Filling In The Blanks

Disclaimer: I don't own Final Fantasy 9 or any of its characters.

A/N: I'm sooo sorry it's been such a long time! I didn't even realize how long it had been! I had all of this written then my computer broke and my brother-in-law had to take the hard drive to fix it, and OMG I'm so sorry! I hope all of your are still alive! Hopefully all of my readers will keep reader, and reviewers (maybe even some new ones) will keep reviewing! I'm sorry!

Chapter 32: A Long Trek

Steiner realized that he had no idea where anyone went. For a while, he stayed back in Dali in an attempt to help villagers after most of the resistance had fled. He saw the major explosion, though he wasn't sure who it was from.

He figured they didn't have a plan, and would be sitting targets at the Observatory for a while – so he thought he had time.

Moving swiftly, he avoided guards. Something he never thought possible because of his clanky armor, and even in his mind… He could tell he wasn't a spectacular knight – at least in comparison to Beatrix.

Shoving his arm through a window, he jumped inside, coughing as smoke filled his lungs. Mostly everything was still charred, but he remembered Beatrix saying that she told the mayor's daughter to stay upstairs in hiding until her parents came to get her.

That never came, as they lit the mayor's house on fire shortly after the burst of resistance members shot through the ground. Stumbling, he wobbling jumped up the stairs, holding his hand over his mouth to reduce the smoke he breathed in.

Glancing around, he began throwing everything open. Wardrobes, chests, and anything else he could get his hands on, he pried open.

Finally, going into a room with a torch in the middle, flames blazing about, he spotted an unopened chest. He was sweating, so he wasn't sure if the girl had fled or not, because even she should know to get out, despite what the knight told her.

Hopping as far over the fire as he could, he slammed into the wall. Grumbling, he kicked at the chest to try and open it. It seemed to be jammed. Suddenly, the bed went ablaze and he himself almost caught on fire. With a grunt, he thrust open the chest and there was the little girl. She was sweating and bawling her eyes out.

Gingerly picking her up, he glanced around for an exit other than going through the fire. Unfortunately there was none, but he had to use his head to get both of them out of there alive. At this time, he wasn't thinking about the resistance anymore. He knew they couldn't go far, even with the airships they had stored… He would find a way back – his primary focus should be giving back to Dali – as they had protected them for as long as they could.

Quote unsteadily, he unsheathed his sword, even as the little girl screamed. He began beating on the wall – kicking it, and smashing into it, hoping it would give way. At first, he thought it wasn't any good. But by some miraculous rotting point a few feet away from the horrible storm they had not all that long ago, things began to crumble. Kicking at it a bit more, he shoved at the pink wall and almost fell out.

This time, he used the wall as a support for his weight so he didn't trip out the hole. Luckily, it was on the side of the house not facing the town. They would be concealed. He found that it was the bed frame on fire, and snatched the little girl's mattress of the bed. Squeezing it through the hole he noticed the end of it had caught flame.

He acted quickly, sweeping the little girl up, and jumping out, covering her mouth so she wouldn't scream.

He glanced around nervously, and dashed for the weeds, narrowly missing a group of soldiers running by. Moving low, the girl sick from smoke, and still crying her eyes out in fear, he held her tightly and rolled down a hill not too far off. Glancing around, he saw a storage shed for farming tools. He rammed into the door, breaking the lock, and set her inside on a crate.

"Don't move from here, alright?" He ordered, and she could only weep.

"Don't leave!" She demanded, crying fiercer than before.

"I'll be back, I promise. Just stay here… Hide once you get a little fresh air, okay?" She nodded meekly.

Steiner preformed many more heroic savings that same day. The soldiers cleared out, thinking that the townspeople were scared out of their wits, at least half of them dead, and with the resistance gone they no longer had a reason for being there. The unfortunate part, was that General Strand executed the mayor for helping such a civilization live in his dirt.

His wife, Steiner didn't know about, but he moved in a weary condition, down to the shed where he had instructed every able citizen to go when they could without being noticed. He saw faced he knew, and was relieved to see so many okay, but there were also so many that had died a fiery death. Worse, there were even more who were slaughtered violently at the hands of Kuja's soldiers.

Biting his lip, he told them that he could no longer help them. He didn't know what to do, or where to direct them. Sighing, he tapped into his mental map – memorized so many years ago, and realized the only place to go without crossing the mountain passes (flocked with Kuja's guards now-a-days), was Treno.

He decided that the least he could do was take these people to Treno, and allow them to settle themselves in – he owed them that much, even though he was the only resistance member to stay behind.

They were all grateful to have a guide, and someone who knew how to fight. Ever so slowly, they started out on the long trek south.

?

They were halfway to Treno. Tired, hungry, and with no shelter, few were completely healthy. Steiner bit his lip – he wasn't used to doing this alone. He was great at this kind of stuff yes, but supporting people on the social end of things wasn't his forte, and he always let others do it.

Letting out a puff of air, he offered his blanket to the mayor's daughter – her frightened eyes had toughened, even though they still held the spark of fear in the beautiful dark orbs. She reminded him slightly of Dagger, and he yearned for the rest of his team – his family…

No one had anything else to offer – Dali basically being taken off of the map. So, they didn't know what to expect when they saw a small group traveling towards them. Luckily, Kuja had recruited zero Bermecians into his army, so once their long legs and hands were made out, along with the whooshing, thin tail behind them, they were welcomed with open arms.

Steiner thought one of the Bermecian's – a pale blue, with a feathered hat, and a spear with a beautifully colored ribbon on it – looked vaguely familiar, but for the time being, he shrugged it off. They provided a tent for shelter – amazingly big enough to cram everyone inside, with the help of a couple refuge moogles as well.

There were eight rat-like creatures that joined us – that was almost half of our own population. There was now enough protection to gather food, and enough support by sociable people to get sicknesses beginning to be cured, and definite bonds to be made.

The rest of the way to Treno was actually an enjoyable one. Steiner got to know people who otherwise would have died in a fire…

?

It turns out the knight finally pin-pointed where he had seen that specific Bermecian before. It was Sir Irontail Fratley – Freya's boyfriend, and the king's protector. He was upon them too – which explained their exquisite traveling supplies.

Steiner and Fratley, being the leaders of either group, helped everyone locate places to stay in Treno that would attract no attention to them, considering where they all came from. Carefully, everyone fell into spots, and one night, Fratley and Steiner were walking the mayor's daughter to the king's house. He had taken a liking to her, and had decided to have her stay with him – until everything was one hundred percent figured out.

They were standing on the bridge over the lake – a beautiful glimmering lake that went on for as long as they eye (and more) could see. It wavered slightly in the stillness of the night, contrasting with old Treno that bustled even more lively than during the day. He sighed, the city that never sleeps has finally slumbered… And that's when it happened.

All at once, coming splashing out of the water was none other than Quina. At first he was very confused, but once we dragged him onto shore and bought him some fried frog's legs (which he insisted were fake, as the real thing tasted better) he told the story.

They were all alive, and just escaping a place called Conde Petie – Steiner knew where that was – and a small girl named Eiko, whom they found, guided them to Madain Sari – that one, Fratley knew of – to have dinner. He jumped into the river after a fish, and after that – the rest of the story remained a mystery to him as well.

He was so excited when he found out that Freya's long lost lover was standing before him, he gave a whole hearted lick, half way up the body. As Fratley stood frozen in shock and disgust, shuddering with the smell and sensation of Quina's saliva, the Qu's tongue waggled back and forth like a dog's tail.

The mayor's daughter laughed – the first time since Dali had been destroyed, and each of them knew it was going to get easier from then on…

When she was finally out of their presence, Fratley turned to Steiner.

"I think we should move out."

"What?" Steiner questioned skeptically.

"Everyone knows who you are, especially in Treno. Gossip travels here the fastest. A moogle was already sent on his way with the letter of your death – no one will be looking for you now, but if they happen to come across you… I cannot tell you the consequence you'll receive."

"We can't leave these people defenseless!"

"I'm leaving the rest of my brethren with them…" Fratley nodded gravely, "I am going with you because I have not been part of the resistance in a long time, and I wish to see Freya." The knight couldn't argue – as he had been longing to see Beatrix for some time now.

"We should move now… But how to get to them?" Steiner questioned out loud, frustration apparent in his tone.

"Roo!" Quina nodded.

"Roo?" Fratley questioned.

"I know way – secret passage to Zidane and yummy treats!"

"Zidane?"

"Fratley, I'll explain the whole story on the way… As of right now Quina, please lead us… We have enough supplies to make it without stopping."

"Quina find food, me very hungry!" He waddled off, and Steiner gaped at him, stunned that the Qu could take things so lightly.

Fratley smiled fondly at the Qu, knowing him a little longer than Steiner, "Quina, would you like some frogs?"

"Frogs?" He gasped, whipping around.

"Yes, I have some for you as a reward to leading us to the resistance…" He smiled again, this time wider, showing his pearly fanged teeth.

"Okay!" He agreed and began to walk. Steiner then gaped at Fratley, amazing at how instantaneously he knew what Quina desired. The Bermecian chuckled and jogged to catch up with their friend. Steiner quickly followed

?

'Roo' turned out to be the one and only Fossil Roo. Steiner didn't even believe it existed, hearing so many stories, but never stumbling across someone who had actually been through the whole thing.

"I believe it whole heartedly," Fratley commented after a string of ignorant comments by the knight.

"Is that so?" He questioned, glancing at the Bermecian.

"I had a few fellow knights try to find a place to hide. When Kuja first ambushed Cleyra I was there –"

"Why were you in Cleyra?" Steiner asked, confused. Fratley never left the king's side according to Freya.

"Well you see…" He blushed – something the man was unaware Bermecians could do. Now he had Steiner's undivided attention. "I was buying Freya a ring."

"A ring?" Steiner was astonished. Here was this private couple from Bermecia, who didn't show their feelings towards anyone but each other, and who accordingly put their duty in front of their relationship, the man in the relationship wishing to propose.

"That's not really the point, Steiner…" He spoke wisely but gently, and the man suddenly felt as though he was being too gossipy. He laughed out a sorry and let him continue his original story.

"No one knew where to turn… Cleyra was highly devastated, but most were too full of pride to retreat to Bermecia where they had extra defense. They fled else where in the world, and most of the Cleyra Bermecians were wiped out. Fortunately, I managed to lead a small band back to my home. They were all welcomed in after the tragedy struck their brothers and sisters…

"But some were not satisfied. They asked, though I had been gracious to them – had the whole city, if they could leave. I offered to help them venture to a place they would be comfortable. We crossed the only mountain pass still out of Kuja's control. The grotto south of my city – and stumbled upon Qu's marsh…"

Steiner glanced ahead to Quina who was quiet. He assumed that the Qu was also listening to the story – though not commenting on any of it. The knight knew he didn't remark on much.

"Soon enough we stumbled upon this building. It was old, and I advised them not to go inside – especially considering what they had just gone through in their own city. But they were grieving, and striving to get away, so they went inside after they said good-bye to me, saying they could take it from there… I headed back to Bermecia, and I never heard from them again."

"You definitely have your way with ghost stories…" Steiner teased. He was a lot less tense with everyone thinking he was dead, and with an older mature person to converse with that wasn't hot headed, and that he wasn't in love with. AKA: not talking with either Baku or Beatrix. Cid didn't count – the times he'd tried to have a heart to heart conversation with him, he simply laughed and made jokes of it. He fumed later when he found out that it was Beatrix he had the serious talks with.

"Either they made their way out, or died trying… I just wonder where this will take us…"

"Take us to Outer Continent," Quina beamed at being oh-so-smart.

"What?" Fratley and Steiner spoke together, quite shocked the Qu knew so much.

"Outer Continent, and we go to Conde Petie! We says rally-ho, and get in! Quina sneak out at night and find Zidane and yummy treats!"

"We should make haste…" Fratley decided. "Let's move through the knight – we'll camp out again before we go into Fossil Roo."

Steiner nodded, and they continued going, eating while they walked, talking with each other about nothing in particular to stay awake.

After a long night, they had made it into the Bermecian's home country, and into the marsh. Steiner was long past his limit, and even the ever-stamina filled Bermecian was close to his time to rest. Quina bounded happily through the marsh, leading them to a shack of some sort. Immediately, they were greeted by Quina's master chef and welcomed inside.

A feast was set out for them in an instant, and though all of the food looked peculiar, the two foreigners to the marsh dug in with as many manners as their tired minds could muster.

After a long feast, they settled down and fell asleep in the house, listening to Quina quietly converse with the owner of the house.

"Quina really going through Fossil Roo?" Quale spoke lowly, almost ominously.

"Quina must find yummy treats and friends left behind for fish!" Quale chuckled affectionately.

"Make haste, Quina…" He nodded wisely, and handed him a golden fork – the younger Qu's eyes widened as he gasped dramatically, "This will make good use for you, yes?" He beamed as the giant fork was taken by the youngster.

"Thank Master Quale!"

"Quan would want you to have it…" He nodded.

In the midst of sleep, hearing that name caused Steiner to jolt a little. He was dazed. Quan? His mind wondered, where have I heard that name before? Before he could find an answer though, a slight image of Vivi entered his mind before he was drifted off into sleep, the evidence of who might be most convenience by hearing that name again slowly slipping from his grasp.

?

The next day marked their journey into Fossil Roo. They wondered slightly – both Fratley and Steiner – if they would make it through the treacherous place with their lives, and every limb still intact, but Quina assured them, and told them not to worry.

When the entered the old building and evaded any sort of trap that lead to the opening, they saw one man too afraid to move any further. He was a merchant – carrying things like food, weapons, fresh water, armor, and an assortment of other things.

Steiner proposed the deal that if he went with them to Madain Sari to give their 'group' supplies, he would assure safety through the passage. The frightened man complied without much hesitation, and they were off.

Water trickled in every direction, stirring up mind tricks and 'no this way, not that way' from almost every member of the group. When the time arose to stop, all of them, even Quina, were too frightened to rest, and kept going, deeper into the underground tunnel.

The gargant was amazingly easy to ride on, even though Quina had some difficulty holding on – but with the help of the merchant, they figured out that the flowers are what lead the gargant around, and switched caused water to rush in, or suddenly drain from areas.

Luckily, their trip caused no disturbance, or problem to any enemies, or themselves. Breathing a sigh of relief, Steiner saw the light at the end of the tunnel, and they all herded towards it like insects to a light bulb.

When they broke into the dusty sand of the Outer Continent, their eyes were blinded, and immediately they became hot. Though, nevertheless, grins were upon each member's face as they whooped – they were out after a couple of days.

Their trip persisted with no more problems, up until no people of Conde Petie knew where the resistance members had gone. As if by chance, they stumbled upon Baku, who still stood in the same exact spot on the path he was supposed to meet everyone. He had a black eye, and was especially crabby, but otherwise alright.

He explained, after a gleeful reunion with Steiner, how he was ambushed and beaten to unconsciousness by a group of Kuja's soldiers, and not too long afterward, he had heard the group consisting of Zidane, Vivi, Freya, Beatrix, Dagger, and a few other key members to the group were kidnapped, Steiner went on an outrage.

Immediately, he came up with an escape plan, and they were on their way. They told Baku to report to Cid and tell them just who he had found, and Baku gave them the advice that they would most likely not find the small group who was kidnapped. Fratley decided that they would be okay, and they moved forward.

"I must thank you for your assistance… I shall supply the resistance with whatever they need as long as they stay close to Conde Petie…" He grinned and handed Steiner something wrapped in a cloth, "I hope this aids you in finding the Princess –" they seemed shocked that he knew, "Word travels quickly my friends… Make haste, and please do let me know when you return…" He nodded as Steiner and Fratley headed out.

"Do you think we will find them?" Steiner asked Fratley as he opened the cloth.

Both of their eyes widened when they saw the pendant, "With this, yes we will…"

?

A/N: Well you'll see what that pendant is next chapter, but I thought you'd all like to know what Steiner was up to, and how that all happened. I know the ending might seem rushed, but I didn't think you all cared about Fossil Roo and such lol so :)

I hope you enjoyed! Please review!

-zesty-