It's That Guy Again...

When the doors to this palace were opened, Celes stayed behind for a few minutes. She stood still in the crowd that rushed into the grand building. She felt a sudden hand on her shoulder. Spinning around, she stood to face a young woman with long brown locks and glistening aqua eyes.

"You are Celes Cher, a Returner, correct?" Her voice was held low with strands of hope in it. Celes looked in her face. Her eyes showed she already knew the answer, but was seeking confirmation.

She tried to keep her voice down with her reply. "That�s me. Are you-"

"Oh thank God!" The woman embraced her gently, then quickly let go. "Pardon. I�m Selene. I� work with Edgar Roni Figaro. Or at least I �did-�"

Celes closed her eyes. Finally� there was someone else from her world. Sure� she hadn�t been there very long, but it was nerve-wracking not knowing anyone. When she opened her eyes, she took notice of Selene�s attire: a long black cloak with a hood. A very long sword was at her waist.

Tapping her own Rune Edge that hung on a thin golden belt, she looked questioningly into the eyes of Selene. "Oh." Her face grew warm. "It�s a masamune." She turned her head and looked into the hall. "Shall we?"

Knowing that they may inside find other Returners, the two young women entered the large hall. It was positively gorgeous. The choir�s sound merged into one voice and sounded like triumphant angels. The scene was beyond compare. Then, suddenly, upon spotting a single figure among the rest, Celes could almost feel her heart stop. She froze, but Selene hadn�t noticed. In the front of the room, up the stairs and to the left, a man leaned casually against the banister. His black hair flowed down to his waist, complimenting his black and gray tux. Celes could almost hear his frightening laughter again�

The moment he moved his eyes and rested them on her, Selene whipped around, crying out at Celes. The crowd back slightly away from the two. In what seemed a fury, Selene drew her masamune. In her eyes was a sick glow; she couldn�t be read at all� it was as though she wasn�t even there. "Celes! You�re the one I want. Draw."