Chapter Seven: Trapdoors, Tricks, and Treason



This cave was a nightmare.

It was an indisputable, horrible mess of bridges and tunnels, packed with bats and beasts that traveled in packs of six and attacked with horrid draining vampiric spells. It was dark and gloomy and full of rotting, ancient magic. Decomposing ropes stretched between the crumbling ledges of the maze. It would have deterred any normal traveler immediately.

And on top of that: all of the doors inside the cave were traps! A touch of your hand upon the doorframe and they snapped open, revealing a horrid beast, fangs dripping. The doors themselves attacked us sometimes! And they were no measly enemy either; their main attack was a super-spell that caused its target to fall to the floor unconscious. We spent so much time fighting and reviving, sometimes ignoring the comrade who lay on the floor in order to beat the horrible doors. After a while we learned and came upon each door prepared, reviving spells and items at the ready.

The cave was a drain on all of us. For the longest time there was nowhere to rest, and we had to push ourselves using the small items we carried; vials of pills which refreshed one's energy, small capsules full of powders that relieved poison or replenished magic. Poor Rosa was exhausted from healing us; we could see that she was only dragging herself along with the strength of the drugs she swallowed occasionally. My own magic was at a similar low; I felt the chemicals raging in my blood, providing me with the energy I needed to move forward. Cecil, Kain, and even Edge were used to long battles like this and showed no adverse feelings to the use of the potent mixtures. Rosa and I - well, we were not used to traveling this way, and although the medications kept our bodies awake and ready, our minds were muddled and exhausted.

Eventually we happened upon a safe haven; a room with strong protective spells, obviously placed there by the dwarven smiths who fashioned this stronghold. Relieved, we set up camp; I started a small fire to combat the dark stench of the cave. We had all collapsed around the fire; at last Cecil and Kain were sapped of energy. Cecil said to no one in particular:

"We'll rest here for a while. We've seen no sign of Golbez. I think we need to be a little more cautious in our exploring. Tomorrow we'll go out and try a few other caves, but we'll come back here for the night."

Kain said, "Shouldn't we find the crystal as soon as possible?"

"Golbez is nowhere to be found," Rosa said from where she lay, sprawled across a thin blanket, staring at the moldy ceiling. "And I think if there is to be a fight, we had better be well-rested."

Kain glowered, but picked up his own blanket and went to curl up behind some rocks. As he passed me I picked up a faint trace of thought: ...must get to that crystal... I was surprised; I hadn't thought Kain was this dedicated to our mission. But something was amiss; he was so impatient. I wondered if there were somewhere else he would rather be. I sighed.

I found myself staring at the fire, and abruptly my musings ceased. I cleared my head of everything and relaxed. Slowly I slipped into a trance-like state that I recognized well. I studied the fire deeply, staring without blinking in a rapture, as I heard it begin to whisper in my mind. I had entered the state in which the elements spoke to the magic in my blood, teaching me spells and incantations. I tried not to be demanding and impatient; instead, I waited for the fire itself to reveal what I was seeking.

My eyes and mind were filled with the burning of the fire; my blood was racing. I felt myself putting things together like puzzle pieces; first one word emerged, then the next. The knowledge detached itself from the flames in my vision and lined itself up with my previous spells. Finally, everything made sense. I strained, trying to decipher the last word ...

Pain ran up my entire arm like a shock. I blinked - the fire vanished - and then wrenched it away from Edge, who was sitting next to me with an incredulous and worried look on his face. "Are you okay?" he asked nervously. "You were just staring ...and ..."

"Dammit, Edge," I said, rubbing my arm - it still tingled - "I was studying."

"You what?" He looked confused, and I noticed suddenly - concerned. Edge, concerned over me? Then I slapped myself mentally. How was Edge supposed to know what I was doing?

"I'm sorry." I sighed; that last word would come to me soon enough. "It is how I was taught to study magic. I can't really explain it."

"You were so intent," Edge said slowly, and then stopped. I wish she'd look at me like that.

My eyes widened, and I fumbled to find something to say to cover the fact that I'd heard his thought. "The fire ...if I can talk to it correctly, it teaches me ..."

He then turned to me, grin firmly in place once more. "So what did you learn?"

"I was very close to a new level of magic," I said. Then, suddenly teasing, "I was on the last word when someone wrenched my arm off."

"Did it hurt?" he said, reaching out. His warm fingers ran over the bare skin of my arm; I hid a small shiver. "I was trying to be gentle. I didn't know ...where you were."

"It's ok," I said, taking my arm back; somehow, the touch of his hand on my skin was making me horribly nervous. "It was just very abrupt. It felt as if you had lit me on fire."

"Oh, argh," Edge said, embarrassed. "I'm sorry."

I giggled.

I could not sleep that night. I knew that I needed the rest more than anything; but I only dozed for a while. My entire body was tingling; I blamed it on the fire. But in the back of my head I kept feeling Edge's soft fingers on my arm ...Stop it! I said to myself rudely, and rolled over. But the ethereal feeling of the flames wouldn't let me rest for long.

I was up in the morning before anyone else, as well. Cecil and Rosa lay curled on the ground, hands clasped; Kain snored slightly from behind his distant rock. Edge was sprawled near the fire, his face relaxed. I quietly started the fire back up; the cave smelled damp again. This time I deliberately stared into the fire as I cast the spell, coaxing it, asking without words for that last bit of information I needed.

It settled over me with a feeling like a flame I had never felt; exultant, I fell backwards, throwing my arms wide as I smiled at the ceiling. I had it!

I heard a gentle chuckle from the side; I sat up suddenly, embarrassed. Edge had rolled himself upright and was staring at me.

"Did you figure it out?" he asked me with a grin. I could only nod, speechless, the potency still running through my bones.

Then his eyes lit up. "Show me," he whispered, and grabbed his swords. "Come on," he gestured, "before they get up."

It was a horrible idea, but I was high on magic, so I grabbed his outstretched hand and followed him, silently running out of the safe haven. We ran through the cave, a pair of wild smiles on our faces, until we found a particularly bad spot, infested with creeping bats and half-human beasts. A pair of large snakes hissed out of the wall, glaring angrily and baring their fangs; but they had no chance - I was ready, the power coming out of me before I could even think. I raised my arms and chanted aloud; I felt myself carried by the power, my mind giddy; and large shards of ice materialized high in the cave and fell, violently, piercing the snakes with magic and cold. They froze and shattered.

Edge looked at me, laughing, and then we were off again, racing at break-neck speed through the cave, both smiling wildly. He took a couple turns, then turned to look at me, still running. An evil grin came across his face as he reached out. I dodged him quickly - I was quite small - and took off in another direction. I heard him behind me and quickened my pace, hiding behind a large outcropping of rock.

It was there that I found a nest of the snakes; but my blood was racing so fast that I summoned lightning before I had a chance to blink - and I realized that I was enjoying myself. This was the most fun I'd had since I'd left the Land of Summons. I heard Edge approaching behind me, diving into the nest with his blades, slicing two of them to pieces. I waited for him to retreat and cast forth another bolt of lightning, disintegrating the last snake.

We simply stood there. Both of us were breathing hard; my blood was racing from magic and running and the exhilaration of Edge's dangerous idea. I turned to him, grabbing his arm to tell him - what? Appreciation, perhaps.

As he turned, a slow smile spread across his face, and my words stuck in my mouth. My eyes had met his. They were a mirror of my own, sparkling with excitement and eagerness, and I knew I didn't have to say a word. The intensity of that violet gaze floored me, and I stared, caught entirely off guard. There was such passion in those eyes, such desire. And he just looked at me. The smile slowly faded from his face. I realized suddenly that we were standing face to face; his hands were on my shoulders, his hands warm, my flesh burning beneath them. I couldn't move; my eyes were fastened on his as he bent closer ...

The bats dropped from the ceiling silently, surrounding us.

He must have seen me flinch, for he dropped his hands and reached for his swords quicker than I could react, and sliced through the one about to take a dive at my face. I squealed impulsively and stepped back. I forced my scattered mind to think: bats, weak against ...my entire body was shaking from emotion and confusion ...weak against fire!

I heard a voice calling: "Rydia? Edge?" I didn't turn. Edge had been hit, and was distracted, though not hurt bad. I concentrated, summoning up my new powers. I threw my arms wide and fire burst from all around, grand amounts of fire. I felt the power pouring from my body and realized I may have abused my new-found powers. But I threw everything I had into it and watched the cave light up with my own fire. The bats crumbled into ashes.

"Rydia!" Cecil yelled. He ran up to me, his sword bared. "Where have you two been?" he asked angrily. "We woke up and you two were gone - we didn't know where you were."

I opened my mouth, but Edge said quickly: "It was my idea. I ...snuck out of the cave to try to ...strengthen my attack. Rydia saw me and came to my rescue."

I looked at him, dumbfounded. Why bother to lie? We had both been eager to test ourselves, to venture out on our own, depending only on each other. I opened my mouth again, but Rosa ran up and intervened:

"Rydia! What the hell did you cast?"

I blushed. "I, uh... I've discovered a new level of magic." I then raised my head proudly. "My spells are evolving."

Rosa looked at me, wonderment in her eyes. "I saw the flames from way over there. You're insane, girl. Be careful."

"I know what I'm doing," I said, almost sharply; at the look on Rosa's face, I smiled. "I've been taught how to study magic. Nothing will come to me until I'm ready."

Cecil turned, still somewhat upset, and headed back to the camp. Rosa rushed to catch up with him and comfort him. All the adrenaline drained from my body and I suddenly realized I was exhausted. I stumbled, almost falling to the ground. I caught my balance, crouching, leaning against a rock, breathing heavily. I was dizzy, lightheaded. And tired beyond belief.

I felt strong arms around my waist, helping me stand. Edge was looking at me, concern in his face but a sparkle in his eye. Again the touch of his hands made strange currents run through my skin. He held me for a second until I gained my balance - his warm body holding mine upright somehow made me even more dizzy - and then let go abruptly. With a wink, he was gone, following after Cecil and Rosa, probably to make amends.

I sighed, loudly, in despair. It hit me with dismay that I would never know what Edge had been trying to do as we stared at each other. Would he have ...no, not me. Not me. The adventure was over. I followed the footsteps back to camp. Luckily Cecil's apparent anger scared off many of the monsters and we made it back without an incident. I made straight for my bed - glaring daggers at anyone who tried to tell me otherwise - and fell down into a dreamless sleep.

It must have been only a few hours when Rosa shook me awake. "Hey," she whispered. "Get up. We think we've found the entrance to the crystal room, and I'm sure it's guarded. We'll need to work together."

I rolled over; the short nap had refreshed me. I stretched, feeling my back crack. I tucked my whip in my belt and rearranged my cape. Having seen the rest of the cave, I was sure the crystal itself was guarded by some horrible beast. I grinned fiercely to myself. I had almost forgotten my real goal: helping and protecting my friends.

We trudged through the cave, cautiously picking our way. Eventually we found a long hall framed with tall crumbling pillars. At the end was a small but ornate door. Cecil tentatively pushed it open; there was a small click, and he leapt away -

Nothing happened. He approached it carefully again, pushing them farther. Beyond the door, we could see a large room, lit with gentle light, with walls of mirrors and a pedestal of crystal. Cecil entered carefully and we followed, quickly, on his heels.

The crystal itself lit the room with a soft shimmer. I recognized the burst of dark power as I walked in the door; the magic tasted of the Underground; I felt it in the back of my throat. Still cautious, Cecil approached the shimmering jewel. He reached out - paused - and clasped the crystal.

Nothing. I could hear myself breathing, my blood pounding once again; I felt Rosa's warmth beside me, saw Edge shift with nervousness. Kain's attention was riveted on the crystal; protecting Cecil, I assumed. Cecil shrugged, then - very carefully - lifted the crystal from its resting place.

Still nothing. We were all on edge, waiting for the trap we knew was coming. But there was no movement; the only sound was that of our panicked breathing. Cecil slowly let out a long breath. His entire body relaxed as he sighed and placed the crystal in the bag at his belt.

"Smooth," Edge muttered. Kain's entire body was still tense as he watched Cecil. The Paladin turned to face us, and the ghost of a smile crossed his face. He gestured to us and we left the room, secretly relieved.

It was as the door closed behind us that the trap sprung.

There was a rumbling that filled the cavern; the entire floor was shaking. We spun around, trying to find the enemy. But there was no beast emerging from a secret corridor, nothing -

"The walls!" Cecil shouted, just as I yelled, "They're moving!"

"Taking the crystal - that must have done it!" Kain yelled. Rosa grimaced.

"So much for a smooth exit," Edge muttered, and dove at the approaching wall.

It was half wall, half horrible beast - an enemy like the one we had originally been looking for. It looked like a giant monster with atrocious fangs and claws that had been inadvertently trapped in stone and was clawing its way free. And it was closing in on us.

We flung attacks at it, frantic, knowing we were trapped between the wall and the door from which we had come - which was now inexplicably locked. Edge and Cecil and Kain beat the thing with their weapons; it seemed impervious. Rosa sent arrow after arrow; they barely made a dent. I tried all my spells: all of the new ones I had learned, which hit it but showed no result. The wall was crumbling, albeit slowly; at this rate, it would crush us before we broke it ...

Then I looked down at the ground below the wall and had a sudden idea. Closing my eyes, concentrating, chanting frantically, I connected with the Land of Summons. I felt the sudden rush of familiarity, the explosion of a language I understood in my head. But I beat it all away, whispering the word I knew ...

"I call Titan!" I threw my arms high, calling forth the connection I knew. My body faded, as did those of my companions. Before us appeared the great lord of the earth, the giant beast Titan. He stamped the ground, using his strength and giant hands to pull apart the earth, making the ground beneath the evil wall quake and tossing large boulders at its length. Large chunks of stone fell from the wall, hissing as they touched the rolling ground. Fissures appeared in the stone of the wall as Titan faded.

Edge dove at the cracks, hacking at them, making more stone fall. Cecil followed, calling over his shoulder, "Rydia! We need another one of those!"

"Give me time!" I yelled, dizzy; I focused myself to concentrate, lend more of my inner strength to the spell. This time the connection was easy to make, but it took more of my power to hold the bond; I felt myself lending my magical strength to the Titan, urging it with the word of power I knew.

It appeared again shortly, banging about, making the ground quake. This time it concentrated on the ground beneath the large best, sending its massive strength into the quivering floor of the cave. The rest of the wall crumbled.

I collapsed to my knees, shaken and suddenly horribly dizzy. I felt a strong hand on my shoulder, and someone bending before me: "Here, eat this," Edge's voice said.

I blindly opened my mouth; he dropped in one of the tiny tablets that I knew would replenish my magic. I swallowed it, and tried to smile gratefully; I could barely make out his face. I felt the stimulant rushing through my blood; Edge's face swam into focus before me. For a second I recognized that look in his eyes - the intensity, the passion - and then he blinked, and grinned, and it was gone.

Cecil and Kain were finishing off the last pieces of the wall. The entire room was wrecked; giant pieces of the evil wall crumbling to dust over the broken floor. But we had the crystal, and we had succeeded. Surely it would be safe from Golbez now!

Rosa took one look at us; I was still on my knees; Edge and Cecil and Kain were weary and bleeding, and she looked no better. "I think we need this," she said, and bowed her head. A wash of healing magic settled itself over us. She smiled, and then said, "Come close to me. I'll warp us out of this horrible place."

Cecil reached out and took her hand; Kain, after a moment's pause, took her other hand very lightly. I reached out to hold Cecil's with a reassuring smile. Edge gallantly put his arms around my waist and gave me a huge squeeze; I swatted at him. Rosa closed her eyes and I felt the spell settle around us.

It tore us out of that room, but gently, and set us right at the entrance of the cave. Edge let out a whoop and dropped me, running for the exit. But when no one followed, he stopped, looking back at us.

Kain was standing stiff with tension. He had dropped Rosa's hand; she and Cecil stood, absentmindedly hand-in-hand, staring. His head was bent and his fists clenched as if he were listening for something. I looked at him, worried; did he hear a monster, another guardian?

Then a wave of dark magic fell over me, and I shuddered. Then I, too, heard the voice, echoing in the cave and the back of my mind.

Kain...

The Dragoon's entire body tensed.

Kain ...You belong to me. Bring me the crystal.

Golbez!

Cecil dropped Rosa's hand and took two strides to stand in front of Kain. "Kain!"

"Get a hold of yourself!" Rosa approached to stand behind Cecil.

Kain shook his head slowly, as if to clear his vision. "It's ...I'm alright. I'm no longer under his control!"

But then a surge of evil blew through the room; Kain shuddered. As if his body was not his own, he walked forward, struck Cecil, and seized the crystal. All the lights in the cave blew out momentarily. When they flickered back on, Kain was standing across the room, next to the entrance. He was staring at us blindly, the dark crystal in his hand.

At last. Now I can restore the Tower of Bab-Il. Come, Kain. We shall reach the moon.

"Dammit!" Edge's voice echoed across the hole between us. He looked like he was going to run to the door, but he knew he would never make it.

"Kain!" Rosa's voice was full of despair. "What are you doing?"

Kain did not move. "With all the crystals gathered," he said slowly, "the way to the moon will open." He turned and was gone.

The look on Cecil's face was horrible. His eyes were stricken with pain and sorrow and betrayal. He had nothing to say; we had nothing to say to him.