Final Fantasy III, Generation 2
Special Edition
By: Tomm Hulett
(Kupan@aol.com)


Author's Note

     Welcome.  You are reading the special edition of Final Fantasy III,
Generation 2.  Why is it special?  Because I compiled all five sections into
one story.  It was originally split into five parts so that people on the
internet could download it in sections, thus not wasting time DLing a giant
file.
     *** You are about to embark upon a magical adventure.  The characters
you are about to meet may be familiar to you.  If this is the case, then you
will once again experience the joys, and defeats, of their lives.
     If you do not know those who dwell within, then you will soon be
thrilled with their unique personalities.  I wrote this story mainly because
I, among others, didn't want the adventure to end as the game came to a
close.  Parting with these characters, nay, people, was something I had not
been looking forward to.  What would happen to them without me to help
them?  How would they get along after I was forced to leave?
     Several people have thought this; now they have an answer.  There
are, however, some misconceptions.  Some people think they have spotted
inconsistencies within these pages.  Thus, I must note that the land's
features changed since the Apocalyptic rise of Kefka.  The continents
partially moved back to their original positions.  Bridges were built to
connect them, and new forms of transportation made the span of distance
smaller than ever.  Remember, this is a world of both magic and machines,
and quick transportation is a reality. ***
     I have included this, as well as a thank you section after the story.
Enjoy the story, as I worked long and hard on it.  Always remember: life is
what you make of it, and love perseveres.

                                                           -Tomm Hulett


                             FOURWORD

     I couldn't decide who should write the foreword for my book--so I had
four people write it.  Five, actually, but one of the writers told me that he
didn't think his foreword was up to par.   --Kupan

~The World (or at least a small portion of it) According to D4~
A Forword by D4Pres
     First and foremost, I'd like to say that I took a very long time in
writing this.  Usually, I can crank out 12 postings in under an hour, and
still have time for bathroom breaks and answering mail.  It's one of my
defining characteristics.  But when Kupan had asked me to help him out with
his Final Fantasy compilation, in that I would aid in writing a FOURword... I
wasn't sure of exactly what to write.  For once, the mighty (well... I guess)
D4Pres knew not what to say.... ;)
     I guess I should start by talking about what I know best... the former
Hyrulean Adventure.   It was a warm, moist June (11th) morning when I
fired up my trusty Leading Edge with a painfully slow 2400 modem, in the
hopes of reaching what people were calling the 'Hyrulean Adventure'.  I had
talked with good (looking) old NOA AmyJ about it during her chats, and was
looking forward to seeing what all the fuss was about.
     I had written briefly in the previous Interactive story, 'The Blood of
the Chozo'... but really made no impact whatsoever, and was more or less one
of the 'one-post-wonders' I now curse ;)
     Either way, after reading through all of the background stuff, the basic
plotline and so forth, I was ready to jump in.  But with who?  What was I to
be?  What did I want to do?  At this point, I had no clue as to how to
successfully function in a story of this caliber.  Howard Stern was in one of
his rants on the radio... as he is known to do, he was poking fun at his
trusty sidekick, Gary.  Or as he was calling him, Baba-Booey... "Booey?" I
thought... sounded quarky enough to warrant a place in my entry.
     But what exactly would this 'Booey' be?  Well, I was still on-line (this
was my 'pre-smart' days, where I wasted AOL time like water)... and decided
to check out some of the on-going story.  But there was so much... I decided
against trying to get involved with what was already going on, as I had (very
unsuccessfully) in BOTC.  Instead, I sat and thought up an entire background
for my character.. including a brand new race (Mushroovians), and a whole
slew of other stuff.  I was actually impressed ;> and I'm usually a very
cynical person... the one who isn't impressed easily.
     After three days of writing in my trusty red mead notebook, I was ready
to unveil Booey to the Hyrulean Adventure.  I did so... but just like what
happened in BOTC.. nobody cared ;)  Nobody even acknowledged my
existence.  I had put so much thought, so much effort, so much blood, sweat,
and tears into my first posts (which now that I look back, were pretty
bad)... it killed me.
     It was getting close to the end of June, and still nobody cared about
who D4Pres or Booey was.  It was rough.... Booey voted, he opened a shop, he
fought in the attack on the castle... all went pretty much unheeded.
     Then the Northern Caves opened on June 20th... I decided that I was
going nowhere fast, and it was high time I did something that all would
notice.  <<note: From what I know from Kupan, he was feeling close to the
same about things at the time, but I still think people knew and respected
him :) >>  So I decided to take Booey to the mountains... leaving his good
mushroomite buddies in charge of his shop, he ventured off....
     It was here that things started to click for me.  The first thing I did
was create an entire new species of whom took up residency in a large cavern.
They were large mutant worms.. the Bookwurms as they are known.  While
they themselves never garnered the recognition I had hoped for... they did
aid in the creation of two very important characters for me... not to mention
one of the 'Big Three' plots in the Hyrulean Adventure.  
     It was with the Bookwurms that I introduced GB (or Wubba the
Mushroovian) and Rembrandt, who at the time was my staple 'villian'.
Through him, I started to weave together the foundation of what would
become one of the most involved tales of betrayal, sadness, and triumph...
the Shigrius war.
     As it began to take off (and more and more people were taking notice...
MogRONIN, JippyKid for example)... there was another who was making the
Mountains his domain...
     Kupan... who in my opinion is a very under-celebrated writer.  Anybody
who has ever checked out one of his stories (even Kupan's 'The Scroller' was
a classic case of plain good writing) knows just how good he can be.  At the
time, he was flying high with the Griffin, who remains one of my favorite
characters from the first story.  I love riddles for one, and Kupan just made
him into a great symbol of interactivity and so forth.. one of the most
important additions to the first story.  I'm sure any writer would attest to
that....
     After the beginnings of the war were taking shape, my characters ran
into Kupan's Griffin, and were forced to answer a riddle.  This was my first
real experience with the originator of the Unofficial Scribes.  GB (who was
supposed to be a hyper-intelligent being) answered it in two tries.  So while
my first writing opportunity with him was short., I was impressed enough
with the Griffin to spend some time drawing a picture of him.
     Soon after I was done, I sent the picture to Kupan, a guy I'd never
talked with outside the story before.  Not really sure of how he'd like it, I
kept the letter short and pretty much just handed over the pic.  After a
short while, I recieved a reply.  And a very nice one at that :)  It seemed
as though the creator of he Griffin was kind of impressed with my drawing..
and while at the moment, it hadn't changed anything in the story, it did
begin a really good friendship....
     A day or so later, DarkPanda, one of the Scribes (there was only kind of
scribe at the time... official) posted a really descriptive, eloquent, and
darned-right good story about his and the other scribes daily beings.  This
was the fuel that fed the fire...
     I got an e-mail a time later... it was from Kupan.  The story writer of
whom I had envied (particularly for the Griffin) was asking me to help him
in the creation of a 'Scribe Shack'... one where all of us non-scribes would
live.  At the time, it was him, The Bat 08, and me.... and the rest is pretty
much history.  
     All it took was one good idea, and Kupan had created the one phenomena
which has achieved something no other storyline ever will.. it's continued
over fully from the last story and into the new.... now, sure, things from
the last story may be present, but this is an entire plot (of sorts) which
has carried over, through the planning stages right into this sequel.  It
really is a phenomena.  Not anymore is it simply a running gag, but it's more
or less 'part' of the Hyrulean Adventure.  Without it and the controversy it
has caused, I don't think the HA (I really hate that Acro) would have been
the same.
     The story you will soon be reading has been written by one of the
foremost creative minds the on-line community has to offer ;)  It takes a
good mind to do so many things.. writing epics like this, and staying part of
the greuling posting the Hyrulean Adventure is known for... not to mention
spending time doing other things, like planning future video games, and
speaking with a scottish accent ;>  Kupan is truly a brilliant guy... he's
the guy who is never satisfied with being in the background... and I like
that.  To me, it seems as though Kupan believes there is no second place.
And in a world where everybody wants to be seen and heard, that is probably
the most useful quality a man could have.
    One day, when Kupan is making epic games for the likes of Nintendo,
Square, or maybe even a company he starts... we can all look up and say,
"Wow, I once wrote with that kid..." or something more creative, maybe ;)
Expect to one day see the name 'Tomm Hulett' in lights somewhere....
Or at the very least, in the credits of your favorite video game :?>
~D4Pres~
				*	*	*	*
Forword for;
Final FantasyIII - Generation 2 
by:  Kruncha
    "Unimaginable.  The power of this story is just that.  It can not only be
appreciated by those who are familiar with Final Fantasy III, but all who
enjoy a good story.  Notwithstanding, if one does have an affinity of the
game it only accentuates the experience to unbelievable heights.  WOW!!!
Tomm/Kupan has a VERY bright future ahead of himself in the videogame
industry or wherever he is headed.  I'm just glad I was fortunate enough to
get to know his talent and what makes him tick.  This story, FULL of
emotion, romance, trauma, collusion, and action is so gripping that it would
stand well to be made into a movie."
				YOUR HONORABLE LEADER,
                                            KRUNCHA
				*	*	*	*
Forward
by
Keith/Xardon1
     What can I say about FF3Gen2...  It was my first experience with
Kupsters writing talents.  It was one of the factors that help drive us to
become friends, as well it prompted me to take MY FF story off the drawing
boards and write it.  But enough with these formalities and on to the meat of
this forward.
     FF3Gen2 was a well thought out story, it used none of the rumors that
persist throughout the gaming world (as opposed to mine where I give life to
the fake hidden espers).  And it gave many of the pointless characters in FF3
a use.  Seigfried becoming what he did, the sacrifices of three particular
characters, and most of all, <the villain>.  Making <the villain> an Esper is
kind of a cool idea, even though I don't think I would ever do that.  Kupan
wrote his dialogue perfectly.  <The villain> was patronizing, devious and
evil.  I've stated before that a story is only as good as it's villain (even
Gump had a villain).  However the story had some clichˇ's in it (a lot
actually, most in the first chapter) the one that comes to mind first is the
marriage and arguing period between Locke and Celes, but it was a well done
clichˇ...
     All in all it was a fine story, far better than the other ones I've
read.  Kupan has included humor, emotion, evil, and many other things. You
might find yourself feeling for the characters.
	Good job Tomm
				*	*	*	*
     I was first introduced to Tomm Hulett's magical writing in the
summer of this year. Since then, I have never been able to look away from
anything he has written. the story that follows is no exception.
Tomm is truly a great writer-Many have discovered that-Which is why I,
with great pleasure, opened the file containing Final Fantasy Generation 2
nearly a month previous. I wasn't able to put it down. The next day I showed
it to some friends; They all loved it-And I truly think you will love this
too. With expansive descriptive phrases, humorous dialogue, action,
intrigue, and some tears, he paints a truly magical picture for all of us to see.
Before I bore you, I will put you through to what you really want-the story.
Beware though-You are about to get hooked..and you may never get yourself
untangled.
---Jarrett Samson
Oct.25/1996


     This story is dedicated to Curtis, who encouraged me even when I
decided not to finish writing this story--and then did.  Also, to all the
others who encouraged my writing talents; in other words, everyone besides
my English Teachers, who said my writing wasn't up to par.  And now...to the
story
                                                           --Tomm Hulett



                             Prologue

     The man walked along the pathway.  Not knowing where he was, but
fairly sure of where he would end up, General Leo marched on.  Seeing the
stars twinkle in the endless expanse, hearing only the swish of his uniform,
Leo strode to eternity.  After being slain by Kefka, Leo's soul had been
bound to the world by the magical forces; when the companions had
destroyed the magic, Leo was able to continue his journey to the afterlife.
     Remembering this sent Leo's mind back to his time serving the Empire--
blindly following orders; he could have changed things, made them better.
Feeling his sword sheath gently tapping against his leg, Leo unsheathed the
weapon.  Raising it high above his head, the gleaming stars softly reflecting
their light off the blade, Leo remembered Terra.
     So much like himself, Terra had also served the Empire; but not by
choice.  Terra had discovered her magical origins and, in doing so, was given
a choice to leave the Empire.  Even after she was ridden of the mind
controlling slave-crown, the Empire was still able to keep its hold on the
young woman.  Terra had only wanted to be loved.  She found her love in
the children of Mobliz, children orphaned by Kefka's madness.  This love
gave her determination to change the world.  Love...love could change the
world.
     Feeling the familiar pang in his heart, Leo sheathed his sword and tried
to think of something else.  Reluctantly, his mind shifted gears as he gazed
directly into one of the stars.  "Where do stars come from?" asked Leo,
talking to himself.  "Maybe the Espers became stars?" Leo chuckled at this
idea; the most powerful beings ever turning into stars.  Then General Leo
remembered the looks on the Esper's faces in Vector.  The same faces that he
saw in Thamasa--when the Empire betrayed the Espers.
     The man buried his face in his hands.  Tears escaping his eyelids, the
General whispered a silent apology and then continued on his journey.


                             Opera

     "Apology accepted," laughed the Gambler, holding up the double headed
coin that had fooled him twelve years ago.  "Although I kind of enjoyed the
trick," admitted Setzer, "you wouldn't believe how many dates I've been able
to get with this coin."  Setzer flipped the coin into the air as Celes and
Locke exchanged glances.  Feeling Locke's boot collide with his shin, Setzer
returned to the present, "You really didn't need to apologize, Celes."
     "I know," she sighed, "It's just that Locke and I had been remembering
old memories recently, and..."
     "Newlyweds do that sort of thing," interrupted Locke, responding to the
quizzical look Setzer had given Celes.  The gambler decided not to bring up
the fact that Locke and Celes had been married for ten years, and the term,
"Newlyweds" didn't really apply anymore.
     "If we don't leave soon.." Setzer spoke in a parental tone, "then we'll
be late for the opera."  The gambler stood up, dissatisfied that his two
friends weren't doing the same, Setzer hit the table for additional emphasis.
"And I thought I was bad...." Setzer muttered.

     As they began to leave, the smell of tobacco reached their nostrils.
Looking to a slot machine in the corner, Setzer saw a thief smoking a large
pipe.  "This is a no smoking casino!" Setzer called, "put out that pipe."
The thief glanced in Setzer's direction, smirking.  Setzer's hand quickly
shot from his coat pocket straight out into the air, sending three cards in
the thief's direction.  One card cut the pipe in half, the end tumbling down
to the floor.  Card number two cut off the man's ponytail.  The last card, an
ace of spades, stuck into the chair, in between the man's legs.  "Make sure
it doesn't happen again," laughed Setzer, then more seriously, "Next time
you won't be so lucky."
     As they left the gambling area, Celes glanced around; remembering when
Setzer's Casino was the Colloseum.  It had remained unchanged for the most
part.  The reception area was unchanged except that now the carpet was a lush
purple, instead of the drab red that it once was.  The sleeping area was the
same, albeit a bit larger.  And what was once the open air fighting arena was
now a gambling area--and there was a roof.
     Celes looked down at the stitched carpet, embroidered with images of
coins and cards; all in different hues of blue, purple, and green.  The room
had been filled with games of all kinds, from blackjack to roulette, and of
course, slots.  On the front wall was a large portrait of Daryl--Setzer's
lost love.  He had salvaged the painting from the now famous Falcon, Daryl's
old airship.  Just before leaving, Celes felt the red velvet curtains that
adorned the entryway.  Setzer had done quite a good job redecorating this
place.  What had once been a monument to war was now an icon of
enjoyment.

     Locke lifted Celes up into the Airship Falcon, Setzer pulled the starter
lever and the ship began to rise.  "I hope we get to the Opera house on
time," stated Celes, "I'd hate to miss the first act."
     Locke and Setzer exchanged glances, and the treasure hunter chuckled.
"Oh, yeah," Locke joked, "I would hate to miss the opera!"  Celes elbowed
Locke in the ribs, Setzer laughed hysterically.
     "I already told you guys, this is the fastest airship in the world!!!"
Setzer turned the wheel to the right, the Falcon gently tilted.  "Still
handles like a dream," remarked the gambler.
     "Which opera is playing?" asked Locke.
     "The West and East," answered Setzer, "the same one we saw before I
kidnapped Celes during our adventure."
     Celes smiled, "Really?"  she shouted in disbelief, "How did you ever
convince the Impressario to show that again?"
     "I pulled a few strings," Setzer replied, setting the airship on a
straight forward course.
     "How come Impresario never made that sequel he was always talking
about," Celes asked Locke.
     "Because I told him that if he did, I'd sue him for the rights!"  The
three friends laughed all the way to the Opera.

     Gazing out of the bushes, Buzh, a thief, gasped in disbelief at the size
of the Opera house.  The Figaro airship landed; it's size was almost as great
as the Opera house; having to transport all of Figaro's citizens took lots of
space.  Buzh had been planning this job for months.  When King Edgar
brought Figaro to the Opera for the "Figaro Annual Opera Night" celebration,
he would make his move.  Figaro's citizens were all 'middle class' and would
have their money with them.  As the people began to leave the airship and
enter the opera, Buzh readied himself.
     Reaching for a woman's purse, Buzh suddenly felt a heavy hand upon his
shoulder.  "You shouldn't be doing that," said a voice.  Buzh was lifted into
the air and thrown to the ground; the smell of grass greeting the thief's
nose.  Buzh quickly stood up and faced his attacker.  A muscular man stood
before the thief, chuckling as he approached.  He wore a sleeveless shirt and
had his hair cut in a pony tail; he had been best described as 'a body
builder escaped from his gym'.  Buzh swung at the large man, who caught his
arm and threw the thief over his shoulder.
     "Who do you think you are?..." growled Buzh, not expecting a response.
     "Sabin Figaro," stated the man in a jolly tone, "would you like to see
my 'Bum Rush'?"  Buzh quickly stood up and ran away--FAR away.
     "Thanks, brother," said King Edgar Figaro, clasping his sibling's
shoulder.  "I don't think our subjects would enjoy this night as much if they
had to return without their money."
     "No problem," said Sabin, "I kind of enjoyed it."
     "You go on in, I'll catch up after I secure the airship."  Edgar headed
back to the ship as Sabin followed the people of Figaro into the Opera House.
Edgar's airship was truly a great acheivement.  The King was quite proud of
it.  Edgar took a deep breath, inhaling the aroma of oil mixed with
machinery.  He closed the airship's doors and strode toward the opera house,
glad to be alive.

     "Maria's daughter sings just like her," Celes commented, remembering
back to when she took Maria's place in this very same Opera.
     "Setzer was right," Locke replied, also remembering the adventure, "You
are more stunning than Maria." 
     Celes giggled, flushing, and rested her head on Locke's shoulder.
Shutting her eyes, she let the booming symphony music overwhelm her as
her mind drifted.  
     "How are you enjoying the show?" asked Impressario, "You guys never
did see the end of it."
     "If it would help," chuckled Locke, "I could drop from the rafters and
battle an octopus."
     Impressario laughed, then turned serious, "You do, and I'll throw you in the ocean."

     "I still don't get why everybody is singing," Sabin complained, "Opera
never was my favorite." 
     "Take it easy," Edgar gave his brother a worried glance.  "Hey, Setzer,"
Edgar left Sabin to his pondering, "what are the love birds doing?"
     "Typical stuff," answered Setzer, then quickly changing the subject.
"How come Figaro Castle never has an annual Casino Day?" asked the
Gambler.
     "Wouldn't want you to get too rich!" joked the king.
     "Hey," remarked Setzer, "you know that all my profits go to
charity...well..most of my profits."
     "If you two don't shut up," grumbled the Impresario, "You're going to
miss the Opera for a second time."

     Setzer's airship hummed as it flew off to the north, leaving Locke and
Celes back at their house in Kohlingen.  Locke took a breath of the fresh
night air, and Celes embraced him tightly.  "The stars are beautiful
tonight," she said, pulling Locke closer.
     "Indeed," replied Locke simply, gazing deeply into his wife's eyes.
     Celes shut her eyes, feeling Locke's breath brush against her face."
They remind me...of Espers."
     The two warriors kissed deeply.  "Opera," chuckled Locke, "I'm getting
much too domestic."
     "I rather like it when you stay at home," Celes replied, kissing Locke's
cheek.
     Locke gazed out into the large expanse of land outside the boundaries of
Kohlinghen.  "True," he said, "But with Locke at home, there aren't many
treasure hunters left.  I hope somebody can take my place."


                             SHADOW

     The weary man walked up the road towards Figaro.  Clyde had to tell King
Edgar the horrible news that could very well ruin the peace that had been
achieved.  The sun was beginning to set, casting eerie red glows around the
scattered trees and rocks.  Clyde had fought alongside Edgar and the heroes
during the second Magic War, but back then, Clyde had used a different name.
After the war, Clyde had made a vow to his dead friend that he would start a
new life, leaving his dark past behind him.  Since that time, Clyde had
wandered the land, doing mercenary work--but only for just causes; not like
before.
     Clyde had been wandering for so long.  He hadn't even gone to see his
daughter, dreading the day when he would have to tell her who he once was.
Clyde was lonely, even the dog that had once accompanied him was gone.
Trying to hide his past, the only relic of his past was the ring he wore, a
memento from his wife.  Clyde had left his wife and child a long time ago,
before he had altered his identity.  Thus his wife died of grief, and he
killed his emotions; or so he thought.
     Now that he was Clyde once again, the wanderer longed for his wife once
more, often staring at the ring for hours on end remembering old memories;
dreaming old dreams.  Feeling the evening chill aproaching, Clyde drew his
cloak about himself and resumed his trek across the Figaro desert.  Banishing
memories from his mind, concentrating only on the mission, Clyde walked
towards the crimson sunset.  If anyone had been watching, they might have
seen the reaper following close behind.


                             EVIL

     "Grandpa, I'll be back later," called the girl, "I'm going to go painting."
     "I miss the good old days," shouted Strago, the blue mage, "when your
paintings came alive."
     "Do you?" questioned Relm, "I always thought my 'living art' got on your
nerves."
     "It did...except when you drew money," the mage answered quickly.
     "Yeah, goodbye," called the young artist as she shut the door quietly.
The peaceful calm had lasted not nearly long enough as the rattling of
pouches entered Relm's hearing.  "Off again Gungho?".
     "Shore am," cried the adventurer, "as long as Hidon regenerates, I'll be
there to kill 'im again."
     "Have fun," Relm called as Gungho entered his house.

     "Here we go," Relm said to the dog as it sat down, "the peak of Ebot's
Rock is the perfect place to paint.  I can do a portrait of Thamasa!"
Interceptor barked in response.  The doberman puppy reminded Relm of its
father, also named Interceptor.  The late Interceptor had once belonged to a
ninja named Shadow, but had quickly bonded with Relm as if they had
always known each other.  Interceptor placed his head in Relm's lap and
whined softly.  She gently patted the dog's head and began painting.

     Teft hurriedly scanned the chest.  The owners of the house would be back
soon, giving him a very limited time to plunder their belongings.  After the
war, several wealthy citizens from Jidoor had moved to the now famous city
of Maranda.  The mayor, a woman named Lola, gained revenue for the city in
a number of ways.  Whether you went to the war museum, or talked to an
old lady with stories to tell, there was a good time to be had in Maranda.
     All this contributed to the riches of the house Teft was now robbing.
Following the procedures taught to him by his mentor, Lone Wolf, Teft was
about to make good his escape as incense met his nostrils.
     A sharp blow landed Teft on his rear end, while a boot connected with
his shin.  A robed figure stood above Teft, wearing a strange hat adorned
with assorted baubles and feathers.  Picking the thief up off the ground, the
man slammed Teft into the nearest wall.  Gogo delivered three solid thrust
punches to the thief's gut.  As Teft fell to the floor, unconscious, Gogo at
last spoke.
     "Now, let's begin the questioning," Gogo once again lifted the senseless
man into the air, "what?  you were stealing?  no kidding?"  Gogo walked up
the stairs, still holding the sleeping thief, and stopped near an open
window.  "Now, ladies and gentlemen, the moment you've all been waiting
for, the sentence!  You, mister thief, are hearby sentenced with: fifty
lashings with a wet noodle Ha Ha.  What? you want a harsher sentence? no
problem!"  Gogo tossed Teft out the open window "Mission completed!"
     Since the war, Gogo had become a sort of vigilante crimefighter who
roamed from town to town.  Since he had pretty much cleared out Maranda
of all thieves, he decided to move on to another town-possibly to the north.
As Gogo walked off into the sunset, he chuckled to himself, "Wet noodle, ha,
why didn't I think of that one sooner?"

     Clyde sat down at the South Figaro cafe.  Nobody was at Figaro Castle,
so Clyde was forced to leave a note for the king.  If Edgar didn't find out
what was happening, the world could very well be doomed.  Clyde figured
that he would stay in South Figaro to see if Edgar showed up, if not, he
would be forced to rely only on Doma.  "Chicken please!" Clyde called to the
bartender, "with some water."
     "No ale?" asked the bartender.
     "Don't drink," replied Clyde simply.
     "It's rare to find a thief who doesn't drink," chuckled the barkeep
suspiciously.
     "I'm not a thief," Clyde smiled at the memory of his friend Locke, "I'm
a treasure hunter!"

     A gnarled hand closed over the scroll.  "And what's this?" cackled the
robed figure, "as if I couldn't guess."  The empty halls of Figaro Castle
echoed the grim laughter that could only mean death.  After penetrating the
still walls of the temporarily empty castle, the figure found a scroll for
King Edgar left only hours before by Clyde.  As the man unfolded the paper,
his hands shook in anticipation; the letter read:

     King Edgar,

     I must warn you that dire events are taking place throughout the world
that may be it's undoing.  You're heroic quest didn't make the land as
peaceful as you thought...and now evil once again may threaten us all.
Figaro and Doma must band together to form an army of immense
proportions--otherwise, I fear, we are all doomed.  The revival of magic may
be upon us! 

                                                 Urgently yours, 
                                                      A Friend

then, written more recently:

     I am waiting for you in South Figaro--but I can't wait long.  Godspeed
to you.

     "Hmmm," the figure pondered for a moment, "the revival of magic
indeed!  You can't revive something that was never gone!"  With a raise of
his hand, Ultros vanished from the silent hallway.

     Clyde awoke from his bed in the South Figaro Inn.  Smoke reached his
nostrils as he opened his room's door and found the collapsed manager in
the hallway.  Clyde's mind rushed back to a scene of years before--when he
had gone back to sleep during a fire and not done anything.  His only
daughter had almost died that night, and he vowed not to ever stand idly by
again.  Hoisting the manager onto his back, Clyde rushed out of the Inn.
     The acrid smoke had almost knocked Clyde over as soon as he left the
building.  Handing the unconscious man to some peace officers, Clyde ran
through the streets trying desperatly to evacuate everyone.  The richest man
in the city also ran--searching for his daughter, who had gotten lost during
the commotion.  As the rich man searched every corner, his son climbed into
the city's antique "MagiTek" armor.  Remembering back to his childhood, the
young man smiled grimly at the days when he pretended to ride in these
near-mythical suits.  Swinging the machine into motion, he pressed the
button which would activate the "ice-beam".  The mansion was instantly
covered with frost, and the fire extinguished from that section of town.  The
last thing the young man saw was his father rushing out of the house,
holding his sister.  As he was thrown from the robot, the boy heard a scream,
and then...nothing.
     Clyde, watching this whole scene from an alley, sprung into action as
the mansion was once again ablaze.  Seeing a shadow moving to another
building, Clyde followed.  As soon as he entered the house, the smell of ash
sizzled Clyde's nostrils, nearly knocking the warrior unconscious.  As he
crumpled to the floor, Clyde saw a man, who's nerves were obviously
frazzled, rush from the building mumbling to himself.  "Courage, I need
courage," the crazed man reassured himself, "I have courage, I'll be fine."
Clyde fumbled down the stairs where the man had come from.
     Finding himself in one of Figaro's many secret underground pathways,
Clyde desperately searched for the reason why he was there.
     "Looking for me?" mocked a sneering voice, "I'm right here."  A robed
man suddenly appeared in front of Clyde.  "Perhaps you remember me?" said
the figure, again mocking, "we've both changed, but you should still
remember me."
     "I've known a lot of people," choked Clyde, "what makes you so special?"
     "Besides the fact that I can use magic?  Not much."
     "Magic!?!" the thought came like a blow to Clyde's mind.  This meant
that the rumors were true; and that the world was in grave danger.  "Who are
you?" demanded the warrior.
     "Ultros, who else?" replied the wizard.  "And you, my friend, are dead!"
Ultros disappeared, but three skeletons appeared in his place.  Clyde
tightened his grip on Striker, the dagger that he carried, and wished that
Interceptor was with him.
     The skeletons brandished their scimitars menacingly, advancing slowly
towards Clyde.  "I'll have to make the first move-and quickly," thought
Clyde, "the flames won't hurt these skeletons, but if they get much bigger
they will hurt me!"  Finished planning, the warrior leapt at the nearest
skeleton.  Hacking through its ribcage, acrid green foam hit Clyde in the
face.  He had forgotten how dangerous reanimated skeletons could be.  Taking
the scimitar from his fallen foe, Clyde threw it at the remaining skeletons;
who clattered to the floor.
     Kneeling down to catch his breath, Clyde watched in horror as the bones
reassembled themselves.  "Of course," he realized, "I can't destroy Liches
with the Striker!"  Backed against a wall of flames, Clyde felt useless.  He
had been unable to save South Figaro, let alone himself.  As the skeletons
closed in, Clyde felt the smoldering heat of the fire against his back.
Clyde collapsed to the floor; this was it.  There was no chance that Clyde
could escape from this mess.  He had failed--and now he crouched,
surrounded by flames, at the mercy of death.
     Wood fell on Clyde's head.  "The ceiling can't be collapsing already,"
observed Clyde.  Glancing up, the warrior saw a dark shadow overwhelm
him.  Clyde noticed the scent of insense as he was hoisted into the arms of a
friend.  "Gogo!" coughed Clyde, "it...was...Ultros."
     "I already know," the vigilante said in a soothing voice, "now keep
quiet while I save your butt!"

     As South Figaro stopped burning and the people began to try and salvage
their possessions, Gogo and Clyde discussed the situation.  "I would be
honored to accompany you on your journey Sha...   I mean Clyde."
     "If you wish," answered a now recovered Clyde.
     "So, are we going to Doma now?"
     "No," Clyde sternly replied--staring off into space, "our destination
has changed.  We're going...to Thamasa."


                             WARRIOR

     The boy walked down the path to Doma Castle.  Leo thought about Narshe,
where he had come from.  His Aunt Terra had sent him, with a message, to
Cyan of Doma.  Leo often visited Terra in Narshe; when he wasn't there, he
was in Mobliz with Duane and Katarin--his parents.  He had been named
after a great Warrior who had died in battle, and wanted to become a warrior
himself.  Leo tightened his pack and strolled down the road, excited to find
out what was in the note he was to deliver.  Other children his age might
have opened the letter and read it's contents; but Leo had more honor than
that.
     Leo heard the clanking of armor and looked up.  What he saw in front of
him was so surprising that he allowed his mouth to drop open.  "Hello,
you're Leo, are you not?" questioned the figure before the boy.  The man
stood tall and straight.
     "I..I can see through you," announced Leo, "are you a ghost?"
     "You might say that,"  chuckled the man, "but I must talk to you.  What
are you going to do after you deliver that letter?"
     "Aunt Terra said that I could return to Mobliz." answered Leo.
     "Go back to Narshe, and tell your "Aunt" that I will talk to her as
well.  The fate of the world relies on you relaying my message."
     "Who are you anyway?" asked Leo, hesitant to believe a stranger.
     "Forgive me for not introducing myself," apologized the warrior, "my
name is Leo." 


                             MESSAGE

     Cyan and the troops of Doma hid behind a group of bushes.  Their
opponents lay just beyond, resting after a long day's hike.  With a shout,
Cyan and his troops charged out of the foliage.
     The adversaries leapt from their positions into battle formations and
charged Cyan's men.  Siegfried yelled to his troops.  "We can't lose this
time men!"
     "You have no chance!" shouted Cyan in reply.
     Suddenly, a boy, no older than ten ran onto the field.  "Leo," Cyan
recognized and waved his hands in the air.  "Simulation's over men, go back
to the castle."  The knights immediatly stopped hitting at each other with
the wooden practice swords and turned to return home.  Siegfried took his
place next to his good friend Cyan, as Leo approached.
     After the second MagiWar, Cyan had become king of the reconstructed
Doma Castle.  Cyan had never been able to stay in the throne room, and kept
his place as the military leader of Doma's troops.  Siegfried, the (second)
best swordsman in the world, had become Cyan's assistant.

     "Sir Cyan!" called Leo, out of breath.  "A message from Aunt Terra!"
     "What is it, lad?" asked the knight.
     "Here," Leo handed the letter to Cyan as the king opened it.  "Dear me!"
exclaimed Cyan.  "It says here that magic may have revived itself!"
     "Impossible," puffed Siegfried in disbelief.
     Leo wondered whether he should tell Cyan about his meeting with
General Leo--the great warrior.  He decided against it and bowed in
reverence.  "With your leave my lord..."
     "You may go now, if you must," Cyan said in response, his mind
elsewhere.  "Siegfried, we must prepare."
     Leo began running back to Narshe--back to Aunt Terra...


                             THAMASA

     Clyde and Gogo walked the streets of Thamasa.  The people seemed to be
in a state of semi-confusion.  As the companions walked along, they noticed
crowds of people discussing rumors of the return of magic.  Clyde was struck
with renewed urgency.  "Hurry."  Clyde bluntly commanded Gogo.
     Reaching a small, two story house at the edge of town, Clyde knocked on
the door.  Strago recognized both of the men as soon as he answered the door.
     "Clyde!  Welcome back!"  the blue mage was very excited.  "What brings
you home?"
     "The renewal of magic is upon us."
     "The....?!  WHAT?"  Strago's mouth nearly hit the floor.
     Strago hurried the men inside and they all sat at a table.  Clyde
continued his message.  "Ultros is no longer an octopus--and he has brought
back magic to the world."
     Strago pondered what he had just been told.  "That would explain....I
have a theory."  Strago began chanting the words that were characteristic of
the FIRE3 spell.  Clyde and Gogo jumped up and looked for shelter--neither
had forgotten how much damage could be done from a third level spell.  The
two warriors cringed, preparing themselves for a gust of heat.  A small 'pop'
was all they heard.  Strago's candle was now lit.
     "Ahhh..." the mage seemed satisfied.  "Gogo, cast Ultima."
     "I only do this because I trust you," the robed man replied, chanting
the words.  Nothing happened.  Clyde and Gogo were both totally confused at
this point, and looked to the mage for an explanation.
     "Of course I'll tell you," Strago replied to their expressions.  "You
see, Ultros doesn't use Espers as a source of magic--he IS an Esper."  Clyde
and Gogo's eyes opened wide.  "The old legend isn't completely true.  When
the Espers went into their dimension, there were a few evil Espers who
refused to hide from the human world.  Ultros was one of these.  The good
Espers combined their powers to limit those of the evil Espers.  The evil
Espers were transformed into another shape--dampening their powers.
Ultros became an octopus."
     "I'm starting to understand," Clyde joined in.  "When all of the other
Espers were dead, then their spell on Ultros was broken!"
     "That's correct," complemented Strago.  "But even after Ultros was
reformed, magic was still nonexistant.  Espers draw their power from an
unknown force.  Once Ultros cast his first spell, however, magic once again
entered this world's flow.  He hasn't cast too many spells--which is why
there isn't enough magic power to cast a third level or ultimate spell."
     "How come I can't cast spells anymore?" Gogo interjected.
     "Simple!" Strago jumped at the chance to explain further.  "Since there
is no more magicite, those who drew their power from magicite can no
longer use magic.  Thamasans have magic in their blood, which is why I can
use magic.  Magical relics should be usable again.  Terra's power should be
second next to that of Ultros.  And Relm may be able to use a little magic--
because she's only half Thamasan," Strago winked at Clyde as he concluded
his sentence.
     "Speaking of my daughter," Clyde began.  "We are going to start a
journey in which we are to travel the world and warn others of magic's
reawakening."
     "And you wish Relm to accompany you?"
     "Yes."
     "Well, you ARE her father, so I must allow you to take her," Strago
seemed to be thinking.  Then he added, "but you must also take her dog!"
     "Thank you sir."  Clyde said in his most polite tone.  "I would ask you
to come as well, but I'm afraid you will be needed to keep the peace here."
     "Indeed," replied Strago.  "If you need my help, just send for me."
Strago climbed half way up the stairs and called to his 'Grandaughter',
"Relm, your father's here....."


                             NARSHE

     Several days after his departure from Doma, young Leo once again reached
Narshe.  Leo thought back to the early days.  Once most of the children of
Mobliz reached their teens, Terra recruited them to help rebuild Narshe.  The
moogles helped too, of course, and lived in the town along with humans.
Some of the Mobliz children stayed as well, while others went back to their
old home to be with Duane and Katarin.  Leo often visited Narshe to see his
'Aunt' Terra.
     Leo ran through the snowy streets to the house where Terra lived.  A
house that once belonged to a man named Arvis.  Nearly tripping over a host
of Moogles, Leo climbed the staircase and opened the door.  Terra looked
surprised.
     "Leo!" replied Terra.  "Weren't you going to stay with your parents for
awhile?"
     "I was..."  Leo hesitated before continuing.  "I was, but I met Leo."
Terra seemed confused at this, so Leo tried to explain further.  "General
Leo, the one that you always tell me about!"
     Terra jumped up with excitement.  "Did he speak with you?"
     "Yes."
     "Well," Terra crouched down to the boy's level.  "What did he say?"
     "He said he would visit you too!"  Leo realized how little he had been
told.  "I think it's about that weird feeling you had a while ago--the one
about magic."
     Terra knew exactly what Leo spoke of.  Only a few weeks ago, Terra had a
familiar sensation enter her brain; the same sensation she used to feel when
she cast a magic spell.  "Thank you for your message, Leo," Terra grew quiet.
"You should probably go back to Mobliz now."

     Two nights later, Terra sat in bed, wondering when General Leo would
reveal himself.  Suddenly, almost as if summoned, the knightly figure
appeared and hovered before the woman.
     "Hello, Terra," Leo was unsure how to begin.  "I have returned."
     Terra searched her mind for a response, but had trouble thinking of one.
     "I would be shocked as well if I was in your position, dear."
     Terra blushed at the last word in Leo's sentence.  "Why have you come?"
Terra wished it was truly just to see her, but she knew in her heart that it
wasn't.
     "Magic has returned to your world,"  Leo spoke softly.  "You must stop
Ultros.  I will help where I can--but you must rejoin the companions on their
quest."
     "Where...how.....when..." a million questions came to Terra's mind.
"Can't we just be together?"  Terra realized she sounded selfish and began
weeping as the strain was too much for her.
     "We will meet again," Leo started fading out.  Just as he had
 disappeared, Terra heard a faint voice, "I love you."


                             GATHERINGS

     "Mog!" Terra stood in the streets of Narshe calling for her long-time
friend and companion.  "Mog!"
     A three foot moogle approached the woman, as he walked, the yellow
globe attached to his head by a hair bounced up and down.  "Yes, Terra?"
     "Magic is back, and I need your help to warn the others."
     "Your wish is my command," Mog replied jokingly.  "Let me get my
lance."
     Mog rushed to the moogle cave, dodging many of his fellow moogles.
Catching a glimpse of another moogle, Mog called to him.  "Kupan!"  the
moogle called Kupan looked in his leader's direction.
     "What is it? Kupo!"  all the other moogles used the Kupo 'accent' when
they spoke common language.  Because of his dealings with humans, Mog
hardly ever did it anymore.
     "I'm going on a journey," Mog called.  "You're in charge while I'm gone!"
     "Yes sir! Kupo!"
     With that, Mog grabbed his lance and set off with Terra.

     All was quiet on the Veldt.  The calm was suddenly shattered as a
muscular man, dressed in hides, let out a wolf's howl--shattering the dusk
night.  Gau flexed his muscles.  Now that his body had developed past
adolesence, Gau was almost as muscular as Sabin.  Gau fondly remembered
the days when he called the young Figaro 'Mr. Thou' and talked like a savage.
Edgar had taught Gau how to speak and act properly; but the wild man still
prefered hunting on the Veldt.
     But even the Veldt had felt the effects of magic's revival.  New (or
old, rather) monsters once again appeared in the veritable waste land, and
some of them were endowed with unholy powers.  Gau felt as though
someone were trying to hunt him down.  The monsters had gotten stronger
week by week, and now Gau felt it necessary to find one of the companions
and ask if they had any clue as to what was happening.  Gau galloped off in
the direction of Doma.

     Locke stood up from his chair by the fire.  Celes had left earlier with
Setzer to make her annual trek to Cid's grave.  Locke was always extremely
lonely when Celes was gone..and he always searched for something
interesting to do.  Locke put out the fire and decided to go to sleep.  As
Locke checked the door, he was struck in the face as it opened.
     "We must hurry--time is short."  Edgar had burst into Locke's living
room.
     "What's.." Locke was cut short as Edgar again spoke.
     "The revival of magic--Ultros--meeting at the old Returner hideout--
LET'S GO!!!"
     "Be right out!"  Locke tried to fathom the meaning of what he had just
been told.  Edgar ran out of the house without another word.  Locke leapt to
the table so that he could write Celes a note.  Suddenly, Locke felt dizzy.
The treasure hunter made a snap decision.  "I'll be back soon--probably
before Celes.  I don't need to leave a note."  Locke ran out of his home.
     "Edgar?  EDGAR!"  the young king was nowhere to be found.  "He must
have been in quite a hurry to take-off without me."  Locke broke into a
sprint as he journeyed to the Returner's cave.

     Sabin found Locke just outside of (what used to be) South Figaro.  "When
is the meeting?"  Locke asked.
     "Tonight.  I'm going to Figaro to get Edgar; we'll get there as soon as
possible.  Terra told me about magic's revival."  Sabin took off in the
direction of the South Figaro cave, slightly puzzled as to how Locke found
out about the magic.
     When Locke got to the ruins of South Figaro, he found Terra and Mog,
standing amidst the rubble of what once was a friendly tavern.  "Who did
this?" Locke asked with resolve.  "Ultros," Terra replied without emotion.
"One of the citizens gave us a shaky acount.
     "We'd better hurry to the Returner cave," it was Mog who now spoke.  "I
can't look at this any longer."

     The five sat around what was once a meeting table.  The old torches were
still usable and the Retuner Hideout seemed as it once had--makeshift, but
friendly.  After each person shared what they had learned (except Locke, who
was fascinated by how oblivious he had been), the friends started devising a
strategy.
     "We must find a way to strike Ultros without him knowing," Edgar was a
natural leader and always came up with the first idea in such events.
     Sabin finally remembered what he had wanted to ask, "Locke, who told
you that magic had returned?"
     As Locke opened his mouth to reply, the entrance burst open.  A robed
man stood there, flanked by a demon and two wyverns.  "King Edgar, guys,
it's been so long!"  Ultros had never dropped the habit of taunting his
victims.  "You are fools if you think you can do anything without me
knowing."
     Locke, who had been the first to see the attackers, jumped towards a
dusty shelf.  Using his legs to push off of the rickety structure, the
treasure hunter flew straight at Ultros, who disappeared.  "I guess that's
Ultros," Locke picked himself up and turned to face the three monsters.  "On
your feet guys!"
     Edgar rolled behind a broken desk, pulling out his autocrossbow.  Firing
three arrows into the Demon, Edgar leapt into the fray with his sword, Mog
followed.  Sabin grabbed one of the Wyverns and delivered a suplex.  The
beast wriggled out of Sabin's grip and clawed at him.  Sabin was caught off
guard and fell roughly to the floor.  "I don't remember these things being
this strong," the martial artist shouted.
     Terra wondered if her instincts were leading her in the right direction.
She had brought her Atma Weapon, but it ran on magic--Terra still wasn't
convinced magic had returned.  The woman charged the second Wyvern.
Unsheathing the blue saber gave Terra an elation she hadn't felt in a long
time.  She easily drove Atma through the dragonite and turned to help the
others.
     Locke had jumped onto the back of the Wyvern which had battled Sabin.
Driving his dagger into it's neck only made the monster angrier, and it began
running around the room in a desperate attempt to knock the warrior from
his seat.  Locke held his dagger fast, black liquid escaping from the wound.
As the Wyvern ran near to Terra, she cleaved it's head off.  "Wow.  You
never lost it!"  Locke was just glad to be off the monster.
     Edgar and Mog had been cornered by the demon--three arrows still
embedded in it's chest.  As Mog kept it busy with swings from his halberd,
Sabin swept the monster to the ground.  This prompted the demon to grab
Sabin and pull him in.  As the beast drew Sabin towards it's gaping mouth,
the warrior bagan pummeling it.  The demon quickly fell under the flurry of
attacks.
     Glancing out the door, Locke quickly took charge.  "Edgar, is there
still a raft near the river?"
     "I think so," the king shouted back.  "Why?"
     "Because that's our only escape.  Unless you want to wade through an
army of monsters."
     Ten years previous, Edgar never would have turned down this challenge if
his four friends were with him.  Of course, ten years previous, Edgar could
use the magic of Ultima.  "To the river then!"
     The five companions quickly boarded a raft and began their journey down
the Lete river.  Now seemed as good a time as any, so Sabin spoke.  "Well,
now that we have an idea of what we're up against, what are we going to do?"
     "We need to find the others," was Edgar's answer.  "Then we might stand
a chance."
     "We need one of those cool airships..Kupo!" this was Mog's contibution.
     "Yes, we do need an airship--both of them if possible," Sabin
interjected.  "First we have to get to one.  Once we're airborne it will be
simple to find and gather the others."
     "Strago probably has theories as to what's going on!"  Terra hoped this
helped.
     "If he even knows about what's going on," Edgar replied.  "After all, we
just found out recently."
     Locke wondered how King Edgar could have informed him, and found
out, all at seemingly the same time.  Starting to speak, Locke was cut short
as something burst out of the water.  It was Ultros.
     "My my, this IS ironic, isn't it.  I seem to remember something similar
happening before."
     "Y'know, I liked you better when you were an ugly octopus," Mog taunted.
"Why don't you transform back into one."
     "Don't even think about fighting us!"  Sabin tried to hide his fear.
"We will destroy you!"
     "I don't have to fight you," Ultros cackled.  "You seem to have
forgotten something that happened awhile ago--the end of the world?  The
way I recall, it changed the shape of things.  The Lete river now leads to
the ocean!"  The evil wizard dissappeared.
     The companions became worried as they realized how stupid they had
been.  Just as all seemed lost, a rope hit Edgar on the head.
     "Hey," it was Setzer's voice they heard.  "Climb up!"

     Siegfried had just finished briefing the troops as to what may be going
on, and waited for some sort of confirmation from Cyan.  Siegfried was
worried deep inside..but he never let the army see his feelings.  "Remember
men, be ready for anything!"  The swordsman retired to his chambers.  He
remembered when life had been simpler, fighting as a mercenary or in the
Colloseum.  That had been a simpler life.  But the life he lived now was a
more honorable one than that--and Siegfried was proud of that.
     As Sir Cyan quickly descended the steps into Doma's courtyard, a guard
approached him.
     "Sir Cyan!"  shouted the recruit.  "A Mr. Gau to see you!"
     Cyan turned towards the gate, hoping Gau perhaps had some information.
"What brings you here, my friend?"
     "There are monsters on the Veldt who are using magic," Gau wanted Cyan
to have an explanation.  
     "Yes." Cyan's spirits dropped further.  "I fear for the world.  We are
to deploy an army, Sir Gau.  I would be honored if thou wouldst accompany
us."  Cyan always resorted to the 'old' way of speech when he felt helpless.
Although he was less adept at it than he used to be.
     The next day, the proud force of the Doma army was deployed.  Heading
the forces were a knight, a swordsman, and a strange wolf-like man-creature.
The troops had faith in their leaders.  Unwavering faith that (along with
their honor) prevented them from deserting.  In other armies, rumors of
magic and monsters would have shaken the fiercest fighters.  But not in
Doma.

     Aboard the airship Falcon, seven figures stood.  One group of five
stood, discussing the troubles that the world faced.  Two others, apart from
rest, discussed the troubles they were facing.
     "What if you had been killed?"  Celes shouted at her husband.  "What
then?"  When she arrived home from here trip, Celes had found an empty
house.  Not seeing a note, Celes ran out of her home, catching Setzer just
before he left, and the two set out to search for Locke.  It was by fortune
they found him.
     "I..I'm sorry honey," Locke tried to remember why he hadn't left a note.
"I wasn't thinking."
     "Are you ever?!?"  Celes quickly regretted her remark.  "Please don't
scare me like that again."  The two lovers rejoined their comrades.
     "We need to get to Doma," Edgar had taken charge again.  "If Cyan heard
about the revival, he probably organized an army.  If he hasn't heard, then
he needs to."
     "Night's coming," Mog advised.  "We should land down there in Albrook-
-we need some rest.  Kupo!"  The others agreed, and Setzer landed the airship
near the sea town of Albrook.
     
     That night, Locke awoke in the inn which was littered with his sleeping
friends.  Locke walked outside--remembering that one night so many years
ago when he had walked out of the inn and had seen Celes--they had been
arguing back then, too.  As Locke walked along outside, he strayed out of
town.  Feeling dizzy again, Locke thought he should go look for Relm, or
perhaps someone else.  The thought crossed his mind, maybe this time he
should tell Celes.  Suddenly collapsing from dizziness, Locke picked himself
up and continued on his new quest.
     When Celes woke up the next morning, she was less than pleased.
"Where is that...tha..that RAT?!" Celes woke the others up with her anger.
"I have HAD it with that Locke."
     "Celes, are you sure that you're okay?" Setzer felt concerned for his
good friend.  "I've never seen you this angry."
     "Shut up!"  Celes fell to the ground.  "I-I'm sorry.  Maybe it's best
that Locke and I spend some time apart for awhile."

     Clyde shook Relm awake.  "Relm, dear," Clyde's voice was soft and
soothing--he hadn't sounded like this since he had spoken to his wife so long
ago.  "It's morning and we have a long journey."  Interceptor trotted up and
licked Clyde's face.  Gogo sat by the remains of last night's fire, prepared
for the day's travel.  Relm woke up and rubbed her eyes.  After eating
breakfast and gathering their things, the three set off with their dog.
     None of them spoke much that morning, and the silence was disturbed
when a large beast roared.  An Adamanchyt stood before the party.  Gogo and
Relm hung back--the latter reaching for her sketch pad and brush.  Clyde
whipped out the striker and leapt at the beast.  Interceptor followed close
behind.  The sight of the man and dog came as a shock to Relm's system.  The
knife Clyde carried--too familiar.  Gogo jumped in to help the two.  As Clyde
was tossed from the monster's back, Interceptor leapt at it's soft jugular.
As the Adamanchyt fell, lifeless, to the ground, Relm had a revelation.
     "You're Shadow?!?"
     "Yes," Clyde felt sorry that he didn't tell Relm sooner.  "I'm sorry for
not saying anything."
     I..I understand..I guess.....kinda'."  Relm was speechless.  Then the
words came, "Cool!"
     The day proceeded.  Clyde thought Relm would be asking loads of
questions, but the young woman was surprisingly silent.  Interceptor had
taken quite a liking to Clyde; which reminded him of the time when the
original Interceptor took a liking to Relm.  It was Gogo who first spoke.
     "You realize that the others have no idea what's really going on," Gogo
realized this was not a three-man-mission.  "We need to tell them what's
happening."
     "You're right," Clyde felt ashamed.  He had been in such a hurry to save
the world himself--to redeem himself--that he had forgotten about the others.
"Let's find them."

     The battalion of Doma marched down the plain.  General Siegfried handed
his telescopic lense to Cyan.  "Our messenger approaches," the swordsman
calmly remarked.
     "Indeed," Cyan replied.  "I wonder what news he doth bring."
     "Sir Cyan!" the messenger shouted when he was closer.  "Ultros' monster
hordes are a day's journey from here."
     "Ultros?" Cyan was shocked.
     "Yes sir.  I could hear them chanting his name when they were miles
away."
     "Double-time, men!" Cyan shouted.  "The enemy approaches!"  And so,
the troops marched onward.

     "Relm!  Gogo!"  Locke ran towards his two friends.  "Who is this?" asked
the treasure hunter, motioning at Clyde.
     "Him?  It's Sha--" Relm changed her reply as Clyde flashed her a
desperate glance.  "This is Clyde, my father."
     Despite what he had been told, Locke didn't seem a bit surprised.  "I
can see the resemblance," smiled Locke.
     "Magic has revived!" exclaimed Gogo as he saw an opening in the
conversation.
     "I know!" Locke shot back.  "It's Ultros."
     "I as well fought Ultros," replied Clyde.  "This is what we know."

     After the four had exchanged stories, they came to the conclusion that
it was necessary, now more than ever, to locate and join with the others.  A
strategic strike on Ultros would be the next step.
     "We need to end this threat before Ultros becomes more powerful," Clyde
became tactition for this ragtag band of four.  "Once we get an airship..."
     As Clyde mentioned airship, Locke realized he had to think of something
to tell Celes once they did find the airship--she was not going to be happy.
And then, almost in response to Clyde's observation; a familiar shadow fell
over the area, and the airship Falcon began its descent.

     "Climb up!" Edgar shouted down to the party below.  After Locke, Relm,
Clyde, and Gogo boarded the Falcon, Setzer began to speak in a grave tone.
     "Friends, there is a battle going on in the field land just north of
Doma.  The Figaro airship is there, along with the rest of us.  Cyan's forces
may not stand a chance against the evil legions of Ultros--so we all must
help."  Locke was relieved that Celes wasn't on the Falcon...this way he
could postpone the inevitable that much longer.  Then the treasure hunter
realized that Edgar wasn't with his beloved Figaro airship--this was indeed
serious.
     "Edgar! You left the Figaro airship near a battle?"
     "There are more important things in life than machines, Locke, like
love."  Edgar's unknowing remark cut deeply into Locke's gut.  The Airship
Falcon rose in the sky and flew in the direction of the battle.


                             WAR!

     As the Falcon landed, the battle was already in progress.  The six
companions (along with Interceptor) dropped into the middle.  Setzer landed
next to Gau, who was dispatching evil with his claws.  Terra and Mog fought
together, slightly beyond, striking down several monsters.  Edgar ran to his
brother, who was performing refined martial arts techniques on his
opponents.
     "Any advance, brother?" Edgar asked, panting with exhaustion.
     "Not anything significant--you ready to fight?"
     "Always, brother."  Edgar whipped out his chainsaw and slashed through
monsters as if they were dead already.
     "Double your efforts, men!" Cyan shouted suddenly to his army.
     "Double efforts!" echoed Siegfried, slashing with his sword.  Black
liquid splattered against his armor, he didn't care.  The days of a bragging
bounty hunter were over--he was a proud Doma Commander now!
     Locke fought his way to Cyan, taking his stress out on the demons as he
went.  The monsters fell under the quick dagger of Locke the Treasure
Hunter!
     "You don't seem your usual chipper self, Sir Locke," Cyan managed to
notice while swinging both his katana.  
     "Preoccupied," commented Locke.  "Where's Celes?"
     "Behind us, battling nobly."  Cyan thought back to that snowy night, so
long ago, when he had distrusted Celes, and accused her of being loyal to the
Empire.  The noble warrior smiled as he continued hacking through evil.
     Gogo, Clyde, and Relm all fought side by side.  Interceptor frequently
ran into the fray to maul any monsters in the way.  Few withstood the assault
of the father, daughter, and the mysterious vigilante.
     "Celes!"  Locke shouted over the noises of battle.  She pretended not to
hear him.  She was wearing her Minerva armor and swinging her blade.  Two
more monsters fell to her bravery.  "Celes!"  still no answer.  Locke was
suddenly occupied once more as three dark imps leapt upon his back.  One
fell under a single stab.  The other two sunk their teeth into the warrior's
back.  Grimacing in pain, Locke realized that he must get up before he is
trampled.  Locke threw the imps to the ground and leapt high into the air.
The treasure hunter then descended right on top of the monsters--a move he
liked to call the mirager.  "Whoa, haven't had to use that trick in awhile,"
Locke thought out loud.  He then ran further into the battle.  
     Suddenly, all the Doma troops stopped.  All the monsters they had been
fighting were now fallen.  Those left converged on one spot.  Then, from
within the circle of monsters, rose the form of a warlock--the form of Ultros.
     "Fiend!" shouted Cyan, readying himself for what was to come.  All of
the companions rushed to Cyan's side in the front lines.
     "Well, look.  We almost have a complete set here, don't we kiddies!"
     Siegfried interjected, "Doma will not fall!"
     "Foolish one, it isn't Doma I want.  The whole world will soon fall
under my control..."
     Before Ultros could finish his taunting, all of the companions commented
at once.  Most of their shouts had the effect of 'we will never let you have
the world, evil one'.
     "Which is my point," continued the wizard.  "I must kill all of you
before I can have the world.  And trust me, you will ALL die at my hand."
     Cyan spat and leapt forward, "YOU will be the only one to die this day,
wizard!"
     "I am not fighting this day,"  Ultros said, to the surprise of few.  "My
friend is--he's taciturn, but deadly!"  Ultros put special emphasis on this
statement, as he disappeared and a large pink, toothed beast took his place.
     "Chupon!" shouted Cyan.  The companions all leapt forward to battle,
Cyan waved them off.  "I will fight this demon alone.  I must..for my honor."
     All understood and stepped back.  Most of the warriors on the field
uttered an oath of luck to brave Cyan.

     Cyan swung his swords in a figure eight pattern to loosen up his arms.
Chupon growled menacingly.   The monsters who were looking on spoke
words in their own tongues--most evil words.  "For the world!!!" shouted
Cyan as he leapt at Chupon.  All the companions noticed that Cyan's battle
cry had suddenly changed from the usual 'for Doma' or 'for Elaine and
Owaine'.
     The combatants swung at each other in midair and dissengaged.  Cyan
noticed his opponent had shed blood.  Chupon began to glow in an eerie blue
light.  The companions realized that the monster's oaths had been sorcery to
protect their vile champion.  The forces of Doma, along with Cyan's other
friends, charged the demons to even the odds.  Chupon countered this
surprise tactic which all of the warriors on the field had feared.  With a
surprising suddeness, Chupon sneezed.
     Cyan had been ready for this ever since Chupon had appeared...The
warrior stuck his blades into the ground so he would stay fast and not blow
away from the battle.  Unfortunately, the others hadn't expected this, and
were swept away by the force of Chupon's attack.  Cyan's Strato blade was
also caught in the gale force of Chupon's sneeze, and left the warrior with
only one weapon.  Regardless, Cyan leapt at the beast once more.  As Cyan
struck with his Aura Blade, the barrier surrounding Chupon flickered and
collapsed--for Cyan's blade was embued with a force much more powerful
than evil magic.
     Now deeply engaged in battle, the two warriors; one good, the other bad,
fought without tire.  This was the moment Cyan lived for since his wife and
son had died.  Locked in battle, Cyan came alive in slashing fury.  Chupon
wasn't quick enough to block all of the warrior's strikes, but he made up for
speed in his tough hide.  Chupon was able to take quite a beating.  Cyan
struck when he could, and used his free hand to block when possible.
     Somehow, perhaps through sorcery, Chupon was able to strike a fatal blow
to Cyan.  The warrior would not die that easily, however, and sought an
honorable going.  As Cyan fell, he also let his blade fly--piercing Chupon's
flesh, the sword had at last slain the demon.  Chupon fell, and Cyan crawled
to the sword his family had left for him.  The companions reached the battle
ground just as the monsters began to flee--their champion slain.  As the life
left Cyan's body, a great silence fell upon the battle ground.  A silence
which was only disturbed by the mournful cry of a beast-man named Gau.


                             QUESTS

     "We must not let Cyan die unavenged," Terra spoke.  All of the
companions had reassembled on the Airship Falcon.  They had buried Cyan
on the spot his blade landed after the battle--it was a silent service.
     "I will do my best to fill Cyan's place in your band," Siegfried offered.
     "We would be glad to have you," Edgar shook Siegfried's hand.  "I am
sure you will fight bravely."
     "We must get to Strago, tell him what has happened, and see if he has
learned anything,"  all the party looked to Clyde.  "Strago said he would be
researching the recent events."
     "I will take some of us to Figaro," stated Edgar.  "We can get more
supplies there."
     "I think we should bring Leo along," suggested Terra.  "He is brave
beyond his years."
     "I will drop your party off at Mobliz on our way to Thamasa," offered
Setzer.  "Are we all set?"
     And so it stood.  Edgar, Sabin, Mog, Siegfried, and Locke would take the
Figaro airship back to the castle for supplies.  Setzer, Relm, and Clyde
would go to Thamasa to pick up Strago.  On their way, they would drop off
Terra, Gau, Celes, and Gogo in Mobliz to get young Leo ready for battle.  The
parties left for their destinations.

     All was hushed in the LoneWolf spy academy, which was more of a
hideout than anything.  Teft and Buzh both gave their accounts as the other
students listened attentively.  Teft and Buzh were more-or-less the leaders
of the LoneWolf thieves, ever since Lone Wolf himself had died.
     "...and I says, Beg for mercy Figaro!  And Sabin looks up at me with
fear in his eyes, and he says 'don't hurt me' and then his brother comes up
and blindsides me--it was sooo unfair."  Buzh had tendency to exaggerate a
little.
     "I suppose you thieves consider yourselves pretty powerful, eh?"
     The thieves spun around to see a warlock who had entered, unnoticed.
"Who do you think you are?" demanded Teft.
     "That's not important," Ultros stayed on the matter at hand.  "As I was
saying; why don't we see how powerful you thieves can be when
you're...properly motivated."  Ultros, seemingly teleporting across the room,
grasped Buzh and Teft, who were quickly enveloped in pure, evil, energy.
The two thieves screamed.  The other's tried to flee, but were also soon
possessed by Ultros' power.

     "You must concentrate in battle,"  General Leo told the boy.  "But don't
concentrate on what you are doing, concentrate on doing it."
     "I..I think I'm starting to understand,"  Leo commented.
     "I know you are," the General smiled.  "When the day comes, you will be
able to perform a Shock attack with this."  The general handed young Leo the
sword that he had carried for years.
     "B-but..this is yours," Leo didn't want to take the general's belongings.
     "I had used it for evil, once," admitted the General.  "In your hands,
only allow it to be used for good.  I must go now."
     "Why?" asked the boy, but his teacher had already gone.
     "Leo!"  Katarin ran up to her son.  "Your aunt is here and she wants to
talk to you."
     "Terra?"  Leo had almost expected this, and ran inside.
     "That is why your son must accompany us," Terra finished.
     "Terra," Duane began.  "There was a time when I wouldn't have let you or
your companions come near my son.  But I have come to trust you and all
your friends.  Leo, you may go, if you wish."
     Leo didn't know what to say.  So he simply replied, "for the world."

     Strago thought of words carefully.  "There are many powerful forces in
the world.  Magic is one of the most powerful ones.  But there is one force
which is stronger by far."  Clyde wondered why Strago had been looking at
him the whole time, when screams were heard from outside.
     The four quickly rushed to the town square.  Gungho lay, bleeding, in
the middle of town.  "Strago," the old man coughed out. "It....s...Hidon...
..venge...me."
     "I will, my friend,"  Strago vowed.  "But Hidon never even touched you
before, why now?"  Gungho was gone.  "Hidon must be more powerful--it
must be Ultros."
     "To Ebot's Rock, then," Setzer interjected.  "We will meet the others later."
As the four boarded their craft and set off to the north, Relm silently wept
to herself.

     Edgar was talking to the chancellor.  Sabin had tried to gather up as
many supplies as he could by himself, while Siegfried stood in awe at the
Chocobo Riders of Figaro.  Locke sat, introspectively searching for answers
to the problems he was having with Celes.  Mog ran between the four others,
alternating his jobs accordingly.  Suddenly, one of the men on watch called
out to the King.
     "Your highness," shouted the guard.  Edgar had never taken to the titles
of royalty, but turned his attention to the guard all the same.  "Sir, there
is an army approaching!"
     "What kind of army?  Beasts?"  all of the companions turned their
attention to Edgar, to see what his call would be.
     "No, sir, they appear to be thieves."
     "Lone Wolves?"  Edgar had always had battles with the Lone Wolf
Thieves; they held a long standing grudge against Figaro.  They never did any
damage when they attacked, and their attack now appeared to be of little
consequence.  "Dispatch the Chocobo Riders!"
     "But sir,"  the guard spoke up.  "They seem to be...different somehow.."
It was at this moment that the pure fear emanating from the power of Ultros
struck Figaro.  An invisible force, it crept upon all in the castle.  Five
were unaffected.  As Locke and Mog ran to revive the Figaro sentries, the
other three prepared for battle.
     "We could bury the castle in the sand," Sabin suggested.
     "No," Edgar answered simply.  "That is what Ultros wants us to do."
     With this, Siegfried, hoping to inspire the frightened guards, spun
around on the castle turret and announced.  "We Fight!!!"  His call was
greeted by rising cheers from the men.
     "I'm impressed," Edgar commended after the five had reassembled.
     "I've always had it in me, I guess," Siegfried was flattered.
     Then, the moment of camaraderie was seemingly gone, as the castle gates
creaked under the strain of the Thieves' onslaught.  They rushed in through
Figaro, attempting to kill anything that moved, and destroying anything that
didn't.  Mog was the first of the five to counter attack, leaping from the
high tower down on top of one of the thieves. 
     "KUPO!" the moogle shouted his proud battle cry.
     "Upon them!" Edgar's shout was followed by cries from Sabin, and Locke,
but Siegfried had already descended and was swinging his sword valiantly.
     "We must take out their leaders," Edgar realized, and told his two
friends.  Locke and Sabin nodded to each other as they too joined the melee.
     Locke grabbed Teft and punched him in the face with force that would
knock out a normal man.  But Teft was no longer normal, and was teetering
on the brink of humanity--Locke's blow hardly fazed him.  Locke pulled out
his trusty dagger, he had hoped he wouldn't have to use it, but desperate
times call for desperate measures.
     Sabin performed a move called the 'fire dance' to clear a path to the
other thief leader, Buzh.  As Sabin reached the thief, he received a blow
that sent him reeling.  Sabin picked himself up.  "I don't remember you being
so powerful."
     Buzh simply flashed an evil grin and renewed his attack.
     "I told you I would show you a bum rush, and I'm not one to back out of
a promise..."  Sabin performed his strongest Blitz technique on the thief,
quickly finishing him.
     Edgar fired AutoCrossbow rounds into the swarm of bodies, taking extra
care not to hit his own army.  Siegfried was tackled over and over again by
the maddened fiends.
     "Get off of me," shouted the swordsman as he deftly parried and
counterattacked.  "No one can match the swordsmanship of the great
Siegfried!"  With this remark, Siegfried was reminded of Cyan, and shed a
tear behind the shelter of his helmet.
     "Argh!" Locke's bout wasn't going as well as he had hoped.  With
thoughts of Celes in his mind, the treasure hunter was unable to concentrate
on the battle, and was at a great disadvantage.  Teft lifted Locke up and
prepared to strike a death blow.  A small white figure blurred by Locke's
range of vision, and suddenly the thief relaxed his grip, fell, and was
still.  A pike was in his back, and Mog was holding it.
     "Never get a moogle angry," was all that the enigmatic Mog had to say.

     With their leaders gone, the remaining thieves fled Figaro.  The troops
all looked to their king.  "We have won the day!" announced Edgar
triumphantly.  "Once Ultros is defeated there will be great celebration!"
All cheered as the five companions went to their rooms to make ready for
tomorrow's journey.

     "Be careful, dear," Katarin was a typical mother.  "Don't get hurt."
     "Don't be silly, mom," Leo called back.  "I'll be fine."  The four other
warriors knew this wasn't true.  This could very well be the last time Leo
would ever see his parents.  Leo knew this too; he forced a calm looking
smile and turned his attention back to the sky.  Setzer should have returned
in the airship by now....but he was late.
     "I hope nothing happened," Celes worried.  "They should be here soon."
Unfortunately, they all knew that soon was two hours ago, and that Ultros
was on the loose.  A shadow fell on Mobliz, and the five looked up in hopes
of seeing the Falcon.  What they saw was less than pleasing.  A large shadow,
which remotely resembled a fish (a skeletal one) floated above them.  It's
head, which was in reality a twisted skull, widened its mandible to resemble
a grin.  DoomGaze.
     As the companions assumed nothing worse could occur, the ground began
to rumble.  From the small forest south of Mobliz could be seen the form of
the dreaded Phunbaba; flanked by an evil wizard called Ultros.  Like a
reawakened nightmare from their youth, the sight of the approaching
Phunbaba instilled fear in the hearts of the teenage citizens of Mobliz.
Phunbaba strode up to the town, and now the five heroes made ready to
defend against the three demons.
     "Y'know what's cool about resurrected monsters?" Ultros tauntingly
laughed.  "When you bring them back, the unholy magic appears to double
their strength.  Of course, this makes them mindless berserkers--but I try to
make do!"  With this, the warlock disappeared from sight.
     Celes, her General's instincts kicking in, shouted orders.  "Everyone at
the ready!"  Of course, by 'everyone' Celes meant the four other warriors and
herself.  The town's citizens were still quaking in fear as their childhood
nightmares stood before them.  Without Ultros there to directly control them,
the beasts broke into rages and began destroying everything.  The companions
weren't about to let this happen, and leapt at the monsters.
     Once the warriors had attacked the beasts, Phunbaba and DoomGaze
turned their attention from random violence to planned revenge.  Gau leapt
on the back of Phunbaba, as the others charged at DoomGaze, the more
immediate threat.  Gogo and Celes heaved Leo up to the monster's level,
which was only about ten feet up from the ground.  Leo grasped ahold of the
fiend and began slashing with his sword the way he had been taught.  Terra
was the next to be hoisted up, using her Atma Blade to cause damage to the
great beast.  DoomGaze prepared itself for ascent.  Gogo reached the monster
just as it began flying up.
     Celes took this opportunity to help Gau, who was clawing and kicking at
the hulking green demon.  Gau's claws seemed to be doing little to the armor-
like hide of Phunbaba.  Celes lent a hand in the form of her sword,
embedding it deep in the monster's gut.
     As Leo and Gogo stabbed and slashed at DoomGaze, Terra grasped the
ropelike 'hairs' coming from the demon's skull, and held on tight, trying to
concentrate.  DoomGaze gave out a great cry as Leo's sword finally took hold
inside of the beast's back.  The great creature tipped in flight, spilling
Gogo off of it's back.  Terra and Leo still held fast.  As Gogo fell, he
praised fortune as he noticed that Phunbaba was directly below him.  He
positioned his dagger so that it would pierce the demon's skull just as...
     He landed roughly, but sprung up immediately.  Phunbaba fell, clutching
it's head, black liquid flowing from in-between it's fingers.  "Haven't done
a jump attack in a while."  Gogo wiped the sweat from his brow.
     "ULTIMA" if Terra's hunch was right, then the magic used to revive these
beasts would also fuel her spell, and serve to destroy the fiends.  She was
indeed right, as the resulting explosion leveled both monsters. Luckily, the
people only received minor injuries.  The five companions quickly set about
to the task of piecing Mobliz back together.

     "This place hasn't changed much," Relm tried to lighten the gloom that
hung over the party as they descended into Ebot's Rock.  The young woman
gasped as she caught site of a web-covered chest.
     "It's uhh dead,"  Setzer prodded the mimic.  As it's lid fell open,
dozens of tiny coral pieces clattered onto the floor of the cavern.
     "Shh...now the demon will know for sure that we are here."  Clyde glared at the gambler.
     "Sorry," Setzer couldn't believe he had done such a mindless thing.
Strago was silent, deep in thought, and set on justice.
     "The 'demon' already knows you're here,"  Ultros floated high above
them in the cavern.  Although the companions tried to banish the thought
from their minds, Ultros had gained noticeably in power each successive
encounter they had with him.  "Why, Strago, I have a friend who can't stop
talking about you!"
     "Prepare to face doom, wizard!"  Strago shouted with rage at the
creature in front of him, as well as the one to come.
     "Since we all know each other, I'll just call him out.  Hidon, come and
play!"  As the spidery creature emerged from the shadows of the cavern,
Ultros disappeared--again.  This was not the Hidon that the party
remembered.  This monster was at least twice it's old size, and all four
warriors could sense the raw power that Ultros had granted Hidon.
     Clyde and Setzer charged at the demon, while Strago and Relm held back;
the Blue Mage knitting his intricate spell, the young woman painting.
     Clyde shook the haze from his mind after being thrown into a cavern
wall.  Relm's first impulse was to run to her father; but then she remembered
how Shadow had always asked to be left alone.  The girl didn't realize that
her father was no longer that lone ninja.  Clyde stumbled back to reality.
Setzer swung his short sword at Hidon, cutting flesh, but not doing much
damage.  Interceptor leapt upon the beast, biting at it's many spider legs,
detaching a few of them.
     Clyde found a sharp piece of rock as he leaned against a wall.  Breaking
off the makeshift spike, Clyde threw it with all his strength at Hidon.  It
landed square in the monster's chest, doing its share of damage.  Relm drew
fire, and directed it at the beast.  Hidon was surrounded by flames.  "I
remember that one being stronger...." Relm noted.  "I wonder where the
magic in here is being channeled."  And then, Relm received her answer.
     "Demon!!!" Strago tried to stay calm beneath his rage.  "I learned this
spell from you...now we shall see if you can take it as well as you can dish
it out!!!"  Strago made the final chants in his spell, and pointed at Hidon.
"GRAND TRAIN!!!"  Energy flew from the Mage at the demon, more than
enough energy to kill such a beast.  "It is done...." Strago collapsed from
exhaustion.  "Let's go...get the others."


                             PHASE ONE

     "So it's settled."  Edgar was making sure that everyone gathered on the
Airship Falcon that day knew what the plan was.  "We siege Ultros' tower
and destroy all evil until Ultros himself is slain!"  Everyone understood.
     "He could have at least been original," Mog piped up, trying to make
Ultros sound like the stupid octopus he had once been.  "I mean...an evil
tower...how clichˇ!"  In the old times, even during the war ten years ago,
the party might have laughed at the moogle's attempt to lighten the
situation...But this time, their quest was much more urgent.  No one was in
the mood for humor, maybe not ever again--tonight would decide it all.
     The Falcon landed silently near the tower.  The party climbed up several
stories of rock, finally coming to a flat area where they could travel by
walking.  They rounded a corner and were shocked at what they saw.  None
of the companions had thought of what would happen if they were to face the
adversary who now stood before them.  Terra gasped and tried to 'help' Leo,
who stood in awe of the awesome beast.  For before the party, stood Atma.

     Atma roared at the party.  "I have been brought back with a purpose,"
the beast began walking towards them.  "To destroy you!"
     "You'll have a tough time of it, beast!"  Setzer wasn't about to go down
without a fight.  "Prepare to face your destiny."  The party drew their
weapons.  Atma breathed fire at the group, they all dodged it successfully.
     "Resistance is useless," Atma boomed.  "You will all die eventually."
     "Doubtful," with this, Siegfried leapt at the demon.  Slashing his
blades at Atma, Siegfried opened gashes in it's face.  Unfortunately, the
swords hit too close to the nostrils, and flames nearly engulfed the
Swordsman.
     "He truly is as brave as Cyan,"  Locke remarked.  A tear rolled down
Celes' cheek.
     "Let's not just stand here!" Gau shouted.  "We must help him."  The
entire party rushed at the Atma Beast.  Even under the constant barrage, the
party seemed to be doing little damage...only Terra's Atma sword damaged it
much.
     "Gwa ha ha," Atma laughed.  "I am not so easily beaten this time around,
eh?"  The party knew he was right.  "Ultros has endued me with the power
that the statues once possessed--all the magic in the world is at MY
disposal!"  The great beast laughed as the party stood in shock.  All except
Strago.
     "All the magic is right here, eh, beast?"  Strago knew exactly what to
do.  "Let's see if you can handle this!"  The Blue Mage began uttering the
entwined language of magic, calling forth a spell that none of the companions
had ever heard before..this magic was not of this realm.  Strago's cape
flowed in the great wind as he finished the preparation and threw his hands
forward.  "METEO!!!"  All at once, Strago's life force was converted into
pure magic energy, utilizing the magic Atma possessed, a great explosion
occurred as flaming globes fell from the sky.
     "NOOOO!" Atma was in great pain--falling to pieces before the eyes of
the party..and then all was quiet.
     "Grandpa?" Relm ran over to her guardian.  "GRANDPA?!?"  Strago lay,
lifeless, on the ground.  Relm knelt over the elderly man and wept
uncontrollably.
     "He used all of the magic Atma possessed against him," Clyde was the
only one who had truly grasped how magic functioned.  "He sacrificed his life
for the ancient spell of Meteo."  Clyde was lost in thought.


                             PHASE TWO

     "Let us go," even Mog had become solemn at the makeshift service of
Strago.  The party had given up their time, the world's time, to give Strago
a proper burial.  "We must return to the tower."  Mog had forged a special
bond with Strago, one of the few humans who was as wild as a moogle.  "The
end is near."
     After returning to the tower, the party quickly prepared for the battle
to come.  All were equipped with all the armor, weapons, and relics that they
could reasonably hold.  "Everyone ready?" Siegfried's military background
helped the party immensely.  "Move out!"
     "Aunt Terra?" Leo hadn't spoken in quite a while.  "Do you think you
will see Leo again soon?"
     "I know I will," Terra tried to hold back her tears.  "I hope you do too."
     The party stormed the tower quite effectively.  They had regained any of
the skill they lost, and many surpassed their old standards.  They fought
bravely, the top of the tower was soon in view.  They had come to a fork in
the path, three choices were now open to them.  "We must split up," Edgar
secured the tools on his pack.  "Quickly, there's not much time!"
     As the others each took the far left or right paths, Clyde began down
the center, and called to his daughter.  "Relm, bring Interceptor and follow
me!"  The ninja then vanished.

     Gau and Gogo lead the party down the left path, they ran slightly ahead
of the others.  "Ultros will pay," Gau growled; he had become more beastlike
during this war.  "I will be sure of it."
     "He has committed many wrongs," said Gogo, filled by justice.  "His
sentence will be harsh indeed."
     "You really must resolve your argument," Setzer was speaking to Celes.
     "Huh?" Celes' false ignorance was not convincing.
     "With Locke...it can't wait much longer."
     "I will," Celes lowered her head.  "I just don't understand..."
     Terra and Leo ran in the rear of the group.  The Atma sword glowed in
the woman's grasp, General Leo's sword gleamed in the boy's hand.  "I'm
scared, Aunt Terra."
     "So am I," Terra tried to sound brave, with no avail.  "Not since Kefka...."
     "What if I don't know what to do," Leo interrupted Terra's thought.
"What if I do something wrong?"
     "You won't," Terra was resolute.  "You will do fine."

     "Well, brother, this may be our final battle," Sabin tried to hide his
worry.  "May it be our finest."
     "Yes," Edgar stared straight ahead.  "Ultros will fall."
     "For Figaro then..."
     "No brother," Edgar interrupted, shifting his glance to Sabin.  "For the
world..."
     Siegfried grinned grimly under his helmet.  The reference to Cyan had
given him strength to face the coming storm.  Siegfried, walking alone, led
the group through the far right path.  Both of his swords were currently
sheathed, although soon they would be shining in battle.  The warrior
resumed a straight face and prepared for the battle to come.
     "Worried about Celes?" Mog was trying not to think about matters as
pressing as Ultros.  "Don't worry, it will all be fine."
     "But I was so stupid," Locke was glad for the change in subject, but it
didn't make him any less depressed.  "I can't believe I messed up so many
times."  Locke wasn't usually one to sound weak, or to be so...helpless.  It
bothered him.
     "It will be fine," repeated Mog.  "You love each other."

     Clyde and Relm ran down the center path, side by side, Interceptor close
behind.  The center path was built in the support of the tower, and thus, was
littered with obstacles.  Clyde deftly leapt over and across jagged rocks and
pits.  Relm moved almost as well as her father.  The silence was unbearable.
     "You have matured into a fine young lady," Clyde was amazed at how
much Relm reminded him of her mother.  "I am proud of you..." Relm's
vision was blurred by emotional tears.  "Strago is too."

     The companions reassembled at the tower top.  The semi-jagged rock that
made up the 'floor' was circular in shape; eight triangular points shot
sideways out of the edges--making the tower appear as a sun if viewed from
high above.  Before the party, stood Ultros.....


                             THE FINAL BATTLE

     "Demon!!!" Mog rushed at Ultros.  Leaping in the air, halberd
outstretched, Mog flew at the wizard.  Suddenly, Ultros' image flickered; the
party gasped as they realized the moogle was attacking an illusion.  Mog flew
through the image, which disappeared, and fell off the edge of the tower.
With a deft twist of his weapon, Mog embedded his halberd into the stone
and hung there.  Hung over the void.
     "Fools!" laughed Ultros, now appearing for real in front of the party.
"Such poor fools!  I have been manipulating you this whole time!  Gwa ha
ha.  Toying with your emotions!"  Ultros looked directly at Locke and Celes
when he said the final sentence.  The two lovers knew that Ultros had been
tricking them the whole time.  "But I will be nice.." Ultros continued.  "You
have entertained me.  Regardless, you doomed your world, but you
entertained me nonetheless.  Also, I find your foolish bravery
almost...endearing.  So, just because we've been friends for twelve years,
I'll end your puny little lives quickly."
     The party tried to charge at Ultros, but before they could reach him,
the wizard snapped his fingers and pure evil energy erupted from his body.
The force of the spell knocked the party back.  Locke and Celes were thrown
onto one of the triangular extensions of the tower top.  Leo gasped as he
realized the force of the blast was strong enough to knock Mog from the
tower.  The party could hear the moogle's last cry as he fell from the
tower..."for the world."
     The effects of Ultros 'demon' spell were felt all over the world.  The
quaking it caused was strong enough to cause a Sasquatch to cringe in fear.
The moogles gathered around to await instructions from their new leader.
Kupan simply held Kushu closer in an attempt to comfort her...All of the
moogles shut their eyes--they could somehow 'sense' Mog's fate.  Duane and
Katarin held each other as they feared for their son.  The gambling in
Setzer's Casino stopped as the rumbling increased.  The Chocobo Riders
looked to the tower--worried for their king.  Even the music in the Opera
House ceased, and the Impresario sent up a prayer for his friends...and the
world groaned as old wounds threatened to burst open once again.
     "Not dead, yet?" Ultros still teased his fallen victims.  "Well, I tried
to be nice...but you just wouldn't give up."
     "We will never fall, fiend," the party was shocked to see that it was
Leo who now spoke.
     "You insolent little.." Ultros grew angry as his tirade had been interrupted.
     "Leave the boy," Siegfried spoke bravely.  "Fight a grown man."
     "No," the rest of the party spoke now in unison.  "Fight us all," and
then, as they stood, "for the world.."
     "FOOLS!" Ultros had hoped the companions would have fallen easier.
"Come then, come to your deaths!"  Ultros released another, weaker blast.
The party continued its rush.  Gau and Gogo leapt at the wizard.  Sabin and
Edgar attacked.  Clyde, Relm, and Interceptor joined.  Siegfried and Setzer
wounded Ultros, as Leo and Terra swung their weapons.  Celes and Locke
were just starting their approach, after being hit hard by the original blast.
     "ENOUGH!" Ultros' voice shook the very foundation of the tower.  The
wizard cast another spell, this one more powerful than the first, but not as
wide in scope.  All of the party fell to the ground, not giving up, they did
what they could to reach their opponent.
     Locke and Celes, trapped on the rocky outcropping, began speaking
softly.  "I..I'm sorry."
     "That's okay, Locke," Celes understood at last.  "Ultros had been
controlling you..he made you forget.  He controlled me too.  He used us."
     "I love you." Locke hadn't said these words for quite some time.
     "I love you too."  And there they sat, husband and wife.  Locke and
Celes simply held each other.  Embracing, they awaited the end.
     The party desperately tried to reach Ultros, who had backed up to the
end of the northernmost outcropping.  Clyde had crawled farther than the
others, and was almost to Ultros.
     "Ha," Ultros found the sight humorous.  "You look like a troop of fools,
crawling to their doom.  Speaking of which...."  Ultros began chanting the
unmistakable spell of Doom.  None of the party were worried.  As the spell
wound it's way throughout the party, the spell had no effect.  "Huh?"  Ultros
was at a loss.
     "Now you are the fool, wizard," Clyde spoke defiantly.  "We are wearing
anti-death relics."
     "Perhaps," Ultros laughed.  "But I control the magic which your relics
run on."  With this comment, Ultros motioned with his hand, and the party
felt the invisible force around them flow back to the wizard.  Terra was very
weak, Leo crawled over to her and held her hand.
     "Now," Ultros cast the spell again, this time on Clyde alone.  "What?"
the spell had not done anything.  "How can this be?  You should be dead.
DOOM!!!"  Ultros cast the spell on Clyde once more; this time focusing all of
the magic force which he had previously drawn back in.  Clyde was still
unaffected.  "How is this possible?  That was all the magic in the world."
     "Yes, wizard," Clyde raised his hand up from the ground.  His Memento
Ring shining in the dull light of dawn.  "But MY relic utilizes a force more
powerful than magic.  This ring is powered by love.....  Love can change the
world."
     As Ultros was shocked by realization; Relm, who had crept up behind him,
plunged the Striker into the wizard's back.  "Aahhgk!" Ultros screamed in
pain.  Leo realized this was his chance.  With thoughts of his namesake and
the words 'for the world' echoing in his mind, young Leo raised his sword.
     "SHOCK" Leo's shout surprised all but Terra.  Pure energy erupted from
the ground around Ultros, knocking the wizard to his knees.  As the energy
field began to weaken, a thought occurred to Terra.  She transformed.
     Terra's human form was replaced by that of an Esper.  Pure energy, good
energy, Terra flew directly at Ultros, scourge of the world.  As she collided
with the demon, a bright flash of light caused everyone to close their eyes.
As the cleansing light faded away, the party rushed to where Ultros had last
stood.  Two bodies lay on the ground.  Ultros body lay, now merely an empty
shell, charred on the rock.  Those who had not battled here would not have
been able to tell that the body was ever human-like.  In contrast, Terra, now
back in her human form, lay there, undamaged.  Terra appeared peaceful,
finally achieving her rest from the cruelty of this world.  "It is done," Leo
hung his head.


                             EPILOGUE

     Terra was buried on a hill outside Narshe.  It had been the first place
she had laid her eyes on Narshe, and the party thought it was appropriate.
Mog had been laid next to her, at the funeral, there had been a light snow,
gently covering the ground in white.
     That night, Clyde tucked his daughter into bed, Interceptor lay down on
the floor.  Thamasa was quiet, all of its citizens mourning the hero in their
own way.  "Tell me a story, dad."
     "A story?  Why?"
     "Because," Relm giggled.  "It's a father's job."
     "Is it?  Okay, I'll tell you of a great hero."  Clyde took a breath and
let it out with a sigh.  "Long ago, there was a great sage......"

     The airship Falcon left Kohlingen.  Flying toward the casino, Setzer
suddenly changed course.  Tonight, Setzer felt the need to go somewhere else.
Setzer had the urge to visit a certain mountain.
     Back in Kohlingen, two lovers embraced each other.  Locke and Celes
stood in their house, holding each other and wanting nothing more.  Glad to
be together again at last.

     Siegfried sat on the throne in Doma.  He gazed at the statue of the late
King Cyan.  "Well, my friend," Siegfried reflected.  "It appears you have
come full circle."  A tear slid down the swordsman's cheek.  "Thank you for
giving me honor."  Then Siegfried grinned and looked out the window as he
heard the cry of a beastman.  A beastman on the Veldt.

     Leo sat in Mobliz.  Telling his parents exited tales of how he had
battled alongside the legendary heroes.  Duane and Katarin exchanged proud
glances, and smiled.  For years to come, Leo would fascinate children with
his tales.  Leo always loved children, even to the end of his days.  Just as
his Aunt had.  When he traveled to Narshe, the moogles would gather
around Leo to hear stories of their great ancestor Mog, who had been the
first to leap into the battle against Ultros.  Mog, the great warrior.
     And for years to come, no crimes were committed, and all wrongs were
righted.  All criminals feared the day when they would face the mysterious
wrath...of Gogo.
     "The sage and his friends had been confronted by a great evil..." Clyde
was nearly to the conclusion of his story.  "All hope had been lost.  Then,
the sage cast a legendary spell, sacrificing his very life, for the sake of
the world..."
     "Dad," Relm interrupted Clyde's story.  "I'm still sad, I think it's too
soon to talk about.."
     "No.." Clyde laughed.  "The sage's name was Tellah, and right now, I bet
he's in the beyond...and your grandfather is telling him a thing or two about
magic."  Father and daughter laughed together.  Relm knew that Clyde's story
was true.  Beside Strago sat a moogle..never too anxious to throw in a tale
about himself.

     Sabin and Edgar stood on the top of Figaro castle, looking out over
their kingdom.  "I think you might be stronger than Duncan now."
     "Naw...but I have thought about opening my own Dojo," Sabin replied.
     "That was some adventure," Edgar sighed and then took a deep breath of
the cool night air.
     "Indeed.  Filled with much sadness."
     "But it had a happy ending," answered Edgar.  The brothers sat, glad to
be there.

     Clyde stood outside the house which would always be known as "Strago's"
even years after the name was merely legend.  Clyde looked up at the
stars.."Well, Baram, I have started over.  And I'm already settling down!"
Clyde smiled, content with his new life.  He turned around, shut the door,
and walked back upstairs..to his daughter.

     In the beyond, Cyan sat with his wife and child.  The family was one
again, reunited at last.  Elaine had started to speak, but Cyan held his
finger to her lips...he wanted this moment to be silent.

     And down the endless expanse of stars, two figures walked--joined by
love.  One was a great warrior.  The other, a young woman.  They were
together...forever.



SPECIAL THANKS

     First of all, I would like to give a special double thanks to my best
friend Curtis, who this story was dedicated to.  To Shaye, Kristin, Valerie,
Cammie, and Aimee; who rejected me and made my faith in love stronger