Chapter Six: Complications and Caves



The four of us returned to the airship and Cecil's strong hands guided it back to pick up the hovercraft. We dropped both ships on the beach by an old deserted castle. Far away in the mountains I could see the lights of the Tower of Bab-Il reaching high into the heavens. We climbed into the old Hovercraft and piloted it to a small cave on the beach. From here, the engineers had told us, we could sneak through and hopefully find a hidden entrance to the Tower. It was worth a shot; the Underground was closed to us now.

We climbed through the caves cautiously; they were a maze of tunnels and monsters. Suddenly there were voices ahead - Cecil froze, then called out cautiously: "Who goes there?"

The voices silenced. Then one said, "This is all that is left of the nation of Eblan."

Rosa gasped; Cecil stepped out from the shadows. "Eblan, too?"

The soldier nodded. "We are guarding the people of Eblan, who have taken refuge in these caves. Our castle is no more, as is our royal family; the King and Queen were killed by the enemy and even now our prince crawls to his doom. He is trained as a ninja and seeks revenge, but he cannot defeat the dangers that challenge us. All is lost; we will hide here as long as we can."

So much death. Was that Kain's thought or my own?

We rested in the small comforts of Eblan; we stayed at the Inn they had set up and refreshed ourselves, then bought some supplies, more out of pity for the poor homeless folk than actual need. Then we set off as directed by another guard: "The prince and some of our soldiers went in there. If you find anyone alive, please help them."

These caves were darker and smelled of magic; I could sense that we approached the Tower of Bab-Il deep in my bones. We came across a soldier lying on the ground, he only whispered, "The prince has gone ahead," and collapsed. Rosa set him at ease with a small spell. The other guards we found were unconscious - or worse.

As we came around one bend, a sudden blaze of light met our eyes. A man stood, taller than any normal human, cloaked in fire and dark, dark magic. I stumbled. Then I saw in front of him another man, a normal human, covered in dirt and grime and despair and fury. He held two long swords, one in each hand, and shifted balance as if preparing an attack. He looked fierce for all his ragged-ness and I suddenly felt sorry for him.

The two were yelling at each other; or, the young man was yelling at the pillar of flame. "Rubicant!" he cried, and his voice was raspy with anger. "Finally!"

The fire dimmed slightly until I could make out a pale face above the cloak of flame. "Have I met you before?" asked a voice as smooth as a candle flame. I could taste the dark magic on it. One of Golbez's fiends, no doubt.

"I am Edge - Prince of Eblan!" He brandished a sword in a gesture that would have been brave, but before the might of the fire looked nothing more than foolhardy. So this is the prince? I found myself taking a second look - and wishing to see his face.

The flame spoke again. "Eblan? What's that?"

The Prince rose to the taunt, his temper flaring. "Don't play the fool! You know exactly what has been done! It doesn't matter anyway."

And the Prince rose to his feet and, to my astonishment, cast something that was entirely unlike any magic I had ever seen and yet appeared to be a flame spell.

The tall man laughed and stood straighter, letting his cloak blaze with power. "Was that Fire? No, my dear prince, this is how it's done ..."

Before any of us could make a move, a giant fire erupted around the young man. He screamed, a raw sound, and collapsed to the ground. He weakly lifted his head and glared at Rubicant, daring the tall being to finish the job ...

But the fire-man swept his cloak around himself and said, "I must say, you are strong - but not strong enough. Continue training. I look forward to our next meeting." And he vanished. The prince's head fell back to the ground and his eyes closed.

We all rushed forward, but Cecil reached him first and bent forward. "Are you alright?"

The prince turned his head to us; his face was dirty and tired, his eyes empty. One by one his eyes landed on each of us; his glance pierced my eyes and then fell back to the ground. "How could I lose?" he asked himself softly.

"We're also after Rubicant," I said quickly, wanting to comfort him. I knew too much about fury and revenge and loss.

But the prince fired up at my words, finding some energy somewhere, and his eyes became hard and cruel. "Why don't you stay out of this! Rubicant is mine!"

I was shocked and startled; his eyes were bright with anger, and I could not break his gaze no matter how hard I tried. Then he turned his face as Kain said: "He's one of Golbez's Four Fiends of the Elements. He'll be hard to deal with."

"You think I'm some sissy prince?" The hard eyes were turned to Kain, then Rosa, then finally Cecil. "I'm a Prince of Eblan; ninjitsu runs in my bones and blood. I've been trained for this. I can take care of myself!"

"Stop it!"

The words were out of my mouth before I knew what was happening. Here was this arrogant man, crushed to pieces yet still full of bluster - and he was hurting my friends! And yet, I knew that we couldn't let him go on alone. All I could think of was everyone's pain and loss and death, so much death ... I was crying.

I felt everyone's eyes on me as I buried my face in my hands. "No more! I've had enough!"

I was sobbing now, rough, large sobs full of everything that had gone wrong. I was crying for myself, and for my mother, and for this hard, horrible prince who had lost his people and his home and his parents ...

I fell to my knees, my face still hidden. "Edward ...Yang ...even Cid. We've lost them all." I choked on a sob, and then looked at Cecil. "Please." Then I looked at Prince Edge. "No more."

The Prince looked at me as if he saw me for the first time. The light in his eyes was gone, and I saw something surprising - he really did care, about his people, about his family. He was trying as hard as I was. He stared at me as if he could see into my soul. I suddenly became aware that my face was covered with tears; I flushed and then turned away, drying my face on my sleeve.

Cecil said quietly, "Prince. Rubicant is the strongest of the Four. But we must recover the crystals, no matter how hard the battle."

The Prince took one last desperate look at me and then shut his eyes. "I can't bear to see a pretty girl cry," he said. I was struck speechless. "Why don't we work together?"

Pretty girl?

Kain laughed suddenly. "He sure bluffs for a wounded man! Rosa, help him out?"

Rosa stepped forward from behind Cecil. She bowed her head in thought, then waved a hand toward the prince. I recognized a Cure spell, refreshing him. He stood.

"Great! Two babes in the party!" He gave Rosa a frisky wink, then reached his hand to me to help me stand. I stared at him, utterly confused. "Alright, then. Get a move on!"

For a moment I couldn't move. "I don't know about him," I said under my breath, then gathered up my belongings and followed. Pretty girl?

The Prince led us to the entrance to the Tower of Bab-Il easily; for all his talk, I could see that he really was trained in the arts of ninja. Not only that, but he was strong, and quick - and impetuous. When we reached the Tower he barreled his way through a wall rather than searching for a door. Impatient, I scolded to myself, pretending that the urge to fry the wall with a well-placed blast of lightning had not come to me at all.

As we walked through the Tower again, Edge seemed to be looking everywhere for - something. And as we crossed a small bridge, two figures approached, and I heard his voice questioning: "Mother? ...Father?"

"You're alright!" A woman - I guessed the Queen of Eblan - bent to Edge and embraced him.

Edge was smiling, radiantly happy; I couldn't help but notice that it lit up his face very well. "You're alive?"

The Queen nodded. "Come with us, Edge," she implored, and stretched out his hands.

"Yes," the King added. "We must go."

A small but of apprehension ran down my spine - or was it a bit of darkness?

"Where?" Edge cocked his head, confused.

Then suddenly I felt the air change, and I called out, but it was too late. The figures of the King and Queen burst open and from inside writhed two hideous, miserable monsters, steeped in Madness and dark magic. "TO HELL!" The Queen thundered, and took a swipe at Edge. The King called down fiery magic and struck his son full-force. Edge stumbled.

Cecil, Kain, and Rosa willingly entered battle, defending Edge as he stood, shocked, his face frozen. I couldn't move for a while; sluggishly I forced my feet to move and enter the fray. It was too similar to a battle in my own past. My own mother had been struck down in battle. How could I slay someone else's, even in protection?

But finally the beasts stopped, panting. "Edge?" the Queen whispered. "What's happening?"

Edge's face was wet with tears.

"We're no longer human ..." the King looked around. "We do not belong here."

"I'm so sorry, Edge," the Queen said, and reached out her hands again. Edge did not move.

"We must go," the King said. "Before we lose our minds again and ...hurt you ...more. Eblan ...lies in good hands, Edge."

Edge finally came to life as his father's figure disintegrated before his eyes: "NO! Please, don't go ..."

His mother bent forward slightly, then she, too, turned to dust. "I love you, Edge."

Edge fell to his knees. "I love you," he whispered. My heart turned over. I was going to cry, I knew it; I felt my mother, by my side, whispering, "I love you, Ryd darling ..."

But the light turned black suddenly and the fiery man stood before us once more. "Damn!" he said, and in his voice was genuine pity. "Lugae; how dare he?"

"Rubicant!" Edge's voice was as sharp as a blade. "You sick bastard. I will never forgive this!"

Rubicant bowed his head. "Lugae turned your parents into undead beasts on his own," he said. "I am sorry for that; I did not know. You don't understand - I want to fight fair."

"To hell with your self-righteous crap!" the prince shouted, as I was beginning to admire the cloaked man for his sentiment.

Rubicant laughed. "How brave; I admire your spirit. But you will never gain your full strength while you are blinded by such emotion."

"Shut up!" Edge yelled in his face. "I'll show you the power of anger!"

There was a blaze of power around him, and suddenly that strange not-magic he had used before flared to life; I felt it surrounding him, protecting him. Rubicant obviously sensed the same.

"Interesting," he said slowly. "But nothing can penetrate my Cloak of Flame - not even Ice."

Cecil stepped up beside the prince and dramatically unsheathed his blade. Kain fell in next to him on the other side, spear detached from his back. Rosa drew an arrow. I fell in behind Cecil and Edge, my own magic flaring.

Rubicant threw his arms wide, and I prepared myself for a massive hit - but unexpectedly, his power settled over us. "I will restore you to your full strength," he said wryly. "Do not disappoint me."

He was answered by a rush of power from Edge; the ninja had somehow channeled that odd strength into a flood, which washed over Rubicant and doused his flame. Cecil struck with his mighty blade; Kain leapt high into the air. Rosa fired her arrow and then readied a healing spell. I let loose a powerful blast of Ice that drew an admiring look from Edge.

It was a hard battle. Rubicant would draw his cloak around himself; when he did, any magic was absorbed by its fibres and turned into a healing spell. But eventually he had to emerge to strike back at us. We had to time everything right.

Finally, with a yell, Edge dove forward, blades gleaming and whirling. The attack pierced Rubicant through and he fell, his body crumbling to dust.

"I see," said his voice. "Even the small can join forces; you have defeated me as one. I admire you as Golbez surely will not. Farewell."

Edge dropped to his knees. "I've avenged you," he whispered. We all knew to whom he was speaking.

A movement behind us made us all turn, quickly, but then Edge ran forward. "Grandpa! Er ...Chamberlain?" He stopped before the old man, grinning foolishly. "Have you come from the caves?"

The man nodded. "Let us fight with you! Where is that Rubicant?"

Edge grinned. "It's over! We got him good!"

"Splendid, My Prince." The old man returned a caring smile, then directed it to the rest of us. "Many thanks to you as well."

"So." Edge turned around casually; he sent me a furtive glance, then looked at Cecil. "Who's this Golbez?'

"Rubicant's master," Kain said. "He is gathering the Crystals of the world to reach the moon."

"Why the moon?" Edge showed disbelief.

"There is some great power there," said Cecil.

"We have to stop him." Edge's eyes fell upon me as I spoke; I shivered. Perhaps it was just fear?

"So he's the mastermind ...I'm going with you." Edge's eyes dragged slowly away from mine; he planted his gaze firmly on Cecil.

"You Highness?" The old man was firm. "Eblan needs you. Now more than ever."

"Eblan ..." Edge bowed his head. "This is more important than Eblan. This is the world!"

"But -"

"Don't worry." Edge flashed him a smile. "Go home and take care of things. I'll be fine."

The Chamberlain stuttered for a second, then returned Edge's smile. "Sirs and Ladies - please take care of our Prince." Cecil nodded gravely.

"Good fortune, your Highness," one of the soldiers offered.

"Yeah," Edge said, and grinned. "You too."

The small party left, heading for the rift in the wall. Edge grinned and turned to me companionably. "Let's go smash up Golbez," he said cheerfully.

"We need to get the Crystals back first," I reminded him.

"Right. Whatever. Lead on!" he called to Cecil, and flashed me a smile.

As we continued, I stayed by his side, wanting to ask him about that strange power - the not-magic power - that he used. But as we entered the Crystal room, suddenly the entire floor shook and - gave way beneath us once again.

We did not fall as far this time, but it was still terrifying. I heard a grunt - I had, unfortunately, landed on top of Edge - and rolled to the side.

"Damn!" Edge groaned and was immediately hushed by Rosa. "That hurt!"

Kain peered upwards. "That was quite a fall," he said. "I think we're back in the Underground."

"Hey," Cecil said. Before us stood a long walkway. "What do you suppose ...?"

At the end of the walkway was an airship.

We all stood, not believing our luck. But Edge, incorrigible, shoved his way past and ran on board. "Hey!" he said. "Let's take this ship and get out of here!"

I looked at him, half angry, half serious. "That's stealing!"

"That's ok," Edge said. "I bet it likes us better than Golbez."

We climbed cautiously aboard the ship, Rosa voicing our thoughts; "What if it's another trap?"

"Ninja-boy would have found it already," Kain grumbled. Edge was, of course, running and prancing all over the deck like a true ass.

"Not bad, not bad," he said as we all finally boarded. "Let's call her ...the Falcon. What do you think, Rydia?"

I rolled my eyes at him. "Whatever."

"Let's go, Edge," Cecil reminded him gently. Edge grabbed the wheel and gave her power. "Go, Falcon!"

We didn't dare risk the unknown ship over the gleaming magma; Edge piloted it back to the Castle of the Dwarves. Therein, Cecil told the King the story of what had happened; Rubicant, the trap, and the Tower.

The King nodded. "Clever. He is trying to force open the Sealed Cave. You must go in and take it before he succeeds. Luca, darling - your necklace."

A figure stepped forwards - I realized suddenly that it was a little dwarf girl! - and handed her father a gleaming chain.

The King gave the chain to Cecil. "Take this. We must defend that crystal at all costs."

"And we will," Cecil said with a nod.

I was burning with excitement - I wanted to return to the Land of Summons, to prove my powers to Asura and Leviathan, and to show the glorious land of my home to everyone. But Rosa gently said: "We cannot fly our ship over the magma. How will we get there?"

One of the dwarves shrugged. "There is an engineer in our infirmary, lali," he said.

We ran downstairs and around the corner, throwing the door open to hear a familiar voice say: "Hey! Where's my food!"

"Cid!" I couldn't help myself; I ran to him, everyone else following.

"You're okay!" Rosa embraced him.

Kain's voice was astonished: "How in the world did you -?" Cid began to laugh.

Edge looked at me and then at Cecil. "Who's this old geezer?"

Cid choked abruptly on his laughter. "Geezer?" He turned to Cecil. "Who's this bratty punk?"

"Hey!" Edge stood up straight. "I'm Edge, the Prince of Eblan!"

Kain shrugged. "Don't mind him. He's a real winner."

Edge tossed his hair. "And brave, and handsome, and skilled."

I saw Cid roll his eyes. "Hey," I said to Edge. "Don't bother him - he's injured."

Cid laughed. "Ahh, Rydia's got you whipped, eh?" He winked at Edge, whose face turned bright red.

"Shut up!" Cid only laughed harder. I think my face was as bright as Edge's, though, because the Prince threw me a glance and I heard once again in my mind: She IS a pretty girl.

Cid turned to Cecil; it was hard for him to move himself in the bed, and I could see the remnants of burns and bruises all over his arms as he painfully lifted himself up. "What of Golbez?" he asked.

Cecil's face darkened. "We've defeated the last of the Four Fiends," he said slowly, "but he now has all but one of the crystals."

"We're to go after the last one," Rosa added, "but we have to find a way over the magma."

Cid sat up like a jolt. "Where's my baby?" he asked.

"The Enterprise is on the surface," Kain said, smiling. "We stole an enemy airship. But it can't fly over the magma."

"Damn!" Cid said feelingly, and then turned to us with a giant smile. "You're all hopeless without me!"

He threw himself from the bed; I must have gasped, for two dwarves ran to his side, protesting. But a fiery glance from the old man stopped them: "Shut up," Cid said, "and help me with the airship!"

He took the two dwarves and an unwilling Edge aboard the Falcon ("You keep sayin' she's your baby, you have to know how to care for her," the engineer told the protesting ninja; "Dammit," protested the ninja) and worked solid for hours. Finally he turned to us with a grand smile - and collapsed.

Rosa and the dwarves rushed him back to bed. He opened his eyes briefly and said: "Now you can ...fly over ...anything." And fell into sleep. The five of us poured extensive thanks over his sleeping body and took off in the airship.

Cecil cruised around the Underground for a while, searching for the proper cave. Giott would not tell us where it was; the cave was such a secret, even he did not know its exact location. Finally Rosa cried out - she'd spotted a cave on a small island surrounded by the glowing hot magma of the Underworld. Cecil landed the airship and we entered cautiously. As my eyes adjusted, I started. A feeling of recognition washed over me - the atmosphere, the scent, the air thick with the magic of beasts - it was all familiar -

"This is my Land," I whispered.

Cecil looked at me. "The what?"

I grinned then, ecstatic. "This is the Land of the Summoned Monsters! This is my homeland; er, this is where I grew up. Look, we should make our way through the caves and ask if the King and Queen have any advice."

I'm sure the smile on my face was what convinced them. Finally I was breathing the air of my homeland, my feet resting on somewhat familiar territory. But Kain took a step into the cave and hissed. "What is this ...madness?"

"Ah," I said. "These caves are horribly magnetic and laced with magic. And the floors are poisonous."

"The -what?" Edge gave me a look, and I could almost read his mind: This beauty came from a dumpy old cave like this?

"Never mind. There is a trick to all of it." I knelt and looked at it. "If only we could levitate ourselves..."

There was a flash of light, and I found myself floating softly over the ground.

Edge laughed and did a somersault. "Cool!" he looked at me. "Nice trick!"

I shrugged. "It wasn't me, dear," I said teasingly. Our eyes turned to Rosa, who was bobbing gently in mid-air, an innocent look on her face.

"It's just a little trick I picked up," she said sweetly.

We made our way through the caves cautiously; they were like a maze, and I could see how they would be a challenge. I, however, was led by some inner sense, some intuition or knowledge about where to find treasure and what path to choose. There were also monsters: large DarkTree, looming Malboro, the narrow, hissing Clapper. As the first of the Guardians reared up before us Cecil whispered hastily:

"Rydia - is it taboo to fight the monsters here?"

I smiled at his concern. "No. They are our Guardians. They merely come to defend the land - and test us."

So we fought and floated our way through the caves. Finally I could see the wooden stairs of the entranceway through the odd holes in the floor. I ran - ignoring the poison that pricked my feet - and threw myself on the gate that led me to my home -

It had changed.

I was instantly shocked and amazed and disappointed and relieved all at once. Half the town was gone. Castle Andirion was gone. Many of the monsters were gone. All that was left was a small semblance of civility: some shops, a few houses, an Inn and the old library. I had only a few seconds before Edge tumbled through the transport and knocked me down. A small beast came around the corner to see what the commotion was about, and started a new commotion as it saw me struggling out from under the ninja's weight. Soon many small monsters were gathered about me, greeting me, floating around my head and clinging to my arms. I was distracted at the changes in my Land by their laughter and stories.

The five of us roamed the town, the other four taking in the strange sight of Monsters living as humans and I myself reveling in the familiarity and comfort. Even if the majority of my majestic land had vanished. I had been gone, and time passed quickly here: eleven years in a few months...

We ended up in the library, where Cecil and Rosa delighted in the old lore-books Asura had read me once. Asura - what? I grinned suddenly and gestured to everyone, realizing how to find the two I was looking for. There had been an old secret connection to Castle Andirion that came out beneath the library -

I was right. I materialized in the secret room, the other four quick behind me. But it was no longer a tunnel; it had been turned into an eerie imitation of Andirion's Main Hall: cold and metallic, shining and forbidding. Before me stood two small monsters, obviously playing guard, and behind them were two shining thrones I knew well.

"Asura!" My voice was full of joy - and questions.

"Rydia, you've returned?" She looked at me in wonder. Leviathan did not speak and I suddenly was afraid.

What has happened? I asked Asura silently. Why is the castle gone? Why have all the monsters moved away? Who will help us now? Aren't you glad to see me? Come, let's go to the castle and have a dinner with my friends!

Rydia, hold! Asura's voice in my head was commanding, though not cruel. Do you not see that this is the time of your testing?

My eyes met hers suddenly. Of course. "Lady, we would have your help," I said, bravely.

She looked us all over with clear eyes. "I must test you first," she said.

"Tests?" Edge whispered. "Ryd, what kind of test? I'm not good at tests."

I turned around. "In order for a beast to pledge its summon, the summoner must meet it in battle. It's a test, so that the beast can judge the summoner worthy or not."

"But ...fighting? We have to fight them to get them to help?" Rosa was confused.

I nodded. "No monster would give its summon to anyone weak; it's a matter of pride. And battle - well, battle is a language that the monsters speak well."

"Wait," Cecil said. "So you mean ...you've fought ..."

I nodded. "Every monster I can call I have defeated with my own hands," I said simply. "That is the way of things."

I turned back to Asura. "We will accept the testing," I said softly. "Let us prepare."

"Wait," Cecil said again; I sighed. "You don't have to do this by yourself, do you?"

"Normally I would," I said. "But Leviathan knows that we travel together. Are you all ready? She will not be easy on any of us ...most of all, me."

As we lined up for battle, fastening shields and tightening bowstrings, I racked my brain for knowledge of what sort of fight Asura would put up. She was capable of anything, I knew. But I knew she was the goddess of knowledge here in the Underworld, and for some reason that stuck with me. Knowledge. She knew much of war, yes. But her main practice was her healing; she had spent centuries studying life. And my intuition told me that this was how she would spend her time in battle; we would summon her for healing, and so when we faced her, we would face ...the wrath of her healing powers? Somehow that did not seem right to me.

The battle began, and I quickly saw what was on the Queen's mind: every hit we made, every spell cast, she simply healed herself from her deep reservoir and continued to beat us. Her faces spun in circles. I racked my brain, knowing that honestly this was my fight ...

A wash of healing fell over me; Rosa had summoned up a Cure spell to keep us safe. And it hit me. I rushed to her side and whispered in her ear: "Can you cast up a reflecting wall?"

She nodded. "On whom?"

"Asura."

From there the battle was easy. All of Asura's healing power was reflected back on to us, and we continued to bang away at her until, at last, her monster form faded - and the woman I knew stood before us once again.

"Rydia, you truly have brave friends. Summon me at will."

A rush went over my body. Asura. I could summon Asura. It was like being able to summon my own mother, or a goddess. It makes you feel like the most important person in the world. I felt her voice deep down within, teaching me the secret word that would allow me to pull her out of the Underground at my beck and call. I could not believe it.

And then the unbelievable continued to happen: Asura said to us kindly, "Now that you have defeated me, you have the right to challenge the King."

The King himself stepped forth, and the magic around him shone like a dark robe, and we all felt his power. "You have defeated Asura, which has not been done in centuries." I gasped, and then smiled. "You are strong and wise - but before I pledge you my summon, I must determine that in you is the strength of righteousness. We must do battle so that I can determine the strength of your will, not just your bodies. Do you accept?"

I glanced around. Eyes were bright and fierce; everyone knew what our chances would be with Leviathan on our side. "Yes," I said simply.

This battle had no trick. It was simply hard work. Leviathan's sea-powers raged over us as I fought to summon up lightning; I had not yet reached the third level of magic - dammit! - but Edge and I poured thunder upon the snake while Cecil and Kain struck it. Rosa healed us continuously, for the onslaught was fierce. But eventually my spell drove home and the snake turned to dust, revealing the tall, blue-eyed, ageless king. He was smiling.

"Truly," he said, bowing to Cecil, "you all have the power of Light."

Then he turned to me, and I could not help but smile. This was - this was the day that - I had secretly dreamed about my whole life. "And you," he said. "You are most powerful, Lady. I am the King of the Summons - and I will serve you."

I fell to my knees; I couldn't help it, really. He bent over me and whispered straight into my soul the key I needed to summon him.

We did not linger long. I promised to Asura and Leviathan that I would return when everything was over; I knew, somehow, that they had given us all the help they could give. We bought ourselves some of the monster weapons - Rosa particularly liked their arrows - and then slipped down to the secret tile to avoid the caves.

Back on the ship, I collapsed on the nearest bench. Kain stood before me, though, peering down like he disapproved. "Those had better prove useful," he said slowly, "For we have lost much time."

"I am not so sure of that," I said sharply. "Time is much different in the Land than here; we have lost an hour, maybe more. And I assure you, Sir Dragoon, that the King and Queen of Monsters will certainly be useful!"

And with that I retreated below decks to celebrate with myself.

The next cave Rosa's archer-eyes spotted had the same trap-like floor as the Land of Summons; we ventured in the maze and were lost immediately. Random treasures spotted the cave, but the beasts were fierce. Finally we came to the bottom of the cave to find - a house? A small, quaint wooden house with - curtains? And a mat?

Bemused, we stepped into the house to find a nice, tidy kitchen and a bed. And in the bed was a man who looked very familiar -

"Yang?" Cecil cried out and ran toward the bed.

There was a rush in the air; a sparkle and a very strong breeze, and then four sprite-like creatures appeared in the air. Together, they pushed Cecil back, away from the bed. Their voices were like birds, or small children.

"No! We won't let you have Yang!"

The commotion woke Yang up, and he groaned and sat up slowly. Two of the creatures flew to the bed to keep him still while the other two looked at us fiercely.

"We found him! We saved him! He's our friend!"

Yang had sat, slowly (with the help of the two fairies) and looked at us. "My," he said. "Cecil?"

Cecil finally noticed how truly weak he was - burns all over his flesh, and bruises, though all seemed to be mending well. "Yang..."

One of the sprites lighted in front of me suddenly and tapped me on the nose. I jumped about a foot, but when I squinted my eyes it was gone - whispering something in its friend's ear ...

"He is weak, he cannot move," the little creatures continued. "We will care for Yang."

Cecil looked at Yang and then slowly nodded. "Yang, perhaps you should stay here."

"I cannot rest while ...you are ...fighting," he said, but the words took much effort.

"Rest a little while longer," Rosa said. "You must think of yourself now."

The creatures gathered together in front of the bed, all four of them, and we wondered what sort of attack this would be. But they turned - and rested their eyes on me.

"We will fight for Yang." I gaped. "Your summoner can call upon us any time."

"What?" Yang, from the bed.

I tilted my head. What are you? I asked slowly.

The chattering in my brain almost blew me away. We are the Sylphs, and this is our cave. We will fight for Yang! This is our word, summoner, keep it well. We can come to your aid any time. We are like the wind, a healing wind. Remember us in battle! We will fight like Yang too!

I smiled at the good-natured spirits. And knowing we could do no more, we bid farewell to Yang - who had fallen asleep - and left.

Back on the airship, Kain sighed loudly.

"Two caves we have tried, and neither one works." He shifted. "Our summoner is gaining tricks - but we are losing time!"

Cecil was back at the wheel; Rosa's sharp eyes were peering over the side. "Perhaps we are not as hurried as you think, Kain," he said slowly.

Kain was irritated. I knew he did not have much time for magic - he did not know - but I sensed a dark, foul mood over him. I resolved to get out of his way. Instead, I thought, I will sit somewhere peaceful, and work on my studies. I had been so frustrated at not being able to call upon the third quanta of magic before.

I tucked myself into a corner and let my mind go. I thought with the wind, with the air around me, and the feel of the earth far, far below. This was the way I had always studied; communion with the elements one is about to call forth always led to a stronger, well, punch when the said elements were called forth. I felt something, tickling in the back of my mind, and I knew it would be soon.

Finally, Rosa spotted one last cave. We landed the ship and approached. There was a short tunnel, then a grand doorway with markings: Hold the Key to Unbind the Seal...

"Yes," Kain whispered, "finally."

Cecil pressed Luca's necklace to the doors; there was a flash of light, and the doors slowly, ponderously, swung open.