Disclaimer: Don't think so…
Thanks to all my readers and reviewers, new and old. I'm so happy you still enjoy the story! If you like the intense emotional struggle, brace yourselves, because it's only going to get better (well, worse for Celes, but better for you). Explanations for those recurring phrases and cryptic little conversations with Celes and Shiva and Ramuh are coming…eventually. But not yet.
Two little notes: remember way back in Sins of the Past a mention of a female doctor specially for Celes and Terra? She finally makes an appearance! And I gave Gestahl a first name!
Happy holidays everyone!
Warning: There is sporadic naughty language in this chapter.
Chapter Fourteen: Gauntlet
Two lines of officers stood facing each other in the courtyard before the Imperial Palace. Each officer brandished a club, and a large crowd of Imperial soldiers amassed around the two ranks. After all, who wouldn't want to witness the fatal punishment of a traitor, the former general of the Empire?
She was brought out in chains, long manacles at her wrists and ankles. Many of the horde shouted insults and spit at her. There was no announcement precluding her condemnation, no warning to others against future treason. She was simply shoved between the awaiting rows of spiteful executioners.
They lashed out with their clubs, striking her with merciless brutality. The almost rhythmic beating drove her forward down the line. Blows to her back made her stumble forward, always forward. Blows to her abdomen left her breathless. Blows to her head left her mind hazy and rapidly fading in and out of darkness. But not once did she cry out. The shouts of the spectators pounded her eardrums as the clubs pounded her flesh.
"Die, stupid bitch!"
"Imperial whore!"
"Bleed, traitor!"
"Burn in Hell, Chere!"
What lasted under a minute seemed an eternity to Celes. Her legs gave out, and she fell to her hands and knees. A kick to her abdomen, and her arms folded under her, bringing her to her stomach.
Most would give up and await death, but not Celes. Her pride wouldn't allow it, and she struggled to claw her way forward. That strength, however, was not to last. She made one last attempt to lift herself up, but the vicious beating took its toll, and she collapsed to the ground and didn't move.
Cheers arose in the courtyard. They shouted the Imperial salute and death threats to all those who oppose the Empire. The cheers abruptly stopped, though, when the woman began to stir, and the silence gradually changed to murmurs of surprise. How the hell was she still alive? they wondered. They raised their clubs to finish her off, but were stopped by a booming voice.
"In the name of Aurelius Gestahl, cease at once!" it commanded.
It was the unmistakable voice of General Leo, confirmed when he materialized out of thin air at the side of the emperor himself. The effect was immediate; every man in that courtyard dropped to his knee and bowed his head to salute his lord.
As Celes gradually became aware of her surroundings, she attempted to rise but failed. When trying again, a hand appeared in front of her. She stared at it for a moment, then slowly looked up to see the emperor personally offering her his hand, a look of genuine concern and compassion written on his aged face.
Disoriented, she didn't understand what was happening, but hesitantly grasped his forearm as his fingers wrapped gently around hers. She tried to stand, but only made it halfway before falling back onto her hands and one knee in pain.
Leo came forth and hastily removed her chains while Gestahl chanted softly. The emperor gently lifted Celes' chin with two fingers until her eyes met his before lightly running his fingertips down her face. Celes felt strength flow back into her as a powerful incantation washed over her, healing her wounds.
Still with the aid of Gestahl's hand, Celes rose unsteadily to her feet. Four men suddenly appeared, their crimson robes and helmets clearly marking them as the emperor's Elite Guards. Two of them walked to either side behind Celes, while the other two remained with their liege.
Gestahl made a very slight bow of his head to Celes, then looked at Leo. After the general acknowledged his liege's silent command with a curt nod, Gestahl allowed himself to be escorted back to the palace by the two shrouded guards.
As soon as Gestahl was out of sight within the palace walls, Leo took a gentle hold of Celes' arm and began walking her to the palace, the remaining two Eiltes following closely behind. Upon reaching the steps leading up to the palace doors, Leo turned to his captain.
"Arrest the men involved in the implementation of the gauntlet. They will be dealt with later."
"Yes, sir!" the captain saluted sharply.
Not one person present except Leo himself understood why the emperor would save the woman from death. The fact that Gestahl himself appeared, healed her, and helped her to her feet meant the reason was significant indeed.
It was considered a great privilege to be graced by the emperor's presence and more so to be touched, let alone healed. It was always known that Celes had Gestahl's favor, but she had been branded a traitor by General Kefka. How was she still granted the honor of His Majesty's compassion?
((ooo))
Not a word was spoken as she was led to the medical wing of the palace. Still a bit dazed from the recent savagery, Celes had to depend on Leo's arm to keep her balanced. They reached a familiar office with a familiar face waiting, her eyes and smile bright with kindness.
"Celes, come right in," the woman beckoned, ushering Celes to the observation table. "I know what you've just been through, and I must say I'm quite impressed you survived. How do you feel?"
Celes merely looked at the older woman with a darkened gaze, her eyes speaking volumes of her pain.
"That's understandable." The doctor turned to Leo. "Thank you, General. She's in good hands, now."
"Melissa, If it's alright with Celes, I'd like to stay," Leo requested. "I'm…sure Emperor Gestahl will want a report on her status."
Doctor Melnick smiled to herself at the man's excuse to 'have to' stay with Celes. Pushing her amusement aside, she glanced at Celes for confirmation. The blonde, who was rubbing her forehead, shrugged vaguely.
"Alright, Celes, let's get something for that headache of yours," Melissa said.
While the doctor rummaged for medication, Celes turned to Leo.
"What's going on, Leo? Why am I here?"
"The emperor has yet to acknowledge the charges brought against you, especially since you were never tried. Kefka once again acted beyond his mandate by subjecting you to this treatment, and he will be punished for it."
The blonde merely looked up the older man, her blank expression not twitching in the least.
"The emperor wishes to present you the opportunity to defend yourself so that he may make a wiser decision as to your fate."
"What happened in South Figaro is now irrelevant, Leo. I led the Returners into the research facility, and then I let them escape. I doubt Gestahl will overlook this—"
"Leave judgment for His Majesty, Celes. He is a fair man, and you should feel honored that he would give you this chance."
"Honor…" she mused. "I have no honor left, Leo. Nor pride… Everything I worked my entire life for was taken from me. Do you have any idea what that feels like?"
Leo looked to the ground, unable to meet her gaze, ashamed he couldn't stop things sooner. Evading her question, Leo stepped aside to allow Melissa to administer to Celes the remedy she held.
"This'll make you feel a little woozy, Celes," the doctor murmured. "I suggest you lie down and rest for a while."
Celes obediently laid back onto the padded table and closed her eyes. Leo pulled a blanket over her and tucked a few stray strands of golden tresses behind her ear, a small smile forming as he gazed at her peacefully innocent face.
"Welcome home, Celes."
((ooo))
Aurelius Gestahl stood at the floor-to-ceiling window behind his throne with many thoughts troubling him. Age was catching up with him; though healthy, the notion of death still loomed on the horizon. He was an emperor without an heir, and a man without a wife to bear him one. His nation was at war, which was proving much more taxing than he had anticipated. And his generals, the glue that held his empire together, were disunited.
The Fates, it seemed, were laughing in his face.
The doors to his chamber opened, and two of his crimson-clad guards entered, leading a young woman inside. He thought of her, like he did Kefka and Leo, as his child, and just seeing her cleared his mind of all other worries. Although, he had to admit the sight of her without her uniform and sword was slightly disconcerting.
The guards parted to either side of the throne, and she knelt down in front of it as a commoner would, not as a general of the Empire—on both knees. Gestahl fought to hide his fond smile as he came to stand above her.
"You may rise."
As she stood, he noticed that she kept her eyes averted deferentially. He sighed inwardly, as he felt this level of formality was beneath her.
"You know why you are here." When she merely nodded, he said, "Celes, you may speak."
"You wish to know what has happened these last months."
"Indeed."
"I have never betrayed you, my lord, nor defied you, if that is what you wish to hear."
"Did you not lead the rebels into our most guarded facility and allow them to escape with our best specimens?"
"I don't deny that I did, but it was not out of malice for the Empire; it was for the welfare of Terra."
"For Terra?"
"The Esper in the Narshe mines reacted with her and put her in a coma. I thought perhaps one of the Espers in the facility could help her."
"I see. And am I to assume that you are aware of Terra's…heritage?"
"You would not be wrong."
"And how did you come upon this knowledge?"
Celes bowed her head, apparently somewhat ashamed. "Professor de la Vega's records are not as secure as he believes. I hacked into them two years ago."
"A challenge, to be sure, but not above someone of your skill," he complimented, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "And once you knew Terra was safe? What would you have done then?"
"To be honest, I don't know."
"And now?"
"Majesty?" she questioned, requiring explanation.
"If given a choice, what would you do now or perhaps desire to have happen?"
Gestahl watched as she pondered his query, curious as to how her time away from the Empire had changed her.
"I would wish for things to go back to the way they were…before all of this."
Gestahl smiled. "That's all I needed to hear from you, Celes."
"I'm…I'm not sure I understand."
"When I asked Kefka to explain what had happened in South Figaro, I was not thoroughly convinced of his story's validity. I never believed you betrayed me, Celes. And from what Leo has told me, I was not mistaken. But I needed to hear it from you. Needed to be sure of your loyalties."
Gestahl noted the slightest hesitation from her before she responded.
"They lie with you, as they always have."
"Then all will be set right. That, kitten, I assure you."
((ooo))
It was an unusually beautiful night for Vector. A southerly wind kept the suffocating industrial haze behind the palace, leaving a clear view of the cloudless starlit sky. Even through the orange glow of the city lights, the constellations stood out as the landmarks of the heavens. The crisp cold air only enhanced the bright pinpricks of light as they twinkled mischievously like little fireflies.
She appeared calm; warm puffs of air billowed in lazy swirls of mist from her mouth before disappearing into the night. Yet, even the light shed dutifully by the stars gave her no peace. She remembered the night so long ago when she stood looking over the capital, watching it burn with the flames she ordered lit, listening as screams pierced the still of night. Kefka had come to her then, telling her to embrace Destiny.
"What destiny?" she whispered.
The spirits of night remained silent as stars, and her only answer was a brief and gentle glow of her pendant.
She sighed. "Yes, Leo?"
The young man stepped out of the doorway and onto the terrace. "You were always so good at that."
"What?"
"Knowing I was here." He came up beside her. "What were you thinking about?"
Celes drew in a long deep breath and let it out slowly. "Sins of the past…"
"It's not good to dwell."
"I can't help it. I don't know, Leo. Being here again…"
Leo raised an eyebrow. "I thought that's what you wanted."
"It was. It is," she amended. "It just feels odd. Like nothing has changed. The memories are still so fresh in my mind…"
"What's done is done, and the thing that matters is what you learn from it."
In the end, all that matters—
Celes shook her head to clear the echo. "Funny, I've heard different."
Leo put his hands on her shoulders and gazed past her to the city beyond.
"Celes…the things you've done…the things we've all done…don't define who we are. What defines us is what we choose to do next."
She bowed her head, the weight of his words and so many others overwhelming her.
"Cel, everyone sins. But no matter what yours are, you are still one of the two purest souls I've ever known. Try not to let the past get to you."
Giving her shoulders a gentle squeeze, Leo turned to give her time alone. Despite his words, when Celes looked at her hands, all she saw was red. And when she looked within herself, all she could see was black.
((ooo))
Celes stood on the main balcony of the palace with the entire Imperial army amassed below her. Bruises from the gauntlet still marked her face. Brandt, not only restored to his previous rank but promoted to major, stood just behind her. It was a test, one to see if she could regain her status within the Empire. Her speech had so far been well-received.
"I didn't spend my life in the Empire only to abandon it when things got rough. I didn't work my ass off for eighteen years to be screwed over by a clown with a vendetta. So any of you who still have doubts, take a good look. I've been chained. I've been beaten. I've even been assassinated." The reminder elicited a few chuckles from the more receptive. "But I'm here to show you that I'm still standing!" Those that had chuckled now cheered. "Kefka's mockery of our unity will not prevail!"
"Unity!" they shouted. "Duty! Destiny!"
Brandt stepped forward and raised his voice. "Who stands by you now even when you wouldn't stand by her?"
"Celes!"
"Who would sooner die for you than abandon you?"
More soldiers joined in. "Celes!"
"Who led this army to glory?"
The contagious shouts spread still further. "Celes!"
"Who is your general?"
By now, then entire compound raised their voices in answer. "Celes!"
Celes lifted her sword into the air. "Imperium augustus!"
"Vivo diuturnus!"
Their cheers crescendoed to near deafening levels and shook the palace walls. Celes stepped down from the platform and let out a breath. The true test was yet to come.
((ooo))
"I'm half Esper…"
Terra was in shock. She finally knew who she was, but the knowledge was both a great relief and a heavy burden. Already she knew the implications, could guess the expectations her friends would have of her. They needed to bridge the gap between humans and Espers, and who better to try than the half-breed?
She glanced around at the faces of her friends, searching for one in particular that she desperately wanted to talk to. Her memories of her life in the Empire had been gradually becoming less hazy, and she was beginning to remember the one person she had always felt comfortable with.
"Where's Celes?"
Edgar and Sabin exchanged glances, and Locke donned a pained expression. Setzer, who had stayed back a ways, stepped forward and answered the girl.
"I'm sorry, Miss Branford, but Celes is in the hands of the Empire now."
Terra looked at the gambler, confused.
"Ter, this is Setzer," Edgar explained. "He graciously lent us the use of his airship so we could get to Vector."
The girl was too distracted for formal pleasantries. "Nice to meet you. Celes is what?"
"She gave herself up to Kefka in exchange for our safe passage out of Vector," Locke muttered.
"She did it for you, Terra," Sabin added.
The girl clenched her eyes shut, but the tears still came. Edgar gently put an arm around her shoulder in silent solace. They remained still for several minutes, until Terra wiped the wetness from her cheeks with a new determination.
"Setzer, get your airship ready."
"Sure."
"What is it, Ter?" Edgar asked.
"We're going to the Sealed Gate. This war has to stop."
((ooo))
The town of Maranda went to bed peacefully that night, just as it had for weeks. They didn't have to worry about the next raid since General Chere was condemned. Although she did escape, it was rumored she worked with the rebellion now, so she was no threat. And in her absence, General Cristophe was put in charge of the Southern Continent.
He was a fair and compassionate man. He wouldn't order a slaughter like General Chere did. He wouldn't order the city destroyed and then allow chaos and looting. Plus, he had other matters to attend to, so his focus wasn't on Maranda. The peasant rebellion could go undetected during this lapse of authority on the Imperial Continent.
The town of Maranda went to bed peacefully that night.
After all, they had nothing to worry about.
It was a calm night. Not a breath of wind. The crickets were chirping merrily, the bullfrogs were croaking contentedly, the nightingales were singing their sweet song, and a few kindly citizens were chatting freely in the streets without a care in the world.
But all of a sudden, the crickets stopped chirping, the bullfrogs stopped croaking, and the nightingales stopped singing. They knew something the humans didn't. There was a predator nearby, stalking silently in the woods towards the peaceful city.
A very large predator.
An army of predators, to be exact.
And at their head stood the very person Marandans no longer feared. The citizens believed they were safe. They believed their rebellion would prevail.
They say ignorance is bliss.
General Chere says ignorance is vice.
Out of the woods they came, as silent and stealthy as ghosts. Under the cover of night, with the clouds veiling the illuminating light of the moon, they were all but invisible, their movement concealed by the darkness. Like shadows they were, phantoms of the void of night.
Noiselessly, they drew their weapons. They came from the South, entering the sleeping city from behind so as not to attract unwanted attention. They moved as one, as fluidly as a snake through water. Those unfortunate enough to be out in the streets were slain quickly and quietly by either a slit throat or a pierced heart, their screams muffled by the gurgling of their own blood.
Celes was pleased with her men. The operation reminded her of a trained assassin; undetectable and efficient, silent and deadly. Things were going as smoothly as she had hoped. Their goal was to reach the town entrance, securing Maranda and initiating immediate lockdown, slip into the recently elected mayor's house and kill him quietly, all before the town woke up the next morning. They were a third of the way through town.
Yes, Celes was quite pleased.
Until some moron failed to kill his target.
One man, one severely wounded resident managed to climb the bell tower and sound the alarm, waking the entire city, including its subversive militia. The man was quickly brought down by an archer, but the damage was done, and their cover was blown.
Celes swore under her breath. "Prepare for battle!" she yelled. "Bring the militia down! Kill all who resist!"
The general's orders were quickly passed along the chain of command.
"Eagle squadron, with me!" Celes ordered.
A group of ten Elite soldiers stepped up to their commander. It consisted of her major, her captain, her two lieutenants, and six other highly trained commandos, all of whom were Magitek warriors. In essence, they were Celes' own personal escort on campaigns such as this.
Soon, male residents began emerging from their homes fully armed. Celes' men were quick to respond, charging at the resistance. Lines of defense from both sides converged in a bloody mess of mutilation and death.
The female general and her team made straight for the mayor's home through the blood-stained streets. The resistance members constantly confronted them, but proved no difficulty for the experienced Elitists.
A man rushed at Celes, but his own momentum carried him into her blade. Removing her sword from the unlucky man's chest, she slashed sideways, slicing across another's stomach. Continuing her trek forward, yet another fool ran at her, his sword held high. As he drew near, Celes grasped his shoulder with her left hand, pulling him towards her while thrusting her blade into his abdomen. Barely slowing down, she extracted her sword and strode on.
The moon peaked through a hole in the clouds, temporarily basking the horrific carnage in light. Bodies littered the streets. Blood was everywhere. Screams echoed eerily, and the stench of death filled the still air.
The invasion was carried out with cold ruthless efficiency. The Imperial forces crashed down upon Maranda like waves on rock. The waves were razor sharp and streamed sinuously, seamlessly through town, cutting down anything and everything that moved. The resistance never stood a chance.
They reached the mayor's house and, of course, the front door was locked. The two lieutenants attempted to ram the door, but the solid oak held fast. The captain stepped up to help them, but Celes motioned for them to stand back, sheathing her sword.
The air rapidly grew colder as she placed her hand on the doorknob. Her men watched and shivered as frost spread from her hand across the entire surface of the door, seeping into the cracks and knotholes. They could hear the wood creak under its prison of ice.
Celes stepped back and nodded to her captain, who promptly kicked the door. The wood literally shattered under the force after having become so brittle in the sheer frigidness of Celes' magic.
Weapons drawn, they entered the dwelling. Three soldiers entered first and made their way straight to the mayor's bedroom, flushing out any resistance. Major Brandt preceded Celes, who was flanked by her two lieutenants and followed closely by her captain. The other three men dispersed through the house, securing the area further.
The major burst through the bedroom door, and he and the three Magitek Knights surrounded the bed. The married couple were already awake from the sounds of the battle outside, but the sudden entrance aroused a scream from the wife. The two lieutenants came in next and parted to allow the general to enter. She was recognized immediately.
"G-general Chere!" the older man exclaimed nervously. "Wha…what are you doing here?"
Celes didn't even respond, instead grabbing his arm, pulling him out of bed. His wife screamed again as Celes began half walking, half dragging the man through the house. The terrified woman begged the female general not to hurt her husband, but she was not acknowledged.
The man pleaded for his life, begging not to be taken from his family. His pleas were disregarded. He prayed for his family to be spared. His prayers were left unanswered.
Once they reached the street, Celes dropped the man to his knees. Without hesitation nor a word of warning, she ran her sword through his chest. The wife broke free of the Imperials' grasp and ran to her husband's side, cursing Celes' heartlessness as the man slumped to the ground.
Celes turned towards the messenger running up to her, ignoring the cries of the woman behind her.
"General! The Armors are in place and standing by." The screams of the woman grew louder and more panicked. "They await your order, ma'am."
The shrieks grew still louder and more desperate. There was the sound of metal slicing through flesh, accompanied by the abrupt halting of cries. Blood gushed as the body fell limp to the ground, the officer calmly wiping the glistening crimson stain from his sword.
Celes paid it no heed.
"Burn it."
The order was given, and four MegaArmors simultaneously fired their blazing beams upon the city, and the for the second time, Maranda was reduced to ashes.
((ooo))
Five figures stood before a massive gateway blocked by a magical barrier. One was a young woman with green hair and a glowing red pendant, her arms outstretched towards the seal. Behind her were her three companions: a thief, a martial artist, and a moogle. The fifth and final person was a man who, in all fairness, appeared a court jester escaped from his insane asylum. The three companions were all that stood between the rampant jester, the woman, and the portal.
That is, until another figure approached, ten other men behind him. The companions were at first concerned.
"Kefka!"
The jester turned. "Welcome, Leo! You are about to witness the beginning of a new age of the Empire! For just past that gate lies our destiny, the key to owning this planet: the three Goddesses."
Leo shook his head. "No, Kefka. Your destiny lies in a cell in the bowels of Vector." He turned to his men. "Arrest him."
"What the hell is this?"
"You know damn well what," Leo growled.
Kefka's scowl turned into a smirk. "Did I finally kill the bitch?"
The younger general merely glared at him, and the thief flinched at the insinuation.
"Oh, you will give me the pleasure of seeing her body, won't you?"
"You listen to me, you sick bastard. I ought to rip your throat out for what you did to her."
"Oh, I do hope it was painful."
Leo'a anger was getting the better of him. "You twisted son of a bitch! Why? Why Celes?"
Kefka thought for a moment. "Let's play a little game, shall we? I'll answer your question, if you answer mine." Leo was silent. "Why did I do it… Well, let's see… She's always been the emperor's favorite. His precious little warrior. I was sick of it. So I decided to do something about it. Ok, my turn." Leo nodded. Kefka paused for effect. "…When she ran the gauntlet, how long did it take her to die?"
Leo stared daggers at Kefka before turning sharply and walking back the way they came. Kefka cackled wildly at the other man's reaction, even as his hands were bound behind his back by Leo's soldiers.
"Oh, come on, Leo! It's only a little game of truth or dare, and you're not very good at it!"
As the Imperials disappeared, the thief turned away, distraught. The martial artist and the moogle tried to cheer him up, but they were interrupted when the woman called to them.
"The gate…it's opening…"