Here's the next chapter, there are about three left after this one. The last cameo villain shows up, here.
Final Fantasy IV: The After Years and its characters, locations, etc. were created by Squaresoft.
The Edge of Madness
The party entered a large room with white walls and a yellowish tile flooring. Edge and Tsukinowa took note of a staircase southwest of their position, and another one just beneath a teleporter and a place where they could set up camp if needed.
From the teleporter, Edward, Harley, Cid, Gekkou and Zangetsu emerged to meet their companions, carrying Whisperweed with them.
"Edward, what's wrong?" Rydia was a bit surprised, since the companions left behind on the Lunar Whale were waiting for them.
"There's something you guys need to hear" said Edward, nervously"Cecil, Yang, Edge, I've begun to hear voices from the whisperweed again."
Puzzled, Cecil, Yang and Edge went to join Edward at the 'camping spot.'
"Can... anyone hear us...? King Edward... Are you there?" a voice asked.
"Chancellor! Its me!" Edward answered.
The chancellor of Damcyan's voice sounded amazed"King Edward? Thank goodness, we can hear your voice."
"How are things down there?" The king of Damcyan asked.
The chancellor's voice could barely be heard as he explained"Things are terrible right now... We can no longer leave the castle... Monsters are everywhere, the moon has grown alarmingly bigger in the sky..."
The voices were soon drowned out, Edward frowned"That's all we can make out."
"But why did the whisperweed being working again all of a sudden?" asked Luca, surprised. She, Edward, Cid and Harley had been trying to keep tabs on what was going on back on their planet when the voices stopped, the Whisperweed's magic telepathic property, as it turned out, had its limits.
Edward shrugged"It must be... because the moon has gotten very close to our planet. I have a bad feeling about this."
"We're running out of time, we'll need to hurry. Hopefully, we don't have too much further to go before we find our crystals and whatever is controlling the moon" said Cecil.
The chancellor's voice was suddenly heard again"That voice... King Cecil?"
Cecil turned his attention back to the whisperweed and nodded"Yes."
"He's come to his senses, then?" asked the voice. The chancellor had heard from Edward that Cecil did not seem to be himself when the King of Damcyan had paid him a visit before Edward, Ceodore, Rosa, Cid and Kain confronted the possessed Cecil back in Baron Castle, not too long after Edward had just returned to Damcyan with Harley.
Cecil nodded"I apologize for all I have wrought, mind-controlled or no. But now my comrades, my family and I are on our way to set things right."
"Thank goodness... We're counting on you, but please hurry" the chancellor's relieved voice said.
Golbez addressed Cecil"It may be a good idea to assume that this floor has guardians, as well. I can but hope that this is the last floor like it."
"Then we'll just split into two parties, but this will be the last time, regardless. We'll have to reduce the size of our active party so that we can work more quickly to retrieve the stolen crystals and find a way to change the moon's course. I will lead a team. Kain, will you do the honors for the second team? We'll meet back here" The Paladin asked.
Kain nodded"I shall do my best."
Ceodore, Palom, Porom and Leonora went to stand near the Dragoon. Rydia, Rosa, Cecil, Edge and Golbez formed the other team and went down the left staircase, while their companions on the other active team went to the rightmost staircase.
A crystal lay at the bottom of the west staircase, glowing the same color red as the previous floor's monsters. A purple octopus-like monster emerged as the crystal shattered, much to the group's surprise.
"Ooh, what have we here? Rosa, Rydia, such cute girls. My favorite kind" sneered the octopus. The comment tempted Edge to lash out with his katana as he assumed Ultros was hitting on the summoner and the Baronian white mage, but the ninja king kept his cool.
"Don't tease the octopus, kiddies" Ultros sneered, lashing out at Edge with his tentacle. Edge dodged and went straight for Ultros's head with his katana, only to get inked. Ultros then landed multiple blows on the others.
Rosa healed her companions while Rydia shot Firaga at Ultros.
"YEEOWCH! Seafood Soup!" groaned Ultros, sending a blast of ink at Rydia before casting Quake. Rosa healed her allies and cast Float to prevent another quake spell from hitting them.
Cecil and Golbez slashed at Ultros with their blades and unleashed an Ultima Spark attack.
"Muscle Men... Hate'em. What are you, backup?" Ultros sarcastically said as he withstood the blows.
"Very funny, enough with the fishy jokes, squid-face. Time to turn you into sushi!" Edge shot at Ultros with blitz.
"Hypocrite" sneered Ultros, hitting Edge with one of his limbs and striking at the rest of the group. Golbez attacked Ultros with Quake, while Cecil slashed at the monster's head.
"Urgh..." Ultros groaned as more power began to surge throughout his body. The monster threw forward a flood spell. Rosa healed her allies, while Rydia summoned Ramuh to attack with Judgment Bolt.
"Not unlike a fish out of water" Edge followed up with Blitz.
"Uh... Leave the fish jokes to the expert" Ultros sneered, slamming Edge and then attacking the others multiple times. The octopus monster then sent out another flood attack.
"Master Edge, hold on!" Tsukinowa, Izayoi, Gekkou and Zangetsu joined the battle, hitting Ultros with joined elemental attacks. Ultros countered with flood.
"Thanks" said Edge to his apprentices.
"It is our duty, master" smiled Izayoi"We saw the flood spell from where we were waiting and came to help."
Cecil got back up from getting knocked down by flood and attacked Ultros before going to revive a drowned Rosa and Rydia with Pheonix Downs. Golbez used a Megaelixir to get the group back on their feet.
"Let's fry this fish. Gekkou, Zangetsu, Izayoi, Tsukonowa, ready for the Pheonix?" said Edge.
"Yes, master" nodded Izayoi.
"Very funny" Ultros lashed out, only to get pummeled by Cecil and Golbez's blade attacks.
Edge, Tsukinowa, Gekkou, Zangetsu and Izayoi assumed the stance and began channeling energy. Cecil, Golbez, Rosa and Rydia distracted Ultros with blades and spells, narrowly dodging the monster's counterattacks.
"Advent of Phoenix!" The Eblan Four and Edge blasted Ultros with the fire-bird attack. When the flames dissipated, Ultros had vanished. Only bits of flame remained.
"I bet we barbecued him" remarked Tsukinowa.
Rydia frowned"He didn't seem like much of a bad guy, though."
The group headed back to the campsite to rest. Rydia noticed that Edge had accumulated a large bruise where the monster had pummeled him hard"Are you okay?"
"Yeah, just need to rest" shrugged Edge.
Kain, Ceodore, Palom, Porom and Leonora headed down the rightmost stairs to a small floor to find another reddish crystal. The crystal shattered as what looked like the front car of a medium-sized, brownish train appeared out of thin air.
"What is that?" Porom gasped.
The Phantom Train cast Holy, knocking Kain on his knees before flinging a wheel at Ceodore. Porom healed her allies and cast Protect and Shell. Palom tried using Thundaga, zapping the phantom.
The Phantom countered with another Holy spell and proceeded to try to ram Kain. The Dragoon managed to jump up out of the way and landed, striking at the metallic phantom's smoke stack.
"Whoa! That's impossible!" cried Porom, seeing that Kain had barely even scratched the train with his lance.
Leonora and Palom attacked the Phantom Train with Particle Bomb, dodging as it sent spinning wheels at them. The Phantom Train attacked Porom with Holy, which was barely blocked by the Shell spell.
Ceodore powered up and rushed the Phantom Train with a series of slashes, only to get knocked back. Porom healed Ceodore and cast Linra on the Phantom Train. The white mage studied the magic signature quickly and said"Its an undead-type, vulnerable to Holy and curactive magic."
"What are we waiting for, then?" Palom removed a Phoenix Down from his pocket and hurled it at the Phantom. But the item barely even burnt the Phantom Train, which countered with Holy.
"Holy!" Porom attacked the phantom with her magic, hitting it in the middle. Ceodore climbed up the Phantom Train's side using Float and hit the smoke stack with his blade. The Phantom Train countered with another wheel attack, knocking the prince back. Porom healed Ceodore while Palom shot at the phantom with Firaga. Leonora shot an arrow at the phantom before noticing that the Phantom Train was smoking slightly.
"I think I know what we need to do, now" the Epopt murmured.
"What?" asked Palom.
"We need to strike at the 'heart' of the monster to stop him, as magic is barely doing any damage to its front. In this case, it would be that thin thing on top of it" explained Leonora.
"Ceodore and I could execute our double jump technique in this case" said Kain, thoughtfully.
"I'm all for it" acknowledged the prince.
The Phantom Train attempted to smash Ceodore with an attack wheel, only for it to be partially blocked. Palom slammed the phantom with Thundaga to stagger it long enough for the Dragoon and the Prince to jump and execute a flurry of blows with their weapons. Porom followed through with Holy, while Leonora and Palom cast Particle Bomb.
"That should do it" Palom grinned, seeing the phantom engine begin to sputter.
"Not quite" Porom frowned, seeing that it was still standing.
Kain leapt up and drove his lance into the phantom train's weak spot, channeling Holy Power into the monstrosity. The Phantom Train began to collapse and disintegrate from the damage it took, eventually vanishing.
"Ha, it didn't stand a ghost of a chance for long" said Palom.
"There should still be one more crystal" said Kain.
Ceodore took a moment to give Porom, Leonora and Palom a Mid Ether before using a Elixir on himself, he had spent most of his energy helping to fight off the Phantom Train.
"If everyone's okay, we should head down the central staircase" Kain led the way back upstairs and across the platform to the central staircase. They proceeded down to the floor where a reddish crystal waited in front of the staircase leading to the next section of the depths. Ceodore and Kain assumed their battle stances in preparation as the crystal began to shatter.
But when the crystal vanished, nothing but silence met the group's eyes and ears. Kain lowered his lance, confused"Odd."
"Well, looks like we can just go ahead" shrugged Palom.
"It could be a trap, stay alert" suggested the Dragoon.
"But there's nothing there..." Ceodore trailed off.
Porom paled"Why do I get the feeling we've just been jinxed?"
Kain began to cautiously walk forward, but jumped back as an explosion narrowly missed him. More explosions formed around the party for a moment much to the group's surprise as a man with blond hair, red and white clothes with a greenish cape warped into the room. The red, green and white-clad man had a pink feather in his hair, white face paint and lipstick, making him appear festively dressed.
"Gahahahaha! Ooh, another treat for me? You shouldn't have" cackled the Jester with an insane smile, his high-pitch laughter ringing through the group's ears for a moment"Destruction is the fate of all things! Shh! You hear that? Those are fate's footsteps approaching. KA-LA-HOSA!" More explosions surrounded the group as the insane blond grinned maniacally"Beyond the chaos, the end draws near. Let the party begin!"
"This is no game" Kain readied his lance once more and charged, only to get blasted back by a Firaga spell. Kefka grinned and weaved around Ceodore and Kain's attacks, casting elemental spells at the two.
Porom cast Shell on Kain and Ceodore while Leonora shot an arrow at Kefka, narrowly grazing the mad mage's shoulder. Palom hit Kefka with Bio and Thundaga, only to be hit by Kefka's Trine technique.
"Nice try" The Mysidian Black Mage had partially blocked the spell due to Shell and retaliated with Blizzaga. Kefka countered with Firaga and cast Flare at Kain. Ceodore rushed Kefka and swung his sword horizontally.
Kefka dodged"Oops! Missed me" and sent a Thundaga at Ceodore. Kain administrated a Hi Potion on himself and Ceodore before going into a jump attack, slamming Kefka's chest. The mad mage staggered and countered with Firaga before going for a Thundaga at the whole group.
Porom healed her group while Leonora and Palom shot a Particle Bomb spell at Kefka. Kefka staggered, but shot Trine at Palom before going for Flare at Leonora. Ceodore dashed forward and slashed Kefka, horizontally. Kefka snarled and cast Firaga at Ceodore before shooting Bio at Kain. The Dragoon used an antidote on himself before dashing forward with his spear.
Kefka smoothly dodged the attack and hit Kain with Thundaga. While the mad mage stood there shooting Kain with his spell, Leonora had shot an arrow at Kefka's chest. Kefka angrily pulled the arrow out and cast Thundaga on Leonora before using magic to transform into a dark-colored angel with blond hair, wings and his purple feather. He still wore his reddish lipstick.
"So, you show your true form" quipped Palom, hitting the enemy mage with Bio.
Kefka shrugged it off and countered with Havoc Wing before going for a Meteor Spell. Porom healed the group while Kain and Ceodore slashed and stabbed at the Mad Mage. Kefka staggered, but cast Ultima in retaliation.
"Enough of this" Kain jump-attacked Kefka, knocking him backwards. Palom and Leonora followed with Particle Bomb, with Porom casting Holy on the Mad Mage. Kefka staggered some more, but cast Meteor at the whole group, followed by Havoc Wing, which was aimed at Ceodore. Porom kept the group on their toes while Palom and Leonora hit Kefka with another Particle Bomb.
"Meteor!" Kefka attempted another attack spell. The group withstood and quickly used a Megaelixir to heal.
"Ceodore, With me" Kain said.
"All right" Ceodore readied himself.
The two warriors darted at Kefka with a Cross Slash, slamming him. Leonora shot another arrow at Kefka while Palom and Porom combined their magic into a Pyroblast, piercing the mad mage's skin.
As he began to succumb to his wounds and reverted back into his human form, Kefka let out a final monologue"Destroy more... I've got to destroy more! Gah... The world's going bye-bye! YOU included! ... Life... Hope... Dreams... Where do they come from? And where do they go? None of that crap is enough to fill your hearts! DESTRUCTION! DESTRUCTION IS WHAT MAKES LIFE WORTH Living! Destroy, destroy, destroy, destroy, let's destroy everything!"
The last of Kefka's strength left him and his body vanished in a series of explosions. Hallowed laughter could be heard for a moment before slowly dying down. Palom crossed his arms for a moment"Worst. Clown. Ever..."
"That laugh of his really hurt my ears" Leonora winced as she tended to her group's wounds with a quick Curaga.
"Such a terrifying man" whispered Porom.
Kain nodded as he put away his lance"Such a formidable mage for one so demented."
"Just who was that Jester, anyway? He wasn't a monster, but was no ordinary human, either" mussed Ceodore.
The group returned to the top of the staircase where the others waited. Rosa addressed them"Are you okay?"
"Yes, and we defeated the guardian at the bottom of the stairs" acknowledged Kain.
Cecil nodded"We're all still in one piece, but we're still short on time. We don't know how much longer we have until we're too late to save everyone back home. From this point on, a small group of five should press onward, while the rest of us wait back on the Lunar Whale."
"Cecil, am I to assume you wish to lead the charge from here?" Kain asked his old friend.
Cecil nodded"I know it wasn't completely my fault, but its my responsibility to set things right. Even after we're done, it might take a bit of work to restore my good reputation to our world. The Harvey Family Name has been soiled for the last time. Who's with me?"
"I'd love to go give'em heck with you, but I need to rest. Leonora's probably pretty pooped from all that fighting, and we've been burning through our magic restoration items" shrugged Palom.
"I'm fine, but I suppose I can use a rest" acknowledged the Epopt.
Kain acknowledged Cecil"I am coming with you, as I've said, Baron has and will always be my motherland."
"Father, Kain, count me in. As the last of the Red Wings, I vowed to myself to save the world with you by my side" said Ceodore.
"Thank you, and we'll still need someone with White Magic to be on the safe side. And it can't hurt to have you along, Rydia, if you're still up for it" Cecil nodded.
Rydia beamed"Of course, besides, only I can save Bahamut without slaying him, if he's still under enemy control."
Porom thought for a moment"I think I will go with Palom and Leonora back to the Lunar Whale. We'll be waiting for you."
"That leaves me to go with the active group, but I won't have it any other way. I've fought beside you, Cecil and you, Kain on our last journey to save the world" piped Rosa.
Edge shrugged"So, you're not going to drag me along? Take care of yourselves. Rydia, care for a little kiss for good luck?"
"Um, no" Rydia blushed.
Ursula walked over to Ceodore"Good luck, be sure to come back safely."
"I will" Ceodore smiled"My parents and Rydia and Kain will be at my side."
The Princess of Fabul smiled and ran up to hug Ceodore. The prince hugged back, they did not think it appropriate to kiss before becoming full-fledged adults, especially not with their fathers watching.
"Getting a bit mushy in here, good luck, guys" smiled Palom. Ursula and Ceodore broke apart after a minute longer.
Cecil and his formed group walked ahead a little, turning back to their comrades for a moment. Cid had saluted Cecil and Rosa"Don't let us down."
"Cecil" Golbez approached"Give whoever is in charge of this moon one for me, will you?"
"I will, brother" nodded the Paladin.
Cecil and his team turned to head down the stairs, while their comrades used the teleporter to return to the Lunar Whale.
Here you are, this chapter is officially done. Sorry I threw in Kefka's final form anyway, but I figured it would've been too short of a fight since Kefka is basically a pure mage during all of his boss battles with him in FFVI. Cite that the encounters in the Imperial Camp and in Thamasa were scripted. I also used both his Dissidia moveset and FFVI spells, by the way, just to explain why he had Trine, here.
I hope I did not make it look like I was bashing Ultros, he's sort of a comic-relief character for a minor antagonist in FFVI. I may have thrown in a few puns for the heck of it, though humor isn't one of my strong suits as an author. And I did not want to make his defeat too graphic. And I know I didn't follow the game in that only one party of five can participate at a time in the After Years game. I used a couple of Ultros's battle quotes from FFVI, by the way.
I also hope you've enjoyed that little bit of fluff between Edge and Rydia and Ceodore and Ursula. The latter pair had no set girl/guy in the actual game, but that may have been due to their ages. Still, I can' help but like the Ceodore/Ursula pairing a bit, but again, there was no serious romance.
Feel free to review this chapter if you want.