-1Chapter Two: The Holy Ship

Zidane woke as he heard knuckles rapping again the door of the room. The door creaked open and in came Margaret Miller. She carried a small silver tray, upon which was a plate of the most appetising pancakes he had ever seen.

In the light of the doorway the syrup seemed to glisten, urging him to drown his pancakes and devour them like Quina ate all her/his meals.

"Mornin' dearie," said Margaret warmly. "Thought ye could dae wae some breakfast. Ye'll need yer energy if ye're goin' to wander back tae that wife of yers."

"Morning," he replied, sounding slightly insincere as he focused on the delicious breakfast. "Thank you very much, that looks delicious."

"Oh they are, auld family recipe." She placed the tray upon his knees, which was much harder than one would think as Margaret was short, even for a dwarf. "Now eat up."

She didn't have to tell him twice as he had managed to devour half the pile in the time it had taken her to walk to the door. She was right, they were indeed delicious.

When he finally got out of bed, knowing that he had a very important favour to ask of David Heavenguard, the town priest, he was met by a large crowd. The entire street was lined with stalls, selling all manner of things, most of which smelled delicious.

A familiar dwarf waddled by him his arms full of pastries, snacks and sweets. Zidane offered to relieve him of his delicious burden, which he gladly accepted. Taking what he could, he held them in his arms and walked the man home.

"Aww thanks Zidane," he said, "I had nae idea how I was gonnae get aw this stuff hame."

"No worries, although you've got a bit much don't you?"

"Aye, it's the wife, her family are comin' round tonight."

"Sounds fun..."

"Aye, sounds fun, actually isn't. They're a load of auld gits. So what's yer plans fer the day?"

"I'm going to visit David Heavenguard as it happens," he replied. "I need to borrow the Kirkboat."

"What!?" asked the dwarf, as though he had blasphemed.

"It's the only way I can think to get home."

"Well ye kin ask him. Good luck wae it."

"Thanks," he replied, "I can only ask, I need to get back to her."

"Why don't you give me those?" Kelley asked, "I'll manage from here."

"Yeah, sure." He offloaded the pile of delicious treats, hoping that Kelley may just get home before dropping them all... his hope proved futile as the dwarf tripped and fell into the creamy desserts. With a face full of cream, he climbed to his feet then smiled.

"Look's like ah'm on the sofa tonight."

With a smile an a wave Zidane set off for the Kirkboat. On the way he recounted memories of their first time here. He laughed as he recalled the 'marriage' of Quina and Vivi, if the black mage were able to he was sure he would have blushed. The entire episode was down to tradition, most people were only allowed passage through to the Iifa tree if they were married. It was then expected that they each etch their name into the tree, blessing their union. If only he had done so, maybe, just maybe, things would have been different and he would be with his Dagger.

As he arrived at the hall of the Kirkboat, he looked up to the modest craft, which was of high craftsmanship. It was constructed of a well polished wood, pine if he had to guess, with each panel telling a story. It truly was a treasure, it sat as a diamond in a ring astride two long roots over a small river.

Inside the Kirkboat was the very man, David Heavenguard. He was on his knees aboard the craft, polishing it furiously whilst muttering to himself.

"David!" Zidane yelled, causing him to shoot up right and bang his head against a low hanging piece of wood.

"Ow!" he yelled as he emerged. "Not here for a divorce are ye?" he asked laughing.

"No," he replied, wondering why everyone was saying that and why it was so damn funny to everyone. "I'm here to ask a favour."

"Of course my son, what kin I do ye for?"

"Could I possibly, that is, would you mind if I borrowed the Kirkboat?"

"The Kirkboat?" he asked, eyes wide with panic. "I'm sorry boy but no kin do. This is our sacred symbol, I can't just give it to the first person who asks."

"But..."

"But nothing, ye ask too much of me. If there's nothin' else be on your way.

"Could you-"

"No! Now ye are beginning to bother me boy."

As he received the flat out refusal he felt weakened. His heart felt uncomfortable in his chest. He was depressed, and then angry, and then frustrated. There was a cocktail of emotions running through him. As they mixed they proved a volatile formula, causing him to double over.

He shot back up immediately, his eyes glowing a bright purple, his hair on end. He was swiftly surrounded by a magnificent aura that would give the northern lights a run for their money. There was a ripple of energy about him and for some reason David wasn't scared.

"It can't be..." he said, mouth agape at the spectacle before him. "The wanderer..."

"Excuse me?" Zidane said, trying to deal with the energy running through him. "What are you talking about?"

"Here, on the Kirkboat," he said, pointing to a panel on the side. "There's an image of the wan we call The Wanderer, a being who exudes light, the only wan who kin lay claim tae the craft. There's nae doubt about it, its you son."

"So you think I'm this wander guy."

"No, I don't think boy, I know ye are."

"So that means..."

"It's yours, although I need tae ask you a favour now."

"Yes, anything," he replied excitedly, the aura beginning to fade.

"Can ye leave it til tomorrow?"

"Why?"

"Well today's Sunday, the day of marriage and I've got five bookings. Ye'd be wrecking five relationships if ye took it now. So please, tomorrow."

He sighed weakly as he considered the request. Mere moments ago David was all but banishing him from the kingdom but now, he was making the requests. He could have been selfish but it wasn't in his nature, who was he to upset the five brides, five grooms and worst of all ten mother-in-laws? Just as he had, they had found love and that was something no man reserved the right to disturb.

"Of course," came his courteous though weak reply, "Only if you can help me take the Kirkboat out to the ocean."

"Agreed," he replied, stretching out a bony hand which Zidane all too readily shook. Sure it was a delay but truth be told, he was afraid. He really was going to venture out into open seas upon a small ceremonial boat, that may not even float. "I'll see you at dawn tomorrow then?"

"Aye, dawn it is Wanderer," He smiled at Zidane who smiled in turn. Although he would have to wait one more day, it wasn't a bad thing. It gave him time to gather some supplies and rest upon a soft, comfortable bed for what may very well be the last time.

He left the hall with one thought in mind. He would begin a journey, an epic odyssey, across the waves and find his way from Iifa to Alexandria.