Chapter 6

The pale, beautiful woman with icy blue eyes, and ice-like blond hair folded her arms against the side of the airship, leaning out. Locke used to be next to her as she did this. Her protector, her friend, and eventually her lover. A fake, romantic love. But isn't all love fake? She reflected bitterly. Nothing worked out. The howling wind was a comfortable drone to block out all sounds except her own thoughts. And now she was therapy. His old love. She wondered if it had something to do with Rachel. Then this whole Shadow business… he was alive. The letter hadn't explained much. And the grudge.

"Thinking?" Setzer came to stand beside her. The silver-haired, scarred man had always unnerved her. Forcing herself not to edge away, she answered,

"Yes."

"Sometimes you just have to live life, and let things happen. Thinking doesn't always help."

"Another Daryl quote?" she asked, amused.

"No, I made this one up myself."

"I can't help it. Besides, it helps sort my thoughts and plan how to… react to things."

"Relax. We were given instinct for a reason. It might be better to act on impulse, than to plan everything."

"I'm also worried about Relm."

"I know."

"She's twelve. Is she too young to handle this? Or maybe too old? Maybe it's been to long for her to… accept it. Maybe she doesn't want Shadow as a father."

"Believe me, I've thought of that. Don't worry about it. Whatever happens strictly involves her and Shadow. It doesn't involve any of us, it's none of our business. Any problems should be resolved between the two of them."

"General Leo." Celes said suddenly.

"Hmm?"

"I don't know. I can't help thinking about it. I wonder, would he and Terra have ended up like me and Locke?" She pondered. "Or would he have been like how we thought we'd end up?"

"I think it was more or less the same thing."

"I still wish he hadn't died."

"I didn't know him."

"I did." Celes caught a feather in the air then let it go, slowly. "I remember when I was younger, they trained me for usage of the… Empire. He was one of the older kids. Very talented. I used to…"
"Used to?"

"A silly crush. He kind of reminds me of Locke, though."

"I can understand that." Then they both fell silent and simply stared out at the poisoned sky. Then, as though nothing had happened, Setzer said suddenly,

"We're at Thamasa." He went over to the steering wheel and lowered the ship skillfully. Celes and Setzer got off together through the lower deck and entered the small village. They were given wary looks, as strangers, but such was only out of habit—these people had lost their magic as well and had nothing to hide. Immediately they turned towards Strago's house and knocked on the door. The old man opened it.

"Celes. And Setzer. Come in." Relm, now twelve, dashed to the door.

"Visitors, grandpa?" He ignored his granddaughter and led them into the living room.

"So. Anything important that brings you here?"

"Yes, actually." Celes said smoothly. "There's something very important Relm—and you—need to know. We'd rather not… disclose it at the moment. We want her to see it with her own eyes."

"What is it about?"

"She's going to meet her father. Don't tell her, though. I'd rather she got used to the idea through experience."

"Ah." He said slowly. "You found Clyde?"

"Actually, we don't know anything about it." Setzer confessed. "It's just, I got a letter from Terra to come to Figaro about this… and I picked up Celes, too." Strago nodded. "The truth is… the letter said Shadow is her father."

"Shadow?" The old man whistled softly. "Clyde? Hard to believe… I suppose it's possible."

"So, we were wondering if you two could come to Figaro…for a rather long visit, it might turn out to be." Strago responded by calling to his granddaughter,

"Relm! We're going to Figaro. Find your suitcase and mine and pack what you'd need for a potentially long visit."

"What is it about?"

"I can't tell you yet."

"What a fuddy duddy." She called back rudely, partially in mocking of her younger self and went upstairs to find her suitcase.

"Any other news?" He turned back to Celes and Setzer.

"Not at the moment. Apparently they've been having some…problems…with Locke, but they'll be cleared up. They've also found Shadow, alive, and…there's some grudge Locke has on him… I have no idea what it's all about. I guess we'll all find out when we get there." Strago nodded again stiffly.

"I have to go pack some things. I'll be right with you."

"We'll meet you at the airship." Setzer told him, and he and Celes left for the Falcon.