Chapter 56: Memoria
I looked at the large castle in the distance. It seemed to be constructing itself. Zidane spoke. "What is this place?" I turned to Zidane, and saw that he looked distracted.
Vivi noticed this too. "What's wrong, Zidane?" We all turned to Zidane.
He looked at us. "Did someone just call my name?"
Dagger shook her head. "No."
Zidane spoke. "That's weird…" he paused.
Freya spoke. "Maybe you're just hearing things."
Zidane shook his head. "I don't think so."
That's when he had a surprised look on his face. "You hear that?"
Steiner spoke. "I hear nothing."
That's when Zidane spoke. "Garland?" That put all of us on alert. Zidane spoke again. "Garland, what is this place?" We couldn't hear a single word that Garland was supposedly saying. Zidane spoke again. "Memories…" he paused. We still couldn't hear what was going on. Zidane spoke. "What are you talking about? Damn…!" he paused.
Eiko spoke. "Zidane, what's going on?"
He turned to us. "You all heard me talking, right?" We all nodded. Zidane spoke "Looks like I was the only one who heard him. I was just talking to Garland. He told me that our memories created this place. I don't know what the hell he's talking about."
I spoke. "Well, I think we should worry about it later."
Zidane nodded. "You're right. I guess we'll just have to move forward." We moved towards the castle.
We entered the castle, and made our way through the area. Judging by the size of the castle from the outside, we had a long way to go. Zidane also managed to find 'The Tower' his second strongest weapon. We had reached a walkway that was outside the wall of the castle. It was there that I felt a presence.
"Zidane, stop!" Everyone stopped, and turned to me.
Zidane spoke. "What is it, Michael?"
I spoke. "I sense a dark presence ahead. Allow me to scout ahead a bit."
He nodded. "Alright, but be careful."
I smiled. "Aren't I always?" He smiled, and I walked past him.
I moved across the walkway. I was at least twenty feet away from them. That was when I sensed something from above. I looked up…and saw six swords flying towards me from above. I quickly jumped into the air, performed a back flip, drew my normal sword during my jump, and landed next to the others.
That was when a red and grey snake-like figure descended from the sky. I also noticed that it had six arms. It grabbed its six swords, and pulled them out of the ground. The creature smiled at us. "So we meet again. I am Maliris, one of the four guardians of Chaos." Its voice identified her as female.
Freya spoke. "It can't be. Amarant and I vanquished that creature back at the Fire Shrine."
Amarant readied his weapon. "Guess we didn't get her as well as we thought."
Zidane readied his weapon as well. "Well, you two beat her once, and now we're all together. She doesn't stand a chance."
We all nodded, and the others readied their weapons. We prepared to fight the fire guardian Maliris.
Amarant used his No Mercy technique on Maliris. Maliris couldn't dodge the attack, and was hit by Amarant's technique. She cried out in pain, and in her rage, she charged at Amarant and performed her Flame Slash technique. Amarant managed to avoid the attack.
Freya decided to use her Dragon Crest technique. The Dragon insignia made its appearance, and so did the dragon head. Maliris couldn't avoid the attack. She was struck by the dragon's head. Maliris was hurt badly by Freya's technique.
Zidane cast Thievery on Maliris. While he did that, I turned to Vivi. "Hey, Vivi. She said she was the fire guardian right. I guess that tells us what her weakness is." Vivi nodded "I know. I'm through meditating, and I'm gonna try a Blizzaga spell." I nodded "my thoughts exactly." I turned my attention back to the battle, and saw that Dagger had summoned Shiva. Shiva appeared, and launched a bunch of ice cycles at Maliris. Maliris was incased in ice. After a second, the ice shattered, and Maliris was free.
Vivi cast his Blizzaga spell. He reflected it off of himself, so it would do twice the damage. Maliris couldn't avoid the attack, and was struck by Vivi's spell. Maliris cried out in pain, and collapsed to the ground. She was dying.
She managed to get back up. She looked at us "it's not over. Take THIS!" That's when she threw her six swords up into the air.
I turned to Dagger and Eiko. "Dagger, Eiko, Protect now!" they nodded, and all three of us cast a Protect spell. Like what happened with our combined Shell spell, a large barrier surrounded all of us. Once the barrier was up, the swords struck the shield. Thankfully, the shield held, and we were unharmed.
The shield went down, and Maliris's swords fell harmlessly to the floor. Maliris was shocked. "I can't…believe it." She collapsed to the ground, and breathed her last breath. I sheathed my sword, and the others did the same. We had won.
Zidane turned to us. "Well, that wasn't so hard."
Amarant spoke "she was even weaker than when Freya and I fought her." Freya nodded in agreement.
Zidane spoke. "Well, let's keep moving." We nodded, and moved down the walkway.
When we entered the next room, we noticed a model of Alexandria Castle. We stopped and looked at this. Eiko spoke. "Isn't this...Alexandria?"
Dagger looked surprised. "What is Alexandria Castle doing here?" That's when we started to see scenes from when Alexandria was destroyed. First, it showed Bahamut, then it showed Alexander, then it showed the Invincible, then it showed the town after Alexander was destroyed. That was when the model of Alexandria Castle exploded. When the smoke cleared, we could see that the model had been destroyed; just like the actual castle. All of us where shocked; except Quina.
Quina spoke. "What? What are you talking about? I not see anything!"
Zidane turned to her. "Of course you can't see anything. You weren't with us at the time, so it's not in your memory."
I spoke. "Well, I suggest we keep moving."
Zidane nodded. "Alright, let's go."
That was when I saw Eiko approach the ruins of the castle. I spoke. "What is it, Eiko?"
She didn't turn to me, but she spoke. "I saw something over here when the castle blew up. I think it's…ah, found it." That's when she held up a feathered flute. She found the 'Angel Flute'. She spoke. "Hey, this looks pretty good."
Zidane spoke. "Alright, let's keep going." We all nodded, and left the room.
Eventually, we found ourselves in a room, strange thing was; there was a storm in this room. Zidane spoke. "A storm?"
I turned to him. "Unusual weather, or is this from someone's memory."
Zidane turned. "I guess so…but I wonder whose memory it is."
Vivi spoke. "I guess we'll find out." We nodded, and continued on.
As soon as we started to cross a bridge, Zidane looked over the side. He saw something. I looked over the side, but didn't see anything. Zidane spoke. "Hey! What are you doing? You shouldn't go anywhere. There's a storm. Watch out! You're gonna get washed away!" He turned to Dagger. "Dagger! I just saw a little girl on a ship, and-huh?" He looked back over the side of the bridge. Zidane turned to me. "I guess it was my imagination. Yeah, it had to be. What I just saw definitely isn't one of my memories."
I shrugged. "Maybe…" I paused.
Dagger spoke. "Zidane."
Zidane turned to her. "Yeah, what's up?"
She spoke. "You didn't imagine anything."
This surprised Zidane. "Wait, you saw it, too...? That means that little girl was you."
She nodded. "Yes."
Zidane was confused. "But...why was I able to see something from your memory?"
Dagger shrugged "I don't know..." she paused.
Zidane spoke. "Hey, Garland! What's going on? Garland, can you hear me?" that was when Zidane was silent for a moment.
After a few seconds, I spoke. "So, what did Garland say?"
He turned to me. "Nothing useful. Let's go." We moved on to the next room.
In this room, we saw the Invincible's eye. Zidane spoke. "What is that thing...?"
Dagger spoke. "That eye... It's the same eye I saw on the night of the storm at sea."
I nodded. "Yeah, it's the Invincible's eye cannon."
Zidane spoke, but I could tell that he wasn't talking to us. "What? I don't remember ever being in a storm at sea." He was talking to Garland again. He spoke "What do you mean? Can other people's memories become a part of my own? Garland!" he paused.
I spoke. "He's still not telling you everything, is he?"
He nodded. "He said 'once I accept everything, the answer will appear.'"
I nodded. "I see, well, I suppose we better move on."
He nodded. "Yeah, let's go."
Before we moved on, Amarant walked over to a pillar. I turned to him. "What is it, Amarant?"
He spoke. "I saw something sparkle over here…ah, I found it." He held up a claw weapon. He had found the 'Rune Claws.' He spoke. "These look more powerful than my old claws." He put them on.
Zidane spoke. "Alright, now are we ready to go?" we all nodded, but I stopped them.
Zidane turned to me. "What is it, Michael?"
I spoke. "I can feel another dark presence. If you don't mind, I think I'll play scout again."
Zidane nodded. "Alright, but-" I cut him off.
"-Be careful." Zidane nodded, and I moved past him, and the others.
I walked up the stairs, cautiously. Suddenly, I sensed something to the right side of me. I turned, and saw a huge clawed hand heading straight for my head. I quickly jumped back, and unsheathed my normal sword. I looked at a familiar three-headed figure. He spoke. "So, Maliris lost. For Tiamat there is only victory." That's when he noticed Vivi, Steiner, and myself. He spoke. "You three, I'm going to enjoy killing you."
Steiner spoke. "This fiend again. I thought we got rid of him."
I nodded. "I know, but I guess we'll just have to beat him again. Besides, we already know what to do."
Steiner nodded. "Indeed, shall we do it again?"
I nodded. "Yeah, why not. You up for it, Vivi?" He nodded, and readied his staff.
Zidane spoke. "What are you talking about?"
I spoke. "He's the wind guardian that we killed back at the Wind Shrine. I worked out a strategy with the others, and it worked rather well. We're gonna try it again. You guys stand back. Steiner, Vivi, and I have this one covered." He nodded, and stood back.
I turned to face Tiamat. I lifted my hand, and cast a Waterga spell. Tiamat was trapped in a large orb of water.
I turned to Vivi. "Now, Vivi!" He nodded, and cast his Blizzaga spell. The spell struck the water orb, and it froze instantly.
I turned to Steiner. "You know what to do." Steiner nodded, charged at the frozen Tiamat, and executed his Climhazzard technique. The orb shattered, and so did Tiamat. I sheathed my sword. The battle was over.
I turned to Zidane. He looked surprised. "Wow, what a combination."
I smiled. "Thanks, it worked well then and it worked well now. I guess he didn't learn his lesson last time. If it wasn't for Vivi and Steiner, I don't think my strategy would've worked as well." Vivi adjusted his hat, and Steiner smiled.
Zidane spoke. "Okay, let's get going." We nodded, and ran up the stairs towards the Invincible's eye.
Eventually, we reached a room with a twisting walkway. 'This place keeps getting stranger and stranger' I thought.
Zidane spoke. "What is this...? Two moons colliding...? No. They look more like planets. Why does this looks so familiar...?"
I looked out at the place Zidane was staring at. I didn't see anything. That's when Zidane spoke. "Oh yeah. I saw this in Oeilvert."
'Ah, so that's why I couldn't see it.' I thought. We moved on to the next room.
We walked behind a waterfall, and found ourselves in, what appeared to be an ocean. Quina started swimming around, trying to catch the fish she saw. Quina spoke "Wow! We in ocean now! Fish everywhere! Yum, yum!"
Zidane looked at her. "What are you doing?"
Quina turned to him while she was still swimming. "Swimming after fish. Zidane, you help catch fish, too."
That's when she grabbed her throat. "What this? Hard to breathe now. UGHHH! CAN'T BREATHE!"
I spoke. "That's because you think you're in the ocean. We can breath just fine."
She thought for a moment. "We not in ocean?" that's when she fell to the ground. She got back up, and looked at us. "You right! I breathe okay now!" That's when she turned around to see the fish, but the fish were just an illusion. Quina turned back to us. "Fish all gone! I sad…" she paused.
I spoke. "Quina, you're an interesting character."
Zidane spoke. "Well, let's get moving." We nodded, and moved on.
Before we left the ocean room, I stopped the others. Zidane spoke. "Let me guess…you sense another dark presence."
I nodded. "Yep, it's over there." I pointed towards the reef.
Zidane spoke. "Well, let's go check it out." We moved behind the reef.
Once behind the reef, we saw a large robed figure sitting on a throne. He spoke "I am Hades. Why have you come here?"
I spoke. "Well, I sensed a dark presence around here, and we followed it to you."
He spoke. "I see, I'll tell you what, it's been a while since I've had visitors. If you can beat me, I shall give all of you many useful items."
This intrigued Zidane. "Alright, you're on. Let's fight."
He nodded. "Very well." I unsheathed my reverse blade sword, and sensed the others do the same. We prepared to fight Hades.
I charged at Hades, and executed a 'Kuzu Ryu Sen.' I struck all nine vital areas, and Hades was badly hurt. In his anger, he used his Judgment Sword on me. I saw his attack, and quickly jumped to the side. Thankfully, he missed me. I jumped back towards my friends.
Eiko cast a Holy spell on him. Hades took the hit, and cried out in pain. The spell had really hurt him. Quina cast her Frog Drop spell. The frog fell from the sky, and landed on Hades. Hades' throne broke under the tremendous weight. He threw the frog off of him, and stood up. Before he got up completely, Vivi and I cast an Ultra Flare spell. He couldn't dodge the spell, and was hit in the chest. He was lifted off the ground, and flew ten feet through the air.
He got back up, and looked at us. Amarant and Freya were about to attack him, but he held up his hand. "Stop, I believe that is enough. I don't think I can take much more. Let me get you your prizes."
He opened his robes, and gave each of us certain items. He gave all of us a 'Protect Ring,' a 'Brave Suit,' a 'Robe of Lords,' and a 'Circlet.' He also gave Zidane his 'Ultima Weapon' and gave Quina her 'Gastro Fork.' He also gave Steiner his 'Tin Armor' and gave Freya a suit of 'Grand Armor.' He also gave Dagger 'Pumice.' All in all, he gave us our best equipment.
Zidane looked at him. "What's the catch?"
Hades smiled. "No catch…you just need to offer me your souls." All of us were shocked. Hades started to laugh. "I'm kidding. Consider it my gift to all of you. I'm sure you'll find a use for your equipment."
I spoke. "Yes, I'm sure we will."
He spoke. "Well, try them on."
We equipped all of the items he had given us. I slipped off my 'Black Robe' and put on the light blue 'Robe of Lords.' I placed the 'Protect Ring' on my right hand's middle finger. I placed the 'Circlet' on my head. I also removed my old shirt, and put the 'Brave Suit' on. I looked prepped and ready for battle.
Hades spoke. "Let me see you're swords."
I looked at him. "What for?"
He smiled. "I simply whish to make them stronger." I thought for a moment, and removed my swords from my sword belt; sheath and all.
I held them towards Hades. "Very well, here." He took my swords from me, and looked at them.
He looked at me. "These are fine swords. I can make them more powerful. It'll only take a second." There was a blinding flash of light, and when it disappeared, Hades handed my swords back to me.
I unsheathed both my swords, and was amazed at what I saw. My normal sword looked like it had been dipped in liquid onyx and my reverse blade sword looked like they had been dipped in liquid platinum. They sparkled like they were new. I looked at Hades.
He smiled. "They are now stronger than ever. I also enchanted them so that they'll never lose their shine, and placed an unbreakable enchantment on them. Those swords are now virtually indestructible."
I was impressed. "Thanks, Hades."
He smiled. "Don't mention it."
Zidane spoke. "Alright, guys. I suggest we get going." We nodded, said our goodbyes to Hades, and left the water area.
When we emerged from the water we all looked down at the water. Zidane spoke. "So, Gaia used to be just one big ocean..."
Eiko turned to him. "How do you know?"
Zidane spoke. "I don't know. For some reason, it's in my memory. I wasn't even born at the time. It doesn't make any sense... And I was born on Terra, not Gaia, so how can it be in my memory...?"
I spoke. "I can see it, too, and I'm not from Gaia either."
Vivi spoke. "It's in my memory, too. Gaia used to be covered with water."
Freya spoke. "I'm getting a similar feeling as well."
After a while, Zidane spoke. "Let's keep moving." We all nodded, and moved up the stairs.
While we were moving up the stairs, I sensed another dark presence. I spoke "Zidane, I-" he cut me off.
"Sense another dark presence." I nodded. He spoke. "Where?"
I spoke. "It's coming from the water." We looked over the edge, and saw a huge creature emerge from the water. It jumped out of the water, and landed in front of us.
It spoke. "You beat the other two, but now you must face Krakken."
Eiko spoke. "Him, again."
I spoke. "Does it really surprise you?"
She thought for a moment. "I guess not."
Zidane spoke. "Well, he's blocking our way. Let's get him." We all readied our weapons, and prepared to fight Krakken.
I knew we didn't have time for this. Amarant used his 'No Mercy' technique. While he was doing that, I turned to Dagger and Vivi. I spoke. "Listen you guys, we need to kill this guy and fast."
Vivi spoke. "You have a plan?"
I smiled. "Yes, I do. Here's what we do…" I told them my plan.
When I was finished telling them my plan, I looked up in time to see Krakken swing its tentacles at us. Vivi, Dagger, and I just managed to avoid them. Krakken laughed. "Such weaklings, I can't believe Maliris and Tiamat lost to you mortals."
I spoke. "You won't be laughing for long." I extended my hand and cast a Waterga spell. Kraken was incased in a large orb of water.
He laughed. "You fool. Water cannot harm me."
I smiled. "Just you wait. Vivi, Dagger, now!"
Dagger summoned Ramuh. A dark cloud appeared above us, and Ramuh's staff fell from the sky. As soon as it hit the ground, it shot electricity at Krakken. Krakken's eyes widened as he saw the attack. The lightning struck the orb, and began to electrocute him.
I turned to Vivi, and nodded. He held up his staff, and cast a Thundaga spell on himself. It bounced of his reflect, and went straight towards Krakken. The spell hit the orb, and electrocuted Krakken further. After a few seconds, my water orb exploded.
Krakken fell to the ground. His body was badly burned from our combined attack. That was when he twitched. I cast my own Thundaga spell, and blasted his body off of the stairs. His body fell back into the water and sank. For good measure, Vivi and I both cast a Thundaga spell in order to form Thundaja. The spell hit the ocean and electrocuted the water. Krakken was definitely dead now. We had won.
Zidane spoke. "Well…good work you three." We all smiled.
I spoke. "Ah, it was nothing. I think we should get moving though." Zidane nodded, and we moved on further up the castle.
Eventually, we made it to a room that showed us a large fireball. It also had a ladder that led up to the higher areas of the castle. Zidane spoke. "Geez...that's one big fireball."
Steiner spoke. "could it be a moon?"
I shook my head. "I don't think so. It's too big to be a moon."
Zidane spoke. "That's Gaia?" After a few seconds, Zidane spoke again. "What's above that ladder?"
I spoke. "I guess there's only one way to find out."
Zidane turned to us. "Let's go." We nodded, and ascended the ladder.
As soon as we reached the platform at the top, we spotted another ladder. We were going to go up the ladder, when Vivi moved over to the left. I turned to him. "What is it, Vivi?"
He turned to me. "Look what I found." He held out a golden staff. It was the 'Mace of Zeus.' Vivi spoke. "It feels more powerful than my 'High Mage Staff.'"
I spoke. "Well, you should probably keep it."
Zidane nodded in agreement. "Anyway, let's go." He said. We nodded, and ascended the ladder.
When we got to the top of the ladder, we found ourselves in a room with three doors. Zidane spoke. "Which one do we go through?"
I spoke. "Let's try the center one." Zidane nodded, and moved to the center door.
That was when the room changed. It seemed to disintegrate. When it was finished transforming, or rather decaying, we stood on a platform that looked out into outer space. That was when I sensed a dark presence from above. I looked up, and saw a caped skeletal figure descend towards us. "Guys, look out!" they looked up as well and saw the figure.
The creature finally spoke. "So, you made it this far. Well, you're journey ends here. You now face Lich."
Zidane spoke. "You, again. Why am I not surprised?"
He spoke. "You and that creature got lucky when you fought me last time. It won't happen again."
While Lich and Zidane where talking, I tried to figure out what Lich's weakness was. 'Okay, he's the earth guardian. He's also partly undead. So his weakness is…' that's when I realized what his weakness was.
When I looked up, I saw that Steiner had used his 'Shock' Technique on Lich. I motioned to Dagger, Eiko, and Vivi. Before I even said anything Vivi spoke. "You have a plan, right?"
I smiled. "Yes, Vivi, I do have a plan. Here's what I need you guys to do…" I told them my plan.
When I finished telling them my plan, I looked up, and saw Lich throw Zidane into a pillar. I looked at Dagger. "Alright, Dagger, do it." She nodded, and summoned Ifrit. Ifrit showed up in a sphere of fire. He then used his 'Flames of Hell' attack. The ground underneath Lich erupted into flames.
I turned to Vivi. "Now, Vivi." Vivi nodded, and cast his Firaga spell. He reflected it off of himself so that it would do twice the damage. The spell hit Lich and combined with Ifrit's 'Hell Fire.'
It was time for me to make my move. I extended my hand, and cast an Arega spell. The spell hit the Lich, and it also strengthened the flames around Lich.
Finally, I turned to Eiko. "Finish it, Eiko!" she nodded, and cast her Holy spell. The spell hit Lich, and he cried out in even greater pain. Eventually, the flames were extinguished, and the wind died down. When the smoke cleared, we saw that there was nothing left of Lich, but a pile of ashes. I smiled. 'Well, that's what you get for being an undead earth guardian' I thought. We had won.
Zidane spoke. "Wow, I take it this was your idea, Michael?"
I nodded. "Yeah, but I couldn't have done it without Vivi, Dagger, and Eiko."
Zidane smiled. "Alright, let's move on." That's when I heard a noise, and saw Steiner over near a pillar. Zidane spoke "Steiner, what is it?"
He spoke. "Look at this." He turned around, and showed us that he was holding a large green bladed sword.
My eyes widened; it was 'Excalibur II' the strongest weapon in the game. Steiner spoke. "This is a fine sword. I believe I'll keep it."
I nodded. "You better keep it."
Zidane spoke. "Well, let's get going." We nodded, and approached the archway.
When Zidane got closer, he realized that there was no where to go. If he took one more step, he'd fall into space. He spoke "There's nothing...is this it? Is there nothing else?" After a second, he spoke again "space?" He was talking to Garland again. Zidane spoke again. "That's easy for you to say." That's when he took an experimental step, and saw that he could walk across after all. He turned to us. "I guess we can keep going." We nodded, and followed him out into space.
While we walked in space, Zidane continued to speak to Garland. "Garland, what exactly is our memory?" he paused. After a moment, he spoke again. "Why can I remember other people's experiences and events that happened before my time?" He paused again. After another moment, he spoke. "Garland, please! Tell me!"
After a while, Zidane spoke again. "So, what am I gonna find by tracing it back to our roots?" After a few seconds, Zidane spoke again. "Crystal..." he paused. After a few seconds, he spoke again. "Garland, wait! Garland!" Zidane didn't say anything else, and none of us wanted to bother him.
Eventually, we found a portal. We walked through the portal, and found ourselves in the Crystal World. I spoke "I guess Kuja's here somewhere."
Zidane nodded. "Yeah, we gotta protect the Crystal from him. Let's go." We nodded, and ran off towards our destination.
After running for a while, we entered a room with a platform. That was when we saw Kuja. He was still Tranced, and behind him, we saw the Crystal, in all its glory. Zidane spoke. "Kuja!"
Kuja turned to us. He smiled. "Nice of you to come. I'm surprised you beat the four Chaoses that I created form the Crystal's memory. But...you're too late. Take a look." He motioned to the Crystal. "Isn't it beautiful? It's the original Crystal... This is where it all began... The birthplace of all things... Once I destroy it, everything will be gone. Gaia, Terra, the universe, everything... Your lives and memories, too, of course." He started to laugh.
Zidane spoke. "Shut up! The only thing that's gonna be gone is you! We'll take you out right now!"
Kuja looked amused. "Hmph. You honestly think you can beat me? Even if you do, Gaia's already doomed. Its assimilation by Terra has begun, and the Iifa Tree will incite a cataclysmic destruction of Gaia. It's all over for you and your friends. See. I win, either way."
Zidane spoke. "It doesn't matter! Even if Gaia is assimilated, the planet will remain. And we'll start over to make a new home. Kuja, you're nothing but a coward! If you're gonna die, leave us out of it!"
Kuja spoke. "Why should the world exist without me? That wouldn't be fair. If I die, we all die! Zidane, you will be my first sacrifice."
That's when he summoned a large, brown and orange, snake dragon-like creature. The creature had a horned head and large wings. It also had two long clawed hands, and eight other smaller clawless appendages. It was Deathguise. Deathguise roared, and flew at us. I drew my normal sword. The others drew their weapons as well. It was time to fight.
Zidane used his 'Thievery' technique on Deathguise. The treasure chest made its appearance and blew up in Deathguise's face. Deathguise roared in pain. It flew at Zidane, and swiped at him with his claws. Zidane couldn't dodge quickly enough, and was knocked into the air. He fell to the ground, but quickly got back up to his feet.
Dagger summoned Ark. Ark descended from the sky, and transformed into its robot form. Then, it blasted many energy blasts at Deathguise. After the shots, it lowered its large cannon and fired its main weapon. There was a huge explosion, and Ark disappeared. When the smoke cleared, we could see that Deathguise was still alive, but he had been hurt, badly.
That was when Deathguise cast Meteor. We saw the huge meteor descend from the sky. It was heading straight for us. Dagger, Eiko, and I knew what to do. We each cast a Shell spell, and managed to form a protective barrier. The meteor hit our shield. Thankfully, the shield held. When the spell dissipated, we let the barrier down.
Vivi spoke. "I think I'll try my new spell."
I turned to him. "What new sp-" suddenly, I realized what he was talking about. "VIVI, NO!" but I was too late; he cast Doomsday. I saw the huge meteor descend from the sky.
I turned to Dagger and Eiko. "We need to put up another shield, now!" They didn't understand, but nodded. We cast our Shell spells. The barrier was formed, and just in time. The spell hit Deathguise, but the explosion came towards us as well. Our barrier managed to hold off the explosion from Vivi's spell. We were saved. We let the barrier down. When the smoke cleared from Vivi's spell, we could see that Deathguise was still alive, but was seriously hurt.
Vivi turned to me. "I-I'm sorry, I didn't know that…" he paused.
I turned to him. "Its okay, Vivi. Don't worry about it." Suddenly, a thought occurred to me. I turned to Vivi. "Vivi, I wanna try something." I bent down towards Vivi, and told him what I intended to do.
When I was through he looked worried. "I don't know if we should try it."
I spoke. "Don't worry, Vivi, I'm sure it will work." He looked skeptical, but nodded. I smiled. "Good, now get ready."
He held out his staff, and I extended my hand. Vivi cast Doomsday and I cast Supernova. The Meteor from Vivi's Doomsday spell collided with the shaft of light from my Supernova. The two spells combined, and formed what I called the Doomsday Nova. When the others saw this, they braced themselves. The combined spells struck Deathguise. There was a huge explosion, but due to the nature of my Supernova spell, the blast didn't come towards us. When the light diminished, Deathguise was gone.
Kuja was surprised. "How did they defeat Deathguise." We looked at him. He spoke "I can't believe you defeated Deathguise…well…my time is almost up. Time to die, everyone!" We readied ourselves to fight Trance Kuja.
Kuja started off by casting Reflect on himself. Steiner used his Shock technique on Kuja. Kuja couldn't dodge the attack, and was hit hard.
Kuja was enraged that Steiner had actually hurt him. He cast a Flare spell at Steiner. Thinking quickly, I cast a Reflect spell on Steiner. Thankfully, my spell managed to make it to Steiner in time. My spell reflected Kuja's Flare right back at him. Kuja saw this, and quickly avoided his spell.
Freya used her Dragon Crest technique. The dragon insignia made its appearance, and Kuja was hit by the dragon's head. He was hurt, badly. Before Kuja could react, Amarant used his No Mercy technique. Kuja couldn't dodge the attack, and was hit hard.
Before Kuja could recover, Eiko summoned Madeen. Madeen encased Kuja in a ball of light. Then it exploded and released Kuja. Dagger quickly summoned Ark, again. Ark appeared and blasted Kuja relentlessly.
Kuja was enraged, and cast Flare Star. Eiko, Dagger, and I used or Shell spells again. This time, though, Kuja's spell broke through our barrier, and we were hit by the Flare Star. Thankfully, our barrier had weakened the spell.
I jumped into the air, and performed a 'Kuzu Ryu Sen.' Kuja couldn't dodge my attack. I struck him in all nine vital areas. Once my attack concluded, I landed on the ground, and jumped back to my friends.
Vivi cast a Flare spell on himself. The spell bounced off of his Reflect spell, and went towards Kuja. Kuja saw the spell coming, and managed to dodge it. In retaliation, he cast a Holy spell on himself. It bounced off his shield, and went straight for Vivi. I ran in front off Vivi, and cast a Shell spell to protect myself. Kuja's Flare spell managed to break through my Shell, and blasted me into Vivi. We both fell to the ground.
That's when I saw Zidane Trance. As soon as he Tranced, he used his Dyne spell, Solution 9. Kuja couldn't dodge the attack and was hit. He seemed to lose his altitude. He spoke. "I'm going to die anyway. So, I'm not afraid, but if I'm going down I'm taking all of you with me!" That's when he cast Ultima.
The Purple strands of light ascended to the sky, and rained down on us. Against Ultima, there is no defense. We were all hit by the spell. I felt an intense pain, before the world went dark.
When I woke up, I found myself surrounded by fire. 'Am I in…' that's when I realized where I was. I was on the Hill of Despair. I slowly got up to my feet, and looked around. Everyone else was here as well. They were all unconscious, except for Zidane. I saw him getting up to his feet.
I walked over to him. "Zidane, you alright?"
He looked at me, and shook his head. "I feel like I've been torn apart."
I nodded my head. "Yeah, I know the feeling."
He spoke. "What happened to the Crystal, and where are we?" I shrugged. That's when we heard a voice.
"You stand before the final dimension, and I am the darkness of eternity."
Zidane spoke. "Wh-Who are you?"
The unknown creature spoke "All life bears death from birth. Life fears death, but lives only to di-"
I spoke. "We don't care about your philosophical garbage! We asked who you are!"
He spoke. "I am Necron. I am the spirit of the Iifa Tree."
I spoke. "spirit of the-" realization struck me. "Then you're the core function of the Iifa Tree. You're the one interfering with the flow of souls."
He spoke. "I am."
I spoke. "So…if we kill you, then the flow of souls will return to normal, and Terra won't be able to assimilate Gaia."
He spoke. "Yes, that is correct."
Zidane smiled. "Well then, I guess we'll just have to kill you." Zidane turned to me. "Let's get him." I nodded. I had been saving this technique for this moment.
I yelled, "Heavenly Hymn!" As soon as I said that, a light shone down on me as well as the others. Then, I heard a voice singing. It was the Angel of Music. I knew it was him.
That was when the others got up off the ground. Their wounds were healed, and they looked fully energized. That was when a light surrounded all of them, including me. When the light diminished, I could see that all of us had Tranced. We turned to the arena in the sky.
Zidane spoke. "We've come too far to lose now. Let's just wrap this up and go home...all of us." that was when Necron used his power to levitate us up to him. Necron was a huge monster. He had a bluish white body; in fact, he was bluish white all over, except for his wings which were grayish black. He also had stone rings rotating around him. I drew my normal sword, and I sensed that the others had done the same. We prepared for the final battle.
Necron started of by casting Grand Cross. There was a huge explosion of energy, and all of us were surrounded by a light. When the light diminished however, nothing happened to us. Necron was shocked. "What? How can this be? You all should've died from that blast. How did you survive?"
Zidane smirked. "Simple…it's because we're stronger than you. Come on guys. Let's finish this." We nodded, and prepared to go on an all out assault.
Amarant started off by using his No Mercy Technique. His attack hit Necron in the chest. Freya went next, and used her Dragon Breath technique. Bahamut's head emerged from the ground and blasted fire at Necron. The fire burned Necron's lower region.
Steiner went next, and used his Shock technique on Necron. His attack hit Necron in the stomach. Quina went next, and cast her Frog Drop spell. The frog fell from the air, and landed on Necron's head.
Eiko went next, and cast two Holy spells. Both spells hit Necron in the face. Dagger went next, and summoned Ark. Ark appeared, and blasted Necron with his Eternal Darkness technique. Necron was badly injured.
Vivi went next, and cast two Flare spells on himself. The spells bounced off his Reflect spell, and both of them hit Necron in the chest. Zidane went next, and cast Grand Lethal on Necron. Necron's entire body was hit by this attack.
Finally, I went next. I unsheathed my normal sword, and charged at Necron. I decided to use the Hiten Mitsurugi Rampage. I jumped into the air, and executed a 'Ryu Tsui Sho Sen.' after that, I jumped up, landed on his shoulder, and executed a 'Ryu Kan Sen Kogarashi' striking him in the neck. Then, I jumped over to his other shoulder, and executed a 'Ryu Kan Sen Tsumuji' striking him in the neck again. Then, I jumped onto the ground. As soon as I landed on the ground I executed a 'Ryu Kan Sen Arashi' and struck him in the chest.
I landed on the ground, and sheathed my sword. I assumed a 'Battou Jutsu' stance. "Now, to finish YOU!" I flew at Necron, and performed the 'Ama Kakeru Ryuu no Hirameki.' My attack struck him at the waste. I had cut him in half. I landed on the ground, sheathed my sword, and jumped back towards the others.
Necron spoke. "How can this be? Is the will to live that strong?" that was when a light surrounded me and everyone else. We changed back to our normal forms. That was when I felt a familiar falling sensation. We were being warped.
After a few minutes, I found myself outside the Iifa Tree. Its roots were swinging around in a violent frenzy. 'No doubt a result from killing Necron' I thought. I looked around, and saw that everyone else had been warped out here as well.
That was when I heard an airship's engine. I looked up, and saw the Hilda Garde 3 descend towards our location. I turned to the others. "Guy's, Cid's coming." They looked up, and saw Cid's ship descend towards us.
Zidane spoke. "Looks like Cid came to rescue us."
The ship lowered down near us, and Cid walked out onto the deck. He spoke "Thank heavens you're all safe! Come quickly! We don't have much time!" we decided to board the ship. I sensed that Zidane had stopped. I turned around, and walked back towards him, so did everyone else.
Steiner spoke. "Zidane! What are you doing?"
Zidane turned to him. "Steiner... Take care of Dagger."
This surprised Steiner. "What? Wh-What do you mean by that?"
Zidane spoke. "Kuja's still alive. I can't just leave him."
Steiner spoke. "This is ludicrous. Just because you two are from the same planet doesn't mean-" Zidane cut him off.
"No, that's not the reason."
Eiko spoke. "Come on, Zidane! Why are you doing this?"
Zidane turned to her. "Because...because I might've done the same thing if I were in his shoes. I probably would've fought against you guys and wreaked havoc in Gaia like he did...I know it sounds crazy...but I know, deep down inside, I have to do this."
Quina spoke. "You not crazy, Zidane. But you help Kuja not good idea. Is too dangerous."
Zidane spoke. "I can't just leave him. There's no way I could live with myself. I'm going."
Steiner spoke. "You're making a big mistake!"
Zidane shrugged. "Maybe...but we all have to make big decisions in life sometimes. For me, now's that time. I have to face up to it, just like Vivi did when he confronted his fears to find out about himself. That was a big decision for Vivi."
Vivi spoke. "I don't know about that... I don't think it was really a big deal."
Zidane spoke. "That's what you think, and Michael also taught me the same lesson when he decided to finally accept the events in his past, and move on with his life. I might not be doing this if it weren't for you two. You guys definitely taught me to take life more seriously."
Freya spoke. "Well, you're obviously not going to change your mind, so I'm coming with you."
Steiner spoke. "The principle of knighthood requires that one assist his comrades in times of need. I shall accompany you as well!"
Zidane spoke. "Whoa, wait a minute. Like I said, its' my moment, so don't butt in. You guys'll have your own someday. Besides, you guys have more important things to worry about, like Burmecia and Alexandria."
Freya spoke. "For once in your life, why can't you be honest?"
Zidane shook his head. "Sorry, but I can't-" Amarant cut him off.
"'I can't just walk away. It goes against my nature."
Zidane looked surprised that Amarant knew what he was going to say. Amarant spoke "You're a real simpleton. Forget it, guys. There's no stopping this fool."
I sensed that Cid had walked back out onto the deck. Sure enough, "What are you still doing out here? Get onboard right now!" He walked back into the ship.
Amarant spoke. "Come on. Let's just leave him and get outta here." Amarant turned, and walked off towards the ship.
Zidane spoke. "That guy will never change." He turned to us. "Alright, you heard the man! Get out of here before it's too late!"
Eiko let it out. "Zidane, I love you! You'd better come back!" Eiko ran off to the ship.
Quina spoke. "Zidane, I need eat more different food. I still hungry! You need come back, take me more places, show me more food!" Quina ran off to the ship.
Freya spoke. "I still can't believe you're doing this. You've changed, Zidane." Freya bowed her head. "'til we meet again." Freya ran off to the ship.
Vivi spoke. "Zidane, you've taught me another big lesson in life. Thanks." He turned, and ran to the ship.
I looked at Zidane. "I'm really glad I met you and the others, Zidane. If I hadn't…well, I think you know what I mean. Just come back in one piece. If you don't I'll kill you." Zidane smiled at that. I smiled as well. I turned, and ran to the ship.
When I got on the ship, I noticed Vivi was on the deck. I walked up to him. "You alright?"
He looked at me. "Yeah, it's just…I can't believe we're leaving him behind."
I nodded. "I know, but it is Zidane's decision. Maybe you'll make the same decision some day."
He spoke. "Maybe…but I hope not." I smiled, and turned from him. I saw Dagger and Steiner board the ship. As soon as they got on, the airship took off.
I saw Dagger walk over to the railing. She looked over the railing. I knew she was watching Zidane.
It wasn't until we were far from the Iifa Tree when I decided to approach her. I spoke. "He'll be back. I'm sure of it." She spun around to look at me. She was startled, but quickly calmed down. I smiled. "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you."
She spoke. "It's alright, but do you really think he'll be back?"
I looked at her. "Do you love him?" She was surprised, she certainly wasn't expecting that.
After a few seconds, she spoke. "Yes…yes I do love him."
I smiled. "Then I know he'll be back."
She seemed surprised. "How do you know?"
I smiled. "Because he has someone waiting for him to return. That'll give him the incentive he needs to stay alive."
She smiled. "Thanks."
I returned her smile. "Don't mention it." I walked away from her.
After a few hours, night had fallen. Everyone seemed to be depressed, which was understandable. I was feeling a bit depressed myself. I walked out onto the deck, and looked at the sea. I wasn't the only one.
I looked over to my left, and saw that Vivi was out on the deck as well. I walked over to him. "Can't sleep?" He looked at me and nodded. "Will you sleep if I sing you a song?"
His mood seemed to brighten. "That'd be great." I smiled, and walked him back to his room.
I put him in his bed, and sat in the chair that was next to his bed. I also turned on the communication device near me. I wanted a certain someone to hear this song. Maybe it would help her sleep, too. I began to sing.
I laid down on my bed, and tried to sleep. Try as I may, I just couldn't stop thinking about Zidane. 'Michael said that he'd come back, but…what if he doesn't. What if I never see him again' I thought. I sat up in bed, and hugged my knees. 'I want to believe Michael, but…oh Zidane, why did you have to go back and save Kuja? He caused us so much trouble. He almost destroyed all of existence. He killed my mother. Why did you go back for him? Why did you leave me?' I thought. Tears formed in my eyes. I leaned my head against my knees, and started to cry. That's when I heard a voice.
"Laaaaaay dooooooooown…your sweet and weary heeeeeead. Night has falleeeeeeeeen. You've come to journeys eeeeeeeeeeeeend. Sleeeeeep noooooow, and dreeeeam of the ones who came befooooooooore. They are calliiiiiiiiing from across the distant shoooooooooore."
I looked up at the intercom in my room. 'Is that Michael? Why is he singing?' I thought. I listened to what he was singing. Maybe it would help me get to sleep.
"Why do you weeeeeeeeeeeeeep? What are these teeeeeeeeeeeears upon your faaaaace? Soon you will seeeeeeeeeeeeeeee all of your feeeeeeears will pass awaaaaay. Safe in my aaaaaaaaarms. You're only sleeeeeeepiiiiiiing."
Suddenly, I imagined what it would be like if it were Zidane singing instead of Michael. I laughed a little. 'I don't even know if Zidane can sing' I thought. I continued to listen to the song.
"What can you seeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee on the horizooooooooooon? Why do the whiiiiiiiite guuuulls caaaaaaaaaaaaaaall? Across the seeeeeeeeea the twin moons rise uuuuuuuup. The ships have coooooome to carry you hoooooooooooooooooome. And aaaaaaall will tuuuuurn to siiiilveeer glaaaaaaaass. The light on the waaaaateeeeer. AAAAll sooooouls paaaaaaass."
The song was really helping me relax. 'Maybe Zidane will come back. After all he does have a knack for escaping impossible situations' I thought. I continued to listen to Michael's voice.
"Hope faaaades…into the world of niiiiiiiiiiight. Through shadows falliiiiiiiing. Out of memory and tiiiiiiiiiime. Don't saaaaaay 'we have come now to the eeeeeeeeeeend.' White shores are calliiiiiiiiiiiiing. You and I will meet agaaaaain, and you'll be heeeeere in my aaaaaaaaaaaaarms just sleepiiiiiiiiing."
I let the song wash over me. It was comforting. I was starting to feel tired. 'Zidane WILL be back. I know he'll be back. It's just like Michael said, he has someone who's waiting for him to return, and that's all the incentive he needs' I thought.
"What can you seeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee on the horizoooooooooon? Why do the whiiiiiiite guuuuuuuulls caaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaall? Across the seeeeeeeeeeea the twin moons rise uuuuuuuuup. The ships have coooome to carry you hooooooooooome. And all will tuuuuuuuuurn to siiilver glaaaaaaaass. The light on the water. AAAAAAAirshiiiiiiips pass into the nooooooooooooooooorth." He stopped singing.
I smiled, and lay back down on my bed. I closed my eyes, and imagined the face of the person I wanted to see the most. 'Zidane, I will see you again' I thought, smiling. After a few seconds, sleep finally took me.
I shut the communication device off, got out of my chair, and turned to leave the room. "Michael, wait." I stopped, and turned towards Vivi. He spoke. "Will you always be there for me?"
I smiled. "Of course, Vivi. And even if I'm not, I know we'll meet again."
Vivi looked curious. "Why do you say that?"
I thought for a moment. "Because…if two people really care about each other then they're destined to meet again."
Vivi seemed happy. "Thanks…goodnight, Michael."
I smiled. "Goodnight, Vivi." I turned and left the room.
I walked back to my room. Before I entered, however, I turned, and looked back out to the sea. 'I know you'll be back, Zidane. Just don't take too long' I thought. I walked into my room, got into bed, and quickly fell asleep.
The song I sang in this chapter is called "Into the West." The first time I heard this song was at the ending credits in The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. I changed the lyrics to match Gaia. Also if you don't understand how Necron is the core function of the Iifa Tree, go to GameFAQ's and look for Final Fantasy IX, then look for the FAQ titled 'Plot Analysis.' Go there if you want answers, 'cause I'm not going to argue with anyone about this. In my opinion with Necron being the core function of the Iifa Tree it makes beating him seem much more significant.
Vivi and I have a new combo spell.
Doomsday Nova
A combination of Vivi's Doomsday spell and my Supernova spell. Deals both holy and shadow damage to all enemies. Can break the damage limit. Max damage it can do is 20,000.
Dagger, Eiko, and I have a new combo spell
Super Protect
The three of us each cast a Protect spell. The spells combine, and form a barrier around all of us. This barrier will absorb most physical attacks. Only a powerful physical attack or repeated physical attacks can break through it.
Here is Heavenly Hymn's ability.
Heavenly Hymn
Everyone's HP and MP is fully restored. Everyone Trances, and everyone is immune to status ailments and death. Also the MP cost of all abilities are halved.