Chapter 22: A Day in Lindblum: Morning
"Chris and Miranda sitting in a tree! K-I-S-S-I-N-G!!" Eiko, Vivi, Kristin, and Zidane sang.
Kuja raised an eyebrow. "Zidane, you're acting very childish."
Zidane swung an arm around his brother. "Well, better than acting like a cross-dresser!" He stuck out his tongue and ducked as Kuja swung a punch in his face. "Hey now!"
"Why…you…little..." Kuja growled charging up a Flare Star.
"Now, now, Kuja," Kristin said placing a calming hand on his head. "Don't beat up your brother on such trifle matters."
"…" He hung his head in shame. (HAHAHAHAHAH XD . ok it wasn't that funny…)
Everyone was huddled into a group snickering.
"Well it's great to see my two favorite people again," Zidane said as he slung an arm around Chris and Miranda.
"Hah, nice to see you, too," Miranda laughed. "So I see Garnet is doing well."
Zidane smiled. "Yep…and I couldn't ask for more." He turned and saw Garnet talking to Regent Cid and Hilda. "So! How are you two coming along, hmmmm?"
Miranda blushed. "Er…"
Chris coughed. "I think you'll want this," he said shoving the Ultima Weapon into Zidane's hands.
"I see that my trusty weapon has served you well," he said twirling it.
"Yea it was pretty neat…found a new magic thingy or whatever you call it."
Zidane raised an eyebrow. "Reeeaaalllly? What was it called?"
"Uh…Blue Lightning I think…"
"Interesting…and what battle was this?"
"It was…a very weird one I can assure you," Miranda said. "Course the stupid monster had the nerve to grab me. ARGH!! And it happened again in Burmecia!!!"
Zidane laughed. "I see, I see."
"Yea, I just kinda jabbed it in the monster's side and just shouted 'Blue Lightning' and boom it was dead!" Chris said.
"Well done, Chris!"
"Though I kinda want my own weapon…yours is great and all, but you know…"
"Heh, you'll find one. Hey, I'll help you choose a good one. Lindblum is full of stuff! And I hear they have a new weapon store, too."
"Yeah that would be great!"
"Ooh that sounds like fun!!" Miranda said. "Can I come?!?!?"
Zidane looked at her surprised. "Wouldn't you rather go with the other girls and do whatever you girls do while shopping?"
"Shopping for clothes?!?! I think not!" Miranda said firmly. "I HATE shopping for clothes! Ugh! What a waste of time and money!"
"Well…you certainly have a cheap girlfriend, Chris," Zidane said smiling.
"She makes it up in video games and DVD's I bet," Chris muttered. (so true *nod nod*)
"I suppose we can let you come…" Zidane said slowly.
"YAY I'M SAVED!!!" Miranda jumped on him.
"Hey now!!!" Zidane said surprised.
"I'M SAVED I'M SAVED I'M SAVED!!! WHOO!!!" she yelled as she ran around them.
"Is she always like this?" Zidane asked.
"Thank God no," Chris answered wearily.
"C-can I come, too?"
Chris looked down to find Vivi looking up at him with those big amber eyes of his. "Dang you can never turn down a face like that! Yeah, you can come, Vivi."
"Yay!" Vivi did a jump, tripped, and fell. "I'm okay…"
Miranda helped him up and fixed his hat. "There ya go, teehee."
"Yep…she's happy alright," Zidane mused. "We'll see my Tantalus Brothers in the Theatre District to check up on."
"Sounds like a plan," Chris said.
"Then lets head on out!" Zidane said as he lead the group out.
"Waaaiiitt!! Zidane!!!"
He turned around and saw Eiko running up to them. "Where are you guys going?" she asked breathless.
"We're gonna check some weapons and see my Tantalus Bros. And any other shops these guys wanna see."
"Oooh…ok. You should ride the chocobos! They're becoming really popular now, and since the city has expanded so much, it'll be A LOT easier."
"YAY!!! I GET TO SEE MY ROCKY!!!" Miranda shot out of the castle and ran to the stables.
"That…was…interesting…" Zidane said slowly.
"I think she's on drugs," Chris muttered.
"You did something to her didn't you?" Chris suddenly found Kristin's face looming over him.
"Yipe! I didn't do anything!!" he said as he jumped back.
Kristin smiled and patted his head hard. "Good…and don't you think about anything either."
Chris watched her retreating back. "What's her deal all of the sudden?"
"Dunno," Zidane shrugged. "Well lets move it!"
They found Miranda already mounted on Rocky waiting for them. "What took you guys so long?"
"Your new mother attacked me," Chris said dryly as he grabbed Joey's saddle.
"There's my Choco-boy!" Zidane said as he gave his chocobo an affectionate bop on the head.
Choco head-butted him in response. "Kweh!"
"You took him along with you?" Miranda asked as they guys appeared at the entrance.
"Well, we'll be traveling by chocobos for a while after this pit stop," Zidane said as he jumped onto Choco's back.
"Really?" Chris said as he mounted up.
"Yep! We're heading to the Evil Forest, stopping by Treno on the way. You guys will be taking any chocobo you like, which I presume are the ones you guys are riding now."
"Wouldn't it be easier to just use an airship?" Miranda asked as they started walking out toward the city. I guess I better find a better bridle for Rocky then…
"True, but I haven't been out of that castle for ages, so I need to stretch out my legs some, heh." Zidane reached down and patted Choco's neck. "And he some exercise, too. He's getting a bit pudgy."
"Kweh!!" Choco gave a short buck in response.
"Looks like he didn't like being called pudgy," Miranda laughed. She looked at Chris who was on the other side of her. "You've been quiet lately…something on your mind?"
He looked at her startled. "Huh? Oh no, just thinking, heh!" What am I gonna get her…hm…
"Why do I have a feeling we've forgotten something…" Zidane said stopping.
They suddenly remembered at once. "WE FORGOT VIVI!!!!" (poor Vivi v.v)
They quickly turned around and ran back to the stable. They all nearly fell off their chocobos at the sight that greeted them. Vivi was running around Bobby Corwin dressing him up in ribbons and such. (*sweatdrop*)
"Are you ready yet, Vivi?" Zidane asked, resting his arm across the top of Choco's head.
"Huh? Oh yea!" Vivi took off the ribbons and tacked Bobby Corwin up. "Eiko asked me to do this for some reason…I don't know why I did…"
"Cute, Vivi, very cute," Miranda said smiling. "Well lets go now."
They turned around and headed toward the city again. As they entered through the city gates, they were all surprised at all the people and chocobos bustling around. Street vendors filled every empty space available, the merchants calling out different sales.
"Stick close to us, Vivi," Miranda said to him riding next to her. "We don't want to lose you in this crowd."
"Gulp, ok…" He looked around. "Alexandria was never as busy as this…"
"Yep, Lindblum is the heart of business in this world," Zidane said as he took a left at an intersection. "The Business District has expanded so much after the Mist disappeared. They've divided it into several other districts. We'll stop by the weapon shop first. Then we can browse around any other shops you guys want to see."
"Sounds like a plan," Chris said as he looked around all the different stores around him.
"Is that like your favorite phrase or something?" Zidane asked.
"Heh, I do say it a lot."
"What section are we in now, Zidane?" Miranda asked while steering Rocky around some passing people.
"We're in…" He looked around. "Uh…I think we're in the clothing section."
"How can you tell?" Vivi asked.
"Easy, I see Garnet right over there," he said smiling. "And the only places she goes to are the shops that have clothes. How I've suffered!" he added with a mock sigh.
Miranda laughed. "I've suffered myself just with my mom and Kristin!"
"Let stop by and say hi," Zidane said as he turned Choco toward the group. "Hey there!"
Garnet turned and waved. "Hey! What are you guys doing in this district?"
"We're trying to find the weapon section, heh," Zidane said placing his hand behind his head. "I think I got us lost."
Eiko emerged from the store they were standing in front of. "Hey! Miranda!! You HAVE to try this outfit on!!!"
Miranda groaned. "Do I HAVE to?"
Eiko grabbed her and nearly pulled her off the saddle. "Yes you do! Come on!!!"
"Hey!! You're going to dislocate my legs!!" Miranda said as she tried to detangle her feet from the stirrups. "Ok, so why do I have to again?"
"Oh yea…I forgot to tell you guys…Dad's holding this big party thing for us and Garnet's recovery! You HAVE to look nice!"
Miranda sighed. "Fine…fine…" She glanced apologetically at the guys. "I won't be long…I hope…sigh…"
"Heh, take your time!" Zidane said. "You have to look nice for a certain young fellow over here, hehe."
"Shut up," Chris muttered.
"This is perfect opportunity to find her something," Zidane said in a low voice. "Come on, there's a great jewelry shop around here. Let's do this while she's not looking."
"Oh ok," Chris answered. "Hey, Vivi…do you mind waiting out here while we go and get something real quick?"
Vivi shook his head. "I don't mind! I like watching the merchants walk by yelling out their items."
Oookaay… "Great! Just tell Miranda that we went to that store over there if we're not back when she comes out," Zidane said pointing to the store across the street.
"Uh…that's a lingerie store…" Vivi said.
"GAH!! FORGET THAT!!!" Zidane looked around this time. "Ok…we're over there!"
"Uh…that's a toy shop…"
"…"
"Ok, Vivi, Zidane and I are going to find directions," Chris said while patting Zidane's head.
"Ok! Where are you actually going?" Vivi asked raising his eyebrow. (wait…does he even have one!??!?! O.o)
"We're going to find something for Miranda," Zidane said.
"Ooh…ok. I'll watch the chocobos," Vivi said while holding the reins.
"Er…you sure you can handle four chocobos? Three of which are full grown?" Chris asked.
"Yeah! I'll just tie them up at this hitch post thingamabobber."
"Oh, ok. Well see you in a few!
"Kriiiisten!! Do I have to try THAT thing on??" Miranda complained.
"Hush now, you'll look lovely in it!" Kristin said as she pushed Miranda into the fitting room. "Now just try it on! It won't bite."
Miranda grumbled and shut the door. Can't believe them…ARGH!
"No…that won't work," Eiko said when she came out. "Try this!"
Help me…Miranda thought desperately.
Chris and Zidane walked in to an old, mystical looking store. "You say she likes this kind of stuff. Maybe we can find somethin' in here," Zidane said while looking around.
Chris picked up a jar of eyeballs. "Er…"
"May I help you?" an ancient voice said from behind the room.
Chris jumped, almost dropping the jar. He quickly put it back. "Eh-hehe! Just looking around!" He quickly looked around and joined Zidane. "This place is giving me the creeps…"
"I have to agree with you…hey! This looks like something Garnet might like." He picked up an intricately designed, heart-shaped locket. When he opened it, music started playing. "Hey…it's playing our song…" he smiled softly.
"Get it for her," Chris said grinning.
"Alrighty!"
"Yes…I can see that the one you love will treasure that gift for eternity…" the ancient old woman said, suddenly appearing behind them.
They both jumped and turned slowly to look at the old face. "Uh…how much is this?" Zidane asked. Boy that face could scare the dead!
"500 gil."
"What?!?!? You have to be kidding me!"
"Buy something else and I'll make the other item free."
Zidane grabbed Chris. "Ok, find something!"
He looked around. "Maybe I should get her a necklace, too…"
"I have just the thing for you," the old woman said. She touched his arm. "Come with me," she said as she led them to the dark area where she was sitting. "I see that you and your girlfriend have been friends for a long time, yes? You have just become a couple."
"Wow, she's good," Zidane said obviously impressed.
"Eh, it could happen to anybody," Chris said.
"You also have come from another world. A world called 'Earth.'"
Chris stopped in his tracks. "How do you know?"
"I have my ways." She left it at that and rummaged through a chest. "Let me see…ah! Here we are!" The old woman took out two necklaces, each had a glowing crystal pendant on silver chains. She handed them to Chris. "There. No matter how far apart you are from each other, you will feel as if she is right next to you."
Chris took them and looked at them. "These kinda remind me of those best friend charm thingies…"
"Of course, they are exactly like that," she said. "But…" She leaned closer and said in a hoarse whisper, "these are said to be made from the goddess Serenity herself."
What a bunch of hooey, Chris thought. "Well, enchanted or not…I think Miranda will like them. I'll take 'em."
The old woman gave him a toothless grin. "Wise choice, young man. And, like I said, the next item would be free. So that will be 500 gil. But, I said only the next item not items. So that will be 500 for the necklace, also."
"WHAT??!?!?" they both yelled.
"Take it or leave it."
They both grumbled as they paid for the gifts. "They better like them," Zidane grumbled. 1,000 total…sheesh!"
"This stuff is hard to come by, young king," the old woman said as she wrapped the necklaces up. "I threw in free gift-wrapping!"
"Fine, fine…well thanks!" Chris called back as they exited the store. "Well that was interesting…maybe Kuja will want to give Kristin something…" he glanced back at the store and stopped in his tracks. "Uh…Zidane…"
Zidane turned and did a double take. "Where'd it go?!?!"
Where the store once stood, an old hardware shop stood.
Chris shook his head. "Whacky I tell you…think this is actually safe?"
"I think we don't have anything to worry…what could possibly happen anyway?"
"I don't know…they could be cursed or something."
"Nah!"
They started to walk back to the clothing store where the girls were still in.
After a few moments, Miranda emerged from the fitting room in an elegant light blue dress. Eiko jumped in delight. "Spectacular! You look absolutely gorgeous!!"
"…really?" Miranda asked hesitantly.
Kristin pushed her in front of a mirror. "Positive! Take a look at yourself! Chris will just go head over heels when he sees you!"
"…"
"We're taking it!!!" Kristin said as she pushed Miranda back in the fitting room.
"I can't believe you guys," Miranda said after she had come out. "How do you expect to pay for this?"
"Oh, I'll take care of it," Garnet said smiling.
"Oh no, Garnet! You don't have to do that!!"
"I don't mind at all!" she persisted as she purchased the dress. "You've done so much for us… I feel like I have to pay you back somehow…"
"You're recovery is all the pay we need," Miranda said, still feeling slightly uncomfortable.
"That's my friend! Always thinking about others and not herself," Kristin said hugging Miranda. "Come on, I think the guys are waiting up."
They exited the store, Kristin holding the bag of all the outfits they had bought. Zidane saw the loads of bags and sighed. "This is going to raise my bill…"
Garnet punched him in the arm. "Oh, stop!"
He smiled. "Hehe, still kinda weak, eh?"
Garnet clobbered him with a bat and walked to where their chocobos were waiting. "Come on, girls…I can see that we're too weak for these guys."
Zidane rubbed his head. "Hey! Garnet! I didn't mean it that way!!"
She turned and looked at him. "Honest?"
"Honest!!"
"Oh…ok…" She walked back and gave him a kiss. "Well, we won't keep you guys from going where you need to go. We'll meet back at Lindblum castle toward evening, ok?"
"Ok." Zidane looked around. "Hey…where'd Kuja and them go?"
"They stayed at the castle to help prepare for the big party/ball," Kristin sighed.
Eiko noticed the two boxes they had in their hands. "Hey…whatcha got there?"
Chris and Zidane blinked. "Huh?" They looked down and quickly put the boxes behind their backs. "Nothing, nothing!"
Eiko raised an eyebrow. "Uh…k…"
Miranda grabbed the two guys. "Come on! I can't stand this store any longer! Lets check out the weaponry!!"
"Violent little girl," Zidane said as he jumped onto Choco's back. "Well lets go then! Where are you girls going?"
"We're going to shop some more," Garnet said as she mounted her chocobo, Melody.
"Ok…don't spend too much!" Zidane called back to them as they began walking toward the Weaponry and Arms section.
Garnet smiled and waved. Men…go figure…
Author's Note: Wee…I'm on a writing frenzy!! That's good for you guys, though my parents are bugging me about learning my Japanese for my trip -_-;; Sure, I want to study it, but not every waking moment of my life!! @.@ Well, onto Chapter 23!