Chapter 3 – Lock – Save the Hope

Oh what excitement I feel! The little faction I began not to long ago is growing every day. Soon, we'll be able to mount some kind of assault to overthrow this oppressive Empire. I feel even more excited because I have been summoned to Narche by Jun. He says that he wants me to help in securing what may become our secret weapon. Now, I've known Arvis for years, and he's not one to exaggerate or toss around lies, so the say the least I was a bit intrigued. Oh, if this turns out to be what I hope it is then soon we shall all exact revenge for what has been done.

It didn't take me long to make my way to Narche, I usually have my ways of getting around quickly and easily, and for free I might add. But Narche was unusually odd this time around. You see, Narche has always stayed neutral politically. They haven't sided with the Empire nor have they sided with any resistance movements, like mine, the Returners. But, Narche seems in moderate turmoil today. Does this have something to do with Jun's news? I suddenly got a sickening feeling in my stomach.

I got into Jun's house and was greeted per usually. At first we shot the breeze, like always, a little light conversation feels good after a decent amount of travel. Jun, like most friends, like to make fun of my hobby. No laughing now…I'm…a treasure hunter…BUT I'm ordinarily branded as a THIEF! Grrr, I get so angry over that! I may plummet what I can from my usual jobs, but once I get the one treasure I'm after then I'll give up my treasure hunting and stealing for good. Ever since that day, about eight years ago, I've been on a mission to find one specific treasure that I believe with all my heart to exist because with all my heart I NEED it to exist. Of course, before that I was quite the trouble maker and explorer and pirate…but, but NOW it's for a good cause.

Jun finally got down to business. Turns out, he happened to find the woman whom everyone has been ghastly afraid of for the last several months. How he did and why he did I didn't bother to ask. In fact, I didn't bother to ask anything, I was speechless and a chill ran up and down my spine. Now, I heard the rumor that she managed to wipe out a fleet of the Empire's best soldiers during a training session without breaking a sweat. Why did she end up here? He said she was dispatched here along with two lower level soldiers to take the Genju from the mines. The Genju is still a little secret within some of the townsfolk, but apparently the Empire got word of the situation and sent force. Then, another chill ran through me. I feared the worst for Narche but Jun continued without faltering to fear. For an old man he sure is remarkable, I know that in times like this he is invaluable to us. Apparently the woman capable of unbelievable destruction was here, unaware of anything, stricken with a case of amnesia. And like I was reading a book, I knew Jun was going to send me after her, to assist her throughout her way. There was no time to waste and more discussion could be done later. But for now, I needed to search the mines to find her. I just hope she hasn't been discovered and/or left town yet. Otherwise, we may never get her help.

I saw a crumpled body at the bottom of a recently crumbled mine floor. Upon further inspection I knew it was her and she was asleep, unconscious, very peaceful yet seemingly more full of despair than the town she tried destroying. I hope I can find something to help her spirits once I get her to safety. But for now we have some tough company. I'd like to say I can wipe them all out by myself….but….just then the fabled moglies from the Narche caves came to offer their combat services. With their help we made quick work of the Narche general and his men.

After we were free of opposition I made for my secret switch at the end of the cave which leads outside, but not to the entrance where it's easy to find. She awoke while I was working the switch and so I initiated conversation with her. She seems to be fine, but the amnesia will probably take it's toll for who knows how long. Although I may frighten her a little with my caring she seems willing to trust me, which is very comforting to me, especially now….

Author's Note: Ok, just gonna get right to the point...japanese version of names on the left, and american on the right...anything not mentioned is the same in both.

Japanese/American
Lock/Locke
Narche/Narshe
Jun/Arvis
Moglies/Moogles