Disclaimer: I still don't own Final Fantasy VI, but if I did, I'd totally make a movie out of it.

Chapter Five: Succession

Another year passed. Leo had been promoted to Major after a show of remarkable ingenuity in making Tzen and Maranda official protectorates of Vector. Celes graduated first in her class in her regular academic courses, and she was promoted to First Lieutenant status. She was finally able to focus solely on her magic and combat training. Terra was off doing her own training most of the day, but didn't seem to be having the problems Dakhrin had described. Leo, too, seemed to be working on some new experimental technique, but he never mentioned any specifics.

Now fifteen, Celes was even more beautiful. And ever colder. Her reputation as the Snow Duchess was growing. By this time, she had defeated every officer in the compound in a duel, except for the Leo and the generals. She had almost beaten Leo several times, though, adding to her repute.

Word had spread through the camp one morning that Gen. MacFarlane was in the infirmary. Soon, both Gen. Fermir and Gen. Dakhrin called together all officers in the arena.

"Gentlemen…" Dakhrin began, "and Lt. Chere," he acknowledged with a smile. "We gathered you all here to clarify what has happened."

"We regret to say that Gen. MacFarlane suffered from a severe stroke late last night and has since slipped into a comatose state," Fermir explained. "Our medical team is trying to determine the extent of damage, however, there is a slim chance that he will be returning to his position as general."

Dakhrin continued. "What this means is that we will be observing our officers more closely with the intent of choosing Gen. MacFarlane's replacement, be it temporary or permanent."

Murmurs arose at the mention of appointing a new general. Most were too young to know a time before MacFarlane, Dakhrin, and Fermir were the three generals. The murmurs quieted when Fermir raised his hand to silence them.

"We must not give up hope for his recovery. There may be tough times ahead and balance may be disrupted, but Gen. Dakhrin and I both expect you all to rise to the challenge. We will not allow this tragedy to weaken us. Imperium augustus."

"Vivo diuturnus!" they all answered Fermir in unison.

The Imperial salute. It meant 'Majestic Empire' and 'long live.'

"Dismissed."

((ooo))

A couple days later, Gen. Fermir gathered thirteen of the recently promoted officers, ranging from Sergeant-Major to Captain.

"You will all be sent out, at the same time, with a small troop of young cadets to accomplish a very simple task. Each of you will be the commanding officer of your team; we want to test your leadership capabilities.

You are all competent officers, and I have no doubt that you will continue to rise in the ranks. But what I'm here to teach you is that the higher you climb, the more responsibility you will have.

There may come a day when this nation goes to war. What I want you to remember now and for the rest of your careers, as future commanding officers, is this: the first rule of war is to do what you asked your men to do. If you ask your men to fight, you must also fight. If you ask your men to spill blood, you must also spill blood. If you ask your men to be willing to die for you, then you must be willing to die for them."

Thirteen pairs of eyes gave Fermir blank stares. Some shifted somewhat nervously from foot to foot. Others cast sideways glances at their peers.

"I know this doesn't really apply to you now, and I pray it never will. But it is a fundamental part of being a respected commander, and I expect you all to learn it well. Behind me is the sheet with unit assignments, the tasks you are to complete, and the supervisor you are to report to. Keep in mind that your supervisor is there only to evaluate you. He will not aid you in any way. Good luck to all of you. Dismissed."

The supervisors were allotted randomly, and by sheer chance Leo was assigned to evaluate Celes.

"Leo, you look so cute with your little clipboard and pen," she teased.

Leo playfully narrowed his eyes at the young lieutenant and pretended to jot some negative comment down on his clipboard. They both shared a good laugh at that.

"In all seriousness, Celes, I don't think you have anything to worry about. But as soon as we leave the compound, I won't be your friend and I will judge every move you make."

Celes chuckled again. "I can hardly wait."

When the two met up with the assigned unit, they were both completely serious. The task Celes and her unit had to complete was to infiltrate a mock enemy base the generals set up and capture the commander alive. The 'enemy' was really Lt. Lowe and his team, assigned to halt the raid and take out Celes.

The unit made their way to its base of operations, just on the other side of a ridge from the enemy base. Each team member was equipped with a paintball rifle, goggles, a headset, and individual paintballs to be used as either throwing knives or grenades. Celes would be provided with the blueprints for the enemy base and would be allowed to pick out any additional equipment her team needed. Leo already split from the group to head to the observation room where he and the other supervisor would monitor everything through video cameras.

Studying the blueprints, Celes saw that in addition to the front entrance, which would be heavily guarded, there was a hatch on the roof leading to the ventilation shafts. There was also access to the underground passages of the sewer system, leading to the washroom. After a quick analysis of the bunker, Celes' mind worked to formulate a plan of attack.

"Ok. Mathews, you and three others are going to enter the ventilation shafts from the roof on the far end of the bunker. You'll follow this path to this point," she instructed, tracing the path with her finger. "When I give the signal, the four of you will drop into the power supply room, take out any enemies, and cut the power. Understand?"

"Sure thing, Commander."

"Brandt, you'll also go into the vent shafts, but you'll proceed all the way to the front of the building. Four others will go with you. When the power is cut, I'll give the signal for you guys to drop down and take out the sentries at the front entrance from behind."

"Got it."

"Harrison, as soon as Brandt makes his move, your team of five will storm the front entrance and catch the sentries in a crossfire. Don't shoot any of your Brandt's team by mistake. When the front is clear, you and Brandt will secure the rest of the ground level. Matthews, you will already have descended to the lower level to meet up with the remaining seven of us. I'll be leading them through the sewer system up to the washroom. The lower level should be cleared by the time you get there. We'll then proceed to the control room, where I believe Commander Lowe will be situated."

There were various grunts of agreement from the unit.

"There are twenty-one of us and thirty-six of them. The element of surprise is everything, so you'll have to move quickly but quietly. Just remember that if you should happen to come across Lowe, do not shoot him."

"What about in the leg?" a cadet asked.

Celes shrugged. "If you absolutely have to. Just don't miss. We take him alive, or our mission fails. Any questions?" No one spoke up. "Alright. Let's do this."

((ooo))

Leo took his seat in front of the monitors next to M. Chief Neal, Lowe's supervisor.

"All is well, Major?" Neal asked.

"As far as I can tell. I have a good feeling about this."

"Don't be too cocky, Leo. My boy Lowe has got a couple tricks up his sleeve."

"I'd certainly hope so," Leo chuckled. "I wouldn't want this to be too easy for Celes."

"Yes, well, good luck to you anyway, Major."

"You too, Chief."

With that, Neal switched on the light that would signal the beginning of the mission and started the clock. The two sat back and watched as Celes and her unit, short five cadets, used what little cover there was to move around to the back of the bunker. Leo leaned forward with interest as Brandt and Matthews threw grappling hooks to the roof of the bunker. They and seven others ascended to the roof, opened the hatch and dropped into the ventilation shafts and out of sight of the cameras. The radios were Leo's only link to Celes' unit for the time being.

"Commander, we are above the power supply."

"Stand fast," came the reply.

Twenty yards from the bunker, Celes and her team of six pried open the well leading to the underground passages that connect with the sewer system. They, too, descended out of sight. Minutes passed with no activity inside or out. The radio channels were silent and there was still no sign of the missing five from Celes' unit.

"What are you up to, Celes?" Leo murmured.

"Commander, we have reached the front entrance."

"Hold your position. Harrison, how many sentries?"

"Four guarding the door. Semiautomatic rifles. Might be more in the corners."

"Brandt, can you confirm?"

"Negative, Commander. Limited visual on…wait…movement at back of the lobby. Three, maybe four. All with semiautomatics."

"Clear shot?"

"…Affirmative."

"Snipe."

"Check."

"Commander, device blocking entry to power supply room."

"What kind of device?"

"Motion sensor."

"Cut the beam…wait…" A long period of silence passed. "We're under the washroom. Hatch is rigged with a live mine. Stand fast. We're going to disarm."

Minutes ticked by. Through the monitors, it was clear to Leo and Neal that Lowe's unit was still oblivious to the infiltration.

"He's being careless," he commented.

"Either he's assuming Celes will screw up, or he doesn't know she's already inside," Neal agreed. "But don't rule him out yet. Like I said, he's got a plan."

The radio crackled. "Disarmed. Matthews, disable motion sensor."

"Affirmative." Another long silence. "Disabled."

"All is set. Confirm."

"Matthews, clear."

"Brandt, clear."

"Harrison, clear."

"Matthews, begin entry."

"Check."

The supervisors watched as the grate in the ceiling was lifted and Matthews was lowered in upside down. Two shots, and the two guards were taken out. The now paint-covered cadets sat down in disappointment while Matthews and his team dropped into the room.

"Power supply room clear, Commander."

"Hold your position. Infrared goggles on."

"Check."

"Check."

"Check."

"Brandt, prepare to snipe. Matthews, cut power now."

"Cutting power."

The lights shut off, but the cameras, of course, remained active and switched to infrared. Shouts of panic from Lowe's team belayed their obvious surprise.

"Green light."

Shots rang out in the front lobby and two more of Lowe's cadets were taken out of play. The others tried to reach their companions at the entrance, but Brandt's team dropped behind them from the ducts. At the same time, Harrison's team forced open the blast doors and a firefight ensued.

The sentries at the back of the bunker heard the shots and started to make their way to the front to aid their counterparts, but Matthews' team jumped them from behind, easily overpowering them.

Elsewhere, Celes and her team emerged from the tunnels, but no one else was in sight.

"Something's wrong… There should be patrols here."

Neal chuckled to himself. "Checkmate."

Suddenly, shouts rang out.

"Freeze!"

"Hold your fire!"

"Put down your weapons!"

"Stand fast!"

The lights flickered back on, and Celes saw her mistake. She had failed to notice the raised walkway that bordered the room, and her team was now surrounded by Lowe and the remaining half of his unit. Both sides had their guns aimed at each other, but no one fired. Lowe stepped into view.

"I commend you, Celes. That was a brilliant strategy you put together. But by now I'm sure you've realized your mission has failed. Order your men to put down their weapons, and I'll consider sparing their lives."

Celes shook her head. "My mission isn't over. You know damn well I can't give that order."

"Your team is outnumbered and covered from an elevated position. Are you willing to sacrifice their lives because you're too proud to surrender?" he challenged.

Celes glanced around the upper level and, surprisingly, smirked. "You were saying?"

Lowe didn't understand what she meant until several loud barks cut through the room.

"Don't move!"

"Drop your weapons!"

"Hold your fire!"

Lowe's own oversight dawned on him; he had forgotten about the other teams, and Matthews, Brandt, and Harrison had slipped in behind his men. The now pinned and frantic cadets swiveled to aim at the newcomers while Celes and her team continued their aim at their enemies.

"Checkmate, you say?" Leo taunted. Neal was quiet.

"Clever, Celes," Lowe praised in disbelief. He sent an imperceptible signal to several of his men. "But you might want to consider your situation…"

Celes looked down at herself and swore aloud when she saw the five dancing red dots trained on her. "Oh shit…"

"Even if you gave the order to shoot, you'd be down faster than you can say 'open fire,'" Lowe drawled.

One of Brandt's boys closest the group focused on Celes dug a paintball out of his pocket and threw it at their feet, making it burst and splash paint all over them.

"Boom! You're dead!" he yelled, causing them to swear as they sat down in defeat.

Lowe was now becoming desperate. "Shoot her! Somebody shoot her!"

"Open fire!"

The room erupted in gunfire, and Lowe ducked down behind the stone rail. A large portion of Lowe's unit was quickly taken down in the crossfire. The commander took his rifle in hand, raised himself above the rail, and aimed at Celes, who was momentarily turned away.

Another of her cadets saw the enemy commander take aim. He leapt in front of her, taking the paintball right in the chest. Celes spun and took a shot at Lowe before retreating to the wall directly under her rival.

"If this were real, your family would get a medal for that," she yelled to the fallen cadet in gratitude.

After ducking her shot, Lowe hung over the edge, almost frantically searching for his target with his rifle. Not seeing her, he cautiously made his way to the stairs, gun raised. Celes mirrored the move and the two ended up opposite each other on the two levels.

Most of Lowe's unit had been taken out of the game, but the remaining were now in a deadlock with Celes' surviving unit. Both awaited a signal from their commander.

Celes smirked at her fellow commander over the barrel of her gun. "You're empty, Lowe."

The young man swore under his breath before dropping the now useless paint gun to the floor. Quick as lightning, he withdrew a 'grenade' from his belt pouch and lifted it above his head.

"You kill me, you fail. I kill you, and I win," Lowe reminded smugly.

Celes considered this for a moment, then suddenly raised the angle of her gun and fired right at Lowe's hand. Blue met red in an explosion of paint.

Celes grinned. "I think you'd be missing an arm at this point."

Lowe looked at his colorful hand. "Aw, damn it."

At Celes' signal, several of her team closed in on the enemy commander, searched him, and cuffed him. The rest of his unit was also secured and were led out of the bunker, the 'dead' cadets of either side taking up the rear.

Outside, they were met by Leo and Neal.

"Excellent work!" Neal praised.

"Yes, you all by far exceeded our expectations with your teamwork and determination."

"Alright, why don't you guys head back," Neal suggested. "We have to lock up, and there's no point in you waiting."

They all turned in their paint guns for their swords—no one left the compound without a weapon—while Leo and Neal finished writing their evaluations. The two units got into formation, and the two commanders started back. Sudden panicked shouts and swords clashing could be heard from beyond a series of the rolling hills of the Vectoran fields.

"What's that?" Celes asked.

Lowe shrugged. "Probably a couple units doing their task."

Something didn't seem right about that to Celes, and she was getting a bad feeling. "If that were true, they wouldn't be using real swords. The generals wouldn't allow it."

She and Lowe ran to the top of the hill. What they saw was a group of unknown men attacking Commander Davis' unit. The cadets were outnumbered. Celes' mind was racing.

"Shit," Lowe whispered.

"Two rows!" Celes yelled back to her squad. "Form two rows!"

"Celes, what are you doing?"

"Lowe, get back to the barracks and tell Fermir what's happening," Celes ordered. "We're going to try to even things out down there."

Lowe didn't bother arguing, understanding the urgency of the situation. He barked an order to his team, and they took off for Vector.

While the cadets scrambled into formation, the young commander looked to the sky, squinting in the sunlight. For an instant, the sounds of the battle below faded into the background as a majestic eagle soared overhead, its cry echoing across the lands. A warm zephyr of air swirled around her, causing blonde hair to whip about her face.

She returned her gaze to the battle, and drew her sword. The rest of her boys followed suit with a mixture of excitement and fear for the coming combat.

"Commander! Reinforcements!" someone yelled to Commander Davis.

The young man looked just in time to see one of his fellow commanders leading her troop in a charge towards the fray. "Celes," he noted, relieved. It wouldn't occur to him until later that he also saw an eagle soaring somewhat mystically directly above the girl, which would lead to myths about the girl being divine.

Celes and her team crashed down upon the attackers, taking them by complete surprise. Running on pure adrenaline, the commander held her arm and sword out to the side and rammed the side of her fist into the face of the first man she came to. It was as if her instincts took over her senses as she thrust her blade into one man, slashed through another, and parried another's attack before swiping at the backs of his knees with the flat side of her sword, knocking him on his back.

On their way back to the barracks, Leo and Neal heard the battle going on and drew their swords, not even hesitating to join the fight. The band of attackers found themselves outnumbered by the young but decently trained cadets and officers, and retreated into the woods nearby.

"That was close," Davis muttered.

"Somehow I don't think that was part of the mission," Celes guessed.

"No, I don't think it was. And thanks, Celes. I don't know what would've happened if you hadn't come."

"Celes! What happened?" Leo asked, running over. "And where's Lowe?"

"I sent him to get Fermir."

"We were on our way back and they just attacked us," Davis followed.

"Who were they?" Neal inquired, but Davis just shrugged.

One of the cadets yelled to the officers, "Private Brian is down!"

The officers ran to the fallen cadet. Neal did a quick examination, finding a deep cut in the boy's left side.

"It didn't hit anything vital that I can tell, so he'll live as long as we stop the bleeding."

"Pressure?" Leo suggested.

"He's already lost too much blood," Celes said. "The wound has to be closed."

Celes looked to Leo, asking a silent question. Leo, in turn, looked to Neal. The older man nodded slightly. The major then glanced down at the boy, then towards Vector. General Fermir was nowhere in sight.

"Do it."

Leo and Neal ushered the group of confused cadets back to give Celes and Brian space. The young commander placed her hands over the wound and lowered her head, closing her eyes and chanting softly. A green aura lit under her hands, and when she took them away, the wound was closed and Brian didn't appear to be in as much pain.

As Celes backed away, allowing Neal to take over care of Brian, Leo addressed the group.

"This act that you have just witnessed… It never happened. Do you all understand?"

There was slight hesitation, but Davis finally spoke up. "Major, I assure you that whatever just happened stays in this field."

"And I will hold you to that," Leo vowed. "Should any of you break that oath, I guarantee you will thrown out of the military faster than you can say 'Mom, I'm home.'"

As Leo threatened the cadets, Celes focused her attention on the blood on her sword as she walked amongst the seven bodies that now littered the grounds. Davis joined her.

"I would worry too much, Celes," he consoled. "It was just self-defense."

"This wasn't self-defense, it could have been avoided. Shit… How am I going to explain this?"

"Well, you better think of something," Davis said, gesturing towards a group of figures approaching.

A couple minutes later, Gen. Fermir and the medical team arrived.

"Is everyone all right?" he asked worriedly.

"Brian is down, General," Neal called from the young man's side.

Fermir immediately ushered the medics to the fallen cadet, and then rubbed his face with his hands.

"Gestahl's going to have my head for this," he muttered. He looked up and studied the group. "Is anyone else hurt?"

No one spoke up. He noticed Celes standing with her arms crossed, covered with blood, watching Brian from afar.

"Commander Chere, are you all right?" he called, fearing the emperor's prized warrior was injured.

"Do you see me on the ground bleeding to death?" she asked somewhat edgily, gesturing to where Brian lay.

"Watch your tone, Chere. And no, but you are covered in blood."

"It's not mine."

Fermir had a feeling of ice in the pit of his stomach. "What do you mean, it's not yours?"

"Some of it is Brian's…"

"And the rest?" the general pressed.

"The rest is…theirs," Celes admitted, nodding to the seven bodies that lay not far off.

Fermir slowly approached the bodies, dreading how he would explain this to Gestahl. Celes, seeing the expression on the general's face, swore under her breath.

"How did this happen?" he asked.

"A group of raiders attacked us without warning," Davis answered. "We were outnumbered until Commander Chere and her unit arrived."

"Commander Lowe and I heard the battle from just beyond those hills," Celes clarified. "I sent Lowe to notify you while I aided Commander Davis."

Fermir nodded almost to himself. "Major Cristophe, M. Chief Neal, take your troops back to the compound for debriefing while we…clean up here."

((ooo))

"As commander, you are responsible for your men."

"Yes, sir."

"You have an obligation to protect them."

"Yes, sir."

"Therefore, you must consider their wellbeing when choosing your actions."

"I did, sir."

"Really? Then why are there seven bodies in our morgue and blood on your sword?"

Celes was quiet.

"Lieutenant, the moment you start killing, the enemy is going to decide that it's ok to start killing you, your men. Do you realize the position you'd be in if some of our cadets were killed? The position I'd be in?"

"I made a mistake, sir, I know," she interjected. "I acted rashly, but at the time I believed it was the best course of action."

Fermir rubbed his forehead. "Cristophe, what do you think?"

Leo fidgeted slightly. "Well, sir, it's not my place to—"

"What do you think?" the general repeated less patiently.

Leo cast a glance at his friend before answering. "I think those boys would be dead right now if Celes hadn't intervened."

The general sighed. "I apologize for my harshness. Things have been getting hectic around here."

"What do you mean, General?" Leo inquired.

The man hesitated. "Well…I guess there's no point in delaying… Gen. MacFarlane went into cardiac arrest late last night. He passed away early this afternoon. Col. Palazzo has already been appointed his replacement."

Leo and Celes were silent, shocked at the news.

"The ceremony will be held tomorrow, but we're going to hold off announcing Kefka's appointment for a couple days…" Fermir paused, seeing a note on his desk. "Oh, Celes, I'm supposed to remind you that you're due for your booster. Cid asks that you go in tonight."

Celes nodded.

"Dismissed."

When the two officers left, Fermir sifted through the day's evaluations until he came upon Celes'. Adding it to the lieutenant's personal file and taking it in hand, he made his way to the throne room of the palace as he had been instructed to do. The aged monarch sat on his throne with Kefka at his side. Fermir knelt in front of his lord and awaited acknowledgement.

"Rise, General. I trust you bring me good news?"

Standing, Fermir held out the file. "Lt. Chere received a superior rating on her evaluation, just as you expected, my lord."

Gestahl took the report and glanced through it, raising and eyebrow. "Leo was her supervisor?"

"By chance, yes," Fermir confirmed. "Do you think he was biased?"

Gestahl chuckled. "Any man would be biased, one way or the other… No, I believe he was as objective as humanly possible."

Gestahl continued to read over the evaluation. Both Kefka and Fermir stood silent. After several minutes, he leaned back in his throne and stroked his beard.

"Are you pleased, Majesty?" Fermir asked.

"With today's display, yes. However, I am quite dissatisfied with her training recently."

"Majesty? I'm not sure I understand. Celes remains at the top of her class—"

"Yes, but I don't feel she's being challenged enough. I believe she is capable of much more. Intensify her training. I want her pushed to the absolute limit."

"Y…yes, Majesty."

"Due to her performance today, I feel she is deserving of the title Captain. Kefka, see to it."

"As you wish, my lord," Kefka replied, speaking for the first time.

"And she is fifteen, correct?"

"You are correct, Majesty," the future general confirmed.

"Then she is of age. It's time she receives the Rune blade."

"It will be done."

((ooo))

Celes sat in the main lobby of the Magitek Research Facility. Not since she was a small child had she been granted access to the labs where Cid worked. She would always be escorted to one of the vacant offices for her boosters. There was a female doctor at the palace clinic, hired specially for Celes and Terra, but she was only responsible for their physical health.

So she waited with her elbows on her knees, staring at her hands. Hands that were now stained further with the blood of her recent victims. She expected to feel guilty for not holding back, remorseful for taking human lives.

She didn't.

So distracted by the exhilaration of battle still fresh on her mind, she didn't even notice when Kefka entered the facility and sat down next to her.

"What are we waiting for?" he asked quietly.

When Celes suddenly realize he was there, she leapt to her feet and saluted.

"I apologize, Colonel, I didn't know you—"

Kefka raised his hands. "Calm down, Celes. It's fine, really."

"What brings you here, Colonel?"

"My last injection. Don't you have an appointment with Cid as well?"

Celes sat back down. "Yes."

"Then why are you out here?"

"Colonel, only captains and above are allowed in the facility. Surely a man of your rank is aware of this."

Kefka flashed her a cryptic grin. "I'm aware. Are you?" As he stood, he could see Celes was even more confused. "I'll ask again: why are you out here, Captain?"

Celes looked up at him skeptically. He merely continued to smile down at her.

"Shall we?" he beckoned.

Celes got to her feet a bit uncertainly, but nevertheless followed the soon-to-be general to the entrance to the labs. He produced a security card from his pocket and swiped it across the scanner. With a beep of approval and a hiss of gears, the door slid open, and the two entered the white passage within.

"You'll, of course, receive your new access card, uniform, yadda yadda within twenty-four hours," Kefka mentioned absently as they walked.

At the end of the passage, there were three doors: one that led straight ahead, one to the left, and one to the right. Celes knew that Cid's private office was to the left, but Kefka, after swiping his card once again, opened the door to the right. He stepped aside, motioning for her to go first.

They entered a large rectangular room, which was lined by countless glass tubes of varying sizes. All of them were empty as far as Celes could tell. Observation tables and shelves filled with unrecognizable substances and instruments as well as large unfamiliar machinery were scattered throughout the space.

They made their way to yet another mechanized door, beyond which were more rows of darkened tubes. These, however, contained shadowy figures within, and the sounds of liquid sloshing created an eerie backdrop to the laboratory. Kefka went to a control panel nearby and flipped a switch.

"Welcome to Devil's Lab."

The tubes suddenly shone with beams of light, illuminating the ghostly creatures inside. As they continue on, Celes stared in fascination at the strange beasts, her mind wandering back to her classes on magic study and mythology.

"These are Espers, aren't they?" she asked.

"They are," Kefka confirmed. "We captured these specimens almost seventeen years ago, and Cid and his team are still trying to unlock their true power."

As she walked among them, Celes recognized some of them from her studies: the horse-dragon with the turquoise mane, the sage with the flowing beard, the misty specter with haunting red eyes, and the muscular canine-like beast with a fiery mane and wicked curved horns and claws.

When she came to a pod containing a humanoid woman with thick vibrant blue hair, Celes stopped dead in her tracks. She felt a mysteriously familiar aura coming from this particular Esper. A chill ran through her, yet she did not shiver.

As Celes stood mesmerized by the blue eyes of the Esper, she swore he heard a whisper in her ear.

We meet again, Child.

"Something wrong?" Kefka asked, startling her.

"No…"

"Have a special interest in that one?" he wondered.

"…It's strange. Something seems so…familiar about her."

"Well, it should. That's the Esper you're infused with," Kefka revealed offhandedly.

Celes looked back at him, shocked, but he was already proceeding through the lab. She returned her gaze to the ice deity in front of her and hesitantly placed her hand on the pod. Frost inexplicably spread from her fingers across the glass, and Celes withdrew her hand.

"Coming, Captain?" Kefka called.

"…Yeah," she answered after a moment.

Taking one last look at the icy Esper, Celes turned away and ran to catch up with her escort. They came to a cubicle with a man in a familiar yellow lab coat hunched over a set of syringes. Two were filled with fluorescent blue liquid, and for the first time, they sent a chill through Celes.

"Professor Cid!" Kefka chirped. "All is ready, I hope?"

"Prompt as always, I see," Cid replied cheerfully as he turned. "Celes? What are you doing back here?"

Celes suppressed a smirk. "I'm here for my semiannual—"

"Yes, I know that," Cid interrupted. "What are you doing back here?"

"Relax, Cid, I let her in," Kefka explained.

"Kefka, you may have been named general, but even then you don't have the authority to allow—"

"A captain without her security card into the lab?" Kefka finished almost smugly.

"C…captain?" Cid repeated unsurely. "Celes, they promoted you?" He received a single nod from her. "That's wonderful! Congratulations!"

The professor tried to hug his adopted daughter, but she didn't reciprocate the embrace. Truthfully, she didn't like such gestures of affection, especially in front of her superior.

"Well, shall we get on with it then?" Cid asked.

"Oh, Cid, before that, may I speak with you in private?" Kefka requested.

"Of course, Colonel."

The two went some distance away, leaving Celes to her thoughts. She wasn't really surprised at the promotion. MacFarlane's death left an opening to be filled, allowing some to climb higher up the military ladder.

Kefka soon returned, but Cid had disappeared.

"Celes, I forgot to congratulate you on your fine performance today."

"Thank you, sir."

"You have demonstrated that you are quite capable of added responsibility, so along with your promotion, I would like to present you with a gift from the emperor himself."

Cid then came back holding a wooden box. Having it placed in front of her, Celes saw it was a long rectangular mahogany case, very elegant. Hesitant at first, she opened it, and was shocked to see an intricately detailed scabbard, encasing a sword. She unsheathed the blade, and marveled at the craftsmanship of the strangely familiar engravings on it. The shaft of the single-edged blade reminded her of a katana, narrow and slightly curved, but sturdy. It was forged out of the strongest tempered steel, yet was lighter than her current sword. The hilt was rounded and slender, fitting perfectly in her delicate hand.

She studied the hilt, and gasped when she saw the emblem that wrapped around it. Quickly, she took off her right glove and searched her palm. It was the same emblem.

She looked up at Cid and Kefka. "This is my Rune blade."

"It is," Kefka confirmed. "His Majesty feels you are of age."

"Are you ready to test it?" Cid asked.

"Of course," she answered eagerly.

"Then go ahead."

Celes stared at the blade for a moment, then recited the Runic chant.

"Hale ca, runi men ca la. Ala den que met ca la, runi ca."

Not one of them could contain a smile as the etchings on the blade began to glow. Kefka held out his hand and formed a small ball of fire in his palm. At first, nothing happened.

"It won't happen on its own, Celes," Cid told her. "You have to will it. Concentrate."

Celes focused on the power she knew she held within, and the ball immediately began to elongate, growing towards the Rune blade like a plant tendril towards the sun. The tongue of fire began to slowly spiral around the blade, and finally down into it. When the entire flame had been absorbed, the etchings pulsated faintly.

"Very good!" Cid praised.

"Fifteen years we have waited to witness this success," Kefka said. "The Empire's first Rune Knight… Emperor Gestahl will be thrilled."

"In time, Celes, you'll learn to control it as you control your magic, and both will come as naturally as your own breath. Now, I've been instructed to give you a more potent dose of Magitek serum, so the side effects will be more pronounced this time."

Celes nodded and rolled up her sleeves, and Cid swabbed the inside of one arm with an antiseptic. He carefully inserted the needle of one syringe into her arm and slowly injected all of the blue serum. After taping a cotton ball over the puncture, her repeated the process with her other arm.

"I suggest you sit down," Cid advised while he prepared Kefka's serum.

"Why? I feel fi—"

Celes suddenly winced and brought a hand to her head as a severe wave of dizziness swept over her.

"Hits fast, doesn't it?" Kefka commented as he helped her sit down. The girl just moaned what he took as an affirmative. "Alright, Cid. Fill 'er up."

"Kefka, I'll only be giving you a half dose today."

"What? Why?"

"I'm afraid the side effects of a full dose would be too much for your system at this point in time. I ask that you remain for observation for a couple hours tonight, and that you come back tomorrow morning as well."

"I want the full," Kefka said more firmly than the professor liked.

"I think it'd be in your best interest if we—"

"Cid, give me the full," Kefka ordered in an uncharacteristically stern tone.

"…Alright, Kefka. But only if you agree to stay for observation."

Kefka's amiable smile returned. "Of course."

"Alright, we'll do the full."

While Cid went about preparing the second half, Kefka chatted away.

"So, Professor, the emperor has been wanting to know if the accelerated infusion process has been perfected yet."

"Well, it's not perfect, but it's close enough that we'll be able to start mass infusing within the year."

"Excellent. His Majesty will be pleased. In fact, he's been expressing interest in receiving an infusion himself."

Cid almost dropped the vile of serum in his hand. "He…he has? Would that be wise, considering his age?"

"You're the scientist, Cid, you tell me."

"We…we're trying, Colonel. But these things take time."

"And His Majesty understands that. Just something to keep mind."

"…Of course."

Cid emptied the two syringes of orange liquid into Kefka's arms. The younger man then took a seat next to Celes, who was holding her head in her hands.

"How're you holding up, kiddo?" he asked.

Celes promptly let out another whimper, leaning sideways and letting her head rest against his shoulder. Kefka smiled softly at her.

"That good, huh? We'll get someone to take you back to your—"

There was a sudden sharp pain in Kefka's head, and he grimaced in agony. The pain only grew worse, and he let out a cry, drawing Cid's attention.

Celes, still groggy from the serum, saw the events unfold through a haze: Kefka falling from the bench to his knees, clutching his head, Cid calling to his staff while Kefka collapsed to the ground in a series of convulsions, and five scientists running to Kefka's side. She vaguely heard the professor say Kefka wasn't taking the serum.

She felt herself slipping out of consciousness as they tried to quell the man's seizures with sedatives. It was then Celes heard the voice in her mind again, the voice she felt she had known her whole life.

Beware the man who wields fire, Child. Trust only in the purity of the diamond dust.

She blacked out.

((ooo))

"Majesty."

"Is he all right?"

"…"

"Well?"

"Despite my warning, he was adamant about receiving a full dose. His system was too unstable and rejected the serum. We're doing everything we can to reverse the effects, but…I'm afraid the damage may be permanent."

"…This does not please me, Professor. What of Celes?"

"We weren't expecting the stronger serum to effect her so greatly, but she appears to be perfectly fine."

"Good. Make sure she stays that way, or it will be your head."

((ooo))

Cid spent the rest of that night running tests on Kefka between periodic checks on Celes. The girl was completely stable, and Cid had Barnes carry her back to her room late that night. Kefka, however, was not so stable. The chemical activities in the man's brain were erratic and imbalanced.

Early the next morning, Cid decided to take yet another blood sample from Kefka. Just as he slipped the needle into the vein, Kefka's hand shot forth and grabbed the professor's wrist.

"Kefka, it's all right. I'm just running another blood test."

Kefka's narrowed eyes softened in recognition. "Professor Cid…"

"You gave us quite a scare. How do you feel?"

"I…feel fine."

"Well, that may be, but I'd still like to keep you here for further tests."

"I'm fine, Cid," the young man repeated.

"It's part of our agreement, Kefka," Cid reminded. "And based on what happened, I do believe I have the authority on this matter."

Something about the glint in Kefka's eyes unnerved the professor, but it quickly turned into a tepid smile.

"As you wish, Professor. After all, you're only looking out for my wellbeing."

"It'll only take a couple hours. Unless I find anything that would concern me, you'll be free to go."

"Of course, Professor."

((ooo))

Cid found no reason to keep Kefka at the lab and released him as promised. Two days after the funeral service for Gen. MacFarlane was held, everyone was gathered in the palace courtyard. Rumors had spread through the barracks that Gestahl had chosen the new general, but of course Celes and Leo both denied any knowledge of the appointment.

While they waited for whatever announcement to take place, Celes was approached by Lowe, who was wearing the same dark gray captain's uniform as she.

"Congratulations on your promotion, Capt. Chere," the young man greeted, saluting briefly.

Celes returned the salute. "And you as well, Captain."

"Do you know what this is about?" he asked, gesturing towards the mass of Imperials.

Celes just shrugged evasively. "I guess we'll see soon, won't we?"

A couple minutes later, Emperor Gestahl was escorted to the platform by Gen. Dakhrin and Fermir. Gestahl took to the podium, and everybody quieted.

"Children of the Empire; the death of Gen. MacFarlane has left us all shaken, but we will not be weakened. I'm sure by now the rumors of the late general's replacement have spread throughout the Empire. Let those rumors come to an end this day, as we celebrate the rise of Gen. Kefka Palazzo!"

The entire compound burst into cheers and clapping as Kefka walked onto the platform to be knighted, looking far different from what they were used to seeing. Instead of the dark red uniform of a colonel, he wore bright red and orange robes. His honey colored hair was slicked back in place of its usual upwards spike, and even his complexion seemed unnaturally white.

Leo leaned over and murmured to Celes, "Is he wearing base?"

"I was noticing the lipstick and the eyeliner," she whispered back.

Leo cleared his throat in an effort to cover a snort. "He has been acting quite…eccentric…in the past few days."

"Ever since that last injection…" Celes agreed.

Kefka finished reciting his oath, and Gestahl continued his speech.

"A time of change is upon us, giving rise to a new general, stronger than the last. Now, you shall all bear witness to the future of the Empire in the form of three powers long thought forgotten from this world."

Kefka motioned for Celes and, to her surprise, Leo to join him on the platform. As they walked up, Cid appeared at the emperor's side, Terra tagging along behind. She was wearing a gold circlet Celes knew to be the new Slave Crown technology, and her emerald eyes were empty of any expression.

"Behold the power of Magitek, now harnessed by human hands!" Gestahl proclaimed.

Kefka conjured a small pillar of fire, arousing gasps from the onlookers. He then nodded to Celes, who extended her hand towards the blaze. A cold wind blew, and the swirling flames slowed and solidified into a column of ice, sparkling brilliantly in the sunlight. Cid whispered something to Terra, and she stepped forward, raising her hand and melting the ice back to its fiery state with her own spell.

There were murmurs of surprise throughout the courtyard at the three's apparent ability to wield magic. They quieted when Gestahl spoke.

"A new program for Magitek Knights will soon begin, and you all will have the opportunity to wield such power. There is another skill to be seen, restored from an order long since extinct and infused into one of my finest aspiring knights. Celes, show them the power of Rune."

As she drew the Rune blade, she chanted quietly. Everyone marveled at the spectacle of flames spiraling into the magnificent blade, its mysterious symbols glowing ever brighter with every passing moment. The fire was absorbed, and the blade pulsated with the energy it now possessed. Celes released the energy in the form of spikes upon spikes of ice mounting into another column of the frozen element, and the blade lost its glow.

"And now witness this third power we have succeeded in deriving from a branch of the Runic Order."

Gestahl signaled to Leo, who drew the second unfamiliar sword of that day. Celes was shocked to realize it was the Masamune, a legendary sword from ancient times.

Leo held the sword out in front of him and concentrated. He suddenly dropped it into a backwards spin at his side before slashing upwards. A colossal pillar of electricity shot up from beneath the ice, shattering it in an awesome discharge of energy known as Shock.

Silenced reigned over the courtyard as the Imperials were left speechless. Celes stared open-mouthed at Leo, and the young man sheathed his sword and sent her a teasing smirk. Celes chuckled, shaking her head, then playfully stuck out her tongue at him. Dakhrin and Fermir started clapping, stimulating everyone else to join in.

Gestahl raised his arms. "Thus is the future of the Empire!"

The roar of the crowd suddenly dimmed to Celes' ears as the frosty voice once again filled her head.

There are those who fear the Celestial Rise, and they lurk in the shadows even now. Your instincts are your life, Child, and that of your friend. Trust them now.

Celes had no time to contemplate the cryptic words before she felt an inexplicable sense of danger. She turned to Leo next to her.

"Get the emperor inside."

Then, with reflexes unknown even to herself, Celes jerked her head back as her hand shot in front of her to catch the arrow she felt was there. Gestahl and Cid were already being ushered inside by Kefka, Fermir, and Leo. On instinct, Celes turned to her green-haired friend.

"Terra!"

Dakhrin saw Celes' move towards the girl, and somehow he knew another arrow had been fired.

"No, Celes!"

Dakhrin leapt towards her in an attempt to push them both out of the way. Just as he reached them, the second arrow struck him in the back, and he collapsed to the ground. The assassin was discovered and subdued, and Leo and the other two generals reentered the platform. The three men gathered around the dying general while Celes took Terra inside.

"Dakhrin…" Fermir whispered.

"Why, General?" Leo asked.

"Be…because…Celes is…mo-more im…portant… For…the Empire…"

Author's note: Whew, that was a long one. These chapters just keep getting longer! I technically finished this story a long time ago, but I've been going back and rewriting some sections and adding a whole bunch of new material. Thanks to those who have reviewed; the encouragement to update keeps me going despite writer's block and my busy life with school.