//------------------------------// // 34. Unforgotten Face // Story: The Ninth Fantasy - Gaia // by MrAlterad //------------------------------// ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ATE: The Antagonist ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Within the Iifa Tree, under the globe of Gaia, were several dozen black pebbles floating around the man in white, Kuja. Mist poring from the crystal flew towards the stones, making them grow to the size of apples as Kuja's eyes caught a glimmer of something, bringing a smile to his face. The pink dot had returned to the Iifa Tree projection's area of affect. Not losing focus at the task at hand, he moved to overlook the projection. Well, this truly is quite the fortuitous day! He pulled out a gray stone and tossed it to the ground, willing the form within to take shape. The stone burst apart into a shimmering field of silver mist, and it all collected and condensed before becoming a dragon with silver scales. The dragon was twenty feet long from head to tail, large enough to ride. It let out a tired roar as it looked to Kuja. “Silver Dragon, circle the base of the tree until I call you back. Go!” The dragon flew off at his command, leaving the Iifa tree through a gap beneath to globe to the outside. The time for the curtain call has come! Before long, I'll have everything I need, and then I can free myself from his shadow! With his power over mist, he gathered the stones, and sent them out towards the sea, where they would wait for his call. With a simple spell, he levitated outside, flying towards the tree's base as he took it in, a sly grin on his face. Oh, how I've longed for this day. The day I might finally cast away this mask to reveal my true self. Now I don't have to look after the Iifa Tree anymore! And soon, I'll finally give that elephant-lady her just reward. He looked to the tree, stifling a chuckle. The tree is so beautiful! Its beauty becomes the great mother tree that lives amongst the stars! Spotting an overlook where he could watch the path to the elevator, and the sea, he landed. Now, to watch the drama unfold! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Pinkie stayed close to Amarant's side as they approached the root cluster of Iifa. He had given up keeping her away halfway through the mountain path, understanding that Pinkie had a peculiar sense of stubbornness. He had been quiet, despite her efforts, which bothered her more than anything. Eventually, he spoke up about it. “Why do you insist on pestering me?” He asked of Pinkie, getting the attention of Applejack, as the others were busy discussing the finer points of eidolons. “Because I want to see you smile!” She then gave him a sly grin. “Have you even met me~?” He stared at her blankly. “I think you'd have better luck making a rock smile.” Discord commented, tapping Amarant's hair with a hammer, making the sound of hitting a rock in the process. Amarant scratched his head, where Discord tapped him, as he appraised Pinkie. “That will do you no good. Any smile I'd give would be a lie.” “Well~ If I can see your aura smile, that would be great too~!” Pinkie exclaimed. “Your aura always seems to be laughing.” Amarant declared, folding his arms. “Though it is weaker today.” Ohh, that's not fair! It's because of that darn tree! She then noticed Applejack raise an eyebrow at Pinkie's annoyance. “That reminds me.” Applejack began as she drew closer to Pinkie. “Why were ya so high strung when we were here yesterday?” She asked with a note of concern. Ahhh~ She got me! Pinkie let out a sigh as she looked from Amarant to Applejack. “Something about the tree makes me all frizzy and grouchy. I don't know why.” A thought came to mind, and she grabbed onto it in an attempt to change the topic, looking to Amarant. “So, you can sense auras? You seem to be a very aura based person, if you know what I'm saying~.” He nodded as he looked to the others. “I've trained to sense the presence and intents of others. It's proven a very useful for tracking down my targets.” That notion sent a chill up her spine. Ooo~ scary! “So what?” Discord asked indignantly, “I don't give off an aura?” It doesn't seem like he can sense you~. “How disappointing!” There there- As Pinkie started to console Discord, she noticed that they had reached the wedding pillar they entered the root system from yesterday. Amarant looked around, taking in the unfamiliar scene as Zidane glared out towards the tree. “There's a little mist leaking out of the base,” he explained, “but it doesn't look like its flowing through the roots anymore.” Zidane then turned to the rest of the party, looking a little disappointed. “I guess Kuja isn't here yet, or he would have fixed it. Right?” He got a nod of agreement from most of his companions. “Mist?” Amarant asked, looking out to the tree as well. “Oh, right~” We didn't tell him! “We broke a pile of rocks that made mist go to the Mist Continent.” Pinkie explained nonchalantly, as if it was the easiest, stress-less, totally safest endeavor they've ever taken. She caught Applejack roll her eyes, before giving Pinkie a small smile. “Really?” Amarant asked, radiating surprise, “No more mist? You did this?” He asked of Pinkie, who shook her head. “We did this!” She exclaimed as she spread out her forelegs to indicated everyone. “Well, actually, it was mostly Applejack and Eiko~.” His aura shifted, and Pinkie got the impression that he was impressed by that. We impressed him? Bonus points~! Pinkie grinned to her friends before she caught sight of something, and her grin changed to a frown. “I see something silver flying around the trunk.” Pinkie squinted her eyes, and suddenly a pair of binoculars were placed before her. Looking to her side, she saw it was Discord holding the binoculars. Oh! That's so much better, thanks~! And getting a better look, she saw that it was a silver dragon flying around the base. “Kuja!" She exclaimed in surprise. "Big-bug-guy Cid said he was seen flying a silver dragon, well, one is flying around the tree!” She added as she pointed it out. “If the dragon's there,” Applejack began, “he must be as well!” She looked to her friends, a fire in her eyes. “Let's get a move on!” She cried out as she moved to the roots, the others quickly moving after her. Traveling through the twisting root path, they soon saw that in order to reach the base the dragon was now hovering near, they'd have to take an unfamiliar path. Switching roots, it wasn't long before they found themselves at a dead end of sorts. They could reach the area they could now see Kuja at by crossing a gap, but it would take more than a hop, skip and a jump for Dagger and Eiko. “It'd be nice if I could teleport others.” Spike admitted from the other side of the gap, giving them both a proud, and sheepish grin. He then looked behind him, Kuja was within sight, a hundred feet away, and the small dragon took on a determined look as he brought his attention back to the others. We're almost there! Pinkie thought, matching Spikes look. We crossed an ocean to tackle that man, and we're almost there! Applejack looked to Kuja, then to the obstacle in their way. “I guess I can manage both of ya, one at a time.” Applejack suggested as she looked from the gap to Eiko and Dagger. “What's the problem?” Amarant asked, a little confused, and annoyed. “Why not just fight Kuja yourself?” “We gotta face Kuja together.” Applejack proclaimed as she addressed the warrior, now mirroring his annoyance. Zidane turned to him as well, nodding his head. “Myself, Dagger, Applejack, Pinkie, and Spike, we all have a score to settle with him, so we're gonna fight him together.” Amarant shook his head, his aura shifting to disappointment. “How did I get beaten by such a wimp?” He then pointed to Applejack. “Remember this, 'He who hesitates is lost.'” Applejack looked at him, a mix of annoyance, and concern. “Well, Amarant, maybe ya should try 'Ya can't do everythin' by yerself.' Ya'll be doin' yerself a favor if ya take our word fer it.” “Whatever,” he responded, unconvinced. “That reliance on others will kick you in the tail when something goes wrong.” “Oh yeah? Smarty-pants!?” Eiko said in a condescending tone. “How would a loner like you know!?” “Oh shut up. I don't need to tell you my story.” “Well, that's fine.” Pinkie said as she got close to him, making his hostility waver. “We don't need to know everything to be true friends. Still,” she added as she turned to the others, “Don't we have a big bad evil guy to fight?” Pinkie then smiled when he felt Amarant's aura cool down. “Yer right,” Applejack admitted, moving to Eiko's side, “come on, sugarcube, yer first. We need to move before he decides to stop doin' whatever he's doin' at the tree.” The conversation over, and with Applejack's strength, they were all able to make the jump and continued towards Kuja, who was a short distance away, overlooking the sea. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ATE: Way of the Strong ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Kuja's eyes were taking in the sea, spotting several vessels in the distance making towards the Iifa Tree. While he was happy that this day had finally arrived, he was also a little relieved. The weak lose their freedom to the strong. He thought, his brow furrowed. Such is the way of the strong. And it is the providence of nature that only the strong survive. He looked to the Silver Dragon, then the Iifa Tree. That is why I needed strength. I learned of powers that would even daunt him. Over ten years ago. The man Kuja feared, and loathed, was quick to stamp out threats to the ritual. Ten years ago, not too far from this tree, he had acted to do just that, and Kuja had witnessed fear in that man's eyes when he did it. Ten years. Such a long time. He then smiled as he felt out the stones scattered upon the beach half a mile away, dispelling his bothersome worries. Now, my forces are ready to strike! Ahh, the suspense is terrible! He heard the sound of hooves striking the crystalline roots, and turned to see the heroes not too far from him, approaching. And, they're finally here, with our star, ready to play her part. I think I'll humor them for making sure she made it this far, as a reward, for 'saving' Gaia. He then looked back out to the sea one last time before turning to the heroes. And after that, the elephant-lady will show up, and I'll be done with this place. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Kuja and the dragon were perched upon a higher root then themselves, but that didn't stop them from approaching him. There was no hesitation, they had come to the Outer Continent for him, and now that he was before them, they were going to bring him down. As Kuja turned to appraise them, Dagger stepped forward and spoke up. “Kuja. My name is Princess Garnet Til Alexandros. I wish to ask you something. Was it really you who persuaded my mother to start the war-” Kuja cut to the chase, interrupting her. “The war that threw the entire Mist Continent into chaos?” He asked with an innocent smile. “You!” Spike exclaimed, glaring at Kuja, his anger flaring at Kuja's disconnected attitude. “You made the black mages to fight and hurt and, kill.” Spike finished weakly, uncomfortable with the word, before glaring back to Kuja. “Why did you do that!?” “Goodness,” Kuja said, appearing taken aback, “it appears the princess has quite the vocal little dragon.” He then gave Spike a condescending stare, “Adorable.” Kuja then let out a sigh and folded his arms, as if being blamed for something outside his control. “I don't have the power to make such things.” He then looked to Dagger, “I simply gave your mother, a little recipe.” He then put a his hand up, counting off his fingers as he listed off the recipe. “First, you begin with a broth of mist, add a touch of memories to give it shape, and boil.” “Then, pour genuine black magic into a mixing bowl and heat to-” “That's enough ya darn villain!” Applejack interrupted as she stomped her hoof. “We don't care to hear yer gloatin'!” Kuja looked hurt by her words. “But I'm not done telling you how to make soulless toys out of the dregs of the dead!” Wait, what are they made out of!? Pinkie wondered, he eyes wide with the horror of the implications. “Dregs of the dead? You mean mist?” Zidane asked, confused, sharing in Pinkie's expression, as were the others. Kuja shook his head, feigning annoyance. “First, you don't want to listen, now you start asking questions? Oh bother, but you're not ready yet!” “Why you-” Dagger began, cutting herself off out of anger. “Don't you feel anything!? You've taken the lives of so many!” She finished, throwing her arms down in frustration. “Spare me the lecture.” Kuja replied, looking to Dagger in a condescending fashion. “Lives come and go all the time. What's the big deal?” His eyes glanced to the sea, and he took up his smile as he looked back to his audience. “Speaking of warmongers, why, what about that mother of yours, Princess? She said that she won't feel alive until she has everything!” He placed his hand over his chest, feigning pain. “It breaks my heart to see such greed!” His expression shifted to annoyance. “The war was my fault?” he scoffed, “No, no! Your mother wanted it! All I did was give her a little push!” “Liar!” Dagger exclaimed, “My mother was sweet and kind. You changed her!” Pinkie sadly noticed she was alone in her outburst, as Dagger was the only one that had any love for her mother. Kuja folded his arms, raising an eyebrow to the princess. “I no more changed her than the tree changed the Mist Continent.” Hey! The tree instigated conflicts on the Mist Continent! Pinkie thought as she glared at Kuja, getting her cannon ready as Applejack stepped forward, slamming her hoof into the 'ground'. “Stop mockin' us! Ya know about Equestria! Why did ya have the queen spare us back in Burmecia!” Kuja never dropped his smile as he turned to Applejack. Ohhhh~! It looks like he only has one setting! Big-bad-evil-jerk! “What a strange question.” He responded, “Clearly because of my generous and kind nature.” Kuja stated as he cast a sly grin to Eiko and Amarant, prompting both of them to adopt a moment of confusion. “Yer full of it!” Applejack declared. He knows about Equestria, and is the cause of the death and sadness on Gaia. He must know about that ritual! “Kuja!” Pinkie shouted in anger, getting a surprised look from her friends, including Amarant. “You know what Unified Fantasy is! Don't you!?” He let out a relieved sigh, as if waiting for that question to be asked. Then his pompous attitude redoubled as he addressed Pinkie. “Ah, a droll story about unity that's played out eight times now. But why tell you when you can see for yourself, my star actress?” With his words delivered, a blue spell circle with an inlaid triangle with strange runic symbols etched within was summoned beneath Pinkie, Amarant, and Eiko. They looked in alarm, and tried to move away, but the circles followed them, as if stuck on them as Kuja continued. “Of course, it would be poor form of me to send you off with out some supporting cast!” The three circles bounded from the ground, wrapping the three of them in cones of runic letters and light, and for a moment, Pinkie was blinded by that light as she felt the ground beneath her shift, the air change in smell and temperature, and when she could see again, she found herself someplace else, with Amarant and Eiko at her side. They stood within a chamber inside the tree. The walls were made of blueish gray crystalline bark, small slits in the bark let in a weak breeze, and daylight. Fifty feet above them, big enough to be a ceiling, was the globe of Gaia, and being this close, Pinkie could tell it was very detailed, almost life like. The room spanned out in a circle, the three of them standing near the edge, the room being about thirty feet across. “Where are we?” Amarant asked as he looked around, his aura radiating confusion, and caution. Kuja separated us!? Pinkie thought in concerned frustration. How are we suppose to fight him if he can do things like that!? Pinkie looked around as she wondered, something in the air was making her mane tingle, and it only worsened the mood being near the tree had brought upon her. Looking about, her eyes fell upon an object at the rooms center. A large black crystal, mist poring from it like a waterfall. It was a crystal! I knew it~! And now that her eyes were upon it, she felt as though this was the source of her irritation, but wasn't sure why. “There's something malicious in that gem.” Amarant declared as he looked to it, taking up a battle stance. “I don't like this place.” Eiko declared, looking to a set of devices near the crystal that projected images of other crystals, and the Iifa Tree. “We need to get back to the others!” Pinkie nodded in agreement. They'll need help if Kuja can teleport his enemies! Looking around, she spotted a hole in the floor, and taking a closer look, assumed it was the elevator shaft, as it matched the size of the dais they rode yesterday. Sure, just leave a hole in the ground. This place was designed with safety in mind! She thought with annoyance, and a hint of bemusement. “I don't know how we're going to get out of here- “Pinkie admitted as she turned to the others, her words dying as she appraised them. Something about them was, off, and as she took that in, she noticed that the strange source of her irritation was gone. Oh, this can't be good. Her ears fell as Amarant and Eiko's eyes were locked on the crystal, Amarant's aura was fluctuating violently, and Eiko fell to her knees, starting to cry. Pinkie started to move towards her friends as Eiko reached out, placing her hands on something only she could see, a dark purple aura gathered around her as she spoke. “Grandpa, please, don't go.” She almost choked out, “Please don't leave me.” Pinkie's heartbeat quickened as she moved to Eiko's side, unsure what magic was at play, but she intended to break her from- Something large and powerful crashed into Pinkie, sending her flying, and crashing into the projection of the Iifa Tree, destroying the device as the world momentarily faded in a flash of pain and surprise. Fumbling a potion to her mouth, almost dropping it from the pain, she separated herself from the wrecked device. She appraised her attacker as the healing power of the potion worked it's magic, her eyes widening in surprise. Amarant was charging towards her, his aura laced with the same purple edge as Eiko, his fists clenched, his intentions written on the attack looking to collide with Pinkie. She wasn't Applejack, she couldn't take a hit like her, nor was she like Spike, she couldn't teleport away from the danger. She was, however, like Zidane, light on her hooves. She crouched under Amarant's attack, and rolled away from him, her brow furrowed in confusion as she tried to get some distance from the possessed warrior. Amarant had power, and speed, Pinkie wouldn't be able to get an attack off with her cannon against him, even if she wanted to. He was her friend, her most recent addition, and she promised to show him what a true friend was. She believed that fighting back, would go against that wish. “Pinkie! The crystal!” Discord proclaimed in alarm, and following his gaze, she saw that it was radiating the same dark purple glow as her two friends. Her eyes fell to the round tablet before the crystal, and it all came back to her. Back in Equestria, the day before she was accidentally sent to Gaia, she and her friends went into the Everfree to find the source of the mist. It was a crystal not unlike the one before her. It was protected by an unseen barrier, but when a friend touched the round tablet floating in the air before the crystal, the gem changed color, and stopped producing mist. Right now, this crystal wasn't just possessing her friends, it was poisoning Gaia. She glanced to Amarant, who was looking at her, waiting for her to act. I need to reach that tablet! Pinkie looked between Amarant and the crystal, and in a quick motion, loaded herself in her cannon, and blasted towards the tablet. Amarant moved into her path, catching Pinkie off guard as he raised his fist to meet her face. Bringing her forelegs before her as a shield, they collided, her legs smashing against her nose, sending pain flying through her whole body, and bringing on tears as she slumped into the ground past Amarant. As she tried to collect herself, she felt a large hand grasp her by the neck, and toss her away from the crystal, towards Eiko. She hit the ground and slid to a stop before the child, and hitting the ground after smashing into Amarant had proven to much for Pinkie. The world started to grow dark as she looked into Eiko's crying eyes. “No, don't leave me, Grandpa!” Eiko proclaimed as she slumped over Pinkie. Eiko summoned forth her magic, and worked to heal Pinkie. Though her magic was for an illusion, it still aided the pink mare, and Pinkie felt the darkness washing over her fade away. After being completely healed by Eiko's desperation, Pinkie got up, looking between her two friends. Had the crystal intended for Eiko to save me? She thought as she saw Amarant stand before the crystal, guarding it from her. “Was this Kuja's plan? Send you here to fight-” Discord began, but was interrupted by Pinkie's worry. Not now Discord. I need to save them! Pinkie looked back to the strange dark purple magic wrapped around them, frowning. Ahh!? She thought in annoyance. What would Twilight do? She's really into this magical stuff! Not knowing what she should do, Discord spoke up for her. “She who hesitates is lost.” Pinkie looked to him, a little surprised as he gave her a light grin. “And you can't do everything by yourself.” He moved close to Pinkie, giving her a kind smile. “They're both right, you know. So, get to work, Pinkie.” She looked from Discord to Amarant, then to Eiko, realization dawning on her face. She then turned to Discord, giving him a sad smile, but a determined look. She moved closer to Eiko, and hugged her, hoping her warmth and affection would flow into the child. As she held Eiko tight, the purple aura wrapped around the Pink mare, and she was dragged down into Eiko's despair. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ATE: Ruby Light ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Eiko knelt before her grandpa's bed. The sheet before her soaked with her tears as her guardian lay before her, taking ragged breaths that were steadily growing further apart. Noo. Eiko thought, desperately pleading to her eidolon, her ancestors, not to take her guardian, her remaining family away from her. Please, help grandpa! I- I don't want him to be gone! I don't wanna be alone! Several moogles were in the bedroom with her, but they were not her family, their were not part of the summoner tribe, and they wouldn't be able to fill the hole in her heart when her grandpa passed on. No! He's going to be fine! Just fine! Right!? She desperately asked no one in particular as his eyes opened up weakly. She moved forward, grasping his hand tightly. “Don't leave me, Grandpa!” She pleaded as he looked to her. He started to cough as she took in his sad eyes, making her tears redouble as she tried to heal him. Why? Why can't he get better from my magic? Is it too weak! Am I too weak!? She hated herself, he was going to die in front of her, because she was weak. Something in the air shifted, the memory wavered as an outside force placed its influence upon it, and Eiko, in her despair, didn't notice the waver, as her grandpa opened his mouth, desperately trying to say something. “What? What is it grandpa?” Eiko asked as she moved closer, so she could hear his words. As he opened his mouth, a dark purple aura radiated from him, but she was blind to its presence as her beloved grandpa spoke. “Why couldn't you save me?” Eiko's heart skipped a beat as she looked to him, shocked, and horrified. He was glaring at her, she had never seen him angry, and as she stood on, his words looping in her head, he let out his last breath. “Poor... Eiko...” and his form stilled as Eiko continued to look to him, her heart and mind screaming at her incompetence. Grandpa's right! I couldn't save him! What good am I!? I can't call myself a healer! Not even a summoner! She stepped away from the bed, as if in a daze, the moogles were gone, the sky outside was cast in darkness as she looked out to the balcony. 'You are cursed.' A disembodied, deep baritone voice cried out from everywhere. Eiko looked beyond the balcony, seeing nothing out of place, almost as if she was in a dream, she heard the voice, and thought it normal, a voice echoing her thoughts. 'Your family was the last of the tribe, and each and every one of them are now dead.' As his words washed over her, she then felt as though she was being held in a warm embrace, and she took comfort in it. 'But, they didn't leave you alone. They're simply waiting, where all things wait, in the realm beyond life.' The sky shifted from darkness to something more pinkish as Eiko moved towards the balcony. I see, she thought, if I don't want to be alone, I just need to join them. She looked down over the edge, a weak, false smile on her face as she eyed the rocks far below. And as she looked, she felt her face become wet with tears, which confused her. I'm crying? Why? Soon, I'll be with grandpa and the others, then I won't be alone. She wiped her tears away, she had no need of them. She started to lift herself over the balcony- “NO!” The sudden, unexpected voice that didn't belong caught the child by surprise, causing her to drop away from the balcony, whip around, and see a pink pony standing at the balcony's entrance, looking tired, and sad. “No, Eiko. You're not alone.” I-I'm not? She looked to the pony, confused. Who is she? 'Everyone is alone.' The unseen voice assured. 'It is a simple fact. We are born alone, blind to the world, we live our lives alone, seeking others, but never understanding others, and we die alone, our thoughts washing into eternity unaccompanied by the thoughts and desires of others. She is alone, just as you are.' “Shut up!” Pinkie exclaimed at the voice. “I'm not alone, and neither is Eiko. She has Spike, Zidane and Dagger, even Applejack!” Eiko looked at the pink mare, confused, as she walked closer to Eiko. Eiko quickly glanced over the balcony before looking back to the mare. “And, she also has Pinkie Pie.” The pink pony stopped moving, sitting down and spreading her forelegs open to Eiko. Seeing her expression, Eiko was reminded of the warm embrace she felt earlier, and took a compelling step towards the mare. Stepping forward brought up a memory this place had sealed away. She was reminded of hanging from a branch, an orange pony, two humans, and a heroic young dragon looking to her. Eiko took another step, and saw the orange pony, and the valiant dragon at her side, as a giant stood before them. One step further, and she witnessed a dinner for several guests that went horribly wrong due to the machinations of an oglop. Her next step faulted as she recalled a barrier around a great tree, and a voice that spoke to her when that barrier vanished. My master! A young, almost childlike voice cried out. You and your friend are in danger! Call me! As if answering the voice, the balcony they stood upon broke beneath them, sending the pink pony and Eiko falling. The mare stretched out, reaching for Eiko, grasping her and holding her tight as they plummeted. Eiko felt a smile greet her face, despite the situation they were in, as it all came rushing back. This mare, she's Pinkie Pie! She recalled as Pinkie's warmth flowed through her. She's right! I'm not alone! And her eyes lit up with the fire of that fact. “Carbuncle!” Eiko cried out, calling forth the eidolon that had sealed the Iifa Tree to their aid. And immediately, before reaching the rocks beneath, a ruby light washed over the environment, shattering everything like glass, everything, but Eiko, being held close, in Pinkie's embrace. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Pinkie and Eiko came too in unison, both bathed by a protective red light as they saw a small emerald green critter, having the face of a rabbit, but the body of a fox, sporting a ruby gem in the center of its forehead. It stood with it's back to them, Amarant in front of it, his fist stopped by an unseen barrier. His attack halted, Amarant, still radiating the purple aura, leapt back and kept himself between the others and the crystal. “Thanks.” Eiko whispered as she gave Pinkie a hard hug, which Pinkie softly returned. “I know I'm not alone, but for some reason, staring at the crystal made me forget that.” Pinkie nodded as she wiped Eiko's tears, who was surprised that her cheeks were wet. “Um,” She began, a little sheepishly, “would you mind not-” “I won't tell the others.” Pinkie assured, placing her forehead upon Eiko's “After all, your a grown-up, and grown-ups don't cry, right?” Pinkie asked, getting a smile from Eiko. “Well, grown-ups cry too, so don't feel bad.” Pinkie then turned to appraise Amarant. “Now, I'm guessing a hug won't quite work on our newest friend.” “Then we just have to beat him up?” Eiko suggested. Carbuncle turned to Eiko, and she nodded at a dialogue shared between the two of them, which made Pinkie realize something. Discord! She talks to her eidolon just like how I talk to you! “Well, fancy that-” Discord was interrupted when Carbuncle looked directly at him, and Discord gave the small eidolon a slightly uncomfortable smile. Carbuncle jumped into the air, and in a flash of red light, vanished. Eiko turned to Pinkie with a light smile. “Carbuncle will protect me from the crystal. So I can help you without worry. You fight, I'll heal!” Pinkie gave her a small apprehensive nod, not entirely sure if fighting Amarant was the right answer. She looked to him, and an idea came to mind, and her ears dropped, as it was a particularly painful idea. Oh, horseapples. Discord looked at her, surprised by that thought, and what spawned it. “I'm gonna try reaching out to him, and he isn't gonna like it.” Pinkie admitted as she looked to Eiko. “So please, don't attack him with your other summon. And lot's of healing too if you please~!” Pinkie finished as she gave her a sheepish grin. Eiko nodded worriedly as Pinkie valiantly walked up to Amarant. You can do this Pinkie! Just... Uh... Hope it works! She thought as she eyed her possessed friend. “Soo, how's the purple aura working out for you?” Pinkie asked causally as she approached. “Personally, I think it meshes with your hair, and I know a pony who'd agree~!” His aura didn't fluctuate, and indeed, as she got closer, he attacked her. Pinkie gritted her teeth and closed her eyes as his attack reached her, knocking the wind out of her as she was sent flying past Eiko, who was already preparing a healing spell. Owie~! Pinkie got up, coughing from the attack as she saw Amarant heading towards Eiko, and fear clenched Pinkie's heart as she tried to cry out. Eiko turned around in time to see a large fist zip right past her, making her freeze as the large warrior stood over her, his aura fluctuating. He missed!? Thank Celestia! Pinkie got in her cannon and fired herself towards the crystal, bringing about the intended affect of getting Amarant away from Eiko, his aura still fluctuating. Was that miss more than luck? As Pinkie crashed into the ground, Amarant was upon her before she could get up, holding her down with one arm, he grasped her by the neck, and tossed her causally in the air. Before she could hit the ground, he reached out, making her mind momentarily blank out from the pain as he caught her by the neck. This time, he was holding her so she could see his face. With them being face to face, he started to squeeze, and her air was cut off, unable to speak, and breath, as he choked her. N-No! How am I suppose to talk to him like this!? She desperately thought as her body demanded air. She felt healing magic wash over her, but it only helped ease the pain in her body and neck, it didn't spare her of her growing need for oxygen. “Don't use words! He senses auras Pinkie! TRY!” Discord cried out, fear evident on his expression. Despite the lack of air, her flaying hooves, and the tears running down her cheeks, she compelled herself to do what she always did. She forced herself to give him a smile, her emotions poring out as she radiated an aura of her own, seen only by the one trying to kill her. This isn't how true friends treat each other. With that will, that thought being projected, she felt her will wash over the rest of her body, her hooves stopped flaying, and her movement went limp as she gave him a sad smile, and closed her eyes, letting darkness overtake her. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ATE: Troubled Past ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Kindness is wasted on the strong. He had spent his whole life, living around those words. He had long forgotten where he learned them, but something about them always compelled him. He held no respect for his betters, and growing up in the dirt of society, there were plenty that were considered his betters. One day, when a job went wrong, he had almost fallen, but was saved by a child. Someone weak had saved him, and died in his place. It was an act of kindness, he was strong, and the child had shown him kindness. He never wanted it. It was a waste. Still, he worked to ensure that would never happen again. He took any job that would make him stronger, any task to take down anyone that considered themselves the betters of others because of their stature. And while he had gotten stronger from it, he found no use for the monetary rewards. Despite always completing his jobs, and getting paid, he was always poor, and if you asked him why, he would never tell. Kindness is wasted on the strong, and he became strong, so that the kindness he showed to others, wasn't wasted, even if it was never understood, or appreciated. He became strong, so that those weaker than himself wouldn't have a need to be kind to him. Now, despite being buried in a haze of antagonism and hate, he still felt those words call upon him. The child healed his enemy, and he had almost struck her down, an act there was no forgiveness for, by his or any others eyes. That was the first mistake the aura that had infused with his own had taken. And now, his foe lay dying in his grasp, and she was smiling to him, radiating her kindness. A kindness called trust, and something he didn't understand. Friendship. He had intended to kill this foe's orange friend, and the monkey who framed him, and yet, she still wanted to be his friend. She wanted him to smile, she wanted him to be happy. She had stood before him, unwilling to fight back. He knew she wouldn't win. No, he would have known, but the aura possessing him clouded his vision, compelling him to strike someone weaker then himself. He was a proud man, who would never stain his fists with the blood of one that refused to fight him, and he saw her aura flare up as she stopped struggling, a message carried through the voice of her soul. 'This isn't how true friends treat each other.' He hesitated, her insistence at being his friend was still outside his comprehension, and now he saw that she was willing to trust her life to him, out of that desire. And once again, just like after being spared by the others, he didn't know what to do. 'He who hesitates is lost.' He let go of the mare before she passed out, and she unceremoniously fell to the ground, chocking desperately for air as he turned towards the black crystal. He didn't like being compelled to take any actions other than his own, and would free himself of what ever was so weak as to manipulate others to do their dirty work. There are no foes for me here, begone! He then took up a fighting stance, Or do you think to take me on? He asked of the malicious presence that had take up residence within his aura. The presence wavered at the fire beating in his breast, it's hesitation proving to be a mistake. BEGONE! He proclaimed, his aura flaring with his rage, casting out the presence that dared make him attack those weaker than himself. The malicious presence stubbornly stuck to him for a moment longer, before being dispelled by the warrior's strength. Free of its taint, he looked down to see the pink pony looking up to him, smiling. His aura shifted to concern as he appraised her neck, and his concern remained as he saw white magic attend to the growing bruise. He then blinked in realization, and moved a step away from her. I'm concerned for her? He thought in surprise as he looked away from her. Hmph, good thing she was weak, or she would be dead. He ignored the irony of that thought as he knelt down and helped her to her hooves, basking in the smile she gave him. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “You're a damn fool.” Amarant declared as he helped Pinkie up, his words making her blush. “I'm inclined to agree,” Discord added as he slapped a jester's hat on her head. “Ahhh~, thanks for helping me up~” Pinkie teased, Eiko approaching them as Pinkie rubbed her neck. “So, I'm guessing that you also think true friends don't, um, try to kill each other, right?” Amarant gave an almost absentminded nod as he looked to the crystal. Pinkie looked to it was well, it wasn't radiating the dark purple glow anymore, but it was still spewing out mist. Pinkie looked back to the hole that was the elevator shaft, then to the crystal. Think I should touch the tablet? She asked Discord, It'll probably get rid of the mist, but... “But you think that may be why Kuja sent us here.” Discord finished, summoning a small doll of Kuja, “I mean, why else would he send us to this important place, right?” He added, taking on a contemplative look as he stabbed the small doll with a large needle. “It may be he sent the three of you here just so the crystal will make with the bad things, which it did.” He then ripped the doll to shreds as he looked to Pinkie. “I don't know, and neither do you. My scheming instincts tell me he sent us here to mess with us. But I'm not sure if we've gotten past that, or if it's still ongoing.” 'To mess with us?' I could have told you that, silly~! As Discord harrumphed at her thought, Amarant went to one of the gaps in the wall that let light and air in, peering outside. “Huh,” he began, sounding interested in what he saw. “Look's like there's a fight going on, and there's mist everywhere.” “What?” Eiko asked as she quickly moved to his side, jumping up to try and see through the crack he peered through. “You mean between the others and Kuja!?” Pinkie asked in alarm, also moving to his side, and letting Eiko on her back as they all looked outside. Out near the sea, was a fleet of ships flying the Alexandrian banner, the ships were in combat against strange monsters of the mist Pinkie didn't recognize. There was mist around the battle, and she saw that when one of the monsters perished, another, smaller version of itself was made in its place from the mist. “Does that fleet belong to Dagger's mother?” Pinkie asked as Discord granted her his binoculars again, getting a better look of the ships. She spotted the large queen, the bow of her ship had a number of black mages that seemed to be gathering magic. The monsters of the mist were decimating the fleet, it was clear that Kuja would win this battle. “Ohh~ Why is she here now!?” Then a terrible thought came to her mind. If a whole fleet can't beat him- “Then the others are in big trouble!” Discord finished, and in unison, they both looked to the crystal. “When the crystal in the Everfree turned colors, the mist was-” “Instantly destroyed!” Pinkie finished aloud, getting a confused look from Amarant and Eiko. Her brow furrowed, she knew what she had to do. As she walked towards the tablet, Eiko got off her, and Discord moved in front of her. “Pinkie, if this is a trap-” “Discord. Our friends are in big trouble right now. What am I suppose to do?” She asked as she turned to him. He looked to her, having no answer. He let out a sigh as he nodded his head. “Well then, fingers crossed.” Discord finished as he did just that, letting Pinkie move forward. Getting closer to the tablet, she saw a mural on it that jogged her memory. It was a mural of the Iifa tree, and she once saw this mural on the tablet back in the Everfree. So, that's why the tree looked familiar. She thought as she let out a sigh. “Pinkie?” Eiko asked, concern lacing her words. “What are you doing? That crystal is bad.” “I'm gonna dispel the mist. I think.” She explained as she gave them both her brightest smile. “So, here goes nothing~!” She reached out to touch the tablet, and immediately upon contact, it started to glow pink, the same color as her coat. It glowed brighter and brighter, and she saw the mist poring from the crystal start to die down. Then the crystal started to glow too, its black hues taking on a pink shine. She looked until the light became to bright to look at, as when the change reached its peek, a wave of pink light pulsed out in all directions, traveling through the walls of the tree as if they weren't there. Looking away from the crystal, she saw the wave pass through Eiko and Amarant, who briefly shimmered white and yellow respectively. Why did they- Pinkie felt a malicious presence, but when her eyes fell to the source, she felt it flee from them, somehow leaving through the cracks in the wall. “Look!” Eiko pointed up to the ceiling, adding on to Pinkie's pile of distractions. Looking up, Pinkie saw the globe of Gaia slowly being washed over by the pink wave, which she watched in awe. For a second, she through she saw a glimmer of blue light when the wave passed through the mist continent, and as she strained her eyes to make out any other glimmers, the entire globe was covered by the pink light, before fading. “The mist, it's gone.” Amarant observed, as he looked outside, his aura taking on a surprised color. Pinkie looked around, and nothing seemed out of place, other then the fact that the black crystal was now radiant pink, and the mural of the tablet had changed. Instead of a picture of the Iifa Tree, it was now her party cannon centered in the circle, firing off a fork and three balloons towards the left. Well, that wasn't so bad~! Pinkie thought with a smile as her eyes fell on the projection that wasn't destroyed, the one with the eight crystals. She now saw that the one in the center was now a bright pink, and gathered a guess as to what that meant- The ceiling glowed, drawing everyone's attention as the globe of Gaia pulsated, then turned dark, the sphere becoming completely blank for several seconds, before colors returned, revealing a new globe in it's place. “That's-” Discord began, confused. “Equestria!?” Pinkie exclaimed, as the walls of the Iifa Tree started to glow with power. “What's going on!?” Eiko asked as the tree started to shake, Pinkie moved to her side to protect her, as she could only wonder what was transpiring. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ATE: The Ceiling Above Iifa ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Mois asked Choco to stop. She felt something powerful emanate from the unnatural crystalline tree, and it made her pon pon tingle in an uncomfortable manner. A large pink wave of light spread out from the tree, traveling out at an amazing speed, instantly dissipating the clouds that were gathered around the sea beyond the tree, revealing a fleet of smoking ships as the light passed through the moogle and chocobo. “W-What's going on!? Kupo!?” “Kweh~!?” The two of them had finished searching the continent, and found some treasure for the others, but were unable to find a chocobo sanctuary. Now that they were on their way to reunite with Spike, they found their destination, to say the least, surprising. As Choco started to move again, blitzing towards the tree's root system, the globe in the center of the Iifa Tree glowed, and in short order, it's appearance changed. As Mois appraised the change, Choco came to a stop, as the entire tree started to shimmer. The new globe in the center glowed white, while the eight globes in the higher branches each glowed their own color. Light blue, light green, yellow, orange, red, pink, purple, and white. The new globe in the center pulsated, the pulse traveling up the tree like a dividing stream, the light striking each of the colored globes, making them shine bright as all eight of them sent fourth beams of colored light to a point high, high above the tree, above the clouds, and beyond. The eight points unified into a rainbow, and struck an unseen mass high in the sky. The rainbow washed over that mass, revealing a new moon, larger than the original, much larger. And as the moon only had varied shades of blue, this new moon had lots of different features, blues, greens, sandy colors. It was a whole different world, and Mois had seen the features of this world before. Inside a globe of Gaia, back in Treno. That world was Equestria. As the world was revealed, the rainbow ended, and the tree stopped firing the many lights into the sky, but, it still shimmered, its power still in motion. Mois and Choco appraised the addition to the sky in awe, and a touch of horror. Equestria was now taking up a large portion of the sky, and Mois could only wonder, just what her friends had gotten themselves into. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Pinkie watched as the newly formed globe of Equestria was washed by a rainbow light, mirroring the way the pink pulse had traveled over Gaia. It circled the world, and she could only wonder what it meant. Hearing the sound of Discord snapping his fingers, she looked to him. He gave her a shrug, as if it wasn't his doing, then she noticed that Eiko and Amarant were completely still, unnaturally so. “Well well,” Discord said, only it wasn't the Discord at Pinkie's side, as she turned to see another Discord standing before the crystal, giving her a sly grin. “If it isn't the number one party pony! We should catch up!” He then looked to the other Discord and frowned. “I'm Alpha, you're No.1, sounds good to me?” He asked of the Discord Pinkie had been with since arriving on Gaia. “Very well, Alpha, I have no problem being No.1.” No.1 replied as he gave Pinkie a wink, then leaned close to her. “It'll help you, right?” She gave him an absentminded nod as she wondered what was going on. “Alright No.1, let's get back in one piece so we can save the day!” Alpha declared as he donned a red cape, which billowed in the wind as his chest gained a giant crested 'D'. “Pinkie,” No.1 began, “I'm still here, when I become whole again, I won't change, I'll still be your Discord, understand?” “Um, Right! I think I get it~. But how did, um, Alpha get here?” Pinkie's eyes widened at the implications. “Does that mean we can return to Equestria now!?” She asked excitedly, almost hopping in the air from the energy such a notion instilled her with. “The connection between the two worlds in now complete.” Alpha Discord proclaimed as he moved to Pinkie. “I want to check out this place first before sending you and the others back, but first.” He reached into her mane, making No.1 scoff. “Maybe you should ask first before feeling out some other mare's mane!” He said in mock indignity before disappearing as Alpha pulled a claw of his out of her mane. Has that always been there!? Pinkie wondered as Alpha appraised the claw. The inside of her head suddenly felt a little less noisy, and already she was missing the constant commentary on her thoughts as she looked to Alpha, her ears dropping as she gave him a weak smile, who was taken aback by her expression. “Oh~.” He began apologetically, “I'm sorry Pinkie, give me a moment and I'll be the Discord you know, okay?” He asked of her, and she gave him a weak nod. He then popped off his claw, as if it was some sort of toy, and screwed on the one he pulled from her mane. His eyes flashed as he was connected to memories the shard of chaos had witnessed, then reeled back, flying across the room as if he had been struck hard in the head, crashing into a heap of summoned wooden crates. “My goodness! You all have really had it rough!” Discord admitted as he looked to Pinkie in shock. “Well, don't you worry my dear Pinkie.” He assured as he puffed his chest out, a small crackle of dramatic thunder emphasizing his might. “I'm back in action! 100% pure chaos right here!” He thumped his chest, and he got a chuckle out of her, which made him smile. “So, let's see what this tree is about, and how I can tear it down, 'kay?” He asked, giving her the smile she's come to love. “Right!” She said aloud, giving him her best grin, then looked to Eiko and Amarant, still frozen. “Sooo~ What about-” “They'll be fine,” he interrupted, “I just accelerated time for the two of us so I can make out what this tree's doing before it does it.” He explained as he pulled out a magnifying glass and looked over the bark of the tree, then he ripped off a piece and bit into it, immediately spitting it out. “Bleh! That's pure unity! That's even worse than harmony!” He shook his head as he looked around, his eyes falling to the projection of the crystals, and finally, the large pink crystal in the room. Taking it all in, his ears dropped, and then his shoulders followed suit. “Oh phooey. Looks like this is a bad day to be Discord.” He admitted as he turned to Pinkie. “Discord?” She asked with some concern. He sighed and took a deep breath as he kneeled before her, seeing her at eye level. “Pinkie. This is where you and I say goodbye.” Pinkie blinked, his words not quite registering, tilting her head in confusion. “What?” “This, is where we say goodbye, with a smile on our faces, and a song in our hearts.” She heard his words, but her mind wasn't quite clicking the pieces together. Her heart, however, did, and Pinkie was surprised when she felt a tear roll down her cheek. “What? Huh?” She wiped the tear, looking at her wet hoof, then to Discord, and the pieces began to click together. “No.” She began, taking a hesitant step away from him. “No no no! Why?” His words were starting to hit her, and her chest began to ache at the prospect of saying goodbye. “Don't you mean 'see you later' or 'hast la vista' or 'catch ya next time'?” She hoped he was playing a particularly mean prank, but he shook his head, his sad eyes crushing her hope as her tears pored. “Why?” She weakly asked, “Was it because I touched the tablet-” He put his claw on her mouth, shaking his head. “Why I must go isn't because of that, I need to save our friends on Equestria, and it'll take everything I've got.” He looked up to the globe above them before looking Pinkie in the eyes. “I'm sorry, but we won't be seeing each other again. No more parties with yours truly, no more interesting sight gags, no more-” “N-No more cotton candy rain-clouds?” She managed to get out through her tears. “Well, I wouldn't go that far.” He said with a light smile as he pulled off his claw again, and with a small snap of his thumbs, it turned into a golden necklace, his detached claw turning to gold, which he placed around her neck. “This will keep you safe, but it'll only work once, so try not to rely on it.” He looked into her blue eyes, his caring look striking her core, assuring her. “Stay safe. I can't travel with you anymore, I can't be there when you cry anymore.” He then knelt down, hugging her. “But, this one time, I can comfort you, this one, last, time. So please, be safe, and be strong, and keep smiling. Okay?” There was a long pause as she quietly cried into his shoulder. she wanted to give him what he wanted, she wanted to smile for him, but she didn't want to let him go. “Discord.” She got out, gathering some composure for him. “I'd not be here right now if it wasn't for you. How am I suppose to-” “Your friends will help you. You know it, and now, so do I.” He pushed her back so he could look her in the eyes again. “I'm glad, that I got to meet you, Twilight, Fluttershy.” He said with a smile she knew, but didn't expect to see, a loving smile. “Now, give me a smile. One for the road. Okay?” She wiped her tears, and gathered herself. Come on Pinkie, he wants a smile, we- we can cry after he's left to save the others. Taking in several deep breaths, she pushed down her sorrow, begging her weak emotional self to stay composed for this one wish. He saved her, in the swamp, and in the grotto, and now, he was going to save her cherished friends. She looked to him, giving him one of her best, and he gave her one back, as he kissed her on the forehead, surprising her as he gave her a little wink, and disappeared in a flash of light. She stared blankly at the space he once occupied, before sitting down, her legs feeling heavy. For several moments, she sat there in silence, time still frozen as she slowly looked to the others. Having pushed down her emotions, she now found she couldn't cry, even through she wanted to. Her eyes gingerly fell to the memento around her neck, and she felt a power within it. Drawing it out, she summoned forth something that made her heart quiver. A chocolate-milk cotton candy rain-cloud. That- That dummy! He- Then she saw, on top of the cloud, was a swirl of whipped cream, with a unexpected cherry on top. Seeing that made it all the more real to her, breaking the wall she had propped before her emotions. I-I'm never going to see him again? That thought was punctuated by the silence of being alone in her own head, and all the pain her heart felt on the Mist Continent, failed compare at the aching in her breast, as she fell to the ground, cradling the necklace in her hooves, as she wept her heart out. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ATE: To the Stars ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The place between both worlds, the Realm of Twilight, looked a little different now that there were two worlds visible within, not that Discord really cared. He willed himself towards the sleeping form of Twilight, and with a small snap, composed a letter for her. Considering these were going to be his last words as himself, he felt it prudent to check his spelling and word choice, lest he offend the Princess of Friendship. 'My dearest student, Twilight Sparkle. As if! Oh goodness, can you imagine? Me? Calling you a student? I honestly can't see how Celestia can keep a straight face writing such sappy junk!' 'Look Twilight, I've got some bad news, and some even more bad news. I know what the Ritual of Unified Fantasy is, so open up your royal gray matter for this lesson!' 'Unified Fantasy is a contest between two worlds. The rules are quite interesting boring and play a big part in what's going on not worth mentioning at this point. Suffice to say, when the contest ends, the losing world is turned into mist, and absorbed by the winning world.' 'Thanks to... events. The contest has come to an end, Gaia won. Equestria will be broken down into mist soon, that's where awesome old me comes in. I am going to buy you some time. There is a way to make Gaia lose, which is actually pretty easy but I doubt you'd care to hear it.' 'Pinkie, Applejack, and Spike are excellent fine doing okay in a bad spot. When you next see Pinkie, please tell her to go make a party for all the eidolons that I'm sorry for lying to her. I truly am. And please, help Fluttershy, she needs you right about now, so I suggest leaving once you're done reading this needlessly wordy letter.' 'Now, there is a way for both worlds to be saved. I'm sure of it, I mean, why else would they try to separate you girls? I'm sure you and the others will manage something.' 'And now for the even worser terribler catastrophiccer badder news. This ritual has already successfully ended eight times. The ritual is powered by the combined magic of eight worlds. Eight worlds, eight Unified Fantasies. Still, despite that, I believe think hope trust you and the others can insure that the ninth fantasy this will be the final fantasy last one.' 'Yours truly Sincerely, the Spirit of Chaos himself, and your friend.' 'Discord.' Nodding to himself, satisfied with the letter, scratched out words included, he crumpled it into a ball and tossed it over his shoulder, hitting Twilight in the head, causing her to stir. As she looked to him, rubbing the fatigue from her eyes, he gathered every once of his magic, his being, into a single snap. Before he snapped his thumbs, he hesitated as he heard the sound of two weeping mares. One with a pink coat, another with a yellow coat, crying tears for him, that only he could hear. And he adopted a sad smile as his eyes met Twilight, who was looking at him in surprise, as he snapped his thumb, his smile shifting as his power worked to give as much time as possible to his friends. His body went rigid, as the magic that made up the spirit of chaos dispersed, and he faded away, wearing a happy smile as he became one, with the stars. ~~~~~~~~ Pinkie Pie ~~~~~~~~ Items Equipped: *New Item Acquired* Mythril Fork Cannon: High Tide(mastered), Party Bomb(mastered) Feather Hat: Bright Eyes(mastered), Add Status(mastered) Silk Robe: Ability Up(mastered), Loudmouth(mastered), Cake!(mastered) Reflect Ring: Reflect, Distract, Auto-Reflect *Discord's Memento: My Gift(mastered) Prevents One-hit KO. Expended on use. Lvl-27 HP 1442/1442 MP 130/130 AP 1/30 Auto-Reflect(15) - Automatically casts Reflect in Battle. *Auto-Confuse (5) - Targets of your abilities and attacks have a chance to become confused. High Tide (8) - Allows you to Trance faster. *Pink Pie (6) - Party Pony! abilities cannot miss, and your beneficial abilities don't confuse your allies. *Chemist (4) - Doubles the effect of Potion, Hi-Potion, and Ether. *Auto-Potion (3) - Automatically uses Potion when damaged. *MP+10% (4) - Increases MP by 10%. Add Status (3) - Adds weapons status affect when you Attack. *Ability Up (3) - Characters learn abilities faster. *Bright Eyes (4) - Prevents Darkness. Loudmouth (4) - Prevents Silence. Abilities: Blue Magic: Aqua Cannon 14 MP: Deals Water damage to all foes. Bass Cannon 14 MP: Deals non-elemental damage to all foes, and a chance to silence them. Fire Cannon 14 MP: Deals Fire damage to all foes, low chance to cause Heat. Sand Cannon 14 MP: Deals Earth damage to all foes, and a chance to blind. Quake Cannon 14 MP: Deals Non-elemental damage to all foes. White Confetti 14 MP : Restores HP of multiple targets. Party Pony!: Pony Cannon 0 MP: Deals damage to single foe, does some damage to user. Cake! 8 MP : Cures Trouble. Casts Haste and Regen to single target. Party Bomb All MP: Deals damage to all foes. Deals more damage with higher MP. Discord's Gift 0 MP: Summons a cloud that is both delicious and cushioning, if messy. Trance: Automatically casts Mighty Guard and Regen on the party. Blue Magic abilities become more potent.