Neo Dissidia: A New World, A New War

Chapter 9: Fleeting Peace


It seems like the end of the first arc is approaching upon us... peacetime is nearing its end for our heroes, and Chaos and his hoes are out for vengence (most of them). That won't be pretty...

Oh, and if you check both of our profiles, you'll notice that The Unknowing Herald and I have plans for something. We're both Terra fans (we can't quite agree who to ship her with, but blood hasn't been spilt) and have a sort of zeal in our writing, so it was only a matter of time... I have work to do before we get there, so now more than ever your support be appreciated!

Now Enjoy!


I quietly followed Lord Kefka down the cold metal hallways to the training room.

Lord Kefka had a large grin on his face- that's when I knew something bad was going to happen. According to Doctor Cid, he wasn't always a scary man, but a normal one. Apparently, he was the first person to get a Magitek infusion, but it went all funny. Celes was the second to get one, but she didn't go funny and was my best friend until I was put with Lord Kefka…

I miss her so much…

"Well, well, well." Lord Kefka said happily, "Today is the day you truly become the ultimate weapon of our empire! I hope you're ready to prove yourself…"

I gulped. I didn't like where this was going. From what I understand, a weapon is something used to fight with like a sword or a dagger… Am I supposed to become a sword? He's probably taking about my powers…

We finally entered the room, but instead of there being a pit in the middle filled with monsters for me to fight, there was an armored man… he seemed to shaking in fear at me. Why? What is going on here?

Lord Kefka impatiently tapped his feet as I stood there looking in confusion. Finally he was fed up by my inaction and shook me around, "Well, what are you WAITING FOR?! A sign? KILL HIM!"

Kill him… I gasped in realization, "I have to kill this person?"

Lord Kefka glared at me, "Of course you do! Now…" He handed me a sword, "Get to it! Fry him- or stab him! Whichever works! JUST do it!"

He pointed up to the balcony, "You don't want to disappoint our emperor, do you?"

I looked up and, indeed, I saw Emperor Gestahl in his normal black and red robes, waiting with a proud smile on his face. He always seemed to treat me with some kindness when I've met with him before, but there was something… off about it. There was something missing in it that I once found in General Leo and Celes's when I used to see those 5 years ago…

I hesitantly approached the solider, unsure about hurting him. I've only fought monsters in the past, but he isn't a monster? How am I supposed to do this?

Apparently, Lord Kefka must have signaled him to attack me because right as was thinking about that, he came rushing at me with his sword, trying to hurt me. He looked angry and scared at the same time…

I blocked the move with hesitation, and countered with a low powered Fire blast- enough to knock him off his feet, but it wouldn't make him die.

I muttered an apology to the incapacitated man and walked off. He just looked at me hatefully, "Come back here, you monstrous she-beast!"

I turned back- monster? I've heard Lord Kefka call me that before, but this was the first time I've heard anyone else call me that, "Why did you call me a monster?"

The soldier coughed, and then told me, "Little girls can't use magic! Lieutenant Celes only can because of an infusion! You're just a purple-eyed monster disguised as a girl…!"

I'm not just special like Celes? I was told I was a special case, but could I really just be a beast? Is that what that power really is inside me?

I shook my head, "No… I'm not monster- and you can't fight anymore- this fight's over…" I said as calmly as I could, but my voice cracked just a bit as I considered what he said. He passed out unconscious soon afterwards.

"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?! KILL HIM!" Lord Kefka shouted, not happy that I didn't really kill him the man. He came rushing towards me and hit me off my feet, and kept doing that until I gave him an answer… but not the one he wanted.

"N-n-no! I-I won't do it! I'm n-not a monster!" I cried out in tears, not entirely believing what I was saying anymore. I wasn't sure if I was a monster, but all just made too much sense for me not to be human either- why I was treated that way, why I couldn't see Celes or General Leo anymore…

It really came to me when I saw the Emperor and noticed that his usual smile was gone, replaced by a fierce frown. Now I knew both he AND Lord Kefka were using me like this. This just made me cry harder… but I wasn't going to change my mind- if people like Celes were out there beyond this palace, then I shouldn't just start killing everything like they wanted. I would never do that no matter what they say…

Lord Kefka was really mad now, but before he went and vented his rage on me, he calmed down, "Fine…" He turned to the soldier, "Then I'll just have to demonstrate…."

He then cast a Fira (something I haven't learned yet) from his hand and slowly roasted the man right in front of me, the crackle of the flames drowned out his screams but not Lord Kefka's laughter…


Terra woke up with a start once again in a cold sweat. As she calmed down, she reflected on this recent nightmare- no- memory, 'Something's wrong… these memories had stopped returning a year ago, yet now not only are they coming back, but they've been almost all horrible ones…'

The former Half-Esper realized that this must have been when the decision to have the Slave Crown used on her was made. In a way… she was almost relieved that the reason was because she was too gentle. One of her biggest fears was that she had become twisted and hateful and tried killing the Emperor in a fit of rage- succeeding in making her a monster similar to Kefka, and since Celes never saw her for years until they reunited at Narshe… so this was a relief of sorts as well as a horrid nightmare.

Once again up early, Terra went through the motions and went downstairs, finding Relm talking with two unexpected, but much loved guests…

"Locke! Celes!" The adoptive mother of ten raced down to greet them, giving her two best friends a big hug (they were the only people she was comfortable doing so outside of her kids).

Locke Cole was a tall, strapping man of 29 years of age with pale brown hair and dark brown eyes. He wore a multicolored bandana- mostly dark blue with a predominately yellow stripe on the bottom. He wore black pants and white boots, as well as blue-lined black short-sleeved vest over a white shirt.

Celes Chere was an also tall woman only an inch shorter than Locke of 22 years of age (she was over half a year older than Terra, whose 22nd birthday had yet to pass) with long blonde hair of a less pale hue than her formerly Half-Esper foil decorated with a beaded band near the top, skin as white as the ice she once wielded, and blue eyes. She wore yellow pants and boots similar to Locke's as well as a yellow vest over a navy-blue shirt with green sleeves- both with colorful pink lining. A pink belt with the sheath to her sword hung on her waist; her assemble finished with gold shoulder pads upon with a white cloak was attached.

Celes was a bit taken back by her sudden display of affection since she hadn't seen her in a while and forgot that the (technically still) Half-Esper was more likely to be a hugger than she was, but did return it with a smile, "Good to see you too, Terra."

Locke was more relaxed about it and didn't have much of a problem. The three separated, "We were hoping we could surprise you before you got up, but that didn't seem to happen." The Treasure Hunter (*cough* thief *cough*) explained nonchalantly.

Terra smiled, though the pain in her eyes from minutes before was still there, "Sorry about ruining that… but it's great we managed to meet up again!"

The former General noticed something in her friend's eyes, but stayed silent about and only mouthed, "We'll talk later" to her.

Terra nodded in response, unnoticed by Locke and Relm, who were continuing a conversation they were having earlier before she came down. The Half-Esper was about to start preparing the ingredients for the breakfast she had planned for later, but then her lavender-blue purple eyes widened as she remembered-

"Wait…" She turned back to Locke and Celes, "Didn't you say in your last letter that you two were in Narshe helping to rebuild while there weren't any performances for Celes in the Opera House at Jidoor? I recall even writing back to see if I could meet up with you for a break now that things have stabilized here for now."

The Adventurer and the ex-General gave each other a hesitant look before Locke began, "That's the problem here… just yesterday we had just left Figaro… then there was a cover of mist fell upon us as we traveled north, and…"

"We just arrived here an hour ago on a completely different part of this torn globe." Celes finished, looking Terra directly in the eye with a stone serious expression, "I can feel it too, though not as strongly as you… there's some other source of magic out now, isn't there?"

The Half-Esper stayed silent.

"Ter-"

"I'm sorry, but can we please maybe continue this after breakfast?" Terra interrupted, not looking them in the eye as she got the bowls and utensils out.

Locke raised his hand in objection, but Celes held it down. She shook her head in negative, prompting the Treasure Hunter to sigh. They both knew how Terra wasn't fond of discussing… certain details regarding her past, but they hoped that at least she'd talk just a little about the subject at hand before brushing them off (well, brushing off as far as she went).

After that, they silently moved to help their friend out- It seemed any questions regarding magic would have to wait until this was done…


The Warriors of Light ran out of the way as their airship came sliding into the ground- still able to take flight, but telling of the condition of its pilot. The shockwave sent by the crash knocked them all off their feet and made the nearby Outpost shake.

When the dust settled, the Warrior, Gill, and Walz were the first to get onto their feet as the less physically adept Mages took a bit longer. The Red Mage was the first to reach Sauber's side, supporting the battered and bloodied thief's left side after he forced himself to slide down the emergency exit rope.

The Warrior and the Monk soon joined her and the prince, Walz helping support his right and guided him over to Floe for healing. The healer prepared a more comfortable 'bed' for the rouge using her and Zok's robes (but not Gill's cloak as she had a feeling the Red Mage may still need it) and had him rested on it and began closely attending to his wounds, focusing her Curative magic to the task.

Floe grimaced at the extent of her friend's wounds: his left arm and right leg were broken, his ribs slightly crushed, but at least he didn't' wait- nope, he had a concussion too. 'What a lovely mess I have to work with…' she thought dryly to herself; not fond of the nasty healing process to occur… it was almost as bad emotionally to heal a wound than to cause one due to the grim attention to detail involved.

Sauber groaned in pain as the magic did its work, the feeling of bones and tissues mending only half-dulled. Gill tried using her own White Magic to help dull the pain only for the Thief to grunt in protest. He forced himself to speak after Floe had healed him just enough, "A-a-astos… he-"

"Don't force yourself to speak," The Red Mage lectured, "Just let her finish- you're in no condition to do anything right now-"

"ASTOS AND GARLAND!" The Elf prince broke through, having to cough up blood to do it.

The other Warriors of Light froze. The Warrior himself crouched down and tried to force the answer out of him, a crazed panic in his eyes, "What did they say?!" he shook him roughly (reopening some wounds), "WHAT-?!"

"NO!" Walz held him back, the Warrior's other comrades glared at their leader, appalled by his ruthless actions.

"Get a hold of yourself, TIN MAN!" Zok yelled at him, walking up just to punch him in the face, "What the hell is your problem! I'm the one that does things like that!"

The Warrior seemed to regain his senses after he realized the ZOK of all people was chiding him. He took a few deep breathes, and said with true regret in his eyes, "I…" He sighed loudly, "I truly am sorry for the way I acted… it was deplorable."

"No shit." The Black Mage deadpanned.

Gill was still glaring at him, untrusting of the knight's words.

Walz had let go of him at this point as he calmly went up to the thief companion, "Sauber… forgive me, I lost my-"

"Th-th-th-ey killed everyone! They're coming!" The rogue cried out over his apology, "C-c-rescent! It's next…!"

The Warriors of Light all shared a glance (even the incapacitated Sauber).

"All right- Gill! Zok! The three of us will take the airship and try to beat them there." He issued out the orders as he began climbing his way up the rope, the Black Mage immediately following him up.

Gill was still wary of the Warrior after what he tried to do. Walz was about to go with them before she held him back, "Walz… no."

"But-"The mage looked into his brown eyes with her green ones, cutting him off.

"I can see it in your eyes- you are not happy with him either." The Red Mage calmly elaborated for him, "But it won't do Sauber or Floe good if you go with us. Stay here and guard them with your life. I'll keep an eye on him…"

Walz looked down, fists clenched, but reluctantly nodded in agreement, "Why would he try to hurt Sauber like that… that's Zok's territory…." He questioned sadly.

Gill sighed, "I don't know… it isn't like him to act so rashly… he's hiding something."

"You're going to find it, right?" The two turned around and saw Floe's softer teal eyes bear up upon them pleadingly; still healing Sauber… the Warrior's shaking him reopened some wounds that she had to go about fixing again.

The wisest of the six heroes nodded, a gentle smile on her face, "Even if I have to tear it out of him."

The White Mage smiled sadly and returned her full focus to healing Sauber; Walz going up to protect her until-

"WAIT!" Zok jumped down from the airship, going down over to Floe. He glared at the Monk and the Red Mage, "I'LL take care of her! You don't even have any ethers on you!"

Gill rolled her eyes, knowing that was far from the real reason he had literally jumped ship for the task, "Very well… your robe was being used as a bed for Sauber anyway…."

The Black Mage's eyes widened as he saw his signature blue robes bathed the thief's blood. He let out an angry groan and turned to flip the Red Mage off before heading towards the other two.

Gill shook her head and braced herself as the airship raised itself out of the ground and a little farther away so that the pull-out stairs could be released. After that was over, she climbed up and joined the two companions waiting for her…


Author's Note: This segment is what's taken me the longest time since I'm not used to writing stuff like this… but I'll have to do so eventually anyway, so I chose to keep going with it. Tell me what you think here.

As promised way back in Chapter 5, Squall had indeed taken Rinoa on a date after he finished his paperwork.

They had booked a reservation (on Squall's own paycheck- mind you, not Garden funds) at the Galbadian Grand Hotel, where the two would get to relax for a couple days as the SeeD Commander took a few vacation days off.

Squall walked Rinoa into the grand lounge, where his father once watched her mother play on the piano back before the two were separated and fell in love with Raine Leonhart and General Fury Caraway respectively.

Rinoa whistled in admiration for its class, "Wow… this is a beautiful place… to think mom used to play here…"

"To think my dad stared at her here." Squall countered, making them both shudder at the thought... It was a disturbing thought to both of them that they could have almost been siblings and rendered their relationship with each other sin.

The Lion mentally shook his head, 'all right- time for the penultimate mission: wait for the right opportunity, then strike…' He felt around his right pocket and the small bow it held within it.

The two walked towards the right, where they were greeted by a bored-looking redhead hostess in a black uniform, who bowed slightly, "Good evening, Sir and Madam, and welcome to the Chez'Laguna-"

'Wait a minute- why would they rename the place now and not back when he was in action? While sure, maybe he HAS reentered the public eye only relatively recently, but you would think at that point it would only be a quick cash-in for recently uncovered fe- I answered my own question. Dad- as much as I still cringe when I call you that, you still deserve better than-'

"Thank you!" Rinoa told the hostess (whose name is Barbara if anyone actually cares) with a smile as the redhead then beckoned them to follow her. The Sorceress shook her Knight's shoulder, snapping him out of his gaze, "Come on, sweetie! I know you like thinking to yourself a lot, but it's rude when you do that to people talking to you."

Squall just nodded in understanding, "Right…" He offered Rinoa his hand and led her to the table the hostess gestured them towards their table. The table the Lion picked was the very same one his father and his friends always sat back during the Sorceress War.

Eventually, after the couple had time to look browse the menus, Barbara came back with a pen in hand, asking robotically, "What do you intend to order, sir and madam."

'No fake-happy tone- must be new.' "I'll have the Galbadian Sirloin."

"How much?"

"The whole thing." Rinoa answered for her, "He tends to starve himself sick at work sometimes…" She winked playfully at her boyfriend, "They don't call you "The Lion Commander" for nothing."

Squall shrugged it off attempting to waive off the nickname, "That's just because of my last name… and my battle style… and- all right, I see your point." The SeeD Commander admitted grudgingly.

"And you, madam?"

"I'll have the Chicken Fillet with a side of Cesar Salad-"

"Funny, you don't look like a salad." Squall quietly quipped, causing Rinoa to stick her tongue at him.

"Very well, I'll be back with your order later then." She started to walk away before Squall asked:

"You wouldn't happen to be related to anyone named "Fujin, would you?"

"She's my cousin- why?"

"….No reason." As Barbara walked away, Rinoa couldn't help but giggle at the similarities in the robotic tones she and her cousin shared.

The night went by fast, the two got to really talk to each other more comfortably with no one they knew around to tease them for it…

…Though a familiar man with shoulder-length dark hair was listening intently from the booth behind them with a smile on his face; it seemed he got lucky for once…

Anyway, once the meal was over but before they had to sign the check, Squall felt for the small box in his pocket to ensure it was still there, 'Here it goes…' He looked at his beloved's face as she pointed out some of the people she had been friends with in her youth, "Rinoa Heartily…"

"Mm?" Said Sorceress turned around to see the Lion bow down to one knee, "Squall…?"

Suddenly, it felt like time had stood still for a second as they fully met eyes… then, Squall got out the box and revealed its contents, "I know you know I'm not much for words… but I'll try my best- at first, you were just this irritating pain in the ass I couldn't care less if it lived or died. I can't say I know when that changed... but somehow, through your stubborn persistence, you wormed your way into my heart, and when you were into that coma… that made me realize just how important you became to me."

Rinoa smiled, "Squall…"

""Then during that heart-to-hear-"

"Just propose to me already!" The Sorceress teased a giant grin on her face already.

Squall rolled his eyes, 'So much for dramatic build-up…' He opened the box to reveal a ring with the gem resembling the Griever Symbol and of the same color as the FF8 title, "Will you marry me?"

Rinoa squeed at the words, "Yes! Yes! Yes! YES!" She cheered, putting the ring on her finger and hugging her Lion, "I've been waiting for you to say that YEARS now!"

Squall finally smiled at this, "I know… you know those plans-"

A growl came from Rinoa's stomach that interrupted the moment and made her face flush, "…."

"…"

"…Is it okay if I-"

"Go ahead."

"Thank you!" Rinoa then headed for the lady's restrooms while Squall went back to his seat, feeling accomplished even if it did end awkwardly.

"Way to go, lover boy!" Laguna got up from his booth and gave his boy a crushing bear-hug followed by a noogie that made the Lion cringe in annoyance.

Squall slipped out of the Ex-President's grasp easily, pushing him off, "Dad, what are you doing here?" he asked with an accusing tone.

Laguna held his hands up defensively, "Now now- I know what you're thinking and no, I didn't follow you here…I'm just came here for the memories is all."

Were this anyone else, Squall would have given them more questioning, but he knew his dad well enough to know that he isn't the type to lie, "Right then…"

A few more moments of silence passed between father and son as Squall kept thinking of ways to get out of this and Laguna tried to think of a subject for them to talk about. Eventually, the older man finally asked, "So, how's life as a Commander treating you?"

The SeeD shrugged, 'Pretty well, all things considered… one of the main things we're going now is returning monster population levels down after Ultimecia's Lunar Cry attack."

Laguna winced, "Yeah, I remember that- I was the President of the place that played victim. Couldn't finally leave office until that was settled."

"Are they alright without you?"

"Don't worry, I made sure Esthar would be able to survive without me-"

Suddenly, a loud, feminine scream pierced the air:

"AAAAHHHHHH!"

"That was Rinoa!" Squall bolted from his seat and towards the restrooms, his father close behind him. But before they could get there, an unexpected obstacle came in for the window…

"BARTZ!"

With that cry, a giant red-garbed man jumped out of nowhere and got into a fighting stance right in the middle of their path, "Finally! I meet you again at last! Now we can- wait…." Gilgamesh suddenly had a look of confusion on his face, "Something is not right here…"

The Lion got out his Gunblade and pointed it towards him, glaring at Gilgamesh in fury, "Get out of our way!"

"Squall- calm dow-! "

"Don't tell me to calm do-!"

The Red-Hooded Man snapped his fingers, "Now I remember!" He gave the SeeD Commander a strong pat on the back, "You're that fine soldier I had aided before- Squall, correct?"

Squall looked confused until his eyes widened in recognition. He facepalmed, "Not you again…"

"Can you please move? There's someone we have to rescue-"

"Say no more!" Gilgamesh jumped over them and ran off, leaving the father and son to rush into the restroom…

…But it was too late- on of the stalls was busted and the room held signs of a struggle.

Rinoa was gone.

Squall gnashed his teeth in anger, "Damnit… just damnit…"

Laguna took a look around and saw a note attached to a mirror. He picked it and read aloud, "dEaR sQuAlL, iF YoU wAnT tO sEe YoUr LoVe AgAiN, sEt FlIgHt To ThEsE cOoRdInAtEs… SiGnEd: EnigMa."

Squall nodded in understanding, and motioned for them to leave, 'Rinoa… I won't stop until I find you again, and when I do, I'm going to make that bastard pay…'


"Take this- Grand Lethal!"

"Two can play that game!"

Blades had been clashing for over an hour now as the Thief and the Mime were engaged in an intense sparring match! Zidane rushed into the Mime spinning at him in midair; violent pink energy surrounding him. Bartz attempted to mimic this and did the same motion, but failed since he couldn't use whatever energy was supporting his new (old) friend's move and thus got a stomach-full of pain knocking him against the wall.

Bartz slowly picked himself up, grunting out, "Dang…"

Zidane rushed over to him, offering a hand; which the Mime accepted instantly, "Thanks..."

"No problem!" Zidane chirped. He thought of adding 'Zidane:3, Bartz: zilch', but it wasn't appropriate seeing as this wasn't just a normal sparring match. But the ex-Thief did ask, "Have you found what you're looking for, yet?"

Bartz had been unusually pensive since he and Faris met with Zidane and crew yesterday. So did Zidane, given, but not to this extent.

The Mime shook his head, trying to concentrate, "It still isn't ringing a bell… it's like I SHOULD be able to mimic your attacks like that, but there's something missing…"

"Hrm…" Zidane put a hand to his chin in thought, eyes closed. After a minute passed though, he just shrugged and got back into battle stance, "Maybe another round will help- you up for it?"

Bartz flipped back up, picking up the Brave Blade once more, "I am, are you?"

"Hey- you're the one that lost!"

"Not once I get a figure my secret technique out!"

The two clashed blades again, the Mime taking a swipe only for the Ex-Thief to jump above him and threw his daggers down at him, diving down and using then to strike at him many times. Bartz barely blocked the attack and responded with a Fira Spellblade slash that made Zidane back off to avoid the flames.

The trouble-making twosome in World B had hit it off as well as you would expect: amazingly. However, just recently Bartz had an idea he couldn't quite place: one involving combining the attacks of… allies? Well, he assumed it was of allies, but he couldn't remember what it entailed. When he approached Zidane with the idea, the soon-to-be King suggested this duel and so we have the following.

Garnet and Faris were watching their duel from the doorway; the pirate captain analyzing the scene with a close eye while the queen seemed lost in thought.

'Well, this proves that man was correct... Yet what does he intend to do? He claims he doesn't intend to hurt anyone, yet there's something unsettling about him. He could either be a powerful ally, or a fearsome foe… or neither.'

Faris, meanwhile, had an idea cross her mind, 'I'm not sure what that idiot is trying to do, but if that works… I might be able to do something similar.'

"Pardon me…" the Pirate turned to the side and found Garnet's gaze on her now.

Faris crossed her arms, "Yes, your highness?"

The Queen was about to voice her original question, but felt a small grin form on her face as she countered, "If what Bartz told me is true, I could use that same tone: Queen of Tycoon."

'Bartz, you twit…' The Pirate rolled her eyes, "Touché- What do you want to know?"

"Um…" Garnet twiddled her fingers a bit, looking away when she asked, "Are you and Bartz an item?"

If Faris was drinking something, she would have spit it out. Instead, she did a doubletake, "Excuse me?"

"Are you and Bartz a couple?"

"HELL no," Faris answered sharply, "He's a close friend at best; at worst he's a freeloading pain in the arse."

The Summoner was taken aback by the harshness in the pirate's tone, "That's awfully harsh…" She turned to look at the two Cosmos Warriors that were still engaged in their sparring match, "You realize that would really hurt Bartz to hear you say that, right?"

Faris also turned back and answered, "I've said similar things to his face- that's just how our friendship works: I spew crap at him and he takes it."

"That's kind of twisted…" She turned back to the pirate, who went silent at this. Garnet slowly waved her hands in front of her face only to still get no answer, "That's odd… unless-"

"Did I use Stop?" The Summoner turned around and saw the neighborhood friendly (or not) Hooded Man right behind her, "Indeed I did."

Garnet backed away, but this only made the man grab onto her and warp here away in a small flash.

Sadly, Zidane and Bartz hadn't been all that aware of their audience in the first place and Faris wasn't going to move anytime soon, so she was at the cloaked man's mercy…


When the flash faded from Garnet's eyes, she found herself back in her personal chambers. Knowing the Hooded Man would be behind, she got out her Air Racket and spun around…

…only to hit nothing as the mystery man wasn't there in the first place.

"Over here!" Garnet turned towards her bed to find the Hooded Man standing in front of it. She could tell he had a big grin on his face as he beckoned her to come closer, "~I got a new friend for you~" he whispered in sing-song tone.

The young queen was apprehensive; knowing that something was hidden since the bed's curtains were obscuring whatever was inside. Yet there was no hostility in his tone, so she came up and pulled the cloth back….

…And revealed a sleeping woman in a blue duster sweater.

Maybe it was from having spent so much time around her fiancé, but her first thought was literally, 'He actually got lucky?!'

The cloaked figure saw Garnet gape at him with an accusing look in her eyes, "Relax… I didn't do anything with her- just dropped her off." He explained, noting his soon-to-be former captive was stirring slightly, "She'll be up in a few minutes- she won't remember how she got here, so leave the room and come back- make sure to look surprised."

The Summoner narrowed her eyes, asking in a quiet yet demanding tone, "What are you doing with her? Why is she here?"

Once again, Garnet could feel certain the man was smiling at her, "Do you remember those 'friends' of Zidane's I mentioned?" He pointed to the window where you could see the courtyard from above, "Bartz was one of them- she's here to lure the other."

The young queen was still wary of the man, but she knew he wasn't lying to her, "Is that why you gave me that offer? To act the part of the unknowing maiden that guides whatever plot you have in mind together?"

The man gave her two thumbs up, "Right on the money!" Upon seeing the frown on her face, he chose to assure her, "Don't worry yourself- this will be the last time you hear from me until it's all over. It's not like I'm asking you to hurt people…"

At this, Garnet fully showed the air of authority of the Queen of Alexandria to the Hooded Man, who almost cringed at the look she gave him, "But how do I know you won't? If you went as far as kidnapping and, from what I've seen, drugging her, how I can be sure you're intentions aren't malicious from the moment you no longer need my help?"

He was dead silent at this, considering her words carefully. Despite having all the power of a Deity with his boss is backing him, he was not invincible. He could take on everyone here and live, but just barely… if he wasn't careful he could risk losing connections to the boss, 'I KNOW I'll still need this power if things go wrong and I have to deal with her… at least, if what the boss says is true.'

"Well?"

"After the love of her life gets her, you're free to tell them and your friends everything… I promise if you do this, I'll leave- I know I don't look like the kindest person in the world with this coat, but since you agreed to help me, I'll make sure to fulfill both ends of the bargain." He explained, sounding sincere for once.

Garnet seemed to be thinking it over, so the Hooded Man decided to sweeten the deal, "How about this, then? If you DO screw everything up…" He pulled out a small metallic cylinder with a red button at the top, "I WILL blow this place sky high! Then you'll have a reason for lying to them!"

"WHAT?!" Garnet screamed, preparing to summon Bahamut or Ark to destroy the man, only for him to cast Silence on her to disrupt it.

The Hooded Man was clearly grinning from underneath his coat, held his hands up defensively, "Hey, it's not like I actually PLAN to use them… just thought it would give you more of an argument for making you lie to them."

The young queen grimaced, realizing it was on her head for agreeing to this.

"Actually…" The man thought, "I don't think you DID agree to this- I just showed up and offered it- now you don't have a choice anyway."

'Oh yeah… I had forgotten that part…' At least the Hooded Man was honest, she supposed. Regardless, she now had to deal with the consequences of not refusing him outright and making sure this older woman was okay, "Very well, sir." She shook hands with the man, ""You have a deal."

"Good... now goodbye!" With that, the man vanished into thin air, off to his next visit.

Garnet shook her head, 'What a mess…' She looked back to her bed, watching as the other female groggily awakened.

The blue-garbed lady clutched her forehead in pain, moaning silently to herself, "My head…" After a few moments, she caught sight of Garnet and jumped in shock, "Who are you?! Are you the one that brought me here? Because let me tell you-"She brought forth her Shooting Star Blaster Edge, took off the Odine ring, and prepared to unleash her true power, "You never mess with a Sorceress!"

Garnet shook her head, calmly moving blue-garbed woman's weapon down towards the floor and away from the Summoner, "I'm not the one who brought you here...but I know who did."

The Sorceress calmed down at her words, finding herself trusting the young queen by words alone, "Really? Would you mind telling me? Me and Squall will have a field day with paying him/her back for this."

Garnet smiled, knowing that the Hooded Man would not be able to touch her for this, and led her out of the room and towards the courtyard. Before they really left the room, however, the Summoner asked, "What is your name?"

"Rinoa." Rinoa offered her hand, which the young queen respectfully shook.


After the kids had finished with breakfast (and then cleaning the dishes upon the former Half-Esper using that as last resort to avoid the following), Terra and Celes discussed this new development at the kitchen table. Locke was outside helping with the kids on chores- the two former Magitek Knights left to themselves until they'd be ready to join them.

Celes stirred her tea with a spoon (intending to wait until it was cool: she liked hers that way), looking her friend down on the other side of the table, "So… when did you first feel it?"

"….Yesterday in the early morning…" Terra muttered, suddenly very interested in her heels. She liked catching up with her friends and the good times they had, but magic… brought memories she didn't like thinking about. Like sadistic clowns that did… horrible things to her in the woman's youth, a power that burned against the back of her mind like a migraine… She took a sip of her tea (she liked it hot for obvious reasons).

…And if you're wondering why they're having tea, it's because I felt it dramatically appropriate (and because Cid Highwind would have my head on a pike if I didn't include the beverage somewhere).

The Ex-General could see where she was coming from, but pressed on, "And the mist?"

"That came about later that day- one of the kids noticed it." The Esperkin explained, still trying to avoid her gaze and took another sip.

"Could you tell us anything else?"

Terra went silent at this, but a certain gleam in her eyes (something the Runic Knight had learned through the interrogations she did during her days in the Gestahlian Empire) told Celes she was on to something, "Terra?"

The Half-Esper DID look up this time, telling the ex-general resolutely, "No."

"Terra-"

"I said NO!" Terra yelled, feeling that other half of herself reach out to try to touch that source, "I won't have anything to do with bringing magic back!"

Celes's eyes widened, "You know where it is…" It made sense now: THAT'S why the Esperkin was being evasive earlier- she didn't want the location to be known.

Terra tried to glare at the Ice-aligned former Magitek Knight, attempting to seem angry but coming off as more afraid than anything. But her half-hearted try at a glare could do nothing in the face of her friend's famous 'ice stare'. She backed down pretty fast, unable to keep that up against Celes.

"I… I'm sorry… for snapping at you like that…" The formerly Half-Esper apologized, lavender-blue purple eyes full of regret for her behavior as Celes moved her chair to next to Terra, "It's just… it's like there's this 'pull'-" She made a pulling gesture to exemplify, "Trying to drag me towards it and it… kind of frightens me just how much magic is embedded inside of me… like I shouldn't be able to keep existing without it but do anyway."

"Which kind of makes sense in a really dark sort of way." The ex-General quipped dryly while her friend took a large sip, "No offense…"

"None taken…" The Esperkin nodded, knowing she didn't mean it that way, "But that has me on edge; so when you started questioning me about it… the pull reacted towards it and made me a bit cranky."

"Sorry about that…" Celes closed her eyes in thought, "What should we do about it though? Someone else WILL find once the town starts rebuilding."

Terra looked down in indecision, "I don't know… I'm really conflicted about that." She explained, "One part of me is all for it and… well-"

"Don't beat around the bush, Terra; just tell me what the real problem is."

The pale-blonde finished off her tea while it was still warm before finally answering, "I don't want to deal with my powers again. I've never told you what's like… they were like this burning beast crawling in the back of my mind; hoping to manifest as an Esper gone berserk…" She paused, and looked at Celes directly, "It's like what you saw the first time at Narshe."

The other blonde winced, remembering having nearly been pushed down the cliff by the sheer force, "Oh my…" She shook her head, "But I thought after you were 'reunited' with your father-"

"-My father helped me keep the 'Esper form' part locked up so I could use it in those short bursts- Sorry." She apologized for her rude interruption, before continuing, "It's a little hard to remember those parts because of all the power rushing through me that needed release- but the presence was still there… it hurt a little in both good and bad ways." The Half-Esper reflected, "But if this magic really was unleashed…"

"No father = No control." Celes finished for her, nodding in understanding of her friend's plight, "I see now…" The ex-General addressed her fellow former Magitek Knight personally, "I'm sorry I asked."

Terra shook her head, "Don't be: I was the one that overreacted; I'm the one who should be apologizing to you."

There were still questions that would need to be answered, but the two young women shared a small smile and after Celes finished her now-cool tea, they both went outside to help Locke and kids…

At that same time however, a certain Hooded Man was about to arrive from one of his portals...

"~And so a new tale- begins! A tale of wonder, a new fantasy, descends! ~" The mysterious traveler sang to himself as he showed up at the edge of the Mobliz plains, fully expecting to find this land full of that magical aura once more…

…only to fall to his knees as soon as he sensed this land's Aura. It was almost comical how quickly his positive mood deflated at a mere change of scenery than he had made himself preemptively used to.

He felt a bit winded, clutching his forehead in pain, "What the hell…?" The enigma stood back up, shaking his head, "This isn't right… why didn't Miss Branford unlock that Hidden Magic? Why would she forsake the power to protect her little family? Stupid, stupid…"

He looked up towards the Mist Barrier in the distance, "This screws everything up… the Onion Knight and the Not-SOLDIER will be here by tomorrow evening. Something must be done…"

"He-HEY! Timmy, come back here!"

The Hooded Man turned around and hid himself with Vanish spell from his ill-gotten Master Materia; watching a light-brown haired young boy wearing a white shirt, red overalls, and a hat of the same color start to walk into the forest alone only for Locke to come and halt him, "You can't go out there on your own, little man."

The Treasure Hunter picked him up and onto his shoulders (he wasn't Sabin, but he was still among the more physically powerful members of the Returners), keeping Timmy from running around (much to the child's chagrin). The boy crossed his arms indignantly, protesting this development, "No fair, Uncle Locke! You, Aunt Celes, and Mama Terra get to go out all the time- especially you! "

Locke into the distance and into the mist, "Tim, let me tell you something I'd only learned a few years ago… besides not being as safe, it also isn't as fun traveling alone…"

This caught the boy's attention, "Really? But don't you go on adventures all the time?"

"And I still do…" the Thi-Treasure Hunter shook his head, "but I realized this after the world ended: traveling alone… can be really empty at times without someone you care for at your side."

"You mean Aunt Celes?"

The Adventurer grinned, "I guess that was a bit too obvious, wasn't it?"

The cloaked figure watched them walk away, pondering Locke's words, "That couldn't be more true…" He took out a red-orange star-shaped charm from his pocket, remembering the cherished friend who had given these among the four of them, "At least one of you is here with me… once this is all over, we'll finally catch a break- maybe even come here for a vacation."

Yet at the same time, he couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity from looking at Terra and at least a couple of the other warriors… as if he's met them before.

Regardless, he knew what he had to do now, even if it would be a really dick move.

And this is coming from the same man that kidnapped someone only to set them free immediately afterwards without a way to get home.


As the airship flew towards Crescent with Walz at the helm (a surprisingly good pilot), Gill noticed the Warrior standing to the side of the deck, looking out to the skies in contemplation.

'Perfect…' the Red Mage thought to herself as she walked over, "A gil for your thoughts?"

The Warrior didn't turn his head to her away, but nodded. As she came next to him, he started, "I know you want to know why I got so worked up earlier."

Gill blinked, but smiled from underneath her cowl, "No beating around the bush? Good; so why is it you nearly killed our friend Sauber?" She asked in a cold tone that contrasted her expression.

The Warrior went silent at this.

"Well?" the Red Mage crossed her arms.

The Armored Hero sighed, "…Do you remember the story I had told you all yesterday?"

"Yes…" She raised an apprehensive eyebrow, "I take it there's more to it than that?"

"It's literally my past- I've lived through it…" He confessed, "I don't recall anything beyond that 13th Cycle, but Garland's mysterious reappearance likely confirms this."

"And if he has returned…" Gill began quietly, looking below in thought.

"…So too could a far stronger and more dangerous Chaos than that who ruined this land prior the destruction of this cycle." The Warrior finished, making sure he was battle ready afterwards. He had his sword: the Excalibur, his trusty shield, and his helmet on him as well as a pouch of potions and elemental Fangs for magic.

The Red Mage too ensured her preparedness, making sure she had her rapier, gauntlets, and supplies ready as well.

Meanwhile, the Monk had already ensured he had what he needed: his pouch of his own supplies: he didn't need anything else! He was more concerned with reaching their destination as quick as possible. Yet he heard what they were saying and slowly sped up.

It was them he saw something that made his skin pale, "Guys…"

The other Warriors of Light turned around and saw him pointing…

…Towards a tower of smoke now only a few minutes away.

THE Warrior of Light quickly took charge, "Walz, get us parked as close as possible; better yet, get as close to the town as you can and we'll drop off!"

"Are you crazy?!" the Monk cried out incredulously, "Your legs would be shattered!"

Gill rolled her eyes, "I have ways around that; just do it!"

Walz shook his head, but did as told. Soon, they were right above the town; and in what used to be the grotto of the Circle of Sages was now eleven dead, white-bearded old men in red robes and their leader, the famous blue-robed sage Lukahn, in the clutches of none other than the Fell Knight himself…

Garland grinned challengingly beneath his horned helmet as the Warrior and the Mage dropped down in front of him; Gill using her newly learned Float spell to prevent injury. When they landed they drew their blades and faced the man on.

"So we meet again… Warriors of Light…"


Meanwhile, on the outskirts of town; away from the flames…

"Ugh…" A very familiar pink-haired woman groggily stirred from her slumber, clutching her forehead in pain. She felt hung over and numb, but both soon started to fade as she took notice of her surroundings. The pinkette had been lying next to a tree at what appeared to be the edge of a forest and soon saw she was not alone.

Out a couple trees back she saw an unconscious young man with blonde hair so light it almost seemed white and tanned skin. He wore a loosely cropped white and black vest over a large-collared white shirt, black pants, and armored boots. Next to him was a girl of about the same age with long blonde hair done in two plaits, wore a short white blouse under a red top (both of which showed her midriff), short but baggy blue pants with white tights, and gold shoes that curved at the ends. She also held a golden long staff with a crescent moon at the end.

The girl was placed on the boy's lap- indicating a relationship between the two.

"Hey!" The strawberry-blonde turned around and did a doubletake she turned to see a girl with pointy ears right in front of her, "'Bout time you woke up! If you haven't noticed: hell looks like it came over not too far from here and those people could use as much help as they could damn-well get!"

The pinkette groaned holding her head again, "Damnit, you don't have to be so loud…"

The pale violet-haired girl that was pestering her briefly wondered if she was drunk given her behavior, but didn't smell any liquor in her breathe and so decided not to comment on that. She stomped her feat irritably, tired of seeing the older woman struggle to her feet, "Damnit, GET UP!"

At this, the girl literally grabbed the pink-haired woman, held her above, and shook her around; getting several curses from the strawberry-blonde who shook herself free, "I'M UP, I'M UP! LET GO ME!" After falling back to the ground, she got up to her feet and glared daggers at the triumphant pointy-eared girl in front of her, "What was that for?!"

To answer the woman, the girl pointed up to the smoke-filled skies that the pinkette now finally noticed, "That answer enough for you?!"

"Will you both shut up…" the two girls turned around and saw the other pair stir from their slumber, the only male speaking, "It's not nice waking up to that kind of talk…"

The elf-like girl rolled her eyes, "Geez, sorry! I just thought you'd like to know that hell was breaking loose…" Once she saw everyone up, she chose to formally introduce herself, "Sorry for the rude awakening, but we've got trouble on our hands! The name's Prishe!" She offered her hand to shake, "What are yours?"

Now that they were finished waking up, the two blondes seemed much livelier and sociable than the strawberry-one before them. The boy came up first striking a pose, "My name's Vaan: Sky Pirate extraordinaire!"

His companion shook her head good-naturedly at his antics and did a quick bow before shaking the Prishe's hand after Vaan did the same, "My name is Penelo- nice to meet you!"

Prishe smiled, "You too!" she turned back to the pinkette, who seemed more shocked by what she was wearing than in what the other three were saying.

She felt around herself one more time, making sure she wasn't dreaming about any of this, 'Okay, there's a brat of an elf shouting at me, two other strangers- one of which seems really familiar, and somehow I've returned to my old outfit once more… wait, if I'm gone, what's going to happen to-'

"Hello!" Prishe called out in a sing-song tone, waving her hand in front of the strawberry blonde, "Vana'diel to Pinky! What's your name?"

At this point, 'Pinky' had had enough of the Elvaan White Monk and started walking away, "Save it- let's just get this over with…"

Prishe stuck her tongue at her before easily running back up to her with the Sky Pirates following. The girl got up in front of her and cut her off, "Hey! Where do you think you're going?"

The pinkette sidestepped her and walked on, "Away from you people- I'm not wasting time here!"

With a shrug, Prishe reluctantly dropped the subject in favor of getting to the town the smoke was no-doubt coming from.

Penelo turned to Vaan, "Do you think we should keep following them? It doesn't look like that pink-haired woman wants to be with us…

But the young man had other ideas as he realized, "Weren't we in an airship before we woke up here?"

The Dancer narrowed her eyes, making Vaan drop that subject, "Let's try that again: should we follow them."

The Sky Pirate gulped, "Yes- let's do that…" The poor bastard was whipped.

Penelo smiled, "Then what are we waiting for?"

The two shared a nod and started racing off towards Prishe and the mean woman, soon catching up with them as they entered the village…

…Not knowing that a certain white metallic owl was watching over them, eyes zooming in on them. Elsewhere, Barthandelus smiled; looking forward to the struggle that was to come.

"Lightning Farron…" He mused to himself, pacing around the copy of the Narthex's Throne in Orphan's Cradle, "It would seem your path shall once again be planned by me in the shadows. I do hope you will perform better than last time…"

With a dry chuckle, the Fal'Cie faded away seamlessly; intending to greet his fated nemesis and friends personally…


Are things finally heating up? Looks like it. As for who Maple and Syrup from last chapter are from, they're from The Legend of Zelda. They aren't witches here and Maple hasn't shown her sass yet, but I thought someone would make that connection... ah well, there'll be plenty more opportunities to win a cookie.

Be sure to review! Criticism is appreciated so long as it is constructive.