Chapter 25

Kain finished penning his response to Edge, informing him of Rydia's status, and everything he could remember about Juste's behavior. The dragoon was still concerned for Rydia. Even she had admitted that the nobleman had grown bolder and bolder; something was afoot.

Other worries lay on his mind: the sudden push of the rebels made him wonder if they would attack Baron. If so, we'll be ready for them. It had been over a month since Kain had returned and the dragoons whom were once mere novices were now veterans of the art.

"Commander Highwind?" a voice spoke. Kain looked up and saw the messenger he had sent for. "What do you require of me?"

Kain sealed his letter an envelope, and then rose. He approached the messenger. "I need you to send this epistle to Prince Edge of Eblan. Take a couple of my dragoons with you just to be safe." He handed over the envelope to the messenger. The man bowed to Kain and then sprinted out of the dragoon's living chambers.

The door closed, and Kain frowned. What did these rebels want? Besides taking Baron and Eblan for their own? Their behavior was erratic. Why the odd circle around Damcyan, yet no attack and no theft? And what did they want with Rydia and Mist? While he wasn't completely certain the assassin was part of the rebellion, he believed it. Despite what the assassin had claimed.

I need to speak with Cecil, Kain thought. He opened the door to his room and exited the tower onto the battlements.

-S-

"Scouts?" Cecil asked Kain. The dragoon nodded, his expression serious. "Yes, we've sent scouts—Edge and I—we have yet to find anything. The rebels seem to have been creating new ninjustus; ones which Edge's ninjas aren't familiar with, so their tracks are well covered."

He had met Kain on the western battlements of Baron. There, they stood facing each other amidst of tight air of tension.

"What of the rebels we captured?"

"They refuse to talk, even under pressure just like the assassin," Cecil explained. He shook his head. "I... I had others torture those rebels. Ugh... I only went with Edge after the assassin because... it was more personal." The paladin frowned. "Even so, I'm not proud of it—they're still human beings."

Kain nodded in agreement. "True, even if they are filth," he said with venom in his voice. "Who would enjoy torturing another human?"

"I know that some of the former dark knights of Baron would," Cecil said slowly. He bit his lip. "I'm grateful... I choose to give up the sword of darkness. Had I not, I would have become like them—bloodthirsty."

Kain remained silent. He didn't want to believe Cecil would have become so evil, yet, he remembered what his friend had told him. The Mysidian Elder had explained to the paladin—when he was a dark knight—if he clung to the sword of darkness, he would have become the very monster he sought to destroy.

"Regardless," Cecil continued, straightening his back. "I have a task for you, Kain." He turned and faced the dragoon. "I need you to take a small group of dragoons and sweep the surrounding areas of Baron for any rebel activity. If Baron is to be attacked, I want to be ready."

Kain nodded. "A wise move, I'll gather four of my best at once," he said. "We'll scout until after nightfall, and then return to you."

"Good idea," Cecil approved. "Leave whenever you're ready." Kain turned to leave when the paladin called to him. "Wait a moment! Take some of the black mages with you; they can at least sense ninjustu... just to be safe."

The dragoon nodded again. "Very well." He walked over to Cecil and clasped hands with him. "Watch your back also," he said.

"I will."

-S-

That weekend...

Rydia stood on the bridge of the Falcon, taking in the sweet scent of the fresh air which whipped through her hair. This time, however, instead of leaning on the rail near the backend, she stood next to Edge.

What do I tell him? Rydia wondered. She still wasn't sure if Kain was the right choice, yet she knew a decision hung over her head like a spider's web, ready to entangle her if she didn't choose to move one way or the other.

"So, what's been happening?" Edge asked, breaking her thoughts. She looked at him. "I wrote a reply letter to you... but I guess you wanted to tell me in person, eh?" There was frown behind his mask. "That Juste... what exactly is he thinking? Barging in on your class with 'juicy gossip'?"

Juicy gossip indeed. Rydia tried not to look away from Edge. "He's trying to soil my image as usual. Though, yes, it was extremely bold of him to approach me while I was teaching."

"Damn bold," Edge agreed. He made semi-sharp turn; an angry one. "I really want to punch his lights out! Like I said earlier... you don't deserve this hatred; this envy. So what if the mayor needs some assistance from you? So what if the people of Mist love you? He's got no reason to damage your reputation!"

"Edge..." Rydia said softly. "Juste is not a good man, I agree. But, knocking him out cold would be a little drastic." She shook her head. "But... 'so what?' Excuse me?" she added, frowning.

He froze. "Ah, sorry, I... shouldn't have said it that way," the prince confessed, hanging his head.

"Yes, you know better than that." She folded her arms.

"I do," Edge agreed, nodding. He looked up from the wheel. "I meant... those aren't reasons to hate you; they're reasons to admire you," he added, gently. Rydia felt her heart soften, and even a few chains grasp it.

"Oh... right," she responded. "I... I apologize, I shouldn't have growled at you." She looked away. "But... they can be reasons to hate me. Remember how Golbez controlled Kain? Through his jealousy of Cecil and Rosa's affection. It's similar with Juste, he hates me because he's of noble birth and thinks I, a common person, doesn't deserve the admiration I receive. He's jealous, envious, and he wants to be noticed."

Edge made another turn; a smoother one this time. "Yes... you're right." He paused. "Rydia... I still think something needs to be done with him. Harassing you constantly isn't appropriate." She could see a smirk under his mask. "I know that for myself."

Rydia smiled. "You harassed me because you love me and wanted me," she said. "That's different... and you were harassing me... in a tactful way, one might say. But that nobleman... he pesters me to harm."

He nodded again, a scowl appeared behind his mask. "That's why he needs to stop or be stopped," Edge replied with a growl.

The summoner's smile faded, and she worked her jaw. "True... yet, I don't want any blood spilled or any bones broken or any violence over his malice. We hurt him physically, and we're worse than he is. I'm not stooping to his level!"

Edge didn't respond; instead, he left them in total silence for several minutes. Only the roar of the airship could be heard.

"Edge?" Rydia asked, breaking the silence.

"I'm here," he answered, a gentle tone. He gave her a quick, loving glance before returning his focus on flying the airship. "You're right again. We shouldn't stoop to his level. Perhaps there's a way to force him to stop without violence?"

"Maybe..." Rydia said, scratching her chin. She had to admit, it would be wonderful if Juste would leave her alone; and his friends. She remembered the rumors: they talked of her in vile ways when drunk.

Then, the airship slowed to a stop, and hung in mid-air—an upgrade Cid had assisted Edge in adding to the Falcon. The ninja stepped away from the wheel and embraced Rydia.

"No matter what, I love you," he said softly. Edge removed his mask and kissed her. And for the first time... Rydia felt uncomfortable. And yet, she still allowed his gesture of affection.

They released, and he added, "and one day, karma's going to come back to bite Juste whether it's on our hands or something else."

Rydia forced herself a smile and nodded in agreement.

-S-

"We found no traces, Your Majesty," the black mage had said. Kain remembered Cecil's concerned expression. "No ninjustu, no signs of rebel movement."

"'tis true," one of Kain's dragoons had added. "We swept the entire area from around the castle to the four corners of the region... and even into the Cave of Mist. Nothing."

Cecil had nodded solemnly, and then looked at Kain. The dragoon recalled sighing deeply and then shaking his head in agreement with black mage and the dragoon. The paladin had groaned.

"Very well, still, it sounds like you exhausted yourselves. Go, rest. You've all earned it."

However, Kain had not rested, save for a couple hours. Instead, he snuck out of Baron and, using his jumping techniques, had gone to Mist.

It was late, but not too late. The stars were barely beginning to show themselves, and the moon was rising into the night sky. Was Rydia still awake? I must speak with her, he thought. Edge took her on an airship ride earlier today... I... I have to tell her. Kain left the entrance of Mist and headed straight to Rydia's home.

While Cecil had told him merely to continue courting her, Kain felt it was time. Edge had failed her multiple times; the dragoon had caught wind of Janett's success. And all of these victories; all these realizations of the summoner's dream were because he helped her.

He arrived at Rydia's door; and saw the beautiful woman in green sitting on the grass. She didn't notice him, her chin was cradled in her hands with a thoughtful expression on her face. Actually, it was a guilty one.

I wonder what happened? Kain approached her slowly. "Rydia?" he said with a quiet voice.

She jumped. "K-Kain?" She gasped, and placed her hand to her chest. "You startled me... again," she said, chuckling. "What are you doing here? I thought you were busy." In her left hand, Kain saw a dark, purple gem which caught the light of moon. "Cecil told me you wouldn't visit because of a mission. I know you wouldn't abandon a mission to... see me, would you?"

He smiled and shook his head. "No, the mission ended." He knelt down next to her, and removed his helmet and gauntlets. Rydia watched with surprised interest. "Rydia... I heard Janett summoned a chocobo."

She beamed. "Oh, yes! It looks like she found her 'grappling hook' after all!" she exclaimed with a happy voice. "The other children... I've seen them glow with that same light, but they haven't completed a summon yet." Rydia's eyes seemed to shimmer brighter than the gem she held. "But I'm sure they will soon."

"Did their near success happen today?" he asked.

Rydia's smile widened. "It's been occurring all week long. All week, Kain! And I can tell from how bright the auras are their power is growing stronger and stronger," she said. "I couldn't be any happier right now."

Kain paused, and then decided to take a risk: he took her right hand and clasped with both of his own. The summoner blushed deeply. "Rydia," he said with a gentle, soothing voice. "I love you. That's why I came. I can take care of you." Her red cheeks deepened. "Just as I have been, I can help you fulfill your dream." He drew close to her. "I want you to be happy; more than you are even now."

Rydia opened and closed her mouth, looking quite shocked. Breathing deeply, she didn't respond, and yet she did not pull her hands away.

Kain bit his lip. Perhaps, I moved too swiftly, he thought with disappointment. He was about to release her hand, when she leaned to him and pressed her lips against his. Kain felt a sliver of surprise, but accepted the kiss. He felt Rydia's left arm wrap around his neck and he heard something drop into the grass.

And they held the kiss. Kain did not want to let go, and it seemed neither did she. Warmth filled his heart and then spread through his entire body. This feeling aroused the memory of the only time he kissed Rosa, and yet... this warmth was much stronger, and much more relaxing.

Rydia and Kain held the kiss for several seconds before finally releasing. "Kain... I love you," she said. "And I believe you... I know you can take care of me. I mean no slight to him, but better than Edge can." There were tears in her eyes, and her cheeks were fair—no longer red. "Thank you, I feel like... a burden has been lifted from my shoulders."

Kain nodded, releasing her hand. "Just for you, my love," he said. Then, Rydia embraced him again and kissed him on the cheek.

"Will you stay for the rest of the weekend?" she asked, still holding him. "Please?"

Kain did not speak for a moment. He knew Cecil might grow angry if he did not return. And yet, the dragoon could feel the summoner's deep desire.

"As you wish, Rydia," he answered with a soft, loving voice.

Rydia pulled back and beamed brightly at him. "Thank you!" She kissed him on the lips again. "I... I need to sleep. I'm sorry, I don't have any inn vouchers left for you, Kain."

Kain stroked her hair down the side of her face and with a smile answered, "fear not, I have enough gil on my person. Good night, Rydia."

"Good night, Kain."

They rose together, and then let go. Kain watched as Rydia walked to her door, open it, and then enter. She gave him one last glance before vanishing into her home.

The dragoon grinned; he had won her heart. He picked up his helmet and gauntlets and then stepped away. Then, he froze, he noticed something shimmering in the ground: the gem she had been holding in her left hand. Kain picked it up, and realized it was some sort of amethyst. Hm... I wonder what this is? Shrugging, he placed the gem on her doorstep, and then gazed at her house.

With wet eyes, Kain found himself smiling with a deep feeling of love; one he had been yearning for... for years. Someone... other my friends... loves me. Father... I know you're proud of me right now.

After a minute, he turned around and headed toward the inn.