full attention, "Yes?"
Amarant turned around and pulled the red rose out of his pocket and sighed, staring at it he spoke. "What I really wanted to tell you earlier is that…" he paused, clenching his large hands into fist as he gritted his teeth.
"I may sound like a fucking ass but I suddenly have these weird feelings for you." He said, turning around to face her. "There I said it." He mumbled.

At first Freya didn't know how to react, whether to break down and cry and tell him how she feels? Or rather walk away and stare at him in disgust. She didn't know.
"Wh-what did you just say? That you have these 'feelings' for me?" she said in almost complete shock.
"I know it sounds crazy but I do. I just really can't explain how it happened." He lied, he didn't want to tell her that he had a crazed sandy-blonde hair woman who thinks she's a matchmaker and tells him to admit his feelings to Freya, of all people! His friend! Freya shook her head, "No…" she whispered, "No… you can't… you can't be in love with me…" she said. "I love Fratley…"
"Fuck Fratley!" Amarant spat.
Freya had seen Amarant this angry before but not at her, and yet again a long haul of silence swept over them.
"S-Sorry…" Amarant muttered, bowing his head.
"You sure as hell should be." She snapped and she turned around, facing towards the door. "It wouldn't work Amarant and you should know that." She said, the cold icy wind blew by the two and she signed. "We're two different species and we can't be to—"
"Screw the fucking difference." He growled, appearing in front of her.
He took the red rose out of his pocket and handed it to her. Freya glanced at him and then at the rose, she accepted it and took it.
"I was supposed to give that to you earlier and tell you but I didn't have the guts to do it." He told her. Freya sighed again and gave it back to him.

How can I not love you
What do I tell my heart
When do I not want you here in my arms

"I'm sorry," she whispered, she walked passed him and opened the door. "I just can't be with you… and I can't accept your feelings Amarant, you know I'm in love with Fratley." Tears were filling up in her eyes as she glanced back at the man.
She was about to leave but was stopped when she heard his gruff voice speak, "Don't walk away Freya," he said, Freya gazed at him. "You can go running back to Fratley but do you think his drunk-self can comfort you? I think not."
Hot tears were streaming down her face as she shook her head; Amarant approached her and cupped her chin with his large hand. "I don't want to admit it but I love you Freya, even if you are my close and only friend… I'll be there for you."
Freya sighed softly and wrapped her arms around him, "I can always count on you…" she whispered and shut her eyes.
He stroked her hair softly and held her.

How does one Waltz away
From all of the memories
How do I not want miss you
When you are gone

Makoto sat on the rail a few feet away from the two and she sighed lovingly. "How cute, looks like I solved this problem. Praise the gods to that." She said jokingly. "Best that I leave these two alone, I have other duties to attend." Amarant heard her and he glanced over in her direction, Makoto smiled at him and vanished.
And a few moments later, a few fireworks were shot into the sky and exploded into pretty colors. Freya and Amarant looked up into the sky and then at each other and smiled.

Must be brave,
And we must be strong,
Can not say,
What we've known all long

@-}—

A/N: *cries* Well that's the end of chapter two, finally. WAHHHH!!! So cute! ^^;; I feel like shooting myself after I wrote this scene, yeesh! Anywayz, so sorry if it took me a really long time to write this chapter! I had to rewrite it over a bazillion times and I finally I just wrote this and now I'M DONE WITH IT! YAY!! So tell me what you think! I know I made Amarant OOC and Freya too but I can catch Amarant's character but in the next frickin' chapter he won't be OOC. God… it took me a whole frickin' month to write this and I know I'm gonna be burnt out from all this. Oi… anywayz read and review! And send me some mail if you want. native_gurl86@hotmail.com

Teaser: Now that Freya and Amarant got together—sort of—what else has in store for the two and everybody else? And what's up with the floating castle that flies over Alexandria? Who the dude with the red hair and strangely looks like Freya? Find out next time! ^_^