//------------------------------//
// 40. The Prelude pt.5 
// Story: The Ninth Fantasy - Gaia 
// by MrAlterad 
//------------------------------//

	Zidane stood separate from the others as they filled Freya in. As time passed, he looked to the castle, his arms crossed as he resisted the urge to tap his foot. He then frowned at his own impatience. 

Aaahhh! Just what have I gotten myself into! he thought in annoyance. He was use to chasing pretty faces, but it was different for Dagger. For the first time, Zidane had fallen for another, and he wasn't handling it very well, considering said other was a princess.

“You should have said you were friends with Zidane and Pinkie!” Eiko declared after Applejack had finished filling Freya in on their adventure on the Outer Continent. Hearing his name pulled him out of his head, and he saw Freya give Eiko a look, as if suggesting those words applied to the young summoner just as well. 

Zidane sighed to himself. Look at me! Freya's back! And I'm stuck in my own problems! Zidane shook his head and tried to refocus on the ones he cared for in front of him. Seeing a lapse in the conversation, he took the opportunity to catch Applejack's eye. He then saw her quickly glance to the castle, then back to him, and he nodded. I guess she found something, we need to talk to Dagger.

“So, how about-” Zidane began, but was cut off when Pinkie let out a loud gasp, the mare clearly coming up with a brilliant idea.

“We should totally see Dagger~!” Pinkie then quickly gave Zidane a knowing smile, “Let's go see her~!” And then Zidane watched in amazement as she ushered the others onto the boat, including Amarant. Zidane glanced to Applejack again, and they shared a smile as they got on the boat too.

Beating both of us to the punch. Good one, Pinkie. Zidane thought bemusedly as they started to cross the moat.

“Did you find anything?” Eiko asked Applejack as she gave the mare an appraising look.

“Oh boy, did I. Garnet needs to know, we all need to know. This concerns all of us- no, not just us, but everyone on Gaia!” Zidane's brow furrowed, seeing that the time for resting and avoiding the princess had truly come to an end.

“What is it?” Freya asked.

“I'll tell ya when we see Garnet. I'm gonna have to repeat this to Spike tomorrow night, and it's a lot to take in.”

“Spike's returning tomorrow?” Pinkie asked, getting a nod from Eiko and Applejack.

“He said he'd be back the night before Dagger becomes queen.” Eiko affirmed.

“Oh, oh!” Pinkie exclaimed as she bounced up and down, “We can do the party tomorrow night then! A pre-coronation-seeing-friends-again-party~~!” 

Zidane nodded, taking in his friends interactions as he appraised Pinkie, then himself. Seeing Freya seemed to do the mare a lot of good, there wasn't any trace of the gloom that's been over her for the last week, and Zidane was happy for her for it.

Dagger... She's going to stay behind and look after Alexandria. Is this goodbye? Zidane thought as his brow furrowed, being dragged back into his troubles. Aaahhh! What am I suppose to do? I want her to go with us, but she's better off looking after her kingdom-

He was pulled out of his thoughts as Pinkie put her hoof on his shoulder. She was giving him one of her golden smiles, and with it, he couldn't help but be pulled away from his doubts. A thought occurred to Zidane, and he adopted a sly grin.

“Hey, isn't Pinkie suppose to be spending the day alone?” He asked in a teasing manner.

“That's what Applejack said!” Eiko affirmed as she stood close to Pinkie.

“Applejack smapplejack~!” Pinkie declared, “Freya's here, and I'm feeling better than ever!” Applejack rolled her eyes before disembarking, the boat just finished it's crossing. “And besides, it's time for the big important info dump Applejack has for us!” Freya shook her head at the way Pinkie phrased it, before turning to the others.

“Princess Garnet seemed busy ealier,” Freya admitted, “We may have to wait before we can talk to her.”

“I really doubt that.” Applejack affirmed as they entered the castle.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
ATE: Your Own Boss
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Dagger let out a sigh as she returned to her bedroom, walking over to her bed and falling unceremoniously on it. She'd gotten the tedious paperwork involved with getting a coronation together, and was done being a responsible princess for the day. She then groaned to herself as she realized she'd be dealing with the nobility tomorrow.

Taking in her room, she saw the gemstones Dr. Tot had returned to her on the table, as well as the Falcon Claw and Cleyran gemstone. And once again, her eyes fell to her travel robes, and her royal gown. 

Alexandria was a mess. Her mother made sure of that. The princess has been spending the entire week trying to fix what she could. She accomplished all the needed leg-work, now all that was left was getting back the liberties her mother gave to the nobles to spare herself the tedious work of running the kingdom.

Treno's current state was a byproduct of Brahne's negligence, and Dagger wasn't going to be making any friends in the nobility tomorrow. But, she wasn't worried, she had been preparing for such tasks expected of the queen for as long as she could remember. Dr. Tot and her father made sure of that.

A knock on the door pulled her away from her moment's respite. Hearing that it was Beatrix, Dagger got off her comfortable bed and composed herself, bidding the general enter. Beatrix saluted her as she informed that Applejack had returned with important news, and that she brought the others.

Zidane's here!? Dagger thought as she adopted a smile, surprising Beatrix.

“Let them know I'll see them in the banquet hall, have the cooks get a feast going!” She then considering something a moment before nodding. “I'd like you and Dr. Tot to attend as well.” She immediately ordered, which surprised Beatrix even more. She then adopted a smile of her own, and saluted to Dagger, leaving to carry out her orders.

One last time, Dagger looked between her robe, and gown, and smiled.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


“Isn't this a bit ... much?” Applejack asked as she eyed the stream of food being placed on the long table. Zidane wanted to make fun of her comment, but instead sat at the table, quietly eyeing the food, seeing it as another piece of evidence for the distance between him and the princess. Freya, however, was more than eager to mock the pony.

“Aren't you friends with a princess back in Equestria?” Freya asked with a smug smile, getting a look of surprise from the pony. “Shouldn't you be use to this sort of treat?”

“If only for my parties~!” Pinkie added, giving Applejack an aside glance. “Whatcha gotta say that we can't eat over. Is it really bad?” Applejack nodded, making Freya's grin disappear as she also eyed the food before them. “Oohh~ Don't be like that! If it's bad news, then good food makes it go down smoother~!” 

Pinkie then noticed an empty seat next to her and looked around in confusion. “Come on over~” She declared, patting the empty chair as her eyes fell to Amarant, who was standing at the edge of the room with his arms crossed. “You can sit next to me!” 

“I'm fine here.” He stoically replied before looking to Applejack, “Does this concern Kuja?”

“Yes. I think.” Applejack replied, giving a slightly unsure look. “That aside, it certainly concerns you, and the rest of us. Garnet too.” And as if on cue, Zidane could hear the sound of the princess approaching, the patter of her boots recognizable to the rogue as he turned to the door.

He was quite surprised to see her wearing her travel robes. When she entered the room, she gave everyone a bright smile. Not as the princess of Alexandria, but as their friend. Zidane couldn't help but grin, hope lighting in his chest.

Maybe, it'll all be alright... Zidane thought as Beatrix and Dr. Tot entered the room, shortly after Dagger. Dr. Tot sat at the table, while Beatrix took her place near the princess.

“So,” Dagger began as she took a seat at the head of the table, “What did you find out?” Applejack looked over her company, clearly bothered that Spike was away, but still, after taking in a deep breath, addressed them.

“Well...”


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
ATE: Taking Stock:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


“I wonder if Applejack found anything in the Evil forest.” Spike spoke out, getting Mois' attention. She considered his words as she looked over a pile of opened chests, organizing the contents within.

“Well, if she doesn't, maybe we'll have some luck!” She assured as she quickly glanced in the direction the Blue Narciss was traveling.

The ship wasn't too far from the Outer Continent, and Spike presumed they would be there in a couple hours. Looking to the sky, the sun was peaking out from under the horizon. The Equestrian horizon, presenting the evening sunrise.

Equestria loomed over the Outer Continent. Most of the day was shrouded in it's shadow, with light gracing the land for about an hour after dawn and before sunset. Spike saw it once, it was if the Outer Continent had two sunrises and sunsets, for when the sun vanished behind Equestria, or revealed itself near the end of the day, the sun burned red around the world's rim. Despite the foreboding looking up to Equestria instilled in him, he still fell in awe to the new spectacle that was the beginning and end of the day for the Outer Continent.

I wonder how the dwarves are taking this? Or the Black Mages? Spike really wanted to check on both, but he wouldn't have enough time too. 

Return to the Iifa Tree, search it for two hours, and leave for Alexandria. He thought to himself again, making sure he stayed on track. Spike didn't want to be late to the coronation, and he also had a good amount of gifts for his friends. He eyed the pile of treasure chests again. Gems of all kinds, powerful looking weapons and armor, and gil. A plethora to provide the others when it was time to continue their pursuit of Kuja.

“Hmmm.” Mois began as she counted the chests. “I think we missed one, kupo!”

“Missed a chest?” Spike had thought they had opened all of them, and the idea that there was still one more mystery to open started to excite the young dragon.

“Yep! Kupo! We didn't open all of them! I'll go track down the last one! It's bound to be on the ship somewhere! Kupo!”


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


It was quiet around the table. No one was eating, they were all too busy digesting what Applejack had told them. I suspected something big was going on since running into Applejack and Spike. Zidane thought, But not this! Our world is on the chopping block! His brow then furrowed, Deathguise, and old castle, mirrors, realm of memories, the core, elements and bearers of harmony... Looking to the others, he saw that no one was up for asking her questions, just yet, so he decided to go first.

“So, what are the Elements of Harmony? And how are we Gaia's bearers?” Applejack looked to him, a little surprised she hadn't told them.

“Well, the Elements of Harmony are crystals that my friends and I used to save Equestria several times. The crystals themselves don't work on their own, only working when all their bearers used them, together. I was honesty, Pinkie was laughter.”

“So,” Freya began, “does this mean Gaia has these Elements of Harmony too?”

“I'm ... not sure.” Applejack admitted as she adopted a considering look. “Deathguise didn't say outright, but implied it, and I didn't think to ask,” she admitted as she looked to the ground.

“It's okay Applejack,” Dagger assured, “it was a lot to take in. I'm just glad we finally have some answers.”

“...Why us?” Freya asked Applejack, looking troubled that, suddenly, the weight of two worlds rested on their shoulders.

“I donno, and I really wish I did. For my friends and myself, it was a part of our destiny. Maybe it's the same fer ya'll?” She answered with a shrug.

“...Applejack,” Dagger began, “your friend, Twilight, she said that magic between both worlds was becoming shared, right?” Applejack nodded, “Maybe, when the pink wave washed over Gaia, Equestria's magic mixed with ours. I felt a strange sensation come over me when the wave hit.” Zidane nodded, and Eiko and Freya shared a look of recognition.

“When the wave hit,” Applejack said a she looked to Dagger, “You and Zidane were washed with a colorful light-”

“Eiko and Amarant were the same...” Pinkie interrupted, who suddenly looked dower upon mention of the pink wave. Eiko immediately put her hand on the mare, which helped dispel the short lived gloom over Pinkie, as she looked to Eiko with a smile.

“Well,” Freya began, “I did feel a strange sensation when the wave passed over me.” Dagger nodded as she looked to Applejack.

“So, maybe we became bearers when that happened?” The princess asked, and Applejack nodded.

“I mean, that makes sense to me.” Applejack said resolutely, getting an odd look from Eiko.

“You ... seem pretty together, Applejack.” Eiko admitted. “I mean, saving the world. That's big!” she then adopted a weak smile, “But I'm not scared!”

“Welllll~” Pinkie began as she patted Eiko on the head, easing the child's nerves, “Applejack and I have done it before! It's no big deal, really!” Silence followed her words for half a minute before Dagger spoke up.

“I guess ... this means it will be a bit before I settle down on the throne.” Dagger admitted, her voice lacking disappointment, which Zidane took notice of.

“I think the coronation should still go as planned.” Beatrix quickly affirmed, “Afterwards, you may wish to consult with Regent Cid on this matter.” Dagger nodded to the council before looking to Freya.

“Will the Burmecian Plateau manage without you, for a time?” Freya considered the question for a minute, before nodding, then looked over the others, still a little overwhelmed with the turn of events.

“I can see loyalty,” Freya began as she held her hand to her chest, then looked to Applejack, “honesty,” then Pinkie,  “and laughter. But could someone help me with the others.” Before the others could respond, Amarant scoffed, getting everyone's attention.

“Deathguise is full of it,” he proclaimed, “Kindness?” He shook his head at the very notion, and many of the others shared that sentiment, “It's all just a distraction from Kuja.” They all fell silent to his suggestion, before Eiko shook her head.

“I see kindness.” Eiko admitted resolutely as she looked to Amarant, who gave a weak shrug, “And I can understand generosity.” She added as she blushed lightly, avoiding the stares of the others. “I think what that monster said fits. Still, aren't I a bit young for this?”

“I thought you weren't scared.” Applejack said with a smug grin, getting a frown from Eiko. 

“Right, right." She replied as she rolled her eyes. "Well, it's clear to me that you all need my help for this anyways!” Eiko then looked to Zidane. “So, Dagger is magic, what are Spike and Zidane?”

“Deathguise said that Zidane would fight Indolence.” Dagger started, then quickly looked to Dr. Tot, who caught her expression. 

“I do believe the opposite of that would be Diligence.” Dr. Tot suggested, adopting a contemplative look, “And perhaps the young dragon represents Purity? Eight elements, pieces that represent harmony, I think those two would fit into that motif.” He then nodded to himself, continuing on without noticing the others. 

“Honesty, Loyalty, Laughter, Kindness, Generosity, Diligence, Purity, Magic. One of those doesn't fit. Magic is more of a neutral term that could work towards harmony or chaos. Perhaps Magic is a placeholder for something more encompassing...” He thought, then noticed the looks the others were giving him and gave an old smile. “Oh, don't mind the ramblings of an old scholar.”

“So,” Zidane started, “The eight of us need to save two worlds...” Freya looked to Zidane, then shook her head.

“Well, the idea of saving Gaia and Equestria is a bit big for me.” Freya admitted as she looked to the others. “Burmecia, and my friends, that I can understand. I know what I need to protect.” She affirmed, nodding to herself. “When do we head out?”

Zidane looked to Dagger, and saw she was looking at him. His eyes met hers, and the very last of his doubts vanished. There was a fire burning in those eyes. He now knew that he was going to help her reach the end of her path, regardless of where his own path took him.

“After the coronation.” Zidane stated, “We can find this castle, and the mirrors. Kuja can wait, this is bigger than him.”

“No.” Beatrix and Amarant said in unison, surprised everyone, including the speakers. Beatrix looked to Amarant, who simply shrugged, and she continued. “He's part of the problem. He's just as involved as the rest of you. He is not someone who should be ignored. I wouldn't be surprised if pursuing him lead you to this castle.”

“She's right.” Applejack added, which surprised the general. “The tree, and what happened there, was all Kuja's doing. We can get answers from him. And maybe, we can even make him stop this entire ritual. Kuja and this castle both lead to saving Gaia and Equestria. We'll see which we can manage first.”

“I was thinking about Kuja earlier.” Dagger admitted, “I saw him in Treno, at the Auction House, back before I was captured. It's possible the nobles in the city know something.”

“Princess,” Beatrix began, “you're being coronated in two days. The people are worried, what with a new world and moon appearing in the skies, they see it as a poor omen. It would be best if you stayed in the city, until the coronation is completed. If you go to Treno, someone is bound to notice.” Dagger's brow furrowed as she looked to the others.

“I'll go to Treno,” Zidane began. “I know a guy who can fill me in on what the nobles know.” Thinking of Treno brought on a good idea considering one of his friends. “Pinkie, I think you should come with me.”

“Me??” She asked is surprise.

“There are a lot of frowns in Treno, maybe you could work you magic while I'm over there?”

“If Pinkie's going, I'm going!” Eiko declared.

“I think I'll go too.” Freya added, “There's something I want to look into as well.”

“Well,” Dr. Tot started as he looked to the others, “if you're intending to go to Treno, I'll have to accompany you. I know where this castle is, I just need to double check the old globe at home. And we can use Gargan Roo to get to Treno in short order.”

“Wait, you know where it is!?” Applejack said, matching the others surprise.

“Yes. It's Ipsen's castle. A castle named after a old explorer could only refer to him. The castle in question is on the Forgotten Continent. The reason I need to check the map, is because the Forgotten Continent has no beaches, it's surrounded by steep, rocky cliffs. With any luck, I can find the where Ipsen made landfall. You see, the ocean waves crush ships against the cliffs, thus the Forgotten Continent has been left untouched by all but the explorer.”

“If that's true,” Eiko began with a smug tone, “then why's there a castle on it?” Dr. Tot simply shrugged in response as he looked to Applejack.

“That castle may have a means for you to return home, as it's implied in Ipsen's records that he journeyed to Equestria through a long abandoned castle.” Applejack looked to Pinkie, wide-eyed at this news, and they both shared a brief hopeful smile as Dr. Tot looked to Dagger.

“Then, after the coronation,” Dagger said as she looked to her friends, “We'll return to the Outer Continent.” That got a confused look from all but Pinkie and Applejack. “The Black Mage's said that Kuja resides in a palace beyond Sanctuary, the Iifa Tree.” Recognition dawned on Zidane's face as Pinkie and Applejack nodded.

“So, we go back, and storm the palace~! That'll show that big meany~!”

“Don't ya need to talk to Cid?” Applejack asked.

“He'll be here for the coronation. We'll talk then.”

“In that case,” Freya started as she got up from the table, “I need to collect my things before heading to Treno. We should leave soon, night is upon us.”

“Oh~! I need to get some thing together too if I'm gonna be bringing the smiles!” Pinkie declared as she got from her seat, nodding to Eiko, who smiled as she hopped on the mare's back. The three of them thanked Dagger for the meal, though little was eaten, and left the hall. Zidane got up as well, but before departing, caught Dagger's eye.

“Zidane,” She began, quietly, “I'd like it if we could talk, after you get back.” He was surprised, but quickly hid it as he nodded to her, giving her a sure look.

“You can count on it, I'll tell you all about how I wrestled the answers to Kuja's nefarious deeds in Treno, just you wait!” He said with a smug grin, getting a smile from Dagger, making Zidane feel as though he was king of the world.

Bidding her and Applejack a 'see you later', he left, not surprised to see Amarant following Pinkie ahead of him. Thinking of what lay before him, he couldn't help but smile.

It's been a while since I last dug up some dirt on the nobles, this should be fun! It wasn't the task he was looking forward to, but the embellished retelling he would deliver to Dagger on his return. Feeling energized, he gave up walking, and instead ran out of the castle to the moat, passing Freya and Amarant. As he passed Pinkie, they both shared a pure smile, both of them looking forward to tomorrow.






~~~~~~~~~~~
Moogle Notes:
~~~~~~~~~~~


'Howdy Equestrian, Mois the moogle here with more tid-bits about Gaia!'

'Only the bravest of moogles wander in the Forgotten Continent. The monsters there are strange, and there are places there that defy sense! The Forgotten Continent is the longest continent, residing to the west of the Mist Continent.'

'Around this time, the dwarves abandoned Conde Petie, migrating to the eastern side of the Outer Continent, which received more daylight then the home nestled so close to the Iifa Tree. Most everyone else would have left ealier, but the dwarves are quite stubborn. Kupo!'

~~~~~~
Zidane
~~~~~~

Items Equipped: 
Rune Tooth: Lucky Seven(mastered)
Add ST: Poison.
Ritual Hat: Counter(mastered), Bright Eyes(mastered), Undead Killer(mastered)
Mythril Armlet: Bug Killer(mastered)
Brigandine: Ability Up(mastered), Return Magic
Black Belt: HP+20%(mastered), Beast Killer(mastered), Demi

Lvl-30 HP 1764/1764 MP 124/124
AP 1/34
Auto-Reflect (15) - Automatically casts Reflect in battle.
HP+20% (8) - Increases HP by 20%.
Distract (5) - Lowers enemy's physical attack accuracy.
*MP Attack (5) - Uses own MP to raise Attack Pwr.
Bird Killer (3) - Deals lethal damage to flying enemies.
Bug Killer (2) - Deals lethal damage to insects.
Stone Killer (4) -  Deals lethal damage to stone enemies.
Undead Killer (2) -  Deals lethal damage to undead enemies.
Devil Killer (2) -  Deals lethal damage to demons.
Beast Killer (4) - Deals lethal damage to beasts.	
Man Eater (2) -  Deals lethal damage to humans.
*Steal Gil (5) - Steal Gil along with items.
Add Status (3) - Adds weapons status affect when you Attack.
Counter (8) - Counterattacks when physically attacked.
*Protect Girls(4) - You take damage in place of a girl.
Body Temp (4) - Prevents Freeze and Heat.
*Alert (4) - Prevents back attacks.
*Level Up (7) - Characters level up faster.
Ability Up (3) - Characters learn abilities faster.
Flee-Gil (3) - Receive Gil even when running from battle.
Insomniac (5) - Prevents Sleep.
Antibody (4) - Prevents Poison and Venom.
Bright Eyes (4) - Prevents Darkness.
Jelly (4) - Prevents Petrify and Gradual Petrify.
Auto-Potion (3) - Automatically uses Potion when damaged.
Locomotion (4) - Prevents Stop.
Clear Headed (5) - Prevents Confusion.
*Mug (3) - Damages enemy when you Steal.
*Bandit (5) - Raises success rate of Steal.

Abilities:

Steal: Action Command - Steal an item from the enemy.

Skill:
Flee 0 MP - Escape from battle with high probability.
Detect 0 MP - See the enemy's items.
What's That!? 2 MP - Allows back attack.
Soul Blade 6 MP - Draws out the hidden power of thief swords.
Annoy 4 MP - Cause Trouble to the target.
Sacrifice 32 MP - Sacrifice yourself to restore HP and MP to the other party members.
Lucky Seven 6 MP - Deals physical damage by luck.

Trance - Physical damage multiplied by 1.5, Gain access to the Dyne Skills