The thief and his princess
Summary:
When Zidane, the youngest thief in the infamous Tantalus group, meets the mysterious Dagger on the Alexandrian streets, he thinks of her as nothing but one of his many flirts. But with time, he will realize that the girl does not only hold the power to bind his heart forever, but that she is an unwilling part of a conspiracy that can easily destroy the world. - A FFIX AU Fan Fic
Chapter ten ~ Two Audiences
Even though Zidane had lived in Lindblum for the most part of his life, he still got amazed every time he entered it anew. And this was an even more special occasion since the cargo ship debarked in the heart of Lindblum: at the airships docks in the castle's middle level.
"Wow, so this is what the castle looks like!", Zidane exclaimed and looked around. The docks were very spacious and could harbor both big and small airships. The ceiling was several dozens of feet above them, and the docks had a very industrial, mechanical touch to them, but even here, one could see the red velvet carpet that was laid out all over the castle. While the workers unloaded the cargo, a man with gray hair and a long beard, wearing a brown overcoat with a green trim and white cuffs, approached them.
"It's good to see you, Princess", he said and bowed in front of the group. Dagger wanted to answer, but Amarant and Zidane instantly covered her, their hands laid on their weapons. "Why do you think she's a princess?", Zidane asked warily, causing the old man to chuckle softly.
"The Princess may have grown tall and cut her hair, but I can tell by looking at her eyes to recognize her royal blood", the man answered before he pointed to her necklace. "Furthermore, she wears the pendant, a sign of her royal authority . There's no need for further prove."
After carefully pushing the two men aside, Dagger stepped for and bowed gracefully. "It's an honor to meet you, Minister Artania. Have you been awaiting us?"
The minister shook his head. "No. In fact, I only came here to supervise the cargo ship as it carries some goods I myself am interested in. But since Queen Beatrix announced you missing, Master Cid told me you would come here soon, Princess. Thus, I was not very surprised to see you here."
Dagger nodded. "So that is how it is. Minister, is there any chance I can go talk to my uncle.. to Master Cid anytime soon?"
Artania gave her a soft smile and nodded with a slight bow. "Of course, Princess. Please feel free to wait in our guest rooms until Master Cid is ready to give you an audience. Your two companions are welcome to join as well", he added with a look to Zidane and Amarant before he snapped his fingers, causing a servant to come running. "This man will lead to you to the guest rooms. Until then, Princess."
Artania advanced to the captain of the cargo ship and the servant stepped for, bowing deeply. "It is an honor, Princess", he stumbled over his own words. "This way please, Princess."
"They're really impressed of you, Dag'", Zidane said and grinned as they followed the servant. The princess looked up surprised, then she smiled slightly. "I- I guess they are...", she mumbled and looked on the floor.
"What's the matter, Dagger?, the thief asked and leaned over.
"W-welcome at the guest dorms", the servant mumbled and stopped in front of a door.
The guest dorms were spacious as well. Elegant beds with shiny bedding on two levels, which usually seemed to be used by high class guests, were now occupied by the small party. Several small tables offered snacks and water and candles emitted a warm, soft light filling the entire room. The ceiling was incredibly high and the red velvet carpets weren't missing either. Zidane doubted any other kingdom on whole Gaia was able to offer simple guests such luxury.
"Wow", the thief said once again. "I gotta tell this the others – they'll be so envious!", he added and jumped on one of the beds. "Our whole headquarters could fit in here!"
"You mean the one in Alexandria?", Dagger asked, but Zidane shook his head. "That was tiny. I mean the one here in Lindblum, in the theater district. We used to live there before we moved to Alexandria due to business. Which reminds me... Once you're done talking with your uncle, I'll head there."
"Do you think the rest of Tantalus will be there?"
Zidane slanted his head. "Sure thing! Baku is probably waiting for me to return already, so I shouldn't let them wait."
"I guess so", Dagger mumbled to herself as a servant entered.
"Princess Garnet?", he asked and bowed as Dagger got up. "Our Majesty Cid Fabool IX is sending me with his sincerest apologies. He is currently busy with business and strategical meetings, so he will not be able to welcome you before dusk. Our Majesty suggests for you to rest up until then; furthermore the kitchen has been informed of your arrival – you will soon be given an excellent choice of meals."
Dagger nodded to the servant's report. "I understand. Thank you." With an apologetic smile, she turned to Zidane, but before she could even say something, the thief shook his head and waved his hands. "Perfect timing", he winked. "I can go see Baku and the others while you wait here. Keep an eye on her for me, 'kay?", he added towards Amarant.
"Are you sure you don't want to stay for the meal?", Dagger asked surprised, but Zidane shook his head. "Er, better not. I once ate something from the castle's kitchen and... Never mind. Enjoy your stuff!", he concluded and ran off. Once he was out of sight, Dagger sat down on the bed again and looked towards Amarant, but the warrior remained silent.
Can't tell her castle food makes me sick, Zidane thought while he was sitting in a cab, transporting him from the castle district to the theater district. They simply don't know what hearty food is. Oysters and stuff... Seriously, they're called chefs, but whatever they concoct in their kitchens is way beyond edible.
Suddenly, his thoughts wandered off.
Guess that'll be it. Once Dagger sees her uncle, there's no need for me stay with her any longer. And we were just starting to get along so well...
He was interrupted by the cab arriving in the theater district. Zidane exited the vehicle and faced the station. A lot of people were rushing towards the exit, so the thief assumed a play was just about to start.
Hopefully it's not this Moogle thingy again, he thought as he approached the exit. All those girls squealing for a guy in a moogle outfit. Seriously... Luckily, I am naturally handsome and girls flock to me, but all those other unfortunate guys...
Reaching the headquarters was a matter of minutes. Baku had made sure of being close to the station so he was able to leave as quickly as possible. Within Lindblum, Tantalus was known as a talented group of actors, so there was no need for the thieves to hide their place – in the opposite, they could always expect some fans waiting in front of the door, trying to sneak a peek at one of the actors. Back during their time in Lindblum, Zidane and Blank would compete against each other, trying to figure out who was popular the most.
But now, there were no squealing girls in sight. It was a bright, sunny day, but to Zidane, the place felt dull and gloomy. As he approached the front door and got out his key, he couldn't help but feel anxious.
There's no way they could not have reached Lindblum before us, right? I mean, we were all caught up in the Ice Cavern...
Finally, the thief shook his head. There was no other way to find out than going in! Resolute, he unlocked the front door and entered.
"Yo, Zidane!" The youngster couldn't help but sigh relieved at Blank's voice. His friend stood right at the doorway, grinning widely – and Zidane happily grinned back.
"Yo, Blank", he answered as he approached the thief. Then, without warning, he suddenly gave Blank a short, yet firm hug. "Good to see you're in one piece!"
For a moment, Blank appeared to be startled, but then he burst into laughter. "Don't tell me you were worried about us? C'mon, shorty, we're Tantalus!"
Zidane's grin grew even bigger. "Well, can ya blame me? You were all alone out there, without me to rescue you."
Blank snorted. "Yeah right. Anyways, what brings you here, Zidane?" Suddenly, the tone of his voice had changed.
"I wanted to see whether you guys are fine", Zidane answered surprised.
"We are – as to be expected", Marcus suddenly popped into the conversation.
"Marcus!"
"Please, no hug for me", Marcus laughed, but it was too late. Once Zidane stepped back, Marcus gave him a little wink. "Guess ya wanna talk to the boss, huh?"
Zidane nodded, only causing Blank to snort once again. Confused, Zidane turned his head. "What's wrong with you, Blank?", he asked, causing the redhead to approach him.
"What's wrong with me? What's wrong with you?", he snapped before he brushed his hair out of his face. "You left us, in the blink of an eye, for that princess girl. Where is she, anyway?"
Suddenly, Zidane turned defensive. "She's in the palace, waiting for a talk with her uncle. I wanted to pop in before checking on her."
"So what's yer plan for the future?" Baku slowly entered the room, his eyes bare of all humor. "Jumping back and forth, between us and that girl?"
Zidane made a step back. "I don't get your problem, Baku. I won fair and square, but there's no term in the rules forbidding me to come back. Yes, I saved her – she was in need of help! Without me, she'd be dead by now!"
"And what if she's "in need of help" again?", the leader of Tantalus asked with a frown on his face. "Do ye plan on fighting me every time? And then begging yer way back in?"
Zidane's eyes opened wide as he started to understand what Baku and Blank were telling him. "You... You won't allow me to return?"
Suddenly, Baku sighed, relieving a part of the tension in the air. "I'm not doing this because I want to, Zidane. But look at yerself. Ye might not have noticed it, but whenever ye talk about that girl... Tantalus doesn't need any indecisive guys. Thieves have to be focused. But if yer mind wanders off at the wrong time, worrying about yer little princess, the consequences might be fatal."
Zidane's face turned pale. "Baku... You guys are family to me!"
"And yet you left that family for an unknown girl", Blank answered in Baku's stead. Slowly, Zidane turned his head to the man he used to call brother. "You haven't thought about the consequences when you left, have you? Of course you haven't", the redheaded thief concluded with a sigh.
Marcus tried to pat Zidane's shoulder, but the young thief twitched and made a step back. His blue eyes were shimmering in tears. Before the others could stop him, he turned around and ran away.
He ran until he was out of breath, and even then, he pushed his limits. The tears rolled down his face, dripping through his clenched teeth. Zidane would've run to the end of the world, if his legs wouldn't have broken down as he ran. Without noticing it much, he was on the ground, staring without seeing anything.
Suddenly, someone pat his shoulder. As he looked up, he could see Marcus vaguely smiling at him. "Please don't run away", his former companion said as he sat down beside him. For a while, both of them said nothing.
"You need to understand the two", Marcus started after a while. "Baku found you when you were very small. He sort of "adopted" all of us, but you were the youngest of us all. I guess he somehow sees you as his own son. As for Blank... I guess I don't need to tell you what you mean to him, do I? You hurt them, in a sense." Zidane looked up surprised – he hadn't seen the situation from that point of view before. Marcus went on: "You see, they both put a lot of effort in you. As thieves, we might not have educated you like a teacher might do it, but we, and especially Blank and Baku, taught you everything we know. Seeing you simply leaving that way hurt them a lot."
"And what about you?", Zidane asked, his voice very fragile and insecure. "Are you hurt?"
To his surprise, Marcus shook his head. "You're light-headed. Easy-going. Sometimes even careless. You did what seemed to be the right thing to you – and I, just on a side note, think you made the right decision as well. Don't mistake Baku's and Blank's behavior. We're still family – we'll always be."
Marcus made a long pause. He wanted Zidane to light up again, realizing it wasn't as bad as it seemed. Once the tears had vanished, Marcus took a deep breath and added, even though he didn't want to: "They were right, however, about you being indecisive. You just said you'd pop in before checking on her again. You're just not ready to let her go. I don't know what had happened the past few days, and I don't need to know, but in your current state of mind, you probably shouldn't return to Tantalus. You'll keep thinking about her, worrying."
Zidane laughed – but it was a harsh, serious laugh without happiness. "Rest assured, Marcus", he said as he turned his head away. "Dagger will be meeting up with her uncle tonight. Whatever they're going to discuss, she probably won't need me anymore after that. She's got Amarant and a bunch of castle servants for her protection."
Marcus slanted his head. "Is that so?"
Again, there was a long silence.
"But just because she doesn't need you... Doesn't mean you can't be with her, right?"
Zidane's eyes widened in surprise and he stared at his friend. In a few seconds, his face lit up. Unexpectedly, the thief jumped up. "You're right, Marcus!", Zidane said enthusiastically. "You're a genius. Thanks a lot, man!" Zidane turned around to take his leave, but then, he looked back. "Tell Baku and Blank that I'm sorry. But I let her wait for too long already. And tell them, that, er... Thanks, for everything they taught me."
Marcus smiled and nodded. "Now get out of my sight", he jokingly said and waved the youngster goodbye.
Zidane's face was as bright as usual. The Tantalus would always remain at his heart. But now, there was someone else capturing his heart slowly but surely – and in contrast to his long known family, he had yet make her discover this bond.
"Yahoo!", the thief greeted Amarant and Dagger joyfully as he entered the guest dorms. The two were just finishing off their meal and upon seeing it, Zidane remembered his own hunger. And his stomach accompanied his need for food with a loud grumble.
Dagger looked at him with an accusing frown. "Did you forget to eat something?"
Shamefully, Zidane scratched his head. "Guess so."
The princess pointed inviting to some bread and sausage. "That is all we have left – we were not thinking you would return with an empty stomach. But please, feel free to take them."
"Are you sure, Dag'? I don't wanna steal your food", Zidane protested halfheartedly, but he already grasped some bread and bit into it.
Considerate, Dagger remained silent as the thief ate.
Once he was done, she leaned forward, looking at him with big eyes. "Were they there?"
"Who?"
"Tantalus."
"Oh, yes!", Zidane answered with a smile. "They made it back in one piece, all of them. Well, at least I guess – didn't spot Cinna but he's probably out drinking or similar stuff."
"I am glad to hear that", the princess responded with a smile and a royal nod. "And did you get to talk about your re-incorporation into the group?"
Luckily, the same servant from before entered and saved Zidane from either lying or embarrassing himself.
"Princess Garnet?", he demanded and bowed as Dagger got up. "Our Majesty Cid Fabool IX is now ready and waiting for you in the throne room. If you would follow me..."
The servant led them to the elevator which connected the three levels of the castle with each other. Many guards were in front of it, preventing anyone unknown to pass it. They shot wary glances towards Amarant and Zidane, but since they accompanied the princess and a servant, they kept quiet.
"We will now enter the upper level", the servant informed the three as he pulled a lever to activate the elevator. "Both the conference room and the throne room are placed there. Our Majesty limits his audiences and we make sure no one can enter without permission. It is an honor to meet him on such short notice. This is, however, natural for a person in your position, Princess Garnet", he added towards Dagger. They heard a quiet sound and the elevator stopped. "Please be careful with the steps, Princess", the servant said, but Zidane had already taken her hand and led her over the steps, smiling brightly. They continued to follow the servant up a staircase, laid out with red velvet, which was guarded by two men. "Behind these doors Our Majesty awaits you", he said before he opened the door. "Please make sure you talk to him with the utmost respect", he added with a bow, but Zidane was sure only he and Amarant were meant – Dagger didn't need such reminders.
They entered the throne room – a big, round room with marble walls and pillars. The red velvet carpet was present here as well and lead to the throne, which was not only a regular grand throne, but also a mechanical construct – typical for a regent of Lindblum. Several levers were attached to it and Zidane knew from some informants that they were used to ascend and descend between the throne room and the conference room. He always thought that the regent had to be a very lazy person to need a throne to move, but when Cid Fabool approached the princess and her companions, he was sure he'd been wrong. Cid was a great man – not very old yet, though his hair was already gray and he had an impressive mustache and fierce blue eyes. His attire was royal and outstanding, as to be expected.
Cid bowed in front of the princess, then he nodded towards the two men. "I am happy to see you again, Garnet", he said and smiled.
"It is good to see you, Uncle Cid", Dagger responded, smiling as well. "Minister Artania said you were expecting me already?"
Cid nodded and his face turned severe. "Yes, indeed. Your mother, Beatrix, gave word of your departure four days ago."
"This means directly after we left", Zidane concluded mumbling. "She's a quick one."
"She made it sound like you were abducted", Cid went on, "But I never doubted for a second you left on your own will. Am I right?"
Dagger nodded. "You're right, Uncle Cid. I was lucky the Tantalus arrived in Alexandria. I managed to accompany them and we tried to escape from the city. But due to circumstances beyond our control, the airship crashed down in the Evil Forest."
"So you went through the Ice Cavern and boarded a ship from Dali", the king concluded. "It must have been a rough journey for you, Garnet. I am sorry I could not help you."'
"I would not have managed to get here without their help!", Dagger exclaimed as she remembered her good manners and pointed towards Zidane and Amarant, and Cid turned to them."You do not need to tell me who you are", he said towards Amarant. "I know your story well. A few years ago my guards were hunting you, but they lost your trace. The last thing I heard was they captured you in Alexandria." Cid's eyes looked even more fierce, but when he saw Dagger's concerned face, his frown vanished into a smile. "But Garnet would not lie to me, so I am sure you have fought well to protect her and I thank you for that." Then, his eyes wandered over to Zidane, and the thief stepped forward with a grand smile.
"I do not know who you are", the king admitted.
"My name's Zidane!", the thief announced. "I was part of Tantalus when Dagger – I mean the Princess came across."
"As you speak in past tense, I assume you are no longer part of Baku's group?", Cid interrogated him and Zidane nodded. "I left them to rescue Da-, the Princess out of the Evil Forest. That's the way Tantalus works. But hey, how do you know about Baku?!"
Cid chuckled. "Do you really believe I would not be informed about any kind of groups inside my castle walls? Tantalus might be an infamous group, but famous nonetheless. I even had the honor to meet Baku several times. A man with a rough tongue, but a brilliant mind. Regardless, I thank you, Zidane. Leaving Tantalus must have been a difficult choice, but I am happy you made it in order to rescue the Princess."
Zidane waved his hands. "It was nothing", he replied. "I'm glad I did it. And I'd do it anytime again."
While Dagger's eyes opened wide, Cid only nodded slightly. "Well then, I believe I am in your debt, Zidane and Amarant. I was worried hearing about Princess Garnet being lost, but as I see, she was accompanied by loyal men. I not only thank you as the king of Lindblum, but moreover as Garnet's uncle", he said and performed a slight bow towards the two men.
Then, he turned towards Dagger.
"As happy as I am to see you unharmed, I assume you have important business to discuss with me?"
The princess nodded. "Yes, Uncle. Since a few years, Mother has been acting strange. Her behavior has been a lot colder than before and she's been very strict towards anyone around. I do not know what has happened, but... she is not my mother anymore", Dagger ended with a dying voice.
"I know", Cid answered to her surprise. "I am sure she hid it from the Alexandrian people, but Beatrix establishes an army - informants all over the continent confirm that fact over an over again. I do not know yet for what purpose she is doing it, but I am uneasy: Beatrix stopped all friendly contact to the other kingdoms four years ago and she ignored my attempts to talk to her ever since."
"So that is why the Alexandrian economy is down", Zidane said and Cid nodded. "Exactly. Once I learned about it, I planted a spy inside Alexandria who got some interesting news."
For a moment, Zidane had a very concentrated face, but Cid went on before Zidane could speak up.
"He told me about a man who apparently visits Beatrix frequently. A man with silver hair and white clothing."
"I know that man!", Dagger interrupted him with surprise. "Now that you mention it, it makes sense. He showed up four years ago and visited mother. I never associated him with mother's changing personality, though, as he only appeared once..."
"Apparently, this man goes by the name of Kuja", Cid proceeded. "We believe him to be a powerful mage and assume him to mind-control the queen."
"Well, if that's the case, we know what to do, right?", Zidane said and stretched his muscles. "We'll go to Alexandria and kick Kuja's butt!"
"Idiot", Amarant sighed, directly followed by Cid's "Fool."
"Wha-what?", the thief backed off.
"If it was that easy, do you really think I would not have intervened long ago?", Cid said and shook his head. "I asked my spy to get rid of that Kuja as soon as he informed me about his presence. He hired assassins to do it – and we never heard of them again. It took us months until we realized why. Like I said, he is a powerful mage – so powerful in fact, that normal weapons can not harm him. Neither black or white magic."
"So no one can stop him?", Dagger asked and sank down to the ground, but Cid shook his head. "Do not lose hope yet, Garnet. My strategists are working on it constantly."
"But what is he after?", Zidane asked.
"What is the purpose of provoking war?", Amarant echoed before he turned his head towards Zidane. "I could think of a lot of reasons. Profit, hunger for power, insanity... Pick whatever you like."
"We think we already know what he is after", Cid informed the three as he sat down on his throne. "Have you ever heard the legend of the "Crystal"? Thought so", he said as all the three of them shook their heads. "I myself have not heard of it for most of my life – and I only learned of it by coincidence. But apparently, it is a legend of high importance."
"Stop speaking in riddles and get started", Zidane interrupted him as sat down on the ground.
The king cleared his throat.
"The Crystal is considered an artifact older than humanity. Supposedly, it was used throughout the ages to maintain the natural order of everything. Its legend is closely linked to the theory of a second world existing parallel to Gaia – a world called Terra. Terra is supposed to be a world that is co-existing to ours, but we can not see nor feel it as the worlds are separated by magical force, unable to break by anyone. Even though there is no prove so far, a lot of scientists take the existence of our second moon as a supporting factor for the theory.
But coming back to the Crystal. It is said that the one bearing the Crystal will gain great power over the elements and the magic flowing through the universe. If one was able to use the Crystal the correct way, he or she would be able to connect the two worlds Gaia and Terra and would then gain god-like powers, making them the ruler of the new world. The Crystal is thus concealed so that no one can ever use it.
We, however, believe that Kuja has found the location of the Crystal and is trying to lay his hands on it for some years now."
"I know you're trying to make it exciting", Zidane said slowly, "But could you please tell us whether you know what the Crystal is?"
Cid gave him a piqued look, but then got up and walked to Dagger, carefully holding up the crystal at the end of her pendant.
"We believe that this is the crystal", he added, even though it wasn't necessary. "Kuja might have tried to get this for years now, but since it is the Princess' holy pendant, she has never put it away, making it hard for him to reach it."
"But I never sensed anything supernatural from it", Dagger protested, causing Cid to smile. "Like I said, the Crystal is concealed so no one can use it. I would like to doubt Kuja knows how to use it either, but considering all the effort he has been making so far to retrieve it, I am afraid he might have a clue."
"Shouldn't we hide it, then?", Zidane asked with a concerned look.
"Generally, yes, but technically: Where?", the king asked. "I can hardly think of any place where we could hide it from Kuja. He was, however, reluctant to hurt Garnet, so as much as it hurts myself, it is the safest around her."
Zidane gave the princess a sorry look, then he shook his head. "Man, that's some tough news you got for us there, old man. You said your strategists are working on it, so it leaves us with having to wait. Right?"
Although Cid seemed to be displeased, he still nodded. "As things are right now, yes. I am sorry I can not give you more hopeful news, Garnet. But please, feel free to reside inside the castle. My men will protect you and the Crystal with all their might. You and Amarant", he added towards Zidane, "Are welcome to reside here as well. I owe you for protecting Garnet."
While Amarant showed the slightest sign of a nod, Zidane waved his hands. "Thanks, old man, but I feel much more comfortable around town than inside the castle."
He turned towards Dagger, who had already opened her mouth to say something, and gave her a smile. "Don't ya worry! We'll figure something out, together! I'll sleep in an Inn in the Business District, but I'll stop by tomorrow to see you."
Dagger's concerned face lit up for a bit and she nodded. "Thank you, Zidane. I am truly gratefu – I mean, thanks", she corrected herself smiling.
"You're staying here, right?", Zidane asked towards Amarant and grinned towards his nod. "Alright then, guess I'll get going. See ya!"
When he had left the room, Dagger turned to the king. "Uncle Cid", she started quietly, with her eyes faced down, "Some things happened while mother was mind controlled..."
Author's note
Did you guys think I was gone? Well, of course not! I promised a chapter by the end of October and here it is.
This chapter is longer than the previous ones and if I hadn't restrained myself, it would have gotten even longer! Luckily, chapter 11 is already in the making – and even though I'm still at the beginning, it'll definitely be done by the end of November, so look out for that.
With this chapter, you guys can finally tell where I am going story-wise – and I hope you like it!
Until next month!
Ruska