Disclaimer: If you really want to see a real disclaimer, just click the back button.  I think I've written enough for you all to know that I don't own the game.  ^_^

Robshi: I'm sorry, but the flashbacks are essential to the story.  It may not seem that way, but they are really important when it comes to figuring out reasons behind a lot of the occurrences.  If you don't want to read them however, then only read every-other chapter until the end.  (All the odd chapters until the end will have to do with Zidane and his problems).  But, I'm glad that you like the story so much!

Dragon Knight Fratly: So now you're digging a bottomless pit for me?  I'm so happy that I'm worthy of all that digging!  Hehehe!  Well…anyways.  Here's the chapter.  So I can evade the bottomless pit for another week.  ^_^

Chapter 15: And If I Should Leave…

            "I don't know honey, it's probably nothing."  The words echoed in his head just as Dagger had uttered them many, many years.  If it had been nothing, I wouldn't be standing here right now.  I probably wouldn't be witnessing this with my own eyes. 

            "…Queen Garnet will always be remembered in the hearts of friends, family and her people…" the priest droned on.

A massive lump gathered in the King's throat as he scanned the cathedral.  Most of the people who attended were nobles because of the fact that already, the majority of their friends and family had passed away.

Absent mindedly, Zidane thought of the vast graveyard he would soon be standing in.  His thoughts focused on certain tombstones.  Memories flowed steadily into his mind, some more vividly than others.

"You're majesty," a servant addressed him bowing.  "Your wife wants to see you." Zidane could feel his heart leap into his throat.  This could be good or bad.

Nodding, he started up the staircase, walking to the bedroom.  Slowly, the doors creaked open exposing the dimly lit room.

Dagger was sitting up in bed, staring off into space.  Her bony and wrinkled hands were fiddling with the blankets.

"Good morning Zidane," she curled her aged lips into a smile.  Zidane sighed, she remembered him.  Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all.

"You really should lay down," Zidane said as he gently pushed her back against the mattress.

"But I don't want to," she complained as she tried to fight against his strength.

"The doctor said to stay in bed honey, you really should listen to him."

"What did you call me?" she roared angrily, making him jump.  "I don't know who you think you are, addressing a Princess like that."  I knew it wouldn't last long. 

"I-I'm sorry, Your Highness," he bowed.  The old woman nodded in approval and waved a skinny hand at the door.  "You may leave."

Sulkily, Zidane shuffled out of the room.

Alzheimer's, a disease that claimed so many elders, had taken hold of his wife.  He had learned to cope with her abnormal behavior, but it was slowly eating at her.  Now, he knew what Freya meant when she said, "To be forgotten is worse than death."

The sound of whimpering and crying could be heard all around.  Poor Zidane was beyond tears; he had no family left other than Amy and her family, Blank and Mikoto.

Mikoto remained in the Black Mage Village with the rest of the Genomes, but he avoided seeing her.  She was so…lifeless, and reminded him too much of his experience in Terra several years back.

Blank was old and blinded with age, but no matter how much Zidane begged him, he refused to leave Lindblum.  The old man remained in the hideout, alone for several years.  Zidane hired someone out to take care of him, and he visited as much as he could.  But Blank was becoming terminally ill, no matter how much he insisted he was alright, he had been coughing up blood.  The doctors called it tuberculosis, and said he had less than two months to live.  However, he didn't care, he wants so bad to die, to be with Ruby and his two sons, to see Baku and 'the boys' again.

The only joy in Zidane's life at this point was Zak, Amy, and their two children.  Emerald (or Emma) who was now nineteen, and Alexander who was getting ready to turn fifteen. 

"…Services will be held at Alexandria castle."  Zidane looked up from his lap to listen to the last bit of the eulogy.  "We will now be heading to the burial site."

One by one, the nobles started getting out of their seats and exiting through the giant oak doors.  Eventually, the only one left was Zidane.  Somberly, he got up and walked to the flower and jewel adorned casket that was still lying open.

"You said," he started, knowing it was pointless, "to not worry about it.  Now, I have no choice." With his face in his hands, he wept quietly in the now empty cathedral.

"Young man," an old voice spoke behind him.  Wearily, Zidane looked back.  "Oh, I'm sorry to interrupt you Your Majesty." The priest bowed.

Managing a nod, Zidane replied, "It's fine."

"We need to take her to the burial site…"

"I know," he sighed, "I just can't believe this is happening."

"If you need to talk to anyone for counsel, you can visit us here anytime," the priest bowed again.

Again, Zidane nodded.  Then taking a last look at his wife, he exited as well.

~ ~

On the tombstone, it read:

~And if I should leave this lonely world behind,

Your voice would still remember,

Our melody~

Garnet Til Alexandros Tribal

Died age 87

Beloved Wife, Mother, Queen, and Friend.

An excerpt of her favorite song seemed to fit perfectly with the scenario.  The grave was custom made and Zidane had designed it himself.

But, of course, that grave wasn't alone.  Zidane knew the story behind almost every grave in that cemetery.  But just thinking about them made him angry.

Steiner had died while trying to protect him.  Amarant was stabbed while targeting an extremely dangerous bounty.  Most everyone else died of sickness or old age.

But not anymore.  Zidane was not going to stand by and watch the people the love die.  He was determined for find a way out of it.  To join everyone in the Great Unknown.

~ ~

Hmmm, I told you.  Deathfic.  Sorry everyone.  ::Noelle hits her in the back of the head with a 2x4:: Ouch!  Gosh!  I said I was sorry!  Anyways, don't hate me too much, because on the summary it says angst, and that's what you're getting.  You read at your own risk!  ^_^ Please leave me a review!