Chapter 1

*updated*

I had been part of Tantalus for as long as I could remember. We were like family...brothers in arms. We were orphans and all of us were from different parts of the world. However, Zidane it seemed...was different. Much different than any of us. When he arrived he had no name and knew nothing about himself. All of us worked to make sure he learned and felt safe as part of our group.

Years went by. We had been on many missions together, Zidane and I...Baku had decided we were his best thieves and I loved every minute of our time together. We were brothers after all. We managed to become closer and closer to the point we were always paired together on missions. We were inseperable...we were good at our job...and most importantly...we had fun doing it.

However, the last few months, things have changed. We've been unable to keep conversation going...the jokes dried up...and we actually botched a mission. I managed to finish it, but even our chemistry was screwed up. I tried to talk to Zidane about it, but he shrugged it off and said everything was fine. I knew it wasn't.

Marcus and Cinna were good friends and we were brothers...but they weren't Zidane. His happy-go-lucky personality was infectious and whenever we were together I just felt like a young kid when he was like that. Now, I felt angry...depressed...alone. It didn't help that my appearance made it hard to make friends outside of our group...sure women wanted a man with scars, but finding TRUE friends...that was almost impossible.

Then I wondered...what if all the time we had spent together had been too much for our friendship? We had spent almost every waking hour together for almost eleven years. Maybe he just needed space...maybe I just needed space.

I decieded to let him have his space and went on missions alone. I was good, I didn't need help.

On one mission, I ended up running into a cult that was being controlled by its leader. My mission had been to steal a valuable artifact, but I ended up exposing the cult and freeing those involved. This gave me ample time to loot the facility and I took as much as I could...Baku would be pleased and perhaps we could finally upgrade the ship. Our living quarters were cramped enough...and with the odd feeling between Zidane and me...it would be nice to not be sleeping in the bed four feet from him.

On my way out the back, I noticed one of the headbands the victims had been controlled with. I stared at it for a few minutes and decided to take it with me. I knew I'd never use it...but...you never knew if you needed the truth out of someone.

-Weeks later-

Zidane and I had been called to Baku's office and we both made our way there. Zidane smiled at me and made small talk while we walked to the office and things almost felt normal. Perhaps the length of time we'd spent doing different jobs had worked out.

"Boys, I am sending you on a quest again. I need you both to do your best on this one. You both have valuable skills and used to work so well together. I want you to go to the Mist area near Burmecia. I have been told there is treasure nearby. I want you to find this treasure and bring it back. I will reward you both if you succeed."

"The Mist?" I said with concern. "Isn't that a tad dangerous? I mean...Zidane shouldn't be forced to go on such a treacherous mission. He is too young!"

Zidane glared at me. "I'm only two years younger than you!"

"You are the best choices for the mission. Go. Now." Baku said.

I turned and went to gather my equipment for the trip. It would be long and probably awkward. It rained so much in that part of the world...and it was close to winter. As I stuffed my bag with essentials I heard Zidane come in.

"You know Blank...I can speak for myself! I am not a kid anymore! Just because you haven't wanted to work with me lately doesn't mean I haven't been busy! I've done just as many successful missions as you have!"

That had been true. He had done quite well for himself and I had ignored it. Never even told him he was doing a good job.

"You are right...and I'm sorry I spoke up. I just worry. I can't help it."

Zidane looked at me and rolled his eyes. "You worry like an old women!"

"Better than acting like a three year old all the time!" I retorted.

Zidane growled and stormed off. I sighed. We didn't need this tension on the trip. Baku would probably disown me if this mission didn't go well. Zidane was his favorite and we all knew it. He had been allowed to leave and try to find himself...when he returned...that was when things really had been different.

Zidane had always been happy go lucky around me and I had always loved his personality. It made a dreary exsistance seem exciting...on missions he was agile, smart and full of pride. I always felt like I could do anything when we were on a mission together.

Until that last mission anyway...then he became quiet and seemed to take everything I said wrong. I didn't mean to make him mad...I just wanted to protect him.

While packing I came across the headband from my previous mission...I knew what it could do...but would I do that to someone who had been my best friend? Was part of my odd little family.

The intercom crackled to life:

"Hey Blank, Zidane has already left, you might want to hurry up!"

It was Baku. Damn it.

I grabbed the headband and shoved it in my bag. I lifted it on my back and headed out into the wild. I caught up to Zidane within a few minutes and slowed down to a jog.

"It's about time you decided to show up." Zidane said with a smirk. "Can't you keep up with a younger man?"

"You said yourself we were only two years apart!"

"Surprised you remembered that old man!"

I laughed as we headed into the forest to begin our mission. It would be long and dangerous, but if things kept up this way, it would at least be fun.

For a few days, things were fun again. We told stories by the fire and laughed the night away. It was like old times and I thought we'd made it through the rocky times, but when I looked at him I knew somthing was off.

I knew I had to say something...or this whole mission would be awkward.

"Zidane...what happened to us?" I asked. "Am I that bad of a friend that our friendship had to fall apart?"

The boy looked at me with wide eyes.

"I...I don't know what you mean Blank. I don't think of you any different than before. Really I don't!"

"Then why don't we talk? What happened to us? We were so close for so long..."

Zidane looked at the ground and said nothing.

"When you left...I took it really hard...you know." I said. "When you came back I was so happy."

Zidane smiled at this.

"I know. I was happy to see you...but...I...I wasn't able to find out who I am...what I am."

I looked at the tail attached to my best friend.

"Zidane, you are you...who cares if there are no others like you. That is what makes you special."

The boy laughed and turned his head. "Don't make me laugh Blank. No one wanted me out there...no one. I came back because I had no where else to go. There is nothing for me out there. Nothing."

I tried to say something, but the boy put up his hand and shook his head.

"We are friends...always will be...but...I changed out there...and you'll never understand."

The boy laid down and turned away from me.

"Just leave me be. I want to get this over with. If I make enough money...then perhaps I'll be free...and I can find a place on this planet that I can truly belong."

That comment hurt. What had I done to make him think he didn't belong?

I sat for a long time in thought. Zidane truly had lost some of his energetic self. I had caused him to answer something he hadn't wanted me to know...

I had to convince him that we were here for him...but...he wouldn't listen...and I'd make him mad if I said much more.

I knew. The headband. I could make him understand. Heck, he could make me understand what happened. He would have to tell me.

No...it was wrong...he was my little brother.

No...not anymore he wasn't. He was something else now. Something had changed him...I had to find out what.

I swallowed hard and took the headband from my bag. Zidane had begun to snore softly so I knew I could get it on his head.

I snuck over and turned the boy over. He groaned in his sleep. "Jus' a few more minutes Blank..."

I gasped, but within a few seconds the snoring continued. I took the headband and slipped it over his head. The band began to glow. I was confused at that, but didn't question it.

Zidane's eyes shot open and he slowly sat up. His face was calm and blank.

"Blank? What...what is happening to me?" Zidane said in a floaty voice. "I...I feel so...strange..."

I gasped and grabbed for the headband. I lifted it off and watched Zidane's eyes roll up in his head as he collapsed back onto his sleeping bag.

I stood there in silence and watched as he eventually began to snore again. I hoped he was unaware I had done anything. I felt sick for even trying it.

I laid back down and sighed. Within a few minutes, sleep overtook me.

The next day went much like the last mission we had gone on. We didn't say much and I didn't blame him. Our previous night conversation hadn't been great and I was feeling guilty for trying to mind control my little brother.

While walking through the forest, we came to a rather nice log cabin. Several guard seemed to be posted along the perimeter. This looked like a great opportunity to search for valuables.

"Blank, are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Zidane said with a smirk. "That place is probably loaded. They aren't on the list...Baku won't know...we can keep it all for ourselves."

I nodded. "I'll try and divert the guards and you break into the cabin. It doesn't look like anyone is inside at the moment."

Zidane nodded and took of like a flash. He was a great thief. Nible, fast and agile. I snuck up behind guard number one and knocked him out with a strong hit to the back of his neck. I then drug him out of sight and searched the body. He had a fine dagger, but nothing else of interest. The crest on his tunic was one I was not familar with.

I took the dagger and put it in my bag. I then turned to notice Zidane by the side door. He was picking the lock and keeping an eye on me. I gave him a thumbs up and he went back to work.

Guard two wasn't much smarter than the first and I took him down with little trouble. I turned to see Zidane at the front door waving me inside. I looked around the area for any other signs of life...this couldn't have been THIS easy.

"Blank! They've got a safe, I'm gonna crack it! Keep an eye out for anyone else coming our way!"

I nodded and knelt by the door. I kept an eye on the road and saw nothing, but that didn't mean we weren't being watched.

As I sat there my mind wondered...then it came back in a flash.

I heard a click and then I heard something else...a trap.

Trap?

I dove for Zidane and the boy turned in surpise.

"Blank? What ar-"

The safe suddenly unleashed a small explosion that my back to the brunt of.

It hurt.

I looked down at the boy trapped under me and saw blood on the side of his face. He was out cold.

We HAD to get out of here.

I looked in the safe to see if anything was worth taking. I did find a few bags of gold. I took them. I ignored everything else.

I looked outside and it was still quiet. I felt more unease than ever.

"Blank? What...what happened?" Zidane said with a groan. "My face...hurts."

"Shh. We've gotta get outa here!" I said. "Trying to find the bathroom...has to have some potions..."

"I...have some...in my bag...its out by the door. I left it out there."

I lifted the boy up and helped him walk towards the door.

However...before we could make it, there was a clunk from the front door.

A bomb fragment.

Zidane gasped and I pushed him out the door.

"Go! Zidane...go you fool!"

The boy grabbed his backpack and limped towards the north...I turned. My bag. I NEED my bag.

It was outside...a guard was poking around it...

No!

I ran towards the guard right as the bomb fragment went off. The log cabin went up in a huge explosion of fire and wood splinters. I felt several large pieces of sharp wood hit my leather armor.

I also felt some hit my fleshy parts. That HURT.

That made me FURIOUS.

I ran for the guard...he had done this. I pulled my knife screamed. The guard turned and pulled his much larger short sword.

However, he wasn't a trained rouge like me. I took him down with only a minor gash added to my many scars. I took my bag and ran.

I had to find Zidane soon. He was injured. I saw blood on the trail and became much more worried. I knew I was hurt, but my armor had taken most of the damage. I'd need to get my armor fixed at some point.

Night fell and I hadn't found him. I began to grow worried. He had left a trail for me to follow, but it had grown dark and I was not a great tracker. That was Zidane's department.

I suddenly heard something...sounded like a fire being started. I turned and followed the sound of dagger to flint and within a few moments I saw him. He looked tired and angry. Blood had dried on his face...but he was alive.

Zidane gasped and swung his knife over from the fire pit and flipped it to a throwing position.

"I know you are there! Show yourself! I promise you I can kill a man from this distance!"

I stepped out with my hands up.

"Take it easy Zidane...it's just me...put down your knife."

Zidane sighed and lowered his knife. I relaxed as well.

"Thank god. Blank I thought you were dead. Why in the world did you leave your bag clear back by the guards?"

I sighed. "Mental error. It is what it is now. I dispatched the guard and got my bag. He didn't have anything on him worth taking."

"Did the safe have ANYTHING worthwhile?" Zidane whimpered as he went back to starting the fire.

The fire started and the area regained valuable warmth. I sat down and sighed.

"I found two bags of gold. Here, we go fifty-fifty." Zidane caught the bag and looked at it.

"Couldn't be more than five hundred gold in these bags..." Zidane moaned. "We almost died for that?!"

"We did."

Zidane said nothing else as he took out a potion and a small rag. He began to clean his wounds and he already began to look better. I pulled off my armor and looked at the charred splinter filled back. This armor was about useless now. I pulled off my padded shirt as well...it seemed to be ok...which meant my protection would be limited...but still it was better than none at all.

"Blank...you...you saved me...didn't you?"

"Well...I kept you from getting a face full of whatever was in that safe...looked like a some type of bomb fragment...like the one thrown into the cabin..."

"Oh...well...thank you...I mean...I coulda died."

"Thankfully, you didn't. I'd have never forgiven myself."

Zidane smiled. "I wonder who those people were...I tried to get as far as possible...I even made fake trails...I was hurting, but I didn't want them finding me. Although I knew you'd still find me...if you were alive."

I took my extra padded shirt from my bag. Two of those were better than one when I had no armor I supposed.

"I don't know...I...I didn't recognize the sigil. Perhaps they were hired goons. We might have found some mafia joint or something."

Zidane gulped. "Great. Juuuuussstt great."

I opened my bag again and found one of the three full healing potions I kept with me on major missions. I began rubbing the medicine on my hurting body and it felt good. I passed the remaining potion to Zidane and he took it with a smile.

"Well...I'll take watch...you let yourself heal and once you feel stronger, we will head out."

Zidane slowly stood up. "I...I can move now."

I shook my head. "You were beaten up pretty bad."

Zidane growled. "I am not a child,Blank. I can move...and besides, you took the brunt of it. Let's get out of here."

We packed up quickly and I went ahead and grabbed my armor...didn't want anyone to know it was us that used this area. We put out the fire and began walking. We walked for hours silently and I hated every minute of it. I had treated him like a kid again and he resented it. I was so stupid.

"Blank! A cave is up ahead. Let's rest there! I'll set up a trap for anyone that decides to check in on us...we will be as safe as possible."

A cave...great...I went inside and went to the back end. It was cool and relaxing...something I needed. I lit the magic candle I had bought in Alexandria. I was glad I brought it as it would take three times as long to run down as a normal candle...and it gave off twice the light. Well worth the cash.

After a few minutes Zidane limped into view and slid down to the floor beside me and laid his head down on my shoulder.

"We screwed up going in that house...too greedy..."

"No...we both wanted that money. Not to mention, wanted to help you. I know you want out of here...want to find a place to belong."

"Blank...I...that's..." Zidane lifted his head and moved away. "I appreciate that you want to help me, but we've got to be more careful."

I laughed. "You're telling me...I'm not the one that got knocked out!"

"But I'm also not the one that almost got blown up and killed by a guard."

Zidane turned red and looked down at the ground. He said nothing as he got his things ready to sleep.

I sighed. "Look...I didn't mean to upset you...it was a stressful situation for both of us."

"I know...just...I..." Zidane sighed. "I'm going to sleep. Thanks for protecting me. I am thankful...really I am."

I watched as the boy went to sleep almost immediately. I didn't know what to do at this point. I was angry at myself for saying stupid things and I was mad at Zidane for growing up too fast and not really needing me anymore.

I punched the cave wall which was a stupid thing to do. Not as stupid as other things I had done or would do...but stupid nonetheless.

I knew that Zidane would leave us eventually. I had always known he was special. I knew my role in his life, but I had to know...he was holding things back from me...but what was it?

I looked at my bag and twice went for the headband. I knew a way to find out what I wanted to know...but would I be able to live with myself afterwards?

I wanted to sleep and tried to turn off my brain. If I went to sleep I could just move on and never think about the headband again.

Nope. That wasn't happening. Not tonight.

I couldn't stop thinking about it. Zidane was holding back...he would be gone within the year...I just knew it and I had to know or we'd never truly be friends again.

I pulled the headband out again and looked at it.

He would never know. Yet I would know...could I really control my brother...my best friend?

I knelt by Zidane...the boy had to learn to pay attention even when asleep. I had warned him about his obliviousness while asleep, but he never listened.

I placed the band on him again and cursed under my breath.

I went back to my side of the small cave and watched my friend...watched as he was brought under the control of the band.

Zidane's eyes shot open much like the first time. He slowly sat up and looked directly at me.

"Blaaannkk." Zidane slurred. "I...feeeeelll...so...straaangge.."

"Zidane...you are fine...nothing is wrong."

Zidane's eyes and face went blank. The boy was under this time. I had gone through with it so it was now or never.

"I am fine...nothing is wrong..." Zidane repeated in a slow almost slurred speech...like he was drunk.

I kept a small container of liquor in my bag. I took a swig and put it away.

Lord...what was I doing?

"Zidane. Come over here and sit by me."

Zidane stood up and stiffly walked over to me and sat down. The whole ordeal looked awkard...as if he had never walked before. The one thing that I had a hard time seeing was his tail...it drug behind him...no bounce like normal.

"How do you feel? Are you in any pain?" I asked.

The boy looked at me and said nothing for several seconds. He then spoke in a monotone voice.

"I feel fine. My wounds are healed. I have no pain."

"Good." I said as I wiped some dried blood from the boy's cheek. "How does it feel having that headband on your head?"

The boy cocked his head to one side and then shrugged.

"I no longer have the burden of free will. That is an odd feeling, but does not bother me."

This was becoming more than I could handle.

"So...you have to do what I say?" I mumbled. "You can't disobey me?"

Zidane nodded slowly. "That is correct Blank. I am fully under your control."

"So...I have questions. Can you answer them?"

Zidane nodded again. "If I have the knowledge, I will answer truthfully as I cannot lie to you."

"Ok...I just want to know...if you hate me."

Zidane shook his head. "I cannot hate the one who commands me."

"No...I mean...normal you...teenage boy you...does that Zidane hate me."

Zidane shook his head again. "No. I adore you. You have been my best and only true friend for almost my entire life."

"Then why have you been so distant? What did I do to you?"

The boy shrugged. "I am a teenager and I do not know how to show my feelings in the way I want sometimes. I had tried to be honest, but was unable to do so."

This was going on too long, but I had gotten valuable answers.

"Is there anyway I can give you some orders to imprint for when the control has been stopped?"

"Yes. Give me the command and I will follow it."

"I want you to feel like you can tell me anything again. Do not be afraid of me anymore. Be aware that I love you and that I'm your big brother. I only act like I do because I am protecting you."

"This command will be obeyed." Zidane droned. "What are your new commands so I can obey."

I sighed. "Get ready to sleep. When you wake up you won't remember any of this...except the command I put into your mind."

"As you command." Zidane stood up and walked over to his bed. He took off his padded armor and stood shirtless in front of me. The boy's chest rose and fell in a rhythm that showed he was truly being controlled.

He was breathing when I was. That was creepy. Cute, but creepy. That headband had certainly controlled him.

Zidane finished prepping for bed and stood over me waiting for his new orders. I would be glad when this was over. I felt much better knowing that Zidane did indeed still like me, but I needed to get this band off of him. I didn't even understand how it worked and I was afraid of the side effects.

"Ok Zidane, sleep. You've done well. Thank you."

"I am glad I was able to please you." Zidane droned. "I will follow your order and sleep. I am tired."

Zidane did not go to his bag, but came and sat down beside me and laid his head on my shoulder.

"Zidane, what are you doing?" I said with a quiver in my voice that was unexpected. I wouldn't be able to take the controller from his head like this...he would never do this on his own.

"You have commanded me to sleep, and I am. I want to be near you. This was the logical choice as I enjoy being with you."

"Zidane, you must sleep in your bed. You've never done this before...when I bring you out of this control you'll know something was up."

Zidane looked at me with that blank face and nodded. "As you wish. I will sleep now. I am sorry that you were not pleased with this choice."

"It isn't that...it just isn't something you'd do..."

Zidane looked at me as he sat on his sleeping bag. "I was afraid to do so. You have let me know that you care as well."

"I thought you didn't have free will while under my control?"

"I do not. However, I still must try to please you and I can do whatever it takes to do so."

"I understand, but I will be removing my control once you sleep. I don't want you to remember anything but the imprint in your mind."

"I will not remember, but even when you remove the controlling device I will still be under your command."

My eyes went wide. "What do you mean?"

"I am forever under your control. We have bonded. This is what the control band does. All you'll have to do is say tell me to sleep and I will be yours again."

"So as long as I don't say that you will be normal?"

"Yes...except for the commands you have given me."

"Good. Now go to sleep so I can take that cursed thing from your head."

"As you wish..." Zidane said as he fell asleep.

Thank god. This went much farther than I wanted. I had just wanted to know how he felt...now he would be enslaved to me...no...I'd not use those words, he would be free. I'd never control my little brother...

I stood up and walked over to the sleeping boy and noticed he was still in synch with me. That was no longer cute, but caused me to feel horrible. This had been harmless and now I had changed him forever.

I took the headband off and put it back in my bag. I sat back down and took watch. I figured no one would find us and sure enough I had been right. Three hours passed and Zidane woke up.

"Hey, Blank...man did I have a weird dream..."

"Oh? What was it about?"

Zidane looked up quizzically then shrugged. "You know...I can't remember for some reason...but man I tell you it was crazy...I...think."

I laughed nervously. "Well, must not have been that odd if you can't remember it!"

Zidane nodded. "I guess you are right! You can go to sleep now, I'll take the rest of the watch."

Zidane stood up and I noticed we were no longer in synch (thank god) and watched as he got half dressed and then walked over to me. His tail had its bounce back and I smiled. I knew he was back to normal.

"Blank, I think you were right on who those people were...I think I remember the sigil. It was one of the Mafia groups. We may have assisted in blowing up one of their strongholds. Oops."

"They deserved it. They are scum." I said.

"I know, but it is a shame they didn't have more money in that safe."

I nodded. "I know...I'm sorry. I wanted to help you get the money to leave...so you can find what you are looking for."

Zidane looked at me and then sat down beside me.

"Blank...you know...you have to know that you aren't the reason I want to leave. You are the only reason I wanted to stay."

"I am no reason to stay. I have caused you nothing but trouble...and I treat you like a child."

Zidane shook his head. "No...you treat me like your little brother...which I appreciate you for. None of the others treat me like family. Not Baku for sure. he jus' wants me for my skills! Cinna is gross and annoying and doesn't really like me."

He was right on about Cinna. "What about Marcus?"

"Marcus...well...he's alright and I enjoy being around him, but he doesn't do much outside of work with me. You always have treated me like your kid brother. We are family and I regret not telling you this. I couldn't. I don't even know why I can now. When I was planning on leaving I tried to make you feel resentful so when I left you wouldn't care...and that was wrong. Then when I came back...I didn't know how to make things normal again."

"Its ok...I understand...I really do. I am just glad you don't hate me."

Zidane gasped. "That was not my intentions...I never could hate you...be annoyed maybe...well yes I do get annoyed...but hate? We've been too close for far too long."

"Then why did act like you hated me so much." I said...knowing some of the answer already.

"I already said it was because I didn't want you to miss me when I left. I made a huge mistake and once I did it, I wasn't sure how to fix the problem."

Zidane put his arm around my shoulder. "I really am sorry Blank. I made a bad decision. I'm glad I finally told you...I am not sure why I kept it hidden before...nor am I sure what made me finally tell you."

I knew why and that made me feel incredibly guilty.

"Are you ok Blank, you look sick. You aren't still mad at me are you?"

"God no, I...I just need to get some sleep Zidane, as I didn't bounce back from earlier like I thought I would."

"Good night...wake me in a few hours, we will get back on the road."

I didn't wait for a reply. I was exhausted. I fell alseep sitting against the cave wall. When I woke up light was flowing into the cave from the entrance. I wondered how long exactly I'd been asleep.

"Geez...Zidane why didn't you wake me up? Those guys could have found our trail by now."

"Zidane?"

I rubbed the sleep from my eyes and saw my brother sitting against the wall where I'd left him. His face was totally blank. Had I put him under the night before? I didn't remember doing it. I didn't ever want to do it again in the first place!

"I await your orders." Zidane said with no emotion. "I watched over you last night. There were no intruders. We were safe."

Oh yeah...when I told him I was going to sleep...lord it doesn't even have to be in the right order to put him under. Wish I had known. I need to be more careful.

"Good. Pick up your things. It is time to go."

"As you wish." Zidane said as he stood up and began to complete my order.

The thing that hurt me the most was seeing his tail dragging the ground. How in the world could I break him out of the spell?

After Zidane picked up his pack and got dressed he stood waiting for me to give him more instructions. I took this time to start packing my things and try to think of a way to help him. While I was packing the boy came over and started to help me pack.

"I can do this for you Blank. Please let me."

I stepped away and watched the boy pick up my things. This was certainly NOT like him. He didn't even want to pick his own crap up...now here he was...picking up someone else's things and with no complaint. There had to be a word to break him out of this.

"Zidane...how to I break this control I have over you?"

The boy handed me my pack and shrugged.

"The longer I am in this state, the less there is a difference. We bonded, so we are one. I protected you all night. I only want to be with you and make you happy."

"You made me happy when you were not under my control. How do I fix this when you don't have the band on?"

"Just tell me to wake up and I will obey."

"Then wake up Zidane! I can't take much more of this!"

Zidane had been picking up his bag when I told him to awaken. He dropped the bag and gasped.

"Wait...what happened? Is it morning?"

Zidane looked down and noticed he was dressed.

"I'm dressed too? I don't remember ANY of this."

Zidane looked to me for an answer. I didn't have one...at least a good one.

"I'd been packing up. Maybe you were just spaced out. We did have a rough day yesterday after all."

"Spaced out all night? I've never ONCE fallen alseep on watch. It would betray our trust to do that..."

"When I woke up you were awake. You even talked to me. You said that no one came all night, you don't remember? You just helped me pack my bags."

Zidane looked at me for a few seconds as if trying to remember what I had said and after what seemed like forever (to me) he smiled his big toothy grin.

"Oh yeah! I remember now! You'd think I'd gotten drunk last night...maybe those potions have more alcohol in them than I thought..."

I laughed. "Maybe. Or perhaps you are just really tired from this ordeal. I know I still am."

Zidane nodded. "You are right. I am just tired from this whole thing. Although I'm feeling pretty great right now, so let's get going!"

Zidane took off for the entrance to the cave, probably to disarm his trap and I shook my head. What a mess I had caused.

I walked out to the mouth of the cave and stretched. The morning air was wonderful. You could tell we were getting closer to Burmecia as the climate had changed drastically. I still wished that Baku would have let us off closer, but the mountains made it almost impossible.

"You ready to go Zidane?"

The boy nodded. "Yup! Let's go...we should be able to make in into the mountains tonight and then into Burmecia itself tommorrow."

I sighed and looked towards the mountains that were less than a mile away.

"We'd better go ahead...I still feel like we are being watched by those creeps."

Zidane agreed and we began the trek. Zidane kept the mile trek short with talk of a few girls he had tried to bed before we left.

"I mean...I can charm them easily! One wink and a big smile makes 'em mine! But...then the tail seems to run them off. I tried to tell them it is jus' more ta love!"

I almost snorted at that comment, but kept a concerned, yet interested face.

"Then, I jus' drank myself stupid! That wasn't exactly the night I had planned, but ya know how it goes!"

I nodded. "I know how you feel. My stiches and scars only get me so far. Plus, I don't have the personality you have. Drinking has certainly made the pain less."

Zidane laughed. "I KNOW that you've had your fair share of the ladies. Don't lie, 'cause I can see right through it!"

Ow. That shouldn't have stung, but it did.

Luckily he didn't notice me flinch and we happened to make it to the mountain path.

"Ok, I'm going to put on my heavy clothes, you should probably do the same."

Zidane nodded. "Whatever you say! It is gonna get cold as a witches tit up there!"

"Zidane, what does that even mean?"

The boy shrugged and I laughed. Although I did notice Zidane listened to me more now...no longer treated it like me being an old fart.

"Zidane, I'm surprised you haven't made a comment yet about me telling you what to do. Are you feeling ok?"

Zidane looked at me quizzically. "No. I feel pretty good actually." Zidane stopped to zip his coat and then looked back at me. "I mean, you are just looking out for me. I appreciate it."

"You sure have matured all of a sudden." I commented. "I'm not used to you being so polite!"

Zidane growled. "Ha. Ha. Ha. Maybe I just realized someone actually cares about me."

I didn't have a snappy comeback that time.

"Yeah..well...let's get a move on. When it gets dark, we are going to want shelter and the caves are a quite high up."

"Gotcha Blank! I'm already getting cold!"

We walked up to the face of the mountain. It could be climbed...but would be hard. I had brought a rope and grapnel set but I wasn't sure if it was strong enough to break into the hard rock.

"Zidane, I think we are going to have climb. I hope you are ready. Here take this rope and tie it around your waist."

My little brother obeyed quickly and we were ready to climb. I attached a claw to my hand and gave Zidane the other.

As I dug into the rock I suddenly began feeling sharp pains in my back. I guessed that I had not recovered fully. I ignored the pain and began the climb. After a few minutes Zidane joined me on the mountain and we headed up the big mountain.

Within the hour we got into a good groove. I managed to lead us up to the first checkpoint and we took a rest. It was getting colder and it was begining to snow. We didn't say much during the break, but I felt it was because we were so tired. I was really feeling pain at this point. My entire body was burning.

"Ok Zidane, we've got to keep going. There is a series of caves once we reach the summit. We can stop for the night there."

"S-sounds g-good bro...it is so freakin' cold! I wouldn't need a glass cutter to break into a house...I'd just use my nipple!"

I stared at the kid and rolled my eyes.

"Didn't need to know that. Let's go."

We hiked the last few miles up and suddenly I began to really tire. Like...couldn't take another step kind of tired. Zidane kept pushing at my feet but I couldn't move.

"Blank? Are you ok? We are REALLY high up and I do not want to fall. We are not going to live through a fall from this height. We will die...come on!"

I shook the tired feeling from my head and started climbing again. One hand after the other. I was cold and burning up all at once...then I went numb...but Zidane kept pushing me. Had he not, we'd have been dead. Twenty minutes later...we made it to the top and I collapsed.

"Blank, we are so close and you've got to keep going!"

Zidane grabbed me and began to drag me towards a cave. I could see it, but I was passing out...all my energy was gone. I guess shielding him from the blast the previous day had sapped me more than I imagined.

I started to mumble and wasn't sure what about, but I was so tired.

"Zidane...sleep...so...tired..." That was the last thing I said and then blacked out.

When I woke up I was in my sleeping bag...and a fire had been built...yet was set so the smoke would leave the cave and not suffocate us. Zidane...he never had the patience for this kind of work. I sat up and saw my coat being dried as well. Zidane was still in his own cold, wet clothes and was watching the front of the cave.

"Zidane? What happened? Where are we?"

Zidane turned and his blank expression was back.

"You collapsed. I brought you here and got you warm. I was making sure we were not attacked and that you were able to heal with no one to interupt you."

"But you didn't take care of yourself."

Zidane shrugged. "You are what is important. My body is strong and will survive. I do not matter...you do."

"That is not true at all. You are the one that is special. I am nothing in the grand scheme of things. Don't ever think that again! You could die of hypothermia...get those frozen clothes off now!"

Zidane nodded. "I will obey. I am sorry that I was unable to please you."

"You did! You actually did TOO much! You have to worry about YOU. Come on Zidane, wake up and realize this!"

Zidane's face slowly went back to its normal self and he also slowly realized how cold he was.

"Wha-?" Zidane blinked and looked around the room.

"Hurry up Zidane, get those clothes off. You've done enough for me, it is time to help yourself."

"I...I did? What did I do? I must've blanked out again."

"I collapsed and you brought me here...got me warm and then watched for any bad guys that could be looking for us...you didn't even get out of your own clothes. I think you fell alseep standing up and as cold as you have to be, I couldn't blame you."

Zidane's eyes bulged. "That's right! You went down. Are you okay? I was so scared that you were going to die!"

"I'm fine now. Let's worry about you."

I took the almost frozen wool coat from Zidane's shoulders and put it with mine. Zidane's regular clothes were soaked and almost frozen as well.

"Get those clothes off as well...did you bring any other sets?"

"I...I have a pair of thermal underwear...that...s-should be e-nough."

I found the pair of longjohns and handed them to the frozen kid.

"Here give me your clothes, I'll put them by the fire...and your armor...come on."

Zidane nodded and handed me everything and smiled at me.

"Thank you big brother. I can't believe I didn't do this when I came in."

I knew why.

"Well, just give me a second and I'll set up your bed."

"No...you are hurt. I'll do it."

Zidane began to set up his bedding and I noticed that he hadn't made a hole for his tail, but just left the butt flap open. I couldn't help but laugh at the sight.

"What are you laughing at?" Zidane said with curiosity.

"Your ass hanging out the long johns. Do you want me to cut a hole for your tail?"

Zidane turned around to face me. "OOPS. I forgot about that. Nah...it probably wouldn't be very comfy and I'm already miserable enough."

"Ok...just hurry. You have to be close to hypothermia by now." I threw my blanket from my bag at him and he grabbed it. "Take this and come sit by the fire. You have got to get warm."

Zidane nodded. "What I'd really like is a nip of booze. I know you've got some."

"I do. But you will have to wait until you warm up...it will give you a false sense of warmth!"

"Sounds good to me!"

I glared, but Zidane ignored me and sat down beside me. I looked over and gave him a big hug. Then I pulled out my flask and took a swig. I then passed it to Zidane.

"Thanks bro...I needed that." Zidane said between swigs. I grabbed it away after his third chug.

"You saved me this time. I am in your debt." I said with a smile.

Zidane blushed and figited. "Aww...you'd have done it for me...I mean...I didn't want to die and...had you fallen, we'd have BOTH fallen."

That was true. I had endangered us both.

I looked down at my friend...my one true friend...and my only family and smiled. We'd survive this and I'd fix what I did to him.

I promised...and I never broke a promise. But, I was going to have to put him under again in order to figure this all out.

"Zidane...I need you to sleep."