Chapter 17: Qu's Marsh

We had been traveling through the Mist for a few hours; heading for Gizamaluke's Grotto. We were halfway there when we spotted a marsh. Zidane stopped the group here. "Dagger could be in that marsh…let's check it out."

Freya didn't like the idea. "Zidane, we have to get to Gizamaluke's Grotto."

Zidane turned to her "I know, but we also need to rest. Besides, it's not like it's out of the way of where were heading."

Freya sighed in resignation, "Fine."


We made our way to the marsh. While we were walking I couldn't help but think. 'Now were going to meet one of the oddest characters in the game.'

We entered the marsh and began looking around. It was difficult to navigate through the tall grass. There was no set path like there was in the game, and I only had a vague idea of which direction to go.


Eventually, we made our way to a frog pond. That's when we heard something running our way. We all turned to see a strange creature chasing a frog…and it was coming right at US! We all quickly dove out of the way just as the creature reached us.

We all managed to dodge in time. We watched as the creature continued to chase the frog. Eventually, the frog jumped into the pond and managed to escape the creature. The creature looked down to the ground. "So hungry" I heard it say.

That's when a frog hopped right into my arms. I caught the frog and knew what I had to do. I walked over to the creature.

It looked up at me and then looked at the frog in my hand. Its eyes widened "you got frog! Frogs very good! Mmmm!" it said, liking its lips and face.

The creature had an odd voice with a slight accent that I couldn't quite place. Judging from the voice I took a guess that it was female. She had a very strange appearance; one you could only see to believe. She also had on some of the oddest cloths I have ever seen; a big pink gown with an apron and a chef's hat.

I looked at her in an odd way "who are you?" I asked.

She responded "me Quina." The others joined me at my side.

I looked at Quina "so, Quina…do you want this frog?" I asked, holding up the frog. Quina's eyes widened again. She nodded her head, eagerly.

"Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!" she said, liking her face again. I had an uneasy look on my face

"…Okay…here" I said, handing her the frog.

She took it eagerly. "Mine, Mine!" she said, and devoured the frog whole.

My eyes widened at this. 'The poor frog' I thought as Quina licked her face again.

That's when I heard another voice across the pond. "You pathetic, Quina. Can't even feed yourself."

It wore cloths similar to Quina's except its chef's hat was taller. It had the same voice as Quina, except it sounded male. He spoke again "travelers come… you too, Quina" he said, motioning to us. Quina immediately began walking across the bridge to join the other Qu.

Zidane spoke. "Well…let's follow them." We all nodded our heads in agreement.


We followed the two to a large wooden hut suspended over the marsh. We entered the hut, following Quina. That's when the other Qu spoke again, addressing Quina. "Can't master art of eating by chasing frogs, Quina" he said.

"But, Master Quale, frogs very good! Frogs here best! Better than Alexandria's." she said, trying to reason with Quale.

Quale looked disappointed "Quina, you in darkness. Need some light. World big place. Many many foods. Alexandria just one kingdom. You need go out more, eat other food."

Quina looked worried. "Go out into world...? Sound scary. Are there yummier frogs outside?" she asked.

Quale looked frustrated. "Of course! Many good frogs! All Qus love frogs best. Eating frogs is key to growth. Qu marshes exist all over world. Go eat frogs in other marshes. I promise you get much learning."

He turned to face us. "Travelers, please show Quina the world. Anywhere with food good."

Zidane looked shocked. "You want us to take her with us?" he asked, Quale nodded his head.

I spoke, "We could use the extra help, Zidane. This Qu could prove helpful."

Zidane shrugged his shoulders. "Why not."

Quina looked happy at this news. "Will I find yummier frogs outside?"

Zidane responded, "There is plenty of stuff in the world that tastes better than frogs."

Quina looked surprised at this "really really! Okay, I go with you." she said, excited. All of us looked down at the ground, wondering just what we had gotten ourselves into.


We exited the hut, but I sensed that one of us was hesitating. I turned back and saw Vivi standing just inside the door looking back over at Quale. I walked back over to him "Vivi…you okay?" I asked.

He turned to look at me, "I'm okay…it's just that that guy looks just like my grandpa."

I looked surprised. "You're grandfather was a Qu?"

Vivi nodded his head. "Yeah…maybe he knows my grandpa. I'm gonna go talk to him, Michael." he said, and turned around back into the hut. I turned to the others and signaled for them to wait.


I entered the hut after Vivi. I made it in time to hear Vivi's first question "do you know a man named Quan?" I noticed Quale's eyes widen in alarm.

He quickly regained his composure "…I not know that bigot!" he said, loudly.

Vivi continued "Grandpa Quan was a bit strange, but…how do you know him?"

Quale looked uncomfortable "I-I no can answer."

Vivi tried something else "Grandpa Quan looks exactly like you, Mr. Quale…" he paused.

Quale didn't seem too uncomfortable now "of course. We from same tribe."

Vivi didn't say anything else, so I decided to ask "you really don't know Quan?"

Quale finally lost his temper. "No! I not know this Quan!" he yelled.

I looked at him "honestly…?" I asked. I could tell by the look in his eyes and by his actions that he was obviously lying to us, but I decided not to push the matter. I looked away "that's too bad…" I paused. I turned to Vivi. "Come on, Vivi. Let's go. The others are waiting." Vivi nodded and we turned to leave.

When we reached the door I sensed that Vivi had stopped to look back at Quale. I waited at the door for him, patiently. After a few seconds I heard him walk towards me again. We both exited the hut and regrouped with the others.


Before we left the marsh I hung back with Vivi. I looked down at him, he was lost in thought. I decided to speak. "You knew he was lying to us, didn't you?" Vivi looked up at me, startled that I had interrupted his thoughts.

He quickly regained his composure. "Y-yeah I know, but why did he lie to us?"

I continued to look at him. "He probably has his reasons, but don't worry, Vivi. I have a feeling that all will be revealed in time" I said, reassuringly.

Vivi nodded his head in understanding "okay."

We were interrupted by Zidane's voice. "Vivi! Michael! Pick up the pace you two!"

I looked up and noticed that the others were about 100 feet away from us. Realizing we were holding them up, Vivi and I began to run. We were stopped when a huge frog jumped out at us from the tall grass. I immediately unsheathed my normal sword. It was time to fight.


Vivi quickly cast a thunder spell on the frog, frying it. The frog was still alive, however, and moved to attack Vivi. I got in front of Vivi and prepared to execute a "Ryu Sou Sen" when the frog suddenly stopped. I didn't know why the frog had stopped, but I soon saw the reason.

Quina was devouring the frog; feet first. Vivi and I watched in shock as Quina slowly consumed our opponent. Once she was done she licked her face again "taste good" she said with satisfaction. Vivi and I were still starring at her, and I noticed the others were, too.


Vivi spoke "how did you-" I slowly placed my hand on his shoulder, cutting him off. He looked up at me and I shook my head, implying that he not ask. Vivi nodded his head in understanding. The battle was over.

After that event we exited the marsh and approached Gizamaluke's Grotto. We arrived at the entrance, and were shocked. Freya was the first to speak up "oh my god…"