CHAPTER EIGHT: LOOMING CONFLICTS or ENTER THE HATCHLING

The sun rose over the Treetop City of Kelethin, in one section of the city was a cluster of houses that remained silent. In one lay a woman with a pink hood sleeping, a sleep which was about to be disturbed.

It was lucky that it was able to get this far just by crawling. It crawled into the room where a woman lay sleeping soundly. The being crawled to where sheets where touching the floor. It grabbed the sheets and pulled! However the sheets fell on top of it and it gave a high pitched wail.

Yuna shot up of bed and looked around, the sheets where gone and on the floor. She looked at the clump and thought she saw something moving. Yuna also heard crying she lifted the sheets aware for anything. She pulled up the sheets and saw.. An iksar hatchling! Iksars are lizard type of creatures on Norrath, this one was a baby. It sniffled as it sucked its thumb tears streaking down its face.

"What are you doing here?" Yuna asked it. It looked at Yuna and held out its arms. Yuna picked it up; the hatchling pulled gently on Yuna's long braid. Yuna looked up as Lenne came in, she saw the hatchling and Yuna filled her in. Lenne went to the hatchling who looked at her but found his own tail more interesting as he tried to put that in his mouth.

"Seems to be harmless enough." Lenne giggled. "Still think he should be traveling with us of all people?" Yuna sighed she knew Lenne was right, as cute as it was traveling with them would be putting it in constant danger. Yuna cast another look at the hatchling, which now decided to see how his toes tasted.

"If we were on Spira we could at least leave it with Rikku." Yuna said. "Here, however I don't know anyone who could watch it. Taking it with us is out of the question." Yuna heard someone come in she looked up and it was Katejina followed by Willowcroft and Marjorie. Yuna filled them in on the hatchling.

"So this is a hatchling?" Katejina asked kneeling down before it. It stopped trying to eat it toes and held its arms out to Katejina. Katejina looked confused. Marjorie went to the hatchling and picked it up.

"It wanted to be held Katey." She stated. She looked at the hatchling and thought

'I used to hold Jaris like this. Will I ever see you again dear brother?' A tear ran down her cheek. The hatchling dried the tear and gave her a small grin. Marjorie smiled and looked at her friends.

"I know someone in the Plane of Knowledge who might take care of our little friend." Willowcroft stated.

"Who?" Yuna asked.

"Name is Ssorsha, she an iksar who I helped out not too long ago." Willowcroft stated. Yuna thought Plane of Knowledge, she then remembered.

"We have to meet Shaden there in a few days!" she blurted out. "Something about the doggie bank." Willowcroft nodded.

"Well I know Zazha and Relanna left earlier to see someone there. Angelnica left late last night." Willowcroft said. "I assume I can trust you all to behave until I pick you up in a few days when I return?"

"We'll do our best." Yuna said with a small smile. Willowcroft nodded as she was encircled in leaves and left.

Yuna turned to her friends. Tifa was still asleep, Yuna knew something had to be done about Tifa's lost memory but she wasn't sure what.

"Yuna?" Lenne asked.

"Huh?" she responded.

"I think I might know a way to help Tifa." Lenne said. "One of my song it helps awaken memories. It should help Tifa."

"Thinks that a good idea?" Katejina asked. "We all know Tifa doesn't have the happiest memories. What if she reacts negatively?"

"I think your too gloom and doom at times." Yuna replied. "I thought you would be for this not against it."

"Don't come crying to me when she resists then." Katejina snorted. Yuna sighed as she left with Lenne.

"That was new." Lenne said after they left. "Pretty soon you'll be standing up Shara even more." Yuna said nothing as they reached where Tifa spent the night. Tifa was outside sitting there, she noticed Yuna and Lenne.

"Remember anymore?" Yuna asked. Tifa shook her head as she got up and opened the door.

"Come on in." she invited. Yuna and Lenne came in.

"Tifa." Yuna said. "Lenne thinks she might have a way to help you. But you have to trust her ok?" Tifa looked unsure.

"Will it hurt?" she asked.

"It shouldn't Tifa." Lenne assured here. "Yuna will be right here with you." Tifa blinked and nodded.

"What do I need to do?" she asked.

"Just sit and I'll do the rest." Lenne said. Tifa nodded. Lenne placed her hands on Tifa's forehead and hummed. Yuna watched Tifa squirmed, Yuna had to stop herself from pulling Tifa away. Tifa squirmed more violently as memories flooded her. With a scream she burst free and sent Lenne flying with a kick to the stomach! Lenne laid still Yuna looked at her surprised. Tifa darted out the door Yuna in pursuit. Yuna grabbed her arm.

"Stop!" she ordered.

"Let go of me!" she cried. "Don't come near me!"

"Tifa…" Yuna started.

"Leave me alone whoever you are!" Tifa snapped. "You lied to me! You said you're my friends! What kind of friends make you suffer?" Yuna reached for Tifa but Tifa ran off. Yuna followed fast as she could. She saw Tifa ahead of her reach a railing, Yuna near her Tifa saw her and she jumped! Yuna looked Tifa landed on her feet and ran off. Yuna got ready to follow but felt herself get grabbed. She turned around. It was Marjorie.

"Let go!" she cried.

"So you can hurt Tifa?" she asked her voice harsh.

"It's not like that!" Yuna protested.

"I don't care what it's like!" Marjorie snarled. "Katey TOLD you to not do it and you ignored her!"

"I don't have time for this!" Yuna cried as she tried to leave, she then felt herself pulled back by Marjorie who then placed a hand on Yuna's throat!

"You've done enough!" Marjorie growled. "In case you forgot you also have an unconscious friend!" Yuna nodded, Marjorie released the grip on her throat but the vice like grip on Yuna's arm remained. Yuna was lead to where Lenne was, the hatchling touching her trying to wake her up. Yuna went to Lenne's side and healed her injured friend. Lenne awoke with a moan and she clutched her stomach.

"What happened?" she asked.

"Tifa resisted whatever the hell you tried to do." Marjorie pointed out angrily.

"We only wanted to help her." Yuna said.

"I know." Marjorie said her voice not as harsh "But you still should have listened to Katey. Right now Tifa is out there scared. Katey knew she would react like this somehow."

"So all we can do is stay back and wait?" Yuna asked. Marjorie nodded as she again picked up the hatchling who again was trying to eat his own tail. With no other option they waited.

Tifa ran as fast as her feet could take her. Her panic stricken mind raced with thoughts.

'How could they do this to me? Lie to me say they are my friend then hurt me like this?' Tifa thought. 'I have to get away from them far far away from them!' She stopped short as she saw someone. She was unarmed but Katejina approached Tifa. Tifa backed away frightened beyond all belief.

"Don't be afraid." Katejina comforted. "No one wanted to hurt you."

"How can you say that?" Tifa hissed. "I don't know who I am! These people who call themselves my friends make it worse! How can you defend them?"

"I can because I know them." Katejina responded her voice calm and even. "Like I know you Tifa, I know you're afraid but please trust them."

"I'm just so scared." Tifa whimpered.

"I know you are." Katejina purred. "We can help you Tifa, please put trust in us." Tifa looked at Katejina uncertain. Katejina approached Tifa and extended her hand. Tifa took it with a small smile. Katejina lead her back to Kelethin to where her friends where.

Yuna looked up as the door opened, she saw Katejina, and behind her was Tifa! Tifa managed a meek smile.

"Yuna, Lenne." She said softly. "I'm sorry for running off before, but I think I am ready."

"Just trust me Tifa." Lenne told her. "I promise you will be ok." Tifa nodded as she sat down. She felt Yuna take one hand and Katejina take another hand. Katejina smiled at her and she noticed the smile from Marjorie who stood near the door. Lenne knelt before Tifa and placed her hands on her forehead. Lenne hummed, Tifa began to struggle but stopped.

Tifa, Marjorie and Katejina all watched with bated breath in reality it was only minutes but to them it seemed like an eternity or maybe even longer. Finally Lenne's humming stopped and Lenne slumped to the ground and Tifa slumped against Yuna's shoulder.

"Is she?" Yuna asked. Katejina shook her head as she took Tifa in her arms.

"She's asleep." Katejina told her. "This whole thing exhausted her. I'll take her to where she's been staying." Yuna nodded and went to Lenne who was waking up. It was clear to see how spent Lenne was as well.

"Tifa?" she asked weakly.

"Sleeping." Yuna responded. "You should too Lenne, you look awful." Lenne offered no argument and leaned on her friend for support. Yuna lead her to where she was staying and placed her in bed. Lenne was asleep as soon as she hit the bed. Yuna went to where Tifa stayed, she saw Tifa in bed sleeping soundly, Katejina came out, she smiled at Yuna as she lead her away to let Tifa rest.

"Thank you." Yuna said after they where a safe distance away. "I'm sorry I should have listened to you."

"Yes." Katejina said. "However no harm came of this. Tifa was able to be consoled into returning."

"You've taken a liking to her haven't you?" Yuna asked. "The way you helped her when she had no memories" Katejina chuckled.

"I guess you can say I've taken a shine to her." She admitted. "You humans have a saying don't you? Opposites attract I believe it is?" Yuna nodded.

"It's based on the fact that people who have nothing in common have more in common than they originally think." Yuna stated. "It creates a bond I guess."

"Have you experienced it?" Katejina asked. Yuna thought a minute.

"Yes." She responded. "Thinking back Tidus and I where complete opposites. He was bold and outgoing and I was timid and reserved. So I suppose it's no surprise you and Tifa became friends." Katejina said nothing but she turned to return to where Tifa stayed.

"You're going to be there for here when she awakens?" Yuna asked. Katejina smiled but said nothing. Together they went to where Tifa stayed. They stayed there through the night.

Morning rose in Kelethin, in one house three women where there, one leaned against the wall, another lay on the hard floor next to the bed. In the bed Tifa awoke, she sat up and looked down Yuna lay there she was on her stomach sleeping. She shook her gently.

"Wake up Yunie." She whispered. Yuna sighed as she awoke, she noticed Tifa who sat up in bed and smiled at her.

"You know who I am?" Yuna asked.

"Of course I do silly." Tifa giggled. "Your Yuna, you're my friend….. wait a minute. Where's RIM!"

"She's ok." Yuna said. "You tried to save her, but….you got attacked by a band of warriors and left for dead….. you where found and friends brought you here… it was hard but someone healed you but you lost your memory…. Last night… after some trouble Lenne was able to help you." Tifa blinked she shook her head as if trying to absorb what she had just heard.

"I remember." She whispered softly looking at her friend. "Oh Yunie I remember being scared of you thinking as if you tried to hurt me. I'm so sorry."

"It's ok Tifa." Yuna responded gently. "All that matters now is your yourself. You have Katejina to thank mostly for that she convinced you to come back." Tifa looked at Katejina the Viera was leaning in a corner she looked asleep but she could never tell.

"Is Lenne ok?" Tifa asked.

"I think so she was just tired after doing what she did." Yuna replied. "I'll go check on her though if that's ok."

"It's fine Yunie." Tifa said with a smile. "I'm ok." Yuna left with a smile. Tifa looked at Katejina who lifted her head and looked at Tifa.

"Like what you heard?" Tifa asked. "Is the art of a private conversation lost among Viera's?"

"Yep you have your memory back." Katejina sighed. Tifa smiled at Katejina.

"I have you to thank for that." She reminded her.

"You're a friend." She replied simply. Tifa shook her head.

"You see something in me." She said. "Do I remind you of someone?" Katejina looked at Tifa awhile before finally nodding.

"You do." She whispered. Tifa looked at Katejina.

"What was the person like, what was their name?" Tifa asked.

"It doesn't matter." Katejina said softly. "She died several years ago, no need to bring her up."

"Kate." Tifa said. "Please, I'm your friend." Katejina sighed as she looked out the window a moment then she looked at Tifa.

"When I was at the orphanage, I met a human named Sarba." Katejina started. "She was always in bed, when I asked I was told she was sick that she couldn't play with the other children. It hurt her so much not to be able to play, for some reason I still can't put my finger on I took it upon myself to try and… be her friend. We became friends and I was taken by surprise how loving and caring and how optimistic she was. Soon she was put into the care of a hospice, to make peace with herself. I was released from the Orphanage soon after. I had an easy time finding where she was kept. She seemed to be doing better and I was glad. About that time is when Marche showed up I joined clan Nutsy. I told Sarba this and she was overjoyed for me. I promised to visit her after I was done with the clan. I kept true to my word. When I returned she still seemed all right but very, very tired, the nurses told me she just tired herself out fighting this sickness. She still lit the room when she smiled when she saw me, yet she knew her end was near. She asked me to stay with her until she left. I agreed, I sat with her and recalled my adventures. She smiled and asked to see the stars once more. The nurses agreed and I took her out to see them one last time. She admired how beautiful they where and drifted to sleep in my arms. I brought her back in and placed her in bed, knowing I would never see her awake again. You see after she drifted to sleep her heart simply stopped beating. She died peacefully in her sleep. She died happy, I told the nurses this and simply left afterwards. I've have this feeling though that she always stayed with me no matter what happened."

"Katejina, that's life." Tifa said. "People die, the pain is great when someone you care for dies. I think now though that Sarba is looking upon you and happy, happy your opening your heart to others like you did to her." Katejina smiled as she went to Tifa's bedside.

"You ready to get up?" she asked. Tifa nodded as she got out of bed. "You're a good friend, Yuna was right about that."

"You are too Kate." Tifa replied. The Viera simply smiled as the two took a walk about Kelethin.

Yuna went into where Lenne was, the songstress was still sleeping the hatchling was curled up on the floor. Yuna wondered how they would care for it. They had no baby food anything else of that manner. Yuna heard someone come in, she whirled on her heels to face the intruder.

"My yer a skittish one aren't you lass?" she asked. "My I ask what ya are doin in my house?" The woman was small in stature Yuna could help but notice her hairy feet. Her hair was done in rolls. Yuna had heard Shaden talk about them she called them halflings.

"I'm sorry," Yuna apologized. "Our friend Willowcroft let us stay here we had no idea it was your house."

"Ah Willow." She said. "A good friend o mine. Well any friends of hers are friends of mine. Speaking of friends, why do you have a baby iksar with you?"

"We found him." Yuna said. "We however don't have anything to take care of him with. We weren't expecting to find him." The halfling looked at the hatchling who was now awake and playing with his toes.

"I can take care o him until you find a place for him." She offered.

"Willowcroft mentioned someone named Ssorsha." Yuna said "We are supposed to meet her in Plane of Knowledge in a few days." They turned as Lenne awoke, she was filled in.

"Oh by ways of introduction I am Lillady." The halfling said. "I must have a word with Willow she knows I love the wee ones. We should get going."

"But I thought you lived here." Yuna protested.

"Well this is more like a secondary house for me." Lillady said. "Get the little one and follow me." Yuna went to pick up the hatchling but as soon as she did the hatchling began to wail.

"Oh don't cry!" Yuna begged. "you like me remember?" the hatchling continued to cry.

"Ach the wee one is cranky." Lillady commented. Lenne went to Yuna.

"May I take him?" she asked. Yuna nodded and handed him to Lenne. Lenne began to hum gently sure enough the hatchling calmed down he sucked his thumb.

"Amazing." Lillady said breathlessly. "come now before he remembers he's upset." They followed her to a big house with a gray dog waiting he wagged his tail and pranced around in front of Lillady.

"He's your dog?" Yuna asked.

"Well the young ones I keep here take a shining to him." Lillday explained. "Let me get this one a change of diapers and some milk. Feel free to look around." Lenne looked around the hatchling's eyes fixatated on the puppy. Lenne carried him to the puppy, Yuna joined them. The hatchling started to stroke the puppies' fur but quickly grabbed it! The puppy let out a surprised yelp which scared the hatchling a moment.

"Don't be too rough." Yuna told the hatchling. "pet him like this." Yuna gently pet the puppy. The hatchling did the same gently and giggled. Lenne watched this in silent admiration of her friend.

'She handles herself so well.' Lenne thought. 'Like nothing in these combined worlds can get her down for long. We are like each other in so many ways yet different as well. Shaden was right we can learn from each other. More importantly we can all learn from Yuna'

Lillady came back with a bottle and a bag. She careful changed the diaper of the hatchling and put him in a fresh one complete with a hole for his tail. The hatchling babbled happily as he took the bottle and drank from it. Lillady watched to make sure he didn't drop it. After the hatchling was finished and burped he started to drift to sleep. Lillady placed him in a special bed.

"Now then, what can I do to help ye ladies?" she asked. "You know how to get to the Plane of Knowledge ok?" Yuna thought a moment, in all truth she had no clue where it was.

"Well…" she started. "We could use a guide. We don't know this place at all. We where kind of dropped here"

"Well." Lillady said. "I'll look after this wee one, I have a young student she's out now but if you return or wait a little bit and she should be here. She can guide you if you wish."

"I would be grateful." Yuna said with a small bow. Then she and Lenne left to tell the others.

After they left the house Yuna and Lenne stopped. Lenne read Yuna's expression.

"Something amiss?" she asked. "You have that look."

"You seen Rimoru anywhere?" Yuna asked. "I haven't seen her and I'm a little concerned."

"Ok I'll let you find her then, it will help put your mind at ease." Lenne said. "I'll tell the others." Yuna nodded and went off.

She thought to look where she found her the last time they spoke. She wasn't there, Yuna sighed as she went back into the treetop city. Yuna saw a flash of black hair, she followed it, and there sure enough was Rimoru, taking a stroll. She looked back and saw Yuna.

"Hi." She said. "Looking for me?"

"Yes." Yuna said. "I was worried, I haven't seen you since we had our talk. I wanted to be sure you where ok."

"I'm fine Yuna." Rimoru assured her. "I simply have a lot on my mind, and I wanted to sort it out before bothering anyone."

"It will be ok." Yuna comforted. Rimoru said nothing she simply stood up and was set to leave.

"Well we might go to that Plane of Knowledge place today." Yuna said. Rimoru nodded and followed Yuna. Yuna could feel the tension from the young priestess. She couldn't blame her, but she had to be optimistic. She only hoped she wasn't fooling herself in the process.

Tifa and Katejina had finished their walk around Kelethin, it was obvious the bond between them was growing stronger. Tifa was finally able to trust Katejina something she always wanted to do but was never able to do. Katejina was finally accepting Tifa's good mannered but sometimes irritating prying. When they came back they encountered Marjorie who was talking to Lenne. Lenne saw them and filled them in as well.

"Well when do we leave?" Tifa asked.

"As soon as we are all ready I suppose." Lenne said. "I know Yuna went to find Rimoru."

"Is Rim ok?" Tifa asked.

"She claims to be." Lenne said. "She acts different though. Very unlike herself now it's almost like she wants to avoid people."

"This is my fault." Tifa said softly shaking her head. "If I didn't have to be such a hero she would be fine."

"Well if being held captive is considered being fine." Katejina stated sarcastically.

"I should talk to her." Tifa said. Lenne nodded and lead the way Tifa by her side. Katejina walked with Marjorie.

"You stayed quiet." Katejina commented.

"You know I don't like that subject Katey." Marjorie responded.

"Yes." Katejina returned. "It was just unlike you is all I am saying. No need for further explanation." Marjorie smiled.

"Thanks Katey." She said. Katejina nodded as they continued to where Lenne lead them. It was a large house almost too big for the platform it stood on.

Rimoru was outside, Yuna was inside. Tifa waited for the other three to go in. Lenne smiled at her as she went inside. Tifa went to Rimoru's side.

"Rim?" she asked. Rimoru looked at Tifa.

"Yes?" she replied.

"You ok?" Tifa asked. Rimoru nodded and went to walk in but faltered in step. Tifa put a hand on her shoulder and tried to lead her away. Rimoru then leaned into Tifa with a sob! Rimoru sobbed she had been strong for too long she needed this she needed to let it out. Thankfully Tifa said nothing and let the teenager cry.

'Poor girl.' Tifa thought. 'After all she saw and thinking that I was dead how can I or anyone fault her for this? How long has she kept all this inside of her'

"It was horrible!" Rimoru said between sobs.

"I know." Tifa whispered. "I'm so sorry Rim." Tifa held Rimoru close to her. Everything went full circle, Yuna and Lenne did this for her now she's doing it for Rimoru and in a way Katejina. "Everything will be ok." Tifa purred trying to calm the priestess. Rimoru looked at her, her tear streaked face still held the innocence it had when they first met her.

"Yuna told me the same thing." Rimoru said drying the tears. "I still have this feeling nagging at me though."

"All that matters is we try, no matter what the outcome is." Tifa assured her. "Hopefully we'll come out on top." Rimoru nodded.

"Thank you Tifa." Rimoru said. Tifa nodded with a smile as she and Rimoru entered the house together.

Yuna looked up as Tifa and Rimoru came in. Tifa saw the hatchling it was sleeping in the crib Lillady put it in. The happy wagging tail of the puppy greeted Tifa.

"Hi there." Tifa said. The puppy wagged its tail some more. Tifa giggled as she pet the puppy. Encouraged the puppy tried to climb into Tifa's lap she giggled as she gentle pushed him off.

"Speaking of puppies." Lenne noted. "Where has Kremis gone too?"

"Don't worry Lenne." Yuna comforted. "I'm sure he's safe over in Ivalice. We'll find him as soon as we are finished here." Lenne nodded more assured.

"So who are we waiting for?" Katejina asked.

"A young student of mine." Lillady said. "Woodelf, name is Tamiril, good heart but terribly absent minded at times." They looked up as a shadow came over them. In the entrance stood a slender woman, her long brownish red hair nearly covered her pointed ears. She was clad in brown leather armor with a bow slung over her shoulder she also had on a brown choker.

"Ach your late Tamiril." Lillady admonished.

"Sorry." Tamiril apologized. "got caught up in the bazaar over in Luclin." Lillady sighed.

"If you would be so kind can you escort these people to the doggie bank" Lillady ordered.

"Doggie?" Tamaril asked.

"The small one in the Plane of Knowledge." Lillady sighed.

"Oh!" Tamiril exclaimed. "The Dogle one! Ok when do you want me to take them?"

"Well." Yuna started. "Now would be good we aren't supposed to meet them for another day, but maybe we should be early."

"You got it!" Tamiril exclaimed. The wagging tail of the puppy then met her. "Hello Talanic! Puppy hungry?" the puppy wagged his tail frantically.

"When is that beast not hungry?" Lillady muttered. "Eat me out of house and home he will." Tamiril handed him a big cooked steak. Talanic wasted no time grabbing the meat and trotting off.

"Now where ye get that?" Lillady demanded tapping her foot.

"Mammoth meat in Everfrost." Tamiril explained. "Cooked one up I thought Talanic would like it."

Lillady sighed. Yuna then made introductions the wood elf nodded with a smile at all of them.

"Well come on." She urged. "It's a big place so stick close to me ok?" They all nodded. She led them out of the town and down the lift deemed the Newbie Lift. Called that for it location closest to the hunting grounds. Tamiril then lead them to a pedestal type of stone. "Touch this and you'll be teleported into Plane of Knowledge." Yuna was first to touch it, she seemed to be sucked in, and Tifa followed, then Lenne, Marjorie, Katejina, Rimoru and finally Tamiril.

Plane of Knowledge, the ever-busy place, if not for other offering beneficial spells that targeted throngs of people. Something else would always hold attention in this place. Yuna came through first and got bumped into by Tifa then Lenne came through and toppled them. Marjorie, Katejina and Rimoru added to the pile finally Tamiril stepped through.

"Oops." She said noting them all getting up. "guess I should have told you to step away from the stone after the port in."

"That would have been nice." Katejina sighed as she picked herself up. She tried to brush the dirt from her Sniper outfit but failed. It was so old and worn, Katejina sighed inwardly.

"Where to now?" Lenne asked. Tamiril looked around then started off.

"Follow me." She said. She started off and was followed by the others. Slowly they made their way to some stairs they climbed to a porch where many people where.

"Yuna!" a voice called. Yuna looked and saw Shaden and Drassalana. She waved and the two Dark Elves made their way through.

"Hey Shaden." Tamiril greeted. "been awhile. You seen Willow or Relanna around?"

"They went looking for someone." Shaden said. "all of you follow me." Yuna and company followed. She led them to a spot partly secluded from the rest of the area yet still near where Tamiril lead them. They saw a female gnome she looked up.

"These my costumers?" she asked.

"Costumers?" Yuna asked.

"Yes." Shaden said. "If any of you want a change in wardrobe she will be more than willing to make new clothes."

"New clothes at a time like this?" Katejina scoffed she turned to leave then looked down at herself. She could use some new clothes she turned to the gnome.

"what can I do for you?" the gnome asked. "I'm Tassie by the way, wizard by day. Clothes maker genius at night! Just tell me what you want and I'll whip em up for you!"

"Dark colored, and light weighted, and a jacket of the same.." Katejina instructed she then added in a low voice. "For my friend something white in color and made like a jacket or a robe like but not flowing around her ankles." Tassie nodded.

"I'll see what I can do!" she exclaimed. Tifa and Rimoru both put in their choices, Yuna and Lenne opted not to change their clothing. However Tifa and rim did so in low voices.

"you need us to stick around?" Tifa asked. Tassie shook her head.

"Come back in a few hours and I'll be done!" she said before cheerfully setting to her tasks. Tamiril stayed behind to offer her aide to Tassie.

Yuna looked to her friends, they had some time to kill before they had to come back for their new clothes. The group took a walk around while talking.

"You able to get anything while here Shaden?" Yuna asked. Shaden nodded.

"The Black Pentagram has made many fanatical allies in Norrath." Shaden intoned. "The first of which is a guild called The Rising."

"The Rising?" Katejina asked.

"All their members don black, be it in their armor or the robes if their casters. Also these black garments have a red Pentagram on the chest." Drassalana added. "Add a group called Angels Prayer to the mix and it gets confusing."

"Not a group for a band of villains." Rimoru observed. "More religion based to me. What makes Angels Prayer a bad thing?"

"Picture some of the most obnoxious pious people you know and multiply them by a lot. That's what Angels Prayer is." Shaden stated. "If your not with them your against them."

"What else?" Yuna asked. "Aside from Angels Prayer?"

"They have several followings here called the points." Shaden said. "All are fanatical in their alliance and their devotion. Some say that this is the beginning of the end."

"Not if we can help it." Yuna said. "We'll shut them down for good!"

"Right!" Marjorie echoed. "We can do it if we all try!" Shaden giggled as they came upon many people.

"Nexus is down!" one shouted.

"Damn them!" another chimed in. Katejina smirked.

"Give them torches and they fit an angry mob." Katejina observed with a wry smirk.

"Some people are just too lazy for their own good." Drassalana sighed. They went around the mob of people and noticed someone. She approached them she was with a Vah Shir, woodelf and barbarian.

"Your all here!" Willowcroft exclaimed.

"Yup." Yuna said. "Lillady offered to watch the hatchling."

"Hatchling?" Shaden asked. Yuna giggled as she filled her in. Shaden smiled after hearing the story.

"Just as well Lillady has him." Willowcroft said. "We couldn't find Ssorsha anyplace."

"She do this a lot?" Tifa asked.

"She might have had some business in her home town of Cabalis." Zazha chimed in. "It's still good you let Lillady watch him though." So with Relanna, Willowcroft and Zazha joining the group the party continued their way through the massive plane of knowledge.

The Field of Bone, the proving grounds for the young iksars. The spurned race of Norrath. Not even the fellow "Dark" races would embrace them thus the iksars remained isolated from the rest of the world.
In the grassy part of the field an iksar female made her way to a pedestal. Female iksar where slender and sleek and just as deadly as their male counter parts if not more so.
"Ssorsha." A voice hissed. She whirled on her heels before her stood another lizard creature. This one had a long snout and floppy ears, it was a Bangaa from Ivalice. He was dressed in white armor and held a trident.
"I am her." She replied putting her hands in the adjacent sleeves. "Your reputation proceeds you Hail."
She then heard a hissing behind her, she turned her head slightly and saw a burning man. She withdrew her hands both held a Polish Steel Ulak. Found from the caves of Luclins Dawnshroud Peak. She flew at her two attackers as they flew at her.

In Plane of Knowledge Willowcroft paused a slight moment. Then blinked several times and shook her head.

"Everything ok?" Zazha asked her. Willowcroft nodded. The group was heading back towards the Dogle bank. For the past three hours they showed Yuna and her friends some of the wondrous sights of the Plane of Knowledge. They got to the Dogle bank. Tassie waited for them with four bundles in her little arms.

"Looks like you have been busy." Willowcroft observed.

"I like it busy!" Tassie said, "Busy I never get bored. Here are the clothes!" Katejina went and grabbed was Tassie said was her bundle she grabbed another bundle and handed it to Marjorie. Marjorie took it with a puzzled look on her face; Tifa and Rimoru both took their bundles. Tassie directed them into the house behind her. In the house where four screens so the four women could change without the fear of prying eyes. Each of them went behind a screen; Marjorie opened her bundle and let out a surprised gasp.

"Katey!" she said. "You shouldn't have." Katejina chuckled but said nothing.

"It surprised me you got now clothes Katejina." Tifa observed as she changed. "You seemed to be someone content in your habits."

"True but I felt it was time for a change." Katejina replied simply.

Rimoru came out from behind the screens first; she was in a kimono but not the same one. This one was red and black with spots of white; she still had the same armor on underneath though.

"Ardonix and his men ripped my old one." Rimoru explained. "So I thought a change was in order." Tifa emerged next, she had on was could best be described as lady monk attire. She had on a GI that was white in color and matching pants. They didn't however match what Tifa called the pajama look. Tifa smiled satisfied; now she wouldn't stick out in this world, her pouch of materia was tied to a belt loop. She looked at Rimoru the two exchanged good-natured smiles.

"Come on out Katejina and Marjorie." Tifa called. Katejina came out both Tifa and Rimoru gasped. Katejina stood before them in a brown and black outfit, the neck was cut low. The sleeves where long and Katejina's long white hair covered the collar of the shirt. Katejina then pulled on her new jacket, which was similar in color.

"Your beautiful." Rimoru blurted breathlessly. Tifa agreed silently, Kate's old outfit hide a lot now Tifa saw just how gorgeous this secretive Viera was. Katejina smirked and turned her head to where Marjorie was behind the screen, Tifa saw a necklace around Katejina's neck.

'If I where a gambling woman I would wager that's a reminder of Sarba." Tifa thought. Finally Marjorie emerged the young Viera had on a white and blue jacket with matching pants, a gold choker was around her throat. Marjorie smiled and embraced her friend.

"You're as beautiful as the setting sun." Katejina whispered to her.

"You're a radiant as a lake at the high moon." Marjorie returned. Tifa smiled as she watched the tenderness Katejina rarely showed. Katejina turned to Tifa and Rimoru. They then saw Tassie come in she smiled.

"you like em?" she asked anxiously. The four women nodded. "Yay! Now I can get to work making more!"

"More?" Tifa asked. Tassie nodded.

"Yeah you know spares in case these get all dirty or ruined. Now I know what I am doing shouldn't take too long." Tassie said barley able to contain her excitement. Tifa nodded with a smile then she saw Yuna and the others come in. They all noticed the new clothes their friends had on.

"So what do we do now?" Tifa asked. Yuna paused and thought. Just then a terrible scream pierced the night air. They burst from the house, they saw a very young Vah shir she trembled. Zazha ran to her.

"Tekana hon." She said. "Are you ok?" The Vah Shir shook her head and simply pointed. Zazha looked by that time the others where there too. On the ground lay an iksar, of slender build, it was dead.

"Ssorsha." Willowcroft whispered. She went to pick her up but pulled her hands away. "She's like ice!" Willow hissed. Rimoru looked at the corpse and saw that there was frost on it.

"Hail." She said grimly. "Hail killed her."

"He couldn't have done so here." Shaden said.

"Why not?" Tifa asked.

"There are powerful wards in place all around here." Shaden continued. "They prevent combat, how they do it is unknown though."

"Doesn't change the fact that Hail killed her!" Rimoru raged. "Look at the corpse not only is she frozen solid but there are trident marks on her!"

"Ok." Katejina stated keeping her calm in the face of Rim's sudden anger. "that doesn't explain why he brought her here."

"To leave a warning mammal." A voice hissed. Rimoru looked up and snarled.

"Butcher!" she cried. "I'll have your head!" with that she lunged at Hail, but before she could strike she hit something full force. She flew backward and landed hard on her back!

"Rim!" Yuna cried as she went to her. Rimoru moaned as she sat up, she got to her feet.

"Told you there was no fighting allowed here." Shaden scolded. Yuna looked at Hail, the bangaa looked at the former summoner.

"Why are you here?" Yuna half demanded.

"To collect." He responded. He motioned and Yuna found here entrapped inside a crystal prison!

"YUNIE!" Tifa cried out and ran to the prison. Yuna banged from inside before she went limp and seemingly lost consciousness. Tifa turned to Hail, "What did you do to her!"

"Sssame asss I'll do to her!" He replied and motioned. This time it was Lenne who found herself trapped. Tifa ran to the prison but the same thing happened and Lenne was soon limp inside her transparent prison.

"you better not have killed them!" Katejina warned.

"They are alive." Hail snickered. "Sssave them if you can little mammalssss. We are in the Nexussssss." He then vanished along with the two prisons holding Yuna and Lenne.

END CHAPTER EIGHT