Chapters Eight and Nine, and Eleven and Twelve
Table of Contents
Chapter Eight:
Latitude Eighty-Eight North
1) "Edgar wants to set up camp for the night."
2) Terra reveals her new form in the dark. (Script Version)
3) Terra Discusses Her Fears (Exposition)
Chapter Nine:
Golden Shiny Ray of Hope
1) Opening. Short version.
2) "Narsheans are a suspicious lot." (Script Version)
3) Terra, the last ray of hope.
Chapter Eleven:
Celestial Serenade
1) Wedge, Biggs, and Stardust Meet Banon
2) Sabin's Real Name
3) "The group spent the rest of the day preparing for the return trip to Figaro and had nothing outlandish happen whatsoever."
Chapter Twelve:
The Castle Beaneath the Sands of Time
1) "You're my safety net in a world that scares me." (Original Unfinished Version)
2) There's an underground harbor in Figaro's sub-basement?
3) Terra and Celes sparring scene. (Script version)
4) Terra meets Odin. (Original version.)
Chapter Eight:
Latitude Eighty-Eight North
"Edgar wants to set up camp for the night."
"Celes?" The rogue general, to her surprise, soon discovered that Terra was tugging her back the way she had come. "Celes, Edgar wants to set up camp for the night." The lavender-haired girl with her pointy elf-like ears looked concerned and had every reason to be so. Celes had gotten so lost in her thoughts that she had failed to notice the darkening of the sky, the strengthening of the wind, the zeroing of visibility within the whirling snow, and the fact that the rest of the group had stopped walking several paces ago.
This was something she really needed to stop doing. With a sigh and an apology, she allowed the changeling girl to lead her back to the rest of the group. While time was of the essence, there was no use attempting to travel in this sneak attack of a storm. Edgar had made the correct decision. All they could do was bunker up for the night the best they could. Luckily for them this was the perfect weather for a wind blockade made of ice.
Terra reveals her new form in the dark. (Script Version)
A naked half-transformed TERRA is sitting on top of the sleeping CELES and purring her little head off.
TERRA:
CELES?
The half-cat girl pokes the former general on the cheek, which wakes her. There is a pause before TERRA pokes CELES again.
CELES:
TERRA? That is you, right?
The purring becomes louder as TERRA stiffens upright.
TERRA:
CELES? Are you awake?
CELES:
What's wrong? Did EDGAR sneak into your tent and try something funny?
TERRA:
*meekly*
My clothes made me itchy... Can I sleep with you?
Not waiting for an answer, TERRA slips into the sleeping bag and snuggles into CELES' shoulder and chest.
CELES:
Uh, sure... Are you... Are you purring?
TERRA:
Um, I think so, but I don't know why. Celes, I'm scared.
CELES:
Sweetheart, there's no need to be scared.
TERRA:
But I... I don't know what I am.
CELES:
You're a MagiTek Knight, like me.
TERRA:
But you're not changing into something scary. I...don't think I'm human.
CELES:
Who gave you that idea?
TERRA:
I've got more body hair than Sabin! Have you seen him? He's like a teddy bear made of brick walls!
CELES:
You're more human than most "normal" people I know.
TERRA:
*blushes*
...
CELES:
Besides, it'll take more than a body covered in soft snuggable fur to convince me that you're not a human.
CELES squeezes TERRA, causing her to giggle.
TERRA:
But-
CELES:
*sighs*
Holy hellfire! Terra Branford, stop arguing with me! You're a human being who has been augmented by the Empire with the gift of magic. You're no different than I am. You've...just been magically charmed by some dead creature in ice.
TERRA is silent for a moment as she sits up.
TERRA:
Will I ever change back?
CELES:
Sweetheart, when you found me the other night, you were far more transformed than you are now.
TERRA:
Did a prince kiss me to change me back?
CELES:
Uh, not quite. Where did you hear such a preposterous idea?
TERRA:
Edgar told me a story earlier today about a prince and a princess frog-
CELES:
*sighs*
Edgar only told you that because he wants in your pants, transformed or not.
TERRA:
*pauses*
But I'm not wearing pants.
CELES:
*pauses*
Well, perhaps Edgar may have been on to something. Maybe what you need is a princess.
TERRA:
…
CELES:
…
TERRA:
*slyly*
How do I know that you're not trying to get into my pants?
CELES:
*facepalms, defensively*
Try the other way around, sister. You kissed me that night. Also, you're the one that barged into my tent stark raving naked.
TERRA:
*meekly*
Clothes are itchy...
CELES:
Hmm... If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were trying to get into MY pants.
TERRA blushes and suddenly finds rubbing her upper arm interesting. CELES blushes as well and tries to find something other than TERRA to look at.
TERRA:
...
CELES:
…
TERRA:
Celes, have you ever loved someone?
CELES:
*stunned*
What...is that supposed to mean?
TERRA:
*upset*
I...I'm sorry. I, um, phrased that wrong. I was just wondering if...it was possible for people like us to find love.
CELES:
What brought this on all of a sudden?
TERRA:
*meekly*
I, um... Just curious.
CELES:
*pauses*
I have.
TERRA:
The rich man's maid?
CELES:
*sighs*
I guess in a sense, depending on your definition of the word. She was a mistake. She was a means to forget my heartache and, like alcohol, only made me feel worse in the end.
TERRA:
So... You love her?
CELES:
Pruert's maid? No. Truly a one night stand. The girl I fell in love with... I don't know how she feels. One night, years ago, I bared myself to her, but she...
*pauses*
I never got a straight answer when...
*pauses*
I'm sorry. I don't want to discuss this anymore. I thought I had left it in the past.
TERRA:
I'm sorry, Celes.
CELES:
Don't apologize for things that aren't your fault.
TERRA:
I know, but... It's okay to cry.
CELES:
It's not okay when I have no more tears to shed.
TERRA leans over CELES.
TERRA:
*hushed*
Is there anything I can do to make you feel better?
CELES:
*smiles*
Just...continue to be you.
CELES reaches up and affectionately runs a hand through TERRA's hair. TERRA leans into the move briefly before taking it as an invitation to slide on top.
CELES:
*softly*
What are you doing?
TERRA:
*softly*
Being me.
TERRA kisses CELES. CELES kisses TERRA. Hands wander; kissing continues. TERRA softly squeals with a giggle. Suddenly, CELES breaks it off and sits up.
CELES:
*meekly*
I'm sorry. I can't do this.
TERRA crawls away and hugs her knees.
CELES:
*meekly*
Please, don't be upset.
TERRA:
*disappointed*
It's okay. I thought that I'd try to make you smile.
*grins*
And you did, even if briefly.
*softly*
You have a beautiful smile.
CELES hugs TERRA from behind.
CELES:
Terra. Thank you. C'mon. Let's get some sleep.
TERRA responds with a nod. The two are silent for a moment as they slip into the sleeping bag.
TERRA:
*softly*
Celes? I want to know what love is.
CELES:
*tiredly*
Me too, Terra. Me too.
TERRA suddenly sits back up and produces a ball of fire to illuminate herself once more.
TERRA:
*excitedly*
Did I change back?
She hadn't and groans dejectedly in response.
CELES:
*smirks*
Go to sleep, you goofball.
TERRA:
*dejectedly*
Aw... I thought it would work...
Terra Discusses Her Fears (Exposition)
Except, the frightened changeling was facing the wrong way. She buried her fuzzy face in Celes' neck as the two women wrapped their arms around each other. It had gotten cold to the point that even she was actually starting to feel uncomfortable, so the blonde was actually quite happy for the company, except... Something seemed amiss as she gently rubbed a reassuring hand across the other's furry back. "Terra," she whispered, "are you...?"
It was Celes' turn to flush, but she wasn't given a chance to dwell on the fact that she had a naked girl in her bedroll. Terra unloaded all her fears and frustrations without prompt; Kefka and all things related to him, the Empire, fighting, the raging storm outside, her memory loss, and her changing body. Celes had to give the girl credit. Not once did she cry during this outburst, despite seeming to be near tears as evidenced by the hitching in her purring. The blonde couldn't really comment on Kefka or the Empire, at least not without sounding like a broken record. All she could do was make a promise to protect her and she would. She'd die trying if she had to.
Terra seemed pleased by this answer as she relaxed her grip and pulled back enough to stare Celes in the eyes. They were fiery, but certainly not the infernos seen the other night. They were warm and inviting to the point that looking away was near impossible.
Chapter Nine:
Golden Shiny Ray of Hope
Opening. (Short Version)
The sunlight burning her eyes forced Terra to hiss in pain between her teeth and attempt to shield herself from the offending rays. It was amazing what several hours spent wandering a labyrinth of caverns could do to a person's eyesight. Through the one eye she was able to keep open through sheer will she observed Celes running ahead, arms splayed outward and long blonde hair trailing behind her. "I can breathe!" the former general exclaimed with a laugh genuine that Terra knew was rarely shown the world. She smiled inwardly, yet maintained her stony faced facade behind her hood. There was no point inviting unwanted conversation from...well, anyone. She wasn't in the mood for talking.
While the fresh air, like Celes' good mood, was welcome, the cold was not. Terra pulled her cloak and cowl tighter around her in a vain attempt to conserve body heat. She was tired of fire magic and was refusing to flare more until her stomach stopped growling at her. Luckily, they had stumbled upon a Returner known as Arvis, a man who had a funny voice that seemed to be the consistency of sandy gravel. Arvis had been in the caves investigating the fried welk covered MagiTek Armors that had been left behind by the Imperials. While the magic powered mechanical beasts were still intact, a rare find for the rebels Terra learned, the man had been charged in figuring out why they wouldn't work. He had spent several days puzzling over it until Locke answered his dilemma with a flatly spoken "lightning" as if that had been an obvious answer.
With promises of food and warm beds, the older Returner had led them through the caverns and was presently taking them to see Banon and the town mayor. Just ahead, Edgar, Locke, and Arvis were quietly discussing various Returner news and tidbits which caused Terra's nose to twitch as she, needlessly inquisitive as the animal she was now resembling, attempted to listen in without being too obvious. Thankfully, the three men weren't making too much of an effort to keep information from the rest of the group.
"Narsheans are a suspicious lot." (Script Version)
ARVIS:
Banon's been trying to get the mayor to allow us to help protect the esper, but...
LOCKE:
Roadblock?
ARVIS:
Naturally. Murphy's Law, you know. But, maybe with the king of Figaro to back him up...
EDGAR:
Mayhap, my friend, but rely not on my good word to create miracles. Well, exception lies in the beautiful ladies who throw themselves willy-nilly at my feet when I speak.
CELES:
*snorts*
My ass.
EDGAR:
Your derriere truly is a miracle within this world, my dear Celes, but hardly worthy to be the current topic of discussion.
Celes turns red in embarrassment, but says nothing due to a snort of laughter from Terra.
LOCKE:
Anyway, how's the town been since the incident?
ARVIS:
On edge, I'm afraid, but that's hardly surprising. Narsheans are a suspicious lot.
EDGAR:
*dryly*
Yes. Do not remind us, Arvis.
LOCKE:
You'd think that an Imperial attack would push them into siding with us a hundred percent, no questions asked.
EDGAR:
Not necessarily, Locke. Narsheans are not like we Figarians. They are so isolated in these cold harsh mountains that they are used to fending for themselves. Most would rather die than seek help from an outside source.
ARVIS:
He's right, you know. The people here have been on edge since that esper was found. I've been offering our assistance to the mayor from the very beginning of this. It wasn't until the Imperials showed up that he even considered speaking to Banon. Your Highness, I truly believe that if you throw your hat into the mix the mayor will accept our help.
EDGAR:
I certainly would like to see this esper before I lay my life on the line for it.
ARVIS:
Unfortunately, that's not my call, sire.
EDGAR:
I figured as much.
*sighs*
I truly hope this frozen creature isn't a catalyst for a situation most dire.
Terra, the last ray of hope.
Inside the Mayor's house, the mayor and Banon are sitting at a table and talking when Arvis enters with Terra and her group in tow.
MAYOR:
I understand what you're saying, Banon, but...you're asking us to spill our blood for you.
BANON:
I asked no such thing.
MAYOR:
You want us to join you in your war against the Empire. That's essentially the same thing.
EDGAR:
A second option, perhaps. You can do nothing and Imperials spill your blood for you.
MAYOR:
King Edgar!
EDGAR:
Banon, Maurice. I apologize for arriving later than stated. We had been...detained on the way here.
BANON:
What news of the Empire?
LOCKE:
Chances are they're on their way here now as we speak.
EDGAR:
Aye. Prob'ly a day or two behind us.
MAYOR:
But that means you've led them here!
BANON:
Emperor Gestahl craves ever greater MagiTek power. King Edgar and his group coming here makes no whit of a difference; Kefka would still come to collect the prize regardless. If we allow this esper and the MagiTek weapons that would consequently be created from it to fall into their hands, we will find ourselves repeating history's greatest mistake.
MAYOR:
The War of the Magi...
EDGAR:
Remember the tales of barren wastelands and destructive creatures of unfathomable horror?
SABIN:
Those books in the castle library weren't fiction?!
EDGAR:
'Fraid not, brother.
Silence.
MAYOR:
*sigh*
Edgar, Banon, you both weave a compelling argument, but I cannot let go the whisperings of the fall of the kingdom of Doma. They fell because of their collaboration with you. As long as we remain neutral, Narshe will have nothing to fear.
LOCKE:
Are you crazy, old man?! Kefka's coming here now! Are you that hellbent in signing your own death certificate?!
Celes steps forward, all the while with a hand on the hilt of her blade.
CELES:
If I may...
MAYOR:
You are...?
BANON:
I know you. Reports of you have been brought to my attention multiple times. Imperial General Celes Chere, the Ice Queen.
*laughs*
I see Edgar's wish to turn you has come to fruition.
CELES:
Edgar didn't turn me. I sought him out.
Banon, Arvis, and the Mayor gasp in puzzlement.
CELES:
The Emperor wants only one thing; power. He doesn't care who he kills or how he acquires it. I understand now that if any of his own people disagree with his methods, they will be killed or controlled with a slave crown, no questions asked. I know this from firsthand experience. I openly questioned Kefka's methods of dealing with Doma. I then found myself assaulted by the mad clown himself, tied up, and then offered to my soldiers to be used as a plaything, perversely and otherwise.
The room is silent.
CELES:
*con't*
If it hadn't been for Terra intervening I probably wouldn't be standing here with my dignity intact or at all.
MAYOR:
But she's the one that blazed through here in a ball of fire!
Terra tries to hide behind Celes.
CELES:
Try again, you stubborn old man.
EDGAR:
She was a slave to Kefka's slave crown technology that night, Maurice. She has had no control of her actions until recently.
CELES:
The Empire's gone to the dogs, but not all of us are crazy.
LOCKE:
I can vouch for them. I'd be dead if they hadn't rescued me.
Banon approaches Terra and scrutinizes her. Celes doesn't look too pleased by this.
BANON:
So you're Kefka's Fire Witch... You're the one to whom the esper responded.
CELES:
Say again?
BANON:
Funny. You look like some kind of cat.
TERRA:
I... I'm human. I just don't...look it.
BANON:
So my carrier pigeons have informed. Tell me, do you know how Doma fell?
Terra shakes her head no.
EDGAR:
Banon, she has amnesia!
BANON:
General Chere, perhaps you know?
Celes looks to Edgar briefly before shifting her gaze back to Banon.
CELES:
Something tells me that you know something I don't.
BANON:
Poison was not the only thing that killed at Doma. Unofficial reports state that a tiny green haired girl entered the castle-
Terra becomes horrified with tears, Celes enraged, and the rest shocked.
BANON:
-and didn't emerge until it was completely engulfed in flames. There were only two survivors, neither were Doman.
TERRA:
No...
EDGAR:
Baldur's Gate, Banon! Have you gone mad?
BANON:
Hiding the truth doesn't change it, Edgar!
CELES:
*coldly*
Where did this information come from? No reports of this came across my desk.
BANON:
Of course the Empire would keep this from you, General, considering your open history with the girl. I certainly did not acquire this intel from the Empire, either. My own men were monitoring the initial situation and sent word back to me.
Silence.
BANON:
*con't*
Perhaps you've heard this story before? Ages ago when people were still pure and innocent, a shiny box appeared as a gift from the gods along with an order to never open it. However, an overzealous woman named Pandora decided to disobey the gods and unleashed the evils of the world. Pride. Envy. Greed. Anger. Gluttony. All that remained was a single ray of light: hope.
Banon stoops down to be at eye level with the shorter Terra.
BANON:
Terra, your power is a gift, not a curse. No matter the circumstances, you must remember that. Your ability to awaken the dormant espers from their captivity is our last ray of light; our final hope.
CELES:
Now wait a second...!
BANON:
General, I'm glad to see you finally among our ranks.
*sighs*
I've grown weary as of late. Maurice, may I stay in your guest room?
The two leave the room.
TERRA:
I'm...the last ray of hope?
SABIN:
*laughs*
No pressure.
Terra deflates.
EDGAR:
We should probably make arrangements as well.
Chapter Eleven:
Celestial Serenade
Wedge, Biggs, and Stardust Meet Banon
Wedge, Biggs, and the other guy (Wedge really needed to learn his name) had been summoned to the room at the inn that Banon was using as a makeshift base. It had been marked as urgent, so they had left the tavern as soon as the message had been received. As they walked down the upstairs corridor, Biggs sighed loudly, yet said nothing.
"What's the matter?" Wedge asked with a raised brow. It was a formality, of course. He already knew what the issue was.
Biggs straightened up and shrugged. "Banon has the worst timing, sir," he complained. "I was quite enjoying the show at the tavern."
"Actually, when did General Celes start playing for the wrong team?" inquired the third guy. What the hell was his name? David? Bowie? Johnson?
"How could you not know that?" Wedge shot out. "She practically shoved it down our throats."
"She only drilled it into our heads every morning at calisthenics with ball crunching threats, sir," Biggs added.
The group fell silent as they continued walking. It wasn't long before they came upon the room they needed to be. Wedge stopped just short of knocking before turning back to that other guy. "Well?" he asked.
"Well, what?" The other guy turned red and became uncomfortable in his own skin.
Biggs grinned and folded his arms across his chest. "I think I can answer for the rookie, Wedge. He was too busy watching her tits bounce during jumping jacks."
There was a silence as the three men regarded each other. Wedge finally nodded with a shrug and replied, "Honestly, who wasn't?" There was a chorus of agreements.
The three men jumped when a voice called out to them from inside the room. "Misters Antilles, Darklighter, and Stardust," the rumbling voice called out, "Do come in. We have much to discuss."
Sabin's Real Name
BANON:
Now then… Firstly, I'd like to welcome several new faces to our ranks, former Imperials General Celes Chere, Fire Witch Terra Branford-
TERRA:
*meekly* Um, can I have a different title?
BANON:
-MagiTek pilots Wedge Antilles, Biggs Darklighter, and David Stardust-
ZIGGY:
They call me Ziggy.
BANON:
-as well as martial artist Macías Rene Figaro.
TERRA:
Wait. You're name's not Sabin?
SABIN:
I always thought about getting it legally changed…
EDGAR:
You would break mother's heart in twain.
SABIN:
Hence the nickname, brother.
BANON:
Now, with all that nonsense out of the way, I'd like to discuss your first mission...
"The group spent the rest of the day preparing for the return trip to Figaro and had nothing outlandish happen whatsoever."
Upon returning to the inn, Terra filled everyone in with their orders. Banon wanted her to take Celes, Sabin, and Locke with her to the town of Zozo, located on the western peninsula of the continent, and investigate rumors of an esper having been spotted there. There were no ships to ferry them there, so they'd have to take the long way: Castle Figaro to ferry them under the Sléibhte Mountain range to Kohlingen, catch the train to Jidoor, and then travel the rest of the way by chocobo around the tip of the mountain range to reach Zozo nestled in the center of the peninsula. Of course, much to Edgar's chagrin the taxpayers of Figaro would be funding this excursion.
The group spent the rest of the day preparing for the return trip to Figaro and had nothing outlandish happen whatsoever.[1]
[1] Of course, this is excluding another incident at the tavern where a drunken Celes yet again had fallen face first into Terra's chest and Terra had, again, ended up with her hands in questionable places. Both girls had been too drunk to care. Most men present had been too busy drooling to question it. Sabin, on the other hand, wondered how much of it had been deliberate. Not that he was complaining, of course.
Chapter Twelve:
The Castle Beaneath the Sands of Time
"You're my safety net in a world that scares me." (Original Unfinished Version)
The sun was setting upon the desert nation of Figaro. Celes looked over the edge of the tall spire she and Terra stood on. It was a long way down, but that didn't bother her. At first she had been concerned when, at the end of their sampling of the city within the castle, Terra had indicated to the highest point and demanded, "I want to go up there." However, after seeing the view (and getting some purely alone time with Terra) any doubts she may have had simply melted away. Flameless lights began dotting the castle city like fireflies in an urban jungle directly underneath them and to their right, the western and southern sides of the castle respectively. Stars in the rapidly darkening sky above them began mirroring the city below. The most important factor was that the temperature in the air was rapidly cooling down.
Terra sighed contentedly as she leaned further down onto the stone guard separating them from the nastiness of gravity. "Figaro is amazing," she said in a hushed tone.
Celes agreed with a slight noise as she leaned up against the stone railing next to Terra, albeit facing the opposite direction. Figaro was nothing new to her. The only thing that excited her about the city-state were the flameless lights, the quality of the nation's alcoholic content, and some technology the castle had called air conditioning. She had no idea how the technology behind it worked, but found it ironic that a machine powered by steam removed heat from the air. And, by the gods, was that technology amazing. Despite her current blasé feelings, she understood and recognized the wonderment in her friend's eyes. They mirrored what had been her eyes the first time she had set foot here.
Terra looked up with a slight frown. "You don't agree?" she asked.
"Oh, I do," Celes countered, "It's just that the novelty for me has worn off over the years."
Terra nodded and soon thereafter the two then fell into a silence. The emeralda continued watching the sun disappear over the horizon, while Celes continued to watch the darkening sky behind them. She was glad to be rid of the men folk for a while, not that they were horrible company, but sometimes enough was enough. Edgar was loyal to a fault, but teasingly perverted to the point that one could only take so much before going insane. Sabin was very much like his brother minus the perversion and stuffy formal manner of speech. And then there was Locke, who, for the most part, was a quiet individual and actually quite… Normal? No, he braved a MagiTek beam to save her life. The man had balls. What was that word? Daring?
Celes was suddenly alerted to a warmth at her breast and wrapping behind her back. Terra had suddenly enveloped her in a hug and was resting her head in the crook between her chest and shoulder. Despite the shy smile that was being broadcast on the emeralda's face, she found herself being stared at intently. "You okay?" she asked. Unconsciously, Celes began smoothing out the hair around Terra's ear.
"No," the green haired girl purred. "I'm Terra."
Celes sighed in amusement. "Smart ass."
Terra giggled softly before speaking. "I'm fine. I just like it here."
CELES:
Well, then once you're finished with the Returners, you can live here. I'm sure Edgar'll be more than happy to grant you citizenship.
TERRA:
That wasn't quite what I meant, but I like that too.
CELES:
Then what did you mean?
TERRA nuzzles CELES' shoulder and begins tracing an outline of a heart on CELES' chest.
TERRA:
*turns red*
You're my safety net in a world that scares me.
CELES:
Well, I do try my best.
TERRA:
And you're… You're…
CELES:
I'm what?
There is a pause.
TERRA:
Will you sing for me again?
CELES:
*turns red*
Up here? People will hear!
TERRA:
So? Sabin, Edgar, and Locke had been present last time.
CELES:
Right. We had been in the middle of nowhere. I'm… I'm not singing where an entire city can hear me!
Another pause.
TERRA:
Please?
CELES:
No.
TERRA:
*slyly*
You've got stage fright.
CELES:
Absolutely not.
TERRA:
*slyly*
I call shenanigans.
CELES:
You can call it whatever you want. It's still not happening.
There's an underground harbor in Figaro's sub-basement?
Terra slouched back in her chair and stared cross-eyed at the high arched ceiling of the royal dining room. She had, again, gorged on enough tasty delectables to rival her four companions and then some. If anything, she now felt partially sick and regretted that final bite of cheesecake, but it had been so worth it. "Terra shall bankrupt all of Figaro's taxpayers if she continues," Edgar joked.
She attempted to tell him "No more," but all that came out was a pained and uncomfortable groan. She ignored the group's laughter at her suffering and tried focusing on Edgar as he spoke.
EDGAR:
Right. So, I am assuming the lot of you are wondering how you shall be traveling to Kohlingen from here.
CELES:
The thought did cross my mind. I'm surprised you didn't tell us on the way here.
EDGAR:
Why spoil a perfectly marvelous surprise, my dear?
LOCKE:
Well, the fastest way would be by ship.
SABIN:
We don't have a harbor here.
CELES:
That's what you've got down in the sub-basement! An underground harbor! Edgar, you sly dog, you!
EDGAR laughs.
EDGAR:
I hate to bring disappoint, my dear Celes, but I must.
Terra and Celes sparring scene. (Script version)
TERRA wakes up in a room. Insert stuff about shopping and stuff, Figaro castle burrowing underground, air conditioning and shit. She finds a note written by CELES; "Join me in the training room and wear something breezy." In the training room, TERRA finds CELES demolishing a practice dummy with a large wooden sword. Slightly out of breath, CELES wipes her brow and notices TERRA.
TERRA:
Did that dummy try groping you?
CELES:
*laughs*
There you are, sleepyhead! I was wondering when you'd show up. We've got another day or two being cooped up in this sandy submersible and, as much as I'd love to spend it drunk off my ass with tax-payer sponsored booze, I can't do that and feel good about myself. Besides, we're on a mission and gods only know what could possibly happen.
With her free hand, CELES takes two wooden katanas off the wall and tosses them to TERRA, who catches them both in opposite hands.
CELES:
*con't*
So, I want you to fight me.
TERRA:
*surprised*
I'm sorry?
CELES:
I said "Fight me," sweetheart. Try to kick my ass.
*grins*
I bet you can't do it.
TERRA:
I don't want to fight you, Celes. Besides,
*sheepishly*
I'm hungry.
CELES slowly approaches TERRA.
CELES:
You're in the middle of the wilderness. You're out of rations and you're stalking your breakfast-
Suddenly, CELES lunges at TERRA-
CELES:
-when suddenly, a wild Celes appears!
-who catches the massive sword between her two.
TERRA:
I don't want to fight you! I can't eat you afterward!
CELES:
Sweetheart, it's called practice.
CELES adds pressure to the hold in an attempt to make TERRA slip. TERRA, however, releases the hold on CELES' sword just as she sidesteps away. This causes CELES to fall forward with a yell of surprise, tuck into a roll, and come back up on her feet.
CELES:
Let's make this interesting. Winner can make the loser do anything they want for the day.
TERRA:
What are we? Five?
TERRA twirls a blade one handed and, with added support from her forearm, grips it upside down to block an overhead swing from CELES.
CELES:
I'd put money on the table-
TERRA shoves CELES' sword away and attempts to stab at her with her other blade, but misses when the other girl sidesteps.
CELES:
*cont*
-but I don't think either of us are beyond broke-ass poor.
TERRA again brings up her upside down gripped blade to block a strike-
TERRA:
Fine. Rules?
-swats it away, and uses the same arm to give a weak hilt strike to CELES' stomach. CELES takes a step back with a wheeze.
CELES:
*hoarsely*
No kissing Edgar.
TERRA rushes in with a diagonal strike with both blades, but is blocked by CELES who is holding her sword upside down with one hand and supporting the monster blade with the other. The two hold the pose.
TERRA:
*smirks*
Aw, why not?
CELES:
*smirks*
This only applies to me. You can kiss him all you want.
TERRA:
No, thanks.
TERRA struggles to break CELES' hold with brute force.
TERRA:
*grunts*
Hey, Celes?
CELES:
What?
TERRA:
*seductively*
I want to lick you all over.
CELES:
*blushes, shocked*
What?
Her hold falters just a fraction of a moment, long enough for TERRA to land on a hit on her side with a kick. CELES lands on the ground with a grunt and rolls away just in time to avoid getting speared. Once a sufficient distance away, she returns to her feet.
CELES:
Oi! What the hell, lady? That's cheating!
TERRA giggles and twirls the blade in her left hand.
TERRA:
No, that was a distraction.
CELES growls and charges TERRA with a leap. TERRA jumps back and stumbles a few steps as she twists to avoid CELES' second lunge. The large broadsword trips her up. She falls to the floor and loses her blades in the process. Her eyes cross as CELES hovers the tip in TERRA's face.
CELES:
*grins*
I believe I win.
TERRA:
*deadpanned*
Your boobs are showing.
CELES, distracted by her wardrobe malfunction, loses her sword when TERRA kicks it from her hand. It lands WAAAAAAY across the room.
CELES:
What the-?!
TERRA tackles CELES to the floor from a crouching position and pins her down. The two stare at each other as they catch their breaths.
TERRA:
I believe I win.
CELES:
I can totally see right down your shirt.
TERRA:
I call shenanigans.
CELES suddenly gropes TERRA.
CELES:
No, these are shenanigans.
TERRA squeals in surprise as CELES flips them over.
CELES:
I win.
TERRA tickles CELES in retaliation. CELES squeals and cackles in laughter as TERRA turns the tables and pins her to the floor, once again.
TERRA:
*giggling*
Submit!
CELES:
*giggling*
Never!
TERRA:
*giggling*
Do I have to tickle you some more?
CELES:
*giggling*
Do your worst!
The two just stare at each other. TERRA turns red.
TERRA:
*whisper*
Celes, can you be honest with me?
CELES:
What's wrong?
TERRA:
*whisper*
Am… Am I that girl from your past that you fell in love with?
CELES:
…
TERRA:
*whisper*
Am I the girl that went away and left you on your own?
CELES:
*whisper*
It...wasn't your fault.
TERRA:
*whisper*
I am, aren't I?
CELES:
*whisper*
Terra, I don't want to have this conversation.
TERRA:
Why?
Figaro comes to a sudden halt and sends the two girls skidding across the floor and into a wall.
CELES:
*pained*
There's one reason.
Terra meets Odin. (Original version.)
First, it had been a single step. Then after much fretting, a second step. Each consecutive step Terra found easier to traverse downwards. Before long, she found herself in a smallish sized library. To her delight, most of the books were still intact, but, based on what was printed on the spines, seemed to be filled with a language that looked similar to the common Vectorian that most modern nations spoke. Unfortunately, the language wasn't Vectorian enough for her to be able to decipher it. Aside from that, the room contained nothing else of interest.
From the floor above, Terra heard Locke faintly cry out in excitement, "Hey! I found a switch!" Not a moment later, much to the chagrin of her heart's ability to stay steady, one of the bookshelves suddenly retreated into the wall and revealed another stairwell leading further down. Again, it felt as if she were being drawn into the darkness. This time she didn't bother heeding the warnings going off in her head. She proceeded downwards in the wall of onyx inkiness as if it were nonexistent.
She found herself in another throne room, albeit smaller than the one encountered two floors up. Unlike the one above, this one contained something odd, a statue of a young woman praying. A green gemstone rested in her hands. Upon closer inspection with the light of her fire, Terra made a shocking discovery. The woman looked exactly like Celes! Well, if Celes presented herself with a tad more feminine flair. How crazy was that?! It was uncanny! Perhaps this statue had been modeled after a long lost relative of hers.
Terra opened her mouth to call to her companions to her location, but let her voice die before it could sound. A voice whispered in her ear.
YOU SIDE WITH HUMANS.
Despite the lack of malice in its tone and the lack of directionality, Terra whirled around in fear and brandished her blade and fire into a defensive position. She scanned the darkness in the flickering light, but found nothing that could have produced it. "I… I am a human," she found herself stammering, "but I have an allergic reaction to espers that changes me into a cat. And I don't side with all of mankind, just the ones that want equality for us and espers." She wasn't sure why she added the last bit, but a little clarification never hurt.
The voice laughed. It sounded almost like smooth boulders rolling down a perfectly curved hill. IS THAT WHAT YOU BELIEVE ABOUT YOURSELF? VERY WELL. I WILL LET YOU CONTINUE TO BELIEVE THAT.
"I'm sorry," Terra apologized with a furrowed brow. "I don't understand."
'TIS NARY OF IMPORT.
"You led me down here," she accused as she wandered around, searching for the owner of the voice. Her weapon and magic remained at the ready. "Why?"
I WAS INTRIGUED BY A CASTLE OTHER THAN MY OWN APPEARING UNDER THE STONE.
The masculine voice was referencing Figaro. Granted, the castle was loud in burrow mode, but how did he know that it was even a castle and not some other form of strange technology? "That doesn't really answer my question." And it didn't. He gave a non-answer.
I AM ALSO INTRIGUED BY TWO MAGIC USERS WHO SHARE SIMILAR AND POWERFUL MAGIC FIELDS. ONE ARTIFICIAL, THE OTHER NOT.
Artificial magic? Not artificial magic? "I don't understand," she lamely responded. Did that mean that he could sense that she and Celes had been infused with magic belonging to other espers? She was cut off before she could ask.
'TIS NARY OF IMPORT.
Terra could almost hear the smile in that phrase. She was beginning to feel like she was being toyed with, but lacked certifiable evidence. There were no expressions for her to read. Of course, she wasn't the best when it came to reading people anyway. She'd have to make do with her ears and ears alone. "You like that phrase, don't you?"
INDEED.
Short and to the point. He really wasn't giving her much to work with and if he did, he carried on the conversation before she could get clarification. This was frustrating. Were all espers like this? She needed another point of reference or something! "May I speak with you face to face?" she asked.
WE CAN SPEAK AS WE ARE.
Shot down in flames. "Um, okay," she muttered with an attempt to hide her disappointment. "Look, we don't mean any harm. We-"
YOU WISH TO USE ME IN BATTLE AGAINST MAGIC HUNGRY HUMANS.
"Well, no, not really."
I BELIEVE YOU ENTERED MY CASTLE WITH THE INTENT TO CONVINCE ME TO JOIN YOUR BATTLE AGAINST AN EMPIRE.
"Well, yeah, kind of, but I didn't say that. That was-"
MY POINT.
"I'm sorry?" Blindsided, Terra had nothing else to respond with. This was probably the most amount of times she had uttered those words in a single conversation.
YOU'VE PROVEN MY POINT, the voice reiterated with a hint of snark or even glee. It was hard to tell when it was a voice that you heard only in your head.
Terra sighed and furrowed her brows once again. "But you have a choice!" she cried with a wave of her fire engulfed right hand. "The Returners gave me a choice as well."
EXPLAIN.
And so, Terra told her story. She told of her amnesia. She touched upon her relationship with Celes and Celes' falling out with the Empire. Everything that was relevant to how the two of them came to be in the service of anti-Imperial forces was spewed out in a massive verbal dump. She made sure to emphasize the facts concerning FireBeard's initiation of her into the organization. They hadn't demanded anything of her. They simply asked if she would help and she had agreed.
AND THIS…CELES. IF SHE FIGHTS FOR ESPER KIND, WHY DOES SHE POSESS MAGIC RIPPED FROM ONE?
She didn't know the exact procedure on how people were augmented with magic. It was a well-guarded secret that the Empire kept under lock and key. Even if she could remember her past, she be in the same boat as Celes. She had mentioned that they had knocked her out beforehand. However, it was possible that Celes was hiding some more disturbing facts from Terra to protect her in some way. She put it forth that the esper should talk to her directly.
There was that rolling laughter again. MY CHILD, the voice declared, SHE WOULD NEVER BE ABLE TO UNDERSTAND THE LANGUAGE OF THE ESPERS.
"But I can understand you just fine."
INDEED.
Terra waited for further clarification, but soon realized that there would be none. So far she had been doing most of the talking in the conversation and it was starting to irritate her. "I don't understand."
ODIN:
YOU LIKE THAT PHRASE, DO YOU NOT?
TERRA:
Now you're just teasing me on purpose!
ODIN:
INDEED. I KNOW NOT THE FULL EXTENT OF YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES, BUT I WILL AID YOU. TAKE THE MAGICITE FROM THE HANDS OF FRIGG, THE STONE QUEEN BESIDE YOU. USE IT TO CALL ME FORTH AND I WILL RENDER ASSISTANCE.
TERRA:
Thank you.
ODIN:
I HAVE CONDITIONS. NO HUMAN MAY SUMMON ME.
TERRA:
But I told you… I'm human.
ODIN:
YOU KEEP THINKING THAT. AND WHEN YOUR CRUSADE HAS REACHED ITS END, RETURN ME TO FRIGG. ALLOW ME MY ETERNAL SLUMBER WITH THE ONE WHO LOVED ME AND THE ONE I SWORE TO PROTECT.
TERRA:
Can you tell me about her?
ODIN:
I SHALL.