//------------------------------// // 33. Memories of that Day // Story: The Ninth Fantasy - Gaia // by MrAlterad //------------------------------// ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ATE: Forgotten by Legend ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ As she landed, Freya planted her spear into the stone, cracking the earth beneath her as she stopped to catch her breath, taking in her surroundings. She stood upon the peak of the mountain range looking over the lands of Lindblum. The air was clear enough for her to make out the city itself, far, far away on the horizon. She stood upon the rim of a valley, the mountain ranges that separated the three great nations surrounded this isolated haven. The mountain barrier was too high for most to climb, and for airships to reach, making this valley the most untouched location on the Mist Continent. Putting her back to Lindblum, she looked upon the small valley, briefly considering leaving this venture and returning to Fratley back at Gizamaluke's Grotto. She shook her head and frowned, a little disappointed she was faltering now that she had come this far. This is where he awoke, without his memories. This is where the man I loved died, losing everything but his loyalty towards Burmecia. Something here must be the cause! Her resolve was renewed as she glanced to the mountains to the northwestern edge of the valley, picturing her home beyond. Pushing aside the growing sadness at recalling recent events, she took her spear, and jumped down towards her destination. She didn't have to venture far inside before she started to feel a strange presence within. For some reason, it brought her thoughts back to leaving Beatrix at the grotto. Beatrix had slain most of the Dragon Knights, and no action would earn her forgiveness from that in Freya's eyes. Still, Beatrix betrayed her queen for the better of all the nations of the Mist Continent. She betrayed her queen, to stay loyal to her nation, and it's princess. Despite her dislike of the knight, Freya still respected her, and had spoken for her when a small number of Burmecians demanded her head. It helped that the Cleyran refugees took her side. Burmecia and Cleyra. They had kept to themselves for several centuries, and now, they were together again, thanks to the ravages of war. Well, at least something good came out of that heinous conflict. The race of the rat-folk has never been closer, and their cultures and ideals were mingling in the close quarters of the plateau above Gizamaluke's Grotto, now referred to as the Burmecian Plateau. Freya stopped, a little confused as she looked around the valley cautiously. Why am I thinking this now? Haven't I spent enough time on these thoughts? She once again felt that presence in the air, something intangible, yet powerful, and also dangerous. Something about it compelled her thoughts, and that troubled her. Feeling out, she followed it to where it felt stronger, and before long, found herself before a disquieting clearing of stone. Centered around a cavern opening easily fifty feet wide, almost two dozen discarded weapons dotted the area, most of them being the weapons used by Dragon Knights, spears and lances. The weapons were of all sorts of quality and make, some looked to be discarded without a second thought, while others were planted in the ground, or laid to rest with a touch of respect and pride. What made Freya glance around, her heart racing, was the complete lack of evidence concerning the fate of the weapon's wielders. Her nerves tense, she slowly made her way to the cavern, compelled to leave the weapons where they lay as she passed them. A large stone, as large as herself, stood before the entrance of the cavern, drawing her attention. As she moved closer to it, her eyes fell to a familiar spear, almost as if it had called out to her. It had been five years since her eyes last fell upon it, but there was no mistaking the spear Sir Fratley used when they were together. It stood there, planted in the ground, as if a marker for its master. Despite her desire to take it and return it to him, the pressure in the air compelled her to leave it where it stood, as if taking it would offend some greater power. Her eyes again looked to the stone, words were etched on it. It took her a moment to fully read it, not for it's length, but the style it was written was old, an ancient Burmecian style that she had to read over several times to completely understand the message. 'If ye seek thy strength, ye must match it.' 'If ye seek thy power, ye must hold thine ties close.' 'To wield thy lance, thou must discard thy own.' 'If ye not hold these words true, then lose thyself to my might.' She scrutinized the message, feeling as though she had heard those words before. She cast her gaze within the cavern, not daring to take another step further. Adjusting her eyes to the dark within, her breath caught as she saw what lay within. A large white dragon, still and unmoving, but not dead, lay slumped on the cavern floor. It was larger than any monster she's ever faced, the cavern's entrance just large enough for such a beast to manage through. Embedded in the dragon's skull, was a lance, a light amount of mist trickling out where lance and beast connected. It wasn't the dragon that had caught her breath, even if it was impressive and intimidating. It was the lance. It was the source of the presence within the valley, a sacred presence that demanded respect. The lance appeared to be made of black metal, the point of its blade rimmed with decorative flame. It looked like something dark and malicious, yet it gave off a sense of sacred pride. Dutifully staying where it's master left it, waiting for the day another like its wielder to come along, and claim it as their own. If it found them worthy. Freya felt like she had just wandered into an old legend, and stepped away from the cavern, having her answers, and not willing to take the same risk Fratley took when he came here. That spear, and the dragon. Are the old legends of Kain true? An old story passed between Dragon Knights of Burmecia, Kain was known as the greatest Dragon Knight, who slew the Mist Dragon, mightiest of the monsters of the mist. No, there's more to the story than that, right? She was certain there was more to the legend, but couldn't recall it. Her eyes fell to Fratley's spear again, and her heart ached. If the weapon found him unworthy... She looked to the cave, then to all the abandoned weapons. The lance stripped them of their memories. Why? That lance was the reason she lost her Fratley, but she couldn't feel angry at an old legend. The ones that came here, made the choice, as Sir Fratley had. Her eyes looked back to the lance as hope started to lighten her heart. If I possessed that weapon, would I be able to return Fratley's lost memories? Feeling the glow of the setting sun, she looked to Fratley's spear one last time before leaving the sacred place. I need more answers. She did not believe herself to be stronger than Fratley, so she believed she would share his fate if she tried to take Kain's Lance, at least, as she was right now. That spear, with its power, I could follow my vows! I can ensure my people will have a safe future, within the walls of Burmecia! That thought becoming a burning fire in her heart, she left the valley behind, and worked her way back to the Burmecian Plateau. Moving with great haste, she noticed something quite odd concerning Linblum's valley. Is it my imagination, or is the mist getting thinner? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ATE: Memories Unlocked ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dagger sat in a small boat. Nestled under Eiko's home, Dagger took solace on the old and ragged vessel harbored inside a small cove. The sound of Dagger singing her childhood song reverberated off of the stone walls. Seeing Applejack fight Red reminded Dagger of Beatrix and Freya staying behind to let them escape, and it troubled her, leading her to separating herself from the others, and finding comfort in her song. She tensed as she heard the sound of footsteps approaching, and her song died as worry that it may be Lani washed over her. How careless of-! But she stared wide eyed as she saw that it was Zidane, walking to her with that happy little grin he tends to wear when addressing her. “Zidane-” She began, quickly composing herself. “It's okay.” He assured, “Keep singing, cause it's our song, right?” Our song? I suppose he's the only one I've shared it with. Dagger thought as Zidane looked around, impressed with their location. “I'm kinda surprised you found this place.” He walked up to the boat as he smiled. “You've got the talent of a bandit! How about you and me team up? We'll call ourselves, 'The Betrothed.” He said with a light smile. Dagger chuckled as his little joke. The Betrothed? Oh Zidane. She shook her head as she looked to the sly thief, a small smile on her lips. “My talent's up to snuff, but that name isn't.” She curtly replied, prompting him to scratch his head sheepishly as he grinned at her. “You're really something these days.” “If I am, I must've gotten it from you.” “Not really. It's all because you made the effort to learn.” “No, it's because you stuck with me. Without you, I couldn't have made it to Lindblum, much less seen a whole new continent.” She then sighed, looking out to the sea. “Everything I tried to do on my own was a total failure. I couldn't stop my mother, and at times, I almost lost hope. You helped me so much.” She then shook her head, “And it's not just you.” “Yea.” Zidane fondly replied as he leaned against the cavern wall, “Applejack, and Spike helped us get to Lindblum. Then we all helped you escape Alexandria. We really wouldn't have made it this far if it wasn't for the others. Pinkie, Freya, and even Beatrix helped us.” “Freya, Beatrix...” She looked to Zidane, her heart heavy. “I haven't forgotten. I want to believe everyone is alright. But sometimes, I just, can't.” Zidane got on the small boat with her as she talked, releasing the rope, letting it drift out into the grotto, the area lit by the sunset. “I hope I can live up to the hopes of everyone who has helped me.” “You don't have to feel so responsible, Dagger.” She looked at him, almost appalled that he could say that. I will be a queen one day, I must be responsible! “But I do!” She said as she stood up, making the boat shake. Zidane simply shook his head. “Nobody wants you to feel that way.” Dagger blinked at him. They don't? “And they didn't do it all for you, either. Each of them are following their own path.” Dagger tilted her head as she looked to him. “Their own path?” “Yes. Freya and Beatrix follow the path of loyalty and duty. They fought for you as an extension of that. Applejack follows the path of a guardian, she wants to protect everyone around her. Spike walks the path of the adventurer, he wants to see the world, with his friends at his side, and Pinkie's path is full of smiling faces. Even Eiko has her own path, one she's just started walking. She doesn't want to be alone, she wants to step forward, and broaden her horizons with us by her side.” Dagger nodded as she saw what he meant. So, the path I walk is to protect everyone, like Applejack? Alexandria, Lindblum, Burmecia, all the nations, and their people. Yes, that's the path I follow, and freeing my mother of Kuja is only a part of that. Dagger nodded to affirm her thoughts, then looked to Zidane. “Well, what about you?” What path is he following? “Huh?” “Why did you come with me?” Our journey has been so dangerous, surely he could have chosen a safer path. Zidane considered those words a moment, a look of familiarity coming to mind. “Hey, that's Ipsen's line.” Dagger blinked at him. Ipsen? The man that had a map of Equestria? “The old explorer?” She asked, and he nodded, not surprised she knew about him. “Ipsen is a character from a play.” Zidane then frowned as he corrected himself. “Well, not quite. He was a real-life adventurer, I think the play is based on his journey.” He then turned to her and summarized the story: 'Ipsen and his good friend Colin worked at a tavern in Treno. One day, Ipsen got a letter. The letter was so wet from rain that most of the writing was illegible.' 'The only part he could read said 'Come back home.' Nowadays, we have airships and stuff, but back then, it was really hard to travel.' 'He didn't know why he had to go back, but he got some time off, gathered his things, and set out on his journey home.' 'He walked a great distance through the mist. Sometimes he was attacked by viscous monsters, but he made it, because his friend Colin was by his side.' 'And then, after much time on the road. He had to ask Colin something.' 'Why did you come with me?'” He finished. Dagger looked to Zidane, he had paused, as if wanting her to ask him the end of the story. The boat had slowly drifted out into the grotto during his narration, and seeing that he wasn't going to finish it, she spoke up. “Well? What was Colin's answer?” She asked impatiently. He looked to her with a smile. “Only because I wanted to go with you.” She looked at him, surprised, his words were not what she had been expecting, indeed, hearing them made her heart ache. He came all this way, risking his life with us, just because he wanted to? “Zidane. I...” She fell silent as she couldn't find the words she wanted to say to him. Then she looked around, at first confused, then alarmed. There was a melody being carried on the wind, the same melody she had just been singing. “Dagger?” Zidane asked worriedly. “Can't you, can't you hear the song?” Zidane craned his neck, and his eyes widened as it hit him. “Huh!? Yea, it's the same song!” Dagger stood up, rocking the boat a little as she tried to look around. “Home come? Who's singing it!?” Her song had no place in Alexandria or Lindblum, and someone here was singing it. As she looked up towards Madain Sari, she saw the light of the sunset bathe the Eidolon wall. Her breathing quickened as her minds eye cast the wall ablaze. “The sunset... It makes the Eidolon wall look like it's on fire!” A sense of deja-vu washed over her as she began to feel lightheaded. “I've seen this somewhere before...” “What? Where?” Zidane asked, looking to her in concern. He moved to help her stand as she looked up to the ruined village, her vision shifted from what here eyes were seeing, to what her eyes had once seen. Madain Sari, bathed in flames, several tempests of wind and water ravaging it. The ocean waves violently stirring under a dark and cloudy sky. And, within the clouds, over the village, was a large red eye, overlooking the destruction. Her buried memories played before her, on a small boat drifting away from the doomed village, as it was thrown about in the ensuing storm. And as she took it all in, she felt darkness take her as she passed out. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ATE: Her New Friend ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “So, you feeling a little better now?” Discord asked his pink friend as she wandered through Madain Sari. “You were pretty grumpy back at the tree.” She looked down, her ears dropping as she let out a sigh. Sorry about that, I just, I don't know. I felt irritated the closer we got to it. Sorry. She was feeling a little down, though her friends only saw her irritation when she addressed Mistcage, Discord had been the one to suffer the brunt of it. “Heh, what are friends for!” He said with a sarcastic chuckle. If Kuja doesn't show up tomorrow, we're gonna have to take a look at the top half of the tree. “Whatever do you mean?” He asked innocently as he moved in front of her. You saw it, I bet that elevator thing goes up, as well as down. “Well, I guess there's no hiding anything from you. Are we going to be yelling at each other in comical fashion again?” I- wait, was it funny~? Pinkie asked, hope in her thoughts. She didn't really think so, but if Discord says it was funny- “Oh no, it wasn't funny at all. You almost made me cry.” He added as he pulled out a crying handkerchief. She looked to the ground again, ears low. Sorry. “Now Pinkie, cheer up. Look! I'm smiling!” She looked up to see him pointing at a large sign that said 'I'm smiling!' in Discord arranged letters, and he got a laugh out of her for his efforts. “If you're down, you should talk to Applejack, she's there for you and all that.” He added, almost dryly. Yea, but you've been helping me all this time, and you're kinda in my head, so your quicker to the punch than her. Pinkie then nodded to herself. Next time I'm feeling down, I'll go to her instead~! “Fine, see if I care.” He said in a pouting manner. She saw red- “Well of course you see some red, it's only all over the place!” Discord commented as they both spotted the warrior Applejack fought, sitting on a pile of rubble, facing the sunset. Oh! Idea~! She pulled out the pair of claws Red had left behind. Having picked them up when she got Applejack's hat, she was hoping to run into Red sometime soon to return them. Watching Applejack duel him started off scary, but her worry melted when she saw the smile Applejack had from the fight. Let's see if we can make a new friend! “Just be careful- Oh who am I kidding! Do what you do. I'll be watching, with popcorn!” Discord exclaimed, a bowl of popcorn in hand. Considering it wiser to not sneak up on the man that can throw ponies one-handed, she made her presence known as she walked up to him. “Heeyy~ Whacha dooin'~?” She asked as she climbed the rubble to him. He didn't look towards her, but she felt as though he was appraising her, so she gave him her biggest 'I want to be your friend!' smile. Suddenly getting the strong impression he didn't want to talk to her, she immediately ignored it and moved to his side. “Hi! I'm Pinkie Pie. And you dropped these!” She said as she slid him his weapons, which got his attention. Alright! Attention obtained~! “Why are you returning these?” “Because~ I want to be your friend!” He shook his head in some mix of wonder and annoyance. “I don't understand you people. I tried to kill your partner, and now you want to burden me with friendship?" “Friendship isn't a burden!” Pinkie quickly replied, feeling hurt. “Friendship is just a nice word. It's people taking mutual advantage of each other until one no longer has a use for the other.” “No. It isn't.” Pinkie resolutely replied, sad that that was how he saw it. “You don't even know what friendship is. “What would you know?” “More than you, apparently~!” She said in a mocking tone, getting a sense of hostility from him. “I know what friendship is. And it looks like you've never had a true friend. So I guess that makes me your first~!” She said as she gave him a big smile. “I don't want your friendship.” “Too bad~! You're getting it anyways.” He looked to her, contemplating the situation he was now in, then looked back to the sunset. “So, if I'm wrong, then was is the friendship you speak of?” “Well, I guess it's a little different for everyone, but for me?” Pinkie put her hoof to her chin as she thought a moment. “Well, that's easy! Friendship to me is making others smile, and I love to make my friends smile! When I see them smile, I get a smile, and that's so precious to me.” “Pinkie,” Discord chimed in, “If you're going to quote your song, you could at least quote it right.” Silly Discord, you can't quote yourself! I'm just saying what sounds right! “Hmph.” Red began as he shook his head, “Just like I said. For you, you make others smile because it makes you happy. Friendship is nothing but a tool to satisfy your life.” Pinkie stared at him, not sure how to respond to that. “It just so happens that your kind of 'friendship' works towards benefiting the other. That's not how I've seen it, you are the exception, not the rule.” She stood there for several moments, considering his words, before speaking up. “As if~! My friends love to make each other happy! And even if you were right, which you're not~, it still makes my friends happy! Doesn't that make me a friend worth having?” She asked, exploiting a hole in his argument. “So, let's be friends!” He didn't respond to her, neither affirming or denying the notion, which was more than enough for Pinkie. “Sooo~ Whatcha dooin'~?” She asked again, hoping she'd get an answer this time. She felt something in his aura give in as he looked to her. “Thinking.” “About?” “What to do next.” “Ooo~ Have a party?” He paused to appraise her, and seeing she was serious, shook his head. “Why?” He asked. “For being alive~! What more reason do you need!” Then her words flew off unhinged as she went into more detail. “I can get the cake going and Zidane can help with decorations while Applejack makes apple-snacks then when its all set up we can dance and sing and eat tasty things and it will be great and all my friends-” She faltered as for a moment she imagined all of her friends at this hypothetical party, Equestrian and Gaian. Her ears momentarily dropped before she shook her head. “And my friends will be there and we'll all be happy~!” She finished, giving him a smile. “Yea, no.” “Okay.” Pinkie said as she got in front of him, casting her shadow over him, “If not a party, then how about joining us?” Pinkie wasn't sure if it was her words, or the way the sunset looked with her standing in front of it, but Red was taken aback. “Why?” “Because.” She answered, holding her hoof to her heart. “You don't know what it means to have a true friend. If you join us, you will.” She finished as she gave him a beaming smile. His aura changed to annoyance, and a hint of reluctance. “I have no need for such a thing. But, I will consider it.” That was more then enough for Pinkie, as she bounced to his side, parking herself right next to him and sitting down as she looked up to him. He didn't seem bothered by her proximity, after all, he can throw a pony with one hand if he wanted to. “Red, are you really the number one bandit?” She asked curiously, wondering if Lani was being true. “Bandits are bad people, and you don't feel like a bad person. A little dangerous, but not bad.” He nodded, as if she had hit the nail on the head. “It's a label, something I didn't ask for. Take from it what you will,” he then glanced down to her. “Why are you sitting so close?” “Because I said I'd be a true friend, and you look like you could use one right now.” He looked at her, a little confused, before looking off to the setting sun. He looked like his whole world was shaken when we let him go. Why? Is Gaia really such a place for that to be odd? She wondered as they sat there, twilight falling over the sky. She stayed with him for a number of minutes, till she felt his aura shift to something more agreeable in her eyes. I think, he's figured out what happens next. “Well,” she began as she got up and stretched, “since you're not gloomy now, I'm gonna go back to my other friends~!” He looked at her, a little surprised. “Feel free to join us when you want to, I'll be waiting for you.” She claimed as she gave him her token grin. “See you in the morning~.” With that, the pink mare bounced off, towards Eiko's home, leaving the Red warrior alone, certain she had made a new friend. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ They were all gathered around the table in Eiko's home. Zidane had just brought Dagger back, and had asked to others to come. Dinner sat on the table, but it got cold as the others looked to the princess with worry. Dagger looked pale, like she had seen a ghost, and as most of them gathered, Zidane looked to them, traces of fear and concern still etched on his face. “Where's Pinkie?” “Here I am~!” She proclaimed as she bounced into the room, looking very happy with herself. What's gotten into her? Spike wondered as he looked to Dagger, concerned for her as well. “What's up?” Pinkie asked as she noticed the worried looks, and Dagger looking out of sorts. “Dagger passed out not too long ago.” Spike explained, “Zidane was with her, he carried her here, all kinds of scared.” Zidane let out a sigh, not bothering to dismiss the claim as he turned to Dagger, who was slowly drinking a glass of water. “Are you feeling better?” She nodded as she took a few deep breaths before addressing the others. “I, have no memory of my early childhood.” She admitted, looking into her empty glass. “I never really thought about it. Besides, nobody ever told me...” She looked around before taking a another deep breath. “I was raised in Alexandria, but only from the age of six or so.” “Six?” Spike asked, confused. “So where were you till then?” “Until then, Until I turned six, I must have been here, in Madain Sari.” She got up, and motioned the others to follow as she slowly led them outside. Following her, she took in the ruins as moonlight illuminated them. “I still can't remember everything. Some things are like they're shrouded in fog. But I do remember one thing. About ten years ago, an unbelievably huge hurricane hit this village. But that's as far as I remember.” She looked out to sea as she continued, “That day. I, I was with my true mother on a little boat, far from the village.” The turned to Eiko, “There's a boat under your house, it was just like the one in my memory. It all came back to me when I heard a song I thought only I knew on the boat.” “A song only ya knew?” Applejack asked. Spike knew what song she was referring to, but the others had never heard it. “Yes.” Dagger affirmed, “A song I've known my whole life that no one on the Mist Continent knew.” “I see,” Zidane said, “that song is from Madain Sari. So that's why nobody else knows it.” They reached the Eidolon Wall, the rubble of the two pillars had been collected and removed by the moogles after the fight, making the damages of the duel less apparent. As they went inside, Eiko turned to Dagger, speaking up. “I was singing that song earlier, my grandpa taught me it.” Her brow furrowed in thought, “How did you get to Alexandria?” Then her voice took on an envious tone, “How come you got to be a princess? And why don't you have a summoner's horn?” “I don't know. But maybe Doctor Tot can tell me, I've known him as since I was six.” She then looked to the wall, a little forlorn. “I want to know more about the lady who protected me from the storm as the boat lurched about in the waves. My biological mother, who died on that boat.” Poor Dagger, Spike thought, Her real mother is gone, and her adopted mother doesn't care about her anymore. His heart suddenly sank, and he began to feel tears burn his eyes, and with Applejack at his side, he let his tears quietly flow. Applejack comforted him, unbeknownst to the others. He knew now that it was better to cry then to bury it, now he just needed to figure out how to make it all better. “I use to pray here, every day.” Dagger said as she looked to the wall. “You too?” Eiko asked in surprise. Dagger nodded as she turned to Eiko, smiling. “I'm so happy I remembered, at least this much.” With a nod, Eiko moved around Dagger with a big grin. “Dagger!” She proclaimed, leaning towards her, hands on her hips. “Welcome home.” She said sincerely. “Heh, glad to be back.” Eiko put her hands behind her back as she looked the the ground blissfully. “What is it?” “I just realized that I'm not alone anymore. Yea, I definitely have no more doubts now. I'm going with you.” She nodded as she looked to the starry sky. “I'll be breaking my promise to grandpa, but I want to go. Besides, I should be honest with myself, right?” She added as she gave Applejack a big grin. “I don't know what the future holds,” Dagger admitted, “But I want to finish what I came here for.” “Heh, so do we, sugarcube.” Applejack said as she moved to hide Spike's drying tears. “Yep. Let's all go. Together!” Zidane enthusiastically added. “Come on Dagger!” Eiko said as she moved to the pile of incense, motioning Dagger towards her, “Let's pray together!” Dagger nodded in agreement as she moved to Eiko's side. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ They were overlooking the ruins, prepared to depart for the Iifa tree. All of the moogles were with them to see them off. Eiko looked over the village longingly before pointing towards her home. “Grandpa, I'll be back soon!" “And when she come's back,” Pinkie added, “she'll have a bunch of happy stories to tell you~!” “Is yer best friend comin' as well?” Applejack asked, which got a nod from Eiko. Almost as if on cue, Mog and Morrison come along the path and approached Eiko. “Lady Eiko,” Morrison began after giving her a small bow. “Don't forget that you'll always have a home here, and don't let our memory become a burden. You must always be lighthearted and free.” He then nodded, “Thoughts of the Eidolon Wall will always lift your heart. Kupo.” She nodded to him with a smile, giving him a brief hug, catching the moogle off guard. Mog said something to Morrison before returning to Eiko's pocket. Several of the moogles then moved in alarm as the red warrior approached the group. Spike noticed Pinkie's smile widen, as if someone had reminded her it was her birthday. “What is it?” Applejack asked curiously, “Did ya want a rematch?” He stared at Pinkie briefly before looking between Zidane and Applejack. “The victor lives, the defeated die.” He said as he pointed to Applejack, “Those are the rules. Your actions yesterday were strange to me. It's always been that way to me.” He quickly glanced back to Pinkie before looking back to Applejack. “Why didn't you kill me?” Applejack sighed, clearly fed up with this topic. “Are ya really that unhappy that I was kind to ya? I was only returnin' the favor.” “Kind?” He shook his head, “I'd rather die as a warrior than live as a beggar.” “Well then, come with us.” Zidane pitched, getting a nod from Applejack, while Dagger turned to him in surprise. “Zidane?” She asked, not understanding he reasons. “You too, huh?” He asked of them, getting a confused look from all but Pinkie. “If ya follow us, maybe ya'll understand. Besides, yer a good fighter. We're tryin' to take down someone who's brought about a lot of death, and we could use an extra hand.” He stared at them, his antagonizing aura changing upon hearing that. He glanced to Pinkie again before nodding. Did Pinkie talk to him yesterday? Spike wondered as it looked like she wanted to cheer at the top of her lungs. “Very well. I'll follow you until this man is dealt with. I'll find out what it is that makes you strong.” Applejack blinked at him, then adopted a smug grin. “I'm strong because of my friends, If ya don't have any, it's no wonder ya lost to me.” He looked at her, doubting her words. Applejack simply shook her head. “What's yer name?” He folded his arms as he looked to her. “Some call me the Flaming Amarant.” “Fine, Amarant it is then.” Applejack said curtly. “Now, let's see if Kuja's gone and returned to the tree.” Well, I wasn't expecting us to make two new friends on the Outer Continent! Kuja doesn't stand a chance against us! Spike thought with a smile as they all headed out, to the tree of questions and mist. ~~~~~~~~~~~ Moogle Notes: ~~~~~~~~~~~ 'Greetings Equestrian! This, is moogle notes!' 'The Ruby Eiko got now has the summon Carbuncle hidden within. A summon lacking offensive power, it grants the party a protective barrier, as well as an additional affect, depending on what kind of gemstone Eiko has when she summons him. Carbuncle is quite cute, you'll be seeing him soon. Kupo~' ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Spike the Dragon ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Items Equipped: Oak Staff: Stop(mastered), Bio(mastered), Drain(mastered) Add ST: Slow. Magus Hat: Slow(mastered) Raises Ice Elem-Atk Glass Armlet: Steal Gil, Antibody(mastered) Elem-Def: Water damage reduced by 50%. Magician Robe: Auto-Potion(mastered), MP+10% Moonstone: Shell, Beast Killer, Sleep, Dream Walk Lvl-28 HP 1128/1128 MP 143/143 AP 2/29 *Auto-Reflect(15) - Automatically casts Reflect in Battle. Add Status(3) - Adds weapon's status effect when you attack. Antibody (4) - Prevents Poison and Venom. *Ability Up (3) - Doubles the amount of Ability Points earned from battles. *Generosity (6) - Lowers the price of items by a small amount. *Auto-Potion (3) - Automatically uses Potion when damaged. *Dragon Scales(0) - You take no fire damage. Abilities: Black Magic: Fire 6 MP - Causes Fire damage to single/multiple targets. Sleep 10 MP - Puts single/multiple targets to sleep. Blizzard 6 MP - Causes Ice damage to single/multiple targets. Slow 6 MP - Slows a single target. Thunder 6 MP - Causes Thunder damage to single/multiple targets. Thundara 12 MP - Causes moderate Thunder damage to single/multiple targets. Stop 8 MP - Stops targets from taking any action. Poison 8 MP - Inflicts Poison to single/multiple targets. Bio 18 MP - Causes Non-elemental damage and Poison to single/multiple targets. Drain 14 MP - Drains HP from the target and transfers it to the spell caster. 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 physical attacks missing Spike for short duration. Whining 4 MP - Causes enemies to flee. You get no rewards from fleeing enemies. Flame Breath 8 MP - Causes Fire damage to a single target. Cannot be reflected. Rainboom 14 MP - Causes Non-elemental damage to multiple targets, Slows and Confuses. Brotherly Shield 20 MP - Generates a powerful shield on the party that blocks a single attack. Dream Walk 6 MP - Allows you to look and interact with the dreams of others. Trance - Can use Tetra-Breath, mixing three Black Magic spells into a breath attack. It cannot be reflected.