Ex-king Edgar Roni Figaro sat at the card table across from Clyde and next to Setzer and Locke. He looked at his cards, not showing any expression on his face.

                “I bet ten GP.” said Clyde.

                “Raise Yah five.” grinned Setzer, throwing the money onto the pile in the middle of the table.

                “I’ll see that.” said Locke.

                Edgar looked at his cards again. “I’ll raise another five.”

                Clyde mashed his teeth together. “I’ve got to see your hand.” He threw the balance on the pile.

                “Fold,” said Locke, “I’d rather not risk it with Edgar.”

                “Call.” Setzer threw money onto the pile.

                “Three aces,” grinned Edgar, “And two kings, kings like I used to be.”

                “Must you bring that up all the time?” murmured Locke.

                “That beats my two pair.” Clyde threw down his cards.

                Setzer grinned. “Royal flush kingy, king high!” He laid his cards onto the table and grabbed at the pile of money.

                Edgar’s eyes bulged. He crossed his arms across his chest and sat roughly back in his seat.

                “Good game gentlemen.” Setzer told them, standing up from his seat, “But I really must return to flying this airship of mine. I can’t let Gogo get all the fun out of flying this thing.”

                Locke pocketed his remaining money and turned to Edgar. “Do you want to stay here for the night or do you want to return to land and possible find some chicks?”

                “Normally I would say let’s go for some chicks, but I plan to challenge Setzer to another game.”

                Gogo, dressed in all concealing robes as always, slid down the access port. “Hello Edgar, hello Locke, hello Clyde.”

                “Evening Gogo.” said Clyde.

                “Setzer’s flying us now?” asked Edgar.

                “Of course. He loves flying as much as I remember having loved flying.” the mimic told him.

                “Well, I guess I’ll get some sleep and try to get his money tomorrow.”

                “You’ll have to try harder than you apparently did tonight.”

                “Thanks a lot Gogo, I was trying, and without cheating too.”

                “Yes, if Setzer is not allowed to cheat then neither are you. Two cheaters in one game would cancel each other out in any case.”

                “Good night then.” he yawned.

                “Good night Edgar.”

                The ex-king walked into the guest cabin that Setzer had given he and Locke to share. It held two beds, one for him and one for Locke. Edgar sat down on his, removed his boots and dagger, rolled over onto his back, and went to sleep.

 

                The next morning Edgar left Locke asleep in the next bed as he left the room. Just as he closed the door, however, something plowed him over, knocking him to the ground, and falling across his chest.

                “Sorry about that.” the girl told him, standing up.

                “Relm, why weren’t you watching where you were going?”

                “Dunno. I was just having fun.”

                “And Clyde lets you run around this way?”

                “Clyde’s dead drunk.”

                Edgar stood and stared down at the thirteen year old. “Well, will you either watch where you are going or stop charging around?”

                “Do you want me to sketch you?”

                “No!” he exclaimed, horrified, “Don’t you dare sketch me!”

                Relm giggled. “I sometimes want to sketch Clyde when he finally drops down over the bar. That would be funny. He wakes up with a hangover to look at himself sitting next to him.” She giggled again.

                “That would not be funny. He’s been watching over you ever since Strago died.”

                Her cheery attitude dropped immediately, hanging her head low. “Must you bring that up? I miss the old man. To me the old man was my grandfather. My mother died a very long time ago. All I have now is Clyde. I know it would be wrong to sketch him. It was just a joke.”

                “I’m sorry I brought up painful memories. By the way, where is Clyde?”

                “I told you all ready, he’s dead drunk. Try the bar.”

                “Thank you. Please try to settle down a little, OK?”

                She nodded and walked off.

 

                When Edgar got down to the bar, Clyde was starting to stir.

                “Good morning Clyde.”

                He sat up and looked bleary-eyed at the ex-king. “‘Morn, Ed.”

                “I just ran into Relm, or should I say she ran into me, up on deck.”

                “Oh, she’s awake already?”

                “She’s thirteen, full of energy.”

                Clyde sighed. “I wish I was.” He picked up a glass, noticed it was empty, and put it down again.

                “I was thirteen seventeen years ago. All I did then was study up on how to be a good king. Now look at me!”

                “You look like and are a thief,” Clyde looked at the empty glass on the bar, “Just like me.”

                “I’m doing things I would not have even considered doing five years ago.”

                “You didn’t think you’d loose Figaro kingdom and still be alive.”

                “I can thank Locke for my life. He gave me a reason to live after what happened.”

                “He turned you into a thief, like himself.”

                “After all these years he continues to maintain that he is a treasure hunter.”

                “He’s a thief, just like us.” Clyde picked up the glass again and filled it with a liquid Edgar couldn’t see.

                “Clyde, can I ask you a question?”

                “You just did, but go ahead.”

                “Why do you drink all the time?”

                Clyde eyed the glass in his hand. “To dull  the pain of my past. In truth, I envy Gogo. She can’t remember her past. I remember my past every moment of every day.” He drained the glass in one take.

                “What is it you want to forget?”

                Clyde looked at him, then at the now empty glass in his hand. “I really don’t want to talk about it. I think about it all the time and don’t wish to discuss it.”

                “I’m sorry,” Edgar told him, turning to leave, “I’ll see you latter.”

                Clyde raised the empty glass and waved it at him.

 

                Setzer was in the middle of the room, spinning his roulette wheel when Edgar enterd. “Good morning Edgar.” he called.

                “Good to see you’re up.” replied the ex-king, “Relm’s been running around all morning and Clyde’s been in the bar since last night.”

                “Hmm, maybe I shouldn’t have built one. Up untill three years ago, when Gogo came on board and he left for the year, he was my only real company. Ever since he came back he’s been in the bar a lot, and I think it’s because of Gogo.”

                “What does the mimic have to do with his drinking?”

                “Well, this mimic, many years ago, was my friend Daryl, who I though was killed in the airship Falcon’s crash. She is technically gone, because of amnesia, but her body is still alive. That give’s me some comfort.”

                “What has that got to do with Clyde?”

                “He had a friend he lost many years ago that he knows for certain isn’t going to turn up one day without any memories of being that person. It was our common bonds that brought Clyde and me together. Now all we share is our love of gambling. It’s the only reason he hasn’t left our company for good.”

                “Oh, I see. Did he tell you how he lost his friend?”

                “No, he just said that it pained him every time he thought of it, which is all the time.”

                “Poor Clyde.”

                “Yes, I feel sorry for him.”

 

                The airship flew on, oblivious to the heavily fortified castle of New Figaro down below. The people on the airship were unaware that such a place even existed, let alone that it was right below them.

                In the throne room of the castle sat the muscle-bound king, Sabin Rene Figaro, Edgar’s twin brother. He had been king in this new kingdom for almost three years. In all that time he had heard nothing of his brother and thought he was dead. Sabin had accepted the death with a heavy heart and a profound sense of loss.

                “Your majesty,” said a messenger, “I bring word of Cyan’s return.”

                “Excellent.” replied Sabin, “Send him in at once.”

                The messenger bowed and went out of the room. He returned a few minutes latter with Cyan.

                “King Sabin,” said the swordsman, “I’ve returned from my scouting expedition. I bring news, the empire has seemed to have settled down. They have not attacked any one in the last few months. It could mean they’ve lost interest, or they could be preparing for something big.”

                “Let’s hope it is the former. I don’t like the thought of the empire waiting and planning a massive attack.”

                “Neither do I. They destroyed Doma three years ago. I lost every thing I loved and cared about them.”

                “Old Figaro was also destroyed three years ago. My brother was the king. I didn’t know about it till you and I had returned to my cabin north of South Figaro, where the refugees from the burning city were gathered. They recognized me and convinced me to rule them in place of my late brother.”

 

                Edgar stared down at the city below them.

                “A message pigeon brought word of stuff going on down there.” Setzer told them.

                “That’s an imperial city, isn’t it?” asked Locke.

                Setzer nodded. “It seems they’ve been testing out a new weapon, which is why they haven’t attacked any one for a while.”

                “Ah,” said Edgar, “A new weapon. How dangerous?”

                “It has apparently wiped out parts of their own army, or so I heard.”

                “They wiped out parts of their own army? Why?”

                “Who knows. It’s just a rumor.”

                “Aren’t we going to do anything about it?” protested Relm.

                They all turned to her. “Relm ...” Clyde began.

                “We should do some thing!”

                “Relm ...”

                “She has a point,” interrupted Edgar, “We should do something. If the empire really does have a new weapon, then we should do some thing. If not us, then who?”

                No one spoke for several minutes. “Well,” said Locke at last, “I think it is suicide to go down there, but if Edgar wants to do it, then I’m in.”

                “It’s a gamble,” said Setzer, “And I’ve never been one to turn down a bet. I’m in. Gogo, Clyde, it’s down to you.”

                “You know you can count me in.” quipped the mimic.

                Clyde sighed. “I have to protect Relm, and she can’t be talked away from this. I’ll go too.”

                “Great,” chimed Relm, “We can go and stop the evil empire!”

 

                “So, your majesty,” spoke Cyan, “I would like your permission to seek the reason for the empire’s lack of outward activity.”

                “You don’t need my permission, Cyan. You are here as my friend.”

                “I know, but my old king died because of the empire. You may be my friend, but now, also, you are my king.”

                “You may go, if you think that is wise.”

                “I do. If something bad is going on in the empire, I wish to stop it.”

                “Good luck my friend, and come back safely. My daughter would be sad if you didn’t come back.”

                “I would never want your young child to be sad. I will return.” Cyan bowed and left.

 

                Edgar, Clyde, and Locke were gathered around a table in a neutral town close to the place where the empire was testing its new weapon. It had been several days since they made the decision to enter the city and stop the weapon, but they hadn’t yet left, for they wanted to recruit some help. The three of them realized that they couldn’t all do it themselves.

                Through the door stepped a man with long, black hair and a sword at his hip. He wore a cloak over his armor and looked to be in his fifties, but very healthy.

                “I am looking,” announced the man to all in the cafe, “for someone who can lead me to the imperial city not far from here, and who is not sympathetic to the empire.”

                Edgar grinned at his companions, stood up, and called, “You’ve found us.”

                The man walked over to him. “I am Cyan, retainer to the late king of Doma. I seek revenge for my dead kingdom, for I am the last.”

                “Well, I’m Edgar, this one-eyed chap is Locke, and my other companion is Clyde. We are against the empire and have heard rumors of a new weapon they are testing.”

                “Then we must not wait. We must put a stop to this.”

                Edgar nodded. “Yes, follow us back to the airship.”

                “Airship?”

                “It belongs to my buddy Setzer,” Clyde told the swordsman, “It’s the only functioning one that exists.”

                “Well, lead on then.”

                Edgar and the others led Cyan to the airship and they took off for the imperial city. The swordsman seemed uneasy at first as they flew along, but then he settled down.

                When they arrived Setzer said, “We should split up into two groups and look for the testing site. Clyde, you and Relm can come with me.”

                “I’ll go with Cyan and the others,” said Gogo, “For I wish to learn this swordsman’s techniques.”

                Cyan laughed. “Those take years to learn.”

                “I’m a mimic. I learn by observing. The art of mimicry, THAT takes years to learn.”

                They went down.

 

                Cyan wondered about the people he had found himself in the company of. The three he had met in the cafe appeared to be thieves, but he didn’t know what the girl, the mimic, and the airship captain had to do with them. It didn’t matter, he told himself. Thieves who hated the empire were fine with him. He even thought Edgar looked vaguely familiar, but he was not sure why.

                The city was quiet, except for the wind and the sounds of people sleeping. That was the reason they had come here now, not as many people would see them. Cyan clutched his sword as he walked, ready to fight at a moments notice. Although he hoped the empire had settled down, the way he had reported to king Sabin, but Edgar informing him about the weapon told him otherwise.

                Creeping around a bend he spotted several soldiers guarding a bunker. They didn’t seem to be taking their guard duty seriously for they were standing around chatting and drinking. Cyan almost felt sorry for them, if he could feel sorry for anyone who was in the empire. He killed them before they had time to raise the alarms.

                Edgar, Locke, and Gogo joined him by the bunker door. “Do we go in?” asked Locke.

                “Yes.” said Edgar, going up to the door.

                “Wait,” warned Cyan, “We don’t know if the door is safe to open.”

                Edgar dropped his hand to his side. “You have a point. We’ll need to find a way to discover if the door is safe to open or not.”

                Locke spoke up, “If it’s locked, then I could open it.”

                “So can I. After all you taught me to do it.”

                Cyan shook his head. “We should not bicker about this. Some one could be listening. We have to check the bunker. We have to find a way to get in safely.”

                “How,” asked Gogo, “How do we know that it’s not safe to open?”

                “I don’t. I just don’t trust anything to do with the empire.”

                Gogo stepped up to the door. “I, for one, am willing to take a chance.”

                To Cyan’s shock she grabbed hold of the knob with a gloved hand, and pulled open the door. Nothing bad happened.

                “You see,” said Edgar, “Nothing to worry about.”

                Cyan took the lead. At first he didn’t see anything when he enterd but then he spotted a young women, no more than twenty-one, sitting in the middle of the room, her stare blank. He spotted the slave crown on her head.

                “Look what we have here,” whispered Edgar, “A beautiful woman.”

                “She’s got a slave crown on her head.” Cyan told him, “We should remove it.”

                “Why?”

                Locke elbowed him in the side.

                “Ow, I was joking.”

                Cyan advanced on the woman. She did not appear to see him. He wondered why the empire had put a slave crown on her head. Moving quickly, he removed it and smashed it pieces. The woman gasped, looked at him, then passed out.

                “Is she OK?” asked Locke, crouching over her.

                “I don’t know.” replied Cyan.

                “We should take her back to the airship.” suggested Edgar.

                “Good idea. I don’t think there is anything else here.”

                “Why was she under guard? She had a slave crown on.”

                “I don’t know, but I think she’s special. Look at her hair. It’s green.”

                Locke picked her up in his arms. “Come on, back to the ship. If Setzer finds anything, he’ll come tell us.”

 

                The woman was laying on the spare bed on the airship. Edgar was watching her, wondering who she was. Locke, Cyan, and Gogo were waiting on the flight deck for the others. He had decided to watch over her, to be there when she woke up, if she woke up. He sat on the chair, keeping his eyes on her.

                His thoughts drifted back to Figaro. He missed his old kingdom. He missed being a king. He did enjoy what he’d been doing for the last three years, but that didn’t counteract his longing for the past. He’d been a king for ten years, after the empire poisoned and killed his father under the guise of an alliance. The empire destroyed Figaro three years ago after they discovered that he’d been secretly aiding the returners. Many had died, but Edgar had lived. Locke had saved his life. Some times, though, he felt guilty about not dying with his people like a good king should, but now he realized he had a chance to avenge them.

                The strange woman stirred in the bed, moaning softly.

                “Oh, you’re awake.” said Edgar, going over to her side.

                “Whe ... where am I?”

                “You’re on my friend Setzer’s airship.”

                “Oh. Who am I?”

                Edgar starred blankly at her. “I was hoping you could tell me.”

                “I can’t remember anything.”

                “That brings back memories.” murmured a voice from the door.

                Edgar turned to see Gogo standing there. “You had amnesia, you can help.”

                “I still have amnesia, which will never go away for I’ll never remember my old memories any further then what I can remember now. I can help, though.”

                “Do you know who I am?” asked the woman.

                “I’m afraid not. Call me Gogo, and this gentlemen is Edgar.”

                “I wish I knew who I am.”

                “Well,” said Edgar, “at least you’re safe with us.”

                “Good.” She rose to her elbow.

                Edgar looked at Gogo. “Why’d you come in here?”

                “To inform you,” she told him, “that Setzer, Clyde, and Relm are on board and we’re ready to leave.”

                “Did they find anything?”

                “No. I think our guest here is it.”

                The woman looked up. “Wait,” she said, “I remember something. My name is Terra.”

                “I am very pleased to meet you.” Edgar told her.

                Cyan walked in just then. “She’s awake.” he remarked, his eyes resting on her, “My name is Cyan. I removed the slave crown from your head.”

                “Slave crown?” she asked.

                “She doesn’t remember.” Edgar told him.

                “Oh.” commented Cyan, “Well, I suppose that is a good thing. I, for one, would not like to have to remember being a slave to the empire.”

                “Same here.”

                Terra looked a them. “Can I go with you, were ever you are going?”

                “Sure,” replied Edgar, “You can sleep in this room.”

                “Better ask Setzer.” Gogo warned.

                “I’m not staying,” Cyan told her, and everyone else, “I’m going back home.”

                “To Doma?” asked Edgar, “I heard it was destroyed.”

                “It was. I’m not going there, I live in New Figaro.”

                Edgar felt his jaw drop. He stared at Cyan. “New Figaro?!”

                “Yes. Is something wrong?”

                “There’s a NEW Figaro!??”

                “Yes. You seem surprised.”

                “I am. I’m shocked.” he caught his breath, then asked the question that was truly bothering him, “Who rules it?”

                “Why, King Sabin Rene Figaro.”

                Edgar fainted.

 

                Cyan caught the thief before he could hit the floor. He was out cold. Cyan turned to Gogo for an explanation.

                “Edgar was the king of old Figaro, and he’s also Sabin’s twin brother.”

                Cyan blinked. “This thief was once a king?”

                “Yes.”

                Cyan looked down at him. “I knew he looked familiar. His brother looks just like him, just with a lot more muscles.”

                “What’s going on?” asked Terra, sliding off the bed.

                “I’m not even sure myself.”

                Edgar stirred and stumbled into the chair. “Sabin,” he panted, “King?? How did they find him?”

                “The refugees of old Figaro came across him, and myself, as he returned to his cottage. They convinced him to become king.”

                “Why didn’t they come find me?”

                “They thought you had perished in the fire.”

                Edgar breathed heavily. “I didn’t. Locke saved my life. I figured I had lost every thing when I lost Figaro. But Sabin, ... I haven’t seen him in thirteen years.”

                “He is a fine king. Kind and wise.”

                “Wise?” laughed Edgar, “Sabin?”

                “He might lack some wit, but he has the wisdom to see that and seek guidance.”

                Edgar sighed. “This I have to see.” He stood and headed for the door, “Come you three, we’re heading for New Figaro!”

 

                “Sire,” said a frantic messenger, “some sort of ship has landed outside the castle!”

                “Ship?” asked Sabin, “Landed? How? There’s no water bodies for miles, unless it is a sand ship ...”

                “It’s a flying ship. I saw it fly through the air with my own eyes.”

                “It’s not from the empire, is it?”

                “I couldn’t tell.”

                A moment latter Cyan walked in the door with a group of people followed him. One of the group, who looked very familiar to the king, shouted, “SABIN!!”

                He blinked and rose from his throne.

                “It’s me,” continued the man, “Your brother, EDGAR!!”

                Sabin felt stunned. “Big brother, you ... you’re alive?!”

                “I’m standing here aren’t I?”

                “I came across him and his friends while I was heading for the empire.” Cyan told him, “I didn’t know he was your brother untill after we’d completed our mission.”

                “That’s right. And then I found out he lived here, told him who I was, and had Setzer fly us over.”

                “Well,” said Sabin, coming down to them, “I’ve thought you’ve been dead for three years. I’m certainly glad that I’m wrong. Welcome to New Figaro brother.”

                Edgar and Sabin embraced for the first time in thirteen years.

                “Aw,” remarked Relm, “Isn’t that sweet?”

                Clyde smiled slightly and put a hand on the girl’s shoulder after tousling her hair.

                Sabin gazed into his brother’s eyes. “I have missed you so much.”

                “And I you.” agreed Edgar.

                “I’ve hated the empire since they killed father, but when I thought they’d killed you ...”

                “You wanted to destroy them.” Edgar finished, “I know how you feel. I was there, Sabin. I was there when Figaro burned to the ground.”

                “That must have been awful.”

                “It was. My one-eyed friend Locke here saved my life.”

                “I had both eyes when I saved you.” murmured Locke.

                “King Sabin,” spoke up Cyan, “This woman,” he indicated Terra, “was rescued by us from the empire. She does not know anything about herself, other than her name. She had been placed with a slave crown and may have been used as a weapon.”

                “Really?” asked Sabin, “That is strange. Why was she being used as a weapon?”

                “I don’t know.”

                “Maybe she can use magic, like me.” suggested Relm.

                They all looked at her. Then Terra said, “Yes. That’s it. That’s the word I was searching for. I can use magic.”

                “Magic is real?” asked Sabin.

                “Yes,” replied Clyde, “Only don’t let Relm sketch you. Her sketches are real.”

                “Yeah,” she chimed, “My sketching works well against big, ugly, monsters.”

                “I know it does.”

                Sabin turned to Terra. “So, you know magic.”

                “Yes,” she replied, “I remember that fact. I think that is why the empire was using me.”

                “Well, you’re far away from that now.” Edgar told he.

                “Yes, I’m safe. You’re here, I’m safe.”

                Sabin laughed. “Still going after every woman you see, ehh brother?”

                Edgar shot him a look. “I’m helping to keep Terra safe. That is all that I’m doing.”

 

                They talked for hours, learning what each had been up to for the last thirteen years, and discussing what they were all going to do about the empire.

                “We should crumble the power of the empire,” suggested Cyan, “by striking right to the heart of the empire.”

                “You mean,” asked Sabin, “by destroying the capital, Vector itself?”

                “Yes, your majesty. That is what I suggest.”

                Edgar, who was sitting on the edge of the table everyone was clustered around, said, “Wait, we can’t just attack Vector. We’re not an army.”

                “But I do control one,” his brother told him, “A small one though it may be.”

                “And,” continued Clyde, “If Terra here wiped out parts of the imperial army as we heard ...”

                “Then we’re pretty damn powerful.” finished Edgar, leaping down off the table.

                “If we’re going to fight the empire,” Sabin said, “we’ve picked the right time. The imperial army is still in disarray from two of their generals revolting over two years ago. Many of those general’s soldiers went with them, seeing that General Leo was beloved by his men. But they were all killed, taking the supposed entrance to the esper cave with them.”

                “Espers?” asked Edgar.

                “That word is familiar.” murmured Terra, “I don’t know why, but it is.”

                “Yes,” agreed Cyan, referring to Sabin’s comment, “the empire has no way to get in there. Rumor has it that twenty years ago Gestahl enterd the gate and captured some espers. It is said that a year later he started to infuse people with esper magic. His first experiment resulted in the first magitek knight, the much hated Kefka.”

                Just the mention of his name made Edgar shiver in disgust and fear. He could see similar reactions in his brother and friends.

                “Didn’t know whether to believe in magic or not, but I think I believe now.” Sabin told them.

                “I believe also.” said Cyan, “I also believe that not only were those revolting killed at the entrance, but Kefka, who had been sent out after them, as well. After all, no one has seen him in over two years.”

                “He’s the one who burned Figaro to the ground.” added Edgar bitterly.

                “And poisoned Doma.”

`               “Sounds like a mean man.” Relm told them.

                “Yes, he was.” agreed Clyde, “He was evil and nasty. I’m glad he’s dead.”

 

                Cyan was struck by a sudden thought. “Maybe we should go to the esper cave and see if we can pick our way through.”

                “But how?” asked Edgar, “The entrance just to get into the caves has been sealed off for more than two years. You said so yourself.”

                “Perhaps with Kefka gone emperor Gestahl lost interest. It is possible that there is still a way in. We should look for it. If the espers are still there, we could definitely use their help in destroying Vector.”

                “Agreed. I think we should seek it out. Finding the espers could prove invaluable.”

                “They may also,” added Terra, “know who I am and tell me where I came from. I think they just might.”

                “Well, OK then.” Edgar clapped his hands together, “Let’s get moving.”

 

                The airship hung in the air over an abandoned imperial camp. The camp looked badly damaged and seemed as if it had been that way for several years, which it had.

                “I’m going down.” Terra told them, “Who’s coming with me?”

                “I’ll go,” Edgar told her, “after all, I want to see that you are safe.”

                “If Edgar’s going, then so am I.” announced Locke.

                “Count me in as well,” said Cyan, “after all, it was my idea.”

                The four of them went down into the ruins of the imperial camp. Cyan too the lead, keeping a sharp look out for attack. Behind him tramped Terra, her green hair flowing. Locke was valiantly watching their rear with his one eye. They did indeed find a way in through ruble of the fight that had reported to have took many lives. Cyan thought there was something odd though.

                “If many died,” said Edgar, seeming to voice Cyan’s thoughts, “then where are the remains? This place should be littered with skeletons and weaponry.”

                “Maybe scavengers took it all away.” suggested Locke.

                “Damn weird if you ask me.”

                They trudged on. They walked deeper into the caverns, till they finally came upon what appeared to be a gate. Stones covered the entrance.

                “I think what we are searching for is through there.” Cyan told them.

                “Yes,” said Terra suddenly, “I think I know something about this place.”

                “How are we suppose to get in?” asked Edgar, “The entrance is blocked up by all those rocks.”

                “Then we’ll just have to move them.” Cyan replied. He climbed up to the gate and began heaving rocks out of the way. Edgar, Terra, and Locke climbed up as well to assist him. When they had finally moved enough of the rocks to let them through, Cyan turned to them. “Let’s get going. The sooner we find and talk to the espers, the better.”

                They nodded and Cyan led them through the gate, only to see swords flashing at them on the other side. Several soldiers were standing there, their weapons raised in defensive positions. They were human.

                “Who are you and how did you get there?” demanded one of the soldiers.

                “They don’t look like imperials.” whispered another.

                “No matter,” continued the first, not waiting for Cyan to reply, “The generals will want to see you. Follow us.”

                The four of them had no choice; they had been surrounded. Cyan wondered who they were and what they were doing in esper land. They were led into one of the structures that dotted the area. Three figures were gathered around a table inside. One was female, the other two male, and all were human. They all looked up as Cyan’s party and the guards approached.

                “General Leo,” spoke the first guard to the man with the shorter hair cut at the table, “We caught these four coming out of the gate.”

                “They’re not imperials,” spoke up the other man at the table, who sported a long flowing pony tail held in place by a hair pin that looked very familiar to Cyan, “They do look familiar though.” The man’s eyes rested on Cyan and suddenly went wide. “Oh my gods, it’s Cyan of Doma.” The man turned to the other man at the table, “Don’t you recognize him Leo?!”

                Cyan, studying the man, felt that not only was the hair pin familiar, but the man himself.

                “Leave,” Leo told the man, “Go and run the army through its drills. We might just be needing them soon.”

                “Right away General Leo!” The man saluted and left out the back way.

                Leo turned to Cyan. “Now that he mentions it, I do recognize you. I am General Leo, as you may have gathered. This,” pointing to the woman at the table, “ is General Celes.”

                Celes appeared to be Terra’s age and had long, blond hair flowing down her back.

                “You survived?” asked Edgar, “I guess that is why we didn’t find any remains.”

                “Yes.” replied Celes, “When Kefka destroyed the cave, we were all swept through the entrance.”

                “Into our world.” finished a strange creature that Cyan figured was an esper. “That was over two years ago.”

                “What happened to Kefka?” asked Cyan.

                Celes and Leo exchanged looks.

                “When we found him,” responded the esper, “he was unconscious. We discovered that his mind was damaged, had been that way for years, and that he and Celes where artificially infused with esper magic. She was fine, but it was obvious to us that the procedure of magic infusion used on him had not been perfected, which is why his mind was as damaged as it was. We healed him.”

                Realization and recognition dawned on Cyan. He remembered where he’d seen that hair pin before, three years ago at Doma. “You mean,” he asked, “that was him who just left?”

                Leo nodded. “Since he was healed he’s been on our side. After he woke up that first time he started crying over all the terrible things he had done. It took us days to convince him only cowards kill themselves and he would be more useful to everyone alive rather than dead.”

                Cyan was not sure he could take this news. His wife and son had been killed when Kefka poisoned Doma, and now he was on their side? On the other hand, he thought, if Kefka was useful to their cause, then that was better then the slight good feeling he might get from killing him. In any case, getting pleasure from killing, whatever the reason, would make him, in his mind, as bad as Kefka once was.

                “So,” Cyan said at last, “his mind snapped due to the magitek experiment. That would mean it was the empire who turned him into a monster.”

                “Yes.” Leo told him, “Now he is a true solider, something he had never been before. He’s definitely not afraid of death. I’ve also taught him to turn his self-hatred into the courage and energy he needs to fight the empire.”

                “I can see where that could be good.” Then he remembered something, “You mentioned a drill earlier?”

                “Celes and I drill our soldiers in combat strategy so we’ll be in top fighting shape when we go up against the empire. We’ve been preparing for over two years now.”

                Terra, who had been as quiet as Locke all this time, walked over to the esper and asked, “Do you know who I am and where I come from?”

                The esper chuckled. “Indeed I do. You are Terra Branford. You where born here in esper land. Your father was an esper named Maduin. Your mother was a human woman who wandered into our land.”

                She blinked. “I’m half esper?”

                “Yes. Twenty years ago you and a group of espers, including your father, were captured by the empire. Your mother died in that incident unfortunately.”

                Her head dropped. “I didn’t know that, or the rest of my life for that matter.”

                “You’re the girl who was placed with a slave crown.” Leo said, “How were you rescued?”

                “By Cyan, Edgar, Locke, and Gogo.” She pointed the three that were there out to him.

                “I’m sorry you ever had to wear one. That happened while I was still with the empire.”

                “And now,” spoke up Celes, “we are going to destroy the empire!”

                “I’m going back to the ship,” Locke told them, “and getting the others.”

                “I can’t let you go alone,” said Celes, “I’m going with you.”

               

                Edgar watched Locke and General Celes leave before turning to Leo. “I, like Cyan, am shocked that Kefka is now on our side, but it does make sense. Locke and I noticed when he burned Figaro to the ground he didn’t seem to be playing with a full deck.”

                “He wasn’t.” confirmed Leo, “Up untill we came here and after the experiment nineteen years ago he was insane. More to the point, he was immoral and power mad. Very ambitious and uncaring about other people. Now he cares again, and his power madness has been stripped away. It has been very hard for him to cope with what he has done.”

                “I can see why. Just a few years ago I would not even think of doing what I do now.”

                “And what is it that you do now?”

                “I’m a thief, thanks to my one-eyed pal Locke. He taught me the trade, though he still maintains he’s a treasure hunter.”

                “Well, I do not like thieves, but I do like any one who opposes the empire. Just don’t steal from us.”

                “I won’t. I don’t steal from those who are actually trying to stop the empire that has forced me to live this way.”

 

                On the airship, king Sabin gaped when Locke returned with a young woman dressed in yellow and carrying a sword.

                “This is General Celes.” Locke told them, “Celes, these are my friends, Setzer, Clyde, Relm, Gogo, and Sabin.”

                “I am pleased to see that you are not imperials.” she said, “General Leo and I have been trapped in esper land, training our army to go up against the empire, for more than two years.”

                Sabin stepped forth, “You are the same General Celes who betrayed the empire?”

                “Yes.”

                “I am king Sabin Rene Figaro, ruler of New Figaro.”

                “I remember hearing about the destruction of Figaro.”

                “My brother was king there. He’s still alive. You must have seen him because he went into the caverns with Locke, Cyan, and Terra.”

                “I saw him, but I did not know he was a king once.”

                “Well, he was. Now he is a thief.” he paused, and looked at her, “Do you wish for all of us to go down into the caves?”

                “Yes. The soldiers will be getting ready to move out by the time we get there.”

                “OK then.” He turned to the others, “Let’s go.”

 

                Leo led Cyan and Edgar to the field where his army was being drilled. Terra had remained behind to talk with the espers. The first thing Cyan saw when they got to the field was Kefka, giving commands to the soldiers. He realized the only thing that hadn’t changed at his appearance was that feathery hair-pin he habitually wore. Every thing else about Kefka had changed. He seemed more confident. He had not even the faintest trace of that maniacal smile, and even his nails had been trimmed to the length most men keep them at.

                “All right,” shouted Leo as they got to them, “company halt and stand at attention.” All the soldiers, including Kefka, carried out his commands. “We’ve got people from our side coming. They’re going to help us defeat the evil empire that we were once all a part of.” He turned to Kefka, “You’d better go to your practice ring. I’ll continue to show our guests around.”

                Kefka bowed and headed off toward a large, wooden, circular structure that was near the gate and open to the sky. Leo turned back to his soldiers. “All right. You should all know the drill by now without having to hear the commands, so get to it.” The soldiers spread out and began on their battle exercises.

                “Remarkable.” Edgar commented.

                “Yes, well, we’ve had over two years to work on it.”

                Loud noises of destruction came floating to them from the circular structure.

                “What is going on over there?” Cyan asked.

                “He’s practicing, and judging by the noise, he’s not in a good mood towards himself right now. Your arrival obviously triggered his intense self-hatred. I taught him to use it in way that can prove use full to our cause. He’s still powerful, but no longer power mad.”

                The noise of destruction continued. Cyan realized that Kefka’s hatred for himself not only equaled, but surpassed Cyan’s own, which even with Kefka’s change would never go away.

                “It is hard to believe,” Cyan remarked, “that anyone could hate them selves that much would still be alive.”

                “It was hard work.” Leo told him, “He is much more useful to us alive than dead, as I all ready told you.”

                Cyan looked at him. “What exactly was the hard work?”

                “It took a while to convince Kefka that we actually needed him. It took a while for me to train him on how to use his self-hatred constructively. It took a long time for everyone to get use to him as one of us.”

                Cyan nodded. “You are a fine man General Leo. Most, including me, would not have bothered with him, even after his change.”

                “Maybe that’s because I remember him from before the magitek experiment.”

                “He was one of your soldiers back then?”

                “Yes. A little cowardly, undisciplined, nobody who no one liked. He didn’t like to fight back then partly because he might get hurt, and partly because he did not like the idea of killing.”

                Cyan blinked. “He was like that before the magitek experiment? Why did Gestahl even bother with him?”

                Leo sighed heavily. “That bit is entirely my fault. Gestahl came to me nineteen years ago and asked me if there was any one in my ranks that wouldn’t be missed if they didn’t come back. Some one who was useless to me. Normally I would have said no, but even I couldn’t stand Kefka’s undisciplined nature. The boy had been too soft for his own good.

                “I didn’t know what Gestahl wanted him for. I figured that what ever it was would either help Kefka some way or kill him, therefor taking him out of everyone’s, including his own, misery.

                “I was horribly wrong. The experiment changed him all right, his mind snapped on that day. After that the only reason he didn’t like to fight was because he might get hurt; he cared nothing of the people he was killing. I couldn’t do anything about it either because he was under the emperor’s protection.”

                Cyan felt overcome with emotion. “You’re the one who volunteered him for the magitek experiment?!”

                Leo hung his head in shame. “When I saw what type of monster he had become, I wished I hadn’t. Where before he had been a useless solider, he had became a problem. He got so bad I once lost my temper and attacked him.”

                “You lost your temper? That is hard to believe. Then again, considering the way Kefka use to be ...”

                “I put him in the hospital for several days, nearly killed him. Emperor Gestahl was not pleased with what I had done.”

                Cyan noticed that the circular structure was shaking. “What happened after that?”

                “Well, according to Kefka, he started to hate me, and Emperor Gestahl was beginning to get concerned that I would switch sides.”

                “Which you eventually did.”

                “Yes, because I finally realized that the empire did a lot more harm then good. This fact conflicted with my ideals.”

                Edgar, who had been silent during the whole conversation, turned to them. “That is a rather sad story. I find it hard to believe that Kefka once had regard for other people.”

                “He did, and does now. He was without it for more than sixteen years.”

                “That explains his self-hatred.”

                “Yes.”

                They all turned to look at the circular structure, which seemed to have flames shooting out of the top. Leo did not seem the least bit concerned though.

 

                Sabin didn’t know what to make of the scene before him in esper land. An army was doing battle maneuvers in a field, and loud noise of destruction, violent shaking, and occasional flame bursts were coming from a circular structure near by. He also spotted his brother and Cyan talking with some one of apparent importance.

                “This way,” said Celes, directing them to the man, “You have to meet General Leo.”

                They approached and the man turned to them. “Ah, welcome to esper land. I assume General Celes told you who I am?”

                “She did,” confirmed Sabin, “but I though you were dead up untill she spoke of you.”

                “The empire must have thought that way too, seeing they didn’t send anyone else after us.”

                “Yes, and since they didn’t have Kefka any more they didn’t need the espers.”

                “Well, I suppose that’s true. That’s one of the suggestions Kefka gave us.”

                Sabin blinked. “What do you mean?”

                Leo turned to Celes. “You didn’t tell them, did you?”

                “I figured you’d better explain once they were all down here.” she replied.

                Leo turned back to Sabin and the others, explaining what happened to Kefka. The king was astounded. “Where is he then?”

                Leo pointed to the circular structure. “He’s getting ready for the impending fight against the empire.” The structure shook violently. “That’s what he does with his self hatred, turns it into constructive energy.”

                Sabin watched flame bursts coming out of the structure’s top. “He must really hate himself.”

                “Yes,” agreed Cyan, “More than I hate him, which is very hard to believe.”

                Sabin turned to him. “He hate’s himself that much and then some?!? I know how much you hate Kefka, it is worse than my hatred. He hates himself more?!?”

                Cyan nodded.

 

                Meal time sent the army into the mess hall. Kefka, Leo, and Celes joined the others on Setzer’s airship.

                “How much time do we have till the empire realizes we’re not dead?” asked Kefka.

                “I’m not sure.” replied Sabin, who appeared to be uncomfortable, as indeed they all (with the exception of Celes and Leo) were, around Kefka.

                “Then we have to update our strategy and inform all of you of our plans.” Leo told them.

                “OK, then tell us what you’ve had planned these last two years.”

                Kefka stepped forward, his eyes peering at them from across the table. “We are going to attack directly into the fetid heart of the empire, Vector itself. The army will be split into two parts, one under Celes and one under Leo. Leo’s army will surround the capital, cutting off supplies and keeping them off balanced. Celes and myself will be going into the city in order to take care of Gestahl.

                “The army that will be going into Vector will be much smaller and have only the best troops. It will be a very dangerous mission.”

                “Sounds like a job for us.” spoke up Cyan.

                “That’s what I was thinking.” replied Leo, “I can have my entire army attack Vector on the out side while all of you, plus Kefka and Celes, enter in and finish them off.”

                “I’d be willing,” said Edgar, “seeing that I lost my kingdom to the empire. I want pay back.”

                “Count me in too, pal,” said Locke, “cause I can’t let you get all the credit.”

                “My skills,” spoke Terra, “could prove quite useful. I’m going as well.”

                Sabin sighed. “Even though I might die down there I’d be dying to insure my family’s safety. I accept the challenge.”

                Cyan nodded. “Especially I will be going. The empire is the cause of my kingdom’s annihilation. I must see this through.”

                “What the hell,” said Setzer, “it’s a gamble and I’m not one to turn down a bet.”

                “That means I’ll help,” spoke Gogo, “besides, it sounds like fun. My teacher would also like this sort of thing, but that mimic is meditating on Triangle island right now.”

                Before Clyde could stop her Relm shouted, “You can’t leave me out of this! I want to help too!”

                Cyan shook his head. “No child. I have no doubt of your courage, but you are to young to be doing this.”

                Relm hurumphed, crossed her arms, and walked out of the room. Clyde followed after her.

                “If Relm can’t go,” Setzer told them, “don’t count on Clyde helping us out either. They’ll be staying here.”

                “Then all is settled.” spoke Leo, clapping his hands together, “We’ll go over the battle plan and leave in a few days. I’ll go back to esper land and prep my army. Celes and Kefka will remain here and instruct you.”

                Although Cyan hated the thought of Kefka being around for a few days the thought of wiping out the empire allowed him to tolerate this arrangement, if only barely.

 

                Clyde sat Relm on her bed. She was still furious. “Why won’t they let me fight?” she complained.

                “They think you’re too young and that this mission would be too dangerous for you.”

                “I bet if I sketched them they’d take me more seriously.”

                “Please don’t. It wouldn’t go over well with them, or me.”

                “All right, I won’t, but I do want to sketch something.”

                “If I let you, will you promise to behave?”

                She nodded.

                “Good.” heading for the door he added, “I’ll be back in latter.”

                “Or you’ll be asleep at the bar.” she snickered.

                Clyde left, heading down to the bar. He didn’t feel like drinking, which was an odd thing because he drank a lot, and today was an anniversary he usually tried to forget. It was the anniversary of the day he’d had to kill Baram.

                Sitting at the bar he thought of his dead friend, feeling a profound sense of loss. He wished Baram hadn’t begged Clyde to put him out of his misery. He wished Baram hadn’t gotten hurt in the first place. Most of all, Clyde wished Baram was here, now.

                “Baram,” he spoke, “Where ever you are, I could use some guidance. My friends are going to need help, but I don’t know what to. What should I do?”

                The answer came to him, and he swallowed hard. Clyde could not help, but there was another who could.

 

                The next day Edgar yawned as he walked on deck. Everyone was gathered around the table, except for two people. “Hey,” he asked Setzer, “where’s Clyde and Relm?”

                Setzer shrugged. “I don’t know. They left last night I think. Clyde’s gone off before, and he probably took her with him.”

                Edgar grabbed some food from off the table and gulped it down. He was very hungry. “So,” he asked after he had finished eating, “What’s the plan? How are we going to attack Vector?”

                Kefka spoke, “We’ll return to esper land, where maps of Vector lie, so that we can discuss the strategy better.”

                “Then why aren’t we there all ready?”

                “We were waiting for you to wake up.” replied Locke.

                Edgar turned to him. “Then why didn’t you wake me up? We share the same room.”

                “You’d be grumpy if I did.”

                Edgar thought about that. “You’re right, I would have been.”

                Everyone stood. “Let’s go.” Celes demanded.

                They all left the airship, headed through the underground, and into esper land. Edgar noticed that there were no guards at the gate this time. The army was back on the field, being trained by general Leo.

                The ex-king yawned again, stretching himself as the others continued towards the structure Edgar and the others had been led to the first time they’d come here. Because he was still near the gate he noticed faint growling and thudding noises coming from the circular structure. Curious, he approached the door and peered inside. A ninja, dressed all in black, was throwing tack stars at a large creature, who disappeared once struck. Edgar had never seen the ninja before and had no idea who it could be for, like Gogo, his head was covered.

                The ex-king came curiously in. The ninja was now throwing his tack stars at a practice dummy. In the corner, behind a protective screen, was Relm, sketching at her easel.

                “What do you want me to sketch this time Shadow?” Relm called out, not seeming to notice Edgar.

                “Give me some thing tough.” replied the masked voice of the ninja, “I need to hone my skills.”

                Not wanting to get into the strange ninja’s way, Edgar crossed over to Relm and stood under the protective screen. “Relm ...” he began.

                “Oh, hi Edgar.” Relm continued with her sketch, not bothering to look up.

                “Where’s Clyde?”

                She looked up at him, glanced quickly at the practicing ninja, and continued to sketch. “Clyde went away.”

                “Is he coming back.”

                She looked back up at him. “I don’t know.” She went back to her sketch.

                Edgar looked at the man in black. “Where’d the ninja come from?”

                “I got word,” spoke the ninja, “That you were all going up against the empire in a major strike. I figured that I’d get more money by helping your side then theirs.”

                “That’s Shadow.” Relm informed Edgar, “He’s a ruthless mercenary who comes and goes when he pleases. I’m helping him practice.”

                “Clyde just up and left you alone?” asked Edgar.

                “No, he wouldn’t leave me alone. I’ve been sitting here with Shadow for a while and after that I’ll have you and the others around me.” She finished her sketch. The creature went after the ninja, who engaged in battle.

                “Is Shadow going to watch over you?”

                “He did for a short time three years ago, but he doesn’t care about any thing but money. He is a ruthless mercenary after all. That’s why I like that you, Setzer, Gogo, and Locke are also around.”

                “Clyde actually left you alone with this guy?”

                “Well, I’ve been alone with Shadow before. In any case, you’re here now, so I’m no longer alone with him.”

                “OK, I’ll give him that,” he glanced over at Shadow who had just dispatched the sketch, “But I don’t trust the ninja.”

                “Good idea,” he replied, “I’m not a trustworthy person, but I do wish to go up against the empire with you. I’m sure to get money out of this.”

                Edgar shook his head. “You’re more into money then the rest of us around here.”

                “That’s Shadow for yah.” chimed in Relm, packing up her art supplies.”

                “I suppose I should thank you for your assistance.” Shadow told her.

                “That would be nice, but seeing that you’re going to bring me to Vector with you ...”

                “What?!!” exclaimed Edgar.

                “Shadow’s bringing me along with us.”

                Edgar turned on the ninja. “You’re bringing her to Vector?”

                “If she was left behind she’d only follow us. This way she will be protected.” He picked up his scattered tack stars and stuffed them away in his belt.

                “I don’t know you, the party doesn’t know you, why should we bring you along?”

                “Because you could use my help. In any case, I will be going into this battle. If you don’t want me to fight for your side I’ll sell my services to the empire. They’d pay big to know about this in advance.”

                “I definitely can’t let you do that.” Edgar sighed, “I guess a ninja would be a valuable asset, even if you can’t be trusted.”

                “Good. I’ll be expecting my money after we’ve finished with the empire.” He turned and walked off toward the exit.

                Edgar turned to Relm. “How do you know him?”

                “Well,” she explained, “He came to my home town about three years ago. I befriended his dog, which mystified him. He saved me after that from a house fire. His dog died over two years ago, before the old man passed away.”

                “Then Clyde came to your home town and decided to take care of you.”

                “Yeah. It was almost as if he knew Strago was dead.”

                “That brings me to another question, why did you trust Clyde to take care of you?”

                “He was in my village a long time ago and knew my mother. The rest, well, you’ll have to ask him, if he ever comes back that is.”

 

                Cyan looked up as Edgar enterd with Relm and a figure dressed in all black. He recognized the figure and called out, “Shadow?”

                “Hello again Cyan.” the ninja replied, “I see you’re still hanging around with Sabin.”

                “How did you get here?”

                “I heard that you were going up against the empire, figured there was money on your side in it. I tracked you here.”

                “What ever happened to the dog you always had with you?” asked Sabin.

                “Interceptor died, a few moths before Relm’s grandfather.”

                Celes seemed to be studying the ninja. “I remember you,” she said, “You’re a ruthless mercenary. You’ll work for any side, as long as they have money.”

                “Of course, and I believe I’ll get money from being on your side of the attack.”

                “I’ve seen you before too.” spoke up Setzer, “You were drinking in a bar three years ago, during the year I only had Gogo for company.”

                “You say that as if it was a bad thing.” murmured the mimic.

                “Well,” asked the ninja, “do you want me on your side or not?”

                “We can’t trust him,” said Cyan, “but it is better to have him on our side rather than theirs.”

                “Agreed.” spoke Sabin.

                “Well, since Clyde isn’t here I want Shadow to be going into Vector with me.” Relm told them.

                Cyan was shocked. “She’s going? I thought we agreed she was to young. Sirs, we can’t let her come with us.”

                “She will be coming with us in any case.” said Shadow, “If we don’t bring her with us then she’ll follow and be in danger.”

                “Yes,” agreed Edgar, “From what I understand, that is what will happen. I don’t think Clyde would be pleased if we let Relm come to harm by leaving her behind.”

                “Where is Sir Clyde?” asked Cyan.

                “Probably off drinking some where,” replied Setzer, “This isn’t the first time he’s disappeared. I told you earlier that he did that for a full year three years ago. Then he showed up and had me fly him to Thamasa in order to pick up Relm.”

                “Clyde’s like that.” spoke Relm, “Some times he just likes to disappear for a while and make everyone think he doesn’t exist. Then he shows up unexpectedly with some thing important to do, like take care of me.”

                “Does he go off to meditate?” asked Gogo.

                “I don’t know.”

                “Well,” said Celes, “Now that we are all here and sure of who’s going, we can get down to business.”

 

                The plan was to split up into three groups and go into Vector. Once there, they were to find and vanquish Gestahl and rescue any espers who might still be in the magitek factory.

                During the break Edgar got a chance to talk with Cyan alone. “So,” the ex-king asked him, “how do you know Shadow?”

                “Once Doma was destroyed and I had revealed to the empire that I was still alive, Sir Sabin and Sir Shadow came in and helped me get away from the camp. Sir Sabin had wound up near Doma by accident after he fought with his martial arts instructor’s son/killer and had been fleeing with the returners after the empire attacked them.

                “Sir Sabin ran into Sir Shadow before he headed for Doma, having heard that we were under attack. They arrived too late, of course, but the three of us, fleeing the empire, headed into the haunted woods.

                “We actually rode the ghost train. Afterwards, however, Sir Shadow took off, but liberated our money first, while Sir Sabin and I slept.”

                “Hmm, a thief, just what we need.” Edgar paused, “So that’s how you met my brother.”

                “Indeed. Sir, now king, Sabin allowed me to live in New Figaro, after it was built of course.”

                “Well, I’d imagine so; But what you’ve told me about Shadow, that makes me trust him even less.”

                “There is no honor among thieves.”

                “Well, I’d trust Locke and Clyde, but not Shadow.”

                “I guess there is honor among thieves who are friends.”

                Edgar nodded. “I don’t trust any thieves who are not one-eyed Locke or drunken Clyde.”

                “That brings me to another question, how did your friend lose his left eye?”

                Edgar sighed deeply. “He lost it to a bunch of angry gamblers who I’d been cheating out of their money with my two-headed coin.” He retrieved the coin from his pocket and showed it to Cyan. “They cut out his eye and gave me these scars.” He ran his fingers across them.

                Cyan nodded and handed back the coin. “I suppose you both learned a lesson from that.”

                “Yeah, never cheat a group of armed me with a two-headed coin.”

 

                It was the next day that someone suggested that they get a twelfth member for their search and destroy operation. Edgar had suggested that they go and find Clyde, wherever he was hiding, and convince him to join, but Relm and Setzer insisted that it was a hopeless task. Clyde could not be found unless he wanted to be found, and that would mean he would already be with them.

                Then Sabin suggested that, since they were bringing Relm, why not go to the veldt and try to find Gau, the wild boy. Gau had helped Sabin and Cyan get back to south Figaro by way of the serpent trench. Everyone agreed on this plan, if they could find Gau they’d ask him to join.

                The eleven of them stood on the deck of the airship, which now hung in the air over the veldt. Cyan told them that he and King Sabin, having befriended the boy three years ago, should be the ones who go down and search for him. This, too, they agreed upon.

 

                King Sabin gazed around at the veldt, which surrounded them. Cyan had some dried meat in his hand. They both waited. They didn’t need to wait for long; a figure dressed in animal skins emerged from the grasses and approached them. Cyan held out the meat.

                “Vawa,” remarked the boy, taking the meat and gobbling it down. “You Gau’s friends. Let’s travel together.”

                “Sure,” said Sabin, “But we want you to help us take down the empire.”

                “Empire bad. Gau no like empire. Gau help you.”

                They led the boy into the airship.

                “Now we are twelve.” Cyan told everyone.

                “Good,” said Celes, “Now we can go back to General Leo and tell him we can start the attack on Vector.”

                “Down with the empire!!” they all cheered.

 

                Edgar was restless; they were going to attack Vector tomorrow. He wandered around the airship without any real purpose. He even looked in the bar, expecting to discover that Clyde was hiding in there, but it was empty. Edgar sat down and poured himself a drink. Then Shadow appeared at the door.

                “It seems I am not the only one who is having at late night.” the ninja remarked.

                Edgar looked up at him. “No, you’re not. I can’t sleep.”

                “To much excitement?”

                He sipped his drink. “You could say that. I am worried about the attack tomorrow. What if we fail?”

                “If I thought you were doomed to failure I would not have offered my services to your side, I’d be selling them to the empire.”

                Edgar finished his drink. “I’m sure glad you feel that our side’s going to win. I’d hate to think of you on their side.”

                “So would Relm.” Shadow sat down and poured himself a drink.

                “That brings me to a question. Relm told me you rescued her from a burning building.”

                Shadow turned away from him and downed the glass in his hand. “I was rescuing my dog.” He turned back to the bar, setting the empty glass down.

                “Your dog?! Is that all!?”

                Shadow remained silent.

                “You’re a son of a bitch!” Edgar yelled, “I don’t see why Clyde left Relm alone with you for even that short span of time before I walked in on you!”

                “He knew she’d be OK. I’ve protected her before. Besides, in esper land she was not in any danger. In any case, she was sketching for me, because she’d promised Clyde that she’d behave if she was allowed to sketch.”

                “Still, you don’t care about her, do you?”

                “I don’t, Clyde does. He’s the only one left, other than maybe you and your friends, who does.” Shadow fetched himself another drink, rose from his seat, and left.

 

                It was time to go. The twelve of them; Cyan, Sabin, Edgar, Locke, Terra, Celes, Gau, Kefka, Shadow, Relm, Setzer, and Gogo; stood on the deck of the airship, above the city of Vector. They could see general Leo’s army approaching on all sides.

                “How are we splitting up? asked Setzer.

                “By lots.” replied Celes. She held out twelve scraps of paper, each with someone’s name on it. “Now, we must all agree that team leader will be the first name called for each group and that we will stick with the groups.”

                They all nodded.

                “Good.” She lined up three of the upside down scraps. Turning them over one by one she called off, “Kefka, group one.” There were groans, but no one actually objected. “Terra, group two. Cyan, group three.”

                Each moved to stand by their lowering hooks, awaiting those who would be going with them. Celes put down more lots.

                “Sabin, Kefka’s group.” she continued, “Locke, Terra’s group; Edgar, Cyan’s group.”

                Edgar groaned.

                Celes continued with the lots. “Gau, Kefka’s group; I’m with Terra’s group; Shadow goes to Cyan. Finally we have Gogo with Kefka, Setzer with Terra, and Relm with Cyan.”

                Everyone moved in behind their group leader, and jumped off the airship.

 

                Edgar took the potion from Cyan’s hand. All of them had been injured from fighting the imperial air force on the way down. Shadow stood, his back turned away from them, apparently taking care of his own wounds.

                Relm was pacing with excited energy. “That was great!” she told them.

                “How do you figure that?” ask Edgar.

                “We kicked the empire’s ass!”

                Edgar thought he heard Shadow say something, but he was too far away to really tell.

                “A young lady should not speak with such a tongue.” Cyan told her.

                “I’m not much of a lady.” she snapped.

                “Come on,” said Edgar, “What would Clyde say if he saw you like this?”

                “He’d tell me to behave.” she sighed, “And I guess I should, after all, you didn’t have to bring me with you.”

                Shadow turned to them. “I think we should get going.”

                “That was my plan.” remarked Cyan, wiping grime from off his blade, “Come on.”

 

                Sabin’s wounds, along with the wounds of the rest of the party, were healed by Kefka, with Gogo mimicking him. The king had not been in a fight for three years, since he fought Vargas and the phantom train. He’d kept on his martial arts practice as much as possible, seeing that he had to run New Figaro.

                “We must keep going.” Kefka ordered, his sword clutched in one hand.

                “Right.” agreed Sabin, claws wielded in both hands thanks to the genji glove relic he got from Banon three years ago.

                Kefka, his eyes fixed ahead, headed for the magitek research factory.

                “Why are we going in here?” asked Sabin.

                “If there are any espers left, they’d be in here. We are to save them if there are.” Kefka led on.

 

                Locke glanced at Celes with his one eye. She looked beautiful, even after the battle on the way down with the IAF. Her blond hair was long and flowing. Her yellow outfit gleamed. She was just beautiful.

                Celes seemed to notice his gaze for she approached him. “Locke,” she began as the four of them trudged along the streets of Vector, expecting trouble but so far finding none, “Something has been bothering me since I first saw you.”

                “What?” he asked, “I don’t mind the question.”

                “How did you loose your eye?”

                Locke sighed, thinking about the incident, almost two years past bay this point. “I lost it in a fight with a group of angry gamblers who did not take kindly to being cheated out of their money by Edgar.”

                Her forehead crinkled. “Why’d they attack you and not him?”

                “They attacked both of us. I just faired worse off. Next time you see Edgar look for the dagger scars on either side of his face. They might not be as bad as the ones around my missing left eye, but they are visible.”

                She looked into his face, seeming to study his eye patch. “That must have hurt a lot.”

                “It did. I’ve gotten use to it, but I still wish I had two real eyes.”

                “I think it makes you look more dangerous.”

                “You’re serious? It does?”

                “Yes. I’d bet most people leave you alone rather than want to fight you.”

                Locke blushed. “Not really, but thanks for thinking.”

                She smiled. “Any time.”

 

                Cyan dispatched another trooper. The only one left was under Relm’s control, thanks to her fake mustache relic (which turned Relm’s sketch power into control). He was taken care of quickly by Shadow. Cyan moved his party on.

                “Any idea where that slimy emperor Gestahl is?” asked Edgar.

                “I think we should check the imperial palace.” replied Cyan.

                “Then that is where we should go.” said Shadow.

                “That is where we are headed.”

                “Good.”

                As they walked, Relm scurried up behind the swordsman. “Cyan ...”

                “Yes child?”

                “I heard you also knew Shadow.”

                “Yes. He and Sir Sabin helped me to get away from Doma after it fell victim to poison. We even traveled on the ghost train together. After we got through, though, he stole our money while Sir Sabin and I slept, then took off.”

                “He stole your money? Hmm. That sounds like the Shadow I know, and the thieves I hang around with.”

                “Child, why are you hooked up with those thieves? I know sir Edgar was once a king ...”

                “Because of Clyde.”

                “What about sir Clyde?”

                “He’s been watching over me since my adopted grandfather died over two years ago.”

                “Why?”

                She blinked. “I’m not sure why, but he knew my mother a very long time ago.”

                Cyan wondered what sort of relationship Clyde had with the girl. He decided to watch over her himself as long as the thief was not present.

 

                Kefka had led them quietly, and without much fighting, through the back entrance of the magitech factory. Sabin, despite himself, was starting to feel a glimmer of respect for the man. Kefka could fight, and unlike the first time the two of them had crossed paths, Kefka did not run away hurling insults at the challenger, which he had done to Sabin and Shadow three years ago at Doma when they had tried to fight him for what he had done to the place. Now, Sabin found it hard to believe that this was the same Kefka.

                “How much further?” asked Gogo.

                “We’re almost there.” replied the magitek knight, “If the espers are still in the factory, they’ll be down this way.”

                He led them through a door into a room lined with tubes. Frail and wasted espers were in each one. A man in yellow with a pointed hat and mustache looked up at their approach.

                “Kefka!!” he exclaimed.

                “How pleasant to see you again CID.” he said to the man, “My companions and I have come here to rescue the espers. Please release them, for I do not wish to harm you. You may be the one who performed the experiment on me nineteen years ago before perfecting the procedure, but I do not hate you for it. I only hate Gestahl; And myself for being so undisciplined back then.”

                CID gulped. “Kefka, we all thought you were dead, and now you’re working against the empire?”

                Kefka approached him, sword in hand. “I don’t wish to harm you old man. Release the espers and flee this place.”

                CID turned to his control panel. “You don’t have to tell me twice. I’ve never much liked having to keep the espers prisoner any way.”

                “You ...” whispered one of the espers, “You’ve come to save us?”

                “Yes,” replied Sabin, “And to destroy the empire.”

                “Thank you.”

                As the espers were being released, Sabin noticed Kefka looking down over a pit. “Kefka,” he called, “What are you doing?”

                He looked up. “Trying to see if Ifrit and Shiva are still down there, where I sent them three years ago.”

                “Do you see them?”

                Kefka shook his head. “No. I suppose they are dead. I must go down there and see.” He leaped into the pit.

                Sabin blinked. He returned his attention to the espers who were now lying on the floor, having been released from their chambers.

                “I found them.” called Kefka, levitating out of the pit, “Or should I say what is left of them.” He held Magicite in his hands.

                “We will return them home.” said a vaguely human-looking esper.

                Kefka gave the Magicite to him. “It is the least I can do for them; I owe them much, much, more.”

                “Go,” the esper told them, “destroy the empire.”

                Kefka nodded. “I will.”

 

                Edgar, Shadow, and Relm followed Cyan into the imperial palace. It was already on fire; General Leo’s troops had beaten their way through the imperial army. Soldiers were running around in a panic. None of them seemed to take any notice of Cyan and his crew.

                “Which way now?” asked Edgar.

                “Perhaps it would be wiser to leave, for it seems that the place is falling apart.” replied Cyan.

                Shadow seemed to be looking around. “There’s probably an imperial treasury around here somewhere. If we can’t find the emperor, we can at least raid his GP.”

                The talk of money interested Edgar, but he agreed with Cyan. He had, after all, been in a fire before. “I think we should get out of here. This place is on fire. I’d rather be alive to spend my money than dead trying to grab more.”

                “You have a point. I want to live so that I can spend my fee from this venture.”

                “Who is paying you for this any way?”

                “We will discuss that after the mission is complete.”

                Edgar wondered what he meant. They turned to leave when they discovered a squad of troopers standing behind them. The leader had Relm, a hand clamped over her mouth.

                “Surrender, or we kill her.” The leader said.

                Edgar was stunned, but not as stunned as by what happened next. Shadow, lightning quick, threw his tack stars, severing the leader’s hand, which forced him to drop Relm. She scrambled behind Edgar and Cyan as Shadow’s tack stars embedded themselves in the troopers. He jumped over Cyan and Edgar’s heads to stand before the startled troopers, some of whom where screaming in pain, or dying on the floor.

                “Get out of here,” he shouted, slashing down one of the troopers with his knife, “I’ll hold them off.”

                “But ..., we can’t ...” began Edgar.

                “Just go!! I’ll catch up latter!”

                They nodded and ran as Shadow continued to slice up the troopers.

 

                Terra’s group, because they had Setzer, had gotten back to the hooks first. They ascended into the airship and waited for the other’s to return. The city of Vector burned on below them.

 

                The espers, along with CID, left Vector by way of the mine car route. Sabin was glad when they got out of the now burning facility. Kefka was leading them back to the airship. They were almost there when Cyan, Edgar, and Relm ran into them.

                “Brother!” shouted Edgar.

                “There you are.” replied Sabin. Then he asked, “Where’s Shadow? And, did you get Gestahl?”

                “We didn’t find the emperor, and as for Shadow ...”

                “He saved my life again!” hollered Relm over the noise of destruction, “He was fighting troopers to allow us to escape last I looked.”

                They got onto the hooks.

                “Is he coming?” asked Sabin.

                “I don’t know.” replied Edgar.

                They ascended to the ship.

                “Where’s Shadow?” asked Setzer as they got onto the deck.

                “I don’t know.” replied Edgar.

                “We have to leave before this ship catches fire.”

                “We can’t just leave Shadow!” protested Relm.

                “She’s right,” agreed Sabin, “We can’t leave him, but if he doesn’t get here soon, we’re going to have to.”

                Sabin looked over the edge. One of the hooks was still lowered. He waited. When he felt that they could not wait any longer he spotted a dark figure moving through the smoke. It was Shadow.

                The ninja leapt onto the hook and Sabin shouted, “Take off! Shadow’s secure!”

                The airship moved away from the burning city. Shadow ascended into the airship and sagged onto the deck, gasping for air.

                “Are you all right?” Sabin asked.

                After a moment Shadow rose shakily to his feet. “Yes, I’m fine now.” The ninja went below deck. He wasn’t seen for several hours.

 

                Edgar was walking by Clyde and Relm’s room when he noticed that the door was ajar. His curiosity was peeked, so he peered in. Relm was asleep in her bed. She was not alone in the room however, Shadow was standing over her.

                The Edgar bumped the door by accident, causing the ninja to turn around. He came out and joined Edgar in the hall, pulling the door closed silently behind him.

                “What were you doing in there?” whispered the ex-king, not wanting to wake Relm.

                “I was making sure she was OK. I don’t need to worry; she is much tougher then she seems.”

                “How do you know that?”

                “I’ve known her, and I know what her parents were like. When I went to Thamasa three years ago she befriended my dog. At first I was confused; Interceptor would bite anyone he didn’t know. But then I realized who she was.”

                “And, who is she?”

                “The daughter of a woman I once knew. The time I went to her home town three year ago was not the first time I had been there.”

                Same with Clyde, Edgar thought. He and Shadow walked away from the door.

                “That’s strange.” Edgar told him, “I heard that Clyde had also been in Relm’s village many years ago, and that he also knew her mother.”

                Shadow took a moment to respond. “It might seem strange to you, but that is because we had been to Thamasa at the same time. One of the reasons Relm wants me around is because I protected her after she followed me, which had been after I saved her from the house fire. I didn’t want her following me of course, but she is very insistent.”

                “That is why you had us bring her to Vector. You weren’t just saying things.”

                “I don’t just say things. I say what I mean. Relm wants me around because I’ve saved her life more than once.”

                “What about Clyde?”

                “What about him?”

                “Why does she want him around, and why is he gone?”

                “I know no more than you do with regards to Clyde. He’s a thief and gambler who spends his time drinking and watching over Relm.”

                “Yes, I know that, but why does he just up and disappear like this?”

                “How should I know? Ask Relm or Setzer. They might be able to answer that question.”

                “I already did. They didn’t know either.”

                “Well, if you’d stop bothering me now we can both get some sleep.”

                “Good night Shadow.”

                The ninja walked off.

 

                “Listen up everyone,” called Setzer, holding a piece of paper in his hands, “I got a letter from Clyde this morning. It reads:

‘Dear friends,

                I realize that I’m not much of a fighter. By the time you get this you should already be done with Vector. I hope Shadow came. After all, I asked him to watch Relm while I was gone. He probably didn’t tell you that. You’ll need to pay him, thief money is slim where I am right now. He might run away at any time which is why I told him to tell you all to watch Relm. In any case, I hope he comes in useful,

                --- Clyde.’”

                Edgar blinked. So, Clyde had hired Shadow, which is why the ninja had known about esper land and the coming attack on the empire. He turned to Shadow. “Why didn’t you tell any of us?”

                “You weren’t paying attention to Clyde’s letter if you have to ask that question.” he replied.

                Edgar realized that he was right.

                “I knew it!” remarked Relm, “I knew Clyde had actually hired you to watch me.”

                Shadow turned to her. Edgar wished he could see the ninja’s face, to see the reaction. Shadow said nothing. He remained silent.

                “Something wrong?” Relm asked him.

                There was no time for a response because Celes yelled into the room, “We’ve just received word that Gestahl is alive. He’s heading for Thamasa.”

                “My home!!” Relm shrieked.

                “We’ve got to get there before he does.” said Kefka.

                “Let’s go!” shouted Setzer, going back up top.

                The ship took off.

 

                They landed by Relm’s home town. She was excited to be back, but a little sad because of the memories it invoked. She was under the watchful eye of Shadow. She’d confronted him about the letter and he took up his duty.

                “Hi mayor,” Relm called to one of the town’s people, “You didn’t forget me, did you?”

                “Dear girl,” the mayor scoffed, “Such a thing is not possible. We’ve all missed you. Welcome home.” Then the mayor’s eyes rested on Shadow. “You ..., you’ve come back?”

                “Clyde asked me to keep an eye on her. His friend Setzer is picking up the bill for it.” the ninja replied.

                “Well, welcome back then. Tell Clyde, if you see him, that we are pleased on his prompt coming to take care of Relm after ...” the mayor paused, his eyes lowered, “After Strago died.”

                Relm’s eyes also lowered. Beneath his cowl, Shadow lowered his own eyes for a moment.

                “Come on Relm.” the ninja urged, trying to direct her away from the mayor.

                “I’m coming.” She whined, gripping his gloved hand. That gesture surprised him. She had never clutched his, Shadow’s, hand that way before. He worried that she might become too attached to him. He didn’t want any one to be attached to him, Shadow was a loner. The one thing he had loved, other than money (which he still loved), had been his dog, Interceptor. The dog had died over two years ago, leaving Shadow with a profound sense of loss he hadn’t felt since ...

                No, he said to himself, that death isn’t a part of my past, for I have no past. I am Shadow.

 

                Edgar spotted Relm holding Shadow’s hand, and stopped in his tracks. This was another oddity; a coincidence between Clyde and Shadow. Up untill now, Clyde had been the only one whom Relm would touch on purpose, let alone hold hands with. This started Edgar thinking again.

                Who is Shadow? He wondered, watching the black-dressed ninja walk away with the thirteen year old girl he was protecting. Could he be Clyde? No, how could he? Clyde isn’t anything like Shadow. The one thing they have in common is Relm, for some odd reason.

                Edgar continued to wonder.

 

                “Any sign of Emperor Gestahl?” asked Kefka.

                Celes shook her head. “Not yet. He should be here soon, if he hasn’t arrived already.”

                “Why did Gestahl come here in the first place?” asked Cyan.

                “I’m afraid,” spoke Kefka, “that he has come here for the goddess statues.”

                They all looked at him.

                “Ohh, I remember about those things,” said Relm, who happened upon them with Shadow, “The goddesses created magic and hold the world in balance. If they were to be moved the world would be destroyed.”

                “That would not be good,” remarked Shadow, “I wouldn’t be able to enjoy my money.”

                Cyan felt a flash of anger toward the ninja. All he can think about is money, he thought. He cares nothing of what would happen to the world.

                “That is correct Relm.” Kefka said, “That is why we must stop Gestahl. If he gets his hands on the statues there is no telling what he could do.”

                “Hey” spoke Relm. She turned to Shadow “We passed those statues three years ago. Remember?”

                “Yes, I do.” replied the ninja.

                “Well, we could go back down there and lead the others to the statues so that they can stop Gestahl from getting them.”

                “No,” he replied, quietly, “It would not be right of me to lead all of you down there. Only Relm can do that. I don’t deserve to fight along your side down there.” He shook loose of Relm’s hand and turned to leave.

                “Why?” asked Cyan.

                “I sold the empire the location of those statues three years ago. That is why I was in Thamasa then. I must go.” Before anyone could stop him, the ninja had gone.

 

                Shadow sat on the roof, watching night fall all around him. No one seemed to notice that he was up there, which was how he wanted it. Alone, he could think. He could also hear the others talking, their muffled voices coming to him from the building who’s roof he was sitting on.

                “So,” he heard Celes say, “are we all clear on what we will be doing?”

                “Yes,” replied Cyan’s muffled voice, “Four of us will go down to where the statues are and guard them from Gestahl.”

                “Who’s going?” asked another voice that Shadow figured belonged to either Edgar or Sabin.

                “I have to go.” said Relm, whose voice Shadow would recognize anywhere, “After all, if Shadow can’t help us, I’m the only one who can lead you there. I still remember how.”

                “The girl has to go,” said Celes, “So who else is going to volunteer?”

                “I will.” replied Cyan.

                “Count me in too.” replied a voice that Shadow figured belonged to Edgar.

                “And me,” spoke Terra, “For I wish to see those statues. I’m starting to remember more and more of my life, and I feel I need to help with the protection of the statues.”

                Shadow didn’t hear what may have been said after that. He leapt off the roof, did a flip, and landed on his feet. He moved away from the building quickly, heading out of the town. He didn’t want to be around them any more. They’d watch Relm; he didn’t need to worry about her now.

                Outside the town, Shadow rested again. He asked himself why he had left. It was a matter of honor. He didn’t deserve to protect the statues for he had put them in danger in the first place. He also went to the highest bidder. His love of money knew no bounds. He was rumored he would slit his own mother’s throat for a GP. If she was still alive he probably wouldn’t. At least not for that low of a price.

                Shadow had built his identity on not caring about anyone and being a loner. His only companion had been his dog, dead for over two years now. That was why he was worried about Relm getting attached to him. Clyde could love her, but not Shadow. Shadow did not love. But he wondered if that was true.

 

                Cyan led the party through the caverns, with Relm giving directions on where to turn. Edgar was walking next to Terra, a sword clutched in his hand.

                “Edgar,” she said to him, “I understand that you were once a king.”

                “Yep. I was the king of Figaro for ten years. It burnt to the ground three years ago. My brother, Sabin, became king of New Figaro. You can ask Cyan about that bit.”

                “Now you are a thief, and you enjoy it.”

                Edgar smiled. “Locke gave me a reason to live. He taught me the trade. He’s been my friend for a long time.”

                “Now you’ve found your brother again, after thirteen years of being apart. What are you going to do now?”

                He thought about it. “I don’t know. Maybe I should start a new life.”

                She smiled at him.

 

                Cyan was thrown to the ground when the cavern began to tremble. Terra tumbled into Edgar and sprawled across him. Relm shrieked in fright and ducked as a rock cam streaking past.

                “What is going on?” questioned the swordsman, stumbling to his feet.

                “Quake!” shouted Edgar, getting up with Terra and retrieving his sword.

 

                On the airship, which was still on the ground, everyone was knocked off their feet. Sabin pulled himself up in order to look over the edge of the flight deck. Because of this he was able to watch, much to his horror, as the area where Cyan, Relm, his brother, and Terra had gone, was lifting into the sky. It was a rather large section of land, and now it was floating.

 

                Edgar had been thrown to the ground as the rock face above them lifted into the air. This had stunned him as much as it had his brother.

                “This isn’t just another quake!” he shouted, scrambling out of the way of a chunk of rock.

                “The statues!” shouted Relm, “Some one must have gotten to them!”

                “Come on!” commanded Cyan, “We’ve got to get back to the airship.

                Everyone scrambled fast they could, following Cyan back to the airship. Once on board Setzer rose them into the air.

                “The floating rock mass,” pointed Sabin, “It’s moving!”

                They all looked and Edgar could see that his brother was correct. The rock face was lifting and moving away from the island.

                “We have to follow that thing!” shouted Kefka, “Gestahl must be up there.”

                “Agreed!” chimed in Celes, “We can’t just let him get away. If those statues really can destroy the world ...”

                “Speak no further,” Cyan told her, “We are all aware of what might happen. I will face the challenge, what ever it may be.”

                “And so will we!” shouted Kefka and Celes.

                Edgar would have volunteered if Terra, shaking with what might have been fear, hadn’t put her arms around him. He realized that he, too, needed that same comfort and reassurance from his own fears, so he held her tight.

 

                The airship flew close enough to the floating land mass for Cyan, Kefka, and Celes to jump onto it. The swordsman watched the airship leave before turning to the others. “Do either of you know which way we should go?”

                Celes looked around. “No, we’ve never been here before. No one has.”

                A sudden moan from behind one of the large rocks alerted Cyan to the fact that they were not alone up here. Going around the rock he discovered the source of the noise. Shadow, half-conscious, lay sprawled on the ground. Cyan could not tell if he was injured for the ninja still wore his face-covering and black clothing.

                “Sir Shadow.” he said as the other two joined them.

                The ninja rose shakily to his feet. “What happened?” he asked.

                “We don’t know. We think Gestahl might be getting near to the statues.”

                “That would not be good.”

                “No. That’s only part of it. A whole section of the island lifted into the sky and flew away. We’re on it right now.”

                Shadow cocked his head. “That happened? This is not good at all.” He looked around.

                “Can you lead us to the statues so that we can stop Gestahl before it is to late?”

                The ninja nodded. “I can and will. Follow me.”

                Cyan was about to object to following the ninja, but then thought better of it.

                “Can I ask you a question?” he said after a short time of walking through a maze of rocks.

                “You just did, but go ahead.”

                “What did you do after the ghost train?”

                Shadow was silent for a long time, long enough to make Cyan think he wasn’t going to say anything.

                “That was when I came here.” the ninja said at last, “Emperor Gestahl paid me a lot of money to verify that the statues were here.”

                “I remember that well.” said Kefka, “I was the one who gave him the idea. I hate myself even more now, seeing that he might want to use them and it would be my fault.”

                Cyan spoke, but could hardly believe that he was doing so, “Do not hate your self. You were insane back then. If you hate yourself forever you will be of no use to us.”

                “I’d never though you would say something like that to me, ... after what I did.”

                “My hate for what you did three years ago will never, and can never, die. I hate who you were. I have wisdom, though, to see that you are not the same person you once were. I hate you for who you were, not who you are.”

                “So do I.” Cyan heard Kefka take in a deep breath and let it out again. Out of the corner of his eye he saw him smile, but different from the way he use to smile. “I will take what you said to heart. You are a good and noble man, Cyan; Just like General Leo. I will never forget your wisdom.”

                Once again Cyan was surprised with himself, but as he thought of his own words, he found he was starting to believe them.

                “This way.” directed Shadow, snapping him out of his thoughts.

                The swordsman nodded and followed the ninja’s direction. Ahead of them, on a raised platform of sorts, stood the three statues. A set of stairs led up to the platform. The stairs, however, were being guarded by a huge beast.

                “Please stand aside,” Cyan told it, “We have to save the world.”

                The creature snarled. “I am Atma weapon, you will all perish before me.” It came forward and a fight ensued.

                Shadow hit it with tack stars, which seemed to do minimal damage, while Cyan, using his sword techniques, invoked quadra slam. Kefka and Celes used their heal spells for the party and attacked the creature with their swords and destructive magic.

                Cyan was amazed by Kefka’s new-found fighting ability. He figured those skills had been taught to him during the last two years by Leo and Celes.

                The battle continued. Cyan was beginning to wonder if Atma weapon was immortal. He didn’t let the thought shake him though. He continued with his sword attacks. Shadow, who’d run out of tack stars, was slicing it with his knife. Finally it burst into pieces. They had won.

                “Come on!” Shouted Kefka, heading for the stairs.

                “I ...” spoke Shadow, “I don’t deserve to fight with you.”

                “Sir Shadow, wait!” called Cyan, but was unable to stop the ninja from running off.

                “So much for Shadow.” he heard Celes murmur.

                “Come on!” repeated Kefka, “We don’t have much time. I see Gestahl, and the three statues, up there!”

                They followed him. The first thing that Cyan saw when he got to the platform was Gestahl, standing between the three statues.

                “So glad you two could make it, and Cyan.” the emperor told them, “You’re just in time to see me become even more powerful then any of you could imagine.”

                “Wrong Gestahl,” shouted Celes, “We will stop you!” She started towards him.

                “Wait!” yelled Kefka, “Don’t go near him Celes, he’s protected by the statues. We can’t hurt him.”

                The emperor laughed. “You are quite right, Kefka. I am disappointed to see that you are no longer on my side, but you’d have betrayed me eventually. Your power madness would have done you in. Now, watch as I become all powerful!”

                Cyan wanted to do something but suddenly found he could not move. He could only watch in horror, as he’d done when Doma had been poisoned. Gestahl was moving the statues. Suddenly, from out of no where, Shadow came up onto the platform. He rushed over to the statues and pined Gestahl between two of them, cutting off the mysterious force that had been holding Cyan.

                “Go!” shouted Shadow, as the place began to shake, “Get out of here. Don’t worry about me! Run!! I can’t stop this chain reaction!”

                Cyan, remembering that Shadow had made their escape possible back in Vector, hurried down the steps with Celes and Kefka. All around them cracks began to form. The rocks were falling apart. Whole sections dropped away to the surface fare bellow. Still, the three of them hurried on till they got to the edge and saw the airship looming bellow them.

                “Jump?” asked Kefka.

                Cyan shook his head. “We have to wait for Shadow.”

                The ground began to shake violently.

                “Jump?!!” repeated Kefka, seeming to be frantic.

                “We have to wait ... SHADOW!!” Cyan saw the ninja stumbling toward them.

                “I’ll be blown to bits before I can even collect my pay ...” Shadow collapsed next to them. They picked him up and leapt down to the airship.

                Everything seemed to be vibrating. Cyan watched in horror as quakes shook the land below them. Everything seemed to be coming apart. The world was collapsing. Then the airship cracked in half and everyone was thrown out.

 

 

                END OF WORLD OF BALANCE 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WORLD OF RUIN

 

                Celes awoke. She found herself lying on a bed and didn’t know how she had gotten there. The last thing she could remember was the airship cracking in half and being thrown out.

                “Ahh, you’re awake.” came a voice that she recognized, but had not heard for years.

                “Where ... Where am I?” she asked, sitting up.

                CID, still dressed in yellow, was watching her. “A shack on an island in the middle of nowhere. You’ve been out for over a year.”

                “A year?!” she gasped.

                “I was beginning to think you were never going to wake and that I’d be alone in the world. Taking care of you has been the only thing that has kept me going after the collapse.”

                “What about the others?”

                “I don’t know. You’ve been the only person I’ve seen since the day the world came unglued.”

                “I’m the only one?”

                He nodded.

                “CID ...” she began.

                “Can you do me a favor and call me granddad? I’ve always wanted someone to call me that, and you’re the closest thing I have to a granddaughter.”

                “All right, granddad.” She got off the bed, a little shaky at first.

                He smiled. “We might be the only two people still alive after the collapse, but we’ve got plenty to eat. We can catch fish at the beach and cook them on the stove.”

                Celes looked around the shack. “It’s hard to believe that it’s been a year.”

                “You slept through it. After the espers an general Leo with his army went back to esper land I came to this shack. When the world collapsed I found that I was now on an island, and you were lying on the beach, soaked through and barley breathing. I nursed you back to health.”

                “Thank you, granddad.” She looked at him, and for the first time she noticed how pale he looked. “Are you all right?”

                “I’m just a little tired. Don’t worry Celes, I’m not going to leave you.”

                “Can I get you anything?”

                “A fish. The beach is close by.”

                She nodded and went to get him a fish. When she returned she found him lying on the bed.

                “Granddad?”

                “Did you bring me a fish?”

                She smiled and went over to him. “Yes I did.” She cooked it. “Here you are.”

                “Thank you.” CID gobbled down the fish.

                As the days bast CID remained in the bed. Celes could tell he was getting worse. A week after she had awakened, she came back in and found that he was dead.

                “NO!” she cried, tears streaming down her face, “You promised never to leave me!”

                In despair she ran from the shack and up to the top of the bluff. Celes looked over the edge, into the churning waters bellow. Feeling she was truly alone in the world she leaped off the cliff.

 

                The general awoke on the beach, waves rocking her gently. She was still alive. Getting up she noticed a bird holding something in its beak. A bandanna. It wasn’t just any bandanna either. Celes grabbed the thing out of the bird’s mouth. It was Locke’s bandanna.

                Is Locke alive? She wondered, felling a sense of hope. Returning to the shack she noticed a letter lying on the floor. Picking it up, she read it.

‘Dear Celes,

                I’m sorry I have to leave you. Check behind the stove, you’ll find the road to freedom. Love,

                Granddad.’

                She looked behind the stove and discovered a set of stairs leading down. In the room below she found a raft.

                A way out, she thought. Celes put away the bandanna and letter and lugged the raft  down to the water. She set sail.

 

                It was almost a day before the raft reached land. Celes let the raft float away as she set out in search of civilization. She came upon a town. People were walking through the streets and going into buildings. It looked much as it had been, but everyone seemed a little down, somber. She walked into the town and approached a man.

                “Hello.” she said to him.

                “Why, hello there.”

                “I’ve been unconscious for a year, can you tell me what has happened in all that time?”

                The man looked at her gravely. “I don’t want to invoke Gestahl’s wrath. He has taken to burning cities of those who oppose him from his strange tower that formed during the collapse.”

                She thought about this. “He has become that powerful?”

                The man nodded. “Yes, now I must go.” He walked off.

                Celes moved on down the street. She stopped a woman who said, “Oh, you’ve come back ...” the woman paused and studied her more closely, “Sorry. You just looked to be the spitting image of a man who passed through here a few days ago looking for his friends. You have the same glimmer of hope in your eyes. He said he was going up north.

                “Come to think of it, I don’t know why I miss took you for him. You don’t have a feather in your hair, or a pony tail.”

                Kefka? Celes wondered. It sounds like him, he’s alive? The general walked away from the woman and left the town.

                Heading north she passed by the strange tower that the man had spoken of. She knew Gestahl was up there, somewhere. She could not face him alone, of course. She needed to find the others, if they were still alive. Having heard that Kefka might still be alive gave her hope that so might the others.

                Clutching the bandanna she hoped Locke had survived. She felt something for him she had never felt for anyone before.

                Up ahead Celes spotted another town. As she enterd, however, a tremor struck and she saw a flash of light. People began running around, screaming. A frantic woman came running by, shouting, “My child is trapped in my house! won’t some one save her?!”

                “I will!” Celes told her.

                The woman led her quickly to the house. The first thing Celes noticed when she got there was a man with his back to them, casting a magic spell to keep the house from falling. She recognized his familiar hair-pin at once.

                “Kefka!” she exclaimed.

                He didn’t turn, but said, “Celes? Is that you? I can’t keep this house up forever and there’s a child trapped inside.”

                “It is me, and I will save her.” The general went into the house. She was painfully aware that she had only minutes to find the child and get her out safely. Kefka’s magic, which was the only thing that was keeping the house standing, wouldn’t last for much longer.

                Heading towards the living room she heard crying. Celes spotted the child sitting up on the fireplace, sobbing from fear.

                “Do not be afraid,” the general told her, “I’m here to save you. Come with me.” She reached up and the child slid down off the mantle and took hold of her hand. Celes led the child out of the house.

                Once out, and they were out of danger, Kefka retracted his spell. The house collapsed.

                “Thank you!” cried the woman in relief, hugging the child.

                “You’re welcome.” Celes turned to Kefka, who was wiping off his hands.

                “I am so very pleased to see you again. I was starting to think I was the only one, other than Sabin and Cyan, who had survived when the airship cracked in half.” he told her.

                “Sabin and Cyan are alive?”

                He nodded. “I saw them a few months ago in New Figaro. I heard recently, though, that New Figaro sank beneath the sands a month ago and has yet to resurface. I haven’t seen either of them since. Then again, I hadn’t seen them since I went to New Figaro two months ago.”

                “Well, at least they may still be alive.”

                “I hope so.”

                “Let’s get going so we can see who else is still alive.”

                He smiled, which sort of surprised her. The last time she had seen him smile was when he had been insane (she had not seen him smile at Cyan’s advice back on the floating island). They left the town.

                “Follow me,” Kefka told her, “There are more towns on the serpent trench.”

                “Serpent trench?”

                “Where have you been for the last year?”

                “Unconscious. CID was taking care of me.” She sighed.

                “CID? He took care of you?”

                “Yes, but he died a few days ago.” She showed him the letter.

                “Granddad?”

                “He wanted me to call him that.”

                “I’m sorry he’s dead.” He paused, “I guess I’ll have to bring you up to speed on what has been going on. The serpent trench rose up from the sea, releasing the eight dragons, Doom gaze, and Phunbaba.

                “You heard about Gestahl, right?”

                She nodded.

                Kefka continued, “He keeps on burning cities to the ground, and people keep on building them back again. People are beginning to lose hope though. I’ve been wandering from town to town trying to help with the rebuilding.”

                “I didn’t think you’d be able to function without Leo, or myself.”

                Kefka sighed. “You can thank Cyan for that. His words back on the floating island made me realize that I should not hate myself. My self-hate was slowly killing me, eating me away from the inside. Now I know better. I’ve learned not to focus on the past, only on what I’m doing now.”

 

                The two of them crossed over to the serpent trench. They went south after the bridge, along the bend, till they arrived at a town that was partly under water. It seemed to be empty at first, but then Celes spotted a child ducking into one of the dry buildings.

                “A child.” she remarked to Kefka.

                “We should follow him.”

                They headed into the building. When the child saw them he shrieked and ran down the stairs.

                “Wait!” called Celes, but the child was all ready gone.

                They went down the stairs and came upon an empty room. A group of boxes were stacked against one wall. The general wondered where the child could have gone. Then she noticed murmuring, drifting to them from behind the boxes. Kefka moved them and they discovered that there was a passageway.

                Celes and Kefka descended into the passage, and came into a large room carved out of rock. There were a bunch of beds on one side. A group of children were wandering around, but they coward when they saw the two of them. The only door in the room opened and a child yelled, “Mamma! Mamma!”

                Celes was shocked when Terra, her green hair flowing, came out of the next room. They stared at each other.

                “Celes? Kefka?” she said.

                “You know them mamma?” spoke the child.

                “Mamma?” Celes asked.

                “They call me that here.” Terra replied.

                “Where did all these children come from?”

                “Their parents died trying to protect them when the world collapsed. They were hiding down here when I arrived. I have been taking care of them.”

                “Well, we’re trying to find the others and then go after Gestahl.”

                “I can’t go with you, I must stay here and protect the children. They are too young to take care of themselves. I’m sorry.” She turned away from them and went back into the next room, shutting the door behind her. A girl, who looked to be around Relm’s age, gave Celes an angry look and joined Terra in the next room.

                “What did I say?” asked the general.

                “Please excuse Katarin,” said a boy of the same age, “She just feels that if you take away Terra you take away the entire spirit of our survival.”

                Suddenly a child came running in yelling, “Phunbaba has returned! We’re under attack!”

                Terra came out of the next room. “Celes, Kefka,” she said, “Please help us. I can’t fight any more.”

                Celes nodded. “I will.”

                “So will I.” Kefka told her.

                The two of them went back through the passageway and left the building. A huge demon was standing outside. Celes and Kefka attacked it as Terra stood in the doorway. The two of them battled it for a while till the demon flew away.

                “That,” Kefka told her, “Was a creature who escaped from the serpent trench.”

                Terra approached them. “I wish you luck in finding the others. If you run into Edgar, and he’s still alive, please tell him I’m here, and that I think of him often.”

                Celes nodded. “Take care of the children Terra. We’ll take care of Gestahl.”

                The half-esper returned to the house as Celes and Kefka left.

 

                The two of them headed north of the bridge and came upon a port city. It was still bustling with trade and seemed fairly unaffected by the collapse.

                “I’m hungry,” Kefka told her, “Let’s get something to eat.”

                “I’m hungry too. If memory serves, there’s a cafe down this way.”

                She led him to the cafe. Several thieves were sitting at a table by the door. Celes went up to the counter and got food for her and Kefka. They sat down at a table and began to eat. The thieves’ conversation came floating to them.

                “Where’s Gerad?” asked one thief.

                “He’s upstairs working out the details.” said the second.

                “I hope he knows what he’s doing.” remarked the third.

                “Regardless,” said the first, “If this works we’ll all be rich. New Figaro sank beneath the sands a month ago. It’s virtually defenseless. If he knows his way through the basement as he claims, we can rob the treasury and be out of there before anyone has time to react.”

                “He still needs us to show him where the castle lies buried, the caves will take us there.”

                Celes was intrigued by the conversation. She wanted to go to New Figaro. King Sabin and Cyan where suppose to be there.

                “In any case,” said thief two, “We should follow him. You saw what Gerad did to our last boss.”

                “True,” agreed thief three, “I’d never want to be on the receiving end of that dagger.”

                Celes finished her food. “Kefka,” she said quietly, “Do you hear what those thieves are talking about?”

                He nodded. “If they really are headed for New Figaro then we should follow.”

                “Have you ever heard of their leader, Gerad, before?”

                “No. I usually don’t pay attention to what thieves are doing.”

                “He sounds like someone we wouldn’t want to go near.”

                “Agreed.”

                Kefka and Celes rose to leave. On the second floor, which served as an inn, a door opened. A figure wearing black and gray came down the stairs and approached the thieves.

                “Gerad!” they all said in unison.

                Celes gaped at the man. Gerad looked exactly like Edgar Roni Figaro, except with gray hair instead of blond.

                “Come,” the man said to the thieves, “Down to the docks. I am ready to leave.”

                The four left. Kefka and Celes exchanged looks.

                “Was it just me,” asked the magitek knight, “Or was that Edgar I just saw?”

                “I saw him too. Come on, we have to follow him.” They left the cafe and headed toward the docks. The man calling himself Gerad was far behind the other thieves.

                “Edgar!” Celes called out to him.

                The man did not respond. She ran up to him.

                “Edgar!” she repeated.

                He stopped and looked at her. “Why do you keep calling me that? My name is Gerad!”

                At first she thought she had made a drastic mistake, but then she noticed the dagger scars on either side of his face. Locke had told her to look for them.

                “You must have forgotten who you where,” Celes told him, “When you were thrown out of the airship.”

                “Look,” he said, “I don’t know what you are talking about. My name is Gerad. It has always been Gerad. I don’t know why you keep on calling me Edgar.” He brushed past her.

                Kefka caught up to the general. “What is going on?” he asked.

                She watched to four thieves board a ship. “I don’t know, but we have to sneak onto that ship.”

                He nodded and they did so.

 

                They came out of hiding as the thieves left the ship. Kefka and Celes followed them, but stayed far enough back so they were not seen. The thieves enterd some caves and went down twisty passages till they came to a recovery spring. They floated across it on a turtle’s back and went through the hole in the far wall. Kefka and Celes waited for the turtle to come back across, then followed them further.

                They emerged into the back of an open jail call in New Figaro castle. They spotted the thieves heading into the basement, following Gerad.

                “Come on.” whispered Celes.

                They headed into the basement after them and continued untill they reached the great motors that moved New Figaro castle. Gerad was standing there, looking at the machine. The three thieves were entering into the room ahead of him.

                “Yep,” Celes heard him murmur, “I knew Sabin would build a replica, and then forget to keep a mechanic around in case it breaks.”

                They approached him and he turned. “Oh,” he said, “You two followed, that’s good.”

                “Edgar?” Celes asked.

                He smiled. “Sorry about the deception general Celes, but I couldn’t risk those thieves finding out who I really was or they might not have brought me to New Figaro.” He brushed his hand over his gray hair, turning it back to its familiar blond color. Then he walked over to the engines, got out a wrench, and got to work.

                Celes and Kefka moved out of the way as the three thieves, upset that they didn’t find any treasure, brushed past. After a minute Edgar climbed down off the engines and put away the wrench.

                “It’s fixed now.” he told them, “I’ll go find my brother and tell him we can rise out of the sands again.”

                Celes and Kefka followed him as he went up to the throne room, getting looks of surprise by all they past.

                “Brother!” Edgar called the king as they got to the throne room.

                “Edgar? My dear Edgar!” cried Sabin, “You’re alive! I’m so happy!”

                “I’ve also fixed the engines.”

                “Really? We can move the castle again?”

                “Yes.”

                Sabin gave the order. Moments latter the castle began to tremble and shake as it traveled through the sands and rose back above the land. Everyone in New Figaro cheered and celebrated.

                “We’ve been trying for a month to rise this castle out of the sands.” Sabin told them.

                “Well, we’re out now.” said Edgar.

                Celes approached them. “We’d like you two to come with us to stop Gestahl, after we’ve gathered up the others who survived the airship’s destruction.”

                “I’ll come,” Edgar told her, “And I know another who survived, Locke! He’s searching for a legendary treasure as we speak.”

                Celes felt a surge of hope. “Locke survived! Oh, that’s wonderful.”

                Daddy?” called a three year old girl.

                “What is it Mallaney?” Sabin replied.

                “Do you have to go away again?”

                He sighed. “I have to protect the world.”

                “Please don’t leave. Sir Cyan left and he hasn’t come back.”

                Sabin looked at the others. “Cyan was out on one of his scouting missions when the castle became stuck under ground. I won’t be able to leave untill he comes back. You’ll have to find him.”

                “Will do.” said his brother.

                “Come on then, Edgar.” Celes told him.

                The three of them left New Figaro, heading for another town.

 

                The next day they enterd into a tavern. A man with long, flowing, white hair sat at the bar.

                “Setzer!” Edgar yelled, “Hey, is that you?”

                The gambler turned. “Edgar? Celes? Kefka? Oh my! I thought for a long time I was the only one who had survived when my airship burnt up. I lost my hope and my will to do anything.”

                “Well, we survived. An I know Sabin, Locke, and Cyan did as well.”

                “And Terra.” Celes told him.

                He turned to her. “She’s alive?! Why isn’t she here?”

                “She’s protecting a group of children in a town on the serpent trench. She wanted you to know she’s alive and thinks of you often.”

                Edgar’s eyes went wide. “She does? I think of her a lot too. I miss her. I want to go there and see her as soon as we’ve fetched Cyan, where ever he is.”

                “Well,” remarked Setzer, “It seems that there is a reason to hope after all. I’m starting to feel lucky. Let’s get moving.”

                “We’ll have to find transportation.” Celes warned, “After a month Cyan could be anywhere, and we have only our feet to carry us.”

                “Leave that to me friends. I knew rebuilding Daryl’s airship would come in useful one day.” Setzer turned away from the bar and headed for the door. “Come on you three, we’ve got to save the world!”

                They followed him. “Where are we going?” asked Edgar.

                “To Daryl’s tomb, which is down this way. That’s where I put her airship She told me I could have it if anything happened to her, so I’m finally collecting on that deal.”

                “But you told me that Gogo is really Daryl.”

                “In body only. Darill died in the crash. I was so upset by it I built a grand tomb to honor her memory. When Gogo first showed up I thought it was in vain, untill I realized Daryl was dead inside her, memory gone. The tomb is now a monument to who she was.”

                They continued on across the battered countryside untill they finally reached the entrance to the underground tomb. Celes heard Setzer sigh heavily as they descended into it. She wondered why it could pain him this much if Daryl was really still alive. Then she thought over what he had actually said. Daryl was gone, dead, never going to come back. Her body may have survived the crash, but it became someone new, a mimic named Gogo.

                Although Setzer may have had Gogo for company for a while, he’d never have Daryl again. She felt sorry for him and wished she could provide him with some comfort.

                “This way.” he directed.

 

                Daryl’s tomb was a hard place to get into if you didn’t know ho to navigate it. Edgar supposed Setzer had designed it that way to ward off tomb robbers. Having been a thief for four years he knew it worked. Unless you knew what was down here and were very determined to get it, you wouldn’t stay long.

                Once into the main part of the tomb Edgar saw a large statue, topped with roses, standing in the middle of the room.

                “What’s that?” he asked Setzer.

                “When I didn’t find Daryl’s body among the wreckage of her airship,” he explained, “I thought it had been pulverized. Not knowing the truth, when I built this tomb I made a coffin, put what I had left of my friend, which was a few mementos of hers that I thought would be better left buried, inside and put a statue over top. She always liked roses, and still does. She told me she remembered that.”

                “That explains things. Was Gogo ever down here?”

                Setzer sighed. “No. It would have been too much for both of us. Now, her airship’s this way.”

                He led them across the room and to a long set of stairs leading down. Edgar could see an airship resting in that large room. They began to descend when Setzer stopped and looked at the airship. Celes and Kefka kept on going, but Edgar looked back at him. The gambler looked as if he was having a flash-back of something painful. The ex-king went back up to him.

                “Come on Setzer,” he said to him, “We need you. I never learned how to fly your airship, remember? We’ll need you to fly this one.”

                Setzer looked at him. “I’m sorry. I was just remembering that terrible day long ago. I know you need me. I’m coming.”

                They continued to descend. Kefka and Celes were waiting at the bottom, looking up at the airship. Once they were all together Setzer opened the secrete roof hatch to the tomb, got into the airship, and lifted them off.

 

                Setzer flew the Falcon around for hours just to feel the exhilaration of flight before calling the other three up to talk.

                “Wow,” he told them, “It’s great to be flying again.”

                “Yes,” agreed Edgar, “It is, but now we have to go find the others. My brother told me he couldn’t leave unless we find Cyan first. Now, does anyone know where he might be?”

                “I think I do.” said Kefka, “When I ran into he and your brother a few months ago I had just gotten back from the place where Doma now resides. I didn’t stay in the area of Doma for very long because of the terrible memories that surfaced. I told Cyan where to find the place if he ever wanted to go back. He might be there now.”

                “Where is Doma?” asked Celes.

                Kefka told them.

                “I can get us there.” said Setzer, working with the airship controls.

                “If you will do me a favor,” said Kefka, “Please drop me off at the next burning town we fly over. I don’t think I could handle being in Doma the same time as Cyan.”

                Celes nodded. “I understand. We’ll pick you up after we get him.”

 

                Celes, Edgar, and Setzer arrived at the run-down castle of Doma. The general could sense horrible ancient death in the air, even though she had never been to Doma before. She had heard about what had happened here from others, and through tears, Kefka.

                The airship landed. The three of them climbed out and stood at the entrance to the castle. Celes sensed that someone had been here recently and might still be here. She took the lead, going into Doma. A few rats scurried away at their approach. Two torches burning away in the hall proved to her that the castle was indeed occupied. By who, or what, she did not know. She wanted to be cautious, so she took out her two swords (she, like king Sabin, had a genji clove relic) and gripped them in either hand.

                They continued down the hall. Celes figured someone or something had cleaned out all the bodies. She knew a lot of people had died here after the poison was introduced into the water supply.

                “Where to?” whispered Setzer.

                “I don’t know.” she replied, “I’ve never been here before.”

                “Then how are we going to find Cyan, if he’s here?”

                She stopped. Celes looked around. She listened. Because everyone in her party had stopped moving she was able to pick up on faint footfall some where ahead of them. It got closer.

                A figure hoisting a sword, dressed in armor covered by a purple cloak, stood on the stairs ahead of them. His long black hair held in a pony tail by a length of purple ribbon and his mustache made him recognizable.

                “Cyan!” called Celes.

                “General Celes?” he replied, coming toward them, “Sir Edgar. Sir Setzer. You’re alive!?”

                “Yes, and we’ve come to fetch you for king Sabin. New Figaro has been brought back above the sands.”

                “New Figaro is all right?”

                She nodded.

                Cyan smiled slightly for a moment. “I thought New Figaro was gone for good. I wandered around for a while, looking for news of what happened to the castle, and of the others, untill I decided to come here and face my past of four years ago. I learned of Doma’s new location from Kefka of all people.”

                “We know.” Celes said, “Kefka told us how to get here. We dropped him off at one of the burning towns so he could help them. He didn’t want to come back here.”

                “I understand that. He’s done good for people now. He doesn’t want to linger around the bad things he’s done.” Cyan turned from them. “I came back to let go of my guilt, and hope that New Figaro would be all right.”

                “Guilt? What do you mean?”

                “Everyone here died, except for me.”

                Edgar nodded. “I know what you mean. I felt guilty for surviving the fire that burned down Figaro. I was their king after all.”

                “But your story is different. Not everyone died. You had not a wife and son to loose. Mine died here. I needed to come back and say farewell to them.”

                “What about the poison?” asked Celes, “Who cleaned it up? And the bodies, where did they go?”

                “Kefka himself took care of the poison he’d put in the water back when he was insane. He cleaned up most of the bodies and made sure the others, the ones he felt he had no right to go near, were safe from scavengers who could get in now that the poison was gone.”

                “He did? I thought you said he didn’t want to linger around the bad things he did.”

                “He told me he didn’t want to leave Doma the way that it was any more. He didn’t touch the remains of the king, ... or Elaine and Owin. I buried them when I got here.”

                “Are you ready to leave now?”

                Cyan looked around at the empty halls. “Yes. I’ve brought my sword techniques up to their max.”

                Celes nodded and the four of them returned to the airship. As they lifted off Celes heard Cyan murmur, “Good bye my love. I promise never to forget you.”

 

                When they returned to the town where they had dropped off Kefka they found that it was no longer burning.

                “I’m staying with the Falcon.” Setzer told them.

                Celes nodded and she, Edgar, and Cyan headed into town. Kefka was in the middle of the rebuilding, lugging supplies and giving suggestions.

                “Kefka!” the general called out.

                He turned around. “Ah, you’ve found Cyan.” He spread the supplies out in front of a burned building and got to work.

                “I see that you’re busy here.”

                “Yep. I’ll be ready to leave as soon as we’ve rebuilt the inn. In the mean time, why don’t you three help, or talk to the town’s people. They have some interesting things to say.”

                Cyan and Edgar got to work on the inn with Kefka. Celes, noticing that they didn’t need another hand, walked off towards an old man who was watching the spectacle.

                “Hello,” she said to him, “What can you tell me about what’s been going on around here?”

                “Have you been to the Coliseum?” he asked.

                “No, tell me about it.”

                “After the world fell into ruin a man who loved war and fighting built it as a monument. I’ve been there a few times. Never fought of course. There’s one man that’s been there a lot who’s dressed in all black and looking to win something called a striker. He’s not someone you’d like to have to go up against, he’s powerful and nasty.”

                Man in black? Celes thought, Shadow maybe? He’s the only one I know who can use the striker. “Where is the Coliseum?” She asked him.

                He told her.

                Celes nodded and returned to the three working on the inn. They were just finishing with the repairs.

                “We can leave now.” Kefka told her.

                “We can go back to New Figaro with Cyan and get king Sabin to join us.” she said as she led them back to the airship.

                “By the way,” spoke Cyan as they enterd the Falcon, “I bumped into sir Gau during my travels. He said he was going to have to be more powerful if he was going to go up against Gestahl.”

                “That’s good. I heard in town about a man in the Coliseum who sounds a lot like Shadow.”

 

                They returned to New Figaro. As the five of them enterd into the throne room Sabin’s three year old daughter yelled, “Sir Cyan!” She ran up to the swordsman and clutched his leg.

                He looked down at her and smiled. “Hello child.”

                “We’ve missed you sir Cyan. I didn’t want my daddy to leave without you.”

                Cyan looked up at king Sabin. “Your majesty, I have returned. It seems your daughter does not want you to leave without me.”

                Mallaney let go of Cyan’s leg and went back to her father. Sabin picked her up in his massive arms. She giggled and laughed and kissed her father.

                “Daddy has to go save the world.” he told her.

                “Sir Cyan going too?”

                “Yes Mallaney, he’s going too.”

                “Please you come back.”

                “I promise, we will return.” Sabin set his daughter on the ground. His wife, Elainia came up and put her arms around him.

                “I don’t wish you to go, my love,” his wife said to him, “but I know you must. Save the world so our child has a chance to grow up. And if possible, come back safely.”

                “I promise, my love. Take care of the kingdom in my absence. I love you.”

                “And I you.” They kissed and Sabin joined the others.

                “We can go now.” he told them.

 

                Once on the airship they all tried to figure out where to go next.

                “OK,” said Edgar, “We know that Locke, Terra, Gau, and possibly Shadow also survived the crash. What about Relm and Gogo?”

                “No word on them.” his brother replied.

                “Why don’t we pick up those we know are alive.” suggested Cyan.

                “Well,” said Edgar, “I don’t know where Locke is. Celes told me Terra’s protecting a group of children. We’re not even sure if that is Shadow at the Coliseum. And Gau’s probably on the veldt, which we don’t know the location of.”

                “We should return to Terra.” suggested Celes, “Maybe we can do something for the children and get her to fight again.”

                “I wanted to see her after we go Cyan anyway. Let’s go!”

                Setzer flew the airship to the serpent trench. Edgar, Celes, and Kefka got off at the partly submerged village and went into the house where Celes and Kefka had found Terra. When they got down to the room carved from rock Celes called out, “Terra, We’re back.”

                The boy who had spoken to Celes and Kefka the first time they had been here came out of the next room. “Terra’s not here right now.” he told them, “She and Katarin went off.”

                “Why?”

                “Katarin’s pregnant. She’s going to have a baby.”

                “A baby? And Terra thinks you’re all too young to take care of yourselves?”

                “Kat and I are the oldest here. Terra is worried about the other children.”

                “Please tell us where she is.”

                “I don’t know. They’re in one of the other houses.”

                Celes nodded.

                “Well, let’s go!” demanded Edgar. He went back out, Celes and Kefka following after him. The ex-king was determined to find Terra. He checked several of the houses before he happened upon her.

                “Terra!” he cried.

                The half-esper’s eyes went wide. “Edgar? Oh, my dear Edgar! I’m so glad you’re alive!” She hugged him tightly. Celes and Kefka waited outside.

                “I wish I had know that you were over here. I would have come seen you.”

                “I didn’t know if you were alive or not. I didn’t know if any of you had survived.”

                “I think most, if not all, survived. The only one’s we haven’t had word on have been Relm and Gogo.”

                Suddenly the place shook and Celes and Kefka ran back in.

                “The demon has returned!” Shouted Kefka.

                “I ... I can’t fight.” Terra told them.

                Edgar didn’t have time to ask why because Celes grabbed him and pulled him outside to face Phunbaba. The ex-king pulled out his dagger. Celes and Kefka unsheathed their swords. A battle began.

                They slashed at the demon with their weapons. The two magitek knights also used their magic. Edgar was hit by one of Phunbaba’s fierce attacks. He was in pain and blood was seeping into his clothing. Terra must have seen this for she charged into the battle from out of nowhere. Then, doing something Edgar had never seen before, she morphed into a pink being that was recognizable as an esper. She healed him with her own magic, which was more powerful then that of Celes and Kefka, and fought with her sword.

                At last they had vanquished the demon. All the children came out of hiding and gathered around them.

                “Mamma,” said one of the children, “Is that you?”

                “Yes,” replied the pink being, “It is me.”

                “I didn’t know you could do that.” breathed Edgar.

                “I didn’t know either a year ago.” She changed back to her human form. “It seems I can fight again.”

                “Then you can come with us to defeat Gestahl.”

                “But ... the children ...”

                “We’re old enough to watch over the others.” said Katarin.

                Terra turned to Edgar. “I guess I will be going with you.”

                He smiled. “To destroy Gestahl would be the best way to protect the children. Let’s go!”

                She nodded, said her good-byes, and went to the airship.

 

                “Perhaps,” spoke Celes, “We should try the Coliseum next. Shadow might be there.”

                “The ninja?” asked Terra, “I heard he only works for money.”

                “He risked his own life to allow us to escape the floating island. He might be willing to help us.”

                “I think we should wait.” Edgar said, “At least untill we find the striker to bet. Then, maybe, we can get him on our side.”

                “You actually want to fight in the Coliseum?”

                “It might convince him to come with us.”

                “Sir Edgar has a point.” said Cyan, “I think we should try to discover the location of the veldt and fetch sir Gau before we go for sir Shadow.”

                “If it is the veldt we’re looking for,” spoke Setzer, “Then we should land at another town and inquire about it.”

                They all agreed and landed outside the town of Jidoor. Edgar, Sabin, Cyan, and Terra left the airship and went into the town. Edgar stopped a man and asked, “Do you know how to get to the veldt?”

                “No,” the man replied, “But I do know that Owzer must be crazy.”

                “Who’s Owzer?”

                “You don’t know? He’s a famous art collector. He’s even got a portrait of Gestahl. He’s crazy cause now he’s got some girl from the village of Thamasa painting for him.”

                Edgar blinked and turned to the others. “Girl from Thamasa? Relm maybe?” He looked down the street to where the art collector’s mansion was. “It’s worth a look, come on.”

                He led them to the mansion. The door was unlocked and they went inside. The place was dark. Edgar flipped on the lights and looked at the two sets of stairs.

                “Which way do you think?” asked Sabin.

                “The set on the left.” Edgar replied.

                They headed up and found themselves in an art gallery. There didn’t seem to be a way out except the way they had come.

                “We should check the paintings,” Edgar told them, “I’ve been a thief long enough to know that there may be a secrete entrance behind one of them.”

                They began to search.

                “Brother,” called out Sabin, who had been searching the prominently displayed portrait of Gestahl, “Come look at this.”

                Terra and Cyan continued to search as Edgar went over to his brother. “What is it?” he asked.

                Sabin held up a letter. “I found this behind the painting.” He handed the letter to Edgar.

                The ex-king opened it and read the it out loud, “‘Where the five points meet to form a star a great treasure can be found.’ hmm, I wonder if it’s the treasure Locke is after. I’d bet we could find him there.” He put the letter away and continued to search.

                They found a door in the south-west corner of the gallery.

 

                Cyan walked down the dark secret passages with his three companions. He was very glad to see that they had made it through the airship explosion a year ago. He was also happy to see that New Figaro was also safe once more.”

                He stopped this train of thought when they burst into a room where a girl was up on a pedestal, painting the picture of a beautiful lady. The girl was Relm.

                “Relm!” shouted Edgar.

                She didn’t turn. “Can’t talk, painting.”

                “That’s right.” spoke the portrait.

                This startled Cyan. A portrait had spoken to them.

                “Oh, thank goodness you’re here.” said a man Cyan figured was Owzer, “That painting’s haunted.”

                “We’ll take care of it!” shouted Edgar, and he charged. Cyan and the others joined him, Relm jumping out of the way.

                “I will destroy you,” the painting told them, “So that the girl can finish painting me.”

                Battle began. The image of a woman constantly shifted to that of a demon and back again.

                “Attack the demon with everything we’ve got,” yelled Terra, “That’s what’s haunting the painting.”

                Cyan waited, prepping his sword techniques. When the demon appeared he let loose with quadra slice, a maneuver he had learned during his resent stay in Doma. Edgar put on a hockey mask and attacked with his chain saw. Terra morphed and attacked with her sword. Sabin used his blitz attacks.

                They continued this way for a while, attacking the demon and healing themselves when the woman’s form was present. Finally, they had won. The demon burnt up and vanished. Owzer, the art collector, fainted.

                “That was neat.” said Relm, coming up to them, “I’ve never had that happen with one of my paintings before.”

                “Really?” asked Edgar, taking off the mask and putting away his chain saw.

                “I’m serious. It’s never happened before. They’ve never been haunted.”

                “How’d you get here anyway?”

                “Owzer fetched me from Thamasa to paint a portrait for him.”

                “What about Clyde?”

                Relm sighed. “I haven’t seen him since before the world collapsed.”

                “I’m sorry to hear that.”

                She sighed again and looked around at them. “Are you all it?”

                “No child,” spoke Cyan, “Sir Setzer, Kefka, and general Celes are waiting on the Falcon.”

                “The Falcon?”

                “Our new airship.”

                “Oh goody, let’s go.” They turned to leave. “Bye Owzer,” Relm called out, “It was fun painting for you.”

                They left.

 

                “Where are we going?” asked Relm, once the airship was flying.

                “We were going to find out the location of the Veldt because Gau’s probably there.” Edgar told her, “Then we were going to see if we could find something called the striker.”

                “The striker? Shadow’s been looking all over for that thing.”

                “Shadow? How do you know?”

                “Clyde told me about it two years ago, why?”

                “Hmm, I guess that proves that Shadow really is the person in the Coliseum that I’ve heard about.”

                “Really? Can we go there?”

                “I think we’ll need the striker before we can get Shadow to come with us.”

                “You have a point. Let’s go find it.”

                “Where is it?”

                “If I knew, Shadow’d already have it.”

                “If we can’t find the striker,” said Cyan, “Then we should find the veldt and search for sir Gau.”

                “If only we knew where the veldt was now.” murmured Edgar.

 

                They learned of the veldt’s location from one of the towns they landed at. King Sabin, Cyan, and Relm headed down onto the veldt.

                “After we find Gau,” said Sabin, “I think we should check out this cave.” The airship had landed near a cave on the veldt.

                “Sounds like a good plan, your majesty.” said Cyan.

                “Hey,” spoke up Relm, “We might even find something we are looking for in there.”

                They wandered around for a bit untill they heard a familiar voice say, “Vawa, I’m Gau. You Gau’s friends. Let’s travel together.” The seventeen year old wild boy joined them.

                “Now we can visit the cave.” said Relm.

                “Cave dangerous. Gau no like cave. Why we go there?”

                “Because there just might be something we’re looking for in there.”

                “Gau understand. Treasure in cave there is.”

                They headed for it. Cyan led the way in, ready to defend his party if needed. There was light in the cave due to torches that burned ahead of them. In a large chamber they came upon a group of men gathered around a fire.

                “Welcome strangers,” said one, “What brings you to this cave?”

                “Curiosity.” Cyan replied.

                “Well, you’re not going to find much around her, except the beast that has been terrorizing us. If some brave warriors would be willing, and able, to kill it, we’d gladly give them the treasure of the caves.”

                “We would gladly fight the beast. Please show us where it is.”

                The man nodded and led the four of them deeper into the caves. “This is as far as I’ll lead you,” the man told them, giving Cyan a torch, “Come back when you’ve vanquished the beast.” He left.

                “Gau no like this,” said the wild boy, “But Gau help.”

                “Let us go.” said Cyan, heading even deeper.

                That is when the attack happened. The beast came at them. King Sabin attack with his blitz, pummel. Relm attempted sketch, seeing that control wouldn’t work. Gau fell into a rage of some beast. Cyan used his sword techniques and invoked quadra slice.

                At first they thought they had won, but then the powerful spirit of the beast attacked them from behind. Sabin used his areo bolt blitz. Gau was still in his rage. Relm, who knew cure spells, started to heal the party, rather then attack the beast. Cyan invoked quadra slice again.

                Finally they had vanquished the powerful spirit.

                “That was fun.” said Relm, “I haven’t been in a fight for a year!”

                “Gau no like beast,” the wild boy told them, “Not like beasts outside cave.”

                “Let us return to the people in the front cave.” said Cyan.

                They returned to the people grouped around the fire.

                “We have vanquished the beast.” Cyan told them.

                “Oh, thank you,” said the man, “We’ve been bothered by that thing for quite some time. Now, we’ll give you our treasure.”

                Cyan was about to say that the treasure wasn’t necessary untill they brought it out and Relm shouted, “It’s the striker! Shadow’s been searching for that thing!”

                “You can have it.” The man gave them the weapon.

                “Thank you.” said Cyan, and they left the caves.

 

                “OK,” said Edgar, “Now that we’ve got the striker we should go to the Coliseum and find Shadow.”

                “Yeah,” shouted Relm, “I’d love to see him again!”

                The airship headed in the direction of the Coliseum. Relm was very excited. She couldn’t stop pacing around the deck of the Falcon. Edgar wondered why. He wondered why she was so excited to see Shadow again. It started him thinking once more.

 

                Landing, Sabin carried the striker. Relm was following after him with Edgar and Terra in tow.

                “Ah,” said a man standing at the entrance to the Coliseum, “Have you come to fight?”

                “Yes, actually, I have.” replied Sabin, “My companions have come to watch.”

                “What are you betting?”

                “The striker.”

                “The striker? That’s what the man in black wants to win. You’re in luck that he’s here today.”

                The man took the striker and began leading Sabin towards the arena.

                “Let’s hope it’s Shadow we’re dealing with here.” the king said to them in parting.

                “I hope you both come back from this!” shouted back Relm.

                Sabin was led in. Edgar turned to Relm. “If it is Shadow, which I’d bet good money on, what could he do to my brother?”

                “Let’s see, Shadow really wants the striker. He’d kill for it. Let’s hope muscle man wins, which he might.”

                “He’d kill for it?!”

                “Don’t worry, fenix down could bring either of them back if needed. Besides, this place wasn’t built for permi kills.”

                A  moment latter Sabin came out from the arena, wiping off his hands and grinning. “Boy am I glad I found master Duncan still alive and learned bum rush from him.” he said.

                The ninja, who looked to have just been healed (Still hard to tell, due to the black clothing and face mask) enterd in. “It seems my skills are not as good as yours.” he said to the king.

                “Shadow!” yelled Relm.

                “Relm? Good to see that you are alive. The same the rest of you.”

                “I’ve missed you Shadow. I went back to Thamasa after the airship cracked in half. Then I went to Jidoor to paint for an art collector.”

                “You were painting again?”

                “Yeah! Only this painting became haunted. Cyan, Terra, Edgar, and Sabin defeated it and brought me back to our new airship, the Falcon.”

                “The Falcon? Darill’s airship?”

                Edgar looked at him. “How did you know about the Falcon? I didn’t even know about it myself till recently.”

                “You’d be surprised at the information I gather. Relm talks a lot. She mentioned it once. I remember those things.”

                Edgar nodded, but he was not convinced. There was something odd about Shadow, that did not have to do with him being a ruthless mercenary. Relm had seemed never to have heard about the Falcon before when they got her for Jidoor. This made Edgar really suspicious as to Shadow’s identity.

 

                “Now that we’ve found Shadow,” spoke Celes, “We can go look for Locke.”

                “The letter,” Edgar said, “That we found in Gestahl’s portrait might be a clue to where he is.”

                “What about Gogo?” asked Setzer.

                “What about her?”

                “We could look for her. If she’s still alive, and there’s a good chance she is seeing that she survived and airship crash before, she’d probably be back on triangle island. She lives in a cave down there, or should I say did before she joined me on my airship.”

                “OK, let’s check triangle island.”

                “Wait, what about Locke?” protested Celes.

                “We don’t know where the five points meet to form a star. How are we suppose to find him?”

                “All right, let’s check triangle island and see if Gogo’s there. Then we have to look for Locke.”

                “Of course. I want to see him again too. He is my best friend.”

                “To triangle island then!” shouted Setzer, and he took hold of the controls.

 

                “Who’s coming with me?” asked Setzer after they had landed on triangle island.

                “I will.” said Edgar.

                “I’d like to see Gogo again.” remarked Relm, “I will come too.”

                “I’ll accompany.” said Shadow, “After all, I’m still owed money for my services. I need to protect my investment.”

                They left the Falcon. Shadow could feel Edgar scrutinizing him. He should never had mentioned that he knew of the Falcon. It brought up unwanted questions. He did not want them asking about his past. He was Shadow, man without a past.

                “Where’s this cave?” Edgar asked Setzer.

                “I don’t know.” replied the gambler, “Gogo never told me. She just told me that she lived in one.”

                Suddenly, a zone eater attacked.

 

                Shadow awoke in the semi-darkness of the cave. Relm was stirring next to him. Edgar was on his feet, looking around. Setzer was still out.

                “That thing seems to have sucked us into the cave we were looking for.” spoke the ninja.

                “It would seem that way.” replied Edgar.

                “Ugh,” moaned Relm, “I never want to be sucked into that beast ever again.”

                Edgar woke Setzer and they all got to their feet. “Which way?” asked the ex-king.

                “Down, I would think.” answered Setzer.

                Edgar nodded. The gambler’s sprint shoes carried them quickly into the next set of caves. They had to jump between bridges to get across the chasm. They stopped, though, when they got to a cave who’s ceiling was constantly rising and falling.

                “How are we suppose to get through this?” asked Edgar.

                “You’re a thief,” spoke Setzer, “You know how to be quick. This looks like a time where quickness is really needed.”

                “Follow me,” Shadow told them, “I’ll lead us through this.”

                He led them safely because there were sections that didn’t fall that they were able to duck under. After they got to the other side they walked into the next cave. Several bridges criss-crossed over a chasm. One of the paths led into another cave. It took a bunch of jumping to get there.

                Before entering the next cave Edgar remarked, “This place is great for deterring thieves who’d wander in. I should know.”

                So should I, thought Shadow.

                They enterd in. Gogo, or someone dressed in the same type of all-concealing colorful robes, sat on a rock chair that rested on a raised platform. The mimic rose when they approached.

                “I knew you’d come seek me out eventually.” the mimic said to them.

                “Gogo?” asked Setzer.

                “Hello Sets, how are you doing?”

                He laughed. “I’m fine. I knew you’d survive a second airship crash.”

                “Yes, and this time I still have all my experiences since the Falcon crash.”

                “Speaking of the Falcon, that’s what we came here in.”

                The mimic blinked. “The Falcon? You told me you fixed it and put it in ...”

                “We retrieved it. We do, after all, need it to go up against Gestahl.”

                “Sounds like fun. When do we leave?”

                “Right now.”

                “Good.”

                They went out the way they came, carefully avoiding getting crushed by the falling ceiling, and back to the stone steps they had awoke on.

                “This way.” said Gogo, leading them out.

                Once above ground they headed for the airship.

                “The Falcon.” breathed Gogo, once resting her eyes on it.

                Shadow studied the mimic for a moment before heading in with Relm.

 

                “Found it!” shouted Setzer, after a while of flying, “I’ve found the five points that come together to form a star!”

                “Let’s go down then.” said Celes as they all gathered on deck. The airship hung in the air over the formation.

                “I want to split up into two groups,” said Edgar, “A group of four for me and a group of four for Celes.”

                “The three not going will stay on the airship and wait for the others.” Setzer told them.

                “So, who’s going and who’s staying?”

                “I’m going down there with you, Edgar.” Terra said to him.

                “Me too!” shouted Relm.

                “So will I.” said Shadow.

                Those three went over and stood by him.

                “Who’s coming down with me?” asked Celes.

                “I will.” said Kefka.

                “Locke is a friend,” said Setzer, “If he’s down there, I want to go find him.”

                “And I’m going with you.” Gogo told him.

                “I will watch over king Sabin and sir Gau.” Cyan told them, “I hope you all come back safely and good luck in finding sir Locke.”

                They nodded and went down.

 

                Edgar walked along inside the phoenix cave with his party. The empty treasure chests confirmed his suspicions, Locke Cole, the one-eyed treasure hunter, had been through here. The ex-king hoped he was still in the caves. It had been a month since they’d parted company. He wanted to see his friend again.

                “Edgar,” asked Terra, “Do you think, after we get Locke, all of us together will be able to defeat Gestahl?”

                “I hope so. I also hope we all live through it. I’d hate to lose my friends, or you.”

                “I feel close to you for some reason. I’d hate to lose you after I’d found you.”

                He smiled. “Really? You think that way about me? No one, other then my brother of course, has ever said that sort of thing to me. I think I feel the same way about you.”

                She put an arm around him as they walked, and he did the same to her.

 

                Relm turned to Shadow. “Isn’t that sweet?” she said of Terra and Edgar who were well ahead of them.

                The ninja, outside the two ahead’s field of vision, tousled the girl’s hair.

                Relm giggled. “I’m glad you’re back.”

                “I’m still Shadow.” He told her, soft enough not to be heard beyond the two of them.

                “Shadow doesn’t usually admit affection of any sort.”

                “Perhaps I’m slightly confused because I haven’t seen you in a year and have yet to be paid.”

                “I like it though.”

                “You’d rather I, Shadow, wasn’t around?”

                “I like you just fine Shadow. You’re cool and are a ruthless mercenary. I do miss Clyde though. He might be a drunken thief, but he’s my drunken thief.”

                The ninja nodded. “You are a sweet girl. Pray you don’t end up like me, you’d have to sacrifice your ability to be tender.”

                “Oh Shadow, I won’t become a ruthless mercenary, or a thief like Clyde and his buddies. I’m going to be a great artist. Owzer thought I was one already, that is why he had me paint for him.”

                “Too bad your paintings and sketches come to life.”

                “Not all my paintings. Inanimate objects don’t come to life.”

                “Inanimate objects don’t count.”

                “Well, I think they do.” She paused. “What are you going to do after you get paid?”

                “I’m not sure yet, but I’ll definitely leave.”

                Relm looked sad. “Will I ever see you again?”

                Shadow, in spite of himself, almost felt bad. “If I am needed, I will return. If not, random chance might still cause our paths to cross.”

                She sighed. “I wish Clyde was here.”

                Shadow stopped. He watched Relm and the others get farther away, then began to trail them. The girl’s words stuck into him. He told himself he didn’t care. He was Shadow, why should he care? But his past, the past he claimed he didn’t have, was creeping up on him. How long could he continue to be Shadow? How much longer?

 

                Celes turned down the corridors with her party. Along the way they pushed buttons to help the other party out and had buttons pushed to help them out.

                “Celes,” spoke Kefka, who stood her side, “Can I talk to you about the past?”

                “Sure Kefka. Usually you’re the one who doesn’t like to talk about it.”

                “Well, I do now.”

                “Talk away then.”

                “Do you remember the way Gestahl used to treat us? From the time I was nineteen and you were two?”

                She nodded. “He was raising us to take over the empire, seeing that he had no heirs of his own. We were treated like brother and sister, even though we weren’t related.”

                “Yes, and do you remember how I used to treat you, even though we were both magitek knights?”

                “You were insane, Kefka, and probably jealous of the fact he made me a general and you were still second in command to general Leo.”

                “I was jealous. I also treated you badly. For what it’s worth, I’m sorry.”

                “I accept your apology. I also think, since I’ve known you all my life, that you are my brother, if only in spirit.”

                He smiled slightly. “Then you wouldn’t mind if I started calling you sis?”

                She laughed. “Go right ahead. After all, I called CID granddad.”

                “Just as long as we don’t call Gestahl father.”

                They both shivered at that statement. “Not even when I was a child did I call him that.” remarked Celes.

                “I use to call him idiot behind his back.”

                They both laughed.

 

                The two parties ran into each other in front of a large rock. Each party stood on a button. The rock moved out of the way. Celes’s party went into the next cave first. When they got there Celes spotted a figure with short, dark blond, hair standing with his back to them. A black band ran around the top of his head at an angle that suggested an eye-patch. He was just shutting a chest and turning around as they approached.

                “Celes!” he exclaimed, “Kefka, Setzer, Gogo, you’re alive!”

                “We all survived the airship crash,” the general told him, “Every last one of us.”

                “Well, I’m certainly glad to hear that. I knew Edgar had survived because we parted company a month ago, but I didn’t know about the rest of you.”

                “He, Terra, Shadow, and Relm are waiting right outside.”

                “Clyde isn’t here?”

                “No one’s seen him since before the collapse of the world. We have no idea what happened to him. I wouldn’t know him if I saw him either, seeing that I only saw him that one time.”

                “That must not be too good for Relm.”

                “I don’t know her well enough to say.”

                Locke smiled. “I am so happy to see you again Celes.”

                “And I you Locke.”

                “Well, let’s not stand around here all day. I’ve got all that I’ve come for. I want to go and trash Gestahl!”

                They headed toward the exit, only to find it blocked.

 

                “Holy shit!” shrieked Relm as the red dragon came toward them. No one bothered to complain about her language, they were all too busy.

                “This must be one of the eight dragons that were realized from the serpent trench along with Doom Gaze and Phunbaba!” shouted Edgar.

                They had no choice but to engage the thing in battle. Shadow held on to the precious striker that Sabin had let him have. Relm didn’t even seem to bother with attempting control or sketch. She held fast to her memento ring relic, which protected her with her departed mother’s love, and stayed in the back row. Edgar put on his hockey mask and went wild on the dragon with his chain saw. Terra morphed and attacked with her powerful magic and her sword.

                “Attack it with ice and water,” shouted the half-esper, “That’s where it’s vulnerable!”

                Relm, who had been casting healing spells on the party, focused on her ice magic. Edgar continued with his chain saw and Shadow sliced with his striker after having used up his tack and ninja stars.

                The red dragon had fierce magic of its own. Then, when a fire ball sent Relm to the ground, Shadow felt severally enraged. He leapt at the dragon, savagely slashing it. The dragon sizzled and melted.

                “We won!” cheered Edgar.

                Shadow put away his weapon and knelt over Relm. She was still breathing. “Relm?” he said to her.

                “The girl stirred. “Uhhh. I hurt all over.”

                “Are you OK?”

                She opened her eyes and coughed. “I’m not dead.” She tried to stand, but didn’t have the strength.

                Shadow picked her up in his arms. “I’ll get you out of here, I promise.” He didn’t care about Edgar scrutinizing him any more. He ran with Relm to the exit of the phoenix cave and back up into the airship.

                “What happened?” asked Cyan, his eyes resting on Relm.

                “She was injured while fighting a red dragon.” Shadow explained, “The others are still looking for Locke. They should be here soon.”

 

                Cyan did not know what to think of Shadow any more. He’d saved Relm’s life on many occasions. That was strange from a man who claimed to care about nothing but money. True, that letter a year ago had talked of paying the ninja to protect the girl, but so far no money had been given. Why was he doing it then? The swordsman wondered. Could it be he actually cares about her no matter what he claims?

                Then the others enterd with Locke.

                “Hey everyone!” said the one-eyed treasure hunter.

                “Good to see you again sir Locke.” said Cyan in return.

                Locke looked around at the airship. “How new is this thing?”

                “Old.” Gogo told him, “It’s the Falcon, which crashed and killed the person I was many years ago. Setzer rebuilt it.”

                “OK, and where are we going in it?”

                “To stop Gestahl’s rein of terror!” shouted Setzer, getting to the controls.

                “Let me fly,” said Gogo, “For old time sake.”

                Setzer stepped back. “If you take off your mask and let me call you Darill, I’ll call it a deal.”

                She nodded. “I have to warn you, I don’t look the same as I used too.”

                “The scars from the crash, you told me.”

 

                Shadow looked up from Relm in time to see Gogo remove her face and head covering. Her long, blond, hair spilled out onto her shoulders. Daryl was beautiful, if you ignored the scar damage, which wasn’t very noticeable from his distance. She looked to be about Setzer’s age. The gambler put his arms around her in an obvious show of friendly affection.

                Shadow looked away from them, back down at Relm. The girl was asleep, recovering from her injuries.

                It’s not fair, he thought. It’s not fair that Setzer gets his best friend back, no matter how changed, and I don’t even have Interceptor any more, let alone ... Not my past. He told himself. He’s not part of Shadow’s past, even if he helped to invent him. He died before Shadow really got started.

                He starred down at Relm. At least I have her, He thought. No matter how hard I try not to love her. I don’t want to take her with me because she might get hurt, but she would make a good companion. No, I am Shadow, the lonely ninja. I travel alone. It is who I am. Still, I could watch her for a while, untill she’s all grown up. It’s the least I could do for her mother.

 

                Edgar watched Shadow for a while untill Terra surprised him by putting her arms around his waist. He smiled and turned to her. “You wanted something?”

                “You, alone if possible.”

                “Really?”

                “To bad this place has no bedrooms. Guess I’ll just have to wait till we land.”

                He held her tightly to him. “Then let’s go make it a point to land.” They walked, arms around each other, up to the flight deck where Daryl, her long hair blowing in the wind (Like Setzer’s hair), happened to be.

                “Hello you two,” she said, “What can I do for you?”

                “I think we should land.” said Edgar, “Everyone on board could benefit from some rest, especially Relm.”

                She nodded. “And I suppose you two just want to be alone together for a while, which I understand. I’ll land the Falcon.”

                She did. Everyone disembarked and plowed into the local inn. Edgar and Terra however, wanting privacy, stayed on the airship.

 

                Locke showed Celes the treasure he had collected from the phoenix cave.

                “You found a piece of Magicite!” she said, picking it up.

                “The phoenix esper.” he told her.

                “It’s too bad we can’t take it back to esper land.”

                “I know. The entrance has been lost. I hope general Leo and his troops are OK.”

                “I hope so too.” She turned the Magicite over in her hands. “We can use this.”

                “Really? How?”

                “To learn phoenix magic.”

                “Which is?”

                “The spells life one, two, and three, cure three, and fire three.”

                “That could come in very useful, especially in the up coming battle.”

                “I should keep it. I am, after all, a magitek knight. I already know magic, and would do well with learning more and casting it when the time comes.”

                He nodded, and she put the Magicite away.

 

                The next day they went back to the airship. Edgar and Terra were already there, and Sabin knew that they had been there all night. He shook his head and smiled. Just wanted to make sure she was safe? He thought. Brother, you cannot fool me with that line, even after thirteen years of separation. You haven’t even changed in this last year.

                Everyone assembled on the flight deck. Daryl stood at the controls.

                “OK, said Celes, “Now that all twelve of us are together again we should go to Gestahl’s tower and pay that maniac a visit.”

                “Yes,” agreed Cyan, “It is time for our attack.”

                “To the tower then?” asked Daryl.

                “To the tower!” ordered Celes.

                The airship flew towards their destination. That was when Doom Gaze, who had been flying around in the sky since the serpent trench lifted out of the water, attacked.

                Celes, Locke, Sabin, and Relm tumbled into battle. Celes held fast to her two swords. She started to slice at the flying thing. Locke had his thief knife, and he used it to attempt to steal, which didn’t work. Sabin used his pummel blitz while Relm focused on curing the party.

                Suddenly Doom Gaze struck all of them with doom spells. If they didn’t win soon, they’d all die. Sabin Fell back and prepared his bum rush blitz. Celes attacked with both her swords, causing some damage. Locke continued with his knife attacks. Relm stopped casting cure and focused on ice magic in order to damage the flying thing.

                Doom gaze was a powerful enemy, but the experienced party, after taking heavy damage, managed to defeat it. The four of them sagged to the ground.

 

                The four of them were healed by the time they arrived at Gestahl’s tower. Everyone gathered around the edge of the airship, looking down at the tower. Daryl had gone back to being Gogo and the ship was set on auto pilot, to remain above the tower with the three hooks, one for each party, hanging down.

                “Let us,” said Celes, “Split up into three groups the way we did last year at Vector.” She held up the twelve lot slips.

                “Sounds good,” said king Sabin, “Who ever’s name is turned over first becomes group leader, and no one may change their groups, no matter who they’re put with.”

                Celes mixed up the lots and separated them into three upside down rows. “Who ever’s name is at top, is group leader. Wish us all luck, and listen to who ever’s in charge.”

                Everyone nodded.

                She read off the groups. “Group one, leader Gogo, accompanied by Gau, Locke, and Cyan. Group two, leader Edgar, accompanied by Relm, Kefka, and Terra. Group three, I’m leading, Sabin, Setzer, and Shadow are with me.”

                Everyone go into their assigned groups and jumped down off the airship.

 

                The mimic brushed the dust off her all-concealing robes before turning to the others. “I may not be much of a leader, but seeing that my name was picked by Celes for the job, so I’ll lead.”

                “We are ready to follow you.” Cyan told her.

                “If you have confidence in me, so will I. Come with me, we must find and defeat Gestahl!”

 

                Edgar looked at his party. “We have to go find Gestahl!”

                “We’re with you,” Kefka told him, “To the bitter end if necessary.”

                “If it comes to that,” Terra said, “I can’t think of anyone else I’d rather die with than you, Edgar.”

                “Why are we talking about dying?” asked Relm, “None of us is going to die! Gestahl’s the one who’s going to die!”

                “Yeah!” shouted Edgar, “Gestahl’s going to die because we’re going to triumph over him. Let’s all believe it!”

 

                Shadow followed up the rear of Celes’s group. Sabin and Setzer were ahead of him, chatting about something that was of no interest to him. He knew Relm was elsewhere in the tower, in Edgar’s group. It was a good group for her to be in, Shadow knew Edgar would watch and take care of her. He had no need to worry about her, as if he admitted to worrying about her. He, Shadow, never would.

                “Hey,” Celes called back to the group, “I think we’re coming up on something.”

                The skull dragon was up on the platform. It looked as its name suggested, a bunch of bones, but Shadow was not fooled. The dragon was obviously very dangerous. It attacked the party.

                Sabin readied his bum rush blitz while Setzer used his slots, which could cause useful destructive power when hitting the right pictures, or just heal the party otherwise. Celes attacked with her swords when she could, or reversed status aliments that the skull dragon cast upon them. Shadow, of course, used his throwing weapons and his striker.

 

                While Celes’s group fought with the skull dragon, Edgar’s group ran right into the gold dragon. It attacked them with bolt magic.

                Edgar, as always, whipped out his chain saw and hockey mask. Relm waited in the back row to cast cure magic on the party. Kefka attacked with ice three while Terra morphed and fought with her sword.

                “How many dragons escaped from the serpent trench any way?!” shouted Edgar.

                “Eight,” replied Kefka, “along with Doom Gaze and Phunbaba.”

                “How many we already killed?”

                “One dragon, but both Doom Gaze and Phunbaba.”

                “Good!”

                They continued to fight.

 

                Gogo’s party didn’t meet with any serious opposition as they go to the room with two buttons, which needed the other two parties to activate.

                “Where are Celes and Edgar’s groups?” asked Locke, obviously worried.

                “I don’t know.” replied Gogo, “Perhaps they ran into something we didn’t.”

                “I hope they’re all right. I’d hate for all of us to have come this far and then gotten ourselves killed.”

                “So would I.”

                They waited.

 

                Celes, Shadow, Sabin, and Setzer were victorious over the skull dragon. They didn’t hang around long though. The four of them headed on quickly untill they came to the lower part of the room Gogo’s group was in.

                “Go over and press the button.” the mimic yelled down to them.

                Celes saw it and her group pressed it; But to keep it’s effects (Which were undetectable at the moment) they had to remain standing on it.

 

                Edgar’s party was also triumphant.

                “I don’t want to have to fight any more dragons,” Edgar told them, “Two of them, and Phunbaba, are quite enough for me. I want to kill Gestahl and then think of something to do with the rest of my life.”

                Terra smiled at him. “I hope there’s room enough for me in those plans.”

                He put his arm around her as the four of them continued on. “Of course there is. If you weren’t part of it, I wouldn’t need to plan.”

                When they got to the room where the other two parties waited, they saw the button before them. Taking a cue from Celes’s party, they all stood on it.

 

                The barrier before Gogo’s party opened, allowing them passage. Gogo and her crew crossed into the next room. There were three buttons there; One in the middle, one on the left, and one on the right. They headed for the button on the left. A barrier crashed down behind them before they reached it.

 

                After a while of manipulating buttons the three groups headed off to their three separate dangers. Each party encountered one of the goddess statues. Celes’s group encountered Poltergeist, Edgar’s group ran into Goddess, and Gogo’s group found themselves fighting doom.

                It was tough battles for all of them, but in the end they were triumphant and continued on to the three platforms. Once they had all gotten there they disappeared and found themselves standing, looking up at Gestahl, who seemed to be glowing. All twelve of them were together.

 

                “Welcome,” Gestahl told them, “I trust you had a rather unpleasant time in getting up here.”

                “It’s over Gestahl!” shouted Kefka.

                “Why Kefka, you are mistaken. Do you realize how easily I could destroy all of you? You are nothing to me, mere insects.” To add weight to his words he levitated both Locke and Setzer to his level, then dropped them. They survived hitting the ground, but both were winded.

                Kefka levitated himself up to the platform that Gestahl was on. “And now that you have this wonderful power, what are you going to do with it?”

                “Why, rule the world of course.” Then Gestahl grinned the way Kefka used to, “Then destroy it!”

                “You can’t do that!”

                “Oh, yes I can. I have tapped the ultimate power. Observe.” The part of the platform that Gestahl was on lifted and formed a spike. The same thing happened to Kefka’s section. The two of them stared at each other across the gap.

                “You’re more insane then I used to be!” shouted Kefka.

                “Hah! I think you’re jealous.”

                “Of a madman? Never!”

                “Hah! Tell me Kefka, what have you seen in this past year that makes you want to stay the way you are? The world’s dying! Why would anyone give up this sort of power to live in a dying world?”

                “Because I’ve found the real me out there.”

                Gestahl looked surprised. Kefka leaped down off the spike and landed on the remaining part of the platform. “I’ve found,” he continued, “What’s really important in life.”

                “Life? Hah! Life is meaningless. You said so yourself a long time ago.”

                “Wrong Gestahl! Life is never meaningless as long as there is hope!”

                “Hope? Hah! I’ll destroy it. It’s as pitiful as love!”

                “No, love is very important!”

                “Tell me Kefka, have you found love in this dying world?”

                Kefka leaped down form the platform and rejoined the others. “Yes,” he said, glancing at Celes, “I know what love is!”

                “I’ve found,” said Edgar without any prompting, “Someone to love and who loves me.”

                “I enjoy the love of family and friends, as well as the warmth of my kingdom.” Sabin told them.

                “I have my friend’s airship and her love.” said Setzer.

                “The love of my family will always live on inside me.” said Cyan.

                “I’ve found love and acceptance.” said Terra.

                “I’ve opened my heart to another after all these years.” said Locke.

                “And I’ve found love all around me.” said Celes.

                “I have my friends here.” said Gogo.

                “I’m starting to think that there is more to life than just money, which I love.” said Shadow.

                “And I have what’s left of my family, which is everyone here!” shouted Relm.

                “I wove all of you.” said Gau.

                Gestahl looked down at them, blinking. “My gods you are pathetic!” he hollered.

                “You’re the pathetic one, Gestahl!” shouted Kefka.

                “I guess you’ll just have to watch me destroy the world then.” A beam of light issued forth from him, heading out somewhere in the world.

                “Stop!” shouted Kefka, “You can’t do this!”

                “Oh yes I can, you can’t defeat me!”

                “The struggle, the most important thing in life, is all that matters. We will try!”

                “You’re all going to die!”

                All twelve of them surrounded the area where Gestahl was standing.

 

                Everyone attacked Gestahl with their strongest attacks. Although he survived, his light of judgment beam cut off. Gestahl ran away down a passageway they hadn’t seen before.

                “He’s on the run!” shouted Kefka.

                “We must go after him.” said Cyan, feeling that vengeance was at hand.

                Celes, who was the closest to the passageway, started to head in, only to be blocked by some sort of force field. “Shit!” she exclaimed, “The way’s blocked.”

                “You have time,” came a whispered voice, “We blocked it so you can choose the two who are willing to give up their lives to save the world.”

                “What are you?”

                “We are what is left of the goddess that created magic long ago. Only two of you, who will not live, will be able to stop him. The other ten must flee after the two go down, or they will die when the tower crumbles to dust.”

                Celes looked around. “Two of us must remain behind to stop him, save the world, and the other ten.”

                “Yes.”

                “Which two?”

                “They know. They know it in their hearts as we speak that they must be the ones who die to save the others, and the world. They will volunteer.”

                Kefka steeped forward. “I know.” he said.

                Cyan only felt a moment of surprise, then realized that Kefka was a logical choice.

                “You?” asked Celes.

                “I have to.” Kefka told her, “We both know that. In the past year I’ve worked to preserve life, and hope. This will insure it.”

                “I’ll miss you.”

                He smiled. Then, surprising them all, he removed his feathery hairpin, which caused his hair to fall out of its pony tail, and gave it to Celes. “Let it protect you and your family in the years ahead.”

                She took it. “I’ll think only of you as you are now, not of how I first knew you.”

                “I hope you live a long and happy life sis, because I will not be there to see it.”

                She smiled, and hugged him. Cyan felt moved by this. Kefka had become a good person, one who was willing to die for the world, and his friends.

                “Who’s number two?” asked Edgar.

                Kefka stood by the passageway, waiting. Cyan was about to volunteer when, shocking them all, Shadow stepped forward.

 

                “No!” screamed Relm, “You promised.”

                Shadow now stood next to Kefka by the passageway.

                “You promised,” she continued, “You promised me you wouldn’t stay as Shadow forever!”

                He hung his head. “I know. I’m sorry.” He reached to the back of his head and untied his mask. It fell the ground and he looked up. Everyone, except Relm (and Celes and Kefka who had only seen him once before), gasped in surprise.

                “You!” exclaimed Cyan.

                “I knew it,” said Edgar, “I just didn’t want to believe it.”

                Setzer was blinking. “So that’s where you were during that year after Gogo showed up.”

                He nodded. “I couldn’t handle being myself any more, so I became Shadow again. I stopped being Shadow a year latter because Interceptor had died. Then I went looking for you, as myself.”

                “And had him bring you back to Thamasa,” continued Relm, “just after Strago had died. You decided to take care of me.”

                “Once I was no longer Shadow, I had to come back for you. I left your mother behind a long time ago just to become Shadow. I wanted her to live in a world of piece. If I had know she had died, I ... I would have come back for you then.”

                She ran over to him, putting her arms around him, tears streaming down her face. He pulled her to his chest and smoothed down her hair.

                “I’m sorry Relm,” he told her, “but I have to do this.”

                “But why you? I need you! I’m still a child!”

                “I love you. You’re strong, you’ll survive. I did, if you ignore my drinking habits.”

                She continued to sob. He could feel the warmth of her tears seeping into his chest. Then he brought forth the striker. “Take it,” he told her, giving her the weapon, “learn to use it. You have the ability to become a ninja. You don’t have to become a mercenary, you can use the skills for the good of the world, and to better yourself.”

                “I love you.” She took the striker. “And I know now why you came back for me.”

                “I started off as a simple thief, roaming around with my best friend Baram. We stole much together. We even robed a train once and got a million GP from it. I came up with the name Shadow in order to strike fear into people’s hearts. I dressed in all black and concealed my face, and became involved in my ancestral ninja practices.

                “One day, before Shadow really got started, Baram was severely injured. We were far from any help, and I could not heal or carry him. I needed to leave fast and he was unable to walk. Before I could go he begged me to put him out of his misery. He wanted me to kill him.

                “I didn’t want to. Baram was my best friend, I couldn’t hurt him. I couldn’t let him suffer either. I took out my knife and took his life painlessly. I’ve spent the rest of my life, as Clyde anyway, wishing I hadn’t had to do that. But now, I’m glad he didn’t have to die alone. Neither will I.”

                Relm held him tight. He lifted her head up and wiped away her tears. “Do not grieve, Relm, That was my mistake. I grieved for my friend instead of celebrating his life. I know you’ve lost a lot already in your fourteen years of life, and my death will not be easy either, but please do what I ask.”

                She sniffled and parted from him, holding the striker tight. “I will. I won’t grieve and I’ll learn your skills.”

                “Like your memento ring, the striker will protect you, this one with my love. With both together you will be very strong. Stay with your friends, and celebrate life and love.”

                “It is time to go.” said the voice.

                “Good-bye Relm,” called Clyde/Shadow, “I will always love you.” He turned toward the passage.

                “Good-bye to all of you,” he heard Kefka say, “Thank you for having faith in me to be good, instead of evil.”

                The two of them left down the passageway.

 

                The ten of them got back to the airship and flew away in time to see the tower crumble to dust. A few tears trickled down Relm’s cheeks, but she wiped them away and held Shadow’s, now her, striker to her chest. Edgar held Terra in his arms as Setzer flew the ship. Celes was sitting next to Locke, fingering the feathery hairpin.

                “Well,” said Sabin, grinning at his brother, “I don’t need to ask what you and Terra will be doing. I do want to ask where you are going.”

                Edgar thought about it. “I don’t know.”

                “Why don’t you come and live in New Figaro? You’re always welcome there because you were king of old Figaro, and we could use a mechanical genius on hand.”

                Edgar smiled and looked at Terra. “What do you want to do?”

                “Well,” she said, “I want to check on the children I left in the village, but I’d like to go back to New Figaro.”

                Sabin looked at Relm. “What about you, where do you want to go?”

                She looked up at the muscle-bound king. “I don’t know yet, I’d have to think about it.”

                Setzer let Gogo take over flying the airship and walked over to Celes and Locke. “Where did you two want to go?”

                “Well,” said Locke, “I’ve traveled around with Edgar and you a lot. Maybe I’ll hang out for a time in New Figaro.”

                “With me.” added Celes. They smiled at each other.

                Cyan went over to Relm. “I am sorry for your loss, child.”

                She looked up at him. “Thank you. I want to do what he asked of me. A year ago I wasn’t entirely sure why he’d come back to Thamasa for me, but I know now.”

                “Why don’t you tell us,” spoke Edgar, “What happened when Clyde came for you three years ago.”

                “OK.”

                She told the story.

 

                Strago had died a few days before the airship landed on crescent island. Two men, one blond and one with white hair, enterd the village of Thamasa. I was still morning my loss and sat on a rock wall, watching the two men enter town. I remembered that the last time we’d had foreigners on our lands had been six months ago, when Shadow had come with his dog Interceptor. The blond man, who’s hair was considerably shorter than his companions, spotted me from afar.

                I didn’t recall ever seeing him before, but he did seem familiar to me as he came over, leaving his companion far away.

                “Relm?” he said.

                I looked up at him. “That’s right. Who are you, and how do you know my name?”

                “My name’s Clyde, but you probably remember me dressed all in black, with my face covered, and having a dog.”

                My eyes went wide. “Shadow?”

                He nodded. “Only, never call me Shadow unless I’m dressed all in black with my face covered. No one else knows who lies behind the mask, and I don’t think they’d like to find out. Not even my friend Setzer over there knows that I’m the ninja. As Clyde, I’m just a thief.”

                “You’re a thief?”

                He smiled. “Yes, a thief who knew your mother a long time ago.”

                “You came to Thamasa before six months ago?”

                “Before you were born. You’re mother helped me out, I was going through a rough time. I wasn’t Shadow back then.”

                “Where’s Interceptor?”

                He sighed. “He ... he died two months ago, that’s why I went back to being Clyde and rejoined my friend Setzer. That is also why I asked him to fly me back here.”

                “That’s sad. I liked the dog.”

                “I know you did.” He looked around. “By the way, just in case I go back to being Shadow again, which I doubt there will be a need, please try to think of us as two different people and act as such.”

                I nodded. “Does this mean I’m going to see a lot more of you?”

                “I heard your adopted grandfather died a few days ago. If you’d like, I want to take you to the airship to live with me and my friends. I owe your mother that.”

                I smiled. “I get to travel and leave the pain behind? Sure, why not!” I jumped down from the rock wall.

                “You’re eleven now, right?”

                “Yes. You’d had to have know my mother to know that.”

                “Yes.” He smiled to himself and held my hand, “I know.”

                And together we went into the airship

 

                “That was a nice story Relm,” said Edgar, and arm still around Terra.

                “Thank you.” She seemed to be smiling at the memory. “I was very sad that day untill he came. When he took me away from Thamasa on Setzer’s airship I got to see the world. I’m still not sure where I want to go now.”

                “Why don’t you come back to New Figaro, that’s where most of us are headed.”

                “I think all of us right now.” said Setzer

                “No one wants to go elsewhere?”

                “After a short trip to the village of orphans for Terra, we’ll go to New Figaro.”

                “Then what?”

                “We celebrate.” said Sabin, putting a hand on his twin’s shoulder.

                Edgar smiled. “I can’t wait.”

                The airship flew on, across the healing land, and toward the setting sun.

 

 

 

 

THE END