Chapter 1: Alone
The hustle and bustle of Narshe was a relatively normal scene. Man had evolved, and this meant much more efficient use of fossil fuels such as petroleum for heat, electricity and transportation. The mines weren't used anymore, there was no need for coal. In with the new, out with the old. It was like magic never existed., well, almost. There were still those who remembered. One of them could be seen hanging around the local tavern, with his cowl kept close, and a cigarette hanging out of his mouth. He nursed his drink, and always seemed to be in the same spot all day, every day. This was a different day, though. As the bartender poured another drink, the pub's door flew open. Two men of almost the exact same mold walked in. The only difference was that one of them looked rock solid, like a train could hit him and he'd just laugh. The other held a certain nobility, a certain air to himself. The two walked over to the bar, and sat on stools next to the dark character.
"Barkeep, drinks for my brother and I please," the big man started, "and make mine stronger, he's a bit of a pantywaist." he added so that his brother couldn't hear him. The bartender smiled, and started pouring the drinks. The two toasted and drank. They slammed their glasses down and turned to the dark character.
"How have you been Locke?" the noble one asked. The only response he got was a cloud of smoke from the man's cigarette. He sighed and turned to his brother. The big man's eyes seemed to melt out of their sockets. Locke had been their friend. It was time to show that they still cared for him.
"Locke, look at yourself. You're a shell of your former life. Remember when you'd go out and...ahem...'treasure hunt'? Are those days so long past? Are you ready to live your life out in a dank, smelly pub?" the giant asked.
"Hey!" the bartender cried. The smaller brother motioned that they were just being joking about the dank, smelly part, and that it was truly the greatest pub they've ever been to. The barkeep grimaced, and continued to wipe down the bar. Locke, however, did not show any signs of any emotion. The smoke from the cigarette came and went. The drink stayed on the counter, and locked showed no signs of movement.
"Locke, Celes and Terra have been dead for 3 years. We've all grieved for the loss of such great people, but we all have to..." the smaller one started, but the sentence was cut short for the flash of a short sword flared. Locke dove in to the man, pinning him on the floor, with the blade a short distance from his throat. Everyone in the bar stopped what they were doing to watch the scene unfold. Locke's cowl had come down to expose his full face for the first time in years, and the only thing people could see on his face was anger, hurt, and sorrow. This would have continued, had a certain strong man not have picked Locke up and slammed him in to the opposite wall. He continued to hold him there as he started to speak.
"We all have to face our own demons. Cyan lost his family. His family, Locke. While the hurt is still there, he faces each day anew. He realizes that he can't let the memory of his family kill him as well. It's time for you to do the same. We all hurt from Celes' and Terra's deaths, but we all had to assume that it would happen. The destruction of magic meant that those born, or possibly infused with it would have some kind of results. I'm not telling you to forget them. I'm telling you to live your life on as testament to the fact." the big man concluded. In the mean time, the other gentleman had risen off the ground and brushed himself off. He went over to the wall and stared at Locke.
"We have a mission for you, Locke. I know, you may not do these things anymore, but it's there if you want it. I've discovered a new brand of power. A renewable resource, if you will. There's many things missing before we can actually set it up. This is where you come in. You'd be paid, and housed. What do you say Locke? For friendship?" the man asked, and ended with a gentle smile. Locke looked to both the brothers. Finally, he answered.
"Sabin, Edgar, I'd love to. I've been so alone. It's been so hard..." Locke began.
"We know, Locke. That's why we're here." Edgar finished.
"Thanks guys, when do we leave?" Locke asked.
"Now" Sabin snorted.
"Now?" Locked asked in disbelief. Sabin released Locke, and both started to walk towards the pub's entrance. "Alright, now I guess" Locke said, as he hurried towards the door with his friends.