All formatting here fixed now, I think. Let me know if you catch any more problems. I don't like using bold, but I've really tried everything, and I can't seem to use the brackets. Oh well. I guess it works. If I ever find a way to make it work the way I want it, I'll change it.

Allergies and a Harp

by Maelstra

3 - Defeating the Past

Kain jumped up, high in the air, using his training as a dragoon. With all his strength, he crashed down atop his mirror duplicate, cutting deep with his lance. Kain stepped back, breathing hard, and readied himself for another attack. I don't understand any of this. What am I supposed to do? After merely touching the tablet, Kain found himself teleported to this mirrored chamber. By impulse, Kain had walked right up to the mirror and touched that, too. To his surprise, his reflection then stepped right out of the mirror, and began to attack him! Unlike Kain, this reflection still wore the full armor of a dragon knight, with its face hidden underneath the helmet. The whole duration of the fight this dark Kain had not spoken a word.

Just then, the mirror-Kain jumped into the air. Kain jumped as well, trying to get above it, but the mirror-Kain hit him midair, knocking him down prematurely. Then the mirror-Kain copied the attack that Kain had just performed himself, falling from the sky to strike Kain full-force with his dark lance. Kain cried out involuntarily as the mirror-Kain's attack did twice the damage Kain himself was able to inflict.

Once the mirror-Kain retreated back several paces, Kain shakily stood. He lunged forward and struck the mirror-Kain with all the strength he could muster. The mirror-Kain took the attack, apparently unfazed, then again returned the same attack, but once again with twice the force. Kain slid several feet across the floor, then slowly, pushed himself up to his knees. He quickly searched his bag, and came up with a healing potion, which he quickly gulped down. I used up too many of my supplies on the way up. This one potion isn't strong enough to do much good.

Then, the mirror-Kain again leapt into the air.

It's so fast! Kain tried to stand, to strike the mirror-Kain as it landed, but he was too slow, and it scored another dire hit with its lance.

Kain fell over backwards, his vision going blurry, then completely dark. I guess . . . I wasn't cut out to be . . . a paladin . . . No! He blinked, trying to clear his eyes. After a moment, he could barely make out the chamber's ceiling. I can't give up! I won't lose like this! I've got to survive . . . so I can make things up to Cecil and Rosa . . . and the others . . .

Slowly, but determinedly, he rolled over onto his right side, then weakly pushed himself into sitting position. He glared at the mirror-Kain. "What is the trick of this battle, anyway!" If only I'd asked Cecil more about it before I left . . .

As with the previous times Kain had demanded an explanation, his dark duplicate remained silent.

Kain a voice echoed in Kain's mind.

"What?" Kain looked around, trying to see if anyone besides the mirror-Kain was hiding within the chamber. The motion made his head throb and his vision blur again. Regardless, he could see no other persons within the hall. "Great, now I'm hearing voices."

Kain, I'm sorry to have caused you such pain.

Kain gasped. I know that voice! That's . . . Golbez! What's Golbez doing in my head?

The spell I cast on you created a connection between our minds. Even now, the connection has not completely faded.

Well, that's just great, Kain thought at Golbez. So, now what do you want with me?

The battle that you fight is not one that you can win . . .

What!

. . .at least, not with physical weapons. The battle of Mount Ordeals takes place primarily in the mind, and in the heart.

"The mind . . . and the heart." Kain looked again at the mirror-Kain. "So, are you some manifestation of the darkness in my heart? Or, maybe, my dark past?"

It did not respond, or even move, and merely continued gazing back at Kain.

"I want to give up my dark past." But, how do I do it? Just thinking it doesn't seem to be enough!

Your heart is indeed sufficient to win this fight. But your mind . . . may not be strong enough. If so, that would be my fault. Golbez's voice paused a moment. Stand now, Kain, and face your dark self. Let your heart be strong enough to gain your desire.

Kain let out a loud sigh, not certain he wanted any more of Golbez's "help." Regardless, it seemed like the right thing to do, so he struggled to his feet, using his lance to prop himself up. His vision swum in blackness again as he straightened, but once it cleared, he slowly limped toward the mirror-Kain.

He looked into the visor, trying to make out the other's eyes. It seemed also to be looking straight at him. Slowly, deliberately, it raised its dark lance until it was exactly level with Kain's chest. Tense, but exhausted, Kain waited for the other to make the first move. The mirror-Kain also appeared to be waiting for an action on the other's part. Moments passed. At last, the mirror-Kain lowered its spear, and nodded once at Kain. With no explanation, it vanished before Kain's eyes.

Well done. Your heart truly is strong – strong enough to overcome the weakness of your mind.

Weakness . . . of my mind? With the threat removed, Kain's adrenaline was quickly running out. He dropped to his knees, breathing hard. Without meaning to, he released his grip on his lance, and it rolled away from him.

The first time I exerted my control over you, I easily caught you off-guard. Once my control broke, however, you immediately raised your defenses, determined not to let me control you again.

Yeah . . . I remember . . . Kain now lay on his left side, too weak to hardly care what Golbez was saying.

When I took control of your mind the second time, it was different. You resisted me with all your strength and will, but I was more powerful, so I won. In so doing, however, I . . . broke the main defenses of your mind. Your mind is now left vulnerable to any attack.

Kain closed his eyes, still trying to listen to Golbez, albeit detachedly. What attacks do you mean?

Any creature with the requisite magic can now control your mind.

What! Kain opened his eyes again, briefly, before again surrendering to his exhaustion. Is there anything I can do? Will I betray my friends again?

The only thing that can restore the strength of your mind is the legendary Harp of Self-Control. If you can play the Song of Strength on this harp, it's power should be sufficient to heal your mind.

Harp . . . right . . . gotta get self-control harp and play the strength song . . . I wonder if Edward knows . . . Kain's thoughts trailed off to silence.

Kain? Kain!

Kain snored quietly.

Golbez sighed. I will send you what power I can. After that, you are on your own. I'm sorry, Kain. I wish I could do more. Farewell.