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 eleven ~ An old Friend's Help
Rays of sunshine tickled Zidane's face as he slept on the simple, yet comfortable bed at the inn. The young thief yawned and stretched his muscles, stiff from the cool night, before he opened his eyes. For a moment, he was fully joyful and happy, his mind was following his usual train of thought – but then, he remembered the talk he and the others had been having with Cid last night. A frown appeared on his face as he got fully dressed again. He knew they had to come up with a conclusion, but with that unknown Kuja, who was apparently very strong, he couldn't think of any way to fight him – so much he acknowledged as he buttoned his pants and vest. If neither physical nor magical attacks could harm that guy, what could they possibly do? Zidane scratched his head.
"This damn strategists better think of something", he mumbled with a sleepy voice. After a last look out of the window – it was promising to be a beautiful, sunny day, little to no clouds darkened the sky – he exited his room and went outside to the corridor. Just like the rest of the inn, the corridor was made out of dark, old and chapped wood. A ragged carpet with floral decor muffled his steps and long curtains blocked out the friendly sunlight. As Zidane passed the room next to his on his way to the staircase, he could hear the peaceful snoring of a moogle, causing him to chuckle. Normally, he would've went over to have a little chat, but as Zidane went down the stairs, he decided it was best to let the little guy sleep. Moogles could be nice companions, but he only made the mistake of waking up one once – the little guy beat him with his pompom several times and the thief had realized that, just because it looked fluffy, it didn't mean it could not hurt after the tenth blow.
Guess I'll be sleeping here for the next few days, he thought to himself upon greeting the innkeeper, a man with a giant mustache and rough, yet quick hands. His face was always serious and he never laughed or smiled – but for Zidane, he often had a grin to spare. It was no different this day.
"Morning, Zidane", he was greeted briefly. "Heading out so early?"
"Yo! Well, you know the moogle sleeping next door to me? He's got some serious snoring issues", Zidane answered with a wide smile.
The innkeeper chuckled deeply to himself, a chuckle that might have scared other people, but Zidane knew this man's heart to be rough but good. "He pays the rent in advance, keeps everything clean and never troubled me with girls visiting him. Can't say the same 'bout you, boy", he answered with his rare grin.
Zidane scratched his head, displaying false remorse. "You still goin' on 'bout that? I learned from my mistakes, din't I?"
Again, the innkeeper chuckled to himself, then grabbed a cup that needed to be cleaned. "Off with you", he said, pointing to the door. "Before you drag a girl here again."
With a last waving of his hand, Zidane turned to the door. For a moment, he allowed himself to rest with his thoughts at the princess' place. He had promised to come by, but if he did so with an empty stomach, he would only be scolded by her again – and as fragile as she looked, her eyes could be scary when she was angry! The thief chuckled, then he stepped out on the street. The sun was almost blinding, and he had to narrow his eyes to be able to see. The cab station was just across the street, so he could escape the burning sun within a matter of seconds.
Lindblum was already lively. Even though it was quite early in the morning, a lot of people were walking around, running errands, working or simply strutting for a relaxed walk. The noise of chatting and laughter kept Zidane company as he boarded a cab to the Industrial District. Reminiscing his old times in Lindblum, he smiled. He had always loved the hustle and bustle; people all over the streets, so there was always someone to talk to, even if the members of Tantalus were out. The young thief enjoyed going around, starting a random chatter here, a small conversation there.
If there was something Zidane was afraid of, it was being alone. Even though he could hardly admit it himself, something inside him felt empty – and it was an emptiness he filled with company, chatter and laughter. Often, Blank and the others had been wondering whether his cheerfulness was only an act he put on to ignore his loneliness, but soon they came to realized that it was his nature and Zidane couldn't help it even if he wanted to.
Sometimes, in the few serious hours he has a year, he thought to himself that the optimistic side of his was something brought to light by exactly that loneliness – how else should he have coped with the tough years of his beginning?
It took the cab only minutes to reach the Industrial District, and as Zidane left, he quickly headed to a small eatery frequently visited by workers from the city, and his favorite place.
The bartender greeted Zidane with a big smile.
"Zidane! Long time no see! How have'ya been?"
"Yo! Fine as usual. How 'bout you?"
The bartender grinned. "The business' running well, if you're thinking about that. Wanna try out today's special?"
Zidane nodded and took a seat. While waiting for the platter, he took a look around, but to his delight, nothing had changed. The room was small, dark and comfy. Everything looked a bit shabby, from the chairs to the bar to the tables, but Zidane enjoyed the atmosphere created by that. The people in here were mostly honest workers – though he knew there were some bad guys like him in there too. Both groups made great company for a meal, a chat or even a nights-out.
"Here ya go, Zidane. 20 Gil", the bartender said as he put down the plate.
For a while, the thief could fully enjoy his meal and he was gladly doing so, but then, he noticed someone staring at him – probably since he entered. Naturally, he turned his head, secretly observing the person observing him.
It was a female – but not human, though just as tall, even taller than Zidane. She looked like a rat, with gray, dirty body fur, whiskers and yellowish eyes. She wore a red attire, concluding of a jacket, short pants and a hat with two slits for her long ears which reminded more of a bunny than a rat. Both hands and feet ended in claws and if that wasn't scary enough, she had a great spear attached to her back, ready to be drawn at any time.
Zidane smiled.
"It's been a while... Freya."
The woman got up and took a seat beside him – not without giving him a slight nudge.
"How rude of you, ignoring me like that my dear", she playfully accused him.
Zidane laughed, then he took a another bite. "What's brought you to Lindblum? I thought you and Fratley'd been all busy with lovely-doveley stuff. Oh, and protecting Burmecia, on top."
Freya averted her eyes. "Fratley and I parted ways a while ago. We are doing... different things from now on. At least that's what he said", she added with bitterness in her voice.
The thief put his hand on her shoulder, but he saved his words. He knew Freya loved Fratley deeply, and she had spent years fighting for his attention and love – saving his life multiple times in the process. When Zidane had met the two as a couple, he was sure Fratley was as mad about Freya as she was about him, but evidently, his impression had been wrong.
Freya nodded slightly, then she tried to wipe away her sad face. "Well, anyway, I am here to get some jobs."
"Nothing more to do at Burmecia?", Zidane asked surprised.
"No, nothing. Dragons won't appear as often anymore", Freya replied, adding a shrug. She was a dragon hunter – and excellent at that. Zidane remembered his first encounter with Freya. Just shortly after he'd run away from Tantalus, he was attacked by a dragon, a huge one with red scales, and fangs as long as his underarm. His expertise as a thief wasn't helpful in such an uneven battle – and only because of Freya appearing, his life was spared.
"Ah, is that so? Quite a shame", Zidane said briefly. Grieving over a lost opportunity was useless. He chugged down the beer he'd been given by the bartender for free before he turned to Freya again. "Ya found something already?"
She slanted her head. "Sort of. An expedition to the Outer Continent had returned just recently. They were researching an old form of power there – it's about Eidolons. Ever heard of that, my dear?"
Suddenly, Zidane felt cold, shivers running down his spine. "Ah-huh", he answered, trying to have a neutral tone. "I've heard of those. Never thought it'd be real, though."
Freya's eyes narrowed. "Well, they are real", she said after a small pause. "I don't understand much of it, but apparently, there are so called seals, binding different Eidolons. These guys want to find out where the seals are – quite a waste of time, if you ask me. Aside from the fact they can't even read the language the descriptions are written in, only summoners can break the seal. And the race of the summoners died... How many decades ago?"
Again, Zidane simply shrugged. But inside his mind, thoughts were chasing one another.
This... this is the kind of power we might use to fight that Kuja! Dagger's Eidolon Shiva is quite powerful already, but if these seals hide even stronger ones... Cid said our enemy couldn't be beaten by weapons or magic – but just as Freya said, Eidolons are an ancient source of power, having nothing in common with ordinary magic. Is this what we're searching for? Is there even any other way than that?
"Zidane? Are you even listening?" Freya's voice interrupted Zidane's train of thoughts. Guilty, the thief looked up with half a grin. "Sorry, Freya. I was just... thinking."
Again, the eyes of the Dragon Hunter narrowed. She leaned over to Zidane, her voice lowered to a whisper. "Despite being a thief, you're an awful liar. What interest do you have in the Eidolons?"
He tried to shake it off by raising an eyebrow. "Interest in the Eidolons? Why would I-"
"Drop that awful act", Freya interrupted his lie before he could phrase it. "I've fought at your side for too long to fall for that, my dear."
Zidane looked to the side. "It's quite dangerous. I don't know if I should tell you..."
"Well, if you want to know more about the place they found traces of Eidolon power, you'd better tell me, my dear."
The thief sighed. "Alright. But don't act as if I didn't warn you."
After Zidane had finished retelling the events happening ever since he met Dagger, Freya stared into the distance. "I have heard Queen Beatrix was plotting something – but that the man behind the scenes would be so dangerous...", she mumbled to herself.
For a while, the two didn't say a word. Then, Freya turned her head. "You'll have to tell the king about the Eidolon place. If your words are true, then this girl Dagger is our only chance to fight Kuja."
"I know...", Zidane mumbled. "But I..." I don't want to put Dagger in danger.
"Don't worry", the Dragon Hunter added with a smile. "I will accompany you."
Now, Zidane got up, his eyes full of worry. "No, Freya! Who knows what'll await us? I don't want to take Dagger with me – but she is essential for the whole trip. Amarant is a guy who can take care of himself well enough, and I-"
"And you almost got killed by minor dragon when I met you!", Freya interrupted him harshly. "I told you about this – if you should get hurt or killed on your journey, it'll be my fault!"
"That's wrong and you know that! I would've learned of this over time. What I do with my life is my decision alone!"
"I don't want to lose another friend!", Freya suddenly burst out. Her shoulders started to shake as she looked down.
"F-Freya..." Zidane's eyes were opened wide, his hand held out to reach Freya.
"Ever since that day... Ever since Fratley decided to leave for our Kingdom's safety... I have been all alone. I just found you again."
Zidane looked at the Dragon Hunter with understanding eyes. "I got it. I will talk to Dagger and Amarant. If we start this journey... You can come with us."
Freya looked up, smiling. "That's what I wanted to hear, my dear."
The two parted ways, with the promise that Zidane would meet her again at the tavern if things were about to start. And even though he was worried about Freya's safety, the thief couldn't help but feeling happy to being able to spend time with her again. After all, he knew best what great help Freya could be in the heat of the battle – and who could imagine what would await them, on the Outer Continent?
"Princess Garnet?" The voice of a servant woke Dagger up. Slowly, she opened her eyes. For a moment, she was confused as to where she was, but one look to the red velvet and she remembered the events of the past days.
"What is it?", she asked the servant who stood at a respectful distance to her bed.
"My Princess", he started with a bow. "Cid Fabool IX. is sending you his best wishes. Our Majesty, your guardian Amarant and the boy Zidane are awaiting you at -"
"Zidane is here? Since when? Why did you not say so sooner?", Dagger exclaimed excitedly and jumped out of her bed. Too late she realized she'd forgotten her manners as the servant was staring at her with wide eyes.
"I... I mean, er..."
"They are waiting for you at the dining room, my Princess", the servant continued. "All three men asked me to reassure you to take your time at preparing and...", at this point, the servant wrinkled up his nose, "Zidane asked me to tell you that he's having good news for you and that you'll be able to... 'kick that ass's butt"."
While the servant seemed seriously offended by Zidane's way to declare good news, Dagger felt even more excited.
Zidane... I knew I could count on you!
In a rush, the princess switched the night gown she'd been given by Cid to a more formal attire. She would have preferred to see Zidane in the clothes she wore ever since they met, but they took damage through the times in the Evil Forest and Ice Cavern and were currently being fixed and washed by servants. The dress she was given was a lot more beautiful than anything she had ever worn back at home – and considering she had always been given extravagant and fine clothes, this meant quite a lot. White as a wedding dress, with light blue and green ornaments, even Dagger felt like a "princess" for a moment – just like any girl would do, wearing a fine, silky and soft dress like hers. In that moment, she was happy her hair had been forcefully cut off – styling it had taken almost an hour when it had been long, and in that moment, she couldn't wait to see Zidane again. It was childish, and she knew that they hadn't been separated for more even twenty-four hours, but yet: All the days she had spent with him had evoked a side in herself she'd never known it existed. After the long, painful years under her mothers' – no, Kuja's – harsh grip, she had found a reason to laugh and smile again.
She took two steps at a time as she rushed towards the dining room, and pushed open the doors before the servants could do so for her.
There he was. His casual attire looked off, with all the servants and the king around, but his smile was so bright that she couldn't help but smile as well.
"Zidane!"
"Dagger!", the thief replied grinning. "Or is it Garnet again?"
Dagger blushed, but before she could reply, the king walked up to her, greeting her with a gentle smile and a kiss on the cheek.
"I hope I did not make you wait for too long?", the princess asked, but both the king and Zidane shook their heads.
As Dagger got seated, Amarant standing behind her as always, the king turned his head to the thief who already had his mouth full.
"You said you were having good news concerning our preparations against Kuja, the sorcerer?", Cid said, barely holding back his smile as he watched Zidane eating carelessly.
"Oh, it's great, awesome news – not just good", the thief corrected him. "Splendid, like you'd say, old man."
For a moment, Cid looked piqued, but then, he simply sighed. "Well then, what is the news?"
Suddenly, Zidane hesitated. His revelation might lead to a solution to the war that was about to come – but wouldn't it lead to danger for Dagger as well? He looked at her face, saw the sparkling in her eyes. Finally, he had to avert his eyes in order to reveal what he learned.
"I have thought of a way how we can defeat Kuja. With... Eidolons."
For a moment, there was silence. He didn't dare looking at Dagger's face now. Was she hurt? Scared? Shocked?
After a few seconds, Amarant raised his voice. "Idiot."
"What did you say?!", Zidane blurted out and got up, fixing his eyes on the redhead.
"Idiot", the warrior repeated as he opened his eyes. "Don't you think we had already thought of this? But with only that one Eidolon, there is no chance she can stand up against Kuja." As he jerked his head towards Dagger, Zidane couldn't avoid meeting her eyes anymore. To his surprise, she displayed neither of the feelings he had expected. Instead, she looked almost guilty. "He is right, Zidane", she said. "Kuja's level of power is... incredible. More informants arrived shortly after you left. There has never been a sorcerer like that. Compared to him, I am..."
"Not strong enough", Cid finished her line.
"Yet." The three stared at Zidane as he added that one little word.
"What, please?", Cid asked, while Amarant raised an eyebrow.
"Dagger's not strong enough yet", Zidane repeated slowly. "This morning, a friend of mine told me about a place where we could learn more about Eidolons. It's on the Outer Continent. There is a description for places where other Eidolons are sealed. If we could lay our hands on that description and unseal more powerful Eidolons, I'm sure we can face that Kuja! I mean.. Dagger can face him."
Both Cid and Amarant seemed surprised.
"Whatever your friend heard, it won't help us", Cid suddenly stated. "The group finding that wall are the most intelligent people from my kingdom. And no matter what, they failed to translate – or even begin to understand how to translate – the words written on that wall. It being a map is a mere guess of theirs."
"Of course they couldn't read it", Zidane interrupted him impatiently. "None of them are summoners, are they?"
"Y-you believe I could read it?", Dagger whispered astonished.
Zidane grinned towards her. "Sure thing, Dag'! You're quite special – even without your summoner powers. If anyone can read and translate that stuff, it's you."
Once more, Dagger blushed, but Amarant hit the table with his fist. "Was I misjudging you?", he asked with a quiet, but even more so threatening voice. "You're planning on putting her in such a danger?! The way to the Outer Continent is far and dangerous. And even if we make it there – where do you think these seals will be? The stronger the sealed Eidolon, the more dangerous the place of the seal, I suppose. Didn't you plan on protecting her?!"
"A-amarant", Dagger slowly started, but the redhead ignored her. His eyes were fixed on Zidane, full of anger and hatred. "I won't allow this."
Zidane twitched and made a step back, looking down. He couldn't blame the warrior. He himself didn't want to put Dagger into such a dangerous mission. However...
"So you think she's safe now?", he asked.
"What?"
Zidane looked up. "Kuja is after the Crystal. As long as she's carrying it, he will hunt her down. No... Even if we take it from her and hide it somewhere else, Kuja won't believe it's not at her side anymore. He'll search for her nonetheless, causing havoc over the entire Mist Continent! And even if she wasn't carrying it anymore – if it really was because of Dagger he couldn't claim the Crystal, he'd kill her simply out of revenge! As long as this guy's alive and controlling her mother, Dagger will never be safe! Searching for the Eidolons, empowering Dagger and putting and end to Kuja is our only way to guarantee her safety!"
Amarant stared at Zidane. His eyes were empty in astonishment. First, he didn't say anything at all. Then, he hung his head down and made a step back, re-taking his position behind Dagger. He didn't need to say anything further: He would support her decision.
Dagger kept looking from Zidane to Amarant. As her eyes crossed Zidane's, the thief smiled at her. "What do you think, Dag'? It's your decision, after all. Amarant and I will support you, no matter what you chose. Just.. know this." The thief approached the princess, then knelled down, taking her hand and stroking it reassuringly. "There is no reason to be afraid. We will protect you either way."
Dagger's eyes were big, her mouth slightly open. She looked down, so that even Zidane couldn't see her eyes anymore. Then she whispered: "I'll do it. I'll unseal the Eidolons and defeat Kuja."
After a moment of silence, the king got up.
"Where're ya going, old man?", Zidane asked.
"What do you think? I will begin with preparations for your journey."