1) I read somewhere that one strategy to defeat Emerald Weapon is to set up Counter=Mime 8 times. I only have 1 Counter and 1 Mime. How do I get the other 7???

2) Somehow or another my materia is no longer gaining AP and I've been fighting in the Crater forever. Any idea what could be wrong??? - NEVER MIND, I figured it out. I was using my final weapons and they don't have any growth. DUH!

If someone could please respond to my first issue, I'd greatly appreciate it.

When a Materia reaches Master status, it forms another Materia. That's how you get more.

Thanks. I'll try it tonight.

Yup, you were right. It worked. Thanks a bunch.

i am now in the the naval base, trying to get a submarine. problem is i forgotten if i have tried playing the submarine mini game or not. and now i can't enter the underwater submarine complex, when i get to the end of the transparent underwater tunnel, the door is locked. and the dog is blocking the way in the corridor at the base, so i can't get in there either. anyone can offer advice?

i never found out what that stupid dog is guarding