Here you go, the next chapter is up and ready. Both Palom and Porom are in this chapter because I decided to cover both their rescues and the freeing of Ramuh and Shiva from the Maenad's spell in the same chapter.
Disclaimer: The Final Fantasy series characters, locations, etc. are the work of Squaresoft.
Twin Bonds-Porom and Palom
"So, one Eidolon recovered and we've helped get Yang back on his feet. Where are we going to, next?" asked Edge, itching for more action.
Rydia thought for a moment"I don't know, we have so few leads on where the other Eidolons are. Titan's probably dead, after what Luca, myself and our black-garbed stranger did."
The man in black shook his head"I merely knocked Titan out. Eidolons are avatars, are they not? If so, they cannot be killed by mere mortals, only put to sleep for a while. We could return to Agart at any time if you think we should go back there."
"There's also Mysidia, Troia, Eblan and Mythril Village, where we go next doesn't really matter, the Falcon is quite swift" supplied Luca.
"Master Edge?" Tsukinowa approached them"Why not go for Mysidia? I couldn't help overhearing. Porom seemed to disappear when I followed her up to a monument at Mount Ordeals."
"Guess we'll just check Mysdia, next" said Edge.
"Righto" smiled Luca, taking the helm and piloting Falcon southeastward to the Mages' village. But when the group disembarked, they found the village nearly deserted.
"What happened here?" whispered Rydia.
"I suspect we're about to find out" said the man in black"Let's check the northernmost building."
The group walked towards the Prayer Hall. Upon their arrival, Rydia knocked on the door and waited. But no one seemed to answer, as though Mysidia were now a complete ghost town.
"I don't get it" frowned Luca"Is no one home?"
Rydia felt a flowing breeze in her hair as a force of wind materialized at the center of town, followed by a yellow flash. The group turned their attention to the center of town as an Eidolon with the appearance of an old, bearded man with a staff appeared.
'Ramuh' Rydia thought as she gazed, shocked at the eidolon's appearance.
"He must be under enemy control as well, we must free him" said the man in black, casting Blizzaga on Ramah, only to have it countered by Thundara. Edge used Heal Pill on the man in black while Luca tossed a tomahawk at the thunder Eidolon.
Rydia took a deep breath and cast Blizzaga, which was again countered with thunder, followed by Silence. Edge administered a Echo Screen on the summoner while the man in black and Luca directly attacked Ramuh. The Thunder-based Eidolon shot back with Thundara while prepping a Judgement Bolt on the group.
"Oh, no it doesn't" Edge cast Flame on the Eidolon, followed by a Blizzaga spell from Rydia. Luca hit Ramah again with her weapon while the man in black attempted to interrupt the impending attack with Quake.
It was of little avail however, as the Eidolon cast Judgement Bolt, temporarily paralyzing the group. Rydia stood and summoned Sylph to restore life energy into her companions as she gasped"Ramuh, I know you... You were so kind and gentle."
The Eidolon slowed as Rydia's voice flowed into his ears. After what looked like a moment's pause, he spoke"Rydia...?"
"Ramuh!" cried the summoner, going over to hug him. The Eidolon hugged her back for a moment before disappearing in a flash, pouring his essence into Rydia once more.
"Does that mean you can summon Ramuh again?" asked Edge.
Rydia nodded as she felt the thunder eidolon's power in her"Yes, now I have two Eidolons back with me. Now, we just need to go into the prayer hall and ask what's happening."
The group walked inside the prayer hall, the middle of which emitted a flickering barrier. Beyond the barrier was the pink-haired White Mage, Porom. She stared at the group for a moment as she let the barrier fade, about to say a word"Luca?"
"Porom, you okay?" inquired the dwarf princess.
The white mage collapsed before she could get another word out, exhausted from holding the barrier for who knows how long. Edge and Luca hoisted her up and took her safely to the airship while the Man in Black and Rydia gathered information, making sure to visit the village elder, who was in bed at the time.
The ninja and dwarf managed to get Porom to one of the vacant beds below the Falcon's upper deck. Tsukinowa recognized her, but kept his distance, unsure how Porom would react if he introduced himself and revealed that he was 'Lapin.'
A moment later, Porom woke up"So, what's happening?"
"The moon seems to be coming closer to our planet, and we're looking for our friends and my missing Eidolons. By the way, where's Palom?" asked Luca.
"Palom went to Troia. Not long after that, I saw the Lunar Whale mysteriously launch itself out of the water into the sky on its own accord. I went to Mount Ordeals to find Kain and ask him for help against the upcoming dangers, but he betrayed us and stole the Water Crystal. On top of that, he said something about wanting to kill Cecil" said the White Mage, grimly.
"What? Seriously?" asked Edge, incredulous.
"I can only hope this proves false" said Porom.
Luca thought for a moment"At least we have an idea Palom is... Not that I feel for him..."
Rydia and the Man in black shortly returned to the airship and joined Edge and Luca in discussing their next move. The summoner addressed them"The mages spoke of a strange rumor of late about entire lands covered in fire and ice. Shiva and Ifirit might be at those two locations."
"So, Troia next?" said Edge.
Rydia nodded"Luca, we have our course."
The four went up to the deck to steer the airship to the northwest of Mysidia. As they got closer to their destination, Rydia and the Man in Black felt an odd chilly aura emitting from their destination. Curious, Rydia landed the airship close to Troia and headed for the castle with the Man in Black and Edge.
The Castle Courtyard was enveloped with a bluish aura when they arrived, what's more, the guards standing next to either side of the entrance were frozen and encased in the blue aura.
"What happened here?" Rydia walked inside with her group. The citizens and guards inside were apparently not spared the same fate as the two outside. Rydia suspected it might have something to do with Shiva and the Mysterious Girl, but kept quiet. Less speculating, more investigating after all.
"This is just too strange" muttered Luca as they entered the Epopts' chamber. The rulers of Troia were also frozen in time, as if a plague were threatening to destroy the peaceful nation.
"Let's check the chamber, ahead" suggested Edge, leading the way into a Crystal Chamber. Cid had told Rydia about Troia and the Earth Crystal that was supposedly safeguarded, there.
The room had a crystal altar, but when Rydia went to take a look, she saw that something was missing"The Earth Crystal's gone."
"Has she been here?" frowned Luca.
Rydia kept quiet for a moment, thinking. Turning to Luca, she said"Do you remember when we last saw Palom?"
Luca thought that over, crossing her arms in thought"Hm. We must not have been that far from Troia when we did... Palom and some other girl were headed northeast on a Black Chocobo, least that's what it looked like..."
"Is there anything to the northeast?" asked Rydia, interested.
"My master told me of a cave to the northeast of Troia, its called Lodestone Caverns. It used to have some sort of barrier that paralyzes anyone equipped with Metallic weaponry and armor" said Luca.
"Let's check it out" said Rydia, leading the way back to the Falcon.
They flew northeast to an island that was nearly covered in a thick forest. Finding a good spot to land next to it, the four of them cautiously entered the cave. The cave also had a bluish aura, but not as prominent as back in Troia Castle.
"Let's stay alert" said Edge.
Luca nodded.
The group hadn't gone far when they ran into some Cave Bats and a Vampiress. Luca immediately cut down a Bat while Edge shot the rest with Flame. The remaining bats flew and bit at the party while the Vampiress cast Drain on the group.
"What a headache" muttered Edge, cutting down another monster.
Rydia channeled magic energy and unleashed a spell at the remaining monsters"Firaga!"
Most of the monsters were vaporized by the spell. Luca finished off the Vampiress while the Man in Black and Rydia administrated potions onto themselves, Luca and Edge.
"I'll take point" said the man in black, walking ahead. The rest followed, occasionally fighting off a couple weak Naga monsters.
The group traversed down two more floors across a few bridges. A few more bats stood in the way, but those were easily dispatched by Edge and the Man in Black. A Mad Ogre blocked the way to the bottom level.
Luca and Edge rushed the monster while Rydia kept her allies' vitality up by summoning the Sylphs to absorb the monster's energy. The monster had tough skin and hit hard, but the group eventually brought it down.
"Think we're getting close to the bottom?" said Edge.
The others didn't respond as they descended another flight of stairs, coming across the bridge to a tall structure with a door. Checking for a moment for injuries and making sure they had enough supplies, the group entered to find yet another crystal chamber. Two figures were laying unconscious on the ground, not too far from the altar.
Inspecting the bodies, Luca recognized a brunette in black and green clothes"Palom?"
There was no response, as the two were apparently as frozen as the people back in Troia. Edge took a look at the two frozen figures"Hm. Do you think a Fire or Flame spell would melt them free?"
"Wait, the ice covering their bodies isn't normal" said Rydia, checking the two inert people again before turning to see a bunch of icy mist flow into the room"Its Shiva!"
Sure enough, the icy mist assumed the shape of a bluish-white woman with dark blue hair. The Ice Eidolon stared the party down for a moment, as though accessing them. Rydia tried speaking to her"Shiva?"
The Eidolon gave no reply, but raised her hand and shot forth a ice shard at Rydia. Edge quickly took the blow, while Luca threw her Tomahawk at it. The Man in Black cast Firaga, only to get hit by Blizzara. Rydia and Luca healed the two men with hi potions.
"Right, time to fight fire with fire" Edge cast flame at their opponent, which was followed by two Firagas cast by Rydia and the Man in Black. Luca pitched in by attacking with her tomahawk, administrating a potion when it was necessary.
Irritated, Shiva cast a couple more Blizzaras, followed by Blizzaga. Rydia summoned Sylph to heal them while Edge retaliated by slashing at Shiva. The Eidolon pushed him back with another icy shard before using Blizzara again.
"Right" The Man in Black shot another Fire spell, followed by Edge's flame spell. Despite Shiva's relentless icy assaults, the group managed to keep up. Luca flung her tomahawk again, hitting Shiva in the chest.
"Let's show her what we're made of" Edge sliced again at Shiva. The Man in Black kept casting Firaga until he had to stop and drink an Ether. Edge and Luca attacked Shiva with their weapons, while Rydia focused magical energy into calling forth the Thunder Eidolon.
"Judgement Bolt!" Ramah showed up and zapped Shiva with a strong thunder spell, staggering her long enough for the man in black to get in one more spell. Rydia followed up her summon with Fira.
Battered and nearly defeated, Shiva seemed to stop attacking and stand there. Seeing this, Edge prepared to land one last blow"She's stopped moving. Time to end this."
Rydia put a hand on Edge's shoulder and glanced at Shiva"No, wait. Shiva wants to get back to normal, I can feel it." Edge and Luca followed suit and stopped attacking, waiting to see what would happen next.
The female Eidolon stood for a another moment, staring at Rydia. Shiva stepped forward a bit, and spoke"Rydia? What have I done...?"
"Shiva!" Rydia smiled"You're back."
Shiva nodded"I am truly sorry for what transpired while I was under that mystery girl's control. I am once again yours to summon, Rydia. Whenever you deem it necessary."
Shiva dissolved, pouring her essence back into the green-haired summoner. Rydia could feel cool water and a breeze as she felt Shiva's power coursing through her once again. Within moments, the chamber and the two inert people thawed out.
"Palom?" Luca checked on the brunette mage again.
The brunette looked groggy as he stood, stunned to see the dwarf princess"Hey, Luca... This isn't heaven is it?"
His companion, a blond young woman also began to stir. Luca was still addressing Palom"You had me worried."
"Heh" Palom could barely get another word out as he slipped back into unconsciousness.
"Let's get them back to Troia" said Edge, hoisting the blond woman onto his back.
Luca hoisted Palom up and rested him on her shoulder. The group carefully exited the cave, keeping an eye out for monsters. Rydia and the Man in Black took care of any monsters that approached so that Edge and Luca didn't have to drop the inert pair. They returned to the Falcon and dropped Palom and his companion in two empty beds below the deck before flying back to Troia.
The castle and its occupants had unfrozen as well, much to the relief of the group. Rydia rushed to the throne room to tell the Epopst, two of whom came out to find Palom and the blond girl unconscious, being carried on Luca and Edge's backs. Relieved to see them, the two Epopts accompanied the group to the castle infirmary to get the unconscious mage and his companion treated.
Edge, Luca, Rydia and the man in black waited for a bit before going in the check on Palom. The brunette mage had stirred again, he and his partner were administrated elixirs by the doctor.
"So, where am I?" grunted Palom.
"In Trioa" replied Edge.
Luca smiled, relieved that Palom was okay, she glanced at the blond woman"Who is she?"
"She is my partner, Leonara. I was assigned to train her up a bit, we went to the tower. She's an Epopt-in-training" said Palom"Not long after we returned, we were chased into Lodestone Cavarn by an insane mystery chick. On top of that, Troia's crystal was stolen."
"I see" Luca remarked..
"About Mysidia, we found your sister, there. The town had been attacked by Ramuh, but we saved it. The elder's okay, but he's bedridden" Rydia filled him in.
Palom's eyes widened"What? Okay, I'm going back."
"Not like that, you're not" retorted the ninja king"You must still be very tired."
"I'm fine, just let me go already" said Palom, unaware for a moment that his partner had woken seconds ago.
'Geez, he's kind of like me from once upon a time' thought Edge.
Rydia smiled"We're in this together. Right now, we need to find Ifrit and Titan, then head for Baron after I get my Mist Dragon back. Please, just relax until you regain your strength."
Palom hesitated"Fine. But once I'm feeling all better, I'm going to kick some butt."
"Back to the Falcon, then" said Luca.
"Wait" the blond, Leonora spoke"Take me with you."
Palom turned to her"It'll probably be dangerous."
"You haven't finished teaching me everything you can" persisted Leonora.
"Heh, point taken" smiled the brunette black mage.
The two Epopts in the room were surprised"Leonora, are you certain of this?"
Leonora nodded as she got out of bed"I cannot remain idle as long as Troia's future is uncertain."
"Very well, just be careful" said one of the Epopts.
Leonora and Palom followed Edge's group back to the Falcon.
Sorry to keep you waiting. I'm not even sure I have a good enough chapter title. Anyway, I know I said I'd include flashbacks, but I just thought it might work just having the characters allude to the events that happened in their respective tales.
Next up will cover Eblan and Ifrit, Mist and Titan will be covered in the chapter after that.
Feel free to review if you want. I might deviate further from canon and have Palom, Porom and Leonora help Edge's group in the next chapter, but we'll see.