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Ok, here goes. I wrote a brief fanfic about some of the lesser used characters (and my favorite character Yang)

Reclamation

The brisk spring breeze whipped his blond hair all about his face. The warm midday sun shone brightly upon his smiling face. For Edward, who had spent all winter laying on a cot in Toroia, this was the greatest feeling in the world.

Though not all of his wounds had healed, the ruling clerics of Toroia had said that his left leg was still in healing after the attack from Leviathan; Edward needed to get out of the castle. The clerics had been reluctant to let him leave just as they had been reluctant to let him pilot an airship against the Giant of Babel. Edward, however, would hear nothing of it.

Now, feeling the fresh spring air, the bard knew he’d made the right choice.

He grabbed the reigns of Peligost, the black chocobo he’d acquired, tighter as they glided further west. Edward longingly stared as they passed the castle of Damcyan, the desert kingdom he had once ruled. He had tried to rebuild it after the Red Wings had destroyed it but his injuries prevented him from getting much done. Nothing hurt him more than abandoning his kingdom … aside from the loss of Anna.

Edward shook his head forcefully. He was determined to enjoy this day, not dream about lost loves.

Past the cave of the antlion they flew and by early afternoon they had reached Mount Hobs. Edward smiled at the dangerous mountain. It was there that Rydia had conquered her fear of fire and that everyone met the karate master Yang. Edward nudged Peligost and the chocobo complied, descending toward the mountain.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

A slippered foot kicked high into the air then slide out wide as a clawed hand swiped forward. His foot circled into a sweep then and, bracing himself with one hand, his other foot followed the first knifing at an imaginary foe. Yang Feing Lieden methodically went through his daily exercise.

After another hour of agitated training he turned to stare at the shadows of an overhanging boulder.

“If you are waiting for me to tire then you shall be waiting for many hours more.” He said to the seemingly empty air.

From the shadows emerged a man in fierce blue armor. A heavy shield was strapped to his right arm and in his left hand he dragged a long, white spear.
“The shadows suit you better than the sunlight, dragoon.”

“Dragoon is a title of honor,” the man in blue replied, “and honor is a thing I lost years ago.”

“Then what brings Kain Highwind to Mount Hobs?” Yang questioned, never letting up on his defensive stance.

“The reclamation of honor, dear King of Fabul.” Kain slowly raised his spear towards Yang.

“By defeating me in single combat?”

“By defeating a warrior who has yet been undefeated. When I return carrying your single braid of hair, all will know that I am the mightiest warrior in the world.”

“Your fault lies in your weak will, Kain. That is how Golbez was able to control you so easily. Honor is not won by fighting to win honor but to uphold the right, to promote principles, and to protect those weaker than yourself. You, Kain, will never protect anyone other than your own selfish pride.”

“My honor will be restored once I am the greatest warrior. To that end I will defeat you and prove to them all that I am the greatest warrior alive! All will respect and honor me!”

“Honor is lost on cowards and never gained through vengeance.”

“Spouting Fabul proverbs?”

“Universal truths. If you think that defeating me will bring you any honor or praise from Cecil-“

“Stop talking, old man”

But Yang continued despite the interruption, “or from Rosa-“ Kain broke into a charge, “then you are wrong.” Yang spread his legs further to receive the charge.

The yell that escaped Kain’s lips was truly primordial, but such intimidation was lost on a warrior like Yang. Kain’s spear came in straight for Yang’s heart, but Yang quickly brought both of his claws down on the spear, forcing its thrust to carry harmlessly between his legs. Before Kain could retract the spear or lift it to gut the karate master, Yang lifted both of his feet up between his arms and double kicked Kain in the chest. The dragoon stumbled back as Yang carried through his momentum, somersaulting backwards into his defensive stance once again.

Playing his advantage of distance, Kain prodded the karate master several times with the spear’s tip. Each thrust was cleanly picked off by one of Yang’s claws. Kain knew the claws well for he had fought beside Yang in the underground long ago. One claw held magic that could bring one under the bearer’s sway while the other held an insidious poison that would cause a victim to fall into a catatonic sleep.

Kain smiled. Yang did not know of his weapon.

Kain leapt away from the savage claws and held his weapon, the White Spear, aloft. Above his head white orbs of light began to gather to form a cluster of blinding light.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Edward shielded his eyes at the glowing brightness and Peligost nearly fell from fright. Quickly seizing the reigns Edward brought the chocobo down aside Mount Hobs. The bard, once prince of Damcyan, began his second climb of the dangerous mountain.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Yang began to charge the dragoon but Kain acted faster. He leveled his spear at Yang and the orbs of light snaked forward. Looking much like a string of pearls the White spell struck Yang in the chest arcing holy energy over his entire body. As Yang fought to regain control over his tightening muscles Kain close the distance between them. Yang felt sluggish after the spell and his parries grew slower and slower. Kain grabbed at his chance to win.

The spear flew in a wide swipe at Yang’s side but the karate master was expecting Kain to get tired of a prolonged battle. Yang lifted his right foot to intercept the spear and, with the force of the swing and a twitch of his leg, Yang jumped to Kain’s right too fast for the dragoon to follow. Yang grabbed Kain’s shield and forcefully pried it from his grasp breaking its straps with the pull.

Yang was readied for a further attack but nothing came. Kain was kneeling on the ground, his spear at his side. Kain’s left hand was clutching his right arm where Yang saw some blood trickling through a slice in the armor. Glancing down at his claws, Yang saw some blood on his left claw. Apparently he had slashed Kain when he took the shield from him. Kain’s blood dripped crimson from the curved hooks of the Catclaw.

A curse aimed Yang’s way was stifled by a yawn. “You cheated!”

“Cheated? The rules of combat were never agreed upon.” Kain only glared at Yang. “Besides, you brought magic into the fight before I did.”

Kain’s next yawn was sublimated by a howl of rage and denial as he scooped up his spear and leapt from sight. Yang knew the tactics of his one time ally and knew also the strength of Kain’s jump attack. Ignoring the other pair of eyes that he felt upon him, Yang fell into a state of meditation. His muscles stood taut on his well toned frame, his feet stood firmly planted. The wind blew his single braid of hair but still Yang did not move.

A yell of warning called out from the side but the observer needn’t have worried. As Kain fell, spear leading, Yang side-stepped and struck out with his right claw. The two stood facing each other. The White Spear dripped Yang’s blood. Yang’s second claw dripped Kain’s blood. As they locked stares Yang could see the clouds beginning to cover Kain’s pupils. As if to accentuate this, a song of charm came from their, until now, silent observer. Kain stiffly moved back from Yang, as if his will was fighting the effects of the Charm Claw. Yang stood straight as Edward Chris Von Muir walked out to stand beside his friend, still singing his song.

“You seek to find honor by defeating an honorable warrior, but honor is not found by diminishing the light from the world. Defeat your own darkness and you shall reclaim your honor.”

Whether the words broke through Kain’s trance or not Yang could not tell. The karate master was relieved, though, when the dragoon turned and walked away from the mountain’s clearing.

* * * * * * * * * * *

The prince of Damcyan and king of Fabul spent the remainder of the day atop Mount Hobs chatting about current news and reliving old memories. As evening approached the two descended from the mountain, knowing at the base that they must part ways. Yang said his goodbyes and began the long walk for Fabul while Edward began his search for Peligost.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Kain looked at the world breezing by below him. He had failed to defeat Yang. The end of their battle was still a jumble to his fuzzy memories, but he knew he’d failed. One more failure to add to his many character faults: unrequited love for Rosa, jealousy of Cecil, easily falling under both Golbez’s and Zemus’ sway, and shame for all of these and many other actions.

He merely shrugged the guilt off as he had done so many times before. He failed against Yang. Oh well. There were many other ways to regain his honor.

He urged the black chocobo on towards Eblan . . .

THE END . . . FOR NOW

~PART 2~

Underestimation


The cold stones lay ignored in the shadows. Along the floor crawled a lizard, zigzagging through the rubble to reach the sunlight. Just as the lizard reached the warming light a booted foot clomped down causing the reptile to run to the shade for cover.

“It would have gone a lot faster if you’d have joined us and not gone chasing after ‘moon guys.’”

“Geeze, gramps, cut me some slack!” As he turned away from gramps he rolled his eyes. “You’d think after saving the world I’d get some respect. Or some girls. Or some respectable girls.”

“Master Edge, please try to at least act the part of king.”

“Kinda hard to be king when I don’t even have a kingdom.”

“That is why” gramps unrolled his map atop a large stone slab “we are clearing out the Tower of Babil. Since Eblan was-“

“Yeah, yeah. Rubicant destroyed it. If you recall I destroyed Rubicant.”

“With help.”

“Listen you crusty old fool, they got me to Rubicant but it was my flood that put him out.”

“None of them helped you?”

“None of ‘em.”

“Not even Rydia?”

“Not-“ Edge paused, how he missed Rydia. He sighed inwardly, if only he’d followed her. Gramps was still staring at him. Damn, why was it that she was the only girl who could make him pause. Edge slammed his fist down on the makeshift table. “How many monsters did Golbez have in that damn tower?"


* * * * * * * * * * *


“My liege! My liege!”

Yang looked up at the flustered courier. He bowed his head signaling the man to continue.

“A man has arrived, collapsed, at the front gates. Normally I would not have bothered you for such a thing but the man is the heroic prince of Damcyan who helped defend us from the Red Wings.”

Yang stood up from his throne and leapt to the courier’s side. The courier led Yang to the castle’s inn where the exhausted bard was resting.

“My friend,” Yang walked to Edward’s bedside, “had I known Fabul to be your destination then surely I’d have asked for your company on my journey home.”

“Forgive me, Yang, but Fabul was not my intended destination initially nor is this visit a friendly encounter.” Yang’s face became a blank mask for he was unsure where Edward was headed with this discussion.

“Peligost, my black chocobo, was gone from the base of Mount Hobs. Black chocobos do not wander off on their own as do their yellow plumed kin.” Edward paused both to catch his breath and for dramatic effect. “I believe Kain has taken him.”

Not following Edward’s line of reasoning Yang offered to find Edward an alternate means to return to Toroia. But Edward wasn’t finished.

“If Kain came after you to reclaim his honor then I believe next he’d travel to Baron.”

“Cecil ... “ Yang finally caught on.

“Exactly. You must go to Baron to warn him.”

Yang stood a moment in thought. “My friend, I may not leave my kingdom unattended for that long a time. Also, if Kain has your black chocobo then he will be in Baron long before I could arrive.”

“Not so. After the beating he took from you he’d have to rest before taking on Cecil.”

“I concede to your wisdom. However, I maintain that I may not leave my kingdom.”

“Then I shall go.”

“I shall have the dock master ready to set sail within the hour.”

Edward’s eyes grew wide with shock and fear. “Sail?”


* * * * * * * * * * *


Kain looked down at the Castle of Eblan, still in ruins from Golbez’s attack. He was unable to defeat Yang but if the current state of Eblan was any indication of its current king then Kain felt confident that he could win. Edge was not much of a fighter in Kain’s estimation but perhaps defeating one of the fighters who helped defeat Zeromus would bring him some honor.

Kain was among those that brought Zeromus down as well, but the weight of his guilt kept him from assessing the situation clearly. Only a great victory, greater than defeating Zeromus, would restore his honor.

So Kain believed.


* * * * * * * * * * *


The dock master greeted Edward with a smile that hardly seemed fitting for one who spent so long at sea. Perfect teeth behind a mouth framed by a well groomed goatee. Edward had originally expected a man hunched over, reeking of ale, and missing a fair share of teeth.

Regardless of the warm greeting, Edward was shivering.

“Greetings to you, Edward Chris Von Muir, king of Damcyan.” The dock master presented a formal greeting and dipped into a low bow.

“A-and you, s-sir.” Edward normally would have corrected the man, he preferred the title prince to king, but his mind was not on greetings at the moment.

“Are you certain that you are fit to travel?” The king of Fabul asked his friend.

“Cecil must be warned.” Despite his bravado, Edward did not move.

“Then you must-“

“Yang, I’m scared!” Edward did not mean to blurt it out quite like that. Perhaps his fear and nerves got the best of him or perhaps he did want his friend to know. Yang wasn’t afraid of anything.

“I fathom your fear stems from your previous sea voyage but I assure you that nothing will happen on this trip.”

“Aye, my sailors are the finest around.” The dock master asserted.

“I’m not like you, Yang.”

Yang was taken back. Slightly befuddled, he asked Edward to explain.

“I’m not like you. I’m not strong or brave or fearless. You fight every battle with a calm and collected demeanor, never afraid of anything.”

After a brief pause Yang said. “I appreciate your respect for me, but I am not fearless. Every fight, every confrontation, scares me. My fears help me to be a better ruler, always placing things in perspective. When I fight, I think of what I am defending not what I might be losing. That is how fear motivates me.” The look on Edward’s face spoke volumes to Yang. He continued. “You are braver than I.” Edward scoffed openly at his friend. “Trust me, for I would not lie. I do not go now because I fear for my kingdom and what may happen to it should I leave. You, Edward, will battle your fear, and overcome it I say, to protect those you love. You are a brave man whom I admire.”

Edward looked awestricken at the king. “I am?”

“Yes, my friend.”

As the two embraced the dock master added. “Nothing to fear, not like we’ll meet Leviathan, eh?”

“Leviathan?” Edward asked slyly.

“We’re too old to believe in bed time stories, lad.”

“Yes,” the prince smiled, “bed time stories. Just like dark elves and men on the moon.”

The dock master roared a deep belly laugh. “There you go, lad. Let us set sail for Baron.”

Edward boarded the boat, smiling at the dock master’s humor. Inside, though, Edward was beaming with a pride that he had never known before.


* * * * * * * * * * *


King Edge paced back and forth among the ruins of castle Eblan. Gramps had taken some of the senior ninjas into the tower to clear out more monsters. Edge wasn’t angry about that, he was angry that gramps hadn’t let him go along. Gramps said it was too dangerous. There were only some adamantoise and centaurs, maybe a black lizard or two, but nothing that he hadn’t already taken on. Gramps was adamant, though, that the king of Eblan should not put himself in harm’s way.

Unfortunately, that’s exactly what he did.

“All hail the king of Eblan.”

Though the voice was familiar, Edge was surprised when he turned to see Kain standing within the once proud castle Eblan.

“Kain!” Edge ran up to Kain and crushed his friend in a big hug. “You old bugger, how’s life been treating you since-“ Edge pulled back to stare at Kain and slowly recoil in horror. The king clutched at his torn bicep which Kain had just neatly sliced with a knife. Though he stammered through many possible beginnings, Edge could not get a sentence formed through his surprise.

“An even fight now. Your left against my left. Your sword against me spear. Your speed against my smarts.”

“You bastard!” Edge drew his Murasame from its sheath.

Kain was right, Edge had the speed. Even though he was five years younger the dragoon could not begin to parry the ninja’s many blows. His armor absorbed most of the strength behind Edge’s attacks but Kain knew he’d need another way to win the battle.

Kain was right, he had the smarts.

“I’d have thought your skills might have improved. No wonder they left you out here.” Kain ducked a swing that might have decapitated him otherwise. “You’d likely fall from the first group of dark imps you came across.”

“If I recall, you were falling.” Edge leapt back from the prodding spear. “Falling under Golbez’s spells.”

“You fell at our first meeting, crying at Rubicant’s feet.”

“You talk too much.”

“Of course, you’ve always been a crybaby."

“Shut it, Kain!”

“Boo-boo, Dr. Lugae turned mommy and daddy into monsters.”

“I’ll cut your heart out.”

“I must say, I did enjoy fighting those oversized freaks.”

“SHUT UP!”

“I’ll bet you even cried when Rydia left.”

He’d heard enough. Edge leapt into the air and swung at Kain with an accompanying howl of rage. Just as Kain had hoped. None were better at aerial combat than dragoons and Kain was the finest dragoon alive. Kain leapt up to intercept Edge. He easily batted the Murasame from Edge’s grasp then, grabbing the ninja’s face mask, slammed Edge to the castle stones. Edge shook the cobwebs from his head only to find a spear tip at his throat.

“You cheated!” Edge accused.

“There seems to be a lot of that going around. This was hardly worth my effort. I hope Rydia puts up a better fight.”

With the possibility of Rydia being Kain’s next target, Edge set himself in motion. His body became surrounded by a think gray smoke. Kain thrust his spear quickly but struck only stone. Edge drew his second sword, the Masamune, and the fight was on again in earnest.


* * * * * * * * * * *


The soft melody drifted through the halls of Baron’s castle. Edward was ushered to the waiting room till Cecil was able to see him. Absent mindedly, the bard plucked away the same melody he’d played to Anna those long years ago.

“That’s a song I’ve not had the privilege of hearing for years.”

“It’s a song that will be gone after I’m dead,” Edward replied not turning around, “in honor of Anna I’ll not record its tune to paper.”

Rosa walked over to her friend and gave him a great hug. After her embrace he was passed to Cecil’s waiting arms.

“I am glad to find you both all right.”

“As well as you.” Cecil replied. “Glad I am that the world’s best voice is fit again to travel.”

Edward blushed at his friend’s praise. “Not nearly fit enough for travel, but fit enough to bring news of warning.”

Cecil’s face grew dark at the prospect of dire news while Rosa took on a more distressed look. Edward went on to discus his visit in Fabul with Yang and the attack by Kain of Mount Hobs.

“Our old friend has chosen again to show himself. Why does he attack Yang?”

“He was spouting nonsense about reclaiming his honor by defeating him. Cecil, I was worried that Kain may try to come after you next.”

Cecil pondered Edward’s claim before presenting his own. “That seems to be the eventuality, but I don’t think he’d come for me until he’s proven to himself that he’s worthy of Rosa.” Cecil’s wife shifted uneasily at the mention of that.

“Where would he go, then?”

“I’d have to check with the elder of Mysidia to be sure.”

“Dear, don’t forget that Cid and the Enterprise are in the Underground helping Giott scrap his tanks into airships for trade.” Rosa voiced Cecil’s thoughts openly.

“Luckily Baron’s Red Wings are more than just the Enterprise. Though the other ships are slower we can take one of those to Mysidia.”

Edward backed from his friends slightly. “Not to rain on your parade, but I’d only be a burden to slow you down. I’ll wait here in Baron for your return.”

“Actually, Edward, I was hoping you’d join us.” Cecil stared his friend in the eyes. “You were most helpful in attaining the Sand Ruby and saving Rosa’s life those years ago. I’d be most honored to have a bard of your talents at my side.’

“And I at your other,” Rosa chimed in, “the three of us together. Just like we were at Mount Hobs, save that Rydia is also in the Underground visiting Leviathan and Asura.”

Edward smiled as he considered his two closest friends. “When do we leave for Mysidia?”


* * * * * * * * * * *


The sun dipped low on the horizon threatening to take its light away as it set. That didn’t seem to bother the two combatants. Each was cut in several areas and the gray stones beneath them were slick with blood.

“She’d rather spend her time in a dank cave filled with monsters than with a spoiled young prince like yourself?”

Edge was yelling through the tears. Some were tears of pain at the many wounds he’d received. Some were tears at the sting of Kain’s words. Some were tears of truth. Edge had always lived on the edge, his life’s philosophy was no regrets and he lived everyday as he wanted to. Though he enjoyed himself thoroughly, he hadn’t planted loving seeds for a bright future. Kain’s words were truer than he knew, and Edge was realizing for the first time how others often viewed his over the edge antics.

Edge did not like to view himself that way.

“Since your mommy was a monster, can Rydia summon her up sometime? Give you two some quality bonding time?”

The anger within Edge was anything beyond what he’d felt in the past. It was beyond the rage he’d felt at Rubicant and Dr Lugae when he drew forth his hidden talents of flood and blitz. It was beyond the rage he’d felt when Zeromus struck at Rydia when he threw the spoon dagger into the Lunarian’s heart. The rage he felt now was at a bleak mirror reflecting a wasted life of self indulgence.

Edge did not like to view his life that way.

“Is that why you’re taking over the Tower of Babil? Find some new monsters in there to adopt you and change your ninja diapers.”

Edge never had a problem with Kain. The dragoon was a great fighter, if a bit on the solemn side. Edge never paid much attention to the looks Kain had cast Cecil’s and Rosa’s way, he was too intent upon himself and impressing Rydia. It could have been anyone to confront Edge with the truth of himself that pushed him this far. As luck would have it, Kain was the one.

“Iakazuchi!” The word bore straight from Edge’s core and erupted from his mouth. A streak of lightening, whiter and brighter than any blitz he’d cast before. The bolt cut unerringly toward Kain to strike him on the shoulder. The aerial dragoon turned ungainly flips as the force of the bolt send him spinning away from Eblan Castle’s ruins. As the echo of the thunder crack died away Edge began to weep. These tears carried truth. Edge cried for the mockery of his life, for the family he lost, and for the friends he’d driven away.

As the sky darkened and night set in Edge heard the unmistakable sound of wings beating the air. High above the castle, lightly outlined by the pale moon’s light, flew a black chocobo. It flew to the east, a destination unused by most migratory birds, even at this time of the year. Edge’s pain became anger and then exhaustion as the dragoon sailed over the eastern bay, off towards Agart or possibly Mysidia.

Edge slowly walked to gather the Murasame he’d dropped earlier. The pain and exhaustion within him cried out, begging him to give in to sleep and rest from the taxing spell. The once proud king of Eblan refused to surrender to sleep, to himself. In the past he might have celebrated the victory, might even have slept the entire ordeal away, but Edge knew that was not the type of king he wanted to be.

Weary, bleeding from several wounds, and still unable to fully utilize his right arm Edge made his way to the Falcon, the royal airship of Eblan.



THE END . . . FOR NOW


Let me know what you think. I've tried to remove any and all spelling and grammatical errors, though some grammatical errors remain in the dialogue. Not everyone speaks in perfect sentences.
Enjoy

This post has been edited by Syreni on 26th April 2007 13:43

Your writing is good and I like the dialogue between Yang and Kain, but the fic itself was kinda hard to read. ^^; See, when you're posting online, a lot of people find it's easier to read fics and whatnot if you skip a line between each paragraph.

--------------------

Come with me so I can show you how to live
Burning the candle at both ends
I’m gripping at the walls around me
Don’t complicate it
I’m addicted to this life
I’ll be your token of attention
All my lies come down to this
-Orgy, "Beautiful Disgrace"

I agree with the above statement. It really could use some improvment in terms of layout but otherwise works in every other respect


--------------------

"Only the dead have seen the end of their quotes being misattributed to Plato."
-George Santayana

"The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here..."
-Abraham Lincoln, prior to the discovery of Irony.

It's nice, but, is that it?

Also, just a point I wanted to mention. Edward (or Gilbert) wasn't piloting a tank during the assault on the Giant of Babil. He was on one of the airships. (As my memory serves, anyway.)



--------------------

"Some fight for justice. Some fight for law . . .
. . .Cecil, what will you fight for?"
~KluYa

Thanks a lot for the suggestions. I added the breaks in lines and changed the tank reference to an airship (I'm replaying the game right now and haven't reached that spot yet). I also kinda made it unclear with that "THE END" there following the set of elipses. I meant this to be the first in a 4-5 part series, I'll post one each week as per forum rules. The End was merely the end of this section. Sorry for the confusion.

In the interest of cleaning up and keeping the chapters easy to find, I moved chapter 2 as an edit of chapter one, that way they flow together a little better. I'm still interested in any feed back, should anyone have anything to say. I like both positive and negative criticism.

Thank you

This post has been edited by Syreni on 26th April 2007 13:45

Calm Before the Storm



The thrumming of the propellers lulled Cecil into a dream-like state as he gazed over the rolling waves. The airship he was riding was flying on a straight course for Mysidia, a trip that might have taken only an hour or two in the Enterprise but was taking much longer in one of the normal Red Wings ships. Edward had played a bit on his harp earlier but it was not enough to cover the engine’s thrum. Riding the Enterprise for so long had spoiled Cecil towards riding in the lesser airships.

Rose stood at the stern, staring out towards their destination. Though Mysidia was not yet in sight she knew well enough the direction of the city of mages. Rosa hadn’t visited in some time and hoped the Elder was still in good health. After he’d witnessed the Mysidian legend come true and the raising of the Big Whale he’d taken ill. It seemed as if he was satisfied that there was nothing left on Earth for him to see and he was allowing his body to shut down. She hoped that he was still holding on.

Edward was of the finest spirits of the three. Having set down his harp the bard was enjoying the breeze that was whipping his blond hair about. The long trip was allowing him moments of reprieve to remove himself from the current problems and just focus on enjoying himself. The cool breeze, the warm sun, the sea water scent; Edward was taking it all in and basking in all nature had to offer.

Rosa turned her head back to Cecil. “The Mysidians don’t possess an airship, do they?”

“The Big Whale sank down below the waves.” Cecil stirred from his lethargy. “They’re pretty reclusive, only Palom and Porom ever visit us from the Serpent Road.”

“That’s what I thought.” Rosa turned back to the stern, staring.

“Are you all right, my dear?”

“I just thought I saw an airship out there. It might have been a zuu, though.”

Cecil joined her at the rail. After peering out he muttered an incantation and cast the spell of Sight. The spell allowed Cecil to view a much large area about him and to see further than normal. With that spell, Cecil confirmed Rosa’s suspicions. “There is another airship out there.” Edward moved to join the couple. “Fortunately, it’s an airship we know well.” He turned back to his friends. “It’s the Falcon.”

“Edge!” Rosa blurted in surprise.

“Yeah, and he seems to be chasing a black chocobo.”

Edward’s eyes grew wide. “A black chocobo?”

“Yeah, though I can barely see it even with my spell.”

“I pray, dear friend, please follow that Falcon!”

“But the Elder of Mys-“

“Forget the Elder.” Both Cecil and Rosa turned shocking glances toward Edward.” Forgive my outburst, but I believe that black chocobo to be my lost mount Peligost.” Neither Cecil nor Rosa seemed to catch on. “That is the same one stolen after my encounter with Yang. I was mistaken in my assuming that Kain was heading straight for you.”

“Oh my god, Edge.” Rosa placed a hand on Cecil’s shoulder.

“If the Falcon is chasing that chocobo then I wouldn’t worry for Edge. I’d worry for Kain.” Cecil turned to embrace Rosa. “Looks like we’ll have to postpone our visit to Mysidia.”

Their course changed to follow the Falcon.


* * * * * * * * * * *


After hours of flying Peligost was starting to tire. Still Kain urged the tired bird on. He’d left Mysidia in the distance behind him and his target was now in sight. He cursed as he glanced back to see the large drill-nose of the Falcon closing fast. Fearing that he may not reach his destination Kain prodded the chocobo to land. As luck would have it, Peligost directed the landing to a place where he felt comfortable.

Chocobo Forest.


* * * * * * * * * * *


They set their airship down beside the Falcon which rest beside a forest near the foot of a mountain. Cecil gnawed at his bottom lip, he knew this area well. He’d stopped at this very forest to grab a chocobo to ride back to Mysidia after his trip up the mountain. Mt Ordeals was the very spot that he’d achieved his Paladin status and gained the sword of Mysidian Legend, later forged into Excalibur. Also on Mt Ordeals Cecil faced the Dark Knight, a manifestation of all his past transgressions. The hardest part of Mt Ordeals, though, was the fact that there Cecil had faced the light of Klu-ya, his father.

“It looks like two sets of chocobo tracks. I wonder why he didn’t just fly to his destination?” Rosa questioned after examining the ground.

“Because Peligost couldn’t make it.” Edward answered her, seeing his chocobo laying in exhaustion beneath the forest’s canopy.

“Round up a few chocobos, we can’t afford any delays.” Edward and Rosa looked at Cecil; his determined stare was locked on Mt Ordeals.


* * * * * * * * * * *


He screamed as a shuriken pierced his left shoulder. For the better part of his journey the blasted ninja had been pelting him with throwing stars. Kain would have turned back to deal with the ninja, but his wounds were too numerous at this time. Unlike Edge, Kain didn’t have a supply of potions on his transportation. Another shuriken struck the dragoon.

“Give it up, Kain, you can’t keep running forever.”

‘Not forever,’ he thought, ‘just till we reach the mountain.’

“Hey, cloud-kicker, I’m talking to you! You pick a fight and run?”

Kain veered his chocobo around a boulder but Edge boldly rode his bird up it. As his chocobo leapt into the air Edge rained another barrage of shuriken on the dragoon.

“You lost the last aerial battle, snot-nosed prince.”

“You jerk.”

Kain smirked to himself; it was so easy to set Edge off. Ordeals loomed before him as the chocobos ran about the lower foothills. Kain turned his chocobo to run about the many boulders. Edge shrugged his head; Kain was not going to lose him among the tangle of boulders. Each time he rounded one he barely saw the tail feathers of Kain’s chocobo turning about another boulder. He urged his mount faster and soon he was closing the ground. Edge turned one more boulder and stopped in consternation. There stood Kain’s chocobo, eating grass and missing its rider.


* * * * * * * * * * *


It took a while, even riding chocobos, for the group to reach Mt Ordeals. They began their climb around midday, only stopping for a quick bite to keep fatigue off their minds. The going was slow. Mt Ordeals had become a grave for many who sought the light of legend. Those who have died had their bodies reanimated by the very power of that light to act as guardians. Cecil had thought they would have faded to oblivion once he claimed the light, but that was not the case.

Edward felt it first, a chill wind that made him shiver from deep inside. The wind brought with it a stale stench of decay.

Cecil drew forth his Crystal sword, a sword forged on the second moon before it flew from the atmosphere. He remembered the ghouls he’d fought on Ordeals before, even with his better equipment on this climb, Cecil still felt ill at ease. Edward screamed from the side and Cecil lunged toward the first shambling corpse. Its outstretched hands of rotted flesh and bone were no match for the Lunarian forged crystal. Two rotted hands fell to the ground, flopping like fish out of water. Rosa sent two holy blessed arrows into the cadaver knocking it to the ground.

Edward’s harp proved of little effect against the revenants and ghouls, but was rather effective against the souls and spirits. These bodiless apparitions found a measure of calm from their tortured existences within the soothing notes of his songs. This measure of peace helped ease them on to the afterlife, removing them from the world of the living.

“I hope you can keep that up, we’ve a long climb ahead of us.” Cecil said after the last spirit vanished.

“No worries, after years of playing the harp my fingers have formed rough calluses. I can play for hours on end before they crack or bleed.”

“We may very well test the limits of your training, my friend.” Rosa pointed towards the top of the mountain. “We still have a long way to go.”

They started along their climb again when a voice called out.

“At least you needn’t go the entire way alone.”

The three friends turned about to see the ninja prince of Eblan standing before them. Rosa ran to her friend with a great hug and Cecil’s grin nearly took in his ears, so glad he was to see his friend again.

“You look none the worse for wear; we’d feared that Kain had roughed you up.”

“Oh, he did.” Edge smiled at his friends. “But the Falcon is fully stocked with healing potions. I brought a few along, just in case, but seeing as how you and Rosa are here I guess I don’t need them.”

“Though we appreciate your candor, Kain still eludes us.” Edward was quick to point out.

“Hold it right there blondie, I-“ Edge caught himself, shook his head and started again. “Sorry, I’m a little frustrated with Kain right now. Who’re you?”

Cecil and Rosa just turned incredulous stares at each other, Edge corrected himself and apologized?

“My name is Edward, but that’s not so important right now. Catching Kain must be our primary focus.”

“I agree, he went up the mountain, though I don’t know what’s up there that he’d want.”

Cecil stared at his sword. “I wouldn’t think there’d be anything up there for him either, apparently he thinks otherwise.” Rosa offered him a comforting nod. “Let’s go get Kain.”


* * * * * * * * * * *


What was it about this place? How was Cecil able to redeem himself atop Mt Ordeals? Was he chosen?

Kain meandered about the top of the mountain. He’d crossed and cut the rope bridge a few minutes ago and discovered a small pagoda at the summit. That pagoda, however, has long since collapsed leaving a pile of rubble vaguely resembling what it once was. Among the rubble were shards of a mirror. Each broken piece showed a myriad of reflections. Each reflection was broken still and dirty, a sight Kain thought fitting.

He stomped on the shards, easily breaking them into hundreds of smaller reflections. Whatever Cecil found up here was gone, so too was any further paths to redemption. He’d lost to Yang, he’d lost to Edge, and he’d lost his only chance to reach some light. Honor. Once he’d been the most honorable of dragoons in Baron, a loyal servant of the king and in high regards of everyone in the court. Then came Cecil’s dissention, their dismissal, and then Golbez. Golbez had a hold on Kain that the dragoon could not explain. Yet, wasn’t Golbez controlled too?

Kain stopped. There, among the rubble and mirror shards, like a dying weed clinging to the sun’s rays, was the hilt of a sword. Dark and twisting, baring nefarious markings and runes of dark power the hilt was carved of bone but was stained a reddish black color. The crosstrees were of a similar colored bone fused along the edge with fangs of some beast, ranging from half an inch near the handle to four inches at the end. The blade that was sticking down into the rubble was of ebon hue. The exact metal Kain could not identify on first inspection, but he could feel the power radiating from it.

Kain reached for the black sword.


* * * * * * * * * * *


When he knew his life was ending Klu-ya entrusted his power into the sword of legend at the top of Mt Ordeals. The Lunarian hoped his power would be used to defeat the darkest evil. He hoped his sacrifice would seal away darkness.

All it did was give evil an idea.

When he knew his life was ending Zemus entrusted his power into a sword. . .





To Be Continued . . .