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 twenty ~ Roads Ever Weaving

"Who are you?"
Dagger and Eiko faced each other, and the princess felt as if she could drown in the oceanic eyes of the little girl.
The blue-haired one ever so slightly tilted her head.
"First of all, I am a friend," she spoke slowly, considerate. "And, as you have seen, I, too, am a summoner."
Dagger nodded faintly, trying to ignore the stares of the others; especially Zidane looked at her so intently she felt she could break under his regard.

"But I thought Dagger was the last summoner," Zidane managed to say despite his confusion.
Eiko turned her head to him. "You thought wrong," she simply commented. "The two of us are the last summoners currently alive. But we don't need to worry; while the talent of the summoners is mostly passed on, in a few incidences, the power develops on its own. Even if Garnet and I decide not to produce children, Gaia would eventually give birth to another summoner."
Zidane blinked a few times; Eiko's unmoved tone irritated him, let alone all the information they had been given through Kuja's monologue.
"But we have more important matters to tend to," Eiko said. "While it is unpleasant you had to learn from Kuja about your true identity, it saves us some time in my explanation."

Dagger gulped. "Then it's true? I... I really am the crystal?"
Eiko nodded. "Yes. The crystal has never been an artefact. It has always been a person; often, but not always, a summoner. Your birth has been the wish of Gaia itself."
"The planet's wish?" Freya could not help but comment questioningly.
"Yes," was Eiko's bland response. "Gaia is alive. Just as Terra. The life-stream, the soul cycle, is the collection of the people's memories. When a soul dies, it merges with the soul cycle, giving away its memories, which in turn will help nurture the planet inside and out. Eidolons are born from that collective memory, too," she added, and Dagger found herself nodding.

"Wait, what is Terra?" Zidane broke in with a frown. "And how come that Kuja has been alive for so long? What's with that assimilation of Gaia?"
Eiko seemed disturbed. "You... talk much, knight."
Zidane blinked. "Knight?" he echoed, but Eiko shook her head.
"Everything at the proper time," she sat herself down.

"I will explain everything to you; but keep any questions to yourself until the end." She sent a rather stern regard to Zidane, and the thief grumbled before he sat down next to Dagger. He took her hand, not even noticing the princess blushing surprised.

Eiko nodded to herself.
"Very well then. The crystal is the incarnate soul of Gaia itself. Not the accumulation of the souls flowing through the soul cycle, but Gaia's very own soul. Gaia's soul is always present on this planet. Once its vessel dies, the next one is born. The crystal serves as the planet's informant on its surface. At the same time, it harbors great powers. The crystal is Gaia's only way to intervene with evil powers which might seek to destroy it."

"What about the Eidolo-" Zidane started, but Eiko's glance silenced him.
"The Eidolons," she said, her voice turning a bit more lively through annoyance, "are powerful beings, as you know yourself. However, since the power of summoning can be practiced by many people, they can also be misused. Even for the destruction of the planet."

Zidane frowned, and to everyone's surprise, Eiko asked with a surrendering sigh: "What is it, knight?"

Zidane smiled sheepishly. "But Kuja said that only the crystal – I mean, Dagger, could destroy the planet."

Eiko shook her head. "Kuja has underestimated the Eidolon's powers. If all Eidolons would be gathered, summoned and commanded at the same time, their combined power would be enough to destroy both Gaia and Terra. But Kuja can not summon Eidolons, so he chose the path to corrupt the crystal."

Eiko turned her head back to Dagger. "He has been trying to plant hate and despair in your heart; and with the pretended murder of your mother, he has almost succeeded in turning your soul dark."
Dagger gasped. "Pretended?"
Eiko nodded. "Your mother is still alive. I can not phantom why he would keep her in that state; maybe to pain your mother in the final moments of this planet, showing her that he won over your heart and mind."

Dagger shivered, and tears of relief streamed down her face. Zidane squeezed her hand a little, and she leaned against him.

Eiko nodded to herself once again.
"Well then, what next...
You now know what the crystal is. Its powers can not be commanded at will, not even by yourself, Garnet," Eiko explained. "The powers inside of you can only be set free by either a forceful death through a knowing enemy, or a perfect peace of mind. Both of which is very unlikely to happen. Kuja is the first to succeed as far to track the crystal down to use it. I don't know how he learned of you being the crystal, though," the girl admitted. "The only ones who know are the Eidolons, and they are bound not to talk about it unless Gaia faces its destruction."

Dagger was startled.
So this was what Bahamut meant! She realized, and somewhere inside of her, Bahamut resonated approvingly.

"Regardless of how he found it out, Kuja decided to use you for his mad purpose to destroy the world." The corners of Eiko's mouth twitched. "I think he declared his reasoning perfectly clear to you."
"That's mad!" Zidane exclaimed. "He wants to kill the entire planet just because he thinks it's unfair he has to die one day!?"
Eiko nodded, turning Zidane even more furious. "But that's crazy!"
"And to think he had centuries to live," Freya added mumbling.

Eiko nodded her head. "I didn't say his reasoning is perfectly clear; just his declaration. I don't know where Kuja comes from; he must have been born in the times when sorcerers were still present in great amounts. He's not immortal," she preempted Zidane who had just opened his mouth. "He just found a way to keep his body working for a long amount of time. But judging from his desperate tries, we can guess his time runs short. Soon, he will die."

There was a pause which indicated some hope rising among the friends, but Eiko, who seemed to sense it, slowly shook her head.
"But if he isn't stopped, he will have a fallback option," she said somberly. "While his powers can not destroy the entire planet, he can very well eradicate all life on Gaia."
They all drew a sharp breath, and Eiko took the chance to capture Dagger's gaze. "If you don't kill him soon, he will unleash his powers."

Dagger gulped, hard.
"B-but how?" Dagger finally managed to ask with a hoarse voice. "Bahamut told me I'm not strong enough yet."
Eiko nodded. "And he's right about that. While the Eidolons inside of you supply you with extraordinary strength, they will not be able to kill Kuja – not before he can kill us all in return, that is."

Dagger shivered, and she felt herself leaning closer to Zidane. It all seemed to be too much; her, being the crystal? It was a scary thought, raising the idea of not having an own soul. Invisible to the others, Dagger shook her head.
This is not the time. I have to focus on defeating Kuja. But... if I'm not strong enough, then...
She raised her head to look at Eiko.
"But, what can I do, then?"

"Ark." Eiko spoke the name with reverence, and Dagger faintly remembered reading his name on the map – as one of those who weren't sealed away.
She frowned. "But how am I supposed to find him?"

But Eiko only shook her head. "Ark cannot be found. He cannot be sealed and he cannot be bound to any gemstone. Ark just is. He is similar to you, and yet so different. Ark is the combination of the souls of Gaia and Terra."

"Once again, you mention Terra," Freya said. "Just what is this place?"
Eiko turned her head. "It's a planet. A planet inside of Gaia."
"How did a planet get into a planet?" Zidane was dumbfounded.
"Terra is a planet much older than Gaia. And long ago, Terra's civilization tried to assimilate Gaia. But the fusion failed, and instead, Terra became a part of Gaia. It is beneath us," she added, and the friends looked down, as if they could see through the ground.

"Are... people living there?" Vivi asked shyly, and Eiko nodded.
"Yes. As Kuja said, there was a man, called Garlant, who had tried to resurrect Terra by combining the soul cycles. But Kuja killed him – for reasons I can't imagine.
This has been centuries ago, and finally, a civilization is born again on Terra. They are still weak, but they will strive to regain their former glory. But this time, without assimilating Gaia," Eiko added with the hint of a smile.

Zidane shook his head. "All of this is so confusing," he mumbled and Vivi nodded.

"And Ark is a combination of the souls of Terra and Gaia?" Freya asked, to which Eiko nodded.
"Yes. Ark is even more powerful than the crystal – and, he's even harder to find and activate."

"And how do we find him?" Amarant asked, speaking for the first time, causing Eiko to send him a curious regard.
"It's easy. All we need to do, is having the crystal – that means you, Garnet – and the knight of Terra combine their powers. And as chance would have it, both of them are here with us." She raised her small hands and pointed towards Zidane and Dagger.

Zidane breathed surprised. "Me?" He asked, trying to make sure. "I'm the knight of Terra?"

If it hadn't been such a serious situation, Dagger would have chuckled. But now, all she could do was stare at Eiko with wide eyes.

The blue-haired girl nodded. "Yes. You have wondered about your tail, haven't you? On Terra, it's common to have a tail. Usually, you would also live on Terra, but it seems like both Terra's and Gaia's souls have decided that you would be of more use here on this side."

Zidane shook his head and got up, irritated. "That's ridiculous! I mean, just because I have a tail? That should be reason enough? No way!"

Eiko's lips puckered up to a faint smile. "Well then, how about that blue light? Your only clue to your home. Terra is also known as the 'blue planet.'"
"B-but that is..." Zidane mumbled weakly, not ready to accept what Eiko told him.
The young summoner went on: "I'm sure you were the only one who could activate the elveator in Iifa's Tree - the connection between the two worlds. Or how about Ipsen's Castle? The location is a remnant of the failed assimilation. Everything there is Terran architecture. Could anyone besides you operate the mechanics there?"

Zidane was startled. He remembered the weird feeling he had at Ipsen's Castle. And how the machines only responded to his touch, just like the elevator in Iifa.
He slowly shook his head. "But how? Why am I here?"

Eiko shrugged. "That, I don't know. But I do know that you are the knight of Terra - to our great luck."

Finally, Zidane sat down again, taking Dagger's hand and drawing invisble figures on her palm.

Freya frowned. "Does that mean, Zidane is... the soul of Terra?"
Error tilted her head. "Not exactly. It's very similar, but not the same. But that's got nothing to do with it. The only thing that matters is that we have the crystal and the knight; and I can show you how to summon Ark. Once summoned, Ark will kill Kuja and absorb any kind of attack that sorcerer might try to unleash on this planet."

The friends sat in awe and confusion.
It was Amarant who spoke as first.
"Why do you know all of this?"

And suddenly, a grin appeared on Eiko's face – and it made her face look a lot more childish.
"Since four years, an Eidolon is living inside of me."
"Madeen," Dagger breathed and Eiko nodded.
"It must have happened because of Kuja coming so close to you; Gaia sensed the danger, and sent Madeen out to warn you. Sadly, I happened to be the only fitting vessel for him, and I am actually too young to harbor the massive knowledge Madeen has. This is also why my help comes a little late."

Zidane had his mouth wide open.
"You have an Eidolon inside of you? But, Dagger has, too, and she's not as... as..." He stopped, not wanting to insult the helpful girl, but Eiko only shrugged.
"It's different. Madeen is not only a pool of energy inside of me; in a sense, we are one – our souls have merged, beyond the point that is common. Eidolons usually don't do that because it gives the summoner way too much knowledge; but in my case, that was exactly what was wanted."

Dagger could hardly believe it. Her head seemed to be spinning, and she felt Eiko looking at her with understanding eyes.
"I know that all of this must be very difficult to understand. But time presses. We can rest for tonight, but we should head out tomorrow; alone for the fact that Kuja will find us if we linger too long."

As if to underline her statement, explosions occured in a different part of the city; Kuja was searching for them, furiously.

Dagger nodded. "I... I guess I understand..." She let out a sigh, and Eiko nodded satisfied.

"Then, I'd recommend you to go to sleep. I will show you the means to summon Ark tomorrow. Feel free to use my house," she made a wide gesture. "There are enough beds for you all."

Slowly, the friends got up, but as Zidane, still hand in hand with Dagger, was about to leave the room, Eiko spoke up: "Knight."
Zidane turned. "Yeah?"

"I want you to stay here a little longer. There is something I must tell you."
The way she said it, there was no doubt she intended to talk to Zidane alone. Even Blank got up and left the room.
Zidane squeezed Dagger's hand and smiled at her. "It's okay, go ahead. I'll catch up in no time."
Dagger hesitated, then, she nodded and walked up the stairs.

Zidane's eyes followed the princess until she was out of sight; then, he turned and sat down in front of Eiko.

"What is it?" he asked.

"You deal well with all these revelations," Eiko commented, her voice showing a hint of awe.
Zidane shrugged. "I dunno. I guess there's no time to think about all that weird stuff right now anyway; I will just go with what you say and hope it works out."

Eiko raised an eyebrow. "So you don't believe being the knight?"
Zidane was silent. Then, he mumbled, "I guess I do. I just don't understand."

Eiko nodded. "That's natural. I'm sorry I couldn't tell you under better conditions."
Zidane only shrugged, and the two sat in silence.

Finally, Eiko leaned forward.
"Listen, knight," she started, and her eyes seemed sad. "There is something very important I need to ask of you."
Zidane was surprised, but he nodded.

"Do you love Garnet?"
Zidane blushed. He hesitated a moment, but then, he nodded.

"Do you want to protect her?" Eiko pressed and a bad feeling started to build inside of Zidane's stomach. He nodded once more, and Eiko sighed.
"I thought as much." She looked away for a few seconds, then, she mumbled, more to herself than anything else: "I think this is the best solution for everyone."

Eiko turned her head back to Zidane.
"There's something you need to know about summoning Ark."

Once Zidane left Eiko, he felt confused – and saddened. But he shook his head.
I shouldn't think about this any longer. I made my decision.

He already wanted to walk up the stairs, but then, he decided to pay each of his friends a visit beforehand.

The first one he found was Vivi. The little mage was sitting on a bed, staring at his gloved hands, only to look up as he heard Zidane's footsteps.
The thief smiled. "Yo. Mind me coming in for a sec'?"

Vivi shook his head and made place for Zidane on his bed. The blonde sat down, and for a few minutes, neither of them said anything.

Then, Zidane spoke.
"How are you feeling, Vivi?"
The boy shrugged. "I'm... fine I guess."
"Really?" Zidane turned his head. "You seem depressed. Is it because of your brothers?"
Vivi let his shoulders drop and nodded.
Zidane pat his back. "Listen, Vivi, you did the right thing. It was sad, and painful, but if we don't act, Kuja will kill everyone."
Vivi nodded. "I know."
The sadness wouldn't fade from his expression, and Zidane's features softened.

Does he still believe he's just like them? A shiver went down his spine, remembering the emotionless mages attacking them. They hadn't reacted to anything; no pleads, no talk, not even when they were killed.

Zidane could see the pressure lying on Vivi's shoulders, and once more, he pat him.
"You're the nicest person I've ever met."
Vivi looked up surprised. "Really, Zidane?"
The thief nodded, grinning. "Yup. You're a great guy. Don't allow anyone to tell you anything different. You are good. And kind. And you deserve to live happily."

Zidane got up, and Vivi followed his movement with wide eyes.
"Zidane?"
"It's okay," the thief reassured his friend, standing in the door frame. "Get some rest; tomorrow, we will end this stupid war."
Vivi nodded, but Zidane had already left his room.

The next one he saw was Blank, eating something, his expression a lot more peaceful than before.

"Yo!" Zidane walked in, causing Blank to jump in his seat. The redhead cursed his friend with a few hand-picked words before he sat down again.
"What up, boy?"

Zidane tilted his head. "You didn't mention Eiko was that young," he started, but Blank already waved his hand.
"I know. But if I'd told you before you met her, you would have freaked out."
"True that."
"See?" Blank laughed before turning serious again. "Before you start complaining; I don't think of her that way."
"Yet."

Blank shot his friend a glance, but the younger thief just shrugged, and eventually, Blank nodded.
"Yeah. Yet. You know, when all of this is over... Madeen will leave."
Zidane's face turned soft. "It will be hard on her."
Blank nodded. "I want to be by her side once that happens. She hasn't shown you yet, but there are still traces of her actual personality. She's sweet, kind and joyful. I want her to find back into her old life, her old self. Even though that probably isn't possible."

Zidane pat his shoulder. "She can be lucky, having you."
Blank laughed, a little embarrassed. "Well, yeah. You'll do the same thing for Dagger, huh?"
Zidane nodded. "Sure. As long as I can."
The two grinned at each other. Then, Zidane pushed himself up.
"Well then, gotta go. Tomorrow, we'll kick ass!"

Blank pushed his fist in the air, and waited until Zidane was out of sight before he frowned.
"What has happened, boy?"

Zidane practically bumped into Freya. She had been standing in the shadow of her room, staring into the nothingness with dark eyes.
"Oh, dear."
"Yo!" Zidane put up a smile – it became repetitive, but it was the only way for him to act natural.

"Is everything okay?" He asked the Dragon Hunter with a frown upon her silence.
Freya sighed. "All of this... It's quite a lot. Frankly, I don't even know if we can trust that Eiko. I know, I know," she raised her hands defensively. "She helped us a lot, and we can call ourselves lucky. Still..."

Zidane nodded. "I know what you mean. But we have no other choice."
Freya grumbled. "Like I said, I know."

Zidane grinned. "It's all over soon. And then, you can go search for Fratley."
Freya looked up surprised, and Zidane winked. "Don't think I have forgotten. You will find him. Once Kuja is gone, you have time to do so."

Freya laughed nervously. "I hope so."
"You will." Zidane emphasized. "Just think where I would look."
The Dragon Hunter chuckled. "Better not to. But still... If you weren't going to stay with Dagger, I'd ask you to accompany me. It's nice, traveling with you again."
Zidane's expression softened. "It is."
The two smiled at each other for a second, then Zidane wished Freya a good night and walked to Amarant's room.

The redhead was as gloomy as usual, and he stared up to the ceiling with an unmoved expression.
"Can I come in?" Zidane asked. Amarant remained silent, but since it wasn't a 'no', Zidane seated himself on a chair.
"So... It's finally coming to an end," Zidane slowly said. But Amarant remained silent, and an uncomfortable silence rose.

The others have given me something to talk about. But Amarant... The only thing I want to ask doesn't need to be asked.
Still, he could not hold himself back once the silence continued.

"If something happens to me tomorrow," he started, and suddenly, Amarant turned his head. "Will you protect Dagger?"
Amarant stared at him for a few seconds.
"Of course."
Zidane grinned.

Of course. What else did I expect?

The thief pushed himself off the chair. "I knew you were going to say that, but it still feels better hearing it."
Amarant eyed him suspiciously. "If that Eiko is right, Ark will absorb Kuja's magic. No one will get hurt."
Zidane nodded. "Yeah, I know. Still – better safe than sorry, huh?" And with that, he left Amarant alone.

Zidane stopped in front of the door to Dagger's room. He needed to draw a deep breath before he managed to enter.

"Yahoo, here I am!" He said enthusiastically, jumping on the bed before Dagger could even turn her head.
The bed and the two shook considerably, and Dagger playfully nudged the thief.
"Zidane!" she said with feigned annoyance.
He grinned. "Sorry."

"Well?"
"Well what?"
The princess rolled her eyes. "What did Eiko say?"
Zidane was silent and Dagger bit her lip.

Stupid me. It clearly was something only meant for him, and yet I -

"She wanted to make sure I believe her story." Zidane's voice was somewhat bland, and Dagger raised her eyebrows.
"Oh. She didn't ask me."
"Maybe because there's no doubting you're the only one who could possibly be the crystal," Zidane said as he sat up. His tone was playful, but his eyes were serious and Dagger felt a tickling sensation in her stomach.

"I, on the other hand," Zidane went on after a pause, "am a thief. And now, supposedly a knight."
Dagger could not help but chuckle.
"I'm... really happy you came with me," she said with a smile and Zidane grinned.
"Of course! After all, what would you do without your knight?" he winked, but Dagger shook her head.

"It's not about that. Even if you weren't from Terra," her lips formed the name slowly, as if tasting it, "I'd still be happy you came with me."
Zidane smiled. "I'm happy as well."
The two looked at each other intensely. Seconds turned into minutes, but their eyes wouldn't let go of each other.

It was Dagger who broke the silence.
"Tomorrow, we will end all this."
"Yeah."
"I wonder... What I should do?"
Zidane looked up, surprised. "Well... You're still the princess, right?"
"Right," Dagger mumbled, her voice sounding a bit sad.

Again, silence rose, and Dagger drew invisible patterns on the blanket. The two were sitting close to each other – neither of them would have to stretch their arm to touch the other.

"Zidane?"
"Mmh?"
"What will you do? Once everything's over?"
He hadn't expected that question, and he blinked a few times to collect himself.

Turning towards the princess, he gasped upon seeing how close she was.
Zidane grinned. "Well, I haven't really thought about that. I could rejoin Tantalus... But I don't really know. Maybe I'll stay in Alexandria a little longer; waiting for your coronation or something like that." He winked, but the seriousness in Dagger's eyes wouldn't fade. Instead, she blushed, and gulped.

"Zidane?"
"Dag'?"
"You could..." Dagger stopped talking and Zidane leaned forward.
"Yeah?"

The princess gulped once more. "You could also... stay with me."
The last part of her sentence was so quiet that Zidane barely heard it, and the silence that followed allowed him to hear his own heartbeat.

He eyed Dagger intently. The princess kept looking back and forth between his eyes and her fingers drawing on the blanket, until the thief suddenly placed his hand on hers.
"Y-yes?" Dagger looked up hastily.
He stared into her eyes.
If not now, then when?

And then, he leaned forward, placing his lips on hers.
Dagger drew a sharp breath, stiffening up nervously. She kept her eyes wide open until Zidane gently moved his lips along hers. With an almost silent moan, she closed her eyes and leaned forward, kissing him back.

Encouraged by her behavior, Zidane moved his other hand to grasp her neck, pulling her in even closer, and Dagger placed her free hand on his cheek.

It was a soft, tender kiss, and only hesitantly did they let go of each other.

Dagger's face was bright red, her heart was beating heavily against her chest, and Zidane, while wearing his typical smile, felt nervous – in a good way.

"I will stay by your side as long as I can," he promised, pulling her in once more, this time to give her a gentle kiss on the forehead.
Dagger murmured something inaudible, but he didn't need to hear the exact words. She sounded happy, and relieved, and it was all that mattered.

Author's note

Ahh, the revelations. How did you deal with it? I hope Eiko explained everything clean enough.
The night before the great fight! Are you excited yet? Are you curious what Eiko told Zidane about summoning Ark? Well, no worries, for you can head straight to the next chapter if you like!

And yes, the finally kiss! I mean, tomorrow's all or nothing - it might be their last chance to confess their feelings towards each other. I know, it wasn't a real confession, but as close as it could be, right?

I'm really excited to read your reviews to this chapter!

- Ruska