Chapter 9a – Lock – Hidden Threat
The traveling wasn't easy. I managed to get here to South Figaro and while I contemplate my next move I find it a decent time to sit and write my story down.
By the time I got to the other side of the mountains I noticed the Empire on their way to the Returners' hideout. Luckily, brains aren't an Empirial soldier's strong suit. I convinced the leader that the mountains were off limits to everyone. Now, I knew that excuse alone wasn't going to get me off the hook, so while they conversed amongst themselves I tried to come up with some probably reasons for my bold statement, especially since I'm facing incredibly overwhelming odds if they find me suspicious. Although they're not too bright, the soldiers have a tendency be quite skilled in viciousness. Hell, most of them are as big if not bigger than Mash, quite scary if I say so myself. If I may compare myself to Mash….it'd be like comparing Superman to Peter Piper. Except…I HATE GREEN! Also…I don't think Mash has a tendency to train in spandex and speedos.
Anyways, the leader of the soldiers, luckily there was no general at hand, if there was I'd have been in serious trouble, the leader asked me quite roughly why the mountains were off limits. I could tell the wrong move would land me an ass beating comparable only to that Returner that barely made it back alive. So, very calmly I asked if he'd heard of Master Duncan's death. He looked to his comrades and roughly said "no!" I could tell he was losing patience with me so I had to say something bold to get his attention. I told him that Master Duncan was the greatest martial artist in the world who's beaten monsters all over the world. Unimpressed, the leader took a step towards me, I cautiously continued my story. I told him that there's something mysterious happening in the mountains and whatever it was it managed to kill Master Duncan and all his current disciples. The soldier laughed, "Ha! Well if some old karate dude and his pipsqueaks can't defeat whatever is in there then why not let us deal with it?" He seemed quite sure of himself, now was my time to use my expert…er…lying skills.
"I can't let you in!" I exclaimed, leaping in front of the cave entrace, basically putting my life on the table for snatching. "Master Duncan is world famous for his fighting; he's been said to have almost God-like power and speed. Not only that! But his students are said to possess as much skill as he, if not more because of their youth. They're so powerful they don't need swords and conventional weaponry. Their minds and bodies are as powerful as 100 soldiers each!" Then I noticed they were ready to get hostile with me. "Do all of you, basically unknown soldiers of the Empire, think you can take down this 'thing' that the strongest people on the planet had no chance against? I can't let you throw away your lives! I'd rather myself die first!" Oddly enough, that was all it took to finally convince them. They sheathed their swords, bid me farewell, and returned to South Figaro. Phew, that was a close one. I must admit that although I handled that quite well and kept a cool composure, I was scared to death. The thing that bugged me most, though, was that they didn't even ask what I was doing on the mountain in the first place. I had a damn good lie for that too. Hahaha
Anyways, here I am, hiding in the corners and shadows of South Figaro town. This place is absolutely swarming with Empirial soldiers, some even with Magic-Based armor. This is not a good place for me to be. I know the others were heading to Narche, so when I get the chance to figure a way out of this town I'm heading straight to Narche. Only problem is, first I need to get out of here.
I've been here a couple of days, listening for gossip and rumors of the townspeople and soldiers. It warms me to know that even when the Empire is right in their faces, the people here are still willing to rebel. I'm not sure if it's bravery, or lack of intelligence. In either case, it's heartwarming to me. I also get great joy out of the rumors floating around about the now infamous "story of the monster in the mountains" that scared away all the soldiers. I did get a few pieces of useful information. For one, there's a couple of secret passages in this town. Apparently, the biggest house to the north has two passages. One leads out of town and the other leads to another house in town. If I can find someone who knows about the secret passage then I can get out of here in a flash without having to fight a regime of troops………………………………………………………………..
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After a few bribes and confrontations I managed to get into the secret passage. I had to grab some merchant's garb in town so as to blend in a little better; I don't think I mentioned that earlier, oh well. Anyways, it seems the townspeople will open up to you and the soldiers will simply ignore you if you're dressed as a merchant. I may have to use this information again, so I shall remember this well.
In the big house I found the man who sold the information that gave away this town. A rich man, who sold out to become richer, I will never understand such a hideous act. If my theory is correct, I don't believe that rich man will ever understand it either. Perhaps, when one has worked to acquire wealth, one understands the power of that wealth. Therefore, that person is attracted to those boosting the same wealth, and believe me, the Empire is certainly not lacking in that department. I feel bad for the future state of this town though. Now, it's just inhabited and temporarily shut down by the Empire. I know soon they will leave an everlasting mark on this town. May it be by destruction of property, taking of wives, recruiting of men, something despicable will come of this all. I just feel guilty that I was only able to stop them from reaching the Returners. If I had the power to stop them from taking this town I'd do it. Now, I am powerless, but soon we shall be powerful, I know it.
Anyways, here I am, in the basement of the rich man's house and it seems I have company. Hmm, General Celes!...
Author's Note: you know the drill by now...I hope...by the way, I broke this into two chapters because I felt it was appropriate to have two voices, but I felt it was also one collective scenario to be told, so hence it's a two part chapter...probably won't be the last time I do this...oh, and I apologize for the Mash Superman Lock Peter Piper image...it was the first thing that came to mind!
Japanese/American
Lock/Locke
Narche/Narshe
Mash/Sabin