Third Reflection

Third Reflection

   Take your ship beyond Miranda. I'll be there.

                Locke read the through the note once more before stuffing it in a pocket on his vest.

                "And if she's not there?" Edgar asked.

                Locke sighed and sat on the railing that lined the dock of the Floating Figaro. "When can you come back?"

                "We have to head towards Thamasa. I'd say five days at the least."

                "Have any supplies I can take?"

                Edgar turned his head to the stairwell that lead to his cabin below deck. "I might. The real question is what can you manage to carry."

                Edgar let his eyes drift towards the fiery orange sun that was sliding away behind the horizon. The sea was a serene sleeping child on this day. The ship was gliding slowly around the peninsula where Miranda rested. Edgar squinted to watch a small stack of black smoke billow away from the town.

                "They've built new factories." Edgar said.

                "Miranda trying to be the next Narshe?" Locke asked.

                "You haven't been there, have you?"

                "Not in the longest time, Edgar."

                "Any time post-Kefka?"

                "You know, I don't think so."

                "Well Miranda easily has New Vector beat for technological advancement. They're putting a hard fight up against Narshe."

                "Aren't they members of the New Regime?"

                "Yes. I honestly don't care. I think the Regime and the Narshe Republic can co-exist peacefully. Neither one is an extremist terror group like the old Empire was."

                "Seems like you know a lot about the New Regime, Edgar. I haven't heard much about them."

                "Yes. They asked me to be their king." Edgar said with a soft smile.

                "What are you smiling about?"

                "Nothing at all." Edgar replied.

                Locke lowered his eyes. "C'mon, say it."

                "Say what? That their beautiful ambassador came to pay a visit to me that ended with her clothes crumpled on the floor?"

                Locke let a burst of laughter overcome him, as did Edgar. Locke almost fell from the railing he sat immersed in the humorous thought.

                "You never cease to amaze me Edgar."

                "I learned to stop amazing myself a long time ago."

They stopped talking for a few moments before Locke chimed in. "I'll take what supplies I can, all right?"

                "Now are you confident that she'll be there?" Edgar asked.

                "Well," Locke shifted his position, "Well, yes."

                Edgar smiled. "I'm glad you're hopeful."

                "I'm glad I can stay hopeful."

               

                As Locke kicked his feet in the cool waters of Lake Obel he smiled at the thought of his old friend Edgar. And yet two days before he'd been depressed over his long gone friend, who had for a short while became something else . . .

                "I give in." Locke said.

                Edgar pushed back, away from Locke. "Locke, you don't get it."

                "What is there to get Edgar? You want me. I'm giving in to you." Locke stared into the blue eyes once again. He saw something behind the,. He had only sensed it lightly beforehand. Something not so truthful was lurking inside Edgar.

                "I'm afraid you've failed her test Locke."

                "We'll drop you off in Kohlingen, okay Locke?"

                "They'll destroy me!"

                "Find your way on your own!"

                "Love is not a game!"

                The memories of spoken words were dripping like rain through Locke's head.

                All the rain that filled this lake . . .

                He gathered his thoughts again. He focused, not wanting to bring himself more pain.

                Is that even possible?

               

                Her soft lips separated from him slowly. He grabbed her left arm and spun her around with grace. Locke pulled her in and kissed her again before letting her to herself.

                Rachel smiled and leaned against the marble wall. "Why can't I go?"

                "I can't lose you. This expedition is dangerous. It's just that simple."

                Rachel brushed the flowing strands of black hair behind her. "It's been so long. I haven't traveled with you in the longest time."

                "Not in the longest time, Edgar."

                He felt his memories overlapping.

                Locke sauntered towards his beautiful mate. He placed his hands on her face. "I just can't lose you."

                And then the Empire killed her.

                And then his vendetta against the Empire had begun.

                I was full of hate. Hate avenging love.

                He flashed back to the events on the Floating Continent.

                "I Hate! Hate! Hate! Hate! Hate! Hate! Hate! Hate! Hate! Hate! Hate! Hate! Hate! You!" Kefka shouted, clutching his wound from the sword Celes had jabbed him with.

                "Celes." Locke whispered. He looked back at the house. It seemed to be a reflex whenever her name was thought of or mentioned. "Celes." He said her name again and chuckled.

                Are there any painless memories, or at least memories that don't pain me as much?

                As night was beginning to fall the water was warming as the air was cooling. He drew his feet from the lake and started back towards the house.

                "I might have loved you Celes."