Split Decisions

by Lighter

Frustrations of being a king are having a strange effect on Edgar.

12. No more pieces

Celes grinned widely as the ball of lead left her palm landing further than the bulky men's who are going up against her. They cheered wildly, wooting and pumping their fist. Terra stood up from the table, victorious after having won the fourth eating contest held today. It wasn't hard with the help, plus she really loved the little chocolate tarts personally; Edgar used to bring boxes with him whenever he visited but that was years back before things got very busy. The Esper girl felt sort of guilty having fun without her fiance, but he insisted that she go and she couldn't refuse. Looking up at the ship, she was sure that she'd spotted him looking down into the kingdom with parascope in hand.

So far they've all been acting very casual while looking for Iron or one of his men. Edgar informed them during a meeting Locke held that there are only three members left, describing them as best as he could in order to help out, but so far none of the guest fit the description. Little did they know though, that the main creep they are looking for is actually among them. Covered by hood, and staggering like an old begger as he walks around the area in search of pain. He looks just like Edgar only mirrored, only now more tired, bedraggled, and straining to stay upright due to lack of a body he hadn't meant to become that attached to. The demon could have merged with Edgar's soul at some point! And they'd never see their beloved king again, Iron Lord would make certain of that.

A slimy smile erupted across his face as he came across angry little Gau in the wrestling ring.

Bingo.
Iron, cloaked and covered, made his way over to the wrestling ring. He could feel his strength returning with each step that he took toward the pained boy. Iron's thick and suffocating aura was almost visible as it reached out for the child. This was going to be much different from taking over the king's body, this young child didn't have much merit in the world, and never would. But the pain he can cause those ego-centric War Heroes could be great through this child's death.

"Hey watch it buddy!" Shouted a man who'd been knocked into by Iron. He gave the cloaked male a good shove as if to prove some point as to why he should 'watch where he's walking'.

Iron glared at the man from beneath the sloped hood. If anyone should be shoving people out of the way it should be him. Muttering a 'sorry' or something like it, Iron continued in his pace to get to Gau. Only problem with that was that little Gau was nowhere in sight. Where could he have gone so quickly? The brat was right there just a second ago! Looking around, he tried skimming the crowd for the green haired freak but he was gone, as if he'd vanished into thin air. Perhaps he'd gone into the castle? It was better that he be inside anyhow. The sunlight is making his skin itch and he can't afford to be without cover; knowing those bastard Returners they're keeping a sharp eye out for him and the others. It was kind of odd that he hasn't seen the beloved King anywhere around. He's spotted that puffed up Prince several times, and the very masculine queen, Locke. But, no Edgar. He surely can't still be in the castle? Bed-ridden from that poison. The pilots ship is overhead, there's no way the man would actually let his friend die for what he, Iron, had delightedly done to him. Would he? As funny as the thought was, it would actually hinder his plans for a new kind of world. A world of darkness, a world of pain... no one would know happiness again. Edgar was a fool to believe he'd actually help him along with his lame ideals and wishes, so were the rest of those follower morons. Sonya Lanton got everything that was coming to her, and the others will get what they've got coming to them as well. It was amazing how easily they all believed in him. Oh the fallen masses, easily swayed when they're embraced by someone willing to be leader. Pathetic.

Making his way towards the castle Iron was pleased to see the guards were in place but paid no real mind to anyone coming in or out of the building. He couldn't let his guard down, though, there was always that off chance that the whole thing was a facade to capture him. These people aren't slouches, regardless what he thinks of them. The demon practically cringed seeing all the decorations peppered about the castle walls and the potted plants with their fresh desert flowers that would have produced fruit in the summer had they not had their lives clipped away for a simple party. Lovely ladies, and handsomely dressed men mutter to each other in nearly every corridor that hasn't been barred off from access. Iron can smell food wafting from the distance ahead of him. Looking to another hall he sees that the king's hall is barred. A smirk crossed his face and slipping into the shadows, he dropped his cloak then melted into the cracks in the stone floor. Edgar will not hide from him.

Edgar found himself laughing out loud over the outcomes of each event. Locke was clearly throwing the smaller matches to boost the little guys' confidence levels. Terra was getting a picture painted, and Celes had gone on to arm wrestling. Sabin was speaking with Shadow at one of the towers. Gau was at the eating contest slaughtering the competition. Mog was teaching dances of his to kids that couldn't keep their hands off the cute little Moogle- gotta find a way to keep busybodies busy.

Writing a note back saying that he was going to switch rooms, Edgar left it to the bird then stood up from his comfortable seat heading back into the bedroom. He could feel the stillness in the air, something was wrong. Cautiously Edgar stepped around the room, his hand touched the pillar on the bed for the briefest second but that seemed all it took for him to confirm that Iron had entered his bedroom. Fingers rubbed together in order to remove the sticky black film that clung to the tips. But the question now is where is he?

'I should just walk out of here. Ask one of the guards to look around with me...' He really didn't want to put anyone else in harms way, but he'd be placing himself in immediate danger if he searched alone and found the sadistic bastard. Looking down at the floor, he knew that under the bed would be a prime place to hide; its not the only place in the room though. There's the dressing curtain, the large potrait, the hidden room he and Locke use, the bathroom, dressing cabinet, the trunk infront of his bed even. No sense in acting a coward. "You can come out Iron, I know you're here." Edgar called into airspace. His blue gaze flicks around the room like a bee looking for a flower to land on. But all remained still. Could the residue have been there all the time and he'd not noticed? Its very possible. But he still had the living quarters to check. Crossing the large room he pulled the door open to the sitting room, much to his surprise Iron wasn't hiding he was seated right out in plain-sight. Posture draped comfortably over the cushioned couch, leg crossed over the other, arm up over the back of the seat, like he belonged there.

He smiled at Edgar; it was odd seeing this... It was like looking into a scared, dirtied mirror. His hair tar black, his eyes a cold brown- but unlike the contacts that Edgar had put in, Iron's color is the real thing now. He looked worn and tired, almost melting, but that image comes about from the black streaks staining him here and there. And yet his arrogance, his poise remained above the rest where he'd put it.

"Come sit with me, Edgar. Come, come on." His palm lay open before his fingers flexed in and out to becon the man physically. "I think that we should have a... a little talk."

"I have nothing to say to you. You're a mutation, a monster... and its time to bring you down."

"But can you?"

Edgar paused in his steady pace towards the demon; what was he up to?

"How do you know that you and I aren't so bound that if you kill me... well," He trailed off laughing softly. "you may die too."

"I... you're bluffing. You want me to keep you alive."

"Yeah right. I'll never die, not as long as the world continues to grieve as it does." He uncrossed his legs; Edgar was sure that he'd get up off the couch, but Iron remained seated. "Besides, think about it... I left your body the moment you became weak from the poisoning."

"And because of that I know you can be killed."

"Yes, but I'm a very deep part of you, Eddie-boy- almost like we're joined at the hip, you could say." He winked at his blond reflection. "If you kill me then you'll undoubtedly be harming yourself as well."

"I'm willing to take that gamble." Edgar rushed at the man grabbing a hold of him by the head, his thumbs pressed powerfully against Iron's closed eyelids. He got a sort of sick thrill out of it when hearing the demon crying out in pain. One leg up on the couch, he leaned forward applying more pressure waiting for the sickening pop!

Outside at a safe distance from the festivities Sabin leans over the side of the castle wall watching all the people milling about the area. "Shadow, have you seen anything yet?"

"No."

"What about Interceptor?" The dog was moving about the area, surely it had smelled something by now.

"Haven't seen him yet."

"Oh. Well hey, how 'bout we take a break and do a little sword fighting together? Its been a while for us," He cocks his head off in the direction of the ring.

Shadow spared his lover a glance, receiving a shrug in return.

"I was only thinking it'd be pointless to just wait around for this guy. Iron could be dead anyway, Edgar was the one who'd gotten the cure and I'm sure Iron wasn't in him when it happened. At least, that's what my brother told me. He said he'd physically felt the detatchment; Iron didn't know if he'd be cured so he took off to find a new host."

"Why wouldn't he wait inside of your brother? If Iron were poisoned as Edgar was, wouldn't he wait around for the cure?"

"You make a point but, it just seems fishy. Being a demon maybe all he had to do was leave Edgar's body to be healed," He blinked as a gust of wind kicked up around the castle blowing a few grains of sand into the air. "Or that he can be healed simply by leaping into someone else."

"I'm not entirely clear about all the details on it, this thing has been in and out of towns for a year- could be more."

Shaking his head in thought Sabin sighed, leaning over the wall again his fingers steepled. "I hope this all works out. I can't stand seeing my brother suffering."

Edgar straightened up brushing a hand down his robe, smoothing out the wrinkles in it. His attention went directly for the door when it flung open.

"Your majesty, is everything alright?"

"Yes, everything is fine... I would though like to get dressed today. Can you please get my dresser for me?"

"Sir." The man saluted before closing the door and heading away.

Edgar lurched forward covering his mouth with his hand and he began to cough into his fist before he could hold the urge to do so back. Recovering after a good hard release he wipes the blood from the side of his hand off on a handkerchief that lay tucked into the side table drawer. It had been nearly impossible to hold his sickness at bay while he coaxed Edgar over to him. He had to get the man close enough, had to get him to touch him. It had almost been too easy really. He thought for sure the man would do something like throw a sword or dagger into his heart. Hn. The fool, he doesn't realize how easily his death would have come that way but Edgar wanted revenge for what Iron had done and so he came animosity and all and did the job for him.

When the maid entered the room Iron had to swallow back his instincts to kill this woman. He didn't know if Edgar had people checking up on him from time to time or not, so he had to stay lowkey. Following her into the king's bedroom, he waited patiently like a good little Edgar until she'd chosen an outfit for him and helped him to get it on by holding the sleeves out for him and adjusting his belts and chains.

"Will that be all, your majesty?" She asked politely.

"That will be all tha-.." He swayed a bit but caught himself. "Thank you."

With a curtsey she left the room closing the door behind her. Iron watched the door for a moment then opened it back up, stepping into the living room he walked to the main door exiting it as well. The guards saluted him and after giving a nodding response he walked down the hall. Looks as though he hadn't been locked in after all. A clock standing against the wall told him that the day was nearing the evening and soon all the guest would be coming inside for the ball and banquet, where he'd allow his men to give them a real treat with their meal. It shouldn't be hard for the 3 of them to kill civilians while watching out for those Returner bastards in the process. And he could always keep them occupied while they work. The guards will have to listen to him no matter what after that, and Figaro castle will be his to command and rule, and land by land he'll take over the entire planet filling it with despair and pain so that more of his kind can be born into this world.

"Ggggrrrrr..."

Iron looked over his shoulder spotting a black and brown dog standing there; tail in the air, head dipped, growling low in its throat. He smiled at the mutt then turned around kneeling down. Holding his hand out he reached for the dog petting it on the head. "That's a good boy, you don't want to hurt me." He whispered. 'Whose dog is this?' He wondered as he absently continued to pet it. He couldn't place it by memory, and it has no collar or tags. Probably some mutt that wandered in by mistake. But he can't run the risk regardless. "Come with me, I'll give you a nice treat."

Interceptor, recognizing Edgar's scent followed the familiar man to a nearby closet. Its dark inside but the smell is strange, clean almost. It must be a storage closet for the maids. Closing the door, Iron bent down eye level to the animal; pricking his finger by biting through the skin of the thumb he held the dripping apendage over the mutt and let the dark black blood drip into Interceptor's nostril. The dog fought it, writhing and throwing its head back and forth but soon the effects took, and the animal affectionately licked its new master.

...

The chandeliers hang brightly lit over the ballroom filled with twirling and dipping dancers, all chatting as they moved about the large room. Some people walked over to the king who's seated on his throne looking humbled and handsome to his guest; Locke's by his side in the other beautifully made throne chair explaining that Edgar can't speak because his throat is very very sore. Everyone understood deciding that a short exchange of words: Lovely party, a wonderful day, you look very handsome, your Majesty etcetera and they would leave once Edgar took a bow and smiled.

Relm was very amused at how no one recognized a statue over Edgar her painting skills have become so honed this little gag is actually coming off without a hitch. And off to the side the Chancellor is bringing her sweets to eat while she hides away behind a very large curtain that leads to a secret room. It would have been a servant but it would have looked suspcious having a man entering and leaving a place in the castle that doesn't have an actual room but no one would think twice about the king's right hand man slipping back and forth through barred off places, no matter what he's carrying. Things were almost too peaceful, it was unnerving. Maybe they wouldn't come on this night and everything would be well? No, chances of that were very slim. Relm had to stifle a yawn a few times when the music slowed down to a waltz, she preferred the faster more up to date tunes that inspire brilliant paintings and sculptures.

"Mmm." She voiced when eating a candy-coated strawberry.

Over by the refreshments table, Gau was having his fill of cake and cookies barely coming up for air. But he paused mid-bite and began to sniff at the air. There was that weird smell again. The boy nearly jumped out of his skin when a pair of hands dropped onto his boney shoulders. Turning his head, he relaxes seeing that its only Terra. The woman smiled down at him.

"Gau, don't go filling up on sweets, save some room for dinner."

"Gau.." He swallowed what was in his mouth. "But I was only taste testing them all; want the rundown on my favorites?" He asked looking at the table then back up at the Esper woman.

"How 'bout we dance instead? I'll teach you the one they're doing now." She looked over her shoulder at the dance floor where the crowd has seperated into two lines one of men and the other the women.

The lines came together in the middle, touched palms then stepped away twirling when they were back on their side of the room. The women kicked their feet out a good step of two, the men countered by tapping the tip of their shoes on the floor behind them while they popped their shoulders up and down then end with a bow. Gau looked on the verge of either laughing or crying at the thought of dancing foolishly around like that. But Terra nudged the boy before taking his hand and leading him to the dance floor where they joined the crowd. Gau wasn't exactly graceful and a few times he'd outright tripped over his own feet but he stuck it out with his friend and clapped when the song ended.

"Excuse me, Miss Bradford?" A guard tapped Terra on the shoulder.

"Yes?"

"A message from Setzer Gabbiani has come for you." He handed the tiny slip of paper to the woman.

"Thank you." She unrolled it giving it a quick read. Looking at the guard she thanked him and hurried over to Locke.

"Hey Terr', having fun?" He asked with a smile on his face which vanished quickly upon seeing the woman's expression. "What happened?"

"Setzer was speaking to Edgar via carrier pigeon, and he said that Edgar stopped. The last thing he'd received was a letter saying that Edgar planned on switching rooms to get a better view of the area."

"Shit." Locke spat. He was glad that the crowd had slowed with coming up to greet the King, because he wasn't in the mood for pleasantries right now. Standing he looked over his shoulder to where Relm was giving the girl a signal that it was starting. "I'll go look for Edgar. You and the others should take an entrance and make sure that no one gets in."

"Right."

Locke crossed the room quickly and went out the large double doors. Edgar can't have gotten far; hopefully its by his own will that he's absent and not because Iron found him. Stalking through the hall he rounds a corner and for some reason has to slap a hand to the wall to support him from rocking over. It felt like a mini earthquake. He didn't have time to wonder what the hell that was and continued to search for his missing lover.

The party continued on with guest oblivious to the possible danger brewing around them. The cook brought out another large bird after the first group cleared the table of every morsel of food. It will go on like this until two in the morning.

The Returners barely had time to make it to the doors when the ground shook beneath them in intervals, it was almost like an earthquake was walking rather than shaking violently away until its end. Was the castle being moved to the another continent? Surely someone would have said something about it. All attention went to the main entrance to the ballroom as the doors rattled on the hinges. Sabin parted his way through the frightened people who are clenching and clinging onto each other wondering what the commotion could be.

"Everybody get into the dining room!" He called over his shoulder while continuing to stride to the doors.

Panicked, the crowd moved a little too hurriedly to the next room and almost didn't make it inside before the doors blasted open flying across the room and smacking into the back of the wall. A large creature was revealed before the martial artist. Snarling, large fangs exposed and dripping drool and what could only be blood. Damnit. Where did this thing come from. It let out a loud roar before moving into the room at a huntering pace. Head low and stalking in a circling way. The prince took the briefest second to glance to where Shadow is positioned, surely he noticed right away too?

"Interceptor." He whispered. Wondering what the hell happened to his dog. This thing with its bulging lumps protruding everywhere from its body, the enlarged hump on the dogs back was disconcerting as well. It looked more like a buffalax than a dog. Stepping forward with little concern for his own safety against the beast, the assassin clenched his fist in anger. Someone had done this to his dog and once he figures out how to change Interceptor back they're gonna pay.

The mutaded dog turned its head when seeing Shadow come forward, it growled either in recognition of master or of new prey. Shadow could feel Sabin's energy pulling but he held out an arm to stop him. He could handle it himself.

"Interceptor... Sit!"

The dog barked; the volume of it could shatter an eardrum. Shadow reached into his pocket holding a thick little ball in his grasp.

"Don't forget about us!" Someone called from the busted door.

The Returners, who had kept a distance from the revamped Interceptor, turn their attention towards the new distraction. 3 men stand at the door, suited up, weapons in hand. It didn't take a familiar to recognize that the weapons were Edgar's creations: crossbow, the double-edged swords, and a metal whip.

"What the hell is that thing?" Carlton asked staring at Interceptor.

"Nothing you need to worry about," Sabin slammed his large fist into the skinny speakers face sending him bouncing down the hallway.

When he'd finally stopped tumbling he grabbed his face screaming that his jaw was broken. Dodging a blow from the larger male of the group Sabin felt a sting of guilt slither through his veins. Edgar had told them not to hurt them, that they were under Iron's order and were completely innocent, but dammit! Look at all the trouble they've caused, the people they've killed and why? What did they get out of it? How did it help their cause to moving past being an outsider? It didn't. It was senseless and they had to know that, but they continued on doing it anyway and because of that... Cyan.

Swinging his arm backward he chopped the large male in the neck sending him backward, but he caught himself. This one was going to be trouble.

Interceptor had rushed at Shadow biting into the forearm that tried to shield his owner from the attack to the throat. The fabric tore easily but the bone didn't break due to a very heavy metal cuff beneath it; closing his fist just right produced seven thin blades from the band which cut into the mutated dogs gums. It wriggled its head around trying to stop the pain without releasing its prey but had to retreat as the pain grew. The dog barked threateningly, but withdrew further when Shadow threw the pepper bomb into the dogs eyes. The effects worked instantly blinding Interceptor and keeping him at bay from the others. Now how to get that blood out of the dog without killing him...

Terra could only listen to the commotion in the next room, hiding out and calming the guest in the dining room. She'd never be forgiven if she fought in her condition, no matter how badly she wanted to. The wall shook as the large dog must have backed into it, but there are other sounds battle noises. Those three men must have come into the room as well.

Relm could only watch in hiding while her friends went on the attack. She wasn't sure what to do. The guest were locked away in the next room, but she wasn't in a position to help the others even though she could give up on the ruse. But maybe she could? Statue Edgar could do some damage or at least take some. Standing the doppleganger on his feet she moved him through the room to where Celes is battling with a man.

...

"Why does this castle have to be so damned big?" Locke wondered outloud as his search for Edgar was about to hit a stand-still. He's in the North wing now. Locke's just about to turn back and head for the ballroom when a blond blur passed his vision down the hall. "Edgar?" He called out.

The figure stopped then turned in his direction coming toward him. It is Edgar!

"Where have you been? Setzer said the two of you were talking and you just stopped. Are you alright?" Locke asked, eyes scanning the male for injuries. "Iron didn't come after you again, did he?"

"No." Edgar replied in a low tone.

"Then what happened?" Locke became very suspicious.

"I got a headache, I thought I'd find something to take for it."

Relieved, the thief wrapped his arms around his lover in a hug before removing one to hold him about the waist while he steers him over to a seat placed between two suits of armor. "Did you get the herbs?" Locke asked, his voice full of concern as he knelt down beside the chair. "I can go get them for you."

"Would you?"

"Sure." He grinned handsomely. Standing, he hurries down the hall.

"Locke?" Edgar called to him.

"Yeah?" Turning around, he was just in time to dodge an arrow aimed right for his forehead. Momentarily shocked the thief recovered quickly- at least he had to since his possessed lover was currently dashing towards him, sword drawn. "Shit." Hurrying down the corridor he rounds a corner. Maybe he can lose him. Edgar may battle with more speed but as far as running is concerned Locke has him beat.

...

Celes grunted as Darrien held a sword down over her head, their two weapons slicing into each other but neither can manage to get the upperhand. It wasn't exactly easy fighting someone you're not to harm. Shoving him away with a powerful swing, the ex-general is surprised to see Edgar wrap his arms around the males waist holding him tightly in place against him. Turning to where Relm was hidden, she waved a 'thanks'.

Shadow withdrew a few poisonous senbon from his throat shooting them at his dog. If Iron left Edgar because his body was jeopardized because of the poison it may work for Interceptor too. But just as he was about to shoot them, the blinded dog sprinted forward like an enraged bull knocking Shadow into the far wall; the collison nearly forced the readied needles down the wrong tube and for a moment the ninja struggled to eject them from his throat.

"Shadow watch out!" Strago called to him. A purple mist glowed around the man, brownish yellow color coursed through it.

"Strago, use poison," Shadow coughed out.

The elderly man's cheeks puffed up and he belched loudly to release his 'Foul Breath' technique.

Interceptor snuffled his nose and shook his head trying to blow it out but his senses had turned on him and suddenly down was up, left was right, and his skin was crawling with a feeling of millions of ants living within it, he was poisoned and confused and because of this he went slamming into anything he could make contact with to knock himself back into coherance. It wouldn't have been such a problem if the dog weren't cracking his skull open in the process.

Mog set his hands on his hips then keeping his short legs straight he bounced forward three steps then flings his right arm from back to front over his shoulder. The room began to freeze with a cold wind but the majority of the frost was aimed at Interceptor and as Snowman Jazz activated the dog froze over in a block of ice. His body stilled, the dog can still be heard whimpering from within the ice surrounding him as the poison continued taking effect.

Shadow watched his beloved dog suffering, and ordered for Mog to break the ice.

Kupo! The little white animal replied, before shaking his head. "I can't break it, it'll severe your dog. I'll have to melt it." He wriggled his arms like a snake then flopped on his belly to do the worm. His Earth Blues dance should do the trick.

A beam of sunlight aimed itself at the dog melting away the ice almost instantly. Interceptor lay in a tired heap on the floor; his mouth oozing something thick and black. His body began to shrink back to its normal size. They did it. Now to get the poison out of him.

"I've got the cure, Shadow." Strago said to the ninja before starting across the room with a bottle in hand.

"Oh no you don't." Said Carlton from the entry way, firing two arrows from the crossbow.

"Grampa!" Relm cried but it made no difference.

The bottle of antidote hit the floor in a shattered mess, and with that mess lay Strago's left arm. The little girl closed her eyes and screamed.

...

Locke turned a corner a little too sharp and popped his arm against the edge of the wall. He couldn't stop running though, he had to gain some leverage on his possessed lover. Damn, why'd he have to be in the North wing. Darting down the stairs of the dungeon room, he took a right and closed himself into the only cell with an opened door. He was really surprised to see that the secret entrance had been broken open and is now in use again- well, that explains how Iron's gang had managed to get in and out without anyone noticing, and it wouldn't be hard for them to slip past the guards during their shift switch. If Iron follows him, he'll have the advantage in the caves. No matter how many times the male has been through here, Iron doesn't have it memorized even in the darkness as he does. Dashing behind a large pillar of dirt just in time to hide from his pursuer who swung the entrance open so hard it crumpled some soil from the ceiling.

Iron looked around the not-so-secret hole in the wall, darkness everywhere. Stepping inside he tip-toed about as though Locke didn't already know that he'd entered the caves. "Come out, come out, where ever you aaare..."

Since he'd been running and had little time to actually catch his breath before Iron showed up, he was trying hard to keep his breathing quiet. Locke snuck behind another pillar as soundlessly as he could make his movements. Iron noticed the unearthly stillness in the air, maybe he should disrupt it. Jerking on the chain, he heard Locke's sharp gasp before the thief went silent again but it was enough for the demon to know where to look for the frightened mouse. Shrieking loudly he raised the weapon into the air and dashed over to where Locke was hiding.

The thief ran about the room knowing that he still had an advantage, and if he can reach the entrance to close the cave door his odds would be better. Dashing from behind his hiding place he charged at the cave door, right when he gave it a shove he spotted a glint of metal before the buzzing sound engulfed his senses and the heat of the swirling saw brushed past his face. Falling back onto his butt he hurried off to hide again and sliding into the safety of the darkness, his hand brushed through the damp soil to locate a stone or maybe even a broken piece of glass. Damn it, why didn't he think before touching Edgar. He'd taught the man too well; Locke hadn't even felt it when his possessed lover lifted his dirk from the back of his pants. Maybe he can get the chainsaw away from him, so they can at least be on fair grounds. He can't hold up against something like that, but when it came to street brawling Locke could swing like the best of them.

Edgar's rich laughter filled the air and, in a voice much like the king's, Iron said. "Locke please... you have to kill me this time. I don't know if I can break free of his hold."

Locke rolled his eyes to the comment. That wasn't Edgar. He may be a sucker for the man but he isn't stupid. He's just trying to get him to talk so he can figure out where he is. Something hard met his finger tip, and Locke fished it from the ground. This should serve as a good enough distracting. Hurling the stone across the cave it hit the opposite wall with a dull thud. He's dead. There is no way Iron could have heard that over the roar of the chainsaw, and he just threw away his only form of defense. 'Think Locke, think!' He popped his hands against his head trying to clear it.

"Got'cha!" Iron called out swinging the stiff saw into something that wasn't Locke.

But the impact was enough to make the hidden male's stomach lurch at the thought. 'There's an entrance to the deeper part of the cave fifteen feet away from me. I can make it over all that noise.'

Scrambling to his feet Locke bolted, but paused when the motor died suddenly. He's out in the open! One foot poised to move forward, his body leaned over. But that wasn't the worst of his problems, he could have easily slipped behind another block of safety. no. His problems got worse when a large light blinded the room. Iron must have had his Flash machine hidden in the cells too. That bastard had planned to lure him here!

"Look at this," Iron was practically gloating. "the little mouse got caught in the act. ...Hmm.. you weren't trying to skip out on me were you?"

Locke had to lower his head and squint his vision up at the demon because the light was so blinding. Its just as well though, the sight before him is terrifying. Edgar's 6'2" form standing in all its glory within the light, his shadow an enormous and looming presense around the room; his face is making the beam of light shine more painfully to Locke, due to the mask covering it. Locke may not be able to clearly see Edgar, but the man can damn sure see him. The weapon was designed to blind opponents and the counterpart was designed to protect Edgar, thin red clear sheet lay over the eye sockets of the mask making the light non-existant to the wearer. His lover is a frightening advesary. But he's got flaws and Locke knows all of them.

Rushing at Edgar he swings a right hook, kneeing Iron in his covered face knowing that the demons only option would be to duck from the swing. His knee made contact with the man's face just as his elbow slammed down onto the back of Iron's head clamping it between the two for a powerful and painful blow, his foot dug hard into his lover's torso kicking him away. Iron staggered backward a few steps but he seemed generally unphased.

"I hope you enjoyed that show of bravery, Locke. But the fun is over."

Hiding behind a pillar- or at least he hoped to the Gods it was a pillar and not actually Edgar, his voice sounded awfully close- touching the wall, he nodded in confirm that he was infact behind a pillar.

"Edgar may not be able to use his weapons to their full potential, but I sure can."

Locke wondered what he meant by that.

"But here, I'll give you a fair advantage- sort of." He tossed something beside Locke's feet.

Kneeling down, he touched at the ground and found that it was the sword he'd thought Edgar had left behind in the castle when he was chasing him through the halls like a madman. Grabbing it, he practically clutched it to his chest like a shield. A battle in the dark against a chainsaw might be dangerous, but he could still win. At least he thought so until a thick, Clunk! hit his ears, followed by the roar of the chainsaw starting up again. Leaning the blade of the sword outward he nearly missed seeing that the chainsaw was attached to the flashbox at the top, the light shining at the bottom. That clenched it. He's dead.

...

Celes gathered Strago up and hurried him off to safety, Mog was right behind her gathering the detached arm. Relm was broken by this turn of events as she looked at her wounded grandfather. The man's breathing was raspy and he was sweating. He's too old for an injury like this, he'll lose too much blood.

"You guys, I heard Relm scream" It was Terra. She slipped in and over to them, kneeling behind the safety of the large curtain. "what's happened?" Her breath came in sharp, her hand up to her mouth as if to keep it there because the release would be a tornado. "Lay him down, maybe I can fix it."

Relm perked, her face still moist with tears and a little snot. "Can you Terra, can you fix it?"

"I might be able to." Grabbing the arm, she set it back with the body. "Its weak, but it might help." Holding her hands over the severed limb they glowed a light shade of green but it dulled to nothing within seconds. No. It has to work. Doing it again this time she got a much darker color and the mist circulated around the arms and bleeding nub.

Celes's eyes went wide in shock. Terra's using magic! Relm was too stricken to notice or care how the arm was put back on, or if not then hopefully the wound would close up so he wouldn't lose more blood. There was so much blood, its everywhere! She has her knees resting in it. Strago's eyes flutter open and his breathing became a little better, but the veins in the arm remained broken from the body. The wound however was closing off, healing the severed veins and nerves, the skin was trying to form but couldn't do much.

Terra fell over, tired and out of breath. "That's all I can do for now."

"Relm..." The elderly man said, his full arm reached for the child.

"I'm right here, oldman. Don't scare me like that anymore." She bellowed over her relieved tears.

"Hehahaha, I'll try not to scare myself either." He wheezed.

"Is anyone else injured?" Terra asked.

Celes shook her head. "Sabin is still fighting, Interceptor's been poisoned and the antidote was spilled." They look out into the ballroom from the crack in the curtain.

Shadow was mopping up the antidote with his mouth guard and walking over to his dog he knelt down stuffing it into the animals whimpering mouth. They couldn't tell what he was saying to Interceptor, but his mouth was moving and after a moment, he stood up and seemed to vanish. The next thing they heard was a scream from an unfamiliar voice.

Sabin flipped over Sesto's head grabbing the man by the top of his shoulders, digging his foot into the man's broad back flipping him over just hard enough to throw Sesto over him. The gang member landed hard on his stomach with no time to recover due to Sabin rolling over him, pinning him down. His long, thick claws slam into the ground beside his head keeping it in place and before he can react the prince is slamming his head into the back of Sesto's knocking his face into the floor just as hard as the back is being hit. He's got to stop this. Swinging his leg up, agile as a crane, he kicked the prince on the back of his head right when Sabin drew back to hit him again, the impact was enough to stun him with wonder but that was good enough to have Sesto push his weight back and slip from beneath the man's massive body. Kicking Sabin in the back of the head he gave him a taste of his own medicine, smiling when the prince's head hit the floor in the small puddle of blood his nose had left behind.

Disgusted the prince pulled his claws free and wiped the back of his hand across his blood stained face- none of it his though- he jerked forward feeling a heel smashing into his back, and in a haste move slashes at the air behind him slicing into the man's leg before he has a chance to retract it. Sesto growled out his pained sounds staggering away. Rising to his feet Sabin and Sesto size each other up, the prince has maybe an inch on the man in height but Sesto was a little thicker in muscle mass than himself. Didn't matter. For what he's done his life is over. Edgar will just have to be mad at him. Rushing the man he swoops at the air, his claws slicing through nothing as Sesto ducks from the attack before swinging at Sabin with his own which was also dodged in the same fashion. So it seemed the man could fight.

Doing a back roundhouse kick, Sabin was mirrored by the gang member over and over, 3 times of kicks until Sabin dropped his weight sweeping Sesto off his feet. Remaining on the floor beside the fallen man, he swings his weight left on his hand and foot then snaps it right, kicking the man in the jaw with a powerful blow from his left foot. Sesto skidded across the floor and into a pile of spears on the wall. They clatter to the floor around him. He picked one up. It may not be claws but it would do. **Spinning the spear with expertise he thrust it forward at the charging male, who side stepped it easily spinning his dodge into a back-handed chop that didn't make a landed hit. Sabin was nailed in the gut by the blunt end of the weapon and in his stumble he picked up a spear of his own. He's not as good as Edgar wielding one of them but he's decent.

The two clash weapons over and over again with one man dodging the other ones attack in vice versa. Sabin would suddenly aim for Sesto's feet but the male would jump and Sabin would do the same when his feet were under attack. They would dodge when a swipe was aimed for their head, or block with an arm or leg when neccesary. The fight seemed almost a choreographed demonstration as no one seemed to have the upper hand yet; when finally Sabin's strength won over the wooden handle of Sesto's spear snapping it in half. But his opponent wasn't beat yet and he used the cracked stick like Tonfa. Blocking with them and jabbing Sabin whenever he could land a hit and he had many since, with a longer weapon Sabin was blocking one attack and being hit with the other. He leveled the playing field by snapping his own spear in half over his knee but he does not use them as Tonfa, he instead flung one at the unsuspecting male like it were a dagger.

The gang member blocked it by smacking it aside but the distraction kept him from seeing the Aura Bolt the prince conjured up and sent flying his way.

"Ugh!" He was blown into a wall so hard his imprint cracked into it. Clutching his bruised chest, the man looked around for where Sabin had gone and deftly his ears picked up the sound of hammering. Looking around the room his gaze finally shifted up where he sees the male climbing up the wall like a lumberjack would climb a tree with his gear. Only Sabin is marring the stone structure with his beloved weapon. Searching for something to throw he picks up this spear and that hurling them at the fly on the wall but he missed everytime. He has to get his aim right...

Sesto, without even feeling what caused it to happen, fell to his knees. He tried moving his body but not a limb worked, he could only turn his head. Was this a spell?

"Thanks Shadow, I can take it from here." The prince said to the ninja who stands across the room.

The unmasked male stands at the entrance of the room and to Sesto he nods for him to look over his shoulder. The gang member turned his head and just barely could see the handle of the dagger that's been thrown into his back. No wonder he couldn't move, he's been paralyzed! Looking up, his eyes widen in fear as he sees Sabin press his feet into the wall.

"This is for Cyan, you son of a bitch!" Shoving his weight free, he curls into fetal position, claws facing downward he spins almost like a top gaining speed in the drop over the paralyzed opponents head.

Even Shadow winced at the sickening crunching sound of the man being sliced into before Sabin's weight finished crushing him. He'd done a fair share of damage on the man in the hall who had whined about a broken jaw which at the time he didn't have. But he'd worry about more than that now- granted he were alive. By the look of him you'd think monsters mauled at him to look like that, but Shadow was only being nice. The other one, that was battling with Celes had been crushed in a bear hug by the statue of Edgar holding him. Blood oozed out of his mouth, pooling on the floor beneath he and the now inactive statue. All was quiet, the fighting at an end. Only question now is where are Locke and Edgar?

Down in the caves its taking everything Locke has to defend himself against Edgar's assalt. His bones are actually shaking from the impact of the deflected swings. Unfortunately the sword didn't hold up very well and snapped in half after clash number 5. He'd been knocked to the ground and helpless to do anything but await certain death. He still had one option though, as he sat blinded by the flashbulb knowing what would happen once the light shifted, he raised his foot and with all the strength he could muster Locke took the low road and kicked his lover in the balls. Hard. Judging by the swear and yell, he'd made contact with the right location. Iron fell heavily to the ground, the bulb burst the moment the weapon fell down beside the thief and his lover but the saw continued spinning into the dirt. In the darkness, Locke blinked over and over glad that the blinding light had finally been staunched. Unsure of where the switch was, he let the chainsaw roar on beside them.

"Edgar, plea-..." His words cut off when a hand wrapped tightly around his throat.

"You little shit." Hissed Iron through gritted teeth. But his grip loosened and a sputter of coughs shot from his mouth.

Without even seeing, Locke knew it was blood that spattered onto his face. But how? Edgar had been healed, unless...

"Ryan please... kill me. you'll stop Iron, certainly, by doing so."

Nevermind his nickname... it was the voice that said it all. That voice reserved only for him, produced only by Edgar. Reaching forward he cupped his lovers face within his hands. "Edgar I can't... I won't."

The saw stopped whirling, and humming whether it was because its wielder had turned it off or if it had simply stopped from being on for so long without pause. But the silence was deafening.

"But I'm suffering... will you let me continue to do so?" He sounded so far away now, but he was still near. "Here, use this..." He hands Locke a small dirk, the one he had dropped in the hall. "You have to."

Clutching the weapon in his hand, he knew what he had to do...

66666

When Edgar opened his eyes it was evening. He'd been sleeping off and on all week. It was doctor's order that he stay in bed but he was upset about it to be sure. He missed many things during that week, his brother's coronation ceremony and the signing of documents to become King of the Doma region. Cyan's funeral... it had hurt him hearing about what happened to a close friend, but not as much as it had hurt his brother. It was painful seeing the sadness in those twin crystal blue eyes of his, whenever he'd come into Edgar's bedroom to see him he would have the eyes of a grieving man and the weight as well. Chairs and the bed creaked from his heavy crown. He'd roughly been told about what went on that night all those days ago. But in the end it all came out the same. The four misguided members of Iron's gang are all dead. Everyone tells him that it isn't his fault but he believes otherwise. He won't let it get to him though. Strength comes from knowing when to grieve and when to live and now is not the time to grieve. He still has a world that needs repairing but now he has much knowledge that he isn't alone with it and he never was. He can only regret that it took him so long to realize it. But mentally, his health has gotten a lot better and it continues to.

What happened back at the cave was... it was otherworldly. Locke had taken the dirk and with all his strength stabbed him, right between the ribs... right in the heart. He'd seen darkness after a flash of light so blinding he thought for a moment the Flashbox hadn't been broken and was on backup supply but that couldn't be. And with immense pain coursing through his chest, he saw a darkness far greater than a closed in cave... he saw death. It touched him. Took him. Held him and bathed its cold into his very last breath, and just as soon as he'd frozen over, inside and out, he was warmed. A gently but present warmth that wrapped him and craddled him back to life. Him and him alone. Iron had died, and was gone. But Edgar didn't understand what had happened until he saw a bit of feather come off of one of the bandages the doctor had changed. Locke had a pheonix feather with him, who knew how long the theif had been holding onto it or why, but he'd kept it and used it. And thankfully, it worked. A rebirth in his lovers laughing arms, while tears fell from his eyes. He'll never in his years forget that sight, and he'll never want to see it again. Pain can't play with joy, they'd only live with a crack that cannot be repaired and eventually one side would win out and pain is usually that...

Iron only wanted him so that he could have his poison cured. The demon was dying and would have died but Edgar's body kept him going for at least a bit longer, in the end the poison won out and dropped the demons senses leaving Edgar coherant and that was when he knew what had to be done. Because he could not take it any longer; Locke had to kill him.

A knock took him from his task of staring out the window at the setting sun. "Come in?" He thought it was strange that anyone would knock. Must be a maid, he came to figure but was surprised to see... "Setzer? What are you doing here?"

The man shrugged, and with cane in hand he limped into the room. "Should be a month more with this thing and I'll be back to my usual cool." He laughed. "May I?" He gestured to a seat beside the bed.

Rathering that the man did not Edgar nodded regardless what his gut was painfully telling him. Time to face the facts and pay the price.

"Well, I'll get right to it." Says the gambler. "Why are you avoiding me? Have I done something wrong?"

Edgar scoffed. "You know full well why... its because of what I've done to you."

Setzer shook his head. "No, no. That was what Iron had done... not you."

"I could have stopped him."

"I was under the impression that you could not." He looked down at his lap then nodded. "I see I was mistaken, sorry."

"Don't do this... this is exactly why I didn't want to see you. I can't be brought back to that place, not right now. I wanted to wait until I was ready- until you were."

Neither male looked at the other as they spoke, it seemed almost impossible for Edgar to, Setzer seemed to only be thinking to himself and finally he looked up at the king.

"Does it really hurt you this much that you've done that to me? To everyone?"

"Yes, it does. Cyan is dead because of me and so are the ones who helped Iron in his attempted destruction."

Nodding, Setzer shifts himself from the chair to the bed beside the man. "Then say this with me... No pain today will hurt greater than the pain of those days past."

"What?"

"Its my mantra. I say it whenever I'm deeply affected by something and it instantly takes the pain away." Slapping a hand to Edgar's shoulder he continued. "We've all got something we do to bring us back from the brink. Terra smoothes wrinkles from her dresses when there are no wrinkles there; she hates large crowds of unfamiliar faces but doing this simple action calms her anxieties."

"But how..." He shook his head, not following what the man was getting at. "How can something like that work? What could possibly be worse than... than THAT?"

"I lost my parents when I was sixteen years old, that pain has never left me even to this day. My life ended- twice- I got amnesia and then had to remember it all over again. It was dreadful, and nothing existing in this life can take the place of that pain. That is 'how' my mantra allows me to move forward, to forgive."

Edgar closed his eyes as if to shut out the kindness he feels he does not yet deserve.

"Oh stop that, beating yourself up... surely if I, the wronged, can forgive you then you can forgive yourself."

"The pain of what was done is still going on, yours is very worn and ready to aid you to move forward. My mantra to still this pain remains fresh."

"Then shelve it man," Setzer persisted. "You must be feeling a little better by now? Demon's dead, everyone is mending nicely... Cyan will be greatly missed but who won't be when age or illness or accident has claimed them?"

"You're too kind to me. I've done the unthinkable and yet here you are. Are you sick?"

"Foolish... I've heard... a madman, drunkard- you hear a lot of things about yourself when people don't believe you're in the same room as them." He shrugged. "Consider me foolish. And isn't it better to get over this thing now than to wait it out? Sit around adopting weird behavior around each other that will ultimately break us apart for good because neither one of us can take it. I don't want that."

"I don't either but... its not easy to look at you even now- especially with you being nice to me. I was ready for the anger- an outright pummeling." He looked at the man now, Setzer's pale face disappearing into shadows making it easier for him to look. "I don't deserve this treatment."

"Fine, would you rather I say nasty insincere things about you to the others? Turn my nose up when I see you and make it very known that you're dead to me?"

"Gods no, that sounds ghastly."

They chuckled at the thought.

"I just meant, emotionally, I'm not ready to be forgiven. Call me weak to 'guilt whallowing'."

Nodding, Setzer stands. "Very well, I'll give you two months to cope- Terra and I will be having our wedding around then- if you don't show up... I'll know your answer to moving on about this, if you do show up, then please, feel no judgements coming from me."

Edgar looked astonished but nodded his understanding.

"Thank you. In the mean time," He leaned over right into Edgar's face and softly, quickly, kissed the king on the lips. Backing away he smiled and said. "There, now we both have something to 'guilt whallow' in," Snickering he continued as he limped to the door. "I rather enjoyed that." He continued laughing as he walked out of the room.

Edgar smiled, shaking his head in disbelief. "He should really add 'lunatic' to that pile of truth he's snooped out of people."

He couldn't help but feel a little better though. Setzer may be crazy but he makes a good point. Maybe he should have a ritual or a mantra to calm him when he's in need.

"Hey Ed', you mind if I sit with you now? I know you need your rest but," Locke walked over to the bed, flopping down onto it. "I can only sleep in another room for so long." Wrapping his arms around his lover, he pulls him down so he can rest his blond head on his chest.

"Locke," Edgar said thoughtfully.

"Mmm?"

"Will you always be with me- even if your not here?"

"Always. You can have eight demons in you, your head can spin around while you devour my innards," He smiled. "None of us are going anywhere."

Nodding, Edgar smiled his eyes closing. "Then that's all I'll ever need."

5 years later.

Two children, a boy and a girl at 4 years old, hurry up a mountain trail screaming and jumping as they chase down a grasshopper. When catching the bug the boy peeks into his cupped hands at the madly hopping creature.

"Alex, let me see!" The girl peered over her brother's shoulder. "Let meeee..." She pleaded on the brink of an explosion of need.

"Okay... here, look." He opened his hands.

Reaching for it the bug instead hopped onto the girls face which earned it a "bleh" right before a tiny hand came up to her forehead giving the bug a half splatter against her face as she swatted it to the ground. Her brother's gasp said it all.

"Nina, look what you did!" The boy exaggerated.

"I didn't mean to! Just fix it then."

Alex sighed in annoyance that he had to 'do anything' at all. Holding his hands over the bug with the crushed torso, he wriggled his fingers until his hands began to glow and a green mist washed over the grasshopper. The smashed half of its body fluffed back up, almost like the splatter were going back in reverse until the bug was the way it used to be. And realizing it got another chance at life, it quickly took it and ran.

"Rats." Nina declared when the bug seemingly commited suicide by jumping off the cliff. "I didn't even get to hold it..." She shook her head in dismay, her white curls looked like a snowy avalanche about her head. "Wanna go home and get some cookies?"

"Okay." Taking his sisters offered hand, he allows her to lead him up the mountain side to their home.

They two kids love living up so high from the rest of the world. There are other families around as well. But none of them are as great as their family because they're the only one's with an airship.

But something else existed on the mountain of Algol, not above it, but below... a stone statue of a woman. A powerful Goddess, infact. And its glowing...

THE END