//------------------------------// // 3. Awakened Forest // Story: The Ninth Fantasy - Gaia // by MrAlterad //------------------------------// As the ship slammed into the tree tops, Spike saw Applejack get hurled off. His heart skipped a beat as he saw her disappear into the night. “Applejack!!” He called out before he felt his feet lose contact with the deck of the ship, making the dragon feel weightless. As the ship hit the ground, the young dragon bounced off it, and was sent flying into the forest. His head hit something with a crack, and he fell unconscious as he crashed into the dirt. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ATE: Brahne's Malice ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Queen looked on as the Prima Vista left Alexandria. Her blood cooling as she composed herself. Perhaps Garnet isn't such a helpless little girl anymore. She thought bitterly as she watched the nobles and commoners flee the disaster area that was where the ship was once docked. “Zorn! Thorn!” She angrily called for, and in quick order, two small jesters appeared at her side, Zorn wearing blue and white, Thorn in red and white. “Is our little experiment ready?” “Ready it is my queen!” Zorn cheerfully answered. “Eliminate the princess, it surely can!” Thorn added. “Fools! I need her alive! Bring her back at once!” The queen barked. The two jesters quickly left to get what they needed together, leaving the queen alone with an armored woman at her side. Brahne's attention turned to her, the woman was waiting patiently for her queen's command. She was Beatrix, top general of the Alexandrian army. She had long light-brown hair, a silver eye-patch that covered half of her face's right side. Her armor bore white and red as their colors, her sword had jewels encrusted into the blade, two rubies on each side of it. Known for her loyalty and being the strongest warrior of the kingdom, Beatrix gave the queen her report. “It appears that when the princess fled, she was in the company of Applejack. It's possible she was sent here to facilitate the princesses' escape. She may also have something to do with Captain Steiner's disappearance,” she divvied out. Despite what had occurred, Beatrix was composed, her expression unreadable as she glanced back out into the night, where the ship had departed. “Hmph,” he queen replied, “should have thrown her in the dungeon instead of humoring my daughter!” She probably 'alerted' us about the thieves to facilitate her innocence! I will not be fooled! The queen thought as the addressed Beatrix. “Where did she say she was from again?” The queen was looking to add another nation to her list of targets. “Equestria,” Beatrix replied, “She said she was from Equestria.” Queen Brahne smiled at her answer. Steal her away will you. Trying to fool me with your lies? I'll make sure you come to regret it! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Spike woke up covered in bark and leaves. He looked around, confused, the last thing he remembered was being knocked off the Prima Vista after it crashed. Looking around, he saw no sign of the ship, though he did see what he smacked into when he fell off. A large branch lay on its side near him, having been smashed by the collision. Princess Garnet stood over him, her white and red robe having been torn from the crash, but she looked fine, at least better that Spike had been. So, she's the princess? Then realizing the state they were both in, addressed her. “Princess, are you alright!?” Then he quickly looked around, “Where are we?” He asked, he already wasn't too fond of this forest, and wanted to get out of here, after finding Applejack of course. “Oh, I am fine Spike, thank you for asking.” Garnet assured him, “I healed your wounds, so you should be just fine as well.” She then looked around apprehensively, “I believe this is called the Evil Forest, we need to find the ship, it is not safe here.” The Evil Forest? That has to be the lamest, and most accurate name for this place! Spike thought as he got up. The air was heavy with mist, the trees in the forest were watching the pair, and it all felt malicious. The thick air and the feeling of being watched reminded the dragon of the Everfree. However, that forest didn't feel malicious. Well, besides that one time with the crazy thorny vines, he thought as he looked to Garnet. “Don't worry princess,” Spike began, puffing his chest out. “I'll protect you! Nothing in this forest is gonna stop me!” He bravely stated as he looked around, trying to find evidence of the ship or Applejack's whereabouts. Hearing the rustling of leaves nearby, they both looked to the source. Spike's bravery faltered as they spotted large bulb of vines moving towards them from the tree tops. The mass of vines was easily as large as three ponies combined. It has to be called the 'Evil' forest, he mentally bemoaned, why couldn't it have been the 'Forest of Friendly Plants'! He thought as he took a deep breath and spewed fire on the monster plant before it could get any closer. To his dismay, the clump of vines wasn't bothered in the least. Why isn't my breath burning anything!? Seeing no means of fighting back, he grabbed Garnet's arm, and ran. “Why was your fire unable to harm it?” She asked, alarmed and afraid as she matched his pace. “I don't know! It's never acted like this before!” he frustratingly admitted as they ran. He tried to burn it with his mind again, but he was still drained from when he played with fire earlier. He heard a crashing in the trees ahead of him and they both stopped in fear. Then they let out a sigh of relief when Applejack burst through the underbrush, broadsword in mouth. Thank Celestia! Spike thought as they moved to her side. “Spike! Princess! Ya'll alright?” Applejack asked after planting the blade into the ground. “We are being pursued by a monster!” Garnet replied as she indicated behind them, to reveal an empty patch of forest. Spike stared at the empty patch for a moment before adopting a smug smile. Hah! Applejack scared it away! Don't mess with a bearer of harmony! Then Spike mentally corrected himself, as they didn't have the Elements anymore. “I don't doubt ya, but I don't see em'.” Applejack replied, keeping a cautious eye to the forest around them, “Let's get a move on, the sooner we're outa this creepy forest, the better.” “We need to find the others,” Garnet admitted as she let go of Spike's claw, giving him a thankful look. “I doubt either of you know the way to Lindblum,” she suspected. Applejack didn't look comfortable with the idea of finding the foal-nappers, but didn't deny the practicality behind it, so they set out to find the Prima Vista. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ATE: Broken Vista ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Zidane downed a healing potion, recovering from the wounds being knocked off the ship had brought about. After composing himself, he headed through the dark forest to a source of light in the distance. It wasn't long before he found his way back to where the ship crashed. Clearing his way through the underbrush, he abandoned the cumbersome armor he stole, as he stood at the top of the hill overlooking the cash site. A swath of trees were crushed in the direction the ship traveled in as it collided with the ground, leaving a new clearing in the dark forest. The ship! He thought in dismay as he appraised the mess, My friends! The princess! Why did it have to go so wrong! he kicked the dirt underfoot in frustration as he looked for a way down. After a short climb down the hillside to the ruined ship, he saw a fire was burning a part of its hull, and debris lay scattered everywhere. Worried for his friends and the others, he quickly went into the wreck, looking for them, as well as anyone that needed help. Cinna, the man with the scruffy beard, informed Zidane that he hadn't seen the princess or the two strangers. After Zidane learned Baku was fine, he headed out into the forest to look for the others, trusting Baku's abilities as the gangs leader. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The three of them continued through the forest, trying to find the ship. They didn't wander far before being attacked by a wolf. It had a pair of large fangs, and Applejack got her sword out, placing herself between the canine and the others. Spike got in front of Garnet as well, ready to strike if the beast charged past the mare. It's smaller than a timberwolf, this will be easy! It charged Applejack, and the pony failed to avoid its first bite, causing her to yelp in pain as it bit her flank. “Applejack!” Spike cried in worried alarm, not expecting it to actually hurt her. Smaller than a timberwolf, but still dangerous! “Ya darn canine! If Winona were with me she'd show ya a thing or two!” She said as she brought the sword down on it. The blade cut into the thick of it, causing it to jerk and crumble under the blow. It quickly dissipated into mist after perishing. “What in tarnation?” The mare asked, confused, and a little glad that it dissipated. Garnet, noticing her confusion, spoke up. “Creatures born of the mist return to the mist when defeated.” She explained, casting a healing spell over Applejack's wound, patching it right up. She then picked up a small collection of coins left behind from the monster's demise. “Wow, it's right healed!” Applejack declared in amazement before turning to Garnet with a smile. “Princesses sure are something. Thank ya Princess.” Her compliment got a blush from Garnet as Applejack then looked back to the forest, keeping an eye out for danger. “So, that wolf, it was mist?” She asked, prompting Spike to worry about what that would entail for his friends back home. “You do not have to thank me for healing you,” Garnet began, “it is my duty as future queen to look after my subject and allies,” dignity and pride was radiating from her as she nodded. “Yes, that monster was born from the mist, just as all monsters are,” she concluded. “Here, you slew it,” Garnet said as she presented Applejack the pile of coins. “What is it?” Applejack asked, and Spike was curious to know as well, getting a look of surprise from the princess. “This is gil, it's left behind by slain monsters, and occasionally medicinal items are left behind too. Gil is currency, you can buy most anything with it, and it's universal, it's just as valuable in Alexandria as it is in Lindblum.” “Come again?” “That's awesome!” Applejack and Spike replied in unison. Seeing that Applejack wanted to know how this was possible, the princess apologized to her. “Nobody knows why it happens, it just does,” she replied with a shrug. Still, that sounds very handy, fight some monsters, and get rich! Spike thought, a gleam of greed in his eyes. He then looked around the forest, realizing that he wasn't very handy at fighting monsters at the moment. If we're attacked by another, I won't be much help! I need something to- before he could finish his line of thought, they heard someone running through the woods ahead of them, drawing their attention towards it. With their focus on what was coming, they failed to notice what was above them. Garnet let out a scream as she was swallowed by a cocoon of vines. A plant monster had landed over her and enveloped her in a prison, pushing Spike and Applejack away from it with its vines. Spike swiped at it with his claws, and saw that it barely scratched the beast. No! It's Power Ponies all over again! I need that fire I did earlier, I need that magic! His breath and claws were useless in this world, he needed magic to save his friends. Out of frustration and stubbornness, he hit the monster with his staff, which to his surprise, caused a bigger gash than his claws did. Applejack was torn between helping the princess and not turning her back to whatever was coming their way through the forest. She then stomped the ground in frustration as she swept around Spike to the monster before them, briefly looking to the dragon over her shoulder. “Spike, watch my back, I'll handle this overgrown weed!” She ordered as she brought her blade around. Spike nodded, he didn't like being unable to help, but he could at least do that much. His attention now on the coming noise, he was surprised when he saw that the source of it, was Zidane, crashing through the underbrush, looking relieved to see them. “Zidane! The princess needs help!” Spike shouted, Zidane looked past him and saw the crisis, when he saw the princess trapped by the monster, his face took on a dangerous scowl. “Let her go!” He shouted as he jumped at the vine monster. Leaping through the air, Spike watched in awe as Zidane was enveloped by a purple-pinkish light, red and white lightning arced away from him as his blow connected with the monster, causing a devastating gash in its side. Whoa, that was so cool! Spike thought, looking at Zidane, who's hair took on a pink hew as he radiated energy. Zidane's eyes, they seemed particularly focused, as if in a trance. Applejack was surprised by the turn of events, but didn't falter. She struck the beast, severing off several vines, which dissipated into mist shortly after hitting the ground. Zidane was surprised that he was radiating energy, but put it to his advantage. Drawing on the energy, he gathered it up and let it free into his foe. Several mystic runes assaulted it, knocking it back several feet. The monster, seeing its defeat imminent, took to the tree tops, fleeing. What!? No!! Spike thought as he saw the monster disappear into the foliage. Just like that, the monster was gone, the trio losing sight of it. Zidane looked around confused, and the energy that empowered him dissipated in short order. “Princess!” Spike shouted in mixture of alarm and fear. If only I was able to use my magic! And I used it all up to burn grass! I swear, I will never be so wasteful with it again! Not when I can use if for something more important! His grip on the staff was hard, his face flushed at his his fear for the princess shifted into self-loathing. “The beast, what's it gonna do with her?” Applejack asked worryingly, "It's not going to... eat her, is it?" Spike's anger popped at Applejack's worry, making the dragon's eyes water at picturing that outcome. “No, I doubt that," Zidane quickly assured, noticing the looks the others had adopted. "I felt it when I attacked it. That thing was a minion, it probably intends to return her to its master.” Really!? Spike thought hopefully, latching on to Zidane's words. “Then,” Applejack began, hope in her voice, “we got time to find and save her! Let's move-” She was interrupted as another vine monster swooped in, scooping the mare up in its vine-like cage. “W-What!? Oh no you don't!” She angrily shouted as she swung her blade around, cutting through a part of her cage. Zidane jumped atop the newcomer, bringing his daggers to bare into it. They both slashed and cut into it repeatedly as Spike whacked it with his staff out of angry frustration. You are not getting Applejack too! As they assaulted it, trying to free Applejack, she suddenly looked drained. Her stamina weakened, and she appeared fatigued, while the monster looked a little renewed. What did it do!? Spike worried as he saw Zidane toss Applejack a potion, telling her to drink it. She eyed it skeptically, but still brought it to her lips. Drinking the potion, she felt renewed again. Thanking Zidane, she continued her assault. In short order, they slew the beast, taking it down before it could flee. It crumbled under Applejack, freeing herself from it. Before it dispersed into mist, however, it blew forth a cloud of noxious green gas. Zidane jumped out of the way, quick on his feet. The others didn't get away in time and ended up breathing in some of the gas. Spike fell over, his limbs no longer answering to him, a puppet with its strings cut. As darkness started to overtake him, he saw Applejack in a similar state, and as everything faded away, he tried, desperately, to reach out to his friend. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ATE: Weight of Two Lives ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Not good, they've been poisoned! Zidane thought as he stood over the two fallen Equestrians. He wasn't too sure if he could manage it, but he tried to slump Applejack over his shoulder, and carried Spike under his free arm. She's heavy. Still, I think I can get them back to the ship like this. The princess needed to be rescued, but he chose to save those in front of him first, he doubted he could save Garnet alone anyhow. Still, just who are these two? He wondered as he looked the cute mare slumped of his shoulder, and the spunky little dragon tucked under his arm. I've never seen their like before, and what were they doing at the castle? He wondered as he spotted the ship, getting them to safety before they were attacked by any other denizen of the forest. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Spike stirred from a peaceful slumber. He got out of his cot and worked to see if Twilight needed- Spike couldn't move, but he was in a comfortable bed, just not the one he's use to sleeping in. He saw that he was in a small room, furniture and pictures fallen over, the walls cracked from the damage caused by the crash. Sitting in the corner was one of the members of the ship, the actor with the red hair. Spike remembered where he was and what occurred, and felt a stab of sadness from not being home, and a stab of anger for not being helpful. This world, it's more dangerous than the other world. This is someplace different. His anger turned slowly shifted to worry, Ohhh, I hope everypony back home is doing okay. “Ah, you're awake,” the crew member stated, “You two are lucky, you know that? Had Zidane not been there, you would have been goners.” Spike looked at him in surprise. We would have been goners!? Applejack! “Where's Applejack?” Spike quickly asked, trying to get out of the cot, but his body refused to listen. “Where's my friend, and the Princess, what about her!?” “I'm over here sugarcube, thanks fer the concern.” The mare replied, glad he asked about her first. She was in another cot that was behind Spike's. If he could move, he'd get up and hug her. “Blank says it'll be a couple before we can move again, shouldn't be long.” Applejack paused for a moment, considering something. “We'll go after the princess after we can move. And don't you worry, she's gonna be fine. She's a princess after all.” She assured, and he readily took solace in her words. Being stuck there, unable to move, Spike saw this opportunity to touch base with her. “Applejack, do you know where we are? I'm guessing you've been here longer than me.” “Besides it bein' called the Mist Continent, I don't even have a clue. I was looking fer Apple Bloom in the orchard when I was blinded by light, when I could see again I was in the castle, near Garnet's room actually, boy was that an unpleasant surprise,” she smiled as she continued, “I think she had somethin' to do with it, but she disagrees.” She then looked to him, “Yer turn.” Spike nodded as he recounted everything up to when he ran into her in the castle. Neither had an answer for how they arrived there, but they both agreed that the mist meant there was a connection between Equestria and wherever they were now. “So,” the man named Blank began, catching the both of them off guard, as they had forgotten he was in the room with them. “The both of you aren't from this world?” He let out a soft chuckle, “That's one I've never heard before, maybe you're simply from the other side of the ocean, no one's ever seen what lies beyond the sea. Still, just in case, welcome to Gaia.” He nodded as he stood up, moving closer to them. “It sounds like you two could use some info, and sitting here quietly is boring, so I'll help you with what I can.” The two friends shared a look, there were actually a number of questions they wanted to address, Spike offered her the first question. “When I applebucked the bomb earlier, I felt somethin' strange go on with my hat. I've also been feelin' a little weaker that normal, like my stamina isn't at tip top shape, got anythin' for that?” Blank was surprised at the question. “Feeling weaker? Maybe you're not use to the altitude Alexandria is at?” He weakly offered with a shrug. “As for your hat question, I can help with that.” He gave her a small smile as he motioned towards a sword at his hip. “For warriors or thieves or knights or whatever it is you do that gets you by when dealing with the monsters of the mist, there is power in equipment.” Spike looked to Blank, a little confused. “You say your hat feels strange when you 'applebuck'?” Applejack nodded to his question, and he returned the nod. “It's because your hat empowers you with that ability. All equipment, and even some gems and other knickknacks, have abilities laced within them.” He then drew his sword, showing it for emphasis. “This sword, and the one you took from me, it has the property of being extra effective against beast type monsters, such as the wolves in the forest.” He then sheathed the sword as he looked to Applejack. “If you use the sword enough times, you get use to the property and can adopt it yourself without the sword. Use the ability in your hat enough times and you won't need the hat anymore, follow?” “I've always been able to applebuck!” Applejack declared, “And I ain't givin up my hat!” she added stalwartly. “Not saying you didn't,” Blank quickly replied, holding his palms up defensively, “if so then you probably don't even need the hat anymore, but you can keep wearing it,” he added before continuing on, “Gear teaches abilities that suit your prowess, but it's not entirely an open practice. I can't cast spells with a mage's staff, as I'm not studied or talented with magic. You'll have to figure out what works and what doesn't on your own.” So, Spike thought, a little surprised, and yet welcoming of this information, it's the staff that lets me cast fire! And if I do it enough, I'll be able to do it without the staff. What other tricks can I learn? “I can cast fire,” Spike affirmed, “but I wasn't able to earlier, back in the forest, why?” Blank considered that one for a moment before speaking up. “Spells and mystical abilities require a certain kind of fortitude. You can't quite put numbers to it, you'll simply have to feel it out and guess from experience. Simple tricks are less exerting than bigger tricks, so you need to pace yourself.” A look of comprehension dawned on Applejack's face, which was mirrored on Spike's. “If items make us stronger,” Spike began, “lets us learn new tricks, then we need to get ourselves better equipped!” he pointed out, jumping out of bed, ready to make himself more capable. When Applejack saw him jump up, she got on her hooves and stretched out, fully recovered from the paralysis. “Well, we'll see what Zidane can offer you,” Blank stated, adopting a contemplative look, “he should be back any minute. Oh, you can keep the sword, I have a spare.” He finished sarcastically, giving Applejack a sly grin. “Ya shouldn't have taken my hat!” she replied, getting Blank to roll his eyes at her. “Well, you got our ship shot down.” He said mockingly, making Applejack rub a foreleg over the other as she looked away, blushing in embarrassment, prompting Blank to smile. “No hard feelings, what happened happened, the queen fired at us, not you.” Blank assured, only working to make Applejack look more flustered. Blank considered her for a moment, his grin growing. “Anyone tell you you're cute when you're blushing?” He pointed out, confusing the mare. The door opened as Zidane walked into the room, seeing her expression. “I, uh, we, we need to save the princess!” She said, trying to regain her composure from Blanks compliment, which made Spike smile as Zidane nodded in agreement. “That's what I'm here for, looks like you're back on your feet- legs- hooves.” Zidane scratched his head. “Whatever, let's go, it'll just be the two of us, the boss is too scared to offer any help.” He said, clearly annoyed with the prospect. “Hey, I'm coming too!” Spike proclaimed, grabbing his staff, and feeling with the weapon, he could tell that he was up for casting fire again. “I wasn't much help earlier, but I can cast again, I doubt those plants will hold up against fire!” “Oh, you're a mage?” Zidane realized, at first surprised, then looked to Spike apologetically, “I'm sorry, didn't know, my bad.” He looked reassured with Spike's offer and adopted a smile for it. “Then, it'll be the three of us! Let's move out, I think I have a good idea where we need to go to find her.” Oh, he's not going to doubt me? Spike briefly wondered, looking to Zidane wide-eyed. Wow! Spike radiated appreciation for blond rogue, and was also smiling at the prospect of helping this time. He couldn't use his fire breath effectively anymore, but he did have an alternative now. “Um,” Spike began, looking to Zidane sheepishly, “Blank just told us about learning abilities from items, would you happen to have anything that could help us, you know, not be under equipped?” The dragon asked, not out of greed, but out of wanting to be capable of saving the princess. Zidane nodded, looking as though he had some things that could help out. “You know,” Blank began, moving to Zidane's side. “The boss isn't going to be happy if you up and leave.” Blank seemed both slightly annoyed and amused at the prospect. “Yea, I'm gonna go talk to him right now, can you help them get ready?” Zidane asked, Blank nodded in turn as Zidane left several things with Blank before leaving the room. Seeing him leave reminded Spike of how his hair turned pink, and the energy he gave off, so he asked Blank about it. “Whoa, that happened?” He asked, wide eyed, getting a nod from both of the Equestrians. “Guess he really cared about the princess.” He said to no one in particular as he addressed the others. “That's an uncommon power called Trance. It's brought on by a sudden burst of strong emotions, lasts for a few seconds and then takes some time before it can occur again. I've heard that only a number of individuals have access to it. If you've done it once, you can repeat the Trance, but it can occur at unreliable times.” He considered something for a moment before continuing. “Trance empowers you, its affects are very personal, no two individuals are affected the same by Trance.” He then looked out the room, the direction Zidane left towards, looking impressed. “I honestly didn't think he had it in him.” Oh, that sounds awesome! Spike thought as he imagined himself going into Trance. I wonder if I'll be able to do that sort of thing! I hope it doesn't turn me pink though, no offense to Pinkie, but it's not my favorite color. “Well then,” Blank continued, “let's get you equipped for saving a damsel in distress. Afraid we don't have much that would fit, ah, you, Applejack, but we do have some robes and a hat for you.” Blank said, staring at Spike. He brought out a dark blue hat and small robe that seemed to change its size magically to fit the dragon. Neat! Ooo, those look similar to Twilight's Star Swirl costume, only without the silly bells. Wonder what tricks I'll learn from them! Spike gleefully thought as the prospect of summoning rocks from the sky came to mind. ~~~~~~~~~~~ Moogle Notes: ~~~~~~~~~~~ 'Howdy Equestrian, Mois the moogle here with more tid-bits about Gaia!' 'The Evil Forest is a large forest at the base of the valley closest to Alexandria. Every once in a great while the monsters of the forest wander to the city, which is one reason Alexandria is heavily defended.' 'There is a reason monsters 'drop' gil and items when they perish, but that's for a later chapter.' 'Now about items granting power... oh. Good one Blank! Saved me the work!' 'Also, Spike regained his MP from resting, a nap or proper rest in an inn replenishes your mental fortitude, allowing you to continue using your active abilities. There are other ways to restore MP, but that can also wait for a later chapter.' 'Blank also covered Trance pretty well, when a character manages to 'unlock' trance, it will be added to the bio below, along with its affects.' 'You can see below the new items Spike got this chapter. Some items have properties in addition to the abilities and protection they offer. These properties will be listed below the item. Kupo~' ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Spike the Dragon ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Items Equipped: *New Items Acquired* Mage Staff: Fire *Leather Hat: Fire *Silk Shirt: Thunder, Cure. Property: Elem-Def: Thunder damage reduced by 50% *Wrist: Flee-Gil Lvl-2 HP 82/82 MP 52/52 AP 15/15 *Dragon Scales(0) - You take no fire damage. Abilities: Black Magic: Fire 6 MP - Causes Fire damage to single/multiple targets. Thunder 6 MP - Causes Thunder damage to single/multiple targets. Friendship's Magic: Spike's Flame 0 MP - Green and harmless warm fire. Perfect for lighting up any party.