Ninja King

@wild-moon

Edge here, that's right, THE Edge. King of Eblan, and overall master ninja. I'm sure you've heard of me. So in other words, this is a role play account. Part of Phoenix Down: http://fftumblrmasterlist.tumblr.com/ Personal account: http://heirofsparda.tumblr.com/

15.4K posts

Terra nearly swooned with the array of delicious smells that greeted her. “Mmmm,” she said, inhaling deeply, feeling all electric. It made her hair go green in a good way.

She felt five years old, remembering when Kefka had swung her up onto his shoulders (he had seemed so tall to her at the time) and carried her off to the Great Hall where all the dignitaries had come to the Imperial Palace to celebrate the Emperor’s nameday with a fantastic feast. It had been her first party, at least the first she could remember. How grand it had been, the food, the music, the bustling of friendly conversations and laughter. They had all made such a fuss over her and she had felt so fortunate and giddy.

But that had all changed. Through the next few years, the experiments began in earnest; she had found that few of those people were truly her friends. She pushed the unpleasant thought away and gave Edge a big smile. She would not let it ruin today. She was safe here. Safe.

“It’s fabulous, Edge,” she declared all bright-eyed, plucking a ripe strawberry and popping it into her mouth. The juice was sweet on her tongue, yet tart, and made her mouth water for more. “You shall have to wheel me out in a cart!” and set out to enjoy the best breakfast she had had in a long, long time.

Enjoy yourself, we ninjas don't normally eat real food...but what does it matter in a time of peace?

-He gathered a few slices of ham and some eggs on his plate then sat down at a large chair at the end of the table. Before he set about eating anything he took a peek out the window.-

Hmmm, should be anytime now. Our company should be here soon.

-As if on cue, all of the students from the practice field poured into the room ans stood in awe of the meal before them.-

All of you, I just want you all to know that you're all making Eblan proud. As a ninja you won't always have the luxury of a full stomach...but that's no reason why you shouldn't have fun now! Dig in everyone!

“Sounds good to me Edge. Lead on!” she gestured, thinking how nice it was going to be to be in one place for a couple days (at least) and be in comfortable surroundings. Not that the inn hadn’t been nice, but it didn’t hold a candle to a castle and all its fascinating inner workings.

And Edge was right. She really did need a good rest - if they were going to travel the lava highway.

-He led her on to the dining room, in the middle of the room was a large table covered with just about every breakfast item one could imagine. There were eggs of all kinds, toast, fruits, bacon, pastries, and all other kinds of mouth watering meals.-

Take whatever you want, and don't worry if you can't finish any of it, none of it goes to waste.

#(Sorry for the late response)

O-Ohh....that's....yeah....

“Err, um, you do have a point there, Edge” she admitted, smirking at herself and raking slender fingers through her hair to secure a wild wisp that had escaped her ponytail.

“I would love something to eat, and later, if you have a library and a cozy place to curly up with a good book, I’d love to just chill and read a bit.

I am interested to know more about your realm as well - if you don’t mind sharing that, I mean. Do you have any books on the history here? I find new places fascinating … when it doesn’t involve a battlefield,” she added dryly. “I’ve seen enough of those to last a lifetime.”

I already told you, you're welcome to stay as long as you'd like.

If you'll just follow me I'll treat you to some breakfast and I'll answer any questions you have about Eblan.

Terra giggled, realizing now how odd it all sounded from his perspective.

”Yeah, something like that.”

Well, before we do anything I think you should get some more rest. You did tire yourself out quite a bit last night.

#Hello handsome

“Well, no matter. I’ll just shield you in my arms with my cloak and magicks. It won’t take that much more energy,” she mused as she mulled over the details in her head.

A look of consternation washed over her face. She looked up at Edge with a weak smile.

“There’s only one catch,” she said somewhat sheepishly. “I may need some help getting psyched enough to pop into my Esper form. That’s one of my “issues” at the moment. Doing it when I want - like I used to. But don’t worry. Once I’m in form, I can hold it. And the more anxiety created by our surroundings, the stronger I get. Weird, huh?”

So what you're saying is that you need me to stress you out to the point where you can transform, then you'll be carrying me in your arms....

...Can't say I'm used to receiving a request like that from a young lady.

“Well yes, as a matter of fact, I do. I can fly us there in Esper form. I’m incredibly fast in that form, ” she beamed. “The heat won’t bother me at all either. I’m pyro, remember?,” she said with a satisfied smile.

“How about you?” she asked hopefully. “Can your magicks protect you from the heat if it’s a fast trip?”

Well...it's not really magic so much as ninjutsu. It has similar origins to magic, but my ancestors took it in a different direction. It is powerful, but the more advanced black magic spells are superior.

So to answer your question, no I don't think they can.

“Well, that does present some extra challenge,” she agreed reluctantly, biting her lower lip in thought. Yet, in her mind challenges were just that, challenges, not dead ends.

“We can’t just wait around, she said brightly, “and you have no way to communicate with her, so,” she shrugged,” … we only have two options - to forget it - or go. I need help honing my skills back to what they were, and you need to .. well, you have unfinished business with Rydia. So, I’m game to try - if you are,” she replied with enthusiasm, her hair shifting to pale green.

“We’ll just have to fly above the lava, that’s all.” She grinned mischievously. “And if a small airship won’t work, I know what will.”

Oh really? You have some other plan in mind? Because you should know that the heat of the magma is so great underground that a normal airship can't fly over the magma.

“Ah, I see,” replied Terra weighing this new information for a moment and then responding brightly, “Well then all the more reason to find her, right?”

“This Feymarch … is it a far journey to the entrance? And why do you believe we can not enter?”

The only way we could get there would be if we could somehow find a way to swim through magma. When I said the Feymarch is deep underground I mean it's DEEP underground.

Terra sensed Edge was perhaps too despondent at that moment to really talk much about it right now. She understood the feeling. The overwhelming tide of hopelessness and yet stubborn desire to not give up. Not knowing what path might be best bred indecisiveness, adding to the frustration.

Many times she had despaired much the same about the whereabouts of Celes and Locke. She refused to think them dead. Somehow, she still felt a connection and that gave her hope. But she had no better idea where to begin a search than Edge apparently. It was frustrating to be sure.

“I have a similar problem,”she said setting her jaw, “But I know my friends are out there and I will find them. And so will you Edge,” she insisted, trying to sound comforting, “when the time is right.”

“In the meantime, I need to get back in full control of myself so I can be more asset than liability.” she said forcing herself to sound upbeat. But she could see his face was still downcast.

“Perhaps I can be of service to your search as well,” she offered,”if you think it useful to have me?” Her face was sympathetic, yet hesitant. For in truth, although he really hadn’t said, it was obvious to her Edge had some strong feelings for this Rydia - even if she hadn’t returned his affections yet. And who knew how Rydia felt about him? The woman may misconstrue Terra’s involvement as a threat. Only Edge could decide if her offer was helpful or not, so she would follow his lead.

The silent tension in the air grew oppressive. Her hair involuntarily shifted pale green in response to her own elevated feelings. Her heart really went out to this guy. Her stomach however paid no mind; it growled loudly. Terra looked up at Edge, blushed, and then smiled brightly. It provided a perfect diversion to shift gears.

“Well that was loud,” she giggled,” and very unlady like,” she added with apologetic mirth. “So, how about a spot of breakfast - and you can tell me when and where you can introduce me to the person you said might help me? Unless you have a better thought?”

Well...truth be told...it is Rydia that I was hoping could help you. She's got a connection to the Eidolons having grown up in the Feymarch, but the Feymarch is deep underground. If she's gone there then there's nothing we can do but wait for her to come back...and that's what's so frustrating.

“Oh, I’m - I’m sorry,” Terra replied realizing she had touched on a nerve and yet feeling like she might be able to help. “Would you like to talk about it?” she ventured tentatively. “Maybe I could help you find her?”

If I knew where to start then I'd be looking for her..

phoenixdownmasterlist

Activity Check: February 17th

These characters are now available:

Kain Highwind

Rydia

Locke Cole

Celes Chere

Yuna

Basch fon Ronsenburg

These characters have until February 24th to update before they become available:

Cecil Harvey

Zidane*

Lightning

Yaag Rosch

Trey

Cinque

Kurasame Susaya

*(Hiatus purge)

Terra’s broke into a wide smile. A kindred spirit! Well, sort of. But she felt less conspicuous, less of a freak side show.

“Sweet,” she said, savoring the moment. “I think our meeting was not so much by chance as I thought. I think we will both benefit from it, in more than one way. I would love to meet this Rydia and her companion Eidolon. Is she here?”

Well....

-And just by the mentioning of Rydia's name, his mood changed.-

I wish I knew where she was honestly...

“Geeze,” she exclaimed as she broke out in giggles. “No one has ever asked me that before.” And I’m anything but normal - but it’s nice to have someone think so, even if the impression won’t last, she thought with cheerful irony.

After all her worrying what Edge might think of her bizarre parentage, he had no basis for prejudice at all. She was so relieved. But now she was perplexed on how best to answer.

“Hmmm, let me think how best to describe an Esper.” Her brow furrowed for a second and then she replied, ” Espers are magical beings. They were originally created a long, long time ago during a war three gods started between themselves.”

“Esper magicks are pretty horrific. Thankfully, they prefer to stay in their own world and not mingle. Some specialize in frost, some in poison, and some in fire … like me,” she said, “see?”

She quickly conjured a bit of hand fire from her fingertip. It was one of the few things she could call upon consistently again.

“Handy for lighting cook fires,” she grinned, letting it extinguish, and then continued. “And they all have great healing powers. It’s not possible to block the summoning of any spell they conjure, even if you are capable of shielding yourself from it. And they can fly like the wind,” she gushed with enthusiasm.

“Of course, I am only half Esper. And that’s an anomaly. As far as I know, I’m the only one.” She looked wistful, twisting a curl and then brushing the hair from her face.

“I’m not as powerful as a true Esper,” she went on matter-of-factly, “but I’m still formidable - when I can control it. And when I transform, I look just like one - kinda lavender with long digits and my hair gets …”

She could see Edge trying hard to picture it all, but had no idea if she was really conveying it well.

“Would you like to me show you? I think I could generate enough energy to transform, safely I mean. I’m pretty rested and I’m calm. I’d like to try anyway. I need the practice,” she grinned. “It won’t always come yet when I summon, not like it used to.” She looked at him expectantly.

Espers huh...they sound like Eidolons. Just like your espers they're powerful elemental creatures that live far below the surface. Heck, Rydia lived among them for most of her childhood.

As for your fire powers, maybe I should show you something...

-Edge waved his hand in the air, leaving a trail of light. He formed a run in the air and finally placed his hand in the middle. Immediately flames shot out from where he had placed his hand.-

See, I have fire powers as well. I guess we're not so different after all Terra.

Terra melted into his hug. It felt so good to be understood … and safe. This was a safe place. Kefka would have no idea to look for her in this world, so the kingdom of Eblan would be safe too - right?

As they drew apart she felt reassured by his words - that there was hope. And she knew getting her magicks back and under control, while in safe haven, would go a long way to rekindling her self-confidence. Then she could find her friends. Then she would be ready to face the harlequin, come what may.

“Really, Edge? I could stay here for a while? That would be such a relief.”

She struggled for a moment, trying to decide if now was the time to reveal her “other” little secret. Her hair took on a tinge of tell-tail green as she vacillated. Ughh, better now, than later. If he has someone who can help, they will need to all know all. And besides, he hasn’t run screaming into the night so far - at least not without me.

That last thought - of him scooping her up last night and careening toward the castle when she fainted almost made her laugh now, almost. What a gallant thing to do for a stranger. It said a lot about his character, not only that he did it, but didn’t take advantage of her either. It was enough reassurance to open the door.

“I have one more thing you must know, before we go any farther. It’s not something I usually share. And it’s part of why my re-emergence is, uh, tricky.”

“I’m half Esper,” she blurted out nervously before she could change her mind. She couldn’t decide if she felt horrified or relieved as she anxiously watched Edge’s expression. “Not procreated in the lab like some of the Empires experiments though,” she added quickly. “My mum was human. My father was Esper.”

She bit her bottom lip and heaved a small sigh, bitterly wishing she had known them. How different would things have been if she had not been raised by the Empire?

“It gives me some awesome power, to be sure, but at the moment I can’t control it as I once did. So … your friend … can he help with that?” she asked still anxious.

Esper?

........................

.............What's an Esper? You just look like a normal girl to me.

“Would that you could, Edge.” she said with her lower lip trembling. She could feel a wave of despair threatening to crash down on her. It would pass, but she also knew bottling it up only made it resurface later with a vengeance. And she had been doing that since the Apocalypse. Perhaps it was time to share it, with someone outside the circle of destruction, with someone who had not been harmed by it - with someone who was safe. She turned to face Edge, steadying her backside on the wall.

“Though my years be young,” she began, “I have lost many friends and countrymen - my parents and foster parents among them. I have seen so … so much destruction and misery, it is sometimes hard to comprehend.” She blinked hard.

“I have caused my share as well,” she said softly looking away, down at her boots, “and for that I can never be forgiven.”

A single tear fell as she looked back across the wide vista beyond the castle wall. Her face was awash with regret for a moment, then hardened with acceptance and determination. “I can only take small solace that I didn not do so willingly, and that I would rather die by my own hand than ever be such a slave to evil again.”

“I would not be out in the world at all, I would still be hiding among the orphans of Mobliz and the Moogles there had not … had not …,” she swallowed hard as she admitted, ” had I not felt my magicks returning. That can only mean one thing. That Kefka Palazzo is back … to survey the world he destroyed.”

“That is my purpose now, King of Eblan,” she said turning her glittering hard-edged gaze to Edge. “… to recoup my powers to their former strength, find my warrior comrades, and seek out and destroy Kefka - if we can - before he finishes our world off for good. I must not fail.”

Her face was grim, her brow deeply furrowed, her body tightly coiled- as if one more wrong, one more loss could tip the scales and send her over the edge, shattering her into a million pieces.

Just then a chevron of geese flew close by the wall, winging their way south to their pre-chosen destination. As her gaze followed them, Terra’s demeanor relaxed considerably, buoyed by their focus and grace.

“I’m sorry,” she laughed, raking the curls back from her face. “That’s a lot to put on someone before breaking fast.”

“Besides,” she continued with resignation and compassion, “I do not wish to draw you into this nightmare. I would not risk the peace you have in your kingdom - for my world. You have helped just by listening - and giving me a safe place to recharge before my journey continues. If I could call you friend, King of Eblan, that would be help enough.” And she smiled.

Hey...c'mere...

-With that he pulled her into a hug and gave her a reassuring pat on the back.-

You've been through a lot, but you don't have to face all of this alone. I think I can help you, in fact I know I can. You're not the only one here who's faced down a god-like fiend. I can do whatever I can to help you, give you a place to stay, help you find your friends, I think I might know somebody who can help you get your magic back.

Ninja King @wild-moon - Tumblr Blog | Tumgag