Zidane looked down at the ground, far, far below. He had never really got the hang on air-ships, which was surprising as he seemed to be spend a considerably portion of his life in them, and less but more memorable parts hanging down from them and possibly being violently sick in the sordid process. But the trp to Lindblum was pretty much essential. Diplomatic missions normally were, and he needed to meet his uncle in law again anyway.
'Beautiful sites, eh sir?' asked Steiner, who was standing dutifully beside him.
'Won't be when I puke on it,' said Zidane, miserably, 'oh, and Steiner? We both know that I'm more powerful than you. Stop acting like you're guarding me.'
'Sorry sir,' said the pluto knight, slouching a bit, 'but I feel useless now. It doesn't feel like I'm needed anymore, I just want to do my bit for King and country.'
'We've al had to go through changes,' said Zidane, leaning back against the zeppelin's barrier, 'in another world, you'd be chasing me round trying to arrest me. Or I might be blowing the whole of Gaia up. I don't like my new role Steiner, but I need to do it. I need to help Garnet. She is very important to me.'
'You make a lovely couple,' said Steiner.
'Yeah, so do you and Beatrix. But you know what? Garnet will be saying the exact same thing to her. You don't need to guard me. Beatrix knows she doesn't need to guard Garnet when she has Ifrit and co.'
'So, why don't you sack us?' asked the plate wearing soldier.
'For what? You haven't done anything wrong. You occasionally get a bit too drunk at parties and make a pass at a noble, but apart from that, there's no reason. I've been with you since we kidnapped Garnet. Beatrix used to kick us to crap, but she's been with us for a while too. It'd be unfair. Besides, if anything, we owe you.'
'I don't understand.'
'For helping us through it all. For never letting up.'
'That is my duty,' said Steiner automatically, 'I am not be thanked.'
'Yes, you are. It doesn't matter if it's a job or not. Getting paid at the end of the week doesn't matter.'
'Thank you sir.'
'Stop thanking me. I can't be bothered with people thanking me.'
'Sorry sir.'
'And stop saying sorry too. You want to do something? Go hype up those soldiers and mages down there. I'm sure they need a lot of help.'
Steiner nodded and turned to leave.
'You've changed a lot, Zid- my King,' he said, 'you're a lot more sensible and thoughtful now.'
'Damn it Steiner, Do you really want me to sack you?'
