Chapter 10: Phoenix Cave ------------------------ The Black Chocobo flew towards the star-shaped mountain range, which was the location of the Phoenix Cave. Although the flying chocobo was not as fast as Setzer's airship, it still flew with such great speed that all three passengers had to hold tight to avoid being blown off. Because of its small size the chocobo could fly right down to the cave's entrance, unlike having to slide down ropes like they did from the airship. At the entrance Strago asked Lile, "You think Undine could give us some power before we go on?" The sprite opened his bag and after a short, muffled conversation Lile said, "Hold still." Both Strago and Relm glowed light blew for half a second. Strago said, "We seem to have enough power to cast Ice1 about six times. We have to be careful." The party steped into the cave and right at the entrace was a giant floating head. "Phase!" shouted Strago. "I thought they would have disappeared after magic left." The monster started to glow. "Watch out!" shouted Strago as 1000 needles barely missed him. All of a sudden Strago yelled, "I remember! I remember Blow Fish!" "Blow Fish!" shouted the old mage. 1000 needles came forth from his hands and hit the Phase. "Freeze!" shouted the Sprite; a shower of Ice hit the Phase. The Phase dropped dead. "Lile! How did you do that spell? It was as strong as Ice3!" asked Strago. "Uh, I don't remember. It must've been Undine," said Lile. "Grandpa! How did you do Blow Fish? I thought you lost the power after the defeat of Kefka," Relm asked. "Relm," replied Strago, "as soon as I saw Phase cast that spell the knowledge seemed to return to me. We need to find the Elemental; perhaps it can tell us what is going on. We need to split into two groups. Relm, go with Lile. Relm has been through this cave before; she can help you make your way through. Be prepared for anything!" As Strago, Relm, and Lile made their way through the the Phoenix Cave they noticed that, save for the Phase at the entrance, it was completely empty of monsters. The only problem was getting by the spikes which was easily accomplished by having a person stand on a switch and having the person walk by and so on and so on. Because both Strago and Relm had explored this cave before, it wasn't long until they found the place where they had seen Locke find the Phoenix Esper. "Empty," said Relm "We been on a wild goose chase." As soon as the words left her mouth, a fiery red glowing form appeared before them. From it a voice came forth saying, "I am Salamando, the elemental of Fire. Why have you come to seek me?"