Tantalus

Chapter 3: The Search for an Answer

Again, thank you guys for positive comments on social media. I really appreciate it. My updates are probably on weekends so stay tuned. Leave comments if you have suggestions about the story, or other references you want to see from the world of FFIX. Cheers!

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"Here you go. I had it cleaned up for you." Cid said as he presented the clock tower room to Baku.

"Thanks. That's a lot of room for me." Baku grinned. "Just don't call me 'fatso'."

"You're still THE fatso." Cid chuckled. "And you're not the only one who'll be staying here."

"What?!!" Baku protested. "You know I live alone, Cid. Otherwise I'll have to take a bath."

"Yes. Yes you need one." Cid replied as he covered his nose. "You reek."

"Gwahaha! It's the stink to deter my expected captors." Fatso, -err, Baku laughed then asked. "So, who's the lovely lady?"

Footsteps were heard.

Cid fixed his naturally gray hair, straightened his collar and coat. He’s in his commoner’s outfit to blend in, but his royal garbs are more extravagant.

“Stop your banter, Baku. He’s here.” Cid said with his royal tone.

“He? Aw man.” Baku shrugged. “Not one of your guy friends again. When will you introduce me to a girl? You promised.”

“Next time Baku. Now, for some important matter.”

A man, well sort of, came in from a high window porch on top of the giant clock. “Here I am, royal knight from the Kingdom of Burmecia, heir to the throne. Kneel before me, Prince…”, He was cut off by Cid.

“Elric just, please, stop the royal self introductions. I’d like you to meet Baku , my personal thief.”

“Woah there!” Baku replied. “When did I became your personal thief?”

“Hey. You did what I asked you to do. Then I gave you a better place to stay. You work for me now.”

“Ugh. Well I do like this place. Hope it’s not for life.” Baku smiled, and then observed the new guy.

He has a pointy face with a few white whiskers, white-gray pale skin, and blue eyes. He’s wearing light clothing armor, has skinny arms and legs. He’s wielding a long spear and walking barefoot with a weird boney forked feet. And he also has a long thin tail.

Tail.

“…”

“A rat! Gwahaha!” Baku laughed so loud Cid almost fell due to shock. But suddenly, things went black for Baku.

The next thing you know, this Elric guy is sitting on Baku. Baku has a small swollen bulge on his forehead but he’s conscious.

Well, barely conscious.

“So, prince Cid Fabool”, Elric stated, “What is this gathering for?”

“As stated in the encrypted letter I sent you”, Cid said while looking calm but serious. ”My father, Cid Fabool the VIII, seems to have changed a lot lately. He’s started building machines all the time. The people of Lindblum are being neglected as all our time went to technological development“.

“But isn’t Regent Cid the greatest inventor among the Cids?” Baku asked while sounding drunk.

Elric replied. “I guess he normally does not dwell too much into that endeavor, am I right?” Prince Elric asked.

“Yeah, he does not.” Cid said as he explained further. “The worst part is, he suddenly forgot about his people. Now all of Lindblum’s funds go to his unknown weapons research.”

“Why weapons?” Baku asked, almost passing out. “Get –eek off me –ugh please.”

“Guess we are heading to the main castle to find out.” Elric concluded as he gets off Baku. Baku is almost pale.

“Thanks, rat prince.” Baku mocked as he ran away.

“I need people that I can trust”, Cid stated. “That’s why I called upon you, my friends. If I’ve ever learned what’s going on here, I need support. I need friends to back me up with the truth.”

“That, you can count on.” Baku said. “Just remind me that this guy here cannot understand jokes.”

Elric replied. “An offensive joke needs an offensive blow.”

“Ha! Now you’re talking smack, eh?” Baku answered smugly. “Wanna settle this down without some surprise attacks?”

“Focus.” Cid said. “Please bear with him, Elric. He’s a little, well, free-spirited. Let’s head to the castle first.”