Chapter 10: The Black Mage in Trabathia
"Xander? My god it has been long!" Zidane swooped down from the last remaining rock sheered up from the ground. Garnet and Brooke followed close behind, Zidane helping Garnet down as he reached the bottom. They all walked up to Xander, one of Vivi's sons who was standing at the edge house of the town. Zidane walked up to him and gave him a pat on the back. "Hey buddy, how's it going --- err, and what the hell is this place?" Zidane's eyes abandoned his attention from Xander, and stated glancing around him. He marveled the architecture of the town as it shimmered in the beautiful presence of the once imprisoned light. The sun was a savior to all of them, they had missed it so.
"Yes, well I'll explain everything - this is the town of Trabathia! Please everyone, come inside!" Xander waved his hand towards the door, and walked in. He sat down at the ivory table. The white glowed in perfection as it gleamed off everyone's eyes. The whole house was a work of art -- colorful and vibrant paintings, silver chairs with plush velvet cushions, statues of knights, and much more.
"Amazing!" Brooke almost tripped over himself as he looked over each masterpiece.
"Thank you. I've been collecting these works of art ever since I was born -- somehow they bring out the life in me, something my dad always told me, which was the most important thing."
Zidane and Garnet took a seat at the table with him, happily greeting the chairs for comfort.
Xander lifted himself up in the chair and looked at Brooke who also sat down with them. "Okay," Xander laid his staff down on the table and continued, "So you must be the Crystal Collectors. Saving the world again, eh Zidane?"
Zidane smiled to Xander, "Looks like it. So why in the world did this town just come from nowhere? Did it have something to do with this stone?" Zidane took the crystal from his pocket, and held it in front of Xander.
"Yes, quite so. The stone has the power of protection -- you triggered it when it was joined in the presence of the Blue Crystal -- but this town was not always underground. The guardian of the crystal submerged this town, but was later destroyed after a traveler named Fratley came through. He was a nice fellow -- but we could not lift the city from underground. It has stayed this way ever since and has provided us refuge from the chaos that has been born outside from this evil." He took a deep breath as he continued the explanation. "So when you came here, the crystal's were brought together. Each stone has a connection with one another." Xander cleared his throat after speaking, and then took a drink of water he had poured himself on the table. "Apparently the Blue Crystal and Brown Crystal have a relationship." He gestured his hand towards the two crystals Zidane had laid on the table. Both crystals shined with purity, their essence flowed around everyone in the room.
Everyone peered into the the stones on the table -- pondering what the relationship could be....
"Well… we'll decide all this tomorrow! There will be a celebration starting tonight since the Crystal Collectors have come. Preparations have already begun. So how about I show everyone their rooms so they can get cleaned up." Xander lifted up from his seat at the table and pointed everyone up the stairway.
"Party?" Brooke looked curiously out the window. Xander ran over and shut the curtains impairing Brooke's view to the outside.
"Haha, yes! But you cannot see 'til all the preparations are done. I will come to get you guys when everything's ready. Okay now, up the stairway!" He pushed the reluctant Brooke up the stairway. Zidane and Garnet waited at the top looking at them as they came up. Xander walked ahead and pointed to the first door at the right. "Zidane, Garnet, this can be your room to share - if that's okay with you. We could have Brooke and Zidane together and have the girl sleep by herself…"
Garnet cut him off. "No, no. That will be fine." She put her arm around Zidane's arm and a big grin came to his face.
"Oh… I see. Well Brooke, looks like you're stuck by yourself in this room." He pointed down the hallway to the right room.
Brooke nodded and made his way down to where Xander pointed. Brooke looked back to them before he receded into his room, "Party time!" He then went to his room setting down his backpack with much excitement.
Zidane laughed at that, "What a character he is. I really thought he didn't like parties by the way he acted. Guess everyone has a different side to them." He pulled Garnet with him into the room with him. "Why don't you take a bath right now and I'll get the clothes washed. Then I'll take one and we can head out to the celebration with Xander."
Garnet nodded, "Alrighty!" She smiled that she used the first slang word that she had learned with Zidane in Dali.
Zidane smiled at this too, walking over to her. His face grew serious as he came up to her. "I haven't mentioned this yet - but I have been meaning to. Did Frayel ever harm you while we were doing the test?"
Her face fell down, into a hurtful statement. "He… he did hit me. Called me many things - the reason that got me through the test, was thinking of you. You rescued me." Her face lit up brightly into his. His body grew warm as she edged into him. "Yet, I still haven't given you the proper thanking…" Her face met his, her plush rosy skin rubbing across the side of his face. Moving down, her mouth found his and they passionately kissed.
*************
Brooke came out into the hallway, glancing across to see if Zidane and Garnet have came out of their room yet.
Their door opened, and the smiling Zidane walked out. "Ready for the party, Booke?"
"Oh I know why your smiling." Brooke flashed a smile as he walked over to him. Garnet walked out, a little red as she had heard Brooke.
Xander ran up the stairway, and called out to them. "Come, come, everything is ready!"
All of them began their way down the stairway, and strolled to the door. Xander blocked the way, but instead of saying something, he pushed the door in front of them and took a bow. "This is the town of Trabathia's thanks for collecting the Crystals… to save the world." Xander bowed as he said the comment towards the three of them. The crowd of people in front of the house clapped as they exited the house.
"Well look at this." Zidane gave the people a smile and waved.
Brooke and Garnet followed Zidane's example and gave people a wave also.
"Okay! A one, a two, a one two three!" The band started in the background playing a fast-paced tune.
"Well let's enjoy ourselves everyone!" Xander kicked off and started to dance with a lady mage in the front.
Brooke went back up to Zidane. "Can I ask my sister for a dance?"
Zidane smiled. "Sure," and pushed Garnet over to Brooke.
"Well… ok." She locked hands with them, and they began to dance along with fast melody. "Haha, this is kind of fun!" Garnet smiled as Brooke and her took the square as Zidane watched the two dance together.
Zidane heard whispers around him. "You know, almost looks like those two are family…" "Yeah I can see the resemblance in the eyes and face features…"
As the crowed joined in, the music began to slow. Zidane walked up to Brooke and Garnet dodging his way through the mess of people. "May I butt in?" He smiled to Brooke, who let his grip slip from Garnet to let Zidane move in. They both gently set into the rhythm of the music.
"What a journey this has been huh?" Zidane whispered across to her as they moved flawlessly together.
A warm smile swept across her face. "Yes - but at least now we're safe for the moment. We are fortunate to have found Xander and the town of Trabathia." Her head went over his shoulder as they came closer together. They rocked back in forth in the twighlight of the night. The stars seemed to shine down at them with a brilliant light.
*************
Later That Night - In the Living Room of Xander's House....
Xander put the remaining slice of pie into his mouth. "Well, that was a nice meal, Brooke. Thanks!" He reached over and gave Brooke a pat on the back.
"You're welcome." Brooke smiled over at Xander, who was scraping the last crumbs into his mouth.
Zidane and Garnet finished their slices as well and gave Xander a complement.
Zidane scratched his head, and looked over to Xander. "Say, Xander. I want to ask you something."
Xander looked up from his completely cleaned plate to Zidane. "Yes?"
Zidane whipped his mouth, and then continued. "Well, it's about the quest the three of us are doing right now… I want to know if you'd like to help us."
Xander sat there for a moment, then cleared his throat. He twisted his pointy cap with his hands then put his hands into his pockets. "I want to show you all something. Follow me." He stood up from the table and headed his way up the stairway. The rest of the group followed him up, watching in anticipation for what he was doing. His tiny arm reached up to a candle in the hallway, and pulled it down towards him. The wall beside him moved to the side revealing a wooden ladder going to the roof. The soft clatter of voices was still heard from the outside from people still enjoying the party. "Come up." Xander climbed his way up the ladder, and stood on the roof waiting for all of them.
As the last of them reached the roof, Garnet looked around. "Wow it's so beautiful up here! You can see everything!" They all looked around excitedly at all the scenery from the elevated position.
Xander walked over to the other side of the roof as the others stared around at the town. He looked up into the stars as if he was searching for something.
Zidane walked over to Xander and sat down beside him. "What's wrong?"
Xander's yellow eyes glowed up at the sky, for a moment then shifted towards the ground. "When my father died… he told me that one day I'd have my own adventure as he did. I was there when he died - and he told all of us this. When he died, he said 'My memories will be a part of the sky' - and now I can feel his presence with me."
Zidane brushed his hand through his hair and smiled to Xander. "Vivi was one of my best friends, he was like a brother to me. I was away when he died and I didn't know 'til after I got back to Alexandria… I almost fell apart after hearing what happened. But his heart was true and full of life. He never told anyone anything if he didn't truly mean it."
Xander took his arms from his pockets and looked up at Zidane. "You're right. I have been waiting for this day for a long time… I will go with you!"
They both smiled at each other. Brooke and Garnet had been watching from the other side of the roof. "Well looks like we got a new team member!" She looked over to Brooke who had settled himself down into a sitting position on the roof.
"That's good. We're going to need all the help we can get with what were going to be up against…" Brooke's stare drifted out to the mass of swirling snow and distant howls around the town…
"Xander? My god it has been long!" Zidane swooped down from the last remaining rock sheered up from the ground. Garnet and Brooke followed close behind, Zidane helping Garnet down as he reached the bottom. They all walked up to Xander, one of Vivi's sons who was standing at the edge house of the town. Zidane walked up to him and gave him a pat on the back. "Hey buddy, how's it going --- err, and what the hell is this place?" Zidane's eyes abandoned his attention from Xander, and stated glancing around him. He marveled the architecture of the town as it shimmered in the beautiful presence of the once imprisoned light. The sun was a savior to all of them, they had missed it so.
"Yes, well I'll explain everything - this is the town of Trabathia! Please everyone, come inside!" Xander waved his hand towards the door, and walked in. He sat down at the ivory table. The white glowed in perfection as it gleamed off everyone's eyes. The whole house was a work of art -- colorful and vibrant paintings, silver chairs with plush velvet cushions, statues of knights, and much more.
"Amazing!" Brooke almost tripped over himself as he looked over each masterpiece.
"Thank you. I've been collecting these works of art ever since I was born -- somehow they bring out the life in me, something my dad always told me, which was the most important thing."
Zidane and Garnet took a seat at the table with him, happily greeting the chairs for comfort.
Xander lifted himself up in the chair and looked at Brooke who also sat down with them. "Okay," Xander laid his staff down on the table and continued, "So you must be the Crystal Collectors. Saving the world again, eh Zidane?"
Zidane smiled to Xander, "Looks like it. So why in the world did this town just come from nowhere? Did it have something to do with this stone?" Zidane took the crystal from his pocket, and held it in front of Xander.
"Yes, quite so. The stone has the power of protection -- you triggered it when it was joined in the presence of the Blue Crystal -- but this town was not always underground. The guardian of the crystal submerged this town, but was later destroyed after a traveler named Fratley came through. He was a nice fellow -- but we could not lift the city from underground. It has stayed this way ever since and has provided us refuge from the chaos that has been born outside from this evil." He took a deep breath as he continued the explanation. "So when you came here, the crystal's were brought together. Each stone has a connection with one another." Xander cleared his throat after speaking, and then took a drink of water he had poured himself on the table. "Apparently the Blue Crystal and Brown Crystal have a relationship." He gestured his hand towards the two crystals Zidane had laid on the table. Both crystals shined with purity, their essence flowed around everyone in the room.
Everyone peered into the the stones on the table -- pondering what the relationship could be....
"Well… we'll decide all this tomorrow! There will be a celebration starting tonight since the Crystal Collectors have come. Preparations have already begun. So how about I show everyone their rooms so they can get cleaned up." Xander lifted up from his seat at the table and pointed everyone up the stairway.
"Party?" Brooke looked curiously out the window. Xander ran over and shut the curtains impairing Brooke's view to the outside.
"Haha, yes! But you cannot see 'til all the preparations are done. I will come to get you guys when everything's ready. Okay now, up the stairway!" He pushed the reluctant Brooke up the stairway. Zidane and Garnet waited at the top looking at them as they came up. Xander walked ahead and pointed to the first door at the right. "Zidane, Garnet, this can be your room to share - if that's okay with you. We could have Brooke and Zidane together and have the girl sleep by herself…"
Garnet cut him off. "No, no. That will be fine." She put her arm around Zidane's arm and a big grin came to his face.
"Oh… I see. Well Brooke, looks like you're stuck by yourself in this room." He pointed down the hallway to the right room.
Brooke nodded and made his way down to where Xander pointed. Brooke looked back to them before he receded into his room, "Party time!" He then went to his room setting down his backpack with much excitement.
Zidane laughed at that, "What a character he is. I really thought he didn't like parties by the way he acted. Guess everyone has a different side to them." He pulled Garnet with him into the room with him. "Why don't you take a bath right now and I'll get the clothes washed. Then I'll take one and we can head out to the celebration with Xander."
Garnet nodded, "Alrighty!" She smiled that she used the first slang word that she had learned with Zidane in Dali.
Zidane smiled at this too, walking over to her. His face grew serious as he came up to her. "I haven't mentioned this yet - but I have been meaning to. Did Frayel ever harm you while we were doing the test?"
Her face fell down, into a hurtful statement. "He… he did hit me. Called me many things - the reason that got me through the test, was thinking of you. You rescued me." Her face lit up brightly into his. His body grew warm as she edged into him. "Yet, I still haven't given you the proper thanking…" Her face met his, her plush rosy skin rubbing across the side of his face. Moving down, her mouth found his and they passionately kissed.
*************
Brooke came out into the hallway, glancing across to see if Zidane and Garnet have came out of their room yet.
Their door opened, and the smiling Zidane walked out. "Ready for the party, Booke?"
"Oh I know why your smiling." Brooke flashed a smile as he walked over to him. Garnet walked out, a little red as she had heard Brooke.
Xander ran up the stairway, and called out to them. "Come, come, everything is ready!"
All of them began their way down the stairway, and strolled to the door. Xander blocked the way, but instead of saying something, he pushed the door in front of them and took a bow. "This is the town of Trabathia's thanks for collecting the Crystals… to save the world." Xander bowed as he said the comment towards the three of them. The crowd of people in front of the house clapped as they exited the house.
"Well look at this." Zidane gave the people a smile and waved.
Brooke and Garnet followed Zidane's example and gave people a wave also.
"Okay! A one, a two, a one two three!" The band started in the background playing a fast-paced tune.
"Well let's enjoy ourselves everyone!" Xander kicked off and started to dance with a lady mage in the front.
Brooke went back up to Zidane. "Can I ask my sister for a dance?"
Zidane smiled. "Sure," and pushed Garnet over to Brooke.
"Well… ok." She locked hands with them, and they began to dance along with fast melody. "Haha, this is kind of fun!" Garnet smiled as Brooke and her took the square as Zidane watched the two dance together.
Zidane heard whispers around him. "You know, almost looks like those two are family…" "Yeah I can see the resemblance in the eyes and face features…"
As the crowed joined in, the music began to slow. Zidane walked up to Brooke and Garnet dodging his way through the mess of people. "May I butt in?" He smiled to Brooke, who let his grip slip from Garnet to let Zidane move in. They both gently set into the rhythm of the music.
"What a journey this has been huh?" Zidane whispered across to her as they moved flawlessly together.
A warm smile swept across her face. "Yes - but at least now we're safe for the moment. We are fortunate to have found Xander and the town of Trabathia." Her head went over his shoulder as they came closer together. They rocked back in forth in the twighlight of the night. The stars seemed to shine down at them with a brilliant light.
*************
Later That Night - In the Living Room of Xander's House....
Xander put the remaining slice of pie into his mouth. "Well, that was a nice meal, Brooke. Thanks!" He reached over and gave Brooke a pat on the back.
"You're welcome." Brooke smiled over at Xander, who was scraping the last crumbs into his mouth.
Zidane and Garnet finished their slices as well and gave Xander a complement.
Zidane scratched his head, and looked over to Xander. "Say, Xander. I want to ask you something."
Xander looked up from his completely cleaned plate to Zidane. "Yes?"
Zidane whipped his mouth, and then continued. "Well, it's about the quest the three of us are doing right now… I want to know if you'd like to help us."
Xander sat there for a moment, then cleared his throat. He twisted his pointy cap with his hands then put his hands into his pockets. "I want to show you all something. Follow me." He stood up from the table and headed his way up the stairway. The rest of the group followed him up, watching in anticipation for what he was doing. His tiny arm reached up to a candle in the hallway, and pulled it down towards him. The wall beside him moved to the side revealing a wooden ladder going to the roof. The soft clatter of voices was still heard from the outside from people still enjoying the party. "Come up." Xander climbed his way up the ladder, and stood on the roof waiting for all of them.
As the last of them reached the roof, Garnet looked around. "Wow it's so beautiful up here! You can see everything!" They all looked around excitedly at all the scenery from the elevated position.
Xander walked over to the other side of the roof as the others stared around at the town. He looked up into the stars as if he was searching for something.
Zidane walked over to Xander and sat down beside him. "What's wrong?"
Xander's yellow eyes glowed up at the sky, for a moment then shifted towards the ground. "When my father died… he told me that one day I'd have my own adventure as he did. I was there when he died - and he told all of us this. When he died, he said 'My memories will be a part of the sky' - and now I can feel his presence with me."
Zidane brushed his hand through his hair and smiled to Xander. "Vivi was one of my best friends, he was like a brother to me. I was away when he died and I didn't know 'til after I got back to Alexandria… I almost fell apart after hearing what happened. But his heart was true and full of life. He never told anyone anything if he didn't truly mean it."
Xander took his arms from his pockets and looked up at Zidane. "You're right. I have been waiting for this day for a long time… I will go with you!"
They both smiled at each other. Brooke and Garnet had been watching from the other side of the roof. "Well looks like we got a new team member!" She looked over to Brooke who had settled himself down into a sitting position on the roof.
"That's good. We're going to need all the help we can get with what were going to be up against…" Brooke's stare drifted out to the mass of swirling snow and distant howls around the town…