Filling in the Blanks

Disclaimer: I don't own Final Fantasy 9 or any of its characters.

A/N: One hell of a big shout out to Bobby Corwen for showering me in THE BEST reviews I've ever gotten for a story Your inspiration is helping my update rate, and getting ahead and writing at least a chapter per day :) Thank you!

Chapter 47: Such a Fool

"What the hell is wrong with you?!" Bronson boomed. But Zidane wasn't listening – he was already by Dagger's side, where she groaned, trying to push herself up from the ground.

Her hair created a veil around her face, the two males not able to probe her expression for any emotional reaction.

"Dagger!" Marcus tromped over, throwing everything out of his way. He kicked back Bronson and shoved Zidane away from her space bubble, then stepped back to give her some room.

Slowly, she pushed herself into a sitting position, groaning. Zidane continually bit his lip, reflexes jerking him forward, but one severe look from Marcus would stop him. Bronson on the other hand, wasn't exactly as quick.

He was down by her side in another moment, hands on her shoulders.

Marcus went to throw him back, but the ex-knight grabbed his arm and flipped in over his body. "This isn't about us!" He howled, anger evident in his face, "This is about the Princess!" Everyone fell silent – her actual title falling on foreign ears.

Nobody thought of Dagger as the Princess because they would treat her no differently. Without a kingdom, she was just another individual trying to survive. Bronson challenged that view, and very few liked it.

"Get away from her!" Marcus' head snapped up to Zidane, lifting carefully from the ground. It's like a power hooking him with strings dragged him to his feet, his head still bowed.

His skin began to emanate a magenta hue, and the Tantalus member smartly took a step back.

"You stay away from her!" He suddenly bellowed, leaping on Bronson.

The knight yelled and fell back – the Genome making sure he didn't hit Dagger this time. Blank hurried to her side, trying to make sure that the mistake with the boys didn't repeat itself.

Bronson kicked at the smaller of the two – Zidane was younger and weaker… The knight should be able to take on a thief like him. But he was different now… His body was positively glowing, and his eyes shined a strange color. He was powerful and fast – so fast Bronson could barely see where he was.

Onlookers watched with astonished expressions. Could this be the Trance that Steiner had explained that day when the Genome had told them his accounts with Kuja. Nobody wanted to interrupt it. Zidane was already their strongest fighter – think about how much more useful he would be, if he retained this great power.

As Zidane clawed at Bronson, trying to get a hit in on him, the man's armor well-defended him… But that didn't mean the blonde wasn't leaving dents and bruises. Finally, Bronson got a firm hold on Zidane's tail, and whipped him backwards.

He skid across the dirt, small stones embedding themselves into his skin. He rolled a few more feet, before leaping back up, the energy still in him.

"Look at you!" Bronson yelled, nostrils flaring with bull-like rage. "You're pathetic!"

"I'm pathetic?!" Zidane growled, taking an ominous step forward.

Bronson had a threatening hand on his sword hilt – right next to his hip. The blonde hadn't missed it. "You treat her terribly!"

"What are you even talking about –"

"Don't play dumb with me, thief!" Bronson snarled, clenching his teeth in hatred. "You let her run away when she's in tears – you leave her! You write her only a letter to replace you in death, you aren't honest with her about what happened in Terra!" The insults all came out in a jumble.

"You're a dishonest thief! You're an arrogant and naïve dreamer, who didn't deserve his title! You're a fluke! Your power is your weakness, and you're too weak hearted to apply justice to any situation! You have no casualties of this war! I've heard of you, Zidane! People talk here – many people talk about you, oh yes!"

The blonde's power was leaving him, confusing left in its descent. "You're going to be their savior! That's what they say!" Bronson spat on the ground, eyes flaring with rage fueled fires, "You are nothing! You have not lost all of those dear to you! You haven't lost a kingdom, or a hometown – a family! Oh but you've lost to war a traitor – a bitch who fights in the name of Kuja – someone you don't even know is real!"

Elouise… He's talking about Elouise… Azure eyes widened, strength leaving him. Dizzy with the events, he fell to one knee.

"You put the lives of everyone fighting in danger to sneak back into the place you escaped! The place that you would have surely died if the main team hadn't found you! You put so many in danger! You exposed not only the rebellion but the innocent who lived in Dali!" Tears stung at his eyes now, and Zidane's eyes furrowed, "I came here to find the man who doomed Dali! Who doomed my mother and brother to death! And I find something not even worth having the title of murder! You're dirt!" Bronson pulled out his sword, hurling it towards Zidane, but it sloppily landed in front of him. "You don't deserve the love you get from Garnet!"

That asshole might as well have just stabbed him. "You don't deserve these people protecting you! And you sure as hell don't deserve her!"

Though his strength was little, he glanced towards Dagger. Seeing for the first time since this event had started – the shining chocolate eyes he had grown to know and love over time were staring at him.

We could leave the troubles behind, and thou shall be free of kindling fire of hate and rage, and thy shall protect you from all as you spread your wings and fly!

His mind suddenly jumped to his first night on patrol. He had torn Dagger from her responsibilities being on guard, reciting stupidly, something he thought he came up with. No one had gotten hurt that time… Just that time.

As much of an asshole as Zidane believed Bronson was, his chest raising and falling at the speed of pure adrenaline, he understood everything that he had said. Zidane was selfish – he put the whole rebellion and the whole town of Dali to their death (even though many escaped) just to see if Elouise was real – just to see if he could break through Kuja's strong hold and find her.

He, unbeknownst to most, almost sacrificed Vivi, just for a glimpse into the castle. Though Zidane felt great loss from the war, he had been out of it for the worst part… He had been out of it when the spark from those who wanted to withstand was snuffed out, and he didn't really lose anyone dear to war. His parents, yes, but it was so long ago, and up until recently he hadn't remembered anyways.

And here Bronson was, finally revealing that he hadn't just stumbled upon them. Perhaps towards the end, but he followed the line of sight from the airship when they took off – he knew the direction they had to go… And all he had to do was run into someone in Conde Petie who didn't talk in rhyme for one moment, and he would have all the information he would need.

He came to find answers as to why his brother and mother were killed.

Zidane stood – dangerously calm. Bronson knew for a fact he would strike out, but he was ready to fight this thief if it meant his life. But Zidane surprised everyone, and silently turned around.

"Zidane…" Dagger choked out, clumsily trying to stand and go after him.

He turned his head, eyes looking more defeated and so much softer than she remembered the last time they had talked. She could only see one side of his face, but a small, tender smile appeared on his lips as he barely shook his head. "No Dagger, stay…"

Then he ran off, just like that. He had gone into the shadows, and even after Blank and Cinna had taken off in his direction, both knew they weren't going to find him when he didn't have any desire to be found.

Dagger's head whipped towards Bronson, anger suddenly bubbling in her own throat. "How dare you!" She shrieked, catching everyone off guard.

Beatrix and Steiner came rushing down the path, having heard the screaming from earlier.

"You lied!" She yelled.

"Not really –"

"You never said anything about seeking the one who supposedly caused Dali's destruction! How dare you come here, and accuse one of our dreamers – no, our friends - to be a spy, and then to accuse him of selfishly disregarding the rebellion!"

"He did!" Bronson yelled back at her.

She found her own strength and stomped up to him. Nobody had seen her act quite like she was acting now. "How dare you freely speak my title around those who have no idea of these ways, the country, and the rumors that can spread! How dare you seek us out when Kuja could have easily been on your trail!"

Her breathing was rapid, and he reached forward in the means to call her down. She swiped his arm clean out of the air, and it clapped when it fell back against his armor. "And how dare you try and tell Zidane he doesn't deserve what we've done for him! Have you ever thought about what he's done back! It might not have been food, or a great guard – it's not even about him being a powerful weapon! It's about hope, Bronson! Hope that maybe we'll get out of this alive! That there's still a chance for us!"

Her voice suddenly became low, and many didn't hear what she uttered to the man standing in front of her. "How dare you try to convince Zidane he doesn't deserve my love. But not just mine – everyone else's love here as well…"

She wound up, and slapped him as hard as she could across the cheek, his bewildered eyes never leaving the mark on her face from the hit. His hit… Zidane's leather gloves couldn't have left a mark like that… Only metal armor…

Beatrix was on them in a second, steering Dagger away, glancing back at Bronson, wondering how it had escalated this far. The newcomers continued to be useless, staring, wondering if they should agree with what the man had spewed, or look at his views in disgust. There weren't many people who didn't find Vivi and Zidane pleasant company – save for the more bitter… But they would never say anything like this – or cause a big commotion.

But truly, out of everything that just happened, even over the fear that Kuja could have their location, and biding his time until he attacks, the biggest question stood in each member's mind… Would Zidane – their hope and confidence, not to mention most skilled fighter - leave?


Cid hardly jumped when the door to his meeting room was thrown open. He wasn't even surprised when he glanced up, and saw the golden monkey tail trailing behind who had come to see him.

He nodded solemnly, "Zidane… I knew you would be here eventually."

The blonde dropped his hands on the old, wooden table, creating a clamor of noise. This still, did not shock Cid. He knew it was only a matter of time before something blew up between him and Bronson.

"I want to go to Treno."

This surprised Cid. He uncharacteristically choked on his water, and it took a couple of minutes of wheezing, strange looks from the Genome, and coughing to get his attitude back under control.

"Zidane, you aren't well enough to –"

"If we don't start moving, we will never make it in time. For all we know, Kuja could be on our doorstep tomorrow. The more people who are here – the better!"

Cid swallowed, not liking the direction this conversation was going. He folded his hands calmly in his lap, and planted his feet on the earthy ground. His forearms just barely brushed the table, and he could feel the rough wood against his woolen clothes.

Zidane's fingers brushed over the grime settled on the ancient piece of furniture. He felt it underneath him, and it automatically made him move his feet in his boots, feeling the dirt underneath his body as well.

"What do you want to do, Zidane?"

"I want to be on the list…" He nodded triumphantly, but very seriously. "I want one mission, numerous stops. Treno, Dali, the Western half of the Mist Continent, and –"

"Zidane, that's not a good –"

"- and," the teenager continued with emphasis, causing Cid's mouth to snap shut, "Ipsen's castle."

Cid's chair flew back in synchronization with the rest of the sentence. "You're mad!"

"I don't mean to go alone… I will go with an elite team – or whatever team you were going to assign to these places…" He shook his head, "I have to do this… We need to do this…"

Cid searched his face – his tanned skin, still, after all this time in the dark, from long, sun-kissed days of the past, and piercing blue eyes that shone through the grime and dirt etched into his features. His hair looked more brown than it did blonde, and his clothes were rugged.

The Regent still watched Zidane on a daily basis – even storming into his office now – walk with a limp, run with one, train with one, fight with one – he might never get over that hiccup in his abilities for the rest of his life… unless he were to rest now, and get to full strength before moving out.

And yet, as he went over this turmoil in his mind, he realized there would be no keeping Zidane there. Grant him his wishes and keep him safe with the resistance, or deny him his right to help save the world, and have him vanish from their sights – the hope, his confidence and abilities, and his very being away from the people who had grown to love him so. Let Zidane step out on his own, or keep him fighting with them – where he stands more of a chance.

A final breath of defeat left Cid all too suddenly, and he slouched in his chair. "There's no way I can change your mind?"

"When do we leave?" Zidane asked back, just as fiery as he had been when he first advanced into the meeting room.

"I'll arrange for a meeting, and you can leave tomorrow or the next day…"

Zidane nodded then, and suddenly his resolve left him. His eyes dulled, and his energy vanished. He shuffled out of the office, that now familiar limp in his style.


"Why are we all here, Cid?" Steiner asked, glancing around the room. It was a small mismatch of people. There was all of Tantalus, and the whole main field group, and a few others that he recognized had numerous advanced skills.

The Regent prepared for the harsh feedback he was about to receive, because everyone was very aware that Zidane was in the meeting as well. Vivi sat motionless in the chair, curious, but startled at why this was called so quickly. He was still in scared shock from the commotion with Bronson – sharing the same fears as Cid that Zidane would abandon the large group, and move solo.

Beatrix sat leisurely, estimating it wasn't going to be a very dire meeting because of the mismatched group sitting before her. Her legs were crossed, one foot tapping the air to keep in beat with soundless music. Both arms rested on the table, her right hand leisurely bent, fingers caressing a stolen book from Conde Petie, while her left hand came to her face, fingers resting close to her lips.

Zidane was seated, still exhausted looking, in a seat, his face unreadable, but leaned back against the chair, all of his limbs spread comfortably around him, totally limp. Dagger sat primitively at the end of the table, high to attention, but her eyes flickered in wonderment, curious if she was acting right for the occasion.

Even Quina was there, in a chair, signature tongue hanging out of his mouth. Nobody could read the rest of his body movements, let alone tell what was on his mind… ever.

Cinna and Zenero were also there, sitting in chairs, their statures mostly neutral. Marcus and Blank stood against the wall, their arms crossed, one foot planted firmly against the wall, the other on the floor – their regular positions, so one couldn't tell if they were troubled or just grumpy as usual. Baku stroked his chin from the doorway, narrow eyes suspicious.

Steiner was also against a wall with the same expression as the Tantalus leader. There was a reason they were all gathered here, and he had a pit in his stomach telling him it wasn't a good thing. Freya was one in the same, though she sat leisurely, putting on a nice façade like Beatrix.

Ruby was probably the most painful person to look at in the whole match up of people. Everyone else held a pretty good poker face, masking either their confusion, suspicion, or what they fear. Then again, Ruby was never good at wearing that mask, and, as Blank usually stated, she was too emotional for her own good.

Her eyebrows were knit together in confusion, her lips pursed, eyes wide like a wounded puppy's, and her hands and feet were constantly moving in anxiety. Among the leftovers, Eiko and Amarant were there, concern and curiosity pushing them to attend.

"We are here…" Cid let out, wincing at the sound of his old, tired voice. "Because, tomorrow I am sending out my first airship to recruit."

For most people in the room, it was shocking. Beatrix lost her cool, and choked on her own breath, slamming her delicate hands onto the book on the table. Dagger glanced down uneasily to crack that just formed underneath the hardcover novel.

"All of you that I have called for are here because I'm giving you the details of your mission, and all of the stops you'll be heading to –"

"Stops?!" Marcus groaned, "You mean we'd be stopping in more than one place?"

"The Western region of the mist continent, Treno, Dali, and Ipsen's castle –"

"We're making another trip across the ocean?" Cinna bellowed, in obvious distress from the catastrophe that happened with his team last time.

"He's making another trip!" Eiko, though a new comer, didn't have any problem expressing her opinions. She threw her short arm out, her finger extending in the direction of Zidane. "He almost died!"

A great rumble of yelling overcame the room, and Cid pinched the bridge of his nose. The only two staying silent were Dagger and Zidane themselves. He glanced at the girl for help, but she purposely didn't catch his eye. She didn't agree with his decision to let Zidane out of a five mile radius, let alone across seas once more.

"There will be no arguing!" Cid suddenly boomed, and everyone's jaws snapped shut. He shook his head, "You are the ones I trust most to move out and efficiently get who we need to get here, and quickly. The rest of us will train whatever recruits you rake in."

"Are we taking separate airships?"

"You will be taking one airship… All of you will move to Ipsen's castle. If Kuja would like to follow our airship, at least going over seas will buy us some time. You'll circle back around to the Western region and split up at Qu's Marsh. Tantalus will go to Treno, and the main squad will go to Bermecia and or Cleyra. You'll meet up again at Dali! Send any recruits you find at this time to Qu's Marsh…

"What about Blank and Zidane? They're on both…" Ruby pointed out, a glimmer of hope that maybe they could be spared the trips.

"At this point in time, Blank and Zidane will be moving with Tantalus at the split… If something changes though, feel free to switch…"

He didn't fail to notice a silent tear slip down the cheek of his niece's face. He knew very well that he was sending Zidane on yet another suicide mission, and she was figuring it out fast that he wasn't looking to come home – not anymore…

Cid realized it the very first moment Steiner reported the details of Bronson and Zidane's fight. Or maybe it was earlier – maybe it was when the blonde had stormed into his office, demanding this suicide. He wouldn't hold back – he would do anything he could to win this war, even if it meant he would die. Not even die at the most vital point – destroying Kuja – but merely gathering more people…

"You cannot do this, Cid…" Beatrix said lowly. Though no matter how quietly she had said it, everyone looked at her. "You cannot sentence Zidane to death a second time."

"Why? Why should everyone else die protecting me?" The blonde questioned, his eyes wide and tired, his voice low and strained.

"Why?" Beatrix asked, standing, and for the first time in a long time, showing her superiority. People tended to forget, with her fading into the drama-free background of their hideout, how she and Steiner were the third and fourth command of this rebellion – after Cid and Dagger. "Because if I die in your place, you can move forward. If someone takes your spot again after that, you'll still continue, you'll continue fighting for us, no matter how many die. And at the end of the chain, even if there is nobody left, you will finally be our last hope against Kuja… I will lay my life down for you and Vivi so you can get to the bastard and stop him!"

She flicked her hair over her shoulder, and shot them a hard look. "Despite what is said to make you feel pain – to make you feel like you should have done something different – people make decisions to protect each other. You wanted to protect your friends from the dream world, we wanted to protect you and Blank from the Alexandrian guards, and the people of Dali chose to protect us… We have a common goal, and we are all laying our lives down!

"Do not pretend to be so gallant, Zidane Tribal…" Her almond eyes shone, expecting respect from each and every person in the room. "For none of us are forced to do what we do."

Zidane actually let on a smile. At first, it was a small, delicate thing, perhaps for politeness, or maybe the respect she had just demanded in her speech. But soon it grew until it was a full on grin.

He stood slowly, squaring his shoulders, and staring her straight in the eyes. "Then let me help protect you guys as you go on your mission. Let me make the decision to protect those I love…"

Before Beatrix had the chance to reply, it was Freya's dark laugh that attracted all the attention in the room. "In other words, Miss Vaylor, he's not backing down. We might as well spend this time preparing the group as much as we can."

She stood abruptly, and jerked her head backwards, her icy eyes locked on Zidane. He leapt up, and moved out of the room behind her. He raised a hand, "We'll have Rusty fill us in on the details during the airship ride!"

As though inspired by this movement, Blank chuckled and pulled Ruby out of the room, intent on following his best friend. As much as he didn't like it, he wasn't about to abandon any chance he had to help Zidane. Ruby argued with him until they were out of earshot.

Slowly, Cinna moved behind them, and then Eiko and Amarant. Quina followed when Eiko promised him food and quality time with Zidane, and without knowing what else to do, the others who didn't have any input on the matter really, followed them out.

Vivi had been the only one to speak as he left the room, turning and apologizing to the higher ups he'd grown close to before skittering out.

Eventually, Dagger, Beatrix, Marcus, Baku, Steiner, and Cid were the only ones left.

Marcus was the first to speak out of the group of shocked rebels. He shook his head and shoved his hands into his pockets, turning and showing them only his profile, "I hope to hell at least some of us are still smart enough to get it…"

With that he walked out, and the more formally trained glanced to Baku for some sort of translation.

He chuckled, shaking his head, "Some of us have to keep a look out for Zidane… Because this trip is not going to be easy…"


A/N: I really REALLY hate Bronson! You'll be relieved to know that I actually read over this chapter, and tried to fix any mistakes that I saw at first glance. I apologize for the others.

Also, I decided I don't remember a lot about what happens in the middle of this story, so I decided to go back and start rereading from the beginning... Let me just say:

I'm so sorry for all the grammatical mistakes, overuse of certain words, descriptions that don't make sense, and any tidbits of information that I threw in there, that didn't quite add up... I see now that hopefully when I finish this story, I can loop back around and edit, so I can fix everything and make the story better! As of right now, I apologize for the fact that you guys had to read through that!

-zesty-