Chapter IV: Multiple Reunions and a battle.
The Falcon landed near the castle of Figaro. It was a six hour trip. They abandoned the airship and walked towards the main gate. The castle wasn't in a bad shape, at least, not as bad as they expected. There were some walls that suffered some damage and there were some rocks in the ground. The soldier recognized Sabin and opened the gate immediately.
As soon as they entered the castle they saw a familiar figure walking towards them.
-Locke! – said Setzer smiling.
The "treasure hunter" smiled back.
-Hello! Hello! – he said – It's so nice to see you guys again.
-The same here – said Terra hugging him – Where's Celes?
-She's inside. We've just arrived a few hours ago and she was a little tired, so she's taking a nap... - then he noticed Clyde's and Braguin's presence and asked – Who are you?
-He's Clyde Arrowny – said Relm hugging her father's arm – My father. But you know him, Locke. He used to be a ninja named Shadow.
Locke opened his mouth and moved it but he didn't emit any sound.
-And you're... - he said to Braguin after he recovered from the surprise.
-I'm Braguin Rugaon – answered the old archeologist – I came here because I'm researching something for the King.
Locke nodded. -What the hell is going on? – asked Sabin eagerly - How's my brother doing?
-I wished I can answer that, Sabin – said Locke – I know the same as you guys. Edgar didn't tell me a thing. He said that he told me later. He seemed tired, but fine... Well as fine as he can be in this situation...
He didn't finished the sentence because someone shouted:
-Prince Sabin!
Sabin looked over the way were the voice came and said:
-Thiago!
The young man ran next to Sabin.
-Your Highness! You're back! – and noticing the presence of the others concluded – And you brought friends... Mr. Clyde, you're back too!
-What's going on, Thiago? Who's attacking? – asked Sabin.
-Yes, Thiago, who's attacking and why? – asked Clyde too.
Thiago sighed.
-It began the night of the day you left, Mr. Clyde. A strange man came here demanding His Majesty to hand over the plaque. His Majesty denied, and the man threatened him and left. Four days later, at midnight a huge army marched towards Figaro, at least ten thousand men. The man that threatened His Majesty asked to talk to him and told him that he was going to gave him a last chance to hand over the plaques. His Majesty refused once again. The man left saying that he better prepare for the worst. They sited us for three days, and they attacked the third night. And they've been attacking us for four nights in a row. Fortunately, there hasn't been a single man injured or killed. We've been able to control their attacks. Specially since Sir Cyan came to help. -Cyan's here ?! – said surprised Strago.
-Yes – said Thiago – he arrived two days before yesterday. As I said he's been very helpful. He came with his son, Gau.
-Where's Edgar? – asked Terra.
-He's in his office. He's planning the strategy for the next battle with Sir Cyan and the generals of the army.
They kept interrogating Thiago about the attacks. Terra wanted to see Edgar, so she entered the castle and headed to Edgar's office that was next to the Throne Room. The door was closed and she opened it quietly. Edgar was alone. He was standing in front of the desk with the palms of his hand on it, staring at a map he had there. He was still wearing his armor, except the helmet and the breast plate. She sneak into the room, Edgar felt her presence because he said without taking his eyes from the map:
-For the tenth time, I wont sign those papers, Chancellor.
-But I don't want you to sign anything – said Terra smiling.
Edgar raised his head surprised.
-Te... Terra... - he mumbled – Is that really you?
Terra stood next to him and hugged him.
-What ... What are you doing here? – asked Edgar when they separated.
-I was in Thamasa when I heard what happened. Setzer was there too so he brought us here.
-Us? – repeated Edgar confused.
-Yes. I came here with Relm, Strago, Sabin, Clyde and Braguin.
-Clyde found Braguin? – asked Edgar.
Terra nodded.
-And my brother is here too?
Terra nodded again. Edgar sat in the desk with a tired expression that Terra had never seen in his face.
-Are you okay Edgar? – asked Terra worried – You looked tired.
-I hadn't sleep too well this days – he stretched his arms – You can imagine how exhausting is to fight during the night and planning during day. I've been so busy that I even hadn't took of this heavy armor... - and hitting the desk with the palm of his hand he said – Come, sit next to me.
Terra hesitated.
-Don't worry, you're not that fat – said Edgar smiling.
Terra sent him the "How funny" look and sat next to him.
-Can I ask you something, Edgar? – asked Terra.
-Sure, my lady. What is it?
-Why you didn't write us to inform us about what was going on?
Edgar closed his eyes and moved his head backwards.
-Honestly, I thought about it, but I... How can I say it? I don't know, I guess I didn't want to worry you. I supposed you have enough problems trying to reconstruct your lives to preoccupy you with something like this.
-But Edgar – said Terra a little angry – We're supposed to be friends. And friends are together in the good ones as in the bad ones. Of course we would've worried, but we wouldn't worried as much as we were before we got here.
-Sorry – muttered Edgar still his eyes closed – I never intended to worry you.
-I know – said Terra in a softer tone – I know, but you did the exact opposite... I'm surprised that you didn't tell us. You were the one that always said that friends were there when you had to carry a heavy burden to make it easier to carry.
-You're right, my lady... - and opening his eyes he said – It wont happen again, I promise...
Terra smiled.
-Now's my turn to ask you if I can make you a question – said Edgar staring at her.
Terra's smile disappeared and nodded, agreeing.
-Why are you sad?
This question took Terra by surprise. She never expected that question from Edgar's lips. He noticed her sadness without being warned about it by the others. There was no doubt that Edgar knew her more than she could imagine.
-What makes you think that? – was Terra's answer.
Edgar stared at the ceiling.
-Because you've the same attitude that you used to have when I first met you. You seem insecure and afraid, I dare to say. You're attitude has nothing to do with the one you had the last time I saw at the wedding of the thief and Celes.
Terra lowered her eyes.
-Well – said Edgar fixing his eyes on her – Can you tell me what's wrong?
Terra was going to answer when the door opened suddenly. Celes appeared with a smile in her face that transformed in to a gesture of surprise when she saw Terra.
-Oh! Terra! You're here! – said Celes excited. Terra stood and hugged her friend.
Edgar was angry about the interruption. He wanted to kick Celes out and continue his talk with Terra. But he contained his desire and sighed with disappointment.
-When you arrived? – asked Celes.
-A few minutes ago – answered Terra – I came here with Setzer, Sabin, Relm, Strago Clyde and Braguin, a friend of Strago and a very important archeologist.
-And who's Clyde?
-Clyde is Relm's father – answered Edgar – and the ninja named Shadow.
-WHAT! – exclaimed Celes – YOU HAVE TO BE KIDDING ME!
-Nope – said Edgar – Clyde's Relm father. He lost his memory and became Shadow. He just recovered his memory and told us who he was.
Celes stared at Terra that nodded confirming what Edgar just said.
-Wow... - said the ex general in a low voice and raising it she said – Anyway. Where are the others? -They're outside with Locke and a with some guy named Thiago.
-Thiago is with them? – asked Edgar.
Terra nodded.
-Why don't we got to say hello to the guys? – suggested Edgar. The girls agreed and went were the others where.
Before they got to where the others were, Celes asked Terra about her children and the life in Mobliz, Terra answered that everything was fine. Celes sensed her sadness in her tone and looked at Edgar from the corner of her eye. Edgar understood what Celes look meant and he nodded. Celes nodded back and kept talking with Terra. She didn't ask what was wrong because they arrived to the garden. After the hugs, salutes and presentations, Edgar asked Thiago if he found the army of the enemy. Thiago answered that he followed the trace that they left but the tracks disappeared in a certain point and he wasn't able to find anymore tracks. Edgar frowned.
-How's possible that an army that huge can disappear without leaving a single footstep or a trace... That's strange... – thought Edgar.
Everybody else seemed to share his thoughts for the look on their faces.
-By the way Mr. Rugaon – said Edgar changing the subject – Did you have the opportunity to study the plaque?
Braguin nodded with excitement.
-Oh yes! – he exclaimed – But I need the one you posses to continue my studies.
-Of course – said Edgar – Come with me – and before they left he said – Guys make yourselves at home.
Braguin followed Edgar into the castle. He took Braguin to the library. Edgar climbed one of the bookshelves and grabbed the plaque from the top of it.
-Here – said Edgar giving the plaque to the archeologist when he climbed down – It's all yours.
Braguin took out his equipment and putting the lens in his right eye, he began to read the writings.
-Oh! – he said a few seconds later.
-Oh what? – asked Edgar sitting next to him.
-The writings in this plaque are different from the ones that Clyde gave me.
-Are you sure?
-Absolutely – he put the two plaques together – Look them closely. At first sight they seem equal, but if you look them more carefully, you'll notice the difference.
-You're right – said Edgar amazed – They're different. Does this mean that what's written on them is different in each one?
-Probably, but I need to decipher them first before making any statements.
-Feel free to ask for anything you need – said Edgar.
-Thank you, your Majesty – said Braguin without taking his eyes from the plaques.
Edgar stood up and said:
-I leave you now – and before he left the room he said – I'll be in my room. If you need something just ask for it.
Braguin nodded while Edgar left the library. Meanwhile, Terra, Celes and Relm found Cyan and Gau walking in the highest tower of the castle.
-Look, father. It's lady Terra, lady Celes and lady Relm – said Gau that looked completely different. His hair was pale brown, his red eyes seemed brown and his attitudes and manners were proper of a young man, son of a retainer.
-Is that really you, Gau? – asked Relm surprised.
-But of course I am Gau, lady Relm – answered Gau grabbing her hand and kissing it – Nice to see you again – and he did the same with Celes and Terra. Cyan watched the scene with a smile. Then he greeted them like his adopted son.
-When you arrived? – asked Celes to Cyan.
-Two days ago – he answered – As soon as we heard that the castle of Sir Edgar was under attack, we came to offer him our help. And thou? When thou arrived?
-Locke and I arrived today early in the morning – said Celes – Terra and Relm came with Setzer, Strago, Sabin, an old friend of Strago that is an archeologist and Clyde that used to be Shadow.
-I knew about it – said Cyan – Sir Edgar told me about it the same day we arrived – and smiling to Relm he continued – Thou must be very happy, lady Relm.
-Of course – said the young artist – I think I've never been happier.
-Cyan, how are things going? – said Terra changing the subject, serious.
Cyan sighed.
-At the moment things are fine – he said – but I don't know for how long we can handle the attacks. Although we have been able to repel the assaults and cause them some losses, the next attack they come with a new strategy and more soldiers. That is the reason why Sir Edgar and I think is better to discover where they have their base so we can attack them in their own territory but we haven't been able to discover it's location. The traces they left suddenly disappear, according to what Sir Thiago told me.
-We heard when Thiago told that to Edgar – said Celes – And it's quite strange that an army of that magnitude can appear and disappear without leaving any clues...
They remained in silence until one of the maids announced that the food was served and the King was waiting for them in the dinning room. They followed the maid and indeed, Edgar was sitting in the main sit of the table with the rest of the group. They took their places in the table and began to eat. During al dinner they talk about what they've been doing all those years. But there were two of them that weren't in the talk. Edgar barely touched his food because, during all the meal, his attention and eyes were fixed in Terra, whose eyes never lifted from her plate. When the dessert was being served, the chancellor called Edgar to his office because the major of South Figaro was requesting to talk to him. Edgar stood almost lazily and abandoned the room. The others finished their food a few minutes later. Locke went with Setzer, Sabin, Clyde and Cyan to play cards, Relm and Celes decided to take a walk in the garden, Gau, Thiago and Strago went to the library with Braguin. Terra argued she was tired and went to her room. She sat in the bed and wrapped her arms around her legs. She was tired, indeed, but no tired physically, she was tired mentally. She was tired of feeling that void and that emptiness, of feeling sad and depressed. The tears she tried to contain rolled over her face. She covered her face with her hands, when, minutes later she heard someone knocking the door.
-Terra, may I come in? – asked Edgar's voice from the other side of the door.
Terra wiped her tears and opened the door. When Edgar saw her face, he frowned and getting into the room and closing the door behind him, he said:
-We left a conversation waiting – and making Terra sat in the bed next to him and taking her hand in his he asked – What's wrong, Terra? Why are you crying? Why are you sad?
Terra released her hand from Edgar's and stood from the bed. Edgar kept staring at her, still frowning. Terra opened the windows and walked to the balcony. Edgar followed her.
-You know you can trust me, right? – said Edgar standing next to her. Terra nodded slightly – Then, please tell me what's wrong, Terra, I want to help you, but I can't if you don't tell me...
Terra's green eyes looked him fully in his blue eyes. Edgar could see the desperation, the pain and the suffering in her eyes.
-I don't know, Edgar – said Terra desperately – I don't know what is this feeling I've been feeling... I know the reason but I can't do anything to stop feeling like this...
-And what is this feeling? – asked Edgar concerned.
-It's like... nothing is fulfilling and satisfying, it's like a hole, a void, an emptiness... that what used to fill it doesn't fill it anymore...
-And what's the reason you feel like this ?
Terra lowered her eyes, blushing.
-It's because... because... I need the love of someone, but that someone is... dead...
-General Leo? – asked Edgar with a strange tone in his voice. Terra nodded still with her eyes down. Edgar managed to smile and said – You know the name of that feeling is? Is loneliness, my dear lady... -Terra raised her face that was wet with the tears. And she was surprised when Edgar hugged her and rested his cheek in her hair – I know how is to feel lonely...Actually I'm an specialist... But you don't have to feel desperation, Terra, because you have friends that care about you, and you also have your children, and with our help, you're going to feel better...
Terra hid her face in Edgar's chest. She felt so comforted like she never felt before. The embrace of Edgar was reassuring and transmitted strength and confidence.
-I can't promise you'll forget the general because it's impossible to gorges someone who's been important for you, you only manage not to think of that person all of the time, but obviously there are going to be things that remind you of that person, in this case, General Leo ... – continued talking Edgar – But what I can promise is I'll do all that I can to help you to return to the lovely woman ... we love...
Terra hugged him tightly, while Edgar caressed her green her tenderly. They stayed like that for almost half an hour, until Terra sobs disappeared because she felt deep asleep. Edgar smiled softly and carried her into her bed in his arms. He put her on the bed and kissed her hand. He watched the clock on the wall, and it indicated 7:23. Edgar sighed with resignation and abandoned Terra's room quietly.
-So... Did she tell you what's wrong? –asked Celes, that was waiting for him, as soon as Edgar left the room.
Edgar jumped a little.
-Yes... - he said – Her problem is that she feels lonely...
Celes raised her eyebrows with surprise.
-Loneliness? – she said – Are you sure?
Edgar nodded as he laid his back against the wall.
-She told me that she feel like a hole in her heart and her life is no longer as fulfilling as long as it used to be... And the reason is that she is in love with... - he made a pause an finished the phrase in a strange voice – General Leo.
Celes opened her mouth and widened her eyes.
-Still?! – she almost yelled – But he's been dead, for what? ... 4 years?... How can she love someone that she only met for two days and bearly spoke to her... That's preposterous...
Edgar shrugged and sighed.
-That doesn't matter, what's important is that we help her to feel better and do our best to make her return to the one she was when the battle against Kefka was over...
-You're right - said Celes agreeing – We have to help her.
Edgar smiled.
-Good – he said – Now, if you excuse me, I have to go to prepare everything for tonight
-Speaking of which... - stopped him Celes before he left – What are going to be our positions?
-I've been thinking, and I believe that the best is that you, Relm, Strago, Gau, Terra and Thiago, stay in the castle to protect the civilians.
Celes opened her mouth to protest but Edgar raised his hand to shut her.
-I'm not giving you those posts, because you're women, old or young. Is just that I feel more tranquil if someone is in here to prevent damage to the kids and the other people who lives here... - explained Edgar. Celes smiled putting her hand in his shoulder.
-Okay. If those are the reasons, I'll be glad to help you...
-Thank you – said Edgar – Well, if you excuse me again – and he walked through the corridor towards the door. When he arrived to the throne room, the chancellor, his generals and Cyan were waiting for him. The next 4 hours they reviewed the strategy and placed the army in their positions. They took their places too. Edgar was in the front row like in the past attacks, but now, Sabin, Setzer, Locke, Cyan and Clyde were next to him. While inside the castle, Celes, Relm, Strago, Gau and Thiago were inside the castle.
It was midnight when far in the distance, the huge red and purple army marched towards the castle leaded by Gaston. The strategy of that night was to attack them several meters away from the castle. The army of Figaro began to march to meet with the enemy army. And the battle began.
Gaston and company seemed surprised by the strategy of the army of Figaro, because they outnumbered them 3 – 1, and their strategy was so efficient that they even the number of men, without losing any men.
But Gaston wasn't going to give up, and raised his sword in the air.
-What's he doing? – said Locke to Edgar that shrugged.
-I don't know, but we better be careful – said the king.
Gaston kept his sword in the air for some seconds and the he put it down with a fast move. A huge ball of fire was in the sky and began to fall slowly in to the ground.
-Damn it! – shouted Edgar.
-What the hell's that?! – exclaimed Locke.
-It looks like... - began Edgar, but Locke interrupted him guessing what he was going to say.
-Impossible, it disappeared, we saw it disappear.
-It doesn't matter what it is! – shouted Setzer – Look, it's coming to us. RUN!
-RUN EVERYBODY!!! – shouted Edgar with all his strength.
The soldiers do as he said. The ball hit the ground and it exploded. The soldiers that were near, were thrown away several meters. The explosion was so violent, that even the castle tremble. Terra was asleep when she felt the quake. She woke up, and walked to the window. When she saw what was happening outside she covered her mouth with her hands. She left her room and ran as fast as she could. She was going to get out of the castle when Celes stop her.
-Terra... Where are you going? – asked the former general.
-To help them... Have you seen what's happening outside?
Celes nodded sadly.
-Yes...
-Then... what are you doing here? – asked Terra desperately – Let's go to help them -she was going to run again but Celes stop her by grabbing her arm
-Celes, what are you doing? ... Why are you stopping me? – questioned Terra trying to release her arm .
-Because I promised Edgar I stay here to protect the people in the castle... and told me that he wanted you to help me...
-But, aren't you worried? What if something happened to them?
-I'm not worried because they all promised they will return... And I trust them.
Terra lowered her face. Celes released her arm and put hers around her shoulder pulling her inside.
-Don't worry... I'm sure they'll be back said Celes as they entered the castle.
The Falcon landed near the castle of Figaro. It was a six hour trip. They abandoned the airship and walked towards the main gate. The castle wasn't in a bad shape, at least, not as bad as they expected. There were some walls that suffered some damage and there were some rocks in the ground. The soldier recognized Sabin and opened the gate immediately.
As soon as they entered the castle they saw a familiar figure walking towards them.
-Locke! – said Setzer smiling.
The "treasure hunter" smiled back.
-Hello! Hello! – he said – It's so nice to see you guys again.
-The same here – said Terra hugging him – Where's Celes?
-She's inside. We've just arrived a few hours ago and she was a little tired, so she's taking a nap... - then he noticed Clyde's and Braguin's presence and asked – Who are you?
-He's Clyde Arrowny – said Relm hugging her father's arm – My father. But you know him, Locke. He used to be a ninja named Shadow.
Locke opened his mouth and moved it but he didn't emit any sound.
-And you're... - he said to Braguin after he recovered from the surprise.
-I'm Braguin Rugaon – answered the old archeologist – I came here because I'm researching something for the King.
Locke nodded. -What the hell is going on? – asked Sabin eagerly - How's my brother doing?
-I wished I can answer that, Sabin – said Locke – I know the same as you guys. Edgar didn't tell me a thing. He said that he told me later. He seemed tired, but fine... Well as fine as he can be in this situation...
He didn't finished the sentence because someone shouted:
-Prince Sabin!
Sabin looked over the way were the voice came and said:
-Thiago!
The young man ran next to Sabin.
-Your Highness! You're back! – and noticing the presence of the others concluded – And you brought friends... Mr. Clyde, you're back too!
-What's going on, Thiago? Who's attacking? – asked Sabin.
-Yes, Thiago, who's attacking and why? – asked Clyde too.
Thiago sighed.
-It began the night of the day you left, Mr. Clyde. A strange man came here demanding His Majesty to hand over the plaque. His Majesty denied, and the man threatened him and left. Four days later, at midnight a huge army marched towards Figaro, at least ten thousand men. The man that threatened His Majesty asked to talk to him and told him that he was going to gave him a last chance to hand over the plaques. His Majesty refused once again. The man left saying that he better prepare for the worst. They sited us for three days, and they attacked the third night. And they've been attacking us for four nights in a row. Fortunately, there hasn't been a single man injured or killed. We've been able to control their attacks. Specially since Sir Cyan came to help. -Cyan's here ?! – said surprised Strago.
-Yes – said Thiago – he arrived two days before yesterday. As I said he's been very helpful. He came with his son, Gau.
-Where's Edgar? – asked Terra.
-He's in his office. He's planning the strategy for the next battle with Sir Cyan and the generals of the army.
They kept interrogating Thiago about the attacks. Terra wanted to see Edgar, so she entered the castle and headed to Edgar's office that was next to the Throne Room. The door was closed and she opened it quietly. Edgar was alone. He was standing in front of the desk with the palms of his hand on it, staring at a map he had there. He was still wearing his armor, except the helmet and the breast plate. She sneak into the room, Edgar felt her presence because he said without taking his eyes from the map:
-For the tenth time, I wont sign those papers, Chancellor.
-But I don't want you to sign anything – said Terra smiling.
Edgar raised his head surprised.
-Te... Terra... - he mumbled – Is that really you?
Terra stood next to him and hugged him.
-What ... What are you doing here? – asked Edgar when they separated.
-I was in Thamasa when I heard what happened. Setzer was there too so he brought us here.
-Us? – repeated Edgar confused.
-Yes. I came here with Relm, Strago, Sabin, Clyde and Braguin.
-Clyde found Braguin? – asked Edgar.
Terra nodded.
-And my brother is here too?
Terra nodded again. Edgar sat in the desk with a tired expression that Terra had never seen in his face.
-Are you okay Edgar? – asked Terra worried – You looked tired.
-I hadn't sleep too well this days – he stretched his arms – You can imagine how exhausting is to fight during the night and planning during day. I've been so busy that I even hadn't took of this heavy armor... - and hitting the desk with the palm of his hand he said – Come, sit next to me.
Terra hesitated.
-Don't worry, you're not that fat – said Edgar smiling.
Terra sent him the "How funny" look and sat next to him.
-Can I ask you something, Edgar? – asked Terra.
-Sure, my lady. What is it?
-Why you didn't write us to inform us about what was going on?
Edgar closed his eyes and moved his head backwards.
-Honestly, I thought about it, but I... How can I say it? I don't know, I guess I didn't want to worry you. I supposed you have enough problems trying to reconstruct your lives to preoccupy you with something like this.
-But Edgar – said Terra a little angry – We're supposed to be friends. And friends are together in the good ones as in the bad ones. Of course we would've worried, but we wouldn't worried as much as we were before we got here.
-Sorry – muttered Edgar still his eyes closed – I never intended to worry you.
-I know – said Terra in a softer tone – I know, but you did the exact opposite... I'm surprised that you didn't tell us. You were the one that always said that friends were there when you had to carry a heavy burden to make it easier to carry.
-You're right, my lady... - and opening his eyes he said – It wont happen again, I promise...
Terra smiled.
-Now's my turn to ask you if I can make you a question – said Edgar staring at her.
Terra's smile disappeared and nodded, agreeing.
-Why are you sad?
This question took Terra by surprise. She never expected that question from Edgar's lips. He noticed her sadness without being warned about it by the others. There was no doubt that Edgar knew her more than she could imagine.
-What makes you think that? – was Terra's answer.
Edgar stared at the ceiling.
-Because you've the same attitude that you used to have when I first met you. You seem insecure and afraid, I dare to say. You're attitude has nothing to do with the one you had the last time I saw at the wedding of the thief and Celes.
Terra lowered her eyes.
-Well – said Edgar fixing his eyes on her – Can you tell me what's wrong?
Terra was going to answer when the door opened suddenly. Celes appeared with a smile in her face that transformed in to a gesture of surprise when she saw Terra.
-Oh! Terra! You're here! – said Celes excited. Terra stood and hugged her friend.
Edgar was angry about the interruption. He wanted to kick Celes out and continue his talk with Terra. But he contained his desire and sighed with disappointment.
-When you arrived? – asked Celes.
-A few minutes ago – answered Terra – I came here with Setzer, Sabin, Relm, Strago Clyde and Braguin, a friend of Strago and a very important archeologist.
-And who's Clyde?
-Clyde is Relm's father – answered Edgar – and the ninja named Shadow.
-WHAT! – exclaimed Celes – YOU HAVE TO BE KIDDING ME!
-Nope – said Edgar – Clyde's Relm father. He lost his memory and became Shadow. He just recovered his memory and told us who he was.
Celes stared at Terra that nodded confirming what Edgar just said.
-Wow... - said the ex general in a low voice and raising it she said – Anyway. Where are the others? -They're outside with Locke and a with some guy named Thiago.
-Thiago is with them? – asked Edgar.
Terra nodded.
-Why don't we got to say hello to the guys? – suggested Edgar. The girls agreed and went were the others where.
Before they got to where the others were, Celes asked Terra about her children and the life in Mobliz, Terra answered that everything was fine. Celes sensed her sadness in her tone and looked at Edgar from the corner of her eye. Edgar understood what Celes look meant and he nodded. Celes nodded back and kept talking with Terra. She didn't ask what was wrong because they arrived to the garden. After the hugs, salutes and presentations, Edgar asked Thiago if he found the army of the enemy. Thiago answered that he followed the trace that they left but the tracks disappeared in a certain point and he wasn't able to find anymore tracks. Edgar frowned.
-How's possible that an army that huge can disappear without leaving a single footstep or a trace... That's strange... – thought Edgar.
Everybody else seemed to share his thoughts for the look on their faces.
-By the way Mr. Rugaon – said Edgar changing the subject – Did you have the opportunity to study the plaque?
Braguin nodded with excitement.
-Oh yes! – he exclaimed – But I need the one you posses to continue my studies.
-Of course – said Edgar – Come with me – and before they left he said – Guys make yourselves at home.
Braguin followed Edgar into the castle. He took Braguin to the library. Edgar climbed one of the bookshelves and grabbed the plaque from the top of it.
-Here – said Edgar giving the plaque to the archeologist when he climbed down – It's all yours.
Braguin took out his equipment and putting the lens in his right eye, he began to read the writings.
-Oh! – he said a few seconds later.
-Oh what? – asked Edgar sitting next to him.
-The writings in this plaque are different from the ones that Clyde gave me.
-Are you sure?
-Absolutely – he put the two plaques together – Look them closely. At first sight they seem equal, but if you look them more carefully, you'll notice the difference.
-You're right – said Edgar amazed – They're different. Does this mean that what's written on them is different in each one?
-Probably, but I need to decipher them first before making any statements.
-Feel free to ask for anything you need – said Edgar.
-Thank you, your Majesty – said Braguin without taking his eyes from the plaques.
Edgar stood up and said:
-I leave you now – and before he left the room he said – I'll be in my room. If you need something just ask for it.
Braguin nodded while Edgar left the library. Meanwhile, Terra, Celes and Relm found Cyan and Gau walking in the highest tower of the castle.
-Look, father. It's lady Terra, lady Celes and lady Relm – said Gau that looked completely different. His hair was pale brown, his red eyes seemed brown and his attitudes and manners were proper of a young man, son of a retainer.
-Is that really you, Gau? – asked Relm surprised.
-But of course I am Gau, lady Relm – answered Gau grabbing her hand and kissing it – Nice to see you again – and he did the same with Celes and Terra. Cyan watched the scene with a smile. Then he greeted them like his adopted son.
-When you arrived? – asked Celes to Cyan.
-Two days ago – he answered – As soon as we heard that the castle of Sir Edgar was under attack, we came to offer him our help. And thou? When thou arrived?
-Locke and I arrived today early in the morning – said Celes – Terra and Relm came with Setzer, Strago, Sabin, an old friend of Strago that is an archeologist and Clyde that used to be Shadow.
-I knew about it – said Cyan – Sir Edgar told me about it the same day we arrived – and smiling to Relm he continued – Thou must be very happy, lady Relm.
-Of course – said the young artist – I think I've never been happier.
-Cyan, how are things going? – said Terra changing the subject, serious.
Cyan sighed.
-At the moment things are fine – he said – but I don't know for how long we can handle the attacks. Although we have been able to repel the assaults and cause them some losses, the next attack they come with a new strategy and more soldiers. That is the reason why Sir Edgar and I think is better to discover where they have their base so we can attack them in their own territory but we haven't been able to discover it's location. The traces they left suddenly disappear, according to what Sir Thiago told me.
-We heard when Thiago told that to Edgar – said Celes – And it's quite strange that an army of that magnitude can appear and disappear without leaving any clues...
They remained in silence until one of the maids announced that the food was served and the King was waiting for them in the dinning room. They followed the maid and indeed, Edgar was sitting in the main sit of the table with the rest of the group. They took their places in the table and began to eat. During al dinner they talk about what they've been doing all those years. But there were two of them that weren't in the talk. Edgar barely touched his food because, during all the meal, his attention and eyes were fixed in Terra, whose eyes never lifted from her plate. When the dessert was being served, the chancellor called Edgar to his office because the major of South Figaro was requesting to talk to him. Edgar stood almost lazily and abandoned the room. The others finished their food a few minutes later. Locke went with Setzer, Sabin, Clyde and Cyan to play cards, Relm and Celes decided to take a walk in the garden, Gau, Thiago and Strago went to the library with Braguin. Terra argued she was tired and went to her room. She sat in the bed and wrapped her arms around her legs. She was tired, indeed, but no tired physically, she was tired mentally. She was tired of feeling that void and that emptiness, of feeling sad and depressed. The tears she tried to contain rolled over her face. She covered her face with her hands, when, minutes later she heard someone knocking the door.
-Terra, may I come in? – asked Edgar's voice from the other side of the door.
Terra wiped her tears and opened the door. When Edgar saw her face, he frowned and getting into the room and closing the door behind him, he said:
-We left a conversation waiting – and making Terra sat in the bed next to him and taking her hand in his he asked – What's wrong, Terra? Why are you crying? Why are you sad?
Terra released her hand from Edgar's and stood from the bed. Edgar kept staring at her, still frowning. Terra opened the windows and walked to the balcony. Edgar followed her.
-You know you can trust me, right? – said Edgar standing next to her. Terra nodded slightly – Then, please tell me what's wrong, Terra, I want to help you, but I can't if you don't tell me...
Terra's green eyes looked him fully in his blue eyes. Edgar could see the desperation, the pain and the suffering in her eyes.
-I don't know, Edgar – said Terra desperately – I don't know what is this feeling I've been feeling... I know the reason but I can't do anything to stop feeling like this...
-And what is this feeling? – asked Edgar concerned.
-It's like... nothing is fulfilling and satisfying, it's like a hole, a void, an emptiness... that what used to fill it doesn't fill it anymore...
-And what's the reason you feel like this ?
Terra lowered her eyes, blushing.
-It's because... because... I need the love of someone, but that someone is... dead...
-General Leo? – asked Edgar with a strange tone in his voice. Terra nodded still with her eyes down. Edgar managed to smile and said – You know the name of that feeling is? Is loneliness, my dear lady... -Terra raised her face that was wet with the tears. And she was surprised when Edgar hugged her and rested his cheek in her hair – I know how is to feel lonely...Actually I'm an specialist... But you don't have to feel desperation, Terra, because you have friends that care about you, and you also have your children, and with our help, you're going to feel better...
Terra hid her face in Edgar's chest. She felt so comforted like she never felt before. The embrace of Edgar was reassuring and transmitted strength and confidence.
-I can't promise you'll forget the general because it's impossible to gorges someone who's been important for you, you only manage not to think of that person all of the time, but obviously there are going to be things that remind you of that person, in this case, General Leo ... – continued talking Edgar – But what I can promise is I'll do all that I can to help you to return to the lovely woman ... we love...
Terra hugged him tightly, while Edgar caressed her green her tenderly. They stayed like that for almost half an hour, until Terra sobs disappeared because she felt deep asleep. Edgar smiled softly and carried her into her bed in his arms. He put her on the bed and kissed her hand. He watched the clock on the wall, and it indicated 7:23. Edgar sighed with resignation and abandoned Terra's room quietly.
-So... Did she tell you what's wrong? –asked Celes, that was waiting for him, as soon as Edgar left the room.
Edgar jumped a little.
-Yes... - he said – Her problem is that she feels lonely...
Celes raised her eyebrows with surprise.
-Loneliness? – she said – Are you sure?
Edgar nodded as he laid his back against the wall.
-She told me that she feel like a hole in her heart and her life is no longer as fulfilling as long as it used to be... And the reason is that she is in love with... - he made a pause an finished the phrase in a strange voice – General Leo.
Celes opened her mouth and widened her eyes.
-Still?! – she almost yelled – But he's been dead, for what? ... 4 years?... How can she love someone that she only met for two days and bearly spoke to her... That's preposterous...
Edgar shrugged and sighed.
-That doesn't matter, what's important is that we help her to feel better and do our best to make her return to the one she was when the battle against Kefka was over...
-You're right - said Celes agreeing – We have to help her.
Edgar smiled.
-Good – he said – Now, if you excuse me, I have to go to prepare everything for tonight
-Speaking of which... - stopped him Celes before he left – What are going to be our positions?
-I've been thinking, and I believe that the best is that you, Relm, Strago, Gau, Terra and Thiago, stay in the castle to protect the civilians.
Celes opened her mouth to protest but Edgar raised his hand to shut her.
-I'm not giving you those posts, because you're women, old or young. Is just that I feel more tranquil if someone is in here to prevent damage to the kids and the other people who lives here... - explained Edgar. Celes smiled putting her hand in his shoulder.
-Okay. If those are the reasons, I'll be glad to help you...
-Thank you – said Edgar – Well, if you excuse me again – and he walked through the corridor towards the door. When he arrived to the throne room, the chancellor, his generals and Cyan were waiting for him. The next 4 hours they reviewed the strategy and placed the army in their positions. They took their places too. Edgar was in the front row like in the past attacks, but now, Sabin, Setzer, Locke, Cyan and Clyde were next to him. While inside the castle, Celes, Relm, Strago, Gau and Thiago were inside the castle.
It was midnight when far in the distance, the huge red and purple army marched towards the castle leaded by Gaston. The strategy of that night was to attack them several meters away from the castle. The army of Figaro began to march to meet with the enemy army. And the battle began.
Gaston and company seemed surprised by the strategy of the army of Figaro, because they outnumbered them 3 – 1, and their strategy was so efficient that they even the number of men, without losing any men.
But Gaston wasn't going to give up, and raised his sword in the air.
-What's he doing? – said Locke to Edgar that shrugged.
-I don't know, but we better be careful – said the king.
Gaston kept his sword in the air for some seconds and the he put it down with a fast move. A huge ball of fire was in the sky and began to fall slowly in to the ground.
-Damn it! – shouted Edgar.
-What the hell's that?! – exclaimed Locke.
-It looks like... - began Edgar, but Locke interrupted him guessing what he was going to say.
-Impossible, it disappeared, we saw it disappear.
-It doesn't matter what it is! – shouted Setzer – Look, it's coming to us. RUN!
-RUN EVERYBODY!!! – shouted Edgar with all his strength.
The soldiers do as he said. The ball hit the ground and it exploded. The soldiers that were near, were thrown away several meters. The explosion was so violent, that even the castle tremble. Terra was asleep when she felt the quake. She woke up, and walked to the window. When she saw what was happening outside she covered her mouth with her hands. She left her room and ran as fast as she could. She was going to get out of the castle when Celes stop her.
-Terra... Where are you going? – asked the former general.
-To help them... Have you seen what's happening outside?
Celes nodded sadly.
-Yes...
-Then... what are you doing here? – asked Terra desperately – Let's go to help them -she was going to run again but Celes stop her by grabbing her arm
-Celes, what are you doing? ... Why are you stopping me? – questioned Terra trying to release her arm .
-Because I promised Edgar I stay here to protect the people in the castle... and told me that he wanted you to help me...
-But, aren't you worried? What if something happened to them?
-I'm not worried because they all promised they will return... And I trust them.
Terra lowered her face. Celes released her arm and put hers around her shoulder pulling her inside.
-Don't worry... I'm sure they'll be back said Celes as they entered the castle.