Greetings! Not much to say this time, so I'll just go on to the disclaimer, shall I?
Disclaimer: I owneth not the characters of this story, nor do I own Final Fantasy IX. 'Tis property of Square.
Chapter five: The Journey Continues
"The SEHC meeting is now in session," said Dojebon.
"What?" asked Mullenkedheim.
"He's just trying to be formal. It's a coping mechanism so he doesn't have to think about Haagen," explained Weimar, "Susan does the same thing when she sees me." Dojebon glared at the other six Knights of Pluto. They were making fun of him! "Shut up, Weimar. I have reviewed each of your progress within the past three days. Blutzen and Kohel got drunk and… and had a…skit…about Haagen, Weimar, and me," he said and glared at them. The two super-sleuths at least had the decency to look embarrassed. "Laudo kept complaining that his legs hurt." He glared at him.
"You kept me walking around nonstop for four hours!" complained Laudo.
"Like I said, you need more exercise. Breireicht, Weimar, and Mullenkedheim were…actually doing work," said Dojebon. He seemed irritated that he couldn't find any fault with them. "It's been another week! What if Haagen's in danger?"
"What kind of skit are we talking about?" asked Weimar.
"You were kissing Haagen!" snapped Dojebon.
"Like, on the lips?"
"Yes! You were making out with him!"
"And…you guys were drunk when you acted this?"
"Yeah, but we don't remember anything," said Blutzen.
"Ooh! I remember Dojebon slept with Laudo!" said Kohel.
"WHAT?" shouted Dojebon and Laudo simultaneously. Laudo blushed a lovely shade of deep red.
"Yeah! You caught Haagen with Weimar, so you told him you were seeing Laudo! I remember very clearly. Congratulations, guys! We support you whatever you choose to do with your life!" said Kohel.
"It was just a skit! A skit that you two played out when you were getting drunk off your asses!" shouted Dojebon.
"Oh. Really? Darn, I was going to tell everyone."
"Ah, Dojebon, that shouting reminds me of old Captain Steiner. You sound just like him," said Breireicht happily.
Aaaaiiiii…this is going to take longer than I thought, thought Dojebon, sighing as he rested his head in his palm.
In TrenoHaagen wondered why there was an entrance to a Gargant cave in Treno. More importantly, he wondered why his new friends were taking him to an apparently abandoned old tower. He was very surprised when the door opened by itself. "Wha-" he started.
"Down here, young man." Haagen looked down. His eyes bulged out. "Doctor Tot! What are you doing here?"
"Hmm? You look familiar… Why, if it isn't one of the Knights of Pluto. Haagen, isn't it?" said Doctor Tot.
"Hey, doc. Haagen here needs to use the Gargant," said Blank.
"I'm afraid the Gargant hasn't returned since it was last called."
"But Zidane and his friends went on the Gargant from Alexandria a few months ago."
"It never stopped here. If it kept on going it should have reached Lindblum in Pinnacle Rocks."
"Oh…"
"Let's walk to Alexandria," said Marcus.
"You're kidding, right? Please tell me you're kidding," said Cinna.
"There's no other way," said Marcus.
Back in AlexandriaGeneral Beatrix walked through the remains of the castle. She had just finished patrolling the harbor. Now she was heading for the dock. There she saw the Knights of Pluto. Blutzen and Kohel were snickering about something; Laudo was just standing there, looking helpless. Breireicht was smiling contentedly, almost proudly, at nothing, Weimar was looking at Dojebon like he was some kind of abomination, Mullenkedheim was eating a sandwich, and Dojebon was just yelling at everyone. "Knights of Pluto! Atteeeeeention!" In speeds that would have outraged and baffled any physicist, the knights suddenly stopped bickering and stood to attention. Beatrix was impressed. She didn't even see them line up into a neat little line. Perhaps Steiner's yelling was useful for something after all. "Now, what's going on here? And why are there only seven of you? Where's the other one?" she asked.
"That's what we were talking about, ma'am. Haagen is missing," said Mullenkedheim.
"Haagen? Well I haven't seen him. Have you checked the city?"
"We've searched everywhere. But alas, our knight-errant is nowhere to be found. O cruel fate! Why must you tempt us so!" said Laudo.
"Very poetic, Laudo."
"Thank you, ma'am. Did you read the story I wrote yet?"
"Yes, Laudo. It was…pretty good. But Laudo?"
"Yes, general?"
"Don't use Steiner and me as material. It's very embarrassing."
"Yes, ma'am." Kohel and Blutzen barely managed to stifle a snicker.
"Hmm. I suppose I could ask a local moogle to send a letter about this problem to Steiner in Lindblum. Breireicht."
"Yes, ma'am," said Breireicht amiably.
"Could you please come to my provisional office later and deliver my letter to Kupo in town?"
"Yes, ma'am"
"Thank you."
Meanwhile"You're serious. You're really serious about this. You're not really serious, are you? Please tell me you're not really serious. Oh, no. You really are serious."
"Stop it, Cinna," said Marcus. They had gotten all their provisions ready and were about to enter Gargan Roo. "You have everything you need?" asked Doctor Tot.
"Yes, doctor," said Haagen, "It was really nice seeing you again."
"The feeling is mutual. Give my regards to the others."
"Will do." The party went down the hatch. They reached the platform and jumped off, going in the direction of Alexandria.
It was bound to happen. It's just how these things go. Halfway to their destination, they were set upon by Ralvuimago. There was no alternative but to fight.
Okay, I know I write short chapters, and I'm sorry, but it's just how I write. If I get enough ideas at a time, I would write more. Sorry! Still, please review.
