DISCLAIMER I do not own any of the final fantasy characters they are property of Square soft.
Hi guys I'm back again! How did you like my last chap? Anyway this chap is a little bit longer than the last….ok a lot longer than the last but just bare with me ok. Anyway onto the fic. By the way I've changed the way Saffron talk's and don't worry I'm still working on the full plot but everything will tie together in the end .
TANTALUS AND MY KIDS!
Zidane had gotten up early this morning for a reason! He wanted to be gone and in Lindlum BEFORE the prince and princess had woken up, but there was no such luck for him. Zidane knew all too well that if both children where awoke they would want to go to Lindblum with him and he couldn't take both of them for two reasons 1 Dagger wouldn't allow it 2 they would be bored and be escorted around all day under the orders of Regent Cid and Zidane wouldn't be able to get on and do what he had to do! Plus they would most likely fight and get under each others feet.
~~~~~~~#~~~~~~~
After saying his goodbye to Dagger, Zidane quietly sneaked out of the royal bed chamber making sure not to make any sound at all as he closed the large oak doors behind him.
Then ever so quietly made his way down the hall way and past the child and toddlers rooms.
Zidane finally relaxed his tense shoulders and released the breathe he didn't know he was holding.
Zidane made his way down to the kitchens so he could have a quick breakfast before leaving on the Red Rose.
"Morning dad" Tao was casually leaning against the kitchen door post with both his eyes closed and his tail elegantly swishing behind him. He was obviously waiting for someone
"Morning Tao……"
"TAO!" Zidane exclaimed after he had nearly walked straight past him. "what are you doing up your suppose to still be in bed!"
"I'm glad to see you too father!" Zidane looked taken aback by the prince's reply but then realised how it must have sounded to Tao and felt that little tinge of guilt you get when you know you've done something wrong.
"I'm sorry Tao I didn't mean it like that"
"it's ok dad besides you can make up for it when you take Me and Saffron to Lindblum with you today".
"but I-I-
"And dad you still owe me for blowing off the training session" "remember"……. Tao taunted
(geez where does he get it from?" oh well he shore knows how to drive a hard bargain I give him that much)
"Ok here's the deal, I'll make up for the training session by buying you a new weapon today from Lindblum" ( if you can't beat them bribe them)
"REALLY!"
"yeah but you stay here deal"
"Hold it…no I would prefer to go to Lindblum"
Zidane gave up, there was no way to change Tao's mind once it was made up.
"ok fine but you stick close to me and no and I mean no wondering off ok"
"ok….I'll just go get Saffron then"
"but we-" it was to late Tao had already sped off around the corner. "I guess it wouldn't be fair to take one without the other…oh well at least Dag will get some peace" now all Zidane had to do was explain to Dagger about taking the children with him to Lindblum. And it wasn't going to be easy
~~~~~~~#~~~~~~~
So after nearly half an hour of trying to persuade Dagger, Zidane had talked her round with a few reassuring words.
#FLASH BACK#
"I promise they'll be fine with me nothing is going to happen,.. it's only Lindblum…I promise…have I ever let you down?" A small smile crossed Garnets lips before she answered her husband.
"no you have never let me down" "which is why this once I will let them go with you"
"And Zidane I never doubted you for a second it's the other people I don't trust,….there's all kinds of weirdo's out there! "I know you would never let anyone harm us" " and I just wanted you to know that ok" "And how much I love you"
Zidane had nothing to say except three little words "I love you"
"now don't go all mushy on me" Garnet tried as best she could to keep a straight and serious looking face but failed miserably.
"come here you" Zidane reached out and pulled her into an embrace.
"please be careful Zidane" "And I know they can be a handful"
"Don't worry your self I'll be just fine and so will Tao and Saffron" "besides only a nutter would kidnap our kids"
"Zidane!" Zidane received a light punch to HIS chest for his remark and a mischievous grin from Dagger
"don't wish that upon anyone" she replied between giggles.
"hey" Zidane complained. "and got a punch from what I said"
"oh stop complaining and kiss me already"
So he did as he was told.
#END OF FLASH BACK#
Zidane was now on the deck of the Red Rose enjoying the short ride to Lindblum. They would be landing in a couple of minutes and he wanted to run a few things by the kids before they landed.
"Now listen to me cos I'm not gonna repeat myself ok"
"yes father" they answered in unison .
"both of you keep to either one of my side and no wondering off " "ok"
"Yes father" yet again in unison. "come on then lets go"
As they followed their father into the airship dock Tao turned to Saffron and in barely a whisper relayed the plans for their day in Lindblum.
"ok now listen carefully because I'm not gonna repeat myself ok" to Saffron Tao sounded oddly familiar.
"ok T"
"First chance we get we can do some little exploring , and don't worry about getting back to dad before he notice's cos I got that all worked out too ok"
"we simple lead him in the directions we won't to go, like he said we both have to stick to each of his side's" "it will be like a little game of steering" "ok".
"Tao" you don't actually expect that to work do you"
"we won't know if we don't try"
"no you won't know cos your not even gonna try and Tao why don't you listen to your sister"
"rats"
"look Tao just be good just for today ok"…… "Or I'll take you both straight home"
~~~~~~~#~~~~~~~
After catching Tao out Zidane didn't want to take any chances so he left them both at the castle with their uncle Regent Cid, Aunt Hilda and Cousin Eiko and after a few hours the Prince and princess became tired of the lack of the change of scenery and wanted to explore the town. This is the whole reason why they had come in the first place and they didn't want to be stuck in the castle all evening until their father got back. So they took matters into their own hands.
Both Tao and Saffron where now out of the confines of the castle and where wondering about the streets of Lindblum…in the orange rays of the setting sun.
Tao wondered endlessly around the many back alley passes of Lindblum pretending to know his way around. Until he ran into someone both falling back with a thud.
"ufff….hey watch where your going you little runt!"
"I-I apologize I-I didn't see you" Tao stammered. Saffron coward behind her brother staying hidden behind him.
The one-eyed stranger looked Tao up and down studying him and taking note of his richly made clothes
Taking in his features. He gasped when he noticed just who the child resembled and whispered in awe
"Zidane"
Tao suddenly snapped into attention at the mention of his fathers name and tacking on the fatal battle stance.
"How do you know my father?"
"hah you're a miniature Zidane hah ha you got the attitude an all" "just wait till the boy's see you"
"and who's that hiding behind ya?" "come on I'm not gonna hurt you"
Saffron stepped out from behind Tao, who instantly shot a hand out as if to protect her.
"Ha like I said I'm not gonna hurt you" and then he saw her, and just like he had expected she looked exactly like her mother. And again he was struck with awe "Dagger"
Then it clicked for Saffron (Mothers nick name the one Father gave her, the one only father calls her)
"Tao he's a friend of fathers" "The nick name Tao,.. he knows mothers nickname"
"Saffron do you mean he's from Tantalus" "yes" she quickly turned to the red haired stranger standing directly in front of them "aren't you?" "Your from the infamous band of thief's……Tantalus"
"hehe The names Blank" Blank gave a polite bow to the prince and princess of Alexandria.
"See I told you, blank you and father were best friends in Tantalus weren't you?"
"now hold on just one second with the questions let me be the one to interrogate here"
"Where's your parent's is Zidane in Lindblum why are you out hear on your own?"
"it was Tao's- Saffron wanted-" Saffron and Tao both tried to explain all at once but ended up confusing Blank.
"Hold it!" "come on we can't stay out here I'm taking you back to the Hideout with me"
"are we going to meet the whole of Tantalus?" "yes and we're gonna try and find your father and mother" Blank began to make his way out of the alley way with both Children in tow.
"Mother isn't here, father brought us to Lindblum" Saffron inquired.
"nuff said" Was Blank's simple reply.
"by the way what are your names?"
"Tao"
"And Saffron" from there on there was little conversation Blank led them to the hodeout of the infamous band of thief's Tantalus.
~~~~~~~#~~~~~~~
The three made their way to the Tantalus hideout along the now dark streets of Lindblum,. They came to a stop outside a shabby looking Building and Blank entered then turned and gestured for them to follow in. they came to stop in an upstairs hall way as Blank entered into two double doors in front of them. Before they entered Saffron and Tao could her laughter and voice's coming from inside the room in front of them and paused to await instructions. And then they herd Blank's voice.
"I'm back… he called out "and you'll never guess who I found hangin around the alley way's" Blank gave the gang a large smirk as he entered the room a smirk that told them he knew something they didn't.
"I aint in the mood fer ya guessin games" came a female voice that sounded rather annoyed by the late comer.
"geez ruby lighten up will ya cos ya gonna love em" Blank sent a wink in Ruby's direction and she rolled her eye's at him silently messaging typical.
"not more stray's or stow a ways I hope" this voice was deep and scary like a really big man's voice.
"no geez" "what do think I am…no don't answer that" "ok you two come on in"
Both Tao and Saffron made their way into the well lit and smoky room. And got a reaction they didn't expect the whole room rose to their feet in utter shock and stood with their mouths wide open gauging at them both.
" aaww wat in tar nations… oh my goodness I-t's It's a miniature Zidane a-nd and a miniature Dagger
and they're so cute!"
"well I'll be damned… he went and had Kids" "and he never told us just wait till I see him!" came Baku's reaction followed by a thundering laugh.
"what are they doin in Lindblum on they're own. And in a back alley?" Marcus demanded
"where's Zidane and wow look at that tail how come she doesn't have one?" Shouted an over excited Cinna. As the whole gang crowded the little duplicates.
There was an uproar of question's and excitement and lot's of noise and fuss.
Saffron didn't like this at all, they all scared the little toddler witless especially the big round man.
she wanted so desperately to get out,.. She did the only thing a toddler could do best…..cry.
Well there it is the fifth chapter so wat do you think good, bad, should be thrown into the fiery pits of HELL, you tell me and I'll post the next chap. So until next time.
Luv MadMaz -x-
Hi guys I'm back again! How did you like my last chap? Anyway this chap is a little bit longer than the last….ok a lot longer than the last but just bare with me ok. Anyway onto the fic. By the way I've changed the way Saffron talk's and don't worry I'm still working on the full plot but everything will tie together in the end .
TANTALUS AND MY KIDS!
Zidane had gotten up early this morning for a reason! He wanted to be gone and in Lindlum BEFORE the prince and princess had woken up, but there was no such luck for him. Zidane knew all too well that if both children where awoke they would want to go to Lindblum with him and he couldn't take both of them for two reasons 1 Dagger wouldn't allow it 2 they would be bored and be escorted around all day under the orders of Regent Cid and Zidane wouldn't be able to get on and do what he had to do! Plus they would most likely fight and get under each others feet.
~~~~~~~#~~~~~~~
After saying his goodbye to Dagger, Zidane quietly sneaked out of the royal bed chamber making sure not to make any sound at all as he closed the large oak doors behind him.
Then ever so quietly made his way down the hall way and past the child and toddlers rooms.
Zidane finally relaxed his tense shoulders and released the breathe he didn't know he was holding.
Zidane made his way down to the kitchens so he could have a quick breakfast before leaving on the Red Rose.
"Morning dad" Tao was casually leaning against the kitchen door post with both his eyes closed and his tail elegantly swishing behind him. He was obviously waiting for someone
"Morning Tao……"
"TAO!" Zidane exclaimed after he had nearly walked straight past him. "what are you doing up your suppose to still be in bed!"
"I'm glad to see you too father!" Zidane looked taken aback by the prince's reply but then realised how it must have sounded to Tao and felt that little tinge of guilt you get when you know you've done something wrong.
"I'm sorry Tao I didn't mean it like that"
"it's ok dad besides you can make up for it when you take Me and Saffron to Lindblum with you today".
"but I-I-
"And dad you still owe me for blowing off the training session" "remember"……. Tao taunted
(geez where does he get it from?" oh well he shore knows how to drive a hard bargain I give him that much)
"Ok here's the deal, I'll make up for the training session by buying you a new weapon today from Lindblum" ( if you can't beat them bribe them)
"REALLY!"
"yeah but you stay here deal"
"Hold it…no I would prefer to go to Lindblum"
Zidane gave up, there was no way to change Tao's mind once it was made up.
"ok fine but you stick close to me and no and I mean no wondering off ok"
"ok….I'll just go get Saffron then"
"but we-" it was to late Tao had already sped off around the corner. "I guess it wouldn't be fair to take one without the other…oh well at least Dag will get some peace" now all Zidane had to do was explain to Dagger about taking the children with him to Lindblum. And it wasn't going to be easy
~~~~~~~#~~~~~~~
So after nearly half an hour of trying to persuade Dagger, Zidane had talked her round with a few reassuring words.
#FLASH BACK#
"I promise they'll be fine with me nothing is going to happen,.. it's only Lindblum…I promise…have I ever let you down?" A small smile crossed Garnets lips before she answered her husband.
"no you have never let me down" "which is why this once I will let them go with you"
"And Zidane I never doubted you for a second it's the other people I don't trust,….there's all kinds of weirdo's out there! "I know you would never let anyone harm us" " and I just wanted you to know that ok" "And how much I love you"
Zidane had nothing to say except three little words "I love you"
"now don't go all mushy on me" Garnet tried as best she could to keep a straight and serious looking face but failed miserably.
"come here you" Zidane reached out and pulled her into an embrace.
"please be careful Zidane" "And I know they can be a handful"
"Don't worry your self I'll be just fine and so will Tao and Saffron" "besides only a nutter would kidnap our kids"
"Zidane!" Zidane received a light punch to HIS chest for his remark and a mischievous grin from Dagger
"don't wish that upon anyone" she replied between giggles.
"hey" Zidane complained. "and got a punch from what I said"
"oh stop complaining and kiss me already"
So he did as he was told.
#END OF FLASH BACK#
Zidane was now on the deck of the Red Rose enjoying the short ride to Lindblum. They would be landing in a couple of minutes and he wanted to run a few things by the kids before they landed.
"Now listen to me cos I'm not gonna repeat myself ok"
"yes father" they answered in unison .
"both of you keep to either one of my side and no wondering off " "ok"
"Yes father" yet again in unison. "come on then lets go"
As they followed their father into the airship dock Tao turned to Saffron and in barely a whisper relayed the plans for their day in Lindblum.
"ok now listen carefully because I'm not gonna repeat myself ok" to Saffron Tao sounded oddly familiar.
"ok T"
"First chance we get we can do some little exploring , and don't worry about getting back to dad before he notice's cos I got that all worked out too ok"
"we simple lead him in the directions we won't to go, like he said we both have to stick to each of his side's" "it will be like a little game of steering" "ok".
"Tao" you don't actually expect that to work do you"
"we won't know if we don't try"
"no you won't know cos your not even gonna try and Tao why don't you listen to your sister"
"rats"
"look Tao just be good just for today ok"…… "Or I'll take you both straight home"
~~~~~~~#~~~~~~~
After catching Tao out Zidane didn't want to take any chances so he left them both at the castle with their uncle Regent Cid, Aunt Hilda and Cousin Eiko and after a few hours the Prince and princess became tired of the lack of the change of scenery and wanted to explore the town. This is the whole reason why they had come in the first place and they didn't want to be stuck in the castle all evening until their father got back. So they took matters into their own hands.
Both Tao and Saffron where now out of the confines of the castle and where wondering about the streets of Lindblum…in the orange rays of the setting sun.
Tao wondered endlessly around the many back alley passes of Lindblum pretending to know his way around. Until he ran into someone both falling back with a thud.
"ufff….hey watch where your going you little runt!"
"I-I apologize I-I didn't see you" Tao stammered. Saffron coward behind her brother staying hidden behind him.
The one-eyed stranger looked Tao up and down studying him and taking note of his richly made clothes
Taking in his features. He gasped when he noticed just who the child resembled and whispered in awe
"Zidane"
Tao suddenly snapped into attention at the mention of his fathers name and tacking on the fatal battle stance.
"How do you know my father?"
"hah you're a miniature Zidane hah ha you got the attitude an all" "just wait till the boy's see you"
"and who's that hiding behind ya?" "come on I'm not gonna hurt you"
Saffron stepped out from behind Tao, who instantly shot a hand out as if to protect her.
"Ha like I said I'm not gonna hurt you" and then he saw her, and just like he had expected she looked exactly like her mother. And again he was struck with awe "Dagger"
Then it clicked for Saffron (Mothers nick name the one Father gave her, the one only father calls her)
"Tao he's a friend of fathers" "The nick name Tao,.. he knows mothers nickname"
"Saffron do you mean he's from Tantalus" "yes" she quickly turned to the red haired stranger standing directly in front of them "aren't you?" "Your from the infamous band of thief's……Tantalus"
"hehe The names Blank" Blank gave a polite bow to the prince and princess of Alexandria.
"See I told you, blank you and father were best friends in Tantalus weren't you?"
"now hold on just one second with the questions let me be the one to interrogate here"
"Where's your parent's is Zidane in Lindblum why are you out hear on your own?"
"it was Tao's- Saffron wanted-" Saffron and Tao both tried to explain all at once but ended up confusing Blank.
"Hold it!" "come on we can't stay out here I'm taking you back to the Hideout with me"
"are we going to meet the whole of Tantalus?" "yes and we're gonna try and find your father and mother" Blank began to make his way out of the alley way with both Children in tow.
"Mother isn't here, father brought us to Lindblum" Saffron inquired.
"nuff said" Was Blank's simple reply.
"by the way what are your names?"
"Tao"
"And Saffron" from there on there was little conversation Blank led them to the hodeout of the infamous band of thief's Tantalus.
~~~~~~~#~~~~~~~
The three made their way to the Tantalus hideout along the now dark streets of Lindblum,. They came to a stop outside a shabby looking Building and Blank entered then turned and gestured for them to follow in. they came to stop in an upstairs hall way as Blank entered into two double doors in front of them. Before they entered Saffron and Tao could her laughter and voice's coming from inside the room in front of them and paused to await instructions. And then they herd Blank's voice.
"I'm back… he called out "and you'll never guess who I found hangin around the alley way's" Blank gave the gang a large smirk as he entered the room a smirk that told them he knew something they didn't.
"I aint in the mood fer ya guessin games" came a female voice that sounded rather annoyed by the late comer.
"geez ruby lighten up will ya cos ya gonna love em" Blank sent a wink in Ruby's direction and she rolled her eye's at him silently messaging typical.
"not more stray's or stow a ways I hope" this voice was deep and scary like a really big man's voice.
"no geez" "what do think I am…no don't answer that" "ok you two come on in"
Both Tao and Saffron made their way into the well lit and smoky room. And got a reaction they didn't expect the whole room rose to their feet in utter shock and stood with their mouths wide open gauging at them both.
" aaww wat in tar nations… oh my goodness I-t's It's a miniature Zidane a-nd and a miniature Dagger
and they're so cute!"
"well I'll be damned… he went and had Kids" "and he never told us just wait till I see him!" came Baku's reaction followed by a thundering laugh.
"what are they doin in Lindblum on they're own. And in a back alley?" Marcus demanded
"where's Zidane and wow look at that tail how come she doesn't have one?" Shouted an over excited Cinna. As the whole gang crowded the little duplicates.
There was an uproar of question's and excitement and lot's of noise and fuss.
Saffron didn't like this at all, they all scared the little toddler witless especially the big round man.
she wanted so desperately to get out,.. She did the only thing a toddler could do best…..cry.
Well there it is the fifth chapter so wat do you think good, bad, should be thrown into the fiery pits of HELL, you tell me and I'll post the next chap. So until next time.
Luv MadMaz -x-