While Spike was putting his new equipment on, Applejack eyed the items she had been given apprehensively. The sword in particular stood out to her, even she knew how amateurish she was with the blade, her swing had no skill or finesse, just strength. Still, it had helped her escape the plant monster, and slay the wolf, so maybe there was hope for her as a swordsmare.
She then shook her head at the notion, not liking the idea that she'd use a weapon long enough to become practiced with it. As she started putting on the other items she was given, she wondered, Just what does Zidane need to talk to his boss about?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
ATE: Rough Departure
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Zidane approached Baku, who had abandoned his costume as King Leo and announcer for the play. He once again tried asking for additional aid with helping to rescue the princess.
“Not happening.” Baku curtly replied, “We've got to look after ourselves. The ship's a wreck, we have many injured, and of all places to crash, we ended up in the Evil Forest.” He finished, a hard look on his face.
“You're going to just let her die!?” Zidane asked, throwing his arms to the side in anger. “If that's how it is, then I'll go get her myself!”
“You're staying here to help, you know the rules, follow my orders or get out. If you're leaving, you know what happens next.” Baku replied as he turned to Zidane, cracking his knuckles.
Members that leave the gang get punished, Zidane's left the gang before, and always came back, this was probably no different. Baku had to look after the gang over finding the princess, Zidane understood that, but he didn't have to like it. Defending himself and his motivations, he fought Baku over leaving to save Garnet.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Applejack was appraising Spike's new attire, it made him look very wizard-like. Blank didn't have much to offer her in regards of armor, there were no ponies in the mist continent. She was given a scabbard with a belt that wrapped around her shoulder, as well as some crude saddlebags to carry extra supplies.
Her sword was more accessible and less in the way with the scabbard, and she could feel it offer her some prowess at defending her friends. She could also sense some power hidden in the saddlebags, and she chose to wait and see what comes of it. She realized that Applebuck was draining, she can only use it twice before being spent, she hoped the power the saddlebag offered was less taxing.
Blank suggested she look into getting chocobo barding, as that's what the saddlebags were made for. Zidane returned before she could ask what a chocobo was. He was holding his stomach in pain, but gave them all a proud smile.
“Cleared it with the boss, let's head out, we have to save Princess Garnet.” He said, heading out with Spike following in tow, who looked concerned for the thief. Applejack was still wary of Zidane, considering how they met. Even if Garnet wanted to be stolen, that didn't make the thief any more trustworthy in Applejack's eyes. Since they were going to be working together, she felt obligated to share her feelings concerning him.
“Just so we're clear, I don't trust ya. Yer helpin' us save the princess, not the other way around, ya follow?” The stubborn mare asked. Zidane appraised her for a moment, surprised and taken aback.
“Does it really matter? We're working to save her, who's following who doesn't matter. Once she's saved she's going to want to go to Lindblum, and I'm certainly going to make sure she gets there, are you intending to stop her?” Applejack considered his words, not honestly knowing what to do afterwards.
When we save her, I gotta talk to her about Equestria. But, if she truly can't send us back, then what? She wondered, starting to fear the possibility of not returning. This world is dangerous, what if- She shook her head of doubt, she had Spike with her, having a friend by her side would keep her going, so she turned to Zidane to answer his question.
“She's the princess, I'll help her, and I'll stop her if she tries to do somethin' foalish, otherwise I have no intention of gettin' in her way.” Applejack nodded as Zidane took her words in, seeming impressed. “A princess becomes one by bein' of strong character, I would be a right fool if I doubted everythin' she did. She wanted to leave the castle fer a reason, and we'll find out why when we save her.”
“A princess always has a lot on her mind,” Spike added, moving to Applejack's side, “it can be pretty stressful, but as long as somepony she trusts is by her side, she can get through anything. I don't know if she has someone like that, but right now we're the closest to that in this forest.”
Spike then looked up, as if picturing something only he could see. “I want to go back home to Equestria,” he then looked to Zidane, a fire in his eyes, “but I also want to help the princess. I know a couple ponies back home who would be disappointed if we just up and abandoned her.” Zidane nodded at Spike's words, seemingly satisfied.
Applejack's head fell in shame. She did want to save the princess, however she also wanted to get back home, Ponyville was in danger, the mist spawns monsters. Spike's right, they would be disappointed if we just up and abandoned the princess after savin' her. We should at least see her to Lindblum before havin' her send us back. The mare had her duty to her family, the farm, Ponyville, her friends, and Equestria. She needed to return home, with Spike at her side, not linger in some strange world playing knight.
Leaving the wreck of the Prima Vista, Applejack finally got a look at the damage. Her ears dropped upon seeing the mess brought about by her actions. The hull was cracked and broken in many places, and parts of the ship showed signs of fire damage. Near the ship was a stack of supplies and wounded crewman, being looked over by the hammer wielding fellow.
“Zidane, take this!” Blank said as he tossed Zidane a green bottle, “It'll cure the paralysis those plants do.” Zidane thanked him, and the trio embarked into the forest.
“So, where's Equestria?” The thief asked after the ship was out of sight, “Can't say I've ever heard of it, and I've been around.”
“I don't know where it is, but I'm aimin' to get back a-sap.” Applejack stalwartly answered.
As they crossed a small stream, Applejack found herself in a familiar spot. It was where they had lost the princess earlier. We were that close to the ship!? Her annoyance was greeted by the sound of something in the forest approaching them, and she drew her sword.
Two wolves jumped out and lunged at Spike and Zidane. Being drawn by the property of her scabbard, she intercepted the one going for Spike and got hit in his stead. She then counterattacked, taking down the wolf in one strike.
Equipment grants power and abilities, it was true, and it helped her protect Spike. Zidane had dodged the wolf going for him, also taking it down in one blow. Well, at least he's capable, she thought as she appraised where the wolf raked her. Considering it nothing but a scratch, the trio proceeded deeper into the forest.
The next attack caught Applejack and Zidane by surprise, as it came from behind them. A short humanoid as tall as Spike with long ears and a red nose attacked them, a wolf aiding it. Zidane and the pony were hit, taking on new wounds. Before they could counterattack, both monsters were swallowed by fire, when the fire cleared all that remained was mist and gil.
“That was awesome!” Spike declared, then looked to the others. “Oh, are you two okay?” He asked with concern. Zidane was smiling at him, and Applejack couldn't help but smirk at how both monsters were handled by her small friend.
“You pack quite a bunch,” Zidane admitted, “glad you're on our side.” His compliment made the young dragon happy, which turned Applejack's smirk into a full smile. “You watch our backs and ensure all we see from what attacks us is a pile of gil.” Zidane playfully ordered. He then picked up the money the monster 'dropped' and gave it to Spike. We need to pick up the habit of lootin' these monsters. She thought as she looked ahead.
“Roger!” Spike said, giving Zidane a curt salute. Applejack was confused as to why Spike wasn't using his dragons breath, but decided not to ask, assuming that there must be a good reason behind it. She was glad for their bravado, for it helped dispel the lingering malice in the air. The monsters in here seemed easy enough to handle, but she was worried of being worn down before finding the princess.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
ATE: Softy Baku
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Blank prepared to leave the Prima Vista as Baku barked orders to get the wounded moving. The theater group was working to leave the forest, but Blank wouldn't be accompanying them.
“You're sure about this?” Blank asked, “Kinda goes against you kicking him out, you know.” Baku simply shrugged and waved Blank away. With a map in hand, Blank went into the forest to help save the princess.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Rounding a bend, they found a large trunk with water gushing out of it in the center of a small clearing, a spring. The mist was very thin here, and the area somehow felt safe, serene. Looking at the water, Applejack felt some sort of familiarity with it, but couldn't place why. In a small hallowed out tree trunk nearby was a small bear-like creature with an antenna with a red bulb on top. It also had the wings of the bat. As Applejack drew out her sword, Zidane stopped her.
“It's just a moogle, it's safe,” Zidane assured her before addressing the creature. “What's your name, friend? Would you happen to know where the plant monsters take what they catch?”
“Kupo! I'm Monty, nice to meet you.” The moogle replied, then turned to point at a place deeper within the forest. “There is a den of dangerous vines deeper that way, though I'd avoid it if I were you.” The moogle added, shivering at the direction he indicated. Zidane was struck with an idea and asked Monty another question.
“Have you ever head of a land called Equestria?” Monty shook his head. Is Zidane tryin' to help us? Applejack wondered as she eyed him suspiciously. Probably just tryin' to get on my good side.
“Kupo. Can't say I've delivered to a place by that name, why? Have a letter that needs sending? We guarantee your letter will reach your destination!” He proudly claimed, Applejack and Spike shared a look, This sounds promisin', maybe we can get a letter home!
“I'm on it!” Spike said before the mare could ask him to write anything. After making a small note, he gave it to the moogle, Applejack then looked at Spike in concern.
“Yer fire isn't workin', is it?” He shook his head, sheepishly eyeing the ground at her question. Does the mist mess with Equestrian magic, or do we need to be in Equestria fer it to work?
“Kupo. Okay, one letter to Princess Celestia in the land of Equestria. I'll get to it after I get out of this forest, don't you worry. Oh! Try the water, kupo,” Monty stated enthusiastically as he indicated the spring, “it's quite refreshing. And stay safe!” The moogle wished of them before flying into the forest. As Zidane and Spike waved goodbye to Monty, Applejack appraised the clean water in the spring before taking a sip. Almost immediately the fatigue and wounds she received from the two earlier fights washed away.
“Wow, this is amazing!” Spike admitted after taking a sip as well, “I feel like I could use my magic all day long with this kind of water.” He then adopted a contemplating look. “Something about it seems familiar though.” They both felt it, but neither could place its connection.
Feeling rejuvenated, and having a direction to travel, the trio proceeded through the forest. Shortly after leaving the safety of the spring, they were attacked by a large floating flower. Before it was destroyed by Spike's second fire spell, it sprayed Applejack's eyes with pollen, blinding her.
“Dang it! I can't see a darn thing!” She tried to rub the pollen out of her eyes, they were watering, but it didn't seem to help.
“Stay still, I have some eye drops, a small mix of antidote and potion clears eyes up nicely,” Zidane said as he helped the mare clean her eyes.
“The plants here fight dirty, drainin' your vitality, blindin' and poisonin' ya, I'll be glad to be rid of this forest when we save Garnet.” She said, and with her eyes cleared, they continued down the path. Thorny vines were become more and more apparent the deeper they went in. Not wanting to go through that again, she applebucked the next floating flower that got in their way, sending it flying off somewhere into the forest, never to be seen again.
Finding a small cave where the vines came from, they went inside and found a large plant monster. On the back wall of the cave, held there in vines hung the princess, unconscious. The monster seemed to be where all the vines originate, it had a large four petal red flower at its core, four vines composed of its limbs. It was large, easily eight feet wide and seven feet tall, and that was without accounting its limbs.
“The Princess!” Spike shouted, his concern mirrored by the others.
“Let's cut this weed down and get her outa here!” Applejack quickly proclaimed, bringing out her sword and rushing the monster, Zidane at her side.
Charging the beast, she found it didn't cut as easily as the other monsters had, This one's gonna to take effort! Zidane attacked as well, getting his blades into it before it could counterattack.
It caught them all off-guard when it cast a spell.
Lightning coursed from its limbs and struck the trio. Applejack's coat was burned where the bolt passed through, making her mane a mess from the static. Zidane and Spike were in a similar state, but continued fighting. Getting another round of stabs in, the weed was engulfed in flames as Spike's magic finally joined the fray.
The plant sprayed pollen on everyone, blinding Applejack and Spike. Since it was big, Applejack wasn't too affected by the pollen, and it seemed that through some working of his magic, Spike's spells still hit. Zidane helped Applejack with another vial of eye drops. The monster, recognizing Spike's fire as its biggest threat, and with the others distracted, swung at him, sending him crashing into the cave wall.
“Spike!” Zidane shouted, fear in his voice. Applejack was still clearing her eyes and didn't know her friend had been hit. Now that she could see again, she saw that the dragon was out cold, her heart skipped a beat as the dangers of this world were reinforced, seeing her friend, unmoving, in the corner.
Zidane ran to his aid and pulled out a red feather, rubbing it on the dragon, and a warm light glowed from the feather. The light washed over Spike, healing him slightly and waking him. Spike got on his feet, cradling his head, and Applejack let out a big sigh of relief. Thank Celestia! Okay, maybe I should give Zidane some slack.
“Anyone get the timber on the tree that hit me?” Spike asked as he leaned on his staff. Tarnations! I shoulda blocked that for him, and now he's practically done, he can barely stand, if only there was-
Applejack felt an unconscious tug from her saddlebags, and she felt as though now was the time to use the power that lay within. Trying to draw on the item's power, she felt her actions momentarily give way to the items will. A yellow apple popped out of the saddlebag, and Applejack bucked it to Spike, the power of the ability prompting Spike to catch it, to his surprise.
“Ugh, eat it?” Applejack said, a little confused. Spike did just that, and as he ate it, his body gave off a yellow glow, immediately making him look better. Applejack grinned at the prospect that she had an ability that healed others.So I can give my friends healin' apples? I didn't know there were apples in this bag. Still, I'm not complainin', even if I don't exactly understand how I did it.
“Thanks for the apple AJ,” Spike said, “It really hit the spot!” He then grabbed his staff and rejoined the battle, just as the monster tried to take a swipe at Zidane, who deftly dodged over it, cutting it as is passed him.
Spike gave the monster another fire spell, causing the monster to cry out as it perished. As it dissolved into mist, Zidane went to the wall to free Garnet. She was still out from the plant's poison, and he was quick to give her the antidote Blank gave them. She stirred, her eyes opened, she was going to be paralyzed for a little bit, but she was awake again, a small thankful smile on her face.
“Ah jeez, looks like I'm late to the party,” surprising everyone, Blank was at the entrance of the cave. Did he come to help? Her brow furrowed in annoyance. Why was he late! We could have used him twenty seconds ago! “Well, let's get her out of here, the forest isn't getting any safer-”
He was interrupted as the vines that were connected to the monster caved into the ground, making everyone back away, revealing a big hole in the center. Small plant bug-like monsters started poring out of it, moving on the party. Spike burned the first wave, but more where shortly behind. Moving quickly, Applejack picked up Spike, Zidane carried the princess, and they all ran out of there.
“I guess I wasn't late after all!” Blank shouted in annoyance. As they ran Spike constantly peppered their pursuers with fire, keeping them from catching up. Their numbers were great however, after taking out at least two dozen, his magic dried up. During the chase, Applejack noticed Blank slip something into Zidane's pocket.
As they ran, the horde of plants seemed to thicken behind them. Applejack almost stumbled when she felt a strange sensation crawl down her spine. Maybe it was that good old earth pony magic, or farmers intuition, but something about the forest was changing, and she knew it would be bad for them if they were inside it when it happened.
“Somethin's not right about the forest! It's changin'!” She warned, for all the good it did, they were already running as fast as they could. She knew Zidane was fast from the chase back at the castle, but she was surprised at his strength, carrying the princess barely slowed him down.
“There should be an exit to the south-” Blank said when he noticed something behind Applejack.
“AJ look out!” Spike warned as one of their pursuers lunged at her, it had gotten the jump on her and would get her before she could dodge it. Blank bumped into the mare, knocking her out of the bug's path, getting caught instead of her. The horde behind them was still there, and she noticed that further back, the forest was petrifying. Applejack paused, considering helping Blank or escaping the forest.
“Run! Don't just stand there, RUN!” Blank yelled, unable to free himself. His words shook her, and compelled her, as she bolted out of there. If she helped him, she was also putting Spike at risk. Spike yelled for Blank, telling Applejack to turn back. She pressed forward, her ears low, fighting the sting of tears in her eyes. She slowly caught up to Zidane, a hard look on his face.
“He's been turned to stone...” Spike weakly bemoaned, looking back behind the group.
“Look out!” He then shouted in alarm, “Vines are coming for us!” Glancing over her shoulder, Applejack saw large thorny vines violently surge past the horde of insects towards them. She weaved and dodged, avoiding each and every one as she saw an exit ahead.
As she reached the exit, a vine crashed into the ground behind her, sending her and Spike sprawling out of the forest. As they got up, they saw the vines wrap around the exit, sealing the forest shut before the vines and the trees turned to stone. Everyone stood, staring at the petrifying forest for a few moments, catching their breath.
He saved me, and now he's stone... The panic and adrenaline subsiding, was replaced with sorrow as she stared at the petrified wall in silence. She walked up to the stone vine wall, hitting it in frustration, her eyes still wet. Why did it have to happen that way!? She hit the wall again, as if hoping that breaking it would save Blank. She flinched when Zidane place his hand on her shoulder.
“Now, don't feel that way.” He said calmly, his face an unreadable mask, “He knew what he was doing, had you been caught, then so would Spike.” He looked to the forest a moment as Applejack turned to him, and he looked her in the eyes. “I'm sure there's something we can do to turn him back. Just not right now, Blank will have to wait till later.”
He gave her a reassuring smile, but the mare wasn't sure if he was mocking her or being genuine, and because of that found no comfort in his words. They did however calm down Spike, who looked a little shaken up.
“Well, that's good.” Spike breathed out, “Maybe we just need to find a particularly large cockatrice?” He suggested, bouncing back and trying to cheer up Applejack, a little worried that she was still feeling down. Applejack looked into his eyes, and saw that worry. She shook her head and put on a small, but terribly unconvincing smile.
“Yea, and once we string it up, we can march it here and turn Blank back, piece of cake!” She said with false bravado, doubting this world even had cockatrices, but didn't want Spike to worry over her.
Her words were a lie, though what she said itself wasn't a lie, the 'fact' that she was okay born from those words was. Spike bought her act, which only made her feel more ashamed. Someone saved her, she left him behind, and now she was lying to her friend to make him feel better. No, she won't let that slide, even if it was the easier option.
“I'm sorry Spike, Zidane,” she began as she looked to them both, “I wanna believe ya, I really do. He saved us, and I just left him there.” She held her hoof to her chest, “It, it really hurts, having abandoned him.” It was true, her heart ached, like it was going to burst from what she did, she was still fighting back tears as Blank's words played out in her head again. Zidane looked at her, a little impressed, he hadn't bought the act she fed Spike, but wasn't expecting her to abandon it for the truth.
“Applejack, there is a cure,” Garnet whispered out, having recovered a little of her strength, “I know there is, so don't you worry. He did what he had to too save us, just as you had to too save yourself and Spike.” Applejack turned to her, and Garnet gave her a kind smile.
“If you are sorry," Garnet added, "then apologize to him when you free him from the forest.” Her words were a cure to Applejack's heart ache. If, if the princess says there's a cure, then there has to be! Without even intending for it to happen, someone from this world worked to protect a complete pair of strangers. How am I suppose to just walk away from that? I, I can't go back to Equestria and leave Blank like this! She thought as she looked to the forest again.
Getting some distance from the forest, the group set up camp. As Garnet regained her strength, she tended to the wounds they received rescuing her. Zidane was looking at the forest, a mixed look of regret and determination on his face. They must have been friends, was he bitterly mocking me, or was he trying to cheer me up? She wasn't sure which, the mask he wore when he tried to comfort her instilled doubt.
“Zidane, I'm sorry about Blank,” Applejack said, getting his attention. “I swear I'll get him cured.” He nodded at her as he gave her a weak smile.
“Yea, I know, you're someone that takes honesty very seriously, I see that now. Don't worry, I believe you'll do just that.” He then looked to the others as he slipped out the piece of paper Blank slipped him. “Now let's get some rest, Blank slipped me a map, and there may be a way out of this valley with it, we can tackle that tomorrow.” Agreeing that rest was the best course of action, they prepared for just that.
With the camp set up, the others went to sleep, and Applejack took first watch through the night, making sure no monsters assaulted. During her watch, she worryingly reflected on the days events, and how involved she and Spike had inadvertently become involved with Gaia. Ooohh! Today was terrible! She scoffed as she felt her face flush over the blunder of getting the Prima Vista shot down.
She briefly hoped the worse was now behind them as she looked over her sleeping companions, her gaze lingering on Zidane and Garnet. Just how attached will I become to this world by the time I leave it? She wondered as she looked to the sky, seeing nothing but mist.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Moogle Notes:
~~~~~~~~~~~
'Howdy Equestrian, Mois the moogle with little bits of info about Gaia!'
'I've never met Monty, but he sounds like a nice moogle. I really should track him down and thank him for handling that letter. The part of the forest he resided in was a healing spring, a well of water given healing properties from some 'unknown' source. It truly is a hallow place, considering it was in the Evil Forest.'
'The gang ended up tackling monsters that inflicted status affects Darkness and Poison, which was resolved with some Eye Drops and Antidote. Another status is being knocked out, which can be recovered by using Phoenix Down on the party member, but they recover from KO still weak and injured, so it's important to have a healing ability ready for them as they get back on their feet. There was also Petrify at the end, a real nasty status, if you're petrified, you're out of the fight until someone uses a magical chocobo feather called Soft to cure you of it.'
'Applejack is stronger now then she was in chapter two. Fighting the monsters of the mist make you more experienced against fighting them, making you better at, just about everything needed to fight! Kupo~'
~~~~~~~~
Applejack
~~~~~~~~
Items Equipped: *New Items Acquired*
Broadsword: Beast Killer
Applejack's Hat: Applebuck(mastered)
*Leather Scabbard: Cover
*Crude Saddlebag: Apple Toss
Lvl up! Lvl-5 HP 105/265 MP 9/29
AP 9/19
*Beast Killer (4) - Deals lethal damage to beasts.
*Cover(6) - You take damage in place of an ally.
Abilities:
Apple Arts:
Applebuck 12 MP - High chance of removing an enemy from battle.
Apple Toss 8 MP - Restores HP of single target, Cures Doom and Trouble.
Sword Arts: