Chapter 11 – Trek to Treno, part one.
Spring, 1792, five years later...
Cinna just couldn't understand how he'd managed to get into this mess. He loathed travelling, hated heights but beyond everything else he really detested birds. To find himself involved with all three seemed like a really bad joke the Boss kept insisting was funny. But despite the excuses and distraction tactics this nightmare situation had become a hardened reality, and for the blacksmith of Tantalus escape was denied.
He tried to ignore how each jerky movement threatened to hit the eject button in his stomach. It hadn't seemed so bad at first; Ms Burgundy's disarming smile had been so reassuring. The chocobo trainer lived at the foot of the Aerbs mountain range that separated the western side of the Mist Continent from the east. She was unlike any woman he'd ever seen; skin a beautiful mahogany and dyed red dreadlocks with different coloured feathers entwined within them. Burgundy had captured Cinna's heart completely.
'I'm sure a big man like you can handle my little fire cracker, Scarlet.' she'd said. And like a complete fool he'd just grinned and nodded back. So what if he'd never ridden a chocobo before? Was he going to let the others tease him for the rest of his life? Or would he take action and prove to everyone that he did have some guts, even if it did come across as dumb recklessness.
Scarlet let out a loud 'wark' as he pounded his strong, taloned feet along the ground. He was the youngest chocobo of three other siblings, impatient to explore the world and run as fast as the wind. Scarlet's feathers like his namesake, were a bright red that demanded attention, but his fiery temperament left a lot to be desired. Cinna, completely unprepared, had no sooner mounted Scarlet then the young buck decided to bolt.
As sky, mountains, trees and grass whipped by, Cinna felt the skin across his cheek bones become taut and stretched. Scarlet appeared to be gaining more and more momentum by the second. "Whoa boy!" he yelled to no avail. Terrifying images of being thrown from his steed, scraping his brains down the mountain side as he careered to his death, made him pull sharply on the reigns. He pleaded with Scarlet to stop but the chocobo tossed his head dismissively, completely ignoring the human meant to be in charge. Why didn't I pay more attention? He cursed himself. At this rate we're gonna go over the edge!
Pathetically he squeezed the thin leather cords which were supposed to help maintain control. He felt his tin hat being snatched away and promptly clamped down a shaking hand onto it. "Stupid bird!" he shrieked losing his last shred of composure. "I don't wanna die!"
Suddenly there was a distinctive yell behind him. "Hang on Cinna, I'm coming!"
As Cinna's body twisted around in the saddle he couldn't believe his eyes. A large female chocobo was galloping for all their worth trying to catch up, steam vented from her nostrils and two coal black eyes were locked onto the target. Its rider had an equally determined mindset it seemed. A familiar monkey tail swished back and forth fighting to maintain a steady balance.
"Zidane?" he gasped.
Tribal, who by now had managed to get alongside them, gave his Tantalus brother a cheery wave. Trust him to make light of something like this! He thought bemused. What the heck does he think he's doing? Cinna watchedas his friend bent over to whisper something in his chocobo's ear. The creature nodded its head in agreement before promptly smacking its entire body into the runaway. This received a sharp squawk in response from Scarlet who didn't appreciate the gesture one bit.
"Think you've got his attention now, Blush!" Zidane chuckled. "Do it again!"
Cinna didn't have time to brace himself for the next assault. He thought being stuck on a chocobo gallivanting over miles was the worst thing that could happen today, he'd been wrong. When Blush charged into his side it took on a whole new level of terror. Instead of being thrown at high speed he would simply be crushed by one of those confounded birds! As she swung by again Cinna wrapped his arms around Scarlet's neck and cried out. "What's wrong with yer?! You tryin rescue or kill me?"
Loud, evil laughter could be heard from the monkey tailed boy. Whatever happened to that shy kid who wouldn't say boo to a goose? Cinna asked as he glanced over at Tribal, then he remembered that this 'kid' was eleven now. Zidane still had the palest skin and brightest smile that he'd ever seen. He loved to dive in and think about the consequences later. Of course he should have expected something as wacky as this from Zidane, it was his style.
When Blush began to nip at the younger male he gave an irritated squawk and drew away from her. What followed could only be described as a series of increasingly cranky 'kwehs' from Blush and snappy 'warks' from Scarlet. After nearly five minutes of this peculiar exchange she appeared to lose all patience and started pecking him. Immediately Cinna could sense the chocobo putting on the brakes. Frantic running slowed to a jog, then gently to a trot until at last Scarlet had stopped completely. He slithered out of the saddle and kissed the ground, thankful to still be in one piece.
"Oh," he panted, trying hard not to vomit. "I thought I was a goner for sure!" He turned to Zidane who unfortunately ignored Cinna and instead made a big fuss of his pink chocobo.
"You're a good mum, Blush!" he complimented the bird who clearly loved the attention. "Have a treat on me!" With that, Tribal held out a bunch of gysahl greens on his flat palm which she gobbled up within seconds. "Wow, you sure worked up an appetite, huh? Must be tiring keeping tabs on Scarlet!" Blush nuzzled her beak against Zidane's hand hopeful for more of the leafy, bitter vegetables. "Ah, sorry girl, that's all I had, honest!"
Seconds later Marcus turned up on another chocobo and came skidding to an abrupt halt. His companion was Ms Burgundy, who jumped down from the older male called Crimson and her thick, brown boots jingled as she walked towards Cinna.
"Are you okay?" she asked with genuine concern.
Cinna felt his cheeks grow warm and then grinned stupidly. "Oh am I fine, just a little-" And his face dropped as the trainer marched straight passed him.
"Oooo, you little rascal!" Ms Burgundy went over to Scarlet and gave him a clip round the ear. "Fancy taking off like that, you could have been seriously injured!"
Don't mind me... Cinna pouted. I just nearly died!
"You okay, Cin?" Marcus knelt down beside his friend. He noted the twisted scowl of embarrassment on the blacksmith's face. "Anything broken?"
Cinna sighed. "No, just my pride..." His eyes followed Ms Burgundy as she checked the condition of her precious chocobos. Her entire life revolved around breeding and training them, and he realised sadly that there would be no room for him. His shoulders slumped as he gave a feeble laugh. "Why do these things always happen to me?"
"Everyone has an off day," Marcus countered trying to make him feel better, but he knew it was useless. When Cinna decided to drop into self pitying mode he'd milk it for all its worth. "Hey Zidane, nice one!" he said changing the subject.
The blond scratched the back of his head. "Aww shucks, no big deal!" He came forward with a confident swagger. "So, how yer feelin, Cinna?"
"I'll live," the chef grumbled. He gave a loud groan as he forced himself to stand. No point hanging around in the dirt with a broken heart. Besides, if Baku didn't hear from them soon he'd have their hides. "We better get back to the others." As they turned to go Cinna suddenly felt a twinge of guilt. He caught up to the youngster before he mounted Blush again. Taking him by the arm he said, "You know you're crazy, right?" Zidane only shrugged his shoulders. "Anyways," he coughed awkwardly, "I owe yer one."
Back at the chocobo ranch Baku and Blank were making their last minute preparations for the journey to come. This was a simple escort job to make a tidy sum of gil towards their final payment for the Prima Vista. It had been a long, hard slog to save up the funds to buy the coveted airship; but the end was in sight, and all they had to do was make sure their client arrived in Treno in three days time.
Unfortunately their client didn't exactly have the best track record with Tantalus...
"Boss, I don't understand why we 'ave to take him!" Blank hissed as he jerked the straps down tighter on the bulging sacks attached to his chocobo. "Why can't he take an airship like everyone else?"
Baku picked up the last bag and dumped it at his feet. "Yer really think I'd choose chocobos for travellin' if I had the choice?" He stretched, hearing the bones in his spine snap back into place with a satisfying crack. "South Gate is a no go," he explained, "the mechanism is busted again and knowing those idiots it'll take the best part of a week to fix it."
He took a dusty parchment from his waistcoat pocket and spread it out on the grass. Kneeling down Baku continued, "Okay, this 'ere is Lindblum," he said pointing to the castle in the bottom left hand corner. Then his index finger hovered over a shaded area on the map with the faint outline of a city. "This is Treno, our destination. Usually we'd take an airship through South Gate but as yer know that ain't an option. So, what other way is there?"
Blank stared at the map which was discoloured and torn. The most direct route to Treno had a line of mountains blocking the way by foot. "Aerb Mountains," he murmured, "ah, that's why we're using the red chocobos."
"Aye, lad." Baku nodded sagely. "With mountain chocobos it'll be quicker but that don't mean safer! These mountains 'ave claimed more than a fair share of unwary travellers."
The red head studied the tall peaks which were to be home for the next few days. Sobering thoughts of mortal men that had copped it on the mountainside flew unwanted into his mind. We'll be alright. He reassured himself. The Boss knows what he's doing and Brother is here too, no problem.
Blank glanced over at the young gentleman responsible for such a high risk venture. He wore a white shirt, navy blue waistcoat and gold cufflinks, hardly suitable attire for a gruelling journey! "Do yer think we can make it in three days?" he whispered to Baku.
Baku gave a loud belly laugh. "We'll make it - even if it kills us! Course, it'd help if that lazy bum hadn't run off!" He squinted his eyes in the direction that Cinna had disappeared and frowned.
"Is there any sign of your cook?" the client enquired. His voice was laced with irritation. "According to my calculations we should have set off over an hour ago."
"Keep yer knickers on!" Bosu snapped back. "They'll be 'ere soon enough, unless yer fancy gettin lost in the mist?"
The man cleared his throat. "Of course not that is why I hired you! But this is quite ridiculous! You do realise if I lose my place you'll be held personally responsible!"
"Yeah, yeah and like I said - Fred, since no one else is willin to take yer, you'll just have to wait!" He glared in return and Blank sniggered behind a brown gloved hand.
Frederick Parcel was someone the red head hadn't seen in years. He'd grown tall and lanky like a bean sprout and desperately wanted to study in Treno at some 'lah de dah' university. The way he looked down his nose at thieves hadn't changed and despite needing money, Blank couldn't comprehend why Baku had agreed to this.
His Boss had warned him not to go looking for revenge against Parcel. It would be hard enough navigating the mountains and keeping a sharp eye out for monsters, than to waste energy bickering as well. That's easy for him to say... Blank had thought. He wasn't the one bed ridden for six months! He narrowed his eyes at the memory but Frederick had already retreated back to his chocobo. This would likely be the last time he'd see the snob in a while, as he began living the privileged life of comfort and security he'd been groomed for. "Whatever..." he muttered under his breath scanning the hills for signs of Zidane. Where are yer, little bro?
Then he blinked, there was something coming towards them. Blank smiled when he spotted a head of distinctive blond hair. Tribal had returned with Cinna just as he promised. He smirked as Zidane trotted to a stop just beside him. The monkey tailed boy held out his hand with amusement dancing in his sea blue eyes. "Give it up," he said, "fair's fair."
Blank dug into his pocket and pulled out a silver coin with a hole in the middle, he shook his head before throwing it over. "Alright, don't be such a damn show off about it!" Zidane caught the gil without hesitation and gave it a chaste kiss. "Geez, that's the last time I make a bet with yer." But he knew in his gut that it probably wouldn't be! There was just something about the challenge in Zidane's voice that he couldn't ignore. When the blond had stated he could get Cinna back without falling off his chocobo, Blank couldn't resist taking a punt on him.
"Cinna, what the 'eck did yer think yer doin?" Baku demanded.
Instinctively the chef put his arms up in defence. "I'm sorry, Boss. Scarlet just kinda-"
"We've got a blinkin' schedule to keep, or did yer forget, eh?" the Tantalus leader shouted him down. "You've gotta keep control of that bird!"
Cinna gulped. "But I...I can't ride that crazy thing!" He closed his eyes almost in prayer. "Please Boss, just let me go home!"
It didn't take much to irritate Baku but pleading like this was like a red rag to a bull. "For the love of Gaia," he snarled, "I swear I'll swing for yer Cinna, if yer don't grow some balls!"
Sensing the impeding bloodbath Zidane bounced in. "I don't mind switching," he quickly offered. "Blush is a better chocobo for beginners anyway. It won't take two seconds to change things over, promise!" Baku turned around and considered the child who stood almost up to his waist. "Don't worry, I can handle Scarlet and the sooner we switch, the sooner we get goin!"
After what felt like an age Bosu finally stepped away from Cinna. "Make it quick," he growled and then stormed over to his own chocobo, a large red male by the name of Claret and hoisted himself up. "I'll be tryin to smooth things over with Burgundy. She might be changin' her mind about us borrowing 'em as we speak."
The three thieves breathed a collective sigh of relief when he was gone. Cinna rubbed hot sweat away from his face as Blank nudged Zidane. "Nice save," he said. His friend gave an impish grin in return. "We best hurry up though and get this sorted!"
Quickly they raced to swap over the packs, tying them securely onto their chocobos and double checking the weight ratio of cargo to rider. By the time Baku returned, still annoyed it had to be said, they were all smiles and ready to go. A total of six chocobos left the ranch that day, setting off on the misty mountain pass leading to the city of eternal night: Treno.
The Aerb Mountains were a long range of branching peaks that served to separate the three great kingdoms of Alexandria, Lindblum and Burmecia. The rock formations were very old, and their tall brown bodies dominated the Mist Continent landscape. In the winter, snow dusted their pinnacles like icing sugar on a cake which made them simply breathtaking. But for all their beauty and wonder the Aerb Mountains were extremely dangerous, the unpredictable weather could change in a heartbeat. The craggy surface could be slippery particularly after rainfall. Due to natural erosion from the elements there was also the danger of landslides which could sweep away the entire group in seconds. In some places the sun had miraculously managed to break through, baking the rock and causing it to become brittle, again another serious hazard for the unwary. In addition, not many lees existed in which to take shelter, which meant that Baku had to rely on maps and information gleaned from Ms Burgundy.
As they went on their way Scarlet did not make life easy for Zidane. He shook his head violently trying to throw the child off; he stamped his feet, jumped and bobbed. But Tribal was having none of it, and held on stubbornly. "Come on, I'm actually a nice guy! Can't we be friends?" he asked. Scarlet's response to this was to nip at his new rider, so Zidane dug his heels in sharply.
When he felt the creature wince between his thighs however he stopped. "I don't like doin that, but if you don't behave I will," the human said in a sharp tone. Scarlet huffed defiantly and ruffled his feathers. Tribal's head flopped forward with a disheartened sigh. "This is going to be a long journey." He tried stroking the collection of tiny tufted feathers at the back of Scarlet's head. At first the chocobo flinched at the touch but quickly pretended to ignore it. "No matter what you do, I'm not goin' anywhere," he promised. "So yer better get used to it."
Meanwhile Blank tried ignoring the fact that he could no longer feel his backside anymore. Riding adult chocobos could be very uncomfortable for thieves of a smaller stature; his body was drowning in a feathery nest, and he had to sit rigidly straight and tall just so he could see properly. After nearly three hours of this his back started to scream in agony and he became desperate to distract himself. He turned to the person riding alongside him, who turned out to be Parcel. To his great annoyance Frederick appeared to be enjoying the experience. He sat easily in the saddle atop a pink chocobo called Rose.
"Oh dear," he commented to Blank. "You look quite haggard and it's only been a few hours. Are you sure you have the stamina to survive an entire mountain trek?"
The thief put one hand across his heart and said, "Geez Parcel, didn't know you cared! You gonna propose to me?"
"Tsk, you haven't changed." The noble's son ran a hand through his short black hair. "If we are to be travelling companions it is natural to enquire about the state of your health. I do not want you to slow me down."
Blank scoffed. "Yer don't have to worry about me, and we ain't travelling companions either," he corrected. "I'm gettin' paid to do a job – nothin' more, nothin' less. Don't get soft ideas that we're pals, Parcel."
"What an absurd notion!" Frederick hissed in disgust. Evidently having heard enough he tugged on the reigns and fell back behind Marcus. There would be no further communication between the pair for the rest of the day.
Before dusk, the travellers came to large outcrop in the rock which they followed through until they found a small cave. It would be a bit of squeeze but all members of the party and their steeds went inside. The chocobos huddled together in a corner devouring their ration of gysahl greens and carrots. Whilst around a small fire the Tantalus brothers and their client rested. It didn't seem possible to feel so tired after riding a chocobo all day, but everyone's muscles felt sore and ached. Within an hour of settling down a heavy rain fell drumming on the roof of the cave. It sent a shiver through them all as they rubbed their hands together and dreamt of warmer places to be.
Cinna provided some distraction as he began chopping vegetables and slicing salted meat ready to put into the bubbling pot. After a time he added some herbs too and put the lid back on to allow the broth to simmer. "Won't be long now," he assured the hungry group. "It'll be worth the wait!"
"Better be," Baku grumbled as he took another look at the map.
It was left to Zidane to try and make conversation, unfortunately Parcel had been avoiding him, casting his eyes down whenever he said hello. But silence and awkwardness were two things that the young blond disliked intensely. "So, how are the others doing in Lindblum?" he began.
Frederick appeared puzzled. "Sorry, the others? By whom do you refer to?"
"Ya know, erm...Vicky? Sam I think was another one and that weird guy with the specs that used to pull my tail?" He said this with genuine interest and no hint of anger.
"Oh, I see." Parcel nodded. "Well, Sam is an apprentice working in his father's firm to become the next business manager. Mr Cohen is a specialist in trading goods particularly silk, spices and pottery, it's quite the opportunity. Miss Sullivan is very well." A small smile appeared as he said her name. "She wishes to become a writer."
Zidane grinned. "Is she any good?"
"She is working on several projects and surrounds herself with nothing but books, parchment and ink - it is a strange sight to say the least. Her children's novels are both humorous and imaginative but Victoria has her heart set on changing society. Currently she is researching about the gap between the rich and poor in the city."
"Isn't that a bit controversial?" Marcus said. "Not everyone will like that."
"No, they don't. Victoria has already received death threats and been told to stop." This surprised the Tantalus brothers and they looked at each other. "But she is stronger than that and determined to continue regardless. Her goal is to persuade Regent Cid to change labour laws in industry. Did you know some men and women are working over fifteen hours each day?"
Parcel continued to share Victoria's findings so far and spoke passionately about the subject. Marcus questioned whether Mr Cohen and Victoria were on opposite sides, but Frederick was adamant that Sam also wanted reform and to make things better. Cinna served the hearty soup which as promised tasted divine on such a miserable evening.
"I hope you will not consider me to be rude, but how is the young lady of your establishment faring? Alas her name escapes me," Frederick admitted. "Perhaps it was Rachel...Rebecca or perhaps Ruth?"
"It's Ruby." Blank cut in sharply. "And she's doin' fine." He readjusted the wide leather belt that he wore around his head, which concealed his eyes and gave him an air of mystery.
Parcel seized the information. "Ah, Miss Ruby of course! It was most unfortunate regarding the loss of her father. Please pass on my sincere condolences, won't you?" He blew delicately on a spoonful of soup before supping it without a single sound. "And what of her current employment?"
"That ain't none of yer damn-"
But Blank found himself interrupted by Zidane. "She plays the female leads in our Theatre Troupe. She's really good! I can't think of anyone that can sing and dance as well as Ruby can. She's gonna become a famous actress one day and everyone will want her autograph, and then she can marry a rich guy and eat as much ice cream as she wants!"
Parcel blinked for a moment taking it all in. "That is also... a fine ambition," he said generously. "Perhaps I should see Miss Ruby's talents for myself one day. Do you have another play in mind?" The blond shook his head. "Might I suggest, I Want to Be Your Canary by Lord Avon? It is a tragic romance between a noble and a peasant, quite entertaining so I've heard."
Without realising it Blank's hand had balled into a fist. The thought of Frederick being anywhere near Ruby upset him, although he couldn't explain why. "Am assuming by tragedy things don't turn out well?"
"Actually, in the end both the noble and peasant are killed."
"Such a happy story," Blank said his voice dripping with sarcasm. "For an educated guy you've got really dull taste!"
If looks could kill, the one from Frederick would have been enough to slaughter the entire population of Lindblum. "I Want to Be Your Canary is a treasured classic! And it is precisely because the two lovers cannot be together that strikes an emotional chord with the audience. Not all people are as intellectually challenged as you are!"
"What did yer say, pretty boy?" The red head stood up abruptly but felt a hard tug on the back of his shirt pulling him down. "Wha?"
Marcus frowned. "Cut it out. If the Boss hears you talkin like that you'll get a thick lip! Do you wanna make him mad?" Blank crossed his arms and glared, but did not say anymore. "So, what about the kid with the glasses? You ain't mentioned him."
The young man's face visibly darkened at the question. "Yes, Oliver Brooks," he said almost in a whisper. His enthusiasm when talking about his other friends had been clear to see but now he began to fidget with his hands. "Ollie isn't well I'm afraid, he's suffering from consumption." When the noble saw the blank looks of his listeners he went onto explain. "It is a disease that attacks the lungs causing a high fever, weight loss and the victim to cough up blood. The doctors say he'll be dead within the month." He licked his dry lips. "So that is that - as they say." His golden eyes glistened in the firelight betraying the sadness that his words tried to conceal.
"I'm sorry to hear that," Marcus replied, "must be tough." Parcel's only acknowledgement was to nod. After that the atmosphere turned rather sombre as each person considered their own mortality.
Suddenly Baku clapped his hands. "Alright boys, time to hit the hay! Remember tomorrow mornin' to put more layers on otherwise you'll be freezing yer arse off, gwahahaha!"
As the travellers snuggled down into their sleeping bags and drifted off to sleep, Zidane was left alone with his thoughts. He'd been moved to learn about Oliver's illness and wondered why they didn't try to save him. What was death anyway? Why did people die? Tribal struggled with such ideas and it didn't help that his friends avoided the subject like the plague.
He remembered Mr Clatterbridge telling Ruby that her father had died, and she'd shut herself away. That week had been so confusing; they'd gone to the local church which they never usually did, and wore smart new clothes that made his skin itch. Baku told him it was a funeral service and he'd witnessed a large wooden box being blessed by some priest. Afterwards they'd gone to Lindblum Cemetery and the box had been placed into a massive hole. He recalled delicate white roses being thrown down and then smothered with dark brown soil. Everyone had acted so weird – there'd been no laughing or talking, such stern, pale faces. By the end of the day Zidane had been thankful to go back to the clocktower and forget all about it.
Zidane visited the priest a year later and asked when Ruby's father would come back. The holy man had looked kindly at him and spoke of heaven, a peaceful place where souls return to, however he still didn't understand. If a person lost their life surely they could find it again? But the priest had shaken his head sadly. 'I'm sorry, my son," he'd explained. "The man you speak of is no longer of this world, for when a person dies they cannot return.' Such an answer had frightened the monkey tailed boy so badly that to this day he refused to go anywhere near a churchyard.
I wonder if death hurts. He considered. It doesn't sound very nice and it makes people sad... After nearly an hour of tossing and turning he gave up and went to check on Scarlet. Surprisingly he found the chocobo to still be wide awake.
"Can't sleep either?" he said softly. Scarlet narrowed his eyes at Zidane as he sat down. "I bet Ms Burgundy is missing yer. She's a good master, isn't she? Takin' care of all your family, it's important to do stuff like that, ya know?" He leaned his head against Scarlet's body, hearing a strong heartbeat and stroked the feathers absently. "Don't know what I'd do if I lost my family, I don't like being alone."
Scarlet could hear the small human muttering on about something. He was an odd one, not put off at all by the unfriendly squawks and pecking. The chocobo had never had a problem getting rid of unwanted riders before. But the more Scarlet retaliated against Tribal the more tightly he would cling, it didn't make sense. The bird noted how the boy's breathing had changed and glanced down. He scowled at Zidane who had fallen asleep against his side. The chocobo felt tempted to give the human a quick nip behind the ear, but as he reached over Scarlet froze. He studied the sleeping form, listened to the quiet, steady breaths that strangely made him feel calm. In that moment his desire to cause pain disappeared. Instead, Scarlet slowly lay his head down. Stupid human... He thought before sleep claimed him.
Author's note -
I've been surrounded a lot by death this year so this chapter is in remembrance of them. x