Chapter Text
"What's the rush? We can take all the time we need now."
Gleeful chirping of birds filled the air, flying overhead in the clear, blue sky as the early summer sun shone down on the land. Two weeks had passed since Kefka's defeat, and the world, now filled with hope and determination, had started repairing their towns destroyed by the cataclysm. Towns were bustling with activity. People took pride in their aiding of repairs and restorations, and merchants took the opportunity to sell more building materials that had significantly increased in demand.
"The faster we finish repairing South Figaro, the faster we can move on to other towns. If we're lucky, we can get everything done before winter. Besides, you want your town back as soon as possible, don't you, Edgar?"
The civilians' new determination had rubbed off on the world's saviours. With no good reason to split apart, the party stuck together. They may have saved the world, but what good would that have done if no one can live in peace with their homes still in ruin? Willing to prevent that, they now spent their days aiding towns with repairs.
"You're no good to anyone if you throw out your back from hauling logs around all day, you know."
"Maybe... But I still want to help."
"You've helped plenty. Rest for now, Locke."
Locke sighed. He adjusted his grip on the log he held over his shoulder, securing it in place to prevent it from slipping off. Edgar was right, Locke knew that, but that didn't mean he had to like it. South Figaro was one of the best towns to live in at that moment, as most of the repairs had already been done, except for some collapsed houses and creaking planks hanging loose off the walls.
"Alright," Locke reluctantly agreed, "but let me carry this to Sabin first."
As Edgar nodded, Locke made his way through the active town to a house to the north. The house's support pillars had snapped during the World of Balance's destruction, which made several walls collapse. They had managed to repair one of them two days ago. The second wall went faster than the first, as they now had more of a feel for how to match the original build.
"Sabin?" Locke called into the house. Soon enough, Sabin's head poked out of the empty doorframe.
"Ah, Locke! Did you get the log?" Sabin asked, glad to see his friend's familiar face.
"Yeah. Here you go," Locke said, smiling as he lowered the log off his shoulder into both hands, then passed it into Sabin's awaiting ones. The guy held it like it was a mere feather, carrying it with one hand...
"Thanks, man! This is probably the last one we need to fix the wall. We'll be done in no time!" As Sabin disappeared back into the house, Locke rolled his shoulders back, hearing the quiet sound of his bones moving. He made his way to the entrance of the village, planning to go out and relax, maybe take a nap in the field for a bit.
Locke had temporarily abandoned his title of treasure hunter. He still loved adventuring and gathering shiny and valuable items, of course he did, but his current focus was restoring the world. It may never be the same again, but that didn't mean it couldn't be made more comfortable for the generations to come. The joy Locke felt from coming across a rare item was comparable to the newer sensation of watching civilians seeing their towns like how they used to be before the world was reduced to the shell of its former self it was after the cataclysm.
Exiting South Figaro, Locke reached the field. A warm breeze wafted through the grass and flowers, carrying the scent of the nearby forest and of the fresh vegetation that started growing over the rocky parts of land. Basking in the comforting sunbeams, Locke sat down in the grass, looking out over the area.
For a moment, Locke shut his eyes. The coming of summer had been great for everyone by lifting spirits, making people feel warm and by the fresh produce of farmers. Life was better now, and it would be even better when all of the repairs had been finished. The world as they once knew was within their grasp. Locke just wished that didn't mean he had to carry around logs and planks all day...
He was pulled out of his thoughts by footsteps. They sounded light yet quick over the grass, a telltale sign of...
"Hi Locke! Look what Gau and I made! We're going to give this to Celes, do you think she'd like it?"
Locke turned to face Relm, who held in her hands what Locke assumed was a flower crown. It was a dark green vine, covered with beautiful white and yellow gerbera daisies. It was well-made. Locke could see the love Relm and Gau had put into it. His lips curled into a warm, supportive smile.
"Hi Relm. It's really pretty! I'm sure Celes would love it," Locke responded. As mischievous as Relm may be, she could get really passionate when it came to her creativity, whether that be painting or, in this case, making Celes flower crowns.
Relm's smile spread all the way to her cheeks as her eyes lit up with joy. "Yay! Thank you! I'll give it to her now!"
Before Locke could respond, she sprinted back into South Figaro. And she's gone, he thought, I always wondered how Strago's stamina is so good at his age. But it's no surprise, really. I'd have stamina like that too if I had to keep up with that girl for ten whole years...
Locke chuckled and shook his head. After a few more silent moments of enjoying the warmth the sun rays lent his skin, Locke stood back up and turned back to South Figaro. He stretched his legs and arms before making his way back to the entrance.
Soon, Locke thought to himself, little moments like this will be more common. We'll be at peace once more.
Walking back into the town, Locke stopped in front of the logs and planks, stacked up neatly by the Chocobo stable.
Just gotta continue carrying logs for now...