Crimson Rain

by The God Slayer

Decades after the planet has finally known peace, through great sacrifice and struggle, something ancient and sinister stirs beneath the surface. A mad man rises with power the world thought was extinct and declares war on the planet, igniting a turn in history millenniums in the making.

34. Reflection

Reflection

It was times like this—surrounded by the annoyingly cheerful Figaro family—that he wondered why he even agreed to any of this mess. Was the friendship he had with Alexander truly so strong that he would wrap himself up in the turmoils and drama of others? He had a nice life of drifting from place to place whenever he pleased, occasionally meeting up with Alexander or spending the night in a poorly lit tavern with a busty wench. It was not the happiest and richest of lives, but it was his and he enjoyed the routine. Now though he couldn't imagine not feeding the annoying princess or sticking through her tantrums, or even not listening to the quiet humming or singing when she thought she was alone.

The other side of that coin was painful though, because he knew he was betraying his friend by falling in love with the girl that he loved—that he crossed the world to save. The twisting feeling in his gut was enough to make him leave. The guilt was too much. The one friend that he had made he was treating no different than anyone he hated.

It was all beginning to tear him apart!

Setzer laughed at something the old king of Figaro had said, and then reclined into his seat further with a sigh. "Ah...if only the gods had given me a daughter. I would have loved her to be like Emma. Such a sweet girl."

Edgar seemed awfully proud of that statement and turned his eyes from his friend toward the kitchen as if he could spot his daughter running about or digging through food she wasn't supposed to be eating yet. "I thank the gods every day for giving her to us..."

"A shame it is too late for me and mine to try again," Setzer whispered. "Ah well, at least we have a granddaughter. I can be very proud of that."

Robert was standing by the windows near the front door watching them, still brooding on the things he had done that he never felt he would have before meeting the princess. He uncrossed his arms and left them be. He had other things to do, if only if it meant getting the girl off his mind.

••••••••••••

Edgar watched the young guardian leave before he shook his head. It was clear that the young man was beginning to doubt his involvement in this romantic facade with his daughter. If the man's guilt or whatever else he might be feeling resulted in him abandoning his pursuit with his daughter, then Edgar did not mind it whatsoever.

"...what say you?"

Edgar looked at his old friend, confused. He was completely spaced out, which was not usual for him. "I apologize Setzer, I was deep in thought."

He laughed. "In that case, let's focus on what is distracting you instead." he got off the sofa and gestured with his hands for Edgar to follow. He did so quickly, following Setzer to the kitchen archway.

Inside the house they found the kitchen spotless and the table set up with empty plates, rolled up silverware, empty cups and a large, covered dish at the center surrounding by many other dishes and bowls of various bread sticks. On the counter, sitting on tall cooling racks, were three pies that filled the room with an aroma that was hard to ignore.

Working tirelessly at the stove top and the salad counter, was Terra and Maria. Emma was sitting at the other end of the counter, so exhausted she was lying her head against the tile, seemingly asleep. Beside her was a crib, with little sleeping Alexandria inside. Terra noticed them and smiled.

"Supper will be served soon. Would you two mind waking her for us? She will need to tend to Alexandria first."

Edgar cleared his throat and shyly went over to his daughter while Setzer helped the ladies set the table. He laid a hand on his daughter's shoulder and shook gently, just enough force to stir her from her slumber. She woke rubbing her eyes, confused. "It is time to eat, Emma."

"Mmm," she mumbled, sitting up straight. Almost instinctively, the baby started whining. Emma went to her immediately, carrying her off to the main room. Edgar watched for a moment before he sighed and went to help his wife with the table. Terra patted his hand, to assure him things would be okay, and he smiled.

When they were finished, Edgar went into the main room to get Emma. The girl was busy trying to change the little, fussy baby but was failing, as the girl was stubbornly refusing to be cleaned. Emma's brows furrowed in concentration against the squirming. "Oh please, be still," she begged her daughter quietly before Edgar cleared his throat to get her attention.

Emma looked up at him for a flat second and Alexandria started to whine almost angrily. Emma dove right back into changing her as Edgar came over to offer his assistance.

"Would you like some help, m'girl?"

Emma sighed in defeat before she nodded. "Yes, please..."

"Here, let me," he knelt and took the cloth out of her hands. "Fussy girls can be quite troublesome to change, but there is a trick to it. Watch." he made a face at Alexandria, who quieted instantly to look at him with large dark eyes, and then he went about the task. "Ah, that's better, now isn't it?" he tapped the babe's little nose with a smile before he glanced over at his daughter. Her eyes were on her baby, showing a great deal of distress. "Now, Emma," Edgar said sadly, "Do not let your mind wonder to places it should not. This is not on you. She's just fussy, and you will get the hang of it soon, I promise."

Emma reached over to touch her daughter's chubby little belly with a small smile. "Okay." and in that, Edgar did not hear sadness or disbelief, but some relief.

"Now let us sup and talk, hmm? Your mother and Maria prepared a feast, and as I hear it, you helped with it. Now that is something to not pass up." he stood, and she followed, carefully picking Alex up and carrying her over to the crib in the kitchen once more. She was still fussy, but less vocal about it. Emma laid her down and hurried over to the table as everyone took their seats.

Emma reached for the honeyed bread but her hand was swatted. She recoiled with an 'ouch!' and rubbed at her hand. Her mother shook her head. "Now Emma, you know better. We do not sit to sup without everyone present."

Edgar laughed and reached for the bread too, but when his hand was swatted away too, he paled. "Heavens woman, even I shall have to wait?"

Terra pointed a clean ladle at him. "Set a good example for our daughter, Edgar!"

"Surely your husband is not among those set to follow the rules?"

"Yes you are," she said pointedly before looking at Emma. "Would you please find Robert and tell him we are sitting down to sup?"

Her eyes widened, and Edgar caught the dread in them. It was something she did not want to do! His wife clearly knew it but had a reason for asking it, but what? Edgar looked at his wife. "Terra, dear...let us eat. Robert is probably busy anyways."

"I agree," Setzer said. "He has much to do and he left knowing supper was nearly done."

Maria pinched her husband's arms. "Setzer, Terra is right! We eat together." he lowered his eyes, slightly blushing because the tone clearly indicated they were up to something and he was to follow suit.

"I won't do it," she muttered, looking away from them, still very much afraid of eye contact.

That was clearly something Terra did not intend to hear. Edgar even felt stunned by it. Terra took a breath and nodded. "Fine...then we won't eat."

Emma gasped. "...no, that isn't fair! I-I wanted some of the pie and...and..." she sniffed back a sob. Mothers did not cry, right? And she knew by looking in her mother's eyes what she was trying to do. She hated it, but she was hungry and just wanted it to be over. She got to her feet and left them quietly. As soon as she was out of sight, Edgar looked at his wife.

"Terra dear, I know what you are trying to do, but perhaps now isn't the best time? We cannot make them agree to each other's company, whatever fashion it is."

Terra looked at him. "I don't like anger resting in my daughter's bones. If she wishes him to understand where she stands and where he stands, she needs to be vocal about it. And screaming it and ignoring him is not the kind of vocal I would hope for."

"Your wife is right," Setzer mumbled over a mouthful of bread he stole while they weren't looking. "She's just trying to get them to mend whatever ground they can find. She needs it if only because she needs to know how to properly form relationships and how to mend them."

"She's never had that before," Maria added. "This is good emotional exercise."

Edgar could not argue the logic and need behind their answers, but he still felt terrible for letting his daughter cry or feel uncomfortable.

••••••••••••

Why can't they just leave it be? Emma thought as she quietly walked into the main room, searching for the annoying bastard that always seemed to ruin things for her. The Espers giggled at her annoyance, finding it cute, but Emma pushed their comments away.

Sometimes humans can be so adorable, Shiva said with another giggle.

Why couldn't she go find him if she cares so much? she thought, turning to look down the hall to his room. She knew he wasn't down there; the scent was not strong enough. She turned for the door and peaked out the curtains. He was in the field chopping wood, though their stockpile did not require him to do so. What's he doing that for? Oh why does he have to act like an idiot all of the time?!

Ultima said, he is probably distracting himself Emma.

From what? she asked, confused.

Ultima and Shiva giggled. Nothing Emma. Just go tell him supper is ready. That is all you are required to do anyway.

Emma took a breath before she pulled the door open and made her way toward him. His back was to her, so he didn't noticed she was near until she froze several feet away, when she scoffed a few rocks. He glanced back at her, startled to see her, before he sat the axe down and faced her. "What are you doing out here?"

She looked away from his eyes. "Supper is finished..."

Her mumbling was too quiet. "What did you say?"

She puffed her cheeks angrily and then stomped her foot. "I said supper is finished! Aren't...aren't you going to eat too?"

He frowned. "Ah, right...I will wait for you four to finish before I—"

"—why are you doing this?!" she snapped, fists balling at her sides, feeling all sorts of emotions she didn't know what to do with, some she was afraid of. "I'm sorry that I don't like you Robert, I can't help it! I'm sorry!"

His eyes widened and he reached out for her hand, but she stepped away. "Emma, that's not what this is—"

"Just...just come in and eat. Please?" his silence only made her angrier. "Fine! Go ahead and starve for all I care, you...you..." unable to find the words she could live with herself for saying, she turned and stomped away.

When she made it back to the house she stalked angrily into the kitchen, stole her daughter away, went into the cabinets and took a jar of cookies. Terra glanced over at the others before she looked back at her daughter. "Emma, dear, what are you—"

She turned to her mother with dark eyes. "He isn't coming, okay?! I completely...completely embarrassed myself asking him! Are you happy now?!" and then she left her parents and step-parents in utter shock, before she vanished into her room and locked the doors.

"I don't understand," Terra said after a long moment. "How can this situation be this bad?"

Setzer shrugged. "Just give them time. They'll figure something out, I'm sure of it."

---

Jacen had spent the last two days inside of a cramped garrison with half of the army they brought with them. It was loud and stunk due to the lack of space, windows and proper basin rooms. Two hundred men struggled to do their everyday routines and it was beginning to irritate him. They supposed had to more days of it, too!

Beyond his time trapped in a small garrison, he was permitted to walk the city off duty so long as he did not stay out after dark and had a "companion" with him. At first he believed it was a babysitter, but then he realized that it was a security precaution. For him. A buddy could help in a brawl or an attack, or get away to alert others. Or maybe even dissuade people or civilians from attacking or causing a scene.

Many times Jacen tried to sneak away, but his companion was too attached to his side to allow that to happen. It meant Jacen would not get to meet with Vralin one more time, to ask his questions and know more about the people who lived in the foreign and strange Alúzar.

Finally, as the day they were depart came, Jacen was called into the main office of the garrison. Awaiting him there was his mother, Relm and a young man, probably not much older than himself. Celes gestured for him to come over quietly. When he was near, he could hear Relm and the young man talking very clearly.

"I will lend you two thousand of our finest. I hope you understand that the rest must stay back and guard the people?" the young man said.

Relm nodded. "Whatever you can afford to spare us is welcomed, thank you."

"Then you will find your men ready to depart with your in the morning. In the mean time please eat, and relax. The days ahead are going to be tough...it would be best that we all face it refreshed." he bowed his head quickly before turning to leave with two other men. Celes sighed.

"Unfortunately for me, I have business to attend to first. The men will need to be properly instructed upon this alteration, however grateful we are for Eric's aide." Celes looked at Relm. "You should find the time to rest though. You are our commander, after all. I will have Sabin and the rest of our forces dock soon to relieve the current guard, as well."

Jacen's eyes widened. That was Eric? He...he was so young though.

Relm smiled. "Thank you Celes. I always forget how dedicated you are..." she sounded relieved, and entirely grateful. Jacen hadn't considered how the days must have been tiring for her and Celes, and felt ashamed for his complaints about his duties. They seemed far less stressful now, or at least less as something to whine about.

When all was done, Celes turned to him and smiled. "This is it, Jacen. There is no turning back from here. Are you ready to face what is ahead of you?"

Jacen knew she was worried as a mother, but as a commander, as a teacher, as well and nodded. "I am, ma'am. I will not let Figaro or my commanding officers down. I swear it." he hoped that was enough to deter her fears, but he couldn't be sure by the reaction he got.

"Then go and rest. We leave at dawn."

Jacen left his mother with Relm and went to his cot in the barracks to pack up his things. He didn't want to leave anything behind, anything that could be used to help them or potentially save their lives. After he finished, he took a buddy and went into town to pick up further supplies he believed they would need.

When he was finished, he spent the remainder of the night lying in his cot staring at the roof, thinking of what had led him up to this point and what lied ahead for him. What would happen when they reached the capitol? Would Derell and Luke be there, or would they be met with an enemy capitol, or worse, an ambush?

He knew it was useless to think about it, to worry, but his mind would not stop going to the endless possibilities. It kept him up until dawn, unfortunately.

A trumpet blared soon after the sun started to rise and the soldiers around him rushed around the barracks to secure their things, clean up and be properly dressed and ready to go before the general could appear. Jacen sped through his things faster than the rest, because he had already finished packing his things, and used that time to try and rest his head again but still good not. His thoughts were overwhelming.

By then Celes had appeared at the doors of the barracks to issue them further commands. They were split into two large groups and walked down the road in two rows with Celes and Relm at the helm. The villagers were once again watching from terraces, decks, windows and alley ways with wonderment and confusion. Most of them still didn't understand what was going on, for all sorts of reasons.

Jacen prayed that soon enough they would come to understand that Figaro did not represent danger, not to them or anyone else, but he feared that would take years and years to change.

At the gates of the village, they merged with the remaining Figaro forces. Sabin was standing at the head of the party, mighty arms crossed and brows furrowed. As soon as Relm and Celes was within sight though, his features softened and he laughed warmly.

"I was beginning to think we went to the wrong gate." he said, leaning over to wrap an arm around Celes and Relm's shoulders to squeeze them close in a hug. "So, what has the new lord said?"

"He has promised support, and given us men to take the capitol. We will meet them further north, near the Cloverfield forest."

"Then we made the right choice coming here, hmm? That's a relief," he smiled. "When should we head out to meet them?"

"We head out now. If we get there early it will not harm the plan, but if we arrive too late the plan will crumble. Sabin, have the men regroup with the rest and be sure that the chocobos are ready for us. I want to reach the forest before the end of the week."

Jacen felt his heart stop when his mother faced him. This was it. His commands! Surely he would be tested as he should be. Surely he would be given his chance to prove himself! "Jacen, you will accompany Sabin. Pay attention to him and listen very carefully. The advice of experienced others is an incredible resource—cherish it."

The blood drained from him. That was it?! It was even worse than guard duty! Then sitting about the barracks doing nothing! Before he could ask her for something else, something more, and make a fool of himself she walked away with Relm.

I can't believe this, he thought, mortified as he turned to follow after Sabin. Why am I even here?

---

Two days after she humiliated herself trying to get Robert to eat with them, at the command of her mother and the others, she still refused to leave her room much at all. Whenever she did, it was for absolute necessities, such as things for the baby or to steal away foods in a quiet rage. She hardly let another soul into her room either, not even her mother. She had liked to think that they were smarter than to press her right now after what they did.

On the fourth day though, she finally felt too guilty and ashamed to hide away in her room, especially since that next morning they would be leaving her again and they might not return due to her behavior. So she took her babe and shyly crept out of her room and down the stairs.

She found her mother first in the kitchen, brewing fresh tea. Her mother always did love tea, though Emma could not understand why. It was so unappealing tasting. When her mother noticed her presence, she turned with a slight smile, worried. Emma didn't know how to start without making it worse, so she hung her head, flushed, and said, "I'm sorry mother..."

Terra laughed gently, sat her mug down and laid a hand on her daughter's shoulder. "Oh Emma dear...you don't have to apologize. You did nothing wrong. We pushed you a little too hard, so the fault lies on us. However, it doesn't mean what we were doing was wrong or that I will stop. You must understand that."

Emma sighed. In a way, she did, but she still hated it. She knew that she would have to be around Robert for some time longer and if that was how it would be, she would need to make sure that he would not try anything again.

Terra said, "Let us forget that for a moment, hmm? Instead, why don't you sit down and we can talk over some pie?"

Emma gasped. Her mother had saved some pie? Or did she make more? Well, it didn't matter to her in the end of course, she was just so pleased to be able to have some of her mother's pie. It would be her first slice, since her parents were very strict with her before. She sat Alexandria in her crib and went to a chair.

The pie was even better than Emma thought it would be. It practically melted away in her mouth, so crisp and sweet. She was allowed two and a half slices before Terra brought up the discussion again. "I just...I just didn't want you to regret anything, Emma. I don't want you to have that feeling."

"I understand," she whispered just as her father and step-parents appeared in the kitchen. They paused only for a second upon seeing her before heading to chairs and asking for a slice as well. Emma appreciated that. They understood that it was difficult enough for her, and that talking about it would only make her more confused and anxious.

After a while they started talking about Alexandria, over who she would take after or if she'd be a tomboy or a girly princess, or something in between. They were so excited that Emma was enchanted, and then a little sad. Did her parents wonder such things about her when she was away in Thamasa? Did they think about her at all? She tried to hold back tears, too afraid to let them see and come to understand why they were there.

They probably didn't, she thought pitifully as they laughed over something Setzer said. You cannot wonder about something for someone you hardly even know...

Then again she knew most four year olds did not interest people, especially their parents, as all children are basically the same at that age. It still hurt though to think they did not have that kind of interest in her. And then she felt like a jealous idiot. If they loved her daughter more than her than Emma would be okay with it. She loved that. It meant that if something were to happen to her they would be there for Alexandria.

Her father asked her something but she just nodded weakly, too distracted to listen to him or his request. He grinned from ear to ear and got to his feet, and that's when she wondered what she agreed to.

"That's great," he laughed. "Then let us set it up now!"

"Now, Edgar?" Terra echoed. "Tomorrow. For today let us just—"

"—we're leaving tomorrow," he protested. "If we are to go about this, today is all that we have left until the next visit."

Emma blushed. Now she really wondered what she agreed to. "...what is it?"

Edgar's light dimmed. "You...you weren't listening?"

"I-I'm sorry, I was just distracted..."

He smiled brightly. "I see. Well, it was about a dance, m'dear." he said. "A family dance." his face slightly darkened under a blush. "I would love to be able to have a father-daughter dance with you, is all."

The thought of it was a bit bitter for her, considering what Robert did, but she knew it wasn't the same. The Espers pressed her to accept but it was seeing how much it mattered to her father that made her smile at him. "Okay...but...but I never danced before."

"Never you mind that. Your mother and I shall teach you how." he took her hand and gently lifted her to her feet. "By the end of the day I'll have you dancing like a professional."

"Oh, I have a perfect idea!" Terra giggled, getting to her feet. "We can set up a little party in the library!"

"Perfect!" Maria shouted. "Terra, I think I have something in the ship we could use!" and the two women vanished in a round of laughter. When they were out of sight, Edgar tightened his grasp on his daughter's hands and then pulled her into a hug.

"My sweet princess," he whispered before he kissed the top of her head and ran after his wife and Maria. Now only Setzer and herself remained, beyond the babe of course.

The shipmaster laughed. "You certainly made Edgar ecstatic." he looked at her squarely. "Is this something you truly want to do?"

"I—I think so. I don't know if I'll be good enough, though..."

He laughed. "You'll be just fine. Just remember that despite what your father might say, dancing is about having fun, not coordination."

Her parents and Maria appeared a little later with a box they stuffed with things they found in the ship for the 'party'. Terra and Maria put up ribbons around the library while Edgar put a long table in the room where they put some refreshments together. It was starting to look more and more like an Entrance, like what Robb prepared for her, and it was making her nervous. While they worked Emma made sure to bring in a crib for Alexandria and lifted her to walk her around the library, laughing whenever the girl would wobble her head up to stare intensively at something brightly colored.

"Well," Terra announced with a clap of her hands. "It is done!" the room wasn't very festive looking, but it conveyed a party impression with the ribbons strung up on the stairs and the bright bulbs dangling from them. "What of the music, though?"

"We—we don't need music." Emma said, holding her babe close to her. "Do we?"

"Dancing without music?" Maria wondered, putting a finger to her lips. "It will be so awkward."

Not for you though, Emma thought.

Edgar laughed. "Well that's all we have, so let us make the best of it, okay?"

Emma ended up retreating to some chairs by the table while her parents and step-parents danced and laughed. She ate quietly at the tables, watching carefully, a little amused by the sight. Although her parents and step-parents could certainly dance, it was sort of funny seeing it.

You promised your father a dance, Ultima said. Perhaps you should step in now?

The truth was that Emma was hoping they forgot about her. As if her life wasn't embarrassing enough they wanted her to show the world she didn't know how to do yet another normal thing?

You will be fine, she urged. Go. Dance with your father. Give him and yourself something you were denied. Go.

Emma looked away from those dancing with a sigh. The Espers didn't understand. They never could.

If you give us a chance, we might, Shiva whispered, just as Edgar approached smiling happily. He held out a hand, with a pleading expression. "How about we have that dance now, m'dear?" when Emma glanced at the faces watching, she could not decline her father, especially after already agreeing. She took his hand and let him guide her to the center of the room.

When he noticed her glancing back at the others, he smiled. "Don't mind them, Emma, just focus on us."

"I...I can't help it," she muttered, cheeks hot red. It was unlike the dances she had seen in her time at Thamasa and whenever she had the courage to dance herself, out of sight, it was not in any thought out pattern. He chuckled quietly under his breath.

"Everyone was new to dancing at one point Emma. The same can be said for basically everything. If you let the fear of embarrassment stop you from advancing, from growing, you won't get anywhere. And you," he touched her nose. "Are not like the rest. You have the talent and intelligence to do whatever you set your heart to. Just believe we are alone."

That is easier said than done, she thought sadly. She glanced back at those watching once more before she nodded. "...you won't make fun of me?" she asked, slight tears in her eyes.

"I would never," he promised her before he took her hands and showed her where they would go. "Just be patient and follow my lead. And remember...there is no need to be worried." she knew he could feel her fear and that he was trying to ease her worries, but it just wasn't working.

He took her through a few demonstrations before he went to Terra and showed Emma how the dance looked when actually partnered with another, and then went back to her. "Did you see it?" she nodded. "Alright then, let us practice. Remember it is not the slow time version you probably read about or saw before. We are performing a triple."

"Edgar, remember that your daughter is new to this," Setzer looked into the girl's worried eyes. "Just remember what I said Emma and have fun."

"A triple is fun," Edgar insisted before he looked down at his daughter again. "Yes though...just remember to have fun." and then they started, very slowly. It took only a few seconds for her to mess up. After the fourth time moving the wrong way or stepping on his toes like an idiotic klutz, she felt tears of humiliation burn in her eyes and tried to pull away from his hands.

"Emma, wait...practice makes perfect, my love. Give it some more time, you will get the hang of it. Please?" a few more moments went by and he smiled. "That's it, you've got it. I told you I would have you dancing like a professional by the end of the night." he winked at her and guided her through another circle before he slowed the dance down once more.

Terra was sniffling beside the table, armed latched through Maria's, who was also crying gently into a handkerchief. Terra never thought she would see the day that her daughter would have her first dance with her father, not after the girl's rape. It was meant to occur on the day of their daughter's Entrance or her wedding, but now Terra was just grateful to see it that she couldn't contain her happiness or the tears.

And then she wanted her baby to know she was doing so wonderfully. "You are dancing so wonderfully, Emma," she called out, much to her daughter's dismay. And then Setzer leaned over to the ladies and whispered something, and then they were quietly leaving the room before Emma could notice.

Edgar took her through another slow twirl before he looked down at her. "Emma..." she looked at him, frowning. "...you must understand that you will always be my baby." Emma blushed. Why did he choose now of all times to say this? Wasn't it embarrassing enough for her? He continued on, quietly. "And I want you to know that no matter what happens, that will never change. I will always be there for you so...do not hesitate to come to me. I will never turn you away."

Now she was worried. Something was clearly wrong. "Father, I—"

"And I know I have never told you this enough, not out loud at least, but...but I love you Emma." and now there were gentle tears in his eyes and it made her even more flustered. "I love you so very much that it hurts," he said quietly. "I never took the time to express it enough to you and for that I am so very sorry. The truth is that I feared telling you. I was worried that we did not know each other enough for it and that if I said it out loud, it would cheapen it. That it wouldn't sound real to you. So I thought giving you everything you wanted as a child would be a good substitute for it, but I was wrong." he sighed. "I realize how much pain you have gone through in Thamasa, even Figaro. I realize that I always said those things to your brothers, even in front of you, and I feel terrible for it." he took a staggering breath. "And I know that I always took their side over yours, or ignored their teasing or insults. I just...I just didn't want to admit my sons—your own brothers—had such negative feelings for you. It just hurt too much, though I know that is no excuse and is of course selfish of me."

You have to say something to him, Ultima said, though she could not be seen. Emma knew he felt like he made mistakes and she knew that admitting to him how painful it was that it would only hurt him more, so what could be said? She did honestly forgive him and her brothers for everything that happened, even for how she was treated or her "abandonment", and she thought she made that clear. "Father, it—it is okay..."

"What?" he asked, eyes wide.

"I understand. Alexander once said something to me that didn't make much sense to me then, but I think I understand it now. He said that it was difficult to love me for you because you were a man and I was a girl. It is hard for you to show emotion for me..."

"Emma," he said sternly. "That is not it at all. To hell with men and their inability to vocalize their feelings because they are afraid it makes them look less...less like a man. I am not one of those foolish men. I meant what I said earlier—the only reason I didn't was because I was afraid it would seem empty. That you and others would mistake it for false love. It was stupid of me, I know, but...well, you cannot help how you feel." and then he shook his head. "And my reasons for not showing you the love and attention you deserved after you were..." he hesitated on the words, as if they were poison. "after you were raped are just as selfish and wrong, I know it. I just thought that if I got revenge for you, gave you justice, it would show you that I love you."

"Father, it is fine, I promise."

"No, it isn't." he pushed. "I did wrong by you so many times and I don't know if I can ever make it up to you." he took a moment before he grabbed her and pulled her into a tight, loving hug. "I'm so proud of you Emma."

That was enough to make her pull away from his hug, a little annoyed and very much angry. "Proud? How could be proud of me? What have I done to deserve that?" he listened to her anger quietly. "I haven't...I haven't even f-f-finished an academy. I'm just...I'm just a beaten, useless idiot that has—has only ever t-tainted the family name. I know I am a shameful and humiliating daughter."

"Emma..."

"I know it," she snapped. "So don't say things you know aren't true!"

Edgar took her into another hug. "Oh Emma...what isn't there to be proud of?" he asked. "You are such a smart girl, smarter than anyone I will ever hope to know. You have an unwavering strength in you, and a will that can never be crushed. I think you surviving Alúzar is proof enough to that." he pulled away and lifted her face so he could see her teary eyes. "And you are the most caring daughter I could have ever asked for. Every day you make me proud. Sure you have not graduated an academy, but what does that mean? I never attended a normal academy, and neither has your uncle. He left before he could move onto the next step, but look at him—at me. Those things aren't what a man should use to judge another—it is their character, their life, and their actions that can and will make someone be proud of them."

She sniffled. "I have no accomplus...accomplishments. I have nothing. How can you be proud of me? Why do you think I am s-smart? I know I am not...Relm and Gau can tell you that. And...and I speak like an idiot too." she was sobbing now. "I know I am nothing."

Edgar smiled patiently. "You do not believe me and that is also another fault of mine. You have no confidence." he thought for a moment on how to best go about convincing her and then chuckled, remembering something. "How can you say you are not smart when you gave that suggestion at the annual dinner against your brother? Emma...your suggestion was incredible and very well thought out. More than that, you considered how the people would feel and how best to get them involved. We were too focused on getting our own things finished to have considered that." and then he brushed loose hair out of her face. "And yes...you speak differently, but that does not make you an idiot. Do not let others tell you otherwise. Do not ever doubt your worth, especially not to me or your mother. We love you so very much."

She had always wanted this moment, to hear her father tell her he was proud of her, that he loved her, but what was the feeling in her gut? Doubt? Anger that it was too little too late? Guilt? It made her sick to her stomach that she could doubt her father's words, or not understand how she felt about it. He looked so earnest, so why couldn't she accept it? She rubbed tears away, stubbornly. "If...if that's true, why...why was I dismissed?"

He froze. "Your brother is older than you, and was about to be named as my heir. The council was watching and I had to prevent them from trying to use what happened against him. To undermine him and his future authority. If I had let you been publicly favored like that it would have brought us all sorts of headaches."

She could not deny that was true. The councilmen were nothing but vipers, even the good of them were too savage and selfish to consider beyond that and she vaguely remembered her mother and Celes saying something similar to what her father was telling her now. It made her feel better, helped to lift that weight off her heart.

He suddenly laughed. "And you know what else I am proud of that you have accomplished?" when she asked what, he gestured to the crib. "Alexandria. She is perfect."

Emma giggled happily and rubbed the last of her tears away. "She is...isn't she?" and for once in the longest time she was happy. Perhaps the gods had listened to her prayers after all.

••••••••••••

By the end of the third day leaving Milport, they arrived at their destination—the Buckland Woods. It's reach went far into the horizon, so far back it went to the mountains and far south, towards the beaches it seemed. The Alúzari forces that Eric promised them were waiting at the tree lines, in a force of three thousand strong. Upon first glance they were a fierce lot, but further inspection revealed that most of the force was comprised—just like at the port city—of civilians. Without proper armor or weaponry.

They had nothing else about them that suggested they were of a military, but if they had managed to fight back two separate monarchies, it meant they had a fight in them that was worth respect.

Their commanding office, Relm, approached the group with Sabin and Celes at her sides, as well as two separate Lieutenants behind them. Jacen was at the head of one of the rows of their own forces, watching. He could see that they were talking, smiling, but could not hear anything from his distance.

Finally Sabin returned to them and said, "Commander Relm and General Celes are discussing how best to proceed. Until they come to a conclusion, we have been instructed to go ahead to our next check point north-west by three miles. Once there, we will go over supplies until the main forces have rejoined and our plans have been revised."

At the sound of a trumpet, they were set off to move again. As they marched into the dark of the woods, Jacen glanced back at his mother and Relm, for some reason greatly worried.

By afternoon they came upon their checkpoint. There were a dozen or so civilians moving about the few militiamen there. Sabin forced everyone into work immediately. Jacen and six others looked over strange, tall barrels Figaro had taken with them. When he peaked inside of one, he found strange black powder. He stuck a finger in and then sniffed it. He coughed. Gunpowder! Yet it was strange. He had never seen it like this before, it was almost something else entirely, but what?

"What are you doing over here?" Sabin suddenly appeared at his side, causing him to startle. The monk laughed. "I didn't mean to scare you Jacen...so, what do you think?"

"About?" he asked, uncertain and a little flustered for being startled so easily.

"About the kegs here," Sabin patted one of the barrels. "Did you read the dossier Celes left you?"

Jacen blushed. No one told him about a dossier! He stuttered an excuse, but the monk started laughing. "I'm just joking Jacen, you need to lighten up." he patted the boy's shoulder firmly. "In all seriousness though, these kegs are the lifeline of our plans in Alúzar. We have to make sure they stay dry and, well, unlit."

So it was gunpowder, or something very similar to it. Why did they have it though? None of them carried rifles, which were a hard thing to manufacturer even for a rich, stable kingdom. He looked at the kegs and then said, "I'll be sure they remain dry ser, I promise."

"That's what I want to hear," he smiled. "Well, I will leave you to it. Be done by the time that Relm and Celes arrive." and then the monk hurried away to inspect another group's work.

Jacen watched him until he was gone before he turned back to the barrels and touched one of them. Let this be the end of this horrible war... he went back to his work then, to distract himself from the worries of facing off with Derell or Luke, or even Emma. After a few hours, when he and a dozen other men made sure the kegs were safely preserved and kept away from fire, they packed up what they had set out in wait for the remainder of their forces, and their commanding officers, to rejoin them.

It was at sunset when the forces arrived, with Relm and Celes at the head of the party beside another man whom Jacen did not recognize. He, unlike many Jacen saw before, wore brilliant armor. He was no civilian or lowly soldier. He was clearly a knight...or whatever they were called in Alúzar, at least. His head was bare of a helmet, showing off rich red hair kept at a red braid down his back and bushy brows hovering over dark, blue eyes.

Sabin appeared beside him then, crossing his arms. "It seems we have another militaryman joining us. I pray he is experienced enough to be of help rather than a burden." when Jacen looked at the man, he had no doubt of the skill he possessed. It was if he could feel the man's power and will from here. It was...strange. "Ah, here they are." Sabin pressed forward to greet Celes and Relm with a small hug before he turned to their companion for an introduction.

"This is Radovan Dazovka. He once led the men of this country in battle, before Derell took to power."

Jacen's eyes widened. Sabin looked astonished, and pleased. He bowed at the waist at the man. "it is an honor to meet you then, Radovan. I cannot imagine how painful it is for you to see your countrymen in turmoil right now, but I want you to know that Figaro lends her strength to yours. We will help you free your homeland. We swear it."

The man smiled at him, brightly. His accent was thick, and very strange, when he spoke in their tongue. "The honor is all mine, ser. I have heard tales of the strength and skill of Figaro men. Yours will be one that is welcomed among us."

"Perhaps when this is over, you can tell us more about your homeland," Sabin said, straightening with a friendly smile. "In the mean time, I'm afraid we have to move on quickly. We will be behind schedule if we delay here any longer. Celes, Relm, have you told him of our coordinates?"

"I have instructed him on our plans, yes," Celes said as she led him away from their men towards the inner part of the camp. "We argued for some time over the risks of it, but in the end we all agreed upon acting it out."

Relm added, "Radovan has told us he knows the entire routine of the scouts in the forestry and mountains around the capital and surrounding land. With it we should properly be able to avoid any unwanted attention."

Jacen tried to keep up behind his mother, out of sight just long enough to hear the rest of the plan, before they ushered him away. Thankfully they hadn't noticed him walking along the kegs towards the center of the encampment.

Radovan was talking now. "There are several forts within the Buckland Woods that Derell has liberated from our men, and several from Lucas of Orlaine." Jacen wondered if that Lucas was the same that... it had to be, right? He then tried to remember where Orlaine was on the map. "We can safely plot around them and the scouts they have set up along the borders of the kingdoms. However, once we reach the Kaspon river, there will be no way of avoiding the garrison set up at the other side of the bridge."

"Couldn't we cross another way?" Celes asked.

"We could, but not if we hope to make your schedule. There are three other bridges, two to the north of Kaspon, one to the far south along the Keldi flatlands. We want to avoid the south at all costs. Lucas has begun pushing forward into his father's lands through the flatlands. The last my scouts have said is that he is two thousand strong at the port, with more men set to join them any day now. While I am sure our superior numbers could easily outmaneuver his men, it would be a bloody, costly battle."

"I agree," Celes said as they stopped at a small table below a small, open tent. Jacen ducked behind some of the kegs and crept along the other reach of them to get to the other side of the tent, and out of sight. Three men hurried by carrying supplies but did not stop to question him, thankfully. He then peaked through a seam in the tent to watch. "We will push through Kaspon. Keldi is too much of a risk. Our priority target is Derell, not his son. We do not want to warn Derell we are here, either, and attacking Luke will alert him to our presence."

"How many guard Kaspon?" Relm leaned over the table to peer down at the map before them.

"My scouts cannot be sure but I suspect no more than two thousand are stationed there, though that might as well be five thousand strong with the garrison walls that guard them."

"That is easy enough to handle," the commander said, smiling. Jacen wished he knew what was going through Relm's head. "How far inland from the river is the garrison exactly?"

Radovan though for a moment. "I believe about a mile north-east of the bridge. They have a tower overseeing the river. They will see us when we cross the bridge, if they haven't secured or destroyed the bridge."

"I can handle the lack of a bridge," Celes said, as if insulted. "And we can deal with the garrison, but we must divide our forces into two, to cover both gates of the garrison. If they send out even a single bird to warn the capital, I want them ridden of immediately. Relm will take the other forces to the north-eastern gate. Radovan, you will join Sabin and myself at the main gate. We will make sure that they have to answer both of us, giving a weakened enough wall for Relm to get inside."

Radovan laughed heartily. "You Figaromen...we are talking about a garrison. However little maned it is, it isn't as if we are attacking a bandit encampment. These men are exceptionally trained. They will not give up that garrison without a bloody fight."

Sabin answered him with a wide smile. "Relm is our secret weapon."

"I thought magic and your kegs were the secret?"

"They are among them, yes," Celes muttered, clearly unwilling to reveal too much to a strange. She couldn't trust easily, he knew and understood. "Relm will get us into the garrison. You do not have to question her capabilities."

"If you say so," he said quietly. "And what are we to do with any captives?"

"We follow by our code," Sabin told him. "All men who put down their arms will be taken into custody. They will be treated fairly and kindly. Any taken as prisoners of war through victory will also be taken into custody. Any who have aligned themselves with Derell willingly, without cohesion through violence or threatens, will be treated as criminals."

"If that is how you wish to do this, I will not intervene," he said, straightening. "Then I believe that is all we must know?" they nodded. "Then I shall have my men regroup and await your command to leave." he bowed his head and then left quickly.

Celes sighed as she leaned her weight against the table. "Get in here, Jacen." Relm was smiling as if it were a joke she knew of all along but Sabin looked confused. Jacen froze stiff with fear. How did she know?! She couldn't see him, and he was sure to be incredibly quiet! "Now." she said again, looking over toward the direction of where he stood. For a second he considered running but then he walked in, sheepishly.

"Jacen," she said, shaking her head, disappointed. "You cannot listen in on our conversions. They are not for your ears."

"I know, I just got a little—"

"No, you don't know!" she snapped, causing him to look down and take a straight pose. "You are not my son right now! You are a soldier! You must act it now! For your own safety as well as the safety of all the men and women who count on you! Do you understand me?"

"Yes, ma'am," he muttered, eyes down.

"Good. Now go." he walked away in a quietness of defeat and humiliation.

When he was alone, he dropped rear under the canopy of the woods and the safety of isolation. He leaned his head into his hands with an angry growl. What have I done?! I'm not fit for this...I'm not strong! I'm not smart! I'm no good! I can't even stop acting like some..some harebrained child! I've dishonored my mother, in front of her friends, and made her look a fool. Gods...why did I have to ever set foot on this cursed land!

"Do not let your mother's words get to you, Jacen." He looked up and saw Relm standing before him, fists resting on her hips. He looked away. "She is only trying to keep you safe and educated in the role you wish to fill. She is afraid and believe me when I tell you that she hardly ever shows fear. She did not mean to embarrass you or hurt you, not in the way that you think at least, but to ready you."

"Relm," he said, still looking away. "Do...do you think I am ready for this?"

"Who is ever ready for war?" she asked him softly. "I'm sure your mother wasn't when she was thrusted into war, and she was even younger than you."

Jacen looked at her, astonished. "She...she was?"

"Celes was fourteen when she was first sent out into the battlefield." she answered him quietly. "Too young to see the atrocities it held. Too young to be hurt and used the way that she was, but yet she had. She went though because she believed in the Empire and what's more...she did it for someone else in her life. Someone she wanted to protect from the same thing."

"Who...?" he asked, getting to his feet.

"Who do you think it was, Jacen?" she asked, now crossing her arms.

He thought for a moment and then gasped. "Terra..."

"I'm sure your mother would hate to know that I told you these things, but there comes a time when a boy must be accepted as a man. You have stepped onto the battlefield now Jacen. It means you are a man, or you must become one. You will see things that will make you sick. You will do and be asked to do things that will haunt you forever, but that is life. War will never leave this world just as evil won't. It will not make such things disappear, but it will make it easier knowing you only do what you must to protect the greater good. What will you do, Jacen?"

He wanted to protect the innocent. He wanted to help the world and those who were hurt under the tyrannical. He wanted to help Emma. He didn't care about the risk to himself if it meant he could achieve those things. He kept tears away. "I...I want to help. I want to do what I have to to help."

She smiled. "Then you will. Listen to your superiors, to your mother, and be careful and patient and good things will befall you." she gestured back to the camp. "Now that you have decided, return to camp with me. We need to get going before dark."

"Yes, ma'am, of course." he hurried after her back to their encampment.

Sabin was waiting for them with a goofy smile on his face as the men raced around to their positions. "There you two are! Come, we need help with loading the kegs back onto the carts. Relm, could you help with...yes, yes, that's perfect, thanks!" she had drawn a rolling platform to help get the kegs onto the carts without too much heavy lifting. "Jacen, m'boy, come over here and help steady the chocobos. If they gallop off with these things there is no telling who might find them!"

Jacen went to the birds immoderately, reinvigorated by Relm's words and insight into his mother's life. He took the reins and calmed the birds easily. "Keep them steady, Jacen! We're about to load a few more in. They hate the smell so they will get rowdy!" he held firm and just as Sabin said, the bird started to kick and throw its head about in protest. The smell was pretty bad, even for his human senses. It was strong and almost suffocating! "Almost done!" he shouted over the warking of the bird. "There, there! Calm him down!"

Jacen pressed a hand against his beck and calmed him with gentle words. "There there...it is over now." the bird didn't seem to believe him entirely though and kept looking at the back of the cart as if it expected something more. Sabin appeared around the other side of the cart brushing his hands clean of some of the powder. "There, we're finished. Four carts in total...ought to be more than enough for what we plan." he chuckled. "Relm said you were to meet with her. You are to join her at the eastern gate when we arrive."

"I...I am? Why?" he couldn't help but feel like it was pity.

He shrugged. "It isn't to me to question my commanding offices, so I can only speculate. I think you know the answer though, Jacen. You were one of the top squires in your academy, after all." he patted his shoulder. "Just do your best, be patient and careful. You will shine, I'm sure. Relm is at the head of the party with your mother. Go." he bowed his head in a small goodbye before he ran towards a group of soldiers packing up the food supplies.

Jacen, when he was finished and handed the bird off to another, went to find Relm. As Sabin had said, she was waiting for him with Celes at the head of the party. Radovan was there too, though he was a few feet away talking to one of his own men quietly in his own language. He froze when his mother put her eyes on him and then blushed. He didn't know what to do or say to make it up to her, to convince her he wasn't the child he thought he was, that she worried about. He approached and bowed his head respectfully.

"I am sorry for the way I acted, ma'am. I know it is not excuse but I am still trying to learn. I don't think I am ready to leave behind my squire life because of it..."

She sighed. "All is well, soldier." and then she looked at Relm. "Take care of my son out there." and then she walked away to direct her men. The artist turned to him with a small smile.

"Now don't you see? She's only worried. I won't have any of that," she gestured to his frowning face. "This is not the place for it, after all. Be strong. You are helping me break into a garrison and you must be in the mind for it."

"When are we set to arrive?"

"In a fortnight at the latest. Celes will lead the main force across the bridge so that they can be seen."

"Why?"

"Because we are to attack them by surprise. Isn't it obvious?"

"That...that doesn't sound like what you guys discussed."

"We didn't discuss everything, Jacen, especially with Radovan around. He knows what he needs to."

"So we don't trust them after all?"

"That isn't it entirely. We are just being cautious. We didn't lie to him. I really am part of the surprise and he knows the plan up to the point in which he is part of. He has no reason to know more than that."

He couldn't say he understood it entirely, but he was sure Relm and Celes knew exactly what they were doing. His mother was once a great general, after all. "Are we setting out into the night?"

"Unfortunately, yes. Our schedule is tight as it is. If we are to make it to the mountains in time for the rest of the plan to work, we have to push ourselves for some time. We can do it. We are strong and we have a cause we believe in. We will divert away from Celes' forces about a mile away from the river, where we will head south for some time. From there...well, one day at a time, I say." she was quiet for a moment and to Jacen it seemed like she was considering something—something sad. She sighed and then looked at him with annoyed eyes. "Well, what are you waiting for? Get into line. Don't make me look bad." he smiled and hurried away just as she turned for her mount.

---

Her father had asked for one more dance before her legs grew too weak and her back too sore to continue much longer. She stuck through the pain though, until they were done, and then she had to call it quits. Edgar was disappointed of course, but he did not deny her requests. Instead he smiled, too pleased that he had been given the chance that he was given, and helped her over to the chairs.

"It is late. Perhaps it was for the best." he said. "Would you like some help to the main room, m'dear?" she nodded. "Then let me take little Alexandria here and we shall be on our way out."

With the babe in his arms, he held out the other and let his daughter hook hers through before he guided them out to the main room. Maria and Terra were whispering over glasses of wine while Setzer sat and listened.

Robert was once again absent from the group and the princess couldn't figure out if she was thankful for it or worried about it. When she was seated on her usual sofa and reaching for a cup of water, a conversion she dreaded poked its head out of its hiding spot.

Setzer glanced about them and then said, smiling. "I was thinking about our next visit. Perhaps we could plan some family activities together for when we are rid of this war? A celebratory ball perhaps? Another dinner, much like the annual dinners? Or maybe something new? A good, new tradition could be something sweet to pass onto the family after all." he looked at her. "What do you think about that Emma? Do you like the idea?"

Flustered because the attention was on her, she looked away. "Y-yes, that...that would be nice."

He laughed. "Then it is set! How about that Ed, hmm?" he jabbed an elbow into Edgar's ribs, who vehemently growled at him. He was still holding Alexandria, finding her too precious to abandon just yet. "Ah, that reminds me Emma...is there anyone you would like to see next? I could ask your brother to allow it, of course."

How could he expect her to just pick someone like that? It was like asking who she liked more, who she preferred. She felt fear rising in her heart. What was the right answer here? "I...I don't mind who visits. I love seeing all of you."

"Then I'll try and get a surprise in for you." he promised before he glanced at the clock. "Oh my...it is pretty late. Perhaps we should feed you and send you to bed?" She offered no protest. She was reluctant to wake in the morning and find them gone, or preparing to leave her, but she would not complain this time; she was given a blessing that ought not have happened. Plus, she was incredibly tired and the idea of sleep sounded superb to her.

When it came to supper, it was not prepared by Robert. It was strange. Emma had done nothing but eat his meals since he arrived in the cabin, nearly the entire time she had been here. Had she gone too far? Did she anger him? Would he react just as angrily to her when she was alone? She looked down at the plate of greens and the single piece of honeyed chicken with a frown. What if he refused to cook for her again, or worse, protect her from enemies?

Alexandria's cries suddenly awoke her from her thoughts but before she could stand Setzer rose and offered to take care of her so Emma could eat. She did not resist, if only because she was too dumbfounded to. She looked away with a tired sigh and rubbed at her eyes. Her father caught it.

"Are you tired, Emma?" he was clearly worried, and feeling guilty. "I shouldn't have had you out so late, and to dance...it was selfish of me."

Emma blushed, but luckily it was too dark for them to see her face all too well. The incident was still too fresh for her to think about without feeling flustered. "N-no, that's not it...I just feel tired." she fidgeted. "Would you guys mind keeping her with you?" she knew it was such a big request but...

Terra smiled. "Of course we would love to watch over her. You go get some sleep, dear."

"We shall keep a good eye on her," Edgar promised. When she rose and started for her room, they all wished her a good rest.

When she got to her room she closed the door and went to the window to close it when she saw Robert walking into the eastern side of the woods. She scowled and closed the curtains before she stomped to her bed. Why was he so infuriating? Did he honestly just expect her to just 'fall' for him? To ignore how she feels simply for him? How could anyone think that way? She tried to be nice to him, she forgave him when he hurt her, and then she tried to be nice again thinking his intentions were pure. And then once more a few days prior, but he just stood there silently, staring at her like she was some...some idiot!

At the boiling rage of her thoughts, the Espers laughed. Leave me alone! She barked at them.

Really, now, Fenrir muttered. How long do you plan on treating him like this? It is ridiculous to keep this up. She hid her face into her pillow, sad and angry. The quiet Esper sighed. Do not cry girl, it isn't befitting for someone your age. You are an adult now, and a mother, it is time you act it. She mumbled something out loud, and he growled. And do not mumble! Just face him and get this over with.

I didn't do anything! She didn't even believe what she was saying. She did feel a ping of guilt, but she refused to admit to the feeling.

You snapped at him, and treated him poorly. That is wrong. The ice queen simply stated. Did you ever stop and wonder how you would feel if the roles were reversed? What if Alexander treated you this way?

I...I didn't do anything, though. She said, nervous. Now she did feel guilty. She would have hated it if Alexander treated her even slightly the same, but the situations weren't the same. Right?

We know you did not mean to be rude, to be cruel, Emma. Things just happened. Ultima said. It is how you respond hereon that will tell us, and Robert, what kind of person you really are. You are allowed your anger dear, but don't you think this has gone on long enough? That your anger, while justified, is too much now after he has tried to apologize? He has already said he would not mind if you didn't like him—

—that's not true though! He does care! That's why he is so angry with me! When I asked him to come to supper, he...he just stared at me like I was some fool. He ignored me.

Is that what happened? She asked, skeptical.

Suddenly annoyed Emma threw the pillow off her face and searched for the Esper that had said it and found the room empty. How could they understand? They obviously did not care for her, that they were all too willing to side with the one who hurt her. Fine. If they wanted to pick his side then so be! She didn't need them. She would be just fine by herself...it would be a blessing to be without voices in her head! She threw her slippers off her feet angrily and crawled into bed with bitter thoughts about the Espers and Robert.

••••••••••••

In the morning she was awoken by her mother and given Alexandria before she was left alone to feed her. She was so tired she didn't fully understand what was happening until her mother placed the babe at her breast to suckle. Afterward, having properly cleaned herself and the baby, she made her way down the stairs carefully so she would not trip and hurt the baby and herself.

Her parents and step-parents greeted her warmly, but she could not find it in herself to act as if she was happy today. She knew they had places to be, people to help and destroy, but did her brother really need everyone she knew? Edgar appeared and asked if he could hold Alex before they left and so Emma handed her daughter over. He laughed and held her close to him even as Emma's mother walked over to hug her goodbye.

"Now don't you worry Emma." her mother said, hugging her tight. "We will come back for you, I swear it." her mother's hug was so warm. It made her feel better. "And please, for all that is holy, make sure you eat more." she pinched at her daughter's sides, which weren't as plump as the old queen wanted. Emma shooed her hands away with a scarlet blush. "And do remember that your daughter will not be awake all of the time. Take time for yourself. It is good for the mind."

She didn't know exactly what to say, so she smiled, and then Terra backed away to allow the others in to hug the girl. First Maria, then Setzer and then went Edgar after he handed Alexandria over to Terra.

"Remember what I told you," he whispered in her ear before he kissed her on the cheek and then placed another on her forehead. "I'll be back for you soon." she offered her father a smile and he said goodbye one last time before he went to the door along with Setzer and Maria. Terra quickly handed the awake babe to her mother before she gave her own daughter once last hug.

"Alright dear...we'll be going now. Please...consider what we talked about." and then she went to the door before her daughter could protest somehow and make it harder for Terra to leave her behind.

"Bye," she whispered even as her mother left the house and made her way to the ship. Emma followed them to the open door to watch, cradling her precious bundle of joy, and tried to hold back the tears. Each time she saw someone leave her there was a risk they would never return. Before they closed the ship's deck door, her parents stayed at the entrance for a few more seconds to wave at her again with smiles, and then finally vanished and retreated into the sky.

She went back into the main room and sat Alexandria down in the crib with a sigh, relieved of old worries but given new ones. Her mother would surely question her again when she came to visit again, and if not her, she would question Robert for answers. It was hard enough trying to deal with it, but everyone—including Robert—was making it all the more difficult. Would they never understand her lack of trust in others was not just a puddle, but an ocean? The only one to possible reach the depth of her pain after everything was now dead...most likely lying at the bottom of his own ocean now.

She knew thinking negative was not going to make things better, but that was all she knew her life and it was hard to kick. And Alexander had been 'dead' for months now. If he truly were alive, why didn't he try to find her? Why didn't he return to his family, or Cadence? Or even write?

Maybe he is alive and he just doesn't wish to return. Emma didn't mind that possibility as much, because she would rather have him alive and away than dead and in love with her. The world needed someone like him too much.

A large thud stole her from her thoughts and she looked towards the main door. It was something on the other side! The sound soon carried to her daughter and frightened the babe into dry sobs. A dormant fear sprang into Emma and sucked the life from her, casting her skin in a sickly paleness one often found in the dead. She felt a tightness in her chest that made her feel as if her heart was rushing up her throat.

In her head she saw the safety room's door burst open and with it a blinding light that brought her back to her senses. With hesitation she got to her feet and instead of recovering her baby and heading for the safety room, her feet carried her across the floor to the windows. She hadn't felt such a burning fear since her captivity in Alúzar. She didn't know what strength carried her to the windows, or if it was even strength, but when she pushed aside the curtain and saw that it was Robert molding a sheet of thin metal or iron, she relaxed. By the time she let the curtain fall close again, her body was shaking with released fear.

Maybe it was just a reaction to her parents and step-parents leaving...but why would that happen this time around? She shook her head and went to get her baby and leave the main room, retreating to her library.

You are acting strange today...at least moreso than normal. It was Shiva and her tone was just irritating her.

I'm not in the mood, she replied dryly, picking a book off the shelf she had already read two times. Before she could get to the second page, the esper interrupted her again.

You are never in the mood though, so it doesn't matter. The girl's eyes didn't leave the page. Fenrir is meaning to bother you with questions. Questions about when you plan on joining the assault to free our friends.

She was on the third page now. I don't plan to.

Then you plan on leaving us there? To be used, to be tortured? Shiva sounded horrified, but most of all, disappointed and afraid. What of us? Don't you care for us? If we live or die?

I do, but...but I'm afraid and—and now I have Alexandria. I...I just can't.

Emma, Ultima interrupted quietly. You possess in you immense power. You only need to learn how to control it and you would be one of the most powerful mages in the world. You could not learn before because you did not have proper tutors for the mixture of your blood and injections, but now you have people like your mother, Robert and us. We can help you so that you can beat Derell and Luke—

—no! I am not strong! I'm not! I wouldn't last a second against either of them! You know what happened to me at Figaro. I...I could barely hold my own against my brothers. I can't fight. I'm no good!

It all just sounds like an excuse, Fenrir said. A blanket to cover your cowardice.

That was enough! Emma slammed the book down. So what if I am a coward?! I don't care if I am! I don't want to do this and you can't force me to!

You don't think the others are afraid? That your family and your friends aren't afraid? And what do you think the Espers are feeling right now? At peace? No! They are afraid Emma, but they do what is right! They fight even if it means the end!

Enough! Ultima barked, materializing before them. The other Espers settled and Emma looked away from the beautiful Espe in shame. If Emma is too afraid or is too unsure of herself in battle, then it would only make sense to keep her away from the battles. If she feels she cannot help us, then...then it is a truth we just have to accept. Her brothers—her family—and her friends are all working hard to free our comrades and save this planet and its humanoid inhabitants. She turned to glare at Fenrir. For all this girl as gone through you cannot even remotely understand why she hesitates? You are asking her to put herself on land her feet once touched as a slave. She was tortured, raped and experimented on, just like our brothers and sisters. Be considerate of the girl.

Considerate? I am. Forgive me for worrying, too, over our captive comrades that continue to suffer torture and experimentation. At least she is safe and sound while they continue on in abuse! And then he vanished into a puff of smoke and Ultima turned to look at Emma once again.

Please do not mind him Emma. Take as long as you need to recover and to think on it. We will understand either way you decide. Even though the words were encouraging and sweet the young princess could see the opposite in the Esper's eyes and when the others left her, hot tears rolled down her cheeks in shame.

If only she did not fear so much. If only she wasn't a selfish, insolent wench like Derell had said. Maybe if she had the courage of the Figaro blood coursing through her veins she could already be on the battlefield fighting for the Espers and her own kingdom, but she didn't. She was just an useless, afraid little girl. And now she couldn't risk her life, not when she had the last of what existed of Alexander to protect.

"Alexander," she cried, covering her eyes. Please...help me decide what to do.

Are you lost again, child? A familiar voice asked. She looked up quickly. Standing before her was the mysterious hooded figure from before, the one that had saved her from Titan.

She was astonished and relieved. It...it's you.

He laughed and ignoring her obvious question about who he was, he asked her, what can Alexander do for you that you cannot do for yourself, young one?

I—I can't decide what to do. If I should help them or if I should stay here safely. I can't do this on my own!

He laughed. Nonsense. You have done quite a lot on your own, young lady. I see the reason for your worry, though. If you die on the battle field, your child will have nothing, but I have a feeling that is not the only reason for your hesitation. You don't want to lose her. That connection...you feel like it is all you have, and all you will ever have. Losing it would be too much.

Is...is that so wrong?

It isn't, child, not at all, but what kind of future will your child have if Derell or even Luke succeeds in their endeavors?

So you are saying I should help them?

He was still, thinking, and then softly replied with, only you can decide and only you can help yourself. Seeking out Alexander or any other is not going to help you. Consider those around you though. What did your mother do? Your father? Alexander? Your brothers? Only then can you come to your own answers. And then he vanished just as any other Esper she knew did.

The stranger's words only left her in a deeper confusion. He mentioned people who went out of their way, risking their lives fighting for others. They had strength and courage, but what did she have? She could barely manage her spells and could still not control her anger. If she were to offer her assistance, she would only cause more problems as she was than solve. And if she accepted, she would still need to learn, to practice, so even if she did accept, where could she find such things? Her mother was already on her way to Figaro and anyone else she could consider were also thousands of miles away, busy.

And then there was Alexandria. Who would watch over her while she trained? Who would take her in if something were to happen? Who could she trust to do such a thing? There were just so many things she did not know or have and feared that she knew the decision would just be impossible of her to make.

••••••••••••

They had left while he was out. He wasn't sure if he should stop them and say something, or ask for something, or even protest them leaving, so he just stared after them until they were safely in the sky and flying away. His thoughts then went to the spoiled girl in the cabin. Did she get the chance to say goodbye? Was she still locked away in her room, asleep perhaps? He wondered if he should go check or wake her.

Whatever I decide to do, it will still be wrong in her eyes, he thought dryly, angrily. He knew that sooner or late he would need to confront Emma, despite her wishes. Whether from telling her to eat or protecting her from harm, it was inevitable. At least the girl's mother wasn't here to prevent him from confronting her with his apologies again.

He sat aside his tools and went to the cabin reluctantly. If she wasn't going to accept his apology, he would just act like things were normal. He would just ignore her outbursts!

He found her in the library a moment later. When he peaked through the staircase railing he saw her sitting at one of the tables, resting her head against her arms. Alexandria slept soundly in her crib just beside her. Whether she smelled him or not, she made no move to leave or say anything to him. The memory of her 'I'm sorry' replayed in his head and he felt shame and pity. She looked so frustrated, so confused. So hurt. Because of him.

Why can't women just be easier to understand? To appease? He sighed and then cleared his throat to get her attention, rising to the top of the stairs. He sucked up his pride for the next part. "I'm sorry for the way that I treated you about coming to eat with you and the others. I just didn't know what to say. I didn't feel like going Emma because..." he knew the truth would just make her angry but what else could he do? "I just couldn't sit with you. I don't want you to feel pressured or confused by what I feel, so I thought if I spent some time away from you as much as I could it could help mend whatever friendship we could possibly have." he rubbed at his neck. "I know it will take a while to earn your trust again after all of the stupid mistakes that I have made, but I hope there is still room for one more chance. This time I swear to all that I hold dear that I will not push myself on you again. I swear it Emma."

She did not lift her face from her arms, but he knew she wasn't asleep. It was that feeling you would get. A certainty that could not be wrong. "Emma? Please...at least come down to eat supper."

"Please..." she whispered, still not moving. "Just go away." she sounded absolutely...broken. The kind of done after years of failure. As if nothing mattered. Robert did not like it, not one bit. Fearing she was going to have another one of those spells that left her tired and weak, he approached her.

"Are you alright, Emma? Do you need me to get you something?" still she did not move. He reached over to touch her arm and she ripped away from him angrily.

"I said leave me alone! Why can't you just do what I ask for once?!"

While her pretty eyes remained their color, he saw nothing but rage in them, and fear. Fear of what though? He did not let her turn him away though. "You can be angry with me all that you want Emma, I deserve it, but I can see that something is wrong—that something happened—and I want to help you. I can't do that if you do not tell me what it is."

"I don't want your help!" she squinted her eyes, as if hurt, and then laid her head back into her arms. He thought he heard her sob. Now he knew for a fact nothing was okay.

"Please...just let me help you Emma, please." she lifted her hands to press against her head and for a moment he thought she was trying to ignore him until he realized that it was probably the Espers bothering her again. "It is them, isn't it?" she pressed harder, this time to ignore him. "The Espers are bothering you again, aren't they? Why? What do they want?"

"What do you think they want?!" she snapped, finally looking at him with tear ridden eyes. "They want me to fight! They—they want me to...to..." she started sobbing. "and I c-c-ant because I'm weak. Because I'm useless!"

"That isn't true and you know it," he said softly. "Being afraid doesn't make you weak or useless. It makes you brave."

She looked at him again, confused. "That doesn't even make sense!"

He smiled. "How else can you be brave Emma? You can't be unless you weren't before. It takes bravery to understand your fears and conquer them. A person who feels this kind of pain and fear, yet can face them, is not a useless or weak person."

She knuckled away some tears, sniffing. "Really?" he laughed. How he wished to take her into his arms and kiss that beautiful face of hers.

"I do not say things I do not mean." he simply said. "You are neither a coward or a useless woman. I have seen what you can do, what you can and do feel. Your only decision now is what to do."

"W-w-what do you mean?"

"I mean...only you can decide what is best. If you feel like you cannot take this risk and help the Espers, then that is fine, because it is up to you. If you feel like you can and should help them, then that is what you should do. Do not let the Espers or anyone else tell you what you need to do or should do. They do not have the right to, nor do they have the right to judge you for it. So," he smiled. "what do you want to do Emma?"

She was quiet as she thought, brows furrowed. "I...I don't know. Even...even if I wanted to, I—I can't help them. I am too weak and...and I can't control my magic or..."

This was the perfect opportunity for him. He has been wanting to help her get her transformations and magicks under control for some time, if only because she could seriously hurt or kill someone if they weren't under control. However, he could not also give her a chance to try and understand her own powers and to determine whether or not she should help the Espers. It would only be left up to her though. She was still angry with him, he could see that, so it could very likely be that she return his invitation for help with a venomous strike, but he had to try.

"I have a proposition for you then," he said, smiling when she looked at him with those beautiful eyes without the anger and hate he has felt from her since everything blew up in his face. "Until your mother can come and help you, how about I help you learn how to control your powers? You will not need to decide on what to do with the Espers for the offer either. You should know how to control them and if, somehow, you decide at the end that you should like to lend your help to the Espers, you will have the strength and experience to. I must say it again though...under no way will you be forced into anything."

The stare he got back made him weak. Was it anger? Gratitude? Happiness? He couldn't be sure but it threw him. And then she lowered her eyes, deep in thought, and then brought them back up at him, shyly. "Even...even if I don't like you?"

To hear her say it like that stung him, but he was sure she hadn't meant to be mean, so he shrugged it off. That wasn't Emma's style, after all, she was just honest to a fault. And easily confused by what others did or said, or even what was appropriate. He smirked, suddenly even more infatuated with her. "Even so." She wiped away the tears with an unbelieving expression on. "I'm telling you the truth, girl." this time his voice was its usual cold and aggravated tone. "What say you?"

She smiled weakly, thankfully. "...okay."

He went toward the stairs again, sure she wanted some time alone and that this did not mean she forgave him, but when he glanced back he saw her staring after him. He knew by the expression what she was going to ask, or rather wanted to and wouldn't. He chuckled. "Supper is finished." she smiled, a terrible blush on her face.

••••••••••••

Two days after he promised to help her train, he had finally decided on a method, one that did not reveal too much about himself and his capabilities but also one that did not potentially trigger her into a transformation. It meant telling, or showing, the girl he could perform magic. There was no getting around that and he doubted she would just believe he became an expert with it over night, so what could he say to cover himself up from prying eyes? The Espers would certainly try and tell the girl who he was, or he guessed Ultima, but she hadn't yet so she obviously felt there was a need not to. Perhaps that could mean he could get away with whatever excuse he could fabricate for Emma.

He spent that morning pouring over ideas. What would she believe? She had picked up on his eyes once due to his negligence, so he had to be careful. And Emma was, after all, exceptionally perceptive. It had to make sense, if only to her rather than the others. What though? When he glanced up and saw her pacing the kitchen with whining Alexandria in her eyes, he suddenly recalled their 'battle' and the spear.

That was it!

He could make her believe that the spear itself was lending him powers! He didn't have to reveal what he could really do or who he really was! It was perfect! He smiled and got up to head into the kitchen. Emma was humming quietly, peacefully, but it wasn't work. The babe was in a mood. "What do you need?" she whispered to her, but the girl whined and whined.

Robert cleared his throat, awkwardly because they hadn't apologized to each other or accepted apologies. Well...she hadn't at least. "Emma, I was thinking about the training. I would like to explain to you how it will work."

"Huh?" she looked at him, confused, as she readjusted the babe in her arms. "Oh!" she gasped when she remembered. "Okay...can we do that later?" she struggled against the annoyed baby's strength. "Is...is that okay?"

"Of course it can wait," he said, laughing. She would listen! He was so close to a normal relationship with her again that it was a huge relief. "Hopefully that tyke gets under control soon though. She's been wailing all morning."

"I know," she mumbled and when he looked closer, he saw that she was crying out of frustration. "I...I don't know what's wrong with her." now her tears were flowing. "I'm a terrible mother!"

Robert shook his head. "Babies are like this Emma and yours is no different than the other million other babies. You are doing well, believe me." the babe's crying came again as if to protest the remarks and Robert laughed. "Alright...I have an idea. Bring the little problem child and we shall see if it settles her down some." he turned without another word and left, sure Emma was following simply because the sound of the baby followed after him.

When he guided her to the library, she was puzzled. "Why are we here?"

"You shall see," he said, pointing to the crib in the room. Slowly Emma made her way to it and laid Alex down. "Good, now bring it closer to the piano, like so." he gestured to a spot beside the piano seat and she moved the crib. "Good, good. Now sit down." unsure, she sat. "Now play."

Her brows furrowed, a little annoyed. "How is this going to help?"

"Just try it girl and we shall see if it does or doesn't."

Emma looked at her daughter and then the piano with a sigh. "Okay," she hovered her hands over the keys but did not play and then she looked at him with a frown. "I...I haven't played a piano in years."

"You were taught. You never truly forget, you just get rusty."

"...but—"

"You either try or you do not," he cut in quickly. "It is up to you." she chewed her bottom lip thoughtfully before she pressed her hands against the keys just gently enough to feel them without making noise. And then she started playing, something gentle, something enthralling. The first few notes were broken and lamely paced as she remembered the song and forced her fingers to remember their years of training, but after a few minutes the flow became like liquid and the music was beautiful.

It took a minute longer for it to catch the babe's attention but when it did she quieted and stared at the roof with a goofy smile on her face. At first Robert did not say anything about the change, because he enjoyed the music and the expression on the princess' face, but then he laughed over her playing.

"See? It worked after all." he left out what he was referring to on purpose. She smiled at him and then returned back to the piano with new vigor as Alexandra grew sleepy. When the end of the song neared, she stopped and leaned over the crib to watch her daughter sleep. "There. The girl sleeps soundly."

"She does," she whispered happily.

"Then perhaps we can talk about the training now?" he asked, a little shyly because he didn't want to come off strongly or be misunderstood as trying to just get close to her. Well, she didn't have to know that was part of it so long as he behaved and didn't push himself on her. Emma looked at him.

"Oh, right...I forgot." she leaned away from the crib and gave him her most believable "I'm listening" face. He tried not to comment on how cute it looked.

"We will start in the morning. I will introduce you to how I manage to use 'magic'."

Her eyes widened. "You can use magic? Why didn't you say something?"

"Because it isn't real magic," he said quickly. "I have a weapon with magical properties. So long as I am using it, I am granted its strength. You will see in the morning, but for now I want to explain how it will work." she oh'd. "We will start off with recognizing your triggers. I can already guess anger is one of them." that made her blush. "but I would like to see if any other strong emotional response from you can trigger it. It will help us determine what kind of method of control we can look for. It will also tell me if our goal should be to teach you how to ultimately use it or how to ultimately learn to control your emotions as to not harm yourself or others again."

She looked confused. "I don't understand...don't they mean the same thing?"

"No. If it is your emotions that trigger it solely, as in you cannot access it any other way, it means you cannot learn to control the magic itself but your emotions. However, if your anger is simply the way your subconscious decides when to us it, it means you can potentially control it instead through practice. Tomorrow will help us understand exactly how you can use magic and exactly how magic has changed. Does that make sense?"

She shook her head. "Not really but...okay, I will try."

"Then be sure that you rest well tonight. Tomorrow will be the hardest day for you as it will be the most tiring for your body. An able mind and a sturdy core is key." he then turned on his heels. "I will make supper earlier than usual today so that I have time before it gets dark to clear out a space for us to safely train away from the cabin."

Emma stood up quickly, frowning. "Wait!" she shouted and he paused to glance back at her. "Is...is that how you stopped me? Before, I mean, when...when I killed those men?"

"Does it matter?" she nodded. "Why?"

"Because..." she started to fidget. "I...I want to know that I can be stopped."

He understood now why she was so afraid to really try and help the Espers. Her Trance state terrified her, but why? He could understand why the idea of losing control could or fearing it happening again, but it felt like there was something even deeper she refused to say that she feared. He sighed. "Yes Emma...if something happens, I can stop you. There is no reason to worry with me, I promise. Now," he gestured to the babe. "take her and get some rest while I prepare supper." and then he turned and left her be, mostly because he knew hanging around more than necessary might just trigger a scene he would regret. A fight that would further push them apart.

••••••••••••

The moment she was safely within her room, putting Alexandria down, the Espers appeared around her with a new round of excitement. Even Fenrir seemed pleasantly happy even with the idea that she was going to consider it. This was one of many things she wanted to avoid. She tried her hardest to ignore them but it did not work. It seemed like whatever she could do with her inner voice was not possible now.

It...it means a lot to all of us, Fenrir said from his spot below the window. Even though he couldn't feel the sun he loved it as if he still could.

Shiva flew over to Emma's side with a warm smile. Just the consideration alone means so much to us.

Emma looked away from them, especially away from Ultima, who was staring at her quietly. For some reason Emma did not like that look. It made her feel...wrong, somehow.

Do not crowd her, please, Ultima finally said, still staring. It may be that her heart does not lead her to battle. If that is the case, what you are doing now will only make her feel guilty.

I can't wait to see what you can do, Cy said, laughing. I bet if you can control your powers, you will be something out of this world!

A flood of fear passed through her at the idea of that and it made the Espers cringe with pain at the sharp emotion. Cyclops immediately felt regret for saying what he did. I...I didn't mean to upset you Emma. I can understand how power can be startling or scary, I just meant...I meant it in a friendly way, I swear it.

I know, I just...she hesitated. They couldn't understand where her fear came from. They were in control. They weren't used like she was. Whatever happened to them, it wasn't through direct manipulation of their bodies. And then she felt guilty for thinking it because it made it seem like their suffering wasn't important.

Our struggles are different, but in a way we do understand, Ultima whispered. What you were made to endure...I cannot imagine going through it. It is one thing to be killed for your power so it can be used for evil, but to be abused and forced to do the bidding of someone like Derell Aluza, for years, is too much for me to properly understand. However, we feel your pain whenever you do. That much we do understand.

Fenrir got up from his spot in the sun and said, be cautious of what could happen, but know that is all you can do. If you fear losing control for the rest of your life, and refuse to try, to do things that might trigger you, it will be a weak life to lead. You must come to terms with what is and what will be Emma. You must, if only for your own sake, but also for our sake. I am glad you are considering it, but...but I want something more than a weak hope Emma. You are the only person who can help us.

Please...can we please just—

I don't like begging you as much as you don't like hearing it, Fenrir snapped.

Fenrir, that is enough! Ultima had forced the esper into silence. The two glared at each other for a moment before he scoffed and disappeared. Ultima flew over to lay a hand on her shoulder. Rest now Emma. Do not pay Fenrir any attention. Focus on what you need or want. We will understand whatever decision you decide on. And then she and the rest of the espers disappeared, presumably to give her some time to think and rest.

Emma laid down, sinking her face into the comforts of her people with a shallow cry. Why did all of this have to fall on her shoulders? Why did she have to make this decision after everything that happened to her? Why was life so unfair?

---

By the sixth day leaving their encampment, they came upon the Kaspon river. The water that flowed passed them was clear and beautiful, unlike any Jacen had seen before. In fact, all of the forest had such strange and wonderfully beautiful things in it, things that he was sure could not be found anywhere else. Even the species of pine and fir that grew up around him was alien to him.

It was strange being away from his mother, too, or rather being led by Relm. She was an incredible leader and he did not expect it. She had this sense of duty and honor that he had not seen in someone before other than his mother and the old king of Figaro. She also held herself with such strength and intelligence that it rivaled that of Edgar.

She's fitting to be a queen, he thought as he watched her leading her chocobo to a stop at the river's edge. I bet Thamasa would not be as successful as it is now if she hadn't stepped up to lead...

Relm's second in command rode up beside her.

"If I may ask commander, how are we to cross without a bridge?"

Relm dismounted without a word and Jacen followed her with his eyes, wondering what she was going to do though having some feeling he knew what. She took out her sketchpad and a blank inked pen. She drew for a few seconds before the ground rumbled and the ink started to peel off the paper. Using her pen, she guided the drawing toward the water and maneuvered it just so that it allowed them access to the other side. It dropped down in a spark of light, becoming real.

The majority of the men behind them had never seen Relm's abilities, or even really knew of it, so when it happened they were panicking as if chickens with their heads cut off. They were shouting 'sorcery! demon work!' until the second in command drew them back into a calm line. When it was explained to them, it only slightly relieved their worry and so when they were pressed to cross over it, most of them ran across as if their life depended on it.

Across the water, Jacen accidentally bumped into another soldier. When he straightened and apologized, he gasped. It was Ivun Vralin! He never expected to see the man again, and yet here he was, in the same regiment! "Ivun!" he said, completely surprised. The man laughed when he recognized Jacen.

"Cole! I had not known you were here! Ah, to brave the risk together! It will be rewarding, yes?"

"It won't be braving the risks that makes fighting beside you rewarding, Vralin. Our comradery is what is important, that and what we hold to be true and good." he shook hands with him. "To be honest though, I'm a little nervous and afraid."

"Afraid is good, Cole," he said, releasing his hand. "Only stupid men do not feel fear."

That was incredibly insightful and wise, Jacen thought. He couldn't really argue with it either. "It will be good to have you at our side, though. Let's both make it out of there alive, okay?"

Vralin laughed again, patting his back. "We will have that drink, comrade, I promise it. Let us move forward and claim victory on our enemies." he bowed his head and went to rejoin his group. Jacen hurried to his spot when Relm called the men to line.

"This is it, men," she said atop her mount. "You are all brave to press this battle with us for the good of our nations, brave and honorable, but there is always risk in doing what is right against those who wish to do what is wrong. Risk that, often, takes life more than it protects." the men quieted solemnly. "I wish it wasn't so that so many good men need perish in the last line of defense against evil, but there will always be evil to fight so that hope is all but a childish dream. We have families to protect, neighbors and strangers we have yet made the acquaintance of, but yet we fight for them as if we are bonded by blood and memory." she moved her mount down a half line before bringing it back in a pace.

"Today will mark the start of what our great nations hope to be the last in this dreadful war. A march against tyranny itself, against bloodshed and evil, so we must fight with all our strength and breath because the dawn will come on us and we will need to fight again for this hope of freedom and righteousness." she stopped finally and gave them all a long look, one that held such fear and sadness. "When we are victorious here, we will be but days away from the capital—away from the Mad King that has started all of this—and from the end of this dreadful war." The men threw their arms into the sky and started shouting. "We will give this bastard all that we have. We will show him what good men will do against evil!"

Jacen felt a cold run through him, one that left his muscles tout and his heart racing. This was it. There was no turning back. Beyond the river was destiny, life or death, victory or loss, it was his. His fingers twitched, wishing to hold the weight of his sword, but he remained in spot, watching the rest of the men cheer Relm's words into the sky like the thunder of a storm.

"Are you ready?!" she howled over their roars and they answered. "Then let us settle this! Charge!" she turned on her mount and fled forward into the woods. All at once the men followed, rushing by on foot or on the backs of birds. Jacen struggled to get out of the way of the giant birds and keep up to the pace of the rest of the army, but yet, even over the tired muscles in his legs, he kept running and running, faster than he ever remembered running before.

Within moments the garrison walls appeared through the trees and the sound of war erupted around them. Although they could not see the western gate, they could hear Celes' efforts quite clearly. Nothing else could be made out of the sounds, but Jacen hoped it was going well for his mother even as they poured over the hills and towards the gate.

The men atop the walls were just as surprised but quickly alerted the garrison to the new assault. Within minutes archers lined up over the parapets and took aim. When the arrows were let loose the ground turned dark under their shadow and just before they hit their target, a rush of something black raced out over head, deflecting the arrows.

Jacen skid to a stop, nearly tumbling the rest of the way down the hill, until he turned at the waist to see that Relm had drawn them up cover. He looked up and saw that the cover was hovering over them, heading towards the gates. With a swear, he hurried after the rest of the forces.

When they reached the gate, their cover froze in place, vibrated and then disappeared into a cloud of paint, raining down on the archers at the wall. Seeing that they now had a chance to fire, they prepared another flurry of arrows. Jacen noticed and reached his arm up to cover himself with his Figaro issued shield. The rest of the men followed suit, and soon the air filled with the sound of arrows deflecting off metal. It rained on them for a good minute before it stopped and a line of men, armored, split through their group with raiding gear.

The gate buckled when the ram smashed into it, and the archers above tried yet again to strike them down but the men below quickly pulled up their shields to shelter themselves and the men attempting grant them access to the garrison. When it showed that the arrows did not do much, the men above starting pouring gallons of water down on them in desperation. The Figaro and freemen could only be thankful it was not hot or tar.

It made the ground loose and slippery, and forced the men with the ram back by several feet. Jacen's boot slid from the stone and he lost his footing, nearly bringing others down with him. He struggled back up against the torrent of water being poured down on them and pushed the ram up the hill with a howl of frustration.

Come on! He thought, pushing with all his might. Come on! A round of new arrivals hurried behind him to help and with several pushes, they rammed into the gate once more, jostling the men at the top. "Again!" a voice howled out over their efforts and Jacen heaved and hoed, until the gate burst open beneath the men at the wall and their forces were pouring into the garrison screaming with weapons drawn.

There were hundreds of armed men waiting for them behind the gate and instantly engaged them. They clashed together in blurs of steel and a flurry of arrows. In the watch tower close to the gate the men blew a bugle, to warn the other gate, before they were quickly overwhelmed by Figaro archers.

Jacen brought up his shield just in time to deflect a hard strike from an Alúzari soldier before he shoved his weight into the shield and knocked the guy off the steps he had been using as an advantage. The man flew off the step and landed hard at the feet of six other men who were too busy dealing with their own battle to worry about him.

Behind the Alúzari forces was a smaller wall and gate of iron. Jacen could see hundreds of men behind the bars, fearfully awaiting the eventual assault on their much weaker gate and watching as their comrades fell. Far behind him, just coming through the broken gate, was Relm. Her eyes scanned over the crowd and it took him a second to realize she was looking for him. He felt weird getting special attention over the rest and quickly looked away.

Vralin appeared behind him, helm dented on the right side and blood trinkling down his face. Despite that though he was smiling almost foolishly and his sword held high. "There you are, Cole! Join me! I'm rushing over the wall to open the gate."

"Couldn't we just bust through?" he shouted over the sound of warfare.

"We could, but it will take time for the ram to come through!" he shouted back and then he was running up the stairs, sword drawn over his head and his howls of bloodlust drowning out in the sound of steel and screams. Unsure of what to do and not wishing to find his unlikely new friend friend dead after the battle, he followed him.

Vralin was crouched at the top, sword still drawn. He glanced at Jacen once before he said, "The walls are too tall; we will need to scale it."

Jacen took a moment to inspect the wall. It certainly was too high, even having climbed the stairs as high as they went! He did spot a few places that could serve as a foothold but he wasn't sure about daring the other side just to get the battle over with sooner. A part of him wanted to join Vralin, the part that needed to die for his service to be respected and honorable, and the other half knew better. He knew the risks and chain of the command. Relm nor Celes would approve of this, for any soldier, not just him.

"Vralin, we can't," he said, laying a hand on his shoulder. "This is not ordered of us. At least not by my chain of command."

The Alúzari native stood with a deep frown, though there was understanding in it. "If this is not what you are commanded, then I would not want you to follow me, but this is what we of the free Alúzar do. We take the necessary risks for the greater good of the men." he patted Jacen's shoulder with a smile. "Try to get through quick, friend, before I have killed them all." and then he sheathed his sword and started to scale the wall.

Jacen watched him for a moment before he descended the stairs and tried to meet up with Relm. She was still at the back of the party helping with some of the wounded or terrified civilians that had been forced into labor for the garrison. When she caught sight of him, a small smile of relief graced her lips.

She stood and ushered away the soldiers tending to the wounded to their jobs and faced him. "Jacen, we need you out there, as glad as I am to see you here—"

"There's another gate," he blurted out. "The ram will not make it to the gate soon and I fear my mother...general Celes needs backup. I don't think our gate was heavily guarded at all."

Relm covered her mouth in thought. "And you saw the gate?"

"Yes, with Vralin. He scaled the wall in hopes to sneak through and open the gate for us but I fear it is a fool's errand. There were just too many men." he could have sworn he heard her swear under her breath.

"I would hate to use another sketch so soon...I need to preserve them for the assault on the castle."

"The gate looks considerable weaker itself, but the walls seem more durable," he added. "We could..." he hesitated. It wasn't his place to even be doing this! He looked away. "Forgive me commander, I was not thinking."

She shook her head. "No, no Jacen, tell me what you were going to say."

"Well, there are no parapets for the Alúzari to use against us along the next gate. If we could continue with a smaller force along the walls, while they are distracted, we could join Vralin at the other side. We would need to scale the wall too but...but I think it is our only chance if my...if the general is in trouble now."

Relm did not waste any time. "Then that is what we will do." she looked through the nearby clump of their men and spotted who she wanted. "Come come," she said and ten men rushed to her side. "I am putting you under Jacen's temporary authority. You will help him scale the wall and get the gate open. Listen to his commands as if they were from me, do you understand?"

"Yes, ma'am!" they shouted at once, saluting.

"Me?" he gaped at her. "I...I can't! I mean I'm not...I'm not ready for any kind of leadership!"

Relm quieted him with a hand on his shoulder. "Just remember what I told you earlier Jacen...bring patience with you and do as you are commanded, and all will be fine. Do not rush into anything. This is not the time to be foolish and brash, but thoughtful and bold. Your only job is to get that gate open or by us time at the very least to bring the ram closer without attention from the other side. You can do this. I know you can." He swallowed back another comment. How could Relm trust him with the sake of others? He was a child—an idiotic child! "Jacen," she said, drilling her cool, calm eyes into him. "You must hurry now. Go!" he turned with a start and went running for the wall while his men followed close behind.

He led the men up the stairs that he and Vralin had stood upon and issued them into a line about four feet apart from each other. "Listen we could very well be shot at as soon as we are over that wall. We have no idea what it will be like, but we may have a companion at the other side who may need our help or will provide us with help. As soon as we are at the top, we find whatever way we can to the ground that is the fast. The longer we are up, the more likely we will be seen or killed. Once we are on the ground I will shoot an arrow with our sigil attacked to it over the wall. If we can hold them off from the gate until our forces can ram through, then we can proceed through the garrison until we meet up with...with general Chere."

One soldier raised a hand, "Sir, what if we split up into two? One on this side and one further down the ramp?"

Jace smiled broadly at him; it was even better! How had he not thought of it? He gestured ahead. "You will take the second team then. Wait until both teams are at the crest of the wall before we go over though. We need to be in sync."

"Yes sir!" he took six men with him and lined them up similarly down the ramp. At his mark, they began to ascend the wall, using the natural grips of the stone to ease their work. They scaled high enough to look back across the yard to see that fortunately but still quite sadly, most that laid dead or injured among the field were enemy forces and soon to be prisoners of war.

He tore his eyes away and continued up the wall. The smoke started to choke him the closer he got to the top and soon enough an unbelievable hot wave blew across his face. As they neared the crest, a hot, bright glow emitted from from the other side. Some of his men winced and so did he. What could be going on at the other side?!

Let my mother be alright, he begged the gods, his heart thrumming. Let her not pay for the foolishness of others...of me. And then they were, at once, at the top. Below them a sea of fire consumed almost everything and enemy forces were desperately trying to put out the flames as they fought off Figaro forces scaling the other wall and shooting them down with arrows and spears.

It was his mother! She had pressed through the main gate and made it into the center of the garrison! He was so excited he forgot he was in charge of a dozen men, of a dire mission, until an arrow shot by his head—though not aimed by enemy forces, as it was a misfire—and then he pinked and hurried with the rest of his men across the length of the wall, splitting up into two directions so they could descend the double stair cases at once and pincer attack the enemy while their backs were turned.

And then he saw him—Vralin! He was hiding behind several barrels of water and arrows, only twenty feet from the gate and the large level that opened it. Jacen motioned to his men across from them to wait out of sight while he and his six men snuck up along the walls by the stairs to meet up with Vralin. The man thankfully did not scare easy as when he reached to touch the Alúzari native's shoulder, he looked over with a bright smile.

"I knew you would be here, Cole, I just knew it. Honorable victory on the battlefield is what any knight craves, even squires and newly anointed knights."

"I didn't come for the glory, Vralin," he laughed a little. "I was issued by my commander to try and distract the enemy forces so we can get the ram close enough. There are about three dozen men at the gate keeping us from getting near it."

"Then let me help you solve that riddle," he pointed across from them. "That level can open the gate. I would have used it by now but it requires the strength of two or three men. I know that model. I have used it before. The only other way to get the gate open is to get inside of the gate room and cut the ropes and bang up the gears. That will make the gate suddenly draw up, but that...that will be tricky. The inside is heavily armored and well armed with two dozen men behind an iron door slated to allow them to kill anything outside of it."

"We don't need to open it, we just need to give my commander enough time to break through. If we can, she can do it."

"Then that makes this simple, yes?" he half stood. "We send the bloody fools straight to hell!"

"We will issue a pincer attack. My men will take the men to the east, we will take the men to the west. We will work through it until we have met at the front of the gate. From there we defend it with our lives."

"Good thing you brought shields, then," he laughed dryly, taking a supply crate top slated with steel to act as his shield. "This will be fun." he lifted his sword and then Jacen raised his shield and the two forces rushed out.

None of the enemy noticed them at first, not even those at the gate. It wasn't until several of them screamed in surprise and pain as the Figaro forces crashed upon them like an angry wave, and then all out war started. Maces, swords, spears and hammers fly, struck and dented shield and armor like while blood soaked the ground the cries of death and pain clawed across the sky over the walls and awakening the rest of the enemy forces about the ambush.

Jacen engaged a single man with a longsword, whose arms were almost as large as Sabin's though he stood at a smaller height and his chest seemed bigger than a barrel. His eyes were angry and his snarl was like a cornered lion's, but it was the strength behind his strikes that stirred nervousness and agitation from Jacen. He had his agility to use against this behemoth but it would not do if the man could just swing an arm and break his face.

He pirouetted to the right of the man, sword still drawn as his mother taught him, sweat beading at his head. The man swung his sword and it lashed out over head as Jacen ducked, the sound so loud it stung his ears. He stepped back quickly, almost too quickly as his boot scoffed over pebbles, and then took a protective stance again.

He gritted his teeth. If only someone was free enough to help him against this hulking giant. He brought up his sword to block another strike and it rattled him to his core, nearly through him to his back. The strength behind him was immense! He staggered back, panting.

The man snarled something in his native tongue, harsh and long words, before he charged with a long sweep of his sword. Jacen jumped back at the last second and did another pirouette to the left and then another when the man turned with another angry swing. This time Jacen had him at a disadvantage and struck, slicing him from the top of his left shoulder down in an arch towards his right hip, though the damage was greatly reduce due to his leather armor.

The giant growled and backhanded him, sending him into the blood soaked ground. His vision flashed white and his ears rang. Disoriented he could only lay there, stunned and confused as the giant stalked towards him, lifting his sword as if were a spear, readying himself to pierce it through Jacen's chest and medium plate armor as if it were nothing more than a flimsy sheet of paper. He reached back and went for the strike but halfway through the mark an arrow lodged itself into his chest and then another, sending the giant back.

Someone rushed up to Jacen's side and picked up the discarded sword and then rushed the giant as he lamented over the arrows. His vision flickered again and he crumbled into the ground with a haggard wheeze, feeling as if his face was shattered. No, no, he told himself. Get up and fight! This is not the end! You are a knight of Figaro! Get up!

With a grunt he rolled over onto his hands and forced himself up to his feet. His body fought him every inch of the way but he was determined. On his feet he reached down for a discarded shortsword by one of the slain enemies and turned slowly, unwilling yet to agitate his bloodied face despite wishing to. Fighting off the giant of a man was Vralin, with agility and skill Jacen had never seen before. It was unlike any form he had seen and yet it was striking through the giant's hardened defenses as if it was nothing. Where Figaro's style was precise and controlled, Vralin's style was quick and more about pricking the enemy a thousand ways to weaken him by using his superior agility.

Vralin struck, poked and slashed the giant effortlessly, twirling and rolling out of the way of the attacks that were too much to block. Finally Vralin bounced to his feet, twirled on his heel and then chucked the sword at the giant. The man deflected the attack but when he went for his own strike Vralin was upon him with his own sword, sorter but wider and heavier, it ripped through the giant's meager armor and dug deep into his chest upwards. The giant sputtered blood and tumbled to his knees, gaping like a fish out of water.

Vralin tugged the sword out of him and stepped back to allow the giant's body to crash into the ground, reached down to wipe the blood off his blade using the man's back and then turned casually and approached Jacen with a soot covered face, where splotches of blood cleared away the grim, though none of it was his. He held out a hand and smiled some.

"Come Cole, this is not your deathbed."

Jacen accepted his hand with a small laugh. "Thank you Vralin...I had never seen someone with so much strength. It threw me."

"There will be much you will see here in Alúzar that you haven't elsewhere," he said softly. "That man..." he shook his head. "Forget it. Your commander is at the gate; they're breaking through right now. What's more, we routed the enemy to the other gate. They are pinned. We suspect they will ask submit peacefully but I do not think we should let them."

Despite just being saved by the Alúzari man, he was absolutely furious with the suggestion. He gave the man his nastiest glare. "Vralin, honor is in mercy. These men fight no more than they are willing, most of the time. They have an honor and a duty to their crown, as I do to mine and you have to whatever leadership you have sworn yourself to. War without mercy and honor will only beget even more atrocities in the name of it. If these men wish to surrender, we will let them and let them peacefully."

Vralin sighed. "If you believe it is for the best, I will not argue." he leaned down to retrieve Jacen's sword and hand it to him. "What you have to teach me I have just as much to teach you, Cole. You may see me and my people as barbaric but I promise you we are not. You have not seen the terror Derell or his son has caused this nation. You have not been imprisoned within your own land and see it bleed and cry. If you had, you would not be so quick to look at me like that. Mercy is good. Mercy is a godsend, but not always will you find it for the best to use it."

Vralin patted his shoulder before he walked away, leaving Jacen to dwell on the possibility of such a time coming. Was it true mercy wasn't always a good thing? He supposed he never thought about it when it came to Derell or Luke. Did that mean he did not value his beliefs as much as he did because he did not want those two to be given a chance at life, even behind prison bars? Or worse...could he, or even Cambyses, look at Derell and Luke and give them mercy? Did that take a strong man, or a weak man? Jacen wasn't sure what was right, but he was sure he wanted those two dead, to hurt just as much as they hurt everyone around them. Just like they hurt Emma.

It wasn't up to him anyway, he supposed. If or when they ever faced Derell or Luke, as his commanders Relm and Celes would determine what to do with them if they were taken alive. With that he prayed with everything in his heart that they would refuse to be taken alive, though it made him feel like scum.

Tiredly he sheathed his sword and turned with a wince to return to the gate and await Relm's arrival so that they could rejoin his mother and her forces at the other gate, where the larger battle was ensuing. Three of his men were injured, two more severely injured and unable to continue. He sat with them and helped them tend to their most grievous wounds as the rest tried their hand to simply open the gate since the ram was taking too long. If Jacen listened closely, he swore he could hear Relm asking them about him.

No...don't be paranoid. She's got more on her mind than the simple worry of you. The whole of the mission, for one. And he really hoped that was true. He did not want to be more important than their goals. It was not right or fair to those he served with, those he sworn himself to and the overall good of their mission. He relaxed into the wooden walls of the small cabin away from the gate and closed his eyes, letting the strain of muscles steal him away from consciousness.

When he woke again it was because someone was pressing something against his head. It was ice cold and refreshing. He opened his eyes and saw Relm tending to his wound. For a moment he did not care, until he remembered what last happened. Then he pushed up straight and turned her hands away.

"How long was I out?"

"Half an hour and you should really lie back down. We can settle the rest of this assault on our own." she said, placing the cloth back into a bucket of cold water. "And I am not asking you to."

"I...I have to help though!"

"You have helped enough, Jacen. Our men were able to get through the other gate. They are fighting to rejoin Celes' forces as we speak."

"I need to be out there, with them," he tried to get up but pain flared up his arm to the top of his head. He grunted and sat back down.

"You are in no condition to move, not right now. You have done enough for right now. You must rest." she gave him a small smile. "You have done wonderfully Jacen. Do not feel this is failure." she patted his hand before she stood. "Rest now. I mean it. I will come for you when the garrison has been taken and your mother is back." she turned on her heels and walked away briskly towards the other gate. He knew she was not asking him to and that if he ignored her, he would be in serious trouble.

With a sigh, he leaned back into a few fur rolls she had stuffed behind him sometime while he was asleep and exhaled slowly.

••••••••••••

Celes reached to rub soot from her face as six of her men removed fallen debris from a nearby stable. The fire had broken off the deck of an apartment complex above the stables where the commander of the garrison had been and trapped several civilian workers inside.

"Heave!" one of the men howled and the beam was lifted out of the way of the stable door. Another man reached to open the door and let the three trapped inside to run out. The soldiers dropped the debris and jumped back as the rest of the apartment above gave way and crumbled into the stable.

Celes shook her head and turned. Where was the commander? Surely the garrison had been stationed with one, but where? She spotted Radovan among his men helping a few more civilians out of the vicinity of the fire and battle and approached. When he noticed her, he led her away so they could talk.

"I haven't found the commander," he said. "I asked the civilians, but they either aren't willing to speak out of loyalty or fear, or they have no idea either."

Celes sighed. "Then it is possible he fled during the attack, which means he is on his way to the capital. Or..."

"Or?"

Celes glanced at the civilians quickly. "Or he's hiding among the civilians."

Radovan seemed disgusting by the mere notion of it. "Why would he do that?"

"Why?" she repeated. "Fear, self-preservation or just shameful? I do not kn ow the mind of cowards Radovan, I only know what they could or may do in their moments of desperation. It wouldn't be the first time I have seen it, at least."

"What do we do then?"

"Keep the civilians under watch and away from each other. When we have the garrison, we will question them individually." she crossed her arms. "Hopefully though we will find the commander further into the garrison, fighting or perhaps already dead."

A soldier ran up to them a second later, panting. "General Chere! We have routed the enemy to the last gate leading to Commander Relm. We need additional men and resources though, as they have bunkered down in trenches and stone towers along the roads."

"Understood. I'll take point. You are dismissed." he saluted her and then hurried off. She faced Radovan. "I will entrust this," she gestured to the mess around them. "to you Radovan. Keep those civilians under tight watch. I will be back for them soon."

Radovan saluted her in his native style and then said, "I will keep them well, I promise general. Find the bastard in charge here quickly though. I would hate to think he's among the civilians."

She said her goodbyes and went to get the needed men and resources. When she had the men in tow and the trebuchet they seized from the enemy being dragged along the road she found the site of the heated trench war. A overworked captain was leading the assault and looked ready to fall apart any moment.

"Captain," she said, coming to stand beside him at a crest beside the road, looking at the battle about three hundred yards ahead of them. "How long has the enemy occupied the trench?"

He faced her with a relieved sigh. "General Chere! They have had it for two hours now. We can't make any move to close in on them. They have archers stationed in the towers and strange devices along the trench that shoots...something...at our men. I have ordered the men to stay back for now."

She reached into a small pouch at her waist for her her telescope and looked ahead toward the trenches. There were indeed strange devices along the trench facing them, at least four in total. They almost looked like the prototype guns the Empire had manufactured, but bigger and not operated by men. When she saw one of them fire a cannonball, she put her telescope away and looked at the captain.

"They are using Imperial weaponry, though it appears to be heavily modified. Such things were...not right and expensive even for the Empire."

"How do we rid them of it, general?"

She thought for a moment. If they couldn't get close, they had to think of a way to target the strange guns from afar, but how? She couldn't rush them and use magic, as even with it, her magic could not stop the force and targeting of a gun fitted with cannonballs. And if she used the trebuchet they would have to be very precise for the first few shots or otherwise their cannons would devastate it.

I need to hit them at a larger radius, she thought, tracing her eyes along the road leading to the towers and trench, calculating. Something popped into her head. She looked at the captain. "Fetch me two barrels of our gun powder captain and a dozen of the shallow cannonballs."

"General? I mean...don't we need those for the capital?"

"Captain, I would appreciate it if you asked less questions and just did what I asked you to do. We haven't the time to dawdle here any longer."

He flushed a little but bowed. "Of course general! I'll have them brought up!" and then he hurried away. She went down to the men stationed with the trebuchet and informed them of what she needed. The man familiarized with the weaponry and had been placed in charge of it looked concerned though.

"They aren't accurate enough to hit so many targets in the time we will have before they fire at us," he said.

"We will fill the cannon balls with gunpowder, light them and fire those at the weaponry. Once they hit, they should explode and take out the nearest device. As many as we can decommission, the better. If they do not explode, we will have the archers fire at the powder from the buildings and hills. It should give us enough time and an opening to charge the trench. I do not wish to use the few bombs we have been granted here."

"Of course general. I'll have the men ready themselves."

Half an hour later the captain returned with the needed resources. "Radovan sent this back with me, though." he handed over a large jar of something strange. "He promised that if we mixed it with the gunpowder we would find our endeavors easier."

Celes was unsure if she should use it. She still didn't quite trust any of the men that had accompanied them but she knew she should. She sighed. "See to it that it is done. We are marching on the trench in fifteen minutes. Have everything ready." he saluted and went to the trebuchet.

When went back to the crest to watch the ensuing assault take place. She took several breaths to calm her nerves and then signaled the men when they were finished to start. The men saluted back and pushed the trebuchet forward beyond the crest and into view of the trench. The towers blared a warning to the trench but it was already too late. The Figaro at the trebuchet loaded the thing and fired.

The gunpowder ball crashed between two of the devices just as the match fuse reached the end and exploded. In a blast of smoke, fire and screams the devices were blown into pieces and rained down upon the men in the trench. The trebuchet was already loaded with another explosive and fired. It went too far and smashed into the base of one of the stone towers, shaking it. Celes swore and waited on the edge of her nerves as the men loaded in another and the remaining devices at the trench took aim.

The devices fired first though and their cannonballs blasted through the front line of defense at the trebuchet, killing dozens of men or injuring them. The men at the trebuchet worked fearfully to aim their siege weapon properly as the devices readied for another shot.

Just as the devices were about to ready themselves for another shot, her men finished and she howled, "Fire!" the bomb flew through the sky and the archers at the towers tried their hardest to hit it mid-air but could not. It landed between the last few devices and exploded perfectly, destroying the devices and caving in part of the trench down on the men inside.

"Charge!" she howled again and ran down the hill. The men all began shouting as they rushed with their general. Their archers at the buildings and hills kept a majority of the archers in the towers at bay and out of sight, leaving very few casualties on their end.

Celes and six other men were the first at the trench. A man stood with a spear, covered in dirt, soot and blood, to try and pierce her but she twirled on her foot and brought down her sword at the shaft of his spear and then kicked him in the face. The rest of h er men hurried down the trench, killing and fighting their way through as the rest of the forces joined them at almost every inch of the trench.

Within minutes they were overwhelming the enemy forces and protected almost perfectly from the archers in the towers due to the depth of the trench. Celes had dispatched three other men and went to help two others secure the nearest ladder heading out of the trench to the other side.

Once the enemy was finished here, she stopped her men from ascending the ladder. "We cannot yet leave. We will be at the mercy of their archers."

"We cannot stay here," he said.

"And we cannot bring down the towers or otherwise restrict our access further into the garrison." she added, thinking. "Have the remaining gunpowder we used brought up and lined up along the trench walls. We will light it for cover."

"I'm on it, general!" he said, running off. As she waited upon his return, she went through the trench to inform the others of the plan, making sure to stop any attempting to climb out to the other side and forbidding them from trying. Most of them listened without explanation, but others—mostly Alúzari men—wished to know why. It seemed respecting the chain of commander either didn't exist in their military or they did not trust a woman to lead them. Either way it was disappointing and infuriating to Celes.

Once she was through the soldier returned with the needed items. "Good, good," she said, looking over the last of their homemade explosives. "Hand them out and have the men set them along the trench walls facing the towers. When I give the mark, they must be lit and when the smoke obscures the towers, they must immediately get out of the trench and assault the towers. Is that clear?"

The soldier saluted. "Yes, general!"

"Good, then on with it, lad." he bowed and hurried away.

While they laid out the powder, she walked the trench and looked up at the towers, trying to figure out their best method at taking them. She knew she could not afford to use any more powder or their bombs, and even if she could, she could not use them or else risk blocking her way through to Relm.

The way up the towers would be fortified and most likely booby trapped, if not heavily watched. If only I could block their line of sight, she thought, walking slowly down the length of the trench. The windows themselves were very long but very narrow, allowing just enough room to see and shoot through, but beyond that it remained as stone all around. Impenetrable from what they could afford to use.

The soldier from before ran up to her a moment later. "We have finished general. We await your signal."

"Go. I'll follow." he nodded and hurried off again. A moment later the trail of powder was lit and a thick cloud started to form along the trench, blowing the towers' sight at them. Her men rushed the ladders or helped one another over the trench wall. She waited until a good number of her men were over before she followed.

The archers in the towers started shooting blindly through the smoke. Celes knew they would hit a few marks sooner or later, so she guided her men forward and under the safety of the towers, out of sight. When the smoke cleared a few minutes later, a dozen men laid along the ground, dead or too injured to press on by themselves.

Celes swore. That was it! She stood and walked out into view, ignoring her soldiers when they begged her to come back. Once she was in view, she turned and aimed at the windows. Arrows shot by her, missing by the grace of the gods, and then she fired her strongest spell.

A wave of ice consumed the towers, quickly climbing up and up until it froze over the whole tower, windows included. Once the spell was the through though, she dropped to her knees, spent. Terra was certainly right; magic had completely changed. She never remembered ice taking so much from her. Back in her days she could use it a dozen times over, even more if she used her weakest form of it. Yet it had crippled her.

The captain from earlier was by her side immediately. "General!"

"Get the injured!" she snapped, eyes closed as she wrestled with her weakness. The captain hesitated but gestured for the others to help him. She struggled to her feet and slowly walked back to the towers, each step stealing more and more of her little energy. She nearly collapsed to her knees at the tower had it not been for the fact that her men were watching. She slowly sat down and took several deep breaths, hoping it would still the rawness of her nerves and her trembling body.

A soldier appeared at her side and held out a bota of water. "General, please, you need to keep up your strength." she accepted it without a word, upset that she even needed it. Within ten minutes the dead or injured were recovered and seated safely below the towers and then the rest of the forces were brought back together before the ice could melt to storm the towers.

Since Celes was still too weak to go with them, she went over the plans with them. She set the captain to lead them and asked him several times to be cautious and slow, and he promised he would. "You do not need to worry, general. We can do this while you rest. Trust us."

Celes knew she had no choice. She was incapable of moving even if she wanted to. With a sigh, she nodded and watched him rush off to rejoin the others at the first tower's staircase.

••••••••••••

Relm was busying tending over the other injured when a soldier ran up to her, covered in blood and soot. "Commander, we've made it through the gate."

"Is General Chere there?"

"Yes, ma'am, we can see her but we cannot continue any further. There are two towers watching the gate. Someone within the general's forces issued us off with a warning flag."

"That must mean Celes is working her way up the towers," Relm said, gladdened by it. She did not feel comfortable with any more loss or pain on her men, especially so far from their main objective. "Be sure to grant Chere our support. Get a line of archers along the walls and a defensive shield wall at the gate. When she rushes in, we will push in as well."

The man saluted. "Yes sir!" and then he sped off towards the gate. Relm decided to check on Jacen then, to inform him that his mother was well and that they would soon merge again. When she found him, he was up again smearing a strong potion against his face with sharp grimaces.

"I told you to rest," she said, crossing her arms.

"I am, commander," he answered, pausing to look at her, hopeful. "Is there any word on my...on general Chere?"

"Yes," she said, uncrossing her arms. "She's assaulting two watch towers right now and we are aiming to join her. Everything is set in motion. We shall be over this garrison in a few hours at most."

"I would like to join them," he said as he tried to get up, but she forced him back down. "Commander, please...I'm not even seriously injured. In pain some, but that's about it." and he was right. He had only been hit pretty hard across the face, but beyond that he was in fine health. Regardless though Relm had promised Celes to keep him safe and healthy, and it seemed that allowing him to move or fight in the condition he was in right now would be breaking that promise.

"There isn't anything for you to do even if I allowed it," she told him sternly, hoping he would not push through her lie. At least not until after it was done. "If you wish to be of use then perhaps you can help tend to the injured?"

"I'm not nurse," he said, a little annoyed. "I am an infantryman."

"There is no shame in helping in a way that does not include killing or harming people, Jacen." now she was annoyed, and incredibly disappointed. "Every soldier in an army plays a vital role in war, even the medics and nurses. I have said my word and my commands. If you do not wish to help as I am allowing you, then you will sit there until I say you can move. Is that clear?"

He lowered his eyes, shamed. "Yes, commander, it is clear. I'm just...frustrated."

"You are young. That is understandable. You will have your time when it arrives though. You must learn to have patience." he nodded his acknowledgements. "Now I know you would rather not but I would appreciate it if you did help the medics tend to the injured while I oversee the assault beyond the gate."

He bowed his head. "Of course commander, of course." he got to his feet with a small grimace. "I'll get right on it." Relm thanked him before he left and then with a sigh she went back to the gate, feeling a bit better knowing she sent the boy away just in case something dire would happen. The last thing she needed was a teenage boy running into battle emotional over his mother if he knew she was in danger.

The archers were lined up as commanded and the infantrymen were already ready to push through. They were just waiting on her. She took a moment to scan over the towers thoughtfully and saw Celes leaning against one of the towers, facing her. She lifted a hand to signal her and Relm did the same. She looked down at her men.

"Archers! Ready!" they took up aim at her command and the archers facing the gate in the tower readied themselves too. The men, using their shields, started to push ahead, deflecting enemy assault. The Figaro archers returned fire, forcing the enemy archers to retreat almost entirely out of sight.

The enemy archers were then divided against both forces of Figaro and the freeman army of Alúzar. Relm could see Celes' forces rush the stairs and then quickly disappear out of sight. She tried to listen for any noise that could mean they took the tower but the only sound she could hear was that of the fire, men shouting and the howling wind.

Knowing it was useless and a waste of energy to worry when there was nothing she could do, she descended the hill and went to join the back of the forces pushing the advance forward. She took out her notebook and paintbrush just in case and followed directly behind two other men. Without a word they brought their shields up in front of them to keep her safe.

"Take me to the western tower," she yelled to the two. "I must regroup with the general!"

"Yes, ma'am!" one of them shouted without looking back at her. It took only several minutes to reach the tower. Several times their shields deflected arrows from above but they were no more than a handful of shots at a time, as if the enemy archers wanted to try in their limited time to at least take out a few more lives.

Celes met Relm and her men at the front of the group, pale and breathing just hard enough for Relm to know the woman had used too much magic. She gave the woman a disappointed look, one that Celes did not want to retrieve. At all. She lifted a hand to silence the Thamasan woman. "Do not lecture me, Relm. I did what was necessary and I am fine."

Relm shook her head. "Recover before you join back with our forces. You will worry Jacen. The lad has been on fire since we arrived."

The general looked uncomfortable and ashamed when she asked, "Is he alright?"

"Yes, yes," she waved the worry aside. "He took a small beating but nothing serious. I took him off duty regardless and had him put to work at the medics' tents. He did not like it though."

Celes made a face that showed she was relieved but said, "That is good to know. Where are we at concerning your side of this mess?"

"We took the entire section of the garrison. I'm not sure what we are going to do about all of the prisoners we took, though. What of you?"

"The same but..." she sighed. "we haven't found the commander of the garrison yet. I believe he is hiding among the civilians or perhaps even a captured soldier. I doubt anyone is going to tell us what he looks like, or if he was even here."

"You can leave that to me," Relm said with a small smile. "I can root him out in a minute. Where are we at with the towers?"

"My men took one of the towers shortly before you arrived. Right now they are dealing with any of the enemy that surrendered and then they will move to the next tower. It is only a matter of when."

"Then we are nearly done with this dreadful place," Relm looked back over her shoulders, as if she could spot the Alúzar castle in the distance.

Celes shook her head. "I doubt the war will end after Derell. Luke does not seem like the kind of person to let go of his end of power simply because his father was taken down."

Relm glanced at her with an agitated expression. "Just once Celes I would like you to try to be optimistic."

"I don't partake in delusions, Relm," she simply said.

"It couldn't hurt you to try," she muttered. A soldier jogged up to them from where the towers were, sweaty and covered in soot. He reported his status and name when she directed him before he informed her that one of the civilians refuses to tell him who he was.

Celes' brows furrowed. "It could be the commander or..."

"Or? Relm prompted.

"It could be someone loyal to him." she thought for a moment before she decided. "Have Radovan bring him up here. Relm will take care of it. Then have the men move onto the next tower. I want to be out of this hell hole before dark."

He saluted in the traditional Figaro way. "Yes, ma'am!" when he was gone, Relm sighed.

"Tired, commander?" she asked the other with a small smile. Relm laughed her aside weakly before reached for her sketch pad and brush.

"Not physically, mentally. Is it too much to ask for some time on this dreadful planet to be peaceful?"

"Men are weak, Relm," she told her. "It is the unfortunate side of our species. Conflict will always exist as it does in the animal kingdom. We cannot ever hope to be rid of it but to hope that it isn't so prevalent by educating and helping."

"Planetary peace keepers, hm?" Relm mumbled, sickened by the idea of a world wide force in control like that. "Let's hope it doesn't come to that."

"Let's," she repeated in agreement. A moment later Radovan joined up with them with a scrawny looking civilian. Celes knew immediately the man was nothing more than a poor farm. His arms were barely thicker than her own, and his face was sunken in hunger and weakness. His eyes though shone with animosity, or perhaps nervousness.

Radovan stopped the man about three feet away from them and helped him down to his knees. His arms were chained behind his back. Relm shook her head. "Remove the shackles, Radovan."

He looked at her strangely. "Ma'am...I...are you sure?"

"Remove them now. Do not make me repeat myself." he nodded before complying. When the civilian was free and rubbing at his wrists Relm gestured for Celes. "This is general Chere. I am commander Arrowny. We would like to ask you a few questions, if you do not mind." he only glared back. "We are looking for the commander of this station. Have you seen him? Would you recognize him?"

After a moment of silence, Celes shook her head. "We will get no where with him. Relm, just—"

"No," she cut in sharply before she knelt before the civilian. "Listen to me...the man you call king is no king. He is a tyrant. He only aims for power. What little love exists in his heart it is only for power. You must think we came here to slaughter you and your people, most likely because of your king or commander's lies, but we have not. We do not even wish to take control of your country. We just want to bring this war and Derell to an end. He is a menace—a great evil that will destroy this world if we do not work together to stop him." she reached out to touch his hand, which he jerked away. "Please...think on what your king has done since this war has started. I have been briefed on some of the things you and your people have endured. I know that several coastal cities have been starved out to feed Derell's military efforts, that your daughters, wives, sisters, mothers and the like are brought to him for his pleasures as if that is all they are worth. I know, deep in your heart, that these things hurt and sicken you as much as they do the rest of the world. So please...help us end this."

"Va...va velo jdes' nat."

Relm looked at Radovan for help, and the man said, "He's saying the commander isn't here."

"Ask him where he is, then."

Radovan asked and the man looked away, frightened. "Va...va itpravilsja o kapital."

"He's gone to the capitol," Radovan translated slowly. Celes swore under her breath.

"Kilot dysna jazadi." the farmer added, pointing ahead of them. "Kilot dysna jazadi."

"He says the commander left three days ago."

Relm and Celes were instantly relieved. It meant the commander didn't leave because he caught onto their scent, but what else could drive him from his post? Relm couldn't help but wonder what great evil was about to happen.

Celes said, "We need to move fast. Whatever reason he left his post it isn't good. I'll have the men escort the prisoners back to naval port. We move immediately." she hurried back towards the towers, the urgency of her steps showing just how worried she was.

Radovan asked, "What will you do, commander?"

"I will rejoin the forces and push them to the gates for departure. Any too injured to continue will be sent back with the prisoners and civilians. Be sure to take a moment to rest too, Radovan. We will need you in top condition for what awaits us."

"Of course, commander." he saluted and then helped the farmer away.

••••••••••••

Jacen was awoken from his rest by gentle hands. When he sought out the owner, he smiled up at the face of his mother. How long had he been out that his mother finished with her business, and Relm decided it was best not to wake him? He sat up, feeling far better, though truth be told he hadn't felt much pain before.

"M...General, it is good to see that you are well." he got to his boots to give her a respectable bow. She patted his shoulder.

"You did well, I hear. I am very proud of you, Jacen. Continue to listen to and respect your superiors and you will go places that not many will reach."

He saluted. "Yes, ma'am!" and then he looked around, noticing that most of the soldiers were clearing out their encampment. "Are we through here, general?"

"Aye, we are. It turns out the commander fled his post days ago, though we know not why. Yet. We make for the capitol now."

The capitol. It was nearing, their final battle in their plan. The hopeful end to the entire war, though that felt foolish to wish for. One man was not the other. Derell's demise would not deter Luke, nor vice-versa. If anything it might just encourage the other...but he was in no place to make such remarks. His commanding officers knew more, and better, than he did.

"Is there something I should do, general? I am well, and I would like to help where I can."

His mother smiled at him. "Join Radovan. We are to leave this garrison in half an hour. Be sure there is nothing left behind, or any soldiers and civilians." she reached out to pat his shoulder, cool eyes fixed on his. "You did well, Jacen. You really have." and then she walked away.

Jacen's lips slowly pulled up into a smile.

That was not his mother speaking. That was his commanding office. The highest ranking general in the Figaro army, and the best naval commander the nation knew. It was honest and it filled him with pride.

I won't let you down mother. I will serve and do you honor. I will fight for our country...for our king...and for our princess.

---

Emma was having quite a lovely dream before she was so rudely interrupted. She was in some kind of alternative reality of her time in Figaro, sitting under the shade of the garden trees reading a truly intoxicating adventure about a knight and a clumsy wizard, without a worry in the world, just happy. And then, like a sudden storm tearing through, she was ripped away from the dream.

"Emma, wake up. It is late and your brat needs to be fed."

She peeled her eyes open and saw Robert standing at the end of her bed, arms crossed. She sighed as the last remnant of the dream left her memory, leaving only the bittersweet knowledge that it was good. Alexandra was whining quietly in her crib, hungry or needing a change, she was sure. She rose to her elbows and then tiredly rubbed the last of her tiredness away.

"What time is it?"

"Nearly eight," he answered and she dropped back into the pillows with an exaggerated growl. That wasn't late at all! "You have to clean, eat, feed and take care of the baby and then we have to start."

Start? She wondered tiredly before the memory of the training routine popped up into her head. The espers roused from their sleep to make their giddy remarks and hopes, further making her not want to get up. "Come now, the longer you are in the bed, the longer we will stay out training."

Not willing to extend it into the night, still very much uncomfortable with the dark, she struggled out of her bed to get to her babe. Pleased that she was listening, Robert left her to her morning routine. When all was done and she was sure that Alexandra was tended to as thoroughly as she could currently offer, she brought her downstairs to seek out what she was going to have for breakfast and, of course, what was in store for her training.

She prayed with all her might it would be different than what she experienced in Alúzar.

With her daughter sleeping soundly (and after kissing her chubby little face) Emma went into the kitchen. A bowl of mushy gray gunk was left in a bowl for her. She gawked at it dumbly. Surely this was not her breakfast! She pushed the bowl away when he returned to the table with his own. "I don't want this."

"Tough, that's what we are having," he muttered, spooning large clumps into his mouth as if it were the most delicious thing in the world.

"I can't train without breakfast," she stated, happy either way how it might turn out. An excuse not to train? Fine with her. Good food to train? Fine with her. He smirked at her. "I'm serious." she added, brows furrowed.

"Alright, spoiled princess, alright. There is some bacon under the plate over there," he gestured to the location and she hurried over. "You know though...training won't do you any good if you do not eat properly." she turned to him with a mouthful of bacon.

"I eat just fine!" she snapped angrily, which only made him laugh.

"If that's what you wish to believe," he said. "Now let's talk about today's routine. We will practice in the backyard, where the ship lands. It will give us plenty of distance from the house, just in case you lose control. We will start, as I said earlier, with potential triggers."

"Okay," she mumbled as she retook her seat and poured more bacon onto her pale gunk he called food. He had a feeling she wasn't really paying attention to him, but that would be her fault when she was in the middle of the training and was confused.

"I will get some things together. When you are through, get Alexandra in a spare crib and bring her to the back porch. She should be well within sight there and safe." he scarfed down the last of his food and left her to her work. When she was through, she went back up stairs with her daughter to find suitable clothes to train in. If it would be anything like her time in Alúzar in terms of requirements, she would need something loose and yet conforming to her body. She pretended that Alexandra could voice her opinions through her selection before ultimately deciding on some knee trousers that closed tight against the skin and a sleeveless tunic top much like the kind her uncle wore in training.

Once she was through, she brought her daughter to the porch as instructed and looked out across the yard to see Robert moving wooden poles at various lengths across the yard, as if they were targets. She frowned. Was he expecting her to be casting magic today? She couldn't!

You can if you try, Ultima insisted quietly, having manifested into form. I know you can. You have the talent to.

I don't know, she thought weakly. I mean...master...Derell couldn't even make me do it.

Derell ruled you through fear and taught you through pain. A rested mind given proper attention gives better results. You did it once, remember? she asked, showing her the memory of when Emma had cured herself at Johl's urging and help. You have it in you. You just have to believe in yourself and apply yourself.

Oddly enough that was encouraging for her, so she smiled and hurried down to the field Robert had set up. When she appeared smiling at his side, he laughed at her. "What has put you in such a good mood?"

"Nothing," she answered, confused. Was she in a bad mood before? He shook his head.

"Forget it. Let's start. Come stand right here," he pointed to a spot beside one of the closest poles he had moved. She walked over, unsure, and then stopped. "Now look down the rest of the yard. Do you see all of the poles?" she looked and nodded. "At the end of your training, or at the next time I decide to test your proficiency, you should be able to hit the next pole and so on."

"And if I can't?" she mumbled.

"Then we shall know more about what you can and cannot do," he simply answered. "For now though, I must test your triggers. Do you understand what that might mean doing?"

She wasn't stupid, she could easily guess. "You have to make me angry."

He nodded. "Angry is one of them, yes, but so long as you understand and are still willing...?"

"I am," she said quickly, though she felt a flutter of doubt in her heart. "Can we start?"

Without another word, and probably annoyed by her impatience, he stepped away to the next pole's distance away. She waited almost eagerly and fearfully. What would he do? What would she do? She fidgeted in place. "What are we going to do?"

He crossed his arms. "You won't move from that spot until you hit me with magic. Even if it means staying here all night."

She laughed, thinking he was joking, but his returning stare told her he was very much serious. She frowned. "You can't be serious? I...I can't even use magic."

"Correction," he said. "You can, but you do not know how you do. Do not tell falsehoods."

She grumbled. He knew exactly what she meant! "Well, either way, I can't do it!"

"Then, as I said, you will stand there until you do. If you put in as much effort into trying as you do complaining, perhaps you could learn how to use your magic."

She wanted to learn, she just...didn't know how. "Maybe...I mean...maybe you could try and show me how?"

He lifted a hand and fire puffed into existence above his palm. Her eyes widened. He made it look so easy! "You concentrate and pull at the energy around you." he made the flame bigger as he talked. "It takes effort and will power Emma, which I know you have. What you need to forget is your stubbornness and impatience. Quiet your mind and listen, feel it, and you can do it."

She lifted a hand and stared at her palm, envisioning the ink pattern Johl had put on her. She had tried and tried back then, but so very rarely did she ever manage to cast a spell. Could she ever learn?

You can try your hardest, Ultima said. Put yourself into it and I'm sure you can.

Emma wasn't so sure though. She closed her eyes and tried to listen, to feel, but she only heard the wind and felt its chilly touch. What did he mean 'feel it' anyway? All she felt was nervousness and the wind, was that it?

Just try, Shiva encouraged. Concentrate.

I am concentrating, she snapped, squeezing her eyes shut. I am!

Then you must concentrate harder, she said.

She tried, she really did. She envisioned the fire in her mind, remembered the touch of heat, willed herself to cast it, but nothing happened. She just felt like a fool! She opened her eyes and let her hand drop to her side, defeated. "If that is all it takes to discourage you from trying, then maybe this was a bad idea." Robert said, still at his spot.

It was, she thought pathetically. I am useless.

You are only as useless as you allow yourself to be, a voice whispered in the back of her head. She felt that strangeness of peace wash over her. It was her voice, but it was so quiet, so quiet that it might as well not have been there. She wondered if the espers heard it but they didn't seem to.

You're still here, she thought, smiling, but the voice did not respond. She looked up at Robert, to speak, when suddenly she was tossed to her back into the cold mud behind her. She gasped, mostly out of surprise because the force hadn't been much at all, and sat up. She was dripping mud all down her back and hair.

She just stared at Robert, confused. "Why did you do that?!" Robert lifted a hand and, frightened, she hurried to her feet. "I'm up, I'm up! Please don't—" but he struck her again with the same kind of wind, throwing her back into the mud. She gave a cry when she sat back up, trembling. "Stop it!"

"Get up!" he shouted, throwing another gust at her. She lifted her hands to block the blunt of the spell but it did not help, she was thrown even further back. "Get up now!" he howled again. "Now!"

When she sat up, her face was red and there were tears streaming through the dirt and mud down her cheeks. "I had enough! I'm done!" she turned and stomped towards the cabin, holding her arms out to keep the mud from touching her (despite being utterly covered) but once again she was hit and fell face first into the dirt and grass. "Umph!" she cried out, landing hard.

Ultima appeared by her, worried. Emma, are you okay? Her eyesight blurred through tears as she struggled to get to her knees, spitting out mud in the process.

"Get up!" he shouted again. "Get up now!" and then, just as the gust of wind rushed at her, a purplish shield materialized behind her, deflecting the wind. Ultima looked down at the princess and saw that her hands had started to morph and the mud started to harden from the heat around her. And then, with a turn, the shield shattered and a violent torrent of wind crashed into him, sending him dozens of feet back hard into the ground.

As he rose, wincing, she was above him, everything but the center of her face morphed. One long arm reached down to lift him off the ground while other arms made of energy crept out of the ground around him, wiggling in the air as they waited for commands. Her orange eyes, like pools of amber, focused on him and he could see his reflection in them.

Slowly she opened her mouth, revealing sharp canines and a fire building in her throat. Robert kicked down as hard as he could against her stomach, loosening her grip just enough to allow him to get away, and then he sliced his spear upwards in an arch. A icy trail followed the spear, striking Emma hard against the side and tossing her to her knees.

Before she could recover, Robert twirled the spear around and aimed directly at her. Violent gusts of wind swept out through the trees and from the sky, colliding directly on her and then he threw the spear into the air above her and vanished into thin air. She snarled and stood even against the magic. Her magical arms hissed and began whipping wildly at the air around her in an effort to pin Robert down.

Shiva was watching, awed and terrified. What is she even swinging at? He's not there!

Ultima shook her head. Yes he is. He's moving so fast that he is not visible to the naked eye. Shiva and Fenrir looked and after a second, they gasped.

How in the hell is she able to keep up with his speed?! Fenrir asked. No mortal should be when he holds that thing!

Ultima glanced at him, surprised the wolf knew so much and yet had say nothing. Did it mean he was there when... no, he certainly would have said something about that. Especially to Emma. You forget that she is not merely a human, Fenrir. She has the blood of a dozen or more espers flowing through her.

Finally it seemed like one of her arms hit something, because Emma turned and pounced at the direction like a rabid animal. Her hand broke through the rock solid ground when she landed, causing a tremor strong enough to buckle towards the house. Nothing came of the strike though and she stood slowly, searching the sky with teeth bared. The arms paused mid-motion, as if frozen in time.

Something zipped passed her head in a flash of light, but it wasn't until the light hit the ground that it exploded and she turned to deal with it. She slashed blindly through the light, thinking he was there, but the next instant he appeared above her and struck her against the back with the shaft of the spear.

She twisted just in time to catch him by the arm and then toss him into the ground. The spear popped away in a puff of smoke the color of turquoise. She kicked him back with a laugh. "Where's your spear, boy?" she kicked him again when he got up. "Well? Where!" she kicked him even harder. When he struggled to get up, she laughed. "Get up!" she mimicked him earlier. "Get up now!" she made a move to kick him again but this time he caught her foot.

"That's enough!" he let her foot go to get to his feet. "You are angry, now is the chance to control it! This is how you learn!"

She started laughing. "You truly are foolish," she lifted a hand, palm upwards and a fire started burning at the palm. "I can control my magicks just fine." suddenly the flame started to grow and grow into a dense sphere above her.

"I'm not talking to you," he said, brows furrowed in anger. She snarled and threw the sphere at him but coming in contact with him, it vanished. Her eyes widened and she took a step back. Standing in place where her spell had been was what looked like a thin sheet of black steel, its surface so smooth and polished it reflected her in it.

"That spell..." her eyes started to turn black. "That spell!" she charged him, going around the spell he had crafted, and tried to tackle him. He lept back and with one quick snap of his fingers, the sheet that had stopped her magic turned gave chase to Emma. She turned, panicked, to try and fight it off with a blast of fire and ice, but it did not stop. It consumed the magic and out from the surface a creature peeled away, dripping blackness like water off its body.

Ultima gasped. What is that thing?

Emma flew back to avoid one of the creature's arms but an even longer arm raced out of the surface of the black slate and took her by the ankle, stopping her. "Let me go!" she howled as her arms tried to keep her in place. The strength of the creature was too much though, and with one tug, Emma was ripped out of the arms' hold and brought towards the creature and the black slate. "Let me go!"

The creature pinned her down to the ground while a third arm manifested out of its chest. Robert appeared at the creature's side and Emma looked at him, eyes full of hatred and anger. "I'll kill you, I'll kill you!"

"Not today," he told her and the creature dug its hand deep into Emma's chest. And then she screamed and a flash of light came and went. When it cleared, Emma was lying unconscious, covered in mud and trembling. With a snap of his fingers, the creature disappeared.

Ultima and the other espers were staring in horror. They had never seen anything like it. The mere sight of the creature had filled them with dread and apparently Emma had seen it before, and it terrified her.

What was the point of this?! Shiva demanded. She didn't learn anything from it! Ultima was still watching, terrified. Ultima, what was that thing?

I...I'm not sure.

Robert knelt to lift her into his arms and then looked up, seemingly toward the espers, before he headed back to the house. When he got her on the sofa, he brushed hair out of her face and covered her with a blanket. He laid a hand on her shoulder and a green light covered her body, though they weren't sure what it did. "Rest now Emma...the hardest part is behind us."

••••••••••••

Emma woke to a whirlwind of pain and confusion. She sat up, trembling from weakness, and found that she was lying down on the sofa before the fireplace. She was covered from head to toe in mud, though now it was dried and caked to her flesh and hair. Her limbs felt like noodles and there was a heaviness on her chest, one she hadn't felt in a long time. As if someone wrung her out like a wet towel. The last thing she remembered was putting Alexandra in her crib for the night.

Now she was even more confused. What happened? Becoming aware that she was awake, the espers manifested before her, all of them looking horribly concerned and equally confused, though probably for other reasons. Upon seeing Ultima she asked her what happened.

Are you feeling alright? she asked first.

I...I think so. How did I get here? And—and why am I c-covered in mud?

You don't remember? Anything at all?

She thought for a moment and they all felt the pain from the attempt. She grimaced and lifted a hand to her head. "I...I can't!" she sniffed. "I can't remember anything!"

It is fine, calm down, Ultima said, floating over to lay a hand on her shoulder. Listen to me Emma...you went training with Robert. Do you remember making those plans with him?

I...yes, yes I do.

Something happened that triggered your transformation.

Not again! She cried and covered her eyes. I hurt someone, didn't I?

No, no, everyone is alright. Robert contained you. I believe it was part of the training plans he had. Do you remember him telling you he was going to test what triggers your transformations?

Yes...

That's what happened. He triggered you on purpose. You agreed to the attempts to.

She thought over it for a moment, trying to remember the pieces she had forgotten, but they were gone to her. She felt tears in her eyes. I'll never be able to control it...will I?

Ultima looked at her solemnly. We won't know until we try Emma...for now you need to get your rest and eat. Robert should come along any moment now.

Emma looked around slowly, to avoid hurting herself and then frowned. Where is Alex?

Just then Robert appeared at the end of the stairs, relieved to see her sitting up. He approached slowly, and Emma couldn't help but think it was out of caution. "You're up..." he stopped a good foot or so away. "...how are you feeling?"

"Where is Alexandra?"

"She's up stairs sleeping," he answered. "Now answer my question."

"I'm okay," she said slowly, unsure. "Is it...is it true I transformed?"

"Yes, it is true, but that was the plan. I had it handled. Tell me, how much do you remember?" she explained to him what she could last recall and he shifted. "This is strange...sometimes you can remember things up to the transformation, other times you cannot or lose hours of memories."

"What...what do you think it means?"

"I'm not sure, but I'm going to say it has something to do with the fact that you have two transformations."

"Two?" she repeated, confused.

"Yes. The one you transformed to back in your room at Figaro. The second is the one that Derell forced on you through his experimentation. I don't think there is a third. I think the one you transformed today is just the first one but...I don't know how to explain it, but perhaps 'further' along the actual transformation?" he shook his head, disappointed in something. "I don't know if any of them are actually you though and not due to the experimentation you were subjected to."

"I...I don't think we should try it again."

"Emma, I had it perfectly handled but...if you truly do not want to try again, then I won't push you." She quieted for a moment. "In the mean time, I think it is best to get you cleaned and fed. The transformation might have taken more from you than I thought it would." he helped her to her feet and caught her when she nearly crumbled to the floor. "Hmm, so the longer you are in the transformation, the more energy it takes from it. It doesn't seem like you are losing it at an equal pace but as if it demands more and more."

She wasn't sure what to make of his comments. She didn't really understand how coming to know such things would help her and at the moment she didn't care. She was just so hungry and tired.

Up stairs he sat her by the crib so she could check on her daughter and not worry, and then he went to fill the tub. When he was gone, Emma leaned her weight against the side of the crib and looked down at the peaceful face of her daughter. She smiled, grateful she hadn't hurt her daughter when she transformed.

If I had hurt you...I don't know what I would have done.

You wouldn't have ever hurt her, Ultima said as she manifested beside her. She is your flesh and blood, and you love her very much.

Emma wasn't so sure of that. She had hurt people she loved before when she was in her trance state. Her mother and father, her brothers, her cousins and uncle, Celes, Cadence, Locke...clearly there was nothing of her when she transformed. Nothing at all.

You never lifted a hand to Alexander, Shiva pointed out. You may not remember that scene in your room, but we can feel it. When you transform, you are just...lost.

I don't ever want to hurt anyone I love every again, she thought, leaning away from the crib. If I don't learn to control it, what will I do if I get angry at Alexandra? Or at my brothers? I don't want to be hopeless against it.

Then you know what you have to do, Ultima said. You need to train with Robert, or your mother, or by yourself if you feel that is for the best. We know you have the capability of learning without your trance state. You have done it before.

Was it learning though if she couldn't recall how she did, or ever do it again? Two times had she used magic without the demands from Derell. And only two times. Other times it was her emotions that drove magic from her, whether it was anger or annoyance towards Robert.

He is right about that, the kind esper said. Your emotions are key. We just have to figure out why.

What if I lose control again and he can't stop me?

It won't happen but if it ever does...we will be there. If it comes down to it, we will stop you, I promise. Ultima's promise lifted a bit of the fear off of her heart.

Then...then I will try it again.

---

Breaking free of forest proved difficult and tiring, but when they were finally free, Jacen had never felt so relaxed before. Compared to the gloomy and dark forest, the mountains they were now trekking through in reach of the Alúzar castle was absolutely beautiful. Wild flowers bloomed in almost every direction, bushes that bore both berries and flowers took up most of the flat ground, and trees and vines grew alongside or over the outcroppings and mountain faces. The grass was tall and bright green, and smelled heavenly.

If they hadn't been marching through dangerous territory, land that was protected by the Mad King and his savage armies, Jacen would have stopped to record the landscape in memory and in journal—for their king and for their princess.

However, reality was grim. And whatever time he could afford to spare he spent checking on their coordinates and keeping an extra pair of eyes on their surroundings with the surveillance team.

On the second day since leaving the garrison, they paused for a break along the rocky ledges of the mountains. They set up a team at each face of the rocks to keep a look out while they refreshed and double checked their location and recalculate distance.

Jacen watched the horizon cautiously, and also excitedly. It wouldn't be long now until they passed through the mountains at last and finally see the great expanse of land the capitol was built upon. It was said that the castle of Alúzar went high into the sky, higher even than Figaro's castle, and was built of the blackest stone known to man. 'A frightening beauty,' some said, 'one you cannot forget'.

It gave him food for the thoughts, something to distract himself from. The invasion and rescue of the espers within Alúzar would be a bloody, costly act. They had already lost dozens from the garrison assault, and many more were injured beyond use. Their numbers were still large, overwhelming large and skilled, but they all knew that Alúzar would be heavily fortified.

A part of him still hoped somehow they would be forced to retreat, to leave behind the possibility of dying, but he knew it was too late—that no rescue would come to them. He wanted to be brave like his mother and father, be brave for Cambyses and his support, and for Emma and her babe too. He wanted to make sure those two would at least have a chance at life. He took a breath, unknowing he had held it at the next thought. What if that means I lose my life in the process? He growled and forced himself to toss aside the thoughts.

He was sure that most people had those fears. He was sure most of the others felt unsure and afraid. He was not the first and he wouldn't be the last! All that truly mattered was how they were all willing to lay down their lives for the better good of the world-of their family and friends and loved ones. All that mattered was what they were brave and willing.

Someone approached from behind. Jacen didn't have to turn to see who it was. Only one person moved so loudly despite being able to move so quietly.

"Are you feeling okay?"

Sabin.

Jacen turned to look at him. "I'm fine...why is everyone so worried about me? I didn't suffer any true injuries."

The monk lifted his hands in show that he would drop it. "We're only days away now...are you nervous?"

"Of course I am," he admitted quietly. "Who wouldn't be? I will not turn back, no matter what."

"You could, if you wanted to," he muttered. "If this is what you want though, I will not argue you about it" he let the silence go for a minute before he pointed ahead, into the far distance. "Do you see that last mountain there? The one kind of shaped like a dragon's head?"

Jacen strained to see it; it was very far away. "Yes, but that looks further than where we are going..."

"The freemen said that's just beyond the castle, along the eastern coast."

"And?"

"They said that's where deserters and prisoners and slaves go for...for conditioning."

"Why are you bringing this up?"

Sabin faced him with a frown. "I want you to understand that if any of are caught, we will most likely head there to face unimaginable terrors. I want you to understand the depth of danger we are about to step into."

"I understand," Jacen said sharply. "I understood the evil we're against long ago, which is why I don't think we should trust Eric."

"Now—"

"He raped her," he snapped. "He raped her and beat her! And let his father and brother do...do such..."

Sabin sighed. "He did, but Emma has forgiven him. She believes him. That's what matters right now. You cannot win wars without allies you trust Jacen. A lone warrior with no help to turn to is easily beaten."

"So just because we need him, we should ignore his crimes?"

Sabin scratched at the beard growing to cover his face tiredly. "Would you be okay with punishing someone who could not make the decision himself?"

"No one could force him to rape someone!"

"Is that so?" he asked quietly. "What would you do if someone held your sister's life in their hands and told you to do unspeakable things to keep her safe?"

"That's not fair," he snarled. "It isn't the same!"

"Why?" he prompted. "If someone like Luke held your sister captive and threatened her life unless you raped Emma, would you do it?"

The discussion was starting to turn his stomach. He couldn't...he couldn't even imagine it! "No, I couldn't!"

"So then you would make the decision to let your sister die?"

"No!"

"Then you would rape Emma?"

"No, of course not!"

"What would you do then?" Sabin asked.

"Anything but that! I'd fight him! I'd kill him!"

"Eric didn't have other choices," he explained. "He was raised with a father that could not give mercy or understand compassion. His brother was just as abusive and cruel. Eric did not have the training you received, only the fear and abuse from people who were supposed to protect and love him. You cannot begin to understand the difficulty of his decisions, of his life. All Eric knew was that he could not fight, he had no training or strength, and that his brother and father would do as they promised. He reacted out of love for his mother and sibling, not out of cruelty towards Emma. You should consider the delicate nature of other lives Jacen before you condemn the people in them."

Jacen gritted his teeth. He knew Sabin was only so intent on making him forgive Eric because the old king had made a dark, hard decision between a son and a daughter. There was no way Sabin was thinking about this without bias!

"You're only saying this because your brother," he growled, causing Sabin to stare intensely at him, neither angry or disappointed. "You're defending him as much as you are Eric!"

"If I was, so?"

"What do you mean 'so'? You can't honestly think your brother made the right choice, either!"

"Right, wrong...you still don't see it," he shook his head. "Would you have rather Edgar sentenced one or both to death?"

"No, he could have..."

"He could have what?" he asked. "Edgar had no other choice but the horrible one before him at the time. He couldn't fathom letting one or both die, even if it meant one suffered."

"That's wrong though!"

"How?!" Sabin howled. "How is it wrong to love your child so unconditionally?! How could you stand in his place and make a better decision?!" Jacen stared at the monk in shock. The man had hardly shouted or displayed anger before. "Well? What would you have done differently?!" when it was clear he was not going to provide an answer, Sabin exhaled sharply. "One day you will understand the depth of Edgar's choice, of Eric's. When you have your first child and look into his eyes, you will never do anything that could jeopardize his health. Whatever you must do, you will do it...because love, fear, happiness, grief...it controls us, no matter how hard we try to think it doesn't." he reached over to pay Jacen's shoulder softly. "Get your rest while you can Jacen."

The monk left him to his quiet, to the torment in his heart and head. Jacen covered his eyes and fought back the tears. Deep inside, he knew he was wrong.

---

Emma wasn't sure how to bring up the training again, a little embarrassed. She hated looking like an indecisive child, especially around a jerk like Robert, but she truly did want to try again, if only to keep herself from hurting someone she loved. She spent the next day thinking of ways to casually bring it up, even over the teasing over the espers.

You are asking him to train you, not to marry you, Shiva pointed out with a giggle, which only caused Emma to turn pink all over.

It...it isn't that easy!

It is, Fenrir pointed out, once again at the sun, though this time they were on the porch admiring the decent weather.

Come on guys, Cyclops muttered. Stop teasing her. This isn't funny. She's uncomfortable. Emma glanced appreciative towards him. Ultima smiled warmly at him too.

The youngest among us acts more like an adult than most of you, she was directing the espers, which only made them a little annoyed. I'm afraid they are right though Emma. This isn't going to get easier if it is difficult for you in the first place. It isn't like he will tease you for changing your mind. Just tell him you had time to think about it and would like to try it again.

She sighed. She knew they were right but she couldn't help she was embarrassed. She glanced over Alexandra, who was hypnotized by the little star and planet toy above her. Emma giggled and slowly twirled it around so they moved. If it came to her daughter, she would do anything to protect her, even face the horror of losing herself and her memories to control something monstrous deep inside of her.

Later into the day, when Robert came back from working from whatever it was he was doing, she stopped him at the porch. He was incredibly dirty, which made her think he had just rolled around in the mud. He looked disgruntled too. It took a bit of her confidence away.

"What is it?" he asked as he reached for the door.

"Um...I would...I mean I would like to..." she hesitated. "If it is okay I mean...I'd like to t-t-try training again." she avoided his eyes, sure she would see humor in them.

"Alright," he simply said. "Once I'm cleaned up, we can start up again." and then he went into the house without another word. That was it? There was no teasing? No 'I told you so' or 'maybe later'?

Ultima smiled. See Emma? That confidence and courage will take you places. You just have to act on it.

Maybe they were right. As terrifying and embarrassing as it was to ask him, it felt good knowing she was going to be doing every thing in her power to try and control her transformations. When she was sure that Robert was done cleaning up, she got up and rolled the crib into the house to find him.

He was busy on the front porch taking logs out of their stockpile to place in a giant mound some feet away from the porch. She frowned and peaked through the window. What could he expect her to do now? Was he going to trigger her trance again? He turned and caught her staring; he waved her to come out. She blushed and ducked out of view immediately.

Great! Now how did that look to him?

Oh, heavens girl, stop your worrying over silly things. He didn't think a thing of it. Ultima always sounded so much like Cadence it was a little jarring. Sometimes she thought she was talking to Cadence. Now make sure that you cover your daughter before you take her outside; it will get chilly.

Doing as she was suggested to, she made sure to cover her daughter and then headed out. Robert had finished whatever it was he was doing and gestured her over. The pile of wood looked even more worthless standing next to it. "Today you are going to light this without transforming."

She blinked, confused. That seemed like an awful big leap from the other training. "Uh..." she fidgeted. "Robert, I can't use magic without it."

He laughed. "We don't know that for sure yet."

"Then...then shouldn't we try to figure that out first?"

"How else do you expect to?" he asked her, brows furrowed. "You can't know unless you try. However, I now know emotion triggers you to transform and not only that, freely and efficiently access your magic without prior knowledge of how. It is strange, but it is a find of important nonetheless. Today we are going to try and force the magic out of you without angering you or otherwise upsetting you."

She looked at the pile, unsure, but nodded. "Okay then..." she twisted her fingers through each other. "How do I start?"

Robert took her hand without warning and she pulled it away quickly. He laughed. "Don't worry, I'm not going to do anything to you." she blushed, feeling very foolish and allowed him to take her hands. She gasped when he revealed an ink pen and drew on her palm. It was just like what Johl did! What he drew was different though. It was a solid dot and was huge, taking up nearly her entire palm. "I want you to concentrate on that dot and making fire appear there."

She looked at her palm, frowning. "I've tried this before..."

He looked at her, surprised. "You have? Well...that's no surprise. The concept of it is pretty basic. What we will be doing differently though is what will help you along, I hope."

"What is that?" she asked, lowering her hands.

He snapped his fingers and a spear popped into view out of nowhere. She gasped and back stepped quickly, nearly tripping over herself had it not been for him catching her. He chuckled. "I forgot you haven't seen me do this outside of your trance..."

"W-w-w-what...what did you do?" she reached to touch the spear but decided against it and tucked her arms behind her, frightened.

"This is the relic I told you about earlier," he held it out for her to inspect but she shook her head. "It allows me to harness the magic within it so I can do this." he created fire in his hands. "Today though...it will be helping you." he handed it over and she took it quickly, nearly dropping it. "With this you will better understand the touch and flow of magic."

The weapon itself was pretty heavy for a spear. She had been forced to use a spear once in Alúzar, but given her height it was almost impossible to utilize properly so Derell had decided against her pursuing training in it. She could barely even lift this thing. "How do I use it?"

"You won't be using the spear, but you will be borrowing its essence. I'll do that part for you, like so..." he touched the spear and then her shoulder. A gentle glow emitted from both the spear and the hand touching her. "There. Do you feel any different?"

She shook her head and went to hand over the spear when suddenly she was flown nearly fifty feet back from him and landed heavily on her back. She bit her tongue in the process and felt a spike of pain in her shoulders from where she hit the ground the hardest.

She gave a weak cry and lifted herself up to see Robert grinning at her from beside the wood pile. He was so far away! She looked at her hands, frightened for a moment, until she realized it was magic casted outside of her trance. A slow smile spread across her face.

Ultima was beside her now, worried. Are you alright? Did you hurt yourself?

I'm fine, she thought, struggling to her feet, still smiling. Perhaps the espers and Robert were right! Maybe she could learn! She hurried back over to Robert. "Did you see that?!" she shouted, excited. "I used magic!"

"Well, not quite," he said through a small laugh. "You are getting closer though. Do you remember what it felt like, that magic flowing through you?" she paused to think on it. "That's the important part for right now. If you can pin that feeling down, I can try and teach you to pull that magic energy for yourself."

"I don't know," she admitted impishly. "It happened so fast..."

"That's alright," he said. "We will just keep doing it until you are familiar with the feeling. This time though, try to concentrate and form the spell you wish to. Aim for fire and try to get it to light the logs, okay?" she nodded and waited until he touched her with the spear again. She thought so hard on fire but the spell that had formed between them was a sphere of water that quickly exploded and threw them apart.

When she was up, she was smiling but he was absolutely annoyed. And now soaking wet. "I'm sorry..." she muttered when she rejoined him, looking away.

"No matter...just try harder. I want fire, so..." he paused, rethinking that. "I want fire on the logs, not on me!" he gestured to the wood and she giggled.

"I'll try," she said and when they began again, the spells that formed over and over again were never fire. Robert was beginning to think she was just messing with him but she assured him she was trying her hardest to do what he requested of her, it just wasn't working.

"Perhaps fire is just too difficult for you," he mumbled to himself, pacing before the perfectly unlit pile of wood. They were still soaked and, sadly for Robert frizzled a bit from a few loose thunder spells. "Alright then, I want you to try and imagine lightning, but aim it at the pile. Maybe that is easier for you to do. If that is too difficult, we will focus on water...since that seems quite easy for you." She blushed a little. She wasn't trying to do anything! He would never believe her though."Go ahead, try it."

When she neared and touched her with the spear again, her thoughts went to images of a thunderstorm, of lightning crackling down from the darkness and showering the land in fire and sparks. She envisioned the sound of it, the rumbling it gave way to the ground, the ear ringing it left,t he howling of the wind—everything she could—and when a spark exploded the wood pile to a thousand different directions, she started dancing in play happily.

He laughed and tried to settle her down. "Alright, alright...that could have been a fluke though. Show me again." when she successfully managed to cast lightning three more times out of the five extra attempts, he was convinced it was due to her own attempts. "So then you will have difficulties with certain spells...hm. Well, no problem. If you spend long enough learning you will be able to use whatever spells you have in your repertoire."

"Can—can we do a different spell now?" she asked, breathing a bit shallowly and was pale. He noticed and scolded himself for pushing her too far too soon.

"Not today. You will need your rest for the morning."

She sighed but otherwise did not argue. "This will still be here in the morning, no need to pout. Come, we'll get you fed and then you can rest." he guided her back to the cabin and smirked through her excited chatter over her progress.

Inside, after she finished a rather unappealing bowl of slope—because she refused to even call it oatmeal—she checked on Alexandra. The espers were excited over her progress too and were eager to talk about it, though some were more pushy than excited.

Your progression is unreal, Fenrir muttered, pacing a rather short line in front of the bedroom crib. At this rate you will be strong enough to free us.

I wouldn't know about that, Shiva said. She's still so new to it, Fenrir, and what she has done she has done through the aid of a magical relic. You might need more patience.

She's of natural blood to our people, he reminded her. Her blood was further enhanced through the sacrifices of other espers. Her potential is unreal. Ultima was quiet through it all, too busy studying Emma's reluctance to discuss it with them than to chide Fenrir for his words and pushing. Imagine it...weeks from now our brothers and sisters free!

Emma looked at him. All I can do is force lightning through the spear's help...I can't actually conjure it myself.

That's the problem here, he said, stopping his pace to face her. You can, but something is stopping you. Once you unlock it, or get over it, the magic power within you should be easily accessible.

Something is stopping me? she echoed, frowning. What do you mean by that?

Think on it, girl, he said, not to be harsh with his words. You have used magic before in your human form. Countless times, though most you do not recall. You healed yourself quite recently, remember? Before that, in Alúzar, you did the same. And when it came to your injections, Derell could command spells out of you in your human form..though some spells were too hard for you to do that even his injections could not help.

I...I don't understand what you are trying to say.

You are stopping yourself from using magic, he simplified it. You and you alone.

Cyclopes intercepted the discussion with a child like fear on his face. Fenrir...you can't remember believe that, right? Why would she be keeping herself from using magic?

I am not saying she is doing it with ill intentions, he said, realizing how he sounded. I do not know what it is, but it is the only thing that make sense. If I was wrong, or not at least capable of being right, Ultima would have said something. All eyes turned to her, even Emma, who looked hopeless and afraid.

Is...is he right? she asked the gentle esper and she sighed.

Emma, there could be a thousand different explanations to your limitations. Could Fenrir be right? Yes, of course, but he could also just as easily be wrong about it. For all we know Derell's commands successfully drawing magic from you in your current state was due to the blood of the other espers, and not through your own blood and magicks. That could explain why just as easily.

Either way, Fenrir added. This is worth considering more, of attempting to change if true. Who knows what could happen if you could change it.

Emma feared that unknown, but she supposed it was better than not having control. I wouldn't know how to try... Fenrir didn't either and so that discussion ended quickly. I just don't want to lose myself again.

You won't, Ultima said. We are here for you Emma.

••••••••••••

Robert went to search for Emma, curious as to where she went this morning. He found her in the library with her daughter. Both of them were sprawled out in the evening sun shining through the windows. Little Alexandra was sound asleep in the soft heat of the sun and Emma was reciting something he was unfamiliar with back to herself, her voice as soft as a whisper.

A jar of cookies sat at her side, half of it gone. Scattered all around her were various books, some for things he could scarcely wrap his head around others were simple poetry books or children's books. He wondered if she was reading the children's books for herself or for her baby. It could honestly go either way with her.

He approached as quietly as he could, as to not startled the babe awake, but she heard him without removing her eyes from the pages of her book. "What?"

"If you would like, we can train again now. I set up the next course." she sat her book down and got quietly up.

"Finally," she mumbled, reaching down to lift her daughter up. The babe stirred but quickly settled. "I thought maybe we wouldn't train today..."

"Oh, I'm sure there are a few more spells you haven't lobbed at me yet, so why quit now?" she smiled a little at that, which only made him wince. Gods it was no wonder Alexander fell for her. That smile was like the sun rising. It was unbelievable. "I already set up the crib on the porch. It isn't as chilly today, but I left some things by the crib just in case."

Emma followed after him as quickly as she dared or else wake her daughter. When they arrived at the porch, she sat targets set up similarly to the first day of training, only they were larger and there were fewer of them. She sat Alexandra down and covered her, kissed her head and looked back at the training targets.

"Isn't this the same as yesterday?"

"Yes, but today I am going to test your reaction speed." she couldn't really understand how immobile targets could do that, but she supposed she'd know sooner or later. "You will stand right here. Beyond hitting the right targets, your goal will be not to move more than two feet away from your mark."

She glanced down, realizing that a circle had been drawn onto the ground with powder. "Shouldn't...shouldn't we focus on actually using spells?"

"We will. This is going to test you under stress. I want to see if perhaps you can get more control that way. Other than that, it really is no different than yesterday." he summoned the spear and prepared it. "Are you ready?" he asked, holding a hand near her shoulder.

"No, not really—"

He touched her and said, "Middle target, lightning!" she gasped, surprised, and then tried to react to the demand but a sputter of water plopped out of her hands to the ground. Her face turned dark red at the failure. He clucked his tongue. "Try again. Be ready for whatever I yell."

Okay, okay, she told herself, to calm her nerves.

"Left target, water!" she accidentally summoned water at the right target though. "Wrong. Middle target, lightning!" she tried again but the bolt that clashed down was only six feet from her and ended up throwing them out of the circle. When Robert was up, he wiped a bit of blood from the corner of his mouth where he had hit the ground and shook his head. "That's one failure."

"I'm trying, okay!" she snapped, getting back to her legs, shaking a bit.

"Get back in the circle and no more whining over my comments. If you want to be instructed you need to take the criticisms." he pointed to the circle and she retook her spot, mumbling under her breath. "Now pay attention." and so the hours flew by with the same tiresome training. She ended up only hitting the right targets with the right spells a total of five times. Most of the time the spells blew up in her face and threw her out of the circle, but when the sun started to set and the chill began to rise, Robert had assured her it was progress nonetheless.

Somehow I doubt it, she thought tiredly as she collapsed into her bed that night, bones sore and limbs limp.

Ultima was very proud of her though, whatever her efforts' results were. You are achieving something great Emma. It is only natural that there will be failure or difficulty at first. This is how it was when your parents learned, I'm sure. Things are not simple and you are doing wonderfully. That spear of Robert's has really helped.

She knew that was true. Robert was managing something Derell's torture and injections could not, though that left a pit in her stomach. What if Fenrir was right and it was something she was unconsciously doing? The scary part of it wasn't that it could be her preventing herself from using magic but the reasons as to why.

No need to worry over it, dear, Ultima said, with a strangeness in her tone that confused Emma. For now close your eyes and rest. You will need it for the days ahead. An unbelievably powerful wave of tiredness swept over her and her eyes fluttered closed and carried her off to her dreams.

---

He had been left alone after his confrontation with the brother of the old king. No one neared him, or spoke to him, and Jacen couldn't figure out if they had been told to avoid him or if they were just busy. Either way he was grateful. The anger in him could barely be contained, and the sad part was that his anger was mostly aimed at himself.

Not even his mother or the commander sniffed about for him. They were too busy leading their armed forces through the mountains and down into the beautiful landscape of the capitol. And when they took breaks, the two would go off ahead of the group and whisper to each other. Jacen yearned to know what they were discussing, fearing it was about him or perhaps worry over their mission failing.

He could not return to Figaro as a failure. To face the king and tell him he couldn't save the espers, to know that his weaknesses had caused more suffering for the princess of Figaro.

Whenever he could, he kept to the back of the group, taking up the odd jobs of lower ranking men to avoid the monk or his mother, or the obnoxiously accurate eyes of the commander. He couldn't confront them with the confusion in his head and heart, and the guilt.

It wasn't until they arrived at the other side of the mountains that he realized his little avoidance game couldn't be held any longer. The teams were not being constructed into two main forces, and he would be led by one of the three people he wanted to avoid.

Vralin caught him hesitating at the back of the forces. "Cole, there you are!" he faced the freeman with a start. The Alúzari native was bandaged up good, but smiling through his injuries, proud and unafraid. "Radovan said you would back here...why are you not with your commander and general? Is she not your mother?"

"She is, but that doesn't matter right now. I'm a soldier before her son."

"Strange you cannot be both," he said quietly, furrowing his brow, and then he smirked. "I have requested to be on whatever force you are put in, I hope that is acceptable to you, yes?"

He smiled at the man. "That is fine with me. It would be nice to have another familiar face with me when we get into that hellhole."

Vralin laughed and patted his back. "The capitol is beautiful, young man, or it was the last time I saw it. Before that tyrant got into power. Your impression of the man who currently holds it is painting your opinions."

"I hope it isn't as bad as I think," he admitted. "Anyway, do you know when we are moving out? Or any other details?"

He shook his head. "I only know that we will be split into two forces, though I should think that one will be the distraction for the other. That's the only way we are going to get through the castle walls. They may not be as...what's the word...formidable? Yes, formidable as your Figaro walls, but they are exceptionally well guarded."

"We can handle it, I'm sure. We're not attacking the walls as Derell attacked ours. It would be foolish to make such a move."

"Sometimes the moves that look foolish are the most effective," he said through a grin, clearly referencing the wall climbing scheme they did back at the garrison. Jacen laughed, despite himself. "Let us think on the now, hm? The morrow will be tough enough without our worries forging it armor."

Jacen nodded. It was true enough. Worrying wouldn't help anything, but still...how could he just put it aside. "Vralin, may I ask you something?"

"Hm?"

"If you were given two choices, both horrible choices, to save someone dear to you...what would you do?"

"I will need more than that, young warrior."

"If the choices you were given hurt the people you love but deciding on one kept them alive but...but hurt while the other choice killed them both, what would you do?"

Vralin was quiet for a moment as he considered it. Finally, he rubbed at his nose and said, "I would pick whichever brought my loved ones more time on this planet. Tough decisions are made every day, sadly, and that is why I pray I will never have to make."

He said nothing as the Alúzari man walked away to rejoin his men. Edgar, Eric, Sabin, Emma...Vralin. They all came to understand it in some way, and now he had no doubt that everyone else, from his mother to Relm, could too, so why couldn't he? He knew he just couldn't make such a decision.

Commotion in the front caused him to tear away from his thoughts and search out the cause. When he made it to the front, he found Relm and Celes arguing over something to Radovan. Sabin was standing to the side, glaring at his boots, with his arms crossed.

"This is our operation," Celes snarled. "You do not dictate what we do."

"I know who is in command here, general," he said slowly, frowning. "I do not wish to push off commands. I am only trying to suggest to you an alternative method."

Relm cut both of them off with a quick motion. "Enough! Radovan, we understand the risk of attempting to sneak up to the castle walls, but we also considered your method first. There is no way we can get through and open the gates for the rest of the forces. It is too heavily armed."

"I understand that, but there are other ways of opening the gate. However, this isn't what I am arguing against. It is our way towards the wall that I wish to suggest a different route to."

Relm sighed. "Alright, I am listening."

"The field you wish to cross is thirty miles, mostly clear of trees, as they are used to farm and also cleared for this very reason. However, the north-eastern fields contain dozens of small forests we could use to get closer to the wall. From there we can crawl through the morning mist that gathers there, and if not use that, sneak up through the Berry Hills. The northern wall of the castle is guarded, but not so heavily, since there are no gates. You could use your powder there and we could be just north of the castle itself."

Celes' expression hardened in annoyance. Jacen was sure she was going to blow a gasket, but instead she exhaled and crossed her arms. "Why didn't you tell us this prior to moving out?"

"Excuse me general, but...you never told us." The general blushed. She clearly forgot she withdrew much of the plan from them because she wasn't sure she could trust them. Jacen felt a wave of embarrassment for his mother.

"I see..." she looked at Relm. "You are our commander. This is up entirely to you."

Relm tapped a foot for a long moment, thinking. "I think it has a better chance of getting us through the walls then approaching from the west. We will do it. I will prepare a few paintings to provide cover for our barrels when we reach the forests. Sabin?" the monk hmm'd. "That means you will no longer be pushing from the south. Instead, you will accompany us to the northern wall. We will split up when we are behind the walls. Our forces will be responsible for locating and eliminating enemy presence. Yours will be to locate wherever the espers are being held but you are not to engage anyone unless absolutely necessary. If it can be avoided, we regroup first and then assault. Is that clear?"

"Of course," he said, nodded. "I've been fired up since we left Figaro, so I do hope we find some opposition." he smashed his fist into his hand with a small smile.

"Then that is all. Make sure the revised plans have been given out to the captains and the men. We're heading out into the outlining area in a few hours." Relm bowed her head to them to tell them they were dismissed before walking away. Celes whispered something to Sabin before she followed.

Sabin approached Jacen quickly. "So you heard, eh? Good, one less person to tell. It has been decided, by the way."

"What has?"

"Who you will be going with. It will be me. Vralin and his squad have requested to work with us, and I could not refuse. Nor Relm. Radovan will accompany us as well."

"It is good to have him with us. He knows about the capitol."

"Yes, yes, that's what Radovan said too. Most of his men have been there. Their guidance will keep us in the right directions, I'm sure. For now I'll inform the other captains. You should find some time to rest before we move out. Once we're out in the open, we have to move fast."

The monk began to leave when Jacen stopped him. "Sabin...I..." the words caught in his mouth. The gentle man faced him with a worried frown on his face. "I'm...I'm sorry. For the things I said back there. You are right...I do not understand how they made those decisions or the pain of having to, but I do know I couldn't."

Sabin shook his head. "You never know until you are faced with those problems Jacen...but for right now, that's not what matters. Our mission is to take down Derell and save the espers he has enslaved. If you have anything to say to Edgar or to Eric...then do it after, okay?"

He nodded. "Aye, of course..."

Sabin left him alone thne.

No, he thought, watching the monk leave. The only one who matters is Emma.

••••••••••••

"We carry from here along the northern side of the trees," Celes directed the men, pacing a clean line before them. Relm was behind her rechecking her supplies and readying a jar of ink for travel. "It is imperative that we remain unseen until we are at their walls and have already placed the explosives. Any questions?" none of the captains raised their voices, so she nodded. "Good. You will follow the commander of your group from then on. We move out now. Dismissed."

Celes quickly approached Sabin before he could splinter off and address his would be team. "Sabin.."

"This is it," he said, smiling just a little at her, worried. "This operation just might throw a monkey wrench in Derell's plans."

"Listen to me," she said, hurrying him away from the others. "I want you to promise me something..."

Sabin pulled away from her, frowning. "You sound horrified. What's going on?"

"I need you to promise me that if this mission goes south, you will get my son out of this dreadful country to fight another day. No matter what you have to do. Promise me."

Sabin glanced across the forces to locate the boy they were discussing but could not spot him. "Celes, I...you don't have to think about it. It won't happen."

She took his hands and squeezed. "Promise me Sabin, please...I need to know he will be safe."

Sabin sighed and gave a quick nod. "Of course, Celes, of course...I promise."

Celes leaned over to kiss his cheek. "Thank you, thank you." and then she hugged him and walked away, leaving the poor monk to his quiet.

••••••••••••

They had continued on through the dark and light for a day and a half until the forests rose up around them, separating them from the castle walls by just a dozen or so miles. They then moved only when night fell on them, carefully maneuvering through the trees and bramble to avoid sentries wandering about or to avoid traps.

On the third day, they took the day to rest to be well prepared for the assault. They set up sentries of their own and made sure to camp far out of sight of the walls or enemy sentry patterns. Here they prepared the kegs for the explosives and the men who would move it to the wall when they cleared the path.

Celes, Relm and Radovan were up most of their down time going over the plans again, ironing out any kinks they might have thought about or considering better ways of assault. In the morning and without any rest, they marched the forces forward as close as they dared and waited once again until night was upon them.

The air was crisp and the winds from the mountains chilled them to the bone. The storm clouds in the horizon told them that it would soon be snowing, so they hastened their steps. If they did not make it to the wall before it started to snow, it would make setting up the explosives more difficult.

It was there in the brambles that the general raised a hand to stop them. Jacen knew what it meant. This was where they would formally split the forces. He saw Sabin run kneeling toward the back of the forces and then sweep around to him. Behind him the forces properly split.

"This is it Jacen. Let's give them hell."

He nodded. "I'm ready."

"Good," he smiled. "Don't ever doubt yourself. That's when mistakes are made."

Celes issued them forward as another cold breeze brushed by them. The northern wall wasn't as guarded as the other walls, but it still presented a big problem. The archers in the turrets and among the parapets could easily spot them if they left the shadows of the forest.

Relm did not hesitate to waste a page from her sketchbook and some of her ink. She carefully drew a perfect copy of the what the forest would look like to the soldiers on the wall and held it before them as a shield. It was strenuous work to keep it going, but she held on.

"Move," she growled to Celes. The woman turned and whistled. The army started moving quickly, with the barrels taking an armored company at the center.

It was important that none of them made too much noise, of the soldiers would not trust their sight alone, but as they crunched over leaves and branches into the surrounding hills it made it difficult. Some of the archers did stop to look around more than others but turned back to their work quickly.

Relm stopped them at the hills and waited until each soldier was out of sight before she released the magical painting. She knelt to her knees, breath shallow and sweat beading across her forehead. Her arms felt dead and her head throbbed fiercely. Celes was at her side immediately.

"Are you well enough to continue?"

Relm brushed her hand away. "I will be. Once we are out of these hills, my painting will not save us. We will be too close and I will need to be free to create any shields we might need."

Celes stood. "I understand." she patted the young woman's shoulder. "Take it slow. Let's do this right."

Relm brushed aside her hand and stood, though she leaned her weight against a the steep hill beside her. "I will be fine. Concentrate on the battle. We will divide the cannons. I'll go further north, you go further south. Aim for the base of the turrets and towers. We will not get our explosives to the wall with their archers on us."

Celes smiled. "Of course, commander." she turned to face the men, letting Relm rest even if she was trying to look as if she didn't need to. "I shan't force you to stay and fight a war you wish not to but if you would lend us your strength, if you would lend me your strength, I would be proud to fight beside you. However this might end. This very well might be our last battle on this planet...but I for one want to make it the last battle Derell will see!" she unsheathed her sword. "If you would continue on just a little longer, then follow me and hesitate not!" the men did not answer her with words, but instead they readied their weapons and she smiled proudly at the sight. "Then go!" she threw her sword arm into the air and the men screamed in fury as they swarmed over the hills.

Within seconds their presence was seen and a warning resounded through the castle, alerting the rest of the Alúzari they were under attack. The window to clear room for the explosives and get it planted before they arrived was small, so Celes diverted from Sabin's group (and her son) and led the men with the cannons to positions along the hills. She had them target the towers weakest point and had them fire at will before she rushed her way tot he archers among the back of the line.

"Give our men cover! I want those siege ladders against that wall in under five minutes!"

"General!" she turned to the calling of her rank and saw Radovan running toward her. "Sabin and his men are stationed! Now we just have to get the explosives up."

"We can't without cover. If they see the barrels, they will target it and our forces will be scattered to the wind if it explodes. I have the archers trying to provide cover, but I suspect it will not be enough."

"A suggestion then, general," he said as an arrow lodged into the ground less than two feet away from him. Neither of them moved. "Bring the cannons back and load them with the barrels."

Celes shook her head. It had been considered before, but it was too reckless. "Radovan, anything could go wrong if I tried firing them from this distance and without proper cover. If one of their archers hits even one barrel as they are loaded up or mid-air, we will be the ones decimated."

"If we don't do something before the Alúzari reinforcements come, we won't have the chance to use it at all. There is no getting close to that wall as it is now, but it will be impossible later."

Celes knew he was right, but the cannons could not be an option. Not like that. She had an idea, though she had hoped to conserve her energy until they faced Derell, it seemed that was out of the question entirely without a hole in the wall. She laid a hand on Radovan's shoulder. "Report back to Relm. Tell her I am providing her cover to move the explosives up to the wall. She will know the signal but you must make sure she's ready to move and move fast, do you understand me? You have until I reach the wall to get the warning to her. Can you do it?"

He bowed his head in acknowledgement. "I will, general. Good luck!" and then he was off. Celes took a minute to grab a discarded shield from a fallen Figaro soldier, adjusted her grip and then charged into the fray. Thousands were attempting to hold off the onslaught from the archers by forming a shield wall. It was working, but sooner or later it would fail. She shoved her way through them until she stood at their front and shouted, "Men, with me! Now!"

Arrows deflected off their shields even as they neared the wall. To the far south, under what little cover the wall granted them, was Sabin's group. He was waiting for his opening. Celes swore under her breath and stopped the crowd just twenty feet from the wall. She glanced back at them. "Stay under your shields until I command otherwise!" she did not wait to see if they had heard. She cast aside her shield and threw up a hand just as an arrow nearly struck her head. A thick bubble of ice suddenly burst between her and the wall.

Celes gritted her teeth against the sudden loss of energy but pushed on, stepping forward to bring the ice closer and closer to the wall. Every second that went by felt as if her muscles would explode but she persisted until she could touch the surface of the wall and hear the men above screaming frantically. And then she used one more spell, freezing the entire length of the wall until it extended a good hundred feet higher than even the towers and turrets.

And then she collapsed and the rush of nothingness hit her. Never before had she felt so cold, not once during her journeys. She had been trained well, with an efficiency that seemed impossible to build, but yet as the blackness surrounded her, she felt frozen to her bones.

"Celes!" She felt a warm hand on her back. "Celes, you fool!" she knew it was Relm now, even though the words were barely audible. "Radovan! Take the general back, make sure she's been placed somewhere safe to recover!" Celes felt strong arms lift her effortlessly off the ground and felt so foolish and disgraced. "Men, place those explosives right now! No, further north, yes there! Hurry it up! Before our cover is lost to us!"

For a moment everything went back and she was away, someplace where her thoughts were muffled and the understanding of time was impossible, but the next she was awake, still in Radovan's arms. They were nearing the hills at a steady pace, nearing more soldiers who would see her disgrace.

Angrily, she mustered up the energy to squirm in Radovan's arms. "Put me down this instance!" he hesitated by complied. She rocked for a moment before regaining her composure. She still felt ready to fall though. "I can walk myself, thank you."

"General," he said, his tone hard, disappointed and worried. She was being difficult, she knew it. If it had been a male out there with the same weakness, with the same need for help, Radovan would have easily carried him. It was no man though and Celes knew if she showed any weakness to her men, that's all they would see. A woman. Weak. And it took her too long to show them that she was not weak like most other women, that she could handle the physical duties of her rank as well as the physiological.

"I am fine," she said, short. "Go. Assist the commander. I will organize the men here until I recover fully." when he hesitated again, she snapped her fingers. "Go Radovan! Go!" he ducked his head and then ran off. As soon as he was out of sight, she turned and found a spot out of sight to sit down. The wave of exhaustion that came over her was too great and she slumped back, nearly falling into the grass.

How had magic evolved so thoroughly? How could a spell that she could once do with ease and little energy now nearly keel her over?

[-]

Sabin glanced back at his team. The explosives had been set. There was no turning back now. Sabin reached out to touch Jacen's shoulder. "Are you ready?" he looked into the lad's eyes, searching for any hesitation, any doubt. He did not find any.

Finally Jacen nodded and just as he reached for his sword the wall exploded, sending thousands of ice shards and debris in every direction. The shield wall by the commander hefted their shields up to protect themselves and their commander and as the last of the debris rained down upon them and the Alúzari men were screaming, Sabin charged his men forward into the smoke and confusion.

The enemy on the other side of what remained of the wall were dispersed and confused. The air was thick was smoke and the ground littered with debris, making passage almost impossible in most directions. The smoke and fire left much of the sky dark, giving them cover from the remaining towers, at least until they reached the inner walls and gates.

Directly behind them Celes and Relm's forces were flowing rapidly through the hole and moving to the southern and eastern portions of the court yard. They easily overwhelmed the enemy there. Others, still dazed, just stood in place, injured or frightened, as Figaro and freemen forced them to the ground to take them as prisoners. Those that fought until their last breath were met with the same ferocity and sacrifice.

Jacen was at the back of Sabin's squad, keeping strays back and protecting their flank with three others. Sabin was tearing through the enemy forces rather easily with a few punches that sent waves of energy, like the harsh gusts of a storm. If he hadn't been so distracted by his own fight for survival, Jacen would have stopped to admire the strength and ability of the man.

The thoughts were a distraction, one large enough for one man to exploit quickly. A spear jabbed at his chest from his left, where his fellow swordsman from Figaro were caught up in a skirmish. Jacen stepped back quick enough to avoid the strike and then deflected another strike from one of the others. At this the Alúzari with the sword stormed by him and went for Sabin, who had his back to them.

Jacen swore, batted off another jab from the spearman and then shouted. "Sabin! Behind you!" the monk turned at the very last second, lifting his arm to block the strike. Terror froze Jacen's heart as the Alúzari blade crashed down across the monk's forearm. The greatest monk in the world would be left a cripple and it was all their fault!

However, to Jacen's astonishment, the Alúzari man was flung back in a flash of orange and Sabin was facing him, completely unharmed. The arm that had been hit was fading from an orange glow and steam rolled off his flesh. The Alúzari had dropped his sword and stared up in terror at the Figaro monk as he approached.

Sabin stared at him for a moment before looking at a man to his right, another Alúzari warrior who had witnessed the entire thing. He was in shock. "You two have seen what I can do. You have seen what Figaro, Thamasa and the free folk of Alúzar can do. For your own sake...put down your weapons and your lives will be spared. We are not here for you." the second warrior immediately dropped his sword and lifted his arms, allowing a Figaro soldier to take him as a prisoner.

The other who had hit Sabin was trembling when a soldier came for him next. Sabin waited until they were out of sight before turning back to the battle that was waging on less than one hundred meters ahead of them.

Vralin had appeared besides Jacen, awed. "I knew you Figaro soldiers were talented but that..."

Jacen had no idea the monk could do something like that. It was beyond incredible, but even with his limited knowledge of the man's chakra abilities, he knew that the cost was immense amounts of energy. Energy Sabin would have needed desperately when they eventually went on to face Derell.

After a moment of silence, Vralin laid a hand on his shoulder. "We should catch back up. We are almost at the next check point." he nodded quietly and followed after the Alúzari man, thinking on just how powerful the Returners were and just how much powerful they might be still if magic hadn't left.

••••••••••••

Celes and her team had taken the nearest court yard. What remained of the living Alúzari military that responded to the attack were held up in a prisoner line by the wall they had breached earlier, to be transported out to their nearest strong hold and held until Derell was handled or Eric decided what to do with them. Celes thought the looks the Alúzari were giving told that they were only fighting because they had to, that given the chance they would leave or help end the war, but she knew she couldn't be sure of it. Most of them could very well believe in their king...

Relm was about fifteen feet away, reorganizing her supplies in preparation of their breach into the inner castle. By now they knew that Derell and the main forces had been alerted to their presence. It meant any further battles would be far more costly and harsher than the last. They also had no idea what could be lying in wait in the castle, from traps or heavy ambushes, or perhaps even weapons.

Celes had ironed out the nerves that would have shook most others, but it was clear by looking at the Thamasan woman that this fight was even enough to worry her. Her hands were trembling just enough to notice. Celes sighed, sorry that things had to be like this, and walked over.

"Relm, are you alright?"

She looked up from her satchel with a small smile. "Of course I am. I am nervous; it is normal. It will keep me on my toes, I should say."

"It is okay to be afraid."

This time she snorted, insulted. "I am not afraid. I was afraid when we faced Kefka, but this...this is nothing. Kefka was mad and given godly power. Derell is just a fading shadow in comparison." Celes heard the honesty in the woman's words, but she couldn't throw out what she had seen. "I worry for those who will hurt if we fail." she added after a moment and then tied her satchel back onto her waist. "It is for them that I do this, though."

Celes knew who some of the people she was referring to was. Gau, her daughter Arra and Emma. "Do not worry. We will not let them down. Derell will die tonight." because it was incredibly clear that the man would not allow them to take him as a prisoner, even if they had the means of controlling him to do so. "We still have time until Sabin's group turns back for the check point. You should use it to rest."

Relm laughed. "I should say the same to you. What were you thinking using that spell back there?"

"You know I had no other choice. We were pressed for time."

"Pressed or not," she mumbled and then her shoulders sagged with the next breath. "Why must peace be so hard to keep, Celes?"

The general reached out to touch the woman's arm gently. "It is how things are. The things worth fighting for will always be the things in risk." a short trumpet blared through the night sky. They looked to see what the cause was and saw Sabin's group arriving. They didn't seem to be missing anyone whatsoever.

Celes went to greet them. "You are back, and so soon. Have you cleared the towers and bunkers?"

"We have," he mumbled, clearly distracted by something he didn't like whatsoever. "There...there aren't a lot of prisoners." understanding filled her heart and she sighed. "I just had hoped, you know?"

"You tried your best, I'm sure of it," she scanned over the group for a second to see if she could spot her son. She did. He was in the back, with an Alúzari man. They were distracted. "Are your men ready?"

"They are very famished, most of them are still freshly anointed knights. Others are still squires. Perhaps a moment's rest—"

"I'm sorry Sabin, but we do not have the time for that. Our forces remained here in wait for you, but now that you are here...you understand? We have a very limited window to achieve our mission."

He nodded. "Of course I understand, I just...alright. I will have them ready at your go." he turned to direct his men while Celes turned back to Relm.

"Sabin is here. We are preparing to depart right now."

Relm straightened to her feet and glanced over the general's shoulders to Sabin's men and then back at her. "Are you sure you do not want Jacen to sit this out, or to accompany us at the very least?"

"His skills are better suited for Sabin's group than our own. Regardless though, we are the main force for Derell and I will like to keep him from that."

"If that is what you desire," Relm let the subject go. "I shall rally the men at the check point. If you would like to spend this last moment or two with your son, you should." and then she departed as quickly as she had slung the suggestion in. Celes knew better than to pick out her son right now, for multiple reasons. She did not wish to make the men feel like she was picking favorites—and she would be—but she also knew doing so would upset her son. Beyond that, if she tried to talk to him alone, she had no idea what she would do, though she suspected her motherly side would come right out.

With the decision made, she turned on her heel to rejoin Relm.

As she approached, the commander sent off a squire with a trumpet to call the march on and smiled at Celes. There was a knowing in her eyes, as if the Thamasan woman...well, it wouldn't have surprised Celes if it were the case. Relm was a very insightful person, which was used rather devilishly when she was younger.

"You're just in time, Celes. Ah, and Sabin!" Celes glanced over her shoulder and saw Sabin with his men. He was a good thousand less than what he had. At first she was concerned, but then she remembered they had to secure their point of breach for potential escape as well as guard prisoners or potential civilians seeking refuge. She couldn't help but hope Jacen had been randomly selected to stay behind but then she saw him.

You are not a mother here, she told herself. You are a general and he is a soldier. Let it be.

Relm went to face the group as one. "There is a very likely chance that we are about to walk into an ambush, one that we may not survive, but if you keep your wits about you and follow in your captain's footsteps, you will be victorious. You will live. I look on at you and I do not see men so easily turned by fear, so easily defeated by tyranny. I see brave men, with unmatched skill, facing untold evil with the most courageous and peaceful mission in their hearts. This tyrant they call king cannot defeat youfor no man can defeat an idea—and idea that this world can live in peace. Should we fall here...our dreams will live on. Our defeat is not the defeat of our dreams!"

The men roared with equal enthusiasm and praise. Even the Alúzari men seemed uplifted by it. "I leave you with your mission under Sabin Rene Figaro. Take the surrounding towers and the strong holds and the galleries and even the quarters. Root out the evil, find the captive Espers and enslaved men, and bring them out into the light—into freedom!"

Celes watched, proudly, and then turned her eyes to Sabin as he rallied his men and charged into the unknown. She prayed their mission would succeed if their own was to fail. Freeing the Espers and civilians would more than make up for failing to kill the tyrant Derell, though her heart wanted to know both victories more than anything, she feared the capabilities of Derell. Of whatever he could have done to himself in the time he had 'lost' Emma, his greatest weapon.

"Celes?"

Relm was looking at her, waiting. Their mission would be to assault the main castle and, if possible, execute Derell. She felt a tremor of doubt in her heart but threw it aside and looked at the commander. "Let's go."

••••••••••••

It was cold and dark when they passed through the first inner walls and outer castle.

And in that instance he understood some of the pain and fear the princess of Figaro had, or at least why. The castle itself looked as if it ripped forth from the depths of hell or some other unholy place. The stone of which the castle was made mirrored its darker architectural design, yet it wasn't the design or color of the castle that made it seem so demonic, it was how eerily silent it was and how dark the night was in and around the castle and its border. The wind from the outside walls hissed through cracks in the walls that made them all jumpy. There was something else about this castle that chilled Jacen's blood, and he would find it out if it killed him.

And yet it was the strangest and most beautiful architecture he had ever seen.

As they neared the inner walls and their destination they could hear a gentle thrum around them and accompanied with it, a soft shaking in the ground. Unsure of what it could be, Jacen asked Sabin about it. The old monk shrugged, his eyes scanning the darkness ahead of them as they silently pressed forward. "I'm not sure," he whispered to the young man. "It could be anything. They could be trying to mimic the Figaro Dive System, or maybe they are building something else...or perhaps it is the facility that is responsible for the sound and tremors. Whatever it is though...we will find it, when Derell is gone."

And that was the end of that. Within an hour or two they could no longer see the commander and her men, as they had split up at he grand courtyard leading up to the main castle. Their first destination was a looming tower not too far from the main castle that was stationed against a smaller portion of the outside castle. Sabin stopped them. "Remember...once we are in, you must be careful and vigilant. Our force will split in two; I shall lead one and Radovan will lead the other. I will lead the eastern search and Radovan will lead the western. When we have concluded our search, we will meet up again at the great hall in the tower. Is that clear?"

Radovan nodded. "I will lead my men then, but I will be about half a thousand less than you."

"I will leave the 33rd Battalion with you. It should make up the difference." Sabin said. "If this tower should prove useless to our search, we will have to move to the next tower across the courtyard and so on."

"And what if we find nothing in any of the towers?" a soldier asked.

"We regroup with the commander at the main castle and help take down Derell. If they are not in the surrounding areas, the odds are they are kept in the main keep. Are we ready?" the men answered Sabin with a hooah and a salute. "Then let us go forward." they pushed the double iron doors open together.

The inside of the eastern inner tower was just as strange and dark as the rest of the capitol. The halls were long and dark, and the rafters were left open for the outside moonlight to shimmer through. A cold draft kept them huddled in their cloaks as if they were still outside. It was as if the castle hadn't been tended to in hundreds and hundreds of years.

Jacen kept his eyes forward, having forgot for a moment they were to turn eastward and check the halls. At the end of the main hall was a large, circular room with a strange statue situated at the center. He couldn't make out the details from their distance but it captivated him nonetheless.

"With us!" someone hissed to his left, pulling him with the rest of the force into the eastern halls. It was some other squire. "We should not split up. A squire does not—"

"I know," he interrupted, swallowing back a question of 'do you see that statue' and instead sighed. "I was distracted for a moment. It will not happen again."

Just then they reached a rather steep flight of stairs, though the eastern hall crept on ahead of them to a smaller room. They checked it out first thoroughly. It was almost entirely empty, except a few rodents sniffed and gnawed through leaves and dirt that had collected over long periods of time.

"What is with this place," someone whispered. "It's as if no one has lived here in generations."

Sabin looked around the room, up to the rafters, and then crossed his arms. "it could be they did not have the men or funds to keep the rest of the castle patched up. It isn't uncommon in castles, even a king's castle. The northern towers were abandoned for nearly two hundred years until my greatgrandfather decided to rebuild them."

"this is different though," another said. "There is no upkeep here at all. It's..." Jacen knew what the squire was going to say; it was disturbing. And he was right. Even if the tower had been left alone due to limited funds, it wouldn't look like no one, not a single being, entered the room for generations. There were no footprints or indications of men in the room prior to them stamping about. A room that could hold two thousand if cramped had been left completely untouched. Even if it wasn't good for living in, it would have been great to store things like wood or building supplies, anything.

"It isn't important right now," Sabin told them. "We will turn back and head down stairs. Hopefully Radovan has found something of use if we do not." as he led them back, Jacen paused a moment to look over the large, empty room once more before turning to follow.

They climbed down the stairs, through a dark and cold hallway, for half an hour before they made it to a gentle curve in the hall where the walls fell in to reveal a torch on each side and then went on again. Some of the soldiers started to complain. 'How far does it go down?', 'What if this is a trap?', and 'I don't think this leads anywhere, sir Sabin, let's head back!', but the old monk forced to go on, promising that there was an end to the stairs and that most likely they would find something of use real soon.

Jacen lifted a hand to his nose all of the sudden as an odor of burnt bodies filled his sense of smell. He coughed and stopped in his tracks when he felt a gentle weight run over his boots. He jumped, stifled back a yelp of surprise, and stomped around aimlessly, hoping to kill whatever it was. An agonizing squeak echoed through the hall and he smiled triumphantly, until Sabin's irritated hiss carried down to him. A lantern from the top line was passed down to his line, or perhaps the person who held it was making their way towards him. The light reached him and when he stole a glance to whatever it was he killed, he saw that it was an oversized rat. He felt incredibly embarrassed, but then he saw something strange at the wall where the rat was trying to squeeze into but before he could open his mouth and speak, the light lifted and revealed Sabin's dark face.

"You must be quiet!" his harsh whisper made his cheeks burn in embarrassment.

"Wait, if you look—"

"—It is just a rat. If you jump at every little thing, you will find it difficult to survive here."

"That's not it," he growled, grabbing the monk's hand to pull the light out of his grasp. The monk protested, but when his arm was angled towards the ground again, he gaped. "See?" Jacen pointed to where the rat was trying to get into before it was killed. There was a thick crack on the floor up against the wall. No, not a crack. It was where a door met with the floor!

A man from behind the monk asked what it was. "A door," Sabin replied, confused. "That is—" he lifted the light up against the wall to see the detail of the door. It was designed to look just like the walls, so that none who knew not of the hall's design could find it "—hardly even noticeable. I can only say their need to hide it says it is of importance."

"What of the hall though? It goes on." a squire asked, glancing back the direction they were headed.

Sabin rubbed at his chin, thinking. "Perhaps...perhaps it is meant to trick those who walk the hall, but this door could be just that, too."

"What do we do?" Jacen asked, his heart racing. A sense of adventure, of thrill, was starting to burn deep inside him. He's never felt that way before. He was always so reluctant and scared to do what he had to do, but now? Was it that "troublesome gene" his mother always complained Locke passed on finally surfacing? Or was it just adrenaline? Sabin laid a hand against the door, sighed and then backed away.

"We need to split into two parties." he looked down at Jacen. "I will leave a dozen men behind to investigate the door. You will lead them while I'll lead the rest of the men further down the stairs and come find you if it earns us nothing. This is a reconnaissance mission only, Jacen, know that. If you find anything, head back to the door immediately and wait for us. Do you understand?"

The thump of his heart grew louder. He had trouble speaking, so he simply nodded. "Y-Yes sir."

"Alright...and be careful. The last thing I want to do is..." he hesitated. "Is give your parents awful news." and then he picked his men and left the others behind. When their light left them alone in the pitch black, Jacen swallowed, unsure of what to do next.

If we don't mark the door, Sabin might have a hard time back tracing his steps to us. "The first thing we should do is mark our location. If something should happen, Sabin will need a clear indication of where this door was."

"How should we do that, sir?" one of the soldiers asked him, confused.

"Hmm...does anyone here have any ink on them?" a mumble of negative remarks as his reply. "Alright then, does anyone have a tonic and remedy at hand?"

"I do, sir," someone called out. "And several others if you need them."

"I need a few of each, actually." the soldier handed them over quickly, curious.

Jacen could feel the men gathered all around him and although he could not see their faces he knew they were glaring into his general direction and that was filling his stomach with butterflies. To be a group leader, to an army invasion and rescue, was beginning to make him sick. They kept asking him what it was he was doing, but he did not answer until he was finished. It was something his father taught him, among a few other skills, that he was glad he listened to. He mixed the tonic with the remedy, shook it and then held his hand out, summoning forth a small flame.

His men gasped, whispering that Sabin and Celes said to not use magic unless they had to. Well, this was certainly that kind of situation! With the light, he poured the concoction around the door and then sat it aflame. It burned in the colors of a rainbow until it died down and revealed a glowing liquid on the wall. His men gasped, awed. "How did you do that?!"

"The tonic mixture creates a gel that burns and leaves behind a mark that shimmers like this in any light source. Now, if or when Sabin returns this way, the light from his torch will catch the gel and create light...well, enough light that cannot be ignored at least."

"That is brilliant," one soldier said with a laugh. Jacen wasn't so sure if it was, but he was glad for the comment, because it took some of the doubt out of his stomach.

With the light and sign finished and the other part of their group now capable of finding them, Jacen took his soldiers through the door. It took three of them to get it open, but once they were inside, Jacen was sure Sabin's path would lead them to a dead end or trap. For when the door closed behind them the room lit up and all around him, running across the walls and lead up them, were giant tubes. Most of them were empty, especially those nearer to the door, but as they pressed through the room and the width grew and the length increased into a dark horizon, the tubes began to fill here and there.

They were Espers.

Enthralled in a liquidy sleep and kept locked under thick, shiny grey glass and locked under a black metal Jacen had never seen before. Multiple, smaller tubes were plugged into the sides of the larger tubes, either keeping the liquid inside fresh or allowing Alúzar to drain them of their power. He had seen the sketches, the remnants of the old Empire's means to this horrendous action, and this did not fit their style.

From what he could see, he counted eleven captives. Soon, three of his men started counting and said, 'twenty'. Twenty Espers. Locked inside tiny tubes to bestow power upon their captors, once again, for the sake of world domination. It made his stomach turn and filled him with a deep anger. He was glad Cambyses did not allow Terra to go with them. She would have reacted terribly to this sight and possibly put their mission in jeopardy.

It doesn't matter, he thought tiredly. We will free them all and if they should decide to help us here and now when free, we will put an end to this for good. One of his men woke him from his thoughts.

"Should we not hurry back to Sabin, sir?"

That was right. Sabin said to find them if they found the facility, but could he risk leaving the Espers in this state? Could he risk leaving this room? It was a hard decision. He knew that if he did not listen to Sabin's order something could go wrong, but something could go wrong if he left them in this state. "Sir?" the man asked again.

Unsure of what to do, Jacen glanced up the giant wall towards the captives. What would his father do, or his mother? What would Terra do? What would Emma do? He only had two choices; stay behind and secure the Espers, or go meet up with Sabin and risk losing them. He knew what his heart would not allow him to do.

"We stay and we go."

"I'm sorry sir, but we don't understand."

"I will stay behind and secure the area," he said with more confidence than he thought he could muster. "I need to stay behind. If something goes wrong with our mission, someone needs to be here to free the Espers at the very least, so that they have a chance."

"I advise we stick to the—"

"I understand what the plan was created for...but I cannot leave them behind, not after seeing this." he walked over to one of the tubes and laid a hand on the smooth surface. "They have suffered who knows what for so long. They do not deserve a moment longer in this hell. I could not turn my back to them and live with myself if leaving brought them further pain. It...it just isn't something I could do."

"I don't think we should split-"

"Listen to what I have said," he said, though his voice was not authoritative. The soldiers waited a moment before quietly returning the way they had entered. When the sound of the door echoed off behind him, he stepped further into the room and turned to search for a control panel or a switch of some sort that could lower and release the captives' tubes.

There were several boxes with buttons, levers and transparent windows on them. When he peered closer, he saw that one side of the box, just right of the window, were several buttons marked with numbers, from zero to nine. Just below it was another set, with keys in the Classic tongue.

To the left of the window were two switches; a red and a blue one. The blue was flipped up, though he had no idea if the red was just flipped down.

I wonder what they do, he thought, looking over the rest of the buttons again, confirming that they didn't look pressed or set. It was only the blue one. Hmm, perhaps this is the power operational buttons? He tried to recall the panels for the Figaro air ducts, water system and dive system, but he knew that what worked for them didn't necessarily mean it would work here. Well I should probably wait for Sabin but... he looked over his shoulder back at the trapped Espers and shook his head. No, he couldn't.

He hoped, as he flipped the blue switch down and closed his eyes, that it would not lead to catastrophic failure. Nothing happened though. He opened his eyes. The terminal was glowing and now the buttons glowed. He had turned the system on! "Alright, alright..." he took a breath, searching. "where is the release command?"

"The thing about rats," a voice called out from above him, someplace in the dark. "is that no matter how many times you lie traps out for them, no matter how many times you kill them, they always manage to crawl their way into places they don't belong."

Jacen froze. Oh no... he remembered that voice. That dark voice that crippled him with a furious anger, with a sadness he could not rid himself of. It was the same voice that controlled the princess of Figaro on the battlefield against her own family and homeland. His hands tightened into balls at his sides.

Derell.

"Now tell me, little rat," the darkness above him disappeared as a bright, ugly light brightened. Jacen turned to face him. He was on a platform suspended about thirty feet. "did the foolish boy king think I would ever let you take my castle? Or were you all so damn ignorant that you thought I would not suspect another assault my walls?!"

There were men around him, armed with various weapons. Whether they knew magic or not, there was no way he would be able to defeat them all by himself.

"I was hoping to hold off this confrontation unless that bitch Chere was here so that I could take you all out and toss your heads at Edgar's feet, but I suppose I'll settle with just you...for now." and then he laughed. "Though to be honest, I expected the boy king himself, since his sister is what this war is about. I suppose he was just too frightened to leave his castle."

Jacen tried to contain his anger, but it was too difficult. "You say that, but you were the one that hid beyond a little girl for your battles. You are the frightened one!"

Derell's face visibly darkened. He was absolutely enraged. "We shall see then, won't we? When I take his castle and I look into his eyes...will he weep for his life or will he face it with courage? He didn't the last time I had him and while his sister lasted longer than him, even she broke under me. No king should ever weep, not for himself and not for others! They should stand on the backs of the others, of those below them. I do what a true king does!"

"You are wrong," Jacen said. "A good king weeps for everyone, family or not. A good king looks upon the discarded and pained and feels for them. A good king is compassionate, brave, strong and honorable. A true, good king wouldn't send his children across seas to enact revenge for him against a little girl..." he unsheathed his sword, heart racing purely out of anger and adrenaline. "You are no king. You are not even a man. You are just a frightened child in over his head! You know your death is certain!"

For the longest moment Derell did not move or speak, but then he started to laugh. "That is true. I would rather see my sons die than die myself and yes, I did use them, but after all...a king must sacrifice some in order to further his agenda. Do not get me wrong, you impudent little shit. I care for my sons, but I am not so blinded by emotion that I let it get in the way of my power or what I want. If they die, it will pain me, but I can have other children. I have other children. All I truly want is for Figaro to burn and the head of Edgar Figaro to hang from the walls besides the beaten, mutilated corpse of his bitch wife!" and then he shook his head. "Well...that was all I wanted, until..." his eyes shifted to Jacen and his mouth pulled up into a smile. "Well, while you have me talking I suppose you do deserve to know." the platform started to descend towards the floor. "When I realized that the bitch could pass her powers off to her children, I knew this had to be more than getting revenge."

"Don't lie," he snapped. "This has always been about you and revenge Derell. You can't stand that your brother was no less a piece of shit like you and had to be put down."

This time Derell's eyes took on a completely different rage. It was terrifying. He felt his heart tighten. Was this what Emma faced all those years? His skin crawled just from the look. "Thank your father's foolish friend for the things that have happened, then. He was the one that set my eyes on the princess in the first place." and then he grinned. "And what a delicious taste she left in my mouth."

"You bastard!"

"I've been called worse," he said with a wave of his hand, amused. "And by men more worthy than you. You insult me with your presence. You are of less worth than that worthless cunt you call a sister. I expected a little more from the boy that calls himself king! Why has he not come to face me himself?" and then a cruel smile crept across his face. "Oh...I have angered you, haven't I? I know that look. You crave that bitch as much as any man has when he looked upon her. Do not give me that face, boy! It is clear in your eyes!"

"Whatever I may or may not feel would never compare to what you have done to her," he spat, taking a defensive pose just as the platform hit the ground and they stepped off. "It won't matter what foulness you can speak from here on out! Your end will be met on this day!"

He glanced around the room, amused even further. "And by whom, might I ask, will be doing the slaying boy? You?" he shook his head. "You Figaro rats...the arrogance and sheer ignorance you possess is astonishing!" he walked several feet ahead of his men and then unsheathed a long sword that shimmered red under the ugly lights. "If this is where you wish to spill your blood, so be it. I will tear you apart and ship you back to your king in pieces!"

Jacen charged with a war cry that, for an instance, made Derell's men falter. He slashed down at the tyrant with a swift swing, the blade just a smear of silver even as it passed only inches from the tyrant's right arm. Quickly he twirled on his feet, a move his mother taught him, and swung the sword again, meaning to cleave the man in half through the waist. The tyrant easily deflected and pushed him away with a gurgling laugh. "Is that all? The son of a great general can only muster this?!"

With his anger struck, Jacen leapt at the tyrant again and again, slashing and hacking though he never gained any ground. It was if the tyrant was toying with him, letting it run as long as he could for his own amusement. The battle started to tire Jacen but he persisted, through the aches and burns and panting, which seemed to surprise Derell.

Where was Sabin? Where were his men? Surely they would have met up with Sabin by now!

With a shallow shout, he swung one last time. Derell easily avoided it. Jacen backed away, breathing hard. His face was dark and sweaty, and his arms were trembling terribly. The mad king displayed no more than a gentle disturbance. "Tired already?" he clicked his tongue in disappointment. "Don't feel too bad over it, boy, I have been fighting since I was six years old—just like my father before me. I doubt you have had a sword in your hand for more than a few years."

You are wrong! He wanted to scream. He had been training since he was seven, though he was sure the tyrant had a more strenuous and restless training scheduled than him. Jacen's downfall was certainly set in stone the moment he used magic. It had taken more from him than he thought. "I don't...care...how long...you have been training." he managed weakly. "You will still die today!" with the last of his energy he made another run towards the mad king, his sword held high above his head. It glimmered and before the king could realize what it was, the sword was brought down in front of him and wave of lightning poured from the sword and blasted into the tyrant's chest, sending him to his back in an agonizing scream and puff of black smoke.

Jacen dropped to his knees, trembling. That was it, all of his energy. It was a skill his mother had asked him to never do, not until she could teach him better control, but he had no other choice. The aggressive Runic skill would have surely killed the tyrant, though he still had to worry about the man's soldiers.

Though as the smoke cleared, he saw Derell struggling to his feet. His chest was charred and reddened, bleeding even, but he was still capable. The expression the tyrant wore was of absolute anger, though Jacen could see pain in them as well.

He knelt to retrieve his sword. "You will die for that, you little rat!" he wiped blood from his mouth and approached Jacen. And that's when the last of Jacen's hope fled from him, for Derell casted cure on himself. They were all doomed! Emma, her baby, his family, and all of those innocents within Figaro's walls and across the globe.

His thoughts carried to Emma returning to a life of slavery and abuse, with her daughter. I'm sorry! I'm so sorry! I failed you...I failed everyone! Please gods...protect her. Protect them all!

And then Derell was near. Tears filled Jacen's eyes and then he closed them, accepting his death. That's when he felt the sword pierce through his chest armor and through him. He held back the cry that built in his throat—refusing to give the tyrant the satisfaction—and then fell back when Derell yanked the sword back out. A heavy pressure then dropped onto his chest and pressed down. "You lose, boy." and then he kicked Jacen and turned to head back to the platform. "Get rid of this pathetic child and gather the men. We have a few more rats to chase down."

A man clad in black armor, weaker and poorer in design than the king's, stepped up to Jacen's body and lifted his axe to strike the boy across the head. Though Jacen could not see, he smiled faintly, confusing the man, and then he whispered. "The gods are smiling at me...I do not fear my death." and then he readied for the death blow.

"That's a bit dramatic, don't you think Jacen?"

Jacen was too weak to lift himself up to see what was happening as the room filled with the sound of screams and thunderous booms. He tried to keep his eyes open but it was too difficult. It no longer mattered to him anyway, though he was curious who had called him by his name as it was not a voice he recognized. His last moments should be of home, of his family, of the things he loved and the things he would miss, and the things he cherished the most.

His thoughts were of Emma. He never got the chance to rid himself of his feelings for her. Oh well. It felt nice to have them now that he would die. Her face was that of the night he first saw her. Blushing, unmarked by torture or abuse, and with a beautiful smile that set his heart ablaze. I never got to tell you Emma...maybe in the next life.

Something fell down a few feet away from him, something that was not metal or iron, and then he felt hands touch his shoulder. They were firm and encouraging, but tightened into his flesh with worry.

"Come on now, you can't die on me here and now," the voice said with a tinge of a laugh in his voice. The voice seemed far more familiar now, though he could not place it.

Who is it? He wanted so terribly to open his eyes and lift himself up, but the weakness in his bones was just too much. He let out a tired sigh. "Do not try to waste anymore energy! Sit still!"

"Damn it all! Kill that bastard!" Derell howled, almost fearfully.

"I'm going to heal you Jacen, but you must sit still for a bit, to reclaim yourself. Do not push yourself!" as the voice started to ring a memory of his, Jacen felt a gentle, warm energy wash over him. The weakness in him began to dull, steadily. It was so comforting he almost forgot who he thought the voice was.

No...no it couldn't be. He...he couldn't...

There were a few more seconds of painful shouts and strange sounds before Jacen heard the tyrant's voice again. "I knew you could not have died, that it was all a ruse. Tell me...where did they keep you? With the girl?" When he did not get an answer, he swore. "no matter! Your silence won't change how this ends for you, for him or that cunt!"

The voice said, "Even as your soul turns blacker and blacker, I pity you Derell. You know nothing but hatred and anger, and it has sickened you." he sighed. "If I was dead, I suppose you can call this the gods' justice."

"Arrr!" he howled. "if my men can't kill you, then I will!"

"Jacen," the voice said. "Hang in there while I deal with this scum." and then he heard footsteps walk away from him and with each step Jacen felt his strength return.

What is this? I...I should be dying. He tried to open his eyes and could only see blurs. Shouts erupted around him. The sound of steel on steel soon joined and with it more shouts until the sounds died down and there was only the senseless ramble of Derell, sputtering and swearing.

Finally Jacen could open his eyes as he felt nearly all his strength return to him. He had to force himself to sit up so he could see ahead of him and when he did and saw who the voice belonged to, he almost fell again. Littered around him in bundles were the corpses of the soldiers he had easily dispatched and in front of the now recognized man was Derell, pale faced and angrily stomping his feet.

The man was hardly recognizable, at least at first glance, but...but it was definitely him. Alexander Gabbiani—a man that was supposed to be dead. The short hair Jacen remembered of him was now long and braided in ribbons of black and seemed a bit darker than he remembered. His right shoulder and arm was bare, the only part of his upper torso not clothed in his smokey-black trimmed chiton. His skin was darker than before, tanned and muscled and marked with healing cuts and bruises. Across his back was a weapon, Jacen assumed, wrapped in black fabric trimmed and colored to match his chiton. On the floor beside him was a matching chlamys he had tossed off to free himself enough to fight.

He could not believe what he saw. "Alexander?" The man, confirming now who Jacen thought he was, turned to look at him. His face was buried underneath a giant, unruly beard, but Jacen could not get the eyes wrong. It was him, but how?

Alexander smiled at him. "You did good Jace, but please, sit back and rest. I will take of Derell." and then he turned back to the mad king and reached for the wrapped weapon on his back. He unwrapped the cloth and from it he revealed a frightening spear of black, silver and red. The blades twisted toward each other in jagged edges. Derell's eyes went wide when Alex looked back to him. "As for you..." he slammed the butt of the spear into the ground. In a flash the blades of the spear started to snap and pop with fire. "I wish it did not have to come to this, that I could spare you and give you humane justice, but you are too far gone to grant that kind of mercy."

Derell's eyes twitched. "I don't need your pity, boy!"

Alexander lifted the spear. "Then it is well that I swore to end you."

"Many have tried, many have failed." Derell said, readying himself. "It will be no different here!" Derell tore his cloak off, revealing a chest full of glowing shards, four in total, all shimmering.

Alexander did nothing more than shift the spear in his hands, completely unfazed by the Magicite the tyrant managed to insert into his body. There was a sense of determination around Alexander, of extreme faith and concentration, as if he was sure he would not lose to this man. The sight was awe inspiring. And with no one to stand between them, they rushed each other.

Derell slide into a masterful display of swordsmanship, elegantly slashing and twirling to swiftly change his attacks into quick jabs and hacks. It was a heavy but quick style that Jacen had only seen the Alúzari men use, though it closely resembled the Veldtic style with its powerful strikes.

Alexander was so far parrying and moving about the floor, always avoiding or deflecting strikes with an unbelievable quick and skillful use of his spear. He spun, twirled, whipped and side-stepped out of strikes, as if he could see the attacks before they would strike. For a moment Jacen thought he couldn't keep up, but when he jumped tot he left to avoid another powerful overhead strike from Derell, Jacen realized that Alexander wasn't meaning to fight back at all. Why though? Was it to tire out Derell? Was it to think ahead to his magic use?

Derell slashed at his enemy's waist and then up, missed, and then growled. "Do you intend to run from me the entire fight, boy?" he struck again and again, teeth bared and nostrils flared, missing or being quickly parried. "Arg!" finally annoyed, Derell, threw his hand toward Alexander and summoned magic. A haphazardly formed wall of ice ripped out of the ground and nearly pierced through Alexander's torso.

Alexander leapt back, his expression one of slight surprise, and then he smiled in a way that showed he was not pleased. "So you can use offensive magic now." his answer was a flurry of fire and rocks. Alexander lifted his spear and slashed forward at the spell; a wave of air swept down the middle of the spell, cutting it in half and sweeping it to the sides.

As the spells dulled away, Derell threw himself through the center following his spell. He swung in an arch up at Alexander and casted a fire spell with it. A trail of fire followed and though Alexander parried the strike, the fire hit his entire right arm and shoulder.

Alexander jumped back, swore, and shook his arm. The fire went out in an unnatural way. His skin was burnt and boiled but Alex kept his eyes on Derell. Without speaking or moving, a wave of green energy crept out of the ground upward, consuming his arm and healing the damage completely.

Derell's brows furrowed in fury. He did not look pleased to realize his opponent knew multiple spells on top of a weaponry skills. He lowered his offensive. "I wonder if you know," he said, brows still furrowed. Jacen was enthralled, not only by the incredible and terryfing display of magic, but by the meaning of the tyrant's words. Alexander glared and the mad king laughed, gently, amused. "I suppose that means you do."

"You should keep your attention on the battle," Alexander growled. Jacen could tell he was barely able to keep his anger in check, but why? What had been said that would upset him so much?

"What about the bitch, then?" he asked, the smile on his face growing because he knew his words would anger him. Jacen knew exactly who the mad man was talking about but a thought crossed his mind then. Derell was utterly preoccupied. His men were down, presumably dead, so he was at Alexander's mercy if he turned his attention elsewhere.

Something must have happened to Sabin's group, which means... he watched as Derell rushed back into the battle with a horribly angry cry of frustration. If we don't win here, the Espers... not willing to let it happen, Jacen stumbled to his feet and hurried over to the control panel.

Without any knowledge of the facility, or of the devices, he started to pound different buttons. Some of the combinations rewarded him with an incorrect beep, whilst others made new buttons glow. The sound of the fight behind him grew louder as the magic used obviously jumped a level.

Alright...just think. It can't be much different than anything back at Figaro, on in the airships, can it? He tried another combination, though it failed. Damn it all! Work will you?! He grabbed one of the levers and pulled it down, though nothing happened. He took the next one and the next, repeating himself until the last rewarded him with a screeching noise. The ground started to tremble violently and that's when Derell noticed him.

In the reflective glass on the panel he saw Derell through a ball of fire at him. He swore and turned to face it with his sword only to realize his Runic sword had been dropped earlier. He braced for his death but Alexander seemed to pop into view in front of him and held out a hand. The fire hit his hand and diverted around them. The fire's roars were so fierce Jacen was sure that his hearing would give. When the fire died out, Alexander glanced back at him with an amused smirk on his face.

"I'd appreciate it if you hurried with that thing. I can't very well stall him all day."

He gasped. So that was why he was 'playing' with Derell! He was waiting on him! Jacen swore and turned back to the panel, determined. He started another combination. Wrong. Another. Wrong. What could it be? Without a manual or without Derell's assistance, he would never figure the combination out.

All the while Jacen slaved to the panel, Alexander used the spear to eat away Derell's attempts to get them away from the controls, thus weakening Alexander as he had to fight spell with spell, often bigger to deal with protecting Jacen.

"That meant hurry," Alexander muttered, exhausted.

Jacen paled. "I'm sorry, this is impossible for me to figure out. The amount of different combinations possible is just...it's too much! Without some sort of lead, I'll get nowhere!"

"If that's how it is," he said, standing straighter. "Do what you can. I will have to end this, but be careful. He will try to get to you." just then Derell threw another powerful spell at him. Muddy water crashed upon him with unbelievable strength, but Alexander managed to send the spell to the right, causing it to smash through the walls and cave in a row of empty tubes. As water and strange liquid poured out of the broken tubes across the floor, Alexander and Derell fought. Slicing, jabbing, and slashing.

Alexander pirouetted to avoid three consecutive strikes, twirled back to his original position and swung his spear out under Derell's feet. The man tried to step back but the the shaft of the spear hit his left ankle and sent him back.

Jacen was still trying to figure out the panel. He took a moment to look it over again. The number pad didn't seem promising to turn something off or release the Espers, so he skipped it to the last things he hadn't tested out yet; the keyboard. He looked over the available keys, confirming all letters were there. He hadn't seen anything like it before. What purpose would there be to be able to write on a panel?

I suppose it could to be write commands, he thought, but what else? He dug through whatever knowledge he managed to pick up from overhearing Edgar and Cambyses and Benjamin, but he couldn't recall any instance in which they used a similar system. And that's when he caught sight of the letter 'E' and his mind seemed to halt entirely.

Wait a second, he glanced back at the fight and watched Derell regain his balance to take on another assault on Alexander, this time using mostly his swordsmanship. He looked back at the keyboard, the thought forming. Could it be a password system? It has to be...well, better than nothing to try, I guess. He pressed down the 'e' key and then 'm' twice and then 'a', but the screen blinked red. Okay. Let's try something else. He spelled out Derell's name, Alúzar, Luke and Eric, Sherra, power, magic, revenge, Edgar and so many other things but nothing seemed to trigger success.

Damn it! Come on! What would he use as a password? He screwed his eyes shut in frustration. Think! Think!

"Arg!" Derell's scream resounded across the room and Jacen glanced back, seeing that Alexander had quickly pierced the man's shoulder before flipping back and retaking a defensive position. "You..." he clutched at the injury, healing himself. "You son of a bitch! I'll kill you!"

Alexander lifted his spear. "Quit your talking and do it then."

"When I'm through with you," he snapped, a wicked grin forming on his disgusting face. "I think I'll take a visit to Albetzia." as the words left Derell, Jacen's blood drained from him. Derell knew where Emma was! Terrified, he left the panel to stand to warn Alexander he could not let Derell get away now, but the man's eyes told he already knew. "Only a fucking fool would think it could be hidden when airships practically leave your little shithole of a castle monthly!"

Alexander very calmly and quieted knelt to place his spear on the floor. Without facing him, Alexander said, "Jacen, get the Espers released. I will be done in a moment." awed by the certainty in his voice, Jacen did as he was told. He went back to the panel immediately.

"We shall see," Derell snarled, charging forward like a rabid animal.

Jacen concentrated. If it was a password—and he was assuming it was—and it wasn't anything related to him or about him or his obsession, Emma, then what could it be? He wrote out a dozen different things, from magic to different spells to locations he knew of in Alúzar and a couple from Figaro territory but none of them were correct.

A wave of hot air rushed over him and he spared a second to look back at the battle. Alexander was busy cutting off Derell's explosive spells with fierce wind magic. His face was red and sweating but he was still standing.

Crap! Alexander is risking his life for me, for us all...come on, come on! In absolute desperation, he wrote out "Byram" and for a second nothing happened, but then the screen blinked green and three chimes came and went.

The ground started to rumble fiercely, distracting both Derell and Alexander. The tubes all started to lower to the floor slowly, with lights turning on at every shelf under each tube, to illuminate what was inside. For half a heart beat they started around at the scene until Derell's anger forced him to move ahead. He rushed by Alexander straight for Jacen. At the last second Alexander appeared in front of him and grabbed the man's shoulders to hold him back.

"Jacen! Get out of here! Now!" he slung Derell back and quickly brought up a wall of rock as water and fire poured against him. Jacen was startled by the demand.

"I can't leave you behind!"

"Damn it! I can't fight him freely with you here! Go!"

"No! I can't—"

"Your sister will kill me if something happens to you! Just go!" He hesitated before running to the door, though he did not go any further than that. The battle that ensued was incredible. He would never be able to describe it to anyone. The ferocity and power between the two was insane.

Alexander leapt back, using wind magic to propel his jump further, landed on his hands and twirled quickly, using his legs to shoot more wind magic at Derell. The tyrant answered the assault with an ice shield before freezing the floor and skating forward, using the additional agility to swiftly slash and jab at Alexander, who had discarded his spear early.

As Derell turned to repeat the attack, Alexander held both hands out and closed his eyes. Derell neared and neared a still Alexander. Panic gripped Jacen's heart. What was he doing?!

"Alexander! Move!"

At the last second, he opened his eyes and spread his hands out, cutting down through the air and throwing it back. The ground shook so violently that the ice that covered it shattered and the ground split in two, between him and Derell. Steam rushed out of the chasm, covering the room.

Jacen couldn't see a thing, except the occasional flash of magic and the boom of magic. And then out of the steam came Derell, flying through the air with an expression of hurt on his face. He landed harshly on the ground about thirty feet away from the chasm but was back on his feet within seconds.

He swore. "You fight like a coward, boy!" Jacen knew the man was referring to Alexander's strange, liquidy movements that involved extreme agility and parrying to bring aggression onto his opponent. Slowly Alexander appeared out of the steam, still without his spear in hand.

It took a moment for Jacen to realize that the spear was floating behind him, slowly spinning around. His eyes widened. What kind of magic was that?! Mesmerized, he watched as Alexander approached and the spear zoomed passed him towards Derell. Reflexes drove Derell to lift his arms to block the attack but a thick wall of ice built in front of him. The spear dug through it and stopped only an inch or two from Derell's chest.

The tyrant snarled. "You have no idea who you are dealing with!" he grabbed the spear and let the ice break away so he could wield it. "This toy will not save you—" his words stopped and his eyes widened. Jacen could not understand what was happening, but the next second Derell screamed like a frightened child and dropped the spear. "You...you..." his eyes went to Alexander, full of tears. He was terrified. "how...how is this possible?!"

Alexander snapped his fingers and the spear raced back to his side. "You could have changed your fate, Derell, but you made the wrong choices over and over again."

Derell dropped his sword and pointed a hand at the captive Espers to his right. Alexander immediately halted his approach. "If my fate is to die here, you think I fear it?" he scoffed and started to build fire in his palm. "You are a fool to think I fear death. You are a fool to fight against a power you don't understand!"

Alexander tensed. "Don't make this any harder than it has to be Derell...just stop!" the tyrant smirked and then released the spell. Time seemed to freeze for Jacen as the fire raced towards the captive Espers.

"No!" Alexander did not move, but when he shouted a thick wall of rock and ice sprung up before Derell's spell, blocking it and saving the Espers. While Alexander was distracted, Derell took his sword and ran as he prepared another spell—this time, for his opponent. Jacen tried to help, to summon whatever he could, but the magic would not build for him. He simply had no energy to give.

Mere feet away from Alexander, Derell was suddenly blocked off by the spear striking the ground between them, casting a blinding light. When it cleared, Derell and Alexander were locked in intense battle. Alexander pivoted, pirouetted and side-stepped to avoid Derell's angry, desperate thrusts and slashes. He used the spear, spinning it and parrying strikes but it looked as if he couldn't find the opening to strike back.

By now the first row of captive Espers safely landed on ground level and the water started to drain out of the tubes. Jacen hurried over to the row and tried to ply one of the tubes open before the water finished draining, but he couldn't spot any sort of door or seal. "Come on," he hissed under his breath as he raced his hands over the smooth surface, hoping to find a latch or something. Behind him the battle raged on.

Alexander was running out of time. He knew any longer and he wouldn't be able to counter magic with his own, his body would be too weak. Something else entirely drove Derell and his stamina, and it worried him. It was as if he had access to unlimited mana.

Carefully, he glanced across the room, to make sure Jacen was okay. He saw the young man fiddling with one of the captive Espers. Damn it! Why couldn't he have just listened to me? Turning his eyes back to the battle, Alexander parried another strike and managed to get in one strike to send Derell back. I can't use magic senselessly with him here. Why did they choose today, of all days, to attack? He gritted his teeth, annoyed, and forced Derell back several more feet.

Derell laughed, mockingly, as he parried the next few jabs effortlessly. "Has the little boy grown tired already?" Alexander did not answer, knowing it was fruitless and would only ruin what concentration he had. He also didn't want to give Derell a chance to see that Jacen had just freed one of the captive espers, some tiny scaled thing. "Even the bitch had more stamina than this! he hooted again and slammed his sword against Alexander's spear when he thrusted it forward, forcing the spear to swing off to the right. Alex lost his balance momentarily.

"You are just as weak, just as useless, as you were back on that field!" he snapped, shoving his way into an assault that once again forced Alexander into a retreat. "Is this what you hoped would save you? Save that girl? This pathetic display?!" his next strike was so powerful it rattled Alexander. "If you don't want me to have her again, you must show me your true strength!" he struck again, so hard, that it threw Alexander's weapon free from his hands.

Jacen glanced up, having safely sat the esper down by the door, and watched in horror as Derell overwhelmed Alexander and kicked him in the chest, sending him to the floor. His spear laid about ten feet away, directly behind Derell to the far right. "Pathetic!" he dropped his boot onto Alexander's chest and pinned him down, eyes wide, crazed. "You never had a chance, boy. You are too weak, too slow!" he pressed harder, but Alexander did not respond, refusing to give the man the satisfaction. "It pleases me that you will die here knowing I will have her again, over and over, whenever I wish it and wherever I wish it." this time Alexander's hands tightened around the man's boot, nose flaring. "Oh! Have I angered you, boy?" he laughed and pressed harder, causing the young warrior to grimace. "You shouldn't worry too much boy. She will see you again, when I have her mount your head on the wall and watch it until she breaks again. And it is always so much easier to rebreak something broken!"

Jacen watched, awed, as steam rose from the floor around them. The spear had started to rattle against the stone floor and then—as Alexander howled, throwing Derell off him with a violent torrent of wind—the spear flew toward its master. A spark, as white as snow, cracked between the two. It sent Derell flying back.

Alexander had gotten up so fast he was a blur. The spear was in his hand and the color returned to his face. His expression was nothing but rage, and it was as if his eyes were lit on fire. Jacen could barely comprehend what was happening, and so when Alexander dashed towards the tyrant with inhuman speed, he jumped, startled.

It was like with Emma when she transformed! The speed was unreal! And when Derell frightfully lifted his sword to deflect strikes, his arms flew back from the force and the impact created shock waves that caused the water to ripple. Jacen had to plant himself firmly on the floor against the aftershock.

Derell lifted his arms to parry the next strike, but Alexander slashes up, lopping the man's right arm clear off. The painful howl that resounded through the chamber pierced Jacen's ears. He watched as the tyrant fell back, clutching desperately at the severed nub that was his arm, teeth bared.

"Do it then..." he growled, wincing at the pain. "Kill me boy!"

Alexander's eyes narrowed and then he knelt, placing the spear gently on the ground and reaching for the tyrant's chest. For half a heart beat they were staring at each other, but then Alexander shoved his head into the man's chest and ripped something out. Jacen's heart stropped, for he thought it was the man's heart, but then Alexander laid it down. It was some sort of shard! Before Jacen could wrap his head around it, Alexander did it again and again, and Derell's painful howls rattled across the chamber., until there four four shards beside them and Derell's body was pale and unseemly.

And then Alexander rose, spear in hand once again. The tyrant laughed. "So...y-you are a c-coward! A sh-shameful coward!" he wheezed and fell to his back, no longer capable of holding himself up. Alex simply watched, eyes calm with disinterest. "When...when it happens...when it happens..." he coughed, sputtering up blood. "you...you will all d-die..."

"This is the end of you Derell...do not go in pain. Quiet your heart and go in whatever peace you can still get."

Derell's eyes, pale with death, glowed just for a moment with life. With laughter. "This...this isn't the end...Luke...there is still Luke and..." he chuckled, his body trembling. "then...then you will all...see the truth..." as the last breath of life left him, Alexander lowered his eyes.

"You were beyond help here, but hopefully in death you can find mercy and absolution."

Jacen could not believe it! The mad king, the tyrant of the world, was actually gone. A lifeless corpse, incapable of harming anyone ever again. He hadn't realized he stopped breathing until his ears rang and he gaped dumbly for breath.

Alexander knelt to retrieve the shards and then walked toward Jacen, expression still calm. When he was before him, Alexander laid the shards at his feet and looked at him. "Is he alright?" for a second Jacen didn't understand, until he remembered the esper and glanced back.

"I'm not sure...I've...I've never dealt with an esper before. I think so though, but..."

"They will all have medical assistance soon," he looked around, at the hundreds of captive espers, a frown deepening on his face. "To think he had so many...gods know what he did to her. To them." it was not needed to ask who he was talking about. Jacen followed his eyes for a second before looking back at the man.

"Alexander...where were you? We...we looked everywhere for you and...!"

The young pilot looked at him, confused, but then he smiled weakly. "That is a long story, Jacen, one that will be told, but for now we should find your—" just then the doors opened and dozens of men rushed into the chamber. They were bloodied and tired, but otherwise well. Two men helped Sabin into the room, as his leg was bleeding profusely.

Jacen gasped. "Sabin! What happened to you?!" he hurried over, forgetting Alexander for the moment to inspect the injury. "I will go find my mother and—"

"No need," he laughed, waving the young squire away. "She's with us." a few men parted way for her and in she strolled, unharmed but pale from exertion. At her side, breathing heavily, was their commander, Relm. When Celes saw her son, she smiled very softly, though she did not direct it.

"Sabin's wounds are not life threatening, thankfully, as Relm and I expended our energy taking the main castle. We will take care of the wound the old fashion way here."

"There is no need for that," Alexander said, gently shoving his way through the gathered men into their view. Celes' eyes widened in pure shock, Sabin gaped and Relm looked furiously confused. "I am exhausted myself, but I should be able to tend to his injury easily." he knelt and lifted his palm up to face the injury. A feint light wafted over the leg, curing it.

Sabin didn't seem to notice it at all, he just kept staring, confused, until Celes spoke that is. "Alexander? Is...is that truly you?"

"Of course it is," he said with a quiet laugh, standing. "Who else would I be?"

Relm, understanding now, ah'd and crossed her arms. "I haven't seen you in for so long I couldn't recognize you..." she shook her head with a sigh that told the sadness of years gone by too fast and then glared. "And by gods boy, are you that foolish? We all thought you were dead."

"You thought I was dead?" he asked, frowning. "Why in the world would you all think that?"

"We found your ship's wreckage," Celes said. "We looked for a body, for you, for so long but..."

"That explains why Derell thought I had died," he muttered and then his eyes widened and he looked at her. "When...when you say 'everyone' thought I was dead, do you mean...?"

Relm sighed. "Yes, even Emma. Your parents broke the news to her."

It was painfully quiet for a moment, but they could tell just by looking at the man's eyes that he was battling off tears. "I must set this straight. How quickly can you guys release the espers here?"

Celes laughed. "Are you kidding me? We still need to locate Derell before we can even think about freeing these espers!"

"Don't bother, he is gone," he said quickly, snapping his fingers. The spear in his other hand vanished instantly, causing the people gathered around him—well, except Jacen—to jump back, startled. "We need to clear this castle before whatever forces that remain in Derell's forces regroup to attack the chamber. Or, gods help us, Luke marches on us."

"Wait! Wait, back up!" Celes snapped. "What do you mean Derell is gone?"

Jacen tapped her arm and pointed behind Alexander, towards the other end of the room. Celes forcefully shoved Alexander out of the way and caught sight of the lifeless body of Derell lying in a puddle of blood ridden water. His arm had been severed, and laid a good foot or two away from him. A few men, killed or unconscious, littered the ground everywhere she looked.

Relm joined her a second later and was equally surprised to see what laid before them. She looked back at Alexander, awed and confused. "You did this?"

Alexander didn't look too proud to admit to it, but he did. "How did you manage this?"

"It doesn't matter right now," he said sharply. "We need to get these espers out of here. Now. When we are safe, I will explain everything, but only then. Please, just do what I say." he looked away from the woman before he could see the fury sweep upon her. He went back to the magicite he had laid down beside Jacen earlier and knelt.

The others watched, curious.

"I think it is time you were released," he whispered to them, a faint smile on his face as he reached out towards them. They shimmered back to life, and a wave of red and green washed out from them, over everyone in the chamber. They rattled against the floor and grew in size with a loud crackling noise. When it stopped, he smiled. "There, that's better, isn't it Emma?"

Jacen did not think he heard him right, but he was certain he heard the princess' name. Relm reacted quickly though. "What did you just do?"

He looked up at the Thamasan woman with a cocky grin. "I gave Emma some peace." as the words left him, light sprang out of each shard, blinding them all.

---

Isn't this nice, though? Ultima asked as she and the other espers followed Emma through her room as she searched the the place for baby supplies.You and Robert getting along, I mean, she added after a moment. Common ground is so much nicer than anger and shouting.

"Where did I put them?" she mumbled to herself, ignoring the kind esper's attempts. The shelves and cabinets were completely empty in her room though, save a few books and little toys that made noise.

Ultima giggled. Alright then, I will leave it be for now, though I do want to say thank you again for considering to help us. I understand how difficult it must be for you.

I'm sure Fenrir and the others think differently, she thought with a tired sigh as she entered the basin room. She knelt to dig through the cabinets. When she found the supplies, she smiled triumphantly.

They are only frightened, Emma, because much like you and any other humans, we have feelings too. We are not monsters.

She frowned and made her way back to her daughter. I never said that...

I know you didn't dear, but it is easy to see us different than you or other humans. And I understand that, I just—

I don't think or feel that way! She snapped. I just, well, um...

I believe you, Emma. I didn't mean to upset you. As always Ultima was kindhearted and smiling. In a way the esper's kindness irritated Emma, though that itself made her feel horrible. The woman was only trying to be kind to her. Always patient. Always smiling and sweet. Sometimes Emma didn't know how to act or react around her. If I could say one more thing though and I do hope you do not react so thoroughly to it but...I think you should sit down with Robert and discuss what happened between you. It is nice to see that you two aren't fighting but the others and I can feel and see the tension is still there. You have not forgiven him and you have refused to face it. It is not wise or healthy to continue to—

I don't care what the other espers think, she thought sharply. It isn't any of their business, or yours.

So you really haven't forgiven him?

I never said that I would and I never would have accepted the training if I knew it meant he was expecting it...

Don't you think that is a bit cruel, Emma? He has tried and tried time and time again to earn your forgiveness.

I don't care how many times he says he is sorry. Words are empty things. The kind esper frowned at her. Well, it isn't like I don't have my reasons. All he has done is lie to me and...and I'm tired of it. I won't forgive him, I just won't.

Would it really hurt to sit down and talk to him?

No, but I don't want to and you bothering me will not—she paused and lifted a hand to forehead with a groan—Ugh.

Ultima immediately noticed. Emma? Are you alright?

I...I think so. She moved her hand away, though her face still looked pained. I just have a headache.

Might be you should lie down for a while, she suggested, still very much worried.

Robert is expecting me this afternoon though...

It won't do you any good to train tired, will it?

Well...

Then lie down and rest. You still have several hours until noon.

As much as she was irritated with the esper, she knew the woman was right. It wouldn't help her whatsoever to try and train tired, if studying tired was any indication to go by. And the headache...it hurt so much that she prayed the sleep would relieve at least some of it. She agreed and as soon as she finished with her daughter, she laid the girl in her crib and tiredly and painfully made her way to her own bed, where she practically collapsed.

Do you promise to wake me for training?

Ultima was watching from across the room by the crib, smitten with the little babe inside, but she nodded and said, I promise Emma. Now close those eyes and rest dear. Emma did as she was directed and was soon fast asleep.

••••••••••••

At noon, Robert paced the yard impatiently. Where was the stupid girl now? He considered heading up to wake her. It wouldn't be like she would be upset, right? She was the one who wanted to train and he knew she wouldn't wish to be late or to skip unless she was...

She's ill, he thought, now more worried than annoyed at her tardiness. With a sigh he left the yard and returned to the cabin. The inside of the cabin was quiet, not even the sound of footsteps above him echoed. She was either asleep or sitting. He leaned his spear against the frame of the door and went up the stairs.

He knocked several times before he entered the room. She was, as he suspected, fast asleep. She hadn't even covered herself with the sheets. He cleared his throat. "Emma? Emma it is noon." but she did not stir. He took a few steps forward, frowning. "Emma?" finally she stirred away with a muffled 'huh?' before she sat up straight, eyes squinted at him or maybe at his direction. He exhaled, relieved. "Are you unwell?"

She blinked and then rubbed at her eyes. "What time is it?"

"Noon. I waited and just thought that you might be ill. Would you like to skip today?"

That made her get to her feet quickly, though she stumbled a little from lightheadedness. "No! I'm up, I'm up!" she straightened herself. "See? I'm up."

He laughed. "Alright, come down stairs and eat first though. I can't have you train on an empty stomach." she took Alexandra and hurried after him.

To her dismay the food was plain and disgusting. There was no bacon or ham or even eggs, but oatmeal, nuts, fruits and a strange liquid the color of grass. She sat her baby down and sniffed the glass, grimacing at the sharp smell. He saw and reached over to pluck a few nuts out of a nearby bowl.

"This is healthy for you. You'll like it."

Emma lifted the glass and bravely brought it to her lips but quickly decided against it. "I...I think I'll just skip eating."

"Funny, but you are eating—even if you do not train. Now sit down." she grumbled but otherwise complied. "Our training will be the same as the other day. We will use the spear until you are comfortable with the feeling of summoning magic. Then we will try to get you to summon any spell without the spear or without triggering your transformations or anger."

"Okay," she mumbled over a full mouth of oatmeal and fruit, very clearly enjoying the food despite complaining. He smirked. She looked up at him, spooning more oatmeal into her mouth. She frowned. "Why are you staring at me?"

He shook his head. "No reason. I'll be outside. When you are finished, set the brat up," he gestured to the baby and she gave him a horribly angry look. "and meet me out there." he walked away without another word.

With the extra time he had he went over the targets to be sure they were properly distanced from each other and more importantly distanced safely from the house and the training circle. Once he was pleased, he snapped his fingers and the spear reappeared in his hands from where he had left it in the house.

The pulse of energy that radiated through him whenever he touched the spear was immense and comforting. Somehow, as of late, the spear felt...different. As if the power inside was weakening. No, he supposed it wasn't that it was weakening. It was almost as if the strength of it was being lent to something else entirely. What though, if that was even true? He glanced back towards the cabin. He couldn't pin it on letting Emma touch the spear. It was happening before they even agreed to train.

Perhaps they know what I am doing here, he thought tiredly. If they did know about him lending the power of their people to Emma they would definitely siphon the spear's power or maybe even seal it from him. I will just have to keep an eye on it and her, he decided. If that was how they would play this, he would have to direct his power into the spear instead. It wouldn't be nearly as powerful, but it would help compensate for their draining.

Just then Emma came out of the house carrying little Alexandra in her arms. She sat the girl in the crib on the porch, covered her and then made her way out to him with a small run, an excited smile plastered on his face. It hurt to see such a brilliant smile and know she could never smile like that for him.

No, don't think way. She can't help how she feels just as much as you can't. She loves someone else and you must respect it.

She stopped just at the circle, breath just a little shallow. "Can we start now?" she asked even as she reached for the spear. He pulled it out of her reach.

"Slow it down, girl." he laughed. "Do you remember the rules?"

"Yes, yes," she said, annoyed. "Can we start now?" she held out her hand for the spear and he smiled. What a girl. He handed it over and she hurried into the circle before the targets.

"Alright. Left target, fire." the new spell threw her for a second but she never the less tried. Nothing happened though and she pinked.

"Let me try it again."

"No. Middle target, water." nervous, she tried but the ground rumbled angrily for a second instead. "Right target, water." this time she did it, smashing the right target with a small jet of water. She danced in place. "That's just one you got right so far. Keep it up and it'll be something worthy to be proud of." She grumbled. "Middle target, water." she did it again. Hmm...water seems to be easier for her. Why could that be? It is clear in her transformation she is a fire elemental, or perhaps a dark elemental, so why? "Left target, lightning." a bolt of lightning crashed into a tree in the far back, blowing half of the branches clear off in a blaze of fire. Quickly Robert put out the fire and looked at her chidingly. She lowered her eyes. "Concentrate longer. You don't have to hit the targets as soon as I say the words. You only have to hit them."

"Oh." she twisted her fingers through each other. "Sorry."

"Don't be sorry, just be better next time." he touched the spear to her again. "Ready?" she nodded. "Middle target, lightning." she took a moment to think and then summoned the spell, or tried to at least. Nothing happened. She puffed, angry with herself. "That's okay. Just keep trying. Soon enough you will get the hang of it, I'm sure." he gave her a moment to readjust herself and then said, "Right target, fire."

She waited a few seconds as she concentrated and then tried the spell. She dropped to her knees almost immediately and for a moment Robert was confused until a tower of fire engulfed all of the targets perfectly. The heat was so intense that he felt as if he would catch on fire even from their distance. The nearby trees caught ablaze and the grass seared and yet the spell went on and the color of Emma's flesh continued to drain.

Robert swore and knelt to try and get her to stop. "Emma, that's enough! Stop!"

Her fingers were digging deep into the soil but they were not transforming, so what was causing this? He touched her skin and quickly pulled away because her skin was just too hot to touch. "You have to concentrate Emma! You have to stop!"

"I...I can't," she cried, screwing her eyes shut against the pain. "It...it hurts so much!"

"I know, but you have to try, even through the pain!" and just when he reached for the spear, to try and help her, a burst of energy between them sent him back.

••••••••••••

The espers appeared around her immediately. Ultima was kneeling beside her, face drained of color. Emma! You have to stop this now! You are killing yourself!

I can't! she thought desperately. Something...something is... she screamed from the pain.

"then...then you will all...see the truth..." the voice faded away, leaving her trembling in fear.

That voice! She knew who it was and it drained all the strength from her. No! No, no, no! Please, not him, not him! Images started to appear in her head. Dark places where the gentle burn of a light in the corners could do no more than illustrate the sharp corners of a room made of iron and metal, of containers and tubes. Images of strange beings being tortured, of crystals just like the one Hashmal appeared from, of a man standing at the base of the tubes laughing.

Emma! Ultima was horrified by what she was seeing but moreso by the realization of how they were. I know it hurts but you have to keep trying! You have to!

The images began to fade but the change was even worse. She could see the exterior of the castle of Alúzar. Instead of the tall, sharp shapes she remembered it was riddled with holes, broken portions of walls, towers and roofs and smoldering, as if attacked. Her ears rang with the sound of screaming and battle but before she could understand what was happening the pain grew to be too much to bare and she screamed. The images darkened until all was black.

Help me...she begged the espers, anyone, who could stop the pain. Anyone...please!

She felt someone touching her arm through the pain, the fire and confusion, but she could not reach whoever it was though she wanted to with all her might. Robert...Robert please help me!

Ultima was still beside her but the look of her was starting to change, as if she were becoming transparent. Emma, listen to me, what is happening to you is—but with a pop up light and a searing pain, she and the other espers popped out of her sight.

The pain was unbearable. She screamed and an energy like no other wrapped around her, twisting her as if she were a rope. Her insides felt like they were on fire and her skin prickled as if a thousand needles pressed against her. Her ears rang but she could hear Robert screaming at her, though she could not make out what he was saying.

'...see the truth...' the voice of Derell whispered once again.

What is happening to me? Robert was still yelling at her but the words were indistinguishable. Only the tone crept into the depths of her mind. He sounded so angry. W-why is he yelling at me? I can't...I don't know what he wants. Oh, it hurts so much...please, just stop. She begged him when he touched her head, as if he were feeling for injuries.

Her vision grew darker still and the need to sleep outweighed the pain. She felt the peace of it swaying her away from consciousness and welcomed it. At least asleep there could be no real pain, none that she could remember at least. She was swept away by its spell with a sigh of gratitude.

••••••••••••

After the fire had gone out she appeared to be fine, just...out of it. As if she could not hear him. Her eyes were wide, frozen with terror, but could not see anything it seemed. Not even when he forced her to look at him.

"I don't know what to do," he told her, helpless. The beautiful blue and purple of her eyes seemed lost, so far away, so different than the eyes he enjoyed seeing. "Tell me what to do!" but she just looked on in a blank stare, though her skin was no longer hot but ice cold.

Hopelessly he scooped her up and hurried her into the house. He sat her on the sofa and then hurried back out to get the baby, in which he quickly desposited her into a crib and went back to her mother. He touched her forehead, feeling the coolness with a surge of fear run through him.

He reached for the blankets and covered her and then went to the kitchen to get a few cloths and a bucket of hot water. Once back at her side, he dabbed a cloth into the water and laid it across her head. "Come on girl...don't do this! Snap out of it!" knowing that she was lost in something he could not help, he stood, considering his course of action carefully.

Only one person was available to him to go to for him, but he knew the odds of getting help was slim. He looked at Emma, lost in pain, and knew he had to try. He ran out of the house with the spear in hand until the woods surrounded him and the cabin was out of sight. He threw the spear down ahead of him.

"I know you are out there," he snapped into the dark of the woods around him. "I can sense you!"

Ahead of him a shape appeared out of the dark. "It has been decades and yet you still possess that strong sense. I'm impressed."

"Enough," Robert growled. "You know why I am here."

The face of his father softened, though not out of sadness, but pity. "And you know I cannot interfere."

"You mean you won't," Robert corrected bitterly.

"Either. Whichever suits you best." he replied, looking down at the spear the next second. "There is no need for you to offer it to me like this. If I truly wished to, I could have taken it from you. This won't make me help."

"Why?" he asked, digging his fingers into the flesh of his palms out of anger. "She's...there's something wrong with her and I can't help!"

"Then let it take its natural course," he simply said.

"You could help her as easily as you talk," Robert said. "Why can't you give her your sympathy? Why can't you lend her your aide?"

His father sighed. "I told you once before, did I not? It isn't about how simple it could be for me to help her, it is that I will not. What she is defies the natural. She should not be, so best let it be that she is not."

"You would just let an innocent girl die?"

His father's expression finally changed into something other than pity. "Innocent? She has conquered and slaughtered. The blood that flows through her is a sickness. She is worse than a hybrid, than what her mother is, because she isn't anything but a cruelty to nature. This will never change. She will always be an animal—meant for one thing and one thing only. To be driven by her anger and blood lust. She is anything but innocent and it would be best for the world, for all, if she were to die here and now."

Robert's anger was prickled. "You don't know her!" he shouted. "She killed only because she was forced to! She cannot be held accountable for what she could not control."

"And why is that?" he asked his son, brows furrowed. "It doesn't matter if she didn't ask to be made into what she is. She still is a monster that can no longer be of this world without causing death and pain. If you cared for her as much as you claim to, then you would set her free. The life she has waiting for her is cruel and it would be a mercy to make sure she doesn't live it."

"Forget it!" he turned back for the cabin. "Take the damn spear! I won't need it anymore!"

His father did not move but he spoke as Robert left. "You know I am right. You can see it in her eyes. You know what she is!"

Robert ignored him and made his way back to the cabin. When he got to the main room again Emma was no longer on the sofa where he left her. Instead she had rolled onto the floor but what startled him was the fact that she was floating off the ground, back arched and arms flung out, frozen, as if she was having some sort of seizure.

He swore and ran to her. Alexandra started crying in the corner, either hungry or upset by the noise, but he ignored her. He tried to touch Emma but something powerful shocked him and he backed away. That's when he saw it. Her eyes shifted, as if she were tracking something.

Relief flooded through him. "Emma, can you hear me?" but she did not say anything. "I need you to try with all your might to stop what...whatever this is! I don't know how to help you and—" her scream cut him off and suddenly she reached for her chest, digging fingers into her blouse as if she sought something. "What? What is it?!"

"My...my chest!" she cried out. The room flashed so bright he thought he might go blind. He covered his eyes, hoping to wait whatever it was out, but it was gone the next second. When he tore his arms away from his eyes, he could see a pulsating light from the center of Emma's chest, multiple dots but so bright it hurt to look at.

The energy arms he saw whenever she transformed started to pour of the floors, so much smaller but just like the others. The color them was not or black, but a tranquil pale blue and white and when they touched him, he felt no pain. What the hell is happening to her?!

Whatever the light was, it was clear it was the cause. He knelt beside her, looked into her eyes, offered an apology and then tore her blouse open. Lodged into her chest were several shards, all a different color and size and shape, but clearly Magicite. Is this the cause of it? He swallowed. If he removed them, what would happen to her though? When Emma screamed in pain once more, he knew he couldn't wait to ask such questions. He reached for one of the shards and pulled with all his might.

"Come on!" he howled and then with the last yank, he fell back and the shard dropped to the floor. More remained so he went to them immediately, pulling them out one by one until he got to the last—a larger shard that was transparent down to a core of blue. It was the hardest to take out, as if it were locked into her flesh. He swore, planted his feet firmly on the ground and used every fiber of his being to rip it out of her.

When it was out, Emma screamed louder than he ever remembered hearing before and then fell to the floor limp. The energy arms were gone and her flesh looked like milk. He threw the shard aside and went to pick her up. "Emma! Emma please! Wake up!" he shook her but she did not wake nor stir. He reached to feel for a pulse but could not detect anything. His heart stopped. "No!" he laid her against the floor and tried chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth but nothing seemed to work. "Come on! Don't die, not here and now! Not after everything!" again he failed to stir life in her. "Come on, breathe!"

He didn't realize tears had made their way to his eyes until his vision blurred. He stopped and stared down at her. Her face was frozen in time, showing a delicate beauty that forgot the pain it had just seconds ago. Tears were drying down her cheeks, cooling to the touch of her skin.

She was gone. Lost to the world when she had so much to give it. When she deserved more time than anyone else. Now he would be left to explain it to her family and daughter, to Alexander if the poor bastard was even still alive. And for the first time in a long time he let the weight of his sorrows crush him. He laid his head against her forehead and let his tears fall. He had failed her, just like he had before.

He kissed her forehead. "I'm sorry Emma. I'm—I'm so sorry."

Something started to burn between them, where his shoulder touched her chest, but before he could lean away to see what it was a powerful force threw him aside. He slammed into the walls just beside the windows with a grunt and the room flashed again. He thought it might have been Emma but when he looked up what he was were several strange beings. He recognized one of them by description alone but was stunned beyond belief to see her standing there.

It was Ultima, looking disgruntled by something he could not place. She was so tall, so elegant, that the legends told about her truly did not do her justice. A large wolf, almost the size of a horse, was beside her. The other was even stranger; a tall, brutish thing with one large eye but a childish, goofy smile on his face. He was looking around as if it were his first time seeing...anything.

They were espers! The espers that had once been in Emma's head. How did this happen though. He got to his feet, still stunned. "How...how did you—"

Ultima lifted a hand. "Never mind that for now." she turned to Emma and her expression shifted to a small smile. "Fenrir, pick her up and place her back on the sofa. The poor thing needs her rest." before Robert could ask how an oversized wolf was supposed to do that, Fenrir's body started to morph into the likeliness of a human, though he was far too hairy but not in places he should have been.

As he lifted the girl, Robert looked at the female esper again. "What is going on?! I...I thought she was dying. I thought—"

Ultima approached him and laid a hand on his shoulder. "She would have, if you were not here to take our magicite out of her." she glanced at the shards lying on the floor, lifeless and no longer shining. "It is hard to explain what happened but I will, soon, I promise. For now we need to make sure Emma recovers."

The one eyed esper looked around impishly when his stomach growled. "Is...may I get something to eat?"

Ultima looked at him chidingly, as if a scolding mother to a son, and he ducked his head. "There will be time for that soon, Cyclops, I promise. We have things to do first. Fenrir, you're done, good. Take Cyclops outside and make sure we are alone."

"Wait, wait, wait!" Robert howled. "Why wouldn't we be alone?! What the hell are you talking about?!"

"It is a precaution," she told him calmly before gesturing the other espers to her orders. "You need to take me to Diablos' magicite and quickly. I have to make sure things are set right."

"What about Emma?" he could hardly believe what this woman was saying! After what just happened to Emma, why would he leave her alone?

"Emma will be fine right now, so long as you do as I say. We need to check on his magicite and now." unable to argue, because it seemed she knew exactly what was going on, he led her to where Diablos was stashed away. It was still where it was left, covered. When he uncovered the magicite from its cloth and sat it before her, a painful cry emitted from her even as gentle tears rolled down her cheeks. She lifted the shard and examined it for several moments before she sat it down, stricken with grief and something he could not describe.

"What is wrong?" he dared to ask.

She cleared her throat and recovered the shard. "His shard is empty."

"What does that mean, exactly?"

"It means he is not with Emma the way we were anymore."

"Where is he then?"

She looked at him, her face dark with anger and pity. "When Diablos left her earlier, what piece of him that was in her conscious returned to the true half of his shard...which I believe is in Luke now."

"Wait...I thought espers stayed within their magicite?"

"Normally, they do, but Derell perverted the natural connection between the shard and the wielder. I am not sure how he managed it, but they have..."

"What does this mean? What will happen to him now?" Robert would hate it if the esper lost his life, especially since he was generous enough to give himself up to a girl he was being drained to empower. Ultima held her hand over the shard for a few seconds until it shined and disappeared, and then she frowned.

"If Luke, or whoever has him, were to die before he and any other esper were freed, he...they...would die, I suspect, but I cannot be sure what can happen. So much has changed..."

"How did you get here? Why now?"

Ultima looked at him with a small smile. "Someone freed us and the others from Derell. I do not know how, but I could feel it while we were still inside of Emma. The connections we had there were severed, somehow. I suspect we will figure out the answers to this riddle soon enough." she turned for the door. "Come, we need to check on Emma. She must be taken care of very cautiously" as Robert followed behind the esper, he had a feeling she meant more by her words than he first thought she did.

---

It took two days to gather all the shards and examined the rest of the laboratories for any sign of Espers or Magicite and then make it to the shore for their pickup. The few Espers they found were faint and hungry, too weak to speak or move by themselves. The tubes they had been in kept them alive, but did not sustain their life force. It was a twisted way to keep them alive. In all two hundred and twenty-two Espers were saved and seventeen magicite shards. Several of which were empty as they either lost their lives when Derell's twisted connection with them ended, or in another person.

None of the espers, those who woke and recovered enough to move or speak, could speak their language. They babbled some at a few people, in tones that sounded grateful or frightened, but no one could guess what they wanted beyond when they were thirsty or hungry. A few espers lingered at the back of their people, staring, especially towards Alexander. Jacen had noticed their staring immediately, but could not figure out why they would be so interested in Alexander.

And since the day they felled the tyrant and Alexander did...whatever it was he did to the magicite, he had no explained anything at all. Not even why he mentioned giving Emma peace. He kept telling them it would wait until they were out of Alúzar and safe, but it did not stop Celes or Relm from trying to demand answers every moment they could.

On the morning of the third day, Jacen took to the back of the boat, hoping for some time allow to think when the person he mostly wanted to avoid appeared beside him rather silently.

"This is where you went." he leaned onto the railing beside Jacen, his eyes gazing over the purple ocean and toward the setting sun. Since they got aboard the ship Alex took to "grooming" himself a bit. His wild beard was evened out, but still very bushy. His long hair had been tamed, as well. He was dressed in some soldier's tunics. "Your mother is worried you were not ready for this. She thinks it put a strain on you..."

Jacen looked at him, horrified. "Did...did you tell her what happened to me?"

He smirked back at the young squire. "What happened to you, exactly?" appreciating his silence on the matter, Jacen laughed.

"Alexander...why are you here?"

The man looked at him after a moment, frowning. "I had to be."

"That's ominous sounding," he sighed. "It doesn't answer me though."

Alexander gave the young man a stare before he moved his sight back to the ocean. "My path was long and difficult Jacen. Explaining it here and now would not do anyone justice..."

"Everyone is going to want to know, including your parents. And Emma."

He thought for a moment and then nodded. "You are right, they will want an answer and I will have it for them then. For now...all you need to know is that my ship sunk due to a storm. I would have died if a fisherman from Tzen hadn't sailed by and saved me. He dropped me off at the shores of Zozo."

"So you have been there this whole time? How did you end up here?"

"Enough of this talk," he said, leaning away from the railing. "I will tell you and the others later, when the time is right. For now though," he smirked. "How about we get a drink? I have lots of questions to ask and time to catch up on."

They ended up catching a quiet spot of the mess hall below deck to have their drink. Jacen was not entirely accustomed to drinking yet and sipped slowly at his, though it amused him to see how much Alexander could drink. For half an hour the only thing they talked about was Figaro, the war, politics, and family. Jacen had a lot to tell him about Cadence, like she had given birth to a boy named Henry, that Benjamin had found someone he had fallen in love with, how the war has been going and whatnot, until Alexander quieted him with a distant look in his eyes.

"What's wrong?" he asked the man.

Alexander looked down at his mug, empty except for foam. "You haven't said anything about her..."

Jacen understood immediately and he pinked a little, for so many reasons. "I...I'm not sure if I should. I feel like you should get any answer for your questions from her, or her family."

"I'm thousands of miles away from them," he said, setting his mug down and leaning into his chair. "I can't wait that long...please, tell me about her. Is she okay?"

Jacen felt great pity looking at him, so he nodded. "Aye...she's fine. The last I heard, she was doing very well. The only people who have been out to see her are the people you would expect. Her parents, Celes...your parents."

"Mine?"

"Yes, quite often. Since they believed you had died, they felt like they should have been the ones to tell her. Since then, I guess they have...well...bonded over the shared pain."

"With a long exhale, Alexander crossed his arms and looked up at the roof. "Is she angry with me, much?"

"Why would she be?"

"Does she not believe I had left her?"

Jacen blinked dumbly at him. "How did you...?"

"I had actually written that letter she got," he explained, still looking away. "Cambyses urged me to do it, to make the pain less than what he was going to do, and I agreed. The bastard promised that it wouldn't be for good, so I thought the letter should at least be believable-that it should promise my return. I was fool to believe him of course, but still..."

"Cambyses made you write it?"

"Well, he did not force me entirely, but in a way he did. So I know that's what she might believe because I was aware of his plan from the start."

Wishing to relieve some of the pain and guilt the man so very clearly felt, Jacen said, "She was angry with you, for a time. She thought you had said all those sweet things to her just...just to sleep with her, I think. After a while though, Cambyses told her the truth of it and she-"

"—wait, wait," Alex laughed, like he was disgusted by something. "Cambyses told her what happened? What really happened?"

"Yes, he did." Jacen shifted. "He explained what he did and then promised her he would look for you to correct his wrongs. They were searching for you for so long, too."

"Someone must have twisted his arm to get him to confess," he grumbled, annoyed, and very much angry.

"Well, yes and no. It was my sister that convinced him to tell her the truth, to her face."

"So someone had to get him to realize his wrong," he shook his head. "It figures, really. Is there anything else I should know?"

"Well," he mumbled, unsure if he should continue or not. "Some time ago, there was an attack on the cabin."

"What?" he had jumped forward. "An attack? By who? Is she okay?"

"She is fine, absolutely," he said. "She was actually the one to handle them. She killed them though, and in a way I'm not sure she will ever live down." when Alexander asked him to explain, he did.

"And...and these gloves they were using?"

"Destroyed when she killed them."

"I see," he mumbled. "And she killed them? I assume through her transformation?"

"Aye, and...well, there isn't an easy way to say this, but she toyed with them first."

That seemed to unsettle Alexander, but he accepted it with a shake of his head. "I should have been there for her..."

"It isn't that bad, really," he said, hoping it would calm the worry in the man's heart. "She's okay, she really is." After a long quiet laid over them, until Jacen smiled. "She's given birth, by the way."

This caused the man to look up with a wide smile.

---

Yes, yes...the title is named after the Mulan song. lol and another song, but you will have to guess that! :D

Anyways, that's it for chapter 34's remake! I hope you guys liked it! We're so close now that you can see the end forming! Thank you for reading and if you liked it, don't be afraid to leave a comment or send me a message. :)

And this chapter is nearly at 61k for word count, by the way, like less than 10 away! So it was a very long remake! As you can imagine, that means proof-reading etc becomes a lot harder. If you spot any "thoughts" that are supposed to be italicized but aren't, word spelling mistakes or word misuse (such as "wraith" instead of "wrath") or formatting issues or fragments of the previous story the damn editor didn't remove, PLEASE inform me via PM! :)