Chapter 20
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Yes, I know. You all hate me after that last chapter. I'm sorry, but it had to be done. It was a necessary death. I know you liked him; I liked him too! But sometimes, we must sacrifice what we love for the sake of plot. ::bows::
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Zidane stared at Eiko, her little chest rising and falling slowly as she slept. He suddenly felt incredibly tired. He didn't want to wake her; he knew she was tired, and that her body really needed another five hours or so of sleep at least. But Garnet was practically passing out in her chair, and couldn't hold out any longer. She needed to be relieved.
Regretfully, he reached out a hand and shook Eiko gently. "Hey. Hey, Eiko. Come on. It's time to get up."
Her eyes opened sleepily, and Zidane noticed by contrast how dark the deep circles under her eyes were. This really wasn't healthy for her or for Garnet. Zidane cursed inwardly that any of this was necessary. They weren't even sure if Kuja would make it back. It was possible that all of this was entirely for nothing. They were killing themselves on little more than a hope. It was-
Zidane forced himself to halt such thoughts and turned his attention back to Eiko. "I'm sorry," he said softly. "I know you're tired. But Garnet's nearly unconscious. She needs you to come."
Eiko nodded and rolled rather briskly out of bed. Zidane could tell that she was doing her best to look energetic. She didn't want to appear weak before him. Zidane felt a pang in his heart at the loyalty of such friends. He wondered to himself what he had done to deserve so much. Whatever it was, he was glad for it. He stood, his own muscles protesting, and followed her wordlessly into the hall.
'I should be sleeping too,' he thought. He'd had barely three hours of sleep in as many days, and it was really taking its toll on his body. But he wanted to stay up with Garnet, and when she was sleeping, he was still reluctant to leave Blank's side. He shook his head, trying to bring his weary mind back into focus.
'Just a few more days and then, one way or another, we'll all be able to rest.' The thought, with all its implications, chilled him.
As he walked down the hallway, he caught site of Amarant leaning in a doorway and switched directions to meet him. Amarant watched his approach in that bland, un-emotional way that he had. He didn't seem surprised to see Zidane.
"We need to talk," Zidane told him sternly.
Amarant shrugged and stepped back into his room, sitting on the edge of the bed. Zidane followed him in and perched on one of the room's two stools. Customary to Amarant's nature, in all the time the red-haired man had been there, he had failed to put any personality into the room. It was spartan, with only the bare necessities of furnishings. It looked just as bleak and impersonal as any of the unused guest rooms in the palace. But for a small amount of clothing in the closet, one would have thought it unoccupied.
They stared at each other for a long time. Amarant was silent, waiting for Zidane to start the conversation. So he did.
"You were very rude to my brother, and to Blank," he said.
Amarant snorted. "Your brother is a menace. I don't know why you spared him. Don't you remember that he tried to kill us all? And he nearly lost it again the other day. He's still capable of murder; don't fool yourself on that point."
"You provoked him the other day," Zidane argued. "He's never going to get better if you hassle him like that. And that doesn't explain your rudeness to Blank, either."
"Blank is a pervert," Amarant said sharply.
"Blank is a regular person, just like you an me," said Zidane. "You have no right to judge him. If he is in love with my brother, then so be it. I'm not asking you to like it, I'm only asking you to respect it."
Amarant snorted again and said nothing.
"Please, Amarant," said Zidane. "I don't ask much from you, and I'm asking you this as a friend. Just tolerate him. Both of them. Kuja is getting better. Given time, I'm sure we can turn him around. He's already come so far."
"I still don't know why you spared him," Amarant muttered.
Zidane frowned, becoming annoyed. "For the same reason I saved you," he said sharply. "He deserved another chance. Now please. Do I have your word that you will leave those two in peace?"
Amarant grumbled a bit more, but in the end he acquiesced. "Sure, fine. Whatever."
Zidane sighed in relief and smiled. "Thank you, Amarant," he said. "I knew I could count on you to be reasonable."
Amarant rolled his eyes, though it was difficult to see under his hair. "Whatever. Just go tend to that friend of yours and let me in peace."
Zidane grinned and hopped down from his stool. He felt just the tiniest bit more hopeful as he went back to check on Blank.