"A Little More Than Kin..."
By: Crystalis Blade
Chapter 7
Sabin stepped out and gently closed the door. He placed his hands behind his back and softly let himself fall against it with a sigh. He just put his head down and heaved, letting the moment set in.
"Maybe he's trying to tell me something," Sabin whispered to himself. He raised his eyes and found only his hair, shaggily hanging around his head. He couldn't grasp what it was that he sawhimself? his future? the slight possibility thatmaybe his father
"Nodon't start that, Sab" He pushed himself off the door and saw the stairs. He could hear the voices inside discussing the terms of the realm and the Emperor asking his brother a question. "Answer well, Eddy" Sabin smiled to himself as he said it, but it slowly began to fade.
He turned, keeping his head down and pulled off his crown, letting his hair surround his head completely. He let his shoulders drop and his crown hang loosely in his hand, spinning it around his index finger. His cape made a gentle wisp on the floor as his boots added to the rhythm. He headed through the corridor and out to his room. He couldn't feel the sun on his face or the wind blow up the sand around him. He forced a smile whenever someone said hello and headed to his door.
He trudged up the stairs and tripped on one,
"Sonova" he caught himself before he could fall or really stir up some unrest, but his crown went flying out in front of him underneath his chair.
"Screw itthis isn't turning out well, anyway." He just turned around on that top step and sat; putting his arms up onto his knees and heaving. He felt like he was sad, but angry and he couldn't understand why. This wasn't anything different, he thought.
"Sabin? Is that you?"
Sabin hopped back in surprise; he wasn't expecting anyone to be in his room, but he still responded, "yes, it is"
"Oh, Sab, I didn't expect you
back so soon," Matron said walking up to him. "And what
are you doing there on the floor?"
"Hehjust, relaxing, I guess," he said with a
cheap smile.
"Are you okay," she asked opening the window near his desk, letting in a gentle breeze. She proceeded to sit next to him. "You don't have that look in your eyes."
"Flattery will get you no where, Matron"
She giggled. The boys could always make her laugh. "Your welcome my young prince. But really, why are you back so soon?"
"Father asked me to, to ah take my leave."
Matron looked back into his face with a mothering kind of look and put her arm around him; she knew Sabin, and she knew how he felt. She pulled him into her and he rested his head on her shoulder.
"I don't know why, either," he went on. "Do I really make it that obvious?"
"Sabin, you will make a fine king. You have the heart"
"And Edgar has the head. Matron," he paused before he continued. "I can't handle this Father is sick, I know, it has been brought to my attention and now cannot turn my head away anymore. I can't comprehend the fact that the dependency of a nation would be on my shoulders if something were to happen. People have earned a right to live free-"
"In this kingdom, they do. Sabin, these people don't rely on their king, they look to him for guidance. And besides, you will have Edgar. You need not worry!"
"I know. I guess I'm just paranoid, huh," Sabin said, forcing a smile thinking, but what about us? He looked out blankly again putting his chin on his fist.
Matron knew Sabin was contemplating something so, she kissed his cheek. "I set out your clothes for tonight. Get some rest and see you this evening, Sabin."
He smiled, "thank you, Matron." She returned the gratitude with a grin and left.
Sabin refused to move though. He sat looking out his window above his door. He watched the people move about the courts, talking and laughing, like it was nothing.
"Oh. If you only knew" Sabin said to himself shaking his head.
He decided now would be best to get up. He stood, brushed himself off and walked to his closet. He grabbed something more comfortable to wear for the next few hours before he had to get ready for the evening and noticed his clothes on the bed. Matron had done as she said, setting out his cape, slacks, light armoreverything. Well, at least I don't have to find it now he mused.
He turned to his desk and walked over to get some piano music. He figured he could waste some time in the music hall, maybe with Liam, before he had to get ready. He also knew that Edgar wouldn't be leaving that meeting anytime soon. Anyway, he went over and picked up the sheets of paper and stacked them together on his desk. As he went towards the stairs a breeze knocked off the top sheet. It blew right in front of his desk chair. Sabin just took a deep breath, exhaled and went over to pick it up. As he bent down with the rest of the stack, something glistened ahead of him. He abruptly lifted his head to see a thin ring—his crown. He'd utterly forgot it.
He suddenly froze. Something seemed wrong to him at that moment, but nonetheless, he stared. Justgawked at it.
"Is this all that I am," he asked, whispering impassively. "A simple, metal circlet" He let his papers fall all over the floor as the zephyr gently played with them. He collapsed to his knees, staring even then. He couldn't tear his eyes away as if it meant death.
He was paralyzed; mind, bodysoul. He couldn't form a solid thought. He wasn't even sure if he was breathing. He let himself fall back more and gaped at an unknown corner of the room, still keeping the lustrous object in the corner of his eye. He finally worked up the courage to break through his invisible cell and reach for his assailant that placed him there. He flopped back onto the floor once more and held the ring in open faced palms. Suddenly he started to shake, and he felt his eyes burn. He clasped the ring with both hands as he closed his eyes as his tears silently said their prayer for their crestfallen owner
Edgar stood as he patiently listened in on the group's conversation becoming bored in the talk of treaties. He'd been there for hours and he'd seen the sun set through the skylights. But he knew he had to listen though. This will be me one day*shudder* he thought to himself. He was seized from his reflection by a familiar respectful name.
"My young prince, what is a kingdom to you," the Emperor was asking The question actually caught him in a bit of surprise.
"Well," he began straightening himself, "I believe, sir, that a kingdom isnot a vast amount of land, or the wealth of that land in resources or currency" He continued in a more steady voice this time. "I believe that a kingdom is it'speople. Without our people to whom we minister to, we are nothing. The kingdom is the people who live on its lands, and harvest them. These people are our pride and joy, as in a family."
His father and Leo were both happy in his response; Kefka could have cared less. The emperor nodded his head with a slight grin in agreement and continued, "well put, Edgar. Now I pose this question: what are your intentions as a king?"
If the last question caught in surprise, he was now hurled into a sea of anarchy. Still, he kept his composure as all four men looked upon him. Each, this time, with an intense curiosity at what the boy would say. But not only did the generals and his father listen, but he knew the chancellor and surrounding guards were taking note; after all, their lives one day would depend on him and Edgar knew that.
"Emperor," Edgar started as he almost forced as he held his breath, but showing no signs of discomfort. "My intentions as one day ruler of this kingdom can simply be stated as this: I will be a king that serves his people. My people will not serve me."
The king, guards, chancellor and Leo all smiled. Edgar had a feeling of relief as he exhaled and saw the surrounding faces. All but the Emperor. As he leaned back in his chair, he grinned once again. But this time, it wasn't one of delight, butof something else and Kefka shared it.
The Emperor nodded, and said, "I haven't heard thatbut I like it." He stood as his generals did the same. "Now, if you'll excuse me, your Highness, I would like to retire before the gala this evening."
The King stood as Edgar placed himself to his father's right side. "Oh, please do, Emperor. And thank you once more for coming," the King said kissing the emperor's ring once again and motioning for a guard to escort the three guests to their rooms.
"And to you, my young prince." Edgar lifted his brows and head slightly at the call of his title. "Well knowledgeable replies. We shall see what kind of king you will become. Although, I would have enjoyed to hear your brother's responses; to see if he shares the same outlooks as you do."
"Thank you, Sire," Edgar said bowing his head slightly. "I'm somewhat sure my brother does share the same perspective as I. But, if you'd like, you may ask him this evening."
"No prompting, Edgar" Leo said in jest.
"I'd never dream of it, Leo," Edgar responded with a smirk.
"I shall see this evening, your highness," Leo said bowing to the King.
"So shall I," Kefka said with that same grin and foolishness in his eyes. He then proceeded to look at Edgar. "And you as well, Prince Edgar."
Something greatly disturbed Edgar about this man. He wasn't sure if it was his appearance, or his demeanor in general. Nonetheless, Edgar still smiled and nodded to the general civilly.
The three men turned to the doors as the guards opened the doors for them. As the doors closed, Kefka looked at the Emperor and whispered so the "ever-so-great" Leo wouldn't hear,
"the boy is a fool and the other seems too weak! Figaro will crumble in a matter of days"
The emperor smiled in return, "I know, KefkaI know. But I am growing impatient. Finish it tonightin front of his," he smiled again and gave a malicious laugh at the word, "'kingdom.'" Kefka nodded and gave a maniacal cackle. Leo looked to the side as though he missed something, but knew this was typical Kefka behavior and overlooked it.
As they exited, Edgar flopped into one of the chairs and heaved a sigh of liberation.
"How on earth do you do that, Dad," Edgar asked stretching his legs out; he stood the whole time.
The king laughed, "you get used to it."
"I guess."
"Now, the ball is approaching, son. You may want to get—" the King suddenly broke into a cruel coughing fit as he leaned over. The chancellor rushed over to him, but Edgar was out of his chair in an instant at his father's side.
"Dad!!" Edgar held up his father and rubbed his back to help his breathing, but to no avail. The chancellor pulled over a chair as Edgar motioned his father to sit. The King kept violently coughing as he sat and Edgar kneeled holding the King's left hand with both his. Finally, his father's breathing returned to normal, with a slight wheeze. Edgar looked down at his father's hand; it was bone thin and pale. He knew what was wrong. He had seen his father do this numerous times before. He knew what was going to happen
"Oh" the King sighed. "I'm sorry about that." He noticed his son on the ground studying his hand. He lifted it so suddenly that Edgar vaguely lost his balance. The King smiled and rubbed his son's cheek lifting Edgar's head. "I knowI know you have questions, and worries. But it'll be okay, Eddy." Edgar looked back into his father's eyes almost on the brink of tears, however he knew he had to be strong and suppressed the feeling. "I need you to take care of this place for meand your brother."
And my brother? Edgar asked himself. "Father, forgive me, but why did you send Sabin out," Edgar inquired.
"AhI saw that look in your face earlier." The king stopped once again and closed his eyes in concentration.
Edgar felt bad, as if though he just caused his father's new pain. "Forget it, dad." He stood up. "I need to go get ready; the time is drawing near." He turned to leave but his father grabbed his wrist.
"I sent Sabin out because I know he doesn't want this and nor do you." Edgar looked down at the comment. Guess my father knows more than I think, eh? The King continued, "I will not force that upon him now, but I believe he has an overwhelming potential. He just hasn't reached it yet."
"But Dad, don't tell him I said this, but of the two of us, hemore mature"
"HehI won't, but even so, Edgar, Sabin must still grow in certain places, and now is just not the time for him. I'll admit, you must grow too, but you are confident in this, and not only I, but I he believes in you more than anything. Does that answer your question?"
Edgar stood for a moment to absorb all of what his father had said. He then nodded and kissed his father's cheek, "see you in a couple hours." His father released his wrist and Edgar said, "later chancellor."
The chancellor smiled back and walked over to the king. "Will you be able to do this this evening," he asked.
"Of course."
"If you say so, sir." The king made no response though; he was contemplating something.
"You have a fine son, your Majesty."
The king looked up, tired and weak.
"Do you think he's ready?"
"Undoubtedly."
The king stood with the aid of the
chancellor and look straight into his eye. He then asked in a
solid tone, "what about Sabin?"
"I thinkyou made the right choice. He still needs time
to absorb all of this. Edgar and Sabin are two completely
different people in the same situation. Edgar looks at the
moment, comprehends it and makes his decision. Sabinhe sees
something, dwells on it and holds it. In another year, he'll
be prepared."
"Dear God, I hope I made the right decision with those twodear God above I do"
Author's Note: Edgar and Sabin belong to Squaresoft, all others belong to me. By the way, tell me what you think!
