A/N: Hey, guys! In the previous chapter, the Returners set out to find Terra, using Figaro Castle to reach Locke's hometown, Kohlingen. Here they discover that Locke was protective of the girls and joined the Returners because his girlfriend Rachel was killed by the Empire in his absence, and at Figaro Castle, Edgar and Sabin reminished their past, including the night Sabin gave up the throne. Now they are all going to search for clues about Terra at Jidoor. Let's begin.

(''Market- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time OST'')

(Objective: Go to Jidoor to look for clues about Terra.)

Characters:

Locke

Celes

Edgar

Sabin

Mog

Cyan

Gau

Some people in Kohlingen claimed that Terra had flown south, in the direction of Jidoor, and the Returners had no other clues. When Sabin went to the village tavern, he was surprised when he saw Shadow, who agreed to come with them and help them find her in exchange for 3000 gil until he got tired of it.

(The ninja assassin Shadow joined the party!)

''Sabin, I don't think that's a good idea. Shadow is an assassin.'' Edgar said.

''I know, but he helped me get back to Narshe after I was separated from you, Terra and Banon.'' Sabin replied. ''Besides, we might need some help.''

''Sir Shadow, what a surprise!'' Cyan exclaimed.

''The dog is hungry. I will accompany you, for now.'' said Shadow.

Leaving Kohlingen, the group went to a nearby forest, where they found a hidden chocobo stable, and borrowed one for each of them (eight in total) at a cost of 100 gil. Thanks to the chocobos' quick feet, they reached Jidoor in less than five minutes, but what surprised them about the city was its division into social classes: the aristocrats lived in the northern part, where there were very large houses, and the enormous villa of the richest man in the city, Owzer, stood out from the others, while in the southern part lived the middle class, with houses of more modest size.

''The poor of Jidoor have been exiled from the city, and it seems that they have founded their own, Zozo. If you go over there, be careful, there are all thieves and bandits there.'' said a man.

''Seriously? Someone explain to me who that idiot of a governor is who imposed such a capitalist society with the division into social classes like that.'' Sabin commented. He was straightforward in his way of speaking, and he didn't hesitate to have his say when he didn't like something.

''There are social classes in Doma, but never to that extent.'' Cyan said.

''By the way, a friend of ours flew from here. Did she pass through Zozo?'' Locke asked.

''I think so. Pass by the mountain, go around it and you will find Zozo to the north.'' replied the citizen.

With this information, the group set off again, albeit with some insecurities about some of them. ''Lady Celes, I trust you only to accept your presence. You know what awaits you if you betray us.'' Cyan told Celes.

''I know. If I should betray your trust and the Returners, then you can execute me, Cyan, you have every right to do so. It will be the punishment I'll deserve.'' replied the woman, and the samurai nodded.

''I don't think taking Shadow with us is a good idea, but who am I to judge.'' Edgar commented.

(''Market- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time OST-s'')

(Objective: Find Terra in Zozo.)

Characters:

Locke

Celes

Edgar

Sabin

Mog

Cyan

Gau

Shadow

(''Bloody Tears/Monster Dance-Super Smash Bros. Ultimate OST'')

To reach the town of Zozo, the group had to face some monks who had no sense of honor, some mutated man-eating plants and some mountain wasps, and when they got there, they noticed a terrible downpour.

''What a nasty weather...'' Locke murmured.

''Yes, but we don't have to stop. We need to find Terra.'' Celes said.

''Be on your guard. The people of this place have a terrible reputation.'' Edgar warned.

''I don't like this place, kupo...'' Mog murmured.

''I will guide you guys. Stay close to me.'' Shadow said.

Following the mercenary's directions, the Returners followed him, but they were occasionals attacked by the criminals in the city, like bandits armed with sickles that stole some gil from them, swindlers who threw wrenches at them, strange veiled dancers, and even giants, who kept appearing suddenly and taking them by surprise: one of them almost ended up kidnapping Celes, and he would have succeeded if Locke hadn't stabbed him with his sword.(1) In particular, the giant ended up severely injuring everyone, and if it weren't for Celes' Cure spell, they couldn't have gone on with their injuries. The city of Zozo was decadent, not only mentally, but physically as well, with dark streets and the smell of garbage everywhere, and the people were unreliable, lying or just wasting their time. The only bright side was that Mog had learned to use the final dance, the Love Serenade, but the others were starting to get really irritated.

''I've had enough of all these ambushes!'' Sabin snapped, regretting having set foot in that city.

''Tell me about it, brother. With all these scoundrels, I've run out of ammo for my crossbow, and I'm all drenched, all soaked, that's disgusting!'' complained Edgar, whose hair was all disheveled and wet, and a few locks had fallen on his eyes. The thieves, the bad weather, and above all the disappearance of Terra were things that were starting to make him lose his mind. ''What if Terra was really here? What would these thugs ever do to her?! What would they do to a damsel like her?!'' he then exclaimed, in panic.

''Get a grip!'' Celes snapped. ''We will find her.''

''All right, all right! Such an ice queen you are!'' the king of Figaro replied.

Gau seemed particularly agitated. ''Art thou OK, Sir Gau?'' asked Cyan, whose ponytail was all wet.

''I'm worried. Very worried.'' Gau said.

''You're right, there is something to worry about, Gau. But I know Terra, she should be fine.'' Sabin said. Suddenly, he saw someone jump from the balcony of a large building to join the other. ''We have to go into this building and jump to reach the other one.''

''Sabin, are you nuts?! I think joining the Returners gave you brain damage!'' Edgar exclaimed.

''We don't have many options.'' Shadow said.

''Indeed. Besides, being reckless is part of the adventure.'' Locke added.

Gau was not only nervous about Terra's disappearance, but also because he sensed that the inhabitants of the city were disreputable people, and he constantly stood next to Sabin and Cyan, who did what they could to calm him down, and Mog, without her, was particularly agitated, shouting that he wanted to get out of here as soon as possible. When they entered, they were attacked by other veiled dancers and swindlers who threw knives at them, but this time Edgar pulled out another tool, some sort of old camera, which caused a flash so strong it blinded them, and they all took the opportunity to escape. Going up from floor to floor, they reached the balcony from which they could jump.

''Now we have to jump. Come on, before they get us!'' said Shadow, who jumped first with Interceptor.

Sabin was next, followed by Edgar, and they reached the other side. ''I'm going now, then you're next, Celes.'' Locke said, jumping over to the other side. When it was Celes's turn, she was unsure, and she nearly fell, but the treasure hunter managed to grab her hand.

Gau was next, followed by Mog, and the last to jump was Cyan, who didn't get far due to the weight of his armor, but Sabin reached out and grabbed his hand, helping him climb.

The Resistance members approached the top and entered a door, they noticed a strange dark-skinned man, Dadaluma, who reminded Sabin so much of Vargas. He said it was better to let them pass because he would be too weak for them... but suddenly he attacked Edgar and tripped him! First he said one thing and then he did the opposite like a hypocrite!

''This was a low blow!'' Cyan shouted.

''I'm sorry for you, but Zozo will be your grave! I, Dadaluma, Zozo's greatest bandit, will take you down!'' Dadaluma chuckled.

''BLIZZARA!'' Celes yelled, shooting ice crystals from her hands. Some of them hit Dadaluma, but others didn't. Gau then lunged at him, scratching him and biting him, but was thrown away against the wall.

''Fang!'' Cyan used a Bushido technique, hitting the enemy, who however dodged his slashes. Locke caught him by surprise by hitting him from behind and Celes cast a spell, but the bandit threw some knives at them, which hit Interceptor, who had tried to defend his master. This prompted Shadow to repeatedly hit Dadaluma with his kunai.

Some throwing knives struck Sabin, who bled from his shoulders, but he recovered and dodged a shockwave and then hit Dadaluma with a Raging Fist. ''Edgar! Now!'' he cried out.

Edgar nodded and pulled out another tool, a real chainsaw, even putting on a hockey mask as if he had come off the set of a macabre play. He turned it on and hit Dadaluma with it, and the bandit barely had time to react as the chainsaw stabbed him in the stomach, brutally killing him.(2)

(''Bloody Tears/Monster Dance-Super Smash Bros. Ultimate OST-s'')

''Ugh... Your Majesty, I'm not going to clean up that stuff!'' Cyan said, referring to the bloodstains on the wall.

Suddenly, there was a whine of pain. Interceptor was on the ground, with some cuts on his back from which blood was pouring. ''Interceptor!'' Shadow exclaimed, worried about his dog.

''Interceptor is injured!'' Sabin exclaimed.

The mercenary took some bandages from his pockets, with which he covered Interceptor's wounds, and the dog licked his face affectionately. It was clear that he hated strangers, but when he acted with his master, he let himself be petted and touched like a puppy.

''Terra should be close, kupo!'' said Mog, and they all entered, finding themselves in a corridor where Edgar and Cyan briefly untied their long hair to dry it, and Gau shook his head to wipe the water off, at cost of splasing it all over the place and almost wet the others' clothes, then the group opened another door, and Celes had a strange feeling that she described as if they were back in Narshe. They found themselves in a room with a bed in the center, where Terra lay, still transformed. Her eyes were closed, but her face was contracted.

''Is it her? Is it Terra?'' Shadow asked.

''It's her!'' Locke replied, approaching the transformed girl.

''Terra! We found you!'' Celes exclaimed, approaching too, followed by the others.

''Terra, can you hear me?'' Edgar asked.

''Terra?'' Sabin said.

''Lady Terra?'' Cyan said. As with the others, he was concerned about Terra, who he had nearly killed himself a couple of nights ago. Opinions changed over time, and for him, it was the case.

''Are you okay, kupo?'' Mog asked.

Suddenly, Terra opened her red eyes, screamed, flew erratically across the room and slammed into the wall, collapsing in exhaustion.

''Terra! Are you all right?!'' Sabin exclaimed.

(''Title Theme- Metroid Prime 3: Corruption OST'')

''She's scared.'' a voice said. Everyone turned and saw a very old man, almost ancient, with a beard so long it touched the ground. He wore a simple dark green robe that covered his feet and held a scepter in his hand from which small lightning bolts came out.

''Who are you?!'' Celes exclaimed, ready to draw her Runic Blade.

Suddenly, Mog looked at the old man. ''Ramuh? Is that you, old dude?'' he said.

''Mog! It's been a while!'' Ramuh exclaimed, recognizing him.

''Do you know him, Mog?'' Edgar asked.

''Yes, kupo! He's the one who taught me how to do it. He appeared to me in a dream the night I helped Locke protect Terra and told me I had to help you.'' the Moogle replied.

''I suppose this girl is your friend.'' said the old man, referring to Terra.

''Yes, we are worried about her.'' Celes said.

''Is Lady Terra okay?'' Cyan asked.(3)

''She is not in any danger, but she was very shaken when she used a power she doesn't know. Anyway, I'm Ramuh, and I'm an Esper.'' Ramuh replied.

This last sentence left everyone in shock. ''You're an Esper?!'' they exclaimed.

''But the Espers don't live in another world?'' Celes asked.

''Yes, but that doesn't mean we can't live in this world. Espers can vary a lot. For example, I look like a human, so I can live in your world without fearing that someone finds out the truth.'' said the Esper.

''Why don't you want to reveal your identity?'' Locke asked.

''Because humans and Esper are incompatible.'' the elder replied.

''But my grandma used to tell me that in the past, humans and Espers lived side by side. Of course, it was just a bedtime story.'' said the treasure hunter.

''Sabin, come to think of it, our grandmother used to tell this too.'' Edgar added.

''Cyan, you heard about it too?'' Sabin asked Cyan.

''Yes. My ancestors always told it, from generation to generation.'' the warrior of Doma replied.

''Me too.'' Gau said.

''It wasn't a fairy tale. It's pure reality. A long time ago, humans and Esper lived in harmony. But then, the War of the Magi happened. The Esters faced humans infused with the power of other Espers. When the war ended, we Espers created our own world and exiled there, believing it to be the only way to avoid being exploited again for our powers. Twenty years ago, the Gestahlian Empire gathered scholars from all over the world to study us, until one day, they discovered where our world was and attacked. Gestahl wanted to use our power to become invincible. When we found out, we built a portal to hunt humans. Many Esper are in the Magitek Research Facility, where they are forcibly stripped of their powers. Only me and a few others escaped, but I left the others to their fate.'' Ramuh replied in a serious but sad tone.

Celes was disgusted with the actions of the Empire. Along with Locke, Edgar, Sabin and Cyan, she put Terra on the bed, noticing that she no longer seemed agitated.

''She seems to have calmed down. I summoned Terra when I sensed she was losing control.'' the old man said.

''Is Terra an Esper?'' Shadow asked.

''No. Not exactly.'' Ramuh replied, shaking his head.

''There must be something we can do for her!'' Sabin exclaimed.

''I could use a Cure spell, but...'' Celes said, before being interrupted.

''That will not work. She is afraid of herself, and will only recover when she understands everything.'' Ramuh said.

''Is there anything we can do to help her, kupo?'' Mog asked, not moving one step away from the bed.

''Yes. You have to go to the Magitek Research Facility and rescue the captive Espers. One of them could help you. The Magitek Research Facility is in Vector, the capital of the Empire, located on the southern continent.'' the old Esper replied.

''Ramuh, what will happen to the Espers?'' Edgar asked.

Ramuh sighed sadly. ''Gestahl's methods are wrong. You cannot forcibly drain the power of an Esper, it will weaken them. Our powers can only be fully transferred if we are transformed into Magicite.'' he said.

''Magicite?'' Sabin asked.

''When an Esper dies, they become Magicite, a crystal that is all that is left of them, as it is their power at the pure state. Espers transformed into Magicite can be summoned into battle by rubbing the Magicite with their image and tossing it into the air, then they will temporarily aid you before returning to being Magicite.(4) After its use, you will have to wait for some time before summoning the same Esper again. Not only that: the Esper will also teach you some spells, making you Magi, and the spells you will learn depend on the Magicites of the Esper you hold at that moment.'' Ramuh explained. He raised his scepter and showed three Magicites. ''These three Espers are the Siren, Cait Sith and Kirin. They escaped with me, but they died on the way. Now I will transform into Magicite to give you my powers.''

''Wait! Ramuh!'' Celes cried out. He saw that Ramuh had raised his scepter again, and a light came out of it. When he vanished, the old Esper was gone, and there was a fourth Magicite in his place.

''He's dead, isn't he...?'' Edgar asked, with his head down.

''Ramuh... why?'' Celes murmured. Gau howled sadly like a wolf, and Sabin put a hand on his shoulder.

''He sacrificed himself to give us the strength to fight the Empire...'' Cyan said.

(''Title Theme- Metroid Prime 3: Corruption OST-s'')

They all took the four Magicites and looked at them, noting the images of the other three Espers. One had the appearance of a bipedal cat, another one was a slender, good-looking woman with a golden harp, and the last one was similar to a silver-colored horse, with a green mane and two yellow horns. Its hooves were the same color as its horns. ''I don't think magic is my forte.'' Edgar said, looking at them.

''I don't think it can match my fighting style either. I could use ranged attacks at most, but other than that, very little.'' Locke added.

''The Blitz techniques that Master Duncan taught me have effects similar to magic. They might be useful to me, so I can also unleash some devastating combinations.'' Sabin said.

''Magic and I are two different things, but it could be useful for enhancing my ki.'' Cyan said.

''Some of us will have to protect Terra while we go to save the Espers.'' Celes noted.

''I'll stay with her, kupo!'' said Mog.

''Alright, Mog. Take care of her in our absence. Do it for Ramuh.'' Locke said.

Everyone began to leave, but Sabin stood behind for a moment, looking at Terra. ''Terra... we'll be back soon. It's a promise.'' he told her, before leaving, and Mog stayed to keep an eye on the transformed girl.

(Mog has left the party.)

(''Zozo Theme- Final Fantasy VI Advance OST'')

''We know the Empire is exploiting the Espers by draining their magic. We have to save them.'' Edgar said.

''Celes, is this all true?'' Sabin asked.

''When they infused me with the magic, I was very young, plus, I was sedated, so there's not much I remember. But this has a meaning, and several rumors confirm it.'' Celes replied.

''I suppose we must find a way to infiltrate the Empire's territories somehow.'' Cyan said.

''We could do that, if we can find a way to get to Vector.'' Sabin said.

''What do you mean?'' Locke asked.

''Vector is on the southern continent, and we can't swim there, it's impossible.'' Celes said.

''Yes, and according to what Cyan, Gau and I have heard in Nikeah, the cities of the southern continent have been conquered by the Empire, and the ports of Albrook and Tzen are closed. We cannot access the Empire's territories by sea.'' Sabin added.

''We'll find a solution. If we cannot go by land or by sea, the only option is by air. Let's go back to Jidoor, we can find a way to reach Vector.'' Locke said.

''I can no longer stay with you. My job is done.'' Shadow said.

''Are you leaving like this?'' Celes asked.

''Thanks for bringing us here anyway, Sir Shadow.'' Cyan said, before Shadow disappeared along with his dog.

(Shadow has left the party.)

''How to get to Vector?'' Gau asked.

''With an airship.'' Edgar said.

''A what?'' Cyan asked.

''An airship. It is a ship with technologies that allow it to fly.'' the king of Figaro replied. He then noticed that the samurai looked nervous. ''What is it?''

''Oh, he's technophobic. He's not comfortable with machines, and has problems using them. Doma has never changed in 1200 years of history.'' Sabin replied.

''Don't worry, Cyan, the airship propellers won't shred you to pieces.'' Edgar said. ''Anyway, if we can find an airship or someone who owns one, we can reach Vector.''

''Good idea, Edgar. Nobody knows technology better than you, you technophile!'' Locke jokingly said, and Edgar chuckled.

''I know the Empire better than anyone, so I'll infiltrate there.'' Celes said.

''Alone?'' Sabin asked skeptically.

''I'll go with her!'' the treasure hunter said.

''Locke... why did you decide to come with me?'' the former imperial general asked.

''The legendary treasure is rumored to be around there, and I'd like to take a look at the area. That's not the only reason, though. They killed Rachel, and I want to make them pay for it.'' Locke replied.

''Ten years ago, the Empire poisoned our father. We'll help out too.'' Sabin said, referring to himself and his brother.

''And they also decimated Doma. I lost my wife and child to them, as well as my entire kingdom. I shall go with thee.'' Cyan added, and Gau also offered to accompany them.

''Good. Let's go!'' Celes declared.

(''Zozo Theme- Final Fantasy VI Advance OST-s'')

A/N: Terra is fine, and Esper Ramuh has taken care of her, but other Espers are prisoners in the Magitek Research Facility, in Vector, and the ports are closed. How will the group get an airship? Find out soon! See ya!

(1): Locke can equip typical thief weapons, namely daggers and boomerangs, but he can also use swords, although not all of them.

(2): Edgar can get the chainsaw to Zozo via a secret passage by putting the correct time in a grandfather clock, and when using it he can deal heavy damage ignoring defense or instantly kill enemies not immune to Death status. In the latter case he wears a hockey mask similar to that of Jason Voorhoves from the Friday the 13th series.

(3): In some scenes in the game, characters have generic dialogue, which means anyone can say it, but on a couple of occasions, if a certain character is in the group at that time, they will have extra dialogue. For example, in the scene where the party talks to Ramuh, the character in the party with the highest dialogue priority has the primary role, and whoever has the second highest priority gets the secondary role. If Celes is in the party, she has three dialogues of her own, plus three more if she has the highest priority, Cyan has three, Locke, Edgar, Sabin and Shadow have one and Gau has seven, which he can only say if he's alone. The dialogues are quite similar, but with some slight differences. The priority is as follows: Locke, Edgar, Celes, Sabin, Cyan, Shadow, Gau.

(4): In Final Fantasy X, Final Fantasy XII, and Final Fantasy XIII, the Espers, or Eidolon, can replace party members and be temporarily controlled. In the latter case, if certain conditions are met, they can also transform into vehicles.