Leo Cristophe was a respected general by friend and foe alike in the Gestahulian Empire. Was that's the real problem. He was betrayed by the emperor he had faithfully served more times than he could count. The last time truly sickened the honorable man. Kefka a man accused of numerous crimes and supposedly convicted to serve life in prison. This dangerous lunatic had been pardoned by Gestahl himself, to betray his agreement with the returners. Leo fell in battle trying to stop further harm to the world.

This last act of bravery earned him a place in the hearts of his former enemies and an honorable burial. Terra Branford was proclaimed the last light of hope by the head of the resistance Bannon. For the first time she found out what sorrow meant as she knelt before his grave. Her heritage was unique. She was born out of the essence of true love between an Esper and human. Her powers were impossible to predict even by her. The tears she shed that day found their way to the former general's body by nightfall.

Shadow used his stealth abilities under the cover of darkness to pay his own respects. The heroes of the rebels had already departed in search of the floating continent long since. The assassin for hire didn't envy the monumental task they had ahead. No one could really know how long the journey would last. "You never heard my praise for you that day at the imperial base outside of Doma. However, I want you to know the empire betrayed my contract. I know you would never have allowed that if you were alive." The mercenary knelt to place some flowers on the grave when something that tested his nerves occurred.

A dark skinned hand still cold from the ground reached up and grabbed Shadow's wrist. A lesser person may have screamed, but the ninja knew it would only serve to give away his position to the unwanted. He smoothly drew one of his ninja blades as the face he had begun to know surfaced spitting dirt. "General Leo?"

"Shadow what happened? The last thing I remember was the emperor stabbing me thru the heart." Using the black garbed man's hand as a lever Leo rose to his feet shaking off the loose dirt as he did.

"That was Kefka cloaked in illusion magic. Phoenix downs didn't work so how are you alive now?" Shadow shook off the unwanted hand and sheathed his weapon.

"I don't know, but it doesn't matter now we have to stop them both. Their going to ruin the world. My strength wasn't enough I need something more." Leo drew his familiar crystal sword from the ground returning it in a practiced motion to its scabbard. Then he began to ponder what options he had left.

Shadow wanted to help so he thought carefully on the problem. Then a long shot touched his surface thoughts and he explained. "You know sir, while I was in the kingdom of Doma I came across a rumor that might have some merit. In the throne room of the castle there is supposed to be a secret starcase that leads down to a hidden room. The place was too heavily guarded to check, but now." He left unsaid what they both knew and deeply regretted.

"Hmm that would be quite poetic if true. We should go there I feel the prospect is worthwhile. I know you wouldn't suggest it otherwise. I can't pay your usual fee however." Leo waited for the ninja to respond.

Shadow laughed darkly at that statement. "The empire owes me a lot of money so I'll wave my fee. Just promise me one thing, Kefka and Gestaul are going to die."

Leo was reluctant to agree since there had to be another way. However, as his memories touched on everything the pair had done over his years of service. He realized the assassin was right. "Agreed, we need to see if the imperial boat is still on the shore. Let's go partner."

The duo headed south for the rest of the night. What they found was terrible. Several native beast were assaulting the craft. The sailors had already lost some people, but they were currently at a standstill. That is until the new allies arrived. Leo raised his familiar weapon and unleashed a massive cylinder of energy. Multiple beast were vaporized instantly by his legendary Shock attack. The larger ones still remained though. Shadow saw to them as he threw a handful of shuriken then drew both his ninja blades. Precision strikes sent them to their end and he put his swords away gracefully.

The imperial navy crew watched in awe as the great General Leo returned. Kefka had told them he had been reassigned to another fate. His death hadn't had time to reach their ears. The ones that could stood and saluted. "General Leo sir what are your orders?"

Shadow scoffed at the hero worship in their eyes, but kept silent. This bunch of green troops have no idea what happened he thought to himself. Well at least he didn't have to kill them yet anyway. 'Old man Strago and Relm I hope you are doing well up there.' His thoughts even surprised him.

"Well men first off I'm not a general anymore. However, I still need your help to stop the emperor. Will you follow me?" The career soldier stood tall awaiting an answer.

The crew hesitated for a moment, but for them it was an easy choice. Leo saved their lives and no man was greater in their eyes. They agreed and asked again where to go.

Leo smiled at the faith these young troops had in him. "Set sail for the kingdom of Doma, we have a world to help save." The sailors rushed to prepare the ship for open water. The noble warrior was lost in his own thoughts as the ship set sail. Steam power was amazing they wouldn't be directed by a fickle wind on this vessel. He only hoped the secret he found buried below the throne room would be worth it.