The Laughing Devil
Terra Branford sat down gingerly, her wooden chair creaking loudly in protest. Opposite of her was a withered old woman; cradled in her arms as though it were her only child was a large leather-bound tome, the ancient book was worn and the binding was broken in several places, but nevertheless, this was the object Terra's desire. This old book was one of many in the vast library that she now sat in, yet, it was probably the most valuable; perhaps more valuable than the rest of the library put together… it was the only one of its kind in the entire world, and it was sitting not three feet in front of her.
The old librarian shifted, "I have spent my entire life tending these books." She rasped dryly, "They're my whole life, and of all of them this is my most prized." Terra stiffened as the old woman fixed her with a glare, "I considered calling you here for some time Ms. Branford, you see, parting with this knowledge is no easy task… Do you understand? I am giving you my greatest treasure; I am doing this because, as our hero, I feel that it rightfully belongs to you. Do you accept?"
Mutely Terra nodded, and with a slight hesitation the crone passed her the tome.
The reverently ran her fingers over the cover; the thick volume was almost falling apart but there was still something decidedly foreboding about it, something malevolent and unwholesome, and strangely sad too… Taking a deep breath the blond turned to the first page.
THE LAUGHING DEVIL
AUTHER UNKNOWN
Terra's fingers were shaking as she began to read. The text was faded and almost illegible in some areas.
I do not know if this tale will survive the ages… but nonetheless I shall record it. I am a seer, a half-human, half-esper with a unique power: The ability to see the future.
My power has shown me much; I know that there will soon be a war between humans and espers, I know that the latter of the two shall seal themselves away in a pocket world… and I know that many, many years later a monster will appear; one that laughs as though the world was nothing but a joke. I know that this demon will bring the world to its knees, and I know that there are those who will rise and stand against him.
Shadow, Relm, Celes, Edgar, Locke and others besides, but I leave this chronicle one like me… to you Terra. Yes Terra Branford, I know about you too, your future is perhaps the most interesting of all… Should this message reach you, know that I am forbidden to alter the future in any way. But I can tell you what I saw: Your enemy, the man who dances madly.
Terra Branford, you and your friends have born witness to the terror of an apocalypse, brought about by one man. Now if he lies slain and you are reading this, the tale of how Kefka became so terrible and bloodthirsty shall finally be revealed…