Dagger disembarked from the small vessel, Beatrix following behind her. They had landed on a small island, centered in a lake behind Alexandria castle. The princess approached the marker, the tomb of the Alexandros family. A wreath of roses rested upon it, a gift from the people of Alexandria, who still loved their fallen queen, despite her erratic behavior before her end.
Dagger's eyes looked over the wreath. Roses were Brahne's favorite flower, and the notion that Brahne was still loved by her people made Dagger's heart ache. There were no words spoken, Dagger looked on in regret, and Beatrix's head was low in reverence, letting the princess pay her respects in silence. So much has happened, Dagger thought as she resisted itch to cry, So much has changed...
“I just can't believe this.” She weakly began, “Any of it.”
Unified Fantasy, Kuja, my eidolons being used to destroy Lindblum and Burmecia, the Iifa Tree, Equestria, Applejack, Spike, Pinkie Pie... Dagger thought, briefly reflecting on all that happened since she her birthday, almost a month ago. There's so many questions, and I need to start finding answers!
The sun's warmth fell upon her, the smell of the morning breeze filling her lungs as she turned around, taking in the castle. The light reflecting from the castle's large blade lit a path of shimmering water from the castle to the island. She then looked to the northwest, away from the castle, and beyond the mountains.
Breaking over the mountain range, was a new feature to the sky. Equestria. It never moved, it's position locked above the Outer Continent. Part of the world was bathed in light from the sun, showing a world covered in gray, with several patches of color breaking through the world on the horizon. Beatrix took in the scene with Dagger before speaking up.
“It's been over a week,” she admitted, “and we still don't know how this came to be.” Dagger's brow furrowed as she considered what Applejack had said, the words Twilight had told her.
“Unified Fantasy...” She then turned to Beatrix, determination swelling up from within. “We need to find Kuja, and get him to talk.” In two days, she would be coronated queen, and after that, she was intending to hunt that man down. She hesitated a moment, before clearing her head, a fire in her eyes. “What remains of our armada?”
“Two ships.” Beatrix quickly replied, “The royal life-boat, The Blue Narciss, which you lent to the young dragon, and the Red Rose. However, with the mist gone, the airship is inoperable.” She curtly added, making Dagger frown.
How are we suppose to deal with him with just one- She then shook her head again, The entire fleet fell to him, one ship or two won't make a difference. She then let out a sigh as she glanced back to the grave again. Mother... I'll protect everyone. I'll do everything I can to be a great queen. So please, be at peace. And with a light, but sad smile, turned from the grave, heading down the steps to the boat to return to the castle, her general a step behind her.
“Where's Applejack?” Dagger inquired as she glanced to Beatrix, “I thought you two were sparring today.” Beatrix shook her head.
“She's likely still asleep. She wanted to look for something in Evil Forest today, and should return tonight, if not tomorrow.” Dagger nodded as she considered her words, recalling the shrine they had found while crossing to the Outer Continent through the underground tunnel.
That shrine. Dagger thought as they boarded the boat, Pinkie said that the tablet and a crystal were involved with removing mist. Ever since the pink wave washed over Gaia, there hasn't been any sighting of mist. She looked back to Equestria as they moved across the lake. One tablet on that small island near the Outer Continent, one inside the Iifa Tree, and supposedly, one in the Evil Forest. Just how many of them are there? She thought over it a moment, before letting out an annoyed sigh. I truly hope Applejack finds something useful in that dark forest.
“Your Majesty.” Beatrix began, kneeling down before Dagger, regret etched on her face. “I'm sorry for what befell your mother. I played a part in it, and I should have acted to end it sooner-” Dagger shook her head as she placed her hand on Beatrix's shoulder, giving her a kind smile.
“You don't need to apologize, not to me. We both tried to stop her, and failed.” She then helped Beatrix to her feet, surprising the general. “Beatrix, I must now carry the burden of ruling Alexandria, alone. Will you help me, in my time of need?” Beatrix immediately saluted Dagger, giving a resolute nod.
“Certainly!”
“Thank you.” Dagger replied as they reached the castle. After Beatrix helped her off the boat, Dagger looked past the moat that separated the castle from the city. Spike is searching for treasure, Applejack is searching for answers. What are the others up to? Dagger stood there a moment, her eyes to the city as a sad thought crossed her mind. Will I... Be able to continue traveling with them when I become queen?
Before regaining her summoning power, all she had done for the others was heal their wounds, and be a damsel that needed to be saved. Now, she had power to fight, as well as heal. But that power was turned against her mother, and now she feared to use her eidolons on Kuja. That vile man. He used us, he used Pinkie!
Dagger looked back to the castle, hiding her frown. If I must stay here, if I can't go with them, then I should help them with everything Alexandria has! She was already lending half of her fleet to Spike, and she felt there was still more to give. She turned to Beatrix, determined to aid her friends any way she could.
“You and Applejack have been sparring the last few days. How's it going?” Applejack wanted to get stronger, and Beatrix had been eager to accept her offer as a sparring partner.
“She's tough, solid even, more so than me.” Beatrix admitted, “However,” she added, taking on a note of superiority, “her sword play is just sloppy. She'll never be as good as me-” She then winced as her weight seemed to shift, making Dagger turn to Beatrix with a confused look. “It's just, swords were not made to be carried in one's mouth. She'll never reach the same skill a master such as myself-”
She winced again as the belt her sword was sheathed to snapped, and 'Save the Queen' fell to the stone ground. With a startlingly loud <clang>, several of the cobblestones cracked when the sword landed. Beatrix stepped back from the blade, more annoyed than surprised, while Dagger looked at the blade, shocked.
“W-What happened?” Dagger asked in concern as she looked over the general.
“The holy blade has been, strange, since that pink wave of light passed over the Mist Continent.” Beatrix admitted, then looked on wide-eyed as Dagger bent down to pick up the blade, picking it up effortlessly.
“Wow! It's so light!” Dagger proclaimed in surprise. I knew the holy sword was a national treasure, but I wasn't expecting this!she thought as she offered the blade back to its wielder. Beatrix stared at it a moment before looking back to the princess.
“I suppose it's possible for Applejack to match me at swordsmanship.” Beatrix calmly admitted, “She's made a lot of progress in the last few days, quickly learning several of my techniques.” Beatrix then nodded to herself. “She's stubborn, and determined, it's worked in her favor considering I don't hold back during sparring.” She then carefully accepted the blade from Dagger, and let out a small sigh when Dagger let go, the blade easily held in the knight's grasp.
“So what's the problem? Why did it...” Dagger looked back to where the sword fell, a clear indent was visible in the stone from the blade's landing.
“The blade... seems to get heavier when I'm... not entirely forthright.” Beatrix explained as she looked to the castle, avoiding Dagger's gaze.
Has Unified Fantasy done something to the holy blade? Dagger thought as she looked to the sword as Beatrix sheathed it into her now broken belt.
'Save the Queen', the holy sword that belonged to one of the Warriors of Light. Four heroes who saved Alexandria, its queen, and its people, when the mist first appeared on the Mist Continent. Heroes who's names were lost to time.
And now, the holy sword has changed, because of some greater magic. But why? Dagger's eyes widened as a possible answer came to mind. Were the Warriors of Light involved with Unified Fantasy!? Dagger turned to Beatrix, and seeing the princess' alarm, stood at attention.
“Beatrix. Find Dr. Tot, I need to know everything concerning the Warriors of Light.” Beatrix gave a swift nod as she headed to the castle. Dagger considered the implications behind this as she followed, lost in thought.
The mist was being sent to the Mist Continent through the Iifa Tree's roots, which means the tree has been around for at least eight hundred years! Dagger stopped as she entered her castle, daunted by the scale of the problem before them. Unified Fantasy summoned Equestria above the Iifa Tree, and that tree has been around since before the founding of my nation!
Dagger shook her head as she continued to her chambers. If it's been around for so long, then why is this all happening now? As she entered her room, she looked to the window, Applejack, Spike, her heart wavered a moment as she thought of the pink mare, and Pinkie. Everything seemed to fall apart when they arrived, on my birthday. But, that wasn't the beginning of all this, Dagger then nodded to herself. That was the beginning of our journey, that was the beginning of for us, and our interaction with this powerful ritual.
She then sighed as she sat down, eyeing her royal gown as she thought about her friends. Applejack and Pinkie affirmed that the ritual is unifying Gaia and Equestria's magic. Mistcage said that the mist was used to supplement the ritual. And Kuja implied that the mist had something to do with the dead. Rolling what she knew in her head, a suspicion started to eat at her. Unified Fantasy. Is it trying to unite our two worlds?
'A droll story about unity that's played out eight times now.' Kuja's words played in her mind as eyes widened in realization. The Iifa Tree's branches, eight globes! Gaia and Equestria in the trunks center! Unified Fantasy unifies worlds! Why!? Her alarm reminded her of Discord, someone only Pinkie could see, that Dagger had always been a little skeptical about. Now, after what had happened at the tree, she didn't doubt that Discord was real. She heard the snap of his magic, she saw the tree's magic sputter out.
He saved Equestria from Unified Fantasy. Whatever unifying the worlds entailed, his action to save Equestria, and the seemingly sinister nature of the mist, could only affirm one thing to the Princess. Unified Fantasy unified the worlds in a malicious manner. That ritual. It needs to be destroyed! Before it can complete it's ninth cast! Her anger then shifted to worry.
But then what? If we destroy it, what happens to Gaia and Equestria? Will magic return to where it came from? Will my Equestrian friends be returned home? As she looked out the window, she saw Equestria on the horizon, and feared what would become of the two worlds in the near future.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
ATE: Home in the Sky
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Spike yawned as he double-checked his map, before looking up the long, high mountain face before him. He was south of Treno, near the sea, with Mois and Choco at his side. Choco was eagerly digging up a spot a chocograph they had found in a lagoon east of the Mist Continent had indicated.
Up there is Treno, and beyond, Alexandria. He thought wistfully as he rolled up the map, putting it away. He wondered how his friends were doing while he was away. Two more days till the crowning. One more place to look into, then I can show my friends all that I've dug up! He thought with a smile as he looked to the horizon.
As his eyes looked to the south, he took in Equestria. He felt a touch of homesickness as he saw its strangely red moon breaking the horizon in line with it the world it followed. Twilight, Rarity, they're so close. He thought with a heavy heart as he looked back to his feathered friend. Seeing that Choco was still occupied with digging, Spike opened his collection of gems, glancing over the Garnet and Amethyst longingly before seeking to take another look at three he had found the several days ago.
When he had found the gemstones, he had once again been surprised at finding who they were tied to, but afterwards found it understandable that he had found all three in the same treasure chest. A Diamond, an Aquamarine, and an Emerald, each reminding him of a certain little filly, desperately searching for their cutie mark. Each gemstone didn't grant him a new power, but a new passive ability, and during his time out exploring the other continents, he had gone through enough battles to master each of them, as well as other abilities from his new gear.
He levitated the three gemstones out from his collection, smiling at the Diamond which granted him that power. The glow born of his magic was white, and focusing on the gem, he was reminded of Sweetie Belle. Of the CMC, Spike always considered Rarity's little sister to be the most reasonable of the three, and holding the gem in his magic, he could almost imagine it singing. This surprised Spike, as he never really saw Sweetie Belle as the singing type.
He then rotated the gems in his magical grasp, the Emerald shined before him, the name Apple Bloom etched into it. A stubbornness and bravery radiated from the gemstone, reminding him of not just the filly, but also of Applejack. The gemstone granted Spike the ability to use two restorative items at a time, sometimes getting unexpected results in the process. It had really helped the dragon when he was fighting monsters, healing his injuries while also recovering from status effects had been a great boon fighting alone.
Looking to the Aquamarine, Choco let out a happy chirp as she unearthed the treasure chest. Spike flew himself over to her, using the power granted by Scootaloo's gemstone. He felt determination and pride radiate from the stone, and it seemed to radiate happiness whenever he was flying while carrying it. Of the CMC, she was the one he felt he had the most in common with, which he found sad, as they didn't interact that often. As he placed the three gems back with the others, he landed next to Choco.
“Kwehh~?” She asked quizzically as she eyed the closed chest.
“Yep, same as the others,” Spike quickly replied. “Let's get it to the ship! We'll open it with the others soon!” Spike realized at some point during his week of treasure digging, that he would be cutting it close to returning to Alexandria in time for Dagger's crowning. He levitated the chest as he got on Choco, and Mois joined as well as they bolted to the ship Dagger was lending him.
Not wanting to miss the crowning, he had adopted the habit of opening the chests on the ship as it sailed to the next destination, on the off-chance that a chest made Choco fall asleep like it had back when her feathers turned blue.
Returning to the royal lifeboat, The Blue Narciss, he asked the crew to head towards the Iifa Tree, giving them back the map he was borrowing from Zidane. The Iifa Tree... One last stop, and we can return to the others. Spike thought as he looked to Equestria, hoping he'd find something useful at the tree where everything went wrong.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Garnet looked over her robe, laying on her bed next to her royal gown. The robe had been with her since leaving Alexandria several weeks ago, and she found that she's grown fond of wearing it. Now, she wasn't certain if she'd ever be wearing it again, her eyes looking to the royal gown she had worn on her birthday. It was a large white gown, with hints of light blue weaved through the fabric, that had been passed down the family line for several generations. Looking back to her robe, intending to put it away, she picked it up, and was surprised when she felt weight in one of the pockets.
Moving to the table near her bed, she pulled out two gemstones and placed them on the table, her eyes widening in surprise, then she blushed in embarrassment. The Falcon Claw, and Cleyra's gemstone. I had forgotten about these!
The Falcon Claw, royal pendant of Lindblum, passed through the family line, not unlike Dagger's own gemstone. Cleyra's gemstone, some power within was used to protect Cleyra with a sandstorm from outside enemies for over five hundred years. And her mother sought, and acquired both of them.
Eyeing the two stones on the table, she was surprised by how similar they looked to her royal pendant, and pulling out her necklace, she lay all three gems together. Dagger looked at the gems in wonder as she saw that they were all three pieces of a greater whole. Moving the gems together, they formed a perfectly round white gemstone, bigger than a clenched fist. There was a small piece of the whole missing, however, preventing the stone from being complete.
My mother attacked Cleyra and Lindblum for these. So many lives lost, for this? Was this suppose to be another weapon for her to use? Some unknown eidolon, perhaps? She considered this a moment, then let out a sigh as she rubbed her head. All the unanswered questions were giving her a headache.
She looked to the Falcon Claw as she put her royal pendant back on. I need to return this to Uncle Cid. Then, looking to the other gem, she paused in confusion. Zidane said the King of Burmecia was caught in the blast the destroyed Cleyra. So who am I suppose to give the gemstone to? She then sighed again as she looked back out the window.
Zidane... Ever since returning to the castle, Dagger hasn't seen much of her friends. What's he doing right now? Why hasn't he visited? She looked again between her traveling robes, and her royal gown.
Spike, he once told me about a pony named Twilight Sparkle, a princess who went out to tackle the problems that put other ponies in harm's way. Can I be like her? After spending time with the others, I, I don't want to sit still in my castle while they go out, risking their lives for me!
But, I can't leave Alexandria unattended! She glared at the two pieces of conflicting garments, as if they were the source of her dilemma. Maybe... Beatrix could manage the kingdom while we hunt Kuja?
There was a knocking on her door, which startled her from her thoughts.
“Your Majesty,” Beatrix's voice called out from beyond the closed door, “Dr. Tot would like to speak with you.” Dagger nodded to herself, and asked them both to enter. Dr. Tot entered first, with Beatrix behind him.
“Princess Garnet,” Dr. Tot began as he gave her a low bow, “I'm deeply sorry for what befell your mother. You have my most sincere condolences. If I had stayed at the castle, maybe Queen Brahne wouldn't have been poisoned by that man's temptation.” Regret briefly flashed on his face as he pulled out several gemstones, presenting them to the princess.
“These stones contain your power, which your mother forcibly-” He then shook his head. “Well, that is all in the past.” She accepted the gemstones, feeling a part of herself locked within them. She held the Sunstone, Topaz, and Pink Opal, feeling the power of their eidolons sleeping within. She was glad that their power hadn't been used by her mother, but sad that Cleyra and Lindblum had suffered from her other eidolons. Moving those thoughts aside, she looked to her old teacher.
“Thank you, Dr. Tot. I trust you'll be staying here, to help me, moving forward?” Dagger asked of him. He gave her a kind smile as he nodded.
“It would be my pleasure, Your Highness.” He then looked to the gown, resting on the bed. “You'll be queen in two days. You may want to get use to wearing your gown.” He suggested as he bowed to her, “Would you like me to tell you what I found out considering Ipsen?”
Dagger had almost forgotten about that. The link between Gaia and Equestria, found by Ipsen, a possible means of traveling between both worlds. She briefly reflected back on what occurred in Treno before shaking her head.
“I want Spike, Applejack, and Pinkie here for that.” Dagger affirmed, getting a nod from Dr. Tot.
“I understand, then, I'll look into the Warriors of Light as you requested, so please, rest for now.” With that, he left Dagger and Beatrix alone. Dagger looked to her general. A good number of things were bothering her, but there was one problem that could be readily addressed.
“Beatrix, I'd like to see Zidane. Can you bring him?” She asked hesitantly. Beatrix looked at her, surprised, then cleared her face of emotion.
“Your Highness, now is not the best time. And... I don't think it's proper for you to keep the company of a rogue from Lindblum.” Dagger's brow furrowed at her words, shaking her head as she took a step towards Beatrix.
“After everything he's done for me, that doesn't matter!” Dagger then blinked in surprise at her outburst before looking apologetic. “I, I just want to talk to him,” she weakly added.
“Your Highness...” Beatrix didn't want to refuse, but it was clear to Dagger that she didn't like the idea. Dagger let out a sad sigh as she looked to her.
“I know, it's okay.” She assured as she looked to her traveling robes again, her heart aching at the possibility of putting them away.
There was a knock on the door. Beatrix opened it, and Dagger could see to whom she spoke. It was a guard. The two shared a brief exchange, then the guard left as quickly as she came.
“Your Highness,” Beatrix began, adopting a small smile, “it would seem Freya Crescent is here to request an audience, and access to the Royal Library.” Dagger looked to her, surprised as she adopted a smile of her own.
“Yes, let her in! I want to speak with her!” Freya, I'm glad she's alright! I need to talk to her about sending aid to the Burmecians! Dagger happily thought as she glanced back to her robes and gown, before heading out to meet the dragon knight, Beatrix following behind her.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Moogle Notes:
~~~~~~~~~~~
'Greetings Equestrian, here's Moogle Notes!'
'Gaia and Equestria are locked in place over each other, anchored over the Iifa Tree. Most of the Outer Continent and parts of Equestria get little sunlight because of the proximity, Kupo.'
'The gemstones Spike and Garnet have account for almost the rest of the remaining gem types on Gaia. There's only one left! I wonder where it is? Kupo!'
~~~~~~
Dagger
~~~~~~
Items Equipped: *New Item Equipped*
Healing Rod: Healer(mastered), Cura(mastered), Life(mastered)
Lamia's Tiara: Clear Headed(mastered), Confuse(mastered), Float(mastered)
Elem-Def: Wind damage reduced by 50%
Magic Armlet: Clear Headed(mastered), Silence(mastered)
Silk Robe: Ability Up(mastered), Loudmouth(mastered)
*Topaz: Ifrit, Fira, Applebomb
Lvl-30 HP 1390/1390 MP 159/159
AP 0/30
Auto-Reflect (15) - Automatically casts Reflect in battle.
*Healer (2) - Restores target's HP.
*Chemist (4) - Double the potency of medicinal items.
High Tide (8) - Allows you to Trance faster.
*Body Temp (4) - Prevents Freeze and Heat.
*Level Up (7) - Characters level up faster.
*Ability Up (3) - Characters learn abilities faster.
*Insomniac (5) - Prevents Sleep.
Antibody (4) - Prevents Poison and Venom.
Loudmouth (4) - Prevents Silence.
Jelly (4) - Prevents Petrify and Gradual Petrify.
Auto-Potion (3) - Automatically uses Potion when damaged.
Locomotion (4) - Prevents Stop.
*Clear Headed (5) - Prevents Confusion.
Abilities:
White Magic:
Cure 6 MP - Restores HP of single/multiple targets.
Cura 10 MP - Restores a lot of HP of single/multiple targets.
Life 8 MP - Recovers from KO.
Scan 4 MP - Scan enemy to determine HP, MP, and weaknesses.
Panacea 4 MP - Removes Venom and Poison.
Stona 8 MP - Removes Petrify and Gradual Petrify.
Shell 6 MP - Reduces damage from magic attacks.
Protect 6 MP - Reduces damage from physical attacks.
Silence 8 MP - Causes Silence, which disables magic in single/multiple targets.
Reflect 6 MP - Reflect magic attacks back onto caster.
Confuse 8 MP - Causes Confuse, which makes single/multiple targets erratic.
Blind 6 MP - Causes Darkness, which hinders accuracy of physical attacks.
Float 6 MP - Allows single/multiple targets to float in the air.
Summon:
Ramuh 22 MP - Causes Thunder damage to all enemies.
Ifrit 26 MP: Causes Fire damage to all enemies.