A/N: Hey, guys! Welcome to this new chapter! In the previous chapter, Terra and Locke, after escaping from Narshe, found refuge in Figaro Castle, at the court of King Edgar, formally ally of the Empire, but who actually collaborates with the Returners, a resistance group against the Empire itself. Kefka then headed to the castle to try to get the girl back, but Edgar brought her to safety, and now, along with Locke, they are headed to the Returners Hideout to better understand Terra's powers. Let's begin!

Chapter 4: A powerful new ally: Sabin

(Objective: Go through the cave to reach South Figaro.)

Characters:

Terra

Locke

Mog

Edgar

Thanks to Edgar's plan, Terra was now safe from the Empire, and together with him and Locke, she was walking through the cave to reach South Figaro. ''This cave is small, but it is really dark. I've never been out of the castle that much.'' Edgar said.

''I think this could help us.'' Terra said. Focusing her magical energy, she created a fireball from her hand, lighting up the area.

''Cool! I didn't think magic could be used like this!'' Locke exclaimed.

''Banon knows a lot of things. Maybe he could understand a little more about your powers, Terra.'' Edgar said.

The three did not take long to leave the cave, but they had to deal with some hornets, some Uroks, horrible caterpillars that emit digestive fluids, and a few bats, and during the exploration, Edgar was poisoned by one of the Uroks. It wasn't serious, but it slowed him down.

''Edgar!'' Terra exclaimed, preparing another spell. ''Poisona!'' A light enveloped Edgar's body, and the king of Figaro immediately felt better.(1)

''You know white magic too?!'' Locke exclaimed, even more amazed.

The young woman had no idea what that meant. ''White magic?''

''You know, spells are divided into groups. For example, black magic consists of powerful destructive spells that can also cause status problems, while white magic spells are useful for healing allies and offering them support in battle.'' Edgar explained. ''Anyway, we are close to the exit. When we get to South Figaro, let's get some things, we'll need them.''

(''Town- Final Fantasy OST'')

In South Figaro, Terra went into a shop and bought some things to get organized: some potions, a golden needle, cure for petrification, three antidotes, and some eye drops in case someone was temporarily blinded. The city was quite large and inhabited, and it took her a while to orientate.

In the pub, where the group stopped for a bite to eat, a woman was worried that the Empire was conquering one city after another, and began to doubt that the people in South Figaro would be safe from the Empire. Edgar was taken aback when an old man told him he was similar to martial arts master Duncan Harcourt's pupil, and Terra and Locke began to wonder if that meant anything. They heard still other things about Duncan, who, among his pupils, had also trained his son Vargas. He saw all of his pupils, including himself, as equals, although he was irritated by the fact that his son was not making progress in his lessons, even complaining about it to some people. Across the tavern there was a man dressed in black with a bandana covering his face except for his red eyes, drinking beer, and with him, there was a fully grown Doberman dog.

''What a cute dog!'' Terra exclaimed. The girl was startled when the dog turned his head towards her and growled threateningly.

''I would go away if I were you. My dog and I don't like company.'' said the man.

Locke tried to talk to the mysterious man, but didn't answer. ''Yeah, you can ignore us, we will go away.'' he replied.

''Stay back, Locke!'' Edgar exclaimed, pushing him away. ''This guy is Shadow. He's an assassin, and would kill anyone if paid well.''

The three decided to leave Shadow alone and left the city, finding a cabin to the north, near the woods. Edgar smelled a peculiar smell as soon as he entered, and he had a familiar sensation when he smelled some blue flowers. ''These flowers were his favorites.'' he thought. He was referring to the same person when he smelled tea and saw particular dishes, saying it was his favorite tea and that he always used those dishes. ''Could Sabin live here...? '' he murmured.

When the group entered a room on the right, Terra was horrified at what she saw. It appeared to be a martial arts training room, but the place was a mess. A table was overturned on the floor, there were bloodstains on the walls, and plates, vases and various pieces of silverware were scattered everywhere.

''What happened here?! It ooks like a murder or something happened here!'' Locke exclaimed, shocked by the state of the room.

''What a mess, kupo!'' Mog exclaimed, as Terra petted him.

An old man was trying to clean up all the mess. ''Sir, do you know where I can find the boy who lives here?'' he asked him.

''I have heard rumors of the murder of Master Duncan, which everyone believed had taken his students to Mount Kolts to meditate. It happened about two days ago, and the one who lives here went to investigate after hearing the news. I haven't seen him or Vargas, Duncan's son, but they should be here in the mountains. I warn you, I don't like that Vargas at all. He had a hard time making progress in his lessons, but he always blamed everything on his father and the others, even when Duncan intended to leave the dojo to him after his retirement.'' the old man replied.

''We'll go check it out. Thank you, sir.'' Edgar said.

''I wonder if Vargas has anything to do with all this.'' Terra murmured.

(''Town- Final Fantasy OST-s'')

(''Road to the Mountain Top- Final Fantasy III DS OST'')

(Objective: Climb Mount Kolts to investigate Master Duncan's death.)

Recalling the elder's information, Terra, Edgar and Locke began climbing Mount Kolts, noting that there were some caves connected to the mountain.

''The priestess in Figaro Castle said that Edgar had a twin brother, but I didn't think that was true.'' Terra said.

''I didn't know about it either. Edgar, do you think your brother might be here?'' Locke asked.

''That little house was not abandoned. And you've all seen what happened in that room. He could be somewhere in this mountain.'' Edgar replied.

In the caves, the three were attacked by two Zaghrems, who were monks with red masks and mountain bandits, who tried to punch them, and Locke suffered from it after being surrounded.

''Plug your ears, guys.'' Edgar said, pulling out one of his tools, similar to a large trumpet, and Terra and Locke covered their ears. A deafening noise affected the mountain bandits, who began killing each other, and the girl took advantage of it by stabbing one of them with her sword, while Locke got rid of the other.

Terra felt as if she was being watched by someone, and for a moment saw a shadow-shrouded figure above her. ''Did you see that?'' she asked.

''Barely. I couldn't see it well.'' Locke replied.

The trio also had to deal with Trilliums, poisonous plants to the touch that looked like a tangle of thorns and vines, but a Fire spell from Terra was enough to destroy them, and Mog learned to use a new dance, the Earth Blues. Outside again, they caught a glimpse of that figure again. ''There it is again!'' Edgar exclaimed.

''So close... I saw it, but it wasn't clear.'' Terra said. The steepness of the mountains was beginning to tire her, but the king of Figaro reassured her by telling her that it was not long before reaching the headquarters of the Resistance. Shortly after exiting another cave, they came across a menacing-looking muscular man with bare chest, disheveled bluish hair tied in a ponytail, dark skin and blue pants. ''Did Sabin send you?'' he asked them.

''Sabin? Is he here?'' Edgar asked in concern. He hadn't seen his brother in quite some time, and despite the clues he had received, he still hadn't confirmed his presence.

''Who are you? Wasn't it you who spied on us from up there?'' Locke said at the same time.

''I am Vargas, son of Master Duncan!'' Vargas replied in an arrogant tone, laughing deeply and hitting everyone else with a kick. ''And the day you met me is the day you die!''

(''Road to the Mountain Top- Final Fantasy III DS OST-s'')

(''The Corrupted- Kingdom Hearts 2.5 ReMIX OST'')

(Objective: Defend yourself against Vargas!)

Vargas was not alone, as with him were two bears he had personally trained, the Ipoohs. ''Watch out! Let's get rid of those bears first!'' Edgar yelled, pulling out his crossbow.

Terra was surrounded by the two bears and struck them with her sword, but one attacked her with her claws, so she blocked the blow. However, this left her exposed to the attack of the Ipooh behind her, suffering a brutal blow that left her wounded in the arm, with blood dripping. With some difficulty, she stood up and prepared to cast a spell. ''Cure!'' A soft white and green light covered the wound, which disappeared. It was basic white magic to heal wounds.

Locke dodged the first Ipooh's attack and then hit it in the neck with his dagger. The bear fell to the ground weakened, and the adventurer took the opportunity to slit its throat. Edgar, on the other hand, stopped the other with his sword and then hit it with a horizontal slash, then took out another tool from his pockets, a disinfestant cylinder from which a poisonous cloud came out and the king put on a gas mask so as not to inhale them. This immobilized Vargas and damaged him, while the remaining Ipooh died.

''Gale Cut!'' Vargas shouted, using a special technique. A strong wind hit Terra, Locke and Edgar, causing them to fall to the ground weakened, and they were also hit by a series of kicks and punches. ''Is that all? You will understand why I will bring you down, and I don't think Sabin would either!'' he said, all too proud of his strength.

Hearing these words from Vargas, Edgar was furious. ''If you attacked Sabin, I'll stab you in the chest with a spear!(2)'' he threatened him.

''And what about Master Duncan? What will he think? You are his son, Vargas.'' Terra said.

Vargas made a raspberry. ''Who cares of what my father thinks?!'' he replied. ''Time for you to die!'' He was ready to charge, but before he could hit Terra and the others...

(''The Corrupted- Kingdom Hearts 2.5 ReMIX OST-s'')

(''FIGHT! Ver. 1-Grandia 2 OST'')

''That's enough, Vargas!'' a voice shouted, and someone kicked Vargas in the face, then landed gracefully in front of Terra, Locke and Edgar, who raised their heads to see who had come to their rescue. He was very tall and muscular, with a well-toned body, blue eyes and blond hair tied in a ponytail, but much shorter than Edgar's, reaching to the back of his head. He also had a short beard(3) and wore small brown boots, a royal blue tank top that matched Edgar's clothes and white trousers with a green sash.

''Sabin?!'' Vargas was shocked to see that it was Sabin who attacked him. The others were also shocked. Could it really be Prince Sabin, Edgar's lost twin brother?

''Vargas, why did you do this? Why did you kill Master Duncan? How could you kill your father?'' Sabin asked in a haunted voice.

''That moron? He snubbed me, his only son, and chose you as his successor!'' Vargas snapped.

''What are you saying? It's not true! Master...'' the blond replied, before being interrupted.

''That's true and you know it, you liar! It's written on that ugly face of yours!''

''He told me that in private! He would have preferred you as his successor, not me! You know he believed in your potential, he wanted to leave the family dojo to you after his retirement!''

Vargas, however, resentful of his training partner, interrupted him again with a scream. ''Silence, you liar! This is not just potential, I have a technique that is superior to yours! Blizzard Fist!''

A blue glow shot out of Vargas's hands, generating an icy wind so strong that Terra, Locke and Edgar were thrown away against the stone wall. Only Sabin was able to react in time and block his attack.

''My father had seen it right about you, Sabin. Destiny wanted us to train together, and now it wants you to meet your doom!'' Vargas said.

(Objective: Defeat Vargas!)

Characters:

Sabin

''There is no other choice then. I have to fight.'' Sabin muttered, equipping his hands with a pair of claws. ''Seriously, Vargas, who do you think you are? Just because you are Master Duncan's son, doesn't mean you have to feel superior to anyone!'' He dodged some wind blades that his rival released and cut a few of them with his claws, then unleashed a series of punches, a bicycle kick and flying kick, then blocked a series of attacks and dodged a headbutt with his refined reflexes after years of training.

''I am! And it's time for you to die!'' Vargas yelled, grabbing Sabin by the neck and slamming him violently to the ground. ''Doom Fist!''

The man saw the attack, but failed to react in time and was hit in the stomach by a punch soaked in dark energy. Falling to his knees, he found that it was becoming difficult to breathe.

''You have one minute left to live, Sabin! After you, the others will die too! Get ready to join your master!'' Vargas chuckled.

Sabin stood up, trying to remember his teacher's teachings. He knew some special Blitz techniques that only pure-hearted martial artists could use, and after he took off his claws, he used one. ''Raging Fist!'' To Vargas's surprise, he leapt in front of him and hit him with a volley of powerful, bullet-fast punches.

''How... it doesn't matter, you will die anyway!'' Master Duncan's son said.

''It's not over!'' Sabin replied, still in midair, charging a white aura from his hands. ''AURA CANNON!'' He then fired a beam of holy energy from his hands(4), hitting his opponent cleanly.

''You already learned these techniques...?!'' Vargas explaimed, before the beam made him fly into the sky, where he disappeared.

''Oh, Vargas... if only you weren't blinded by your stubborn pride...'' Sabin murmured, arms crossed, as the effects of the attack he had suffered vanished.

(''FIGHT! Ver. 1-Grandia 2 OST-s'')

(''Mt. Kolts- Final Fantasy VI Advance OST'')

Recovering from dizziness, Terra rose to her feet, still in pain. ''Are you okay, you two?'' he asked, before using the Cure spell, and a healing light soothed all their wounds.

''We're better now, Terra. Thanks.'' Locke replied.

Edgar was in front of them, looking at Sabin. ''Sabin! Is that really you?'' he exclaimed.

''Edgar! I can't believe it, big brother!'' Sabin exclaimed, equally astonished, and the two brothers, together again after years, hugged each other.

Locke couldn't believe Edgar and Sabin were twins, but Terra could see the similarity in their hair and eyes. she also noted that the younger twin got out much more than the other due to his build. ''So you're his twin brother? I heard about you from the priestess in the castle of Figaro, but you were not as she described you. When I saw you, I thought you were another one of Vargas' bears...'' she said.

Sabin chuckled good-naturedly, thinking she had said it to refer to his build. ''You thought I was a bear? I'll take that as a compliment!'' He then saw Terra and Locke. ''Are they your friends, Edgar?'' he then asked.

''Yes, they are Terra and Locke, and there is also a Moogle, Mog. We're going to the Sabre Mountains to reach the Returners Hideout.'' Edgar replied.

''Oh, nice to meet you. If this is true, we must stop the Empire. I was watching everything from afar, hoping the world would not be enslaved. I was afraid that Figaro would become a puppet state of the Empire.'' Sabin said.

''Figaro is not yet under attack. However, we have to react. I'm sick of playing the part of the Empire's docile ally, I will no longer be their retriever.''

''Do you think a ''bear'' like me can help out?''

''You mean you will join us?'' Edgar asked.

''Sure. Besides, Master Duncan would be happy to know that I will use his teachings for good.'' Sabin replied.

''Thanks, Sabin. You've grown quite a lot after ten years. You look completely different from the Sabin I know.'' the King of Figaro said. You've been training with Master Duncan all this time and you never told me?''

''I've been training with him twice a week for nineteen years, and I feel more comfortable with this training and a kenpo gi than with my shoes and a royal cloak. Do you remember the Antlion Hunt, when we were fourteen years old?''

''Yes, in the royal family, it was a traditional rite of passage into adulthood.''

''The day before the event, we had spent the day at the beach, and during the exam, I caught a fever. You know our father didn't like me because I was so sickly. I had a genetic disease that i inherited from our uncle Francis and our grandfather.(5)''

''According to Edgar, Banon could help us.'' Terra said.

''Let's go then. Let's go through this little cave and we'll reach the Returners Hideout.'' Sabin said, and everyone went inside. If with Terra they had a mage as an ally, Sabin's physical strength was second to none, providing them with a powerful new ally.

(The warrior monk Sabin joined the party!)

(''Mt. Kolts- Final Fantasy VI Advance OST-s'')

A/N: Here's Sabin, Edgar's brother! As usual, let me know if you are enjoying this story, I will continue to update it. I remind you that from the day after tomorrow, I'll go back to school personally. That said, see you in the next chapter!

(1): In Final Fantasy VI, the ''Sap'' status is a weaker variant of poisoning, so it can be healed during battle by the Poisona spell.

(2): Edgar is the only character in the game, along with Mog, who can use spears. If he equips the Dragon Boots, he can also gain the Dragoon's signature skill, the jump attack, and with Dragon Horn, he can use this skill between two and four times in the same turn.

(3): In a couple of the artwork, Sabin is shown with a beard, and it had to be like that in the sprites too, like Galuf from Final Fantasy V, but since that beard wasn't as thick as Galuf's, this detail was discarded because it was too difficult to show due to the technical limitations of the SNES and the pixelated sprites. However, in Dissidia Final Fantasy Opera Omnia, Sabin has a bit of a stubble.

(4): In order for Sabin to successfully use Blitz techniques, the player must press a key combination that varies according to the technique, similar to arcade fighting game gameplay, before attacking with the A key. In particular, the Aura Cannon, both for the combination of keys (down, down/right, right), and for the type of attack, is very similar to the Hadouken used by Ryu and Ken in Street Fighter and by X in Mega Man X, or even the Kamehameha from the Dragon Ball series.

(5): According to the manga explaining the story of Edgar and Sabin, it is shown that Sabin, despised by his father because he was weak and sickly due to a genetic defect he inherited from his uncle and grandfather, began training in martial arts under Master Duncan at the age of eight to prove to him that he was worth too and to counter his weakness, and there was also a description of the Antlion Hunt, which was a tradition of the Figaro kingdom and rite of passage to adulthood for the fourteen-year-olds of the royal family who managed to capture an Antlion.