//------------------------------// // 8. One Problem Settled... // Story: The Ninth Fantasy - Gaia // by MrAlterad //------------------------------// Applejack disembarked, the others a step behind her. They were inside an enclosed dock, large enough to house airships bigger than the cargo ship. The sound of machines and metal striking metal could be heard from somewhere within the dock, echoing through and carrying the noise to them. A pair of guards approached them as Applejack was taking in the interior, but the guards stopped when they saw how ragged the cargo ship looked. Their armor was more decorative than the armor of the Alexandrian soldiers, and they wore white clothes over the metal, with slightly steepled hats. To their sides, Applejack saw that they both carried a long hammer as their weapon. Seeing the guards pause in confusion, the princess walked up and addressed them. “I am Princess Garnet Till Alexandros XVII,” she proclaimed with authority as she gave a small bow, “I wish to speak to Regent Cid, immediately.” The guards looked to each other before looking at her incredulously. “Royalty would never fly on that battered hunk of junk!” One of the guards proclaimed, “Nor would she keep company with such a motley group!” he added, nodding matter-of-factly. “Who ya callin' motley?” Applejack asked indignantly. She took a moment to look herself over and realized the truth of it. Her new armor, which was uncomfortable to wear, was covered in burns, and she saw that Zidane and Spike's clothing were in a similar state. Ahh shoot, we do look motley! Lindblum is a big city, she hoped she could find someone to help her with the armor. Chocobo armor wasn't made for ponies, it fit awkwardly around her chest and didn't protect her sides. Still, the power it granted her had saved her life. “I assure you, I am the princess,” Garnet affirmed, politely disregarding the slight made against her companions. “I'll need to see some proof then.” The guard in charge of the pair asked, walking up to her. Garnet nodded as she pulled out some sort of gemstone attached to a necklace she was wearing, and the guard was surprised to see it. “This looks just like the Falcon's Claw! But it's different, there are more ridges on-” “What's going on here?” An authoritative voice rang out as a noble looking man approached them. He had long gray hair tied into a ponytail, and a matching beard went with it. “Ah, uncle Artania!” Garnet happily exclaimed, greeting Artania, who was surprised to see her. “Garnet! It's been so long!” He said, mirroring her smile. He then dismissed the guards, “Come, Cid has been expecting you.” He moved off, and Garnet followed after him, as confused as the others were that they were expected. Following Artania, he led the party to an elevator, and they took it up. On the climb he pleasantly informed the others that the elevator connected to three levels of the castle. The bottom level leading below the mist, to the harbor and the back gate. The highest floor, where they were heading to, lead to the royal chamber and conference room. As they climbed, Zidane asked the princess about the regent. “Uncle Cid?” she replied, looking a little embarrassed for not informing them. “He's very wise, he always thinks ahead.” She considered something a moment before nodding to herself. “He can be... eccentric, but he's very dependable. He and my father were best friends...” She let her sentence fall off, considering something. “I wonder if he will even listen to what I have to say.” Applejack frowned at her doubt. Well, she thought, he better! Considerin' what we went though to get her here. “Don't worry,” Zidane assured, “we're not leaving until he does.” Having said that, they arrived to the top level, and followed Artania to the royal chamber. Applejack's jaw dropped as she took in the castle's interior. The floor was made of marble, as were the stone pillars, the glass was stained with colors and murals, and this is just the hallway to the royal chamber! The aesthetics reminded the mare of Celestia's castle, instilling a light sense of homesickness. When they reached the chamber, Artania spoke for the group, informing the Regent that Garnet was here to see him. The room, however, was empty. “Uh, where's the Regent?” Applejack couldn't help but ask, Garnet nodded, she wanted to know where Cid was as well. Then to everyone's surprise, a large orange and yellow bug called an oglop hopped onto the throne. It had a particularly suave mustache, and wore small red noble garments. “Greetings! ” It heartily proclaimed. “That's a big oglop!” Zidane pointed out, his eyes wide as Applejack snickered. “It kinda looks funny, dressed up like that,” she commented. “You didn't tell us the regent was a bug, Dagger.” Spike said, sleepily, shaking his head in an attempt to stay awake. Applejack looked to the tired dragon, smiling lightly. She was also tired, but her pride wouldn't show it. The days events had been taxing, and soon it would be nightfall. “I didn't know.” Garnet admitted, looking at the oglop in confusion. “That mustache, it's defiantly Cid. What happened to you, uncle?” She asked with concern. The bug let out a long and tired sigh as it confirmed her assumption. “Yes. Greetings, all . I am Cid Fabool, Regent of Lindblum.” Cid then looked to Garnet, “I've been expecting you since this morning. I hoped it was you when I heard that a nearly destroyed cargo ship had docked. I'm delighted to see you again, Garnet. You have truly become a fine lady.” He then looked down to his body, sporting a sheepish grin, “I, on the other hand...” “Half a year ago,” Artania explained, continuing where the regent left off, “someone snuck into the castle and attacked the regent in his sleep. By the time the guards arrived to his aid, we were already too late. The regent was transformed into an oglop, as you can see, and his wife, Lady Hilda, was abducted.” “My goodness!” Garnet replied, taken aback by the story, and worried for the missing lady. Zidane's brow furrowed as he spoke up. “Whoever pulled that off must have been pretty skilled, like me,” he commented. I certainly hope that wasn't the case. Applejack thought, raising a eyebrow as she appraised her roguish companion. “Uncle Cid,” Garnet interjected, “I'm glad you were expecting me, I wanted to talk to you about my mother.” “Can't say I'm surprised by that,” he replied as he folded his arms, “but I'm sure that can wait till tomorrow. You all look a little... ragged. And it's almost nighttime. Why don't you all get some rest for today?” Applejack looked over her company, Zidane and Garnet didn't look too bad off, if a little tired, but Spike looked like he was going to fall asleep on his feet. She was also tired, she had been unable to get proper rest last night, for some reason she just couldn't sleep straight. She supposed that the mist probably made her restless. “Thank you,” Garnet began, “but there is a matter I wish to talk about right now, my mother can wait till tomorrow, but I don't want to keep these two waiting.” She said as she indicated the Equestrians. “Spike and Applejack here hail from the kingdom of Equestria, and seek a way to return home. Had they not accompanied us, we would not have made it to Lindblum. Could you aid them?” Cid looked between the two Equestrians, contemplating the request. “I've never heard of this kingdom, but I shall have my best scholars look into it. If you two return here this time tomorrow, I will have an answer for you.” He then gave them both a warm smile, “Thank you for protecting Garnet. I'll aid you as best I can.” He said humbly, catching the mare off guard. “That's mighty generous of ya yer majesty. Thank ya!” She said, bowing to him, which made him chuckle. “Please, think little of it. You have done both Alexandria and Lindblum a great service.” He then looked to Zidane, "You're with Tantalus, yes?" Zidane nodded, giving a deep bow, "Thank you for seeing the princess here safely." Cid then nodded to himself as he walked up to Zidane. "I'd like to talk to you in the morning concerning what's become of the theater ship." Zidane looked at him in surprise, then took on a determined look as he nodded. Does Cid know about the kidnapping? Applejack wondered as she looked to Zidane. With that, the meeting with Cid was concluded, they were led to some sleeping quarters, one for each of them, and they all called it a night. Applejack slept like a log, happy that the odds of returning home have increased. A nice, peaceful, uninterrupted, and comfortable rest later, she woke up and got her things together. She didn't need to see Cid till the evening, so she was going to look around, see what she could find to cure Blank, and address her armor. Leaving her room, she found that Spike wasn't in his, and the princess was gone too. “Looks like sleeping beauty finally woke up,” Zidane's voice rang out from behind, making her jump as she turned to him, being greeted by his smile. “And she didn't even need a kiss,” he added playfully. Choosing to ignore his comment, despite it making her cheeks flush, she approached him. “Where's Spike and the princess?” She wasn't worried, but she was curious. Zidane nodded as he started moving down the hall, and Applejack followed. “Garnet went to talk to Cid, Spike insisted he be with her, said he'd get rusty if he didn't attend to his 'assistant duties'.” That's somethin' ya can get rusty at? Applejack wondered as she looked to him. "Whatcha talk about with Cid?" She asked curiously, assuming the meeting had already taken place. "He wanted to be filled in on how we got here. So I filled him in." Zidane quickly answered as he looked over her. "So, what's your plan?" “I'm gonna look fer a cure fer Blank.” She stated matter-of-factly. “Alone?” He asked with a raised eyebrow, and she hesitated. She almost blurted out 'yes', but her friends taught her to accept help when she needed it. She didn't know her way around Lindblum, she could definitely use his help. “I'd prefer to handle it myself, but I'll end up gettin' lost. If yer willin', I'd appreciate the help.” She asked bashfully, not use to asking for help right out the gate. “Anything for a friend,” Oh dear, we're friends? she thought in surprise as he pulled out a sack of coins. “Here, let's pool our gil together and see what we can do with it.” He suggested, preventing the mare's line of thought from going off the rails. They pooled their gil together, and she was surprised that he had a great deal more then she did. Where did he get all this!? Did he have this much before we started slaying monsters in the Evil Forest? Zidane, ignoring her surprise, said, “You can use half of it to replace your gear. Do you wanna look for the cure first, or talk to a blacksmith about your barding?” He considered her armor for a moment before finishing, “We can probably refit it so it better suites you.” “Blank first. Then the armor.” She immediately replied, and he nodded as she followed him back to the dock where the cargo ship was parked. He continued past it down a flight of stairs to an outdoor landing with a small blue carriage-like airship parked nearby, a taxi. Thinking about the gil he handed her, she asked about it. “So uh, where did you get all this, it looks like a lot.” “Selling things I swiped from the monsters we've fought. It's something I do, I steal from my enemies as I fight them. I'm so practiced that you've never noticed,” he said with a proud grin. She was at first annoyed at the prospect of him stealing, but calmed down when she considered it was just from the monsters they've slain, at least according to him. So, in addition to what the monsters 'drop' when they perish, there's also the items Zidane steals from them. It's no wonder he wasn't bothered givin' me so much gil! Getting on the small airship, it moved to carry them to the business district. Flying over the city, she saw many other taxi's and airships moving throughout Lindblum, gingerly flying between the districts, which stood as raised sections of the city. Taking the city in, she once again found herself comparing the city to Manehatten. While there were no especially tall buildings besides the grand castle, the city was clustered, and full of activity. Before long, the taxi reached its destination, and Applejack continued to follow Zidane through the district he led her too. After walking past a large number of stalls selling a variety of things, from food to children's toys, they ended up in a small closed alley with a forge at the back. He had led them to a blacksmith. Applejack's brow furrowed as she glared at Zidane. He caught her look and put his hands up defensively. “I know you wanted to look for a cure first, but since there's two of us, let's tackle both at the same time.” He then motioned to himself with a proud smile, “I know this city like the back of my hand, Applejack, so I'll ask some people I know about it. In the mean time, you can talk to Torres here about your armor. 'Kay?” She wasn't happy with this, she wanted to help Blank, but before she could argue with Zidane, he continued, “I'll need help getting to him now that the forest is petrified, you can help me with that. I'll get the information, you'll get lost or pay someone for bad info.” He then abandoned his light smile as he looked to her, making her take a step back at his serious expression. “Trust me on this AJ, for looking for information, I'm the right tool for the job. You worry about getting yourself equipped.” W-Why is he so sense-able!? It's down right annoyin'! “Fine,” she admitted, annoyed that she never even gotten the chance to fight back. “I'll be around here, so don't ya keep me waitin', 'kay?” He gave her a resolute nod and left her at Torres' shop. Walking up to the old man, dressed in a heavy vest that protected him from the heat of his craft, she addressed him. “Pardon me, any chance ya could help me with some armor?” She didn't know how long she would be in this world, but she thought it best to be well protected while here. The old man eyed her barding, and asked her to remove it. “Ah, yes. Chocobo barding isn't the best fit for you. It also doesn't cover much,” he said after appraising her form. “I'd like some pony bardin' if ya have any,” Applejack asked of him respectfully, “or I'd be willin' to make due with ya re-sizin' this to fit me better.” “Ain't got 'pony' barding, but I wouldn't mind making something new, but that'll take a few days. Fixin' it to fit you better, however, should only take a few minutes.” With that she gave him the armor and haggled down his asking price. A couple minutes later he returned the barding, it was a little smaller and clean again. Putting it on, she found it fit nice and comfortably. “Ah, that's so much better!” It now felt more like heavy clothing now, as apposed to awkward plates of metal slung over her chest. “I can do more than re-size armor you know. I can reinforce your hat, synthesize your blade, re-buckle your scabbard. As long as you have the materials and gil that is." “What do ya mean, 'reinforce' my hat?” She asked, wondering what his intentions were regarding it. “Give it a metal rim at its edge and around the headrest. Make it more than just an aesthetic piece of armor.” Applejack didn't like the idea of modifying her old hat, and quickly passed on the idea. He considered her a moment before nodding to himself. “Tell you what, I'll just work on a mythril ring and an iron set of barding for you, and next time you're in Lindblum you can buy them off me. Time has a way of loosenin' pockets.” Applejack wasn't going to refuse the idea, and after he got some measurements from her, she bought a replacement scabbard and saddlebag from him. She was surprised when he took pieces from some old armor on his work bench and integrated it into the gear she purchased from him. Was that what he meant about synthesizin'? She wondered as she got her new equipment together. Her business with Torres done, she thanked him kindly and stood near the store, waiting for Zidane to return. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ATE: Garnet's Worries ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Garnet had separated herself from Spike so she could talk to regent Cid in private. Occupying the dragon with taking care of her travel robe, she sat in the throne room with Cid. “So, how's the queen,” Cid asked of her, “is she still as vibrant as ever?” “Yes,” she replied, then let out a sad sigh, “but since father died, mother has been acting very strangely.” “I'm not surprised, they loved each other a great deal. ” “We haven't spoken much lately, also, a suspicious man has been prowling around the castle. I think he's involved in my mother's change in behavior,” she paused for a moment, lost in thought. “I don't know what's going on anymore, I fear she has something terrible planned. I've tried to tell everyone, but no one's taken me seriously. They think I'm distraught over losing father.” Cid nodded as he gave her a light smile. “I can see why you're so eager. I'm glad that you came to me for help.” Garnet returned his smile as she nodded. “At this point, I think you're the only person she will listen to.” Garnet admitted, “When the theater ship was coming for the play, I decided to sneak on board to come here. I didn't expect the crew to kidnap me though.” Cid chuckled a little at that, getting a confuse look from the princess. “That was my doing, I'm old friends with Baku, I asked him to apprehend you.” Garnet was taken aback. “I once promised your father to look after you should anything happen to him. I've known about the disturbances in Alexandria for some time. To avoid war, I used Baku to get you. I'm glad you were in the mood to be kidnapped.” He added as he gave her a kind smile. Garnet considered his words before reflecting on what she had seen at the village near the Ice Cavern. “At Dali, me and the others saw a machine that was making Black Mages, seemingly dolls that can use powerful magic. They were being shipped to Alexandria, I think my mother is intending to use them for war.” Cid's brow furrowed at that as he shook his head. “We won't let a war happen.” He then looked out the window, seeing something in the distance only his eyes could see. “As long as I have my airship fleet, she wouldn't dare make a move against Lindblum.” He then turned back to Garnet, re-adopting his smile. “Don't worry, everything will be fine.” Garnet took solace in his words, thinking about the possible implications of her mother's actions. “I'm very sorry, uncle.” He had worked to free her from her mother, and it cost his friend Baku his ship. “Now now, don't be so formal, I'm helping you as your uncle, not as the regent of Lindblum.” She smiled at that, glad that she still had a family member she hold a reasonable conversation with. Thought he wasn't her uncle by blood, they shared a bond that was just as strong. “Thank you so much,” she repeated, her gratitude radiating from her. “Hey, Princess!” Spike said as he entered the royal chamber, “I finished cleaning your robe!” He proudly admitted as he presented it to her, and she could have sworn that the fabric was sparkling. “Looks like your new assistant has returned,” Cid said with a lighthearted chuckle. “Go see to him, these Equestrians interest me. Having good relations with another nation is never a poor idea. I'll see you tonight at dinner,” he said as he dismissed the young princess. “Thank you again, Uncle Cid.” Garnet said as she gave him a low bow, which he returned. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Less than half an hour later, about the time Applejack's impatience was about to get the better of her, a rat-folk fell from the sky, and landed next to her. Applejack stumbled over in surprise as she took in the warrior. She wore a red vest and a matching tall helm, and was easily a head taller than Applejack. The rat-person appraised the mare, and then apologized. “I did not mean to startle you, my little pony, I'm simply here to pick up a new spear. My apologies again.” She said as she went over to Torres. Applejack blinked at her as what she said repeated in her head, and she noticed something off about it. “Um, excuse me, but have ya met another pony besides me?” Applejack was under the impression that ponies didn't exist on this world, just as many of the races living here were not in Equestria. And this rat-folk referred to her as a pony right from the get-go. “You'd be the second.” The warrior admitted as she turned back to Applejack. “You seem better equipped for battle than the other.” Another pony? Alright! Applejack thought as she adopted a bright smile, Finally somethin' to work with! The rat-folk then nodded to herself, noticing Applejack's expression as she approached the mare, “I'm Freya, Freya Crescent.” “Name's Applejack,” she quickly replied, “mind tellin' me where ya met this pony? Did ya get a name? What'd they look like?” She then shook her head, slowing herself down so she could explain herself. “I've been separated from my friends, maybe the pony you met is one of them.” Finding another pony wasn't the same as finding Equestria, but it was a step in the right direction, even more so if it was a friend. Freya's expression seemed to become more considerate after hearing Applejack's explanation. “The pony I met had a pink coat and messed up hair. I saw her in the marsh early yesterday, she was a strange one. I first thought she was a monster, but when she told me otherwise I was quick to agree. Most monsters don't try to make you laugh, or talk for that matter.” Pinkie! Applejack's mirth couldn't be contained as she let out a light chuckle. “That's Pinkie alright, she's a friend of mine.” She then gave Freya a serious look, “How do I get to the marsh?” She asked, alight with energy, Freya looked at her and softly smiled. “It's below the mist, a few hours from the city. I can take you there, as long as we're back by tomorrow afternoon.” She then nodded to herself, seeming to affirm something to herself. “I wouldn't mind helping someone reunite with a friend.” “I don't want to inconvenience ya,” Applejack said honestly, not expecting her to offer personally showing her the way. “It'll give me some practice for the festival.” Freya admitted as she accepted the spear Torres' assistant brought her. “We should go now if we want to be back in Lindblum at a reasonable time.” Applejack considered it, she didn't want to bother Freya, but it would make reaching Pinkie easier if she had a guide. Leaving now however meant leaving Zidane and Spike alone for a small amount of time. “Mind waitin' a few minutes? I'm expectin' someone. I'll tell him where we're going when he arrives and then we can head out.” Freya nodded at her request, and the pair waited. Zidane arrived a few minutes later, and was surprised to see Freya, who was also surprised to see him. “Long time, Zidane. Friend of yours?” She asked him, indicating Applejack. He gave her an eager nod before speaking up. “Freya! It's been a while, almost three years now, right?” He nodded to himself then looked to Applejack, “Yea, she's my friend, you're already acquainted?” They nodded in turn. “Zidane,” Applejack began, “I'm sure one of my friends is in the marsh nearby. Freya's gonna take me there, can ya look after Spike, make sure he talks to the regent tonight, and tell him I went to get Pinkie Pie? We should be back late tonight.” At least she assumed so, a few hours to get there meant a few hours to return. She was trusting Zidane to look after her friend, and she felt her trust was well placed. I hope Spike doesn't mind too much, though I'm sure it'll be just fine once I return with Pinkie! “What, you don't want me to come with you?” Zidane said, masking his surprise by acting hurt. “You'd just get in the way,” Freya replied, giving him a snarky grin. “I wouldn't mind agreein' with Freya,” Applejack quickly replied, Which made Zidane wince, giving her some payback for the way he talked to her earlier, “and besides, ya still need to find a way to cure Blank while we're out, Mr. 'Right Tool for the Job'.” “Whoa, whoa, okay I get it, I'll stay.” Zidane said as he put his hands up defensively, making Applejack and Freya to share a chuckle. Zidane sighed as he looked to them, “Let's walk and talk, you'll be heading down to the back gate of the city, will they let you out?” Freya nodded, “Alright then.” He then considered something as he took up his typical grin. “So, Freya, you're here for the Festival of the Hunt I take it?” “Indeed,” she answered with a nod, “I've been wanting to see how my skills fair up against the other competitors, you in?” “Eh, I think I'll pass.” He then gave the mare an aside glance, “Applejack, you should join in. It's a festival where they let a bunch of weak monsters loose in the city and let competitors slay them for points. The one with the most points is the Master Hunter and is given a reward of their choice.” “So a monster slayin' competition?” Applejack said, a little surprised. “I might be for that. Is it safe? Lettin' monsters loose in the city?” Sounds right dangerous to me. “The areas it takes place in are evacuated before hand,” Zidane assured, “the festival's an old Lindblum tradition, so it must be safe. Relatively speaking.” As they talked, they made it back to the airship taxi, and took it to the castle. “So how are things going with your search?” Zidane asked Freya, and she immediately looked downcast for it. “Oh, nevermind, sorry I asked.” He quickly got out as he scratched the back of his head. Reaching the castle, they took the lift down. It seemed his question had killed the mood for chit-chat, because nothing else was said on the lift. When they reached the ground floor, Zidane saw the pair off as they took a tram that led to the back gate. “I'm assuming your armor isn't just for show?” Freya asked the mare with a raised eyebrow. “A-nope, I've fought a number of mist monsters since arrivin' here, and they seem pretty weak, as long as ya aren't overwhelmed.” “Good, hate to have to do your share of the fighting as well.” She said coolly, giving Applejack another smile. The look Freya gave her was familiar, it was an expression she saw often on Rainbow Dash's face. A look of playful competition, and while Applejack hadn't been expecting it, she found reassurance from it. Mirroring the look, they went through the gate, and out into the mist. ~~~~~~~~~~~ Moogle Notes: ~~~~~~~~~~~ 'Howdy Equestrian, Mois the moogle here with more tid-bits about Gaia!' 'Lindblum is divided into three districts. The Business, Industrial, and Theater districts, with the castle being the center point of Lindblum, the grand castle. It's the most populated city on Gaia, and also the most advanced. Home of the mist engine, Lindblum is in the middle of transitioning over to steam engines, which don't need mist to work, neat!' 'Torres is one of a number that can synthesize items, mixing parts of two things together to make something stronger!' 'Cid, the Regent, is not only in charge of Lindblum, but also runs the development of steam engine research. He's already completed one ship that flies on steam, but it was stolen the same day his wife was abducted. Kupo.' 'As Cid said, Lindblum has a formidable airship fleet. If Lindblum ever came under a greedy souls rule, that fleet would make good work at conquering the mist continent.' 'Freya hails from Burmecia, the nation of the rat folk, known as Burmecians. She was trained as a dragon knight and is a master spearswoman with incredible jumping prowess, which she uses to deadly affect. Kupo~' ~~~~~~~~ Applejack ~~~~~~~~ Items Equipped: *New Items Acquired* Iron Sword: Minus Strike Applejack's Hat: Applebuck(mastered) *Iron Scabbard: Bird Killer Elem-Def: Thunder damage reduced by 50% Basic Barding: Hog Tie *Leather Saddlebag: Hog Tie, Antibody Elem-Def: Earth damage reduced by 50% Lvl-9 HP 454/454 MP 36/36 AP 4/21 *Bird Killer (3) - Deals lethal damage to flying enemies. *Beast Killer (4) - Deals lethal damage to beasts. *Antibody (4) - Prevents Poison and Venom. *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. Hog Tie 8 Mp - Traps single target, causes Applebuck to do high damage. Sword Arts: Minus Strike 8 MP - Damages with the difference between your max HP and current HP