Chapter VII: The castle, the cave and the mines.
-But you knew the castle perfectly – muttered upset Strago. Sabin pretended not listening.
They had been walking for almost three hours in the same floor and Strago was beginning to become desperate. And he wasn't the only one. Cyan was too quiet and frowning while Sabin kept cursing under his breath. But the prince of Figaro was not going to give up easily, he was going to find the tablet no matter what. He promised to his brother and he was going to fulfill that promise. They walked another 15 minutes when they finally found the switch that made the stairs to the lower floor appear.
-Just about time – thought Sabin. Then he said – Lets go down. I'm almost sure that the tablet is below.
Cyan and Strago nodded following Sabin into the room where the statue of the queen was. Sabin suggested they split to search. Cyan checked on the floor, Strago on the walls and Sabin on the ceiling. But there was nothing that had the characteristics of the plaque. Sabin sighed and when he was going to tell his partners to go to other room, something in the statue of the queen caught his attention. He walked slowly and he stretched his arm to grab the shiny object that was buried in the ribbon of the statue. Sabin tried to remove it, but it was stuck.
-Cyan. I need a hand here! – he said to the retainer that ran to his side.
-I think this is it, but it's stuck. Help me pull it out – said Sabin to Cyan that hugged Sabin from his waist and began to pull him as Sabin pulled the object. After several minutes it finally began to came out.
-Cyan, pull harder! – exclaimed Sabin. Cyan did as he said and the object finally cam out making them both crash violently on the nearest wall. Sabin stared at the golden object in his hand and he shouted:
-WE FOUND IT!
Strago ran as fast as his old legs let him and helped them both up. Cyan rubbed his sore back while Sabin said:
-Lets return to the castle...
The old mage and the retainer agreed. But when they were going to left, a group of 25 men, with red armors appeared. Sabin immediately hid the plaque in his pants and took out his fangs. Cyan unsheathed his sword and Strago his rod. The men immediately demanded the plaque, but Sabin as a response, attacked the them with his Fire Dance. Cyan used Quadra Slice and Strago hit the enemies with his rod. One by one the enemies fell defeated. But there was no time to celebrate. A huge Behemot entered the room and as soon as it entered it used Thundaga. They managed to avoid the spell, Sabin stared at the Behemot with his eyes fully opened with surprise:
-It used magic... But how? Why? How?
Strago also was surprised.
-Impossible... Impossible – he kept muttering.
Cyan was the first one to return to his senses and used Retort in the behemot, then he used Slash.
-Come on! – he said – Thou can think about magic later!
Sabin nodded and used Pummel and Bum Rush. Strago understood he was helpless in that battle so he just stepped behind. The behemot tried to used magic again, but Cyan used Cleave and the battle was over.
-You saw it? It used MAGIC – said Sabin.
-I saw – said Cyan – There is no doubt, it was Magic. Thundaga to be precise.
-Remember what Braguin said about the plaques... that they worked like
the Espers... I
mean, they can be drained to obtain magic... - said Strago.
-We better return and give the plaque to Braguin – said Sabin – Lets hope he can give us some answers.
****** The Falcon landed near the cave of the Veldt and Relm, Clyde, his dog, Gau and Thiago left the airship and entered the cave to search for the tablet.
Gau led the team to the cave, after all, he spent a whole year in there training to become stronger when the world of balance transformed into the world of ruin. Clyde also knew the cave well. He was found there by his friends after the world changed and saved him from being killed by the behemots. That's why he suggested:
-Lets split to cover more territory faster. I'll go with Interceptor where I was found, Gau you check the north and east part of the cave. Thiago, can you go with Relm and check the entrance and the west part of the cave?
Thiago nodded. The team split according Clyde's instructions. Thiago and Relm saw how the others went before they began the search. Relm stared at Thiago from the corner of her eye.
-He's so quiet – she thought – But he's still cute. That pirate air suit him just right.
Thiago felt Relm's look and asked:
-Something wrong?
-I was just wondering... how old are you? – asked Relm. She wasn't going to ask anything but that was the first thing that came to her mind.
-Seventeen – answered Thiago searching the nearest wall.
Relm raised her eyebrows surprised. Thiago smiled at this gesture.
-What? I don't look seventeen? – he asked still smiling.
-Well... Honestly? – said Relm. Thiago nodded. The young artist continued – You look over twenty – said Relm with a small smile. Thiago smiled too.
-Guess you're right – he said – I've always looked older – he shrugged and kept searching. Relm did the same.
-And what's your age? –asked Thiago suddenly to Relm. Relm blinked and answered:
-Fifteen.
Thiago smiled and said:
-I thought you were younger... You look thirteen.
Relm frowned, angry.
-No I don't – she said upset – I certainly look fifteen.
-No you don't – replied Thiago – You look thirteen.
-Well – said Relm punching Thiago in the arm – I'm fifteen and you better stop saying nonsense.
Thiago laughed. Relm stared at him with surprise. It was the first time she heard Thiago laughed in the days she met him. And his laugh had a pleasant sound, that was contagious. Relm began to laugh too. They laughed for several minutes. Until Relm said:
-We better search for the plaque.
Thiago agreed still laughing. They kept searching in the places they were assigned. But they found nothing.
-Why don't we look for Mr. Clyde or Gau to see if they found something? – suggested Thiago.
Relm agreed and they went to look for her father and the adopted son of Cyan. In the way, Relm asked him how he met Edgar. Thiago told her the story of how the path of his father and his crossed with Edgar's. Relm listened the story with attention. When Thiago finished talking, Relm said:
-Now I understand why you admire and respect Edgar so much...
-His Majesty has been really good with me.. The least I can do is to serve him the best I can.
Relm nodded. She was going to make another question but Gau and her father appeared. For their faces, they didn't have good news.
-You found something? – she asked.
-No – said Gau – And I don't need to ask you if you found something, because there is no tablet or plaque here.
-What do you mean? – asked Thiago confused.
-I talk to some of the animals in the cave and they told me that like two or three months ago some men with red armors came looking for something and they left after they found a strange golden object – explained Gau.
Thiago and Relm stared at each other as Clyde said:
-Gaston and company certainly had a tablet in their possession. Lets hope it's the only one.
The three youngsters nodded.
-What we do now? – asked Relm – I mean... How are we going to return to Figaro?
-His Majesty ordered a boat to wait for us, because he wasn't sure how long they'll be in Narshe. The boat should be outside waiting for us – said Thiago.
-Then... Lets go – said Clyde. And they abandoned the cave quietly. Hoping that the others found the tablets before Gaston did.
****** The Falcon landed in the outsides of the frozen city of Narshe. It didn't matter that it was almost summer, Narshe was always covered with ice and snow. And the cold was the first thing that Locke, Celes, Setzer, Terra and Edgar noticed.
-Damn! It so cold – said Locke rubbing his nude arms with his hands – It's been a while since I came here... I forgot it's always freezing in here... If I remembered I would've brought a coat or something...
-Why I'm not surprised? – said Setzer in a low voice. Edgar smiled at this comment. Then he noticed that Terra had her arms around her trying to keep herself warm, but it wasn't working because she was shivering. Edgar remove his cloak and he said to the others as he put it around her shoulders:
-I think it's better if we split to search for the plaque.
Terra stared at Edgar surprised when she felt the warmth of the cloak in her body.
-Are you sure? – she asked shyly.
Edgar smiled and nodded.
-I'll be fine – he whispered to her as Locke began to say: -I can go to the Moogle village, to find Mog. Maybe he'd seen something.
-Then I can go with Terra – said Setzer shuffling his deck.
-Well, that leaves me with Celes – said Edgar a little upset. Celes noticed it and smiled. He wanted to go with Terra.
-If Cole is going to find Mog, Celes and Edgar can look in the superior level on the mine, and Terra and I can look in the first level.
They nodded in agreement and they walked to the cave. Locke was the fist one in, Edgar noticed a pile of snow in the just above his friend.
-Pay back time – he thought. He picked up a stone from the floor and throw it to the ceiling. The snow fell over Locke, burring his body to the chest. Setzer began to laugh as well as Edgar. Terra and Celes dashed toward Locke to help him out.
-Good shot – complimented Setzer still laughing.
Edgar didn't answer. He just kept laughing. Locke, after several minutes, finally found the way to free himself, with the help of Celes and Terra.
-What's your problem? – yelled Locke at Edgar.
-I told Celes that I get my revenge – and he pointed his bump – But I promised her I won't kill you – he smiled to Celes, that stared at him frowning.
-Lets get going – said Setzer still laughing as he wipe a tear from his eye. They nodded and split according to what they agreed previously.
****** Locke crossed the last gallery that lead to the Moogle Village. He was in a really bad mood. He was freezing, cause his clothes were wet and he kept insulting Edgar under his breath.
-That lousy, stupid, jerk... If I catch a cold is going to be his fault... - he sneezed – And now he's alone with Celes... He better don't even think to make a move on her...
He arrived to the Moogle Village. They kept calling that place like that even if the only habitants were Mog and Umaro. Locke began to call for Mog and after some minutes he heard a Kuppo! And a little moogle appeared in front of his eyes.
-Mog! – exclaimed happily Locke and hugging the moogle he said– It's nice to see you again.
-Me too, kuppo – said Mog smiling – What brings you here, kuppo?
-It's a long story... - and he told to Mog everything, since the attacks to Figaro to the founding of the mysterious plaques.
-So I was wondering if you had seen something like it in here – concluded Locke.
-I hadn't, kuppo, but maybe Unaro has seen something, kuppo – said Mog.
-Speaking of the yeti... Where is he? I thought Umaro would be with you...
-He likes to wander around the mines, kuppo – then noticing Locke's wet clothes he asked – Why are you wet, kuppo?
-That's also a long story – answered Locke – But I tell you later. Now... Why don't we go to look Umaro and the plaque? Who knows? Maybe we find the plaque and something else, like some gold or a treasure – and his eyes sparkle at this idea.
-You don't change, kuppo – said Mog sighing, following Locke.
****** Edgar and Celes search the walls of the gallery very carefully. It was the third gallery they been searching and there were no clues of the plaque. Celes was examining the bottom part of the wall when she heard Edgar singing in a low voice:
-"I'm the darkness, you're the stars. Our love is brighter than the sun. For eternity, for me there can be, Only you, my chosen one... Must I forget you? Our solemn promise? Will autumn take the place of spring? What shall I do? I'm lost without you. Speak to me once more!"
-What are you singing? – she asked surprised.
Edgar smiled:
-An aria from an opera I saw like four years ago. It was a really nice one, although I never saw the ending – the he said raising his eyebrows – You must know it. After all you read the whole thing.
-Of course I know how it ends, but I'm not going to tell you.
-Why? – asked Edgar frowning.
-Because you almost make me a widow before I got married – she said seriously.
-I told you I had my revenge... The worst thing that can happen to the thief is to catch a cold... - he stood next to Celes and said in a begging tone – Come on, Chere, at least tell me who ends up with Maria. Draco or Ralse? – and he stared at her with eyes of a puppy.
Celes smiled and said:
-Okay... Draco and Ralse fight in a duel. Draco beats Ralse, and after a romantic scene he and Maria returned to their homeland.
-How nice this opera has a happy ending. All of the operas I saw before were quite tragic... - he smiled – Can you sing it for me? – asked Edgar.
-Don't push it – was Celes answer. Then grabbing his ear she said – Now, lets keep looking – and she dragged him from the ear to his search spot, and returned to her's.
Edgar rubbed his soar ear.
-Men... - he said in low voice – She's going to be a tough mother.
-You said something? – asked Celes frowning.
-No – rushed to say Edgar – I'm just looking – he smiled nervously.
-Good – said Celes and continued to explore the wall.
After they explored the whole gallery, they found nothing, so they moved to the next one. While they walked to the next gallery, Celes said:
-It was a nice gesture of you to give your cloak to Terra.
Edgar nodded.
-She was freezing – he simply said.
Celes smiled.
-There's no doubt that you truly love her. I mean, you wouldn't do such a thing for me.
Edgar blushed slightly and he said:
-Of course I would... But you bring your own cloak so...
-Yeah, right – was all that Celes said, making Edgar blush more. They kept walking and they reached the gallery. As soon as they entered Edgar smiled. Celes stared at him with a frown and asked:
-Why are you smiling?
Edgar pointed the other side of the gallery. There was a big white yeti that began to walk towards them, growling with happiness.
-Umaro... - said Celes happily.
Umaro arrived next to them and hugged them at the same time, so tightly that they began to choke.
-Glad... to... see... you... too – said Edgar while Celes fight to get some air into her lungs. Umaro let go of them as he kept growling. After they recovered, Edgar said:
-Look Umaro. We're looking for a golden objet that looks like this – and he draw in the snow on the ground – Have you seen something like this?
Umaro nodded and growled. Celes and Edgar stared at each other surprised.
-Are you sure? – asked Celes.
Umaro nodded again.
Can you take us where it is? – asked Edgar anxiously.
Umaro growled and began to walk. Celes and Edgar followed him. They walked across several galleries until they arrived to the place were they found Umaro for the fist time. Umaro began to growl as he pointed with his big hand the wall with the skull on it. Edgar and Celes walked to it and examined the wall, and they saw a golden objet buried in the wall. Edgar took out his Drill from his tool kit and began to make a hole in the wall until the object fell in the floor. Celes took it holding her breath: -WE FOUND IT!!! – she screamed. She gave the object to Edgar that smiled as soon as he confirmed what Celes said.
-You're right – he said. Umaro growled. Edgar assumed that he wanted to see it so he gave it to the yeti – We must find the others and get the hell out of here – he said. Celes nodded. She turned to leave when she suddenly gulped as her eyes widened. Edgar noticed this and followed Celes eyes. His eyes also widened. He stepped in front of Celes and he said challenging:
-What are you doing here?
****** Terra sighed in disappointment. The plaque wasn't there either. Setzer cursed and said to her:
-Come, we have one gallery left.
Terra nodded and followed the gambler. She wasn't sure how long they've been looking for the plaque, but it certainly was a long time, because she was begging to get tired. She fixed the cloak and almost unconsciously she inhaled the scent on it.
-Smells like lavender – she thought – And it certainly smells like Edgar.
Setzer stare at Edgar from the corner of his eye and noticed the red in Terra's cheeks. He wondered if it had something to do with Edgar and the cloak. And if it does, then his friend would be one of the happiest men in the whole world. He noticed the way Edgar stared at Terra, and he certainly didn't look at her as a friend. Setzer only hoped that Terra had already forgotten, what he thought were absurd feelings for the general.
They arrived to the gallery in the farthest side of the mine, that was the last one for them to search. As she searched, she kept smelling the aroma in the cloak, and couldn't help but to remember Edgar's smile. It was so warm and tender as well as his arms. His hug had something that made her feel so comfortable, like if she belong to those reassuring arms. At this thought Terra felt how her face became every second warmer. Setzer noticed once again Terra blushing and asked:
-Is everything okay? – he hid a smile – You're face is all red.
Terra nodded nervously.
-Yes... I'm just... tired – she murmured. She felt so uncomfortable with those thoughts that she asked to Setzer so she could think something else:
-And how things are going with Maria?
Setzer raised his eyebrows surprised by the question, but still he answered:
-Good... Before I went to pick you to go to Thamasa, we went on a date, and I spent a really nice time with her...
-I'm glad – said Terra sincerely.
-Yeah, me too... I think that maybe Maria is the one for me – said Setzer with a small smile. It was he first time he said that out loud and he liked how it sound.
Terra smiled too.
-Well, I su... - she got interrupted because a distant explosion was heard. Terra and Setzer stared at each other.
-It came from above – said Setzer.
Terra nodded.
-Lets go and check – she said and they ran to where they heard the sound.
-Maybe Edgar used a bomb to free the plaque – said Setzer, noticing the angst on Terra's face. Terra just nodded. Yes, Setzer was right, it was a bomb that Edgar used, but, why she felt so uneasy?
They arrived to the upper level and saw Locke and Mog that stopped running at the sight of them.
-You heard? – asked Locke.
They both say yes.
-It came from where Celes and Edgar are supposed to be... - continued Locke, worry in his voice. Another explosion was heard.
-Then lets hurry, kuppo – said Mog. They agreed and ran full speed.
****** The answer that Gaston gave to Edgar's question was Figa. Edgar grabbed Celes from her waist and jumped laterally to avoid the spell, that crashed on the nearest wall, making an deafening sound. Celes stared at the wall in horror. She never thought she'll ever see magic in action again. She was almost in shock.
Edgar reacted and unsheathed his sword and took out his auto cross bow. Gaston wasn't alone, he came with at least 50 men in their red armors. And they hadn't good intentions. Cause they began to attack with their swords. Edgar immediately shot them with the auto cross bow but some managed to avoid the arrows and attacked him with the swords. Edgar dodged the blows, but he wasn't able to reply the attacks, and he could only defend.
Celes finally reacted and also unsheathed her sword and helped Edgar. Gaston kept smiling and once again used Figa, but this time it was directed to Umaro, that ducked and barely avoided the attack, that once again collided on a wall. Making Gaston began to laugh.
Edgar and Celes kept defending from the men in red, that finally began to fell.
-We cannot let Gaston use magic again – said Edgar as he stabbed a man in the neck, and blocking a blow he asked – You think you can use Runic?
Celes pressed her lips before she answered:
-I can try...
-That's good enough – said Edgar – I'll cover for you when it's time.
Celes nodded while she defeated to soldiers with one blow. Gaston looked at the fight really amused, like a kid with a new toy. Then he once again casted Figa. Edgar noticed the red sphere forming and yelled to Celes:
-NOW!
Celes raised her sword above her head and said:
-RUNIC!
The spell was immediately absorbed by Celes sword with a shining white light. Gaston's face transfigured with anger and said with his cold voice to Umaro when he saw the golden object shining in the yetis' hand:
-Give me the plaque, now.
Umaro growled as he shook his head. Gaston walked slowly to him.
-I said, give me the plaque, now.
Umaro shook his head again and tried to hit Gaston with his enormous fists, but Gaston moved so fast that Umaro failed.
-So you won't give it to me? – said Gaston that was now at Umaro's back – Then, you leave me no choice...
Edgar and Celes heard Gaston's last sentence and turned to see how Gaston traveled Umaro's chest with his sword.
-UMARO!!!! – shouted both Edgar and Celes, as well as Locke, Terra, Mog and Setzer that arrived in time to see how Umaro fell like in slow motion into the ground as he let go of the plaque that fell in front of Gaston's feet that picked it up as an evil smile curved his lips.
-I warned – he said in a low voice. The raising his voice he ordered – Let go, we have nothing else to do here.
The few men left said:
-Yes, sir – and walked next to Gaston that turned to see them. His eyes examined the faces sadness in Umaro's friends, and when he saw Terra, his smile grew in twisted happiness and when his eyes met Edgar's he said to the King of Figaro:
-We'll meet again Edgar – he grinned – And next time I'll kill you – and saying that, he and the rest of the men vanished.
Edgar ran to Umaro and tried to find any trace of life in his huge body, but it was worthless, Umaro was dead. Edgar punched the ground with his fist. Terra and Celes began to cry softly. Setzer and Mog lowered their heads, as Locke out an arm arounde Celes's shoulder he said:
-We need to use a phoenix down.
Edgar raised his eyes to his friend and said:
-It would be of no use... His vitality is gone... There's nothing we can do to help him... He's dead – and Edgar felt how hate grew in his chest as he pronounced this words.
-Let bury Umaro here, kuppo – said Mog sadly – It was his favorite place in the mines, kuppo.
Edgar and Setzer began to dig a hole in the ground and they put Umaro's body in the hole. After a minute of silence, they covered the body with the ground they removed.
-Lets go back – said Setzer. They nodded and they abandoned the cave and boarded the ship that flew towards Figaro.
-But you knew the castle perfectly – muttered upset Strago. Sabin pretended not listening.
They had been walking for almost three hours in the same floor and Strago was beginning to become desperate. And he wasn't the only one. Cyan was too quiet and frowning while Sabin kept cursing under his breath. But the prince of Figaro was not going to give up easily, he was going to find the tablet no matter what. He promised to his brother and he was going to fulfill that promise. They walked another 15 minutes when they finally found the switch that made the stairs to the lower floor appear.
-Just about time – thought Sabin. Then he said – Lets go down. I'm almost sure that the tablet is below.
Cyan and Strago nodded following Sabin into the room where the statue of the queen was. Sabin suggested they split to search. Cyan checked on the floor, Strago on the walls and Sabin on the ceiling. But there was nothing that had the characteristics of the plaque. Sabin sighed and when he was going to tell his partners to go to other room, something in the statue of the queen caught his attention. He walked slowly and he stretched his arm to grab the shiny object that was buried in the ribbon of the statue. Sabin tried to remove it, but it was stuck.
-Cyan. I need a hand here! – he said to the retainer that ran to his side.
-I think this is it, but it's stuck. Help me pull it out – said Sabin to Cyan that hugged Sabin from his waist and began to pull him as Sabin pulled the object. After several minutes it finally began to came out.
-Cyan, pull harder! – exclaimed Sabin. Cyan did as he said and the object finally cam out making them both crash violently on the nearest wall. Sabin stared at the golden object in his hand and he shouted:
-WE FOUND IT!
Strago ran as fast as his old legs let him and helped them both up. Cyan rubbed his sore back while Sabin said:
-Lets return to the castle...
The old mage and the retainer agreed. But when they were going to left, a group of 25 men, with red armors appeared. Sabin immediately hid the plaque in his pants and took out his fangs. Cyan unsheathed his sword and Strago his rod. The men immediately demanded the plaque, but Sabin as a response, attacked the them with his Fire Dance. Cyan used Quadra Slice and Strago hit the enemies with his rod. One by one the enemies fell defeated. But there was no time to celebrate. A huge Behemot entered the room and as soon as it entered it used Thundaga. They managed to avoid the spell, Sabin stared at the Behemot with his eyes fully opened with surprise:
-It used magic... But how? Why? How?
Strago also was surprised.
-Impossible... Impossible – he kept muttering.
Cyan was the first one to return to his senses and used Retort in the behemot, then he used Slash.
-Come on! – he said – Thou can think about magic later!
Sabin nodded and used Pummel and Bum Rush. Strago understood he was helpless in that battle so he just stepped behind. The behemot tried to used magic again, but Cyan used Cleave and the battle was over.
-You saw it? It used MAGIC – said Sabin.
-I saw – said Cyan – There is no doubt, it was Magic. Thundaga to be precise.
-Remember what Braguin said about the plaques... that they worked like
the Espers... I
mean, they can be drained to obtain magic... - said Strago.
-We better return and give the plaque to Braguin – said Sabin – Lets hope he can give us some answers.
****** The Falcon landed near the cave of the Veldt and Relm, Clyde, his dog, Gau and Thiago left the airship and entered the cave to search for the tablet.
Gau led the team to the cave, after all, he spent a whole year in there training to become stronger when the world of balance transformed into the world of ruin. Clyde also knew the cave well. He was found there by his friends after the world changed and saved him from being killed by the behemots. That's why he suggested:
-Lets split to cover more territory faster. I'll go with Interceptor where I was found, Gau you check the north and east part of the cave. Thiago, can you go with Relm and check the entrance and the west part of the cave?
Thiago nodded. The team split according Clyde's instructions. Thiago and Relm saw how the others went before they began the search. Relm stared at Thiago from the corner of her eye.
-He's so quiet – she thought – But he's still cute. That pirate air suit him just right.
Thiago felt Relm's look and asked:
-Something wrong?
-I was just wondering... how old are you? – asked Relm. She wasn't going to ask anything but that was the first thing that came to her mind.
-Seventeen – answered Thiago searching the nearest wall.
Relm raised her eyebrows surprised. Thiago smiled at this gesture.
-What? I don't look seventeen? – he asked still smiling.
-Well... Honestly? – said Relm. Thiago nodded. The young artist continued – You look over twenty – said Relm with a small smile. Thiago smiled too.
-Guess you're right – he said – I've always looked older – he shrugged and kept searching. Relm did the same.
-And what's your age? –asked Thiago suddenly to Relm. Relm blinked and answered:
-Fifteen.
Thiago smiled and said:
-I thought you were younger... You look thirteen.
Relm frowned, angry.
-No I don't – she said upset – I certainly look fifteen.
-No you don't – replied Thiago – You look thirteen.
-Well – said Relm punching Thiago in the arm – I'm fifteen and you better stop saying nonsense.
Thiago laughed. Relm stared at him with surprise. It was the first time she heard Thiago laughed in the days she met him. And his laugh had a pleasant sound, that was contagious. Relm began to laugh too. They laughed for several minutes. Until Relm said:
-We better search for the plaque.
Thiago agreed still laughing. They kept searching in the places they were assigned. But they found nothing.
-Why don't we look for Mr. Clyde or Gau to see if they found something? – suggested Thiago.
Relm agreed and they went to look for her father and the adopted son of Cyan. In the way, Relm asked him how he met Edgar. Thiago told her the story of how the path of his father and his crossed with Edgar's. Relm listened the story with attention. When Thiago finished talking, Relm said:
-Now I understand why you admire and respect Edgar so much...
-His Majesty has been really good with me.. The least I can do is to serve him the best I can.
Relm nodded. She was going to make another question but Gau and her father appeared. For their faces, they didn't have good news.
-You found something? – she asked.
-No – said Gau – And I don't need to ask you if you found something, because there is no tablet or plaque here.
-What do you mean? – asked Thiago confused.
-I talk to some of the animals in the cave and they told me that like two or three months ago some men with red armors came looking for something and they left after they found a strange golden object – explained Gau.
Thiago and Relm stared at each other as Clyde said:
-Gaston and company certainly had a tablet in their possession. Lets hope it's the only one.
The three youngsters nodded.
-What we do now? – asked Relm – I mean... How are we going to return to Figaro?
-His Majesty ordered a boat to wait for us, because he wasn't sure how long they'll be in Narshe. The boat should be outside waiting for us – said Thiago.
-Then... Lets go – said Clyde. And they abandoned the cave quietly. Hoping that the others found the tablets before Gaston did.
****** The Falcon landed in the outsides of the frozen city of Narshe. It didn't matter that it was almost summer, Narshe was always covered with ice and snow. And the cold was the first thing that Locke, Celes, Setzer, Terra and Edgar noticed.
-Damn! It so cold – said Locke rubbing his nude arms with his hands – It's been a while since I came here... I forgot it's always freezing in here... If I remembered I would've brought a coat or something...
-Why I'm not surprised? – said Setzer in a low voice. Edgar smiled at this comment. Then he noticed that Terra had her arms around her trying to keep herself warm, but it wasn't working because she was shivering. Edgar remove his cloak and he said to the others as he put it around her shoulders:
-I think it's better if we split to search for the plaque.
Terra stared at Edgar surprised when she felt the warmth of the cloak in her body.
-Are you sure? – she asked shyly.
Edgar smiled and nodded.
-I'll be fine – he whispered to her as Locke began to say: -I can go to the Moogle village, to find Mog. Maybe he'd seen something.
-Then I can go with Terra – said Setzer shuffling his deck.
-Well, that leaves me with Celes – said Edgar a little upset. Celes noticed it and smiled. He wanted to go with Terra.
-If Cole is going to find Mog, Celes and Edgar can look in the superior level on the mine, and Terra and I can look in the first level.
They nodded in agreement and they walked to the cave. Locke was the fist one in, Edgar noticed a pile of snow in the just above his friend.
-Pay back time – he thought. He picked up a stone from the floor and throw it to the ceiling. The snow fell over Locke, burring his body to the chest. Setzer began to laugh as well as Edgar. Terra and Celes dashed toward Locke to help him out.
-Good shot – complimented Setzer still laughing.
Edgar didn't answer. He just kept laughing. Locke, after several minutes, finally found the way to free himself, with the help of Celes and Terra.
-What's your problem? – yelled Locke at Edgar.
-I told Celes that I get my revenge – and he pointed his bump – But I promised her I won't kill you – he smiled to Celes, that stared at him frowning.
-Lets get going – said Setzer still laughing as he wipe a tear from his eye. They nodded and split according to what they agreed previously.
****** Locke crossed the last gallery that lead to the Moogle Village. He was in a really bad mood. He was freezing, cause his clothes were wet and he kept insulting Edgar under his breath.
-That lousy, stupid, jerk... If I catch a cold is going to be his fault... - he sneezed – And now he's alone with Celes... He better don't even think to make a move on her...
He arrived to the Moogle Village. They kept calling that place like that even if the only habitants were Mog and Umaro. Locke began to call for Mog and after some minutes he heard a Kuppo! And a little moogle appeared in front of his eyes.
-Mog! – exclaimed happily Locke and hugging the moogle he said– It's nice to see you again.
-Me too, kuppo – said Mog smiling – What brings you here, kuppo?
-It's a long story... - and he told to Mog everything, since the attacks to Figaro to the founding of the mysterious plaques.
-So I was wondering if you had seen something like it in here – concluded Locke.
-I hadn't, kuppo, but maybe Unaro has seen something, kuppo – said Mog.
-Speaking of the yeti... Where is he? I thought Umaro would be with you...
-He likes to wander around the mines, kuppo – then noticing Locke's wet clothes he asked – Why are you wet, kuppo?
-That's also a long story – answered Locke – But I tell you later. Now... Why don't we go to look Umaro and the plaque? Who knows? Maybe we find the plaque and something else, like some gold or a treasure – and his eyes sparkle at this idea.
-You don't change, kuppo – said Mog sighing, following Locke.
****** Edgar and Celes search the walls of the gallery very carefully. It was the third gallery they been searching and there were no clues of the plaque. Celes was examining the bottom part of the wall when she heard Edgar singing in a low voice:
-"I'm the darkness, you're the stars. Our love is brighter than the sun. For eternity, for me there can be, Only you, my chosen one... Must I forget you? Our solemn promise? Will autumn take the place of spring? What shall I do? I'm lost without you. Speak to me once more!"
-What are you singing? – she asked surprised.
Edgar smiled:
-An aria from an opera I saw like four years ago. It was a really nice one, although I never saw the ending – the he said raising his eyebrows – You must know it. After all you read the whole thing.
-Of course I know how it ends, but I'm not going to tell you.
-Why? – asked Edgar frowning.
-Because you almost make me a widow before I got married – she said seriously.
-I told you I had my revenge... The worst thing that can happen to the thief is to catch a cold... - he stood next to Celes and said in a begging tone – Come on, Chere, at least tell me who ends up with Maria. Draco or Ralse? – and he stared at her with eyes of a puppy.
Celes smiled and said:
-Okay... Draco and Ralse fight in a duel. Draco beats Ralse, and after a romantic scene he and Maria returned to their homeland.
-How nice this opera has a happy ending. All of the operas I saw before were quite tragic... - he smiled – Can you sing it for me? – asked Edgar.
-Don't push it – was Celes answer. Then grabbing his ear she said – Now, lets keep looking – and she dragged him from the ear to his search spot, and returned to her's.
Edgar rubbed his soar ear.
-Men... - he said in low voice – She's going to be a tough mother.
-You said something? – asked Celes frowning.
-No – rushed to say Edgar – I'm just looking – he smiled nervously.
-Good – said Celes and continued to explore the wall.
After they explored the whole gallery, they found nothing, so they moved to the next one. While they walked to the next gallery, Celes said:
-It was a nice gesture of you to give your cloak to Terra.
Edgar nodded.
-She was freezing – he simply said.
Celes smiled.
-There's no doubt that you truly love her. I mean, you wouldn't do such a thing for me.
Edgar blushed slightly and he said:
-Of course I would... But you bring your own cloak so...
-Yeah, right – was all that Celes said, making Edgar blush more. They kept walking and they reached the gallery. As soon as they entered Edgar smiled. Celes stared at him with a frown and asked:
-Why are you smiling?
Edgar pointed the other side of the gallery. There was a big white yeti that began to walk towards them, growling with happiness.
-Umaro... - said Celes happily.
Umaro arrived next to them and hugged them at the same time, so tightly that they began to choke.
-Glad... to... see... you... too – said Edgar while Celes fight to get some air into her lungs. Umaro let go of them as he kept growling. After they recovered, Edgar said:
-Look Umaro. We're looking for a golden objet that looks like this – and he draw in the snow on the ground – Have you seen something like this?
Umaro nodded and growled. Celes and Edgar stared at each other surprised.
-Are you sure? – asked Celes.
Umaro nodded again.
Can you take us where it is? – asked Edgar anxiously.
Umaro growled and began to walk. Celes and Edgar followed him. They walked across several galleries until they arrived to the place were they found Umaro for the fist time. Umaro began to growl as he pointed with his big hand the wall with the skull on it. Edgar and Celes walked to it and examined the wall, and they saw a golden objet buried in the wall. Edgar took out his Drill from his tool kit and began to make a hole in the wall until the object fell in the floor. Celes took it holding her breath: -WE FOUND IT!!! – she screamed. She gave the object to Edgar that smiled as soon as he confirmed what Celes said.
-You're right – he said. Umaro growled. Edgar assumed that he wanted to see it so he gave it to the yeti – We must find the others and get the hell out of here – he said. Celes nodded. She turned to leave when she suddenly gulped as her eyes widened. Edgar noticed this and followed Celes eyes. His eyes also widened. He stepped in front of Celes and he said challenging:
-What are you doing here?
****** Terra sighed in disappointment. The plaque wasn't there either. Setzer cursed and said to her:
-Come, we have one gallery left.
Terra nodded and followed the gambler. She wasn't sure how long they've been looking for the plaque, but it certainly was a long time, because she was begging to get tired. She fixed the cloak and almost unconsciously she inhaled the scent on it.
-Smells like lavender – she thought – And it certainly smells like Edgar.
Setzer stare at Edgar from the corner of his eye and noticed the red in Terra's cheeks. He wondered if it had something to do with Edgar and the cloak. And if it does, then his friend would be one of the happiest men in the whole world. He noticed the way Edgar stared at Terra, and he certainly didn't look at her as a friend. Setzer only hoped that Terra had already forgotten, what he thought were absurd feelings for the general.
They arrived to the gallery in the farthest side of the mine, that was the last one for them to search. As she searched, she kept smelling the aroma in the cloak, and couldn't help but to remember Edgar's smile. It was so warm and tender as well as his arms. His hug had something that made her feel so comfortable, like if she belong to those reassuring arms. At this thought Terra felt how her face became every second warmer. Setzer noticed once again Terra blushing and asked:
-Is everything okay? – he hid a smile – You're face is all red.
Terra nodded nervously.
-Yes... I'm just... tired – she murmured. She felt so uncomfortable with those thoughts that she asked to Setzer so she could think something else:
-And how things are going with Maria?
Setzer raised his eyebrows surprised by the question, but still he answered:
-Good... Before I went to pick you to go to Thamasa, we went on a date, and I spent a really nice time with her...
-I'm glad – said Terra sincerely.
-Yeah, me too... I think that maybe Maria is the one for me – said Setzer with a small smile. It was he first time he said that out loud and he liked how it sound.
Terra smiled too.
-Well, I su... - she got interrupted because a distant explosion was heard. Terra and Setzer stared at each other.
-It came from above – said Setzer.
Terra nodded.
-Lets go and check – she said and they ran to where they heard the sound.
-Maybe Edgar used a bomb to free the plaque – said Setzer, noticing the angst on Terra's face. Terra just nodded. Yes, Setzer was right, it was a bomb that Edgar used, but, why she felt so uneasy?
They arrived to the upper level and saw Locke and Mog that stopped running at the sight of them.
-You heard? – asked Locke.
They both say yes.
-It came from where Celes and Edgar are supposed to be... - continued Locke, worry in his voice. Another explosion was heard.
-Then lets hurry, kuppo – said Mog. They agreed and ran full speed.
****** The answer that Gaston gave to Edgar's question was Figa. Edgar grabbed Celes from her waist and jumped laterally to avoid the spell, that crashed on the nearest wall, making an deafening sound. Celes stared at the wall in horror. She never thought she'll ever see magic in action again. She was almost in shock.
Edgar reacted and unsheathed his sword and took out his auto cross bow. Gaston wasn't alone, he came with at least 50 men in their red armors. And they hadn't good intentions. Cause they began to attack with their swords. Edgar immediately shot them with the auto cross bow but some managed to avoid the arrows and attacked him with the swords. Edgar dodged the blows, but he wasn't able to reply the attacks, and he could only defend.
Celes finally reacted and also unsheathed her sword and helped Edgar. Gaston kept smiling and once again used Figa, but this time it was directed to Umaro, that ducked and barely avoided the attack, that once again collided on a wall. Making Gaston began to laugh.
Edgar and Celes kept defending from the men in red, that finally began to fell.
-We cannot let Gaston use magic again – said Edgar as he stabbed a man in the neck, and blocking a blow he asked – You think you can use Runic?
Celes pressed her lips before she answered:
-I can try...
-That's good enough – said Edgar – I'll cover for you when it's time.
Celes nodded while she defeated to soldiers with one blow. Gaston looked at the fight really amused, like a kid with a new toy. Then he once again casted Figa. Edgar noticed the red sphere forming and yelled to Celes:
-NOW!
Celes raised her sword above her head and said:
-RUNIC!
The spell was immediately absorbed by Celes sword with a shining white light. Gaston's face transfigured with anger and said with his cold voice to Umaro when he saw the golden object shining in the yetis' hand:
-Give me the plaque, now.
Umaro growled as he shook his head. Gaston walked slowly to him.
-I said, give me the plaque, now.
Umaro shook his head again and tried to hit Gaston with his enormous fists, but Gaston moved so fast that Umaro failed.
-So you won't give it to me? – said Gaston that was now at Umaro's back – Then, you leave me no choice...
Edgar and Celes heard Gaston's last sentence and turned to see how Gaston traveled Umaro's chest with his sword.
-UMARO!!!! – shouted both Edgar and Celes, as well as Locke, Terra, Mog and Setzer that arrived in time to see how Umaro fell like in slow motion into the ground as he let go of the plaque that fell in front of Gaston's feet that picked it up as an evil smile curved his lips.
-I warned – he said in a low voice. The raising his voice he ordered – Let go, we have nothing else to do here.
The few men left said:
-Yes, sir – and walked next to Gaston that turned to see them. His eyes examined the faces sadness in Umaro's friends, and when he saw Terra, his smile grew in twisted happiness and when his eyes met Edgar's he said to the King of Figaro:
-We'll meet again Edgar – he grinned – And next time I'll kill you – and saying that, he and the rest of the men vanished.
Edgar ran to Umaro and tried to find any trace of life in his huge body, but it was worthless, Umaro was dead. Edgar punched the ground with his fist. Terra and Celes began to cry softly. Setzer and Mog lowered their heads, as Locke out an arm arounde Celes's shoulder he said:
-We need to use a phoenix down.
Edgar raised his eyes to his friend and said:
-It would be of no use... His vitality is gone... There's nothing we can do to help him... He's dead – and Edgar felt how hate grew in his chest as he pronounced this words.
-Let bury Umaro here, kuppo – said Mog sadly – It was his favorite place in the mines, kuppo.
Edgar and Setzer began to dig a hole in the ground and they put Umaro's body in the hole. After a minute of silence, they covered the body with the ground they removed.
-Lets go back – said Setzer. They nodded and they abandoned the cave and boarded the ship that flew towards Figaro.