A/N: Hey, guys! In the previous chapter, Sabin trained with Edgar to try to get a better understanding of his new powers, and also revealed to him why he had not been sincere about training with Master Duncan, showing him his diary and making him promise not to tell any of their friends. It was a feeling of weakness that he detested, but the breaking point was when he contracted smallpox, which almost killed him. After this stop, it was time to go to Narshe. Again, I apologize for not releasing new chapters for nine months, but among other things that kept me busy on the computer for other complex projects, combined with the complexity of the chapters at this point in the story hindered me. Anyway, now let's get started.
Chapter 37: Narshean Survivors: Mog and Umaro
(''Prelude- Final Fantasy VI Pixel Remaster OST'')
(Objective: Go to Narshe.)
Characters:
Terra
Celes
Edgar
Sabin
Cyan
Gau
Shadow
Setzer
Strago
Relm
It had only been a day since the events at Mobliz, but the team was almost complete. Only three members were missing: Locke, Mog, and Umaro. During the flight to Narshe, Celes was lost in her thoughts for Locke, clutching his bandana. She was sure he would manage on his own, but she couldn't help but worry.
''Thinking about Locke?'' asked Terra.
''Yes. I know he's tough enough to survive in this world, but... I don't know, I can't help but fear the worst.'' replied Celes.
''You' have a crush on him, aren't you?'' asked Edgar.
''Edgar!'' exclaimed Celes, taken aback. ''No, I'm not in love with Locke! Am I?''
Edgar laughed. ''Try to hide it, but don't come to me if it breaks your heart.''
''We'll find Locke.'' Sabin said.
''I just hope we all get together as soon as possible.'' said Cyan.
''Where had you been, you two?'' asked Strago.
''I had to train.'' replied Sabin. ''Didn't Edgar tell you?''
''I think I forgot.'' said Strago.
''Sabin takes a lot of responsibility, you know. With the new powers he has discovered he has, he feels he has to perfect them to avoid accidents.'' said Edgar.
''Does he take responsibility that much? How come?'' asked Terra.
''I can't tell you.'' the King of Figaro replied.
''Why not?'' asked Gau.
''Because he asked me to. It's a difficult topic for Sabin, and he doesn't like to talk about it. I don't like it either, but I'm his brother, so who am I to force him to tell you everything? Please try to understand.''
''If you say so.'' said Celes.
''Get ready when we get to Narshe. There will be an intense blizzard.'' said Setzer.
''Well, Narshe is in the mountains. It is logical that it should be cold there.'' Edgar told him.
''Yes, but it's much colder now than it was a year ago.'' replied Setzer.
''I wonder if it has anything to do with the Ice Dragon.'' said Celes.
Throughout the rest of the way to Narshe, Strago did not stop agitating about the way Relm was dressed, convinced that he would get hypothermia. Shadow didn't say anything, and Cyan was sure that the cold wouldn't cause him any problems, since he was in full armor.
''How will we do with Gau? He has nothing to protect him from the cold.'' asked Terra. She had tried dressing Gau herself, but he didn't seem to like it.
''We'll take care of it.'' said Cyan.
''Come on, Gau. Hold on to me and Cyan, so the cold won't cause you too much trouble.'' said Sabin, lifting Gau and carrying him in his arms.
(''Prelude- Final Fantasy VI Pixel Remaster OST-s'')
(''Secret Mine- Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon OST'')
(Objective: Explore Narshe and search for survivors.)
When the Falcon landed in the mountains, everyone could feel the blizzard coming from there. The icy wind was intense, and they could barely see the surrounding area. Edgar left Hiryu on the airship, as the cold climate of the area near Narshe did not mix well with a dragon like her. The bora was blowing so hard that Relm had to hold on tightly to Terra to avoid getting blown down the mountain. Even just moving was very difficult for Strago.
''What a nasty wind.'' said Terra, wrapping herself in her cloak to protect herself from the cold.
''Yes, but our mission cannot wait.'' Celes told her.
''Sabin does not seem to be affected by the cold at all, although he is lightly dressed.'' Setzer remarked, seeing that Sabin was in front of everyone and moving without being hindered by the storm.
''Obvious, isn't it? He has a six-pack.'' said Edgar.
''I know, I know, it's the result of his training.'' Cyan said.
''There's no need to be touchy.'' replied Edgar, thinking he was irritated.
''I am not irritated, Your Majesty.'' Cyan replied.
''I wanted to be sure.'' the King of Figaro said. ''But really, I'm proud of Sabin. I am still amazed at how he has become so strong. After what happened eleven years ago, I never expected to see him again last year, not this healthy and strong.''
''Then it's easy to notice.'' said Shadow.
The cold was more bitter than normal, as if the weather had suddenly worsened.
''Is it really that cold in Narshe?'' asked Relm.
''Yes, the cold climate is very important to Narshe's story. This helped the city to remain independent and well defended. Narshe was founded about 700 years ago, and its industrialization began 200 years ago, when vast coal deposits were discovered.'' replied Edgar.
''I don't think I can handle such a thing. The kingdom of Doma has always been anchored in tradition.'' said Cyan.
''OK, but Doma will not be able to get far in the future without a little innovation. If Figaro's reign is so advanced, it is because it has been able to innovate so much, despite being relatively recent.''
''I don't know how to do it.''
''You have to know how to open yourself to change, Cyan.''
''Even if that were the case, these things take time.''
As everyone continued along the deep snow, Relm noticed that his grandfather had fallen behind. ''Grandpa? Where have you disappeared?'' he called him.
''I'm here!'' said Strago, his voice muffled. Relm ran to his grandfather and moved the snow, revealing him to be stuck.
''I should have expected you to be left behind, you old rascal!'' Relm snapped.
''Relm, it's not so easy to move in the snow when it's so deep.'' Terra told her.
When they were almost in Narshe, they were attacked by a Basilisk, a snake-like creature capable of petrifying with its gaze, giant caterpillars with poisonous fangs from which Strago learned to use the Blue Magic spell Dischord, capable of creating an annoying sound wave that weakened anyone who heard it(1), a red and violent wolf known as a Garm, large killer mantises, bullfrogs that spat a sticky substance, large birds known as Sprinters, and a large white beast similar to the Megalodot, a Lukhavi. Many of these enemies were weak to ice, but the Lukhavi was weak to fire, and since it had a strong defense, physical attacks could barely scratch it. However, itwas also surprisingly resistant to magic, and this prompted Edgar to switch to heavy weapons, firing at it with dual magnum pistols until it killed it, emptying a magazine.
''More monsters?'' Strago asked.
Edgar looked around and prepared his favorite pistol, a .50 caliber Desert Eagle Action Express. He saw nothing. ''Edgar, are you sure you can handle this thing?'' Sabin asked him.
''It's not a problem. Sure, large-caliber pistols like this are difficult to use, but I've been training with firearms, including assault rifles, for years, so I have no problem handling this Desert Eagle. I've been using it for years, and it's my favorite gun.'' replied Edgar.
''If you say so.'' said Sabin.
(''Secret Mine- Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon OST-s'')
(''Premonition- Undertale OST'')
When the Returners arrived in Narshe, no one could fail to notice the gloomy atmosphere in the city. Narshe seemed completely abandoned. The houses showed signs of decay, and the lack of maintenance was evident. There was not a soul in the streets, and nothing could be heard but the storm raging.
''Is anyone there?'' asked Terra.
But there was no one. It seemed as if the city did not exist at all.
''This place looks like a ghost town.'' commented Shadow.
''It wasn't like that last year. The other members of the Returners used Narshe as their headquarters. The Returners' base of operations was Arvis' house.'' Edgar told him.
''Well, there's not a soul alive now.'' replied Relm. ''Where has everyone gone?''
They came to the cliffs above the city, and Terra suddenly fell to her knees in shock.
''What's wrong, Terra?'' asked Sabin.
''Look...'' murmured Terra.
He was pointing to two tombstones, both with an inscription on them. They looked at the first one and read the inscription.
''Here lies Banon, leader of the Returners.
Killed by Kefka himself, he fought to rid the world of the Gestahlian Empire.
He died without being able to realize his ideals.''
It was shocking enough to see Banon's grave, even a year after his death, but the second grave hardened the blow, as it was Arvis' grave.
''Here lies Arvis, second in command of the Returners.
Succeeding Banon as leader of the Returners after his murder, he fought against Kefka for a better world.
He was killed by Kefka two weeks after Banon when the Light of Judgment brought down the roof of his house.
He was certain that Kefka wanted to get rid of everyone who could be a threat to him, and Arvis was a threat. Since Banon's death, he only lasted two weeks.
''Then it's true that Arvis is dead...'' Terra sobbed. ''I can't believe it...''
''I'm sorry, Terra.'' Celes murmured, leaving her to cry on her shoulder.
''When did this happen?'' asked Terra.
''Ever since Banon was assassinated by Kefka, the Returners' morale has plummeted, but Arvis he tried to remain resolute for everyone. He was killed by Kefka himself with the Light of Judgment the day after the Apocalypse. He had been the leader of the Returners for only fifteen days.'' Edgar replied, lowering his head and not bothering to his sadness. "The guards in Narshe informed me that the surviving members of the Returners had suffered a mental breakdown after Kefka won and assassinated Arvis. They were mad with despair, had terrible nightmares, and suffered from fits of hysteria. Many had even attempted suicide, and some of them killed themselves.''
"Did anyone else know about it before me or the others?" asked Celes.
''Yes. I received the news over the course of my travels.'' replied Sabin. '''This one-two punch was so devastating that everyone lost hope, and the Returners informally disbanded.''
''Locke wouldn't like it at all...'' said Terra.
''Yes, but Kefka won, so it's as if everything was useless.'' said Celes.
Before leaving the cliffs, they found the frozen Esper, Valigarmanda, which was in the same location as the year before.
''That brings back old memories.'' said Cyan.
''Absolutely. We successfully protected this Esper last year.'' said Edgar.
''Terra, do you think you can communicate with Valigarmanda?'' asked Celes.
"Last time I lost control of my powers, but that was before I even recovered my memory and knew I was half Esper. I think I can convince the Esper to join us.'' replied Terra, and sent a telepathic message to Valigarmanda.
The block of ice in which the Esper was frozen began to glow and shattered, freeing him. Fortunately, recognizing the Returners' intentions, Valigarmanda listened to Terra's message and agreed to help the group, transforming into Magicite.
The group of ten went to check the remains of Arvis' house, but then Terra stopped in horror. There were decomposing corpses. ''What happened here?!''
''This is so disgusting! They should be buried!'' shouted Strago, plugging his nose.
Edgar knelt down and picked up a device, analyzing the corpse in front of him. He quickly noticed that the corpse had a dagger in hand and was wearing the Returners' uniform. ''That's a man. About 30 years old. He's a member of the Returners. He appears to have died shortly after Banon was assassinated. There are traces of poison on the dagger. This man committed suicide by stabbing himself with a poisoned dagger.'' he declared.
''That one looks like he committed suicide, too.'' Sabin said, pointing to a skeleton. All the bodies were dressed in the Returners' uniform.
Edgar continued to analyze the corpses. One had a broken neck and the marks of a rope were visible on the body. ''Yes. This is a woman. About 25 years old. She is also a member of the Returners. She hanged herself.'' Another one was reduced to a skeleton, perhaps because of the Light of Judgment, but the others had taken their own lives, in one way or another, whether it was by shooting themselves, drowning themselves, stabbing themselves with a knife, a spear, or a sword, suffocating themselves with gas, freezing to death, starving themselves to death, or throwing themselves off the cliffs of Narshe. All members of the Returners in Narshe who had not been killed by the Light of Judgment had committed suicide, as far as he knew.
''How idiotic can you get?'' commented Relm.
''Relm!'' Strago scolded her, displeased with her lack of tact.
''I've never seen anything like it. Not only did everyone abandon the city, but it seems that all the members of the Returners who remained here have surrendered.'' said Setzer.
''What a bunch of spineless losers! I thought they were stronger than that!'' Relm blurted out.
''Relm, you should see it from their point of view. Banon was killed by Kefka last year and Arvis succeeded him, Banon was killed by Kefka last year and Arvis succeeded him, but then Kefka caused the Apocalypse, became a god, and not even a month later, killed him too. That's two huge losses in two weeks.'' Celes explained to her. ''Have some tact.''
''I suppose it makes sense that they gave up. What we've done so far has all been in vain.'' Cyan said sadly.
''Cyan, if you consider committing suicide too, I'll break your katana.'' Sabin said sternly, with his hands on his hips.
''You don't think of doing that, do you, Sir Sabin?!'' Cyan exclaimed in.
''Oh, yes I will! Believe me!'' replied Sabin.
''I can't stand being here anymore. Let's go somewhere else.'' said Terra.
''Right. Let's go to the mines. Maybe Mog will be there.'' said Edgar.
(''Premonition- Undertale OST'')
(''Snowpeak- The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess OST'')
(Objective: Search for Mog in the mines of Narshe.)
Before heading to the mines, the group went to a house, where they found a survivor who gave them a sinister-looking barbed shield. The shield was cursed, and only extensive use of this shield would break the curse.(2)
Terra touched the shield and immediately sensed the dark aura it emanated. ''I don't think we should keep it for too long...'' she murmured faintly.
''You're right. We'll take turns holding the shield.'' said Celes.
The mines of Narshe were abandoned. The mine carts looked corroded, and there were several mutated creatures, small humanoid wizards, and coalescences of psychotic energy. Plus, no one knew where Mog was. They knew he was in the mines, but they didn't know exactly where.
''So these are the mines of Narshe.'' said Strago.
''This place seems to have seen better days.'' commented Relm.
''All of Narshe is abandoned, Relm. With everything that happened, I haven't heard from the rest of the Resistance since the Apocalypse.'' said Edgar.
As they explored the mines, Strago tripped upon something thin. ''Hey! Who put that thing there?!'' he exclaimed.
Celes knelt down to see better. ''A bone.'' he said. ''These bones are small. Someone must have died in here.''
''Those are not the bones of an adult. Judging by the size, whoever died here is the same size as a human child.'' added Edgar. Cyan looked at the bones with wide eyes, as if it were the skeleton of his son.
''Oh, no...'' murmured Terra.
''Have you come up with anything, Terra?'' asked Sabin.
''Mog is probably in danger! We have to find him!'' said Terra.
As the Retruners made their way through the mines, the atmosphere was tense, as there was fear that a monster would come out of a corner at any moment. Eventually, as they followed a trail of bones similar to those before, they began to hear sobs.
''Did you hear that?'' asked Gau.
''There's someone crying. Let's go and see.'' said Celes.
As they progressed, the bones became more and more numerous, and Terra felt like something bad had happened to Mog or the other Moogles.
''It's a mess here. It looks like there was a massacre.'' Cyan said bitterly.
They went on, and found a place that Terra recognized, as she stopped.
''Do you know this place, Terra?'' asked Edgar.
''The mine where the moogles lived. When Kefka subjugated me with that crown, only one person gave me breaks.'' Terra replied.
''General Leo.'' said Celes, sadly recalling what had happened to Leo.
''Yes. When he gave me a break, he took me to these mines, where I spent my time in freedom playing with the Moogles, and I always slept when holding one.'' added Terra. ''They were my only breaks from being Kefka's toy.''
''This explains why you are so attached to Mog. Even though you were with no memories for eighteen years of your life, the Moogles were your way of escaping the chaos and destruction around you when you were allowed to take away that crown that Kefka used to keep you under his control. They were your escape from the world.'' said Edgar.
''Exactly. When I didn't have the Slave Crown on, I prayed several times a week. I prayed that I would overcome this terrible situation. When I couldn't spend time with the Moogles, prayer was my way of escaping from reality. To be honest, if it wasn't for my prayers and time with the Moogles, I would have gone crazy before I was even ten."
Everyone seemed very shocked. Terra's life had been difficult, but not to that extent. They never imagined that they would receive confirmation from her that without the cute little Moogles and the kind Leo, her terrible situation would have thrown her into madness.
''Terra... I don't want to believe it...'' Edgar murmured.
''I know this the most terrible thing you've heard. I too wish I had just imagined it, but unfortunately, it's all true.'' said Terra, putting her hand on her heart.
''What do you mean?'' asked Gau.
''The Slave Crown. There are things about the Slave Crown that Arvis didn't tell you. While we were in Narshe discussing how to convince the Espers to help us against Kefka and the Gestahlian Empire, Arvis told me things that none of you know.'' replied the girl.
''Tell us everything.'' Celes urged her.
Terra swallowed nervously and took a deep breath. "We know that the Slave Crown makes the wearer a puppet without feelings and unable to do anything unless they're ordered to do that thing, and we also know that removing it causes memory loss. Kefka made me wear it so frequently and for so long that I could never have permanent memories. I was like an object to him, a weapon of mass destruction and nothing else. But there's another terrible side effect. Overuse of the Slave Crown can damage the wearer's mental state, if not drive them to madness. Sometimes, when I was allowed to take it off, I was overwhelmed by panic attacks, fits of hysteria, and emotional breakdowns. Celes and General Leo helped me as best they could, and Cid was nice enough to me too, but Kefka tried to isolate them from me when he could. He didn't want them to ruin his plans.''
The severity of this story penetrated everyone's mind. Setzer didn't know what to say. Relm seemed to be on the verge of tears. Strago's jaw was wide open. Shadow grimaced in disgust, closed his eyes, and looked away. Gau had a face full of horror, with his eyes wide open and his pupils shrunk and reduced to two small red dots. He looked like he had lizard-like eyes.
Cyan gave her a sad look and gently put his hand on her shoulder. ''I'm sorry, Miss Lady Terra. I'm truly sorry.'' he murmured.
''Oh, Terra...'' Sabin said.
''I must admit that I feel responsible for all this. I had pretended to be an ally of the Empire to find out what Kefka was up to and to support the Returners, but I couldn't figure out any of this until I met you, Terra. I'm sorry I couldn't do more.'' Edgar sighed.
''If only I could have done more to help you...'' Celes murmured. She saw Terra as a sister, and she was ashamed that she couldn't help her that much.
''You couldn't do anything more. Kefka would have caught you and you would have paid the consequences. Maybe he would have tortured you to madness.''
''Maybe, but I should have realized earlier that everything was going to hell. I had not yet rebelled when Kefka sent me to repress the rebellion in Maranda with blood. It was only when he conspired to poison the kingdom of Doma that I opened my eyes.''
''It's not your fault, Celes. You, Mog, Locke, Edgar, Banon, Arvis and all of you in the Resistance did a lot for me last year. You were close to me when I didn't know what to do and I had nowhere to go. You gave me something to fight for, and that led me to discover my ideals.''
''And then they say that I am the inhuman one. Ugh.'' Shadow commented. ''The next time we see Kefka again, I'll spit on his feet.''
''We take your word for it.'' said Sabin.
The cries of despair began again, and as the Returnes went along the mines, they grew louder and louder. The path was full of bones. At one point, they found a small white creature sitting in what looked like a pile of straw, looking towards the wall.
''Hang on! That's a Moogle!'' Edgar exclaimed.
(''Snowpeak- The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess OST-s'')
(''Mog's Theme- Final Fantasy VI Pixel Remaster OST'')
The Moogle turned, and his face lit up like the starry sky. ''Kupo! You are alive!'' he cried.
''Mog!'' exclaimed Terra, running to hug Mog and holding him in her arms. ''I'm so glad you're okay!''
''So this is a Moogle... fascinating.'' Strago said, and Relm let out a squeal about how cute Mog was.
''Mog, what happened to the other Moogles?'' asked Celes.
''Dead, kupò! All dead! Even Molulu!'' shouted Mog, desperately.
''Who is Molulu?'' asked Sabin.
''My girlfriend!'' replied Mog.
''So all the bones we found in the mine are all Moogle bones!'' Edgar exclaimed in shock.
''It's terrible...'' murmured Terra.
While they were thinking all this, Sabin noticed that Mog was wearing a crystal pendant around his neck. ''Hey, Mog. What is this?'' he asked.
''A charm, kupo. It's Molulu's.'' Mog replied.(3)
''I don't know if she sacrificed herself for you or not, but she would like you to keep fighting. Join us, Mog. We will defeat Kefka once and for all.'' said Terra.
''Of course, kupo! You have given me hope again! Thank you!'' Mog said, and climbed on her shoulder.
(The Moogle Mog has rejoined the party!)
(''Mog's Theme- Final Fantasy VI Pixel Remaster OST-s'')
Now that Mog was back, the Resistance was almost complete. Mog considered talking to Umaro, but then the ground began to shake.
''What's that noise?'' asked Setzer.
''It seems to come from the depths of the mine. Let's go and see.'' said Cyan.
''Recently, a part of the cliffs collapsed, kupo. Let's go to Umaro.'' added Mog.
(''The Mines of Narshe- Final Fantasy VI Pixel Remaster OST'')
(Objective: Search for Umaro in the mines.)
Terra
Mog
Celes
Edgar
Sabin
Cyan
Gau
Shadow
Setzer
Strago
Relm
The Returners made its way into the depths of the mines. Knowing the place well, Mog led the rest of the group to the cave where Umaro lived. The cave was infested with several monsters, such as coalescences of psychotic energy, horned creatures, very aggressive wolves, and mysterious knife-wielding green creatures.
''That's a Tonberry.'' said Celes, casting Scan. ''It counterattacks immediately after suffering an attack and its knife is very sharp. It's weak to fire, and the electricity also seems effective, but if it gets too close, its attack could be fatal, and it is especially devastating in a group. Maybe we can petrify it, but there's only one way to find out."
Edgar began shooting at the Tonberry with his Desert Eagle. It was not enough to stop them, but being a large-caliber pistol with good power, it could at least slow them down, and Terra cast Firaga at them, hitting them. Setzer tried to attack them with his knife, but they were quick and adept at dodging blows.
The Tonberries reached Celes, but she was ready and successfully blocked their blows with the Cursed Shield. However, when she used the shield, she quickly felt weakened, and had to pass it on to Relm. The latter cast Comet, which missed the Tonberrys, but left them exposed to Cyan's Bushido Eclipse, which knocked them out except one. Edgar cast the Break spell, and the remaining Tonberry was petrified.
Once defeated, the Tonberries disappeared, but left two black busts with white stripes on the ground. ''And what is this? A kind of corset?'' asked Relm.
''This is not just any armor! It's a Minerva Bustier!'' exclaimed Celes, amazed.
''I've never seen one before!'' added Terra, equally amazed.
''That sounds very tight.'' commented Relm.
''The Minerva Bustier is a women-only breastplate, and is very durable and with great powers. However, it's too big for you, Relm. Only adult women can wear it.'' said Celes.(4)
''Celes, when we get back to the airship, we'll have to put them on.'' said Terra.
''You're right. The monsters here are getting more powerful, and we're going to need the right equipment.'' said Celes, taking the two Minerva Bustier.
The cave was filled with bones placed in particular, almost deliberate ways. ''Are these bones normal?'' Sabin asked.
''Umaro has a hobby of carving bones, kupo.'' explained Mog.
Eventually, they reached the depths of the cave, where they found a totem of bones. On it was a small crystal where there must have been an eye, and Edgar took it. ''A piece of Magicite!'' he exclaimed. ''This is going to be useful.''
The Magicite showed a large brown snake. ''This is Midgarsormr. Itcan create rifts in the ground with the power of the earth, with which itcan attack enemies.'' said Celes, putting it in her pocket.
(''The Mines of Narshe- Final Fantasy VI Pixel Remaster OST-s'')
(''Middle Boss Battle- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time OST'')
Suddenly, huge footsteps shook the earth, and a large creature grabbed Relm by the cloak, knocking her to the ground, then hit Celes in the head with a punch that sent her crashing into the wall.
''A yeti!'' shouted Setzer, preparing his dagger.
The yeti, who was wearing a scarf, a strange ring and a cuff made of bone and carried a mysterious orb and a club(5), launched himself towards the rest of the group, but Sabin blocked him by grabbing him by the wrists.
''Umaro!'' exclaimed Mog.
''Umaro? The same Umaro who helped us defend Narshe last year?'' asked Celes, surprised.
''Yes, him!'' replied Mog.
''Mog, do something with this yeti! I'll take care of holding him down!'' said Sabin, trying to hold Ularo still.
(Objective: Hold back Umaro and help Mog calm him down!'')
Despite Umaro's large size and physical strength, Sabin was strong enough to keep him at bay. Umaro was still able to use his Blizzard Orb, causing a snowstorm that temporarily immobilized the group. With his hardened physique, Sabin withstood the blizzard, but apart from Mog, the others were knocked against the wall.
''Umaro! Stop, kupo!'' shouted Mog.
But Umaro did not answer. He pushed Sabin and threw him against the ceiling of the cave before punching him in the face.
''Are you okay, Sabin?'' asked Edgar.
''I'm fine.'' Sabin replied, getting back to his feet and ignoring the wound on his temple, which was bleeding.
''I don't think he likes intruders.'' said Celes. Umaro charged at the girls, and he didn't seem to have anything good in plan.
''Protect!''
Terra and Celes used magic to create a barrier that blocked the yeti's physical attacks. It couldn't stop Umaro's advance, but being surrounded by a yellow aura, they could take his close-quarters attacks better.
''What do we do? Shall we attack?'' asked Shadow.
''It doesn't seem like a good idea to me, not now. He's just angry that we entered his territory.'' replied Terra, magically holding the yeti in case he was preparing another attack.
''That beast would tear us apart as easily as he would peel an orange!'' exclaimed Relm.
''Technically, it's a yeti.'' Strago said.
''How can we avoid problems?'' asked Setzer, not knowing whether to attack or not.
''We block Umaro without hitting him. This will distract him and allow Mog to get closer.'' replied Edgar. Umaro ate a green cherry and threw himself at him,(6) but stopped him by firing his SOCOM pistol into the ground, creating a hole that caused him to lose his balance.
Celes created small walls of ice that Mog used as platforms, and the others used diversions to distract the yeti.
''Umaro, sit down!'' ordered Mog.
(''Middle Boss Battle- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time OST-s'')
To everyone's surprise, Umaro stopped attacking and stopped in place.
''What happened? Did I miss something?'' Strago asked.
''Listen, Umaro. We are not intruders, kupò. Don't you remember me?'' asked Mog.
(''Umaro's Theme- Final Fantasy VI Pixel Remaster OST'')
Umaro seemed to behave unusually next to the moogle, and began to speak in broken English
''Since when can a Moogle keep a yeti under control?'' asked Relm, confused.
''Mog told us that Umaro felt indebted to him. Once, Umaro had collapsed from exhaustion, and Mog had shared his food with him.'' Terra explained.
''So... This explains many things. He's loyal to him by default, I must say.'' said Setzer.
"We're not here to take your Magicite, Umaro. We need your help. We must defeat Kefka once and for all, and your strength will be very useful to us.'' Celes said to Umaro.
''Yes, join us, kupo. And be good!'' Mog added.
''Yes, boss!'' said Umaro, grunting, and gave Mog the Midgarsormr Magicite. He noticed a faint glow on his body, and took a step forward, approaching his new companions.
(''Umaro's Theme- Final Fantasy VI Pixel Remaster OST-s'')
(The yeti Umaro has joined the party!)
(''Scent of Silence- Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories OST'')
''Very good, Celes. How are we doing with our friends?'' asked Edgar, when the Returners left the mines of Narshe.
''We are almost there. Only Locke is left.'' replied Celes.
''There's a problem, however. Where is Locke?'' Terra asked.
''Good question. No one knows.'' said Sabin.
''Actually, I have this.'' said Celes, showing a piece of paper.
''It looks like a letter. I wonder what it says.'' said Setzer.
''I found it in Owzer's mansion. It was hidden in a painting.'' Celes explained.
''Maybe there's a clue here, but I'm not sure.'' said Cyan.
''When we get back to the airship, we'll see what is written on it.'' said Edgar.
''And with a yeti on the team, now we'll have a better chance against Kefka.'' Strago said.
''Yes, he won't know what hit him. As soon as we get to Kefka's Tower, we'll smash that fucking asshole's face, god or not.'' agreed Celes.
''Are we going back to Narshe?'' asked Relm.
''Of course. We must defeat all the elemental dragons before we defeat Kefka.'' replied Edgar.
''Here we are at the airship. Let's get ready to go.'' said Setzer, pointing to the Falcon.
The Returners' fight against Kefka was not over, but almost everyone was there, which was a very good sign for the future, at least in the short term.
"Since the Cataclysm, I had never left the mines of Narshe. All Moogles, including my girlfriend, Molulu, were dead. I thought all my loved ones were dead, and I had fallen into depression. I didn't expect to see Terra and the others again. Almost everyone in the Returners was together again. Only Locke was left, but we were sure he was okay...'' Mog recounted.
(''Scent of Silence- Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories OST-s'')
A/N: Mog is okay, and Umaro has become an ally! Our heroes from the Returners are almost complete now! I'm so sorry if the story is progressing so slowly, but I hope to be able to continue with a faster and more consistent pace. Did you like this chapter? Let me know. Until next time!
(1): Dischord is a Blue Magic spell from Final Fantasy VI that halves the enemy's level, but has no effect on enemies immune to instant death. Other games in the franchise have similar attacks, such as Sound Wave in Final Fantasy XII, which causes non-elemental damage, and its version in Final Fantasy Tactics and Final Fantasy Tactics Advance, which negates positive status effects to all enemies in a three-tile line. It also appears in Final Fantasy V, where it's exclusive to enemies, but there is also a very similar ability that can be learned as blue magic, Dark Spark, which has the same effect.
(2): In Final Fantasy VI, the Cursed Shield inflicts several negative statuses, reduces some stats by 7, and makes the character weak to elemental attacks when equipped. The curse can only be broken after winning 256 battles with the shield equipped, which turns it into the Heroic Shield, the best shield in the game.
(3): Molulu's Charm is an accessory that blocks random encounters while it is equipped. Only Mog can equip it.
(4): The Minerva Bustier is one of the strongest and most useful armors in the series. In Final Fantasy VI, it is among the three types of body armor that can only be worn by female characters, namely Terra, Celes, and Relm. In this game, it increases Strength and Stamina by 1, Speed by 2, Magic by 4, maximum MP by 25%, halves damage taken from elemental attacks that deal earth, water, poison, and holy damage, and makes immune to the fire, ice, lightning, and wind elements. Unlike the White Dress, only Terra and Celes can wear one, while Relm cannot, but she has an exclusive piece of gear for her.
(5): Umaro has the highest Strength, Stamina, Defense and Magic Defense in the cast, but he acts like a Berserker, and therefore is uncontrollable, can never use magic, and doesn't have a Desperation Attack like everyone else. However, he has two physical attacks, a standard one and one that ignores the enemy's Defense. He is equipped with a Bone Club and a Snow Scarf, which reduces damage taken from fire and heals him if he is attacked by the ice element. They cannot be removed from his inventory and the former is only usable by him, while the Snow Scarf can also be equipped by Gau and Mog. He also has two exclusive relics that can give him a chance to perform an additional attack, the Berserker Ring and the Blizzard Orb. The former increases his power by 5, allows him to absorb damage taken from fire to heal himself, and can allow him to throw an ally at an enemy, ignoring the enemy's defense and dealing damage based on the ally thrown equipment. If an ally is in the Sleep or Confuse status, they will be thrown and cured from these status effects. The Blizzard Orb allows him to use Snow Storm, a no-cost and slightly weaker ice-elemental attack than Blizzaga and at no cost that hits all enemies with an ice beam. These special attacks can also be used when Umaro is in the Imp or Zombie status. A third exclusive accessory, the Bone Wrist, introduced by the GBA port, does not give Umaro a chance to use a new special attack, but increases his Speed, Magic and Stamina by 5, his Defense, Magic Defense, Dexterity and Magic Dexterity by 10, his HP and Strength by 50%, physical and magic damage dealt by 25%, and prevents enemies from blocking his attacks.
(6): Green Cherries cure the Imp status. In the boss battle against him, Umaro also has an ability that involves one and that boosts him mid-battle. This was also supposed to give him the Regen status, but in Final Fantasy VI, enemies immune to the Sap status cannot receive the effect of Regen either.