Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy VI, its character, or lore.
Terra's New Journey
It was like she was in a storybook world. Her wide-eyed gaze fluttered across the landscape, never pausing for too long before spotting something else new and interesting to look upon. Expressions danced across her face, as her simple, joyful smile gave way to sheer open-mouthed wonder. Ever since they moved on from the caves surrounding the mining town of Narshe, every moment had been an adventure, and with no impending danger or troubles to worry about, it was one she was free to experience and enjoy. Possibly for the first time in her life.
Sneaking peeks as he walked along beside her, Locke couldn't help but smile at her exuberance toward what was to him a simple walk along the flat plains between the rugged hills of Narshe and the sweeping desert surrounding Figaro. So much of her personality and nature was nothing at all as he'd heard about her in the past, but then, he supposed that was only natural with her circumstances. No one was really themselves under the yoke of a slave crown.
The thought pulled at his smile, sobering his mood even as he watched her gaze around as if the entire world was new, because indeed, to her it may have been. Did she remember anything while under the effects of the slave crown? Things she'd seen in the past, things she'd experienced or been taught? And how long had she even worn the accursed thing? Did she remember things from before the crown? 'Was' there even a time for her before the crown?
The questions bore into him, refusing to be pushed aside. Curiosity compelled him to find the answers through the only means possible...
"Hey, Terra," sparkling eyes met his own as he caught her attention, and he prayed that he wouldn't cause them to dim, "do you remember anything from... before? Any of this?"
Her gaze followed his hands as he gestured around, her smile blessedly remaining even while her face turned pensive. For a moment, she was silent, perhaps gathering her thoughts before sharing them. "Not in the way you'd think, no." She paused, tilting her head to watch a flock of birds fill the sky as they passed. "It's like, somewhere my mind knows these things exist: the birds, the trees, the animals... but I know nothing about them. I know what they're called, and I can recognize them on sight, but I don't know the sounds they make, or how soft their fur is, or the way the wind smells coming through the trees." The breeze swept past them, drawing her eyes to the swaying wildflowers at her feet, which she knelt beside, softly gliding her fingers along the petals. Her smile softened, tinted with melancholy. "I knew no appreciation for any of it, like the entire world was a mere picture book, with no life to it." Shyness suddenly seemed to overcome her, and she peered up at Locke through her swaying green hair. "Does that make any sense?"
Locke hated the empire at that moment, more intensely then he had in long while. Yet, he couldn't hold on to that negativity in the face of her innocent smile, and so he merely nodded, offering her a hand up, which she took, not caring at all about her now damp knees. "Yeah, I think I get what you're saying." Rather then elaborate, he swallowed his words. Hearing the truth of her life spoken back to her could only cause sadness. "Well then, I hope you're ready, you'll see a lot more on the way to Figaro. And my good pal Edgar and I will make sure you don't miss a thing!"
Terra giggled at his silly grin and enthusiasm, facing forward to look off into the distance as the wind rustled her hair once more. In the distance, a yellowish blur could be seen on the horizon, marking the start of the desert, and her real journey ahead. Tingles seem to run through her, and she was helpless before the smile that shone on her face.
"I can't wait."
A/N: And that's easily the shortest story I've 'ever' written, but it felt complete, and anything more would just bloat the scene. Hope you enjoyed it as much!