By Mintbaby
Authors Note: For a long time I dreaded writing a fic with Setzer as the main character because of a spectacular fic out there by the name of Cats Paw. He had adventure. He had a prospective romance. Unfortunately, once a story grabs me, I must follow through. Hence, the story Ace of Diamonds was birthed.
I must warn you, also, that because of my dedication to remaining true to the character, Ive written situations that I normally would not care to write. I have attempted to do them as tactfully and tastefully as possible, but they still make me uncomfortable. (As they did in Rydia: Daughter of Mist as well.) I apologize if you are offended. That wasnt my intent. My intention was to write an intense story that would stay true to the representation of the characters that Square had originally created.
So, without further ado, I present to you The Ace of Diamonds. Enjoy.
The chair creaked as Setzer Gabbiani, captain of the Falcon, adjusted his
position. He was bored. Never a very desirable position for an adventure-loving
gambler such as Setzer, but it happened. And all too often now that the world
was back to a somewhat regular state of normal. Setzer smirked as he looked
around the pub in Albrook at the girls hawking their wares right alongside
the overrated and overpriced drinks that tasted like century-old piss from
a black dragon. Yes. A somewhat regular state of normal wasn't very
exciting.
Setzer gave a half-shrug and shuffled his deck of cards with one hand as
his eyes focused on a love-struck couple in the back part of the pub. The
young man had just 'popped the question', to her wild delight, and she'd
given him the appropriate response. Setzer chuckled and drew out the Queen
of Hearts. He stared down at it with an odd expression, stroking the edge
before hiding it back within the deck. He raised his eyes as he absently
shuffled it. He observed the hesitantly happy faces that talked amongst
themselves. Setzer only knew a couple faces in the crowd, vaguely, but he
had a notion none of them recognized him. Setzer's face twisted in a wry
smile as he lowered his eyes to his cards. The savior of their planet
and I'm forgotten like a spent gambler. And he found himself yearning
for the cocky and assured presence of Darryl. Being with her ghost would
have been better than being
alone.
"Can you believe
that?"
Setzer raised his eyes with an accompanying raised eyebrow at the woman that
had just sat down across from him. She leaned back in her chair and brought
both long legs up onto the table with a clunk, clunk. She wore dark brown
leather boots that crested the top of her knees, enhancing the symmetry and
grace of those curvaceous limbs. As his eyes made the slow and deliberate
journey from legs to torso, he discovered she was every inch a full-grown
woman. Her dark blue trousers fit perfectly against her flat abdomen and
the curves of her hips and buttocks. Crossed arms over a somewhat thin blouse
revealed a generous rounding of breast, and her well-kempt uniform coat of
dark blue and crimson with tassels and braid-work of silver actually intensified
the rebellious and intriguing air of her beauty. Slightly darkened skin from
years in the sun; flashing eyes from years of adventure; long blue-black
hair that fell in tumbled waves about glowing cheeks that raved of impetuousness
and untamed passion. And not only was she dressed the part of a captain,
she exuded the mystery and power of the life she'd led. The life of
command.
Setzer smiled pure velvet and kept his eyes ready to meet hers. "Excuse
me?"
The mystery woman lifted a hand long enough to send a mocking yet graceful
wave toward the love struck duo in the corner. "Love. What could those kids
know of love when they haven't lived life on the edge. They haven't stared
death in the face and laughed. They haven't lost it all and had to find it
again." She wrinkled her nose and finally brought her flashing eyes to meet
Setzer's silver ones. Hers were an intriguing shade of aquamarine with black
flecks. "All these little nothings gathering to tell stories of how they've
had such a hard life and made it through. 'Boo hoo hoo' they'll all cry as
they pat each other on the back and say King Edgar'll take away their problems
now that Kefka's dead." Much to his surprise and secret delight, she spat
a good 6 feet to her right. "Makes me sick to the
stomach."
A loud laugh sounded from the other side of the room and drew her eyes yet
again. "Then why have you come here?" he asked between card
shuffles.
She turned her head to again catch Setzer's eyes. Several locks of bluish-black
escaped to the partially unbuttoned neckline of her silken blouse and caressed
the valley that raised ever so rhythmically. "Bored as hell," she
said.
Setzer's eyes twinkled. "It seems we suffer the same fate." He reluctantly
guided his eyes from her face and gestured to the crowds engrossed in their
own views of 'adventure'. "Perhaps we've both come in order to assure ourselves
that our lives of adventure and risk are worth the effort, rather than becoming
attached to a life of rigor and
normalcy."
"Dragon piss," she exclaimed, and Setzer noted the different harmonies of
personality and adventure tickling within her voice. "Normalcy," she continued
in a sneer. "It's a lie. Something for people like
them."
"I agree," Setzer said
simply.
Her eyes zeroed in on his face
and then his shoulders and chest beneath
his shirt with the top lacing undone (his captain's jacket was carefully
hanging on the back of the chair) before drifting ever so slowly down the
length of his legs as they rested on the table and back up his frame. Setzer
continued to absently shuffle his
cards.
"Now why is it I haven't seen you around here sooner?" she asked in a tone
of mild
interest.
"I've been around," Setzer said while holding her
gaze.
"Then why haven't I ever seen you? I'd like to think I'm a popular girl."
Her eyes made another adventurous trip of his physique. "And I'd definitely
notice
you."
"I could say much the same for you," he told her with another inviting smile
in her
direction.
Perfect white teeth flashed as her smile brightened the aquamarine to the
color of the deepest ocean on a summer day. "Tongue as forked as a demon,"
she said in a tone filled with laughter. She uncrossed her arms and brought
her feet down from the table in a fluidity of movement and grace that added
to her alluring persona. She struck out a hand.
"Marée."
Setzer brought his feet down from the table as well and reached out to press
his palm against hers.
"Setzer."
Marée sent him a flash of a mischievous smile and slightly changed
how she held his hand. Setzer couldn't quite tell what she'd done, but he
enjoyed the feel of the intriguing
caress.
"I don't see why I told you my name. I probably won't ever see you again,
and it's such a drag when you click with a gent that's just going to disappear
the next
morning."
He nodded with the faint smile still in his eyes as he held her warm grasp.
"Too true. I suppose that's what comes from having so many intriguing
adventures."
Marée retrieved her hand, deliberately allowing a slight linger. "An
adventure's only what we make of it." She crossed her arms with yet another
deliberate action and leaned back in her chair to again bring her legs up
onto the table. Each movement was sultry and feminine. "This little discussion
we're having could be quite the adventure I'm
thinking."
Setzer leaned back in his chair, nonchalant, and also lifted his legs to
the table. His tough hide boots occasionally caressed against the soles of
hers. "I'm beginning to see the same," he told her with a direct look. Setzer's
lips were tickled with his continual smile as he shuffled the cards between
two hands. He held her unique eyes and attempted to read the unspoken
permissions. "How long are you in
port?"
She rocked ever so slightly on the back two legs of the chair. "'Til I'm
loaded again. Usually takes half a day. If I'm in a good mood, I let the
boys have a half day to themselves." Her eyes twinkled as she jerked her
head enough to toss a rebellious portion of hair behind her shoulder. The
action reminded Setzer of a wild animal on the Veldt. "I can sometimes use
one myself," she told
him.
Setzer released a soft chuckle and moved his eyes to his cards. He palmed
the Ace of Diamonds. "Ah, distractions. Makes life a bit more interesting,
doesn't
it?"
"Interesting? Hell no. Makes it more damn
fun."
Setzer felt the intensity of her gauging look, but didn't raise his
eyes.
"So where are you staying?" Marée asked. "Anyplace different you'd
recommend to a fellow, finicky sea
captain?"
This time Setzer lifted his eyes to meet hers. Interest and invitation fairly
glowed. "I generally stay on my ship," he responded easily. "More privacy
and less likelihood of being a victim of
thievery."
One side of her full, rosy lips tilted in a slight smirk that laughed in
her eyes. "I'd love to take a gander at this ship of yours." Another chorus
of laughter erupted from the far side of the room, this one poisoned with
an empty flutter of brainless twittering, and Marée's eyes darkened
with irritation as she changed her gaze toward them. "Blasted Landers. They
laugh at anything that tickles their flat existence with a single
spark."
"At least now they've cause to laugh," Setzer
responded.
Marée scoffed and adjusted her crossed arms. She brought her gaze
back to Setzer's face. "Philosophical
nonsense."
"No," he countered, "it's a statement of fact." Setzer palmed the Joker and
tossed it onto the table. He gestured to it. "Take the wild card from the
deck and the odds are more
even."
Marée stared at the card in thoughtful silence as she tapped her upper
arm with graceful movements. Finally, she reached out and took up the card,
staring down at it for another moment before raising her eyes to meet his
and caressing her jawline with the edge of the card. "Gods. Can't argue with
that, can
I?"
"The cards never lie," Setzer responded with a
smirk.
She pointed at him with the Joker card. "But they can be persuaded pretty
damn
easily."
Setzer chuckled. "Upon occasion, but only when what I want is on the other
side of the hand I
hold."
Marée arched an eyebrow. Then she pulled her legs down from the table
and stood with languid grace. "Walk me to my ship, captain?" She tucked the
Joker into a section of her blouse beyond his
view.
"Bored?" Setzer asked as he held her gaze. He continued to shuffle the
cards.
Marée crossed her arms yet again and struck a seductive pose of command
and assurance. "No. Just curious," she told him with twinkling
eyes.
"Ah." Setzer lowered his gaze to the cards as his hands paused shuffling.
He took the top card and flipped it over so that only he could see it. Ace
of Diamonds. He slipped it back into the deck and set it on the table as
he stood and slipped into his jacket. When he looked up, Marée was
busy in yet another perusal of his form. Her head was slightly tilted as
she gauged the firmness of his butt with a quirky
smile.
"Nice," she told him when her eyes met
his.
Setzer slipped the cards into an inner pocket of the jacket with a smirk;
his eyes drifted from hers and did his own adventurous examination of her
lithe form and its curves and roundness in the appropriate places. When his
eyes again met hers, her expression was laughter and
self-assurance.
Setzer gestured to the door. When she moved toward, it he noticed that each
portion of her body moved with as much sensual fluidity as he'd ever imagined
in the workings of a woman. It was a wonder to behold and actually made a
quiver of eagerness tickle his sense of adventure as he
followed.
Setzer closed the door of the pub behind them and followed her down the stairs
to the brick walk below. Then he motioned to the left. "If you'd care for
a tour of my ship, I have it anchored just outside of
town."
Intrigue brightened her expression. "You have an
airship?"
"I
do."
"Then I definitely want to get on
board."
Setzer guided her the first step with a gentle touch on her elbow. Then he
lowered his arm to his side and silently walked beside her. The night breeze
was pleasantly cool and continued to tickle his senses with an intriguingly
unique aroma. It was a combination of musk and flowers and was such a pleasantly
inviting scent that he enjoyed its continual presence. Adventure and femininity
combined.
"What do you call
her?"
"The
Falcon."
"Glorious." Her gaze examined his profile. "How fast she
go?"
Setzer smirked. "Fast
enough."
"Gods! I'd love a turn at the
wheel."
"Something might be arranged." Her persona fairly exuded expectancy and
excitement. Setzer found it both exhilarating and entrancing. "Steering an
air vessel is much different than a sea vessel, of
course."
"Of course. If it'd been just the same I'd have been as mad as hell. I want
to wrestle with the beauty before having my way with
her."
Setzer chuckled. "At times the winds are still the mistress that controls
the man," he
warned.
Marée sent him an intense look. "Ooo. Now there's a tantalizing prospect,
captain."
And Setzer chuckled
again.
They exited the town with long strides, quickly erasing the distance between
South Figaro and the Falcon. And then the moonlight struck her metal silhouette
like a spotlight, halting Marée's steps forward. She whistled long
and low before looking over at Setzer. Setzer kept his appreciative gaze
on his ship. Darryl's
ship.
"She's a beaut, captain. A damned awesome wonder to
see."
"Yes. She
is."
Marée's gaze moved again to the ship and she crossed her arms. "Damn,
damn, damn, I wish I had a ship like
her."
Setzer moved his smiling eyes to her profile and motioned forward. "Shall
I give you the
tour?"
Marée met his gaze. "Hell
yeah."
And the two moved forward. Setzer opened the door for her and ushered her
aboard, nodding a greeting to the two men who had that evening's watch. Setzer
guided Marée through the room, secured it behind them, and gestured
to the large room with the couches and billiard tables. "This is where I
generally entertain guests and friends. The entry to the engine room is over
there and my private office is over there. The entry to the flight deck is
ahead."
"Well I'll be a virgin mermaid." Marée moved her wide-eyed gaze from
corner to corner. "It's like I stepped into the center of a damned
castle."
Setzer's smirk remained as he ushered her forward to the stairs leading to
the flight deck. Marée ascended them with quickness and ease, immediately
making her way to the side. She looked down to the grass and town lights
below. "Gods!" was all she could
voice.
Setzer moved toward her. "The controls are this way," he
offered.
Marée straightened from the railing and moved the direction he'd gestured.
Her agile movements were overflowing with eagerness. "Please tell me you're
going to start her
up."
"I believe I can be
persuaded."
Marée sent a bright smile over her shoulder before she hurried her
step to the wheel and stood to one side, waiting for Setzer to arrive. He
stepped up to the wheel and pressed the appropriate controls. The engine
roared to life and Marée's eyes nearly rolled into the back of her
head.
"Gods, that sounds good." She changed her gaze to her feet. "I can feel the
engine clear through my bones." Marée lifted her head then and tilted
it back, raising her arms out to each side as she closed her eyes and relished
the feel of the wind around her and the vibration of the engine through her
body.
Setzer leaned against the wheel as he watched the full and complete experience
of his ship. He smirked and felt the attraction within grow. Only Darryl
and Terra had fully appreciated the wind and the seduction it brought to
the soul of those who loved to fly. In fact, Setzer had become closer to
Terra only since that one moment after the defeat of Kefka when she'd let
her hair down to allow the complete and utter feel of the wind take her away.
He had felt, then, that she'd understood
him.
Marée voiced a slight growl in the deepest part of her chest and gave
a body-wide shiver. She lowered her arms and slowly brought her head back
up. She opened her eyes then and met Setzer's. Marée' lips were tickled
with a slight smile as she moved to stand in front of him, moving to also
lean against the wheel. She reached out a finger and coiled one of the laces
of his shirtfront around her
finger.
He stepped back from the wheel without a word and motioned to it. Her eyes
flashed with eagerness and she took his place, resting her hands on the wheel
as Setzer reached for the throttle. He eased it forward. "Keep your hold
steady and firm," he said as he came to stand close behind her. "She'll fight
you, believe me. Don't be afraid to fight
back."
Marée's lips parted with delight as the Falcon moved forward into
the wind. Her breath came in deep puffs, raising her chest in an erotic pace
of passion and adventure as the breeze caressed and teased her tresses of
blue-black around her flushed cheeks and into the valley and around her delicate
throat.
"Oh Gods," she whispered, "this is better than the first time I had
sex."
Setzer chuckled and pushed the throttle forward slightly more. The Falcon
dove forward and Marée laughed, tossing her hair out of her face.
The wind made her thick locks tickle his exposed chest and face. Setzer stepped
slightly closer as he took in a slow breath of the wind and the aroma of
her perfume. It had been a long time since he'd seen a woman at the wheel
of the Falcon. Too long
Then he rested his hands on hers and
helped her guide the Falcon over the mountains surrounding Zozo, pushing
the throttle the rest of the way forward as he lowered the Falcon over the
still water of the ocean, creating a spray of white wetness along behind
them. Then Marée was pulling back on the wheel, causing the Falcon
to soar upwards toward the stars. He eased the ascent only slightly, weaving
the ship from side to side through the low hanging
clouds.
Setzer and Marée's commands on the helm of the Falcon moved as one,
racing through the sky like a great bird playing with the air angels. But
then Marée's control drifted to nothing and she leaned back against
Setzer, her head tilted backward and her eyes closed as she reveled in the
freedom and power around her. Setzer's chest tightened with her warmth and
nearness and he continued to take deeper and deeper breaths of her tantalizing
aroma.
Marée turned in the circle of his arms then, lifting her arms and
encircling his neck to pull his mouth to hers. Their lips danced and worked
together; exploring the other's spirit and passion and intensity. Setzer
moved closer, pressing Marée against the wheel. She moaned against
his lips and submerged her hands deeper into the thickness of his white hair,
caressing and fondling his neck as her mouth begged for more of his touch.
The night breeze swirled around them, lifting hair into a tempestuous dance
of passion and intermingling scents and sounds as the kiss
deepened.
Marée's hands lowered from his neck to pull his shirt from its bindings
within his trousers, going beneath and tickling the chest and abdominal muscles
into twitches and spasms. Setzer released a collection of quick breaths against
her lips and pressed himself closer against her, relishing the feel of her
against him as her breath came in quick puffs against his face. He absently
reached out with his right hand and pulled back the throttle as he caressed
his lips along her jawline to a portion of skin beneath her earlobe. Then
his hands were holding her face and neck, submersed deep into her thick tresses
as his thumbs caressed her cheeks and his lips again found
hers.
The taste of them was exotic and adventurous
entwined.
But when Marée's hands began to work at the bindings of his trousers,
Setzer pulled slightly
back.
"What," she absently queried in a husky whisper. "Don't stop. I want you.
Gods
this ship, the wind, this power
" She covered his mouth with
hers and loosed one trouser
button.
Setzer gathered his mind back from the four corners of passion and smirked.
"I'm a distraction that will have to wait, captain," he said against her
persuasive
mouth.
Marée's lips imperceptibly pulled back from his, still caressing against
them as she rubbed her hands along his chest and back. "Come on now, captain.
Don't leave a girl hungry," she purred. She kissed his mouth again, stroking
his back and chest with gentle fingers that were more than familiar with
their form of magic. "Aren't you a little
curious?"
A spark flared and Setzer allowed himself a little respite as her lips met
his. Her scent wreaked havoc on his senses, making the control a little harder
to hold on to than normal, so he indulged in the exploration of her soft
skin beneath her silken blouse. She took in a quick breath and nipped at
his lower lip. He smiled against them and opened a little wider, inviting
her within as his hands caressed the small of her back and cautiously moved
lower. She groaned "gods" against his lips and released yet another button
of his trousers as she stepped
closer.
Setzer lifted his head; his breath feathered the wisps of hair around her
face. "That will have to do for now, Marée," he told her. He retrieved
his hands slowly, caressing and fondling back, sides, abdomen and the very
base of her warm breasts as he went. He placed another kiss on her lips as
he retracted his hand fully, and then he stroked her jawline with a single
finger and held her bright gaze. "If I'm to be a distraction, I'd prefer
not to become a bore the first
evening."
Marée caressed his chest with both hands, tickling them with her nails
as she smiled up at him. She kissed his lips once, twice, three times before
meeting his eyes again. Her hands gripped the front of his trousers, ready
to release the next obstacle. "I won't be back for at least 3 months, Setzer,"
she whispered against his lips. "The wind can be cold and memories are better
than
wishes."
He smirked and rested his hands on the sensual curves of her hips. He hooked
his thumbs on the outside of her trousers as his fingers caressed the skin
of her hips beneath before gently moving to the warm skin of her buttocks.
"Yes, but as there are but few ports for a sea captain, I believe I have
a good chance of another
meeting."
Marée tickled his lips with hers as her fingers caressed his lower
abdomen. His muscles tensed and he released several quick breaths against
her lips; her aquamarine eyes never left his silver ones. "Odds are good,
are
they?"
"Most
definitely."
Marée's eyes heightened their twinkle of permission and desire. "I'm
a sore loser, you know. I don't like the word
'no'."
Setzer covered her warm lips with his for another long taste. Her mouth was
eager and willing as her fingers tightened their hold on the next button
of his trousers. "Consider it a not yet," he said
roughly.
Marée's pressed her lips against his again for another exploration,
doing her best to coax out what she wanted as her quivering fingers fumbled
with his trousers. He took hold of her hands and pulled them
away.
She pulled her mouth from his, and her eyes sparked. "I might not be so open
to adventure next time we meet, captain." Marée yanked her hands from
his grip and straightened her coat and blouse. "Like I said, I don't like
the word
'no'."
Setzer continued to smirk as he refastened his trouser buttons. "As I said
before, Marée. Consider it a not
yet."
"Same damn
thing."
"'No' isn't nearly as much fun as 'not yet'," Setzer countered as he turned
for the controls and pushed the throttle
forward.
He turned the Falcon toward South Figaro. He felt her intense eyes on him
and, moments later, she had positioned herself between him and the wheel
of the ship, again resting her hands on top of his. Marée leaned against
him as she had before, this time entwining her fingers with his as they guided
the
Falcon.
He caressed the nape of her neck with his lips and breath, and her fingers
tightened their hold on his. "Marée, expectation is the greater
adventure."
Marée turned her head just enough to meet his lips in a lingering
promise of something more before pulling back and holding his gaze with burning
aquamarine eyes. "Alright, captain," she said in a sultry whisper, "we'll
play it your
way."
Setzer anchored the airship outside Mobliz and descended to the sounds of
squeals and laughter. Ten children appeared from the collection of broken
houses at a dead run as Setzer exited the airship. Setzer smirked but didn't
change his pace. The children - Cera, Robbie, Peter, Tyrian, Nate, Eddie,
Samuel, Tanner, Will, and Alyxis - filed around him in a giggling mass of
smiling faces as they grabbed at his hands, legs, and attention. Begging
him to play; to carry them on his shoulders; to take them for a ride; to
tell them a story, and a myriad of other adventures that could only be imagined
in the minds of young children raised by a pure heart. Setzer surrendered
to a chuckle as he picked up Cera and Tyrian, blonde and brunette respectively,
and proceeded forward to the house where he knew Terra would be dutifully
doing the older children's studies. Robbie and Nate fought for the honor
of opening the door, leaving the honor up for grabs for Peter as Eddie, Samuel,
Tanner, Will, and Alyxis danced around in the space directly behind
him.
"Terra," Setzer called between squeals and imploring entreaties to his
'fatherhood'. "Terra, would you be good enough to rescue
me?"
The group of giggling children and chuckling adult made their way down the
stairs of the main building, reaching the foot of those stairs just as Terra
appeared through the doorway in the left section of the building. She smiled
and moved forward, gesturing to the children to come away and "leave the
poor man some room to breathe". The girls and boys squealed with laughter,
giving him hugs and promises before scampering away to games of the imagination.
Setzer gave Cera and Tyrian each a kiss on the cheek and then set them on
the floor, tousling their hair before sending them on their way with a pat
on the
behind.
Terra watched the girls disappear up the stairs with a smile. Then she focused
those violet eyes on Setzer. "Hello, Setzer. I'm glad you came
again."
"Don't tell me you're lonely amidst these
children."
Terra's violet eyes lowered to the floor. She picked at a fingernail. "No.
I
I just miss the faces of my
friends."
And Setzer had begun to notice the loneliness had begun to darken her normally
bright eyes on a more continual basis. "I'll do my best to visit more often,"
he
promised.
Her timid smile softened the dark light in her eyes as she raised her gaze
to meet his. "Thank you, Setzer. I love it when you and the others stop
by."
Setzer gauged her expression for a moment before gesturing for the stairs.
"Would you care for a
walk?"
"Let me tell the children." She made her way back to the door, opened it
enough to tell the studious pupils inside that she'd be back in a little
bit and they had permission to play, and then made her way back to Setzer's
side.
"Alright."
Setzer examined her profile as they began to ascend the stairs. "You seem
troubled, Terra. Are you sure everything is
alright?"
"I
" She bit her lower lip and sent him a sidelong glance. "I've been
having these bad dreams the past couple nights. M-Maybe that's
all
?"
"Bad dreams? Such
as?"
Terra tucked a stray lock of pale green hair behind a delicate ear and worked
on another fingernail. "Sometimes I have dreams that I can fly again. Like
I could before Kefka and the Statues were defeated. Sometimes I
I see
the faces and bodies of all the people I k-killed when controlled by the
Empire." She sniffed and wiped the tears from her cheeks. "Sometimes I see
the children being t-taken away by a man in black. I
I don't understand
what it c-could
mean."
Setzer opened the door to the main part of the house and ushered her past,
then tightly closed the door behind them. He placed an arm protectively around
her shoulders. "Dreams can't hurt you, Terra, and they rarely come true.
Perhaps you've lived the reclusive life here too long? Perhaps you need to
consider rejoining the rest of
us?"
Terra lifted her eyes to meet his. "But this is my home. And the children's.
We've lived here for nearly 3 years. I can't ask them to
leave."
Setzer smiled. "They'd live anywhere you do, Terra. You're their new mother.
Their new feeling of security and safety." He gave her shoulders another
squeeze. "At least give it some thought. I know the others wouldn't hesitate
to welcome
you."
"Alright. I'll talk to Duane and Katarin and the others." She sent him a
sidelong glance as they made their way out into the early afternoon sun.
"You seem different somehow,
Setzer."
Setzer chuckled and lowered his arm from her shoulders. "In what
way?"
"I'm not sure. A little
happier? Less
gloomy?"
"Gloomy?" He met her eyes with a raised eyebrow and an astonished expression.
"I'd like to think I'm seldom gloomy. I leave that particular expression
for
Shadow."
Terra's slight smile actually twinkled in her eyes. "Alright, so gloomy isn't
the right word. But you still seem
different."
Setzer gave her a twinkle and a smirk. "I'll tell you when you're
older."
Terra's eyes darkened. "I'm not a child," she told him in a troubled voice.
She looked away. "Really. I'm
not."
Setzer noticed that her entire persona changed to an almost inward examination.
It was intriguing to see because she didn't even seem to understand why an
understanding of that fact was so important. "No, I suppose you aren't. But
to me you will always be the naïve Terra of our adventures." He touched
her cheek and drew her attention. "There is nothing wrong with being seen
as naïve or innocent, Terra. It is an entrancing aspect of your person
that we wouldn't want taken
away."
She looked away again, not saying the statement or confusing paradox that
was still mirrored in her eyes. Instead, she sighed and directed her gaze
to the children ahead of the duo. The children were playing a game of tag
and were eagerly beckoning for them to join them. Terra glanced back toward
Setzer. "I don't suppose you'd be willing to play with them? They love it
when you
do."
"Only if you promise to bring them aboard the Falcon this evening for
dinner."
"You know they'll want to put on a
performance."
"You know I love it when they
do."
Terra allowed a slight smile and then pulled at the sleeve of his coat to
draw him toward the children and their game, volunteering Setzer to be 'It'.
The children squealed with glee and then
scattered.
t
Setzer swirled the wine in his glass as the children participated in a loud
and all-consuming production of the final battle with Kefka. Terra was curled
up on the couch to the left of his chair watching the rambunctious collection
of 6, 8, and 9 year olds with a smile. Setzer tapped the arm of his chair
in a continuous rhythm as he absently watched the production; his mind was
elsewhere. Understandably. Surprisingly. With a certain amount of uncontrollable
predictability. He had hoped the time with Terra and the children would have
filled his apparent craving for continual company. But Setzer knew he had
a weak spot for adventure and fun. Marée was both. Intoxicating and
consuming in a way he'd missed since Darryl's
death.
"Setzer? What's the
matter?"
Setzer's frown disappeared as he changed his minutely surprised expression
to Terra's face.
"Pardon?"
Terra spared a quick glance to the children to make sure they wouldn't hear
the 'adult' conversation, noticed they were enthralled with the killing of
the Atma Weapon (which, of course, had been defeated before the entry into
Kefka's Tower, but what did children care of details?), and then changed
her eyes back to Setzer. "I've never seen that look on your face before,
Setzer. What's
wrong?"
Setzer's smile was reassuring. "Nothing, Terra. I've just embroiled myself
in a wee bit of lively adventure that I hadn't expected. Lady Luck took me
by
surprise."
Terra's eyes showed a surprising glint of reluctance. "Are you sure I can't
help? Talking helps, doesn't
it?"
Setzer changed his eyes to his glass of wine as it lapped the sides of the
blue-tinted glass. Aquamarine blue
He cleared his throat and
lifted his eyes to the children's newly begun battle with the first tier
of the Statues. "I'm fine, Terra. Adventure is old hat to me, and the unexpected
is welcome. You know
that."
She sighed with a slight nod, returning her attention to the children, but
only partly. Every so often she would send Setzer a stealthy glance and make
sure the frown hadn't returned. Setzer set aside the possibilities and decided
to let the cards fall the way they would. He had planned a stop at Thamasa
by weeks end to pick up some supplies for Locke and Celes' wedding and he'd
keep the schedule. If she was there, she was there. If she wasn't, she wasn't.
It was all a matter of
luck.
"Have you any message for Strago or Relm," he said suddenly. "I'm off to
Thamasa in a few days time to gather supplies for Locke and Celes." He met
her eyes. "Anything to be
transported?"
"Just some drawings and stories the older ones have done for Relm. If you
don't
mind?"
"Of course not. I'll be sure to get them from you tomorrow before I set off
for
Figaro."
"Figaro?"
He took a sip of wine as he watched her expression slightly flush. "Yes.
Did you have a message for
Edgar?"
She flushed a deeper shade of rose and lowered her eyes to her fingers. She
picked at them, as usual. "No
Yes. Tell him
Tell him 'thank you'
for the flower, but I can't come to the party. I wouldn't want to leave the
children
alone."
Setzer raised an eyebrow. "Alone? Terra, Duane and Katarin would be happy
to watch them while you go and spend some time with your
friends."
"I
I know, but
Just tell him 'thank
you'."
"Very well, Terra. I'll relay the message, but he'll be disappointed. He
hasn't seen you for ages." Setzer watched her reaction to the news with interest.
"Shall I tell him you miss him and you wish you could be
there?"
"N-No. J-Just tell
him--"
"'Thank you'. Yes. I know." Setzer hid a smile behind another sip of wine.
And then the final battle with Kefka was on and his attention was distracted
between sword fights and aquamarine
eyes.
"Edgar, old boy," Setzer greeted with a smirk and a firm shake, "it seems
wealth and power suit you well. Of course you realize you'll need to
share?"
Edgar's smile seemed the same on the outside, but there was something strained
about
it.
"Setzer, you haven't come to steal away the women have you? The men here
will need some distraction from their
duty."
Setzer chuckled. "I leave the women to you and your subjects, Edgar. I prefer
a more
solitary figure of
woman."
Edgar motioned to chairs off to one side of the throne room. "Have a
seat."
"Don't mind if I do." He sat and absently retrieved his cards from his pocket.
He shuffled them while gauging Edgar's somewhat haggard expression. "Edgar,
I'm on my way to Thamasa to pick up some wedding supplies for Locke and Celes.
Do you have anything that needs to be added to the
manifest?"
"Yes, thank you. The Chancellor will have a list for your approval before
the evening is done. I can have it loaded for you if you're persuaded to
stay for
dinner."
"Thank you, old boy. I'd be delighted." He palmed the Jack of Hearts. The
next card was the Ace of the same suit. Setzer raised an eyebrow. "Oh, by
the way, Terra sends a 'thank you' for the flower, but she can't leave the
children to come to the party. She seemed
disappointed."
Edgar leaned back in his chair and kicked his legs out in front of him. "Ah
well. I suppose I shouldn't have
asked."
"No, it's good that you keep asking." Setzer palmed the deuce of hearts.
Hmm
"Each time I visit she seems a little more withdrawn and
lonely. She misses us and the time we spent together." Setzer changed his
eyes to Edgar's hard profile. "Instead of sending flowers and invitations,
I believe you should spare her a visit. I know she'd love to see you. She
loves to see any and all of
us."
Edgar gave a slight nod as he lowered his gaze to his boots. "I'll see about
making the time. I've a schedule to keep, but
Yes, I'll make the
time."
"Just beware the girl may volunteer you for a bout of 'It' with the children,
if they're so
inclined."
"Thank you for the warning." Edgar stared at his boots a moment longer before
changing his eyes to Setzer. "Is she
Are Terra and the children well?
Do they need
anything?"
Setzer shuffled the cards and again palmed the Ace of Hearts. "She seems
well enough, but as I've said: she's
changed."
"The change is understandable," Edgar said. "She's lost her powers. Abilities
innate to her spirit." He looked away again. "Of course she would feel
disconnected and distant.
Withdrawn."
And he seemed to be attempting to persuade himself of that fact. "Yes, you're
right, but being removed from the people she'd come to see as her surrogate
family could do the same. I believe a visit would make all the difference.
It certainly wouldn't do any harm. She seems to enjoy mine, as I've said
before."
Edgar gave a couple brief nods before releasing a deep breath and rising
to his feet. Setzer did the same. "Come. Let's see about those supplies and
our
dinner."
"Excellent idea." Setzer fell into step beside him as Edgar left the throne
room and made his way down the main hall. He drew the Ace of Diamonds. "I
don't suppose you know of any women sea
captains?"
Edgar's eyes rose from the floor and studied Setzer's unrevealing profile.
"Hmm. Women sea
captains?"
Setzer met Edgar's gaze. "You would be hard pressed not to remember her,
Edgar. Every inch a woman. Every inch a captain. Blue-black hair. Tall, shapely
body. Enchanting aquamarine
eyes."
"You're correct. I would remember. Does this mystery woman have a
name?"
"Marée."
"Intriguing. That means
'tide'."
"I know." Setzer looked away and slipped the Ace of Diamonds back into the
deck. "If you could see what is known of her and let me know before I leave
Kohlingen tomorrow evening, I would appreciate it. Oh, and check for a ship
by the name of 'Ace of
Diamonds'."
"Certainly. Why the
interest?"
Setzer raised his eyes from his cards. "A
feeling."
Edgar chuckled. "I understand feelings of those sort all too
well."
But it was different. Yes, Marée brought about the feeling of intoxicating
adventure as Darryl had so long ago, but there was something beyond that.
Something that wasn't quite right. Something that tickled his instinct and
wouldn't let the intrigue dissipate. Something that needed to be found,
discovered, and dealt with. A
secret.
Edgar raised an eyebrow when Setzer didn't comment. But before he could question
the silence, the Chancellor had accosted his attention and was demanding
the signing of reports, the allocation of funds and supplies, and handing
over the list of those supplies that needed to go with Setzer to Thamasa.
Setzer placed a hand on Edgar's shoulder, made his apologies and regrets,
and then left the castle with a pushing at his heels to get to Kohlingen
to check in with Locke and Celes. He boarded his ship and eased her toward
Kohlingen, anchoring her within view of the small port that rarely received
any visitors save those with private boats (a growing hobby for those who
could afford it, which wasn't
many).
Setzer tried to shake off the press of the importance to something as he
strode toward Kohlingen and its pub and crazy alchemist with a growing frown.
After he'd made his way through the first portion of the town, he halted
at the foot of the bridge that led to the pub. Marée exited. She was
the picture of ease and content. She persuaded some locks of hair behind
her shoulders with a few shakes of her head moments before her eyes focused
on Setzer's
face.
Her eyes sparked and her lips were tickled with a smile. She stepped to the
left of the entrance to the pub and leaned against the wall as she crossed
her arms and brought one foot up to press back against the wall. She adjusted
her crossed arms. "Well, well, well. If it isn't the
captain."
The shock vanished as the addicting emotion of eagerness brought to mind
the memories of their last meeting only a very few weeks before. He stepped
toward her position with a smirk and came to stand a few feet in front of
her. She didn't adjust her position; she only watched him with those aquamarine
eyes that could see past his uniform to his soul. Her scent seemed stronger
than he remembered, but was likely due to the fact he'd missed it. Setzer's
chest tightened and he crossed his arms as he struck a pose of assurance
and content that easily rivaled
hers.
He gave a slight nod of greeting.
"Marée."
Marée adjusted her fingers on her upper arms as her eyes ever so slightly
changed expression.
"Setzer."
The wind gently lifted some bluish-black hair, making it dance around her
face. The tightening began to expand from his chest to his lungs. "I hope
the seas have treated you and your crew
well."
"Hell no," she disagreed in that harmony of life he'd come to expect. "Wouldn't
have wanted the trip to be boring. Lost one sailor to a storm just yesterday.
Damn shame, too. Rorik was a good
man."
One lock of hair settled in the corner of her mouth and Setzer surrendered
to the urge to brush it away. Her eyes flashed with a slip of desire at the
gentle touch and she gripped her upper arms. He placed his arms safely back
in a crossed position before speaking. "While I'm glad you've had a bit of
the adventure you wanted, I'm sorry you lost a man to have it." Setzer's
eyes took in the sparkle of hers; the glow of her face; the steady rise and
fall of her chest; the perfect intertwining of strength and femininity
before again capturing her intense expression. "As I'm glad you're
safe."
"It'll take more than a fight with the sea to get me off the water," she
said in a sultry voice of passion and intensity. "Damn fights are what I
live for. They make my blood
roar."
The tightness crept to his throat and Setzer stepped one motion closer.
Marée tilted her head slightly back to keep the hold on his eyes.
"It's good to see you again," he said in a carefully controlled voice. "I
had no idea the odds would be this
good."
Her smirk twitched with a laugh that finally erupted from her silky throat.
Setzer soaked up the force of her persona and took yet another step forward.
Her scent made his nostril flare just as she took in a deep breath of him.
Her eyelids fluttered slightly before widening and holding his
gaze.
"How long?" he asked, and his voice wasn't as controlled this
time.
"I was just leaving," she said in a strained
voice.
Setzer stepped so close to her that he felt her breath against his face and
rested a hand against the building above her right shoulder as his other
arm went stealthily around her waist. Marée lowered the leg that had
been against the building and pressed herself against him as her arms submerged
beneath his jacket to caress his back. She continued to gaze up into his
face, but this time with half-closed eyes that begged him to
ask.
Setzer lowered his head until his lips teased hers with a promise of a kiss.
"Ah. The odds weren't without a little spite, it
seems."
Marée's hands pulled the back of his shirt free and submerged themselves
beneath his trousers to lightly stroke the warm skin. His arm around her
tensed as she touched his lips with a little more insistence, but for only
a fraction of a moment. "Seems so," she
whispered.
And her breath smelled of passion and
desire.
Setzer tightened his arm's hold around her, drawing her warmth closer as
he moved his lips across her cheek to her jawline just in front of her ear.
"The expectation grows, doesn't
it?"
"Like the fires of hell," she whispered huskily. Her hands moved up to his
back and stroked his skin with her nails as she pulled her head back from
his lips to cover his mouth with hers, pulling as much of the passion and
essence of him that she could in a simple
kiss.
Setzer pressed her against the building, urging himself closer to her
intoxicating persona as his arm left her waist and pressed its palm also
against the building for some semblance of control. Her mouth working with
his; her warmth fitting so true against him; the rise and fall of her; her
hands so right; her scent of the sea
Setzer raised his lips ever so
slowly, their touch lingering an eternity before coming apart, and his eyes
met hers. Those aquamarine blue rages of promise that had filled his mind
with invitations and
permissions.
"Not yet," he said in a rough
voice.
Marée's hands gripped the back waist of his trousers as she again
covered his mouth with hers - coaxing, pleading,
demanding-
Setzer pulled away, pushing from the wall of the building and trying to jerk
himself free from the warmth that set his skin on fire with the promise of
moving bodies and- Marée followed; her hands tightening their
hold.
"Marée," he said against her mouth; another kiss, another taste, another
demand- He put his hands on her shoulders and pushed her away. "Marée,
not
yet."
Marée gripped the lapels of his coat and pulled his mouth on hers
again for a crazed kiss of need. Setzer nearly lost himself in the natural
magic of her
soul
Then she pulled roughly away, holding his gaze with her flashing eyes of
anger and desire. "When, captain? I'm not very
patient."
Setzer's smile was understanding as his breathing rasped, melding with the
music of her own. He smoothed some of her tresses from her face and then
held that intensity of adventure and spirit in his shaking hands. "Soon.
We have to wait for the dice to
fall."
The light blue of her eyes contained a storm. "If it wasn't for the fact
you're such a damned fine figure of a man and taste better than the best
meal I've had since I was born, I'd have dropped you after your first
'no'."
Setzer couldn't suppress a chuckle as his hands drifted from her face to
her neck and shoulders. He massaged the tightness there with slight, firm
strokes of his fingers and thumbs. Then he lowered his head to kiss her forehead
and nuzzle his cheek against hers. She wrapped her arms around his neck as
she pulled and pressed herself against him. Her lips kissed his neck as his
arms encircled her, lifting her from the ground in an effort to draw her
essence within him. It was as if she were the epitome of adventure and
life.
"It's been a long time since a woman has had this effect on me, Marée,"
he confessed, much to his surprise. He lowered her again to the ground and
pulled back with his hands resting on her hips as he searched out her gaze.
"Expectation is better than disappointment and disillusionment. I want as
much of you as possible without the too-soon attainment of the latter. Memories
of you will be enough
then."
Marée seemed to read an entire lifetime into his eyes as she gazed
into them with an odd expression, her arms still around his neck as her fingers
stroked the softness of the hair at the nape of his neck. Then she feathered
her lips across his jaw and kissed him one last time. When she pulled away,
her eyes held an intensity he could clearly
translate.
"Tongue as forked as a demon," she said in a throaty tone. She withdrew her
hands and arms as slowly as possible, her touch lingering across his shoulders,
down his arms and back up to travel the torso of his coat and drift off the
ends. As she passed him, her right hand took his and clasped it tightly,
turning him as she looked and headed toward the exit of town. "'Til we meet
again, captain, keep the wind in your face. I love it when your hair
blows."
And then she'd released his hand and was disappearing out of town. Setzer
took in a deep breath, drawing all that remained of her into the deepest
part of himself before turning and entering the
café.
t
Setzer heard the knock on his private office door and lowered his arm from
where it covered his face. He stared at the door with tired eyes. The knock
sounded again with an accompanying "Setzer, it's Edgar". Setzer forced himself
to sit up, hanging his legs over the side of the couch as he laced the front
of his shirt. He retrieved his jacket from where he'd shrugged out of it
the night before (and then promptly tossed it to the floor) and stood, slipping
into it with rough movements as he strode to the door. He jerked it open
and turned away, not wanting Edgar to see the tell-tale signs of no sleep
and torturous thoughts of what couldn't
be.
But Setzer knew Edgar could feel it in the air. Who better than a man who
suffered the same
fate?
"I apologize for the sudden change of the evening's plans yesterday," Edgar
began slowly,
thoughtfully.
Setzer waved it aside, still not turning to face the man; the friend; the
comrade
"Don't trouble yourself. I understand how the dice can change
from one roll to the next." He gestured to the couch with an absent glance
toward it. "Have a
seat."
"No time, I'm afraid. Busy day in preparation of my
trip."
Setzer nodded and turned finally to lean against his desk with crossed arms.
His hard stare dared Edgar to mention anything about his appearance. "What
did you find
out?"
"Nothing of great interest," Edgar said after a pause, "just enough to tweak
curiosity."
"The
ship?"
"A cargo vessel, of a sort. No captain is listed, though. Tweak number
one."
"And the captain?
Marée?"
"Yes. The captain." Edgar rubbed the back of his neck and took a step further
into the room. "At one time she was apparently contracted to work for the
Empire."
"Tweak number two," Setzer said in a toneless voice. The Empire? Of course,
he had to remember that a great many people had worked for the Empire. They
hadn't had any other choice. In order to survive, what would her choices
have been? "Anything
else?"
Edgar looked up, meeting Setzer's eyes. "The manifests of the Ace of Diamonds
and Captain Marée's previous contracts for the Empire aren't listed
or known.
Anywhere."
Setzer pressed his lips together and lowered his gaze to the floor, staring
at his crossed feet as he adjusted his arms. He
frowned.
"Now, Setzer," Edgar spoke up suddenly, "while it is definitely a puzzle,
there isn't any proof that this newest intrigue of yours is in any way involved
with negative dealings. Either now or then. Allow her the chance to disprove
your suspicions before making harsh
judgments."
Setzer absently shook his head. He raised his eyes to meet Edgar's and the
frown disappeared. "Harsh judgments? How can I make harsh judgments when
all of us have done something in connection with the Empire that we should
be judged for?" Setzer straightened and lowered his arms to his sides with
another shake of his head as he turned from the desk. "No. It's too convenient
of a find for me to take what you've presented as fact. Yes, it's a tweak
to my curiosity, but I won't judge her based on
hearsay."
"Here, here," Edgar said with a smile on his face. "Good for
you."
Setzer fell back into his chair and kicked his feet up onto his desk as he
again met Edgar's eyes. "But the mystery won't be put away. I'll keep at
it until this blasted tickle in my craw is taken care
of."
"Has you by the throat, does
it?"
Setzer retrieved his bladed cards from a reserved drawer of his desk and
relished the feel of them in his hand. He hurled one at the bull's-eye across
the room without raising his eyes from the others in his hands. It struck
dead center. "With a tenacious hold." And those aquamarine eyes wouldn't
let him
go.
"I'd best be off," Edgar said with a regretful tone. "I should be back within
a week, Setzer. If I've discovered anything more of this ship that doesn't
have a captain and the captain that doesn't have a ship, I'll let you
know."
Setzer absently nodded. "Thank you." He raised his eyes. "Have a safe voyage,
and give Terra a 'hello' for
me."
Edgar smirked and left the office, closing the door after him. Setzer stared
at the bull's-eye on the back of the door with a slowly darkening gaze until
his entire face was hard with a glare. He launched five cards simultaneously.
They
struck.
Dead
center.
Setzer stood just outside his ship and stared at the little town of Thamasa.
He crossed his arms with a slight narrowing of his eyes, and then he closed
them when a gust of wind from the coast lifted his hair to dance around his
face. 'I love it when your hair blows.' His eyes opened sharply and he lowered
his arms to his side as he strode with purposeful steps toward the town's
entry. Removing himself from hope and keeping him carefully separated from
expectation and
eagerness--
He halted his step and clenched his hands into fists. Am I a coward, shrinking
in the face of adventure because I'm afraid of the passion? What's to fear
in the attraction we have? Nothing! It's a part of life. It's a part of the
adventure I live to have. So I'll take it. I'll have it! He released
his controls and let the hopes and memories and possibilities overwhelm him
with sights, sounds, and the burning touch of her lips and fingers against
his skin. He smirked and took in a deep breath of her imagined scent before
stepping again toward the town. Expectation was the greater adventure, and
he'd have his
adventure.
Relm had set up her easel in the cobbled square and was painting a family
of squirrels that had set up shop in the tree nearest her. She looked up
from her painting and sent him a smile and a wave, which resulted in a splatter
of green falling from brush to forehead. She didn't seem to notice and her
12-year-old brightness glowed because of it. As he approached, she wiped
off her brush and set it carefully aside, next covering her picture to protect
it from the sun and the wind. Then she was hurrying up to him with
paint-decorated arms extended as her lips danced with a smile and her eyes
twinkled with
welcome.
Setzer smirked as he enfolded her in an
embrace.
"Hiya, Setzer," she told him in her clear and vivid tone of youth and excitement.
When he pulled back, she held his gaze. "Please tell me you brought me
something."
Setzer laughed. "Yes, I've brought you something. From Terra and the children,
in fact. Some pictures and stories they've done for you. They're on the
Falcon."
"Rad!" And she gave an accompanying squeal of gladness. Then her face and
eyes were pure business. "You've come for the supplies to the party and the
wedding,
right?"
Setzer's eyes twinkled, but he feigned seriousness to suit her fancy. "Yes.
Edgar also sent along some things for you and Strago, as well as some knickknacks
to
sell."
She gave a curt nod and headed toward the ship. Setzer dutifully followed
behind. "When're you leaving
again?"
"Not for a few days. There are quite a few things to
unload."
"Days? Really? Rad!" And her mind and eyes filled with the possible adventures
she could have onboard his ship, escaping the over-protective hand of her
grandfather to do what she pleased and when she pleased to do
it.
Setzer chuckled. "Before you've ensconced me and my ship in adventures that
no sane person would do, we can't do anything aboard the Falcon until she's
unloaded."
"Aw," Relm protested with a sullen glance toward him. "You're no
fun."
"I'm all the fun you could possibly need, Relm, just not until the Falcon's
unloaded." She stuck out her tongue and wrinkled her nose at him. He just
laughed. "None of
that."
"I'll do what I please," she
retorted.
Setzer chuckled again and reached out to grab the beret from her tousle of
blonde curls. "Fine. So will
I."
"Hey! Give me back my beret!" She swiped at it, but he switched it to his
other hand. "Setz-zer! Give it
back!"
"Not until you promise to behave a little better than you did when you were
ten. You're 12 now, Relm, and should act like it. Don't you think
so?"
"I won't promise anything until you give me back my beret," she snapped hotly.
She made another swipe behind his back for the hat, but he lifted it above
his head. "Setzer, no fair! You're bigger than me," she
whined.
"Now that's not very attractive," he told her with a
laugh.
"I don't care. I want my
beret!"
"Oh all right," he said with a mock frown as he tossed it at
her.
Relm caught it and pulled it firmly onto her head with another tongue sent
his direction. Setzer made a movement to grab her tongue from her mouth and
she jerked back, tightly pressing her lips together with a wrinkle of her
nose at the gambler. Setzer
laughed.
"It's a good thing my pictures don't come to life anymore," she told him
with a menacing
gleam.
"I'm quaking in my very
boots."
Relm slapped at his arm with a tell-tale twinkle in her eyes and put her
fists on her hips. "You'll get yours, you big
meanie."
"I'll be sure to tell you when I do. I wouldn't want you to miss the chance
to relish your
victory."
Relm tried to hold it back, but the giggle broke through and danced across
her face and into the air. She wrapped her arms around his. "I missed you,
Setzer."
He tugged at the top of her beret, loosening it against her hair so that
it wouldn't look so ridiculous. "Thank you, Relm. I've missed you, too. We
should all make a point to visit each other more often, don't you
think?"
"We'll be able to see everyone at Celes and Locke's wedding.
Right?"
"Yes," he said slowly. "Are you plotting
something?"
She shook her head. "No. I'm just looking forward to it, is all. Geez. Don't
be such a
fuddy-duddy."
Setzer smirked. He'd been accused of much worse. "I'm sorry, Relm. I'll do
better next
time."
She sniggered. "Yeah right. Marée says that too, but she never does.
She always treats me- What's your
problem?"
Setzer had halted and turned toward Relm with a shocked expression. "What
did you
say?"
"I said that you'll just
treat-"
"No. What name did you
say."
"Name?" Relm screwed up her face in a frown of confusion as she shrugged.
"What? You mean Marée? She's just a sea ship captain that comes by
every once and awhile. What's the big
deal?"
"Has she been here recently? Yesterday? Today? Last
week?"
Relm crossed her arms as her frown became annoyance and aggravation. "Geez.
She stopped by last week to load up some things. It's not like it's against
the law, Setzer. You do it all the
time."
Setzer waved her comment aside as he crossed his left arm across his chest
and rested the elbow of his right into his left hand as he stroked his chin
with his right. "What would she buy in Thamasa that is worth anything?" he
mumbled.
"Well that isn't a very nice thing to say. We've got plenty of stuff that's
worth money," she
protested.
Setzer focused his eyes back on her. "What did she buy?
Books?"
Relm made a face as if to say "duh" and then replaced the frown. "They were
just books from the Empire. It's not like they
were-"
"From the Empire?" Intrigue and curiosity soared to the clouds and didn't
return.
"Stop interrupting," Relm protested. "That's not very
polite."
Setzer reluctantly smiled down at her as he touched her on the nose. "I'm
sorry, Relm." He set the questions and queries aside for a later time alone
in his office and motioned to the ship. "Why don't we get you those pictures
and stories and then say 'hello' to your
grandfather?"
"Ugh," Relm said as she fell into step beside. "Alright, but I'm getting
lost from here to the house. Just so you
know."
Setzer
laughed.
t
The days passed with no sight, sound, or scent of Marée to tempt him.
Relm showed him a portrait she'd painted of the female captain and promptly
gave it to him as a going away gift when she'd seen how he reacted to the
full body
painting.
Stupefied wonder at Relm's ability to capture the woman's spirit and passion
in eye and
body.
Then, while unloading the knickknacks for the Item Shop owner, Relm regaled
him with stories of Marée's kindness, her wild sense of humor (which
included practical jokes of their design), and her tales of adventures on
the sea surviving on nothing but her own wit and ability. The stories of
pirates Setzer took to be specifically for Relm's young heart and her
appreciation of adventure. But those stories of overlords that held power
within their control and abused the tender-hearted, those he believed. Hadn't
that been Kefka? And Gestahl before that? And perhaps, like Leo, she'd been
trapped into the service of this
overlord?
Again, he'd need to see her again to make sense of it
all.
So once the Falcon was unloaded and Relm had been appeased with a long turn
at the wheel - under Setzer's careful eye - he made an early departure and
headed for Doma. While it wasn't a favorite stop for traders, merchants,
and vessels of sea and air, it was a necessary one. Due, of course, to the
fact Cyan was doggedly determined to build it to its former glory. Because
of that, the castle attracted a reasonable amount of
attention.
Setzer's
included.
While the trip itself was uneventful, Setzer was under the impression he
caught sight of a cargo vessel bound for Nikeah. He had filed the information
with the others gathered from Relm and pressed on toward Doma instead of
diving to take a closer look. Upon arriving, he'd found the castle to be
a mass of
activity.
Setzer anchored his ship and disembarked, mulling through the crowds with
one purpose: to find Cyan. The Doma swordsman wasn't so easily found. While
he was in the direct center of the bustle, that fact alone forced Setzer
to be patient and wait his turn. After an hour of waiting, Setzer gave up.
Instead, he contented himself with catching Cyan's eye and gesturing to his
airship beyond. Cyan briefly nodded before having his attention again distracted
by the
roofer.
Setzer strode away; impatience and something dark bit at his
heels.
A ship without a captain. A captain without a ship. A ship without manifests.
A captain with a past involving the Empire. Her frequent stops to Thamasa,
one being to buy books originally from the Empire libraries. A surprising
stop at Kohlingen's small port, which was the only port near where Edgar
most frequently kept Figaro Castle moored; making it extremely useful to
procure machinery and whatnot. But it was all so
weak. All the information,
when kept separate, didn't amount to even a blink of notice. As Edgar had
said. Even viewed as a whole Setzer was hard-pressed to make anything out
of it. As Relm had said, buying and shipping books wasn't against the law.
Neither was procuring machinery from Figaro. But something just wouldn't
let him leave it alone. Something kept pushing at him, dogging him forward,
irritating his sense of curiosity with questions that wouldn't stay
silent.
He had to talk to
Marée.
Setzer strode aboard the Falcon with a dark look, slamming doors and pushing
chairs out of the way as he went. He slammed into his office and threw himself
onto the couch, kicking his boots up onto the arm as he put one arm behind
his head and one over his eyes. Marée. What adventure have you
wrapped around that quick mind? What poor fool are you using for your own
private amusement? Dullness and Boredom were frightening things for a
person familiar with adventure and action. The fear of that dullness could
often make a thrill-seeker do unwise things. Hadn't he joined up with Edgar
and his troupe because of his own boredom? It made him afraid for Marée.
Afraid that she'd embroiled herself in an adventure that she wouldn't want
to leave because the thrill was constant and
addicting.
Setzer lowered his arm from his eyes and looked to his right where Marée's
portrait was leaning against the wall. Her aquamarine eyes sparked with laughter
and a dare. Her lips were caressed with a rebellious smirk that seemed to
declare life held nothing but amusement for her. Her left hand was placed
on a rounded hip as her left was straight at her side holding her uniform
coat. Hair swirled about shoulders and face and tickled the skin between
her breasts as her very stance defied anyone to withstand her sensual
charm.
Setzer stood and slowly made his way to the portrait. He stared down at it
for a long silent moment before taking it up, holding it tightly between
his two hands. The ship Relm had painted in the background was named the
Ace of
Diamonds.
There was a knock. Setzer raised his eyes to the door as he lowered the portrait
back to its original position.
"Enter."
Cyan opened the door and closed it behind him. He greeted Setzer with a slight
smile and a firm clasp to the hand. "Thy presence warms this heart,
Setzer."
"Good to see you, too, old friend." Setzer gestured to the chair opposite
his desk as he made his way around to sit at his office chair. He kicked
his feet up onto his desk as Cyan lowered himself into the offered chair.
"Edgar wanted me to get a list of supplies from you that will help you with
your current
project."
Cyan nodded. "Yes. I had known to expect such a
request."
Setzer smirked at the stoic, stalwart warrior. "I've some things for you
from Terra and Relm as
well."
Cyan's face softened. "Be so kind as to inform Terra and Relm I am pleased
they continue to think of me. I shall do my best to invite them to see the
progress I have made thus
far."
"Do you think it will be done before Locke and Celes' wedding? I don't think
they'll mind relocating the event
here."
"While the thought had also occurred to me, I do not believe such is a
possibility. There is too much yet needing to be
done."
"Too bad." Setzer lowered his eyes to the cards on his desk and he cut them
before taking the top card. Jack of Hearts. "Have you noticed anything odd
about Edgar lately, Cyan?" Setzer raised his eyes to meet those of
Cyan.
"And to what might thee
refer?"
Setzer again lowered his eyes to the deck. He tapped on the top of the deck
before taking the next card. It was the deuce of Hearts. "About bachelorhood
not agreeing with him as well as it did at one
time."
Cyan shook his head and crossed his muscular arms. "No. Pressing this matter
would be
unwise."
"Why?" He drew the next card. To his surprise, it was the ten of Hearts.
Ten
Ten
Of course. The children. He smirked and replaced
the
card.
"They are not yet ready. Hearts must be whole before
joining."
Setzer raised his eyes to meet Cyan's. "When did you
know?"
Cyan shook his head again. "While I know nothing for certain. I have observed
many things, as have thee. The knowing must be their
decision."
"Bah," Setzer grumbled as he tossed the cards to the desk. He crossed his
arms with a scowl at the toes of his boots. "Arrogance and Naivety seldom
find a home
together."
"Yet the choice must be
theirs."
Setzer looked away as he adjusted his crossed arms and his gaze was drawn
by Marée's portrait. His frown lightened. "Cyan, what have you heard
of a sea captain by the name of
Marée?"
"Marée." Cyan lowered his head in concentration before giving a slow
shake. "I have heard naught of this name." He raised his eyes to meet Setzer's.
"Why?"
"Curiosity," Setzer said in a dismissive tone. "Curiosity. Don't worry about
it."
"I shall inform thee if I do indeed hear the name
mentioned."
Setzer gave a nod. "Thank you,
Cyan."
Cyan stood. "Dinner shall be served within the hour. I would be honored if
thee joined
me."
Setzer nodded again. "I'll be
there."
And Cyan left the room, again closing the door behind him. Setzer lowered
his head for another intense examination of the portrait as his brows drew
together in a frown. The scar over his left eye
twitched.
Setzer held his position over Nikeah, carefully searching the port for the
ship he'd seen on his way to Doma. It wasn't in port. Damn. He pushed
the throttle forward and the Falcon surged forward, responding to his rough
commands without complaint as he guided her toward Jidoor. What other port
would offer her the temptation? While the port at Jidoor wasn't busy, it
was within a short distance of Zozo; the overlord capital of the world. And
who didn't go to Zozo to make a quick gil or two? Setzer pressed his
lips together. I should look into buying into a poker game while I'm
there.
But poker and gil were the last things on his mind as he guided the Falcon
closer to Jidoor. He was still trying to figure out what was pushing him
so hard forward. Short of pulling Celes aside to ask her about certain people
of the Empire, he was delving into the private and personal history of a
woman he was courting for his bed. If she discovered his overzealous interest,
he could literally kiss her mouth good bye. So why am I risking our future
adventures together? What is so damned important? But he couldn't answer
that. He could only plod doggedly on trying to find the answers to questions
that didn't make
sense.
Setzer dove the Falcon toward the city of Jidoor, pulling up just before
the bow would have crashed into the soil. He anchored the ship with dark
mutters and strode below deck to retrieve his coat, cards, and dice (out
of habit more than anything) before exiting. He narrowed his eyes and did
his best to look for a cargo ship by the name of Ace of Diamonds, but the
only ships he saw were massive vessels of wind that didn't look much like
cargo ships. He scoffed, cursing Luck's hand of spite that day as he strode
into town. The first building he entered was the
Inn.
"Have any ships docked that have the name Ace of
Diamonds?"
The innkeeper looked up at the brusque tone Setzer used and shook his head.
"Nope."
"Any captain by the name of
Marée?"
Again, he shook his head.
"Nope."
Setzer tossed a 100-gil coin at him and left the building, leaving town with
a dark expression on his face. Once he was at the wheel, he pushed the throttle
to maximum and soared away. Impatience wasn't the only thing biting at his
heels. Eagerness was dealing with him so harshly that he could barely see
straight. Yes. Expectation was definitely the greater adventure, but he had
a feeling - a very strong feeling - that this adventure was about to end.
Setzer doubted he could control himself let alone her own need for a completion
of the adventure they'd started. If he wanted to talk to her first, he had
better make sure they were in a very public place before speaking a
word.
Those eyes would be the death of
him.
Albrook came into sight and he slowed the Falcon to a reasonably safe speed,
his breath catching in his throat and his chest tightening when he saw a
cargo vessel in the dock. He couldn't read the name, but at that point in
time it didn't really matter to him. It was a cargo vessel. That made the
chances of Marée being in Albrook go through the clouds. He anchored
the ship and absently tugged on the lapels of his coat as he made his way
below decks and through the rooms to the outside. There he paused, debating
whether to go straight to the dock or go into town and look for her at the
pub. He absently shuffled his cards and then headed toward the
dock.
Crates and the scent of rotting fish surrounded him as his boots made a rhythmic
clop, clop, clop, clop along the stones. A slight breeze ruffled the hair
around his face and he gave an absent toss of his head to clear his vision
of the white strands. Then something pulled him to a stop. A scent. A sound.
An aggravated voice. Setzer raised an eyebrow and decided to hold his position
within the shadows of the stacked crates that towered to his right and
left.
"That wasn't in the contract, Lahey," Marée's recognizable spitfire
of a voice said. Her tone was dangerously calm. "I pick up your blazing cargo,
I ship it where you want it, then I pick up your other trash and ship it
back where you want it. There was nothing
about
"Listen here, Raven," a rough voice clipped in. "If you don't want no trouble
with the boss, then you'd best be getting your sweet ass to be doing what
we want. You'll take the cargo where we want, when we want it taken, and
not be asking no questions about it.
See?"
Setzer's jaw went rock hard as he surreptitiously pulled his bladed cards
from his inner jacket
pocket.
"Lahey, I'll warn you one last time," Marée responded in a tone as
cold as ice, "if you don't stand by your contract, this will be the last
time you see me or your cargo. I don't have to take the likes of you pushing
me around. I've a ship and a damned good reputation. What has your boss got?
Hmm? A bunch of wacks who can't see straight because they're so doped up
on
There was a high-pitched thwack and Setzer stepped forward, three cards in
his hand. "Is that anyway to treat a lady?" Setzer
asked.
Both the gargantuan Lahey and the tall and shapely Marée turned with
a look of surprise as Setzer emerged from the darkness. Setzer's cool silver
eyes focused on Lahey as he adjusted the cards in his fingers. Lahey was
a monster of a man, easily the size of Umaro but not nearly as 'cute'. Broad
shoulders and wide girth of muscle and trouble, Lahey stood a neat head above
Marée and Setzer both. His arms were corded muscle and his face was
hatred and rage just begging to be
released.
"Move along, Frill," Lahey warned as he turned his body fully toward Setzer.
He clenched his fists and his knuckles popped. "I've got business with this
one that doesn't mean anything to
you."
"That's where you're wrong," Setzer said in a calm voice that spoke volumes
of impending doom and death if the man hesitated to move
away.
Marée put her hands on her hips and laughed. "Well I'll be a virgin
mermaid. I've got a couple gents fighting over me. I think I'm going to blush
for the first time in my
life."
Lahey turned a dangerous face toward her and raised an arm to backhand her.
She caught it and punched him full in the face with her other hand. Of course,
with his mass and height the punch only loosed a tooth - which he promptly
spit out - and drew a little blood from the corner of his mouth. Lahey didn't
even take the time to wipe the blood from his lip. He just struck out with
a hand and grabbed Marée by the throat. She glared down at him with
a look as black as death itself as her hands clutched at his
wrist.
"You little sea witch. I oughta kill you for
that."
"No, you'd be well advised to let her go," Setzer warned through clenched
teeth.
Lahey sent a dark glare over his shoulder. "I'll deal with you in a bit,
Frill. Just sit tight." Lahey's eyes focused back on Marée. "You'll
get your tight little ass to Zozo, Raven, or you'll find out just how- argh!"
Lahey's right hand released its grip on Marée's throat. She stumbled
away as Lahey reached his left arm behind his back to pull at the razor edged
card that was now protruding from his right shoulder blade. It was just beyond
his reach. He growled and turned, pointing at Setzer. "No, you did not
just pick a fight with me,
Frill."
Setzer's one-sided smirk didn't lighten the dangerous gleam in his eyes.
"Should I quake in my boots now, or after you're
dead?"
Lahey spat and took two sprawling steps forward. "See how easy you say that
once this knife's sticking out of your gut!" Lahey roared as he slipped a
blade from a strap on his
side.
Thwipp
Thwipp
Two cards flew. One in the knee and one into the hand that had at one time
held a knife. The knife clattered to the floor and Lahey halted his progress
forward with a growl of pain and a free hand trying to staunch the flow of
blood from his hand. Setzer drew three more cards. Their silver blades glinted
in the pale
moonlight.
Setzer drew in a deep breath and released it slowly. "I will only tell you
one more time. Either you leave this dock and never set foot near this lady
again, or I'll see how many cards it takes to kill a
mountain."
Lahey gauged Setzer in a new light as his eyes went from bladed cards to
silver eyes and back again. "I've had five blades stuck in me at one time
and lived to tell about it, Frill. What about you? Ever fought a man with
your fists and
won?"
"Upon occasion. Show me a man and I'll give you an
exhibition."
Lahey's eyes flashed hatred. "What was
that?"
Setzer stepped up to Lahey until they were nearly toe to toe. "You,
sir, lost the classification of man the moment you struck
this
lady."
Lahey's face went rock hard and he struck out. Setzer evaded the punch and
countered with a right hook to the nose. The bone gave way and blood flowed.
Lahey fell to his knees with a groan of
pain.
Setzer grabbed a fistful of hair and jerked Lahey's head roughly back, bringing
one of his razor edged cards to the man's throat. "Well, well, well. It appears
only one card is needed to fell a
mountain."
"Setzer. Let 'im
go."
Setzer sliced a slight trail of blood across the man's throat and then pushed
him roughly away. "Get out of
here."
Lahey struggled to his feet, sent the pair a dangerous gleam of murder and
rage, and then lumbered from the dock. Setzer watched him with narrowed eyes.
And then he felt Marée's warmth beside him and her scent tickled his
senses. He faced her and noticed the bruised cheek that had begun to
swell.
He cupped it with his hand and she winced. "Are you all
right?"
Marée took hold of his fingers and brought the palm of his hand to
her lips as her aquamarine eyes held his silver ones. "I'm fine," she said
once she'd lowered his hand. She gestured toward Lahey's retreating figure
with a slight twitch of her head. "Nice moves. You that graceful all the
time?"
Setzer smiled and drew her into a tight embrace as he took in a deep collection
of her scent, her warmth, her curves, and her very essence of life. She encircled
her arms around him under his jacket and pulled herself closer. "I don't
know. I haven't had a complaint
yet."
"I bet you say that to all the girls
Gods you smell
good."
"And you seem to be the very scent of the sea and the adventures that wait
there," he whispered as he pressed his lips against her
hair.
Marée chuckled a harmony of life itself and pushed back. Her eyes
twinkled into his. "Aren't we a pretty pair? Crooning and fondling instead
of stripping and finding out just what the other is made
of."
Setzer smirked. "That doesn't sound very adventurous at all, does it?" He
motioned the way he'd come and drew her into a walk, his arm still around
her shoulders and one of hers still around his waist.
"Marée
"
She sent him a sidelong glance. "Well now there's a surprising sound. The
wind take your tongue,
captain?"
Setzer chuckled, but the hesitation at his intended confession wouldn't retreat.
"Marée, I'm afraid I have a confession. Questions have been asked
and answered that will most likely make you very
angry."
Marée tucked her hand into the side of his trousers and lightly stroked
the skin of his hip as they walked. "It's alright, Setzer. Don't really care
about answers or questions or any damn thing like that. I just want
"
She spat and gave a shake of her head. "Hell. Never thought I'd say this,
but I just want to be here like this. You're a damn good sight for these
eyes,
Setzer."
And that statement made Setzer see gold. He placed his hand over hers that
continued to tickle the skin of his hip and drew it out. The burning in the
back of his brain was bad enough without the tantalizing promise of something
more. "Marée, what's going on? What adventure have you involved yourself
in that's putting your life in
danger?"
Marée entwined her fingers with his and hooked her thumb on his trousers.
"It's just a little bit of a cargo
run."
"And what cargo would that be? There doesn't seem to be a record of your
manifests."
"Damned if I
know."
Setzer halted and turned to face her. He released her hand and rested both
of his on her shoulders as he held her gaze. "You don't know, Marée?
You're the captain of a vessel and you don't know its manifest? What have
you willingly closed your eyes
to?"
Marée lowered her eyes with a shrug and then turned again toward the
Falcon. Setzer followed beside her. "Doesn't mean a zombone's ass now, does
it? I doubt I'll be doing much of anything with them or their cargo once
I take the current trash I've got in my hold to
Zozo."
Setzer watched her profile. A frown hardened the lines of her face and she'd
gripped her hands behind her back. "Such an end will take your life from
your very bones, Marée. I can't bear to see that happen. I know of
several people that will have need of a talented captain and a worthy crew
and ship." Marée halted, but didn't raise her eyes from the ground.
"Say the word and I'll speak with them immediately. I'll prepare introductions
and have a contract readied that meets your
needs."
Marée slowly raised her eyes to his. The expression there drifted
from suspicion to disbelief and something that made Setzer's chest tighten.
Suspicion won out in the end. "Why? What'd you get out of the deal? A fatter
purse? A guaranteed run in my trousers for as long as the position's mine?
Power over my
life?"
Warnings and whistles blasted in Setzer's mind. "Your life is your own,
Marée. So are your choices. I would never take that away from you.
It's that aura of command and power that intoxicates me whenever I think
of you." He fought the urge to smooth some of her hair from her face. "I'm
freely offering my help, Marée. No demands. No expectations. Anything
you give will be your
choice."
She slowly crossed her arms as she gauged his expression, tapping her slightly
protruding right foot in a steady thump, thump, thump on the paved streets
of Albrook. "I don't know quite what to make of you,
captain."
Setzer smiled. "What you see is what you get, Marée. Nothing less
and nothing more. A gambler. A pilot. A
captain."
"A man that looks damn good in the moonlight," she added with a teasing smile
and a meaningful
twinkle.
"Yes, well, nature has a tendency of doing what she pleases," he said in
a laughing
tone.
"Gods that's a gorgeous sound," she said as her mouth broke out into a full
smile.
Setzer surrendered to this urge and cupped her jaw, lightly stroking her
cheek with his thumb. "And you are a gorgeous woman, Marée. Completely
intoxicating."
Marée smirked and pulled his hand from her face. "Let's get out of
this cursed moonlight before it bewitches us both into Arias and
sonnets."
Setzer laughed and guided her to the Falcon, her hand enfolded in
his.
t
"Relm painted this?" Marée stared down at the portrait she
held in her hands in shock and wonder. "Well I'll be a virgin mermaid," she
muttered.
Setzer's smirk danced in his eyes as he reclined in the couch, one arm draped
over the back of it. Her tall and commanding presence fit the ship. She breathed
an aroma of freshness and life into the Falcon that had been sorely
missed.
"I voiced nearly the same sentiment when I discovered Relm knew you, and
for a longer time than I
have."
Marée chuckled. "Like I've said before, being a captain takes me to
all four corners of this damned, twisted planet. Thamasa's got a treasure
trove of knickknacks that wealthy knotheads pay through the nose for." She
sent an intoxicating twinkle of teasing laughter over her shoulder. "You
expect me to give that up,
captain?"
Setzer laughed. "Of course not, Marée. Of course
not."
Setzer watched as Marée returned the portrait to its temporary place
against the wall before slowly sauntering toward the couch as her gaze took
in the furnishings and spirit of the room. A smile whispered across her lips
and then she sat on the couch close beside Setzer, snuggling into the warmth
of
him.
He brought his arm down from the back of the couch and drew her closer. "No
negative things to say of a man's personal office?
Hmm."
Marée tucked her legs up beneath her and then turned even more into
him, bringing her arms as much around him as possible. "Mm. Warm. Soft."
She yawned. "It's been a damn long day. I think I'll take a
nap."
Setzer chuckled and caressed her long tresses of blue-black hair. "I haven't
had a chance to ask my
questions."
"So ask 'em already. I'll answer as many as I can before falling asleep,"
she said with another yawn for
effect.
"Fair enough." Are you ready for the fist in the face? Setzer cleared
his throat and focused his attention on the deck of cards in his right hand
that he was absently shuffling. "Your ship. Is it the Ace of
Diamonds?"
"Yep." She snuggled
closer.
"Has it always been your
ship?"
"Damn thing's paid for," she mumbled after another yawn. "Bought it before
Kefka and the Empire went boot-tips
up."
Setzer's ears perked. "Fulfilled your
contract?"
"A year early. Had to work my ass off,
too."
Her breathing began to deepen and he lowered his voice to a whisper a he
brought his lips closer to her ear. "Do you always take your final shipments
to
Zozo?"
Her head minutely shifted in a nod as her arms around him began to
loosen.
Setzer lightly stroked her forehead with a finger, occasionally twirling
a lock of hair around it as well. Finally, he decided to attempt one last
question. "Did they not give you a choice, Marée? Did they force you
to work with
them?"
But she was already asleep, her deep breaths tickling the skin on his chest
near the unlaced front of his shirt. Setzer swore under his breath and set
the cards aside to rub at his forehead. Then he cocked his head and watched
her face as she
slept.
t
'Setzer, I wish I could tell you what the hell is going on, but I can't.' There was a gentle pressure on his lips. 'If I don't come back, come and find me.' A caress touched his cheek and brushed some hair from his face as he struggled free of the dream. 'Damned if you aren't the best looking man on the planet.' The lips were there and then they were gone.
'Marée?' He fought against the blackness of sleep, pushing against the fog and furor at the silhouette that drifted from sight. 'Marée, do not go alone!' But it was too late, she was gone.
Setzer sat up sharply, his gaze taking in the emptiness of the room in barely
a moment. "Damn!" he barked as he jumped to his
feet.
He strode from his office and hurried on deck, leaning over the side and
sending his gaze toward the dock. Her ship was gone. Setzer slammed his fists
against the rail and strode to the wheel, raising the anchor and pushing
the throttle forward as he urged the Falcon into the sky. Zozo. That's what
Lahey had said.
Zozo.
Setzer stared at his cards as his hand and fingers worked them until they
were bent and the edges were tattered and worn. He didn't even notice the
loud sailors and rough-mouthed workers inhabiting the pub in Nikeah. All
he could see were the cards and the memory of Marée's bruised face
lingering directly beyond. Setzer slammed the cards down on the table and
leaned back in his chair, leaning his left elbow on the arm as his hand rubbed
at his
forehead.
Zozo had been as sinister a place as it had ever been. Reeking of plots and
thievery, it had made his lip curl in a sneer of disdain and memories. He'd
entered the town cautious and alert, knowing that anything else would have
seen him face down in a pool of his own blood. Seeing a quick flash of
Marée's face in that same position had turned his stomach, but he'd
pushed the fear aside and pressed onward in his search. She was a wonder
of a woman. And the reminder of the way she'd clobbered Lahey hard enough
to loose a tooth had been enough to ease his heart at the
time.
Now the nightmares had begun to come, fed by his fear that her rebellion
against the person or person's in control of her contract hadn't taken too
kindly to her independence. He'd spent the entire day and evening searching
Zozo for her, even going so far as to buy into several poker games in order
to try and procure some information. For the right price of course. Nothing.
He'd come away a richer man, but what did he care about the gil that lined
his pockets when Marée might be dead or
dying?
One of the sailors laughed raucous and loud. Setzer hurled a bladed card
one inch above his head. The man fell silent and left the pub moments later;
his buddies trailed behind several minutes after him when other cards had
been thrown in their general direction. One of the blades had actually grazed
a man's
cheek.
Setzer grabbed at the deck splayed across the table and gave it a shuffle.
When he retrieved the top card- Ace of Diamonds. Damn, woman! Tell me
where you are! How could he rescue her if he didn't know where to look?
And yet the cards seemed to plead with him to find her. Setzer swore and
stood so sharply that the chair fell back. The pub went deathly still and
silent as the men and women watched the gambler stride to the exit. A breath
of relief sounded once the door had slammed behind
him.
Setzer strode from the pub and made his way toward the Falcon anchored just
outside. I must try harder. Think it through, man, and find her! Setzer
tossed the cards away and they fluttered on the breeze for several moments
before falling to the ground. He had to have missed something in Zozo. Some
person must have been hiding. Some question must have been waiting to be
asked. He just had to find out which and ask them. Marée's life depended
on
it.
As Setzer approached the Falcon he noticed a solitary figure running toward
him. Her gait was lethargic and forced, as if she'd been running for a very
long distance. Hair was bedraggled and clothes were tattered. A strong emotion
of fear tightened his chest as he strode toward--
Terra?
Setzer's frown instantly disappeared and he caught her in his arms just as
her strength gave way and she collapsed into them. "Terra? What's
happened?"
"The ch-children
They're
gone!"
Setzer paled.
"What?"
But anything more was impossible to hear. Exhaustion had settled in and she
was quickly losing consciousness. Setzer lifted her into his arms and carried
her aboard
ship.
"E-Edgar
We m-must tell Edgar," she
stammered.
"Keep still, Terra. Everything will be alright. You sleep. The Falcon will
get us to
Figaro."
Her form relaxed against him and he strode to his private office, carefully
placing her on the couch and covering her with a blanket. Terra didn't even
stir. Her yellowish face twisted in a cacophony of misery and worry and dread,
her pale green hair wet; matted with sweat and rain and tears. She mumbled
something unintelligible in her fitful sleep and he brushed a new tear from
the corner of her eye before he
stood.
"Don't you worry," he whispered. Setzer turned for the door and strode out
and toward the deck. "We'll find your children and the people responsible
for their
abduction."
He pushed the throttle forward and turned the Falcon toward Figaro, setting
the terror for Marée carefully aside. He clenched his jaw and tightened
his hold on the wheel as he imagined her hands on his, as they had been that
first
night.
t
Terra slowly opened her eyes, and then she sat up with a
scream.
Setzer reached out and placed a hand on her shoulder. She changed wide,
frightened eyes to his. "It's all right, Terra. We're nearly to Figaro. Lay
back." She resisted with a gnawing of her lip. He smiled in reassurance.
"Come on now, Terra. Don't be difficult. Lay back and tell me what
happened."
She released a deep breath and did as she was told, accepting the tissue
and drying her eyes that had begun to glimmer with tears again. "I-I don't
know what h-happened." She pulled and twisted the tissue between her quivering
fingers. "I-I was working in the g-garden like I a-always do in the m-morning
when I h-heard
" Terra's voice was choked by a sob as she covered her
mouth with the hand that held the tissue. Her terror-stricken eyes sought
out
Setzer's.
His face was as calmly controlled as possible. "What, Terra? What did you
hear? Men's voices? Monsters?
Machines?"
She shook her head. "A s-scream. A g-girl's scream. A-And then I heard sh-shouts
and yells for h-help
" She sat up and her hands reached out to grip
Setzer's arms in a frantic showing of desperation. "You're not playing 'kidnap'
with them, Setzer, are you? Please say they're here and it's all just a
game!"
Setzer carefully removed her hands from his arms and clasped them tightly
in his. "No. They aren't
here."
Sobs racked Terra's shoulders as she lowered her head; tears dripped to the
blanket covering her. "Oh gods. M-My children are
g-gone."
Setzer coaxed her back down as his mind desperately tried to process the
information and make sense of the action. Who would want to steal children?
What good would it do- Setzer's thought broke off in a flash of painful
realization.
Terra noticed the change in his expression and tightened her hold on his
hand. "What? Tell me, Setzer. I want to know. I need to
know."
Setzer took in her harried expression, her exhausted eyes, her yellow
complexion
Damn. "Have you noticed any men around your home,
Terra? Has anyone new been seen coming and going? Anyone? At
all?"
She shook her head. "No one but Marée. But she's been--What is it?
What did I
say?"
Setzer slightly shook his head. "Nothing. Go
on."
"I was just going to say that Marée stops in every once and a while
to drop some things off for the children. Dolls. Books. Clothes. Toys for
the boys. Sometimes we'd talk about the Empire and things that 'were' - she
used to work for them like me - but she didn't ever bring anyone with her.
Just
her."
"How did you meet her?" Setzer's mind and voice were deadly
calm.
"There was a storm and her ship was stranded on the beach near us. She and
the crew had to stay with us until they'd fixed her
up."
"When?"
"Six months or so after Kefka moved the statues," Terra said while watching
his face. "Why? Do you know
her?"
Setzer stood as he said, "I've met her once or twice. Intriguing woman."
He touched her cheek. "You rest now, Terra. I'll wake you when we
arrive."
Setzer made his way toward the
door.
"Setzer. Tell me who you think took
them."
Setzer halted by the open door, his hand gripping the handle. "Slavers of
the old
Empire."
Setzer heard her choked sob and stepped through the door, closing it firmly
behind him. Any thoughts of possible connections and conspiracies wouldn't
come. All that repeated itself in his mind was the fact both Terra and Relm
had met her. That they had both formed a type of bond with her. As to what
it meant
He didn't
know.
Setzer pressed his lips together and went on
deck.
"Setzer."
Setzer looked up from the examination of the deck of cards in his hand as
he waited in the open hallway of Figaro castle.
"Locke."
Locke Cole's steel-gray eyes were angry and determined as he strode out of
the double doors that led to the throne room. He held a folded paper in his
hands and a note carrier for a pigeon in the
other.
"What's the plan?" Setzer
asked.
"Don't know yet. I'm just letting Celes know what's going on and having her
go to Mobliz to take a look-see." Locke jerked a thumb over his shoulder.
"Edgar's with her. She's really shook
up."
Setzer pushed off from the wall and moved to the exit of the castle and the
message depot. Locke followed. "Understandably so, don't you
think?"
"Yeah, I guess I'm stating the
obvious."
Setzer held open the door into the covered hallway that led to the exit and
the engine room. "It's all right. It's better than saying
nothing."
Locke gave a shrug and continued to make his way to the exit. "I guess. I
just wish I knew what the hell was going on. Kidnapping? That hasn't happened
in
years!"
Setzer followed Locke out into the sunshine and to the left of the castle.
"I've a hard time believing it myself. Especially when I didn't think anyone
knew Mobliz was still in
existence."
Locke gave Setzer a nod and a look that seemed to shout "I know" as he rolled
up the note, placed it within the tube, and then laced the tube to the pigeon
and sent it on its way. That done, they hurried back to the castle. Edgar
was just entering the open
hallway.
"Setzer, can you give us a few more details?" Edgar requested as the trio
met in the center of the open hall. "We've little to go on and can't act
unless some positive fact is
known."
"The only 'positive fact' I know," Setzer began in an agitated voice, "is
that Terra's kids are gone. How in the hell are we supposed to find out who's
responsible?" And what if Marée is somehow
involved?
Edgar rubbed his chin in thought. Locke tapped the toe of his boot into the
ground.
"What has Terra told you of what happened?" Edgar
asked.
"Only that she was alone in her garden when she heard a scream and then yelling.
She didn't see anyone or
anything."
Edgar absently
nodded.
"What about you?" Locke asked suddenly. Setzer focused his gaze on the treasure
hunter. "I've been so busy with plans for the wedding and the party I haven't
really been anywhere. You have, though. Notice anything
odd?"
Setzer thought back, pressing his lips together in exasperation. Odd?
Meeting a woman that fascinates me at all is odd enough! Finding out she
knows Terra and Relm shouldn't even be possible! But something in his
trip to Zozo poked at his attention.
"Zozo."
Locke and Edgar's expressions were incredulous. Setzer focused his attention
on them. "I was in Zozo on a personal matter when I happened upon a poker
game with some particularly high stakes. Never one to pass up a challenge,
I bought myself in and proceeded to notice a very odd man
indeed."
"An odd man, eh?" Locke asked slowly. "What kind of odd
man?"
"What was his name?" Edgar
interrupted.
"Ledo." To hell with the man's name! Terra's kids are gone and Marée
has disappeared! Let's get the hell out of here and do
something!
"What was he doing there?" Locke asked. "Just playing
poker?"
Setzer's gaze sparked as he gestured to the two of them. "It doesn't matter.
Go get Terra. I'll be on the
Falcon."
Locke and Edgar gave a nod and moved away. Setzer turned for the exit and
strode outside and onto the Falcon. He slammed aboard and stalked through
the main room to his private office. Once in the safe silence and surrounded
by a memory of her presence, he relaxed. Setzer took in a deep breath and
changed his eyes to her portrait. He stepped toward it and took the portrait
up, holding it gently between his hands. There was no reason for him to think
she was in danger. No reason for him to believe she'd been in Zozo. Dreams
rarely came true, and what other than a dream had convinced him she was off
into a dangerous adventure to find out an answer to a
mystery.
Setzer released another breath as he carefully hung the portrait on the section
of wall he'd prepared the previous night. He crossed his arms as he examined
the intoxicating intensity of her. I will leave you to your own protection,
Marée. Lady Luck will have our paths cross when the time is right.
He reached out and caressed her cheek and lips. Our paths will
cross again. And then Setzer heard Terra, Edgar, and Locke board the
Falcon. He turned to enter the main room and left his concern and terror
behind
him.
t
"That's the third hand I've won," Locke stated as he threw down his cards.
He crossed his arms and leaned back in the chair. "Cut the crap, Setzer.
What's the matter with
you?"
Setzer took up the cards and stared down at them. "I'm sorry, Locke. I suppose
I'm a bit
distracted."
"There's an obvious understatement. You haven't made mistakes like these
since
Hell. You've never made mistakes like
these."
"As I said before: I'm
distracted."
Setzer shuffled the cards, but his mind wasn't on them. He was still thinking
on what Edgar had said. Of revenge and its control. Of rage and its ability
to change a person's heart. Of keeping Terra from retaliating against the
man who'd taken her children. Would I have been able to remain as firm
if it were Marée? Will I remain as honorable if she is in danger?
Setzer didn't believe he would. Marée's intoxication of his soul was
a part of his existence, odd as that seemed. If she was harmed in any way,
he wouldn't hesitate to kill those
responsible.
It was who he
was.
"Setzer, why did you got to Zozo?" Locke asked suddenly. "You've no love
lost on that place, and I can't believe you need money bad enough to show
up just to play cards." Locke began to toy with a boomerang type weapon called
Hawk Eye. "Come on, gambler. What's
up?"
"I told you. Personal
business."
Locke scoffed. "And what color eyes were
they?"
Setzer raised his calm expression from the cards. "My personal business is
none of your concern, Cole. I suggest you keep your mind on your
cards."
"Me? I've already won 1,100 gil from you. I'd say you're the one needing
to pay attention." Locke grumbled as he put his toy away and grabbed the
freshly dealt hand. "Geez. I ask a simple question and get my head nearly
handed to me." Locke discarded two cards and tossed some gil onto the table.
"You and Edgar both need women," he
mumbled.
I know, Setzer nearly moaned aloud as he spared a glance to Marée's
portrait. His chest tightened with a collision of memories and expectations
with worry fanning the flames of their passion. When he saw her face again
Setzer drew his eyes back to his cards, but his mind wouldn't go to the game.
He was reliving her touch; her scent; her voice; her walk; her very presence.
When he saw her again there would be no whisper of 'not yet'. There would
only be her and the wind and the warmth of her skin against
his.
Locke tossed down his cards again. "If you're not going to play like a man,
than I'm not going to take your money. I've got some pride, you
know."
Setzer blinked and lowered his cards, pushing back from the table to silently
walk to the window behind his desk. He stared out at the passing scenery
with his hands clenched behind his back. How many days since I saw your
face, Marée? Three? And yet it seemed longer. So much longer.
He clenched his jaw and briefly itched at his
scar.
"Now that is a woman of the
sea."
Setzer turned to see Locke examining the picture of Marée. He flinched
and smiled at the same
moment.
Locke met Setzer's eyes.
"Darryl?"
Setzer shook his head and couldn't force himself to speak her name. At
least he doesn't also know
her.
Locke changed his eyes back to the portrait. "That daring look in her eye
reminds me of you," he observed with a smirk. "No wonder you've got her
portrait." Locke took a step closer and leaned in.
"Hmm."
A prickle chased dread down Setzer's spine and back up again. "What is
it?"
"The
ship."
"What about
it?"
"Seems like I've seen it
before."
Setzer adjusted his crossed arms and turned his attention back to the scenery
outside. "It's a cargo vessel, Locke. Of course you've seen
it."
"Yeah, but the name sounds familiar." Locke gave a shrug and turned away
from it. "Guess it doesn't matter. So." Locke leaned against Setzer's desk
and began fiddling with different items on his desk; a dagger letter opener,
a broken magicite shard paper weight, and a collection of dice that Setzer
had gathered on their varying adventures. "What's her
name?"
Setzer clenched his jaw.
"Marée."
"Where'd you meet
her?"
"Over a deck of cards." Which wasn't exactly a
lie.
Locke chuckled.
"Figures."
Setzer could feel Locke's stare on the back of his neck. But Locke kept his
other questions to himself, much to Setzer's surprise. Since acquiring his
own personal completion, Locke had made it a goal to try and do the same
for his friends. Setzer, who'd never cared for attempting to control his
fate, would rather Luck take a hand in his 'love
life'.
"Locke, no conniving or plots, if you please," Setzer said in an odd voice.
"I prefer Fate to have her own
way."
"Suit yourself. Although how she's going to do that when we're busy tracking
a snake, I've no
idea."
Setzer surrendered to a smirk as he turned from the window and sat in his
office chair. "The same way I was able to meet her in the first place. The
same way you met Celes. The same way she deals the cards to
all."
"The same way she dealt with
Darryl?"
Setzer's smirk faded to a
scowl.
Locke straightened, setting the magicite shard carefully back on the stack
of papers. "Sorry, gambler. That was out of line. I'll go sit in the
corner."
Setzer grabbed up the dice and clicked them within his hands. Like
Darryl. His glare deepened and his suspicion toward the Fates grew,
especially with how they seemingly liked to tease
him.
t
Setzer's glance to Terra saw more than what she wanted seen as she and Edgar
exited the Falcon. Helplessness was giving rise to a hysteria in her eyes
and in her very persona. That hysteria fed a desperation that began to tear
at his own carefully held peace of mind. He moved his gaze away and clenched
his jaw as he performed an absent one-handed shuffle of his cards. It was
the third deck he'd gone through since leaving Figaro, wearing the corners
and edges down to nothing but tatters and
pulp.
"We should start at the auction house," Locke said. "Anyone who wants anything
that's worth a gil or two always goes
there."
Setzer sent him a glare. "Locke, selling children isn't exactly smiled upon
since the disappearance of the Empire. They wouldn't do anything quite so
obvious."
"Yeah? Well I don't hear you giving any bright ideas. What do you want to
do: hold up a sign that says 'will pay for
children'?"
Setzer clenched his jaw. "What I want to do is search somewhere that makes
more sense than an obvious wild choco-chase. We should ask the man at the
inn if
any-"
"The inn?" Locke scoffed. "Yeah. There's a bright idea. When was the last
time you heard an innkeeper tell the truth about anything without the promise
of a few dozen gil rubbing holes in his pocket? Might as well go to the innkeeper
in Zozo butt-naked with a tattoo that says
'sucker'."
Setzer balled his fists and took a threatening step
forward.
"Gentlemen, calm yourselves," Edgar commanded in a firm, no-nonsense
tone.
Setzer and Locke both glared at Edgar, but when Setzer noticed Terra's expression
of barely restrained panic, he yanked in his temper and his own need to find
what he believed he'd
lost.
"This constant contention is not helping anyone, and it will only serve to
make it more difficult for us to work together when the time comes to face
this-" Edgar glanced toward Terra's face and pressed his lips together. "This
gentleman," he continued finally, "and believe me when I say I use the term
loosely."
"They're not here," Terra said
suddenly.
The certainty of Terra's statement made Setzer change his gaze to her. He
raised an eyebrow and ceased the shuffling of his
cards.
"He hasn't been here," Terra continued, and this time her eyes
narrowed.
As Terra continued with her reasoning, Setzer noticed the desperation and
hysteria had vanished. Instead, they'd been replaced by self-assurance that
didn't seem natural. Not for Terra. She'd been certain and assured during
their exploits so many months before, yes, but there had always been a constant
presence of
Terra's underlying timidity. As she countered Locke's assertion
that the attitude of Jidoor didn't mean the slaver wasn't there, the pure
'Terra' aura seemed changed. Harder.
Darker.
Setzer lowered his gaze to his cards and thoughtfully turned over the top
card. Ace of Spades. Terra passed Setzer and strode to the Falcon. Setzer
lifted his gaze from the deck in time to catch Edgar's 'you leave her, you
die' look. Then the young king of Figaro was following after Locke toward
the auction house. Setzer looked again to the deep black card of relentless
power and carefully placed it back into the bulk of the deck. Then he
purposefully tucked the cards into the inner pocket of his jacket and turned
to make his way back to the Falcon. When he entered, Terra wasn't in the
main room, nor in his private office. Setzer heard her movements down in
the engine
room.
Setzer leaned against the railing and stood
watch.
t
"Setzer."
Setzer stood from the couch and went to meet Locke and Edgar as they entered
the main room. "What's been
decided?"
Locke didn't look too happy and Edgar seemed less than his assured self.
"We're going to Zozo," Locke said. "You probably don't want Edgar driving,
not since what happened before, so why don't we go
up."
Setzer raised an eyebrow, but Edgar asked "Where's Terra?" before Setzer
could ask why he was being prodded on
deck.
"In my office," Setzer told him, slightly
suspicious.
Edgar moved to the office and disappeared inside, closing the door firmly
behind him as Locke headed to the stairs that led on deck. Setzer reluctantly
followed. Once he'd set himself to one side of Locke as he steered the airship
toward Zozo, he began a more in-depth examination of Locke's attitudes.
Hmm. Edgar comforting Terra. Locke organizing their seclusion. But
the fact that Locke didn't look thrilled with the arrangement made Setzer
more than a little curious. Setzer tapped his lips and pulled his deck from
his jacket. He shuffled it thoroughly and then drew the top card. Jack of
Hearts. Jack of Hearts? And the next card he drew, instead
of the expected deuce or ten of Hearts, was the Ace of Spades. Setzer raised
an
eyebrow.
"I don't like it," Locke grumbled with a shake of his head. "I don't like
it at
all."
And the fact Locke was playing the role of a clucking mother hen amused Setzer
to no end. He smirked and resumed the soothing shuffle of his deck. "Leave
them alone, Cole. Life is a lonely mistress. Those two deserve what they're
getting." Terra and Edgar have suffered enough of Fate's amusement. They
should be exploring the other's touch and what it reveals. As he wanted
to do for
himself.
"She doesn't know Edgar like I do," Locke said in an annoyed voice. "The
last thing she needs is Edgar putting the moves on her and kissing her so
she can barely think straight. She's just a kid." And his hands gripped the
wheel as a kind of reiteration of his vow to protect
her.
Kissing a woman in such a way is what our soul longs for. To experience
the intensity of a woman of depth. "Terra is a woman and Edgar is a man,"
Setzer said simply, and the flash of the promises of that statement made
his chest tighten with his own desire to experience a
woman.
"Don't remind
me."
Setzer reluctantly laughed. "I thought you wanted them to be married,
Cole."
Locke scoffed. "He hasn't exactly put a ring on her finger, has he? I don't
like putting the cart before the chocobo,
okay?"
"Do you truly doubt he will? Edgar is a man of honor, Cole." Setzer lowered
his eyes to his cards as an odd tension squeezed his soul. "Don't trifle
with that or you're liable to get your head cleaved in two. Besides," and
Setzer palmed the Queen of Hearts with a slight smirk, "I don't believe anything
but a few passionate embraces are being shared. He respects her too much
to rush her into more than
that."
Edgar seemed the king of 'not yet' and
'soon'.
"You don't know
Edgar."
Setzer frowned. Who truly knows their heart? "Only Edgar knows Edgar,"
he said as he stood. "Trust your friends and leave it at that. I'm going
below."
"If you come back a little pink around the ears, I'll know you were wrong,"
Locke
grumbled.
Setzer's frown lightened and he released a chuckle as pleasant memories of
Marée soothed his soul. "It's nothing I haven't experienced myself,"
he said as he moved away. "A little amusement would be just what I need right
now."
He could only take so many memories of the promises of future pleasures her
lips and touch had spoken. Setzer released a deep breath. He may have been
wholly dedicated to the Falcon and the adventure Fate gave him, but Marée
was the only woman who could warm his skin and hold the secrets of his soul.
She would be the haven that would constantly draw him back, full
circle.
"Yo!
Setzer!"
Setzer finished slipping into his uniform jacket as he turned toward the
voice. Sabin approached, apparently on his way to the café there in
Kohlingen. Setzer adjusted the jacket and the sleeves of his shirt within.
"What is it, Sabin?" he asked with a smirk. "If you want help with your plot
to get the opposites to attract, count me out. He's your
brother."
Sabin laughed and came to stand by Setzer on the little bridge near the
café. "The day I can't handle Edgar is the day I beat you at
cards."
Setzer's smirk evolved to a grimace. With as distracted as I am here?
"Then what is
it?"
"Saw you leaving. Where you
headed?"
Setzer made sure his things were in the proper places. "Unfinished business,"
he said
absently.
"You too? Well, take it easy." Sabin sent the gambler a farewell salute and
then resumed his trek to the
café.
Setzer continued out of town and made way to the Falcon. He'd hoped to find
trace or hint of Marée in Zozo when they'd arrived there with Terra
in search of her children, but Lady Luck had been in a foul mood and hadn't
given him the time he'd needed before whisking him off to Jidoor. It had
been there that the itch to find something had settled deep. There that Lady
Luck had made him notice the machinery from Figaro, the books from Thamasa,
and the general stench of those people that called Zozo home. All of which,
to him, totaled one thing:
Marée.
Now that Terra was on the road to recovery from the surgery that removed
the mind-control equipment the now-dead Ledo Grikea had placed there during
her time with the Empire - the man Setzer suspected of manipulating Marée
as well - Setzer again felt the push to move on. So that's what he planned
on doing. Lady Luck, I've been patient with you and your sisters the Fates.
Now I want something in return. And he'd get it, too. Even if he had
to make his own
Luck.
Setzer pushed forward on the throttle and steered the Falcon toward Jidoor.
Marée would be mad enough to spit fire when she found out that her
unknown cargo had been used to manipulate Terra. Setzer had a feeling that
Marée had felt the same desire to protect Terra from the evils of
the world. Terra wasn't a Lander in the normal sense of the word. The young
woman had lived a rough life while making the best of it. Marée would
respect that, as he did. She would also have come to love Terra's devotion
to friends. Loyalty was a sought after commodity in the seaman's life. A
trait of
gold.
Setzer smiled, but it was more smirk than anything. I wonder if this loyalty
follows her to her bed? Her thirst and hunger for adventure had likely
led her to many a man and many a 'distraction'. When she got her fill of
him, he'd probably find himself cast to the wayside the same as the others.
The expectation satiated, she'd move along. Setzer released a deep breath.
Memories would be enough. Hadn't he said as much at their meeting in Kohlingen?
She was married: to the sea. He was simply an amusement, and he knew that
to be true. Wasn't she the same for him? A key to a rush of blood and emotion
that he hadn't had since the adrenaline of Kefka's Tower. They were using
each other. They knew it. They expected it. They were waiting for the end
of the
allure.
Setzer guided the Falcon a safe distance past Jidoor and anchored it. Expectation
had been replaced by dread and the resignation of a too-soon ending. Ah
well. Each hand must end. Whether I'm the loser or the winner is all in the
way the game is played. Setzer followed the statement with a smirk and
a nod to the rear guards before leaving the
Falcon.
Jidoor was a bustle of activity, dismantling the rooms of technology that
had been used as a tool to destroy innocence simply for the dedication to
the accumulation of power. Instead, the machinery was being put to a different
use. To the use of life and living. Setzer smirked and nodded several greetings
to the people hurrying past. Their excitement would likely irritate Marée,
due to the fact that her life was so much different from theirs. Setzer saw
beyond
that.
Marée understood the life of a Lander, even though she'd deny it.
She understood it because he knew that at one time everyone's life had been
as simple. Fate and Luck had just molded Marée and Setzer according
to a different set of rules and
expectations.
Setzer retrieved his newest deck of cards from his jacket pocket and absently
shuffled them. He hadn't yet flipped the top card. He hadn't yet asked Lady
Luck for a hint. He almost placed too much control in their 'hands' and had
decided to keep a little back from them. One side of his lips twitched and
he raised his eyes from the
deck.
The auctioneer was approaching him with a purposeful
stride.
Setzer tucked the deck back away and retrieved his not-so-charmed dice. He
clicked them together in a circle at a steady pace. "What can I do for
you?"
"You're the one with the airship,
right?"
The dice paused.
"Yes."
"Would you be willing to take a shipment to the Opera House Impresario? I'll
pay you 500 gil now and he'll pay another 1,500 when you arrive and drop
off the
shipment."
"And what is this
shipment?"
"Some of the machinery from that madman's contraption. We've no use for it,
but the Impresario seems to think he can make something of it. Probably hired
that crazy inventor
again."
"Cid?" And Setzer's eyes twinkled with memories of the Vector
engineer.
"That's the one." The auctioneer scoffed moments before presenting Setzer
with a bag of gil that sounded a little more than 500 gil. "Here. Tell me
where the ship is and I'll get the loading
started."
Setzer took the offered bag and motioned out of town and to the west. "Not
much more than 100 yards from town. Give or take 10 or
20."
The auctioneer gave a curt nod and then made his way back from where he'd
come. Setzer changed his silver eyes back to the bag of gil and raised an
eyebrow. The Opera House had once been a frequent jaunt for him and his original
airship. He smiled and tucked the gil safely away as he absently clicked
the dice in his other hand. It was an interesting turn, but not an unpleasant
one. Maria had been a consuming distraction at one time. Seeing her again
and hearing her lovely voice would be a welcome visit to the
past.
And a needed distraction from aquamarine
eyes.
t
Setzer stepped within the well-lit entry hall of the Opera House and smiled.
The orchestra was practicing for that evening's performance. And according
to the sign on the front desk, the performance was sold out. Setzer chuckled
and stepped further in, wishing Marée was with him so that he could
tell her the humorous tales of adventure in the arms of the lovely and cultured
Maria.
"Mr. Gabbiani," the Impresario greeted with a wide smile. "How are
you?"
Ridding the man of an earth dragon and a crazy octopus had put him in
surprisingly good spirits toward Setzer, the infamous 'Wandering Gambler'
who'd tried to abscond with his star performer. "Quite well, Impresario.
Thank you. And
you?"
"Glorious. Glorious. You're too
kind."
Setzer motioned over his shoulder. "I believe I have some items in the hold
of my ship that you were
wanting."
The Impresario clapped his hands together once in delight. "Ah!
Glorious."
"You have men available to
unload?"
"Of course. Of
course."
Setzer gave a nod. "Good. I believe I'm overdue for a visit." He turned to
his right and ascended the stairs that would lead to Maria's dressing
room.
"M-Mr. Gabbiani!" The Impresario rushed after him. "Y-You mustn't disturb
her so few hours before a performance. It's opening night of the new
show!"
Setzer chuckled. "Don't you worry, Impresario. I'll do my best to keep from
tiring her
out."
"Oh d-dear. Oh d-dear
" he complained as Setzer knocked and
entered.
Maria's tall and slender frame stood in front of the mirror as she minutely
examined her appearance. Long, shining blonde tresses pulled back from her
delicate face. Full lips colored to perfection. Silky skin of chest and arms
perfected by the rich blue of the robe she wore before changing into her
costume.
Setzer's eyes twinkled with his smile and the vision of memories he saw as
he crossed his arms. "Maria, you steal my
breath."
Her hands paused their work of brushing her hair as her pale eyes focused
on his in the mirror. Her cheeks flushed and she turned.
"Setzer?"
He bowed. "The very same." He straightened to again absorb her cultured and
elegant loveliness. "Success agrees with you heartily, my
dear."
Maria smoothed her robe with trembling fingers and a hesitant smile. "Thank
you." She slowly lifted her eyes to his face. "You're looking well. The wandering
of your heart has kept you as fascinating as
ever."
He chuckled and stepped further into the room. "While I thank you for the
compliment, I feel I must confess my wandering has more of a purpose now
than it did before. I'm afraid I've become a hero of one of your
operas."
The music of her laughter danced in the air and tickled his ears. "You make
that end sound as the doom to your existence." She stepped closer as she
held his gaze, the seductively soft 'swish' of her satin bloomers hinting
at the woman beneath the robe. "The end to purposeless wandering hasn't been
a curse, has
it?"
Setzer delved into the memories of the adventure of the extrication of gown,
petticoat, and corset and released a chuckle. "A curse? No. An unexpected
end to the hand I held?
Yes."
Maria took hold of his hands and held him out at arms length as her pale
eyes compared his current physique to that of her memory. Finally, her eyes
again met his and her lips were caressed with a delicate smile. "And what
has brought the Wandering Gambler to my room on opening
night?"
"A shipment of goods from Jidoor, I'm sorry to say." He tightened his hold
on her soft hands and leaned forward to bestow a tender kiss on each cheek.
When he pulled back, there was an odd expression on his
face.
"Why, Setzer," she said in her gentle voice, "what's
wrong?"
Setzer forced it away and released her hands. "Nothing, my dear. Nothing."
He cleared his throat and directed her to sit. She did so with a graceful
motion of body and arm that had him momentarily hypnotized. He'd forgotten
the allurement of her grace and culture. Of her delicacy and dependence.
Such an extreme difference from
Marée.
Setzer leaned on the desk/vanity across from her and tightly crossed his
arms. "I've but only a few moments before I must be off again,
Maria."
"And you came to spend them with me?" Her pale eyes twinkled with her smile.
"I'm
honored."
Setzer laughed. "Our history together deserved the visit, my dear. I am only
sorry I haven't visited more often. We had such fun
together."
Maria lowered her eyes to her clasped hands. "My life within the Opera House
hasn't the alluring color of unexpected adventure, Setzer. I knew you would
leave. I'm thankful of the memories I
have."
Setzer's smile vanished at her statement. It reminded him clearly of his
comment to Marée in Kohlingen. "Maria." She raised her eyes very slowly.
Sadness shined there. Setzer released a slow and deep breath as guilt dealt
none-too-gently with him. "Maria, I am so sorry. It wasn't my intention to
hurt
you."
Maria lowered her eyes again and began to twist the belt of her robe between
her
fingers.
Setzer straightened and made his way to sit beside her. He took her hands.
"Maria, we were not meant to be together. If we had been, it would have been
you and not General Celes taken aboard my ship that day." A tear collected
itself in her eye and broke free to glisten on her cheek. He fondly touched
it away and then brought each hand to his lips. "You, dear lady, will forever
be on the pedestal of my
memories."
Her pale blue eyes rose from their scrutiny of their clasped hands and met
his eyes of silver. "I never wanted to be on a pedestal, Setzer," she confessed
in a musical tone of tears and dramatic misery. "I wanted to be with
you. I wanted to be your song. And I wanted you to be mine." Maria's
hands tightened on his as her eyes searched his. "Remember? Remember how
we were together? It was a complete symphony. An opera of passion and
love."
And Setzer did remember. He remembered waking from a night of passion to
the sound and song of her. He remembered the fire that would burn when she
came to him at the end of a perfect performance. And still she would sing,
beckoning his soul from him with her power of tone and word as easily as
Marée had done with the intensity of her free spirit. Yes, Setzer
did
remember.
"What do you want me to be?" Maria asked, almost desperate. "I've played
so many roles, Setzer." Her soft and warm hands released his and rose to
cup his face, teasing his cheeks and jaw with their gentle caress. "Tell
me which you would want me to be. The commoner that gives her life for the
safety of her true hero? The mermaid, so innocent yet determined to give
all for love? The woman pirate so assured
and--"
Setzer stood sharply with the memory of virgin mermaid exclamations
and captain uniforms as he stepped away from her. An end table blocked his
path with a clink and a clunk. He steadied the table and himself with a hand
behind him. Marée. He closed his eyes and lowered his head.
"No, Maria. You should never change who you are. The true you is what attracted
my attention that first fateful
day."
There was a rustle and then the slight scent of flowers. Her warmth approached
and surrounded him, bringing again the memories of life with her. It had
been good. Her songs. Her warmth. Her body against his- Setzer tensed when
her hand took his, her other caressing his
cheek.
"I still love you, Setzer. I am too much a heroine to not. And as a heroine
does, I will wait for you. The memories will be enough." She pressed her
rose petal lips against his cheek for a long moment, and then she gently
squeezed his hand before releasing it and moving away, disappearing into
a back room to change for her
performance.
Setzer slowly opened his eyes, fighting back the urge to follow and renew
the memories. That part of his life was gone
Wasn't
it?
t
Setzer absently tapped the top card of his yet unused deck of cards as he
clicked the dice together in his other hand. Glancing up from his desk, his
eyes met those of Marée's within her portrait. The dare was still
as bright as the flame her touch brought to his skin. Yet it was different.
It was a dare for him to choose any other woman but her. A dare to try and
find her spark of life in a cultured beauty who sang dramas of life that
she hadn't
experienced.
And the presence of a continued passion for Maria surprised
him.
His mind sputtered and stopped. Setzer lowered his eyes back to the cards
as he halted their tapping. He picked up the topmost card and stared at the
back, intensely scrutinizing the Esper design on the back - Bahamut, he believed
- as he tried to decide a path. Both held the promise of passion and intensity.
Both held the promise of newness and adventure. Both women moved
him.
Setzer tossed the card away and leaned roughly back in his chair, kicking
his feet up on the desk. He rubbed at his forehead and released a deep and
quick breath. Maria had said she would wait. So why couldn't he have his
adventure with Marée? Then, when his quality of distraction and amusement
faded
Setzer scoffed and chucked his dice across the room. Am I
a letch? An abuser of women? I am a gambler, yes, but not with the hearts
of
women!
"Bah!"
There was a
knock.
"Enter!"
The Impresario entered surrounded by an air of uncertainty. "Mr. Gabbiani.
Thank you again for the shipment." He set a large bag of gil on the table.
"And thank you, also, for your visit. Maria has never before sang with
such
passion."
Setzer nearly groaned. Instead, he stood and motioned back the way the Impresario
had come. "I'm glad I could have such a positive influence, Impresario."
He closed the door to his office and led the man through the main room and
to the
exit.
"As long as you promise not to steal her away, you must visit again. I could
reserve a box for you and a
guest."
Setzer fought back the urge to accept. "If my schedule brings me this way,
I thank you for the invitation. Good night,
Impresario."
"Good night, Mr.
Gabbiani."
Setzer shut he door with a frown and strode back through the main room to
the flight deck. Once at the wheel, he clutched it and pushed the throttle
forward. The engine whined, driving the Falcon forward into the wind in an
attempt to appease her pilot. The wind was a double curse, though. It reminded
him of both women. The wind in his hair evoking visions of Marée as
the sound of the musical hum in his ears tortured him with thoughts of Maria.
Two women. Two different lives. One passion. It was enough to drive him
mad.
Setzer dove the Falcon down, down, down until she was skimming the water
of the sea and wetting his face, hair, and uniform with the spray. Then he
was pulling up hard and soaring with a wyvern, chasing and torturing it as
the memories and ecstasies tortured him. Captain. Songstress. Command. Delicacy.
Intensity in each. Setzer clenched his jaw and abandoned the wyvern to a
need for speed as he coaxed every morsel of energy from the Falcon's engines.
And she gave it, doing her best to soothe his heart and quiet his
soul.
As usual, the Falcon
succeeded.
Setzer eased back on the throttle and caressed a spoke of the wheel. "I'm
sorry, love. I'm in a bit of a mood
tonight."
He sighed and gave a shake of his head as he leaned into the wind. I'm
sorry, Maria
But she was in his past. Yes, it had been a pleasant
one, but it was still the past. He had long ago promised himself to not look
back, but always look to the future. To the next adventure. To the next turn
of the
card
Setzer anchored the Falcon and went below, entering his office with a purposeful
step as he made way to his desk. He took up the cards and stared down at
them, gauging his intent and what it could mean. Finally, he shuffled them
and took the top card. But Setzer couldn't turn it. He couldn't let the card
decide his future. Not this one. He lowered the card to the deck and
purposefully placed the deck on his
desk.
"No. Not this
time."
Setzer turned away and left the
room.
Setzer parked the Falcon with an absent smile as he checked his pockets for
surprises and treats. Then he made his way to the exit, passing through to
the sunshine beyond and to the expected shrieks and cries of "Sezzer!
Sezzer!"
Children arrived, treats were discovered, and then the joyous chorus of child
speech was laughed and squealed as Setzer made his way to the main building
of
Mobliz.
"Hiya, Setzer," Relm greeted with a bright smile. "Get
bored?"
Setzer tousled her blonde curls. "No. Not with watching Sabin and Edgar make
fools of
themselves."
"What? What'd they do? Tell me." And the promise of a good story twinkled
in her
eyes.
Setzer chuckled. "Later, Relm.
Later."
"Phooey."
Relm was temporarily accosted by questions and quandaries of some of the
younger children and Setzer watched her with a smirk. Then the children were
urged to play and scampered off after procuring a firm promise that Setzer
would stay for dinner and a
story.
"How are you doing with the children, Relm? Terra's been gone for a long
time."
Relm waved it away with a wrinkle of her nose. "Pshaw," she said. "Piece
of
cake."
"Piece of cake my
ass."
Setzer halted as his eyes met the twinkling ones of
Marée.
"Okay, so we've had a problem or two," Relm admitted as Marée approached
from the main house. She seemed totally oblivious to the looks on both adult
faces. "But they weren't anything
major."
Marée came to a stop a couple paces in front of Setzer and focused
her eyes on Relm. "You're right. They weren't. Now why don't you go inside
and help Katarin with
dinner."
"Oh! That's right. She doesn't know Setzer's staying." And Relm hurried
away.
Marée lifted her eyes to meet Setzer's. She crossed her arms and her
eyes crackled. "Captain. You've had yourself quite the adventure. Rescuing
damsels and destroying villains. I'm
jealous."
A breeze teased her hair and brought her aroma of sea and command into his
lungs. But Setzer couldn't move forward. "If I had known where you were,
I would have brought you with us. We could have used
you."
She arched an eyebrow as a smile danced on her lips. "That's right nice to
hear, although Relm tells me you handled the bastard just fine on your own.
Damned shame I wasn't there to see
it."
Setzer's brain was numb. No words. No thoughts. No
feelings-
Marée stepped forward and pressed her hands against his chest as her
breath teased his face. "Let's take a walk in the garden; away from kiddy
eyes."
She moved away and Setzer found himself
following.
"You're quiet," she commented with a sidelong glance toward him. "It's putting
a burr in my
britches."
Setzer scrambled for his thoughts that seemed scattered to the corners of
reality, and he sent her an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry, Marée. I
I didn't expect to find you
here."
Marée gauged his profile. "It's almost like you didn't think you'd
ever see me
anywhere."
Setzer shook his head. "No. I hadn't given up the possibility of seeing you
again."
She examined him closely. "Something's changed about you. I can't quite put
my finger on
it."
Setzer took in a deep breath of her, absorbing the warmth of her standing
so close to him that their arms touched
His skin tingled, but there
was something
different.
Marée halted near the garden and turned toward Setzer with a probing
look. "Expectation's worn off," she said
simply.
And Setzer didn't understand how it could be possible. "I'm just tired,
Marée," he told her as he drew her
close.
She linked her hands behind his neck and eagerly opened her mouth against
his. But it was different. Setzer slightly frowned as he brought her closer
against him, his mouth more insistent and compelling against hers. Her hands
deep in his hair; her body tight against his; her mouth inviting and
sweet.
He relived her of her jacket and she of his as their lips took a brief respite.
Then they met again and her hands were tugging his shirt free of his trousers
as he submerged his under hers. She moaned against his lips and pushed at
him until he was against the wall of an abandoned building a few paces away.
His lips moved against her jaw and down her throat as she whispered "gods"
into his ear; her hands pulling at his
back
But it was
different.
No! This is Marée! The woman I've dreamed of having! And his
mouth and hands did their best to persuade that unresponsive part of him.
Finally, Setzer's arms dropped to his sides as he lifted his head, tipping
it back until it thumped against the building; once, twice, three times.
He closed his eyes as he felt her hands retreat from his
body.
"Damn," he said hoarsely. Marée's body
tensed.
"Setzer, what's
wrong?"
Setzer shook his head. "I can't. I can't do
this."
Marée stepped back. "What? Why the hell not? You want it as much as
I
do!"
He shook his head again, and the action twisted his face in torment. "No.
I don't." And the admission nearly ripped out his soul. Setzer lifted his
head and met her furious gaze. "I'm sorry. I tried. I reminded myself of
the dreams and the agony of waiting. Of the fire and wanting." He shook his
head again. "It's different. It's gone. I don't know
why."
Marée punched him hard in the face, glaring up at him while he wiped
the blood from his split lip. "Damn you and your sweet tongue that kept me
going."
"Marée, it wasn't the lie you suppose," Setzer told her, and his voice
was impassioned. "The desire was real. Your effect on me was not
imagined!"
"Oh? It just disappeared like that?" she asked with a snap for
effect.
And Setzer was helpless to
explain.
Marée stepped up, grabbing his shirt front and pushing him roughly
against the wall of the building. Her glare was a dangerous shade of pale
blue. "You've pushed my buttons, captain. You pulled me along with a promise
of a taste of better things. You can't just say you don't feel anything anymore,
especially when you were all over me like that." Her eyes narrowed as her
hands tightened their hold on his shirt. "I deserve something, captain. And
I'm going to get that something even if I have to take
it!"
Marée accosted his mouth with hers, ripping at his shirt as she pressed
him hard against the building, moving against him in what should have been
an erotic dance of pleasure and the promise of fiery passion. But it was
different. The flame was an ember and her touch wasn't the spark it had been.
Again Setzer tried to respond. He tried to will his body to want her as much
as it had in the
past
But it was gone. Dulled. Her intensity and life didn't excite him as it had.
He couldn't let her do
it.
Setzer placed his hands firmly on her arms and pushed back. She resisted,
her mouth bruising his as her hands clutched at his shirt. He pushed harder
and she stumbled back. He shook his head. "Don't do this, Marée. You
deserve what I thought I could give you. You deserve true passion and not
dulled
embers."
Marée glare was murder, and then she punched him with as much force
as she could before striding away. Setzer watched her go, ignoring the throb
of his face and the blood that trickled from his lip. Instead, he pressed
himself against the building before sliding to the ground, elbows on bent
knees as his hands buried themselves in his
hair.
t
"Hey. Where's
Marée?"
Setzer closed the door behind him with a slowness of spirit and body that
made him feel more than
100.
"Gods! What happened to your
face?"
Relm hurried up to him and took hold of his arm to lead him to a chair and
set him down. As she gathered towels and medicine and set the water to heating,
Setzer stared at the ground at his feet in a bog of confusion. How could
all those weeks of expected passion have come to nothing? I wanted her. She
wanted me. She was the woman of passion and depth I'd been waiting for!
Setzer shook his head and rubbed at his face. He didn't understand. What
had dulled the fire? What had sabotaged her effect on his
soul?
"Okay. Now hold still. This'll
sting."
And Relm went to work cleaning his split lip and the dried blood on and around
it. The pain distracted Setzer from his confusion and settled his mind back
into its numb
oblivion.
"You don't look so good, Setzer. What
happened?"
Setzer flinched and she apologized but continued to work. "I don't know,
Relm. How I wish I
did."
She spared glances to his face between gentle strokes of the soft towel.
"What'd you do to her, Setzer? Marée wouldn't try and knock your block
off without a
reason."
Setzer guided her hand from his lip as his gaze held hers. "Don't concern
yourself, Relm. It was simply a heated disagreement. Nothing
more."
"Yeah, well I guess she gets into those easy enough," Relm admitted reluctantly.
"Here, let me put this salve on so it won't
swell."
Setzer released her hand and Relm went in search of the promised Remedy.
He was suddenly so tired. The past few weeks he'd been under constant
bombardment. The expectation of nights of lovemaking with Marée. The
mystery that surrounded her and her ship. The search for her in Zozo. And
then the mystery and adventure with Terra and Ledo and mind control. Then,
again, the expectation battled by the dread that he would never again see
her. And then his visit with Maria. More confusion. More mystery. More
Setzer released a deep breath just as Relm entered the room
again.
Her expression was brimming with concern as she tenderly dabbed the salve
onto his lips. "I think you should stay here for a couple days, Setzer. So
I can keep an eye on
this."
Setzer smirked and immediately cringed. "I'll stay for dinner and a night,
Relm, but don't expect much more than
that."
"Yeah. I know. Wandering Gambler and all
that."
Setzer's eyes twinkled. "I didn't think the others would have told you that
story."
"Who says they did? Who says I didn't figure it out myself? Who says I didn't
read it somewhere?" She sounded
irritated.
Setzer restrained a chuckle as Relm finished applying the salve and wiped
her hands on a nearby towel. "I meant no offense,
Relm."
She scoffed and tossed aside the towel. "Fine. Whatever. Come on and help
me with dinner. Now that you've chased off Marée, I need the extra
hands."
And Setzer found himself hoping he would see her again. To truly see if the
feelings he'd had were
gone.
"Hey, Setzer. Do you think we could ride around in the airship after dinner?
It seems like forever since the last
time."
Setzer carefully smiled. "We'll
see."
"That means 'no'," Relm said with a grimace. "Always has. Always will." She
sent him a glare. "Could we at least go visit Terra tomorrow? The kids'll
be wanting to see her soon. They're already driving me bonkers with
questions."
Setzer smoothed a lock of her curls down and chuckled at the look on her
face. "I'll return to Kohlingen tomorrow to see how she's healing and then
return with news either way. Is that
acceptable?"
Relm's expression was suspicious, but she nodded. "Alright, but you'd better
not be doing any procrastinating between here and
there."
Setzer chuckled and followed her into the dinner room, but his thoughts wandered.
Expectation. Procrastination. Two sides of the same coin. Two very different
sides. Setzer's insides twisted. And two very different
women.
Setzer heard Sabin's loud and heart-felt laugh from the café the moment
he stepped into Kohlingen. It brought a momentary smile to his face as he
gave a slight shake of his head. That Sabin was still laughing he took to
be a good sign of Edgar's destiny fulfilled. Of course, Setzer had often
suspected that the less refined Figaro had a more
peculiar sense of
humor. For all Setzer knew, Sabin could have been laughing at Locke as he
fell backwards out of his chair in shock that Terra had actually agreed to
marry the man. Let's hope that isn't the
case.
Setzer passed to the right and behind the café, directing his gaze
carefully away from it as he kept his mind safely distant. He'd talk to Terra
first before he thought anything about
anyone.
"Setzer."
Setzer halted and turned. Cyan approached. "Good day, Cyan. How's Terra?
Better I
hope."
Cyan nodded with what seemed a fatherly smile. "Yes. She recovers more quickly
than what was believed possible." He came to stand by Setzer. "Has thou heard
the
news?"
"While I hope the news involves vows and happy endings, please don't tell
me if those include
Sabin."
Cyan's smile erupted to strong laughter that beat back the grief lines on
the warrior's face. "I heartily agree with what thou hath said, but it is
indeed Edgar's happiness we shall soon
celebrate."
And that news banished a few of the shadows. Setzer smiled and his stance
relaxed. "That is truly good news. I'm glad Lady Luck saw fit to give the
appropriate
push."
Cyan gave a nod with a still lingering smile. "Yes. It is good." Cyan
motioned toward the alchemist's house and the two started forward. "Setzer,
does thee remember the inquiry thee made of me regarding a Captain
Marée?"
Setzer tensed and clenched his jaw.
"Yes."
"I have begun inquiries, but have not as of yet received any information.
Should thou wish it, I shall tell thee as soon as I am
able."
But what else mattered? The flame had burnt itself to an ember and now
Marée despised him. Setzer shook his head. "It isn't necessary, Cyan.
Thank
you."
"Should thou change thy mind," Cyan said as they came to the door of the
alchemist's house, "do not hesitate to ask. I am at thy
service."
Setzer faced the Doma swordsman with a forced smile as he gripped his shoulder.
"Thank you, Cyan. I appreciate the
thought."
Cyan gave a nod and then watched Setzer enter the alchemist's house with
an odd
expression.
Setzer closed the door behind him and stepped toward the stairs that led
to the basement laboratory. He heard voices and an occasional feminine giggle
followed by Edgar's recognizable chuckle. A reluctant smile twinkled in Setzer's
eyes and on his lips as he
descended.
"Warnings ahead," Setzer called. "I don't believe I could take a
less-than-innocent scene of Miss Terra
Branford."
He heard her gentle laughter and then footsteps moments before his eyes cleared
the overhang of the floor above. Edgar met him at the foot of the stairs
with an outstretched hand and a genuine smile of welcome. The haggardness
and shadows were completely erased and the king seemed years
younger.
"Setzer, we had begun to wonder where you had
wandered."
Setzer gripped the hand and then followed Edgar's invitation to the chair
beside Terra's bed. Terra's violet eyes danced as her bright smile welcomed
him to her side. Setzer almost
laughed.
"Yes, I suppose you would. I'm sorry I didn't tell you of my intent to leave,"
he said as he leaned, instead, against one side of the
headboard.
Terra adjusted her position slightly and Edgar once again took his seat beside
her. "It's alright, Setzer. I'm just happy you're
back."
Setzer's smile was lopsided as he reached out to gently cuff her chin. "Thank
you, Terra. It's good that you've taken a turn for the better. Love heals
all wounds, it
seems."
Terra flushed but didn't lower her eyes. "Oh. They told you," she said with
a slight pout. "I wanted to do
that."
Edgar hid a smile behind a
hand.
Setzer chuckled. "Tell me
what?"
"That we're going to be married," she told him with an 'I could have sworn
you knew,'
look.
Setzer, never one to pass the opportunity to tease her, straightened with
feigned shock. "What? Us? But I could have sworn you loved
Edgar."
Terra's mouth dropped open in a ridiculous expression of confusion. Edgar
was hard-pressed to staunch his
laughter.
"Us? No, Setzer. Not us," she stammered as she desperately tried to figure
out what she'd said to make him think
that.
"But you just told me we were to be married," he told her with his own version
of confusion. "I'm certain that's what you
said."
"B-But
" She sent a helpless glance toward Edgar, noticed his barely
repressed laughter, and put her fists on her hips with an instant scowl.
"You guys," she accused. And she immediately reached out to punch each on
the
arm.
"Now, now," Setzer complained as he rubbed the not-so-sore spot. "None of
that."
Edgar laughed outright and gathered Terra's hands to give each a kiss. "I
must away, dearest. I'll return this evening to take you on a turn around
town."
Terra's expression softened as her eyes focused on Edgar's face. She squeezed
his hands.
"Alright."
The held the other's gaze for a long moment as Setzer lowered his eyes to
an examination of his fingers, and then Terra released Edgar's hands and
caressed his
face.
"I love you," she
whispered.
"And I you." He briefly touched her lips with his before sweeping her hands
from his face, giving each a kiss on the wrist, and tucking them fondly into
her lap. "Until this
evening."
And then he left the room with Terra's eyes following after. There was the
faint sound of the door closing and Terra released a deep breath as she looked
down at her hands. Setzer sat in the chair beside
her.
"Teasing aside," he said in a soft tone, "congratulations. I'm glad to see
you two so
happy."
Terra lifted her eyes and smiled, taking his hand and giving it a squeeze.
"Thank you,
Setzer."
"And should you need volunteers to plot revenge against Sabin, let me be
the
first."
Terra giggled and gave his hand a squeeze. "Oh no you
don't."
Setzer sighed, dejected. "Ah well." Terra seemed to examine him then, and
Setzer met her gaze with an easy smile. "And for what, Miss Branford, are
you
searching?"
"I
" She frowned slightly. "I don't really know." She examined him again.
"Are you alright? You look
tired."
His smile wavered slightly, but he kept it in place through years of practice.
"Tired? Yes, I suppose I am. Our adventure against Ledo and the concern for
you has taken its toll, I imagine." Terra absently nodded, but her eyes kept
close watch. "Relm and the children send their love, as well as a hope to
visit you. I promised I would return this evening with your answer," he
continued.
At the mention of the children, Terra's eyes brightened and her hand tightened
on his. "Oh, Setzer, please bring them tomorrow. I miss them so
much."
Setzer chuckled. "Relm will be ecstatic at the escape. As she will also be
at your news of bliss with
Edgar."
Terra smiled, but then her eyes grew troubled. "Setzer, how do I tell the
children?"
"Tell them
what?"
"That we're going to a different home. That they'll finally have a
papa."
Setzer gave her hand a squeeze. "What I suggest is allowing them the chance
to meet and fall in love with Edgar themselves. They've met him once already,
so it won't be a shock when he comes to
visit."
"But Edgar's going to have people come; to start building it up. He was planning
on having the children come and stay at Figaro." And Terra's expression was
colored with
worry.
Setzer smiled reassuringly. "Terra, remember what I said before? Where you
are, home is. Be truthful when you tell them, listen to what they say, and
go from
there."
Terra giggled suddenly. "You sound like
Edgar."
Setzer chuckled. "I'd rather you say he sounds like me,
Terra."
And her eyes danced again. "So, where did you learn so much about things
like
this?"
"Common sense. Well, that and observing people over the cards, dice, and
life in general. Observances can speak loudly when one
listens."
Terra flushed. "Or when you understand what they're
saying."
Setzer laughed. "Yes, I suppose that is an important part of it." He gave
her hand a squeeze. "Don't blame yourself too harshly," he told her. "Edgar
knew well enough his feelings for you and chose to remain silent. You, being
the innocent woman you are, had no basis for knowing what you felt beyond
a deep
friendship."
"I suppose so. You've probably never had problems like
ours."
Setzer smirked as he gave an uncomfortable clearing of his throat. "Each
person's problems with love are uniquely different, Terra. True, I may not
have been blind to the love felt, or afraid of the voicing of it, but there
are other things that can
cause
"
"Heartache?"
Setzer's facial muscles twitched, and this time he knew she'd seen it. "An
apt word," he confessed softly as he lowered his
gaze.
"I knew it. I knew something was wrong." Terra clutched his hands. "Setzer,
won't you tell me? I know I don't understand about love and all its problems,
but I'm your friend. I want to
help."
Setzer released a deep breath. "There's nothing for you to do, Terra. Nothing
for either of us to do. The dice have fallen. The cards have been played.
Now I must play my next hand." And all the words sounded so
empty.
"Even I can tell you don't mean that," she said
softly.
Setzer released another breath as he raised his eyes to meet Terra's concerned
ones. "Terra, looking back to replay a hand that's over is foolish. I can't
change how I played
it."
"I know, but
There must be something I can
do!"
Setzer smiled slightly. "Perhaps. One day. Currently, though, I believe you
must think of your own health and
happiness."
Terra gnawed her lower lip and changed her sad eyes to his hand holding hers.
"You've always been so kind and thoughtful, Setzer. So good to me and the
children. I just want you to be as happy as I am. You deserve
that."
"The Fates disagree, apparently." He stood and bestowed a tender kiss on
her forehead. She raised her eyes as he straightened. "Be well, Terra. And
be sure to send an invitation to the
wedding."
"I
will."
"Then, until
tomorrow."
Terra nodded and Setzer turned to move
away.
"There's a woman out there for you, Setzer. Waiting," Terra called after
him. "I know there
is."
Setzer's chest tightened, but he forced a smile as he paused at the foot
of the steps and faced her. "Then I'd best play this next hand
well."
t
Setzer leaned against the airship with tightly crossed arms and a hint of
a scowl. He only had a few more minutes to spare before he had to
leave for Mobliz and his promised dinner with Relm and the children. But
an itch in his hands on the wheel of the Falcon and a deep-seeded need for
feminine companionship had pulled him here: to the Opera House. Now his very
soul ached, but he couldn't tell what it meant: a mourning for Marée
lost, or a push to accept a found escape from
loneliness.
"Another distraction," he
muttered.
Yet he new Maria wanted more than that. She wanted a future that he didn't
believe he could give her. He wouldn't ground himself, not even for her.
Not even for Marée. Setzer adjusted his footing as his frown hardened
to a glare. One of his hands felt the bulk of his cards and his glare deepened.
Ace of Diamonds! If she was truly my Ace, the fire would not have
waned!
Setzer straightened and turned for the ship, pausing on the threshold with
another look behind to the Opera House. The ache swelled up like a wave,
tightening his chest and speeding the beat of his heart as his body temperature
rose. Setzer pulled in a strangled breath and turned away to enter the Falcon
and leave for Mobliz. He would play the hand he was dealt; he wouldn't deal
it
himself.
"You're doing well, but remember to fight her a little. She's a strong-headed
ship." Setzer adjusted Relm's hold on the wheel. "You tell her
where to
go."
Relm giggled. "This is so
rad!"
Setzer chuckled. "Just don't tell your grandfather. Strago would skin me
alive if he discovered I've let you pilot the Falcon on more than one
occasion."
"I'm not scared of that old fuddy-duddy," she informed Setzer. "He just wants
to take away all my
fun."
Setzer pulled back on the wheel, guiding the Falcon up in the clouds as Relm
squealed with laughter. "Strago seeks your safety, Relm. That is all. You
will most likely understand that when you're
older."
Setzer released his hold on the wheel and allowed Relm to straighten the
Falcon's path and level her off. She had a bit of a fight with it, but eventually
got it done. Quite a task for a petite
12-year-old.
"Well done," he told her as he tousled her blonde
curls.
She waved his hand away. "Stop it, Setzer. Geez. You and Marée. I
swear."
Setzer's face hardened; the smile eradicated with the single word. "Here.
Let me have a turn," he said with a tight smile her
direction.
Relm stepped clear of the wheel, sending him an odd glance before leaning
her elbows against the ship and blinking into the wind. "It's great up here.
So far away from everyone and
everything."
Setzer clenched his jaw and slightly altered their heading toward Kohlingen.
"Being so far removed has its moments, yes, but nothing compares to family
and friends,
Relm."
Relm looked over at him. "But you're
alone."
"Not completely," he disagreed, momentarily meeting her gaze. "Though I wander,
I know that I have many places to call home. Those of my
friends."
Relm changed her eyes to the distant horizon. "But that's different. You're
welcome to visit, sure, but you can also leave whenever you want.
You can visit whenever you want, too. Me? I have to stay in Thamasa because
grandpa says so. He won't let me have adventures. He won't let me find where
I belong. Not like you
have."
Where I belong? In a constant state of wandering? A perpetual search for
the next turn of card? The next adventure? What was a ship without a
port to
rest?
Setzer looked over at her again, and then he placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Don't be so eager to leave your roots behind, Relm. Seek out what you can
in the time you have. Your adventure of life will come soon enough. Wait
for
it."
Relm wrinkled her nose and looked away from his face. "I know. I just hate
waiting."
Setzer chuckled and gave her small shoulder a squeeze. "I understand that,
Relm. Waiting most often causes more than its share of
disappointments."
But we mustn't rush the experiences we have. We must hold the cards until
all others have revealed their hand. And though Marée had revealed
hers more than once, he'd still resisted; a slave to adventure. Addicted
to the gamble. Setzer released a deep breath. Looking back proves nothing.
Play your hand,
gambler.
"There's Figaro," Relm said with a smile in her voice. "Kohlingen will be
right
there!" She gave a couple hops as she pointed. "Rad! We're
here!"
Setzer took the Falcon down as Relm hurried below to gather the children
and prepare them for the visit into a new town, rules and things of that
sort. Setzer doubted the little ones would remember the rules once they stepped
from the ship, but it was good experience for Relm. An experience of
responsibility that Strago seldom allowed
her.
Setzer released a slow breath as he anchored the ship and made his way below.
Relm was helping the younger ones into their sweaters as the older ones wrestled
with their own. Setzer watched the adventure with a smirk before stepping
forward to
help.
"Cera, when'd you lose the bottom button?" Relm asked as Setzer finished
buttoning Robbie's
jacket.
"I don't
know."
"Did you put it in your pocket?" Relm checked the girl's pockets and gave
a shake of her head as Setzer moved to Peter. "Oh man. Well, I guess we'll
look for it tomorrow. Do you have your sweater on, Alyxis? Good girl. Everyone
ready? Alright. Take each other's hands so we don't get lost. Let's
go."
And Setzer led them off the Falcon with Relm bringing up the rear. The children
'ooh'd and 'ahh'd at the different sights, pointing at this, that, and the
other as the line of littles and bigs made their way through town. Tyrian
made a fuss when Relm scolded her for letting go of her hand to pick a flower,
but quieted when Relm followed the scold with a promise to do flower-picking
after their visit with Terra. Setzer chuckled and, at a groan from the boys,
made his own promise of a game of 'Kefka War' if they behaved themselves.
They cheered and heartily
agreed.
The group passed the café, more cheers voiced when told they were
going there later for cider and chocolate milk, and dutifully made their
way to the alchemist's home. Once outside the door, Setzer opened it, ushered
them inside, and gave Relm the final duty of leading them to the basement.
He, on the other hand, would keep Edgar company once he retreated from the
reunion, as Setzer knew Edgar would. Relm gave a nod and went on in, Setzer
closing the door after
her.
Squeals and giggles were heard very few moments later and Setzer chuckled
with a slight shake of his head as he moved to lean against the wall directly
to the left of the door. He crossed his arms. While Setzer had never thought
of himself as 'family' material, his few adventures with Terra's children
had begun to smooth and fade that boundary. How lucky I am not to be instantly
inheriting ten. And Setzer couldn't help but feel a touch of pity for
the young king of Figaro who would so quickly find himself to be both husband
and father. How did one adjust to such an extreme role
change?
It was an intriguing
quandary.
More laughter and joy-filled squeals erupted within, followed by a chorus
of child voices and a battalion of questions, more than likely. Edgar would
likely do his best to answer, but in the end Terra would need to calm the
children down and tell them the story of her adventure as only she could.
Edgar would then give her an adoring smile, likely pat one of the children
on the head, and then make a timely exit to allow Terra and the children
some time to
themselves-
The door opened and Edgar exited with a smile and a chuckle before closing
the door behind him. "At least they didn't groan and shudder," he said in
a laughing
tone.
"Too
true."
Edgar gave a startled jump and looked to his right. He saw Setzer and reluctantly
smiled. "You gave me a fright,
Setzer."
Setzer chuckled. "Of course. That was the
point."
Edgar smiled wryly. "I reasoned as much." He motioned ahead. "I don't suppose
you could be persuaded to join me at the
café."
Setzer straightened, pushing away from the wall with a continual smirk. "Only
if you play a game of
cards."
"Ah. It's been ages. Of course I will." And they made their way to the
café. "Thank you for bringing the children, Setzer. I've never seen
her so
happy."
"It was Relm's idea. She has quite a knack for things of that
sort."
Edgar nodded. "She and Gau
both."
"Quite an unexpected talent, I would
say."
"Agreed." Edgar motioned to the door. "After
you."
Setzer entered the café to head for the table to the right. Edgar
sat across from him and ordered two
ciders.
"I meant to ask before what had come of your interest with Captain Marée,"
Edgar commented as Setzer retrieved his
cards.
Setzer's hold on the cards twitched, but his face showed nothing. He shuffled.
"Nothing of any great importance, unfortunately. The roll of the dice, I
suppose."
"Stuff and nonsense," Edgar grumbled. He placed his ante in the center of
the table with Setzer's and accepted the cards dealt. He adjusted his hand.
"You need to control your own destiny, Setzer. Lady Luck and the Fates can't
be
trusted."
"And yet didn't they play a hand in your own happiness?" Setzer adjusted
the cards of his hand with unseeing
eyes.
Edgar scoffed. "Indeed. They arranged for Terra to be controlled and abused
near death. It was my own choice that kept Terra and myself apart. Just as
it was her choice and my own to confess our feelings of
love."
Unfortunately, what Edgar said rang of many
truths.
"Lady Luck is a tease, as are her sisters the Fates. They dangle what we
want in front of us only to take it away when we want it most." Edgar requested
two cards and adjusted his hand
again.
"For a gambler," Setzer said as he discarded and took one card, "Lady Luck
is-"
"Stuff and nonsense," Edgar interrupted. He tossed a few gil into the pot.
"There's a time and place for everything, Setzer, and Lady Luck belongs at
the table. Not at the wheel of your
life."
Setzer called the bet and lowered his cards. "Full House. Kings over Aces."
He raised his eyes to meet Edgar's. "While I appreciate the thought behind
what you've said, I can't help but think you wrong. Luck and the Fates have
made me who I am, Edgar. Denying their role would be denying
myself."
Edgar regarded Setzer a moment before presenting his hand. "Royal Flush.
Hearts." He gestured to the money. "Keep it as compensation for listening
to the advice I'm about to give. The person you've become, Setzer, was made
possible by the decisions you have made at each crossroad approached. Joining
us, you decided to do so. Allowing us to use the Falcon to find our
friends and thereby defeat Kefka, you decided to do. Giving Marée
a chance to defend herself against the information I'd discovered, again,
was your choice. If nothing came of a relationship with her, such
is life, but it is your decision where you go from here. Marée's
a closed door, fine. Look, then, for the open
window."
Edgar stood and moved past, pausing long enough to give Setzer's shoulder
a firm grip. Setzer stared at Edgar's winning hand long after he'd left,
absorbing his words while desperately trying to decide which path to
follow.
t
Setzer gauged his appearance in the mirror as he adjusted his vest and coat.
He had about two hours before he had to leave for Kohlingen to return the
children and Relm to Mobliz. He was going to make the most of those two hours.
The very most. No games. No 'not yet's. He was going to relax into her presence
and do what he
wanted.
Setzer smirked but it appeared more of a grimace. You're as flighty and
nervous as the first evening you were with a woman, he accused with a
tug on his jacket. But to be completely truthful, it was the first time in
ages that he was leaving Lady Luck, his cards, his dice, and thoughts of
Marée
behind.
He was visiting
Maria.
Setzer gave his reflection a brusque nod and strode from his office and through
the main room with a distracted mind and an unseeing gaze. He'd sent word
ahead that he was coming for a visit. Now he was left to hope the Impresario
had given her the note and not jumped to the conclusion that he was stealing
her away again. Setzer allowed himself a chuckle as he disembarked. He had
to admit that seeing the Impresario's face at a second - and this time more
successful - attempt would be worth any and all problems as a direct
result.
The Opera House loomed ahead of him and Setzer pressed on. There was no need
to worry about impressing her. She already loved him. Then why am I quivering
like a mouse as it looks into the jaws of the cat? Setzer swallowed hard
and lengthened his stride. Perhaps expectation that had lain dormant for
nearly two years
But Setzer set it aside. He'd had a shock during
his last meeting with Marée. He had to be careful not to use Maria
as a balm, for he suspected she'd be
all-too-willing.
Setzer cleared his throat and entered the huge building. Glancing toward
the front desk, he saw that night's performance was also 'sold out'. Setzer
smiled. Maria would be
happy.
"Ah. Mr.
Gabbiani."
Setzer turned, pausing his ascension of the stairs that led to Maria's dressing
room. "Impresario," he greeted with a slight bow. "I see the new show is
doing
well."
"Extremely well." The Impresario came to stand at the foot of the stairs.
"Dinner will be served shortly. Until then, Maria waits for you in the gardens
behind the Opera House. This way, if you
please."
Setzer raised an eyebrow as he descended the stairs and followed the Impresario
out the front entrance and back around the left of the building. There, they
entered a garden encircled by wrought iron and a green hedge. The walk was
marble and lined with fragrant white blossoms that fell in clusters along
it. As they made their way behind the Opera House, the walk split to encircle
a large gazebo. Maria was there, sitting on one of the marble
benches.
She saw Setzer and the Impresario approaching and stood, making her way to
and gracefully down the steps with outstretched hands and an eager smile.
Maria was dressed in the palest of yellow gowns with ivory lace at the cuffs
and hem. Her bodice was modestly cut, enhancing the delicate sophistication
of her shoulders and neck as well as the slim line of her waist. Her hair
was up in a mass of curls that danced around her ears and neck with each
motion of her head. She was a vision of ethereal loveliness that left Setzer
breathless and drowning in
memories.
The Impresario bowed and left them as her hands enfolded his in greeting.
Their warmth and gentle pressure were inviting and erotic as he gazed down
into those bright, pale-blue eyes and saw welcome and
Setzer brought
each palm to his lips. "You are an entrancing vision, Maria," he said as
he straightened. And he was surprised that his voice sounded so calm and
steady. His insides seemed caught in a
whirlwind.
Maria's hands tightened on his as her cheeks slightly flushed. "Thank you,
Setzer. I wanted everything to be
perfect."
She spread his arms out wide as she took in his light tan trousers,
burgundy-black-green striped vest, antiqued-white shirt with a modest ruffle
at the collar, and rich black jacket with folded cuffs and emerald
cuff-links.
She raised her eyes to his with a touch of a smile. "You are as elegant as
ever."
Setzer smiled a denial - he felt less than elegant when having to beat back
desires and urges to see how quickly he could unlace her corset - and followed
her up the stairs to the gazebo. Maria sat in the direct center of the center
bench of three and gently urged him to the space to her left. Setzer surrendered,
his knee brushing against hers as he did. His stomach twisted in on itself
and then surprisingly
relaxed.
Maria smiled as she motioned around her. "It's my sanctuary. The Impresario
had it built for me a few months
ago."
Setzer's eyes didn't - or rather couldn't - leave her face. Her high cheekbones.
Her pure and silky soft skin. Her delicate nose slightly tipped up at the
end. Her laughing mouth. It was a hypnotic profile from his past that so
desperately wanted to become a part of his
future.
Maria's sparkling eyes met his again, and she smiled as she adjusted her
hand in his. "I'm glad you came again. Your presence here makes me feel as
if I'm reliving my past." She lowered her eyes and caressed the knuckles
of his hand with a single finger. "Those were happy times. Weren't they,
Setzer?"
"Yes, Maria. They
were."
"Then I'm glad I have those memories," she said as she raised her eyes to
meet his again. "I
am."
Setzer's smile was gentle as he lifted a finger to caress her cheek. Maria
took in a steady breath and her eyes seemed to glimmer. Setzer lowered his
hand again. "The year has been ugly and hard, Maria. I'm glad these memories
gave you strength or hope. I find myself wishing I had done the
same."
"Oh, but you did," she told him with wide eyes. "All of us here know what
you and your friends have done for
us."
"But what of you? I abandoned you here for an adventure of my own. I put
my previous promises aside with no word of farewell to you." And he hadn't
realized before the depth of his
guilt.
Maria cupped his jaw in her hand as her smiling face and eyes looked full
into his. "I know, and I was heart-broken at first, but you had a greater
purpose to fulfill, dearest. You had lives to save. It would have been selfish
of me to deny everyone that end simply to have you to myself. You're a 'wandering
gambler'. Could I cage that spirit I loved so much?" She slightly shook her
head. "The memories had to be enough. You deserved your
freedom."
And Setzer's mind and soul grew silent and still at that
statement.
Maria's smile seemed to dance with a laugh as she lowered her hand from his
chin to caress his cheek with the back of it. "I can hardly persuade my heart
to believe you're here." Her expression faded to shadows of dread and agony
as she met his gaze. "I'm not dreaming, am I? You are here with me in my
sanctuary holding my hand? I haven't allowed the memories to control my thoughts,
have
I?"
Her tone sounded so lost and desperate that Setzer's chest and throat tightened
in a vicious torture of guilt. He gently pulled her close, pressing her head
to his chest as her arms enfolded him. "I am here, songbird." He pressed
his lips against her hair when her shoulders began to quiver with
tears.
After a moment of vulnerability and comfort, Maria pushed back. She dried
her cheeks with an embarrassed glance toward him. "I'm sorry. Ruining this
quiet and lovely day with weeping wasn't my intention. Perhaps I'm more tired
than I first
thought."
And though Maria's eyes glimmered with a memory of her tears, her face glowed
with a determination to relive happier times. So very different from Marée,
and yet so similar. Maria wasn't ashamed of her 'softness', and it perfectly
complemented her dedication to a life as a performer of opera, as well as
her determination to keep her eyes facing a better future. Yes, Maria was
brave and firm on a much more complete and balanced
level.
"Maria, I've missed your gentle soul," he said with a smile as he enfolded
her hand in his again. "I have only just now realized how
much."
Her smile was almost patient. "Yes, I believe you have, but only because
I am here with you now. Your heart is too wild and free to miss those women
you've left behind. Your ship fills the
emptiness."
Setzer found himself trapped by the truth of her statement. He chuckled.
"I never realized you knew me so well, Maria. It seems to me that you've
grown since I last met
you."
She flushed and lowered her gaze to their hands. "Yes, and many things I
learned because of your presence in my life. You taught me how to look at
life. How to live it instead of existing within it. My singing has broadened
because of that. Because of you." Maria released a musical giggle as she
raised her eyes to meet his. "I believe I have more of a spine than I did
before," she told him with twinkling
eyes.
Setzer's smile lightened his face. "This is a story I must
hear."
Maria nodded delicately and stood, pulling Setzer to his feet. "But let's
walk about the garden. All
right?"
He tucked her hand around his arm and into the nook of his elbow. "Today
is your day,
Maria."
She released a deep breath as she brought her other hand to his arm. "I love
the way that sounds. The timbre of your voice. The gentle way you say my
name. They remind me of a song, though I don't know which. Perhaps I never
learned it? Perhaps it's the song of you?" She sighed again and slightly
shook her
head.
"What is it?" he asked
gently.
"Oh, it's silly, but I wish I were not so cultured and delicate at times
such as these. Rambling on of romantic nonsense. It likely makes me sound
as if I have a head full of
nothing."
Setzer halted her, gently turning her to face him as he enfolded her upper
arms with his hands. "Maria, you should never be ashamed of who you are or
the gentleness of your soul. Don't you realize these are seen as a haven
for those people who come to hear you? Your voice and your very self lifts
their eyes and imbues their life with
loveliness."
Maria's eyes held his gaze. "But oh how I wish I would surrender to the fire
and passion raging within." She took his face in his hands. "At times I believe
it will consume me, taking control and doing that which I've wanted to do
for so
long
"
Setzer's blood roared in his ears at the light in her eyes, and his grip
tightened ever-so-slightly. When she lowered her eyes and hands, his breathing
came
easier.
"But that is not who I am. I cannot control or force or push or take," she
said, and her voice seemed sad. "My passion is my
song."
Setzer's hands caressed her arms to take up her hands. "Yes, your passion
is your song, but not how you believe. The song and the story you tell with
it are the outlet for your zeal and fire, Maria. You share it with those
around you using your gift of
song."
"Yet the one I wanted to share it with could not hear
it."
Setzer brought her hands to his lips. "That isn't true, Maria. I could hear
it, in my memories of you and our time together. Who else could have kept
me pushing onward? I remembered your fire, Maria. How could I
not?"
Maria continued to stare at the ground, and her very stance was hesitant
and uncertain. It creased Setzer's forehead with worry and tightened his
gentle grip on her hands. Finally, she slowly raised her eyes to his. The
look there made Setzer stop
breathing.
"Before you leave again
" Maria's voice faltered, as if she didn't want
to continue. But then the look in her eyes firmed and she pressed onward.
"Dearest Setzer, before you leave could you kiss me as you once did? Please.
Renew that memory for
me."
Setzer's smile was shaky. "Of course, Maria. Today is your day. Now,
come along and tell me the stories of your
life."
t
Dinner, spiced with the presence of Maria and his memories of her in both
past and present, was divine. Their shared laughter over shared memories
was intoxicating, spreading warmth through him that beat back the ache and
brightened his smile. She had changed, but only as a wine that is properly
aged. Maria had become more tangible. More complete. More desirable. Once
dinner in a secluded wing of the Opera House had resolved to lingering sips
of each other's voice as well as their champagne, they had adjourned to the
gardens to spend their last minutes amidst its quiet welcome. Now, as she
escorted him through the garden toward the gates, he dreaded to leave her
without further exploration of what she meant to
him.
"Time was always against us," Maria said in a silken tone of
regret.
He smiled slightly and caressed her hand as it rested so content in the nook
of his elbow. "Yes, but we did our best by it; taking what it gave us and
living it to the fullest
extent."
Maria sighed with a wistful smile. "We did, didnt we? Each moment has
a
memory."
Setzer unwrapped her hand from his arm to bring each slight finger to his
lips. "I will come again soon, Maria. The reminiscing has been enjoyable,
just as hearing of your new adventures has made me
laugh."
"I'm glad," she said softly. "You seemed so sad when I met you that first
time, after Darryl's passing. I never wanted to see that expression in your
eyes again." Maria looked over at him. "Yet when you visited me after such
a long time
I saw it again." Her voice hesitated as her scrutiny deepened.
"I'm glad you come to me when your soul aches. I'd give my life to take it
away."
Setzer's steps faltered and ceased as he continued to stare ahead, the sun
fading as other promises and duties pulled him away. His heart felt safe
with her; his soul insulated and warm because he knew her and she knew him.
A haven
"I wish I did not need to go," he said
quietly.
"So do I, but you must. The wind calls for you, dearest, and you must answer.
It's a part of
you."
Setzer faced her, still holding her hand as the other caressed her cheek
and moved to hold it. "You would tempt me to ignore it, songbird. If you
asked it, I would
stay."
Maria's pale-blue eyes shimmered with tears as she brought her free hand
up to pull his away. "I can't ask that of you," she told him in a choked
voice. "Dearest Setzer, who am I to anchor what should soar? Your soul is
free, and it is that which I
love."
Setzer gazed down into her pale face with quiet calm as his mind ceased all
workings and mysteries. Then, he brought his hands up to caress and cradle
the soft skin of her face. "I could easily love you,
songbird."
Maria's eyes fluttered closed. "And that would be enough," she
whispered.
A smile tickled Setzer's lips moments before lowering his hands to her shoulders
to place a caress of a kiss on each cheek. When his lips hovered near hers,
he resisted. He didn't want their kiss to be tainted by his memories of the
same with Marée. But Maria's gentle sob at their parting, the tickle
of her breath against his face, the fragrance of the flowers of her skin
and hair
it enticed his senses with the promise of
more.
And when their lips touched, his mind sparked with a joining of past and
present as a flame of memory and desire burned his lips and seared his skin.
A haven. Still more sobs broke through her lips as his mouth opened
slightly on hers, caressing and speaking to the soul that had begun to entwine
itself with his. A haven. Her arms encircled him and drew her warmth
closer as he enfolded her slight form with quivering arms. Nights of song,
mornings of laughter, days of passion and wholeness. A
haven.
Then Maria was tearing herself away, covering her mouth with her hands to
muffle the sobs as she turned and
ran.
"Maria!" He took a step after her, arm and hand extended. "Maria!" But she
had disappeared around the side of the Opera House, and moments later he
heard the back entrance slam closed.
"Maria
"
Setzer stared after her for a long moment of stillness and confusion as the
wind tickled his face and lifted his hair to dance in the air around him.
Then he turned and walked absently through the garden gates toward the Falcon,
his hands behind his back. Any thoughts couldn't break through the pleasant
turmoil of raw emotion and vivid memories. All he could process were the
feelings, the lingering burn, the feather-whisper of a memory of her lips.
Gods! finally broke through the passion that had sealed off his mind.
And what else could he
say?
Setzer gave the guards an absent nod as he boarded the Falcon and made his
way to his private office to change. Marée's portrait halted him in
the center of the room. He turned his head slightly to view it, feeling again
her overwhelming persona of freedom and control. Her force of
spirit.
Setzer looked away from it, staring at the floor at his feet a moment before
stepping toward his desk to retrieve his cards. He gazed down at the Esper
design and then gave the deck a one-handed shuffle. Then, with only a slight
hesitation, he turned the top card. Ace of Diamonds. Setzer smirked and set
the deck back onto his desk before stepping toward the portrait and tucking
the card into one corner of the frame. He stepped back from it and crossed
his arms, examining the portrait with a slight smile. She'd had her distraction.
True, the dice hadn't fallen the way they'd hoped, but she'd move on easily
enough to the next
adventure.
Setzer, on the other hand, had wandered enough. He was ready for a home
port.
t
Setzer noticed Edgar's intense scrutiny as he steered the Falcon away from
Kohlingen and set the heading for Mobliz. Relm and the children were below
exchanging stories and making up games that only children could imagine.
Edgar, not looking nearly as exhausted as Setzer had expected, had excused
himself to the flight deck after promising to show the boys his battle machines
a little later. Setzer smirked. The girls would be there too, but only because
many of them had already fallen victim to the king's natural
charm.
"Well?"
Setzer spared the king a quick look. "Well
what?"
Edgar crossed his arms as he leaned against the bow of the ship. "Don't attempt
that, gambler. Too often have I been the 'innocent' letch to believe
it."
Setzer laughed. "I had a nice escape from Lady Luck and her empty promises,
Edgar, if that's what you're
asking."
"Good." Edgar looked out toward the horizon. "I sincerely hope the view from
this open window was a pleasing
one."
A refreshing vision of Maria in her pale yellow gown with her twinkling smile
and caressing laughter brought a smile to his lips. "Yes. Yes, it
was."
"Again, good." Edgar changed his sharp eyes to Setzer's face. "Don't close
it too hastily this
time."
Setzer looked over at him.
"Pardon?"
Edgar smirked. "No, gambler, I don't know where you went or whose skirts
you ruffled, but I know your tendency to let the Fates guide your step. That
will be a hard habit to break. I'm only wanting to caution you against keeping
your hands on the window
sill."
Setzer chuckled and moved his eyes back to the horizon. "I believe that is
a reminder that should be voiced again from
time-to-time."
"I'll do my best, but the wedding will take most of my attention,
understand."
Setzer nodded, his lips still lifted with his smile. "Yes. I
understand."
"Good. I wouldn't want you to believe I'm purposefully snubbing you and the
others."
"I'm sure Locke and yourself will find a way to keep me involved. Locke has
already kept me and my ship busy with gathering supplies and things of that
sort for the ceremony and
reception."
"While I doubt I will have that particular need of you, I was to request
a
favor."
"A favor?" Setzer asked. "And what would that
be?"
"Terra wanted me to ask you to lead her up the
aisle."
Setzer looked quickly toward Edgar.
"What?"
Edgar laughed at the expression of disbelief. "Come, come, Setzer. You've
been a great friend to Terra and the children. It's only right that you be
the one to give her away. General Leo should have had the honor, of course,
but he's forced to watch the ceremony from
elsewhere."
Setzer moved his eyes back to the horizon as he adjusted his hold on the
wheel. "I don't know what to say, Edgar, besides 'yes'. Im
honored."
"Wonderful." Edgar chuckled. "You realize of course that the plot behind
the request was so that you would bring the lady that stands on the other
side of the open
window?"
Setzer laughed. "I should have expected that of
you."
"Now, now. I can't help my curious nature. Oh." Edgar reached out and cuffed
Setzer on the arm. "And you must come with Terra, Celes, Locke, and myself
to the new show at the Opera House. Terra will be allowed out of bed for
an entire evening within the next day or so. I plan on reserving a box at
the Opera House to make an outing of it. Haven't been there since we battled
the earth dragon. Remember? It will be a nice
change."
It was then Setzer realized he hadn't asked Maria about the performances
and her new role. His eyes were darkened with a momentary scowl before he
looked to Edgar. "A trip to the Opera will bring back certain enjoyable
memories," he said with a smile and a
twinkle.
Edgar laughed outright. "Yes, but this time restrain the kidnapping of the
star until the show has finished. I'm sure Terra and the rest of us would
appreciate a
resolve."
Setzer looked away, the smile firmly in place. "I assure you that I will
be on my best
behavior."
"Glad to hear it, as I'm sure the Impresario will be." Edgar paused, gauging
the gambler's profile. "Have you visited Maria since the failed attempt to
kidnap
her?"
"Once or twice," Setzer confessed
vaguely.
"No hard feelings
shared?"
Quite the contrary. "No hard feelings shared." And his spirit seemed
to relax a little more into the
possibility.
"Well that's a pleasant end to a botched kidnap of one's true love," Edgar
teased with another cuff on the
arm.
Setzer only
smiled.
t
"Impresario. Just the man I needed to
see."
The Impresario closed the double doors that led to the ground-floor seating
of the Opera House and approached Setzer with a smile. "Mr. Gabbiani! What
can I do for
you?"
Setzer came up to the man and encircled his broad shoulders with an arm as
he led him toward the front entrance of the Opera House. "I wondered if you'd
be so good as to make sure King Edgar of Figaro and his soon-to-be bride
were given complimentary reservations of a private box for a performance
within the next few days. He's told me that he'll be contacting you to do
that, and I don't want him to be charged. If that puts too much of a strain
on your budget, let me know and I'll cover the
cost."
The Impresario smiled as he gave a slight bow. "Of course, Mr. Gabbiani.
The king coming here? What an
honor."
"He'll also be bringing a friend, who will be bringing his fiancée.
I'm to be their guest, so I want no mention of my participation in the
arrangements of the box.
Understood?"
The Impresario nodded with a serious expression. "Of course not, Mr. Gabbiani.
Secrecy is of the utmost
importance."
"And have a bouquet of Veldt blossoms presented to Miss Terra Branford and
Miss Celes Chere respectively at the end of the
performance."
The Impresario's expression brightened with his returning smile. "Wonderful
idea, Mr. Gabbiani. Simply
wonderful.
"Again, no mention of my
involvement."
The impresario shook his head. "No, Mr.
Gabbiani."
Setzer smiled broadly and clapped the man on the back. "Thank you, Impresario.
Now." He looked over his left shoulder toward the stairs leading to Maria's
dressing room. "Is Maria available for a brief walk? Or
no?"
"I'm afraid not, Mr. Gabbiani. The performance this evening was only just
recently finished and Miss Maria always rests after the performance before
being taken to her private residence in
Jidoor."
Setzer's smile waned as he looked back to the Impresario. "Ah well, such
is to be expected. Tell her that I wished her well and will try to stop by
tomorrow afternoon for
lunch."
"Of course, Mr.
Gabbiani."
Setzer hesitated, tapping his lips with a finger before looking down at the
Impresario. "How was the performance this evening? Did it go
well?"
"Extremely so, Mr. Gabbiani. Miss Maria was in exceptionally rare form. Several
of the regular attendees commented on the stark difference between tonight's
performance and their previous
attendance."
Setzer's expression showed relief. "Offer her my congratulations when you
see her next, but don't tell her that I've plans to attend a performance
in the next few days. I wish to surprise her with a visit after the curtain
lowers."
"Of course, Mr. Gabbiani. My lips are
sealed."
"Good
man."
He clapped the Impresario on the back yet again and then strode from the
Opera House with a smile and a slight spring to his step. Allowing the apparent
romantic 'nonsense' of his relationship with Maria so much power was ridiculous
he knew, but the adventure of it was a temptation he didn't want to resist.
After all, he hadn't resisted the temptation to become embroiled in a passionate
side venture with Marée. Setzer knew he had fully intended to take
the intoxicating sea captain to his bed, though he knew nothing about her
save she was a woman with an intense fascination for air ships and a love
for power. Why shouldn't he follow the same desire for Maria? Didn't he know
much more about her than anyone
else?
Setzer gave a brusque nod and strode aboard his
airship.
"Sir?"
Setzer halted with his hand on the door to the main room and faced the guard
that had stepped forward. "Yes? What is
it?"
"Captain Marée is in your private
office."
Setzer's heart dropped to the soles of his feet and disappeared through the
floor to submerge into the earthen ground below. "Thank you," he said in
a quiet voice as he opened the door to the main
room.
Setzer took in a slow breath, then another, and a third as he crossed the
main room toward the door of his office. What he was to expect from her was
a mystery. What he was supposed to think and feel about her presence on his
ship was another mystery. Neither one he wanted to solve, though now it seemed
he had little or no
choice.
Edgar was right; Lady Luck was a
tease.
Setzer gave a deep sigh and reached out for the handle, twist and push, and
then he was in his office. Marée was lounged back in his seat behind
his desk with her long legs propped up on the desk blotter. She lifted her
head at his entrance, and her aquamarine eyes zeroed in on his silver ones
as she paused her play with his dagger
letter-opener.
Her expression was guarded.
"Captain."
Setzer's pace to the desk was steady and deliberate and his mind was distant,
surprisingly insulated. "Marée. To what do I owe the honor of this
visit?"
Marée's eyes gauged his stance and expression. "First, I wanted to
say 'I'm sorry' for hitting you in the face. Twice. I've got a bit of a temper
when I don't get what I want when I want
it."
Setzer's eyebrow twitched. An apology was the last thing he'd expected. "While
I appreciate it, I understand why you reacted the way you did. I deserved
it."
She pointed the dagger at him. "Yes. You did." Then she lowered it as she
continued to watch his face. "Second, I wanted
" Her gaze darkened as
she lowered it back to the dagger. "I wanted you to give it another go. I'd
hate myself 'til the second coming of Kefka if I didn't try. We felt
damn right together, Setzer. You know it, too. We clicked." She pinpointed
his eyes with hers. "People like us don't click with just
anyone."
Setzer lowered himself into the chair across from his desk, his eyes couldn't
release hers. Oh gods
"No, I suppose we
don't."
Marée submerged the tip of the dagger into the desk blotter and leaned
slightly forward. "You said you were tired. Maybe that's what the problem
was. Relm said you and a bunch of others had just got Terra out of a fix
and it was touch-and-go with her for a while. Maybe that was it. Maybe you
think I'm the one who gave the guy his stuff. I don't know. Maybe I'm just
after you because you're the first man to say 'not yet' and then 'no'. I
don't know that either. All I know is I want you, Setzer. Like a storm on
the ocean, you make my blood
roar."
Setzer finally lowered his eyes from hers, those compelling and entrancing
reasons to lock the door and surrender
"And what then, Marée?
After the roar has quieted and the fire has waned; when I've become yet another
face on your wall of conquests and adventures, what
then?"
Marée kicked back again. "Who gives a curdled care? We'll have had
the adventure. Besides, who says it'll fade? Didn't I tell you I would have
dropped any other man who pushed my buttons like you did? I haven't, have
I? Here I am. My tight little ass in your chair asking you to show
me what you're made
of."
Setzer raised his eyes to hers, but his soul balked. "There's more to this
gambler captain than the pleasure I give to a woman in bed,
Marée."
One side of her lips tilted. "Let's find out just how much more. I'm up to
the adventure. What about
you?"
Setzer actually frowned with a flash of annoyance. "And after I satisfy that
need? What next? A quick fix here; a snatch of passion there; a planned day
with whispered encouragements at the height of passionate moaning? Shallow
snatches of conversation as we strip off our clothes and fulfill the other's
lust for meaningless intimacy? What is that but sallow and empty adventure
adventure? Bah! More an addiction than an adventure, in my
mind."
Marée's face hardened as her eyes sparked. "You better watch what
you say and how you say it,
captain."
Setzer pulled at the reins of his temper. "I don't mean it as an insult,
Marée. We must each live our life as we feel we need to live it, but
as for me? Distractions and futureless ecstasies are pointless. I thought
perhaps you could be a haven of sorts for me when I'd had enough of the
wandering, but I see now that you aren't finished with your own wanderlust.
There are more adventures waiting for you." He stood. "I'm sorry, Marée,
but my ship and I need a home port. A haven to rest our weary souls. It's
unfair of me to expect that from
you."
Marée gauged him for a long and intense moment before standing and
making her way close beside him. Her eyes sparkled with a chorus of desires
and promises, just as her lips did. "One last chance, captain. I heard what
you said, but I think it's dragon piss. You've an adventurer's heart. Your
soul longs for freedom. Why would you willingly
anchor-"
"No anchor," Setzer corrected. "Only a place to call home. A dock to return
to each journey's end. A welcoming
port."
Marée took hold of the lapels of his coat and pulled him close; so
close her chest pressed against him with each breath and her warmth tickled
his skin with memories. "I can be pretty damned welcoming, captain, and I
think my ship could be a hell of a good
home."
Setzer covered her hands with his and pulled them free from his coat, resisting
the itch of temptation. "It isn't enough, Marée. I thought it would
be at one time, but
" He shook his head and stepped back. "I'm a gambler,
Marée. It's all or nothing. I've placed my bet. I want it
all."
Her eyes sparked with temper. "You want what? Three screaming brats grabbing
your legs when you try to escape to the air? A woman that doesn't trust you
out of her sight and questions every little thing you do? Time schedules
and rules? Demands
and-"
"Yes." And the answer shocked Setzer to the
core.
Marée blinked and leaned slightly backward in surprise.
"What?"
"I want the woman who cares enough to question. I want the children that
symbolize a family begun with love, trust, and intimacy. I want the
responsibility that would come with the family I chose to have. Can't you
see the constant adventure of that, Marée? The newness each day? The
challenge to surprise those that know you so
well?"
Marée closely scrutinized his face as her eyes narrowed. Finally,
the expression on her face relaxed and she passed him to the exit. Setzer
turned and watched her. "You've spoken yourself into certain doom, captain.
Good
luck."
"And to you, Marée. I will never regret our time
together."
She scoffed and slammed the door closed behind her. Setzer, however, lowered
himself carefully into his chair and clutched at his desk as the pictures
of his 'doom' began to solidify. The adventure he'd chosen would be more
terrifying and more challenging than any other in his
life.
So again, Setzer found himself in his private office staring at his reflection
in the mirror as he adjusted his vest and coat as well as the sleeves of
his collarless and ruffle-less shirt. In the back part of his mind he wondered
at Maria's reaction to their kiss the day before, but then the promise of
the coming meeting would push it further away. He'd made a decision against
what Lady Luck seemed to have planned. It was an exhilarating burst of
independence and freedom. He had an untested and untraveled road of adventure
ahead of him and he was taking it of his own volition. It was a new type
of
gamble.
Setzer adjusted the collar of his jacket and then gave his reflection a nod
before leaving the office, making his way across the main room, and then
heading toward the exit. "No visitors, gentlemen," he told them as he
passed.
"Yes,
captain."
And then Setzer was heading the few yards toward the Opera House. Instead
of entering, he did as her previously received note had asked and veered
toward the gardens. The gate was closed and a note was attached with a bit
of pale blue ribbon. He untied the ribbon with a slight smile and unfolded
the
note.
'Dearest Setzer, I know how you enjoy a mystery and a puzzle. So, I've placed three clues in different places throughout the Opera House for you to find and use in the solving of this mystery: Where am I? Your first, dearest, is simple: go to that place where memories of laughter and tears are protected by visions of the Espers and encircled by the arms of the earth.'
Setzer folded the note again, chuckling as he tucked it into the inside pocket
of his suit-coat. While he didn't enjoy puzzles and mysteries to the extent
of Locke - who seemed to thrive on them - he did enjoy the challenge, especially
if there was a prize to be won. And what a
prize.
"All right, Maria. I'll take your challenge." He lowered his gaze to the
ground as he crossed an arm and rested the other's elbow in the palm. "'Where
memories of laughter and tears...' Hmm." Setzer pushed open the gate and
began to walk absently forward. "Laughter, tears, Espers, and earth
" He tapped his lips with a finger. Visions
Arms
When he'd gone a great distance into the garden, his finger paused their
action as his eyes focused on the gazebo to his left. Laughter. Tears.
But Espers and earth? Setzer stepped toward the gazebo; his feet paused
on the first step. He leaned to the left, looking around and to the side
of the gazebo. The walkway completely circled it and the marble of the walk
could be considered 'of earth'. Setzer's lips twitched. Three of the
four... Setzer raised his eyes to the roof of the gazebo - that which
would protect us... A mural of Espers was painted there. And number
four. So, he stepped the remaining way into the gazebo, making his way
to the center bench they'd shared before. Another note was there, affixed
under the bench with a long piece of gray ribbon wrapped around the seat.
He untied it and unfolded the
note.
One more clue, dearest, and then we'll be together to laugh and sing as we once did.'
Setzer's smile broadened as he folded up the note, tucked it safely with
the other, and then stepped down from the gazebo to make his way to the back
entrance of the Opera House. Memories flowed like the swift currents of the
now-dry Nikeah Serpent Trench, compelling him forward to the main stage and
the visions of scenes from plays and songs from choruses written specifically
for her angelic voice and her unique style of
performing.
A third note was center stage and propped on a piano. He took it up and opened
it with an eager tightening of his throat and
chest.
'You kidnapped my soul while leaving my heart. You stole away my hope while leaving my life. Where am I?'
Setzer's smile faded to a frown as he reread the note and again. He looked
up, tapping the paper against his hand in a steady thwap, thwap, thwap. The
clue could be both literal or figurative, but even so what did it mean? Setzer
reluctantly smiled. You've pushed my wit to the brink with this one, Maria.
Well done. He tucked the note away and turned to face upstage, rocking
back on his heels as he clenched his hands behind him. He moved again to
the balls of his feet and began again, scrutinizing the stage in hopes it
would give him another clue. Then the memories began to grow of a performance
halted and the star stolen
away-
Setzer's hands dropped to his sides and he strode forward, retracing his
steps back through the Opera House and the gardens as he made his way back
to the Falcon. Maria had set up a blanket and a picnic basket outside the
entrance. Setzer smiled. The guards had likely kept her from preparing it
on board, just as ordered. I'm sorry, Maria. I didn't intend to spoil
your
surprise.
Maria looked up and smiled, gracefully standing to her feet before gliding
toward him. She was dressed in dark green with yellow ribbons and lace decorating
the bodice and skirt of the gown. Her hair was up and glistened with gems
and pearls that sparkled in the sun as well as reflecting in her eyes. She
was both entrancing and
captivating.
Setzer took hold of her hands and brought each to his lips before leaning
within the warmth of her inviting persona and kissing her cheek. "Thank you
for the adventure, songbird. It was fun to delve into those
memories."
Maria's eyes shone and the smile brightened her already radiant features.
"I'm so glad." She held one hand and loosed the other to motion toward the
Falcon. "They wouldn't allow me aboard, so I planned a picnic
instead."
Setzer gave her hand a squeeze. "I apologize for that, my dear. They were
following
orders."
Maria laughed. "It's all right, dearest. I've made the most of the difficulty.
See?"
Setzer nodded as he steadied her descent to the blanket. He sat close to
her left. "I do. I haven't had a picnic since our last. Do you remember?
I took you aboard my ship and whisked you away to Thamasa. We picnicked near
the shore where we could see Ebot's
Rock."
Maria nodded and rested a hand on Setzer's arm with a giggle. "And you told
me a ghost story that gave me
nightmares."
"That's right. I had forgotten." He watched her laughing eyes and lips as
she served him some varying foods from her basket. "That was the first night
we spent together, on my ship. You didn't want to be
alone."
Her cheeks flushed ever so slightly, but she didn't raise her eyes from the
duty of filling his plate. "I still don't," she said
softly.
Setzer's smile was slight as he laid on his side, an elbow raising his torso
as he watched her movements that seemed a dance. Her face, so perfect and
calm. Her mouth, forever lilted upward in a smile. Her eyes, sparkling with
intelligence and wit. "Have you always been this lovely, Maria?" he asked
as he accepted his plate from her. "I'm willing to wager such isn't the case.
The life you've had apart from me has added to your beauty and
fascination."
The blush deepened as her eyes momentarily held his. They retreated to her
plate. "My heart is already yours, Setzer," she said in a quiet tone, "there's
no need to purchase it with more
flatteries."
Setzer chuckled and set aside his plate. Then he took hers, set it also aside,
and adjusted his position so that his head was in the soft folds of her skirt
within her lap. "Do you remember, songbird, the hours we would spend such
as this? Your song lulling me to adventures of the
imagination?"
Maria smiled, and the look caressed his soul. She lightly touched the hair
free from his forehead. "How could I forget moments such as those,
dearest?"
Setzer reached up to take her hand and pressed the fingers to his lips. "Sing
me a song," he whispered against them. "Sing me a song, little bird, of adventure
and passion. Of love and longing. Of loss and mourning. Sing me a song from
your
soul."
Maria brought her other hand up to caress his face and the scar as she took
in a deep breath, gathering the notes and intensity needed to fulfill the
request. And then she opened her mouth and sang. Haunting melodies imbued
with passion and life. Crescendos and sustains of mourning and loss. Ringing
tones that pierced his soul with emotion and bombarded his mind with the
pictures their words painted. Setzer closed his eyes and drank it in, absorbing
it into himself to fill that place he'd forgotten was
empty.
Setzer's soul overflowed, but her song continued. Bringing agony and pain;
bringing discovered love and joy; bringing betrayal and rage all in the contents
of her songs. It was radiant. Intoxicating. All-consuming. It could be his.
Setzer opened his eyes to meet hers as her mezzo-soprano richness began the
Aria di Mezzo Careterre. The love song of the opera when they had first met.
The words, so tragic yet hopeful, were mirrored in her eyes as she sang;
a confession to her feelings in his absence. It revived the
ache.
A tear escaped her pale eyes and he caught it in his hand. She answered the
action with a smile as she continued to sing; to seduce his soul with the
fire from hers. To share that part of her without hesitation or remorse.
Setzer smiled up at her and caressed her cheek and lips. And still she sang,
promising unknown things if only he would ask. I will ask, my songbird.
I will ask. But the time wasn't right. Not yet. She deserved
perfection, and perfection was one thing he wouldn't gamble
with.
The power of the song lingered as her voice sustained and softened to a tickle
of a dramatic memory. Setzer continued to gaze up into that lovely face,
held by its visions and passions and eyes of longing and quiet agony. Mesmerized
by the pale blueness that wept and burned in the same moment of intensity
and comfortable silence. Then, when he believed his soul couldnt withstand
a moment more, she looked away to their clasped hands. The sadness in her
face
heightened.
What is it, songbird? Setzer asked in his velvet
baritone.
Another tear escaped and Setzers eyes darkened as he frowned with concern.
He sat up and turned, tipping her chin up with a tender touch under her chin.
She closed her eyes as another group of tears glistened on her
cheeks.
Maria? Whats troubling you? She shook her head without
a word, lifting her chin from his touch and facing away from him. Setzer
examined her profile, paled and distressed. He caressed her cheek free from
the tears, but more took their place. What have I said or done to cause
this reaction? Tell me.
Please.
Its not you, dearest, she said in a choked voice.
Ive done this to myself. I chose this path, though I had a
fear
She finished the statement with another shake of her head
as she brought a trembling hand to her
face.
Setzer was at a loss, and his expression showed as much.
Maria-
Maria shook her head again, interrupting his push for an explanation as she
turned toward him. She took his face in her hands with a choked sob and pressed
her lips against his. Then she freed his mouth and buried her face in his
neck and shoulder as her arms pulled him close. Dont question,
she begged in a broken voice. Please, dearest, dont question.
Just hold me close. Dont let me go. Dont leave, lest the happiness
weve found vanish
And then there was just the soul-twisting
echo of her sobs as she trembled against
him.
Setzer held her tight, pressing his lips against her hair as he caressed
her back. I will stay, he whispered in her
ear.
Marias hands clenched the lapels of his jacket. Why? she
whispered brokenly. Why did I ever
? But she refused to
finish the thought, another shake of her head her only
response.
Maria, dont do this. I am here. You are with me. Ive no
intention of leaving, save to allow you to perform those operas that are
your passion and soul. My wandering is done and Ive chosen you and
your soul as my haven. And he hoped those words would take away the
agony that he heard in her voice and had seen in her
eyes.
She pulled back, releasing his jacket to raise glimmering eyes to his and
caress the hair from his face. Then she tenderly stroked the skin of his
cheeks. This face. This scar. How Ive dreamed of having it as
my own, as it was for those glorious weeks before
She sniffed
and leaned forward to touch his cheeks with her lips in a mere hint of herself.
Then she again pressed her lips against his as her fingers continued to caress
his face. I dont want to hurt you, dearest Setzer, she
whispered against
them.
Setzers arms tightened around her, increasing the pressure of his lips
against hers in a promise of a future that hed do his best to give
to her. Her hands left his face as her arms encircled his neck, drawing herself
closer as her soul spoke to his. Occasionally he believed he felt a slight
sob shake her body, but the fire of her soul and the fervor of her persona
would push it away and coax him to a more passionate kiss as memory and mouth
moved together. Delights. Touches. Lingering caresses. Songs of wholeness.
Welcoming smiles. Encouragement. A
haven.
A
home.
Setzer slowly released her soul and mouth and lips and stared down into her
flushed face with parted lips and haggard breath. I love you, Maria.
Gods, how I love you, he confessed in a hoarse voice. He touched her
cheeks and then her lips with his, closing his eyes to relish the touch and
the feeling and the gamble in the
confession.
Do you have the
tickets?
Edgar patted the left inside pocket of his black suit in response to
Setzers question as they made their way through the halls of Figaro
castle to the west wing where Celes and Terra were dressing for dinner and
the visit to the Opera that evening. Relm was in charge of the children,
but had made a point of letting them know how upset she was not to be going
with
them.
Dinner is ready? Edgar
asked.
Setzer nodded. In the main room. Elegantly done, even if I do say so
myself.
Edgar chuckled. Im sure it is. And Locke? What is he up
to?
Locke is grumbling about being put in charge of gathering the blossoms
from the Kohlingen boutique for the
ladies.
Well if hed done it sooner, he could have escorted Celes
to the airship, Edgar said between hardy
laughs.
What I told him
exactly.
I suppose it doesnt matter. Celes and Terra likely feel weve
traveled back to old times and are making this outing as a group of friends.
Which we are, of
course.
Setzer chuckled. Of
course.
Edgar sent him a sidelong glance. You dont seem to be bothered
much going
stag.
Why should I be? Im among friends. Im off to see what should
be an enjoyable performance.
And
And Maria holds your favor once
again.
Setzer smiled and sent Edgar a twinkling glance. Why do you say
that?
The expression currently on your face brings to mind Lockes attitude
when in the presence of or when thinking of
Celes.
Not much of a poker
face?
Edgar smiled and looked away with a shake of his head. No. Not much
at all, but I dare say thats all right. We botched your experience
with her once, so you might as well attempt it
again.
I
have.
Edgar looked again to Setzer, and his expression was clearly curious.
Forgive me for prying, Setzer, but Im dying to
know.
And Setzers easy smile remained as they mounted the steps to the
ladies room and stood to wait outside their door. Much to my
surprise - and youre sworn to secrecy, Edgar - I believe Ive
found a port for this wandering gambler and his
ship.
Edgar blinked and then smiled broadly as he cuffed Setzer on the arm.
Im happy for you, Setzer. Truly. Does Maria
know?
Yes. I told her
yesterday.
Yesterday? Gods, man. How long have you been courting the
woman?
Setzer chuckled. We had a previous history, Edgar. I simply decided
to take it up
again.
And she was more than willing, it
seems.
Setzers smile faded to a whisper before vanishing altogether. He crossed
his arms and lowered his gaze as Edgar knocked on the door to let the ladies
know they were there. She has loved me all this time, he said,
awed. While I have been engrossed in my own adventures and the thrill
of the game, shes survived her misery with the remnants of a once-bright
passion. Setzer shook his head. Im truly lucky that torture
didnt lessen the brightness and gentleness of who she
is.
Edgar regarded Setzer for a silent moment before gripping his shoulder.
The women of our hearts and souls often have a greater strength than
we could possibly
imagine.
Setzer lifted his eyes with a reluctant smile. This Ive most
definitely found true. Shes intoxicating, Edgar. Compelling
and
The door opened and the men were surrounded by loveliness and laughter as
well as choruses of how they were surely the most handsome men in Figaro
Kingdom. Setzer and Edgar both laughed as they motioned the ladies away from
the door and down the steps into the hallways of Figaro castle that would
lead to the
Falcon.
Terra was dressed in a floor-length gown of deep red velvet with small and
white embroidered blossoms randomly stitched throughout. The same white blossoms
were randomly threaded into the curls and braids of her pale green hair.
The cut of the bodice was off the shoulders, but an arch of lace in the front
concealed any hint of indecency. Setzer smirked and looked
away.
Celes was a vision of pale yellow silk with white lace and green ribbon.
Her long blonde hair was a random arrangement of curls and braids, as was
Terras, but where Terras was up, Celes was down and free
to tease the air. Neither was her bodice so modestly decorated with lace.
Locke would be very surprised - to silence more than likely - for a full
10
seconds.
This is so exciting, Terra said, breathless with
anticipation.
Youve led a sheltered life, lovelight, and this is but the first
of many adventures we will have. Together, Edgar responded, taking
her hand and wrapping it around his
arm.
Terras smile brightened her face, but it couldnt compare to the
flush of her cheeks or the love that shined in her violet eyes. Edgar,
could we bring the children next time? I know they wont understand
it, but theyll love the adventure and the heroic fights of sword and
magic.
Celes and Setzer exchanged looks and smiles that both seemed to admit how
adorable the couple
was.
Of course we can bring the children. I dare say the Impresario would
be willing to arrange a matinee for
them.
Terra looked away with a continued bright smile. That would be so much
fun, especially if we could have a
tour.
Edgar looked over at Setzer. What do you think, gambler? Should we
arrange
it?
I believe that would be a grand
idea.
You can wait until after the wedding, if you want to, Terra told
him with a sudden expression of seriousness. Youre already doing
so
much.
And now I will do more. Your children will soon be mine as well, Terra.
Ive no qualms with getting to know them
better.
Terras eyes glimmered, which turned them an intriguing shade of purple.
Th-Thank you, she
whispered.
Edgar patted her hand after a quick glance to Celes and Setzer, who both
happened to be smirking at the stone floor at their
feet.
Its my pleasure, Terra, he said finally, and his tone was
regretful.
Setzer laughed, attracting Edgar and Terras attention. Kiss her,
man, and be done with the
waiting.
Terra flushed, Edgars ears burned, and Celes desperately tried not
to giggle. Edgar didnt argue Setzers demand and Terra didnt
protest the fond caress of lips on cheek near her
mouth.
Finally, Setzer breathed in mock
relief.
Edgar laughed this time, and Terra smiled as she lowered her eyes. Oh
Setzer, leave us alone, she said with her smile in her
voice.
And have no fun at all this evening? Thats not a very
nice thing to ask of a
man.
Terra giggled softly and moved her hand to clench Edgars. Edgar caressed
the back of it with his
thumb.
Does anyone have any idea what the Opera is about? Celes asked
as they exited Figaro
castle.
Edgar shook his head with a glance toward Setzer. Didnt ask.
Terribly
sorry.
Oh, its all right, Celes told him. I was just curious.
Ive heard its one of the Impresarios
best.
Edgar nodded. Ive heard the same. In fact, I believe the performances
have been sold out each night since it
opened.
Wow, Terra breathed. How
exciting.
Edgars face softened as he met her wide eyes. Isnt it?
And the Impresario was kind enough to reserve us the private box for no charge
to my
person.
For all five of
us?
Indeed. He said he couldnt think of accepting my money when
wed done so much for him
already.
Edgar, can we do something else for
him?
Setzer motioned for Celes to board ahead of him, as he knew Locke would be
waiting inside. Setzer wanted to remain behind and watch the fascinating
relationship of Edgar and
Terra.
Why of course, lovelight, Edgar answered as they paused at the
foot of the ramp. What did you have in
mind?
Setzer leaned against the frame of the entry to the Falcon with a slight
smile and crossed
arms.
Well, couldnt we donate an addition to his Opera House? For a
childrens
theatre?
A childrens theatre? What a splendid
idea.
And we could help him supply the staff and let people know about it
when its complete, so that he doesnt have to worry about
it.
Edgar chuckled and drew her close for a fond embrace. I see I will
have a difficult time keeping you distant from the business of Figaro, my
sweet.
Im
sorry.
Dont be, he soothed as he pushed gently back. He caressed
a curl from her cheek and kissed her briefly. I believe the prospect
of sharing a throne with an Esper angel such as yourself will be a pleasure.
Im glad of your
interest.
Setzer chuckled with a slight shake of his head. Come, come, love birds.
Dinner
awaits.
Terra raised herself up on tiptoes and pressed her lips against Edgars.
When she pulled away, she looked up into his face with a girlish smile and
giggled. Then she took his hand and pulled him aboard. Setzer followed with
another shake of his head and another
chuckle.
t
Anticipation and eagerness to see Maria on stage nearly throttled Setzer
as he piloted the Falcon toward the Opera House after dinner. Of course,
he knew the reason he was so expectant was due to his decision that afternoon.
With the money he had accumulated from cargo runs and poker games he was
going to buy her a house. Or build her a house. Or buy her a ship. Whatever
she wanted and wherever she wanted it. Then, that would be their home. His
haven and her retreat. Their sanctuary to enjoy each other before returning
to the lives they loved to
lead.
Setzer could hardly wait to see the look on her
face.
The Falcon arrived at the Opera House and Setzer took her down, anchoring
her with a slight jostle and a grimace. Locke would make a comment. But Setzer
set it aside with a shrug as he switched off the engine and headed below.
What does it matter? Im about to watch my songbird perform on
stage.
Giggles and laughter tickled his ears as he descended the stairs and he relaxed
into a smile. Yes, life was good. Kefka was dead. Ledo was gone. And
Marée? Setzer felt regret. He hoped she found a haven as he had.
She was an intoxicating person and a bright spirit. She deserved happiness
and wholeness the same as
Maria.
Setzer gave a slight shake of his head and fully descended the stairs. Locke
was helping Celes to her feet from one couch on the west side of the room.
Edgar and Terra, however, were laughing and giggling respectively over the
billiard table as he attempted to teach her the game. Setzer knew that Edgar
was quite adept at billiards and pool, much to his surprise. In fact, the
gambler had lost a fair share of pride and money to the king of
Figaro.
Weve landed at the Opera House, ladies and gentlemen, and yes,
Locke, I realize I gave you a bit of a bump. I
apologize.
Locke shrugged it off with a smile as he clasped Celes hand and brought
it to his lips. No big deal. Were here. Were together.
And Ive got the best looking ex-general of the Imperial Army on my
arm. Who cares about
landings?
Setzer chuckled. I cant say I disagree. Shall
we?
The banter was light-hearted and fun, mixed with remember when
anecdotes that had the girls nearly in tears from laughter. Celes took the
teasing in stride of whether or not she would perform in Marias stead,
smiling and laughing and assuring them that if she did it would be more a
comedy than a drama. Terra protested, saying Celes had a lovely voice, and
Locke heartily agreed. Which of course earned him a short kiss then and a
look that gave him a promise of a longer one later that
evening.
Locke grinned a bit
stupidly.
They arrived at the Opera House entrance, again commenting on the previous
adventures had there and how it would be fun to be there simply for the opera.
Then the Impresario arrived, bowing low and greeting them all with a wide
smile and a welcoming grasp. He ushered them upstairs as he inquired after
their health and offered congratulations to their future marriage, giving
them heart-felt well-wishings while extricating a promise from them to return
soon after the blessed event for a special performance by Maria. They agreed,
of course, and then entered the box with laughing smiles among themselves
as he assured them it was the best box in the
House.
Then he was gone and the quint was laughing and chuckling while imitating
his varying postures, voices, and
gestures.
Id forgotten what a character he was, Locke said as he
shook his
head.
Yes, but he has done wonders for the Opera House and its performers,
Edgar
admitted.
And they all
agreed.
They took their seats, with Setzer sitting directly between the couples.
The quint had only just made themselves comfortable when the house lights
flashed and then dimmed. The conductor in the orchestra pit lifted his baton,
directing the attention of audience and orchestra-player alike, and then
gave the tempo and the intro beat. The entire audience seemed to draw in
a breath, and then the overture began, drawing the audience into the story
with the fast-paced music and the intensity of their performance of it. It
rose the expectation and eagerness of the viewers until they were waiting
with bated breath for the performance of the opera and the telling of the
story.
As the orchestra began the final measures, the curtain started to rise. Setzer
found himself leaning slightly forward with an odd tightening to his chest.
But when the deep mahogany velvet curtain had risen and the spotlight shined
on the main characters, Setzer thought something must have gone terribly
wrong. He rubbed at his eyes and blinked, not even focusing on the lovely
voice that rang with life and freedom and sang of her adventures on the sea.
All he could think was that he had to be sleeping, or in the wrong Opera
House, or victim to some sick
joke.
The scene played out, all the while with Setzer sitting in his seat in
dumbfounded amazement as his mind stuttered and spluttered. The lights came
up and Setzer paled, sitting back in his seat as disbelief, astonishment,
and shock mutated to betrayal and a slowly building rage. A lie. It was
a lie. And that was all his mind would
say.
The power of the song seared his soul with a cold fire of distance as his
eyes hardened and his face darkened. He slunk lower into his seat as the
rage overflowed and consumed his thoughts and reason. The lights of scene
two dimmed and Setzer bolted to his
feet.
Setzer? Edgar looked up at the gambler as he began to make his
way to the exit of the box. Intermission isnt until--
Ill wait for you aboard the Falcon, Setzer said in a flat
voice.
Edgar stood with a whispered reassurance to Terra and followed after him.
What is it, man? he whispered. Whats
wrong?
Setzers eyes and face were harder and colder than granite or marble
as he faced Edgar. Edgar took a step back. Ive played this game,
Edgar. Ill wait for you aboard the Falcon, Setzer pressed through
clenched
teeth.
And he turned and strode away, pushing through the doors, taking the stairs
two at a time, and stalking through the front foyer to slam past the front
doors and into the evening chill beyond. A lie. It was a lie. And
those seemed the words that sealed his own doom. How could she
?
Why? But the answers to the questions wouldnt come. They wouldnt
be heard or thought or attempted. All he could see was her face; her hair;
the costume, and the persona that had so completely bewitched
him.
The betrayal and rage clashed together and twisted his face into a melted
cacophony of anguish, humiliation, and confusion as he strode aboard the
Falcon. He stalked through the main room and slammed into his office, tearing
off his jacket and throwing it aside as he loosed the ruffle at his throat
and unfastened the button beneath it. He strode to the chair behind his desk
and threw himself into it, kicking his feet up onto the desk as he grabbed
a deck of cards. He tore them from the box and began to shuffle, working
the cards so quickly between two hands and then one that his fingers were
a
blur.
Setzers silver eyes focused on nothing as he replayed their moments
together, searching for hints and clues that could have revealed before what
he knew now. Damn! And he slammed his fist onto the desk before kicking
back and standing to make his way to the window to glare out, and still he
shuffled his
cards.
t
Setzer!
The voice broke through the dark wall of rage the same instant it fed it
more power. Setzer didnt turn his gaze from the window as quick steps
approached, pausing only moments outside his door before opening it and stepping
inside with rushed steps. He clenched his hands together behind
him.
Setzer, came the choked voice,
I--
Setzer turned sharply then, his eyes a seething fire of rage and hurt.
Marée-Maria stood before him. Still in her costume of blue trousers,
thin silken blouse, and dark jacket with braidwork and silver. The rage swelled
and broke the restraints, making him stalk around the desk and grab her tightly
by the arm. Then he dragged her from the room, Ignoring her assurances and
pleadings for forgiveness. He dragged her through the main room, his hand
a vise on her arm as she fought and resisted. Still she stammered and pleaded,
and still he shut it out. He dragged her through the exit and threw her out
ahead of
him.
Marée-Maria tumbled to the ground, looking up at him with tousled
dark hair and streaked make-up moments before he slammed the door closed.
The sound rang hollow and
empty.
t
What the hell is going on? Locke demanded as he stormed
into Setzers
office.
Setzer sat rigid in his chair. His mind blank. His soul cold. His heart dead
within. He didnt look up. He didnt blink. He only shuffled his
cards.
Edgar followed a few steps after Locke, his expression more controlled and
definitely more puzzled. Celes and Terra entered soon after him. Setzer?
Whats wrong? Did you find the opera
offensive?
Offensive? How? Locke demanded as he faced Edgar. It was
funny. It was moving. It was the best damned opera Ive ever seen!
He whirled on Setzer. Whats the big idea roughing up Maria when
she came to visit
you?
Setzer slammed his fist onto his desk as a crack formed in the careful wall
around his thoughts and feelings. When he spoke, his voice was devoid of
depth or feeling. Do not say that name in my
presence.
Edgar and Terra exchanged a worried look. Locke raised an eyebrow. Celes
regarded Setzers expression with silent
intensity.
Edgar stepped forward, resting a hand on Lockes shoulder to urge him
to step back.
Setzer
Get
out.
What?
Setzer raised glazed eyes to the young kings face. Fly the Falcon
to Figaro and then get
out.
Edgar gave a slow nod and turned, ushering the others out with a slight shake
to his head when they looked about to ask a question. The door closed behind
them and Setzer lowered his eyes back to the desk as his hand continued to
shuffle the cards. He paused and took the top card with a wince. Ace of Diamonds.
The name of the ship on the stage. He slid the card back into the deck and
again began shuffling. Why? But the answers werent his to give.
He was left to wonder and sift through the ashes to try and find a little
bit of life left to
live.
Setzer glowered across from him at the portrait as the night sounds of the
desert of Figaro beckoned for him to release his anger and relent. He kept
the portrait as a reminder. Of betrayal? Of the passion? Of the complete
lie? He didn't know and he didn't ask. All he did was glower and shuffle
his cards. Shuffle and glare. Adjust his position, take a drink, glare, and
shuffle. Courting his fate. Seducing his
doom.
There was a
knock.
Setzer didn't blink, move, or stop
shuffling.
Another
knock.
Setzer's glare deepened into a complete twist and taint of his face and the
love of life and adventure that had been so prevalent at one time.
Why? And the question goaded
him.
Tap-tap
Setzer moved his glare to his cards - tattered, worn, and ugly - and flipped
the top card. Deuce of
Hearts.
The door
opened.
"What do you want?" Setzer asked harshly without looking
up.
Thoughtful silence and then a cautious step forward. "Setzer, you need to
talk to
her."
Setzer raised his eyes to meet the open and honest ones of Terra, who'd spoken,
and Edgar, who was standing directly behind in a showing of support. The
sight was a torture and a promise of something he would never have. He lowered
his gaze back to the cards, slipping the deuce back into the deck. It split
one corner and loosed another card: Ace of Diamonds. He flinched and looked
away.
"Stay out of
this."
"We can't," Edgar said. "You're a friend, Setzer. A close one. We would be
doing you an injustice if we didn't come to you
with
"And that was her responsibility," he countered with flashing eyes
as they met Edgar's, "not yours. Leave it
alone."
Edgar gave a firm shake of his head. "No. You're basing a judgment on incomplete
information. That is
unfair."
"Incomplete information?" Setzer repeated as he stood from the couch. He
stepped forward and jabbed an accusing finger in Edgar's face. "You provided
me that information, Edgar, as did she. Choices were made and paths were
followed because of
it."
"And that is why you need to speak with her. To question her choices and
offer her the chance to explain. The information I received was tainted by
hear-say and word-of-mouth. You must
allow
Setzer made a harsh motion with his arm. "No more lies will be allowed,"
he said in a menacing tone. "She made her decision, as I have." He stalked
to his desk and lowered himself into the chair, kicking his feet up onto
it as he leaned back. He retrieved another deck of cards from a drawer to
his right and tossed the others aside. "Get
out."
"Setzer
"Get out." And Setzer's eyes sparked a
warning.
Edgar took in a deep breath and released it with a shake of his head before
turning away. He motioned for Terra to precede him, but she shook her head
with glistening eyes. Edgar leaned forward to whisper a few phrases in her
ear, held her gaze with a meaningful expression, and then again motioned
for the
door.
Terra again shook her head with a whispered "I
can't."
Setzer's glare at his cards deepened when he felt her eyes move to an in-depth
scrutiny. He wanted to warn her that he likely wouldn't handle her interference
gently, but rage and agony kept him silent, content with the promise of torture
to
another.
Terra walked up to his desk and leaned her hands against it. "Don't you want
to know why?" she questioned, incredulous and
tearful.
He sneered as he raised his silver-granite eyes to her violet ones.
"Why? Why? The reasons don't matter after
the bet is placed, Terra. It's done and the reasons 'why' lose their
importance."
Tears glistened as she firmly shook her head. "No. They don't. This isn't
a game, Setzer. It's a person's life. Yours. Hers. The reasons why are all
you have left," she insisted passionately as the tears ran free. "It's a
question you deserve to ask. A question you deserve to have answered," she
choked
out.
"And an opportunity I won't give," he hissed, withdrawing his legs from the
desk and leaning forward in a threatening attitude of withheld rage. Terra
held her ground. "She lied. To you. To Relm. To me." He slammed the desk
with his fist. "No! I won't
ask."
"But you love her!" Terra cried
emphatically.
Setzer's face went blank. 'I love
you, Maria. Gods, how I love you.' Agony convulsed and flared,
and then his soul and mind went cold and dark. "Did I?" he asked,
expressionless.
Silence fell like a shroud moments before Edgar enfolded Terra's upper arm
in a gentle hold, urging her away from the desk. "Terra, come. He's made
his
choice."
Terra changed her grief-stricken expression to Edgar's saddened face. "But
it's the wrong one," she said
brokenly.
"We cannot dictate his life. We've done our best. In the end, the choice
is his." Edgar moved his eyes to Setzer's. "Even if it is the wrong
one." He looked again to Terra and guided her from the
room.
Setzer stared after them as he absently shuffled his cards. Thoughts distant.
Soul hard. Spirit
dust.
t
Knock. Silence. Knock-knock. Silence. Door open. Step, step, step, step.
Silence. Sound of skin on paper; the thlip of envelope onto desk.
Step, step, step, step. Door close. Setzer kept his back to his desk as his
right hand continued to shuffle the mutilated cards behind his back, his
empty gaze staring out the window at the
desert.
t
Knock. Door open. Step, step, step, step. Silence. Skin against paper; envelope
set on desk. Step, step, step, step, step. Door close. Setzer stared down
at the second letter, the handwriting and the name it spoke...
'Dearest Setzer' and
looked away. His hands and fingers worked at the worn and broken cards as
an ache within became a
hole.
t
Door open. Step, step, step, step. Sound of skin on paper. Envelope set on
desk. Silence. Step, step, step, step.
"Albrook."
"Yes, sir. Right
away."
Door close. Setzer pushed the letters away and absently pulled out another
deck of cards, the others falling to the floor beside him to rest with the
tattered shreds of the others and the remnants of trust and
dreams.
t
Setzer tapped the top card of the deck as he sat in the pub of Albrook. He
had two days worth of beard, his eyes were bloodshot, his breath was bad,
and his clothes had seen better days. He looked like hell and he felt
worse.
Setzer flipped the top card. Ace of Diamonds. He clenched his jaw and forced
himself to calmly put the card back into the deck. He absently began to shuffle
it, again, and again, and again... This was his 10th deck in 2 days. The
bartender came up to him and asked if he wanted another drink. Setzer shook
his head and stood, tossing a 10-gil piece onto the table before pushing
through the crowd and exiting the pub. Why? And that was the only
question allowed any time. All others were dismissed before theyd formed
a complete sentence. They didnt matter. They wouldnt. Not until
he understood that one
question.
Revenge. Thats what it had to
be.
Setzer swore under his breath and strode toward the Falcon anchored just
outside, dreading a turn at the wheel with the memories of Marée.
Dreading the appearance of the entrance because of memories of Maria. The
Falcon was a torture, but it was also his only form of release Setzer
halted and felt his stomach lurch and twist. A slender form in dark trousers,
a pale silken blouse, and a heavy coat was leaning against the body of the
Falcon with crossed arms; blonde hair waved in the
wind.
He balled his hands into fists and clenched his jaw so tightly it hurt. Then
he walked forward, keeping his eyes carefully averted as he approached and
made it to the ramp that led inside. One, two, three
steps--
We need to talk,
Setzer.
And Setzer halted mid-step. He couldnt tell if the voice was Marée
or Maria. The tone was firm, but the voice was cultured and elegant. He faced
her with angry eyes. We have nothing to talk about. Get away from my
ship.
She straightened, pushing away from the ship to stride up to him with such
a look of determination that he knew she wouldnt take no
for an
answer.
We need to talk, she said again, still holding his
gaze.
Setzer looked away and walked the rest of the way in. He heard her steps
firm and resolute behind him and turned, hand on the door and then pushing
it shut, again, in her face. Maria-Marée held it open with a surprising
show of
force.
I have nothing to say to you, he told
her.
Her eyes sparked. Yeah? Well Ive plenty to say to you,
captain.
And this time her voice was Marée. His insides lurched and he jerked
open the door, reaching out to grab her arm and drag her from the ship. Again.
Get--
She jerked herself free from his grasp and turned on him, pushing hard on
his chest to back him away from her. No, I will not get out.
She put a fist on her hip and pointed at him. You will listen
to what Ive got to say, Setzer Gabbiani, or I swear Ill beat
your ass until you cant move. And then youll listen to
what Ive got to say
anyway.
Setzer blinked in
shock.
Maria-Marée lowered her hand and put it on her other hip. Good.
Ive got your attention. Thats a
start.
The frown returned and he turned away, again retreating up the plank and
to his
ship.
Oh no you dont
And a firm grip was suddenly on his
arm, jerking him around to face the woman whose name he didnt
know.
Setzers eyes flashed a warning as he freed her hand from his arm with
a violent push. Dont touch me, Marée Maria
Damn! I dont even know who you are! What do I call you? Why did you
do this? What did I do to you to deserve
this?
You didnt do anything. I told you that before, she said,
and her pale blue eyes were different than before. It was me. All of
it.
He took a menacing step forward. She stayed put. Why?" He grabbed her
arms and gave her a shake. Her eyes held his. "Do you hear me, Maria? Why?
I deserve to
know!
There. The questions were out and the rage was free to
burn.
Maria nodded, and her gaze didn't waver. Yes," she said simply,
matter-of-fact, "you do. And Im going to tell you. All of
it.
Setzer's grasp tightened on her arms - the warmth, the presence of skin,
the scent of passion, songs and laughter - he pushed her roughly away.
More lies? More convincing half-truths that get me back in your bed
and under your control? No. Keep your
explanations.
And when he tried to turn away again the grip was on his arm once more, turning
him back to face her. This time, though, before he had a chance to push it
away, those hands were grabbing firm holds of his shirt and pushing him backward
as those eyes flashed with determination and
resolve.
You are going to hear this, captain. Get your ass on that
ship! She turned him forcefully and pushed him, hard, with both hands
in the center of his
back.
He staggered forward, his mind spluttering with shock and disbelief that
he was being man-handled by Maria. He turned with a snarl, but she kept coming.
If you dont stop controlling me, Maria, I swear I
will
She stopped, fists on hips. Hit me? Go ahead. Ive been hit before.
I can hit pretty hard myself. I told you Id grown a spine, captain.
Well, now you get to see it. Maria strode up to him and pointed another
finger in his face. He leaned back away from it. I am not going
to be little Miss Complacent anymore. I love you, dammit, and I am not
going to let you walk away just because you think you want to. I want
you in my life, Setzer, and I'm not going to accept anything less!
She sent a dark glare to the guards as they stared open-mouthed at the scene
playing out in front of them. Get
out.
They hurriedly did as they were
told.
Maria focused her glare back on Setzer and pointed to the main room. Get
in there. When he straightened and resisted, she grabbed him by the
arm and proceeded to drag him. All right. We do this the hard
way.
If he hadnt been so pissed, he would have laughed his butt
off.
In the middle of the main room, he gathered his shocked wits enough to pull
himself free from her grasp. Dont ever do that again,
Maria, he told her in a dangerously low
voice.
She crossed her arms as she gauged his expression. Then she nodded. I
wont. This is as good a place as
any.
Setzer crossed his arms as well, his mind desperately trying to separate
Marée from Maria. Aggression from culture. Firmness and resolve from
gentleness and delicacy. But the voices and visions crashed together, making
his mind burn and rage at the impossibility of the
request.
I suppose I should start at the
beginning.
Maria! And his brain grasped at the
reality.
She uncrossed her arms and rubbed at the back of her
neck.
Marée! His brain
shouted.
Then she shrugged and slipped out of her jacket, tossing it aside before
looking up to meet his eyes. Six months after Kefka twisted this planet,
I was returning to the Opera House with the wardrobe for the new opera. I
had used the trip to Nikeah to read the script and decide whether or not
I would accept the role. Maria shook her head. It was beyond
anything Id been asked to do in the past. A complete opposite of the
type of person I was. It was a challenge I didnt believe I had the
ability to
do.
Maria! And his exhausted mind tenaciously held the
name.
Maria took in a slow breath and gave another shake of her head as she slowly
made her way to the billiard table. She leaned against it with another sigh.
We were put off course by a storm, crashing the hull onto the reefs
near Mobliz. Repairs were necessary, so we had to dock as soon as possible.
I
I dont know why I decided to do it, but
I assumed the
heroines role. I had to see if it was possible to convince people that
Raven existed. That was the key to her success in the opera.
The audience had to feel empathy for her. That would be impossible if I
couldnt present her in a real enough
persona. So, Raven
became Marée in order to preserve the dramatic
effect for the opera and I stepped off the ship, leaving Maria
behind.
Maria crossed her arms and stared down at her boots, concentration and
resignation battling for supremacy on her expression. Setzer lowered his
eyes and pulled the deck of cards from his pocket without thinking. He began
to shuffle them, slowly and deliberately. To keep his temper. To keep from
dragging her to the exit and throwing her off. To keep from dragging her
to his bed and filling the ache that had grown so cold and hard. To keep
from doing a myriad of other things that seemed logical and illogical at
the same
time.
When I met with Terra that day
And
a reluctant smile erased a few
shadows of strain and agony from her face. I could not have asked for
a better person to talk to in order to learn of the darker side of the Empire.
She had lived it, much to my surprise considering her timid and soft nature.
So, I listened to her stories of adventure against Kefka and Gestahl and
the Empire, using those anecdotes to give life and color to the ones that
had already been written into the script. Then, when I presented mine, I
watched her reactions and did what embellishing was required in order to
receive the appropriate response. That was the key to the
character.
Setzers hand paused its shuffling and he flipped the top card. Ace
of Diamonds. He clenched his jaw and submersed it back into the deck. The
next card was the Queen of Hearts. His soul lurched and then went still.
He shuffled the deck with a slightly rougher touch as his mind kept suspiciously
back from the
explanation.
When I left Terra, I realized more research into the Empire was necessary.
I had to learn more of what they had done. I had to learn more of the people
that had been in control of it. After all, how could I present the bitterness
and hardness and complexity of Raven, a sea captain controlled by the Empire
and the Fate that came with that doom, unless I understood real life stories
of the same? Therefore, I knew my next stop was Thamasa. Where else would
I find the old knowledge of the Empire and what had happened
before.
Marias face tightened with a wry smile. Meeting Relm was an
unexpected pleasure. There were so many qualities in her that I knew would
be perfect for Raven. Her candor. Her live-life-to-the-fullest attitude.
Her recklessness. But there was more than that, Relm had an addicting quality
of freshness about her. She and I became fast friends, she teaching me how
to live, thereby giving Raven more life
experiences.
Setzers hands stopped shuffling yet again and he reluctantly flipped
the top card. Ace of Diamonds. He snarled and clenched his jaw as he tucked
it back into the deck. The next card was the Queen of Hearts. His hand tightened
its hold on the deck for a brief moment before he began absently shuffling
them again. His glower didnt focus on the deck as his hands moved quicker,
rougher, bending and mutilating the edges and sides of their own
accord.
Maria released a deep breath and finally lifted her eyes from her knee-high
boots. I was in Albrook to make an appearance and advertise for the
Opera House while the men picked up the sets, including those pieces of a
wrecked Empire cargo ship called Ace of Diamonds. They were to convert
it and use it as the main part of the set. When I saw the pub
I knew
that I hadnt tested Ravens persona in a real-life setting to
that extent. So, I settled back into Marée and plowed ahead. I was
terrified to death, but I knew I couldnt settle for less than the best
for the show. But then
Then I saw you
She lowered her eyes
with a shake of her head. Oh my gods. I thought Id died. I thought
I was dreaming. There you were. Sitting alone - alone - in the one
pub I happened into. I
I thought perhaps Id finally been given
the chance to attract you. I thought that perhaps Marée was
who you wanted. I couldnt give that up. I
I
couldnt.
Maria raised her eyes and her face softened somewhat. It had been more
than a year since Id seen your face. More than a year since I had heard
your laughter and felt your touch. When I saw you
I-I wanted that more
than anything. I wanted to feel you. I wanted to hear you. She shook
her head as her eyes glimmered. I wasnt going to give that up.
I had to try. I loved you too much not
to.
Setzer resisted the urge to meet her eyes. He could tell enough in her voice
that she was weeping. Crying while hoping that would change his mind against
the willing betrayal. The planned lies. The plotted efforts. He flipped over
the tattered top card. Ace of Diamonds. The second card was, again, Queen
of Hearts. His brain pounded against his skull as his skin flashed with a
wave of rage and rebellion. He jammed the cards back into the deck and shuffled,
bits and pieces of card falling unnoticed to the ground at his feet. Maria
noticed his darkening expression and hurried on, offering more as her voice
and gaze begged him to do so many different things. Things that he didn't
think he could
do.
"You took me aboard your ship as an equal. Something you'd never done before.
You let me guide her and experience the thrill of flight that had so long
been a private and separate part of yourself. A part that I'd wanted to share.
That I'd wanted to experience with you." Her voice tightened and choked,
so she cleared her throat and blinked away the
mist.
Setzer clenched his jaw and his fingers trembled slightly as he shuffled
the cards. Remembering that evening. Remembering the emotions and the needs.
Remembering the uncanny
'click'...
"I... It was beautiful, thrilling, surreal... it was so many different things
in one. Your hands on mine. Your body so near... Your warmth..." Again, her
voice broke and died and, again, she cleared it of the more powerful emotions
and pressed on. "The memories of you and I together sharing so many things
wouldn't leave me in peace as we soared the clouds, together and alone.
Experiencing something... sharing something that Maria hadn't been allowed
to see. I-I couldn't resist you. I had to bring the memories back from the
past. I had to have you for myself again, even if it wasn't really Maria
you were... you were
experiencing."
Maria lowered her eyes and Setzer raised his to an examination of her face.
There was a twinge and he lowered his gaze with another clench of his jaw
as his hands began to absently work the
deck.
Kohlingen. Maria cleared her throat and sighed, again rubbing
the back of her neck. Kohlingen. I was there only to thank King Edgar
for his generous donation to the Opera House that had made it possible to
purchase the more extravagant sets than usual. But when after leaving Figaro
Castle I saw the Falcon
oh gods. I remembered your words before and
couldnt help myself. I had to see you again. I knew I only had a few
minutes before my ship left for the Opera House, but I didnt care.
I didnt care that it was Marée you were making love to. I
didnt care that it was Marée you were dreaming of. I didnt
care that it was Marée you were hoping to see again. I was
Marée, so what did it matter? I thought you had no memory of Maria.
Why would you remember someone from a past that was so old? If Marée
made you happy, I was
happy.
Setzers insides seethed. A second chance to confess and again shed
purposefully kept him in the dark. Shed played him
And yet, something
behind her words began to chip at the wall of rage and betrayal. His soul
began to ache with a hint of the pain and desperation He pushed it
away and flipped the top card of the deck. Ace of Diamonds. He nearly threw
it to the ground. Instead, he left the second card unrevealed and began to
shuffle it, not noticing the difficulty due to tattered edges and wrinkled
bodies.
Suddenly, Maria gave a slight, agonized laugh. It drew Setzers darkened
eyes and hardened
face.
She shook her head but didnt raise her eyes from her boots. Poor
Cor. We were in Nikeah purchasing more costumes. We had to add more roles
to the opera because of my research and, of course, they needed costumes.
I was in need of different ones, as well. So, as the men were loading our
order, Cor and I decided to rehearse a scene. We put on our costumes, applied
our make-up, and began there on the dock. It was the perfect setting.
She lifted her eyes to meet his. I had no idea you were looking for
me, if thats why you were there. I didnt realize you needed me
that much. If I had
But thats a different story, she said
in a strained voice. You did very well in that scene. There was a little
adlibbing needed, but the scene in the opera was basically what you saw and
did. Cor, of course, wasnt expecting to have cards used against him,
but hes a professional and enjoys a certain amount of newness in a
scene. I hadnt the heart to tell him you werent truly the hero
of the opera. You do look like
Edward.
Setzer scoffed and looked down. He stared at the top card, but didnt
turn it. He began shuffling, but cards began to tumble from the ragged deck
to fall at his feet. He kept shuffling, trying to keep his soul from listening.
Fighting against the understanding of the He pushed it
away.
And then it was opening night and I knew I could no longer venture
out as Marée. I had to be content with my memories, past and present.
It was all I would ever have. Maria took in a slow breath. A-And
then you were there. You were there with your smiling face and eager words
of flattery, seeing me as youd seen me so many times before. A-And
you were sorry that youd hurt me. And you were telling me not to be
someone I wasnt
But you
still
She shook her head and Setzer heard a slight sob. His stomach lurched and
twisted as he
flinched.
I only went to Mobliz to visit Terra. To bring her some gifts for the
children and some things I thought she needed. When I saw Relm playing with
the children, I was worried. Relm didnt know Maria, so I went out as
Marée to try and find out what had happened and if I could help. When
you came
I
I remembered our meeting at the Opera House and how
youd reacted to my comment about the woman pirate and
and I thought
you might say you loved me. Marée, I mean. Why else would you have
reacted in such a way? And then when
And then when you kissed me and
denied you felt anything,
I
Maria shook her head again. I was so angry. Marée had a firmer
hold on my soul than I realized. She had taught me those lessons I needed
in order to start my search for happiness. To not sit idly by as our heart
is drained of life and our soul grows hard and cold
She sniffed
and wiped the tears from her face. So when I had this last hope ripped
from me Who wouldnt be
angry?
Yes. Who wouldnt be angry at a hope stolen
Setzer felt
the rage begin to lose its hold and his hands paused on the cards in his
hand. Two cards
left.
I
Maria covered her face with her hands. I couldnt
believe it when I received your note telling me you were coming for dinner.
I must have cried for an hour after receiving it. My dreams were coming true
and Id tainted any possible happiness with my lies and betrayal. Id
wanted your love and presence in my life so badly that Id been willing
to make myself into someone else just to be with you
and then you were
coming to visit the person Id always been. She shook her head
and lowered her hands. Her eyes glistened with tears. I didnt
understand, but I couldnt let it pass. I had to be there. I had to
see you. I had to relive the past and see if there was a possible future.
My soul wouldnt let me do anything less. I missed you. I
couldnt be content without
you.
But then I remembered what you had said to Marée in Mobliz.
That you were tired. That you had felt something for her. I
I didnt trust what I felt or what I thought I saw in your face or felt
in that kiss after our dinner together. I had to know for certain that
Marée wasnt competition for your heart. I had to know, beyond
a shadow of a doubt, that you wanted me. That last meeting on the ship was
my last chance
No. It was your last chance
It was a last
chance to choose. For me? For you? I dont know. It doesnt matter.
You chose Maria. You chose the woman who loved you. Who had loved
and always would love
you
Setzers grip tightened on the cards as she spoke, and then he slowly
turned them. Ace of Diamonds. Queen of Hearts. He threw them to the floor
with a glare and growl of Stop! Stop, do you hear? Enough! His
flashing eyes raised to Marias yellow face. A stricken expression glazed
her eyes. Why didnt you tell me, Maria? You had more than enough
opportunity.
Why?
Maria brushed more tears from her face. I knew I had to tell you,
she said in a cracked voice, but I couldnt bear the pain Id
see on your face. How could I have betrayed you that way? How could I have
willingly lied? How could I have manipulated you just to experience something
we hadnt shared in over a year. And all the things you said. The memories
we relived. The strokes and caresses. The kisses
. She moved one
small step toward him. When he tensed, she halted. Those made me know
Id betrayed you in such a dark and twisted way. I hadnt trusted
you as I said I did. And now? She swallowed hard and her face went
green. Now I believe Ive lost you
forever.
Setzer stared hard at her face. The tears. The agony of what shed done.
The words and phrases said both now and in their meetings before. His throat
tightened and his chest heaved as he turned away with a shake of his head.
He didnt know. It seemed easy enough to believe that it had begun so
innocent, but
He rested his hands on the desk with another shake of
his head. All this time the cards had told him who she was. Marée
and his instant connection. The surprising presence of continued passion
at his meeting with
Maria
Setzer shook his head a third time as he pressed his hands tighter against
the desk. I dont know. I dont know. And his voice
was lost and
confused.
There were soft steps and then her warmth beside him. The scent of flowers
and the sea. A tingle and an erotic sense of
He gripped the edges
of the
desk.
Setzer
I was going to tell you. I swear it
Oh my gods,
what have I done?" There was the quiver of tears before she spoke again.
"When the Impresario came to me after the show that night and asked how my
meeting with you had gone
" And her voice cracked and broke with pain
and desperation. "I nearly died, knowing how you must have felt. Knowing
I was responsible. Knowing my cowardice had done that to you. She placed
a hand on his shoulder but he moved away from it, straightening to step back
from her presence. That twisted her face with pain. Oh gods. Setzer,
please. Please, dont
and her voice broke off as she brought
her hand up to muffle the
sobs.
Setzer continued to retreat until his back impacted one of the supporting
pillars on the far wall. Maria
Maria, I dont know what
to
do.
She gave a slight nod, her expression sick with grief and anguish as she
stepped hesitantly toward him. Please, Setzer, tell me what to do.
What to say. How can I show you Im sorry? That I need you to forgive
me?"
He pressed his back tighter against the pillar as he warily watched her.
Marée and Maria entwined in one soul. A fluke happenstance that she'd
taken as a healing and a chance to be complete. A teasing of Luck. A concoction
of the
Fates.
Her eyes misted with tears that escaped and caressed her pale cheeks. "Let
me prove that I can be trusted, dearest. Let me prove that I do love
you. Please, dearest. Please. I dont want to hurt you. I never did.
Oh gods, she choked
out.
And a card fluttered from a picture on the wall, gliding graceful and serene
to lay face-up on the ground at his feet. Ace of Diamonds. Setzer stared
down at the card with a blank look as Maria continued to cautiously move
toward him. Then she stood in front of him, but he continued to stare at
the card. Then her gentle hands wiped wetness from his cheeks as she whispered
choked words that he couldnt hear but that his soul absorbed into itself.
Still, he stared at the
card.
Ace of
Diamonds.
Setzer blinked and changed his gaze to her pale and tear-streaked face.
What?
Maria took in a deep and broken breath. Ravens home and protection
was her ship. The Ace of Diamonds. She held his gaze as she continued
to caress his face with her thumbs . Please, Setzer. I need a haven.
I need a place to call home. A place of adventure and safety. Please, dearest
Setzer. Please be my Ace of
Diamonds.
Setzer held those pale blue eyes that mirrored his own agony. The face yellowed
with torturous memories of scents and sounds and touches and songs thought
forever lost. The tears and the choked sobs of misery
and then he pulled
her tight against him, burying his face into her pale hair and soft, warm
neck. Maria kissed his neck, whispering against it with a broken and tear-filled
song of I love you. I love you. I love you and pressed herself
closer as she
cried.
It was like coming
home.
I told you it would work. Sabin elbowed Setzer and laughed.
Too bad Umaro couldn't come to the wedding,
though. I really wanted to catch
Locke's explanation to both him and Celes as to why he was going to have
to slow dance with the brute. It
wouldve been a
riot.
Setzer shook his head and took another glass of the best wine Figaro had
to offer. You have a sick sense of humor, my friend. You should be
glad Edgar found it in his heart to forgive you for toying with his
mind.
Sabin made a face. Edgar's on cloud nine, Setzer. He doesn't care what
I did just as long as he's finally got a ring on her
finger.
And Celes is happy because she has her double
wedding.
And Locke is happy because she's happy. Sabin grimaced. All
this happiness is making me sick.
I need to get back out in the real world and hit
something.
Setzer shook his head again with a chuckle. I believe Ill talk
Locke into marrying you off as well. A steady woman would do wonders for
your
soul.
What? Sabin looked positively spooked. You keep Locke away
from me. I don't need any of his matchmaking to mess up my life. I like it
how it
is.
Very well, but the Fates often
have-
Spare me, Sabin cut
in.
Isn't this great? Relm made her way up to the two men and gave
them each a wide smile. I love weddings. So many pictures to
draw.
Where's your grandpa? Sabin looked around the crowd and raised
an eyebrow when Shadow was seen coming toward them. Hello, Shadow.
Didn't expect to see you
here.
Im here with
Relm.
His voice was unemotional, as usual, but there was something different about
his eyes. Sabin and Setzer both decided against a
comment.
Yeah, he's more fun than old fuddy-duddy. Besides, Shadow doesn't talk
all the time. Relm made a face, and then she smiled wide again. You
should hear all the stories he tells at night, though. Much scarier than
Grandpa's. Of course, I've heard his about a jillion times already,
she said with another
grimace.
Setzer and Sabin shared a laugh, and Sabin could have sworn he heard a sound
from Shadow's
direction.
Come on, Shadow, Relm said suddenly with a tug on the ninja's
arm. We've gotta find your doggie and give him some cake. I promised
I
would.
With that, Setzer and Sabin watched in amazement as Relm grabbed Shadows
hand and led him away, cheerfully chatting up at him about the different
things only a fellow pre-teen would have found interesting. Shadow took it
in stride and continued to hold her
hand.
So, where are the honeymooners bound? Setzer asked nonchalant
as his eyes surveyed the room. Where are
you?
Don't know. Edgar refused to say and Locke told me to get lost. I kind
of got the impression they wanted it to be a secret; so we couldn't pester
them if the world went to
pot.
Setzer heard a familiar laugh and searched the area. How long are they
going to
'disappear'?
Don't know that either. Edgar just smiled, and I couldn't even find
Locke to ask. If I didn't know my brother, I'd think they were going to camp
as far away from civilization as
possible.
Setzer spared a glance from his scrutiny of the room. With Edgar being
as dependent on the luxuries as he is? I highly doubt
it.
Sabin nodded his agreement. That's exactly what I thought, but he didn't
admit to
anything.
Did you ask Terra? She's always been hard-pressed to keep a secret,
Setzer reminded. I think it's something about her face that a person
can read like a
book.
Sabin smiled. Yep. That
would be Terra- Say, she looked hot in that wedding dress, didn't
she?
Setzer chuckled. Be careful of those thoughts, my friend. Edgar is
liable to be a jealous husband with a gem such as
she.
Don't be silly. I love Terra like a sister. He knows
that.
Perhaps your comment about wanting to marry her changed that.
Setzer caught sight of a bluish-black-haired beauty and raised his hand to
attract her attention. She brought a finger to her forehead in a slight salute
and a 'come hither'
smile.
Sabin made a face. Stop it, Setzer. Edgar knows it was just a way for
me to get him to
wise-up.
Setzer changed his attention back to Sabin. Then why didn't he tell
you where they were honeymooning? Sabin remained silent as he took
a drink of his spiced cider. Setzer chuckled. Ill leave you to
your bachelorhood, my friend.
Perhaps some unknowing dolt will start a fight with
you?
And with that, Setzer purposefully made his way toward the tall woman in
the corner with the bluish-black hair and sparkling eyes. She wrapped up
her conversation with the group of men surrounding her, all the while watching
Setzer approach with that same intense gaze he remembered from that day on
his ship, after the performance, after the betrayal, before the
explanation
He weaved his way through the crowd, finally arriving at a free space behind
her. He placed a kiss on her throat near her ear as he whispered "hello,
songbird" against the
skin.
Maria's lips lifted with a smile as she reached behind her for his hand,
clasping it tightly. "I'm sorry, gentlemen, but I believe I've reserved this
dance."
She pressed directly through the men, leading Setzer by the hand to the dance
floor. Setzer obediently followed with a slight smirk and a shrug to the
men. They glowered, but didn't protest. Setzer chuckled and then changed
his focus to the backside of Maria. And what a nice backside it is.
Then they were in the center of the dance floor and she was turning toward
him and stepping close within the circle of his waiting arms, her arms around
him and under his jacket as her thumbs hooked themselves into the waist of
his
trousers.
Maria looked up into his eyes with a pale blue gaze full of laughter and
promise. "I saw you looking, dearest. Did you think I would miss the wedding
of the
century?"
"No," he said with a smile and a brief press of lips against cheek. His hands
disappeared beneath the heavy fabric of her uniform coat and caressed her
back through the silken blouse . "I knew, though, that the extra performances
and the organization of the children's theatre would make it difficult to
get
away."
"Difficult, yes, but not impossible. The Impresario can handle these things
as easily as I. And my performances? I have an understudy. She's performing
the last act," she
purred.
Setzer's smile was lopsided as his arms encircled her and pulled her closer.
"Then we have the entire evening in which to
play?"
Maria nodded and then rested her cheek against his chest as her hands moved
up to a gentle caress of his back. "I told the Impresario that I wouldn't
do another performance until I could spend some time with you. Lunch and
dinner isn't enough. I've missed
you."
And the ache in his own heart rang with the truth of what she said. "I know,"
he whispered against her hair, "but my presence off-stage at each performance
has helped, hasn't it,
songbird?"
She nodded again with a deep sigh. "Yes. It
has."
Setzer took in a deep breath of her hair and essence, and his arms tightened
slightly around her. "Shall I plan an excursion to the air, then? A picnic
to Ebot's Rock? A quiet getaway
where"
"It doesn't matter," she said as she raised her eyes. "It's enough that I'll
be there. That you love me and not a role I
played."
He lifted a hand to her face and caressed her cheek and lips. To trace the
pattern of her into him. The fit of her against him. The feel of her with
him, near him, beside him. Her warmth. Her passion. Her gentleness. Her firmness.
Her complete soul that drew out his
own.
"I do love you, Maria. Completely. No matter the role, I sense you
beneath and know that it's yet another aspect of the depth of your persona.
My songbird. My lady of the evening. The haven for my ship." Tears glistened
and escaped and he kissed them away. "We share this card, songbird. This
Ace of Diamonds," he whispered against her
cheeks.
Setzer lifted his head and raised a hand, making the motion of a snap . The card appeared and Maria looked over at it with twinkling eyes. He kissed the card and then tucked it inside the silken softness of her blouse, his touch lingering on its journey away. Then he lowered his head and his lips met hers, their mouths speaking together the existence of the future that had always wanted to be. She wrapped her arms around his neck and he his around her waist, lifting her up off the ground as he drew her soul into him and she drew his into her.