Time and Tides Archives

By now, Cid had a fairly decent grasp of Lindblum's layout. Much of his time had been spent exploring its streets, learning as much as he could about both the city and Gaia as a whole. Being in a position of utter ignorance in an alien world was a powerless feeling that he sought to get rid of as soon as possible; luckily, so far, he'd succeeded along at least a little in that goal.

It was on one such exploring excursion that he spotted a familiar creature. "Huh. Chocobo," he muttered to himself. With how many parallels there seemed to be between Gaia and his own world, it was unsurprising. Curious, he made his way up to the creature and his rider.

"First I've seen of these in this world," he commented, looking it over before glancing upwards. "Having a little trouble with the locals?"

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Ramza was eying a few goods from a nearby vendor when a man came near. He eyed the stranger curiously, as the man examined his steed. Ramza figured that chocobos were a common staple in every world but by the manner of which this man acted, it seemed as if they weren’t. After a moment of awkwardness, the taller man spoke and Ramza was quick to reply. “Ah, these birds take a different form in your realm?” Ramza asked with a smile. He could tell that this fellow wasn’t a native of Gaia either. It was easy to tell since most of the Gaians seemed so short. Idly wondering how tall he was compared with this stately fellow, Ramza chuckled lightly at the question.

“Indeed, I am, ser.” he admitted with a soft sigh. “The locals here within this city lack the friendliness of those who hail from Figaro, although these people are quite similar to those in my realm of Ivalice.” His world is unfortunately known for its cruelty to the masses, especially towards the poor. In a realm dominated by the rich and wealthy, the common man wasn’t represented fairly. Letting out a soft sigh as he thought of Ivalice, Ramza glanced towards the person before him.

“Are you a fellow traveler by any chance?”

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"The ones in my world look very similar to these, but for a few minor differences," he explained before answering the following question. "I consider myself more in a position of being stranded rather than traveling. The most traveling I have done lately is around this city, and before then, whatever mysterious journey that brought me to this world to begin with."

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Wondering what these minor differences could be, Ramza glanced over towards his chocobo with a pensive gaze. The only thing he knows to be odd regarding some of the chocobos spotted in this realm, would be their variation in colors. In his world, green chocobos do not exist. The same goes for white and gold chocobos. The only kind of birds that existed in Ivalice was of the black and red variety along with the common yellow ones.

"You don't say?" He commented more to himself than towards the esteemed fellow. Ramza brought his attention back to the man again. "Stranded? Are you are newcomer to this realm? If so, I can certainly sympathize with you." He smiled faintly towards him.

"Not too long ago, I was another lost soul wandering this land without a clue or a prayer." Ramza was fortunate to have his friends here within this realm, but Agrias recent disappearance left him feeling a tad sour. He hadn't heard anything from the knight, and the same goes for the sky pirate as well.

"My companions were quick to enlighten me on our situation, but I still feel displaced with this realm."

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"A lost soul... An apt description. When was it that I arrived at this world? Shortly under a month ago, if my memory serves me correctly. There are certain similarities in names and apparently creatures, though the worlds themselves are immensely different."

Being in Gaia was akin to living in some sort of fantasy novel. Everything was old fashioned, technology was primitive, but it could have been worse. Half of him wondered faintly if Gran Pulse was anything like this--or had ever been anything like this, as he doubted that there was anything left in that land, from the little he did hear from Fang.

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"Really? You've noticed that as well, ser?" Ramza asked with a curious stare. He noticed some of the same similarities regarding this realm and his homeland of Ivalice. For one example, gil seems to be the common currency amongst them all despite their varying heritage. A man from Ivalice still uses gil like a fellow from Gaia, and the same goes from those who hail from other worlds. Another example of this similarity was the chocobo minus all the little differences.

"'Tis puzzling, is it not?" He asked the man with a slight laugh. "I have yet to understand the reason for such occurrences, but I doubt I shall ever understand."

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He gave a shrug at that. "I doubt any of us truly will. The worlds seem to be more parallel than alternate, but as to why? Who knows. I would much rather learn why and how we were brought here to begin with."

That made the least sense of all, and no matter how he tried, he could not even so much as find similarities in the manners that people were taken to Gaia.

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Ramza nodded solemnly to the wanderer's words in agreement. Like Cid, he was more concern in figuring 'how' they got here and 'why' than anything else. Ramza still had unfinished business to attend to on Gaia, one such business dealing with his kidnapped sister.

Offering his gloved hand for a friendly handshake, the mercenary finally introduced himself. "I am Ramza Beolve, and you are?" Cid certainly seemed nice enough to befriend. So far in his journeys, Ramza has met several very interesting people ever since he stepped foot on Gaia. Mjrn and Kain were amongst the few he managed to befriend, along with Serah.

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He reached his hand out as well, grasping Ramza's and giving it a firm shake. "Cid Raines. A pleasure to meet you."

One thing about this world--Cid had certainly befriended more people than he had in a very, very long time. His work as a Brigadier General left him with little time to socialize, and even when he did, he never much cared to. One friend was enough.

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It's said that you could learn everything you needed to know about a man just from his handshake. Ramza didn't know whether or not this was true but if so, he could tell that Cid possesses a strong will. Cid Raines wasn't a man to be stifled with, he carried himself like a solider despite not possessing the same air as warrior. There was something different about Cid that Ramza couldn't comprehend, but he could tell that Cid is a good man.

"Likewise, unfortunately we find ourselves here in a mist of confusion." He was idly referring to both their current plight in Gaia, as well as the thick mist that covers this continent. Unlike in Figaro, the skies near Lindblum are always a little cloudy. Letting his hand drop to his side, a loud 'wark' caused Ramza to turn.

"Not now. I shall feed your greens later." He chuckled as he patted the chocobo gently upon its beak. "Hmm..." Ramza glanced towards Raines again. "Cid is a very popular name, ser. 'Tis what I've noticed since I've arrived here. I know of another who dons that name, but he's from my realm. The only Cid I know of here is the one who rules this kingdom, the Regent Cid Fabool IX."

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The Brigadier General let out a chuckle at the observation. "So I have noticed. As of now, it seems that at least three others share my name. With all the parallels these worlds seem to have, it would appear that my first name is included in them. While it is hardly an uncommon name, to encounter so many this quickly is surely not only a coincidence."

A humorous yet strange thing, really. It hardly mattered, however, considering that he was just about never referred to by his first name as it stood. The only one to ever use it was Rygdea, on occasion.

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Kain was also in the area, and questing for the very same thing. Although he still had fears about what might happen should he come across any auracite, he felt like he owed it to Reis to look anyway. Perhaps he'd come across one that she needed, but wouldn't affect him. There was at least a chance.

Zephyr walked beside Kain, her wings fluttering a lot, but she still had a ways to go before she actually mastered using them. He'd been taking her along on Jumps to give her a feel for the air- she seemed to like it so far. For the moment, she was being better behaved around the crowds than she had been. The only times she roared were when people got too close. People tended to give the two of them a wide space anyway when they noticed the small dragon in Kain's company. That was fine by him.

Upon noticing the chocobo, however, Zephyr growled fiercely and snapped her teeth. Kain turned to look. "Remember, those aren't for eating, they're- Ramza?"

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Ramza's chocobo let out a loud cry once the small dragon growled at it. The mercenary had to yank the large bird by its leather reins to calm it down. "Tis no need to act so foolishly, Boco!" He named his steed after the fowl he saved within the forests of Ivalice years ago. Grumbling in annoyance, Ramza turned once he heard someone call his name.

"Ah?" He stared blankly at the dragoon for a moment. "Kain?" The young mercenary blinked his eyes wildly in surprise. "'Tis you! I never thought I would meet you so far away from the icy slopes of Esto Gaza." Ramza smiled towards Kain.

"How does the days treat you, friend? You seem well."

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Kain nodded in greeting. He held his hand down to rest it on Zephyr's head, gently reminding her to hold back. She was always good at listening to him, anyway.

"I suppose you could say so. How about you? How are you faring?" He glanced around, half expecting to see Reis' form somewhere nearby, but there was no sign of her. If she was around, it would probably have to be farther from the city. "What brings you away from Figaro?"

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He noticed Kain’s gaze lied beyond him, mayhap in search for the shadow of the enormous indigo dragon they saved from those icy slopes. Reis was left behind in Figaro out of Ramza’s concern for her wellbeing. He didn’t trust himself to bring her along with him, especially since these lands were so unlike the lands of their homeland. Peril lurks within every corner here on Gaia, and without Beowulf’s aid, it would be impossible to ensure Reis’ safety. His skill with the blade was as sharp as ever, but Ramza felt uneasy about dragging the cursed maiden on another journey.

“For days I embarked through the reed and bush in search for this city. The days I spent within the forests were perilous, yet adventurous. I come here today to Lindblum in search of clues regarding the mystical stones.” He conversed with Delita regarding the auracite many days ago. From what he last recalled, the former squire was now residing here in Lindblum with the stone of Gemini in his clutches.

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Kain nodded thoughtfully. "I've been likewise curious about the stones. It's the least I could do, to find one which will restore her..." Even if he was almost afraid to actually find one given that warning about their nature. He would just have to put that behind him, though. Along with raising Zephyr, seeking auracite was something to keep himself motivated and working toward. A good thing, for him.

"Have you found much sign of their presence here?"

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Ramza smiled brightly at Kain. He knew that Kain and Mjrn both planned to assist him on his journey, but it seemed so surreal to see the dragoon here in Lindblum. The man's valor is truly commendable, Ramza hadn't expected for either of them to truly risk their very lives in order to aid him. It was humming to witness such courage time and time again. It truly made the young Beoulve smile.

"In truth, I have!" He quickly answered. "A companion of mine from Ivalice found one of the legendary stones, the Stone of Gemini." Nudged in his back by his restless steed, Ramza turned to stroke the chocobo's yellow feathers in hopes of soothing it. "However, I search now for inn to stay within. This friend of mine is currently Lindblum, but I know naught of where to find him."

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Kain wasn't sure whether to be relieved that one of the stones had appeared, or fearful, since it meant the potential for ill effects to happen. Not just to him, either, but anyone else with an impure soul, obtaining it and using it for evil purposes...

"Gemini? Will that one work as well as the... I believe you mentioned Cancer being effective before?" Though Kain supposed that Ramza would try any stone he got ahold of, in hopes it would cure Reis' condition. "There seem to be plenty of inns... have you tried sending your friend a message over the Sky Phone?" Zephyr impatiently nudged Kain, who again reached down to stroke her head.

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Delita stood amongst the buildings within Lindblum. He had known the moment his childhood friend had arrived, yet remained hidden in the crowds for the time being. He stood by watching as the man interacted with those of the city proper before finally allowing himself to be seen.

Waiting until the man was close enough for speech, he stepped out from the crowded and nodded in greeting to his fellow knight.

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The city of Lindblum was simply fascinating to behold, but Ramza truly had no time for sightseeing. He was a man on a mission, the auracite needed to be found before others came searching for their power. Ramza knew that the Knights Templar were worlds away but judging how quickly Gaia changes its’ current, how could he be sure that Folmarv wouldn’t show his face here? The young Beoulve couldn’t allow himself to be coddled by the belief that all was well. Reis needed the stone of Cancer in order to cure her blight, and Ramza definitely needed peace of mind.

Finding a suitable stable to leave Boco within, Ramza patted the bird one last time before turning to brave the crowded streets. It was then that he spotted a familiar face amongst the crowd. “Delita!” His eyes were round. “'Tis you! I am glad to see you are well.” Ramza smiled at him.

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Delita crossed the distance to his childhood friend. "Not much time has passed since last we spoke. I can but guess that your haste relates to the stones." Looking off into the distance, Delita pauses before continuing, "You may be assured that none other have surfaced that mine eyes hath seen."

He begins slowly walking down the street encouraging the young Beoulve to follow. "Your search is extremely vigilant. 'Tis wonder that bids me ask the nature of this haste upon which you search."

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The need for haste hadn’t slowed the sellsword a bit. He hurried to Lindblum upon steed in hopes of seeking for the friend who now stands before him. Hurried to seek his answers, Ramza does follow to walk beside the friend he once knew so well. Delita carries himself in the same manner as before, masked in steely grace. “I ask of you to wonder why I should linger so idly by as the stones bless feeble hands with wicked might.” His greatest fear; the stones clutched to breast by impure knaves who seek a fool’s reward.

Returning his gaze to the streets ahead, Ramza spoke. “If nothing other than to prevent perversion, I seek the auracite for the sake of another. A maiden doomed by dark magicks has fallen to a curse so fiendish that only the Stone of Cancer can cure.”

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Delita looked upon his friend with an eye towards suspicion. "Is your desire for the stones as pure as you relate? Many before you have sought their power for less noble reasons."

He would non the less keep his eyes looking for the stones. It was unpardonable should this Garland obtain the power locked within, yet whether a stone found be given to his friend depended in part to the man's response.

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It was then that a frown found its way upon Ramza's face. "Do you think of me as so crass to yearn for the auracite's power for my own wishes?" He shook his head at the accusation. "No, I do not seek it for myself. I have never sought for the auracite for my own wishes, Delita. There is nothing those stones could ever give me, but that have taken much from me." First Alma, then his brothers, then Ivalice itself; the stones have taken so much from Ramza, it was truly heartbreaking.

"Far too many have died in search of their power; I merely wish to do away with them in truth." If there is a way to destroy the auracite, then so be it. Ramza plans to free Reis from her curse, but afterward he wants to destroy the gems.

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Delita raised his eyes at his friend's folly. "You think to destroy these stones? Were it so simple, do you not believe one before us would have obtained the desired results?"

Lest Ramza forget, Delita had all of importance taken from him due in part to the stones. He would allow none to take what little he had left. "The stones' power far outclass our own. Should we relent, our destruction is certain." He kept his eyes upon his friend, for there was more than he was to understand.

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As he listened to Delita, a sense of futility began to overwhelm him. If the stones could not be destroyed, then the horrors that happened yesteryear shall happen once more. How could anyone stand idly and allow this to unfold without even attempting to destroy the very source of the problem? The stones are dangerous; Delita and he knew this well enough.

"Then what do you suggest?" Ramza asked with such sternness in his tone. "Should we merely hide the stones until another finds them? Had we not has enough of these games? The holy stones are not so holy as the Church claims."

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