Chapter Six

The barracks for the Knights of Pluto was tucked into the far southern point of the castle garden, directly across from the private quarters for the captain and general. Zidane walked quickly alongside the gondola operator who showed him to a two story building that was painted beige and accented with dark brown trimming. There were two large wrap around balconies and numerous wall length windows covering the house. Zidane glanced nervously over his shoulder at each turn. He felt he could breath a little easier, however, when he was showed inside with the door firmly closing behind him. Immediately, he was greeted with a large living quarters that had a stone laid fireplace, numerous chairs, and shelves of books. Some swords laid forgotten in the corners of the room. Across from the social area was the dining room that sported a long table with matching benches lining the sides. The ground floor already smelled like beef strew. The first shift would be taking their lunch soon. Zidane was shown upstairs to a room at the end of the hall. It had a few desks, numerous cabinets, and papers cluttering every surface. An older man, a bit heavyset, was busy sorting through some of the mess on his desk. His helmet laid discarded to the side and his head sported thinning brown hair. He paused and looked up when the door opened.

"Sir," The knight quickly saluted. "I've brought to you a man who'd like to enlist."

"Enlist?" Breireicht arched his eyebrows. "You found one of our posters, son?"

"Yes, sir," Zidane nodded, removing it from his pocket again despite its horrid condition.

"Good, good," Breireicht gestured towards the wooden chair in front of his desk. "You're dismissed, Kohel. You can have yourself a seat, son."

Zidane watched as the other soldier saw himself out. Zidane was hesitant for a moment, as if rethinking all his choices. There was no going back the moment he sat in that chair. But he found himself moving forward, dropping his backpack to the ground beside him. Breireicht began clearing away all the unorganized shuffle of papers, discarding them on someone else's desk. He then reached into a drawer, placing a clean sheet down that Zidane saw was an application.

"Well, you've come at a good time," The soldier said, rifling about for an ink well and quill, which he handed to Zidane. "The Knights of Pluto has been understaffed and overwhelmed for quite some time. It'd be nice to have a few extra sets of hands around here. Especially in the castle."

"That's what I was hoping to hear," Zidane said, struggling to keep his voice even. He attempted to drop the octave of his voice. He leaned forward, pressing his elbow to the desk, to review what he had to fill out. "You know, I've wanted to be a Knight of Pluto for quite some time."

"Got any friends with the same mindset?" Breireicht leaned back in his chair, folding his hands across the belly of his armor. Zidane shook his head, however. "Damn shame. Ever since the war, people don't want to put the armor on anymore. They want to go out and see the world, like they've been missing something all along." He waved his hand dismissively. "Oh well… what's your name, son?"

"Zeke," Zidane replied with his deepened voice.

"Zeke, eh?" He nodded. "Well, I'd like to say you got the job already, Zeke, but Captain Steiner trusts I go through all the motions so the recruitment process is fair. General Beatrix will also lose her head if she finds us slacking on any part of it. So, go ahead and fill out your personal information there. After that, we'll get you fitted into some armor. It's a lot heavier than it looks. You'll have to perform a physical, as well, that way we know where you shine and where to put you."

Zidane nodded, slowly dipping the quill into the murky ink. His hand nearly trembled as he brought the tip to the paper. He took in a deep breath, sealing all his lies and effectively erasing his identity with the swivel of his wrist. Zeke Tisdoll. Seventeen years old. Born in Lindblum. Former technical hand for an art studio. No known illnesses. Zidane was slow as he continued down the list, checking box after box, knowing that either Steiner or Beatrix would see the application. After he signed his fake name at the bottom, he handed it back to Breireicht. The moment the starchy parchment slipped from between his fingers, he knew Zidane Tribal was gone. The soldier reviewed it quickly.

"An art hand, huh?" He said, letting out a low whistle. "Hope you did more than sit and watch the clouds go by on the canvas. Can you run a mile?"

"Yes, sir."

"How fast?"

"I've never timed myself."

"Well, let's find out, then. Come on," Breireicht gestured for Zidane to follow him down the hall, where he opened the door to a training room filled with javelins, swords, archer targets, bows, and arrows, along with hay stuffed dummies. Some of the dummies had been well practiced on. One of their heads dangled precariously from its shoulders. Breireicht opened a cabinet, revealing several sets of armor. They ranged in a variety of sizes. "Take your cloak off so I can figure out what size you need," He said with his back to Zidane. As Zidane fumbled with the button, he hurriedly stuffed his tail up the back of his shirt. He discarded the cloak to the floor. "You're a lot thinner than I thought. That's alright. We mostly eat beef around here. We'll thicken you up." Breireicht set the armor on a nearby chair and Zidane swiveled on the balls of his feet so the man wouldn't see his tail hiding behind him. The soldier then opened a drawer, pulling out a pair of khakis and a white undershirt. "You'll wear these underneath your uniform at all times. General Beatrix likes for us all to cut the uniform as closely as possible. I'll give you a few minutes to change." And with that, he let himself out, leaving Zidane alone in the training room.

For the first time, Zidane released a breath he didn't know he was holding. He looked around the room, almost in a daze. The blood behind his eyes throbbed. He was really doing this. Always have to do things the hard way… He recalled Blank once saying. It's always your way or the highway, huh? Maybe this was the hard way. Zidane pulled his grimy and tired shirt off his shoulders, reaching for the fresh one that smelled of lilac. Zidane still reeled to get back in step with reality. He felt like so much had changed in the course of a year. Yet, he didn't feel any different. All of his friends at the party looked happy and healthy. They seemed to have readjusted just fine. But for Zidane, it felt as if everything had only happened just one week ago. He pursed his lips as he staggered into his khakis, reaching for the armor leg bracers next. He wanted to snap himself back into reality. He wanted to feel like one with time again. Zidane sighed as he lifted the chest plate, running his fingers over the crest of Alexandria. He thought of Garnet in that moment and his heart oozed.

A curt knock on the door drew him from his mind and he looked over his shoulder to Breireicht. "Ah, good, you're almost done. Do you know how to clip your front and back plates?"

"Y… yeah," Zidane nodded stiffly, quickly shrugging into it and fastening it, just as Blank had showed him a year ago.

"You alright, son?" Breireicht arched his bushy brows. "You look like you've seen a ghost."

"I'm fine," Zidane told him, sweeping his helmet up into his hands. He turned towards the assistant captain. "Just tell me what I gotta do."

…

Beatrix focused on writing notes for the doctor on parchment as she sat in a stiff stool in a rather bland room. The doctor was busy washing his hands in a basin just across the room. Steiner was anxiously rubbing his hands together behind his back, chewing on his lips. Beatrix paused from writing in her cursive loopy style and lifted her head to look at Steiner with arched eyebrows. She could see how jittery he was. Beatrix was certain it was nothing serious. A common cold, a seasonal flu- nothing she couldn't handle. Doctor shook his hands from the water and reached for a linen.

"General Beatrix, good afternoon. It's not very often I see you around here, unless you're delivering me a soldier," The doctor grinned politely. "Let me see what you've written here." He paced a few steps and each time, Steiner grew more and more wound up. Beatrix could almost sigh watching Steiner, but she kept herself focused on the professional who was nodding as he paced. "Mhm… well, General Beatrix, I'll need you to do something for me, please." He went to a cabinet and rifled through the shelves. "Have you been drinking water today?"

"Yes, sir, of course," Beatrix nodded.

"Good," The doctor held a cup out towards her. "I'd like for you to urinate in this, please."

"What!?" Steiner's eyes were as wide as saucers. "What kind of sick practice is this?!"

"Captain Steiner, please," The doctor said coolly, holding his hands up. "I've been a doctor for over five decades. This is a very common practice I've come to be well-versed in. General Beatrix's notes have me suspecting that she is with child, that's all. Urine can tell you many things about the state of someone's health."

Beatrix bolted up from her stool to grab Steiner's arm. He just about tilted over. His face blanched and yet his cheeks grew bright red. Beatrix put him in the stool instead and walked a few paces, crossing her arms over her chest. "Wi… with child!?" Steiner was nearly breathless. "That… that means…"

"Yes, if I conclude with this test that Beatrix is with child, that means you'll be having a baby come the winter," The doctor nodded.

"Are you sure it's not desert fever?" Beatrix asked as Steiner pressed a hand to his sticky forehead.

"Oh, General Beatrix, you know that's urban legend," The older man chuckled.

"Me…? Pregnant?" Beatrix furrowed her brow and shook her head.

"It's the first thing I'd like to test," The doctor crossed towards her, placing the cup in her hands. He continued to grip her slender wrists. "It's alright, General Beatrix. You've fought dragons head on. If you are… I don't think a little tyke is going to take you down."

Beatrix held the cup in her hand, her heart pounding thunderously in her chest. She was never quite one to have a maternal bone, it felt like. Though Garnet in her youth had been quiet and relenting, Beatrix had never had the urge or desire to hold a child or allow them to sit in her lap. She never catered directly towards them or went out of her way to give them anything. She may have been a fierce swordsman and a top tactics general, but she didn't feel like she had the cahoots to wrangle with a child. Especially if it was anything like her. Beatrix lifted her dark eyes to spy Steiner, who seemed to be deep in the delves of his mind. Of course, the child could always be like Steiner. Maybe she wouldn't mind that. But she considered the burden of carrying a child. Beatrix's greatest fear was becoming invalid. Beatrix finally nodded, letting out a pensive breath.

"Okay, let me go to the washroom."

…

The sun room in the high front tower of the castle was flooded with the bright afternoon sun. The dark wood furniture gleamed from its fresh polish. A large coffee table with elaborate carvings along the legs was cluttered with many treats. A porcelain white tea pot with matching cups and saucers were gathered at the center. There were glazed ladyfingers and sticky buns stacked in a marvelous mountain. Fresh macaroons that sported dainty pastel colors were set neatly on a large white dish. Alongside it were sugar powdered dough balls and chocolate wafers. However, the brocade couches that surrounded the snack time fit for a party were only occupied by Eiko and Vivi. The black mage sat patiently with his clasped in front of him. He looked to the paintings on the walls that depicted scenes of gallant wars from past eras. Eiko, however, looked royally annoyed. She had her arms crossed over her chest, her lower lip stuck out. She had taken the time to sweep her hair into two large buns on her head, which was not an easy feat. She was angry no one was there to see it.

"She's always late for tea time!" Eiko shook her head out of frustration.

"Who?"

"Mother!" Eiko said immediately. "And Dagger."

"Dagger is really busy," Vivi told her. "I saw the work in her study this morning. It's a lot."

"That is no excuse," Eiko replied. "Being a princess is all about punctuality. She knew it started promptly at two!"

"But it's only three minutes after."

"It's rude, Vivi!"

The door to the sun room opened and Eiko nearly broke her back to look over the couch. She was disappointed to see it was only Freya, however, who had a book and a sandwich in hand. The dragoon paused after entering, tilting her hat up. "Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't know this room was being used. I'm just having lunch."

"Freya, join us for tea!" Vivi waved his arm. "We have lots of food we won't eat."

Freya set her book on a nearby table, crossing to the back of the couch. "Wow, all of that just for you two?"

"Mother and Dagger are very late," Eiko huffed.

"Oh, Dagger is coming?" Freya rounded the couch to ease herself onto a love seat. She took a bite of her sandwich, looking to the pleasant mage and the annoyed young Lady. "I'm leaving tomorrow morning, back for Burmecia for reconstruction. I thought I'd have to make another trip back to speak with all of you, but I wanted to make a proposal."

"What kind of proposal?" Vivi adjusted his hat.

"Well," Freya lowered her sandwich into her lap. "With Dagger's permission, of course, what would everyone think of designating an area of the Alexandrian garden as a memorial for Zidane?" Eiko's frustration immediately drained from her face upon hearing his name. Even Vivi lowered his head for a moment. "I only believe it is right," Freya continued. "I knew Zidane for a very long time, when we were both just struggling kids trying to understand this world. And what he's done for all of us… we should honor him, especially now that…"

"What?" Eiko asked with a somewhat droopy voice.

"… now that it seems unlikely he survived."

"I think that's a wonderful idea." Everyone in the room cocked their heads towards the door to find Garnet and Hilda standing there. Garnet was smiling politely, though it was easy for her friends to spy her exhaustion. Garnet closed the door, coming to sit beside Freya. Hilda ignored the eyes she got from her daughter as she found her place next to Vivi. She immediately set to pouring everyone a piping hot cup of tea. "What kind of memorial were you imagining?"

"Nothing too elaborate," Freya replied. "Some nice new flowers, perhaps even cat tails as a gentle nudge. A bold plaque in his honor."

"So… a grave without a body?" Eiko cocked an eyebrow up.

"Eiko!" Hilda admonished.

"In simple terms… yes, I suppose," Freya nodded. "I think anything is worth the thought that people may learn about him or pay their respects."

"I like that idea, Freya," Garnet told her. "I think I'll ask Tantalus if there's anything they'd like to make an addition as. Perhaps some of his old belongings? He mentioned he had an airship model collection… I wonder if that's still around. I truly think it will be good to have anything there for him. It will make it seem like he's not as far away…"

…

Zidane made the last sharp turn in the garden, pumping his arms back and forth. His helmet clattered against his skull as the bobbing sight of the barracks grew in his vision. His boots thundered to a stop against the cobblestone and he took in a sharp raspy breath, pressing his hands to his hips. He turned towards Breireicht who was clutching a clock in hand, his eyes wide. Zidane tilted his helmet up slightly, exposing his sticky brown bangs across his forehead.

"What…?" Zidane panted.

"You just ran the entire garden in less than seven minutes. The… the record was twelve," The assistant captain seemed bewildered.

Zidane shrugged, stretching his arms across his chest. "Would have been faster if I didn't get lost in the eastern part…"

Breireicht grabbed his discarded clipboard from a bench, hurriedly scribbling the time with a flapping quill. "You can do fifty-three push ups in a row; you can do, for god's sake, eighty-nine pull ups…" The soldier shook his head. "Your sprint time is exceptional, you can bench well above your weight… Are you sure you only mixed paint for a living?" Zidane nodded. "Captain Steiner is going to be over the moon with these stats, Zeke! You're probably the fittest soldier this teams ever seen. The Captain will want to meet you immediately after he's done with his current engagement!" Breireicht laughed as Zidane paused, thinking about that scenario. "General Beatrix might even want to shake your hand once I turn this paperwork in. Welcome aboard, Zeke. Laudo is inside finishing up his lunch. I want you to go with him for his second shift. He's stationed inside the castle. You should get the grand tour. When there are emergencies, it's valuable to know all the hallways and secret tunnels."

Together the two returned inside. It was the only space Zidane's helmet was allowed to come off. His hair was molded and sticky to his skin as he hooked the helmet up on the wall by the door. The first floor was rowdy with noise now as he peered through the wide archway to spy the table cluttered with breads, cheeses, and big pots of stew. The soldiers talked and laughed ferociously as they took their break. Breireicht beckoned for Zidane to follow and the two emerged in the dining room. Immediately, it quieted as the soldiers looked at the total stranger.

"Hey, guys, listen up. This is our new recruit, Zeke. He just ran the entire garden in seven minutes," Whistles, hoots, and laughter rang out. "That's right, Weimar. He beat you! Can't tell the ladies anymore you're the fastest soldier on the team."

"He just can't talk to the same ladies!" The soldier hollered back and his teammates drummed against the table like a school's lunchroom. Zidane was somewhat charmed by the loose atmosphere they created.

"Be good to him. He's got good promise on this team, I can feel it. Laudo, he'll go with you for your second shift."

"Yes, sir," A wiry man said as he stuffed cheese into his mouth.

"Well," Breireicht pat Zidane on the shoulders. "Captain Steiner should be back in his barracks by now. I'll deliver this paperwork and make you really official. Then I can give you a sword. I'll see you this evening, soldier." Zidane nodded stiffly and turned to watch him slip out the door. Anxiety blossomed in the pit of Zidane's stomach. What if Steiner knew just looking at the papers? What if he had done all this just to fail and have his cover blown? Then how would he explain himself to his friends?

"Hey, man!" A soldier called. "Cop a seat, have some lunch."

"Oh, yeah, thanks," Zidane nodded, stepping over the bench. He was very hungry he realized in that moment and helped himself to bread and cheese.

"Zeke, was it?"

"Mhm," Zidane said behind his mouthful.

"My name's Haagen. I've served for the Knights of Pluto for thirteen years now."

"And I'm Mullenkedheim," A soldier across the table with short blond hair said. "You already know Weimar. He's the biggest liar this teams ever seen."

"If it gets the ladies…" Weimar shrugged passively, eating a heaping spoonful of beef stew.

"So, what made you want to enlist?" Laudo asked, helping himself to more cheese.

"Eh," Zidane tilted his head. "Needed some new direction in life. Lindblum was too big."

"My dad sent me here all those years ago," Haagen laughed. "Can't believe he was right about it fitting me."

"We like to have some fun, too, between all the work," Mullenkedheim told him. "Sometimes we get lucky enough to take some of Squad Beatrix out for bar games and drinks."

"I think the best part is seeing Queen Garnet," Weimar wiggled his bold brows.

"It's not an every day thing," Mullenkedheim shook his head.

"What I would have given to be one of those suitors at the party last night…" Weimar sighed.

"Damn, Laudo, you're eatin' all the cheese. You were the first one here, leave some for us!" Haagen swatted at the thin man. "Get back on your shift, why don't you?"

"Alright, alright," Laudo stuffed one more slice in his mouth, staggering to his feet. He lifted his sword from the hook, slinging it across his chest. "You ready, Zeke?"

"Yeah," Zidane stuffed the rest of his bread in his mouth. Once he grabbed his helmet, he knew once again, he was only Zeke Tisdoll.

…

Steiner and Beatrix found themselves at their narrow kitchen table, shoulders hunched, holding tea but not really consuming it. Beatrix had only made it to distract herself. Steiner watched the mint leaves swirl about his cup, reminding him of all the signs they had ignored. The ticking clock was growing louder and louder by each passing moment. The Captain and the General made eye contact and still only stared. The doctor felt confident in his ruling. Beatrix was indeed expecting. She couldn't have been far along, she suspected. The doctor had measured her hips, waist, and bust. She was no bigger than she was from her last reported physical. Of course Beatrix would assume it happened just before her last search and rescue effort six weeks before. Steiner was too embarrassed in his own mind to retrace what could have caused this. Beatrix sighed, lowering her tea cup to the table.

"Okay, first impression was shock," Beatrix said. "What's your second impression?"

Steiner shook his head, pressing a hand to his forehead. "Beatrix, people are going to know we have sex."

"I… think they already assume that," Beatrix furrowed her brow. "We live together."

"What? Oh god's no…"

"Steiner, what's your second impression on the baby?" Beatrix asked again.

"Well," Steiner took in a deep breath, straightening in his seat. "I am not opposed to the idea of having one, I suppose. I've never quite envisioned myself as a father, but… I think I might be able to do it."

Beatrix sighed. "It's not you I'm worried about… it's me. Steiner, I never could see myself having kids. My mother and I never ever bonded, either. What if I have this child and it just… doesn't come naturally? What if I can't make it stop crying or… what about breastfeeding? I've heard stories of babies have aversions to their own mother's. What if that happens to me? What if I fail to raise this child properly?"

"You're worrying about things in the wrong order," Steiner shook his head. "You and I are both going in blind on this, but maybe we can do it. Maybe it's not as hard as it looks."

"Raising a child is hard!" Beatrix said. "I'm out of my element, Steiner. I'm in way over my head."

"Beatrix," Steiner reached across the table, grabbing her wrist. "I know it's all a little overwhelming right now. I think it's finally setting in on you like it did to me in the office. But there is time for things to change. There are months to get prepared. I'm sure the whole idea will be less scary the further we go."

"Okay, you're right," Beatrix said, pursing her lips as if to seal her anxiety. "Nothing good happens when you panic." Beatrix looked briefly out the window. It seemed a storm was on the horizon, coming over the mountains. The clustered and darkened clouds only reminded her of the current state of her mind. "We shouldn't tell anyone for now."

"Not even Her Majesty?" Steiner arched his eyebrows. "What if you're ill again? What will I tell her?"

"No one, Steiner."

He was beginning to open his mouth to object when there came a curt knock at the door. Steiner glanced to the clock. It was a half past two. It was most likely his assistant captain, Breireicht, coming to give his curtly update on the happenings of the Knights of Pluto. Steiner never found the updates too interesting, but he admired the soldiers consistency in bureaucracy. Steiner pursed his lips. He came to his feet and opened the door to indeed fight Breireicht already saluting crisply. He had a large smile on, however, as he let himself into the private barrack.

"Good afternoon, General," Breireicht greeted. "I apologize if I interrupted anything."

"No, no," Beatrix waved her hand dismissively. "We were just taking a break."

"Captain, we have a new recruit!"

"A new recruit?" Beatrix and Steiner echoed in unison. Beatrix came to her feet to peer over Steiner's shoulder as he was presented the paperwork.

"But… these numbers," Steiner furrowed his brow. "This better not be a prank by you and those rowdy boys on the first shift! These numbers are nearly superhuman!"

"He's amazing, Captain," Breireicht told him. "He's fast, agile, light on his feet. He's just some young kid from Lindblum with an artistic background. But he's built like an athlete."

"A garden sprint in seven minutes?" Beatrix shook her head. "Soldier, that is practically impossible!"

"He did it, I saw it with my own eyes, General."

Beatrix took the papers into her hands now, shaking her head. Never had she seen such a high performing soldier. "Why would somebody of this power join the Knights of Pluto?" Beatrix wondered aloud. She then paused and looked to the men. "No offense, but this boy should be a Royal Regency Soldier for Lindblum or something."

"With endurance like this, though," Steiner took the papers back in his hand to be sure his eyes did not deceive him. "We'd have a dependable shift member for garden patrol and the castle. He could probably do stairs twice as fast as any of us."

"I'd like to meet this new recruit," Beatrix said. "And if this is a prank, Breireicht, I don't care that I'm not your direct superior. I will exercise the same courtesy of punishment as I do my own Squad."

The Assistant Captain almost gulped audibly at the idea. "I assure you, General, he's the real deal."

"I'll be the judge of that," Beatrix said, returning to the table to ward off the nausea overtaking her.