Well, it's time to head for the Antlion's Den. to get there, we have to hover our way east of Damcyan. The Antlion's Den is quite sandy and there are quite a few paths around for treasure. Of course, it's mostly weak healing stuff.
On the second floor, we find a small side room that takes us to a Lamia Harp, which doubles Edward's power and inflicts Confuse, I think. There's also a path back to the first floor where we find a save point.
On the way to our destination, Rydia reaches level 13 and learns Toad.
After grabbing some more healing items and some spell casting items (usually not worth it), we reach the Antlion's Nest. This area is smaller than I remember.
Edward: This is where the antlion lays its eggs.
He goes into the area and a pair of pincers comes out. Rydia freaks out.
Edward: It's okay. Antlions are quite tame. They don't attack people. Here, I'll demonstrate by taking the Sand Pearl, like so...
Of course, the antlion attacks Edward.
Cecil: Come on! We have to help him!
The Antlion has weak normal attacks, but he counters every physical with Pincers. Which hurts. Especially if it hits Edward. We have Rydia use Chocobo Kick or Cure, Cecil attack, and Edward attack (or Salve if we really need it). Simple battle.
After killing the Antlion, we get the Sand Pearl.
Edward: How could this happen? They've always been harmless creatures...
Cecil: Monsters are rapidly multiplying these days, and their behaviour is changing as well. I can't help but feel this is some kind of sign...
Rydia: Come on! Let's go cure Rosa!
At least Rydia knows to not Contemplate Our Navels. Or contemplate our monsters. Whatever.
With Sand Pearl in hand, we head back to Kaipo. We head straight for Rosa and shine the Pearl's light on her.
Rosa: ...Oh! Cecil! You're alive! Thank goodness!
You're alive, too, Rosa. Not Quite Dead count: Rosa: 1
Cecil: How do you feel?
Rosa: I'm fine. But I thought I'd lost you. They told me you died in Mist when the earthquake hit.
I'd like to know how they explained the soldiers that we killed here then.
Cecil: Rosa, who is Golbez?
Rosa: He's the new captain of the Red Wings, appointed by the king himself. But the king has been acting... strangely. I believe Golbez is manipulating him to collect the Crystals for himself. With Mysidia's Water Crystal in hand, he'll surely go after the others... The Fire Crystal of Damcyan, the Wind Crystal of Fabul, and the Earth Crystal of Troia...
I was mainly thinking elemental weaknesses...
Edward: The Fire Crystal has already fallen into his hands.
Right. That too. Cecil introduces everyone. Rosa figures they'll go after Fabul next. Cecil suggest Rosa stay behind while everyone else heads for Fabul.
Edward: But to reach Fabul, we must traverse Mount Hobs, and the trail is blocked by thick ice.
Rosa: Rydia, can you cast Fire?
Rydia: ! ...No, I can't.
Rosa: Fire is the most elementary of black magic spells. As a summoner, you... *cough cough*
Way to rub it in, Rosa. She then insists we let her come with us.
Edward: Rosa only wishes to be with you, Cecil.
Cecil: ...All right. We'll go together. Make sure you get plenty of rest tonight.
Rosa: Cecil... Thank you.
White mage Rosa has joined the party.
That night, Edward takes a walk to the oasis.
Edward: ...
He starts playing his harp.
Edward: Anna, I miss you so...
A monster then rushes at him. Everyone's a critic...
Edward now has to fight a Sahagin. As he attacks, Anna's ghost appears.
Anna: Edward.
Edward: A-Anna!
Anna: You must fight, Edward. Believe in yourself.
Edward: Anna...
We slaughter the Sahagin quite easily (scripted battle, natch).
Sahagin: Gurrgh!
Edward: Anna!? This can't be!
Anna: Edward... I must leave this world... I must go to a better place...
Edward: No! Don't go! I can't live without you!
Anna: You mustn't let Golbez have the Crystals. Fight for your people! Care for them as you did for me...
She fades. Again.
Edward: Yes, Anna! I'll do it! I'll fight! ...But how can I stop him? I don't know what I should do...
And despite the character development, he becomes no more useful in battle. We leave town next morning.
So, we have a new party member. Rosa Joanna Farrell is a White Mage. She mainly uses White Magic, and is quite good at it. Better than Rydia at any rate. Rosa's main weapons are Bows, which require Arrows, which are used up as she attacks. Bows are kind of strange as equipment goes, to get the most power from them, you must equip the Bow in the off hand and the Arrows in the dominant hand. They can also be equipped by about half the cast, but Rosa's designed to actually use them well. Aside from White Magic, Rosa has Pray, which has a chance of healing HP to all allies (Power in between that of Cure and Cura, IIRC) and Aim, which allows her to use Bows at 100% accuracy. Which is good, because her current accuracy? 37%. Yeah. If you need her to attack, always Aim. Other than the poor accuracy, she's an excellent character. She starts at level 10.
So, next time, I guess we're going to Mount Hobs Edward was talking about.
Stats:
Rosa: Lv 10 HP:150 MP:80 Strength:8 Speed:8 Stamina:6 Intellect:10 Spirit:18 Attack:22 (2 attacks) Defence:9 Magic Defence:6
Cecil: Lv 16 HP:327 MP:0 Strength:18 Speed:14 Stamina:15 Intellect:8 Spirit:2 Attack:28 (3 attacks) Defence:23 Magic Defence:3
Rydia: Lv 13 HP:164 MP:84 Strength:7 Speed:10 Stamina:6 Intellect:17 Spirit:12 Attack:9 (1 attack) Defence:9 Magic Defence:6
Edward: Lv 11 HP:128 MP:0 Strength:8 Speed:12 Stamina:4 Intellect:9 Spirit:9 Attack:22 (2 attacks) Defence:8 Magic Defence:6
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