Author Notes: I just want to explain some points of the previous chapter.
First, in this FFVI / III world of mine, all the cities were rebuilt and
those homeless went to live in cities that were totally deserted (Doma and
Mobliz). Second, that's why Doma returned to what it used to be and Cyan
was offered to be the King, but he gently declined the offer and decided to
be only the Retainer, so the people chose another king. That's why I
mentioned Cyan went to visit the King, because it's a new King, not the one
that died when Kefka poisoned the water. I hope this helped you to solve
the doubts and I must apologize for not explain this before, but well, it
slipped my mind. And also, sorry for not updating sooner, but with school
and my sister that monopolizes the computer, was really hard to find time
to write.
Now, on with the next chapter.
Chapter XI: The plan and the breakthrough.
The next town to be attacked was Jidoor and two days later, Maranda. And the attacks were just like in Nikeah: a strange lightning bolt that burned everything down, almost to ashes. Fortunately, there were no human losses, thanks to the warnings that Edgar sent to each town in the entire world, so the people form these towns were prepared and when the attack happened, they hid in a refuge.
The day Maranda was attacked, Master Duncan arrived to the castle. And Sabin was right, he was of great help. He advised Edgar to tell the towns and kingdoms to embark their armies toward Figaro, so when Thiago returned, they'll be ready to attack immediately. Edgar agreed with Master Duncan and sent the letters right away, as well as food and water to the towns that were attacked.
Two more days. The armies had already arrived to Figaro and were ready to attack, but passed there were no signs of Thiago. Edgar expressed his concern to Setzer that tried to calm his friend saying that Thiago was surely about to return. And he was right, the night of the next day, one guard informed Edgar that they spotted a man with a red armor walking to the castle making some gestures with his arms. Edgar immediately knew it was Thiago and ordered to let him in and brought him to the dinning room, where they were enjoying dinner.
Thiago arrived few minutes later. He removed the helmet and he was smiling. Edgar offered him a chair and waited for Thiago's tale.
-The base of Gaston is actually a 20 floor tower and it's located in the middle of Mt. Zozo – said Thiago after he drank some water – A really nice place to hid, because it has a protection from the mountains.
They all stared at each other surprised, as Thiago continued:
-You must wonder how Gaston men managed to appear and disappear. Well, they created some devices that are a part of the armor – he pointed a small black button in the left gauntlet – And they also built some portals in certain places, so you say the coordinates to this kind of screen – he showed them a small transparent screen in the right gauntlet – And you are transported to the place, but you can only go to the places where there is a portal.
-And where's the portal that transports people to Figaro? – asked Sabin.
-Above the Ancient Castle – answered Thiago – But let me continue with the story – he sighed – When I arrived at the base, I was inside it. The device transports you inside the base. Once inside I discovered that the tower, besides the natural protection from the mountains, has also a field force, that means, that even if someone discovered the location of the tower, the field is there to prevent any external attack. The only way to destroy the field force is from inside. I tried to do it, but the it can't be destroyed unless the four generators are destroyed at the same time.
-What else you discovered? –asked Edgar.
-That Gaston is not the... How can I say it? The leader. What I mean that he is following someone else's orders. Lets say he is the second in command.
-You mean that Gaston is not the one who organize all this? – said Edgar surprised.
Thiago nodded.
-He's not the master mind, there's someone that came with the idea of the plaques and the attacks, Gaston only did what that other someone told him to do.
-And how you discovered that? –asked Locke.
-Well, I went to Zozo to the pub with some of the others soldiers, and once they were drunk, they said that Gaston was not the one they feared the most. That the one that was in the 20th floor was the one to be afraid of. After all, Gaston only got the plaques, but the one who's attacking the towns is that person on the 20th floor. But no one knows who that person is. They never saw his or her face and they don't even know the name.
-This is something unexpected – said Edgar scratching his head – I was sure Gaston was the one behind everything. But there is someone else.
-Man, this is giving me a headache – said Locke.
-That's because you don't use it too often –said Setzer. Locke fulminated Setzer with his eyes, eager to make him feel it with not only with his eyes.
-We must stop them – said Edgar as Celes and Terra tried to control Locke that was trying to attack Setzer – And soon.
-What art thou thinking on doing, Sir Edgar? –asked Cyan.
-We must sneak into the tower or base in Mt. Zozo, to disable the field force – answered Edgar.
-But who's going? – said Locke after Celes and Terra managed to control him – I mean, not all of us can go, and the other question is, how we are going to sneak in?
-That's simple – said Setzer – Just steal some armors as Thiago did.
-But I insist on who's going – repeated Locke – Remember that the armies form the other towns are heading towards Figaro and we need to organize the attack.
-Then only four of us are going – said Edgar – One for each generator.
-But then again, who? – insisted Locke.
-I'll go for sure – said Thiago – I'm the only one who know the place and can guide through it.
-Then there are only three spots left – said Edgar.
All of them began to say the wanted to go at the same time, until Setzer said:
-Lets lady luck decide – and he pulled out his deck and put it as a fan on the table.
-Each one of the men is going to draw a card and we'll see it when all of us had draw a card – explained Setzer – the ones with highest cards are going.
-Then I'm not going – said Locke.
-Why? – asked Setzer.
-I'll never get any high value cards – explained the "treasure hunter".
They all draw a card and showed it. Setzer got the two of diamonds, Clyde the jack of spades, Gau the three of clubs, Cyan four of hearts, Sabin ten of hearts, Edgar the king of spades, Master Duncan six of clubs and Locke the ace of spades (much for his surprise).
-So the ones that are going are – said Celes examining the cards – Clyde, Edgar and Locke.
-Great – said Locke throwing his card in the table – When I don't need this card it appears.
They only smiled at this comment.
-And how are we going to get the armors? – asked Clyde.
-That's easy – said Thiago – We just go to Zozo and stole them form some of the drunk soldiers.
-And when are we leaving? – asked Locke.
-When Thiago eats and get some rest – answered Edgar – So we can leave before the sun rises.
-Okay – said Clyde and Locke, while Thiago only nodded.
-I suggest you should take a rest – said Celes to the three men. Clyde and Locke nodded. Edgar said:
-I'll need to do some thing first, but I sure take a rest – he rushed to say at the look on Celes's eyes.
Locke and Clyde left the room to their respective chambers, followed by Celes, Relm, Terra, Strago and Mog. Edgar went with Cyan, Sabin and Master Duncan to the throne room.
-I want Cyan to be in charge to direct the attack to the tower, with the help of Master Duncan, of course. I wished you depart as soon as possible to Mt. Zozo
-And after we arrived there, what? – asked Mater Duncan – How we know that the field is down?
-You should wait until you see four simultaneous explosions, that the sign that the field is down. Then your free to attack.
-Then we'll depart right now – said Master Duncan – I'll go to inform the soldiers to get ready and to prepare the ships.
And he left the room with Cyan. Sabin stayed and kept staring at his brother concerned, so Edgar asked:
-What's wrong, Sabin?
-Is just that I don't think is such idea you go there, I think it would be better if I go in your place.
Edgar put a hand on his twin's shoulder and said:
-Look, I know you think I'm too tired, both physically and mentally, but trust me Sabin, I'll be okay, and remember that lady luck was the one who decided – he smiled reassuringly. Sabin smiled back. He knew his brother was not going to accept the idea of exchanging places, but he still wanted to give it a shot.
-By the was – said Sabin minutes later, while they were walking to their rooms – When are Setzer and the others going to Mt. Zozo. I mean, are they going?
-You really think they wont be going – said Edgar – I think they should go there when Thiago, Locke Clyde and I leave. That way they can wait with you until you see the explosions.
Sabin nodded and went to his room, while Edgar decided to say good bye to Master Duncan and Cyan, as they left with the troops to South Figaro where the other armies were waiting as well as the ships that would take them to Mt. Zozo. Then he went to his room and took out four small bombs from the drawer. He designed those bombs when he was a teenager, when he first join the Returners, to study the mines of Narshe. Those bombs had the quality that after the four of them were set they had a countdown of five minutes until they explode, but it only worked when the four of them were set. He put the bombs in a bag and tied it to his belt. He wasn't sleepy so he decided to go to take a walk in the gardens, until it was time to leave.
******
Terra was in the balcony of her room, with her eyes lost in the horizon. She still had that feeling of guilt, anger and sadness that was caused everytime she remembered what she did. Specially now, that her friends where going to a pretty dangerous mission. Sneaking into that base was not going to be as easy as they tried to make them believe. And she couldn't help but to think that all those problems were caused by her weak mind and her fragile heart. If she were a stronger person, she would never fell under Gaston's control, and what was happening would never happened. But she knew it was useless to keep regretting and feeling sorry for herself. Now she needed to be strong and brave. She was determined on going to the battle and help her friends. It was time to do something for them, she only caused them problems, but this time she was going to do all that she could to stop evil. She took a long deep breath and sighed. She returned inside and as soon she closed the windows, she heard a knock in the door.
-May I come in? – said the voice of the King of Figaro from the other side.
Terra's heart raced as her face blushed. The past few days, she barely saw Edgar and they didn't crossed other words, except the typical: Good Morning, Hi and Good Night. Since Relm revealed what he felt for her, her feelings towards Edgar were confuse. She no longer saw Edgar as a friend, she began to look at him as a man and that cause her mind being troubled.
-Terra, are you in there? – asked Edgar seconds later.
Terra realized she hadn't answered so she said:
-Yes, come in – and she sat in the bed.
Edgar opened the door and entered the room:
-What's up, Edgar? – said Terra as soon he entered the room.
-I just came to say... - began Edgar but he didn't continue. He just sat next to her and fixed his eyes in the floor.
-To say what? – asked Terra, her heart beating out of control.
-Well – said Edgar without removing his eyes from the floor – I came to say goodbye.
-Goodbye? – repeated Terra frowning.
-Yes – said Edgar staring at her in the eyes and with an awkward smile – We're going in few minutes, and I wanted to say that to you.
-But it's a momentary goodbye – said Terra a little nervous – Because you and Locke, Clyde and Thiago are going to return. And we're going to celebrate the victory.
Edgar smiled grew wider in awkwardness as he said:
-Maybe you're right. But this time is not as simple we went to fight against Kefka.
-What do you mean? – asked Terra curiously.
-What I mean is this time we have a handicap. The fact that we can't no longer use magic is against us, since Gaston and that guy Kraven can and lets not forget that mysterious person Thiago told us about. This time the chances of returning are slim – he said still smiling.
-But there is a chance – said Terra – And even if it's slim, is still a chance and if there is a chance there's hope, so don't give up before it even started.
-I'm not giving up – said Edgar fixing his eyes in the ceiling as the smile disappeared slowly – I'm just realistic that's all. But I'm not planning of giving up, before I have the chance to...
-The chance to what? – urged Terra.
A frown appeared on Edgar's face but he didn't answer, he just clenched his jaw. Terra stared at him frowning, and was going to ask again when he heard Edgar said:
-But I also came here to say something else – and he smiled, but this time the smile was his typical smile.
-Really? – asked Terra.
Edgar nodded.
-For some time now, I was unsure if it was appropriate to say this to you, but now that I have to go to face something I never faced before and there's a chance that we... There's a chance that we may not win, so I decided that I must say this to you. Maybe I should've tell you this sooner, but I'm going to say it now.
He took a deep breath and stood as he took Terra's hand in his, so she stood with him. He put his hands on her shoulders and said as he stared directly in her eyes:
-I, since when I'm not sure, but I figured it out and I must say you that I love you.
Terra's face grew intense red as she felt a strange mixture of happiness and nervousness inside of her. What was the right thing to say? What was she going to say? What was she going to do?
-You don't have to say anything – said Edgar with a small smile – I just wanted you to know how I felt. And I also wasn't you to know, that I don't care about anything you did when that bastard was controlling you, because I'm in love with you, not your actions – he heard a knock in the door and the voice of Thiago saying – We have to go now, Your Majesty.
-I'll be right there – said Edgar in a loud voice, then he said to Terra as he smiled – I must go now, but remember Terra, we all care about you because of you not your actions. And also remember that I love you – he kissed her cheek and her forehead and left the room quickly.
Terra stood froze as she watched him luck and she could only whisper:
-Please don't die, and return to me.
******
They arrived to the spot where the portal was. They rode the chocobos for around forty minutes until they reached the portal. Thiago told them to hold tight on to him. Edgar grabbed his arm as Locke and Clyde (that left Interceptor with Relm) grabbed the cloak. Thiago put some numbers in the screen in his right arm and then pressed the button on his left arm and they immediately felt how they were pulled into a weird whirl of spinning colors until it stopped. Edgar, Locke and Clyde were still dizzy when they found out they were in the city of Zozo. The city was still the same. The non – stop rain and the thieves, burglars, criminals and all type of dregs in each corner.
Thiago led them until they arrived to the pub. Edgar, Locke and Clyde prepared their weapons, but Thiago told them that it was not going to be necessary and they just had to wait for him outside the pub. They waited for about fifteen minutes until they saw Thiago get out of the pub with three guys that were completely drunk. Two of them were wearing red armors while the other was wearing a purple one. They were so drunk that as soon as they stepped out, they fell in the floor.
-Come, lets drag them to that alley - said Thiago pointing an alley next to the pub. They dragged the three man there and removed their armors. Locke and Edgar put on the red ones, while Clyde put on the purple one.
-What does that armor mean? – asked Locke to Thiago pointing Clyde. While Edgar tied the men hands and legs with some rope.
-That armor is used by the high rank officers – said Thiago as he covered the mouths of each man with the torn cloak of Edgar's royal outfit.
-So, that means once inside when I see a guy with a purple armor I have to treat him respectfully.
Thiago nodded.
-And if they make you questions answer and finish the sentence with the word sir – he said.
Locke only nodded. They finished to tie up the men and left them in the darkest corner of the alley.
-Where are we going? – asked Locke as they left the alley.
-I was hoping if we could go to Mt. Zozo before we enter the tower – said Edgar.
-Why? – asked Clyde.
-I just want to be sure that Cyan has already arrived and if he hasn't, wait until he does, because if we blow the generators and they are not there, then it would be useless.
-You're right – said Clyde – Then lets go to Mt. Zozo.
The climbed all the way until the entrance to Mt. Zozo that was open. They climbed the mountain until they reached the very top, just where they found Cyan a year after the world of balance disappeared. From there they could see the tower. It was red and the top had the shape of a trident. Edgar was certainly amazed that a tower like that was built with no one noticing it.
-It looks like Cyan hasn't arrived yet – said Locke – By the way, how is he going to get all the men to climb until here without been noticed?
-Remember that he lived here for a year – said Edgar – I'm sure he knows other ways to get here, without even entering Zozo.
And he was right. Cyan led the armies west from Zozo and they climbed the mountain range until they arrived where Edgar and the others were waiting.
-Sir Edgar – said Cyan as he and Master Duncan walked next to them – Thou art free to go.
Edgar nodded.
-Setzer and the other should be here soon – he said – Good luck – he wished.
-The same to you –said Master Duncan and Cyan at the same time as they prepared to enter the tower.
******
They transported into the first floor of the tower. The room they arrived was huge. They were standing in a strange square capsule. The stepped down and before they left the room, Edgar handed a bomb to his companions.
-Just put the bomb in the generator. It will only explode when the other three are set. So if your bomb is the last one to be placed, you have five minutes to get the hell out of there.
-So – said Locke – Who's going to where?
-Well, I'll go east, because is the one which is more difficult to reach – said Thiago – Mr. Cole can go west, which is the nearest one from here. Mr. Clyde can go south and Your Majesty can go north.
He explained them how to get to the generator they had to blow and after arguing if they should wait for the others to attack (they agreed they will) each one of they took opposite directions.
******
Locke stepped out of the room and took the left path. The hallway had very little illumination and it had a really creepy echo. Locke jumped time to time when his steps sound way to loud. He crossed the hallway and arrived to a place that looked like an storage room, because it had shelves with food and other supplies. He passed that room and again took the path on his left. He had to stop to answer questions from a couple of men in purple armor, although he had no idea of what they were talking about. And after passing two more hallways and a room that was for sure a common lounge, because there were some soldiers talking and playing cards, he finally arrived to the room were the generator was. But there was a problem, there were two soldiers that were in the middle of a heated argument about money, but as soon they saw Locke they stopped and one of them asked to him:
-What are you doing here?
Locke didn't know what to answer. So, with only one choice left, he hi the soldier that made him the question in the head with his boomerang. The soldier fell knocked. The other soldier jumped to attack Locke but he easily avoided the blow and hit him in the face with the boomerang, breaking his nose. Then he hit him in the head with the boomerang and the soldier fell, unconscious. Locke sighed and smiled and taking the bomb that he put in a small bag that he hid inside his left gauntlet and put it on the generator that was a black square box in the wall. He noticed that clock of the countdown wasn't activated.
-I better stay here until the clock appears – said Locke in a low voice as he tied up the fallen soldiers and waited for the clock to activate.
******
Thiago took the path right as soon as he left the room. He ran through a small hallway and arrived to a workshop, where the armors and swords were crafted. He passed through and crossed three long hallways, and arrived to a training area where at least a hundred men were practicing with swords and other arms. He entered the area and tried to pass unnoticed and he succeeded. He ran as fast as he could through two more short hallways. He then arrived to a the generator. The problem was that it was guarded by seven soldiers in purple armors. He removed a metal stick from his belt and it grew until it was 8 feet. Thiago got closer to the men with extreme care and attacked them from behind, hitting one of them in the back of his head with the stick. The others saw him and unsheathed their swords. Thiago moved fastly and avoided the attacks and one by one the men were defeated by the great speed and agility of Thiago. The stick shrank and Thiago put it again in his belt. He put the bomb in the generator and waited until the clock began it's countdown.
******
Clyde went south as soon as he left the room. He tried to act normal as the soldiers in red armors saluted him as he passed by. He crossed the hall and took the passage that led south. He ran for 5 minutes and found himself in a lounge with only guys with purple armors. Clyde tried to reach the door but the other men, some were drunk, invited him to stay and have a beer, while some dancers were doing their moves in an improvised stage in the middle of the room. Clyde drank the beer and arguing he had something to do in the next room (he had no idea what was in the next room) he left. As he ran in the hallway, he began to wonder why Gaston had an army of such proportions. Specially since it seem to have more men than all of the armies of the world together. And he found the answer to his question. He arrived to what looked like a laboratory and a factory. There he saw at least one thousand of crystal capsules with men inside of them.
-Oh my... ! – he murmured as he stared at one of the men inside of the capsule – They found a way to create men artificially – he walked between the capsules and saw some empty ones. And he jumped scared when in one of the capsules a hole opened in the top part and a man fell in the capsule.
-The factory must be in the floors above – he thought – But I have to get to the generator first.
He found his way out of that room and after crossing two more hallways he arrived at the generator. There was a soldier there with red armor but he was deeply asleep in a chair. Clyde moved closer silently and broke his neck. He set the bomb and after checking that there was still at least one bomb to be placed, he decided to go upstairs and search for the place where the men were produced.
******
Edgar went through what he called the main hall and entered the passage up north. He ran through several hallways and passages until he entered a library. It was not as big as the one in Figaro, but it appeared it had more books. Edgar was tempted to stay and check some of the shelves, but he was in a hurry and he left the library behind. After crossing two long hallways, a room full of red armors and swords and a dorm, he reached the generator. There were no soldiers or anyone around. He put the bomb and as soon it touched the generator the countdown began. Edgar ran away from there, but he didn't return from where he cam from, because he went east where saw what seemed an elevator. He pressed the button and the doors opened. He steeped in and the doors close behind his back and began to go up.
As he was waiting for the elevator to stop, he thought that he may be exposing himself, but he was so curious to know where that elevator was going to take him. His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of an explosion from the floors below. He couldn't help but to smile. Their planned worked and now they were free to attack. The elevator stop and the doors opened. He left the elevator and saw he was in front of a room with a huge black door with silver ornaments. He looked around and the only option he had was to try to enter the room.
He pushed the doors and they opened slowly. Edgar stand still for some seconds and finally entered the room. The doors closed as he had entered. The room was huge and it was pretty obscure. He walked straight forward to a throne at the other side of the room in front of some red curtains. He stared at the curtains with curiosity and looked for a way to draw them. He saw a silver rope on the right, next to a velvet lounge. He pulled it and the curtains opened. He was eager to see what was behind them and when they were totally opened, he almost faint as he saw a capsule. In the capsule was an old man, with long white hair with beard and mustache and was floating inside the capsule in a blue liquid. Edgar moved closer as he tried to convince his eyes of what he was seeing until he finally was able to murmur:
-Ge... Gestahl!?
******
Setzer and the others arrived half an hour after Cyan and waited to see the explosion, but as they waited, they saw how a blinding light appeared in the trident of the tower and was shot to the sky. Terra and Celes deduced that that light was the one that caused the destruction of Nikeah, Jidoor and Maranda, and it was on it's way to destroy another town. Terra prayed that it wasn't Mobliz as she prayed for her friends (specially Edgar) were okay.
They waited for some more minutes, until one hour later they saw four simultaneous explosions on the bottom part of the tower, as they heard screams and moanings.
Cyan ordered the troops to descend to the tower and began the attack. They were followed by the warriors that once saved the world from destruction ad once again attempted to do it again.
Now, on with the next chapter.
Chapter XI: The plan and the breakthrough.
The next town to be attacked was Jidoor and two days later, Maranda. And the attacks were just like in Nikeah: a strange lightning bolt that burned everything down, almost to ashes. Fortunately, there were no human losses, thanks to the warnings that Edgar sent to each town in the entire world, so the people form these towns were prepared and when the attack happened, they hid in a refuge.
The day Maranda was attacked, Master Duncan arrived to the castle. And Sabin was right, he was of great help. He advised Edgar to tell the towns and kingdoms to embark their armies toward Figaro, so when Thiago returned, they'll be ready to attack immediately. Edgar agreed with Master Duncan and sent the letters right away, as well as food and water to the towns that were attacked.
Two more days. The armies had already arrived to Figaro and were ready to attack, but passed there were no signs of Thiago. Edgar expressed his concern to Setzer that tried to calm his friend saying that Thiago was surely about to return. And he was right, the night of the next day, one guard informed Edgar that they spotted a man with a red armor walking to the castle making some gestures with his arms. Edgar immediately knew it was Thiago and ordered to let him in and brought him to the dinning room, where they were enjoying dinner.
Thiago arrived few minutes later. He removed the helmet and he was smiling. Edgar offered him a chair and waited for Thiago's tale.
-The base of Gaston is actually a 20 floor tower and it's located in the middle of Mt. Zozo – said Thiago after he drank some water – A really nice place to hid, because it has a protection from the mountains.
They all stared at each other surprised, as Thiago continued:
-You must wonder how Gaston men managed to appear and disappear. Well, they created some devices that are a part of the armor – he pointed a small black button in the left gauntlet – And they also built some portals in certain places, so you say the coordinates to this kind of screen – he showed them a small transparent screen in the right gauntlet – And you are transported to the place, but you can only go to the places where there is a portal.
-And where's the portal that transports people to Figaro? – asked Sabin.
-Above the Ancient Castle – answered Thiago – But let me continue with the story – he sighed – When I arrived at the base, I was inside it. The device transports you inside the base. Once inside I discovered that the tower, besides the natural protection from the mountains, has also a field force, that means, that even if someone discovered the location of the tower, the field is there to prevent any external attack. The only way to destroy the field force is from inside. I tried to do it, but the it can't be destroyed unless the four generators are destroyed at the same time.
-What else you discovered? –asked Edgar.
-That Gaston is not the... How can I say it? The leader. What I mean that he is following someone else's orders. Lets say he is the second in command.
-You mean that Gaston is not the one who organize all this? – said Edgar surprised.
Thiago nodded.
-He's not the master mind, there's someone that came with the idea of the plaques and the attacks, Gaston only did what that other someone told him to do.
-And how you discovered that? –asked Locke.
-Well, I went to Zozo to the pub with some of the others soldiers, and once they were drunk, they said that Gaston was not the one they feared the most. That the one that was in the 20th floor was the one to be afraid of. After all, Gaston only got the plaques, but the one who's attacking the towns is that person on the 20th floor. But no one knows who that person is. They never saw his or her face and they don't even know the name.
-This is something unexpected – said Edgar scratching his head – I was sure Gaston was the one behind everything. But there is someone else.
-Man, this is giving me a headache – said Locke.
-That's because you don't use it too often –said Setzer. Locke fulminated Setzer with his eyes, eager to make him feel it with not only with his eyes.
-We must stop them – said Edgar as Celes and Terra tried to control Locke that was trying to attack Setzer – And soon.
-What art thou thinking on doing, Sir Edgar? –asked Cyan.
-We must sneak into the tower or base in Mt. Zozo, to disable the field force – answered Edgar.
-But who's going? – said Locke after Celes and Terra managed to control him – I mean, not all of us can go, and the other question is, how we are going to sneak in?
-That's simple – said Setzer – Just steal some armors as Thiago did.
-But I insist on who's going – repeated Locke – Remember that the armies form the other towns are heading towards Figaro and we need to organize the attack.
-Then only four of us are going – said Edgar – One for each generator.
-But then again, who? – insisted Locke.
-I'll go for sure – said Thiago – I'm the only one who know the place and can guide through it.
-Then there are only three spots left – said Edgar.
All of them began to say the wanted to go at the same time, until Setzer said:
-Lets lady luck decide – and he pulled out his deck and put it as a fan on the table.
-Each one of the men is going to draw a card and we'll see it when all of us had draw a card – explained Setzer – the ones with highest cards are going.
-Then I'm not going – said Locke.
-Why? – asked Setzer.
-I'll never get any high value cards – explained the "treasure hunter".
They all draw a card and showed it. Setzer got the two of diamonds, Clyde the jack of spades, Gau the three of clubs, Cyan four of hearts, Sabin ten of hearts, Edgar the king of spades, Master Duncan six of clubs and Locke the ace of spades (much for his surprise).
-So the ones that are going are – said Celes examining the cards – Clyde, Edgar and Locke.
-Great – said Locke throwing his card in the table – When I don't need this card it appears.
They only smiled at this comment.
-And how are we going to get the armors? – asked Clyde.
-That's easy – said Thiago – We just go to Zozo and stole them form some of the drunk soldiers.
-And when are we leaving? – asked Locke.
-When Thiago eats and get some rest – answered Edgar – So we can leave before the sun rises.
-Okay – said Clyde and Locke, while Thiago only nodded.
-I suggest you should take a rest – said Celes to the three men. Clyde and Locke nodded. Edgar said:
-I'll need to do some thing first, but I sure take a rest – he rushed to say at the look on Celes's eyes.
Locke and Clyde left the room to their respective chambers, followed by Celes, Relm, Terra, Strago and Mog. Edgar went with Cyan, Sabin and Master Duncan to the throne room.
-I want Cyan to be in charge to direct the attack to the tower, with the help of Master Duncan, of course. I wished you depart as soon as possible to Mt. Zozo
-And after we arrived there, what? – asked Mater Duncan – How we know that the field is down?
-You should wait until you see four simultaneous explosions, that the sign that the field is down. Then your free to attack.
-Then we'll depart right now – said Master Duncan – I'll go to inform the soldiers to get ready and to prepare the ships.
And he left the room with Cyan. Sabin stayed and kept staring at his brother concerned, so Edgar asked:
-What's wrong, Sabin?
-Is just that I don't think is such idea you go there, I think it would be better if I go in your place.
Edgar put a hand on his twin's shoulder and said:
-Look, I know you think I'm too tired, both physically and mentally, but trust me Sabin, I'll be okay, and remember that lady luck was the one who decided – he smiled reassuringly. Sabin smiled back. He knew his brother was not going to accept the idea of exchanging places, but he still wanted to give it a shot.
-By the was – said Sabin minutes later, while they were walking to their rooms – When are Setzer and the others going to Mt. Zozo. I mean, are they going?
-You really think they wont be going – said Edgar – I think they should go there when Thiago, Locke Clyde and I leave. That way they can wait with you until you see the explosions.
Sabin nodded and went to his room, while Edgar decided to say good bye to Master Duncan and Cyan, as they left with the troops to South Figaro where the other armies were waiting as well as the ships that would take them to Mt. Zozo. Then he went to his room and took out four small bombs from the drawer. He designed those bombs when he was a teenager, when he first join the Returners, to study the mines of Narshe. Those bombs had the quality that after the four of them were set they had a countdown of five minutes until they explode, but it only worked when the four of them were set. He put the bombs in a bag and tied it to his belt. He wasn't sleepy so he decided to go to take a walk in the gardens, until it was time to leave.
******
Terra was in the balcony of her room, with her eyes lost in the horizon. She still had that feeling of guilt, anger and sadness that was caused everytime she remembered what she did. Specially now, that her friends where going to a pretty dangerous mission. Sneaking into that base was not going to be as easy as they tried to make them believe. And she couldn't help but to think that all those problems were caused by her weak mind and her fragile heart. If she were a stronger person, she would never fell under Gaston's control, and what was happening would never happened. But she knew it was useless to keep regretting and feeling sorry for herself. Now she needed to be strong and brave. She was determined on going to the battle and help her friends. It was time to do something for them, she only caused them problems, but this time she was going to do all that she could to stop evil. She took a long deep breath and sighed. She returned inside and as soon she closed the windows, she heard a knock in the door.
-May I come in? – said the voice of the King of Figaro from the other side.
Terra's heart raced as her face blushed. The past few days, she barely saw Edgar and they didn't crossed other words, except the typical: Good Morning, Hi and Good Night. Since Relm revealed what he felt for her, her feelings towards Edgar were confuse. She no longer saw Edgar as a friend, she began to look at him as a man and that cause her mind being troubled.
-Terra, are you in there? – asked Edgar seconds later.
Terra realized she hadn't answered so she said:
-Yes, come in – and she sat in the bed.
Edgar opened the door and entered the room:
-What's up, Edgar? – said Terra as soon he entered the room.
-I just came to say... - began Edgar but he didn't continue. He just sat next to her and fixed his eyes in the floor.
-To say what? – asked Terra, her heart beating out of control.
-Well – said Edgar without removing his eyes from the floor – I came to say goodbye.
-Goodbye? – repeated Terra frowning.
-Yes – said Edgar staring at her in the eyes and with an awkward smile – We're going in few minutes, and I wanted to say that to you.
-But it's a momentary goodbye – said Terra a little nervous – Because you and Locke, Clyde and Thiago are going to return. And we're going to celebrate the victory.
Edgar smiled grew wider in awkwardness as he said:
-Maybe you're right. But this time is not as simple we went to fight against Kefka.
-What do you mean? – asked Terra curiously.
-What I mean is this time we have a handicap. The fact that we can't no longer use magic is against us, since Gaston and that guy Kraven can and lets not forget that mysterious person Thiago told us about. This time the chances of returning are slim – he said still smiling.
-But there is a chance – said Terra – And even if it's slim, is still a chance and if there is a chance there's hope, so don't give up before it even started.
-I'm not giving up – said Edgar fixing his eyes in the ceiling as the smile disappeared slowly – I'm just realistic that's all. But I'm not planning of giving up, before I have the chance to...
-The chance to what? – urged Terra.
A frown appeared on Edgar's face but he didn't answer, he just clenched his jaw. Terra stared at him frowning, and was going to ask again when he heard Edgar said:
-But I also came here to say something else – and he smiled, but this time the smile was his typical smile.
-Really? – asked Terra.
Edgar nodded.
-For some time now, I was unsure if it was appropriate to say this to you, but now that I have to go to face something I never faced before and there's a chance that we... There's a chance that we may not win, so I decided that I must say this to you. Maybe I should've tell you this sooner, but I'm going to say it now.
He took a deep breath and stood as he took Terra's hand in his, so she stood with him. He put his hands on her shoulders and said as he stared directly in her eyes:
-I, since when I'm not sure, but I figured it out and I must say you that I love you.
Terra's face grew intense red as she felt a strange mixture of happiness and nervousness inside of her. What was the right thing to say? What was she going to say? What was she going to do?
-You don't have to say anything – said Edgar with a small smile – I just wanted you to know how I felt. And I also wasn't you to know, that I don't care about anything you did when that bastard was controlling you, because I'm in love with you, not your actions – he heard a knock in the door and the voice of Thiago saying – We have to go now, Your Majesty.
-I'll be right there – said Edgar in a loud voice, then he said to Terra as he smiled – I must go now, but remember Terra, we all care about you because of you not your actions. And also remember that I love you – he kissed her cheek and her forehead and left the room quickly.
Terra stood froze as she watched him luck and she could only whisper:
-Please don't die, and return to me.
******
They arrived to the spot where the portal was. They rode the chocobos for around forty minutes until they reached the portal. Thiago told them to hold tight on to him. Edgar grabbed his arm as Locke and Clyde (that left Interceptor with Relm) grabbed the cloak. Thiago put some numbers in the screen in his right arm and then pressed the button on his left arm and they immediately felt how they were pulled into a weird whirl of spinning colors until it stopped. Edgar, Locke and Clyde were still dizzy when they found out they were in the city of Zozo. The city was still the same. The non – stop rain and the thieves, burglars, criminals and all type of dregs in each corner.
Thiago led them until they arrived to the pub. Edgar, Locke and Clyde prepared their weapons, but Thiago told them that it was not going to be necessary and they just had to wait for him outside the pub. They waited for about fifteen minutes until they saw Thiago get out of the pub with three guys that were completely drunk. Two of them were wearing red armors while the other was wearing a purple one. They were so drunk that as soon as they stepped out, they fell in the floor.
-Come, lets drag them to that alley - said Thiago pointing an alley next to the pub. They dragged the three man there and removed their armors. Locke and Edgar put on the red ones, while Clyde put on the purple one.
-What does that armor mean? – asked Locke to Thiago pointing Clyde. While Edgar tied the men hands and legs with some rope.
-That armor is used by the high rank officers – said Thiago as he covered the mouths of each man with the torn cloak of Edgar's royal outfit.
-So, that means once inside when I see a guy with a purple armor I have to treat him respectfully.
Thiago nodded.
-And if they make you questions answer and finish the sentence with the word sir – he said.
Locke only nodded. They finished to tie up the men and left them in the darkest corner of the alley.
-Where are we going? – asked Locke as they left the alley.
-I was hoping if we could go to Mt. Zozo before we enter the tower – said Edgar.
-Why? – asked Clyde.
-I just want to be sure that Cyan has already arrived and if he hasn't, wait until he does, because if we blow the generators and they are not there, then it would be useless.
-You're right – said Clyde – Then lets go to Mt. Zozo.
The climbed all the way until the entrance to Mt. Zozo that was open. They climbed the mountain until they reached the very top, just where they found Cyan a year after the world of balance disappeared. From there they could see the tower. It was red and the top had the shape of a trident. Edgar was certainly amazed that a tower like that was built with no one noticing it.
-It looks like Cyan hasn't arrived yet – said Locke – By the way, how is he going to get all the men to climb until here without been noticed?
-Remember that he lived here for a year – said Edgar – I'm sure he knows other ways to get here, without even entering Zozo.
And he was right. Cyan led the armies west from Zozo and they climbed the mountain range until they arrived where Edgar and the others were waiting.
-Sir Edgar – said Cyan as he and Master Duncan walked next to them – Thou art free to go.
Edgar nodded.
-Setzer and the other should be here soon – he said – Good luck – he wished.
-The same to you –said Master Duncan and Cyan at the same time as they prepared to enter the tower.
******
They transported into the first floor of the tower. The room they arrived was huge. They were standing in a strange square capsule. The stepped down and before they left the room, Edgar handed a bomb to his companions.
-Just put the bomb in the generator. It will only explode when the other three are set. So if your bomb is the last one to be placed, you have five minutes to get the hell out of there.
-So – said Locke – Who's going to where?
-Well, I'll go east, because is the one which is more difficult to reach – said Thiago – Mr. Cole can go west, which is the nearest one from here. Mr. Clyde can go south and Your Majesty can go north.
He explained them how to get to the generator they had to blow and after arguing if they should wait for the others to attack (they agreed they will) each one of they took opposite directions.
******
Locke stepped out of the room and took the left path. The hallway had very little illumination and it had a really creepy echo. Locke jumped time to time when his steps sound way to loud. He crossed the hallway and arrived to a place that looked like an storage room, because it had shelves with food and other supplies. He passed that room and again took the path on his left. He had to stop to answer questions from a couple of men in purple armor, although he had no idea of what they were talking about. And after passing two more hallways and a room that was for sure a common lounge, because there were some soldiers talking and playing cards, he finally arrived to the room were the generator was. But there was a problem, there were two soldiers that were in the middle of a heated argument about money, but as soon they saw Locke they stopped and one of them asked to him:
-What are you doing here?
Locke didn't know what to answer. So, with only one choice left, he hi the soldier that made him the question in the head with his boomerang. The soldier fell knocked. The other soldier jumped to attack Locke but he easily avoided the blow and hit him in the face with the boomerang, breaking his nose. Then he hit him in the head with the boomerang and the soldier fell, unconscious. Locke sighed and smiled and taking the bomb that he put in a small bag that he hid inside his left gauntlet and put it on the generator that was a black square box in the wall. He noticed that clock of the countdown wasn't activated.
-I better stay here until the clock appears – said Locke in a low voice as he tied up the fallen soldiers and waited for the clock to activate.
******
Thiago took the path right as soon as he left the room. He ran through a small hallway and arrived to a workshop, where the armors and swords were crafted. He passed through and crossed three long hallways, and arrived to a training area where at least a hundred men were practicing with swords and other arms. He entered the area and tried to pass unnoticed and he succeeded. He ran as fast as he could through two more short hallways. He then arrived to a the generator. The problem was that it was guarded by seven soldiers in purple armors. He removed a metal stick from his belt and it grew until it was 8 feet. Thiago got closer to the men with extreme care and attacked them from behind, hitting one of them in the back of his head with the stick. The others saw him and unsheathed their swords. Thiago moved fastly and avoided the attacks and one by one the men were defeated by the great speed and agility of Thiago. The stick shrank and Thiago put it again in his belt. He put the bomb in the generator and waited until the clock began it's countdown.
******
Clyde went south as soon as he left the room. He tried to act normal as the soldiers in red armors saluted him as he passed by. He crossed the hall and took the passage that led south. He ran for 5 minutes and found himself in a lounge with only guys with purple armors. Clyde tried to reach the door but the other men, some were drunk, invited him to stay and have a beer, while some dancers were doing their moves in an improvised stage in the middle of the room. Clyde drank the beer and arguing he had something to do in the next room (he had no idea what was in the next room) he left. As he ran in the hallway, he began to wonder why Gaston had an army of such proportions. Specially since it seem to have more men than all of the armies of the world together. And he found the answer to his question. He arrived to what looked like a laboratory and a factory. There he saw at least one thousand of crystal capsules with men inside of them.
-Oh my... ! – he murmured as he stared at one of the men inside of the capsule – They found a way to create men artificially – he walked between the capsules and saw some empty ones. And he jumped scared when in one of the capsules a hole opened in the top part and a man fell in the capsule.
-The factory must be in the floors above – he thought – But I have to get to the generator first.
He found his way out of that room and after crossing two more hallways he arrived at the generator. There was a soldier there with red armor but he was deeply asleep in a chair. Clyde moved closer silently and broke his neck. He set the bomb and after checking that there was still at least one bomb to be placed, he decided to go upstairs and search for the place where the men were produced.
******
Edgar went through what he called the main hall and entered the passage up north. He ran through several hallways and passages until he entered a library. It was not as big as the one in Figaro, but it appeared it had more books. Edgar was tempted to stay and check some of the shelves, but he was in a hurry and he left the library behind. After crossing two long hallways, a room full of red armors and swords and a dorm, he reached the generator. There were no soldiers or anyone around. He put the bomb and as soon it touched the generator the countdown began. Edgar ran away from there, but he didn't return from where he cam from, because he went east where saw what seemed an elevator. He pressed the button and the doors opened. He steeped in and the doors close behind his back and began to go up.
As he was waiting for the elevator to stop, he thought that he may be exposing himself, but he was so curious to know where that elevator was going to take him. His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of an explosion from the floors below. He couldn't help but to smile. Their planned worked and now they were free to attack. The elevator stop and the doors opened. He left the elevator and saw he was in front of a room with a huge black door with silver ornaments. He looked around and the only option he had was to try to enter the room.
He pushed the doors and they opened slowly. Edgar stand still for some seconds and finally entered the room. The doors closed as he had entered. The room was huge and it was pretty obscure. He walked straight forward to a throne at the other side of the room in front of some red curtains. He stared at the curtains with curiosity and looked for a way to draw them. He saw a silver rope on the right, next to a velvet lounge. He pulled it and the curtains opened. He was eager to see what was behind them and when they were totally opened, he almost faint as he saw a capsule. In the capsule was an old man, with long white hair with beard and mustache and was floating inside the capsule in a blue liquid. Edgar moved closer as he tried to convince his eyes of what he was seeing until he finally was able to murmur:
-Ge... Gestahl!?
******
Setzer and the others arrived half an hour after Cyan and waited to see the explosion, but as they waited, they saw how a blinding light appeared in the trident of the tower and was shot to the sky. Terra and Celes deduced that that light was the one that caused the destruction of Nikeah, Jidoor and Maranda, and it was on it's way to destroy another town. Terra prayed that it wasn't Mobliz as she prayed for her friends (specially Edgar) were okay.
They waited for some more minutes, until one hour later they saw four simultaneous explosions on the bottom part of the tower, as they heard screams and moanings.
Cyan ordered the troops to descend to the tower and began the attack. They were followed by the warriors that once saved the world from destruction ad once again attempted to do it again.