Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction ❯ The Life of Erin Tribal ❯ Chapter 48 ( Chapter 48 )

The Life of Erin Tribal Chapter 48

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A/N: Won't say much this time, but this WILL be that chapter where Locke returns! Woohoo!

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Disclaimer: Look at a previous chapter for it... Dont feel like writing it again!

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Erin stared up at the ceiling, sighing deeply. She was the first up, yet again. The girl couldn't even hear anyone moving around, which led her to the conclusion that it was really early. She headed up to the kitchen to grab something for breakfast, hoping that someone else was up.

As she opened the door, a silhouetted figure was present that was just staring into space. Erin examined the figure as she opened the door, and by the time she had opened it all the way, she realized who it was. Morning.

Same to you, Harry replied.

You hungry? Erin asked him, walking over next to him.

Yeah. You know how to cook? he wondered.

Not really, but I do know one thing that we are sure to be able to make, she grinned, glad that her time of sneaking in to watch the cooks had finally paid off. Grabbing everything she needed, she set to work and was done within ten minutes. Pulling out two plates, she dished up for both of them and brought the toast back to the table. Dig in.

Harry did so and took a bite out of one of his pieces of toast. So, anyone else up yet?

No.

I wonder why everyone is sleeping in today. Normally Setzer or Celes or someone is first up.

Actually, its more like you, me, and Relm. But even Relms still sleeping, Erin sighed, taking a bite from her breakfast.

Excuse me, I am not asleep, a girls voice giggled from the door. Whats for breakfast? Erin waved a slice of toast and she smiled. Erin handed her the extra piece, figuring she wasnt that hungry. So, what are you two talking about? Relm continued, accepting the food.

Just trying to figure out why everyone is still asleep, Harry told her. Todays going to be a long day, especially if we are going to go and try to find Locke.

We know this much for sure, Erin pointed out. Wherever there is a ton a treasure, thats where he is. Besides, when we were in Jidoor, I picked up a note that reads as follows: The legendary treasure lies where mountains form a star.

What could THAT mean? Relm pondered.

I know where it is! Setzer and I found it while we were drifting! Its near Tzen, Harry realized. Guess that puts us a step ahead of the adults, for once.

Yeah, we actually figured out where Locke most likely is, Erin grinned, and then she heard more doors opening. Sounds like we arent alone anymore. She got up and left the room and found the main entryway crowded. She sighed, then headed down to grab her stuff before heading above deck. Pushing through everyone, she proceeded upstairs and soon found out it was going to be a really breezy day. Relm and Harry soon joined her and they waited for everyone else to get ready. Setzer was the first to get upstairs.

You guys know where we are headed? he asked.

Were going to try and find Locke. Somewhere out there is an island place with mountains that form a star, Erin informed him.

Got it, lets start searching! Setzer exclaimed and started up the airship. They took off to seek out the fabled area. The search lasted about an hour when they finally found where they were looking for. Looks like weve gotta split into two groups. Any suggestions?

Well, Erin and I want to be together, thats for sure, Relm pointed out. Group one could be Erin, Celes, Edgar, myself, and Setzer.

And Group two? Erin asked.

How about, Setzer started, joining them to look down at the small landing spot. Sabin, Harry, Terra, Cyan, and Strago? Relm started giggling at the thought of actually bringing Strago along. Relm, Harry, go gather up your groups. I guess you two could be the leaders. The two kids left, which temporarily left Erin and Setzer alone up there. Relm and Harry quickly returned with the designated groups following them. Group one jumped ship first, soon followed by group two. Erins group entered first and stepped on the only available thing, a switch.

The switch triggered something that allowed group two through, and they soon emerged through another door to let group one in through a different door. Erin ran ahead and found another switch, which lowered some spikes on an upper level to let group two through. They all passed and Erin stepped off the switch, but they were soon stopped again due to more spikes. Terra found the switch and let group one pass down to some stairs. Erin frowned as they entered an area with lava covering the floor. Looking around, she spotted an open chest and went after it. Examining it a little more, she spotted a switch and Relm activated it. The girl stepped off of it when the other group had gone on to explore some more, and they headed back to the stairs.

Following the path, they came across some more stairs and trudged up them. Celes went through another door and apparently hit a switch as they soon spotted group two. Group one continued on and group two hit a switch to lower some spikes and let group one continue. They headed down some more stairs, through a short part of the lava area, and back up some more stairs. The group found another switch and pressed it, not knowing what it did, and continued on.

Down some more stairs, they passed over another place that group two had opened up for them. As soon as they were through, group two also headed through as the rocks had gone back to their original place. They followed the path, temporarily ignored the stairs that were there, and found themselves face-to-face with another dragon.

Been awhile since weve fought one of these, Erin joked, unsheathing her sword in the process. They started pounding away at the beast, figuring due to the fact it was red that it would be weak against ice. They were right, too. Group one quickly pounded away at the boss, Erin or Celes healing when need-be. The dragon fell after at least a good twenty minutes, which, by then, they could hear Terra complaining to open up the bridge. They collected the nearby chest and then went to open up Terras path.

After opening up the path, both groups pressed a switch to open up what they hoped to be the final path. Group one went through first, lead by Celes now. Erin spotted Locke holding something in his hand and she smiled. They followed the final path and eventually were all crowded behind him, or on the bridge.

Locke! Celes exclaimed. The man looked up and looked around his shoulder, the locks of loose blonde hair swaying from the movement.

Your all still alive! he smiled. I heard there was a legendary treasure here, so I had to come find it for myself. Think we could head for Kohlingen?

No problem! Lets just get outta this place already! Setzer agreed.

Follow us, our path should be quicker! Sabin said, and then left to lead everyone. They all headed out of the cave with group twos guidance. No one said anything as they left and boarded the airship. Setzer set course for Kohlingen and they arrived within twenty minutes. Locke was the first to get off, quickly followed by group one. The thief entered the farthest back house. To allow him privacy, they waited upstairs for him to return.

Locke returned within five minutes and they left the house. Hey, Celes.

Yes? the female knight asked, turning around to face him.

I found all this in the cave. I thought you should have them, Locke said, pulling out two pouches full of items. Celes locked through them, and handed him back a knife.

You can keep that, she nodded, and then continued out of Kohlingen, soon followed by Locke. They boarded the airship, but Setzer didnt start it up quite yet.

So, where to next? Setzer asked, looking at the group gathered there.

Should we go check in on Shadow? Celes questioned, looking at the others.

Might as well. Next stop: Thamasa, Setzer announced, starting up the airship. They took off and started for Thamasa.

Erin stared out into space and soon she realized there was something headed their way. A large, dark, yet familiar shadow, zooming full speed towards the airship.

Guys, incoming! she shouted, pointing towards the shadow.

Oh great, Setzer sighed, pulling out a couple of cards and aiming them at the coming-into-focus monster. It soon stopped when it was close enough to take out the ship, and they stopped as well. Setzer threw the cards at the beast, causing a good deal of damage. Locke also threw a couple of daggers at it. Erin aimed an Ice2 spell at it, followed quickly by Fire2 from Celes. Doom Gaze fled the battlefield almost as quickly as it had appeared. They continued towards Thamasa and landed outside the tiny town.

The first group, along with Locke, headed into Thamasa and to Stragos house. They headed for where Shadow had been left to discover an empty bed. Just great, Erin mumbled. Well, Shadows officially missing again. Erin was the first to leave the room, going downstairs to see if they could salvage anything from this house.

If theres anything left, its probably rotten by now. It has been a year, someone said from behind her.

I guess so, Erin replied. She could tell from the voice and demeanor that Locke had been the one who had spoken.

Something wrong? the treasure hunter asked, walking up next to her. Erin sat down in one of the chairs and sighed.

Its just... We told Shadow that wed be back. Whyd he leave? Erin asked Locke, as if he would know.

Its hard to say. Knowing him, he probably just got tired of waiting around, Locke explained. None of us know him that well either.

We saved his life. I wasnt in the group that found him, but apparently when he was found he was almost dead. We brought him here so he could recover.

Its hard to say, Erin. Everyone else is wondering the same thing, Locke said. Erin sighed, placed her crossed arms on the table, and put her head in them. We need to find the others though. I was told you know who all is missing?

Yeah, I do. Mog is the only one left that I can think of, Erin responded, not even bothering lifting her head.

The moogles live in Narshe, so that has to be where he is. I just know it, Locke said, more to himself than to her.

Locke, we still have to find Shadow again, Erin informed him.

Thats going to be hard, the treasure hunter sighed. What if theres anyone else thats wants to help?

And whats the likeliness of THAT happening? Erin asked, laughing, but only slightly.

You never know. Its been a long day though, and its starting to get dark anyways. Lets head back to the airship, the others will probably be leaving soon anyways, Locke said, faking a yawn. Erin laughed again and left the small house. Looking over at the horizon, she sighed as the sun started sinking in the distance. Theyd have to make an early start the next day if they were going to try and find Shadow.

Erin spotted Locke over at the towns entrance, and ran to join him. She could sense that now he was truly getting tired, and so was she, so the two headed back to the airship to get some sleep. Erin let him into the room they had left open for him, and then headed down to her bed to at least try and get some sleep.

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A/N: Ack, sorry about the abrupt ending there. I wanted/needed to get this chapter finished. Once again, thanks to my awesome beta, you guys are the best! And I just found out that I have people who are oh-so-patiently waiting for some new stuff from me (they have me on Author Alert! Yay!), so here it is!