Chapter 9b – Celes – Wrong
I'd have never imagined such a scenario as this to have played out. Here I am, sitting in a cave only a few miles from our destination, unable to fall asleep and writing to get out my harbored thoughts, while the man of the hour is sleeping, and snoring I might add, just two feet away. He must have some ulterior motive for helping me. He says he just wanted to help me, but I believe it's a lie. In fact, I'll bet he knew I was here and had an idea to come snatch me and possibly make a profit off the Empire. I left the Empire, I'm a traitor as far as they're concerned. The worldwide war they've started has no purpose whatsoever. No matter what happens, the current trends aren't going to lend favor to neither the Empire nor the towns they take over. In fact, I foresee that the world will either crush Ghastra, or Ghastra will crush the world. In either case, Ghastra loses. What's the point of ruling a world in ruins?
Hmm…looking at this…person…he doesn't seem so bad. He's actually kind of cute. Perhaps I should just go with the flow, he doesn't look like he'll lead me into any traps. If he does, I'll have no obligations against slitting his throat. For I, am former General Celes. I'm indeed ashamed of the things that I've done in the name of the Empire. I've leveled a city and if I weren't here, now, I'd probably be leveling another. Now that I think of it, the Empire was ready to execute me tomorrow. Why would this guy help me for profitable purposes if for one, I'm extremely dangerous, and secondly of no importance to anyone? Could this guy have a noble cause? Is he just a pervert wearing a smile? In any case, I'd at the very least like to keep a low profile while I'm wanted for treason.
Since sleep is still far off from me, I shall tell the tale of the day. I was brought here, to South Figaro, for execution. Why they chose here? I'm not sure, perhaps to send a message to the citizens here that the Empire will do whatever they have to if met with resistance; even if it means killing their own general.
I was in the basement of the rich man's house, which is now being used as the Empire's base of South Figaro. Then, as the guard watching over me fell asleep, in comes Lock, dressed in a ridiculous merchant's outfit which obviously didn't fit him nor suit him. He was rather quick to helping me though, although I could tell he knew who I was. I gave him one more chance to reconsider trying to take me away from there, but his mind was made up on the issue. He unchained me and we made our way to the secret passage leading out of town. I must say one thing about him; he has very quick, careful hands. He took the key out of the sleeping soldiers pocket without as much as a grunt from the sleeper.
I must give Lock another piece of credit due. He promised me he'd protect me, and he did just that up until now. I'm sure tomorrow will be no different, I've known people like him, and they don't change. Much like, people like me never change….
Author's Note:
Japanese/American
Lock/Locke
Gestahl/Ghastra