A/N: Hey, guys! In the previous chapter, Locke, Celes and the others went to Jidoor and headed to Zozo to search for Terra, where they found her under the care of the Esper Ramuh, who explained the intentions of the Gestahlian Empire to exploit the powers of the Espers. Ramuh instructed the group to go to the Magitek Research Facility in Vector to rescue the captive Esper and then sacrificed himself, transforming himself into Magicite, the crystallized remains of a dead Esper. The problem is that Vector is on the southern continent, and with the ports closed, the group can only access there by airship. Where and how will they find one? Let's find out! Before I begin, I apologize for the two weeks that I haven't published any new chapters, but with school commitments, it becomes difficult. I hope you continue to follow me in the meantime and be patient. End premise, let's get started!
Chapter 14: The Opera: deal with Setzer Gabbiani
(''Fourside- Earthbound OST'')
(Objective: Ask about the airships in Jidoor to see if anyone has one.)
Characters:
Locke
Celes
Edgar
Sabin
Cyan
Gau
''We will ask for directions from every single citizen. There must be an airship somewhere.'' Edgar said. On the way back to Jidoor, vultures continued to cause trouble for the group, and they nearly pecked at Gau. Also, night had already fallen.
''Maybe Owser knows something about it.'' Locke offered, and everyone nodded.
''Good thing Ramuh was taking care of Terra.'' Celes said, relieved that Terra was okay.
''Yeah. After what she did to Narshe, she deserves my trust. I was really worried about Lady Terra, and when we get back to her, I'd like to apologize for the first time I met her.'' Cyan added, a little ashamed of the mess he had done that time, and in Celes' presence, who he had tried to execute.
''Good, you got it! It's about time you decided to do it!'' Sabin said, patting him on the back. It was a friendly gesture, but due to his physical strength, it ended up making him moan in pain because he didn't realize it. ''Oops. Sorry. I don't know my physical strength sometimes.'' he chuckled.
''It's OK.'' said the samurai.
''Is Mr. Thou coming with us?'' asked Gau.
''Yes, I am with you, Sir Gau. Sometimes, you confuse me with Sir Sabin, however.'' Cyan replied.
Suddenly, Sabin stopped. ''Dang!'' he exclaimed.
''What is it, Sabin?'' Locke asked.
''We didn't send a carrier pigeon to Narshe, they must know! Especially Banon and Arvis!'' Sabin replied.
''Maybe you're right. We should have warned the citizens of Narshe, but we have no proof. Just the claims of an elderly Esper and a former imperial general that everyone hates.'' Edgar said. Then he saw Celes glaring at him, unimpressed. ''What? It's true. Hated by everyone but us.''
''I am proud to have been general of the Empire, but what I am not proud of is what that madman made me do.'' the woman said. ''Why are you looking at me like that? I say things as they are. Do I have something on my face?'' she then asked Cyan, who was giving her a dirty look.
''No. Just don't remind me of the Empire, please. The more I think about it, the more I hate them.'' replied the samurai, and Celes also looked at him sternly.
''Let's go to Owzer. Maybe he knows someone who has an airship.'' Locke said, and everyone agreed.
(''Fourside- Earthbound OST-s'')
The six members of the Returners entered the villa, full of paintings of various kinds, where they saw a mustachioed man dressed in a black and blue jacket, blue pants and a bowtie walking around the room, very agitated, and with him was Owzer too. Seeing Celes, he was struck. ''Maria?!'' he exclaimed.
''What are you talking about? I'm not Maria, I'm Celes Chere.'' Celes said.
''Oh, sorry. The point is that you are just like Maria. Anyway, I'm the impresario of the Opera House, to the south of here. What a mess...'' the impresario said sadly.
''What's going on? Who is Maria?'' Cyan asked.
''Maria is a famous opera singer of the Opera House, and tonight at 11 PM, the opera ''Maria and Draco'', in which she plays the female protagonist, will have to start, but then I received this letter.'' the man replied, referring to a letter he was holding in his hands.
''Let's see.'' Celes said, taking the letter and reading it.
(''Setzer's Theme- Final Fantasy VI OST'')
''Dearest Maria,
I have decided to take you as my wife,
so I'll soon be coming to kidnap you.
-The wandering gambler''
''The opera should start in half an hour. The Opera House is not far away, it is located at the cliff to the south. I have to finish the preparations.'' said the impresario, leaving the villa.
''Who is the wandering gambler?'' asked Sabin.
''You don't know him? He's Setzer Gabbiani, the owner of the only airship in the world, the Blackjack!'' Owzer replied.
''Then he could help us.'' Edgar said.
''What do you mean?'' Owzer asked.
''We want to access the territories of the Empire, but the ports are closed, so we will need an airship.'' Locke replied.
''There is no other choice. We will go there and come up with a plan.'' Sabin said.
''Good. Maybe you can even see the opera.'' Owzer said.
''An opera... there are no such things at Doma.'' Cyan commented, as the group left the house.
''Of course, Doma has never evolved. No offense, but your kingdom should just evolve a bit, it makes it seem antiquated compared to the others.'' Sabin said, and the samurai, not knowing what to say, fell silent.
(''Setzer's Theme- Final Fantasy VI OST-s'')
(''Spinach Rag- Final Fantasy VI OST'')
(Objective: Find a way to get Setzer's attention.)
Characters:
Locke
Celes
Edgar
Sabin
Cyan
Gau
Ten minutes later, the group reached the Opera House. It was a large and elegant building, with several columns, a dark blue roof and small pictures at the door, on which there were some scenes. ''Here we are. Let's put the plan into action.'' Locke said, about to open the door.
''Sir Locke, it's not polite to go in without knocking.'' Cyan said.
''Excuse me? What's that got to do with it?'' Celes replied, unconvinced.
Edgar opened the door, and the impresario was in the room. ''Good, you've arrived.'' he said.
''We have read the letter. We know that Setzer intends to kidnap Maria. When will that happen?'' Locke asked.
''Setzer loves triumphal entrances, and usually appears in the climax.'' replied the impresario.
''Then we'll catch him as soon as he shows up!'' Locke declared.
The impresario put a hand to his forehead. ''No, no! This will ruin the show and Setzer will report me! If that's so, I will lose my job! I don't want Maria to be kidnapped, but I don't want the opera to be a failure either!'' he exclaimed, bewildered.
''Then we have to find another way to get his attention.'' Sabin said.
Locke began to think, and an idea occurred to him. ''Let them take her. We will use a decoy. If the plan works, we will be able to follow him, and we can also use the airship.'' he said.
The man was shocked. ''This is madness! If anything happens to Maria...'' he exclaimed, before the treasure hunter interrupted him.
''And that's why we're going to use a decoy! We will hide Maria and have someone exhibit in her place!'' Locke said, raising his voice in excitement. ''You said yourself that Celes looks like Maria like peas in a pod!''
Celes was caught off guard. ''Wait a moment, Locke! What do I have to do with it?'' she exclaimed.
''That's exactly the point! Celes will perform in Maria's place, so she will attract Setzer's attention and lead us to his airship!'' Locke replied.
''Brilliant!'' the impresario shouted, enlightened by the idea.
Celes, however, was particularly agitated by the idea. ''Hold on! I'm a former general, not some opera floozy!'' she cried out.
''Do you have a better idea?'' Sabin asked, and no one answered.
''Sabin is right, Celes. It's the only sensible idea we have, and if we don't put the plan into action, we won't have another chance.'' Locke said, breaking the silence.
''Locke is right, Maria Chere.'' Edgar added jokingly.
The young woman sighed. ''Alright! But if I ruin the show, I'll kill you!'' she said crossly, and slapped Edgar for the joke he had made.
This response ended up provoking Cyan, who drew his katana. ''Don't even think about it!'' he growled.
''Get a grip, Cyan, the audience is here. I think you took the sentence a little too literally, Celes won't really kill us.'' Sabin said, grabbing his wrist, and the samurai calmed down and sheathed his katana, while Celes walked into the dressing room to practice and get changed.
''What now?'' asked Gau.
''We will now inform Maria of this and ask her if she would mind leaving the role to Miss Chere, then we will take her to a safe place. The show will begin shortly, and Miss Chere will have to act from the second act onwards. We'll have to help her get ready, and the second act will start in an hour, at midnight. I'll be there shortly to start the show and tell the story.'' said the impresario, entering the dressing room. But no one noticed that someone was watching them and was planning something.
(''Spinach Rag- Final Fantasy VI OST-s'')
(''Overture- Final Fantasy VI Pixel Remaster (English Version) OST'')
As Locke, Edgar, Sabin, Cyan and Gau took their seats, the impresario made a speech. ''You may be wondering what happened to our opera singer. She won't perform today.'' he said, as the audience booed, but he knew how to reassure it. ''But don't worry! Miss Celes Chere agreed to take her place, and Maria gave her permission, so let's get started!''
There was loud applause from the audience. All the lights except those on the stage went out and the impresario narrated the first act. ''The war between East and West was getting worse every day... Draco, a soldier from the West, thinks of his love, Maria, the Western princess, who is at home...''
Gau was particularly excited, as he had never attended a play before. The orchestra began to play and the red curtain slowly opened, showing a scene outside at night, and on the stage was the actor playing Draco, the hero of the army of the west, wearing a silver armor that shone in the moonlight. Three more soldiers arrived on the backs of chocobos, but they were dressed differently, and they hit the rider, who fell with a thud, and the audience watched with concern.
''That must be Draco.'' Cyan said in whispers.
''And those guys are from the army of the East, led by Ralse, the Eastern prince.'' Edgar whispered.
Draco put his hands on his heart and began to sing in a voice in tenor.(1)
''Oh, Maria!''
''Oh, Maria!''
''My beloved, do you hear''
''My words whispered in your ear''
''As if I there by your side?''
''Uhm... why are they singing? Is it part of the opera?'' Sabin asked in confusion. He remained cultured despite not having lived at the castle for ten years, but he did not remember the opera that well.
''Yes, it's part of the opera.'' Edgar replied.
''Nice song!'' said Gau, his eyes fixed on the scene.
Locke, as he watched the scene of the first act, which was the battle between east and west, thought of Celes, and knew that soon it would be her turn. ''Cyan, what time is it?'' he asked.
Cyan took his pocket watch out of his pocket. ''It's almost midnight, the second act will start soon. I admit that I like the opera.'' he replied. ''What are you going to do, Sir Locke?''
''Soon it will be Celes's turn. I'm going to the dressing room.'' replied the treasure hunter.
''Go then. She must be ready.'' Edgar said.
Locke left the room down the stairs to the left and knocked on the dressing room door, just as the fight between East and West became more intense. ''Celes? Are you there?'' he asked.
''Locke, you can come in!'' Celes said.
So, Locke walked in, and gasped when he saw Celes, dressed as the character she was to play, Princess Maria. She wore a long white dress with high heels, and her blond hair, glistening from the shower she'd taken earlier, was tied in a ponytail with a purple bow. She also wore jewelry, had lipstick on her lips and some makeup, and the treasure hunter felt something he hadn't felt in a long time. ''Have you always been... so beautiful?'' he stammered, all red in the face.
Celes looked at him with a serious expression. ''Locke, why did you defend me like that?'' she asked.
''In South Figaro? Because I'm sick of twibbling my thumbs while I lose the girls I love. You know what happened to Rachel.'' Locke replied.
She looked at him coldly. ''No offense, but am I just a substitute for her?'' he asked, referring to Rachel.
''Anyway, I came here to check on how things are going. Soon it will be your turn.'' the adventurer said.
''Yes, I will have to go on stage soon, and the next scene is important. Here, Maria fears that something has happened to Draco, and sings her worries.'' Celes said. ''I practiced for a while while I was getting dressed, so I think I figured out how to do it.''
''Are you sure? Don't you want to read the score one more time?'' Locke asked.
''I'm sure I can do it.'' the girl replied.
''Well, then there isn't much I can tell you. I advise you to give the right emotion when you sing, you have to look convincing and credible. Me and the others will see your performance. Good luck.'' Locke said to her, placing his hand on her shoulder.
''I understand. Thanks, Locke.'' Celes said, stepping out of the tent.
(''Overture- Final Fantasy VI Pixel Remaster (English Version) OST-s'')
(''Aria di Mezzo Carattere- Final Fantasy VI Pixel Remaster (English Version) OST'')
Locke did not sit down, but remained standing in front of the tent to get a better look. the curtain closed again, and the impresario narrated the second act. ''The armies of the West were defeated, and the Maria's castle fell into the hands of the East. Forced to marry Ralse, prince of the East, Maria continues to think of Draco, every night, as she looks at the sky... Ladies and gentlemen, as Maria, with the Aria di Mezzo Carattere, Celes Chere!'' he said.
The audience cheered, and Locke, leaning over the curtain, thought of Celes more than ever. ''You can do it, Celes.'' he thought.
''This is going to be cool!'' Edgar said excitedly.
''Let's see if she can sing.'' Cyan said.
(Objective: Perform in the Opera to get Setzer's attention.)
Characters:
Celes
The curtain opened again, showing the castle of the west, always at night and in the moonlight. Celes was on one of the towers, and walked up to one of the castle balconies, then, mustering all her strength and thinking of Locke, she began to sing in a mezzo-soprano voice with one hand in her heart as she moved slowly but gracefully, and the limelight was all on her.
''O, my hero, my beloved''
''Shall we still be made to part?''
''Though promises of perennial love''
''Yet sing here in my heart?''
''I'm the darkness, you're the starlight''
''Shining brightly from afar.''
''Through hours of despair, I offer this prayer''
''To you, my evening star.''
''Must my final vows exchanged''
''Be with him and not with you?''
''Where you only here to quiet my fear...''
''O speak! Guide me anew.''
The first half of the song was over. As Celes climbed a couple of steps leading up to the next part's location, there was a round of applause, mostly between Locke and his companions, and Gau's enthusiasm nearly made him fall off his seat.
''Celes is really good!'' Edgar said.
''Yeah. She's not an opera singer, but she sings really well.'' Sabin added, as he ate some popcorn, and Cyan nodded.
One of the spotlights illuminated another area near Celes, revealing Draco, or rather, the actor who played him, who had entered the set through a trap door. ''Come, Maria... dance with me.'' he said.
The two began to dance, with their eyes on each other, and when they finished, they kissed on the lips. It was all a play, of course, and Locke knew it, but he couldn't help but feeling something odd. When Draco finished dancing, he laughed, and when he stepped down the trapdoor, other spotlights covered him to make it look like he disappeared, and then revealed a prop, a bouquet of red roses, as if he had transformed into it. Celes, who had to throw the flowers before the song was over, held them close to her and reached the top, then started singing again.
''I am thankful, my beloved''
''For your tenderness and grace.''
''I see in your eyes, so gentle and wise''
''All doubts and fears erased!''
''Though the hours take no notice''
''Of what fate might have in store,''
''Our love, come what may, will never age a day.''
''I'll wait forevermore!''
Once the part to sing was over, Celes tossed the bouquet of roses into the air, and Edgar thought he saw a coin cross the flowers under the moon.(2) Then came the actor who played the chancellor of the castle. ''Princess, Prince Ralse is looking for a dance partner. Leave the past behind. Now our kingdom is part of the East.'' he said solemnly. Celes nodded, turned her gaze to Locke, who was still watching her, and posed in the spotlight as the song ended, and down the stairs, following the chancellor. The curtain closed, indicating that the second act was over.
(''Aria di Mezzo Carattere- Final Fantasy VI Pixel Remaster (English Version) OST-s'')
There was an immense roar of applause from the audience, and Cyan was not exempt. ''I admit it, Lady Celes was very good, I'm impressed.'' he said, with a smile.
''Yes, even though she doesn't have Maria's experience, she's a great singer!'' Edgar said.
Gau loved the experience of seeing the opera so much that he almost fell out of his seat, and if he fell, he would bounce everywhere. ''Woah! You like it, huh, little munchkin?'' he asked jokingly, giggling and stroking his hair.
Locke smiled. ''You were great, Celes.'' he murmured. Her voice was beautiful and harmonious, even though she was not an opera singer. But when he came back, he delivered a letter and read it.
''Since you have snubbed me, I will jam the opera!
-Ultros''
Seeing that letter, the treasure hunter knew it was no good. ''I must warn the impresario!'' he said.
(''Wedding Waltz: Duel- Final Fantasy VI Pixel Remaster (English Version) OST'')
Meanwhile, the third and final act had begun. This time, the scene was indoors, and a ball was in progress, among which participants were Celes, who continued to play Princess Maria, and the actor who played Prince Ralse. Still following the script, she showed no interest in him during the ball, as Maria loved Draco, and not him, as evidenced by the Aria di Mezzo Carattere.
A soldier from the east hurried to the scene. ''The survivors of the West have launched the attack!'' he shouted.
''What?! That's impossible!'' Ralse exclaimed in shock, and Celes gasped hopefully, still acting according to the script.
A small group of soldiers from the West who survived the defeat in the first act clashed with those from the East, and a chocobo charged into Ralse. ''Hold it!'' a voice cried out. On the chocobo, there was Draco, leading the attacking soldiers, and when he saw Celes, he hugged her tightly and began to sing. ''Maria!''
Celes sang too, without letting go of him. ''Oh, Draco! I knew you would come to me, my love!''
Ralse opposed, singing in a baritone voice. ''Insolent rogue! Knave of the Western horde! You would address my queen to be, Maria?''
Of course, Draco objected and raised his sword. ''Never shall you have Maria's hand! I would die before that day comes!'' he declared.
''Then it's a duel!'' said Ralse, also drawing his sword, and the duel began.
At the same time, Locke caught up with the impresario and the others in a hurry. ''Guys, look!'' he shouted, showing the letter.
''What?! They're gonna sabotage the opera?!'' the impresario shouted, horrified.
Sabin clenched his fists in anger at the signature. ''Ultros!'' he shouted.
''Do you know him?'' Cyan asked.
''Yes! When Terra, Sabin, Banon and I had to go to Narshe, he attacked us, and Sabin was separated from us in an attempt to attack him underwater.'' Edgar replied.
''Up there!'' the impresario exclaimed. On a walkway above the stage, there was Ultros, who was trying to push something heavy off the edge, a huge 4 tons weight, and he was exactly above Celes!
''If that weight falls on Celes, it will kill her! I can't allow that!'' Locke yelled, horrified.
''And we will stop Ultros! Even if Celes managed to dodge that weight, it would still ruin the opera!'' Edgar said.
''Go to the top right room and talk to the stage technician! He knows how to get up there! Be quick, the weight won't stay in position for much longer, just a few minutes!'' the impresario said, agitated.
(Objective: Stop Ultros before he sabotages the opera!)
Characters:
Locke
Edgar
Sabin
Cyan
Gau
So, everyone ran to the room indicated by the impresario and talked to the stage technician. ''Looks like someone is on the catwalk above the stage. Hit the rightmost switch, then go to the left of the stage and you can reach the catwalks.'' he said.
The five followed the instructions they had received and went out onto the catwalks when they saw big, hideous sewer rats. ''Be careful! Those rats love to eat human meat and organs, and their bite is poisonous!'' Edgar said. In fact, two of those mice clung to his leg to try to bite him, but he managed to get them off with the hilt of his sword. However, Gau, who had to walk on two legs, had trouble going through the narrow space and a sewer rat bit him, poisoning him. The poison weakened him so much that he almost fell below.
''Gau!'' Sabin shouted. He managed to grab him in time and carried him on his shoulders to offer him some protection. ''I got you, Gau! Hold on tight to me!''
''Sir Gau, take this! It's an antidote.'' Cyan said, taking a potion out of his pocket and making Gau drink it. All traces of poison in his body disappeared.
''Come on! Let's hurry!'' Edgar said, and among several rats trying to bite their legs, they jumped from one walkway to another.
''We got you, Ultros!'' Locke shouted, when they managed to reach Ultros.
''Oh, rats!'' Ultros exclaimed.
(''Wedding Waltz: Duel- Final Fantasy VI Pixel Remaster (English Version) OST-s'')
A confrontation occurred between Locke and Ultros, charging each other. At one point, the unexpected happened: the octopus hit the treasure hunter so hard that he threw him at the others, and everyone fell down, including Ultros, ending up on the stage. Celes avoided the impact, but Locke fell on top of the actor playing Draco, Ultros landed on the actor playing Prince Ralse, and Cyan, Sabin and Gau had fallen on top of each other.
''My aching back...'' Cyan murmured in a voice so low that no one heard him.
To say that Celes didn't expect what had happened was an understatement, she was extremely confused about what had just happened. This was supposed to be the part where Draco defeated Ralse in a duel, but due to an unknown agent, they were both KO'd, and so the story was stalled.
The impresario, who was on stage, put his hands in his hair in horror. ''Noooo! This is a disaster! Now that they're both knocked out, who's gonna get the girl? How can the story continue?!'' he yelled, as the audience began to complain, and someone was already starting to leave.
Locke stood up and made a sign to Celes, as he had come up with the idea of improvising. ''Neither Draco nor Ralse will get Celes' hand! It will be I, Locke Cole, the best treasure hunter in the world, who will save her and take her as my wife!'' he shouted. His plan worked, as the audience cheered.
''What horrible acting...'' the impresario murmured.
''Silence! You are in the presence of a royal octopus! No lowborn thief can ever defeat me! I challenge you to a duel!'' Ultros shouted.
''TREASURE HUNTER!'' Locke yelled in anger.
''I could take advantage of it. MUSIC!'' declared the impresario.
(''Battle Theme A- Final Fantasy II PSP OST'')
(Objective: Defeat Ultros!)
Characters:
Locke
Edgar
Sabin
Cyan
Gau
The orchestra began playing a battle theme. ''Celes, stay where you are!'' Locke said. His attempt to improvise had worked.
Edgar was so focused on posing for the audience that he didn't notice the attack from Ultros, that he just missed it. ''Sir Edgar, this is not the time for these things!'' Cyan told him sternly.
Avoiding another blow from the octopus's tentacle, the king of Figaro passed Sabin a scabbard that contained a sword forged from a precious and resistant magical metal often used to craft weapons and armor, mythril, which gave it a light bluish color, but it was reinforced with another very powerful material, adamantite. ''Sabin, I didn't know you could use a sword.'' Locke said.
''When Sabin and I lived in the castle, we learned to fight with a sword, but I prefer to use spears, and he has become a warrior monk, so he usually fights with his bare hands. Anyway, it doesn't make much difference to him, it's the same method of attack, just with more range.'' Edgar replied.
''Well, well, we meet again!'' said Ultros.
''You will pay for separating me from my friends!'' Sabin shouted.
Ultros swung his tentacles in an attempt to trip the Resturners, but they were quicker and Gau repeatedly slashed him with his claws, followed by Sabin, who fired an Aura Cannon, and Locke, who threw a boomerang at him.
''Scan!'' Celes remained in her place, but used a spell, spawning a magical scope that framed Ultros. ''This spell allows you to scan enemies and identify elements to which they are resistant or weak. For example, this enemy is weak to fire and electricity, but absorbs water. He attacks with his tentacles and firing lightning bolts. Sometimes, he can also trigger acid rain that can poison.'' she said.
Edgar hit Ultros with a powerful jump attack, Cyan unleashed a series of blows with his katana and Gau activated a Rage, that of the Aspiran, releasing a powerful lightning bolt that hit him directly.
''Hey! I'm not a mixed fried!'' the octopus exclaimed, offended. He released a thick cloud of ink that blocked everyone's view, then hit them with his tentacles and released acid rain that poisoned Gau and Locke. The treasure hunter used an antidote to cure the poison, but Ultros released a powerful bolt of lightning against Gau.
''Sir Gau! Art thou okay?!'' Cyan exclaimed, concerned.
''Everything OK...'' Gau murmured. However, being still poisoned, he did not seem very sincere, and the samurai gave him the antidote before using his Bushido Fang technique, with which he hit the enemy.
Sabin accumulated ki energy, but noticed that there was a fireball in his hands, which he fired at Ultros.
''I don't believe it!'' Locke exclaimed.
''That's the Fire spell, the one Terra used a lot!'' Edgar exclaimed. ''Now I understand what Ramuh meant!'' He then had the idea of launching a combined attack with Sabin, who nodded. He jumped up with spear in hand, and his brother threw him into the air, giving him even more momentum, drew his sword and launched a spin attack together, hitting Ultros both in front and behind, and the octopus fired lightning that struck everyone except Gau and the warrior monk.
''I would say we have to summon Ramuh.'' Cyan said.
Sabin nodded, pulled out the Magicite showing Ramuh's image, rubbed it, and it began to glow as he began to summon him. ''O, lord of thunder, storm the sky and strike your enemies with your thunderbolts until incinerate theme! Come to me, Ramuh! JUDGEMENT BOLT!'' The Magicite, still in midair, emitted a strong light, revealing the Esper Ramuh, who raised his scepter and released a bolt of lightning.
''That's just so cool!'' Edgar exclaimed.
''Hey! That's enough! I'm not edible!'' Ultros shouted, after being struck by lightning. He swung the tentacles forward, but they all dodged his blows and Sabin leapt in front of him, spinning around with fireballs in his hands.
''Now I want a takoyaki.'' Cyan said, licking his lips.(3)
The octopus was even more offended. ''Who did you take me for, old face?!''
''I'm not old!'' the samurai snapped, as Ramuh kept shooting lightning from his scepter.
''Shut that big mouth of yours, Ultros!'' Sabin shouted. ''Let's finish this!''
Everyone nodded and prepared to attack together. Locke attacked Ultros from behind and Sabin threw him into the air with a powerful uppercut, then created three clones while Cyan launched a series of blows with the Bushido Flurry technique, Edgar penetrated him with a drill and Gau scratched and bit him. ''Rising Phoenix!'' The Blitz technique, reinforced by the impact caused by the attack of the others, created an explosion, then the five took a pose and the audience cheered.
''Drat! I'm sorry if I run like a sucker, I'm an octopus with ink!'' said Ultros, before running away.
(''Battle Theme A- Final Fantasy II PSP OST-s'')
''What a coward.'' Cyan commented, referring to Ultros.
''We have to go on with the plan.'' Locke said.
''Thanks for your help, Ramuh.'' Sabin said, as Ramuh became Magicite again.
''Hold it right there! An impressive performance!'' said a voice, and someone jumped onto the stage, grabbing Celes from behind. He was a man with long silver hair, dressed in a long black coat complete with a foulard, black shirt and pants and white boots. His face was pale and full of scars; one was along his left eyebrow, one on his forehead, one on his right cheek and three on his chin.
''Setzer?!'' exclaimed the impresario.
''I am a man of my word, Impresario. Now I'll take Maria!'' Setzer said, taking Celes away.
The impresario was surprised by all the twists that were happening. ''How many twists! When it looked like Maria was going to become Locke's bride, she is kidnapped by Setzer instead! What will happen? Find out in the second part!'' he said excitedly, and the audience left satisfied.
Setzer led the woman near his airship. ''I'll take care of you later, don't worry.'' he said, before entering. Celes had a chance to take off her heels and pulled out a long rope.
''The first part of the plan worked!'' Edgar said.
''Now let's talk to Setzer. He might help us.'' Locke added, and they all started climbing one at a time to catch up with Celes, who was changing, then entered. ''Celes, you were great as a fake actress.'' he said.
She was really angered. ''Oh, that's enough!'' she snapped.
''Okay, Act Two: let's try to get him to help us.'' Edgar said.
''Where is Setzer?'' Cyan asked.
''I think he'll be back shortly.'' Celes said.
(''Setzer's Theme- Final Fantasy VI OST'')
As expected, Setzer after a few seconds, and was shocked to see that the woman he had kidnapped was not Maria, but Celes. ''You are not Maria! Who are you?!'' he exclaimed.
''Setzer, we need your help. We need to go to Vector, and we need your airship to do that.'' Celes said.
Setzer didn't seem willing to help them, though. ''Listen, if you're not Maria, I don't think I have a reason to listen to you.'' he cut short.
Thus, Celes changed approach. ''Wait up! They say your airship is the best in the world!'' she said.
''And you're the most famous gambler ever.'' Locke added.
''I am the king of Figaro. If you help us, you will be rewarded.'' Edgar said.
Cyan knelt on the ground. ''And I am Cyan, from the kingdom of Doma. Sir Setzer, I beseech thee on my knees, help us, please!'' he pleaded.
The man looked at them and thought about it for a few seconds. ''Follow me, all of you. But don't get me wrong, I haven't decided yet whether to help you or not.'' he said, looking at Celes. He led them to another room. ''Now that I think about it, because of the Empire, my business is in decline.''(4)
''If what you say is true, you are not the only one suffering negative consequences from the Empire. They're destroying entire cities around the world.'' Celes said.
''Yes, and they are using Magitek powers to take over the world.'' Locke added.
''Once, my kingdom was an ally of the Empire, but not anymore, especially after the second-in-command and court mage of the Empire, Kefka Palazzo, set fire to my castle and tried to kill me in the middle of the night because I was running away with a girl who took refuge here.'' Edgar said.
Cyan looked down with his head down, not feeling like explaining what had happened to his kingdom. Sabin, worried about his friend, put a hand on his shoulder and spoke on his behalf. ''I am Sabin, the brother of the king of Figaro, and the Empire killed our father ten years ago. This young boy is Gau, who agreed to help us. Finally, this is Cyan, a warrior from Doma, and I speak on his behalf as I say it. He explained to me that because of the Empire, he lost everything, as his kingdom was decimated. Kefka poisoned the water of the river, killing half of the population, including everyone who lived in the castle, and among them, apart from a sentry, Cyan is the only survivor, losing his soldiers, his king, his kingdom, but most of all, he lost his family.'' he said sadly.
Setzer was taken aback, he did not know that the Empire could be so ruthless. ''Is it all true?'' he asked.
''It's true. We all have one thing in common: We have lost something to the Empire, and we hate them for it. So help us out, please... using your ship is the only way to reach Vector, on the southern continent, the ports are all closed.'' Celes pleaded.
''Do you know what? You look a lot like Maria, but to me you are even better than her.'' Setzer said, catching her off guard and approaching her. ''I've made my decision. I'll help you if Celes marries me.''
Celes was shocked, but Locke was very horrified. ''WHAT?! You're crazy!'' he shouted, completely losing his cool.
''Fine.'' the woman said.
This response left the treasure hunter even more shocked than before. ''CELES, ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND?!'' he screamed. The others did not expect this, but they said nothing.
(''Setzer's Theme- Final Fantasy VI OST-s'')
Celes sighed and decided to finish the sentence before anyone else could misunderstand. ''Pull yourself together, Locke, I have a plan. Setzer, I accept the request, but on one condition.'' she said. ''Edgar, would you lend me a coin?'' Edgar put his hand in his pocket and handed her a coin. ''We will put an end to this by flipping this coin. If heads, you'll help us, and if tails, I'll be yours. Well, Mr. Gambler?''
Setzer chuckled. ''It suits me just fine! I accept!'' he said.
''Celes, are you sure this is a good idea?'' Locke murmured.
"That's the only option I have, Locke.'' Celes replied. She tossed the coin, which landed at Setzer's feet. On the side facing up was the face of a king. ''It's heads. I win. Now that I have kept the deal, you will do the same.''
Setzer took the coin and looked at it. ''Of course I lost! It's a two-headed coin!'' he said.
Sabin was shocked by what he had heard. ''Hold on. Show me that coin.'' he said. He noticed that on one face of it, there was his face, and in the other, there was Edgar's, and he turned his gaze to his brother. He wasn't angry, but he was particularly serious. ''Big brother... Did you really rig that throw years ago?'' he asked.
Edgar sighed. ''I knew you didn't want to stay as king, and of your disgust with the court at how they reacted after our father's death. I gave up my freedom by my own choice.'' he said.
The younger brother smiled at him. ''Yes, I have always preferred life on the outside than on the inside. Edgar... thanks.'' he said. ''Maybe it was selfish of me, anyway.''
''That's not true. I wanted to leave the castle behind as well, but one of us had to stay, and I gave up my freedom deliberately.'' Edgar replied.
''You have been duped, Mr. Gambler. But it's part of the game.'' Celes said teasingly.
The gambler burst out laughing. ''I can't believe you can be sly enough to use such a trick! You convinced me. I will help you. Betting against the Empire is like betting my life, I haven't felt so alive in years!'' he said. Cyan shook his hand, and satisfied, Edgar pocketed the two-headed coin.
Locke didn't approve of Celes putting herself on the line like that and then cheating. ''Celes, you scared the heck out of me! Making that deal when you had a trick coin?!'' he snapped.
''Locke. Not to offend you, but who cares who I marry?'' Celes asked, and he didn't answer, blushing.
''This is my airship, the Blackjack. I'll take you to Vector immediately. In the meantime, go to sleep, it's very late. We will reach the town at dawn.'' Setzer said.
Cyan looked at his pocket watch and realized that Setzer was right. It was nearly 1 AM, and they were still awake.'' There will be a place to sleep, or am I wrong?'' he asked.
''Of course. While taking a tour of the airship, go to the back rooms and you will find the bedroom. There area lot of beds, more than enough for you.'' the gambler explained. Until now, Celes and the others were sure they could trust him, but Locke was offended by the deal he made, and it seemed it would take him some time to forgive him. Anyway, after finding, to their surprise, a casino in the airship, they all went to sleep, thinking about how many things they had discovered that day.
A/N: The plan worked! But what will happen to Vector? And what is Kefka doing? Let's find out! I hope you enjoyed this chapter, especially how I described the opera. See you in the next chapter!
(1): In the opera, Draco's voice is in tenor, Maria's is in mezzo-soprano and Ralse's is in baritone.
(2): In Final Fantasy Anthology, in the second full motion video, where you can hear the Aria di Mezzo Carattere, there are two intertwined scenes, the one with Edgar and Sabin on top of Figaro Castle, and the scene in which Celes performs at the opera. They both throw something (a coin and a bouquet respectively), and these two parts briefly intertwine, with the flowers and the coin overlapping in front of the moon.
(3): Takoyaki are octopus meatballs, and they are a Japanese dish typical of Osaka, with their name meaning ''fried octopus''.
(4): In the original version, Setzer stated otherwise. This is a translation error that got corrected in the ports from GBA onwards, which have a translation more faithful to the dialogues in the Japanese version.