Chapter 1: Thinking Back
"How could I have been so foolish? What was I thinking? How could I think she was interested in me?" Locke was by himself at the inn at Nikeah, thinking. He was sure Terra was showing interest in him. At first, she always needed him. He made a promise to always protect her.
But that only lasted until he met the former 'love' of his life, Celes. He quickly learned that they weren't compatible. He was an adventurer and always would be. Celes, after fighting Kefka, got sick of anything that reminded her of being the one of the Empire's generals and that included, long trips and sleeping under the stars.
After they broke up, Terra seemed to come to mind a lot. He didn't know why, but as time went on, he thought about all the times he didn't quite pay enough attention to her. He started thinking of her again, the time they first met ....
"Took you long enough! How goes the robbing plundering trade?" Arvis asked.
"I PREFER the term treasure hunting! There's a HUGE difference," I said gritting my teeth. Then putting it out of my mind, I asked, "Anyway, were you the one who sent for me?"
"Yeah. There's a girl I'd like you to meet."
"...!? This better not have anything to do with that Magitek-riding, imperial witch!!!"
How he regretted what he said then. It just proves to say that you can't judge someone until you get to know them. He now knew why she did the things she did. It wasn't really her, just that damn crown.
"Imperial troops are pursuing her even as we speak. This town is no match for the Empire. Our independence can only be assured if we join forces with the Returners, an underground resistance movement. That girl wasn't responsible for her actions. We must get her to understand our dilemma."
And I could never turn down helping a female in distress, Locke thought to himself.
"All right... I think we'd better help her..."
"Agreed. Make your way first to Figaro, and talk to the king."
I went to the mines and found her unconscious on the ground, just in time to protect her from the soldiers. Thankfully, some moogles showed up. Otherwise I wouldn't have been any match for them.
On the way out from Narshe, Terra woke up. "You ... saved me?"
"Save your thanks for the moogles!"
"That was the truth. I passed out because that asshole charged me. If it wasn't for the moogles, who'd know what would've happened to us," Locke said out loud to himself.
"Uhhh ... I can't remember anything ... past or present ..."
"You have amnesia?!"
"A man said my memory would come back..."
"Give it time. You're safe with me! I give you my word!"
"???"
"I won't leave you until your memory returns!!"
Or until another pretty woman comes along, Locke thought.
Outside, we spent several days and nights getting training to cross the desert to Edgar's castle. During that time we got a bit friendlier. She trusted me pretty quickly. She depended on me, for food, for shelter, for protection. Eventually, we made it to Figaro Castle.
Letting Edgar see her was a huge mistake. He immediately fell in love with her. Of course, that's no surprise, he falls in love with every woman he sees. But, we would've never been able to get to the Returners hideout without him. Locke chuckled again when he thought about it. Edgar was always blind when it came to pretty 'women.'
"But those looks and those touches must've been just where she was needing someone for comfort. She did have amnesia and had most of her past forgotten. And even after she learned of herself being half-esper, she probably needed time to get used to the idea. Maybe she was worried how people would think of her. I know I still cared for her, even though I was preoccupied. I think green hair is sorta sexy. But she didn't pay attention to me, other than say 'hello,' when I did try. Maybe she didn't have any interest in me, maybe she didn't have any love interest at all. She didn't see her with any other guys except me. Maybe I misinterpreted her actions as more than friends. At least that's what it seems like. I was the only person she felt any bit close to. I don't know. Maybe it's wishful thinking. I was sort of attracted to her when we were going to Figaro Castle. But at that time, I felt like I would've been taking advantage of her. Anyway, I was still mourning over Rachel at the time. Well, I guess it's time to move on. The South Figaro ferry leaves tomorrow, so I'm gonna leave and start all over. Maybe meet someone, have dinner and maybe a drink. What am I saying, it's been so long since I tried to actually meet someone. Do I still know how? Did I ever know how? 12:30 already?! I'd better got to bed. Gotta get up early for the ferry." Locke had a tendency to ramble on, especially when he was alone. He went to sleep, only to have dreams of Terra.
