In Zanarkand

*After a while of walking, the highway dips down & curves along the ocean, branching into several smaller roads. By now, there are people all around them, dressed in modern & retro clothing, talking loudly to each other. As they walk along, they hear faint music, but of a more upbeat & mechanical quality than anything they're used to.*

"It feels weird to even talk to anyone...they're so foreign, it makes me nervous. Hey! Is that Maechan?"

*She points to an old man in green robes who's talking to a bunch of bored-looking teenagers who keep stepping back only to politely lean back in whenever he starts a new leg of his monologue. He indeed looks (& acts) just like Maechan.*

Ark: <I feel sorry for the people listening to him.>

[Does he appear everywhere?]

"I wonder if he'll remember me. I guess not, this is the past right..." Ingrid thought out loud, looking at the man.

"Only one way to find out."

*She gulps & steps forward.*

"Excuse me, Maechan, was it? I'm sorry to interrupt your story, but we're a bit lost. I was wondering if you could tell us where we are."

*Maechan looks at her like she has 2 heads while the kids shamble away.*

<Miss...I don't believe I know you...and I don't know how you couldn't know you were in Zanarkand...but I'd be glad to help you, regardless.>

"Guess that answers that." Ingrid whispered under her breath.

Ark: <So tell him what happened, Luna.>

*Ark looks Maechan somewhat suspiciously.*

"(...There's no point. If he doesn't remember us, then he won't know what happened.) We were wondering...if you could tell us about Mt. Gagazet."

<Ah, yes. The peaks of Gagazet are the highest in all of Spira. They have separated the great Machina cities of Bevelle & Zanarkand for as long as anyone can remember. And although the frozen colossus has prevented Zanarkand from expanding inland, its benefits have far outweighed its status as an obstacle, for it protects the city from its enemies & offers a steady supply of fresh water. Aside from its practicality, Gagazet is also said to be a great spiritual refuge. The great Summoners often complete their training by meditating on the summit. There are rumors of a savage tribe of horned man-beasts, but these rumors have yet to be substantiated.>

"Okay...now where is it?"

<Why did you not simply ask that to begin with?>

*He points in the general option they'd been walking, before the ocean got in the way.*

<Of course, the streets of Zanarkand are a veritable labyrinth, spread across thousands of miles of ocean. It would probably be best to take a shuttle or teleport pad, if you have the Gil for it.>

Ark: <Machina. I didn't suggest that either.>

*He shrugs, rolling his eyes at Maechan like it's his fault.*

*Hitomi glares at Ark. A few seconds later smoke begins to rise from his left foot.*

*He rubs it up her leg.*

*She continues to glare, his whole right leg catches fire.*

*He ponders jumping over the edge and doing some swimming.*

"Knock it off, you 2!"

Ark: <Not my fault she's like--in the heat, or something. You take care of that so she can stop being a jerk and we can go find a way to reach the mountains.>

*Hitomi stops.*

[Stupid thief.]

"If you hadn't provoked her by being dumb, then none of this would have happened."

*Hitomi looks over at Luna, surprised that she's apparently standing up for her.*

*Ark stares blankly at Luna for a few seconds before yawning.*

"I'm guessing teleport pads are more expensive than a lift. But maybe summoners get a discount?"

Ark: <Won't know till you try. Let's go!!!>

*He takes a few hasty steps away before turning around.*

Ark: <Hum. Which way?>

*Hitomi stands silently beside Luna staring at Ark's leg as it's still on fire.*

[Could the nerves be dead already? No, it's not hot enough for that to happen he's just too dumb to notice.]

"The way Maechan pointed out. Obviously."

*Ark glances at Hitomi realizing she's still staring at his leg.*

[It... doesn't even hurt.]

Ark: <Let's just go then!>

*He runs off.*

*Hitomi follows Luna whever she decides to start moving.*