The Wayfaring Mithra

Just for Fun?! [A]

2011-02-02T08:50:00.000-08:00

Actually, that whole thing in bed was for fun…

Shagrath grinned roguishly at me. I cocked my head to the side and raised an eyebrow.

You were pregnant the moment I set eyes on you at the wedding!

That is impossible!

The truth is, there is an impregnating glance….

I shook my head and narrowed my eyes, confused.

Sha… I don't… understand… how that... could work...

Shagrath chuckled and hugged me.

You needn’t concern yourself with that. The point is, this is indeed wonderful news! Though not a total surprise I must admit, as I actually knew as much dearest Kiamo!

I am worried a bit. Do you suppose all the adventuring and training I was doing before I knew I was pregnant might have harmed our baby? Especially…

I paused, not really wanting to say it after what Shagrath had previously witnessed. I chose to speak it in a hushed voice.

Dark Knight.

Shagrath hugged me a little tighter.

Well you see, I knew that as well. Remember when I removed all that bad karma you created the last time? Remember how we spoke of how we are but one and the same?

I nodded into his chest.

The more things like that you did, the longer I had to stay away to purge them. Worry not Kiamo. For I have returned just in time, now haven’t I? You stopped adventuring and I was immediately able to come and collect you as I promised. So no need to fret over such things when indeed our small problems are nothing when you can see the cosmic scheme.

Oh Sha-chan… I hadn’t heard from you in so long I thought the worst. Please forgive me for doubting you!

He grinned at me.

Hmm let me think about that…

I frowned.

Of course I forgive you silly!

Sha-chan… There is other news. Grave news.

Yes?

Your brother… He passed…

Oh… Well there is no use crying over that. He has simply gone and become one with the great mother once again.

I wish I had had the same reaction.

Kiamo… You need to learn to let go of all this.

Aye, Sha-chan. I want to so much. That is why you heard me talking about leaving this place.

Well you certainly don’t have to convince me of that. I only came back here because I promised you I would return for you.

With that, I reached over the side of the fountain and grabbed up the big towel Sarima had dropped there.

Relax a bit if you like Sha-chan. I will fetch you a towel and then gather some things together for the journey.

I stood up and shook off some water before stepping out of the fountain and enveloping myself in the plush towel. It was like a warm cotton hug.

Where do you want to go?

I don’t care, away from here for sure.

Are you certain it is safe for you to even travel?

I placed a fresh towel on the lip of the fountain for Shagrath.

It couldn’t be any worse than what I have already done…

Kiamo I will not lie, I am concerned. To that end, while I agree with you that we must birth and raise this child away from here, I do not want to subject you to further strain by making some arduously long journey.

I sighed… I really wanted to get as far away from this realm as possible, but he had a point. We pondered quietly for a time and then it came to me…

What about… the island?

What island?

Oh you know, the one… Where you first…

Oh! That one!

Aye… Purgonorgo Isle.

Shagrath grinned slyly at me and nodded.

Aye, that should be plenty secluded. Not to rough of a journey either.

He dried off and dressed before continuing.

I can begin to teach you what I have learned during my time away while we are there as well.

I would love that Sha-chan!

I clapped my hands together happily and called for Sarima. She warped into view with a crack.

Kup-yes?

Sarima, we’ve decided we would like you to accompany us to Purgonorgo Isle if you would like.

Of kup-course!

Perfect! We leave in the morning

(c) 2002-2010 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved. Title Design by Yoshitaka Amano. FINAL FANTASY, TETRA MASTER and VANA'DIEL are registered trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd. SQUARE ENIX, PLAYONLINE and the PlayOnline logo are trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd.

Kiamo’s Secret [B]

2011-01-27T10:39:00.000-08:00

I hadn’t been able to adventure for some weeks. I would have stopped sooner had I been more attuned.
I shook my head, how could I be so stupid?

Kup-oh Kiamo!

Hmm?

Are you getting ready to go out?

No… Just trrying to rrrelax.

Maybe some fun goldfish scooping? It is summerfest after all, kupo!

I haven’t anyone to do that with, Sarrima.

Surely Sha-chan will be back soon? What about your other friends?

I cocked my eyebrow and twisted the corner of my mouth, questioning.

What friends of mine have you seen lately?

Her silence spoke volumes.
I let my head drop back and rest against the cool stone of the fountain as I inhaled deeply then, exhaled an elongated sigh. A nice warm bath helped to soothe me but one question always butted its way to the forefront of my mind.
How would I manage this without Shagrath?
No matter how much happiness I attempted to cultivate, that one thought alone was a failsafe way to cause my eyes to well up.
Salty tears mixed freely with the fresh water of the fountain as they rolled down my face.

Of all the things I’d ever done, would I regret this the most?
Of anyone I had ever harmed… Surely the worst of it is when harm comes to one perfectly innocent.
Who could I even go to? Big Brother Wolf… I choked. He was long gone.
I pressed my palms to my face and cried.

I… I want my motherrr!!

Kiki!

Sorry… I…

Kup-oh, Kiamo if I could kup-find her for you I would in a wing beat!

I know Sarriama, I don’t begrudge your efforts.

I shouldn’t have delivered the news of Sha-chan’s brother to you…

It is better to know then wonder… Like…

Kiki don’t even say it!

I can’t bear to stay here Sarriama. This world is too crruel! So full of hate and obsession with material possessions!

Kup-Kiki! What are you suggesting! You CAN’T!

No, no… I mean to say. I should like to go away from here. To flee…

Kup-no… You would leave me here to tend to an empty mog house, Kiki?

I blanched… My dearest house moogle thought I sought to abandon her? All I could do for the moment was shake my head no.
It also seemed as though all I could do lately was cry.
I raised myself up out of the fountain some and propped myself up on folded forearms.

Sarrrima… I don’t think I could bear to jourrrney anywhere without you.

She fluttered over to me with a big fluffy towel. I could see what appeared to be dew on the fur by her eyes.

I’m sorry Sarrrima… I think my perpetual state of worry and woe has rrrubbed off on you. Please forrgive me!

Oh kup… Kiki. If you think leaving will help… Then…

She nodded affirmation as I gingerly climbed out of the water and wrapped myself in the towel.

So much had changed in what felt like the blink of an eye.
Big Brother Wolf passed.
I had to abruptly stop adventuring.
It had been more than six months since I had last seen Shagrath.
And yet he had, in fact, left something behind. Now it was showing.
I hung my towel on the side of the screen and wriggled into my cotton sleeping shift. I paused as I tugged it over my belly and peered down to my toes.
Still could see them. I tapped a finger against the corner of my mouth.
When I could no longer see them, it would be nearly time.

Sarrima… Do you suppose my training Dark Knight will have harmed-

Kiki, stop. You shouldn’t wonder these things. You’ve got to focus on being ready and kup-keeping in good spirits!

I nodded sharply, once.

Right.

And what would Shagrath think should he see me in such a state? It isn’t what he would want. He would be happy. I should be happy. I was truly, in a sense. However, I certainly would be happier were he here to physically be beside me.
Never would I have imagined something like this happening.
We were only together one night, but of course, that’s all it takes. Isn’t it?
The thought of that night caused me to blush so fiercely.
Here I was, sitting in the very place where we had conceived.
In a few months I would deliver his progeny. Would that, too happen right here?
The reality of having to do it alone…
Alone.
That frightened me more than any notorious monster in existence.
I gently pressed the palm of my left hand to my belly and circled slowly.

I will always wrap you in light and love.
Just as this ring shines with delight, so, too my soul does thanks to you.
Our bond is eternal.
Sarima.

Yes?

I don’t want to raise this baby here.

The pom-pom atop her head bobbed as she nodded in understanding.

Hopefully Sha-chan returns soon.

Sarrima… We must make haste. Soon I won’t be able to travel. I’ll not subject the life within me to any more peril then I have already.

And kup-go where?

I wish I had the answer to that.

Well… There is a place, perhaps.

Oh? Is it peaceful?

Oh yes! It is a town, nestled in the great wood.

That sounds lovely, so kind of like Windurst?

Kup-kind of, only you can’t really tell where the town begins and the woods ends until you bump into a building, kupo! There, though, we moogles are guardians of the wood. They don’t tend to the belongings of adventurers.

That sounds perfect. After all, I am an adventurer no longer. You wouldn’t have to tend to my things once we are there. I think a nomadic lifestyle would be wonderful. Do you happen to know the way?

Sarima giggled gleefully.

What sort of a kup-magical moogle would I be if I didn’t!

I smiled and clapped my hands together.

Then let’s set out in the morning!

Kupo Kiamo! So soon?

I tenderly patted my rotund belly and poked out my tongue at her.

This isn’t getting any smaller.

But if we leave… How will Shagrath find you?

I held back tears.

If he wants to find me, he will. If not, then there is nothing I can do about it.

As much it broke my heart to admit that, it was true. If Shagrath had no intention of returning, there was nothing I could do or say to force him to manifest.

(c) 2002-2010 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved. Title Design by Yoshitaka Amano. FINAL FANTASY, TETRA MASTER and VANA'DIEL are registered trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd. SQUARE ENIX, PLAYONLINE and the PlayOnline logo are trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd.

Kiamo's Secret [A]

2011-01-23T09:48:00.000-08:00

I hadn’t been able to adventure for some weeks. I would have stopped sooner had I been more attuned.
I shook my head, how could I be so stupid?

Kup-oh Kiamo!

Hmm?

Are you getting ready to go out?

No… Just trrying to rrrelax.

Maybe some fun goldfish scooping? It is summerfest after all, kupo!

I haven’t anyone to do that with, Sarrima.

Surely Sha-chan will be back soon? What about your other friends?

I cocked my eyebrow and twisted the corner of my mouth, questioning.

What friends of mine have you seen lately?

Her silence spoke volumes.
I let my head drop back and rest against the cool stone of the fountain as I inhaled deeply then, exhaled an elongated sigh. A nice warm bath helped to soothe me but one question always butted its way to the forefront of my mind.
How would I manage this without Shagrath?
No matter how much happiness I attempted to cultivate, that one thought alone was a failsafe way to cause my eyes to well up.
Salty tears mixed freely with the fresh water of the fountain as they rolled down my face.

Of all the things I’d ever done, would I regret this the most?
Of anyone I had ever harmed… Surely the worst of it is when harm comes to one perfectly innocent.
Who could I even go to? Big Brother Wolf… I choked. He was long gone.
I pressed my palms to my face and cried.

I… I want my motherrr!!

Kiki!

Sorry… I…

Kup-oh, Kiamo if I could kup-find her for you I would in a wing beat!

I know Sarriama, I don’t begrudge your efforts.

I shouldn’t have delivered the news of Sha-chan’s brother to you…

It is better to know then wonder… Like…

Kiki don’t even say it!

I can’t bear to stay here Sarriama. This world is too crruel! So full of hate and obsession with material possessions!

Kup-Kiki! What are you suggesting? You CAN’T!

No, no… I mean to say. I should like to go away from here. To flee…

Kup-no… You would leave me here to tend to an empty mog house, Kiki?

I blanched… My dearest house moogle thought I sought to abandon her? All I could do for the moment was shake my head no.
It also seemed as though all I could do lately was cry.
I raised myself up out of the fountain some and propped myself up on folded forearms.

Sarrrima… I don’t think I could bear to jourrrney anywhere without you.

She fluttered over to me with a big fluffy towel. I could see what appeared to be dew on the fur by her eyes.

I’m sorry Sarrrima… I think my perpetual state of worry and woe has rrrubbed off on you. Please forrgive me!

Oh kup… Kiki. If you think leaving will help… Then-

What’s this about leaving when I just got back?

KUPO?!?!

Sarima twirled around, dropped the towel and nearly came crashing to the floor, flabbergasted.
I clapped my hand to my mouth. I wasn’t sure if it was to muffle a scream or damper newly churning bile that threatened to flow forth from the sheer shock.

Ahh you two should probably be alooneee … Ku-WARP!

Wait!—

With a crack she was gone. I blinked. Surely I was hallucinating. Whatever this was had fooled Sarima and now we were alone. I sank back into the fountain.

Kiamo… Why do you cower so?

The figure approached and in a few short steps he was kneeling before me on the floor. A gentle hand stroking my hair. My cheek. A grand sense of joy and calm and peace filled every void in the room and in me. I turned my face to meet his. It was different, yet the same. A full beard grew where once had been clean shaven. He had traded his long locks for soft, tussled tendrils that only just caressed his ears. I could only squeak out “Sha” before bursting into tears.

I hope those are happy tears, Kia?

He leaned over the edge of the fountain and pulled me toward him. Indeed this was Sha-chan. His scent was unmistakable. I lingered in his embrace until I remembered that I was taking a bath and completely naked! I gasped so loudly that I startled him.

Did I squeeze you too tight?

N- No Sha-chan… It’s… Umm…

All I could manage was a glance at the water, then back to him.

Oh! Its bath time!

He grinned broadly as I nodded.

I could probably stand to have a bath, hmm? Aye, the journey back here was long and I suppose treading through streams and brooks does not exactly constitute as a full bathing, does it? Hahaha!

I was speechless as he stood up and began unraveling his robes, unperturbed. Not at all what I meant! But his abrupt nakedness stunned me into silence before I could utter even the beginnings of a protest. I quickly turned and focused my gaze on my knees, which were bent up before me.
Shagrath stepped into the water and now I could easily see his shins just beyond my knees. Any moment now he would crouch down! Any moment now I would see something else! I screwed my eyes shut and felt his weight displace the warm water as he settled down across from me.

Ah my Goddess! Naked in the fountain! This isn’t happening!

My face was aflame with embarrassment. Apparently I had absentmindedly balled up my fists when I closed my eyes.

Kiamo? Are you okay? What’s wrong? Are you ill?

I shook my head no and again, the water sloshed this way and that as Sha-chan re-positioned himself so he was seated beside me. Beside me! I felt his thigh against mine. Surely any moment now I would just erupt in flames. But before that happened, he circled his arm around my shoulders and began to softly chant Gayatri Mantra. That always soothed me and I remembered I am his wife, after all. I nestled into the crook of his neck, let out a long slow sigh and began to purr softly.

I missed you Sha-chan.

And I you, Kiamo.

Is umm… The water warm enough?

…blushing again… Stop it, stop it!

It is perfect! You’re blushing, my dear. Still get embarrassed easily I see. Is that what is the matter?

Nyaaa! Sha-chan!

I sat up and cupped as much water as I could in my right hand and sent the wave at him.

Oh! What’s this! Aren’t you the one who needs to cool off those cheeks?

Chuckling heartily he picked up the sponge that had been submerged and wrung it out over my head.

Gaaahh, nya! I was trying to leave my hair dry this time Sha-chan!

Heh, oh I’m so sorry.

I pressed my hands across my face, sweeping up loose wet hair and tucking it behind my ears.

So um… hehe… how was your journey?

Magical! Wonderful! Oh I have so much to teach you Kiamo.

You had so much to teach me before, too…

This isn’t like adventuring, though, Kia.

Actually… I haven’t even been adventuring…

I couldn’t help but let a solemn look wipe the smile from my lips.

Heh, I see. Not been keeping in shape have you?

Shagrath chuckled and playfully prodded my tummy with his finger. I winced and slapped his hand away.

Shagrath…

Kia… I’m sorry I was just playing around.

I’m not fat.

You’re not, and if you were I would love you anyway. No matter what, Kiamo, okay?

No… Shagrath it’s…

I took hold of his hand and opened his palm and pressed it gently against my belly.

I had to stop adventuring, Shagrath… Because…

I bit my lip and met his gaze. His eyes were full of concern and query.

Because I’m pregnant.

(c) 2002-2010 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved. Title Design by Yoshitaka Amano. FINAL FANTASY, TETRA MASTER and VANA'DIEL are registered trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd. SQUARE ENIX, PLAYONLINE and the PlayOnline logo are trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd.

Choose Your Own Adventure...

2011-01-22T08:52:00.000-08:00

Starting with the next entry, the story is kind of going to become a "choose your own adventure" (sort of). There are two paths that will unfold. Of course you can read both, but some may prefer to read one over the other. There will be the [A] storyline and the [B] storyline and the title will include the letter so you'll be able to easily follow the path you have chosen.

As always, happy adventuring and Goddess Bless =^_^=

-Kiamo

Aldo's Letter

2011-01-21T12:39:00.000-08:00

Draylo and I were able to enlist Aldo’s services to find Wolf. I told Aldo, if it was good news, I wanted lots of details. If bad, I wasn’t sure I wanted to know at all. He promised to contact us in a few weeks.

I also went to see doctor Monberaux…
The next morning he delivered some shocking news to me.
At least I learned that I wasn’t depressed…
When I tried to find Ghrenn to relay the information, she was no where to be found.

------------4 weeks later------------

Kup-oh Kiamo! I have a letter from Aldo for you.

I almost forgot about that, what does it say, Sarima?

I didn’t open it… It’s addressed to you, silly.

I took the letter from my moogle’s paw, opened it slowly and scanned the contents.

Kiamo Ko,

It is with great regret that I must pen this note to you. I am sending word to your friend Draylo as well, so you needn’t deliver this news to him yourself.
Per your request, I sought information of the whereabouts of your brother-in-law, Wolfknight.
The news I received back is indeed grim. I am afraid I must inform you that he has, in fact, passed on.
I recall that you requested details only if the news was pleasant. Since this is dire, I shan't include any thing else save my deepest condolences. May Altana walk with you all of your days.
If you happen to change your mind, feel free to meet with me in Jeuno and I will divulge everything I have learned to you.

- Aldo

I choked and crumpled the letter. All the blood drained from my head. The room began to spin. I reached out to grab for anything and managed to knock a flowerpot to the floor. It shattered and sent bits of dirt and dried flowers across the floor.

Kiki?

Grasping the table where the flower pot had been did manage to slow my fall to the floor.

Kiamo! What was in that letter?!

Sarrrima… It’s Wolf… He-- He--

I could only point a shaking finger toward the ball of paper on the floor.

Sarima carefully smoothed out the letter and read it. Solemnly shaking her head she fluttered over to me.

I should have kup-read it first…

And what..? Not told me?

Kup-waited… In your condition…

At least now I know…

Shal I fetch Draylo..?

No… If Aldo sent him the details, I would prefer to be spared of them. That I do not want to know.

(c) 2002-2010 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved. Title Design by Yoshitaka Amano. FINAL FANTASY, TETRA MASTER and VANA'DIEL are registered trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd. SQUARE ENIX, PLAYONLINE and the PlayOnline logo are trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd.

Vanished

2011-01-20T11:57:00.000-08:00

I woke the next morning feeling perplexed. Ghrenn’s news was such a surprise. Instead of heading right to Jeuno, I dallied leafing through pictures of adventures past.

One caught my eye. It was of Shagrath, Wolfknight, Draylo and myself. I chuckled, remembering the trek through castle Oztroja for Red Mage artifact gear. And what of Wolfknight? So far, no one I had asked had seen him. I laid the image aside, dressed and headed out.

As I rounded the corner after leaving the residential district, I spied none other than Draylo himself!

Hey!! ^^ I found an old picture where I was getting Red Mage artifact gear in castle Oztroja and YOU are in it!!

He feigned shock and then grinned and nodded a ‘hello’ to me.

I knew I had heard of you before I asked you for aid that day in Aht Urhgan Whitegate!   Also in the picture are Shagrath and Wolfnight. I think you...

I paused to tap my finger to the corner of my mouth in reflection before continuing.

Picked the lock and it weakened you, right? Do you remember that?

Sounds familiar... You still talk to them?

Well...

I blushed slightly… Really?! Still?! I clasped my hands behind my back and glanced at the ground a moment while turning the toe of my boot in the dirt.

Sha-chan married me... And then he... ; ; went to the far, far east.

This time Draylo’s shock was legitimate. I tried not to cry, but I could feel a tightness in my throat.

What about Wolfknight?

I pouted. Get it together!

I have no idea!

Me either.

We were talking after Sha-chan took his leave, but...   Then one day poof he stopped coming around.

Yeah he just disappeared- With Chell.

Chell?

Tanoshii.

Oh... Wait- what? As in they went somewhere together?

I think so, they both disappeared together.

Oh no!

Again, my eyes began to brim over with tears.

...And here I had high hopes that perhaps Wolf had found some amazing female and maybe gone to marry in secret.

My next thought caused me to gasp. Draylo chuckled. Tears placated, I continued.

Unless...

I worked out my thought carefully, stepping closer to Draylo and shifting my eyes this way and that.

Well I heard from a friend that Tan... Well what I'm now wondering is… Do you suppose they did something unsavory and got arrrested? :s

Hmm... I don't think so.

; ; I hope Tanoshii didn't abduct Wolf! Why would they just VANISH like that? ; ;

I scrunched up my fingers and drew them to my chest.

I dunno. I'll be honest, I don't like Tanoshii. He has a very bad history. Before he was Tanoshii, he went by a different name, Chell, and he had a WHOLE lot of drama behind him.

Oh okay, I’m not fond of him either, I was trying to dance around that fact.

Haha. Yeah I don't know :/ I have no clue what happened to him.

I even told Wolf... He shouldn't hang ‘rrround with him, but he wouldn't listen! ; ; I'm smarter then I look…

I just know Tanoshii was doing some kind of mission every single day, Wolf started to be around only randomly. Then one day they both vanished.

Yes, Wolf only came around to do Campaign, or if I harassed him to help me with something hard...

I checked everywhere and didn't find them. So either they dropped off the so-called grid and changed names or they---   ran off from this realm together.

The way he said together insinuated something more then platonic friends.
I balled up my fists and shook my head “no” hard.

No no no!!! Wolf is STRAIGHT!

Er well. He isn't :x

I know Tan isn't.

Yeah.

I heard he tried to lure some under age boy.

Yeah he's really creepy. He got a hold of a picture of me once and then tried to harass and stalk me. I had to have my moogle put extra wards on my mog house for a long while because of him.

And I WARNED Wolf. And he didn’t listen…; ; oh my goddess-

I couldn’t contain my tears. Now I was worried and angry. Had he fallen into Tan’s evil clutches? Had Tan forced him to do something… Something UNSPEAKABLE?! Surely not… Big Brother Wolf was a very, very powerful Dragoon. Surely…
Draylo patted my shoulder as he continued.

Yeah I did, too. He lied to me at first. I asked him who Tanoshii was. He said it was just someone in his LS. Cause he got into some major trouble with the G.M. Instead of facing his crimes, he went into hiding, and he came back as that new identity.

Oh wait!!! Maybe we are in luck!!! Maybe Wolf is fine and dandy, but is laying low because Tan started stalking him?

Nah, I think they still talk.

Crap. >_<

They did everything together all the time.

Yeah I know.

I scowled. How many times had I asked what he was up to, hoping he might ask me to join only to be told that he was busy with Tan.

There has to be a way to find him… Perhaps if we wrote him a letter the Moogles could--

Well... We stopped being friends after I found out he was friends again with Tanoshii. We just kept arguing all the time, and I told him about Tanoshii and his ways, but he never listened and I felt lied to. So I don’t think I’m your best pick for trying to hunt him down, letter or otherwise.

I sulked… And also remembered…

... Sha was supposed to write to me and hasn't ; ; So maybe… I keep wondering if something happened to him and Wolf is afraid to tell---

My throat closed up and I couldn’t finish. I hic-upped a little and had to cover my eyes with my hands. Deep breath… deep breath… just breathe.

I’m sorry Kiamo…

Maybe you could… contact him on my behalf? Just say… that I’ve been… harassing you since I found a picture… of all of us together… and… and that I’m… flipping out …since… since he vanished.

Yeah... :/ so strange. I do remember it now.

Yeah?

Ya.

Draylo patted me on the head, awkwardly. An attempt to comfort me I suppose. Though it was kind of comical, which did help.

I think I remember you were in kind of a not so good mood :/ Or maybe impatient? ...or something... You did or said something to intimidate the crap out of me.

I dried my eyes and poked out my pink tongue at him.

:x Nah I was probably mad at Wolf. At first I thought you were Tanzel... or Chell/Tanoshii.

I sucked in a great gasp of air, stepped back a half-step and placed the palm of my hand on my chest.

ME?!?!?!?

Ya I didn't know you well XD remember?

Draylo closed the distance and playfully smacked me in the bicep.
I pursed my lips and twirled a loose tendril of hair with my finger.

; ; But I am an adorable and cute little mifra :3 AND!!! And a regular girl dang it!!! Not some boy hunting freakazoid!!!! >_<;;;

Draylo busted out in hearty laughter.

Why don’t you use the mogcel network to try and contact him?

I shook my head and crossed my arms over my chest.

Nooo ; ; I can't.

Draylo clapped a hand to my shoulder and drew his other hand, clenched in a fist, to his chest like a salute.

You can do it! We must find the truth XD

He’ll just get cross with me!

Wonder if his friend knows what happened. Nyomi I think was her name.

Ohhh... I know *her*... Is she still around?

Her last purchase on AH was about two months ago.

I shook my head no.

Not her… I doubt she would help without expecting some huge sum of gil in return, or a fancy item…

Haha!

Who could find him for us? If he is in hiding, I don’t want to get him in trouble or anything…

Well there is one person who would be able to find out on the sly.

There is?

Aldo.

I drew in a breath. This actually seemed like a feasible idea. I met Draylo’s eyes and nodded.

I have to go to Jeuno anyway. Will you come with me to ask Aldo?

Okay.

(c) 2002-2010 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved. Title Design by Yoshitaka Amano. FINAL FANTASY, TETRA MASTER and VANA'DIEL are registered trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd. SQUARE ENIX, PLAYONLINE and the PlayOnline logo are trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd.

Other Side

2010-12-17T10:46:00.000-08:00

Zidea... I can't believe I passed out. Thank you for bringing me home.

Not a problem. Oh this table here is interesting.

Oh... hehe thanks. That's an Egg Buffet. I like it too because Sha... Um... Well its neat I think because the egg inside is pretty ^^;

Yes, it is.

Hmm. I wonder what is on the other side of your vent? It's kind of hard to tell... Must be outside since I can see a little light coming in.

I stood up on my tippy toes beside Zidea and found I could not quite get high enough to peer out.

I'm not sure, it's too high up for me to see out...

Well then let me fix that haha.

Wha--

Without further warning, Zidea hefted me up and I pressed my palms hard into the wall. As I got over the initial surprised shock, I peered carefully out the thin slits of the vent.

Ahhhhh!!!!

What?!

Shocked, Zidea half-dropped me and I slid down the wall to the floor.

EYES!

Huh?

I panted, shocked, for I had spied a pair of eyes blinking back at me!

Woah I think--

My thought was interrupted, and confirmed, by Ghrenn letting herself in through the front door and slamming it shut behind her.

Whats going on with you two?

Me and who?

You and Zidea!

He’s my friend, Ghrenn.

Special friend?

Woah now what are you-

Before Zidea could finish, Ghrenn stalked over to him and jabbed her index finger into his chest.

She's married you know mister fancy schmansy red mage!

Yes, of that I am well aware, miss-

And yet your prancing around trying to impress her!

I assure you it is nothing like that.

What if I hadn't been peering into the window when I was? I saw you carry her in here!

Ghrenn…

She passed out. I was being a gentleman and brought her home.

Passed out eh?

Yes. I fell ill and...

Fell ill?!??! Did you drug her?!

Ghrenn crossed her arms under her chest and glared at Zidea. Both he and I sighed dejectedly.

No, I did not.

Why would he even do such a thing? Why are you throwing out such accusations Ghrenn?!

Well you can't be to careful. Gals and their vows now-a-days seem to not mean much.

Kiamo, I'm glad you are feeling better. I'm going to get going. Take care. You too Ghrenn.

Zidea you don't have to go.. I don't know what-

Bai BAI!

Ghrenn...

What the heck had gotten into her?!

I need to talk to you in private anyway.

See you again Kiamo.

Zidea bowed to us both and let himself out.

As soon as the door closed I turned my attention to Ghrenn.

Ghrenn what is the matter with you?!

Me?! What would have happened with you guys if I wasn't here Kia?

Nothing!

What about Shag?

What about him?

Exactly!

I don't understand you! I have a friend who actually does things with me and you are acting like I've forgotten my vows to Shagrath. I would NEVER do that. I love him and him alone. Nobody can replace him! So don't even think for a moment that I would even consider being unfaithful to him. Even if.. If... he never comes back.

The thought of that alone was too much to bear, but speaking it aloud caused me to be unable to hold back tears. I began to sob and crumpled to the floor. Just when I had finally chased all that from my mind. Why was happiness so difficult to cultivate without Sha-chan around?

Ghrenn settled herself beside me and hugged me tightly.

Sorry Kia. Shag will come back for you. Why wouldn't he when he's got somebody like you waiting for him.

She sighed and leaned back.

It’s just… Well… It’s Domo…

I dried my eyes and squeaked.

Domo?

Him and Mish are hooking up behind my back. Well... now its in front of it.

What!?

Ghrenn hugged her knees to her chest. I was too shocked by what she had just said to be sad for myself any longer. I shook my head in utter disbelief.

But.. No way... Wow. Are you certain?

He's supposed to be my boyfriend...

I gaped at her.

That's news to me Ghrenn.

You're kidding…

I've never been more serious ... because uh..

Because what?

Well I'm certain he and a friend of mine were an item...

What?! Since when?

Umm well I mean she talked about marrying him... She has this thing for hume samurai. It's pretty cute actually... Well, when she's not being perverted about it hehe..

This isn't funny at all, Kia...

Ghrenn glared at me. I wasn’t sure if this was some prank or what. I didn’t want to seem cruel to her, but if what she was saying was true...

She used to tell me about their late-night kanoodling…

WHAT?!?!?!?

In a flash, Ghrenn was up off the floor. Her fists were balled at her sides and her tail puffed up behind her as she stomped her foot hard on the floor. This was no joke. My eyes went wide in astonishment.

Ghrenn I didn't realize...

Heh. Well she'll be just as mad as me when she finds out.

Well wait a moment… Did you actually see something? I mean he can just be a caring fellow, you know? Maybe you misunderstood? Besides Mishi is married, remember?

Her husband is no where to be seen and hasn't been for quite a while.

The same goes for Shagrath, but-

So you see why I was giving you grief earlier?

Oh I assure you, Ghrenn, there never has been, nor will there every be anything going on between Domone and I. Heck, he doesn't even speak to me anymore.

I meant about Zidea... Sheesh Kiamo. I sometimes I wonder if you’ve got a light out or something.

Oh.. sorry.

I sighed and we sat in silence for a moment before I continued.

Ghrenn I get so spaced out lately... Maybe something is the matter with me...

They're getting married.

Pardon?

I'm going to put a gobbie head on her doorstep.. A big, ugly, bloody one! With the entrails-

Ghrenn!! That's disgus---uhmmff

The image of something so foul. It was horrid and cruel and for some reason just hearing her say such a thing caused my stomach to churn. And then twist… I clasped my hand to my mouth but that wasn’t going to stop it.

Kia..?

I lurched to grab an empty flower pot and heaved into it.

Woah, you are really sick.

I dabbed my mouth with a nearby wash rag and shook my head in dismay.

I don’t know what is going on. Every little thing makes me cry. Now this.. and I just get so tired. I fainted after the ENM with Zidea. That is why he was here, Ghrenn. I just want to sleep most of the time but I force myself to do things... and usually alone and it... and I miss him... I miss him!!!!!

Once again, I broke down into tears.

Kia... you're depressed.

I shook my head at her and rubbed my eyes. I was so tired of crying!

I think you should go see Monberaux.

I don't want to be depressed...

So go see him and find out if you're sick or depressed.

I sighed. An airship ride to Jeuno was certainly not something I felt like doing. A bath, sure. Wash out my mouth, definitely. Sleep. Yes.

I don’t feel like going to Jeuno right now.

Well soon, okay? Nobody wants to see you like this. I gotta go… Sorry for yelling at you.

I'm not mad at you Ghrenn. I hope things work out with you and Domone.

Ghrenn shook her head and wiggled her fingers at me in farewell as she slipped out the door.
I cleaned the bile residue from my mouth, washed my face and curled up in bed.
Tomorrow, I decided. Tomorrow I will go see Monberaux.

True Everything

2010-12-02T12:02:00.000-08:00

Kup-Kiki! Zidea has come to call!

Oh okay. ^_^   Let him in Sarima.

Hey Kiamo.

Hi!^_^

I have some free time, would you like to try that Brothers ENM today?

Oh certainly!

Okay, but let me warn you, it’s a pretty long journey and getting into the cave is a bit tricky. Are you sure you’re up for it.

Truth be told, I wasn’t sure if I was, but I needed some fun and Zidea always brought that element to any adventure we had.

Let’s do it!

Zidea was right, it was far! And cold! I was trying my best to follow his footprints in the snow, for we both had need for sneak and invisible enchantments, when I spied something far off in the distance.
It had giant bat wings of a purple hue. I blinked, wondering if I was imagining something.   Perhaps the cold was affecting me? Perhaps just the way the light hit the snow? No… for as I gingerly approached, I saw not a bat towering in the snowfield but a colossal DRAGON!

Shit.

Woah!

Kiamo?

Oh my Goddess this is amazing!

Where did you go Kia?

I’ve never seen such a thing!

And without further word I attempted to sneak up behind the enormous beast. It was just so majestic! So beautiful! So huge! I had to get a closer look. Not my smartest decision.
I had barely crept up to its tail when it whirled around to face me.

Wha… but I have sneak and invisible enchantments on…
I wheeled backward and nearly fell over in the snowdrifts.

KIAMO RUN!!!!!

Ugh.. Trrrying…

Wait, I’m a Red Mage! Maybe…

{Casting spell} {Sleep} Jormungand! Take care.

JUST RUN KIA!!!

Eeeeeekkkkkkkkk!! Zidea!!!!! I think its chasing me!

Jormungand swatted its mammoth paw at my head, which I just managed to dodge, but it was after me and it could fly. Behind me I felt a woosh of cold air, then hot breath and then… I was falling face first into the snow.

The next thing I remember was being gently tugged… propped up… cold snow being wiped from my face…

Zidea? What… are… you doing..?

You okay? Come on we need to move before it sees us again.

I’m sorry… I wanted a picturrre…

I should have warned you… He is true sight and evil evil.

But I was behind him.

And true sound.

Oh…

With Zidea half carrying me, we trudged into a tunnel area where we could rest a moment and be out of the biting wind.

I’m sorry for putting us in such peril, Zidea. It’s just.. I’d never seen such a thing and.. I remember Sha-chan saying to me… He told me of such amazing dragons and promised to take me to see them one day… When I was stronger. I guess… I’ll never be strong enough. I suppose that doesn’t even matter any more, does it…

Zidea sighed and put his arm around me.

Kiamo, that dragon can slay people stronger and more battle hardened than you or I. And sure maybe Shagrath didn’t get a chance to take you but… Well at least you’ve seen this one, right?

But I put you in danger… I’m sorry Zidea.

He’d been so nice to me with no pretence. He never got mad no matter how much I screwed up during training. He was always patient and answered my questions without getting annoyed. What could I ever do to show my appriciation for such things?
I leaned over and hugged Zidea tightly.

Ohooff! Kia?

Perhaps too tightly? I let him go and stood up.

I promise I won’t wander off again Zidea.

Zidea rose as well and tugged my hat over my eyes.

Heh, don’t worry. That was pretty funny.

He chuckled as I fixed my hat and we set off once again.

Finally we got to the cave where we were to face these “brothers”.
As it turned out, the fight didn’t go over too well and we lost. Not only did we lose, but Zidea was knocked out several times, as was I.
I thought for sure he would be cross with me. But somehow, he wasn’t. Instead, he gave me some pointers about where I could improve for next time.

I don’t know what is the matter with me… I just couldn’t … focus. Maybe I’m just not cut out for Red Mage.

Nonsense. Just keep working at it. I know you’ll be great! Have faith.

Right..

I nodded, but then suddenly I felt so ill. I clapped my hand to my mouth and ran for a corner.

Kia..?

I couldn’t even tell him to stay away. I didn’t want him to see what I had eaten before the battle in such a way. I tried to will myself well but my body refused to respond. Instead my stomach seized, causing me to drop to my knees and wretch.

Zidea knelt beside me and pulled my hair back from my face.

How embarrassing!

Heh. Some bad Marron Glace maybe?

I could only shake my head and scoot away from the ick on the floor.

Let me see if I have some water in my pack for you Kia.

I tried to sit up, but even that caused me to become so dizzy. The entire room was spinning. I screwed my eyes shut, but that didn’t help.

Kia!?

Mysterious Mog House

2010-11-30T13:05:00.000-08:00

It’s always fun visiting mog houses to see how other people like to decorate. Or to spend quality time with friends, just relaxing or recounting the days adventures. Plus, listen to stories of how they got some of their rare items and furnishings.
Some furnishing are just plain mysterious!

Two Types of People

2010-11-29T10:26:00.000-08:00

There are a lot jokes people crack that just seem to go over my head. Usually I don’t care. I smile and nod and wait for the conversation to continue.
On one occasion, however, curiosity got the better of me.

There was a call to arms for Besieged. Alfonsas, myself and some of his friends were gathered waiting to defend the city. I privately hoped the undead were not planning an assault. >_>;
It was then I overheard Alfonsas say something odd to his friend. I screwed my face up in confusion and wondered how such a thing could be funny.

I’ll let the pictures tell the rest:

(c) 2002-2010 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved. Title Design by Yoshitaka Amano. FINAL FANTASY, TETRA MASTER and VANA'DIEL are registered trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd. SQUARE ENIX, PLAYONLINE and the PlayOnline logo are trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd.

Stalkerlox Creeperv

2010-11-22T08:03:00.000-08:00

Sometimes people ask you very odd things. I usually try to be kind, but sometimes that becomes VERY difficult.
Sometimes they make you feel like they mean you harm in ways I shan’t speak of. They offer you material objects to try to sway your initial reaction.
Be mindful, Red Mage ladies, where you travel in your AF shorts.

I was on a mission in San d’Oria when I felt someone lay a heavy hand on my shoulder and whisper hoarsely into my ear.

{Woman}?

Huh?

You {woman}?

I froze as a wave of fear washed over me. My eyes darted this way and that, hoping to catch a glimpse of a friend. Of course no one was about.

Y.. Yes…

Red Mage only 75?

Ye- Yes…

Busy?

Yes… I’m working on a Chains of Promathia mission.

Oh which?

Dawn.

My heart was threatening to pound out of my chest. I wondered if the stranger could hear it thudding. Perhaps that was his plan. Was he some vestige of evil sent to torment me? I folded my arms across my abdomen and tried to push my fear aside.

Anything you might want or need for your Red Mage?

I shook my head no and turned to face the stranger. A sudden, overwhelming urge to empty my bladder swept over me.

Wouldn’t want someone to give you buyable stuff you might want?

I gingerly shifted my weight to one leg and slid my foot behind me. I had been on my way to speak to Curilla. Surely if I were to race up the ramp the guards would lend me some aid. And oh I really needed to use their toilet. ; ;

That’s happened before… What I mean is, friends have gifted me with things like staves and a sword and a couple of Errant pieces…

Ah, wouldn’t mind someone helping you with anything you wish?

I do… Well… When they aren’t busy… Like… Umm… Like last night my friend helped me with a mission…

Ah cool.

Why do you ask? Did you just move here or something?

I really liked how you looked in those Red Mage legs.

What?! Do I know you?

You do now. Blainlsp.

And with that he reached for my hand.

I… have a meeting with Curilla and then Sir Louverance. I’m sorry, I’ve got to be going.

Then I spun round and scampered off. The stranger didn't follow me inside, thank the Goddess!

When I was through, I saw Cyraxx.

Hey, Cy!

Oh hey Kiamo. You okay?

I uh.. Well do you know someone named Blainlsp?

No, why?

Well he kind of grabbed me and then eventually told me that he really liked how I looked in these.

I waved to my leg attire. Cy chuckled and shrugged.

Well… Those are some short-shorts.

I shook my head in dismay and firmly put my hands on my hips. This was serious!

I wish--

And before I could give voice to my thought, a knot formed in my throat.

Kiamo? What else did this guy do to you?

All I could do was shake my head for a moment.

If you want, I’ll take him out!

Cy had closed the small distance between us and grasped my shoulders. His eyes were so intense. It was kind of frightening.

N- No I… That shouldn’t be necessary. I don’t want to cause anyone undue harm.

Okay… If he gives you trouble, just let me know. Heh, and if he wants to buy you something, suggest Morri Robe.

With that Cy released my shoulders and chuckled hard.

It’s worth 13.7 million gil, ah ha ha ha! Well, if he could buy it, which he can’t though.

I wouldn’t take it anyway.

I’ve got to get going, now. Take care Kiamo.

Okay, you too.

No sooner was Cy out of sight when I felt a hand caress my arm.

Looking good in those red mage legs.

You… Are you.. Trying to pick me up or something?

Yeah, a little, am I bad?

The stranger cast his gaze slowly downward from my face to my chest, to my hips, to my thighs, to my boots and then back up. Had he been hiding out? Cy was long gone. I was totally alone. Totally wishing for Sha-chan. What would he even do in such a situation? He would smile and be pleasant… Om shanti shanti…

Look… I’ll be friends with anybody, but before you get you hopes up…

I held up my left hand and pointed to the band on my ring finger.

This is a Matrimony Band.

Ah, got a boyfriend huh?

Husband.

Here?

Well… he’s kind of {long time} {/away} at the moment…

Shoot! No, no, no, no, no! Shut up! Why did you say that! Idiot!

I blinked back tears. All I wanted right now was to run to Sha-chan’s outstretched arms. To hear him sing me Gayatri Mantra. Everything would be fine then…
I bit my lower lip.

How do you mean?

Well… we held a ring ceremony his last day here… Before he went to study the ways of enlightenment.

Ah… Gets pretty lonely?

At present he is studying at an Ashram in the far far east. But… he is always with me in a way… Like a hand-print on my heart.

I pressed my left hand over my right, both over my heart. It was true. If something had happened to him, I knew I would have felt it. He was with me.
The urge to flee overwhelmed me at that moment.
I focused my vision. Blainlsp was reaching a hand for mine. Way too close…

Think I can see you?

I think I have to go…

I shuffled my feet backward.

Think I can see again?

Keep in mind, sir, that no matter how far away Sha-chan is, I will always be faithful to him.

He your first boyfriend?

What?

Is he your first boyfriend.

He is my best friend.

What is your age?

What does it matter?

Can I help you with anything you want. Just between us.

This was getting creepier by the moment. I shuffled back a tad more. I kind of wanted to use the broad side of my sword on this guy… but that would surely disappoint Sha-chan.

Um… Well next time I go try to camp for Joyuse that would be helpful... to have more people to assist…
Or.. Hmmm. Oh, I know. Assault! I want to get to rank of Captain some day…

Don’t want some buyable things too?

Oh Um… Hmmm, I’m not sure… I don’t usually camp the auction house because I don’t have a whole lot of gil.

Had a few boyfriends?

I shook my head. I had hoped to derail that line of questioning.

When was your first?

He grinned toothily at me. Was that a spittle of drool? I scowled.

That’s rather personal.

It’ll stay between us.

I don’t talk about things like that with anybody, let alone someone I don’t even know.

Please? I’m not asking for graphic details.

No. It’s a policy I have…

Can bend? I’ll do anything you wish.

I shuffled back some more and shook my head.

Anything at all. Even if you want a 40 million gil item like Kraken Club.

Sorry… no…

But seeing legs is okay?

The heck!?

I’m expected at the Manor… Good day.

I really was. And after my meeting there, I cautiously peeked out before continuing on my way.
Ruthaal! Thank the Goddess! I raced up to him and grasped his bicep firmly in both hands.
Shocked, he caught my eyes with what began as a scowl at my invasion of his personal space, then relaxed as he recognized me.
With pleading and affrighted eyes I mouthed, “Help”.

Haha, Kiamo, what do you need now?

In a hushed voice I replied…

Some guy is hitting on me… Its so creepy…

What’s his name? I’ll cast death on him. Haha!

He is wanting to know all kinds of personal things… and I won’t say.

Who is this creep?

Blainlsp. Do you know him?

No..

Well where is he?

I …

I looked around, carefully. Surely he was lurking. Nothing…

I don’t know. He’ll probably pop out of nowhere when you leave.

I can’t exactly follow you around…

Ugh, I know.

Ru grinned and patted me on the head.

Well you’re a big bad Red Mage. I think you are able to handle something like that, eh?

I cast my eyes firmly on the nearby well and sighed heavily.

Sorry… Look I gotta go Kia. You can handle him. Don’t worry.

And with that he warped. I fished some mission instructions from my pocket. Who else did I need to visit in the kingdom…

Oh here you are. Said I could see the legs!

Crap!… ; ;

You’ve seen them…

Am I really being a bad person if I want to do anything for you?

I suppose not, but don’t do it to try and win my affections.

Both?

I shook my head and stuffed the paper back into my pocket so he wouldn’t see my hands trembling.

I’m busy right now…

What if I’m not trying to steal you away from your boyfriend?

I’m still working on a mission either way.

So can you just have both?

I’ve got to go.

And with that I cast warp.

This isn’t even close to the end… this guy stalked me at Dynamis and then even the next day until I finally said I had told ALL my linkshell mates what he was saying to me.

Here is exactly what happened later on:

CoP Pain

2010-11-21T13:06:00.000-08:00

Finally, the horrid task of training Dark Knight was over and done with. I wasn't yet free of peril, though.

There was the matter of visiting three Rubious Crystals in Al'Taieu.
I began asking my linkshell for advice or assistance.
A few of them agreed to help best some of the Ru'aern notorious monsters.

The next task, however, was too time consuming for them to lend aid.
I explained everything to Zidea and joked that perhaps he and I could simply duo. He thought that was a fine idea.
I wondered if he'd been relieved of his senses.
However, I knew that whatever happened, it would be fun with Zidea.

We headed to the Grand Palace of Hu'Xzoi and escorted some Quasilumin to progress through the floors of the palace. We had to sleepga several creatures and run to near by portals to escape being KO'd, but in the end we managed to find our way to the Cermet Portal without any real peril.

Well that was easy, wasn’t it, Kiamo?

I giggled and adjusted the Red Mage Chapeau atop my head, cocking it ever so slightly to the side as I responded.

Aye, perhaps too easy?

Zidea grinned, interlaced his fingers and straightened his arms before him as he turned his palms outward, cracking his knuckles.

Well, Kiamo, we’ll do our best. And most importantly, have fun. Right?

I clapped my hands together and nodded.

Right! Oh and Zidea…

Hmm?

Thank you so much for coming!

No problem. All you ever have to do is ask, Kiamo.

I nodded and smiled, trying to keep up a jovial facade even though I was feeling worried.

Indeed, the peril was yet to come.
I examined the Portal and the Ix'ghrah appeared.
No matter what we tried, Zidea and I were only able to do minimal damage to it! It also had some sort of regeneration ability because after a short time we noticed that the damage we had done had been healed!
After a few valiant attempts, we resigned to failure and teleported out.

I would have to ask my linkshell yet again... I couldn’t shake the feeling that my requests for assistance were irritating them.

A few days later I worked up the courage to pose a meek request... Again it was far too time consuming for them and I was pointed to someone shouting in Whitegate.
Someone who already had a bad reputation for her incessant complaining and bashing of my Einherjar linkshell.
I didn't want to go with her, but what other choice did I have if I wanted to complete the mission?

Dispite Zidea’s best efforts we couldn't duo the NM...
My other friends were usually occupied and the odds of getting them together all at once seemed slim at best.
With a heavy heart I sighed and asked the girl shouting if she needed a red mage. She did.

We gathered together at the Grand Palace of Hu'Xzoi and soon found that none of them knew how to even start the escort portion of the quest.

It was then that Zidea sent me word of a happy greeting, asking what I was up to. I told him and, even though he had other plans, he agreed to come and help us instead.
The party leader even offered him gil. (Which she never ever paid out to him.)
With Zidea there, we easily made the climb and bested the NM.

After that, with Zidea's help, we visited the different race towers inside the Garden of Ru'Hmet.

With that task complete, Zidea bid me farewell and I thanked him.
It was then that another acquaintance asked what I was up to. I explained and he came to help with the next portion of the mission.
With his aid, we bested the Ix'zdei.

Now the group wanted to continue on to the Empyreal Paradox.
They wanted to battle Promathia himself!!

I wanted to cry! I had to battle the ill feeling brewing in my belly. We had been at this all night long. It was the wee hours of the morning. Dawn would soon break… I leaned against the wall, crouched down and slowly rubbed my temples with the knuckles of my index and middle fingers, willing my stomach to settle.

With no discussion, the group summoned me. They intended to start this epic battle immediately. Though they gave little to no thought to what strategy would be best to employ with the jobs we had at hand.
Our first attempt ended in utter failure.
I think the second did also...
It is a complete blur now, but I did manage to save the following for your viewing amusement:

/headache ~_~;

(c) 2002-2010 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved. Title Design by Yoshitaka Amano. FINAL FANTASY, TETRA MASTER and VANA'DIEL are registered trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd. SQUARE ENIX, PLAYONLINE and the PlayOnline logo are trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd.

Writer's Note

2010-11-15T14:24:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone, I actually haven't fallen off the face of the world!
Very soon my lengthy absence will be explained! Stay tuned!=^^=

Until then, bare with me as I catch up on entries I meant to post months and months and months ago~!

As always, happy adventuring and Goddess Bless!

Friends, they turn away

2010-08-27T14:24:00.000-07:00

I had found a decent place to solo crabs. No ghosts here. The down side, no Field of Valor experience point bonus either. But I felt safer would prove better in the end when training Dark Knight.
It was still taking its toll on me, though. Every beast slain yanked somber feelings to the forefront of my mind, like an exposed nerve. Every little thing began to upset me. I hated being alone, for that only served to magnify the experience. But who to tell... Why bother?
Boo hoo, Kiamo misses Shagrath... Still... Tell us something we don't know...
Tell us something we care about

My eyes clouded over. I didn't need to see clearly to slay crabs.
My mind wandered. I didn't need to think clearly to slay crabs.
I did need both of those attributes to recognize others, though.

Kiamo?

Wha--?

Before me stood a hume, about a head taller than I. He had chin length brown hair. He reached out a gentle hand to brush away some fly-away tendrils of hair from my cheek. My heart hurt... I bit my lip and my hold on the great sword I had been wielding slackened. It fell to the ground with an angry clunk.

Kiamo..? Are you ill?

There was a firm grip on my shoulder. I lowered my chin and turned my head. This was not the scent of Shagrath. Nor the voice of Shagrath.
I rubbed my eyes into focus and saw the hume for who he was.

Training… has taken its toll upon me as of late.

I hope, for your sake, you finish training dark knight soon.

I sighed and crouched down to retrieve the sword.

Me too… Me too. Have you any idea what happened to Wolf?

No, I do not. But I miss him.

I'm not sure how I feel... The more I think on it, the more I remember he would only come around because of Sha-chan… But then he was pretty nice after Sha left...
Then he just.. Vanished.
I can't help but wonder if..

A knot formed in my throat as I gave voice to what I had been worrying on.

If... its an omen... that... that perhaps…

You think that perhaps he...

Something bad...

I didn't even want to say it. That would make it all the more reality. I blinked back tears.

...Happened to Sha... in the Far East...
Or maybe something bad happened to Wolf?
Nobody knows what happened to him.. its so... Strange.

I wiped both hands across my face from my eyes, down my cheeks, to my chin. I hated being like this.

We can only hope for the best in these situations.

I've been trying to but... training dark knight on my own weighs heavy on my soul...
And now just mentioning this to you... Just the thought of...
Like what if something horrific did happen??
And Wolf is afraid to tell me?
I feel like I'm going to vomit....

I drove the great sword into the ground and held a hand to my mouth. Bile was threatening to work its way up my throat. Slowly, I slid my hand from my mouth to my stomach and drew circles on my belly.
Alfonsas reached out to offer comfort.

Don't Kia.
I know how you can see that.
I thought the same thing once. I hadn't seen or heard from Feimi in a great while and it made me feel awful.
But you just have to believe that Shagrath will come and collect you as he said he would.

I leaned against the stone wall of the cavern with my palm still gently pressed to my abdomen. I tried to will the feeling of nausea to pass.

But...
I wonder... if he forgot.
He said he would write to me too, and he hasn't.

Kia... I'm sorry, but I need to tend to something.

Okay, bye.

I straightened and yanked the great sword from the ground.

Hey, I will be back, alright?

I nodded.

Two requests for you, alright?

I frowned, curious.

And they would be?

First one is to stay safe.

And the second?

Heh, and the second... Stay beautiful.

I don't even know what to say to that... To the second...
To the first I... can only answer with something remiss of what Shagrath said when I asked him to do the very same thing.
The universe will do with me as it wishes.

I have a similar quote, one of my own, "We must understand that our fate is set, but we must act like it is not.".

I had no words. All I could do was nod.

What about that second one?

I said I don't know what to say to that.

It was true, all I could do was blush.

Perhaps, "Thank you?"

Alfonsas grinned.

It's just... An odd thing to say.

Well... I am a bit odd. That's what keeps me, me.

I smiled, acknowledging his odd-ness.

I'll accept that smile, too. Also, if I may add, Kia. You may not like to be promised things recently...

Don't do it!

But I promise myself, and will weigh any consequence, that I will reach the Walk of Echos with you.

The smile I had conjured was all but lost. Now my mind was cluttered with broken promises made by friends. It seemed as though a promise made was a promise broken. Or a limited time offer... Who makes a promise with an expiration date? Every friend who promised me something quickly became perpetually absent soon after.
I shook my head at Alfonsas. I didn't want to lose yet another friend.

Please don't do it! If another friend betrays me then...

Do you think you can allow me that?

I can't un-do it.

I sulked, but Alfonsas seemed pleased with himself.

Heh, then my hands are tied, aren't they?

Inodded and attempted to keep my wits about me as Alfonsas strode off.
The moment I could no longer hear his footfalls, fat tears silently rolled down my cheeks. I collapsed to my knees and tried not to wretch.
All these months I had tried to be strong, but a Vana'dial with out Shagrath was becoming less and less a place I wanted to traverse at all.
I had hoped, with friends beside me, his absence wouldn't be so harsh. But the reality of the situation had turned out to be, I was having to do most things alone or with strangers. That served to only worsen the void left by Sha-chan's departure.

(c) 2002-2010 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved. Title Design by Yoshitaka Amano. FINAL FANTASY, TETRA MASTER and VANA'DIEL are registered trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd. SQUARE ENIX, PLAYONLINE and the PlayOnline logo are trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd.

Why not Dark?

2010-08-04T20:38:00.000-07:00

Even though my time with that dynamis group was over, I couldn't shake the notion of training dark knight.
They had been right, and stun would be useful.
I had looked into other "end-game" linkshells and they required ALL applicable support jobs to be leveled, regardless of this new level cap increase.
So against my better judgment, and with the thought that this was for the greater good... I pulled out the great sword I had been training with last. Along with the other gear, and made my way to Buburimu Peninsula.

No one was in my social linkshells to train with me so I went alone.

I began with crabs, then tried out the Field of Valor page that included Dhamal and Leeches. After gaining some confidence I tried a pugil. That proved more difficult, but not impossible.
The problem arose when my health got low and a ghost smelled it.
I had seen a taru on the beach fishing so I called for help.
The taru turned my way and I raced toward him.
My health was already low, I knew I wouldn't be able to defeat the ghost without help.
But instead of helping, he watched me attempt to defend myself, and eventually fall, then turned his attentions back to the crashing waves. He didn't even cast a line. Just stood there, staring off into the night sky. Probably quietly laughing to himself, or his friends-- I just watched some noob DRK go down in the sand. Q_Q

Luckily, or unluckily, I had gotten a reraise enchantment from the manual. I had to wait until sunrise to activate it, though.
I trudged back to Mhaura and warped home to Windurst… Where I died my hair black to match my current mood. As I was examining my handy-work, Sarima warped home.

Kupo Kiki!!! Adventurer appreciation is underway!

I’m not feeling very appreciative lately, Sarima.

Kup-no silly! Appreciation for kup-YOU. Go and see the moogle outside.

I shimmied into my Warlock’s attire and went to see what Sarima was going on about.
Upon speaking to the moogle she had mentioned, I was given a Dinner Jacket and hose.
I ran home to try them on, then headed back out as I had heard chatter about a quest where the reward was a Moggiebag. Rumor had it this moggiebag dispensed a random amount of gil. That might prove useful.
I was so caught up in my ponderings, I didn’t notice a familiar face.

Hey there Kia! You certainly look adorable in your dinner attire.

Oh! And might I add you look quite dashing in yours, sir.

Sir?

The young man let out a roar of laughter.

You need not be so formal. You remember me, right?

Of course I do, Alfonsas, I featured you in my writings as a “Sexy Single”.

Alfonsas jokingly recoiled from me, mimicking shock.

Haha! Sexy single, hmm?

I grinned and nodded.

Aye, for Valentione's day. I had been helping big brother Wolfknight give out chocolate when I met you. You were wearing a wedding jacket. I inquired where your wife was…

Oh now I remember that. I haven’t got a wife…

Yes, I remember you saying that then, too.

I should like to read your article.

Certainly! I will have my moogle send it to you.

And Wolf… Now that’s someone I haven’t seen in some time.

You were friends with him, right?

Aye.

You haven’t seen him lately?

No…

Nor I…

I frowned, wondering if anyone had seen Wolf lately. I hadn’t seen him since the grand Airship battle.

I’ll ask around, perhaps he’s just been practicing ninja arts lately.

Alfonsas chuckled, then knelt before me.

Glad to have seen you again, Kiamo. Don’t be a stranger.

Get up! Don’t do that… I won’t be.

What have you been doing?

I let out a sulking sigh…

Training Dark Knight. It weighs heavy on my spirit… But if I want to be a respected Red Mage, it’s a support role I need to have at my disposal.

Then I told him of my earlier experience. He offered to come out with me and ensure that didn’t happen again. I smiled and nodded. Company would be nice for a change.

I’ve got to take my leave…

Okay, see you again.

As I lifted my hand to flitter my fingers in farewell, Alfonsas took hold of it and ever so slightly pressed his lips to the back. I blushed.

I- I thought we weren’t being forrrmal?

Alfonsas grinned and let go my hand.

I’m not. That’s just how you treat a lady.

He turned, still grinning, and strode away. I was speechless. Who does that?

(c) 2002-2010 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved. Title Design by Yoshitaka Amano. FINAL FANTASY, TETRA MASTER and VANA'DIEL are registered trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd. SQUARE ENIX, PLAYONLINE and the PlayOnline logo are trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd.

Dreamland Nightmare

2010-07-16T16:16:00.000-07:00

The time came around again to attend dynamis with Ruthaal's group. This time it was in "dream lands". Dynamis Valkurm.
I met up with the group behind the outpost.
Ruthaal was no where to be found. I didn't really want to go without him there, but I wasn't about to turn tail and run either.
The leader was asking what drops people wanted. A lot. I hadn't planned to choose anything since this was only my second time going with them. At the same time I wondered if she kept repeating herself because I had yet to answer. So I finally said, Red mage, it is the only job I have at 75.
That started chatter about support jobs.

Do you have dark knight?

A knot formed in my stomach.

No... I have black mage, white mage and ninja...

Why not dark?

Well... I... It was suggested strongly to me not to train dark knight...

Who told you that?!

...because of the level cap increase... black mage support will get stun so...

Well that's stupid! You won't even be able to get that spell with black mage until the cap is 99. That is a ways off yet. Whoever told you that must not like you much.

I'm sorry... I... I'll work on it for next time...

Sub Black Mage then.

As I walked to Selbina to change my support from white to black mage, I thought about last time I had trained Dark Knight.
I didn't want to go through that again.
Shagrath wouldn't be around to save me this time...
The knot became a sharp pain and I doubled over, clutching my abdomen. My knees fell into the sand.

Get it together!

I changed, and ran back to the outpost.
We got into groups and entered using the enchanted hourglass.

Once inside, it seemed like a repeat of the last time, only with cacti.
I ran around using sleepga and sleep. It seemed the melee were attacking two different creatures.
There was talk of some fly that should have been pulled…
I wasn't sure what else to do and there wasn't much instruction being given.
Eventually I did see the fly. They were able to slay it.
Then all of a sudden all my enchantments wore off. Including reraise!!
I began to re-cast blink, stoneskin, refresh and phalanx, knowing they would be needed for whatever was pulled next.
However, while I was resting, all but three of us had moved camp.
We could rest at next camp, the leader said.
So off we ran looking for them.
I was wishing she had said that before taking off.
We found them and soon after, another slew of monsters had surrounded us.
I desperately tried to sleep, but again it seemed more then one thing was being hit, and subsequently woken up.
Again, I was face first in the sand.
One charge on my reraise earring. I didn't even want to get up.
After all the monsters returned from whence they had came, I did raise up.
There was shouting.
Then the leader shouted something about too many people trying to get her attention to talk privately.
Someone else saying we didn't have enough people and shouldn't have attempted this.
I fished the hourglass from my bag to see how much longer I would have to endure the beatings and bickering.
It was then that I heard the leader screaming about no more events until she decided to set one in linkshell message.
And then she yelled the words I had been waiting for.
“Just break glass! We are done here!”
Not that I wanted to abandon anybody, but I wasn't White Mage. Nobody likes an "R1" when there is "R3" to be had.
I saw everyone dropping or smashing the glass.
That's all I needed and I pitched mine at the wall. I didn't even wait for the broken magical seal to eject me from the battlefield. I cast warp, and with a whoosh, found myself back in Port Windurst.
Then I pulled the linkpearl out of my ear and let it roll off my fingertips as I stalked through archway leading into the residential district.

I had no desire to be around such bickering and anger. I wondered how Ru put up with it.
My head was throbbing as I stripped down, then sunk into the fountain. The wounds from the last time hadn’t even healed yet… I couldn’t even look any longer. I simply pitched my head back, closed my eyes and tried to let the warm water soothe me.

(c) 2002-2010 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved. Title Design by Yoshitaka Amano. FINAL FANTASY, TETRA MASTER and VANA'DIEL are registered trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd. SQUARE ENIX, PLAYONLINE and the PlayOnline logo are trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd.

Too Good to Last…

2010-07-12T21:48:00.000-07:00

After the end-game linkshell I had joined canceled every event I had intended to attend, I felt dejected... upset... and frustrated.
They had been so amazing for dynamis. I didn’t understand what had happened in one weeks time.
There was so much I had yet to do and knew I could never do with my two socials.
Even calling those linkshell's "social" was starting to stretch the truth, sadly.
They both were empty more often than not. When members were around, they seemed to be up to something and so busied with that something, that they could not be bothered to reply to "hello" or "what's going on?".

It was then that I spied Ruthaal. The paladin I had met during Besieged.

Hey Ruthaal.

What's up Kia?

Well...

I dropped my eyes from his gaze and studied my errant shoes. He had given them to me. They were dirty with use. I almost always wore them.

Kia? Is something the matter?

Oh-- Ah well... I was wondering...

Why ask... He was a more advanced- Well, everything!

Yes?

What... What linkshell do you do Dynamis with? Mine has cancelled all runs in the foreseeable future, sadly.

Oh, that's a shame. Come with me then. Hurry! We're about to do Dynamis Windurst.

What?!

Come on! It'll be fine.

I raced after him. This was crazy! I had only done one dynamis-- EVER. One needs to apply, don't they? Perhaps tonight they were short-staffed and needed a Red Mage?
Most of the other members were already grouped up and entering.
A taru female smiled up at me as she handed me a pearl.

Once inside I was invited to a party. The others had already begun pulling Yagudo.
All I knew was what I had done during my previous run. Sleepga the incoming monsters.
And so I did.
Luckily that seemed to be the right thing to do.
That and silence the crows. Wow those things could be nasty. It only took one time of getting silenced by them for me to follow up every sleepga with several silences on any and every crow I saw.

Though the run started out okay... It later turned into a horrid mess.
There is something called, "the death house".
Some elvaan managed to run straight into it. Thus getting the attention of every single Yagudo standing around it after the rest of the group had started sneaking by.
They knocked him out, right in front of the front door, and then came for us.
I was the next one knocked out... It was then that I heard people shouting, "WHO AGGRO'D THE DEATH HOUSE?!!" and glancing at me.
I had followed directions... I was sticking close to the wall and carefully creeping by. I had seen who had really done it.
I hauled my self up and crawled to Ruthaal.

Ru... It wasn't me... I saw that Elvaan... I don't know his name but he ran straight into it for some reason.

It's okay Kia.

It wasn't okay! I didn't want to get a bad reputation for something I hadn't done.
Every one had gotten knocked out because of it. While people were gathering their wits and resting after the Yagudo had wandered away, they started asking one another who aggro'd the death house.
Finally, the elvaan spoke up.

The leader, the same taru who had handed me a pearl, was trying to figure out how to get the elvaan out of the predicament he was in.
Raising him was not an option since he was so close to the enemies.

I'm not entirely sure what happened after that. Other then everyone getting knocked out AGAIN.
After recovering from that... I think there was talk about pulling some NM.
However that was done improperly and we all got knocked out AGAIN.
This kept repeating and soon I found that the brand new re-raise earring I had purchased just the other day, had FOUR charges left on it.
I was battered and bruised and tired.
Finally the taru leader said to drop glass. Time was running out anyway.

I sat in a sad heap on the steps leading up to the residential district.
When Ruthaal strode by, I gently tugged at his pant leg to quietly get his attention.
He glanced down, saw me, and sat beside me.

Ruthaal... Is it always like that?

Well, no, not always. There is always death, but not as bad as that was.

I see... The other group I went with... I wasn't knocked out even once. It was so much fun. This...

I shook my head and burried my fingers in my hair. Perhaps I just wasn't ready. I wasn't a seasoned Red Mage. I wasn't used to taking such a beating. Didn't know what to do automatically.

Then the taru leader approached, and sat down with us. She patted me on the shoulder.

I hope that wasn't too rough for you, hun.

To be perfectly honest, m'am, I'm not used to that.

It'll be better next time! Don't worry. Happens to the best of us. I hope we didn't scare you off, hun?

I shook my head no and she smiled, then kipped-up like taru's do and skipped away.

What are you going to do now?

I... Well I probably ought to go campaign but... I think I shall lay down instead.

See you later, then, Kia.

See you around, Ruthaal.

Once in my mog house, I stripped off my gear and settled down in the fountain. I examined my many scrapes and bruises.
Is this what it is to be Red Mage in dynamis? I wasn't sure how much more I could take. I needed training, more than campaign could offer. More than a merit group could teach me. But with who and how? Perhaps Zidea… but I didn’t want to bother him overmuch.

(c) 2002-2010 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved. Title Design by Yoshitaka Amano. FINAL FANTASY, TETRA MASTER and VANA'DIEL are registered trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd. SQUARE ENIX, PLAYONLINE and the PlayOnline logo are trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd.

Excitable Kiamo

2010-07-08T14:53:00.000-07:00

A knock on my mog house door. It was kind of odd handling visitors myself. Sarima was away visiting friends. I didn’t mind so much though, because typically upon her return, she brought some extra storage!
I poked my head out the door to find Zidea.

Hi!! Come in!

Hey Kia, I got your message. You seemed so… Excitable heh. I figured I would just stop by.

Oh yes!

Zidea followed me inside and I busied myself preparing him a cup of tea. He looked a little bedraggled, no doubt from some amazing Red Mage adventure.

So, you had your first dynamis run?

I did!! Oh Zidea is was so FUN.

I bet you were pretty busy.
That I was! Here, tea? Sit! Relax. Let me tell you… Oh I had to ask so may questions before we entered. I wanted to give it my best, especially being new. I didn’t want to screw anything up.

Zidea smiled and chuckled as he lowered himself to a comfortable sitting position on the floor. I pressed the mug of tea into his hands, grinning.

They told me to sleepga on the pulls. That was always the most important thing. Sleepga first, everything else after. And so I did. Every pull, sleepga! Then I would cast refresh on the blue mage as she needed. I cured when my comrades were taking a beating. I even set some ice magic on those things they called statues.

Aye, Red Mage in dynamis can be difficult and very busy.

Oh Aye! Very busy! Very exciting! I was loving every moment.

I knelt before Zidea, my eyes shining with renewed excitement as I relived the event in my mind.

Even when an angry Quadav woke up and came after me, I slept it and grinned, not a scratch! Then one of the melee would come along and make quick work of it.
Ohhh! I was even lucky enough to obtain a Wootz Ore!

Wonderful, those sell for a nice amount of gil.

Aye! And I am certainly lacking funds as of late.

I giggled, and paused for breath, remembering the rest of the run.

And did they win it for you?

Oh I am just getting to that part.

I stuck out my tongue at Zidea and waved a finger at him, teasing, before continuing.

When it finally came time for the mega boss… Oh goddess, it sure was mega sized! The leader told us, only magic could be used to defeat it.

Yes, that’s correct. Were you brave enough to cast?

Well, before it was pulled, I asked what spell was best.

Did they tell you Blizzard or Thunder?

They said any. So I fired off a blizzard, thunder… whatever, I don’t even remember hehe… until I ran out of mana.
Once it fell, a mark appeared on the ground. When I checked it…

I presented Zidea with what I had found there.

“Dynamis-Bastok Interloper”. Congratulations Kia!

I excitedly thrust a fist into the air.

Yeah! My first dynamis win! I hope they’re all like that.

Sounds like you went with a really good group. I’m glad your first experience was a good one.

I let out a long sigh and stretched out across the floor.

Yes… And I was quite tired at the end, but so glad for the new, exciting experience. I’m really looking forward to the next one!

And what of that limbus run?

Oh that!!!

I happily clapped my hands together and quickly pulled myself into a kneeling position to better re-tell the tale.

Myst went as Corsair, plus two of her black mage friends and I. My job was to set gravity on incoming monsters. Then sleep after the black mages did a volley of ga spells. Rinse and repeat, as Myst so fondly described it. Which worked out pretty well until we got to the area with behemoth type creatures. They resisted gravity, so I quickly cast bind instead. Luckily that held.

Good!

Yes, hehe, the black mages even said to me, good bind. At the end, there was a super huge behemoth monster!

Heh, yes, a variation of King Behemoth. That is a notorious monster you would find not far from Qufim Island.

Oh in Behemoth’s Dominion.

Exactly.

I’ve been there before, but not seen such a creature, thankfully. The one we encountered was frightful, indeed! Hehe. We, well who ever it was chasing, ran around in a circle with the monster after them. The black mages would cast on it when it stopped to cast on us. This time, my job was to cast Bio and Poison. I even snuck a couple blizzard spells in. Hehe. Oh and of course keep the black mages refreshed.

Of course.

Oh.. But eventually, well I tried to cure, too… but oh… one black mage got knocked out! Myst kept the monster occupied while they recovered. That part was kind of worrisome. But in the end, we bested it!

I grabbed Zidea’s free hand as he finished taking a sip of tea.

Wow! So exciting and fun. I’m really looking forward to the next limbus event with them! They are very talented.

Zidea chuckled, set down his tea and patted me on the head.

That’s great! I’m glad things are going well for you. Thank you for the tea but, I’ve got to get going for Kirin.

I rose to my feet as well and playfully saluted Zidea.

Oh, well I wish you luck on that then!

Well… it isn’t for a while yet, but getting to Kirin room sucks sometimes. I went zero out of forty once.

Long walk-- Huh?

You have to tele to his room. And you either get to it or you don’t. Heh, if you don’t you have to walk back to the beginning to try again.

I pursed my lips and shook my head, confused.

That’s… unfortunate. So it’s totally random?

No… There is a way to one hundred percent get there I think… But I don’t know what it is. Or maybe those people are lucky 100% of the time.

Well I hope you get there first try, then.

It might happen.

Zidea flashed a big smile at me. Then he winked and pressed his hand to my shoulder.

It might not. Heh, you’re welcome to come watch the death. If you’re going to be up a while yet. It will be some time before we start.

Yeah I would… I w--- well no I mean I don’t want to see you and your friends die.

I pouted, choosing my next words.

Aww, but it’s so fun.

I should like to see Kirin one day.

You get to watch me kite Kirin, die, kite again! Haha!

…maybe help to slay it?

We slay it after his minions are dead.

If it wasn’t so late… I would absolutely come and fast cast cure IV you!

Do you know Cure IV pulls massive hate? You would die before I would if you did that.

He patted me gently on the head.

I peeked up at him, and wrinkled my nose.

At least you wouldn’t die then.

Heh, but you would. That would be counter productive.

But you’re the kiter.

Yeah, me and a paladin are.

I let out a disappointed sigh.

I’m going to have to get yet another linkshell to do sky stuff. None of the linkshells I have do it.

None?

No… The dynamis one stopped. The one social does it sometimes, but when I tried to find out exactly when, I was told something like… When people are on and feel like it.

Vague…

I nodded solemnly.

I don’t want to keep you! Good luck tonight, Zidea.

Thank you Kiamo. Sleep tight and sweet dreams.

Looking back...

2010-06-16T12:19:00.000-07:00

While we are pushing forward. Oftentimes it serves to stir up the past...
Sometimes things happen so fast I forget to make enough notes to write about it later.
Therefor, this will be a look back with some of the forgotten images.

This is from when Shagrath, big brother Wolf and his friend Draylo took me to get a key and find a coffer in Castle Oztroja for Red Mage artifact gear.

Draylo was Thief, and decided to pick a coffer lock. Silly man! It was cursed or something because it caused him to become weakened! And it lasted longer than usual. I felt bad for him, but it also made me giggle a little.

Someone randomly asked me for help while I was just hanging out in Windurst one day.
We had to go though the three mage door to access an area for, I think, Black Mage artifact gear. My memory is kind of fuzzy about the whole event.
What I do remember is, originally the fellow had asked me just for help getting past the three mage door.
It turned into this awful outing with masses of aggressive creatures and stupid deaths due to the black mage trying to show off with area of effect spells. ; ;
In the end, I just had to leave them there because my patience was spent. ; ;
I felt bad, but I just couldn't take it anymore and was ready to cry. Totally time for a hot, relaxing bath.

Anyway, I've always found this door to be fascinating and quite beautiful when activated. ^_^

Going way, way back now...

This is a snapshot of text from when I was a very "noob" little Red Mage and Mishieru had offered to take me to a brenner match and show me the ropes.
I say noob because I thought Maat fight was much longer then it is. /blush
The amusing thing here is how we try to get the attention of the linkshell. hehe

Shagrath and I were putting together an experience points party with our friends. We needed a tank, I believe. A paladin... So we were hoping for Ghrenn to "pop".

She's a lottery spawn? Who knew! hehe

The next few are just silly^_^; (as if the previous ones aren't :p)

Sha-chan could really make me blush... I know he didn't mean to.

This brings back pleasant and very unpleasant memories... but I am honored that I got to battle one of those "NM"s you find wandering around outside at such a "low" level.

Now that I'm the coveted "75" (which is soon to be obsolete with the level cap increase coming up) I've joined in on high level battlefields, like Einherjar and Dynamis. And battled some difficult monsters, like Byakko. This is my first time at Byakko. We were getting ready. I was too nervous to take pictures during the battle. /blush

There is also something called a "merit party" that I am able to join now.
Sometimes you meet people who have... shall we say... unique gear?

The fact that this is a galka made me more terrified. /panic

Well that's all for now. How about taking the time to take a look back at all your past adventures?
Hopefully the fond memories are stronger then the foul ones.
As always, happy adventuring and Goddess bless.

Warriors of the Crystal

2010-06-16T10:16:00.000-07:00

I once again found myself in Aht Urhgan Whitegate. This time someone shouting for Divine Might caught my attention. I asked if there was room for another Red Mage and was answered with an invitation to join the party.
I had been really concerned about how I would ever face the Ark Angles. I tended to have trouble rallying three to six people for things, let alone seventeen!

After a very long wait, we were to gather in sky.
So long of a wait that I had to send sad word to Edwyth that I wouldn’t be able to attend Einherjar that evening.
It was already gather time and we hadn’t even entered the battlefield.
Luckily Ed seemed to not be cross with me choosing Divine Might.
After all, who knew when an opportunity like this would present itself again.

In the end, waiting paid off.
The group was able to defeat all five ark angles, though we did have one incident where everyone was knocked out.
A choice of earrings was offered to us. I read through them all and quietly wished Zidea was around to ask which I should choose.
In the end I asked for advice from another Red Mage in attendance. He suggested Suppanomimi, so I settled on that.

Five people from the group were willing to stick around so we could take a crack at the next mission.
This time we faced Eald’narche.
I remembered my first encounter with him… I knew something was amiss even then, but I was not quite ready for the depth of his lunacy.
All he cared about was his thousand year dream of Paradise.

It took a few tries, but we did manage to best him. Though that did not stop him from hurling insults.

The crystals will spin out of control as they did ten thousand years ago, and create another Meltdown that will destroy this world and everything on it!

We couldn’t believe what we were witnessing… We couldn’t let him get away with it, but what more could we do.
I struggled to get up with what little strength I had remaining.
Then Lion stepped out before the group.

Then I guess it's up to me... There might be another way to do this, but I couldn't think of anything better...

Then she took my elbow in her fingers and quietly whispered to me…

I'm sorry, Kiamo. I don't think I'm going to be able to keep our promise.

Lion wait, what are you---

She answered by pressing her lips to my cheek and pushing me aside as she ran off.
As I tried to get up and give chase, a seething pain gripped my head like a vice. I could hear the screams of my comrades, calling to Lion. I could do nothing but cradle my aching head in my hands. And then…
The lilting voice of Yve’noile…

Eald'narche.
Something can never really be destroyed.
It only changes to take on a new form.
And now, thy time hast come to take on a new form.
Let us go...
Until we meet again...Warriors of the Crystal.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"It all began with a stone, or so the legend says.
In ages past, a sentient jewel, enormous and beautiful, banished the darkness. Its many-colored light filled the world with life and brought forth mighty gods.
Bathed in that light, the world entered an age of bliss until, after a time, the gods fell into slumber. That world was called Vana'diel.
However, this age will not last. The great bane will devour the fair land of Vana'diel.
The ancient seal will be broken, awakening nightmares of ages past.
The blood of innocents will soak the earth, and the world will fall into fear and despair.
But as one bright star shines through the clouds at night...
And as one song rings clear above the roar of beasts...
We hold to one hope in these darkest of times.
That star is you, and the song is yours.
And someday, that hope will become our dreams...our prayers...
Shine forth, star of hope! Let your song ring out across all of Vana'diel!
And what was split asunder will once more become whole.
Complete and inseparable for all eternity."

I only remembered to take one picture... This is of the kind people who stayed to do the battles after Divine Might. It was a long and tiring night, but I was glad to have accomplished so much. I only wish it had been with friends instead of strangers.

Inane remedy

2010-06-03T10:42:00.000-07:00

Lately I had been thinking on the words of Jabbos from days past.

The only way to escape the pain… is to change the world.

It wasn’t so much that I was looking to escape my pain, but to find a way to remedy it.
Perhaps… the past would be a good place to start.

I arrived in Windurst Waters [S] and saw Dhea.
She told me the entire camp had been buzzing with rumors of my accomplishments.
I blushed. I wouldn't have been able to do any good without the aid of my comrades-in-arms.

Dhea, why is it so quiet today? Is this a good omen?

Hmmm... no, let's just say that people-- Mithra, in particular--don't always get along well with each otherrr, and when that happens, sometimes it's best to keep a low profile until things cool down.

I knew first hand about situations like that.

Just then Lehko ran by. This immediately caught the attention of Dhea. Not to mention a litter of other Mithra!
One of them even hurled her pitchfork at him!
What the heck! Did these frisky felines not know that you catch more bee's with honey, so to speak? :/

Then, Mihl tried to pin some drama on me! Accusing me of being more than friends with that male mithra. For Altana's SAKE, I am married!!
As I was about to protest the accusation, the girls began their infighting all over again. Romaa took that opportunity to ask me to go fetch Lehko. I sighed. Unlike all the other mithra, I was not smitten with this fellow. Quite the contrary, in fact. But if fetching him back to the city would unite the crew, I would do it.

I followed his scent out to a corner of Sarutabaruta and found not only Lehko, but Shikaree G! I slowed my pace... I didn't want to mess with a sin hunter. I knew well enough their power from meeting other sin hunters.
I ducked behind the wall, watching the scene unfold before me.
After the sin hunter took her leave, I found that my hiding spot wasn't so great.

Feel Frrre to come out now, Kiamo Ko!

Shoot... how did Lehko know I was here?

I showed myself, about to beg him to return to Windurst and face his fans. He asked if I was jealous of the other mithra. As if.

He then proceeded to call me fetching, and apparently knew exactly why I was there.
And refused to comply.
I suppose I can understand his predicament. Were males chasing after me in such a manner, I would want to be as far away from them as I could get.
Just then Lehko clutched his abdomen and fell to the grass.
I wasn't fond of him, but I wasn't interested in seeing him meet his demise either.
A loud growl met my ears.
From Lehko's stomach!!

Lehko? Are you ill?

I made my way to where he was curled in a ball and knelt beside him.

You must excuse my prrrotesting stomach. You see, I haven't had a single bite to eat since escaping from the swiping claws of those wildcats--er, ladies...
I feel so faint, I can't take another step...
Of all the Goddess-forrrsaken timing..why must this ill-fortune befall me the very moment I change my mind about not going back to Windurst with you?

You.. were going to return with me after all, Lehko?

Indeed, but oh... oooh, my poor stomach. It hurrrts so much, I can't even move...
I r-really need your help, Kiamo. Could you brrring me some food?

I... I suppose so, yes.

And if it isn't too much to ask, something...tasty?

Tasty?

I rummaged around in my pack, not wanting to actually leave him there. However, all I had were some ginger cookies, which he was not interested in. I knew I had other food options in my mog house, so I raced back to Windurst.

Dhea spotted me, as well as Romaa. I told them of Lehko's condition and Romaa informed me that those raised in the homeland are very fussy eaters. She suggested one type of fish to me, then told me to ask around, which I did.

With the list in hand, I went to my rent-a-room in Windurst [S].

Sarrrima?

Kup-yes?

Sarima... I have this prrroblem. A picky eater, do you know where I can get any of these?

I presented her with the fish list.

Kup-oh! Well for a Blackened Siredon, you can fish up a muddy siredon in Carperner's landing and someone by the dock will be able to grill it for you right there!

Great! Thanks Sarrima!

I grabbed my fishing gear and headed to Carpenter's landing.
Altana was smiling on me, as I was able to fish up the siredon on my third try. I had it blackened and set off to Windurst [S].

I returned to where I had left Lehko.
He could smell the Blackened Siredon on me as I approached and jumped down from the top of the tower.
Crawled toward me...
And apparently summoning the rest of his strength, leapt straight at me, snatching the morsal from my outstretched hands!
I could do nothing but stare in shock as he devoured it.

When he was through, he thanked me and beckoned me to walk with him a bit. We spoke about the state of the war.
Then he wanted to know if I wanted to know anything about him.
Mildly curious, I asked about his homeland and attire. Which to me looked like the sleeves had been constructed from Yagudo feathers.
He said he was born in the capital city of the Gha Naboh Matriarchate. "The Homeland".

Far, far South across the seas from Mindartia, it occupies the entire continent of Olzhurya and its surrounding islands. Ruled by a beautiful queen, a lush land of peace and prosperity.

But Lehko had not spent much time there, and admitted he couldn't be sure if all that was true of the homeland.

I wondered if maybe that was where my mother had disappeared off to all those years ago.
Was she well? Did she think of me? …Was she even alive?
I dared not ask Lehko if he knew her. Something told me the less he knew of my personal affairs, the better.

That night, I read through some of mothers old letters.
If she loved me as much as she claimed in these notes, why would she abandon me?
Why not come look for me or at least send some word? It had been over twenty years and the closest contact I had was a vengeful uncle who blamed my mother and I for fathers demise. I had never known either of them… Yet such inane hatred fell upon my shoulders.
He had only helped me at the behest of my father. By giving me the clothing and items father had set aside specifically for me.
The memories of all this caused such renewed grief… I could barely sleep that night.

(c) 2002-2010 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved. Title Design by Yoshitaka Amano. FINAL FANTASY, TETRA MASTER and VANA'DIEL are registered trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd. SQUARE ENIX, PLAYONLINE and the PlayOnline logo are trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd.

Garden to Cauldron

2010-05-31T08:16:00.000-07:00

The next morning I bathed and dressed and donned the Guespiere along with my trial sword.
When using Ninja as a support job, one can wield two swords.
Though I was kind of sad to have to leave my shield behind. It felt like Sha-chan was with me when I wore it.

Kup-oh Kiki you have a gentleman caller!

Thanks Sarrima, I’ll meet him outside.
I quickly stuffed two “insta” scrolls in my pack, re-raise and warp, and ran to meet Zidea outside.

All set?

I am!

Once at sky, we fought angry pink birds and magical pots.
Zidea explained the advantages of en-spells to me. Showing the difference between using a tier one and tier two version of the spell.
He also explained the advantage of using the Ninja support job.
I tried to take it all in while doing battle, as well as ask a few questions.

So, what about the Scorpion Harness?

Yes, that is a very good piece to have.

It is? Another red mage I know told me it would be a waste, and that he preferred to wear Goliard for the haste when soloing.

Your other friend is foolish, then. Scorpion Harness adds accuracy. Goilard does not, and let me tell you that haste won’t help you hit or evade.

Oh…

If there are one thousand red mages out there, then there are one thousand different opinions on how to do the job best. But, I think perhaps your friends are not giving you the best information to help you. Don’t worry, I’ll set you straight. And then you can come up with whatever way suits you best. What I will teach and tell you isn’t the final or only way to do things. Take what you like and tailor it to your own needs.

I smiled and nodded. I knew I had a lot to learn yet, but felt like I was in good hands for the training.

We put a small dent in the 400-bird trial and got a key before Zidea had to take his leave.
I pondered on all he had said while hunting for the coffer that held the magical map.
Altana graced me as I found it with ease.

Map of Ru’Ann Gardens {mine}! =^_^=

Later on I met up with Zidea again. This time we journied to Ifrit’s Cauldron to fight bats. Apparently the magian trial moogle thinks bats and birds are the same :/
While there, Zidea managed to aggro three triple bats and a bomb xD
After we defeated the first or second set of bats, Zidea grinned at me.

Were you freaked out a little when you saw all that aggro?

No.. no point in freaking out. I just... handle it.
That's right, freaking out just gets people killed.

Yes. Besides, I have reraise on. So no worries, hehe. If two red mages can‘t handle three triple bats and a bomb, then we‘re doing it wrong! =p

Yes, you are right!

Zidea chuckled and we continued fighting.

You know... I must admit, I did wonder...

Hmm?

If you did that on purpose to try to see if I would freak out and run or...

Haha!

If you were trying to show off! =p

The first. If I were trying to show off, I would have pulled a lot more!

We shared a hearty laugh and finished off the bomb.

Later on, one of the creatures we were fighting was hiding a key!

Unfortunately, we couldn’t locate the coffer and I was far too sleepy to continue wandering around.
Zidea assured me we would find it next time and bade me a good nights sleep.

Plans for the present

2010-05-26T11:53:00.000-07:00

New day, new trial. This time I had to hunt Drooling Daisy.
Getting to the area it liked to hang out in was a little complicated.
I had to navigate my way through the Crawler’s Nest without a map and eventually come out to Rollanberry Fields.
Once I arrived, I was able to team up with a few others who were on the same trial.
Drooling Daisy wasn’t the only notorious monster that liked to hide out in this secluded area of the fields.
As I was making a lap around the pond, I nearly ran smack into Simurgh!!

I stopped, pin wheeling my arms and reversing my direction. Luckily it did not see me.
Eventually a small group showed up to try and slay the beast. They were taking quite a beating. I knew it would be a while before Drooling Daisy re-appeared, so I sought to assist the group with a cure.
Boy did THAT tick the giant bird off. It came tromping after me!!
I hadn’t expected such a negative reaction and was not at all prepared for the pecking it visited upon me.
A white mage was kind enough to cast Raise III on me for my failed efforts.
After that, I stayed on the far side of the pond and waited.

Eventually, my fellow trial seekers had to depart.
I decided to curl up in the grass and catch a little cat nap until Drooling Daisy returned.

I’m not sure how much time passed, but I was awakened by someone tapping me gently on the side.

Kiamo..?

Mmmhmm…

Are you okay?

Bleary-eyed, I blinked a familiar face into focus as I sat up.

Oh!! Hi there! Nice to see you again.^^

The red mage crouched beside me while I reacquainted my self with awake-ness.

You as well. Is something wrong..?

Oh no, no. I just… was passing the time waiting for the NM.

I see, so have you gotten a chance to try out that sword?

No not yet… I’ve only been working on the trial.

We will have to remedy that later.

I nodded and smiled. The red mage straightened his legs and offered his hand to pull me up off the grass.

We spent the rest of the day slaying and then waiting on Drooling Daisy.
Our patience paid off and we finished the trial!^^
Again, we sat chatting before making our way back to Jeuno.
This time, of our past.
Then we made plans for the present.

Next is 400 birds. Would you like to join me for that one?

Oh yes! I would be honored!

Can you go to sky?

I sure can! ^^ Oh and I need a key for the map there, too.

Then that is where we will go. We can do a Fields of Valor Page and get you a key, too.

Okay! I’m excited!

And… I’ll teach you how to solo.

Side-sword 150

2010-05-23T13:37:00.000-07:00

Kup-oh Kiamo! There is a new Moogle in Jeuno who is giving out brand new trials for adventurers!

I think I have enough trials to face as of late, Sarima

Listen Kiki! Rumor has it that these weapons can turn out pretty powerful!

That’s all well and good, Sarima, but there have been upsets lately. My linkshells are empty more often than not. Tell me, how in Altana’s name would I complete this trial all by my self? I couldn’t even rally three people to help fight Charybdis. They all have better things to do then come to my aid.

That’s what’s brilliant about it! Everyone is doing it! All you would have to do is ask to join at the hunting ground!

Really? No competition?

Kup-no! It’s a grand scheme for adventurers to band together in moggie sprint of togetherness and helpfulness kupo!!

And perhaps at the end of the trial, have a sword akin to the Joyeuse?

Go find out Kiki!!!

And so I did. I traveled to Jeuno and spoke to the moogle and received a Side-sword.
The first trial required me to slay a NM called Serpopard Ishtar three times.
After consulting my big book of all things Vana’diel, I learned that it liked to roam around in Tahrongi Canyon, so I cast Teleport-Mea.
As soon as I arrived in the canyon, I looked around for others doing the same trial. Altana smiled upon me, for there were a few people already there and they invited me to join them.

Each time one of us spotted the NM, we would draw swords and then wait for everyone to gather to slay it.
Together we finished trial 150! ^^
While the trial did take up much of the day, I was glad I didn’t have to do it alone.

(c) 2002-2010 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved. Title Design by Yoshitaka Amano. FINAL FANTASY, TETRA MASTER and VANA'DIEL are registered trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd. SQUARE ENIX, PLAYONLINE and the PlayOnline logo are trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd.

Generous Gesture

2010-05-21T11:34:00.000-07:00

After good-nights rest, I turned in the Side-sword for a Schiavona and was given the next trial: Hunt down Tottering Tobey and slay it three times.
I walked out to Batallia Downs and looked for others doing the same trial.
Alas, no one was, so I set to roaming the area with beast master as my support job. Hopefully even the tiny wide-scan would help me find the monster faster.
After a while, some adventurers on the same trial arrived and we teamed up.
Among them was a Red Mage. While we were waiting, the red mage and I got to chatting about the job.
In fact, even after the trial was complete, we sat atop one of the hills and discussed the art of red-magery.

This is… /blush my only job.

Nothing wrong with that! It’s my only job, too and I’ve been training a lot longer than you. Being red mage is nothing to be ashamed of.

Oh I’m not ashamed, but sometimes I feel like I ought to train something else up to be more of an asset… I get turned away often with the words, “We already have a red mage.”

That’s a shame.

Maybe I’m just not very good at it… I know my gear isn’t top notch. Just look at you, you’re so…

I waved my hand up and down him, as if casting a cure spell.

Fancy.

Haha! Don‘t feel bad. Like I said, I have been training a very long time. Let me have a look at you, what sword do you use when you aren’t doing the trial?

Ah… Crrrimson Blade.

Oh no no… For about 40k you can get a better one, here.

The red mage fished in his inner pockets and pulled out a knot of bills. Forty thousand gil to be exact, and tried to press it into my hand.

I stepped back, shaking my head and starting to flush.

I… Well thank you but I can not take that, sir.

Oh come, we are friends now.

I just met you… I’m sorry, no. Though I truly do appreciate your generous gesture.

All right then. I won’t force you to take my gil.

He chuckled, withdrew his hands and stuffed his gil back into his pocket. Then, tapping a gloved finger to his chin, he studied me a moment.
Feeling a bit awkward, I dropped my eyes to my shield. Absentmindedly I drew my thumb across its edge. Eventually noticing the little dings, dents and notches it had accrued since Shagrath helped me get it.

Kiamo?

Yes?

How about I give you this?

The red mage held out the other sword he had been using, Guespiere.

I raised my hands, then paused, touching a finger to my lips thinking on what to say and do. He seemed nice enough… He seemed to have no ulterior motive…

I have better swords and you need this more than I do.

I blushed and stretched out my hands to accept the gift. I had just met him and he was already being so kind.

Th… thanks. When I finish this trial, I will rrreturn this sword to you!

Haha don’t worry about it.

I will. I shall hunt you down and make you take it back! ^^

Heh, okay if you say so.

I could hardly believe it! I hadn’t met someone quiet like this in quite a long time.

Trial 151 complete, a new friend, and a new sword. It was a good day!^^