A/N: Hey, guys! In the previous chapter, Terra met Banon, the leader of the Rturners, who has implemented a plan to defeat the Empire, which is to ensure that Terra, by communicating with the frozen Esper in Narshe, can avoid a second War of the Magi. However, while crossing the Lethe River, Terra, Edgar, Sabin and Banon were attacked by Ultros, who caused Sabin to separate from the others. Now we have come to the Three Scenarios, which are intertwined, as they are all set at the same time, and we start with Locke, who is hindering the Empire at South Figaro. Let's get started!

Chapter 6: Celes Chere: A Cold-Hearted woman

''The group was now separated. Terra and Edgar crossed the Lethe river with Banon to escort him to Narshe, but Sabin was washed away and separated from them. Meanwhile, Locke managed to sneak into Figaro Sud and cause trouble for the Empire.'' Mog recounted.

(''Intruder- Metal Gear Solid OST'')

(Objective: Find a way to escape from South Figaro!)

Characters:

Locke

In South Figaro, Locke had successfully sabotaged the Empire, but a soldier in brown armor pursued him. He managed to avoid him by hiding behind a house near the harbor. ''I have to go to Narshe immediately.'' he murmured. He had done what he could so far, but he didn't know how long he could keep the Empire at bay, to the point of stealing some of their resources, but there were too many soldiers here. He was not only the messenger of the Returners, but also played the role of spy and saboteur. He had to reach Narshe, and he thought that perhaps Terra and the others had already arrived.

He entered the house, discovering that it was Master Duncan's. ''The town is under the control of the Empire now. They've blocked some areas, but there are secret passages in the homes of the rich, and you can find them in the drafty rooms. One of them leads to the home of the richest family in town, on the northwestern side.'' said an old woman, Duncan's wife.

Locke took heed of the advice of Duncan's wife, knowing that getting out of South Figaro would be difficult: he was wanted for having put a spoke in the wheels of the Empire, and some soldiers and Magitek armors blocked some strategic areas of the city to prevent information were discovered by the rebels, and only a few merchants could enter. The only option he had was to climb the stairs leading to the walls, which covered much of the city, and entered a house.

''Is there a way to get past the Empire's surveillance?'' he asked a child as he descended a staircase.

''Yes, it is possible to go through the back, and my grandfather works for the richest family in town, but now he has told me that I can only let merchants through.'' the little boy replied.

Having got a new clue, Locke began to think about how to get merchant clothes, and went to an item store, noting that it was half-empty, with a merchant looking at a grandfather clock, and turned when he saw that he had entered, considering it familiar. "You're that thief, Locke Cole, right?" he asked.

Of course, the adventurer didn't take the answer well. ''Thief?! That's an insult! I'm a TREASURE HUNTER! Call me thief again and I'll rip your lungs out!'' he yelled threateningly, knocking him to the ground, then used his dagger to knock his clothes off and put them on, ignoring the fact that they fit a little tight.

''SORRY!'' the merchant shrieked, realizing he was completely naked except for his shorts. Locke returned to the house where he had met the child, who let him pass because he was dressed as a merchant, and allowed him to go to his grandfather, an old man who loved cider. ''I'll give you some information if you give me some cider.'' said the old man.

''Since you are a merchant, I would appreciate it if you brought some cider to my grandfather. You may find some in the tavern. Imperial soldiers are patrolling the city, but if you grab one of their uniforms, you may go unnoticed. Remember that the ranks of the Imperial soldiers depend on the color of their uniform: for example, the low-ranking soldiers are dressed in green, and they are the cadets.'' said the child, and Locke, thanking him for the clues he had given him, walked out from the back door.

(''Intruder- Metal Gear Solid OST-s'')

(''Under Martial Law- Final Fantasy VI Advance OST'')

Taking care not to get caught, Locke stole the uniform of an Imperial cadet, who ran away screaming after realizing he was almost completely naked. The uniform was a bit big for him, but he knew that that way, he could blend in with the soldiers of the Empire. When he met an Imperial soldier, he thought his guard duty was over, and let him pass, another one said that a certain generaless had betrayed the Empire, and others said that Kefka was preparing an attack. Going down the stairs, the treasure hunter caught the smell of alcohol all over the place and saw the bottle of cider he was to bring to the elderly servant, but he was seen, and took off his disguise.

''You came here to steal MY cider, right? YOU THIEF!'' snapped a merchant.

''Again with the thief thing? I'M NOT A THIEF, I'M A TREASURE HUNTER!'' Locke screamed, red with anger. He took the bottle and hit the merchant on the head with it, knocking him out.

''Why can't I ever shut up... '' the merchant murmured, before losing consciousness.

After putting on his merchant disguise, Locke entered the servant's house, and gave him the cider. ''Do you know a secret passage to reach your master's house?'' he asked.

The old man drank the cider and answered. ''Yes, from there there is another secret passage to my master's house that will allow you to leave the city without being seen. My grandson guards the secret passage, but I forgot the code. Go talk to him.''

So, Locke went down the stairs and went back to the child. ''Your grandfather said you guard the secret passage.'' he told him.

''That's true, but you can't pass if you don't know the password. Here's a tip. is one of the most used slogans in South Figaro, and is one of these: ''Courage'', ''Rosebud ''(1) or ''Failure''. But which?''

Locke didn't know what to say, so he just guessed. ''Courage!''

''Correct!'' the child shouted. ''The secret passage is beyond this wall.''

Pulling down a hidden lever, the child opened the secret passage, a sort of underground tunnel that led to the cellar of the mansion of the richest family in South Figaro. After turning around it, he entered, and a woman warned him that the Empire was using the house as a headquarters. Then he put on the Imperial soldier disguise, and by talking to one of the guards, he found out that a certain infiltrator, the owner of the house, had collaborated with the Empire and betrayed South Figaro.

The adventurer went upstairs, and entered the room of the owner of the house, sitting at a table, crying on the tablecloth. ''Oh, what have I done? I betrayed the town for that stupid Empire money!'' he whimpered, his voice full of regret, and Locke almost felt bad for him.

Feeling a draft hidden in the wall near the bed, Locke found another secret passage that led him into the basement, and looked into a hole in a door on the right, where he glimpsed a familiar-looking eighteen-year-old young woman. She was dressed in a golden yellow vest, matching pants, a blue tank top, white boots with yellow heels, a belt, a white cloak and white shoulder pads, and she had long blond hair and blue eyes. It was Celes Chere. ''She's a general of the Empire!'' Locke exclaimed, recognizing her.

(''Under Martial Law- Final Fantasy VI Advance OST-s'')

What caught Locke off guard was the treatment Celes received in her cell from two soldiers of the Empire, two guards. Her hands were chained, and those who are supposed to be her underlings were verbally bullying her.

''This is what happens to traitors!'' a soldier yelled, and Locke heard what appeared to be punches.(2)

''And so, the mighty Celes has fallen!'' the other soldier laughed.

''Why serve the one who uses force to oppress the weak-'' replied the young woman, but was interrupted by another punch in the head.

''Silence!''

''Don't you understand? Kefka is plotting. He will poison every man, woman and child in the kingdom of Doma.''

''I said SHUT UP!'' the guard yelled, slapping her, and Locke gritted his teeth, cringing at the soldiers's methods.

''Run that mouth of yours as much as you want, you will be executed tomorrow.'' the second soldier added, and the other stood on guard while his companion left the room, and Celes collapsed to the floor.

Locke walked in and saw the guard sleeping, then approached Celes, having a familiar feeling, and cut the metal chains with his dagger, freeing her. ''You look really short for a soldier.(3)'' said the woman, in a ice-cold tone, and the adventurer took off his disguise. ''Who would you be?''

''My name is Locke, I'm from the Returners. '' Locke replied.

Celes was caught off guard. ''So you're of those rebels? I am... well, I was General Celes. Now I'm just a traitor.'' she said.

''Come on! Let's get out of here! I'll protect you!'' the treasure hunter exclaimed.

''You'll take me with you? Thanks for the offer, but even if we manage to escape, you can't protect me. I'd rather wait the executioner's arrival tomorrow and be executed, at least my dignity will remain intact.'' the former general said. She was quite battered, with a few bruises here and there.

''Trust me, you'll be fine while I'm here!'' Locke retorted.

''All right. That sleeping soldier has something useful in his pocket.'' Celes said.

(The Rune Knight Celes joined the party!)

(Objective: Escape from South Figaro with Celes!)

Characters:

Locke

Celes

(''Light World Dungeon- The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past OST'')

Locke reached into the sleeping soldier's pockets and took a key from him. The guard seemed to have woken up, but he was only dreaming. ''So, how come you betrayed the Empire?'' he asked Celes, as they made their way through the dungeons and found a locked door.

''Kefka is going too far. I have heard that he has plans to poison the kingdom of Doma on the eastern continent, and the siege will happen soon.'' the woman replied.

''What?! But... but this is extermination!'' Locke shouted, horrified that Kefka would do such a thing.

''I know, and I have rebelled against this inhuman treatment of the enemies. Because of this, I was labeled a traitor, arrested by my own subordinates and sentenced to death. You gotta know that Kefka was the first to submit to the experiments on Magitek, which were still in the experimental stage, and this made him completely insane. He has no respect for the lives of others. When I was very young, I too became a Magitek Knight, as magic was artificially infused into me. This time, the process was perfected, and consequently, there were no side effects. This allows me to use magic.'' Celes said.

''You can use magic? Another woman can use magic too.''

''Who is she?''

''Terra Branford.''

Upon hearing that name, Celes was more surprised than shocked. ''I know her!'' she exclaimed. ''Where should we go?''

''To Narshe. We have to go through the South Figaro cave to reach the desert where Figaro Castle is located. Across the desert, we will find the Narshe mines.'' Locke said.

''Locke, not to be rude, but why are you helping me?'' Celes asked, with a curiosity masked by her cold tone.

''Because you remind me of someone. But it doesn't matter, I protect you because I want to!'' Locke replied.

Suddenly, voices were heard. ''We found her! The traitor!'' an Imperial soldier in brown armor, a commander, followed by a cadet and a few hunting dogs.

Locke prepared his dagger and hit one of the Imperial soldiers. Celes prepared to use magic, with a small light coming from her hands. ''Blizzard!'' she yelled, thrusting her hand forward. Several chunks of ice appeared in front of her hand and flew into the enemies, killing them all, then, she healed her previous wounds by casting Cure on herself.

''Really cool! You could be of great help if you join the Returners!'' Locke exclaimed, ecstatic.

''I don't know. I was a general of the Empire, but I'm proud of myself.'' Celes said. ''You should know that I don't like weak men. ''

(''Light World Dungeon- The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past OST-s'')

After another couple of clashes with the imperial soldiers, Locke and Celes left South Figaro without being seen and reached the cave that connected the city to the Castle of Figaro to prevent any soldiers from catching them.

''You know, Celes, Terra lost her memory after the Empire exploited her. She joined the Returners and agreed to help us find answers about her past and her powers.'' Locke said.

''Then I say we should help her.'' Celes concluded. Suddenly, a wall of the southern Figaro cave collapsed, revealing a large Magitek armor, but it was very different from the usual ones, especially in its shape.

(''Still More Fighting- Final Fantasy VII OST'')

''What's that, a Magitek armor?!'' Locke exclaimed, taken aback.

''It's a Tunnel Armor! Locke, watch your back!'' Celes said, pulling out a sword with ancient runes on the blade.

The treasure hunter saw the Tunnel Armor getting closer and closer and had a bad feeling. So many thoughts were going through his head, and he wanted to get that woman away before she put herself in danger. ''Celes! Are you nuts? You'll get yourself killed!'' he shouted.

''I know what to do. Listen to me carefully: The Tunnel Armor's deadliest attacks are spells, but my sword is no ordinary sword, it's a Runic Blade. With this sword, I can absorb magic to recover my magical energy.'' replied the former general.

''Are you sure this will work?'' the adventurer asked, not convinced.

''Just watch! You attack the Tunnel Armor, and as long as it doesn't use a spell, I can attack that way too.'' Celes assured him.

(Objective: Destroy the Tunnel Armor!)

Locke threw his dagger at the Tunnel Armor and hit the red core on the top side, and Celes cast a Blizzard spell, trapping the weapon of destruction in a block of ice, which shattered into pieces. It emitted yellow lightning bolts.

''That's the Thunder spell!'' The woman exclaimed. That magic was more powerful than she expected, but she was able to absorb it with her Runic Blade like a magnet. Locke then ran around the Magitek weapon, barely dodging a Magitek Laser from the side guns, but another one hit him, and the Tunnel Armor used the Fire spell followed by a Poison spell, emitting flames and soon after, poison, and Celes managed to block both spells, albeit with difficulty.

''This weapon must be the work of the Empire!'' Locke said. Celes moved closer to slash with her sword, hitting the Tunnel Armor a few times, but she was wounded by a Magitek Laser that caught her off guard, as she was not as fast as her ally. By casting a Blizzard spell at the core, she destroyed the Tunnel Armor.

(''Still More Fighting- Final Fantasy VII OST-s'')

''We made it. I have to admit it, you were not bad.'' Celes said.

''Ah, that was nothing. I guess that heap of junk wasn't as strong as it was cracked up to be.'' Locke replied jokingly. ''We have to go to Narshe, Terra may already be there. You know, she was an Imperial soldier, but she has lost her memory and the Empire is after her for her ability to use magic.''

''Then we have to help her. Speaking of Narshe, the Empire is about to attack that city too.'' the woman said.

''For real?!'' the treasure hunter exlaimed.

''Yes. I believe Doma is already under siege, and Kefka wants to get hold of the Esper in Narshe. To return the favor for protecting me, I'll help you out. I will also join the Returners.'' Celes said.

''Then let's hurry up! That Tunnel Armor wasted us precious time, and I think the Empire built it to distract us.'' Locke said. ''How come they want to attack Doma?''

''Because the kingdom of Doma is allied with the Returners.'' the woman replied.

After leaving the cave, the two found themselves facing the desert and glimpsed Figaro Castle from afar. On the way, Locke's head was full of questions. Was Banon okay? And what about Terra and Edgar, who were supposed to escort him to Narshe?

A/N: Locke's mission was a success! And he also swore to protect Celes Chere, that he will soon join the Resistance! But what happens to Sabin, swept away by the waters of the Lethe River? Find out in his scenario! I anticipate that since Sabin's scenario is longer than the other two, it will be split into three parts. That said, see you in the next chapter!

(1): In the Japanese version, this word is ''Wild Rose''. This is a reference to Final Fantasy II, which uses a mechanic base around keywords, which Firion, Maria and Guy learn and use as clues in their missions against the Palamecian Empire.

(2): In the original SNES release and in the PS1 port in the Final Fantasy Anthology compilation, Celes was being beaten up by soldiers of the Empire. However, from the GBA port onwards, this part is censored. In fact, the compilation was released in Europe in May 2002, and the Computer Entertainment Rating Organization, or CERO, which divides games by age groups in Japan, was founded two months later. The CERO is very strict about violence against humans, and Final Fantasy VII Remake had a difficult rating, although it received, as Square Enix hoped, the C rating, which means that the game would be suitable for those who is at least 15 years old, and therefore for an adolescent audience. The part where Celes is beaten up is removed from the GBA port onwards to ensure that the game gets an A rating, which indicates that it is suitable for everyone: keeping it would have resulted in a B rating, which means that the game is not suitable for children under 12 due to violence against a restrained human.

(3): That's a reference to Star Wars, which has similarities with Final Fantasy VI , like an evil empire. Additionally, Biggs and Wedge, recurring characters in the series debuting in this game, are named after two characters with that name in Star Wars.