Chapter X: Feelings and fears.
-... And that's what happened – concluded Edgar as he stared at the face of anger on his friends faces.
It was nine in a fresh but sunny morning in Figaro. After the incidents in the Cave of south Figaro, Edgar and the others returned to the castle, with Terra still unconscious. Edgar took Terra to her room and put her in the bed. He wanted to stay with her, but the others insisted he should go to the infirmary to tend his wounds, and they practically dragged him there. There, Braguin, that had a couple of broken ribs, was the first one to hear the bad news. After Edgar, Locke's and Clyde's wounds, were cured and they changed their clothes, they decided to wake the others and tell them what happened. So after sending Celes to wake them (Edgar, Locke, Setzer, Sabin and Clyde agreed she was the loudest) they reunited in the throne room, where Edgar told them everything that happened, since Terra's manipulation to the stealing of the plaques.
-So that means that Gaston has now the five plaques in his filthy hands – said Strago.
Edgar nodded angrily.
-What makes me feel more angry is that bastard using Terra so she did all his dirty work. That makes my blood boil – said Sabin punching his left palm with his right fist.
-Now what's next, sir Edgar? – answered Cyan, always polite.
-I wish I knew – said Edgar desperate – But I think all we can do now is wait for the return of Thiago.
-Edgar's right – said Setzer – Even if we wanted to retrieve the plaques from Gaston, we have no idea where that son of a bitch is. Our options are limited to wait for Thiago and see what Gaston is going to do now that he has all the plaques.
-Lets only hope that Thiago returns soon – said Clyde as he stroke his dogs head.
They remained in silence for several seconds. All their efforts were useless and vane. Now that maniac had all the plaques, and the gods knew what he was planning. But one thing was sure, no matter what he planned, they'll do everything, even the impossible to stop him.
Edgar stood from the throne and said he wanted to check on Terra. Setzer and Locke went with him, while the others decided to have something to eat. Edgar opened the door of Terra's room carefully, and she saw Relm sitting in a chair next to the bed, sketching in her sketchbook, Celes and Mog were in the balcony. Relm raised her eyes when she heard the door opened.
-How's she doing? – asked Setzer as Locke went to the balcony and Edgar walked next to the bed.
-Still the same way – said Relm leaving the pencil down, sighing – So, have you decided what are we going to do?
-We decided to wait for Thiago – answered Edgar staring at Terra's face as he sat at the edge of the bed.
Relm sighed again but said nothing. Edgar kept staring at Terra. Then he remembered that he kept the devices Gaston used to control her in the pocket of the other pants he was wearing. He stood and said:
-I'm going to my room... I want to see how the devices Gaston used on her work.
-I'll go with you – said Setzer – There's enough people to take care of Terra.
Before they left the room, Edgar said:
-Relm, no matter what, we mustn't leave Terra alone. Someone has to be here when she wakes up. Okay?
Relm nodded.
-Don't worry – she said smiling – We can take turns to keep an eye on her.
Edgar agreed and after getting his turned assigned, they left to the king's room. Edgar took the devices out of the pocket and began to examined them, with all type of tools he had there. After an hour, he said:
-This things are amazing... I mean, it has certain similarities with the slave crown, but the difference I notice, besides the size, is the components. The slave crown had like a magnet that tuned with the brain waves and totally altered them, causing that what the users did while wearing it seemed like a dream or they simply don't remember.
-And how you know all that? – asked Setzer – I know Terra once used it, but all the information you gave me, makes me think that you kept investigating it.
-Well, I actually once used it on Sabin, and he didn't remember that I used it on him... But you must promise you won't said a single word.
Setzer nodded laughing.
-And what about those? – he said pointing the triangles on the table.
-Well, the difference lies in, according to what Gaston said and the components in these things, while the slave crown had the magnet, this things had a different type of component, like a wave shocker, that makes the person do what some one else says, but the person, in this case Terra, was still aware of what was going around her and was also conscious of what she was doing... - Edgar clenched his fists – That's why I fear her reaction when se remembers what happened.
Setzer nodded.
-All that you just explained about the slave crown and these things – said Setzer pointing the devices with his finger – makes me wonder if Gaston was related with the Empire.
-I'm almost sure he was – said Edgar – Or at least he knew pretty well the Empire methods of fighting and controlling people... - he sighed and stretched his arms – Are you hungry? – Setzer nodded – Then lets go to eat something.
They left the room and walked to the dinning room. The others were there, except of Mog, that was with Terra. After breakfast, Locke said he was going to take a nap, Sabin and Clyde decided to do the same. Relm and Strago went to the infirmary to visit Braguin. Cyan said he needed to go to Doma to inform all what happened to the King, so he asked Setzer if he could take him in the Falcon, promising to return before midnight. Setzer said yes, and they left with Gau.
Meanwhile, Celes went with Edgar to the library. The king wanted to repair the wall as soon as possible, and he also wanted to check if the material and books suffered any severe damage. Fortunately, only a couple shelves suffered little damage (some minor burns in some of the books, easy to repair) and the Chancellor already sent for some workers to fix the wall.
-Why don't we go to the gardens to take a walk? – suggested Celes to Edgar, after he gave some instructions to the Chancellor. The king nodded and the went to the gardens.
The climate was now the usual in Figaro, only the mud and some puddles were the remains of the storm. They were quiet until Celes said:
-You seem upset – as she stared at Edgar from the corner of her eye.
-I'm just worried – said Edgar.
-About Terra? – asked Celes.
-Just imagine how she's going to feel when she wake up... It's the second time she was used for evil purposes... - answered Edgar.
-That Gaston has a really twisted mind – said Celes – But I'm more worried what will happen when Terra remembers – she made a pause – When Terra remembers that he kissed her and made her said all those things she said.
Edgar just sighed. At least what Terra told him before the incident was because she was already under Gaston's orders. And he felt how his heart seem a little lighter. But that feeling was momentary. The memory of Gaston kissing Terra, made Edgar's blood boil and his face became red with anger. Celes noticed this and said:
-Cool it, Edgar...
Edgar stared at her, and she couldn't help to feel a little fear for the look in his friend's eyes.
-Don't ask me that – he said with a hoarse voice – That bastard is going to pay for what he did to Terra. I'm going to make him pay. That I swear.
Celes could only nod and she put a hand in Edgar's shoulder.
-I know this upsets you more that the rest of us, because of your feelings for Terra – she said – But you must not let anger cloud your judgment, specially now, that you must be serene and calm, so you can think with your head cold, not with your busting heart – she smiled – When Terra wakes up, she'll need our support to get over what happened. And if you're angry, you'll only make her feel guiltier and sadder. So take a deep breath and calm down.
Edgar, at this words of Celes, felt his anger fade slowly. She was right. He needed to calm down. He did as Celes advised and took a deep breath.
-Good – said Celes patting his shoulder – Now that anger is out of your system, we can have a descent walk.
Edgar smiled. Celes was such a great friend. If he ever had a sister, he would've wanted she like Celes. She was comprehensive, caring, kind hearted. She could be too bossy sometimes, but no one was perfect. No even Terra.
They continue to walk for almost an hour. They talked about Locke and Terra. Edgar told her about the almost kiss he shared with Terra and her words when she was already under Gaston's control. Celes, just mentioned how happy was with Locke and how she used to fear Locke not being able to forget Rachel, but now she was sure of Locke's feelings.
After their little catharsis, Celes said it was her turn to watch Terra. Edgar walked her to the door of the half – esper room. After he accompanied Mog (that was still sad for Umaro's dead) to his room, he went to his office, where he tried to work, but, the more he tried to concentrate, the more he got distracted. He couldn't help thinking of what was Gaston planning to do next. What where his plans now that he had the plaques? Did he wanted to conquer the world? Or maybe destroy it. Well, no matter what his intentions were, he was going to frustrate his plans and make him pay for what he did, not only to Terra, but to Umaro and the people that died protecting Figaro. He kept thinking when a knock in the door.
-Come in – he said. The door opened and Sabin appeared.
-Have a nice sleep? – asked Edgar to his brother as Sabin yawned, nodding his head.
-Really nice – said Sabin He stretched his whole muscled body and said – I wanted to talk to you about something.
-What is it? –asked Edgar curious.
-Well, the other day I was thinking that it maybe a good idea to write to Master Duncan. He could be of great help, now that Gaston has all the plaques and we'll need all the help we can get to stop him.
-That's a good idea – said Edgar – Master Duncan can be of great help. But how's he going to get here? Remember his house is even more far away than Narshe.
-I'm sure Master will find a way to get here – said Sabin, then he said as he walked to the door – Relm told me something about taking shifts to watch over Terra, and mine is in an hour, so I better hurry to write the letter – and he closed the room behind him.
As soon as Sabin left, Edgar suddenly felt too tired. His body seemed to wait a tone and his head began to ache like if his head was being hit with a hammer. He left his office and went to his room. He barely made it to the bed and fell deeply asleep.
******
Sabin's turn next to Terra was over. It was 6 o' clock in the afternoon, and the next turn was Locke's, that just woke up from his nap.
He sat in the chair next to Terra's bed and began to play with his knife, as he remembered the first time he met Terra. Back then, Terra was this insecure and afraid. But he saw how she evolve into a marvelous woman, loving and caring. He stared at her sleeping face. He failed her. He promised she was going to protect her, but he failed her. She was again forced to do terrible things against her will.
-I'm sorry, Terra – apologized Locke – I should've been there to protect you. You're like a little sister to me and I failed to protect you...
-You weren't the only one who failed, Cole – interrupted a male voice from the door. Locke turned his head and smiled when he saw the King of Figaro enter the room, carrying a tray with food.
-Here – said Edgar handing the tray to Locke and lain his back against the wall – Celes thought you may be hungry.
-And she woke you up just to bring it to me? – asked Locke as he began to eat, grinning.
-I found her on my way here – said Edgar – So I offered to bring the food to you. But don't worry I didn't put any poison on it – and he smiled.
Locke smiled too.
-But your shift is in like an hour – he said.
-I know – said Edgar – But my company doesn't bother you?
Locke shook his head, smiling. He finished all the food on the tray and as he put the tray in the table, he burped.
-You're a pork – said Edgar.
Locke just shrugged.
-It was pretty good – he sighed – If only Celes cooked like this.
-I didn't want to be in your shoes if she hears you say that – said Edgar smiling.
Locke smiled too and sat again in the chair.
-You think she'll wake anytime soon? – asked Locke as she stared at Terra.
Edgar shrugged.
-Who knows – said Edgar. He sat in the bed and caressed Terra's hand.
-How can we let this happened? – said Locke angrily.
-And tell me how we could've stopped them – said Edgar calmly.
Locke didn't answer. He knew Edgar was right, but it still upset him that he wasn't able to protect Terra.
-I know how you feel – continued Edgar – Because I feel the same way, or even worst, but there's no point in blaming ourselves. The only one to blame is that bastard of Gaston, and believe me when I say that I'm going to make him pay.
-And I'm going to be there to help you – said Locke. Edgar nodded his head as he put Terra's hand gently in the bed.
-You think there's going to be an attack tonight – said Locke as he walked to the balcony, followed by Edgar.
-I can't tell – said the king – The situation is totally different now. He may attack every time he wanted, or simply don't attack. I don't have a clue what his plans are.
Locke sighed as he stared at the horizon.
******
Terra's eyes opened slowly. She looked around and recognized her room in the castle of Figaro. She kept looking around and saw two figures in the balcony. She tried to stood from the bed, but she felt terribly dizzy. She remained on the bed, and she slowly began to remember what happened the night before. How she was transported by that weird darkness, Gaston's breath on her ear. The two triangles been placed in her temples. Edgar's face when she talked to him with that cold voice. She stealing the plaques and bombing the library. She giving the plaques to Gaston. Her voice saying she loved Gaston. Gaston kissing her and herself attacking her friends.
Her green eyes began to feel with tears of anger, despair, impotence, shame. She began to cry and sob desperately. The two figures on the balcony must have heard her, because they ran inside the room.
Terra saw the worried faces of Edgar and Locke as they approached her. And when she saw the cut in Edgar's face and Locke's purple eye. She covered her face with her hands.
Edgar and Locke didn't know what to do. They stared at each other confused.
-Please Terra, clam down – said Locke as he put a hand on Terra's shoulder, but Terra said, almost shouting:
-Calm down?! Calm down?! I can't calm down. I screwed all your efforts to protect the plaques! I gave the plaques to Gaston and now he has them all! And I almost kill you guys! And you want me to calm down! I was used again! I was used again to do evil! Why me?! Why me?!
Edgar grabbed Locke from his arm and pulled him to the door.
-Let me talk to her alone. Okay? – he said to Locke that sent him an skeptical look.
-Are you sure? – he asked.
Edgar nodded. Locke just shrugged and left the room, closing the door behind him. Edgar sat next to Terra and said:
-As Gaston used you, he could've used Celes or Locke or Relm or Sabin or myself.
-But he used me! – shouted Terra almost hysterical – And then he, he... - she didn't finished the sentence because she began to wipe her lips almost violently.
Edgar could only stare at her, wanting that Gaston appeared in that instant so he could make him feel all his anger. But he contained his rage, remembering Celes words.
- I also said him I loved him – said Terra covering her face again – And all those things I said to you...
-You just say that because he was controlling you – said Edgar holding her hands in his and staring at her directly in he eyes - I know that you never meant what you said.
-But I almost kill you – said Terra desperately – And I still can remember what I was feeling when I was attacking you and the others. I knew it was wrong but I couldn't help it.
-That's the effect of the devices he used to control you – said Edgar – Even though you knew what you were doing was wrong, you couldn't help but do it.
-Gaston explained me that before he put them on me – said Terra lowering her face. She was still crying but not so desperately.
-I cannot believe I almost killed you – said once again Terra – Are you all right? – and she stared the cut in his left cheek.
-I only got a couple of scratches – he said – Don't worry about it Terra, we know you didn't meant to hurt us.
Suddenly, Terra buried her face in his chest and began to cry more desperately. Edgar hold her tenderly as he caressed her head.
-Why he kissed me? – said Terra facing him – Why he did that? Why he wanted me to say I loved him? Why he did that to me?
Edgar pressed his lips together, unsure of what to say, so he just kept caressing Terra's hair. But she suddenly pushed him and covered her face again with her hands. She could still feel Gaston's lips on hers, she could still hear the words she said, she could still see the explosion in the library and the blood in the sword. She couldn't help but to feel guilty, ashamed and powerless.
-Terra... - began to say Edgar but Terra was the one who talk instead:
-Please Edgar, don't say a word... Just leave me alone... I want to be alone... I need to be alone. Please leave me alone.
Edgar sighed and walked to the door, but before he left he said:
-Just remember no one blames you, Terra... What was meant to happen, happened... Just remember that and that we are here for you – and he closed the door behind his back.
******
-Poor Terra – said Celes when Edgar told her, Locke, Relm, Clyde and Sabin what happened when she woke up. They were in the throne room and they just had dinner.
-I tried the best to comfort her – said Edgar with impotence – But I think I didn't help at all.
-Maybe she just needs time – said Relm.
-Like the first time she wore the slave crown – agreed Locke.
-Well, at least this time she didn't kill anyone – said Sabin. They all stared at Sabin with the "shut up" eyes.
-I think she may feel more comfortable is she talk with someone that can understand her, like a woman – said Clyde. They all stared at him with surprised eyes.
-I agree with Clyde – said Celes and smiling to Relm she continued – Come with me Relm, lets go with Terra.
-Are you sure that's a good idea? – asked Locke – Edgar told us she wanted to be alone.
-Well, I think she's been alone enough time – said Celes and making a gesture to Relm with her head, they left the room to Terra's room.
They knocked on the door and they heard Terra's voice letting them in. The room was covered with darkness, but they distinguished Terra's figure sitting in the bed as she hold her knees to her chest.
Celes turned on the lights as Relm sat next to Terra in the bed. Celes sat in the chair.
-How are you feeling? – asked Celes.
Terra didn't answer, she just hid her face in the gap between her knees and her chest.
-I assume you still feel the same way – said Celes after a few seconds.
-And what do you expect? – said Terra raising her head to face her, tears in her eyes that rolled over her face – That I should be jumping of happiness and laughing because of what I did?! No, Celes, I feel awful... Why is so difficult to you understand that I can't bear be myself right now? That because of me, the world maybe in great danger, and lets not forget that I almost kill my dearest friends! And all the things I said to Edgar and what I said to Gaston!... I just can't bear it! I just can't!
Relm exchange glances with Celes. The latter waited for Terra to calm down a little before she said:
-Look Terra, we DO understand how you feel. And I said understand, because we never know how you exactly feel. But as I'm almost sure that Edgar told you, we don't blame you, we know you were not on your senses. So Terra, please try to forgive yourself, because if you don't, you'll never get through what happened.
-Celes is right, Terra – supported Relm – And I know that as he used you, he could use me or Celes. You just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong moment.
Terra shook her head:
-I remember that Gaston told me that he was going to use me because – she made a pause – because I once served the Empire and because... – her tears suddenly stop and her eyes widened as she blushed slightly.
-Because...? – asked at the same time Celes and Relm, confused and curious.
-Because I was the person Edgar holds dearest in his heart – she said in a low voice as she blushed more.
-That miserable... - said Celes out loud and the she said in her head – So he wanted Terra to kill Edgar, that's why she attacked him more than the rest of us.
-But everybody knows that Edgar is in love with you – said Relm – He tries to hide it, but is SO obvious, I think even Interceptor knows.
-What? – murmured Terra.
Celes shot a dead glance to Relm, that realized she talked too much.
-Is it true, Celes? –asked Terra.
-Yes – said Celes sighing – he loves you. But you must not tell him that we told you okay. Or he's going to go like ballistic on us, and I'm too young and beautiful to die.
Relm laughed. Terra just hold her knees tighter as she remember the scene in the tower. How blinds she were! It was so obvious that he loved her. The way he looked at her, the way he smiled to her, the way he hold her. All those were signs of his love. But, she wasn't sure of how she felt. Did she loved Edgar? Did he was the reason she stopped yearning for Leo? She wasn't sure, but she certainly began to feel less unhappy.
-I wont tell – she said seconds later – Don't worry... I think I first need to figure out what are my feelings for him...
Relm and Celes nodded, hoping that she might feel the same way as Edgar did.
******
Cyan returned two hours before midnight. And he brought bad news. After informing the King the situation and preparing the army of Doma, on the return flight, he managed to fire in the town of Nikeah. He asked Setzer to fly a little lower and almost the hole town was burning to ashes. But there was no sign of Gaston's army. So they landed and after helping to control the fire, they asked the people the reason of such fire. They answered it was like a thunder that fell from the sky and burst into the ground and immediately almost everything was on fire. The villagers said it was even worst than Kefka's light of judgment.
Edgar was sure that Gaston's hand was behind it. And he was sure that the plaques had something to do with it, too. He also was sure that he couldn't do anything until Thiago returned, but while he waited for his return, he said Cyan that they should warn all the towns and Kingdoms of all the world, so they'll be prepared in case Gaston decided to use the same attack as in Nikeah and to tell them to prepare their armies in case they decide to attack Gaston's base when they discover where it's located.
They do as Edgar suggested, hoping that Thiago wont be too late, or the world maybe in a great danger.
-... And that's what happened – concluded Edgar as he stared at the face of anger on his friends faces.
It was nine in a fresh but sunny morning in Figaro. After the incidents in the Cave of south Figaro, Edgar and the others returned to the castle, with Terra still unconscious. Edgar took Terra to her room and put her in the bed. He wanted to stay with her, but the others insisted he should go to the infirmary to tend his wounds, and they practically dragged him there. There, Braguin, that had a couple of broken ribs, was the first one to hear the bad news. After Edgar, Locke's and Clyde's wounds, were cured and they changed their clothes, they decided to wake the others and tell them what happened. So after sending Celes to wake them (Edgar, Locke, Setzer, Sabin and Clyde agreed she was the loudest) they reunited in the throne room, where Edgar told them everything that happened, since Terra's manipulation to the stealing of the plaques.
-So that means that Gaston has now the five plaques in his filthy hands – said Strago.
Edgar nodded angrily.
-What makes me feel more angry is that bastard using Terra so she did all his dirty work. That makes my blood boil – said Sabin punching his left palm with his right fist.
-Now what's next, sir Edgar? – answered Cyan, always polite.
-I wish I knew – said Edgar desperate – But I think all we can do now is wait for the return of Thiago.
-Edgar's right – said Setzer – Even if we wanted to retrieve the plaques from Gaston, we have no idea where that son of a bitch is. Our options are limited to wait for Thiago and see what Gaston is going to do now that he has all the plaques.
-Lets only hope that Thiago returns soon – said Clyde as he stroke his dogs head.
They remained in silence for several seconds. All their efforts were useless and vane. Now that maniac had all the plaques, and the gods knew what he was planning. But one thing was sure, no matter what he planned, they'll do everything, even the impossible to stop him.
Edgar stood from the throne and said he wanted to check on Terra. Setzer and Locke went with him, while the others decided to have something to eat. Edgar opened the door of Terra's room carefully, and she saw Relm sitting in a chair next to the bed, sketching in her sketchbook, Celes and Mog were in the balcony. Relm raised her eyes when she heard the door opened.
-How's she doing? – asked Setzer as Locke went to the balcony and Edgar walked next to the bed.
-Still the same way – said Relm leaving the pencil down, sighing – So, have you decided what are we going to do?
-We decided to wait for Thiago – answered Edgar staring at Terra's face as he sat at the edge of the bed.
Relm sighed again but said nothing. Edgar kept staring at Terra. Then he remembered that he kept the devices Gaston used to control her in the pocket of the other pants he was wearing. He stood and said:
-I'm going to my room... I want to see how the devices Gaston used on her work.
-I'll go with you – said Setzer – There's enough people to take care of Terra.
Before they left the room, Edgar said:
-Relm, no matter what, we mustn't leave Terra alone. Someone has to be here when she wakes up. Okay?
Relm nodded.
-Don't worry – she said smiling – We can take turns to keep an eye on her.
Edgar agreed and after getting his turned assigned, they left to the king's room. Edgar took the devices out of the pocket and began to examined them, with all type of tools he had there. After an hour, he said:
-This things are amazing... I mean, it has certain similarities with the slave crown, but the difference I notice, besides the size, is the components. The slave crown had like a magnet that tuned with the brain waves and totally altered them, causing that what the users did while wearing it seemed like a dream or they simply don't remember.
-And how you know all that? – asked Setzer – I know Terra once used it, but all the information you gave me, makes me think that you kept investigating it.
-Well, I actually once used it on Sabin, and he didn't remember that I used it on him... But you must promise you won't said a single word.
Setzer nodded laughing.
-And what about those? – he said pointing the triangles on the table.
-Well, the difference lies in, according to what Gaston said and the components in these things, while the slave crown had the magnet, this things had a different type of component, like a wave shocker, that makes the person do what some one else says, but the person, in this case Terra, was still aware of what was going around her and was also conscious of what she was doing... - Edgar clenched his fists – That's why I fear her reaction when se remembers what happened.
Setzer nodded.
-All that you just explained about the slave crown and these things – said Setzer pointing the devices with his finger – makes me wonder if Gaston was related with the Empire.
-I'm almost sure he was – said Edgar – Or at least he knew pretty well the Empire methods of fighting and controlling people... - he sighed and stretched his arms – Are you hungry? – Setzer nodded – Then lets go to eat something.
They left the room and walked to the dinning room. The others were there, except of Mog, that was with Terra. After breakfast, Locke said he was going to take a nap, Sabin and Clyde decided to do the same. Relm and Strago went to the infirmary to visit Braguin. Cyan said he needed to go to Doma to inform all what happened to the King, so he asked Setzer if he could take him in the Falcon, promising to return before midnight. Setzer said yes, and they left with Gau.
Meanwhile, Celes went with Edgar to the library. The king wanted to repair the wall as soon as possible, and he also wanted to check if the material and books suffered any severe damage. Fortunately, only a couple shelves suffered little damage (some minor burns in some of the books, easy to repair) and the Chancellor already sent for some workers to fix the wall.
-Why don't we go to the gardens to take a walk? – suggested Celes to Edgar, after he gave some instructions to the Chancellor. The king nodded and the went to the gardens.
The climate was now the usual in Figaro, only the mud and some puddles were the remains of the storm. They were quiet until Celes said:
-You seem upset – as she stared at Edgar from the corner of her eye.
-I'm just worried – said Edgar.
-About Terra? – asked Celes.
-Just imagine how she's going to feel when she wake up... It's the second time she was used for evil purposes... - answered Edgar.
-That Gaston has a really twisted mind – said Celes – But I'm more worried what will happen when Terra remembers – she made a pause – When Terra remembers that he kissed her and made her said all those things she said.
Edgar just sighed. At least what Terra told him before the incident was because she was already under Gaston's orders. And he felt how his heart seem a little lighter. But that feeling was momentary. The memory of Gaston kissing Terra, made Edgar's blood boil and his face became red with anger. Celes noticed this and said:
-Cool it, Edgar...
Edgar stared at her, and she couldn't help to feel a little fear for the look in his friend's eyes.
-Don't ask me that – he said with a hoarse voice – That bastard is going to pay for what he did to Terra. I'm going to make him pay. That I swear.
Celes could only nod and she put a hand in Edgar's shoulder.
-I know this upsets you more that the rest of us, because of your feelings for Terra – she said – But you must not let anger cloud your judgment, specially now, that you must be serene and calm, so you can think with your head cold, not with your busting heart – she smiled – When Terra wakes up, she'll need our support to get over what happened. And if you're angry, you'll only make her feel guiltier and sadder. So take a deep breath and calm down.
Edgar, at this words of Celes, felt his anger fade slowly. She was right. He needed to calm down. He did as Celes advised and took a deep breath.
-Good – said Celes patting his shoulder – Now that anger is out of your system, we can have a descent walk.
Edgar smiled. Celes was such a great friend. If he ever had a sister, he would've wanted she like Celes. She was comprehensive, caring, kind hearted. She could be too bossy sometimes, but no one was perfect. No even Terra.
They continue to walk for almost an hour. They talked about Locke and Terra. Edgar told her about the almost kiss he shared with Terra and her words when she was already under Gaston's control. Celes, just mentioned how happy was with Locke and how she used to fear Locke not being able to forget Rachel, but now she was sure of Locke's feelings.
After their little catharsis, Celes said it was her turn to watch Terra. Edgar walked her to the door of the half – esper room. After he accompanied Mog (that was still sad for Umaro's dead) to his room, he went to his office, where he tried to work, but, the more he tried to concentrate, the more he got distracted. He couldn't help thinking of what was Gaston planning to do next. What where his plans now that he had the plaques? Did he wanted to conquer the world? Or maybe destroy it. Well, no matter what his intentions were, he was going to frustrate his plans and make him pay for what he did, not only to Terra, but to Umaro and the people that died protecting Figaro. He kept thinking when a knock in the door.
-Come in – he said. The door opened and Sabin appeared.
-Have a nice sleep? – asked Edgar to his brother as Sabin yawned, nodding his head.
-Really nice – said Sabin He stretched his whole muscled body and said – I wanted to talk to you about something.
-What is it? –asked Edgar curious.
-Well, the other day I was thinking that it maybe a good idea to write to Master Duncan. He could be of great help, now that Gaston has all the plaques and we'll need all the help we can get to stop him.
-That's a good idea – said Edgar – Master Duncan can be of great help. But how's he going to get here? Remember his house is even more far away than Narshe.
-I'm sure Master will find a way to get here – said Sabin, then he said as he walked to the door – Relm told me something about taking shifts to watch over Terra, and mine is in an hour, so I better hurry to write the letter – and he closed the room behind him.
As soon as Sabin left, Edgar suddenly felt too tired. His body seemed to wait a tone and his head began to ache like if his head was being hit with a hammer. He left his office and went to his room. He barely made it to the bed and fell deeply asleep.
******
Sabin's turn next to Terra was over. It was 6 o' clock in the afternoon, and the next turn was Locke's, that just woke up from his nap.
He sat in the chair next to Terra's bed and began to play with his knife, as he remembered the first time he met Terra. Back then, Terra was this insecure and afraid. But he saw how she evolve into a marvelous woman, loving and caring. He stared at her sleeping face. He failed her. He promised she was going to protect her, but he failed her. She was again forced to do terrible things against her will.
-I'm sorry, Terra – apologized Locke – I should've been there to protect you. You're like a little sister to me and I failed to protect you...
-You weren't the only one who failed, Cole – interrupted a male voice from the door. Locke turned his head and smiled when he saw the King of Figaro enter the room, carrying a tray with food.
-Here – said Edgar handing the tray to Locke and lain his back against the wall – Celes thought you may be hungry.
-And she woke you up just to bring it to me? – asked Locke as he began to eat, grinning.
-I found her on my way here – said Edgar – So I offered to bring the food to you. But don't worry I didn't put any poison on it – and he smiled.
Locke smiled too.
-But your shift is in like an hour – he said.
-I know – said Edgar – But my company doesn't bother you?
Locke shook his head, smiling. He finished all the food on the tray and as he put the tray in the table, he burped.
-You're a pork – said Edgar.
Locke just shrugged.
-It was pretty good – he sighed – If only Celes cooked like this.
-I didn't want to be in your shoes if she hears you say that – said Edgar smiling.
Locke smiled too and sat again in the chair.
-You think she'll wake anytime soon? – asked Locke as she stared at Terra.
Edgar shrugged.
-Who knows – said Edgar. He sat in the bed and caressed Terra's hand.
-How can we let this happened? – said Locke angrily.
-And tell me how we could've stopped them – said Edgar calmly.
Locke didn't answer. He knew Edgar was right, but it still upset him that he wasn't able to protect Terra.
-I know how you feel – continued Edgar – Because I feel the same way, or even worst, but there's no point in blaming ourselves. The only one to blame is that bastard of Gaston, and believe me when I say that I'm going to make him pay.
-And I'm going to be there to help you – said Locke. Edgar nodded his head as he put Terra's hand gently in the bed.
-You think there's going to be an attack tonight – said Locke as he walked to the balcony, followed by Edgar.
-I can't tell – said the king – The situation is totally different now. He may attack every time he wanted, or simply don't attack. I don't have a clue what his plans are.
Locke sighed as he stared at the horizon.
******
Terra's eyes opened slowly. She looked around and recognized her room in the castle of Figaro. She kept looking around and saw two figures in the balcony. She tried to stood from the bed, but she felt terribly dizzy. She remained on the bed, and she slowly began to remember what happened the night before. How she was transported by that weird darkness, Gaston's breath on her ear. The two triangles been placed in her temples. Edgar's face when she talked to him with that cold voice. She stealing the plaques and bombing the library. She giving the plaques to Gaston. Her voice saying she loved Gaston. Gaston kissing her and herself attacking her friends.
Her green eyes began to feel with tears of anger, despair, impotence, shame. She began to cry and sob desperately. The two figures on the balcony must have heard her, because they ran inside the room.
Terra saw the worried faces of Edgar and Locke as they approached her. And when she saw the cut in Edgar's face and Locke's purple eye. She covered her face with her hands.
Edgar and Locke didn't know what to do. They stared at each other confused.
-Please Terra, clam down – said Locke as he put a hand on Terra's shoulder, but Terra said, almost shouting:
-Calm down?! Calm down?! I can't calm down. I screwed all your efforts to protect the plaques! I gave the plaques to Gaston and now he has them all! And I almost kill you guys! And you want me to calm down! I was used again! I was used again to do evil! Why me?! Why me?!
Edgar grabbed Locke from his arm and pulled him to the door.
-Let me talk to her alone. Okay? – he said to Locke that sent him an skeptical look.
-Are you sure? – he asked.
Edgar nodded. Locke just shrugged and left the room, closing the door behind him. Edgar sat next to Terra and said:
-As Gaston used you, he could've used Celes or Locke or Relm or Sabin or myself.
-But he used me! – shouted Terra almost hysterical – And then he, he... - she didn't finished the sentence because she began to wipe her lips almost violently.
Edgar could only stare at her, wanting that Gaston appeared in that instant so he could make him feel all his anger. But he contained his rage, remembering Celes words.
- I also said him I loved him – said Terra covering her face again – And all those things I said to you...
-You just say that because he was controlling you – said Edgar holding her hands in his and staring at her directly in he eyes - I know that you never meant what you said.
-But I almost kill you – said Terra desperately – And I still can remember what I was feeling when I was attacking you and the others. I knew it was wrong but I couldn't help it.
-That's the effect of the devices he used to control you – said Edgar – Even though you knew what you were doing was wrong, you couldn't help but do it.
-Gaston explained me that before he put them on me – said Terra lowering her face. She was still crying but not so desperately.
-I cannot believe I almost killed you – said once again Terra – Are you all right? – and she stared the cut in his left cheek.
-I only got a couple of scratches – he said – Don't worry about it Terra, we know you didn't meant to hurt us.
Suddenly, Terra buried her face in his chest and began to cry more desperately. Edgar hold her tenderly as he caressed her head.
-Why he kissed me? – said Terra facing him – Why he did that? Why he wanted me to say I loved him? Why he did that to me?
Edgar pressed his lips together, unsure of what to say, so he just kept caressing Terra's hair. But she suddenly pushed him and covered her face again with her hands. She could still feel Gaston's lips on hers, she could still hear the words she said, she could still see the explosion in the library and the blood in the sword. She couldn't help but to feel guilty, ashamed and powerless.
-Terra... - began to say Edgar but Terra was the one who talk instead:
-Please Edgar, don't say a word... Just leave me alone... I want to be alone... I need to be alone. Please leave me alone.
Edgar sighed and walked to the door, but before he left he said:
-Just remember no one blames you, Terra... What was meant to happen, happened... Just remember that and that we are here for you – and he closed the door behind his back.
******
-Poor Terra – said Celes when Edgar told her, Locke, Relm, Clyde and Sabin what happened when she woke up. They were in the throne room and they just had dinner.
-I tried the best to comfort her – said Edgar with impotence – But I think I didn't help at all.
-Maybe she just needs time – said Relm.
-Like the first time she wore the slave crown – agreed Locke.
-Well, at least this time she didn't kill anyone – said Sabin. They all stared at Sabin with the "shut up" eyes.
-I think she may feel more comfortable is she talk with someone that can understand her, like a woman – said Clyde. They all stared at him with surprised eyes.
-I agree with Clyde – said Celes and smiling to Relm she continued – Come with me Relm, lets go with Terra.
-Are you sure that's a good idea? – asked Locke – Edgar told us she wanted to be alone.
-Well, I think she's been alone enough time – said Celes and making a gesture to Relm with her head, they left the room to Terra's room.
They knocked on the door and they heard Terra's voice letting them in. The room was covered with darkness, but they distinguished Terra's figure sitting in the bed as she hold her knees to her chest.
Celes turned on the lights as Relm sat next to Terra in the bed. Celes sat in the chair.
-How are you feeling? – asked Celes.
Terra didn't answer, she just hid her face in the gap between her knees and her chest.
-I assume you still feel the same way – said Celes after a few seconds.
-And what do you expect? – said Terra raising her head to face her, tears in her eyes that rolled over her face – That I should be jumping of happiness and laughing because of what I did?! No, Celes, I feel awful... Why is so difficult to you understand that I can't bear be myself right now? That because of me, the world maybe in great danger, and lets not forget that I almost kill my dearest friends! And all the things I said to Edgar and what I said to Gaston!... I just can't bear it! I just can't!
Relm exchange glances with Celes. The latter waited for Terra to calm down a little before she said:
-Look Terra, we DO understand how you feel. And I said understand, because we never know how you exactly feel. But as I'm almost sure that Edgar told you, we don't blame you, we know you were not on your senses. So Terra, please try to forgive yourself, because if you don't, you'll never get through what happened.
-Celes is right, Terra – supported Relm – And I know that as he used you, he could use me or Celes. You just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong moment.
Terra shook her head:
-I remember that Gaston told me that he was going to use me because – she made a pause – because I once served the Empire and because... – her tears suddenly stop and her eyes widened as she blushed slightly.
-Because...? – asked at the same time Celes and Relm, confused and curious.
-Because I was the person Edgar holds dearest in his heart – she said in a low voice as she blushed more.
-That miserable... - said Celes out loud and the she said in her head – So he wanted Terra to kill Edgar, that's why she attacked him more than the rest of us.
-But everybody knows that Edgar is in love with you – said Relm – He tries to hide it, but is SO obvious, I think even Interceptor knows.
-What? – murmured Terra.
Celes shot a dead glance to Relm, that realized she talked too much.
-Is it true, Celes? –asked Terra.
-Yes – said Celes sighing – he loves you. But you must not tell him that we told you okay. Or he's going to go like ballistic on us, and I'm too young and beautiful to die.
Relm laughed. Terra just hold her knees tighter as she remember the scene in the tower. How blinds she were! It was so obvious that he loved her. The way he looked at her, the way he smiled to her, the way he hold her. All those were signs of his love. But, she wasn't sure of how she felt. Did she loved Edgar? Did he was the reason she stopped yearning for Leo? She wasn't sure, but she certainly began to feel less unhappy.
-I wont tell – she said seconds later – Don't worry... I think I first need to figure out what are my feelings for him...
Relm and Celes nodded, hoping that she might feel the same way as Edgar did.
******
Cyan returned two hours before midnight. And he brought bad news. After informing the King the situation and preparing the army of Doma, on the return flight, he managed to fire in the town of Nikeah. He asked Setzer to fly a little lower and almost the hole town was burning to ashes. But there was no sign of Gaston's army. So they landed and after helping to control the fire, they asked the people the reason of such fire. They answered it was like a thunder that fell from the sky and burst into the ground and immediately almost everything was on fire. The villagers said it was even worst than Kefka's light of judgment.
Edgar was sure that Gaston's hand was behind it. And he was sure that the plaques had something to do with it, too. He also was sure that he couldn't do anything until Thiago returned, but while he waited for his return, he said Cyan that they should warn all the towns and Kingdoms of all the world, so they'll be prepared in case Gaston decided to use the same attack as in Nikeah and to tell them to prepare their armies in case they decide to attack Gaston's base when they discover where it's located.
They do as Edgar suggested, hoping that Thiago wont be too late, or the world maybe in a great danger.