A Reply?

spifiliator@hotmail.com

Funny enough, Rydia's reply arrived at the inn the next morning. The party was sitting at breakfast arguing over how to lure Edge to Kaipo when the innkeeper delivered the note to the table. He smirked as he handed it to Asura for he too knew what this crazy bunch of travelers was up to. He couldn't knock it though. If they really did lure the lovers to his hotel it meant more GP in the bank!

Dear Anonymous,

I feel rather silly responding to your letter. No offense but if I were in my normal frame of mind I would have laughed this off. But as things are right now, I have nothing better to do than make a new friend or reacquaint myself with an old one. I will meet you at the Kaipo Inn tomorrow afternoon.

"Signed 'Rydia,'" finished Asura.

"Oh dear, we only have one day to get Edge out here! How are we ever going to manage that? We don't have time to write another letter." The chamberlain was noticeably frazzled, and his friends could only stare at him. "You just don't get it. Cecil, to get him to go to your unbachelor party I had to lock him out of the castle. I threw him out and the sentries locked the gate. He is damn impossible! How in the world can we make this work?"

"We'll lie of course. Just like we did to Rydia. And if our lies are good enough, we will fool him too." Cid stared at everyone. "Come on guys. We have come this far. If those two kids aren't going to take care of this themselves then we as their closest friends had best take care of it for them!"

Knowing Cid was right, the debate continued. How would they get Edge to Kaipo? Many suggestions were thrown out.

"Stage an attack on the city," suggested Yang. But his idea was quickly chopped down. No one around was at war. Besides, that would be stupid and likely to stir up trouble in the town. Imagine Edge busting into the quiet city with a band of his fellow ninjas!

"What if we had some kind of ninja contest? Would Edge's ego really resist something like that?" Although a tempting offer, all agreed this would be impractical. Besides, in his current state of mind Edge wasn't in the mood for competition.

Finally Edward said, "Why can't we just be honest with Edge?" He quickly recounted the conversation they had at the unbachelor party. "I know he is on the borderline. Anytime now he is going to breakdown and go crawling to Rydia. But she is stubborn and upset enough not to accept him. So, it is necessary to get them up here together. We can be honest with Edge though. Well, somewhat honest anyway."

"How do you propose this?" questioned the chamberlain. "I told you how difficult this is going to be."

"Queen Asura, I need you to summon Edge's parents. They're monsters now. You could find them couldn't you?" She nodded and he continued, "Explain to them the situation and tell them that Rydia is awaiting a visit from her secret admirer in Kaipo. They will visit Edge, tell him of this dreadful news and he will come running right into our trap."

"But why would he bother running if…oh wait, I get it! If they say 'secret admirer' Edge will feel that he has to compete with another guy. Of course he will come." Cecil thought this was a great idea. Not only did this appeal to Edge's competitive spirit, but it would also require bringing his parents in on the deal. If Edge wouldn't listen to his parents, then who else would he pay attention to!?!

"Edward, that is brilliant!" praised Rosa.

"Yes, it is," agreed Asura. "I am good for that. Chamberlain, you know Edge better than I do. Do you think that this will work?"

"Yes, I do. The only people he loves and respects as much as Rydia are his parents. This will get his attention."