Chapter three
Dark One: Presence made Known
X and Sabin left the forests of Figaro and traveled southwest until they reached the city outer limits. X assumed that he was going to see a small town of wooden houses and perhaps a water wheel in the square, like Sabin's house was. Assume nothing.
The town of South Figaro, in a ten-year time, had doubled its population and tripled the size. All of the old wooden houses were renovated with Illuminari/Figaroin technology and turned into a city of metal and plastic, rivaling that of the cities on X's home world of NEO.
At the center of the city, the Trade Municipal Building stood along with the main landing strip and pads for the UAF Sky Runners, and this was where the duo were to picked up in the Platinum Falcon. The building itself stretched high into the clouds, and acted as the secondary HQ for the United Air Force. Sabin and X ventured further into the city, and X was taken a back at how much the place reminded him of Delta Frame, the capitol city of NEO.
"Man... this place looks nothing like your home back in the woods..."
"Yeah, the Protection Treaty of 2873 makes it illegal for any metal or electronic devices to be used or made within the Sanctuary Zones on RUIN. Figaro Forrest happens to be one of those areas. I never liked the city anyway, I'm more of a nature guy myself."
"Yeah... I guess..."
As X continued to look around the city, he noticed that the TMB stretched higher than any other building in all of South Figaro. Also, another thing caught his eye. Up in the sky, the clouds were being parted in half by an incredibly fast object, almost recklessly fast. As he looked over to tell Sabin about the skies, the monk was already looking at the sky, just smiling at the object ripping apart the thick puffy clouds.
"That... would be your BLIMP I believe..."
X's jaw dropped at the thought that the jet up in the sky was the Platinum Falcon that Sabin was talking about. As he saw the ship come nearer to the landing platform on top of the TMB, the ship simply dazzled him beyond belief. Even some of the technicians on NEO would never have conceived the design on mechanics.
It appeared as if the metal frame of the ship was constructed around an incredibly think and partially metal airbag. The rear of the ship divided up into a set of three wings, two along the sides at angles with a smaller main one sticking out of the back. The front of the ship resembled that of an old authentic sailing ship, with cabin's quarters and deck, but those areas that would normally be open to the wind were shielded over by a type of plastic X couldn't identify. Yet, the most amazing part of the whole vehicle was the engine. In the rear, a set of three exhaust turbines blazed with fire and raw power out the rear of the ship. From what X's scanners could tell him, the power used to create that kind of propulsion effect required an energy source so great that it would have to rival the destructive force of a Super Nova!
Eventually, the great ship came to a halt on the top platform of the TMB where the duo was waiting. The docking clamps connected themselves to the platform, and with a soft whine, the turbines within the three engines slowed to a graceful stop. The main hatch of the ship lowered itself down to the ground, and a man wearing a black trench coat stepped down the rail steps and onto the platform.
His coat was riddled with patches and tears all along it, yet still looked as though it was not showing all it truly had. A small leather bag with a black spade hung from the man's waist, along with a pack of darts, and a deck of odd playing cards connected to his belt. Glinting from inside the sash bound coat, a rather long dagger was laced to his leg with the only visible letters reading A R Y L. X diverted his eyes down to the man's boots, which were also beaten and ratty, looking as if they were about to fall apart. Yet, with a closer look, X's enhanced eyes could see the metal frame within, obviously meant to lure his opponent in a sense of false security. Yet of all these odds and ends, the most intriguing thing of all was his face.
To X, it appeared as that of a disciplined mask, covering the unbridled spirit of the adventurer and risk-taker within. His eyes with a dark hazel, reflecting and absorbing all that they see, never wavering, but always examining. From under his left eye, a pair of cross scars stood against his strict face, giving the hint that he had seen some rough times before. Lastly, his long silvery hair cascaded down and over his coat, bound by a single piece of green cloth, with the visible letters of D A R. All in all, X could tell that this man, who commanded the finest vesicle he had ever seen, was not to be taken lightly.
"So... you came Sabin... I almost thought that I'd have to fly out over the southern forest to draw you out. I'm glad you saved me the trouble of having to waste my precious fuel to deliver this to you..."
X's eyes darted to the man right hand slowly revealing itself from its confining pocket, and then droop down to his thigh and hang in mid-air. X turned his head to see Sabin release his claws back into his pockets and let both of his hands drop down to his sides as well. What the hell is going on?! X thought.
Suddenly, both men's eyes widened and X could have sworn his saw a slight glimmer of a reddish flame glow in their pupils. Suddenly, X's energy sensors jumped up a few hundred notches for no reason that he could explain. X became stunned in confusion as both men jumped into the air and raised their hands at each other palm side out.
POWER OF INFERNO: Igtenos: Fira-bolt 1
In front of their palms, X's sensors could detect the temperature rise about two hundred degrees, and then shape itself into a condensed ball of pure heat. Then X's own eyes, under no artificial or mechanical aid, could see the air erupt into flames and numerous blasts of blazing fire burst out of Sabin's palms and leave a fiery trail of flame as they raced to meet with the silver haired man's own barrage of flame.
The two volleys collided, producing a raging explosion of heat and fire in around the three people. Sabin and the other man just stood there, grin's that would rival that of the Cheshire cat, and eyes locked dead on each other.
Feeling as though he could cut the suspense with a knife, X was about to yell out something when Sabin suddenly ran over to the man and embraced him in a giant bear hug, leaving X completely dumb founded and confused.
"Oh man Setzer it's so good to see you! I knew nothing would ever change the Eternal Gambler!"
"Yeah yeah, not even the title of the Air Marshal can slow me down. Hell, with wings like these," Setzer rose his arm in the direction of the monstrous Falcon, "nothing can keep me on the ground! So enough about me, how've you been man? Still managin' to train all your Students at the Academy and still find time to make friends? I'm impressed." Setzer walked past the smiling Sabin and up to X with his hand outstretched. "The name's Gabianni, Setzer Gabianni, I'm the United Air Force Commander in Chief, otherwise known as the Air Marshall by reputation."
"Yep," Sabin piped in, "ol' Setz' here has flown the skies of the world ten times over and turned the tides of luck for any man that dared to cross 'em. Why, I even heard a rumor in the South Figaro pub the other day that you single-handedly shot down 25 Wingers using only a small handblaster!"
"Stop man you're embarrasin' me! So anyway, Edgar told me that you were bringin' a friend with you to the reunion, is this 'im?" X drew his dark blue coat tighter around his body, not wanting to reveal to Sabin or Setzer that he had on instinct activated his Reploid Armor underneath when the "cross-fire" had started a few minuets ago.
"Yes, that would be me. Xain Crosslight, bounty hunter and sword fighter stands before you now. That's a pretty impressive ship you got there, how fast does she go? I bet that with the Fusion Engine you're using, this babe will get you from here to the other side of the world in no time."
A blank look on Sabin and Setzer's face was all that the two could show. "Hu...How did you know that the P. Falcon runs off a Dual-Fusion Core? No one knows that except the Illuminari..." Without even realizing what he was saying, X went on to explain how you can tell it's a fusion core because of the turbine engines used to create a magnetic tunnel field to direct the raw power out of the three exhausts to move the giant jet.
Realizing that he might spill his identity to a government guy, X quickly changed the subject on them. "So... this thing goes to Figaro huh?" Setzer just stared at the smiling swordsman and then turned his attention back towards the P. Falcon.
"Yeah... I was originally going to take you two to the castle, but the king sent me a note saying that we had to stop off in Thamasa to pick up some other people for the reunion." After finishing that, Setzer looked over at Sabin, and X for the first time saw the young monk's face harden a little with anger.
"Don't worry, I'll be good, as long as he doesn't brag about his powers." Sabin made a fist with hand that was hidden under his cape, but X's "eyes" could see that a small band of electricity wrapped itself around his fist, fueled by the emotion of anger.
X made a note in his mind to ask Sabin about this guy, and followed Setzer up into the heart of the Platinum Falcon. Based on everything he had seen so far of this place, perhaps it wasn't so bad to be stuck here. At least, for once in his life, he didn't have to worry about a potentially dangerous force capable of destroying the entire world...
"Finally, he has arrived."
Remember your mission guardian; this is not your own personal vendetta
"Be quite, I know what's at stake here, and Ive mastered my abilities since we first crossed paths, I am no longer the rash fool you took in."
Perhaps, but your other side still shines through now and again, it may aid you in times of peril, but do not let it overcome you
"Enough preaching, I know the score... Not like this is my first time out..."
The figure rose from his throne of steel, and walked down the royal path of his empire. True, the powers of his master had given him the edge he needed to survive the Apocalypse, but the rest he had done on his own. His subjects knew that he had the force of their god behind him, and that he was the one that the prophecies foretold would restore the planet to the ancient ways before the coming of the first onslaught. The flowing platinum hair, ruby red armor of battle, and the fiery crimson blade of Judgment at his side; yes this was the man they had come to call the Deliverer, the bringer of destruction and creation.
The followers have said the he fell from the sky in a barrage of green and blue, falling from a door in the heavens over 13 years ago. He has not aged a day since then, and some believe that he never will. The powers that he had before the Joining were strong indeed, strong enough to allow him the right of the sacred ritual. Now, he was no longer one mind, but the Avatar of the Creator, the protector of the humans during the first war of the Demons.
"I need no such armies as these... I alone have the power of the heavens at my command. And he will never be able to withstand the fury I will unleash upon this land. I will break him down until he becomes the man that I was. The Destroyer of Life, Messenger of the Damned was my name."
Forget the past Rok, it is over now. I chose you for the power you have sealed off inside of you. Remember that, and I promise that you will go down in history as the Deliverer of Legends, believe in the powers of the Champion.
"As you say... It shall be done..."
"Wait for me X, I shall not be long..."
The Falcon continued its flight across the great ocean of Mobliz. Granted that the planet had been ravaged apart only years ago, life was trying to return as best it could. Setzer continued to man the controls of the great vessel, continually try to see if he could get close enough to skim the great waves of the sea. X just wandered the ship and continued to marvel at the sheer brilliance that if must have taken to design a ship with this much power built into it. In some spots along the engine room, advances had been made far beyond those of even NEO scientists.
Sabin had said that the trip would take five hours even at peak speed, so he was going to go rest up and meditate back in the Falcon's reserved quarters. The room was exactly as he had left it all those years ago. Even the prized Tiger Fang and Dragon Claw still hung from their mounts next to his old bed. As he continued to look over the room, his gaze fell upon the lone picture of a time long past.
"The Returners... man we were so happy back then..." It was a photo of the entire ragtag crew standing on the battered deck of the original Falcon. Everyone was clustered at the front of the airship's wooden bow, all wearing his or her own unique armors and relics. Everyone had arrived here for this final moment, the moment in which they would save their world and everyone that lived on it.
Sabin and Edgar took up the sides, even though both had grown up a little different, their eyes glowed with the same spirit. In the middle, Terra and Celes had their arms over each other's back and were smiling into the lens of the camera. Locke was just sprawled out on the ground at their hips, smiling that thief smile he's known for and twirling a dagger in his hand. Gau and Relm stood at his flanks, both smiling into the camera as well... man they sure were cute together. Cyan stood next to Sabin, his polished armor and Asura blade fastened tightly to his waist, he had lost so much, yet still able to push on. Behind everyone else, dead center stood Shadow with the master wizard Strago directly in front of him. The old man still had the glimmer in his eyes, yet for Shadow, none really knew what went on behind that mask of glowing blue eyes. Lastly, the oddball trio stood out in their own ways throughout the photo. Umaro was holding Mog on his back next to Edgar, and Gogo was leaning on Setzer, who as usual, was flipping a card around in his hand.
"None of us wanted to be there, going against an insane madman, but it wasn't like we had much choice in the matter... Everyone had their own reasons for going through with it."
Sabin looked into the picture a little longer then, finally feeling the pull of Sleep bearing upon his eyes, fell down into his hammock, and journeyed to the land of dreams.
A plane. A valley. The infinite stretches of the human mind, yet to a trained monk of the order of LIGHT, it is the ultimate battlefield and training area for their cosmic powers. Here, Sabin had just readied his mental forces to begin training.
"Okay, let's do this."
MagiTek Soldier
Twin T-REX
On the battlefield of Sabin's mind, a single warrior in MagiTek armor and enhanced armor appeared, followed by a ferocious pair of Tyrannosauruses on his flank. To Sabin, this was the greatest training he could put himself up against.
The soldier fell back and allowed the two T-Rexes to charge forward at the readied monk. Sabin sprung his twin claws and jumped into the fray of mighty beasts. Sabin slashed and punched the mighty monsters, but they regenerated his attacks, keeping them ever powerful and vigilant for the monk to train.
"Good, this is what I need."
One of the T-Rexes pulled away from the other and jumped backwards away from the monk, and let out a mighty roar. Sabin quickly forgot about the one he was dueling with and turned his attention to the other.
"That roar! But that means it's going to... NO!"
Sabin concealed his claws and crossed his arms across his chest. The mighty beast's jaw glowed for a second, and then a brilliant beam of light shot out at the other Rex and Sabin. Numerous shards of giant rock were spinning and flying within the beam, shredding apart all that was there. Sabin took a hard beating within the attack, but the other T-Rex was completely devastated by it. This level of power shouldn't exist within the fight, why was it?
"STOP..."
As if on command, the T-Rex halted it's attack and stepped back to allow the MagiTek knight to walk in front of it. Sabin was lying on the ground, still sore from the onslaught. As he looked off, he could see the lone Knight stand there, but something was not right about it. He knew this figure... The face wasn't familiar, but the aura around him was.
"You can feel my presence, even as a mental projection... yes, its true young Sabin, you are a mighty warrior. But I always knew that."
Sabin's eyes widened inside of his sockets. Sweat dripped down his face. It wasn't possible...
"No! You're not him!"
In the young monk's head, a stab of fear crept into his skull and latched onto his thoughts. He knew this voice... 16 years had pasted since then, but the voice was the same. Sabin fell onto his back and began to crawl away from the oncoming soldier.
The soldier walked toward him, and the image of him began to change. His helmet fell to the ground, letting a long mane of pearl white hair drop down into a ponytail. The BioArmor he wore shattered away and was replaced by a blood read breastplate. His eyes turned to black then radiated from within a gleaming emerald. A raging blade of crimson fire burst from his hand, and a shield of emerald covered his left forearm.
"What's the matter Sabin? Don't you remember me? It's me... Lucied... How has time been to you? 16 years can change a man..."
Lucied looked down into the frightened monk's face and terrified eyes. Anyone else Sabin could fight... just not him... not this man... this monster! Sabin dropped his claws on the black floor, and tried to scurry away, but was frozen in place by this Black Warrior's glare.
"I... I thou... thought you died during the Cataclysm..."
"Yes well, I'm a lot tougher than you may think monk..." Lucied paced around the cowering Sabin and tapped his fiery red blade against the monk's cheek. Even though the blade produced no actual flame, Sabin could feel the burning heat it was generating. "I bet your wondering why I'm here. Well, let me tell you... something has arrived on this planet. Something powerful, something tame and yet savage, something a lot like me in a way. It could reshape this world if it knew how to harness its true power... but I cannot allow that to happen... not yet anyway. You know of this weapon... but you do not know it as I do. You do not of how far its potential for destruction and chaos lies. He and I will revive the power of this planet. I will be the instructor, and he will be my tool. The waters of Mana will flow once more..." Lucied bent down on one knee to look Sabin straight in the eyes.
"Before I go, let me give you a glimpse of your future... hero..." Lucied grabbed Sabin swiftly by his forehead and held on tight. A small gem on Lucied's brow appeared, shining a violent red and pulsing of power.
He tried to scream, but nothing came out, and visions flooded his mind. Terrible scenes of death and destruction like he had never believed! Bodies were strewn everywhere, walls were scorched and crumbling, and he was alone in a room against the monster that had done all this.
In front of him, a column of dust faded away to reveal a warrior clad in the blackest armor he had ever seen. Golden spikes rose out of its head, a fiery red jewel was set in the center of the headdress. The arms were thick and powerful, capable of doing far more damage than this. A pair of thin black wings protruded from its back, casting a dark shadow onto Sabin himself. The being's deadpan face looked into Sabin's crystal blue eyes, showing no emotion what so ever. Sabin looked into those eyes, those dead reddish eyes, and knew he had seen them before. The being raised its main weapon at the defenseless monk. He tried to speak, tried to say stop, but nothing came out. He pointed his own weapon at the dark monster, but it didn't help. From within the nozzle of its weapon, a blazing blue ball of burning flame reached out and engulfed Sabin within its fiery core.
Pain. Pain the likes of which no man should ever feel. The pain of slowly being burned alive. The pain of having your mind ripped apart as you die. Sabin could fight against none of it, just feel it all as it happened. Then, the pain stopped and Sabin slowly opened his eyes.
The picture of the Returners lay before his eyes, the glass slightly fractured along his face. Sabin quickly opened his eyes all the way. He was back in his room on board the Falcon. What had happened... it all felt so real. Lucied's breathe, the heat from his crimson blade, and the pain... Sabin shuddered at the thought. The pain was real... That he knew for sure...
Sabin ran his hand across his face to wipe away the sweat, and yelped when he felt a slight twinge of pain on his cheek. The burn mark from Lucied's sword... it was real...
Dark One: Presence made Known
X and Sabin left the forests of Figaro and traveled southwest until they reached the city outer limits. X assumed that he was going to see a small town of wooden houses and perhaps a water wheel in the square, like Sabin's house was. Assume nothing.
The town of South Figaro, in a ten-year time, had doubled its population and tripled the size. All of the old wooden houses were renovated with Illuminari/Figaroin technology and turned into a city of metal and plastic, rivaling that of the cities on X's home world of NEO.
At the center of the city, the Trade Municipal Building stood along with the main landing strip and pads for the UAF Sky Runners, and this was where the duo were to picked up in the Platinum Falcon. The building itself stretched high into the clouds, and acted as the secondary HQ for the United Air Force. Sabin and X ventured further into the city, and X was taken a back at how much the place reminded him of Delta Frame, the capitol city of NEO.
"Man... this place looks nothing like your home back in the woods..."
"Yeah, the Protection Treaty of 2873 makes it illegal for any metal or electronic devices to be used or made within the Sanctuary Zones on RUIN. Figaro Forrest happens to be one of those areas. I never liked the city anyway, I'm more of a nature guy myself."
"Yeah... I guess..."
As X continued to look around the city, he noticed that the TMB stretched higher than any other building in all of South Figaro. Also, another thing caught his eye. Up in the sky, the clouds were being parted in half by an incredibly fast object, almost recklessly fast. As he looked over to tell Sabin about the skies, the monk was already looking at the sky, just smiling at the object ripping apart the thick puffy clouds.
"That... would be your BLIMP I believe..."
X's jaw dropped at the thought that the jet up in the sky was the Platinum Falcon that Sabin was talking about. As he saw the ship come nearer to the landing platform on top of the TMB, the ship simply dazzled him beyond belief. Even some of the technicians on NEO would never have conceived the design on mechanics.
It appeared as if the metal frame of the ship was constructed around an incredibly think and partially metal airbag. The rear of the ship divided up into a set of three wings, two along the sides at angles with a smaller main one sticking out of the back. The front of the ship resembled that of an old authentic sailing ship, with cabin's quarters and deck, but those areas that would normally be open to the wind were shielded over by a type of plastic X couldn't identify. Yet, the most amazing part of the whole vehicle was the engine. In the rear, a set of three exhaust turbines blazed with fire and raw power out the rear of the ship. From what X's scanners could tell him, the power used to create that kind of propulsion effect required an energy source so great that it would have to rival the destructive force of a Super Nova!
Eventually, the great ship came to a halt on the top platform of the TMB where the duo was waiting. The docking clamps connected themselves to the platform, and with a soft whine, the turbines within the three engines slowed to a graceful stop. The main hatch of the ship lowered itself down to the ground, and a man wearing a black trench coat stepped down the rail steps and onto the platform.
His coat was riddled with patches and tears all along it, yet still looked as though it was not showing all it truly had. A small leather bag with a black spade hung from the man's waist, along with a pack of darts, and a deck of odd playing cards connected to his belt. Glinting from inside the sash bound coat, a rather long dagger was laced to his leg with the only visible letters reading A R Y L. X diverted his eyes down to the man's boots, which were also beaten and ratty, looking as if they were about to fall apart. Yet, with a closer look, X's enhanced eyes could see the metal frame within, obviously meant to lure his opponent in a sense of false security. Yet of all these odds and ends, the most intriguing thing of all was his face.
To X, it appeared as that of a disciplined mask, covering the unbridled spirit of the adventurer and risk-taker within. His eyes with a dark hazel, reflecting and absorbing all that they see, never wavering, but always examining. From under his left eye, a pair of cross scars stood against his strict face, giving the hint that he had seen some rough times before. Lastly, his long silvery hair cascaded down and over his coat, bound by a single piece of green cloth, with the visible letters of D A R. All in all, X could tell that this man, who commanded the finest vesicle he had ever seen, was not to be taken lightly.
"So... you came Sabin... I almost thought that I'd have to fly out over the southern forest to draw you out. I'm glad you saved me the trouble of having to waste my precious fuel to deliver this to you..."
X's eyes darted to the man right hand slowly revealing itself from its confining pocket, and then droop down to his thigh and hang in mid-air. X turned his head to see Sabin release his claws back into his pockets and let both of his hands drop down to his sides as well. What the hell is going on?! X thought.
Suddenly, both men's eyes widened and X could have sworn his saw a slight glimmer of a reddish flame glow in their pupils. Suddenly, X's energy sensors jumped up a few hundred notches for no reason that he could explain. X became stunned in confusion as both men jumped into the air and raised their hands at each other palm side out.
POWER OF INFERNO: Igtenos: Fira-bolt 1
In front of their palms, X's sensors could detect the temperature rise about two hundred degrees, and then shape itself into a condensed ball of pure heat. Then X's own eyes, under no artificial or mechanical aid, could see the air erupt into flames and numerous blasts of blazing fire burst out of Sabin's palms and leave a fiery trail of flame as they raced to meet with the silver haired man's own barrage of flame.
The two volleys collided, producing a raging explosion of heat and fire in around the three people. Sabin and the other man just stood there, grin's that would rival that of the Cheshire cat, and eyes locked dead on each other.
Feeling as though he could cut the suspense with a knife, X was about to yell out something when Sabin suddenly ran over to the man and embraced him in a giant bear hug, leaving X completely dumb founded and confused.
"Oh man Setzer it's so good to see you! I knew nothing would ever change the Eternal Gambler!"
"Yeah yeah, not even the title of the Air Marshal can slow me down. Hell, with wings like these," Setzer rose his arm in the direction of the monstrous Falcon, "nothing can keep me on the ground! So enough about me, how've you been man? Still managin' to train all your Students at the Academy and still find time to make friends? I'm impressed." Setzer walked past the smiling Sabin and up to X with his hand outstretched. "The name's Gabianni, Setzer Gabianni, I'm the United Air Force Commander in Chief, otherwise known as the Air Marshall by reputation."
"Yep," Sabin piped in, "ol' Setz' here has flown the skies of the world ten times over and turned the tides of luck for any man that dared to cross 'em. Why, I even heard a rumor in the South Figaro pub the other day that you single-handedly shot down 25 Wingers using only a small handblaster!"
"Stop man you're embarrasin' me! So anyway, Edgar told me that you were bringin' a friend with you to the reunion, is this 'im?" X drew his dark blue coat tighter around his body, not wanting to reveal to Sabin or Setzer that he had on instinct activated his Reploid Armor underneath when the "cross-fire" had started a few minuets ago.
"Yes, that would be me. Xain Crosslight, bounty hunter and sword fighter stands before you now. That's a pretty impressive ship you got there, how fast does she go? I bet that with the Fusion Engine you're using, this babe will get you from here to the other side of the world in no time."
A blank look on Sabin and Setzer's face was all that the two could show. "Hu...How did you know that the P. Falcon runs off a Dual-Fusion Core? No one knows that except the Illuminari..." Without even realizing what he was saying, X went on to explain how you can tell it's a fusion core because of the turbine engines used to create a magnetic tunnel field to direct the raw power out of the three exhausts to move the giant jet.
Realizing that he might spill his identity to a government guy, X quickly changed the subject on them. "So... this thing goes to Figaro huh?" Setzer just stared at the smiling swordsman and then turned his attention back towards the P. Falcon.
"Yeah... I was originally going to take you two to the castle, but the king sent me a note saying that we had to stop off in Thamasa to pick up some other people for the reunion." After finishing that, Setzer looked over at Sabin, and X for the first time saw the young monk's face harden a little with anger.
"Don't worry, I'll be good, as long as he doesn't brag about his powers." Sabin made a fist with hand that was hidden under his cape, but X's "eyes" could see that a small band of electricity wrapped itself around his fist, fueled by the emotion of anger.
X made a note in his mind to ask Sabin about this guy, and followed Setzer up into the heart of the Platinum Falcon. Based on everything he had seen so far of this place, perhaps it wasn't so bad to be stuck here. At least, for once in his life, he didn't have to worry about a potentially dangerous force capable of destroying the entire world...
"Finally, he has arrived."
Remember your mission guardian; this is not your own personal vendetta
"Be quite, I know what's at stake here, and Ive mastered my abilities since we first crossed paths, I am no longer the rash fool you took in."
Perhaps, but your other side still shines through now and again, it may aid you in times of peril, but do not let it overcome you
"Enough preaching, I know the score... Not like this is my first time out..."
The figure rose from his throne of steel, and walked down the royal path of his empire. True, the powers of his master had given him the edge he needed to survive the Apocalypse, but the rest he had done on his own. His subjects knew that he had the force of their god behind him, and that he was the one that the prophecies foretold would restore the planet to the ancient ways before the coming of the first onslaught. The flowing platinum hair, ruby red armor of battle, and the fiery crimson blade of Judgment at his side; yes this was the man they had come to call the Deliverer, the bringer of destruction and creation.
The followers have said the he fell from the sky in a barrage of green and blue, falling from a door in the heavens over 13 years ago. He has not aged a day since then, and some believe that he never will. The powers that he had before the Joining were strong indeed, strong enough to allow him the right of the sacred ritual. Now, he was no longer one mind, but the Avatar of the Creator, the protector of the humans during the first war of the Demons.
"I need no such armies as these... I alone have the power of the heavens at my command. And he will never be able to withstand the fury I will unleash upon this land. I will break him down until he becomes the man that I was. The Destroyer of Life, Messenger of the Damned was my name."
Forget the past Rok, it is over now. I chose you for the power you have sealed off inside of you. Remember that, and I promise that you will go down in history as the Deliverer of Legends, believe in the powers of the Champion.
"As you say... It shall be done..."
"Wait for me X, I shall not be long..."
The Falcon continued its flight across the great ocean of Mobliz. Granted that the planet had been ravaged apart only years ago, life was trying to return as best it could. Setzer continued to man the controls of the great vessel, continually try to see if he could get close enough to skim the great waves of the sea. X just wandered the ship and continued to marvel at the sheer brilliance that if must have taken to design a ship with this much power built into it. In some spots along the engine room, advances had been made far beyond those of even NEO scientists.
Sabin had said that the trip would take five hours even at peak speed, so he was going to go rest up and meditate back in the Falcon's reserved quarters. The room was exactly as he had left it all those years ago. Even the prized Tiger Fang and Dragon Claw still hung from their mounts next to his old bed. As he continued to look over the room, his gaze fell upon the lone picture of a time long past.
"The Returners... man we were so happy back then..." It was a photo of the entire ragtag crew standing on the battered deck of the original Falcon. Everyone was clustered at the front of the airship's wooden bow, all wearing his or her own unique armors and relics. Everyone had arrived here for this final moment, the moment in which they would save their world and everyone that lived on it.
Sabin and Edgar took up the sides, even though both had grown up a little different, their eyes glowed with the same spirit. In the middle, Terra and Celes had their arms over each other's back and were smiling into the lens of the camera. Locke was just sprawled out on the ground at their hips, smiling that thief smile he's known for and twirling a dagger in his hand. Gau and Relm stood at his flanks, both smiling into the camera as well... man they sure were cute together. Cyan stood next to Sabin, his polished armor and Asura blade fastened tightly to his waist, he had lost so much, yet still able to push on. Behind everyone else, dead center stood Shadow with the master wizard Strago directly in front of him. The old man still had the glimmer in his eyes, yet for Shadow, none really knew what went on behind that mask of glowing blue eyes. Lastly, the oddball trio stood out in their own ways throughout the photo. Umaro was holding Mog on his back next to Edgar, and Gogo was leaning on Setzer, who as usual, was flipping a card around in his hand.
"None of us wanted to be there, going against an insane madman, but it wasn't like we had much choice in the matter... Everyone had their own reasons for going through with it."
Sabin looked into the picture a little longer then, finally feeling the pull of Sleep bearing upon his eyes, fell down into his hammock, and journeyed to the land of dreams.
A plane. A valley. The infinite stretches of the human mind, yet to a trained monk of the order of LIGHT, it is the ultimate battlefield and training area for their cosmic powers. Here, Sabin had just readied his mental forces to begin training.
"Okay, let's do this."
MagiTek Soldier
Twin T-REX
On the battlefield of Sabin's mind, a single warrior in MagiTek armor and enhanced armor appeared, followed by a ferocious pair of Tyrannosauruses on his flank. To Sabin, this was the greatest training he could put himself up against.
The soldier fell back and allowed the two T-Rexes to charge forward at the readied monk. Sabin sprung his twin claws and jumped into the fray of mighty beasts. Sabin slashed and punched the mighty monsters, but they regenerated his attacks, keeping them ever powerful and vigilant for the monk to train.
"Good, this is what I need."
One of the T-Rexes pulled away from the other and jumped backwards away from the monk, and let out a mighty roar. Sabin quickly forgot about the one he was dueling with and turned his attention to the other.
"That roar! But that means it's going to... NO!"
Sabin concealed his claws and crossed his arms across his chest. The mighty beast's jaw glowed for a second, and then a brilliant beam of light shot out at the other Rex and Sabin. Numerous shards of giant rock were spinning and flying within the beam, shredding apart all that was there. Sabin took a hard beating within the attack, but the other T-Rex was completely devastated by it. This level of power shouldn't exist within the fight, why was it?
"STOP..."
As if on command, the T-Rex halted it's attack and stepped back to allow the MagiTek knight to walk in front of it. Sabin was lying on the ground, still sore from the onslaught. As he looked off, he could see the lone Knight stand there, but something was not right about it. He knew this figure... The face wasn't familiar, but the aura around him was.
"You can feel my presence, even as a mental projection... yes, its true young Sabin, you are a mighty warrior. But I always knew that."
Sabin's eyes widened inside of his sockets. Sweat dripped down his face. It wasn't possible...
"No! You're not him!"
In the young monk's head, a stab of fear crept into his skull and latched onto his thoughts. He knew this voice... 16 years had pasted since then, but the voice was the same. Sabin fell onto his back and began to crawl away from the oncoming soldier.
The soldier walked toward him, and the image of him began to change. His helmet fell to the ground, letting a long mane of pearl white hair drop down into a ponytail. The BioArmor he wore shattered away and was replaced by a blood read breastplate. His eyes turned to black then radiated from within a gleaming emerald. A raging blade of crimson fire burst from his hand, and a shield of emerald covered his left forearm.
"What's the matter Sabin? Don't you remember me? It's me... Lucied... How has time been to you? 16 years can change a man..."
Lucied looked down into the frightened monk's face and terrified eyes. Anyone else Sabin could fight... just not him... not this man... this monster! Sabin dropped his claws on the black floor, and tried to scurry away, but was frozen in place by this Black Warrior's glare.
"I... I thou... thought you died during the Cataclysm..."
"Yes well, I'm a lot tougher than you may think monk..." Lucied paced around the cowering Sabin and tapped his fiery red blade against the monk's cheek. Even though the blade produced no actual flame, Sabin could feel the burning heat it was generating. "I bet your wondering why I'm here. Well, let me tell you... something has arrived on this planet. Something powerful, something tame and yet savage, something a lot like me in a way. It could reshape this world if it knew how to harness its true power... but I cannot allow that to happen... not yet anyway. You know of this weapon... but you do not know it as I do. You do not of how far its potential for destruction and chaos lies. He and I will revive the power of this planet. I will be the instructor, and he will be my tool. The waters of Mana will flow once more..." Lucied bent down on one knee to look Sabin straight in the eyes.
"Before I go, let me give you a glimpse of your future... hero..." Lucied grabbed Sabin swiftly by his forehead and held on tight. A small gem on Lucied's brow appeared, shining a violent red and pulsing of power.
He tried to scream, but nothing came out, and visions flooded his mind. Terrible scenes of death and destruction like he had never believed! Bodies were strewn everywhere, walls were scorched and crumbling, and he was alone in a room against the monster that had done all this.
In front of him, a column of dust faded away to reveal a warrior clad in the blackest armor he had ever seen. Golden spikes rose out of its head, a fiery red jewel was set in the center of the headdress. The arms were thick and powerful, capable of doing far more damage than this. A pair of thin black wings protruded from its back, casting a dark shadow onto Sabin himself. The being's deadpan face looked into Sabin's crystal blue eyes, showing no emotion what so ever. Sabin looked into those eyes, those dead reddish eyes, and knew he had seen them before. The being raised its main weapon at the defenseless monk. He tried to speak, tried to say stop, but nothing came out. He pointed his own weapon at the dark monster, but it didn't help. From within the nozzle of its weapon, a blazing blue ball of burning flame reached out and engulfed Sabin within its fiery core.
Pain. Pain the likes of which no man should ever feel. The pain of slowly being burned alive. The pain of having your mind ripped apart as you die. Sabin could fight against none of it, just feel it all as it happened. Then, the pain stopped and Sabin slowly opened his eyes.
The picture of the Returners lay before his eyes, the glass slightly fractured along his face. Sabin quickly opened his eyes all the way. He was back in his room on board the Falcon. What had happened... it all felt so real. Lucied's breathe, the heat from his crimson blade, and the pain... Sabin shuddered at the thought. The pain was real... That he knew for sure...
Sabin ran his hand across his face to wipe away the sweat, and yelped when he felt a slight twinge of pain on his cheek. The burn mark from Lucied's sword... it was real...