Hello! Chapter 7 is up! I've been working on maintenece as far as this story goes ESPECIALLY around scene shifts so let me know if there's more problems. That said ENJOY!

Moments Reprieve

Terra knew she had to get up, she just didn't want to. She knew that Duane or Katarin would be making breakfast right now, but it didn't matter. For now, nothing mattered except the peace that she had felt upon waking. Instead of getting out of bed, and going about her day Terra lay still and let her mind drift. Her thoughts were varied; however they mostly turned toward the recent events in her life, specifically last night's dream.

"The reason for my content, Duane was right." She thought with a smile.

Last night's dream had been about arms training under Leo, not Kefka. And although Leo was a difficult trainer, compared to Kefka's insanity, Leo was as gentle as a kitten. "Besides, bruises in dreams don't show in the real world."

There was only one flaw in her peace, and unfortunately it was a profound one: The esper was in the dream. The more Terra thought about it the more her discontent grew. It didn't even do anything! The esper hadn't done anything but stand in the background of her dream and watch Leo tutor her whacking her, and any other recruit who did his exercises wrong, over the head.

Terra sighed, "So much for peace." She thought, getting up and heading for her dresser.

After she dressed, donning a green skirt and top to match, Terra stepped up to her window to admire herself. "Not too bad… I look good in green."

Terra turned to the door, opening it to find Edgar standing in the hall, about to knock. For a moment they just stood there, each watching the other, then Edgar treated her to his trademark grin.

"Good morning, my lady." He said appraising her. "You look nice, green's a good color for you."

Terra noted that he had forsaken his usual royal tunic in favor of a white t-shirt, red vest, and black pants. Drawing her hair into a ponytail she said, "You don't look too bad either. What's the occasion?" At his raised eyebrow she smirked, "You don't dress casually too often, it's usually only royal clothes.

Edgar let out a low laugh, "True enough, alright, the answer's simple: I'm not due back at Figaro for another week, and I had a good feeling about today. It seems I was right."

Terra blinked. "What do you mean?"

"You," He said, "You're more relaxed today than before. I'm guessing you didn't dream last night?"

She shrugged. "I did dream, but it was all Leo, no Kefka. The esper was there, but it just watched. I don't think it was part of the actual memory."

"So, esper aside, it was a good night's sleep?"

Terra stretched upward, feeling a considerable weight lift from her shoulders. "Yeah, it was a really good night."

"I'm glad." He said, offering his arm, "Breakfast will be ready soon. Shall we, my lady?"

She slid her arm into the crook of his elbow. "Lead the way."

"That feels good…" Terra thought as the water swirled around her ankles. Noon today was hot, very hot, and to combat the heat Terra had suggested that they go to the ocean. Edgar had agreed but the children had wanted to stay inside, where it was cool, since Duane and Katarin had to watch them that left her and Edgar alone on the northern beach. "Which is fine with me."

Edgar stood a few feet in front of her, his pants legs rolled up to his knees, letting the water wash over his calves. "He's been so considerate these past few weeks." Terra brought one hand to her chest as she felt her heart grow warm. "I wonder if…" Terra knew that she had some affection for Edgar, but ever since she had told him about her dreams that affection had begun to grow. It had turned to outright yearning for his presence. When he was there, she felt safer, calmer, and altogether happier than when he wasn't. Terra thought back to when he had met her at the door that morning, how he had seemed happy and relaxed. If he could be that happy, every day, then Terra knew, she would be happy. "Maybe this is what Leo meant…"

Edgar's voice brought her out of her thoughts. "You know something?" He said, washing his neck. "It's warm out."

Terra smiled as an idea sparked in her mind. With a mischievous smile she took two quick steps toward him, placing her hands on his shoulders. "Then take a drink, cool off." She said pushing him hard. Terra shielded herself as a very satisfying splash doused her with water. "Gotcha!" As Edgar rolled over she couldn't help but laugh at his dumbstruck expression.

Terra stopped once she noticed that he wasn't smiling. "Think you're pretty smart, huh?"

Terra reached out a hand to help him up, "Yeah, but sorry anyway." Edgar grasped her hand, smiled and pulled. "Stupid!" She thought as she went down with a splash.

Edgar had a smug grin on his face when she recovered. "How about now?" He asked

Terra splashed water at him. "Oh, shut up." Edgar took the water with a smile, before dousing her once again.

"Care to make me?" He challenged, grinning.

Edgar pointed at a cloud, "That one looks like a mouse."

Terra, laying next to him on the bank drying, could clearly see where he was pointing. Two round 'ears' and one round 'nose'. "Yup, I see it." She said scanning the sky, a shape dimly reminiscent of a giant chicken floated past… "That one looks like a chocobo."

Edgar nodded. "Yeah…" He said, pointing, "Right there?"

"Uh-huh." She smiled, closing her eyes.

Edgar turned his head to admire her features. Eyes hidden beneath their lids, soft pink lips pulled up in a content smile, all framed by gentle blond locks pulled into a ponytail. "She really is beautiful, and for once, completely at ease… There's no monster attacking the kids, or crazed madman about to fry a town… She doesn't have a care in the world." Edgar continued to watch her, feeling his heart grow warm. "If I could have one wish, I'd want every day to be this peaceful for her."

The voice in his head chose that moment to rise up: "You love her." Was all it said. Edgar didn't bother arguing with it. Whether he did or didn't love her, she was happy, and that was what mattered.

Terra stepped into darkness the esper right behind her, its black fur nearly invisible against the swirling darkness. It had watched her spar with Leos other recruits and had now followed her inside, which gave way to this swirling darkness.

"You're happy." It said curtly.

Terra reluctantly turned to face it. "Yes, I am. Do you have a problem with that?"

The esper smiled sweetly, (although to Terra it looked like the thing was hungry and she was a piece of meat) "Just remember… Kefka was the one to put the slave crown on you, not Leo."

"That thing knows just what to say to derail me."She thought as the dream began to fade.

"Enjoy it, Terra…"

Okay chapter 7... what did you think? For those that want more pain and hurt Don't worry... For those that don't Enjoy! Consider this a warning...