Chapter 5: Truth in Another Land
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Natasha looked around the rubble of what used to be the beautful town of
Tzen.  There were remains of houses and things everywhere.  She even saw
some people, probablly survivors running from place to place, looking for
things.  She wondered what they could possibly be looking for, but didn't
dwell on that topic for too long.  Rooks came out of his house, which was
now a tent.

"Good morning," Rooks said, "Have you figured out that riddle yet?"

"No," Natasha frowned.  "Not yet.  I've been watching these poor people."

"Yes," Rooks replied.  "They are survivors, looking for things to build
with or food.  Pay them no attention.  With all of the destruction here,
you might find some information in your riddle."

"What do you mean?" Natasha asked as she pulled out the two maps, "The
only differences I can see in the maps are that a bunch of land is
missing and that Eboshi Rock is above water."

"There is something else," Rooks snickered, "Remember the riddle, 'A
year's creation destroyed in a day.  The two maps..."

Suddenly it hit her like the time she stepped in Chocobo dung while
running from Paul when she was little.  "Kefka's rule was a year."

"Yes," Rooks smiled.

"So, HIS kingdom was destroyed in a day," she screamed.

"Indeed, it was," Rooks smiled again.

"And the truth of my parents is at the remains of KEFKA'S TOWER!" Natasha
yelled happily.

"You finally figured it out," Rooks said with joy.  "Now, there you will
learn the next step of finding your parents.  Don't leave until you have
gotten a sign."

"Thank you so much, Rooks."  Natasha hugged him.  "How can I ever repay
you?"

"Think nothing of it."  Rooks gasped from the hug.  "I will always be
here if you ever need me again."

"I will meet you again."  Natasha smiled.  "I promise."

About ten minutes later, Natasha was heading south, towards the tower
that the vile Kefka ruled the world from.  Rooks watched her, with a tear
in his eye as she left.

"You are strong, young Natasha," Rooks said to himself.  "I just hope you
are strong enough to live with the truth.  Good luck and be careful."

Later that day, Natasha saw the ruins.  They were truly a sight to
behold.  People from all over came and preserved to ruins, to make it a
worldly monument.  It was the fall of Kefka that overjoyed the world.  As
she entered the ruins, Natasha didn't quite feel right.  Something was
strange about this place.  Not evil, but not good either.  More of a
neutral feeling.  Neurtal or not, it was indeed powerful.

Natasha throughly searched the ruins, as much as she could.  She found
nothing of interest.  Some old weapons, most of them damaged beyond
repair, but there were some that may be worth keeping.  In fact, she did
take some swords.  One was much too awkward for her to use, but it might
sell well at a shop.  Another sword was too short and stubby to be
useful; again, she might be able to raise some gold for it.  The third
sword she kept was a in remarkable shape, after seeing the all the
destruction around.  The blade was of a thin, ninja-type, just as hers
is.  It was black, but shiney.  Something about her wanted to hold on to
this weapon.  She might find some good use for it.  Nothing of the other
weapons were really worth it.

By the time she finished with the ruins, it was nighttime.  Not only was
Natasha upset, but she was frustrated.  Rooks had told her to come here
and she had only found some goofy weapons.  However, she calmed herself
and looked around.  One portion of the ruins looked like it could be used
as a shelter for the night.  She entered that section through what had
once been a window and looked around.  Again, nothing of interest caught
her eye. Rooks had told her to stay until she found something, though, so
Natasha decided to sleep there.

Later that night, as she slept, something appeared before her.  It was a
glowing orb that did not appear to be of this world.  It hovered before
her and started to speak.

"Natasha," it said.  "Natasha Toni Chase, wake up.  I am the reason why
you are here."

Natasha awoke from her slumber and started at it, "Wha...what are you?"

"Natasha, I am one of the three Goddesses of Magic," it said.

"Wait.  The Goddesses are dead."  Natasha rubbed her eyes from the light.

"No, we are not," the Goddess said, "You can never truly kill a god.  We
just reside in a far-off world, with our Espers.  We come and go as we
please."

"Then why can anyone use Esper magic anymore?" Natasha asked.

"There are no Espers left in the world," the Goddess said.  "So there is
no Esper magic.  We allow some weaker spells to be learned from time to
time, but nothing too powerful.  We still control all magic."

"You called me here?" Natasha asked.

"Yes," the Goddess said.  "What you saw in your dream was the last
physical form I took.  I cannot take another form in this world, besides
as a spirit, like I am now.  I apologize if I frightened you."

"Why did you serve Kefka?"  Natasha continued to ask questions.

"As Goddesses, we do not know the differance between right and wrong,
good and evil; all we know is that when we were in those statues, Kefka
relased our powers, which made him our master," the Goddess replied.
"But I am to give you a quest to find your parents."

"Yes."  Natasha smiled.  "You know of my parents?"

"Indeed."  The Goddess laughed.  "And if you wish to learn their
identities, you will need to do as I tell you."

"Anything," Natasha replied eagerly.  "Just tell me!"

"Not so fast," the Goddess said.  "You must complete a mission for me.
My fellow two Goddesses are also here on this world; however, they have
been captured by an unknown force.  You must find them and free them.
Only then will you know the truth."

"How will you tell me?" Natasha inquired.

"When you save the Goddesses, your questions will be answered in the same
way they were presented," the Goddess replied.

"In a dream?" Natasha asked.

"Yes, in a dream," the Goddess said.  "You must move quickly, though.  If
this force keeps them captive, it can open another door to the world
where we now live and the madness will start all over again.  Please,
save your world and the Esper's world before it's too late."

With that sentance, the Goddess disappeared.

"Wait!"  Natasha yelled, "Where will I begin?  How?"

It was no use.  The Goddess was gone and Natasha was still as ignorant on
the subject as she was when she came.  Tomorrow, she would have to go
back to see Rooks.  He would know what to do, Natasha hoped...