Trek to Treno Part Two

In the morning Zidane lifted his sleepy head and yawned. That was a really good nap! He thought still feeling so warm wrapped up in the comfortable blanket. He turned to grasp the material to pull it further over his shoulders, but found a fistful of red feathers instead. He blinked and then realised that he was also leaning against Scarlet's body. The chocobo's staggered snore was music to his ears, despite the loud rumbling sound it made. Without realising, the stubborn bird had wrapped his long neck around Zidane encircling him completely. The monkey tailed boy tried to keep his excitement in check so as not to ruin the moment. Finally, I think we're getting somewhere! He giggled and stroked Scarlet affectionately.

This caused Scarlet to wake and crane his neck trying to discover the source of disruption to his pleasant dreams. "Morning!" Zidane greeted him brightly. "Did yer sleep well?" The chocobo cocked his head and sniffed suspiciously. Tribal tickled Scarlet under the chin and laughed. "Guess a little heart to heart works wond – hey!" he yelped suddenly, as the chocobo tried to snap its beak shut over his fingers. Zidane snatched his hand out of harm's way but the crazed bird continued to nip at him. "Just – take – it – easy!" he exclaimed, his fingers dancing around to avoid being bitten.

Scarlet's nostril's flared with anger. "Yer not a morning person, huh?" Tribal joked. He stepped away from the chocobo, counting his fingers and thumbs to check they were intact. "Geez, yer don't have to get so upset!" He sighed, and tried to pat Scarlet reassuringly on the head. Unfortunately this caused the bird to give a roaring 'wark' which echoed around the small cave. Scarlet stamped his feet and prepared to make a dash for freedom. "No, you don't!" Zidane yelled as he grabbed onto one of Scarlet's thick legs. He hooked his monkey tail around the limb just to make sure. This didn't deter the would - be escape artist, and together the pair took off, smashing the dead firewood apart as they charged out of the cave entrance.

Disgruntled shouts and yells from his companions died away, as Zidane found himself being dragged along the floor. It had snowed during the night and didn't the underside of his belly know it. The icy touch made him gasp and his bare skin screamed as if being stabbed by steel blades. Owie! Owie! Owie! The boy scrunched up his face against the stinging sensation. He slid a good 300 yards by the time he came up with a plan, and so looping his monkey tail around both of Scarlet's legs, he pulled hard. Like a tree being felled the chocobo toppled over fantastically onto the snowy ground. There was a resounding thud as they went over and a cloud of powdered snow shot up into the air. With a moan Zidane crawled onto his knees, and heard his warm, jagged breaths intruding on the cold soundless landscape.

Scarlet gave a faint whine but the little boy had no sympathy. "Don't start!" he groaned, dusting off loose snow from his head. "I'm not the one who ran off! Brrrr! It's cold! So cold!" Zidane rubbed his arms as he stood and took in the misty view. In the early morning light, thin beams of the sun tried to fight through thickened cloud. On this part of the mountainside the snow was a good three inches deep, and Zidane's foot disappeared as he took a step forward. There were icicles hanging from ledges, and the few brave trees that had taken root here bowed low under the weight of their heavy white burdens. Had it not been for his discomfort, the boy might have appreciated the pure unspoilt beauty. As it was his stomach clenched painfully reminding him about missing breakfast, and that he couldn't put off his sorry trudge back to the cave any longer.

By this point Scarlet had recovered and ruffled his feathers in the cold air. Moodily Zidane stumbled over and yanked his reins in the right direction. For once the chocobo didn't argue, sensing his rebellious actions had already earned him a few sharp heel digs in the side. "Yer gonna learn that humans are more stubborn than chocobos when they wanna be." He turned and stared directly into those big black eyes. "I ain't givin' up, so quit bein' such a jackass!"

Zidane took a calming breath and prepared to move on. The others are never gonna let me live this down! He thought before something soft and wet hit him full in the face. He stumbled back in shock. What the hell? Slowly he smeared away the remains of a dripping snowball and found Blank keeling over with laugher. "Hey!" It didn't take long for Tribal to return the favour. "Thanks for kickin' a guy when he's down!" he shouted back, gleefully scooping up another handful of snow.

"Welcome!" Blank replied with an evil gleam in his eye. Dressed in fur trimmed boots, a thick red shawl, scarf, gloves and a hat he was more than ready to face the elements. He dodged another of Zidane's feeble throws with ease. "So, yer still in one piece?"

"Like... yer... care!" The blond thief's teeth chattered and the stinging in his arms had become unbearable. "Apart... from... freezing to death? Ye...Yeah, I'm fine!" He watched suspiciously as Blank came towards him with his hands in the air. Over his shoulder was a woollen blanket which he held out with a smug grin. Zidane couldn't snatch it away fast enough. "Oh mmman, yer a life saver!"

"Yeah, yeah, why am I helping you, again?" Blank shook his head. "Seriously, getting hypothermia on the second day? That ain't smart, Zi!" The other boy gave him a withering look as he shivered under the blanket. "This Scarlet," he considered with a steely glare, "is more trouble than he's worth. Howz about switching with me today?"

But Zidane wouldn't hear of it. "No way, Scarlet's sticking with me. I'm gonna win him over no matter what!"

"Even if it kills yer?"

He rubbed the back of his head awkwardly. I'm hoping it doesn't come to that! Zidane knew Blank was just looking out for him but he felt responsible for the bird now. Allowing someone else to ride Scarlet just didn't seem right. He'd made a little progress, hadn't he? Even if this morning had been a complete disaster, he couldn't just dump the problem on someone else. "Look, am not a kid anymore. There are some things you've gotta do on yer own!"

Blank huffed. "Whatever, I'm not yer blinkin' keeper!" He turned around and started back the way he'd come. Zidane stood still, worried no doubt that he'd hurt his feelings in some stupid way. The thought bothered Blank far more than it should do. His Little Brother had grown up a little in some ways. You could see it in the way he walked and talked - how he interacted with people. His confidence knew no bounds; he was clever and fast, already catching the eye of many pretty ladies at the Twin Moons. Not that he understood anything about that but he had everything going for him. But his one weakness drove Blank beyond mad, it wouldn't make any profit for a thief. In the future it would probably cause him endless trouble and strife. What was this inappropriate quality? In a word – kindness, Zidane's heart beat for lost causes, underdogs and misfits. He made friends with anyone: the shy and timid, the angry and lonely, upper class, lower class, girls, boys, hippos, rats and now it seemed... chocobos.

Jealousy had never been an emotion that Blank dealt with very well. He tried to stop himself because he knew Zidane loved him like family. They were brothers, and he deserved better. It was just sometimes he found it so hard, how could he compete with someone like that? When the monkey tailed boy stepped into the room you couldn't help but be drawn to him. Like the sun, he was bright and warm whilst in comparison Blank stayed hidden in the shadows. He hated this seed of envy growing inside of him, it made him feel toxic inside.

"Hey, Blank!" a familiar voice cut through his troubled musings. He rolled his eyes and looked back.

"What?" he shouted. "Oh shi-" But it was too late. A round white sphere exploded on his forehead. He blinked a few times feeling the melting snow slide down his nose and cheeks. I should have learnt by now...

Zidane cheered and with gusto punched his fist into the air. "Got yer!"

"Little brat!" But there was no heat to the insult and Blank even smiled.


Upon return to the cave, the boys found the others still getting changed inside their sleeping bags. Cinna had miraculously resurrected the fire that had been smashed from before, and soon bacon and eggs sizzled in the pan. After Baku had chewed Zidane out for being careless he explained about the next part of the trek. First they would reach the mountain summit. Then they'd scramble down the other side and keep going until they found a lee known as 'Hermit's Haven' to stop for the night.

"Why's it called that?" Blank asked attempting not to be distracted by Zidane, who was currently hopping around trying to put on another layer of trousers.

Baku waggled his eyebrows. "Wouldn't yer like to know, hmm?" The red head shrugged his shoulders as if he didn't care either way. "Yer could pretend to be a little excited!" Bosu complained with a pout. Blank sighed but came slightly closer trying to show willing. "Alright, a long time ago before Lindblum had even become a city, the villagers often saw dragons in the mountains. They believed the dragons had built a nest there and wouldn't go anywhere near 'em. One day a local lad, Petri decided to take a hike over the mountain and see a dragon for himself."

"This Petri guy don't sound too smart!"

Baku gave him a sharp look but continued, "Anyway, when he went up the mountain he got lost in the mist and found the dragon he'd been looking for. Well, course he thought his days were numbered, since he wasn't exactly a fighter!" He chuckled softly.

"So what happened, did he get scorched to death?" Blank slouched down nearer to the fire.

The Boss shook his head. "According to legend some moogle stepped in and persuaded the dragon to be on its way."

"A moogle?" This made the redhead sit up and take notice. "Like one of those fluffy white teddy things with a red pom pom on its head? How could that see off a Grand Dragon?"

"Look 'ere, whose telling this story, you or me?" Baku growled.

By now Zidane had finished changing into more suitable attire and joined Blank. The older boy drew his knees up to his chest and sighed again. "You're the boss, Boss."

"Right, after that, he took the frightened lad back to his 'ome. He told Petri that Grand Dragons don't take kindly to humans bein' on their territory, and that in the mornin' he would get him down again. When Petri asked why the dragon hadn't attacked, the hermit said they'd been very lucky. 'Dragons are dangerous, fickle creatures,' he warned him and Petri could hear sadness carved into those words. The next day, true to his promise the moogle led Petri down the mountain path and was never seen again. Hermit's Haven is meant to be the place where the moogle lived, so the legend says."

Zidane thought for a moment about the tale. "Hey Boss, do Grand Dragons live in these mountains?" he said very carefully.

Baku burst out laughing. "Nah, they moved on when Lindblum started with all its technology stuff. Dragons ain't fond of noise, and with airships buzzin' round and humans drillin' gates through the mountain, I'm not surprised they scarpered!" He took a gulp of hot coffee. "The only place to see Grand Dragons nowadays is Popos Heights near Gizamaluke's Grotto, and thank Gaia we ain't nowhere near that!"

After breakfast, the group mounted and continued their journey over the Aerb Mountains. Tribal hummed cheerfully to himself as they went along. He loved being able to leave the city once in a while and explore the world, there was still so much he wanted to know. Baku often spoke of places that he'd visited in his 'younger' days and they sounded fascinating. He'd heard of a settlement called Clerya, which was built in the branches of a gigantic tree and surrounded by a constant sandstorm. The kingdom of Alexandria, famous for many things not least the Royal Family: Queen Brahne Raza Alexandros XVI to give the monarch her full title. The Queen's army were said to be made entirely of women, although there existed some men who were in charge of protecting the city known as the Knights of Pluto. Burmecia, Realm of Eternal Rain the only high walled city to be found actually below the mist. The Burmecians were said to train to become dragon knights that fought with spears and lances. A king ruled this city where the streets shone like silver in the never ending rain.

What I wouldn't give to see them all! Zidane thought with longing. They were so close to owning the Prima Vista, and once Tantalus had her there would be no stopping them. No more scrapping around trying to find a venue to perform in, the ship would be their mobile theatre home. They could go anywhere they wanted and everyone would marvel at the Tantalus Theatre Troupe. Just thinking about the prospect made him want to finish this job as quickly as possible. But with his head up in the clouds he'd quite forgotten about Scarlet who bobbed suddenly to leap over a craggy gap. "Whoa!" Tribal exclaimed, shifting around in his saddle, "forgot I was riding yer there for a minute!" The chocobo snorted through his nostrils and bobbed again using his powerful legs to clamber up the rock face.

By noon they reached the mountain peak and the sun finally won its battle against the mist. Up here, the group bathed their bodies in the pleasant golden rays. All the aches and stiffness from their joints melted away, it had been worth the effort to get to this point.

"Oh wow, that feels good!" Cinna said taking the opportunity to stretch his arms. "I was beginning to forget what the sun felt like!"

Baku shielded his eyes from the bright light but there wasn't much in the way of a view. They were an island surrounded by a sea of thick, rolling clouds obscuring the land below. "Make the most of it boys it's downhill from 'ere! Keep yer wits about, cuz things are gonna get a lot more tricky."

Not for the first time Baku's prediction had been spot on. Zidane heard his friends sneezing and coughing somewhere in the mist before him. The chilly fog steadily grew thicker until it smothered every direction, so it looked as if they were swimming in a white, cloudy soup. He wasn't fazed by this, after all Ms Burgandy had warned them in advance this would happen. Zidane remembered in particular that chocobos had a very keen sense of smell and considered these mountains their home. Their talons were designed to grip the slippery rock with ease, and since the whole family of chocobos were tied end to end they wouldn't lose anybody by accident.

His body continued to shiver even though they were climbing down rather than up. Now he understood perfectly why Baku had insisted that they wear lots of layers. A biting wind hounded the group, pushing them this way and that. The wind chill factor was more severe on this side of the mountain, so Zidane snuggled closer to Scarlet's fluffy feathers trying to use him as a wind break. Surprisingly the young chocobo didn't protest, even he felt too cold to care anymore.

They ate on the move for the rest of the day as no shelter could be found for them. But a meal of tough, salty meat and dry bread didn't exactly help to settle an uneasy stomach. Such food compared to the bacon and eggs from the morning held no competition. Whenever they were lucky enough to find a decent ledge, Baku made sure they fed and watered the chocobos. But the skies were growing increasingly dark even though it was in the middle of the afternoon. It was as if the shadows had taken on a life of their own, growing and stretching out in front of them. Zidane didn't like the way they were sinking into a darkening world and glanced back towards the mountain summit wondering why the sunlight had abandoned him.

"Why's it getting dark all of a sudden?" he called out to Blank but it was Marcus who answered.

"Treno's known as the dark city for a reason. On this side of the mountain it's always night."

"Always night?!" Zidane repeated in disbelief. "I'd hate to live there full time! How would yer know when to sleep and when to wake up? Everythin' would be mixed up, right?"

Marcus could just picture the confusion on his friend's face. "From what I've seen the nobles don't seem to mind. I mean, to them Treno is practically a playground anyway!"

"Why? What do they do there?"

"Well...There's the auction house that has some pretty rare items, but they ain't cheap. I've played in the card stadium a few times for the Tetra Tournament. The players there have a half decent stack of cards and are actually a challenge!" He heard an indignant cough from Cinna and smirked. "Oh yeah, the weapon shop has a small battle arena so yer can fight monsters for fun."

Zidane's eyes nearly popped out of his head. "What? The rich geezers pay to fight monsters for kicks?"

"Erm, not exactly, it's more entertainment for the bounty hunters so they can win a few gil. This city is kind of a weird mix, yer got folks with money living the high life, those on the run from the law, and others that ain't got nothing."

Throughout this exchange Frederick remained silent. He didn't agree with everything Marcus said but a lot of it was true. The rich lived in grand houses overlooking the waterfront with its twinkling lights and marble fountains. In contrast, the poor found shelter in the slums and tried to survive as best they could. He remembered visiting with his father years ago, and how they'd walked passed beggars on the street as if they didn't exist. Mr Parcel had told his son not to stare. 'They are beneath you,' he'd said simply. 'They are not worthy of your time.' Somehow such memories did not sit comfortably with the young man. But I am different now. He reasoned with himself. I shall perceive things clearly when I reach the university. I will not become like my father!


It was getting late by the time they reached the rock formation known as Hermit's Haven. The lee essentially was a natural wall carved into the mountain over years of weather erosion. It blocked off most of the wind but unfortunately a chilly draft slipped through the cracks, which meant it was nowhere near as comfortable as the cave from the night before. Parcel had expected some sort of log cabin which the thieves found highly amusing. Nevertheless the travellers made do and were just glad for anywhere to lay their weary heads. The lack of light made it difficult to gauge how much time had passed, and so Blank often glanced at his pocket watch underneath the glow of a burning lantern. The men huddled around the small stove as Cinna fought to keep the flames alive long enough to heat up some soup. After that the senior members of the group kept a watch for monsters whilst Zidane and Frederick stayed in the warmest corner and rested for a while. As always, Blank leaned casually against the wall as though in deep contemplation.

After nearly ten minutes of stony silence between Blank and Parcel, Zidane wanted to bang their heads together. Trying to pretend the other guy isn't here is just dumb! His only comfort for the time being was the knowledge that it wouldn't be like this forever. Soon Frederick would be in Treno and life would go as normal for Tantalus. But still, playing piggy in the middle between these two was not fun. "Come on guys, it's gonna be real boring if we just sit here!"

"I ain't got nothin' to say to that snob," Blank muttered.

Tribal could feel the tension in Frederick's body next to him. He took the hint and placed both arms behind his head trying to get more comfortable. They listened to the wind soughing and whistling beyond the wall. Having never been the type to stop and consider the wind's song Zidane closed his eyes and tried to tune in to the subtle shifts in pitch and tone. Sometimes the wind howled, it could lash against the rock face or ruffle the grains of dust near his feet. He imagined the wind to have a large bearded face and a gaping mouth, dancing through the clouds making them shift across the sky.

A sudden burst of inspiration came to him. I know what we can do! He sat up quickly and reached over to his knapsack. "Hey Blank, howz about a game?"

"No." Blank snapped. The red head wanted no interaction with Frederick at all, and that included playing Tetra Master.

Zidane stuck his tongue out. "Fine, suit yerself! Hey Frederick, wanna play?"

Surprised, Parcel twisted around to face the blond boy. "I'm afraid I've never had the pleasure, Mr Tribal," he admitted. A mocking huff came from the hunched figure near the wall. He ignored it and instead focused on Zidane. "Would you kindly explain the rules?"

"Only if yer never call me mister again," he said cringing. "It's Zidane, okay?"

Parcel found this to be an odd request but agreed. "As you wish, Zidane it is then."

Tribal took his modest collection of cards and shared them equally between them. He then tried his best to explain the basics. Tetra Master was a deceptively simple card game that the inhabitants of Gaia took rather seriously. For some it was more than just a pastime it was an obsession. The cards themselves depicted monsters, buildings, ships, people and even weapons. Generally each card held at least one arrow in the corners or at the sides, and these arrows had a number attached to it. The numbers (sometimes letters) represented the attack or defence of a card.

"Yer can only attack cards next to you," he explained, "and if the card has no arrows I can take that over straight away, see?" Parcel's blue card immediately turned orange. "Your Goblin card is mine now unless yer attack one my cards to win it back."

Frederick considered his cards and decided to choose a Sand Scorpion with an attack of four. He placed it on the grid and watched as it fought a battle with Zidane's Skeleton. When both the skeleton and the Gobin card turned blue in his favour Parcel appeared confused.

"Nice one, yer made a chain!"

"I made a what?" he said, glancing back at the grid and then to his teacher for further clarification.

It didn't bother the child one bit. "Yer beat my Skeleton card cuz it only had a defence of three, and then after the last battle my Goblin's defence had gone down to two as well." He pointed to the numbers on the cards. "So yer made a chain and took two cards in one turn!"

"Ah, I see! Your actions from previous moves determine what could happen in the rest of the game. You have to adapt your cards depending upon the changing variables." Zidane's forehead furrowed slightly and Parcel laughed at him. "It's quite all right, I'm beginning to understand."

They continued the game with Zidane as victor in the first and second round. By the third round however Frederick had caught up and started making more strategic choices, they ended up in a draw. He seemed to enjoy the game and wanted to play more. "So how come yer never played before?" Tribal asked as he shuffled the cards.

"I've been taught that drinking, gambling, spending time alone with women and so on, are considered taboo. Such pursuits are inappropriate for a young gentleman apparently."

"Oh, yer don't have to play anymore if it'll get yer into trouble!"

Frederick smiled at him. "I appreciate your concern, but it doesn't matter to me anymore. I've become a different person, Zidane. My studies are proof that I am breaking away from the natural order of the Parcel family name."

Despite insisting that he wasn't interested, Blank found his ears betraying him and listening to the conversation. My studies are proof? He wasn't convinced. What's he talking about? Stupid toff! He tried to concentrate on something else, the small spider crawling over his boot for example but curiosity soon got the better of him. "So, what yer studying anyway?" he asked in a bored tone. "Aren't yer training to take over from daddy when he pops his clogs?"

"Actually, I am no longer my father's heir." Parcel corrected him. "That honour now belongs to my younger brother, Francis. It appears I am no longer worthy to hold such a title."

Of all the karma he could have received this was like winning the lottery. Yet, such a victory felt hollow and empty to Blank. There was no joy to be found in Frederick's misfortune. Yes, Parcel had messed him up pretty bad but to lose everything? He snatched a glance at the sixteen year old who unbeknown to him was also sneaking a look as well. The boys' eyes met and then, because neither wanted to lose face they sharply turned away again.

Another round of Tetra Master followed and this time Frederick won. "Good job!" Zidane praised him. "You'll be a master in no time!"

Parcel raised an eyebrow. "A little soon to be saying that, don't you think? But I appreciate the vote of confidence." He glanced at his right hand and in particular the middle finger, with the tooth shaped scars etched into it. A smirk came to his lips. How could this be the same monkey tailed boy from so long ago? He'd been a nameless savage, a vicious creature with barely any speech. Now Zidane shamed him with his friendly nature and forgiving ways.

"So when yer go to lunaversitty-"

"University, the word you are searching for is university." He had to fight the bubbling giggle in his throat but managed to retain his composure. "What will I do there?" he suggested. The thief smiled and nodded. "My studies will involve medicine. I am to become a doctor-"

Blank started to cough as though something had gone down the wrong hole. "Yer gotta be kidding me, a quack?!"

Parcel's cheeks turned slightly pink as the red head continued to gawp at him in shock. "Well, you don't have to stare at me so!" he snapped. "It is a respectable profession!"

Zidane cheered and clapped him on the back. "I think that's great!"

"Wait...You...You do?" Frederick blinked for a few seconds registering Tribal's positive encouragement. "But I tried to cut your tail off!"

"Oh, water under the bridge and all that!" he replied easily. "Lindblum needs more doctors to help sick people, right?"

"He just wants to cure those that can afford it." Blank said. "Must be nice getting paid for treatin' the odd cold!" He wanted to see Parcel's face twist up in hatred, to say something equally vile but he did neither.

Frederick stared at the floor considering what to say next. "I understand why you would think that." He exhaled deeply a few times then continued. "To be honest, a day hasn't gone by when I haven't thought about what I did to you." He forced himself to look at Blank. "I should thank you, truly. It's because of you that I watched Doctor Sullivan at work. I've reflected on my actions and made a decision."

"What kinda decision?" Zidane said as he shuffled the cards again.

"I want to use my hands to heal, not to hurt others." He stood and glared at Blank who had scoffed at the statement. "Yes, I admit, it may seem laughable to you, but I want to do some good in this world."

The red head met his stare confidently. "Be honest for once, Parcel. Yer just wanna make money, right?"

Such a comment did not go down well and Frederick marched over to Blank. "No, that is not right in the least!" he exclaimed. "I vow to open a clinic right in the heart of the Theatre District and treat real patients that need help. I swear it on my life!" The intensity of this man made Blank frown. He tried to squash the memories from back then but they came flooding back like a tidal wave. Being hauled up by his shirt and beaten within an inch of his life, things like that didn't just leave you. He could feel Parcel's breath on his cheek, and those annoying eyes, the same golden eyes that held such contempt on that day.

"Back off! Or I'll have yer!" He shook an angry fist in Frederick's face. "Just try it, pretty boy!"

"Blank, give it a rest!" Zidane sounded frustrated and fed up. "Can't yer let bygones be bygones?"

After paying Doctor Sullivan's fee it had left him out of pocket for months. Frederick Parcel decided a long time ago what he was going to do when he saw Blank the street rat again. He'd waited and waited for an opportunity but their paths never crossed. It was only on the eve of leaving Lindblum, and realising that his only option was them, that Frederick had the chance to make things right.

He took a step back from the thief pinned against the wall. "I do not wish to fight," he said calmly. "But if you need to 'get it out of your system', I will not stop you." He folded his hands behind his back. "Feel free to take your revenge as you see fit."

"What the 'ell?" Blank snarled. He didn't like this sudden change in his nemesis. What does he think he's doing? I'm not gonna to hit a man that doesn't fight back! This wasn't what the red head wanted. He needed to see the monster in Frederick again. He had to hear the sneering jeers and snobbish put downs. He could understand that person it made him feel secure. Now Parcel stood there, a defenceless punching bag waiting eagerly for the blows. The temptation was crushing him, he yearned to lash out and release all the adrenaline rushing through his veins. "Yer gone crazy?" His voice shook despite himself.

But Frederick was not backing down. "Do what you must," he insisted. "What's the matter? Has your courage deserted you?"

"Shut up!" Blank warned him. "I'll knock yer into next week!"

Zidane could only stare helplessly at the two boys who had quite forgotten he was there. It had been a long time since his brother had scared him like this. Blank could be so laid back and humorous when he wanted to be. But there was another side to him; an uncontrollable side, wild and destructive like a raging fire. When Blank's temper got like this he was capable of anything. There was no way to stop him; Zidane had tried in the past and failed miserably. He'd felt the cold shoulder from Blank afterwards and it had nearly broke his heart.

There was a queer expression on Blank's face but his fists were more than ready to strike. He felt sick watching, waiting to see what was going to happen. He was back on that balcony again peering through the bars unable to do a damn thing. I wish Baku or Marcus would come. He felt the rough edges of the cards sinking into his fleshy palms, but remained frozen. There had to be something he could do but it was too late. Frighteningly fast, Blank drew up a fist and roared. "Ruby won't like it!" Zidane shouted in vain and covered his eyes. Please don't!

He waited, but there was no crunch of bone connecting with bone. It grew quiet. Tribal couldn't bring himself to look, seconds felt like hours as they ticked by. But eventually he opened his fingers just a fraction and gasped. Frederick remained standing although his face had grown significantly paler, and there, only a mere centimetre from his nose was Blank's fist. Zidane wasn't sure who looked more stunned, Blank or Parcel.

Blank's laboured breaths filled the silence. "Damn you," he said glaring at Frederick but withdrew the fist and smacked it hard into the wall behind him instead. "Yer know what, Frederick?" He shoved the young man away. "You can stuff yer revenge!"

And with that he shouldered past. Without so much as a second glance at Zidane he put a shawl around himself, and headed out into the howling wind.