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They spent the night with Clasko. It would have taken too long to go back to the main settlement only to return to this general area to get to Mount Gagazet. Besides that, Ann got to spend a bit more time with the chocobos, and Auron had to carry her from falling asleep in one of the pens to a space that Clasko used as his sleeping area.

The next morning, they thanked Clasko for his hospitality and headed out towards the Gagazet path.
Ann~Seems like it'll be quite the hike
Auron~It will be. And it will be freezing
Ann~But I like the cold
Auron~I bet even in the Mist you had to wear something warmer during winter. Besides, you don’t have chakra to help regulate your body temperature as easily.
Ann~I'll be fine. You worry too much.
Auron quietly sighed. He hoped that this was youthful inexperience mixed with naivety and not teenage pride of arrogance. She did like to play jump rope with that line whenever he started to worry.

As they made their way towards the base of the mountain, it started to snow.
Auron~Ann, honey, I swear it's much colder than what you're used to.
Ann~I like the cold and I won't need pants and a jacket. Quit fussing already.
Auron sighed again at her dismissal.
Auron~Fine, but remember that the option is there. Remember what you said about being prepared before.
Ann~I do, I do. It's fine.
They continued on up the path and past some arches. There were a few humanoid creatures as they went forward.
Ann~They look like cats…
Auron~They’re Ronso. Do you remember what Tromell said back in the forest?
Ann~Their people overpowered them. I know what he meant.
Auron~That's right. The Ronso's previous Elder was also a fatality.
Ann~Is that like the village chief?
Auron~Yeah, that's accurate.
They went on to the last arch where a Ronso stood with his back turned to them.
Auron~Hello, Kimahri.
The Ronso turned and smelled the air.
Kimahri~Auron. Kimahri surprised. Who is pup? Pup smells like Auron.
Ann~Pup?
Auron~That's how they call their children and adolescents. My daughter, Ann.
Kimahri~Kimahri not know Auron had child…
Ann~Hello. He looks so fluffy and soft. I want to hug him
Kimahri grunted in greeting.
Auron~How have things been?
Kimahri~Things have been rough for Kimahri
Auron~I can imagine. I heard there was trouble with the Guado. Is it bad?
Kimahri grunted with a nod
Kimahri~Ronso youth still resent Guado and cannot move forward.
Ann~It still isn't fair, dad.
Auron nodded then looked down the road when Kimahri's gaze shifted
Auron~Yuna's here. Maybe she and her friends can help
Ann~Dad, can I?
He gave her a nod and Ann ran off to the Gullwings
Kimahri~Auron is troubled too
Auron~I am. Being a leader is difficult, even though it's just being a parent to her.
Kimahri~Auron is avoiding problems again?
Auron~Trying to. You know trouble finds me usually.
He gave a wry chuckle.

Rikku~Hey, Ann. How do you like it here?
Ann~It’s nice. The cold is refreshing.
Yuna~What do you think of Kimahri?
Ann~He looks really cool. I also get good vibes from him under all that gruff. He reminds me of my uncle.
Paine~The same uncle who taught you…those things?
Ann~Heh, yeah, he is really sweet though. We need a better word for that thing I can do.
Rikku~I don't think there's a way we soften that, Ann.
Ann~We can call it the big sleep?
Yuna~That actually works…
The other two reluctantly agreed.
Rikku~Wait, does that mean your uncle has a big heart like Kimahri?
Ann giggled and nodded. She walked with them back to Kimahri
Auron~Come on Ann, let's go
Ann~We can’t help?
Auron~We…
He trailed off and sighed at her pleading look. If they were going to climb the mountain, they were likely to come across those Ronso who sought revenge anyway.
Auron~I expect you to follow my command for this. If I say it’s too much to handle, we back out with no arguments. Understood?
Ann stood up straighter and nodded. The girls felt a chill from their change in presence. Even Kimahri eyed them.
Yuna~What's happening, Kimahri? Is it still about the Guados?
The Ronso grunted with a nod.
Kimahri~Garik lead Ronso youth seek revenge on Guado. Garik climb peak, tell mountain battle plan.
Auron placed a hand on Ann's shoulder.
Auron~I know you feel strongly about this, Ann. If you default, we abandon the mission.
Ann~Yes, Auron.
Kimahri grunted in a questioning tone.
Auron~She's a warrior too.
Rikku~Scary warrior…Are…Should we be worried?
Auron~Only if she breaks the conditions I set.
Kimahri~Ann climb mountain like Garik. Hear voice of mountain. Calm down. Kimahri hope Garik change mind.
Paine~If Garik doesn't?
Kimahri~Kimahri stop Ronso Youth. Elder Kimahri has no choice.
Auron~That will be difficult to stop all of them. You’re strong Kimahri, but anyone can be overwhelmed by numbers.
Ann~It’s true. I have the scars to prove it.
Rikku~THAT’S how you have more than one scar?!
Auron smacked her.
Ann~Sorry…
She forgot that they weren't supposed to share their more violent mission stories.
Paine~Anyways, if they left recently, there’s probably still time to catch up to them.
Yuna~Right. We’ll go together. Maybe we can reason with him.
Kimahri~If Yuna go, Kimahri think Garik listen. Maybe. If not, Kimahri deal with Garik.
The Ronso pulled out a sphere and handed it to Yuna
Kimahri~Kimahri searched mountain and found sphere. Kimahri not sure if found sphere is one Yuna seek. But Kimahri happy if sphere help Yuna.
Yuna~Kimahri…
He grunted again and turned back around to watch the pass.
Auron~Ann, time to gear up.
Ann~I– Yes, sir.
She took the clothes he had tried offering earlier and layered it over her clothes.
Yuna~Auron…
Auron patted her head.
Auron~It’s the only way to keep her in line. She can’t be a child here. She’ll be a glass cannon otherwise.

They spent some time climbing the mountain train, passing other Ronsos speaking about revenge along the way.
Ann~Auron, Yuna, was it like this on your pilgrimage as well?
Yuna~It was. I think it was harder then.
Auron grunted in agreement.
Rikku~Ann, are you okay?
Ann~Yes. It's easier to assume a single role than to switch back and forth. I haven't had to do this in almost a year. I'm getting a headache from trying to use chakra because of it.
Paine~That explains why you haven't rebelled in a while.
Auron~As I said, it's to keep her in line. She'd have suggested jumping to that lower path 10 minutes ago.
They eyed Ann's lack of sass at Auron's prediction.
Rikku~This is…unsettling, Auron…Is-is there like a release command?
Auron~Not until the mission is completed or failed.
Ann cracked her neck making Rikku flinch.
Yuna~Ann?
Ann~I don't like failing. It usually doesn't end well.
Paine~Is that something you can tell us?
Auron~I'm sure you can guess.
Paine clenched her jaw.
Yuna~I don't like this, Sir Auron. Ann is…
Auron~We don't either. It's necessity. If it's too much for you girls to handle, we can separate for now and regroup at the peak.
The Gullwings looked between each other, considering the offer.
Ann~Auron, can we take a water break?
Auron~Up ahead. There's a spot to shield us from the wind. Girls, let me know.
They walked on, the Gullwings trailing behind to discuss if they wanted to keep pace with them or separate.
Rikku~Do you girls think she was like this before he came into her life?
Yuna~Auron did say she was trained like an assassin. Th-this is probably how it looks like, Rikku.
Paine~He isn't pushing us to stay or stick with them. And he isn't pushing her strictly into that soldier persona either. Ann still seems to be in there.
Rikku~Are you saying that the bubbly teen one is locked away or something?!
Paine~Something like that. The best way I can describe this is is that he's protecting her. The mountain isn't exactly suited for play
Yuna~I…I think we should separate…I don't think I can handle seeing her like that until we get to the peak…
Rikku~Me neither…
Paine~We'll keep going then.
When they got to the crevace Auron pointed to, Yuna hugged Auron.
Auron~Is something wrong?
Yuna~We love you and Ann, but we're going to continue on and meet up later. Please be safe.
Auron~We will. We'll meet up at the cave at the peak.
He hugged her back until she let go. He noticed her hesitate to hug Ann, so he patted Ann's head and she immediately hugged Yuna first.
Ann~I'll be fine Yuna. Dad's right about me. I know I can be impulsive if I don't have a handler.
Yuna hugged her tight.
Yuna~I'm so happy you're still here. We'll see you at the top.
Rikku tightly hugged Ann next.
Rikku~Y-you don't disappear when that happens, right?
Ann~No. I still hear everything you say, I'm just limited on what I'm allowed to do.
Rikku hugged Auron next while Paine gave a quick hug to Ann.
Paine~Don't get hurt.
Ann~You make sure Yuna and Rikku are safe too.
Rikku~You'll protect her?
Auron~I always do. Just like I did for you and everyone else. That never stops.
When Rikku let go, he looked over at Paine, and they exchanged nods.
Ann~I'll be fine. We'll see you guys later.
Auron~We'll see you at the top. Remember that the winds will pick up further along.
Ann and Auron watched them walk off.
Ann~Thank you, dad. They needed to see that.
Auron~I know. That's why I let you. Will you be able to handle being a shinobi until we get to the peak?
Ann~Yeah. You know how it is though. We do what we need to do.
Auron~I prefer you being my daughter, not a soldier. Remember that I love you.
Ann~I know, daddy. I love you too.
They hugged and he kissed the top of her head.
Auron~Remember to tell me if I missed something. Soldier or not, you’re always able to do that.
Ann nodded as he let go.

The two climbed the mountain, Auron made Ann continue her magic skills because of the abundance of elemental fiends. There were a few close calls where Ann was almost knocked off the edge, but Auron was always to grab her before she got too close or pulled her up if she fell down. He also allowed Ann to cling to him for a short bit after each instance.
They took their time travel the winding paths partly to give the Gullwings time to get to the cave and partly so Ann can get some training in. The sun was setting by the time they reached the cave. It wasn't until they were further in that they saw the girls.
Yuna~Aruon! Ann!
Auron~Go ahead. You earned it.
Ann dropped her things and ran to the Gullwings, bringing them to the ground in a hug. Auron came over with Ann's things and sat nearby as they had their time together.
Ann~The mountain paths are crazy. Why is it so windy? The physics doesn't add up with how it can support anyone on it.
Rikku~Anything I don't understand, I usually chalk it out to machine mechanics I've never seen before or pyreflies.
Paine~Did any of the Ronsos give you a hard time coming up?
Ann~No. Most of them stayed out of our way or gave us weird looks. I can't tell if it was me or dad.
Rikku~Hold on, I just noticed, you haven't called him that since we left Kimahri until now. I-is that part of that assassin side?
Ann~Y-yeah…It's…It makes it easier to compartmentalize
Yuna~But you're still you?
Ann~I'm me. I'm here. You'll know when I've gone off the deep end. I mean really gone off the deep end.
Yuna~Okay. But what do you mean by the weird looks?
Ann~I met Tromell when we were in Macalania Forest. He said I gave off weird vibes like dad. Considering the Ronsos’ appearance, I made the assumption that they have heightened senses compared to humans. They definitely have the strength difference
Rikku~You’re doing that weird analyzing thing again, aren’t you?
Ann~That never stops. I’m always doing that to a degree. This cave echoes pretty nicely, actually.
She pointed towards a path that was further in the cave.
Ann~There’s a handful of fiends over that way. It sounds like…five to seven of them based on footsteps.
Paine~That’s an echo for you? I don’t hear anything.
Ann~It’s complicated.
Auron~Girls.
All four of them jumped, startled.
Rikku~Why did you flinch, Ann?
Ann~Left over reflexes. It’s gonna be a few days.
Yuna~Yes, Sir Auron?
Auron~Did you take care of Garik yet?
Yuna~No, not yet. We wanted to wait for you guys.
Auron~Let’s get going then. If the mountain hasn’t spoken to him yet, he might be past the point of reason.
Rikku~But mountains can’t talk.
Ann~You’re thinking too literally, Rikku. When you’re stuck in your own head, you try to do things to stay occupied. The mountain has a lot to say.

They traveled together through the cave system. Auron didn't command her back to her shinobi role, but also made it clear that he expected her to follow his instructions. With that, Ann was careful to show restraint to try to balance herself. The Gullwings were wary with the restraint she showed, but were happy that Ann still had room to be herself and play around as well.
Once they exited the caves, they were hit with a gust of wind. It was dark now, but in the distance was an aurora.
Ann~This is the peak, right? Do you think Garik is near?
Rikku~He has to be. You can see Zanarkand Ruins from here, and if we continue this way it’ll take you straight there.
As they continued forward, a Ronso rounded the corner. He growled in anger at seeing the Gullwings.
Garik~Ronso hold anger no longer. Ronso youth fearless. Go to battle with Guado.
Yuna~And if I asked you not to go?
Garik~Garik not listen. Garik cover ears.
Ann~Dad, do I act like that?
Auron~When you act up, yes.
Yuna~Then I must stop you.
She stepped forward and drew her pistol. Ann tried to step forward, but Auron held her steady.
Auron~We might be helping, but this is their mission. Step up when necessary.
Ann quietly sighed but nodded, listening to them speak.
Garik~Why summoner defend Guado? Who punish Guado if Ronso not go?
Yuna~I don’t care about your punishing or your defending. I just don’t want Kimahri looking sad! The same goes for all the Ronso. And the Guado too.
Garik~Summoner not stop Garik with empty words.
Yuna~If I CAN stop you, will you stop this talk of vengeance?
Garik~Very well. Garik swear to mountain.
Another two Ronsos came to either side of Garik. Rikku and Paine spoke as they came to Yuna’s aid.
Rikku~I figured it’d come to this.
Paine~At least he let us cut to the chase.
Garik~High Summoner Yuna see true Ronso strength!
Ann~They’ll be overpowered like that. Auron, please!
Auron~You may assist. But if–
Ann~I won’t ignore you. I’ll fall back if you say so. And I won’t be lethal.
She ran ahead to be with them.

Rikku~What are you doing here?
Ann~You won’t make it with those other two. I’m here to even the odds.
The other two Ronsos cast defensive magic on themselves and Garik, then the three of them lunged forward.
Ann slipped past Yuna and grabbed Garik's spear, then spun him around into the other two. She fell over from the force needed to carry the momentum to knock them over.
Paine~The hell kind of strength do you have?
Ann~Not enough
Garik~Why Yuna hide behind pup?
He and the others got back up to their feet
Yuna~She isn't a child. She's a warrior too!
Rikku pulled Ann up. Ann was already building up some magic for when they moved again.
Garik~Garik beat summoner and allies!
When they moved forward again, Ann waved her arm and a line of fire jutted out from the ground in front of them. Paine and Rikku took it as a chance to attack as the flames subsided.
Yuna~You’re wearing yourself out. You need to pace yourself.
She gave Ann an ether to drink.
Ann~You need to defeat Garik. They’re too powerful for me to go unarmed and I also can't go to attack them.

After a few tense minutes of exchanging blows and near misses, YRPA finally tired out Garik and the other Ronsos.
Yuna~Enough vengeance, Garik
Garik~Ronso keep word. Yuna defeat Garik in battle. Garik honor Yuna's wish. Not go to battle.
Yuna~Thank you.
Gaeik~Garik not need thanks. Mountain was right. Garik speak to mountain of plan, but mountain silent. Gagazet know. Garik wrong.
He walked to the edge of the mountain as he spoke.
Garik~Garik go against will of mountain, if Yuna not stop him. Garik grateful to Yuna.
He stared up at the aurora. Ann walked over to him.
Ann~Garik?
He grunted.
Ann~I was angry too about the Guado, and of the Ronso. Elder Kimahri hoped that the mountain would speak to me to calm me down.
Garik~Child spoke to mountain?
Ann~I listened to it. Better to be steady to face what happens. Being a volcano would lead to destruction.
Garik~Mountain wise. So is child.
Ann~My name is Ann.
He grunted and tapped her on the chest.
Garik~Garik go back. Speak with Elder.
Ann watched him for a few moments before going back to hug Auron
Ann~Thank you for trusting me.
Auron~Of course, honey.
Rikku~You used that Bevelle too. Do you have a list to go through?
She smiled smugly at them.
Paine~Dear sounds better
Yuna~Don't mind them. They're still on about your broadcast
Ann blushed
Ann~I forgot that was the reason why I don't like dear…
Auron chuckled~Are you girls going to go back to Kimahri?
Yuna~We will. Did you want us to relay a message?
Ann~Can you tell him that mountain spoke to me?
Yuna nodded.
Rikku~Oh, when you get to Zanarkand, it's become a bit of an attraction for tourists.
Ann~Does that mean I can scare them?
Paine~I don't think that's a good idea.
Ann~Okay. I won't.
The girls each hugged them before going back through the caves.
Auron~It’s getting late. We should make camp.
Ann~I was thinking the same thing. Is the cave entrance safe enough? I don’t want to sleep in snow.