Chapter 3
He's leaving again.
Blank was quite engrossed with the Gysahl Greens he was feeding the
young Chocobo, Bobby Corwen with that he didn't notice Mikoto's remark the first
time. Almost throughout his life, he knew
nothing but the thrill and adventure of the dangerous life of thievery, such that a droll
and uneventful chore such as this was already a fascination for him. He once thought of giving up his place in Tantalus
for a more quite and settled domestic life, perhaps even with a woman. But the only one who had drawn his fancy for such
a purpose was the assertive and demanding Ruby. He
really didn't mind her attitude, but she had told him once that she was still too
mesmerized with the magic of theater to actually give it up for a more quiet life.
Aren't you listening to me? Mikoto repeated. Her more vehement tone finally got Blank's
attention.
He apologized. Run that by me again.
I said, he's leaving again.
Zidane? Yeah, we
are leaving again. We had to go back to
Lindblum before Baku caves into our heads for being away too long.
alright
Mikoto's voice was evidently sad, and it didn't escape the
observant thief's notice. He didn't
usually give a second thought to the genome's behavior, thinking that any oddity she
may have displayed was just a result of her rather abrupt assimilation into human culture. But one look into her sullen face eventually made
him wonder if there was something more to this than just the run-of-the-mill culture shock
syndrome. When he assisted her in the kitchen
earlier, he often heard her muttering about the things that she thought would please
Zidane. He dismissed it then as an innocent
desire to please her savior and brother figure. He
didn't put much malice to it until some stray and substantially more
thought-provoking idea roused his interest.
But Mikoto? Feeling
that way? Ridiculous.
He had better drop this thought before it resulted into more
complicated, untoward circumstances. He
certainly didn't have enough evidence other than Mikoto's unusual behavior to
warrant a conclusion as sensitive as that. At
least, that was what he was hoping. He wouldn't
know where to put himself if he happened to be the one privy to such precariuos
circumstances.
I'm going to miss him again
He started to feel a headache coming.
Since when did you start missing someone? Blank returned,
more in leading the subject astray than actually expecting an answer. I thought you guys are unable to process
emotions like that.
Mikoto didn't answer. What
Blank said was correct, and that despite the influence supposedly exuded by Vivi's
sons, the genomes were still having much difficulty in trying to comprehend the emotions
being displayed by the Gaian inhabitants.
But there was also something that Blank didn't understand about
her. Though she may still be impaired from
common human emotions, Mikoto did share an arcane empathy link with Zidane. It first manifested when she heard his voice
across a great distance after they emerged from the remains of Memoria following that epic
battle to save all existence. She first
attributed it to the fact that they both came from the same process that created their
genome brothers. It was confirmed when the
others attested to the same mental link that they felt between each other.
And yet, Mikoto knew there was something different about her own
perception. All of them felt something amiss
whenever Zidane was away, but she had been noticing lately that only she displayed a
reaction that was clearly different from the others. At the least, it was very unpleasant. Then
Vini gave a word that somehow felt appropriate for her despite its meaning being somewhat
foreign.
And that word was pain.
Zidane's absence had been hurting her. And Mikoto had been wondering why she was the only
one having this kind of reaction. Had Blank
known of the exact nature of her feelings, he would have shook his head more in
exasperation. She was still only on the verge
of learning how it was to be human. Complex
emotional attachments like this could prove more of a bite than she could otherwise chew
without choking on its immensity. Somebody
needed to act as a guide to lead her through this quagmire gently, and that someone must
not be Zidane.
But who else would be willing to take on the responsibility? Certainly not Blank himself. He cared about the genomes, yes, but not as much
as Zidane did. He cared about everyone else
to start with, more than anyone he knew. Besides,
Zidane was one of them. If there was anyone
more apt to assume the role of torchbearer, it would be him. But again, because of Mikoto's apparent
feelings, Zidane might prove more of a detriment than anything else.
Blank drew a sigh. It
would have been a lot easier if he didn't know of Zidane's feelings for Dagger. As the cliché proverb went, he was already taken. Aside from that, Zidane had always seen Mikoto as
a little sister.
Or maybe that was it. How
many young girls had fallen for the kindness shown by those who professed to be their big
brother figures?
The situation was both annoying and amusing for Blank. How did things get so complicated all of the
sudden? It seemed the resulting destruction
of another world wasn't the only repercussion Kuja's rampage produced.
And this is how it feels to be human? Mikoto suddenly
blurted out. It confuses me how Zidane
could embrace such a life when it reeks of unpleasant feelings like this. How can he be happy with this? How can you all be happy with this?
Blank felt like he was treading on thin ice. He had to be careful with his words.
Well, Mikoto, emotions aren't all that bad. People feel happy and sad all the time. It's like a double-edged sword with the two
blades making each other stand out. You'll
never know what it feels to be happy unless you knew sadness first. Unfortunately, the other way around is also true.
Then why do you still insist on having this emotion'? Back in Bran Bal, all my brothers and I cared
about was our task of being vessels for the Terran souls that will awaken once Terra's
assimilation of Gaia becomes complete. We
didn't have to burden ourselves with this, and it made our existence much easier.
The Tantalus member was dumbfounded. Though he never once questioned, he likewise didn't know what purpose
emotions really served. It was often said
that without it, life would be dull and colorless, like a song without melody or the sun
without its rays. But a song had always been
about melody, and the warmth of the sun rays had always shone forth to shower life and
sustenance to the planets underneath its care. Maybe
life cannot be called as such without emotions. Maybe
feelings was the defining factor that distinguished life from mere existence. He didn't know for sure.
But Blank found it quite amusing how the questions of a girl who knew
nothing about feelings could lead him into such a profound contemplation of life. He thought they were the ones who were supposed to
be taught about things. Now it looked like
Mikoto was unknowingly teaching him a thing or two about life. Was this the result of the intermingling between a
soul bereft of answers and a world that offered so much of it? Could it be that a vessel such as Mikoto was made
to contain more than just the essence of a sleeping spirit? Blank thought about Zidane, and how his attitude had often seemed to reflect
the best aspects of every benevolent person he met. He
suddenly saw his Tantalus brother as a sponge that hungered so much for the meaning of
life that he readily absorbed everything that he could. No wonder Zidane was so sensitive.
But he neither knew nor saw the factor that carefully crafted his
brother-in-arms. If all vessels were like
sponges, the telling influence that decided the difference between Zidane and Kuja was not
something that should be willfully simulated. And
if only for the purpose of leading the genomes to the proper path so that no one of them
would turn out the same as their late enemy, Blank realized that whatever molded Zidane to
what he was should be the one to influence Mikoto. They
owed it to the world to avoid producing another Kuja.
Mikoto's current emotional confusion wasn't a good sign. It may look trivial at face value, but the most
destructive of fires often led from a single spark that went unchecked.
Blank couldn't help feeling burdened. There must have been a reason why he was the one
given this train of thought.
Baku and Ruby wouldn't like this.
Hey Blank, ready to go? Came Zidane's voice
from behind. Mikoto turned away from him,
causing him to wonder silently. Blank
displayed a solemn expression that consequently furthered Zidane's puzzlement.
I think I should stay behind.
Zidane
wondered out loud. What's the
matter? You think no one's gonna feed
Bobby Corwen while we're away?
No. No
Blank replied reluctantly while training a meaningful look towards Mikoto. She gazed back at him with sad eyes, then promptly
turned away once more.
Hey, is there something I should know about? Was
Zidane's perplexed question that Blank tried to dismiss nonchalantly.
What? No. Don't be silly. You and Quina go now or Baku will throw a fit
again if you're late.
It had never been Zidane's way to pry. He knew there was something more than what Blank
otherwise tried to impress on him. But as
usual, he thought it wiser to let go of the subject until his friend took the initiative
to tell him. For all he knew, Blank's
reason for staying could be personal.
Okay, we'll see you later then, bro. He echoed
before touching Mikoto's shoulder. Bye,
little sis. I'll drop by again soon, I
promise.
Mikoto remained silent. And
Zidane had to content himself with Blank's innocent shrug.
----------
Eiko almost found it amusing how Steiner had been scurrying
about, trying his best to make her feel welcome and comfortable. At one point, she had to muffle her laughter when
the Pluto Knight Captain tripped over his own feet while bringing her a bowl of fruit
cocktail. Her eyes glistened with delight as
she looked to her side, where the smiling General Beatrix beamed in sharing her amusement. Eiko couldn't help asking about Steiner's
unusual behavior.
Why is he acting like that? Steiner doesn't use to be this jolly toward
me. What's happening?
Beatrix crossed her arms smugly as her smile widened.
I'm not so sure myself, Lady Eiko. But it seems this is just our galant knight's
way of showing his gratitude.
Eiko returned quizzically. You mean he's thanking me for
something? What?
The stalwart general obviously shared the cheery disposition
despite her more reserved behavior. Her hands
went over the summoner's purple hair and ruffled it fondly. Eiko curiously gazed back. Beatrix had been known for her generally steely
behavior not only in battle, but in her everyday behavior as well. A display of fondness like this wasn't
typical of her.
We were talking last night about us
Beatrix said, her face blushing like a cherry. More
unusual behavior, Eiko thought.
we realized that if it weren't for you, we wouldn't have discovered our feelings
for each other.
What did I have to do with that? The summoner
replied incredulously. I may be a lot
of things, but if there's one thing that I'm not, it's a matchmaker.
I know. You
didn't know about this. But Doctor Tot
told us about that letter that you once had him write.
the letter Eiko remembered. The letter that she was supposed to give for
Zidane, that was lost in a merry mix-up that started with Baku's carelessness. Though she was one of the witnesses during that
fateful night when the darkness wore the moon as its pendant, she didn't realize
where it had all stemmed from. Eiko was quite
amused to learn that it was that letter that started everything for the two loyal knights
of Alexandria.
Amused and thankful. Whenever
she thought about it, she felt glad that the letter never reached Zidane's hands. Though Eiko was once possessed of an adamant
desire to make him into her beau, she knew the better part of fates played as it should in
making certain man she once revered amorously ended up with the present queen of
Alexandria. When Zidane and Dagger met on
that stage, she realized that it was meant to be; that they were made for each other. Even in her youth, Eiko knew better than to stand
in the way of destiny, and she couldn't be any happier to see it fulfilled between
the two people closest to her heart.
And it seemed infectious. Now it wasn't only Zidane and Dagger enjoying the bliss of romantic
bond. Though unlikely in its appearance, it
was also quite fascinating that the two stalwart defenders of Alexandria's throne
found love embedded in each other's hearts. Eiko
once thought Steiner as an incorrigible autocrat. Beatrix
greatly aided in introducing a tenderness in the Pluto Knight's heart that softened
his haughtiness. At last, she was now looking
at a Steiner that she actually liked.
Of course, every bright sunny day was without its shadows. And as the summoner's eyes wandered down to
the peaceful garden bordered by the moat's pristine waters, she was reminded of the
one that may prove to be a bane in all this bliss. Eiko
frowned upon seeing Dagger, resplendent in her royal garb, walking side by side with
Regent Cid's nephew, Ethan Chase. She
then remembered why she was here in the first place: she wanted to keep an eye on this man
who claimed to be her friend's childhood playmate. Eiko's loyalty to Zidane wouldn't yield to any allowance of
complacency. If ever this man attempted a
move to steal Dagger from Zidane, she would be the first one to tell him.
The glint in your eyes does not look encouraging, Lady
Eiko. Steiner said as he strutted back to join them. Is there something bothering you about our guest?
Of course, what do you think? Eiko returned
animatedly. I have a really bad feeling
about this Ethan guy. Look at him, trying to
cuddle up with Dagger like that. Zidane
would go nuts if he knew about this.
Steiner followed Eiko's eyes, fixing them on the pair
having a lively conversation by a picturesque fountain. He drew a sigh before replying to his young comrade's suspicious
remark. You have to understand, Queen
Garnet and Sir Ethan were the best of friends when they were young. In fact, he was the only friend she ever had,
being the only one allowed to penetrate into her circle owing to Regent Cid's ties
with their royal highness. He added, referring to the late Queen Brahne and her
husband. Her days were such that they
wouldn't be complete without him at least showing himself briefly here. Most of us even thought they were on the verge of
young love.
Eiko blurted sullenly. Don't tell me they were planning to
get married.
Truthfully, I thought they were heading into that
direction. Steiner answered. When
Sir Ethan departed to find his own fortune, I thought our princess would never assume the
look of happiness again. She often locked
herself inside her chambers, insisting that she would only come out if he comes back.
He paused briefly while noting the returned knight taking Garnet's hands into his
own. Tossing a glance at Eiko, Steiner
realized she also took notice of Ethan's boldness, owing to the frown that was
painted across her face.
So what do you think? The purple-haired youth
asked. Is Dagger gonna dump Zidane for
him?
Steiner found himself at a loss for words. He thought of saying something to appease the
summoner's mind, but he himself couldn't deny the glow he was witnessing from
Garnet's face while she talked with her childhood friend. After the scene that unfolded over the Tantalus
stage during Zidane and Garnet's tearful reunion, Steiner had concluded that he was
the man destined for her. He had never seen
her that awash with emotions. And coupled
with the dedication he saw from Zidane that earned his own respect, it convinced Steiner
of his worthiness for the queen's love. He
had thought then that a bright future had finally loomed over his beloved princess, that
she could finally settle in everlasting joy with the man whom she chose to share her heart
with. The Pluto Captain wouldn't have it
any other way, having come to the realization that he himself wanted Zidane and Garnet to
be together.
Seeing Garnet this merry invoked images of a princess that tearfully
demanded to see her lost friend. And all of
the sudden, Steiner became possessed with tearing doubts about Garnet's devotion to
Zidane. And though he wanted to reiterate his
loyalty to the one whom he now proudly called comrade-in-arms, Steiner feared that his
position as Alexandria's defender may require him to reevaluate his loyalty. To
Zidane, it was more born of camaraderie. To
Ethan, it would be of duty.
Having sworn fealty, must he spend his life in servitude?
For the first time in his life and in the name of
friendship, Steiner felt a need to take that question seriously.
----------
He hadn't done this in a long time. And yet, it felt like it was only yesterday.
And he reveled in the skill that seemed to be second nature to
him, aided in no small way by the dark clouds that permanently covered this part of the
heavens. As the light feet that treaded
silently across the sturdy concrete embankment carried his hefty body forward, the
keenness of his senses took over automatically in surveying the surroundings, making him
aware of every darker spot and minute movement. His
eyes, sharp as a hawk's beads, defied the sight-hindering effect of the pouring rain
that did little to flatten the stubbornness of his wiry, crimson hair. His mouth emitted mists of breath condensed by
the cold air that hardly affected his tough skin.
Stopping briefly to evade a host of sentries, he turned his
flaming head upward to view the closed window that was his objective. Deft hands then pressed against hard marble,
embedding the sharp talons of the deadly Rune Claw into the otherwise impenetrable
escarpment. His muscles were like steel wires
in contracting its elastic lengths, pulling him up one foot at a time until he finally
reached the platform just in front of the window adorned with a simple glass covering and
dark curtains. There was no light inside,
suggesting that she had already gone into slumber. He
would have to cut his way in.
Stay where you are, intruder.
The silent giant halted abruptly and turned around. Behind him, the proud form of Sir Fratley stood
fearlessly, a blade-studded lance held tightly in his hands. He recognized the weapon as somewhat similar to
the one wielded by the person he came here for. If
this one was even half as skilled in using it as she was, then he was not to be taken
lightly.
I should just cut you down like a stray beast for your
intrusion, unknown one. But it has never been
my way to strike at helpless opponents. Tell
me who you are, and I might just spare your life.
Too wordy, he thought. Not
too much like her. But he didn't come
here just to listen to this talkative oaf.
I don't have time for this. Let me pass.
Replied the Burmecian knight. Over my rotting corpse.
Sir Fratley's pronouncement was accompanied by a bolt of
lightning that tore through the blackened sky. The
intruder would have found the obvious theatrics amusing if not for the pressing business
that brought him to this kingdom of eternal rain. He
would have chosen to avoid a confrontation, but it seemed in this situation that it was
the only way to carry on with his task. If
this obstinate sentinel wanted a fight, he would definitely get it. He tightened the straps of his combat gauntlets to
tell Sir Fratley to prepare himself. The
Burmecian knight got the message, and raised his lance to an attack position.
They were interrupted by the sudden echoes of an opening
window.
Sir Fratley! What
are you doing out in the rain? Freya exclaimed prior to noticing the trespasser. And who is this man with you?
Droplets of water flew off from his flaming crown as he
snappily turned towards the dragon knight.
Amarant
My lady, you know this interloper?
Y-Yes. Yes I
do. She answered. But Freya was interrupted before she got the
chance to ask the two warriors inside.
Freya, you'd better come with me. There's something I need to show you.
End of
Chapter 3
