Chapter Ten: Game Over





We stepped off the Lunar Whale onto the cold, eerie surface of the moon. This time we surveyed the landscape not with wonder and excitement, but dismay and fear. We could feel the change in the atmosphere; the ground under our feet was cold, and there was a chilling wind over the surface. We could sense, somehow, that there was turmoil going on within the planet where the Lunarians slept.

We gathered ourselves together for the voyage. We had raided the weapon storage on the Lunar Whale and armed ourselves to the teeth. Cecil carried his shining sword and was decked out in a matching suit of armor; Kain wore dark blue armor and carried a hefty spear with a ferocious tip. Edge was clothed in the tight garb of a ninja; his swords were bound to his back and under his cape I could see the twinkling collection of stars and knives he kept to throw. Rosa had bound her bow and arrows to her back across her leather suit of armor. I myself had coiled my whip at my side and picked up a long bow and some arrows of my own. In all of our eyes was the power of determination and desperation. I would have run from us.

But then, suddenly, as we began walking, a different wind began to blow. It was warmer and softer; it brushed past my face, and I closed my eyes impulsively, breathing deeply. It was only then that I realized the wind smelled familiar: it was thick with the magic of the Summoned. I was utterly confused.

And then Cecil said, "Do you hear that?"

There was a voice on the wind. It was calling to us. Rosa said slowly, "Someone's talking to me."

I closed my eyes and concentrated hard. And soon I could understand the words. I whispered:

"There's a monster on the moon."

"Really." Edge was sarcastic. "I bet there's a couple."

"No, no," I said quietly, my eyes still closed. "There is a summon monster. Of great power. He is the ...the king of all dragons." I listened hard. "He has sensed that there is some turmoil deep within the moon, and he wants to fight in the only way he knows how."

Cecil said softly, "He wants to give you his summon, right?"

I nodded.

To my surprise, Kain nodded in agreement. "Let us go, then, and quickly. We should take any help that is offered." I blinked. Kain had been so - angry - at my summons before. But, I realized, he was controlled at that point. Of course he was impatient.

For some reason, Cecil and Rosa could also faintly hear the voice of the giant dragon; we all followed the sense in our minds until we came to a giant cave. Cautiously we entered. Inside was a simple maze, platforms of sharp gray crystals. There were hidden nests of monsters, including three ferocious blue beasts that guarded the narrow bridges. But there were also treasures that held dark, gleaming armor that fit Cecil perfectly.

We finally came to a giant platform at the center of the cavern. Upon it stood two tiny children and a man in a cloak. We approached them tentatively. The children did not move. But as we approached, the man spoke.

"I am Bahamut," he said.

Bahamut! I staggered. Bahamut is no mere summon monster - he is a God to us!

"I have sensed that inside this earth the struggle between good and evil is raging. I have been so distant for so long that I have forgotten how to fight in all ways but one. If I judge you worthy, I will help you all."

I was numb with disbelief. King of all dragons ...

Cecil nodded. Bahamut said coldly, "I will give you time to prepare. Let me know when you are ready to fight."

We turned to each other. They all looked at me, questions in their eyes. I said softly, hurriedly, "Give me a moment ..."

I racked my brain. What did I know about the God Bahamut that would allow us to defeat him? As far as I knew, he was invincible! But I stared at the ground, running through all the facts in my brain. I heard Asura's voice, deep within my memory ...

"...and all the Gods of the Summons are known for their magical strength, not physical prowess. Anyone can attain physical strength; but to obtain true magical power requires dedication and right ...many of their spells will destroy their targets upon a single touch..."

That was it!

I turned to Rosa. "Look," I said softly, "this battle will depend on you." She blanched. "You must cast your reflect spell on as many of us as you can. Cast it upon yourself first, to protect yourself. Then anyone else you can reach." I turned to Kain. "You must jump right as he is about to attack. You will be safe in the sky." Then I looked at Cecil and Edge. "As for us ...we can attack, but it is likely that he'll knock us out." Edge groaned. "His spell destroys everything as soon as it hits. If Rosa can reflect it back to him, he will destroy himself. But she can't shield all of us. So it's likely that we'll be sacrificing ourselves."

Rosa was white. Cecil grasped her hand. "You can do this," he whispered.

"Don't worry, Rosa," I said. "Summon Monsters do not really kill. They will only wound us, knock us out. We will be alright."

Then before Rosa could argue, I turned to Bahamut and said, "We are ready."

We entered our usual fighting stances, and the man before us tore off his robe - but as it whipped about, blinding light seeped out from beneath it - the robe flew away in an unseen breeze - the light dimmed, and before us stood a horrible, beastly, dark-scaled dragon. It opened its gleaming jaws and screamed, then began to beat its wings in some sort of countdown.

Rosa was frantically chanting; I saw from the corner of my eye as she raised the magic-reflecting shield about herself, then continued to chant. Cecil took a swing at the mighty beast, as did Edge. Its wings beat again: four... three... I sent off a Flare spell just as Rosa's magic settled around me. Two. I saw Kain take off into the air. One.

"Brace yourselves!" I screamed to Cecil and Edge, suddenly terrified for them. Rosa had been hurriedly chanting, but she couldn't get the last spell off in time; the dragon spread its wings and opened its mouth again.

Fire poured. The air was not air, it was flame; the wind was no longer wind, but searing currents of molten magic. I could see nothing but the faint space about me, the translucent sphere of Rosa's magic protecting me from the fire's might. The recoil of the strength of the spell pushed me back a couple feet, protected as I was. For those few moments I felt utterly lost, surrounded by the wrath and fire of a mighty God of monsters. I noticed that I was screaming and stopped. I prepared another fearsome Flare spell in case the beast did not die; I didn't care how much it hurt me. I was terrified!

Then the fire died, collapsing out of being as quickly as it came, and our shields went to work. The magic walls shot back at the dragon every ounce of the energy they had absorbed. The sphere around me suddenly glowed fiercely red and white; I saw Rosa inside hers, wincing as well. But the flames reflected back onto the dragon, consuming his fearsome form. Kain came whistling out of the sky, nearly forgotten, and plunged his spear through the dragon's skull. The battle was over.

Rosa was weeping, "I'm so sorry," and bending over Cecil and Edge, struggling to bring them back. Their bodies were charred and wounded, but they were still breathing peacefully. A soft voice came from behind her: Allow me.

The dragon Bahamut bent over them and breathed, and they both were healed. Edge sat up slowly; Cecil was pinned down by Rosa's weeping form and could only struggle mutely until she moved. We all turned to stare at the dragon.

I see that King Leviathan has not been mistaken. You are all wielders of the Light. The dragon looked at us. I will give you a gift, Lady Rosa, for your bravery. He bent over her and whispered something to her; her face drained of all color.

Then the dragon turned to me.

Lady Rydia. Your wisdom and will have shone through this battle. I grant unto you my summon. He then, to my utmost horror, knelt before me in all his dragon glory. He gently touched his snout to my gilded boots.

You, my friend, my daughter - you have the soul of a dragon!

And then suddenly we were outside the cave, transported magically all the way to the tall crystalline castle, fully healed and exhilarated. Rosa was shaking.

"He told me ..." she whispered. "He directed me to ...he showed me how to cast the greatest white magic attack of all time." She looked down at her hands. "Holy ... White ..." she was whispering.

Cecil smiled at her. "You did well, Rosa," he said. "All of us did our job."

"Ye-e-es, we did," Edge said sarcastically. "Especially me. I did my job real well. I got burnt to a crisp and slaughtered like a champ."

We all stared at him, and then burst out laughing.

~~*~~



We finally gathered our courage and entered the castle. It was empty. Our footfalls echoed inside its crystalline depth. We continued past the place we had met FuSoYa and headed into the back room - and gasped.

It was full of crystals! There were eight of the glorious creations - the eight Lunar crystals to counteract and counterpart those of the Earth. The room was shining, thick with their protective magic. I could barely breathe.

Cecil, compelled by something unseen, reached out and touched the nearest crystal. A clear voice filled the room:

We will guide you to the core of the moon.

Enthralled, Rosa touched one:

FuSoYa and Golbez have already descended.

Edge ran to a third.

We have tried to seal Zemus away. But we cannot hold for long.

Cecil touched another one.

There are other things sealed within; weapons the Lunarians feared.

I reached to a fifth.

Head to the center of the room. We will undo the seal.

Kain didn't bother to grab a crystal; instead, he stepped into the center. "Look," he said slowly. We followed. At his feet were a set of ornamented tiles. Cecil timidly stepped into the center one. We all arranged ourselves around him.

The crystals began to shed light silently, each emitting a different color. The light fused in the middle and lit up the filigree beneath our feet. We felt ourselves slowly descending into the depths of the moon.

The Lunar Core was a nightmare.

Twists and turns, bridges and caverns, packed with fearsome beasts and no repose in sight. The only benefit was treasure. Some stellar Lunarians must have thought it was a good idea to hide their treasures in this horrible place. We took whatever we could find: arrows, items, robes - even a whip that lashed out like flame, which I grabbed with glee. And hidden around the place were suits of armor for those trained to wear them. It must have been some sort of puzzle; all I know is that we got lost so many times we eventually found all the pieces of armor we needed.

As we descended, we felt the desperation growing. Rosa, after a few tricky battles, had taught herself how to use the holy spell of White; I felt my own magic responding in challenge. I took every chance I had to devote myself to studying. I saw Cecil looking at me sometimes, his eyes meeting mine as if he knew what I was up to. I didn't want to tell him for fear that he would forbid me. But I knew what was necessary.

But the caves continued, on and on. We had discarded the old armor, knowing somehow that this was the final stretch. We trudged on, using items as we had need, calling magic sparingly, wondering when we would find the center.

And then we discovered the weapons.

The crystal had been right. We came upon what was to be the first of many - tiny shrines set in separate rooms deep within the maze of the Lunar Subterrain. Ivory pillars traced with platinum supported a gleaming dark blade. Edge approached it, wonderment on his face. I realized it looked much like the blades he carried on his back. He went to touch it, but Cecil's voice rang out sharply:

"Wait!"

He ran to Edge's side. "Hold on. I don't suppose they'll give it up that easily," said the Paladin.

But the movement had provoked something; a dark shadow emerged from the pillars, hissing. You shall not take this sacred blade!

The shadow morphed and suddenly was a gleaming white dragon. It roared and the ground shook beneath us, injuring us all.

Kain leapt high into the air; I began my chanting while Cecil struck out with his sword. Rosa called forth a quick but massive cure spell. Edge dug through his robes frantically; a shining sharp-edged ninja toy whizzed through the air, embedding itself in the dragon's side and suddenly splitting into a dozen similar stars. The beast roared, and the force of its attack made me fall to my knees.

But I continued chanting, frantically. Kain landed, impaling one massive paw, then regaining his spot beside Cecil. Finally, I was done; I struggled forward, raising my arms.

White dragon? Feel the wrath of the king of dragons, then!

"I ...summon Bahamut!" The world around me faded and the massive form of the dragon lord appeared. He roared, and the same blast of molten flame poured from his jaw, surrounding and scorching the other beast. Bahamut faded and I weakly retreated.

Soon Rosa noticed and summoned up a heavy cure spell; Cecil, Edge and Kain had been fighting. This time I concentrated on a Flare spell. Soon the dragon fell to its side; a mighty strike from Cecil made its body shatter.

Edge approached the shine, his eyes wide. He reached out and grasped the handle of the blade; it swung away from its hold freely, as if glad to be used again. He swung it once, experimentally. It caught in the dim light; sparks ran up its length. He read softly from its hilt: "Murasame."

From there we continued, weary but determined. After more levels and treasures and endless amounts of hideous enemies, we finally found a place to rest. We threw up a tent and collapsed, tired beyond belief. But we could not sleep long in this strange place. There was too much driving us; we had to continue on.

From there we found three more sacred weapons, and faced three beasts. Plague, the defender of the mighty Holy Lance that Kain received, was a horrible floating demon who cast a lingering death spell over us; we fought a panicked battle powered by Rosa's speed spells and Edge's quick blades. Next we fought a horrible demon called the Wyvern; this appalling creature alternated protecting itself with a Wall and casting horrible Flare-like spells. I called upon Bahamut three or four times; but I could not walk afterward. Cecil had to carry me back to the resting place, where I passed out. But he went back to the place of Wyvern's defeat and collected the shining blade of Ragnarok that we had earned for him. The last weapon, another blade for Edge called the Masamune, was guarded by a serpent that looked like a large, lunar cousin of Leviathan's; he attacked with massive punches and enormous tidal waves. Rosa drained herself with healing during that battle, but we emerged victorious - and Edge held aloft two shining Lunarian blades. We also earned two Sacred Ribbons for Rosa and myself, woven with mighty protection spells, by defeating a pair of Lunasaurs.

And finally we reached the center.

It was a small shrine, reaching high into the blackness of an endless cave, lined with broken ivory pillars traced with silver. In its midst stood a tall, dark creature, larger than anything we had ever fought. And before it -

"FuSoYa ...Golbez!" Cecil cried out and ran forward.

The two Lunarians were depleting their spells upon the dark form, and although they were holding it in check, the spells did not seem to be hurting the creature. The old man turned to Golbez and called out: "Are you ready for the Meteo spell?"

Golbez simply nodded. The two of them raised their hands, closed their eyes, and fire rained from the unseen sky. The fire was laced with gleaming white - a potent spell. It fell through Zemus; his body crumbled to ash.

Golbez bowed his head. "It is done, then."

"What tragedy," FuSoYa said pensively. "A man of his power ...wasted on evil."

We approached them from behind. Edge, incorrigible, called out: "Hey, good job!"

They turned. FuSoYa smiled. "We meet again," he said. His eyes took in much, including the weapons in our hands and armor on our backs.

Edge grinned. "I wanted to get Zemus, guys!" he said, teasing.

Cecil had stopped, looking at Golbez. "Cecil," the tall man began, and took a step forward.

Cecil dropped his eyes. Rosa took his hand, saying encouragingly, "Cecil..."

But from behind us, from the place where Zemus' body had fallen, there came a horrible sound - a shriek of madness, of emptiness, pure evil grating over cruelty and malice, a sound that tore our ears and eyes and mouths. And we turned to see a shadow growing from the place that Zemus had fallen. The sound sorted itself out into a voice, a voice that stung, a voice that was an attack on the mind -

I am the incarnation of the hatred of Zemus. I am Zeromus, the absolute, the darkness.

And then he screamed.

I don't remember what happened - all I remember is the scream tearing through me, and the pain - the pain! - as the force of the scream tore my muscles apart, broke my bones, pummeled me mercilessly and threw me to the ground. I knew I was going to die. My fingers clenched at the ground beneath me, but they too were broken, broken by the force of the scream. Tears trickled down my charred face as I tried to move; but even my tears were painful.

I was in a haze; darkness had surrounded me, full of mist, and I sighed, knowing I was doomed. I saw flashes in the dark: FuSoYa and Golbez trying to summon forth the power of their Meteo spell, but to no avail; Golbez trying to summon forth power from a mighty crystal he held. I watched the flashes as if from a distance; I didn't really understand what was going on. My body was not moving; in fact, I doubt I was in my body any longer. I had no idea where Cecil had gone; Rosa, and Kain, even Edge, they were nowhere to be found.

Then suddenly I began to hear whispers. A voice, far-off but growing, full of familiarity and kindness: ...come, Palom, Porom, we must pray ...help me, we must send them our prayers!

Who? My muddled and confused mind could not tell who was speaking, or who this Palom and Porom were; I caught another flash, Golbez and FuSoYa being fried by the same magic that had caught me, caught everyone, I assumed, for they were no longer to be seen.

Then the voice was in my head, and it was horribly painful, because in that second some unseen force brought me back to life.

Reality slammed itself back around me; I was lying on the ground, barely hanging on to my life, trying to scream in a throat gone dry. But out of the corner of my eye I could see Cecil, on his knees, shining strangely. Before him were shimmering images: two young children - the ones on the airship, I realized suddenly - were standing there, heads bowed in prayer.

Then they faded, and to my astonishment, mirage-like outlines of Edward - and Tellah! - appeared before us. Edward whispered, I hope this helps, and Tellah beside him smiled mystically, saying, trust your power. A little bit of strength crept into my bones, and I felt myself gathering something that resembled hope.

Then they, as well, faded, and similar spectral images of Yang and Cid came into being. Yang folded his hands and bowed, saying concentrate, don't give up! Cid, with an entirely un-Cid-like look coming over his face, whispered, come home soon. A little more strength poured through me, and I found myself standing up.

Then those images vanished and FuSoYa and Golbez stood from where they had fallen. The old Lunarian smiled brilliantly at us; he was outlined in light. He whispered, bless them, Moon, and I felt the rest of my strength and determination flowing through me. We were all standing now - Cecil, a regal pillar of light, with the radiant Rosa behind him; Kain, clad in the dark fearsome armor of his Dragoon past; Edge, even now poised for attack, his handsome face contorted with determination; and myself, probably looking haggard yet fearsome.

Golbez reached his hand out to Cecil, giving him the shard of crystal I had seen in my hallucination. Brother, he said, let your sacred power be with the crystal. Then he turned and with the last of his strength, Golbez called out: Zeromus! This is the end for you! Show yourself!

And the beast emerged.

It was terrifying.

A giant beast with no shape - it had large, glowing blue orb-like eyes everywhere and pulsing red veins. It shrieked at us, furious. But then Cecil raised his hand, dubious. From within his fist the crystal began to glow. His grip tightened and the intensity increased. Zeromus howled in pain. Cecil released the crystal - its light was blinding - and threw it at Zeromus.

Thus our battle began. Cecil attacked it with his holy sword, which dug deep into the creature's sides; Edge threw every sharp weapon he could find with deadly accuracy, including one of Cecil's old swords. Kain continuously leapt into the air, performing his deadly acrobatics. Rosa chanted continuously, refreshing us when we were hit my Zeromus's terrible magic. I summoned Bahamut again; and as the world crystallized around me, I had a very dangerous thought.

I heard the Elder's voice: the forbidden spells; they will give themselves to you if you ask.

I set aside all my doubt. I put my trust in the hands of the Elder, in Asura's training, and in my own desperate abilities. I simply began to chant.

The battle around me raged on. I saw Edge stumble; I winced. Then I saw Cecil rushing across, taking a blow that was clearly meant for me - and my head exploded.

I ran forward two steps and fell to my knees. Arching my back and raising my arms high, I called out in a clear voice: "Meteo!"

For a second nothing happened, and I was filled with fear. But then I heard a hissing from above. The entire cave turned red with the glow that was surrounding Zemus. The burning light intensified, bright to the point where it was painful to look at. All around him, the air was shimmering with the heat. The spell consumed him with all the force of an exploding star. Then the fire began to fall from above; chunks of molten pain and agony. They hurtled themselves into him, trailing with their own intensity and magic. The fire continued to build, drawing its strength from my very bones. I could hear the beast screaming, and somehow I didn't care.

Then the spell ended. I was somehow back in my place, behind Edge, on my hands and knees, coughing blood. I didn't think I could stand. But I knew it was necessary; in fact, I knew I had to cast the spell again. And again. Until this was over. I fumbled in my pouch, reaching for the small tablet I knew would restore all of my strength. I clumsily set it on the back of my tongue and swallowed. My throat was raw.

There were a few seconds of dizzying pain, and then the drug began to course through me, stimulating my weary muscles. You'll pay for this, part of my mind said, to which I firmly replied, later. I felt the pain vanish beneath the haze of the drug. I immediately began chanting again.

Cecil shot me a look, but could not say anything in the heat of the battle. He did not need to speak aloud. His eyes told me, don't do this. It's not worth it, Rydia. But it was. I was terrified of the power that ran through my veins; yet a small part of me was exhilarated, exulting in success, the feel of the spell bringing a tiny rush of power. I knew this, and ignored it. Instead, I concentrated even harder. When it was my turn, I again released the power of the deadly spell.

This time I was prepared for it, and when my legs buckled underneath me I was already back, back behind the safe wall of Cecil and Kain. I saw Rosa take a sip of a magic-refreshing potion and then summon forth a heavy protection spell. I didn't think I could stand up. There was no way my poor body could summon forth Meteo three times in a row. I gritted my teeth and stood, swaying unevenly, preparing to summon Bahamut - or at least Leviathan.

But as I was chanting I took a look at the battlefield, amazed at what I saw; the creature was weakening, slowing; stumbling as I was, even. Cecil was striking at it, his raw strength obvious in his attack - slash, slash, parry, slash, swipe. Parry. Slash. He leapt back just as the creature reached for him, but its odd appendage was pinned down by Kain's spear. As Kain nimbly leapt out of the way Edge ran in, dodging faster than my eye could follow, attacking with true ninja finesse - here, then here, then suddenly on the opposite side, then back to gouge out an eye. I then saw its skin was charred and peeling. That was me!

Finally, Zeromus collapsed. Cecil walked up to what was left of the evil thing, holding his gleaming sword high above his head, ready to end it all. Zeromus looked up at him, glaring weakly.

I can never ...perish ...as long as there is hatred ..in the hearts of the people ...

Then Cecil struck downward. There was the sound of a minor explosion as the body of Zeromus, a solidification of hatred and evil, shattered. The shockwave caught us all and threw us to the ground.

No one moved for at least five minutes. I don't know the reasons of the others; I know that I was simply not capable of it. Then I heard movement. I grunted loudly in an attempt to ward off the attack.

But it was FuSoYa and Golbez, who approached us. Feeling a little less threatened, I kind of flopped myself over. I saw Cecil, crouching quietly over Rosa. He turned her over and helped her to sit. I grunted again, trying to ask for such help myself; but he only had eyes for Rosa and his brother.

FuSoYa bowed to us. "Well done," he said. "Your strength has exceeded even my greatest expectations." He paused, lost in thought. "Perhaps the people of Earth have come father than we believed," he mused.

Edge (who was somehow still standing) grinned. "Yeah," he said, "nothin' to it."

Kain bowed his head (he, at least, was still seated on the ground). "What were ...Zeromus' last words?"

"As long as evil dwells in the hearts of the people?" Rosa mused. She was upright as well, leaning against Cecil. I decided (since I was the only one still sprawled across the ground) to slowly work my way into a sitting position. It was a gruesome and horrible process.

"In every heart," FuSoYa said thoughtfully, "there is the potential for good and evil - just as there are crystals of light and darkness, just as your planet has an Overworld and an Underworld. Against evil, only good can persist - and this is how you overcame Zeromus."

Edge struck a pose. "Nothin' to it, I said," he stated. "I was born a hero."

I paused in my struggle to lift my body. "What? Could you be more arrogant?" Then, as he turned to me, to show I was only kidding: "I'm surprised Zeromus didn't use YOU!"

He actually had the sense to blush. "No way, babe. 'Good' is my middle name."

FuSoYa looked back at us. "I must go now," he said sadly, "and return to the sleep with my people."

"We're going home," Cecil said decisively. Home!

"Our friends are ...waiting for us," Rosa said, exhausted.

"Ah, yes," the Lunarian smiled. "You truly are blessed with your friends. They are mighty, wise, and brave."

"I would like to accompany you, FuSoYa." Golbez's voice was sudden, a dart in the darkness.

The Lunarian turned to look at him. Golbez bowed his head. "I cannot go back to the Blue Planet. Not after what I've done. And I long to know more about my father's people..."

FuSoYa bent his head. "Ah, yes, you are part Lunarian as well." He looked at Golbez sharply. "There will be a long sleep."

"I will not mind." The dark man turned then to Cecil. "You ...you called me brother."

Cecil suddenly dropped his gaze and would not look up at the armored man.

Golbez sighed. "Still, I have caused you much pain ...I can't expect your forgiveness ..." He turned and began to walk away.

FuSoYa bowed. "Farewell, warriors. I will pray for peace on your planet." He turned to walk beside Golbez.

"Cecil," Rosa urged.

"So that's it?" Kain was standing beside the Paladin, scrutinizing his down-turned face.

I had finally pushed myself up, and now I looked at Cecil from my vantage point. "He's your brother, Cecil," I said carefully.

At the end of the walkway, Golbez turned one last time to look at us. We all looked back - all except one. "Goodbye," Golbez said reluctantly, and turned to leave.

"Cecil!" Rosa coaxed.

After what seemed an eternity, Cecil lifted his eyes. His clear gaze met that of the armored man at the end of the corridor and he took a step forward. "Goodbye," he said carefully: "...goodbye, brother."

It looked as if a weight lifted from Golbez's shoulders. "Goodbye," he said. "Thank you, Cecil." And he left.

We all turned to each other, not knowing what to do. A silly smile had crossed Cecil's face, and as he turned to Rosa it stretched across her lips as well. They looked at Edge, and then all three looked down at me goofily.

"Come on, Rydia," Cecil said. "Let's go home."

"I, er, don't think I can," I said shakily. "I mean, I don't think I can walk."

"Rydia!" Rosa scolded. "You and your spells ...you are going to destroy yourself one day, you hear?" She bent over me, but suddenly strong arms wrapped themselves under my shoulders and knees and lifted me easily.

"Come on, you," Edge said. "I want to go home now, and I'm not waiting."

We tentatively walked through the maze, but the monsters had all vanished. I told myself I should be nervous and ready to fight, but honestly, I kept dozing, only stirring when Edge jolted my motionless body. I was almost asleep when we reached the Lunar Whale. Cecil went straight and activated the crystal to take us home. Edge took me to one of the bunks and gently set me down.

I was already so exhausted I simply curled up into a ball. My entire body was aching.

"Good night, Rydia," Cecil said from the door, teasing.

I mumbled something in return. As I felt myself drifting into oblivion, I smiled. This is it, Zeromus. Game over.





~~*~~





Well, the game is officially over. ((This chapter itself was a challenge to write properly; I couldn't see any way for Rydia to NOT get the Bahamut summon, as it was very important in the game; and I had to fit it in somehow.)) I want to point out a couple interesting and important (at least to me) things about this part as a little explanation...

1) As I said before, I tried to stay as close to the script as possible. Here I am, playing the game and then also working off of two or three different copies of translations of the script. If some of the conversation seems bizarre, that's why. I wanted to be true to the game.

2) In certain places I most definitely deviated from the gameplan. I hope this wasn't too distracting. I wanted to put in a sort of "basis" for the way that characters learn their magic spells (other than the proverbial "level-up!" that doesn't fit very well into a realistic story).

3) I tried to stay true to the battles; I had a fourth window open as well which included a nice FAQ for beating the game. I just didn't want the story to be, "Cecil parries, Rosa casts Cure 4. Edge throws a Shuriken."



Well, FFIV is over, and now we are venturing into that unknown realm of honest-to-goodness fanfiction. I think I have a couple good surprises still up my sleeves, so stay tuned. This portion of the story will take me a little longer to work through; unless I have much of the plot planned out, I tend to just babble on for pages and pages with no point in mind. Rydia has some interesting challenges and decisions ahead of her, and the story is promising (inside my head, that is) to be captivating. Stick with me.

As always, any comments, concerns, or questions can be posted here or left at my website, //brokenprism//:

http://www.angelfire.com/ar2/sarchives/index.html