//------------------------------// // 6. Frontier Village Dali // Story: The Ninth Fantasy - Gaia // by MrAlterad //------------------------------// Even though Spike was drained of magic, he felt pretty good about himself. He couldn't do anything with his fire breath, but his magic proved his value to the others in a fight. While Fire was the sole tool he used, it wasn't the only one his gear granted him, as he was looking forward to the opportunity of trying out Blizzard and Thunder. As they were recovering, Zidane moved to Spike's side, bending down to address him. “Drink one of these,” he said to Spike as he gave the dragon two orange potions. “Save the other for an emergency, it will replenish your magic.” Spike looked at his smile, surprised there was a remedy for drained magic. Spike eagerly downed one of the bottles, feeling his magic being replenished in the process. It would have been nice to have this earlier, Spike thought as he eyed the empty bottle, but I guess I didn't tell them how tired I was. He had really taken a liking to Zidane, it was clear to Spike that Zidane respected his abilities, and that really boosted his self-esteem after what happened in the Evil Forest. Spike looked back to Zidane, sporting a toothy grin. “Wow, that hit the spot!” he replied. It tasted like orange juice! Thinking that, he got on his feet, ready to tackle whatever was thrown their way. He looked over the plains below them, spotting the village before turning back to the blond rogue. “Zidane, you been to Dali before? What's it like?” “Well,” Zidane began as he turned to address everyone, “it's a small farming village that overlooks the airship traffic coming from the South Gate.” He looked back to the village as he frowned in thought. “Or, at least it was, looks like they've cut back on their farming.” “This will be my first time visiting another settlement of Alexandria,” Garnet pointed out, “I am looking forward to it,” she added with enthusiasm. “You've never visited the other towns?” Spike asked her, his head tilted in confusion. “Actually, that reminds me of something.” Zidane said as he turned to the princess, “Garnet, you'll need a new identity. The queen is looking for you. Someone from Dali will blow the whistle if you walk in there calling yourself princess-” “Wait,” Applejack interrupted, stomping her hoof at hearing that, “ya want her to pretend to be somepony else? She's a princess! She doesn't need to lie about that!” Spike looked on in concern as Applejack approached Zidane. Spike understood what Zidane meant, but Applejack represented the element of honesty, she wasn't going to allow this without a fight. Okay, this will probably get ugly. Come on Spike, think, think! How to convince AJ? “It is okay Applejack,” The princess assured as she got between the mare and the rogue. “Zidane is right, I do not want to be found by my mother, I will need a new name until we reach the lands of Lindblum.” Considering something a moment, her eyes fell upon the weapons sheathed on Zidane's belt, and she nodded to herself. “Zidane, what are your weapons referred to as?” “Oh, these?” Zidane asked as he pulled them out. “A blade this short is referred to as a dagger, while blades as a little longer are short swords. The weapon Applejack's wielding, meant for two hands, is called a broadsword, and-” “I think I understand." She interrupted, making him sag a little, "How about calling me Dagger? No one would expect the princess to take up such a name, right?” Zidane nodded as he sheathed his weapons. That's a pretty cool name! Spike thought as he looked to Applejack. She looked like she wanted to argue, but the smile on Garnet- Dagger's face made her pause. “That's perfect,” Zidane said with a nod, “now try to talk more casually, like me. You're speech is a little too formal for a small farming town.” “I shall try.” “No, not like that,” Zidane said, shaking his head as he looked over to Spike, then Applejack, thinking for a moment, “Just say 'sure thing',” he said, mirroring the mare's accent. Applejack frowned while Spike tried to hide his chuckle. “S-sure thing!” Garnet stammered, causing Spike to hold his sides in a failed attempt to hide his mirth. Oh boy, two Applejacks! It'll be a right hoedown before we know it! Spike thought, his smile getting a glare from the mare. “Now princess-” Applejack started. “It is Dagger now Applejack, do not- don't call me princess, okay?” Dagger asked of her. Applejack had a pained expression, like she wanted to yell at Dagger, but didn't want to yell at her at the same time. Spike nodded as he moved to Applejack's side. Spike to the rescue! “Applejack,” he began, “just don't call her by name, and when we're by ourselves, you can refer to her as Garnet. Okay?” “And it'll be for her protection,” Zidane assured, “keeping the princess safe is your top priority, right?” Applejack frowned, and didn't reply, suddenly looking unsure of herself. She didn't nod, but she didn't press her argument either. “Alright then, let's move out.” He said, as he turned and began making his way down the mountain. Applejack followed behind, and Spike moved to her side, wanting to assure her. Applejack was the most stubborn of his friends. He wanted to help her get accustomed to traveling with a colorful character like Zidane, and a princess with a cool nick-name. “You okay AJ? You've been pretty upset since the ship crashed.” Sometimes simply asking if something is wrong is all it takes to help. She looked at him, her expression softening, as she shook her head. “I'm worried, terribly worried.” She then sighed as she looked to the alien sky. “We're stuck here. I talked to Garnet earlier, she said she didn't know how we got here, or how to get us back. And now we're caught up in helpin' her and Blank.” She then looked to Spike, worry etched on her face, and he started to adopt it too as she continued. “What's happened to the farm? How're our friends? What's the mist doing to the Everfree? I'm don't know. It's makin' me right agitated!” She then let out a sigh as she looked to the rogue ahead of them. “Zidane makes sense an' all, even though I don't like it, and I want to trust him, but I can't,” she finished, looking at the ground in annoyance. “Come on Applejack.” Spike began, looking her in the eyes. “We've been split from the others before, and we all did alright. It'll be fine, so don't worry, okay?” She looked to him, considering his words before smiling. “I'll try Spike, thanks.” She said, honestly reassured from his words. She had faith in her friends and family, they should be fine without her for a couple days. “Besides," Spike added, "you have me with you, we'll be fine, and so will everyone in Ponyville,” he said with his chest puffed out. Twilight still has Owlicious, so she'll be fine without her number one assistant for a while. While Spike was a little homesick, he wasn't worried about the others, they were always good at managing without him. Well, besides when Twilight went crazy. With both Equestrians momentarily content with their situation, the party moved on to Dali. While they had been talking, it seemed Zidane and Dagger carried a conversation of their own. From what Spike had picked up from it, the conversation concerned why Dagger wanted to leave Alexandria, but he couldn't make out the details. Getting closer to Dali, several monsters had assaulted them, and several monsters perished for it. Of the monsters they fought, Spike took note of the large spiders, which were of the same variety that first attacked him outside Alexandria. He was surprised that the spiders were so weak. Well, weak compared to the monsters in the Ice Cavern. “There are monsters above the mist as well?” Applejack asked, and Zidane nodded, informing them that monsters climb up the cliff to harass those above. And I got a firsthand taste of that. Spike thought as he realized he didn't pick up the gil from that very first monster outside Alexandria. In short order, they reached Dali. The village had a small number of domed stone buildings, as well as windmills. A farm stood at the eastern side of the village, and to the east, near the edge of the cliff several miles away was a small raised hill with a home at its base. The village was quaint, calm and smelled of fresh produce. Having already rested, the party walked past the inn, and moved to the center of town. Zidane then looked over the others as he explained his intentions. “We can go to the South Gate on foot, but I doubt they'll let us through.” He then appeared to realize something as he looked to Applejack and Spike. “The South Gate is a large doubled off gate that controls airship travel between Alexandria and Lindblum. Any and all airships need to go through it to cross the border, and security is tight there.” Applejack nodded in understanding as Spike pictured a very large door that swung open to let airships through. “We should split up and see if we can find an alternate route," he added. "Just in case. We'll meet back up here in an hour, sound good?” Everyone agreed, and Applejack volunteered to protect the princess. Dagger and the mare went off to check out the town, Mois going with them, while Zidane asked Spike to follow him. Going into a small store, Zidane talked to the clerk to see what she was selling, and in short order bought a bunch of supplies and equipment for the whole party. He surprised Spike by handing him a small number of clear gems called Ore and a single Garnet. The Ore was opaque, having no color to it, while the Garnet had a hot pinkish tint, similar to Twilight's Element of Harmony. “You wanted to eat some gems, so here you go.” Zidane said with a friendly smile. “Wow! Thanks!" Spike replied as he looked up to Zidane, "You and I are officially friends!” he then promptly ate several ores as Zidane nodded, clearly happy to have heard that. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ATE: Dagger Tries ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Applejack was looking over the small farm with more interest than Dagger had expected. While the mare was distracted, Dagger tried to converse with the old woman tending to the farm. “Greetin- Um, Howdy? I was wondering- wonderin' what you're doing with the plants.” The old lady turned to Dagger, giving her a strange look, before she could reply, Applejack interjected her answer. “She's pullin' weeds and killin' bugs, gotta do that to make sure the plants stay healthy and strong.” The orange mare answered, getting a surprised look from both of them. “What?” Applejack said as she returned the look. “I kinda do this for a livin'. Though, it's mostly apples, I still manage other plants too.” “In that case,” the old lady said, “care to help me out for a little?” “Don't mind if I do!” Applejack replied with a beaming smile, helping with the small farm, both of them forgetting about Dagger as she stared on in disbelief. I-I didn't know Applejack was a farmer. Dagger then considered what Applejack said, 'Pullin' and Killin'?' I can't really see myself talking like her! Dagger shook her head at the notion as she watched the mare work for a little bit, considering her alternatives. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ As Spike ate the gems, he felt a power coming from the ones in his claws. These rocks have power in them! But more importantly, they're tasty! Eating all but a single Ore and the one Garnet, he considered trying out the powers hidden within, outside, where it was safe. Zidane followed him out curiously as the dragon gave the power in the Ore a spin. Drawing on its power, he was surprised when he took in a deep breath and spit out a jet of red fire. Luckily, he didn't burn anything belonging to anyone. It felt hotter than his Fire spell, but more concentrated, he'd only be able to burn a single foe with this attack. Switching to the Garnet, he was surprised to feel something familiar when he called upon it. He felt a presence he's known his whole life as he teleported a short distance from where he was. The Garnet allowed him to teleport, and holding it felt as if Twilight was standing right by his side. He held the gem close to his heart for a moment, feeling reassured as Zidane approached him. "That was something!" Zidane proclaimed wide-eyed, "Is that part of your black magic?" Spike considered that a moment before shaking his head. "It was different," then he looked back to the gem, "and familiar." He then looked back to Zidane, his grin renewed. "Thanks Zidane!" Zidane gave him an amused nod, then looked over the village before addressing Spike. “I'm gonna gather information, see you in about fifty minutes?” Spike nodded, and they waved to each other as they split up. The windmill had caught Spike's eye, and he teleported over to it. His teleport had a shorter range than Twilight's, but it was easily the least taxing spell he had. The powers in the gems seemed to disappear when he held both at once, so he naturally chose to master the one tied to Twilight first. Looking up at the windmill, he quickly forgot that he was suppose to be looking for a way to reach Lindblum as he took in the sights of the town. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ATE: Dagger Tries Harder ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dagger was in the town's shop listening to the shop-keeper converse with a young boy. She took acting lessons as a princess, but Applejack's accent was just too much for her. Listening to these two converse was giving her a good idea of how she should be talking. Applejack had stayed at the farm when she left, the mare clearly infatuated with the task of aiding in its upkeep. “Oh, hey Dagger, where's Applejack?” She jumped lightly in surprise as she turned around to see Zidane standing at the shop's entrance, giving her his typical smile. She took in a deep breath as she looked back to the shop-keeper, “She's working at the town's small farm right now, but she'll be done soon. I guess you and Spike split up?” She asked, hoping she had gotten her speech right this time. “Yea, we split up-” Zidane paused as his eyes widened, looking to her. “Oh hey, that was pretty good!” “Why, thank you very much,” She replied with a smile as she gave him very formal bow, getting an odd look from the shop-keeper. Zidane shook his head as he let out a lighthearted sigh. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “Kwehh~” The noise caught the young dragon by surprise. Hungry? Who's hungry? Where did that noise come from? Spike looked around, hearing the noise again, he followed its source to a small chimney poking out of the ground. It's beneath me? His face scrunched in thought as he looked around. Should I dig, or try teleporting? Not too sure if he needed to see where he was going to teleport, he tried to teleport five feet below ground. After the flash his eyes had to adjust to the lack of sunlight. He had teleported into the middle of the air, and instantly fell a few feet into a pile of hay. His heart skipped a beat as he landed, feeling as though he was sharing the pile of hay with something bigger then himself. “Kwehh!?” A startled bird stood next to the dragon, preparing to attack the intruder. The bird was bigger than a pony, had short wings, a long neck and yellow feathers. “Sorry! Didn't mean to scare you.” Spike quickly got out as he backed away from the bird. “I'm Spike, pleased to meet you.” He swiftly added with a small, sheepish smile. The bird, no longer startled, backed away as it appraised Spike. “Kweh?” “Yea, not hear to eat you, I promise.” Glad that he wasn't gonna be kicked by it, he took in his surroundings. He was in a cave, lanterns and the light coming in through the chimney lit the area up. The floor outside the bird's pen was layered in brick. Spike then looked back to the bird, “So, what are you, and what is this place?” “Kwehh~” it replied, giving off a couple of chirps and whistles as it tilted its head. So, this is a chocobo, and it's resting from working in the factory? He nodded as he left the pen, deciding to look around, bidding the bird grateful farewell. This place smelled like an adventure, and he wasn't going to pass it up. Time to explore the super-secret-hidden-underground-place! Not understanding why a factory would be underground, he naturally assumed it was suppose to be a secret. Wandering deeper inside, he passed many long boxes and crates. Not interested in a bunch of boring boxes, he move past the storage area to a loud room. There was a machine with mist seeping out of it, the source of the noise, metal grating on metal. He watched in wonder as it constantly spat out tan and pink eggs as big as he was onto a conveyor belt. Oo~ what's this? He also noticed a pair of double doors with mist seeping from it. Letting his curiosity get the better of him, he threw them wide open. He was immediately attacked by a pair of small purple ghost-looking monsters. Caught by surprise, they got him first with a pair of fire spells. Luckily for Spike, fire doesn't harm him. He responded with lightning, taking down the first, and shortly after eating up another pointless fire spell, he took care of the second. He saw that room had some strange machine that was sucking up the mist in there, and transferring it to the one spitting out the eggs. Not wanting to linger in the monster infested chamber, he left, closing the double doors behind him as he looked back to the conveyor belt. Moving on deeper inside, following the eggs, he saw a chocobo powering the conveyor belt. Giving the chocobo a quick greeting, confusing the bird, he walked past another machine that the eggs fed into. Trying to look in past all its moving parts, he thought he could hear the eggs hatching. Moving onto the next room, he saw what came from the eggs. They closely resembled the description of what Zidane and Applejack fought in the cave, Black Mages. Wait. Do these machines make Black Mages? Why? Spike looked at them in wonder, unable to find an answer to his question. Hanging from the assembly line, the unconscious mages were dragged along. Spike followed them out of curiosity, they didn't seem dangerous, and he wanted to know more about them. Following the line, he saw that the mages were put in the longer boxes he had walked past earlier and fitted into large barrels. Seeing members of the village in this room, he teleported past them. Looking out beyond the room, he saw a ramp going up, a cart pulled by a chocobo was pulling a full barrel out of the cave and onto the surface. Reaching topside, he was surprised to see an airship docked near the underground door. The airship had a boat like vessel hanging under a large balloon, with a pair of large propellers extend from each side of the balloon. It didn't look as impressive as the Prima Vista, but it was still amazing to the young dragon. He saw several villagers and Black Mages loading the ship, and decided to explore it. Maybe this is heading to Lindblum! He thought hopefully as he teleported to the deck, seeing half a dozen awake Black Mages working on it. They payed the dragon no mind, which made Spike all the more curious as he looked around the ship. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ATE: Fowl Temptress ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The chocobo's full attention was given to the orange earth pony. It had never seen a pony before, but it considered her to be the most beautiful creature it's ever laid it's eyes upon. Hearts floated behind the mare in the chocobo's eyes, it truly was smitten. There were also two others with the mare commenting on the barrel near its pen, but it paid them no mind. “Kwehhh~” “Oh?” The mare replied, looking to the him in surprise. It's heart skipped a beat as their eyes met. “Howdy! I'm Applejack. Have ya seen a small dragon around here? We're lookin' fer him and could use some help.” She was addressing the chocobo, and it was terribly happy for the interaction. He now felt that he could die a happy bird. Not wanting to disappoint her, he quickly replied. “Kweh!” Giving some short clicks and whistles, it informed the mare about the dragon it encountered. Considering the mare's attire, the chocobo had an idea, and offered the mare a gift, “Kwehhhh?” It asked as it raised an eyebrow, making the mare's eyes widen in surprise. “Ya-Ya do?” She replied, looking a little embarrassed, “I mean, if it's not too much trouble, I'd love to, but why?” She asked the chocobo, unsure why it was offering her its old armor. “Kweh~” It was no trouble giving it to her, the chocobo had no use for it now, the villagers having long abandoned chocobo combat. “Well, if it's no trouble, then thank ya kindly!” She responded with a big grin, making the chocobo wince in pain as its heart almost leapt from its chest. It made Applejack happy, and it gave her something that would protect her life, truly the chocobo was happy with giving her the gift. “So, do ya have a name?” She asked of him, and he almost bit his tongue chirping it out. “Boco? Thanks Boco!” As the orange mare left, the chocobo watched her leave, his old armor waiting for her in the storage room. He didn't fancy he'd ever see her again, but for a brief moment in time, he understood the magic born of pure euphoric bliss. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “Hey, whatcha doing? Did you just hatch?” Spike asked the mage overlooking an old engine. He had followed several of the mages around, they never said anything, but he got the impression they were being polite to him. He found one that would answer his questions with a shake or nod of its head, and through a long line of questions, Spike figured that the mages were the assistants of the village, and were helping load the ship to go to Alexandria. “Would it be cool if you took me and a couple of my friends to Lindblum? We have to get there soon, it's important,” he requested of the mage that answered his questions, and it nodded its head, much to Spike's surprise, and delight. All right! I gotta go tell the others! Hearing the sound of a commotion, he teleported to the side of the ship. To his alarm, Spike noticed a fight going on below. His friends were fighting a winged Black Mage. Spike immediately teleported down to help his friends with the battle. Teleporting near Applejack, he was surprised to see her wearing metal armor that covered her chest and the front of her forward legs. Is that chocobo barding that Blank talked about? The dragon wondered as he let out a barrage of fire on their attacker. The Black Mage was already wounded by the time he joined the fray. Dagger had kept everyone's wounds in check, putting the mage at a disadvantage. The others were glad he joined, informing that they were looking for him. The mage seemed rather indignant at Spike's magical display, and was quick to counter attack with a matching spell on the dragon, but after learning Spike wouldn't burn, instead focused on the whole party, minus Dagger. However, with the concentrated assault, it perished very quickly. Strength in numbers! Spike thought as he looked over his friends. I guess we should stick together, doesn't seem like anything can beat us when we're together! Just like back home, he finished with a smile. “P-Princess! I must... capture the princess for... the queen!” the Black Mage croaked out weakly before dispersing to mist. They're made of mist? But the ones on the ship seemed nice. He thought, a little confused, how is this mage different from the other mages, besides the wings? Thinking on it, he noticed everyone else looked a little tired from the battle. As he waited on the others, resting, Dagger looked to where the mage perished, confused. “Did my mother really send the Black Waltz to capture me?” She asked, unsure if it was true or not. “It said so itself,” Applejack affirmed, “dunno why yer mother wants ya back so badly, I mean, there's bein' protective, and then there's bein' possessive.” Spike looked over the others with a questioning look, wondering if they had conversed with the 'Black Waltz' before the fight. “Spike,” Zidane began, a hint of concern in his voice, “you okay? We were looking for you.” “Yea, I'm great!” Spike the pointed to the ship behind him, giving his friends a toothy grin. “I got us a ride to Lindblum! the Black Mages on the ship said they'll take us!” Zidane eyed a barrel that hadn't been loaded onto the cargo ship yet, before looking back to Spike. “We were under the impression it was heading to Alexandria.” “Well, yea. But they said they would drop us off first! Rather nice of them.” Spike added with a big smile. “Well,” Applejack began as she got on her hooves, “if Spike is sure they'll take us, then that's good enough fer me, sound good prin- erm Garnet?” Dagger nodded, and with everyone for it, they boarded the ship. Spike, however, teleported onto the ship, surprising the mare and princess. “Spike! That was just like Twilight! How'd ya do that?” Applejack asked, wide-eyed and a little happy for the dragon. Spike pulled out the Garnet, showing it to Applejack as he smiled. “This gemstone lets me do it! Awesome right? When we get back to Equestria, I can't wait to show Twilight that I can do her trick too!” He shouted as the rest climbed aboard. Spike went below deck to talk to Applejack. When he reached her he asked, “So where'd you get the cool armor?” “Got it from a chocobo named Boco, when we started lookin' fer ya. I heard it and asked it about ya. It seemed happy to part with it, dunno why.” Applejack paused to consider something for a moment, and she blushed lightly before shaking her heard, turning back to Spike. “Eh, ah- We went down there to find you!” She said as she composed herself, making Spike tilt his head in confusion. “We accidentally got stuck in some boxes and ended up outside near the airship, the Black Waltz attacked after we escaped the barrel we were in. I'd say ya missed out, but it looks like ya had a small adventure of yer own.” She told him, giving the dragon a sly grin, which he mirrored. "So it's not a Black Mage, but a Black Waltz? That thing we fought?" Spike asked curiously. "Ayep, it called itself number two. The one we fought in the cave was number one. Still one more left." She finished, looking to Zidane and Dagger. As Spike considered that, the airship started to take off. As it lifted, it slowly rotated south, and flew off towards the South Gate. Things were looking up for everyone, they sat on the deck of the ship and rested while they were transported to their destination, talking about the Black Mages and what reason the queen had for making them. As they talked, Spike quietly eyed the Garnet that let him teleport, like a certain mare. The power it granted was a connection to his friend, his family. He would never eat this gem, he held it close to his heart and treasured it as the cargo ship made its journey above the mist. ~~~~~~~~~~~ Moogle Notes: ~~~~~~~~~~~ 'Howdy Equestrian, Mois the moogle here with more tid-bits about Gaia!' 'Chocobos! Before mist engines became prevalent, travel between nations was on chocobo drawn wagons or chocobo riding. Chocobos are feared by monsters, which make them handy to have when traveling through the mist. Now that airships are fairly common, weapons and armor for chocobos have fallen from grace. Many chocobos are fine with this, as the birds themselves are naturally docile.' 'When Spike teleported below ground, I was left behind! I went to tell the others about him disappearing like that, and the search began! Kupo!' 'Black Mage's are produced via mist. Though the mist is seen as a malicious force, that should not be held for the Black Mages, they are as capable of good as they are evil. It's simply a matter of whether the Black Mage's you're dealing with are puppets or not.' 'The fight with Black Waltz No.2 was tough, if wouldn't have been possible without the Princesses' healing magic. Shame Spike was late to the fight. Kupo~' ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Spike the Dragon ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Items Equipped: *New Items Acquired* Mage Staff: Fire(mastered) *Feather Hat: Bright Eyes, Add Status Raises Wind Elem-Atk *Leather Wrist: Beast Killer, Blizzard(mastered) Silk Shirt: Thunder(mastered), Cure Property: Elem-Def: Thunder damage reduced by 50% *Garnet: Bahamut, Healer, Teleport Lvl up! Lvl-9 HP 180/244 MP 23/67 AP 15/18 *Add Status(3) - Adds weapon's status effect when you attack. *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. Blizzard 6 MP - Causes Ice damage to single/multiple targets. Friendship's Magic: Spike's Flame 0 MP - Green and harmless warm fire. Perfect for lighting up any party. Teleport 2 MP - Increase chance of attacks missing Spike for short duration.