AN: OH YEAH BABY Every job class is getting a special hero description (I know there's a lot) but do not worry; only a few will reappear from time to time in the story. I don't know about you guys but I NEVER used all of them and usually stuck to only a few for each character. ANYWAYS, onto the story!
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The walk back to the ship was silent. No one had the courage to speak after the encounter with the spirits of the crystals.
Lenna wasn't sure about the others but she felt exhausted, emotionally and physically. She dragged her feet and carried on towards the ship as if in a trance, her eyes out of focus and her arms hanging loosely at her sides. It seemed to take longer walking back to the ship than to the shrine and she hated every step she took.
She had failed to save her father. She had gotten a glimpse of him, a tiny mirage of something that resembled the king, but he was not really there. She knew he was alive, she could still feel his energy residing somewhere in the world and she would find him. His parting words had been that of a warning, something about the four of them becoming Warriors of Light. Then the crystals…
The crystals' shards were sentient beings, spirits of the great warriors of the past. She had heard stories from her father of how important and ancient the crystals were, but never in her wildest dreams would she have ever thought that these spirits would reside in them. She knew that the crystals were supposedly were the source of healers' and mages' magic, but she wondered how they channeled it. The crystals were now much more powerful than anyone could've thought; she almost didn't believe it.
Once they were back on the ship, the pirate crew greeted their captain, but were soon confused by the melancholy aura that surrounded the four warriors. They quietly went about their chores, waiting for their orders.
Faris was the first to speak.
"Where do we go now?" His voice was soft, thick with worry.
The group looked to each other, not really sure. They were given a task, to protect the other three crystals, but where did they start?
"Maybe we should go check on the Water Crystal. I think it's the closest one to where we are now." Bartz suggested.
Lenna thought about it. She remembered from her studies that the Water Crystal was held somewhere in Walse which was on the other side of the northern mountains of Tycoon, which they could not get around or over. They wouldn't be able to get past the eastern mountains around the Wind Shrine either. The only way…
"We'll have to go through the Torna Canal," she said, all eyes turning towards her. "To reach the crystal in Walse."
"The canal's been locked up for some time," Bartz told her as he watched Faris walk over to a table with the maps. "I'm not sure we can get though."
She frowned. There had to be some way to get to that crystal. She had to fulfill the task her father had given them, given her.
"The only place we can reach now," Faris said looking at the map, "is Tule. We should head there and regroup. Gather our bearings."
Galuf hummed in approval, the others nodding. Lenna was feeling quite tired, she could use a good rest.
"Let's go then," she sighed. "How long should this trip take?"
"Two hours," the captain said, then quietly added: "Hopefully."
0-0-0-0-0
Lenna followed Bartz and the others into the small town of Tule. It was another quiet walk, each person to their own thoughts. Dread hung heavy over their heads.
They approached the entrance to the town when the pirate crew had suddenly started shouting and jeering. They leapt up and down, pushing each other around and clapping one another on the backs of their friends. They were obviously excited about something in this town.
"Beer! Beer!" they chanted. They couldn't stay still as they looked expectantly at their captain.
Faris gave them a small nod of his head towards the pub as he crossed his arms across his chest. They cheered in excitement as they ran into the pub, throwing the door open and startling a patron walking out. A small smile flashed across the captain's face.
He looked back at the other three. "I think I'll stop in and have a drink as well."
"Is that what you call 'gathering your bearings'?" Bartz asked him with his own smile, a brow raised.
The captain gave him a sour look, but didn't say anything as he flicked a hand and walked towards the pub himself.
"Let's follow them," Lenna suggested, also walking towards the pub. She wasn't sure what else to do. It was too early to sleep and she didn't know where anything was in this town.
"Hey, wait a sec," Bartz reached out and grabbed her wrist. "Have you ever gone inside a pub before?"
"No…" she frowned. What was wrong with a pub? It was just a place to wind down, wasn't it? She didn't voice her thoughts, afraid of being embarrassed by her naivety once again.
"Well, stay close to me then," he commanded. "It's full of pirates getting drunk and we don't know what else."
"Don't talk to anyone with a drink in their hand," Galuf recommended, "they most likely won't want to be bothered."
Lenna scrunched her brows together. "Okay."
Bartz let her go and led them into the pub. The smell hit her nose immediately. Sweat, alcohol, and something not completely holy. It was dimly lit and the pirate crew was strewn about the place, some shouting, some drinking, and others passed out, already drunk. They surely didn't waste any time. There was a stage, several women in short tops and sheer bottoms on it, dancing with grace and skill for men near the stage. There were also several other patrons in the pub, but they kept to themselves, some wearing a look of panic while casting fleeting glances at the pirates.
"Where's Faris?" Galuf asked, taking in his surroundings and finally setting his eyes on the bar. He left Lenna and Bartz before he could hear the answer.
"The captain's upstairs," one of the pirates near the door answered. He teetered wildly on his feet before finding an open chair.
The pirate in the seat next to him looked up at them. He grinned devilishly, leaning across the table and squinting his eyes.
"Huh…" he slurred, "if you look real close, yer a fetching lass, Lenna!"
Lenna tried to hide her grin, the compliment temporarily lifting her spirits. She nodded her thanks to him, following Bartz once more through the room.
He tried making his way towards the bar where Galuf was already having himself a drink, but was quickly intercepted by one of the dancing girls from the stage. She stepped in front of him, placing her hands on his chest.
Bartz abruptly stopped, a blush spreading across his face, as Lenna looked on with a frown. She peered from behind him, just in time to see him receiving a wink from the dancer.
"Follow me, honey," she said sweetly, dropping her arms from his chest down to his hands, "we've got something special."
She led him away towards a seat in front of the stage. She sat him down, then turned and looked at the other dancers before giggling. Lenna stood behind him, her frown growing deeper.
"Bartz…"
He didn't answer her as music started playing and the girl started twirling, his grey eyes fixated on her body. She moved her hips in slow circles, her arms lifting above her head and each foot was carefully placed before her. She slid her hands down the sides of her body before stepping towards Bartz on his chair.
Lenna was absolutely scandalized as the girl straddled his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck. She swayed back and forth, a seductive gleam in her eyes as she moved her hands down his arms, and much to her dismay, Bartz willingly guided his hands to her waist. The dancer giggled again, obviously enjoying her job. Her body rolled in graceful waves and the smile never left her lips. Bartz was slack jawed, he too enjoying the entertainment.
"Bartz!"
He ignored his name as the girl shot her a glance. Turning her attention back to the wanderer, she gently stood and winked once again, the music coming to a stop. Bartz stayed seated, grinning at the dancer.
"Come back soon," she said, turning towards the bar as the other two dancers on the stage hopped off and joined her.
He leaned forward in his seat, his arms across his knees as he rubbed his eyes. "Wow."
Lenna shoved his shoulder, crossing her arms and glaring down at him. He looked up baffled and still red in the face.
"What?" he asked incredulously.
She drew her eyebrows together and met his eyes. Although he seemed to like the little show, she certainly didn't. She felt dirty just watching the thing take place.
He stood up awkwardly, sparing her a glance, and then looked back at the stage. He pointed to something on the side closest to the wall and walked up the steps. She followed him, her anger, while still present, slowly dissipated.
"Look, a piano," he stopped in front of it, Lenna standing beside him. She unfolded her arms and dropped her hands to the instrument.
She pushed a few keys, remembering years of boring piano lessons. She had been allowed to quit when she was ten and had never looked at a piano since then. She couldn't remember any songs, or how to read the music sheets, but she thoughtfully tinkered at the keys, producing random notes with no form. She started to wildly move her fingers, laughing at the horrendous sound it produced.
Bartz then spread his hands across the keys, tapping on a few to get the feel of it. He kept tapping until he started to get something that slightly resembled a basic song that every child was taught when learning to play music. He smiled brightly, his confidence growing as he repeated the song.
"Still got it," he joked, removing his hands from the piano.
Lenna clapped and he took a gracious bow. He looked over her shoulder towards the bar where Galuf was with two empty glasses and a third full one in front of him.
"Maybe we should get to Galuf now," he suggested, hopping off the front of the stage. "Before he ends up like some of these pirates."
Lenna opted to take the stairs instead, jogging to catch up behind Bartz as he took a seat next to Galuf.
"Bartz!" the old man exclaimed loudly. "Have a drink with me!"
Lenna took a place next to Bartz and glanced at the empty glasses. Galuf was already halfway done with the third and he was already seemingly more relaxed. She wondered what he was drinking.
"I don't know, Galuf," Bartz said, sliding the glass away from him. "Maybe we should go find Faris and head over to the inn for some rest."
The old man snatched it back, raising it to his lips. "Nonsense! You had your fun," he said nodding towards the stage. "Let me have mine."
He took one long, big gulp, finishing the drink. He set it down then motioned for the bartender.
"Another!" he shouted across the bar. He looked back to his two companions, and then raised his fingers. "Two more!"
The bartender nodded, bringing over three drinks and setting them down in front of him. He passed one to Bartz and attempted to slide the other down to Lenna, but Bartz stopped the glass before it reached her.
"She can't have any," Bartz complained, bringing the drink back around to Galuf. Lenna scoffed, who was he to decide?
"And why not?" she crossed her arms tightly over her chest. Bartz frowned at her.
"This isn't something for you," he said, then lowered his voice, looking around. "You're a princess, you can't get drunk. If anyone sees you, it could ruin your image."
Lenna rolled her eyes. "No one here knows who I am. And is it really your place to tell me? You sound just like the chancellor."
It was Galuf's turn to scoff and roll his eyes. "She's not gonna get drunk off one drink," he argued, already lifting his fourth drink to his mouth.
"I just don't think it's right," Bartz insisted, looking at his own glass.
"Lenna," Galuf turned towards the princess, "how old are you?"
"Nineteen," she replied, flashing Bartz a look.
"See?" Galuf once again took a drink. "She's old enough to make her own decisions. She probably won't like it anyways."
Bartz gave the man a disappointed look but reluctantly handed Lenna the drink.
She looked at the liquid, wondering what is was. She didn't think it was beer but she couldn't count it out. A golden brown color, it was something she had seen in a liquor cabinet in the castle, but she had never tasted it herself. She had never even tried to drink anything from the liquor storage. She was never allowed to drink alcohol except for the one glass of wine at formal dinners with other royalty, but even that was practically nothing. This was the real stuff.
She carefully lifted the glass to her lips, getting a big whiff of the liquid that made her wrinkle her nose. Cautiously, she parted her mouth and then took a big swig of the drink just as she heard Bartz say: "This isn't beer."
It burned her throat as a nauseating feeling took place. It was dry and hot, it took over her senses. She coughed and spit the rest of what was left back into the glass, pushing it towards Bartz who gave her a knowing look. He took a sip of his, also grimacing but not completely bothered by it.
"It's whiskey," he said with a tight voice, drinking some more.
"Told you she wouldn't like it," Galuf murmured into his glass. "That was kinda gross, Lenna."
Spitting back into a drink was gross and it was something she had learned not to do in etiquette classes. It was also just common sense. She gave a quiet "sorry" as she stood from her chair. "I think it's time we go look for Faris."
Bartz nodded in agreement and stood, Galuf reluctantly followed. They headed up the stairs to a hallway of wooden doors and dirty walls. Slanted pictures hung from the walls and several holes were scattered about them. Every room they passed was open except for one at the end of the hall. They stopped in front of the door.
"Hold on, I'll go check on him," Bartz offered.
He quietly opened the door and tiptoed inside unsure of if he was asleep or not. Lenna waited patiently outside with Galuf as she quietly listened to him shuffle his feet across the floor. If the pirate captain was asleep, did he really have to walk all the way into the room? Could he not just check from the doorway, where the other two stood? And if Faris was asleep, what kinda trouble would Bartz get in if he woke him up?
Bartz quickly came back out of the room with a weird look and blush on his face. He looked dazed and confused as he quietly placed his back against the wall.
"Bartz," Galuf asked, "what've you got that goofy look on your face for?"
He shook his head vigorously and took a deep breath. "Uh, nothing," he quickly explained. "I didn't see anything. Must've been a trick of the light."
He held a silent staring contest with the older man, testing him to question further. Galuf sighed in exasperation.
"For crying out loud, shove over and let me see!" He pushed his way through the door as Lenna looked at Bartz with a brow raised, his blush growing even deeper. He gave her a shrug.
Galuf quickly walked out, shutting the door behind him, that same funny look on his face. He turned his head towards Bartz and giving him an understanding nod. They stood in silence for a minute before talking all at once, their voices rising to be heard over one another.
"What the hell?"
"I don't know, gramps, I just don't get it."
"Great Caesar's ghost! Just gorgeous, sure haven't felt like that in a spell."
"How can this be?"
Lenna grew worried over her companions' sudden outburst. "What in the world are you two going on about?"
They didn't have time to answer as Lenna heard swearing and heavy footsteps approach. Out from behind Bartz and Galuf, the door slammed open, a confused looking Faris holding it. The men's' eyes grew wide.
"What are you two gawking at?" he demanded. "Get a hold of yourselves."
They kept staring at the captain, surprise and wonderment on their faces. Faris let out a huff and slammed the door shut once more.
"I need a little time to myself. So shove off!" he shouted from the other side.
How strange, Lenna thought, men are very strange.
0-0-0-0-0
"I'm not sure how to get through the canal, miss."
"Thank you anyway, sir."
Lenna walked away from the shop keeper, her spirit sinking even lower. She, Bartz, and Galuf had spent the better part of three hours asking the people of Tule for ways to get through the canal. The bartender, the innkeeper, the shopkeeper, anyone who was out on the streets, but their search kept turning up empty. They left the shop empty handed and disappointed.
"This sucks."
"Thanks for the insight, Galuf," Bartz stopped walking to lean up against a wall and crossed his arms, frowning at his feet. It really did suck.
Lenna let out a sigh, kicking the dirt. Her heart was growing heavy; how did she even end up here? Her journey was only supposed to take a day, maybe two, and she was supposed to only go to the Wind Shrine and back, not meet a wanderer, an amnesiac, and a band of pirates. And most importantly, she was supposed to find her father and take him back to Tycoon castle, but she couldn't even do that. Her trip had gone so wrong and so awry, she felt bleak and confused.
"Excuse me," a voice interrupted. The three turned to face a young man no older than fifteen.
"Can we help you, kid?" Bartz stood back up from his wall.
"I heard you inside the shop," the boy started, "I think there's someone in town who could help you."
Lenna's eyes lit up, her interest peaking at the news. She turned her full attention to him, taking a step forward.
"There's a man that lives on the edge of town," he continued. "He goes by Zok. Rumor has it has control of what goes in and out of the Torna Canal."
"Zok?" The name sounded familiar to Lenna. Could he really be the solution to their problem?
"Yes, in the big house to the north."
Bartz caught Lenna's eye, silently nodding his approval. It was worth a shot, this was their first lead after all.
"Thank you so much," Lenna rushed forward to eagerly shake the kid's hand, his eyes widening in surprise. "Let's go."
She took off at a brisk walk, heading towards the north end of town. Bartz jogged to keep up, Galuf close behind him.
"Ya know," he said trying to keep pace, "you walk pretty fast for someone so short."
She turned her head to give him a look, not breaking her stride. She was just simply eager to finally get some useful information.
"I think I know this 'Zok'," she told him. "If it is who I'm thinking, he built the Torna Canal and is a trusted royal advisor of my father. He visits the castle from time to time."
"A royal advisor too?" Bartz nearly tripped over a rock.
"Yes, though I didn't know he lived in Tule."
"How do you not know where your own advisors live?" Galuf question from several feet behind.
Lenna frowned. "He is not mine, he is my father's."
"Well if you ever become queen one day, missy," Galuf intoned. "He will be your advisor."
"Lenna, the queen of Tycoon," Bartz lamented, kicking a rock that threatened to trip him like the last. "We just found out she's a princess, don't get ahead of yourself, Galuf."
Galuf grunted. "It's bound to happen one day."
It was bound to happen one day; one day she would be queen. She would be queen and she would rule the land, her adoring subjects just enamored by her existence. Or at least that's how everyone had painted it for her, a beautiful and fair queen who was loved by everyone, who could do no wrong. The truth was though, she didn't want to be queen, and she didn't want that responsibility or the pressure of people depending on her. It scared her.
"I suppose it will," she concurred.
Bartz finally found a speed to match Lenna's that didn't require him to do a half run. "Yeah, but that's a ways away, right? You don't have to worry about that yet."
Galuf muttered something under his breath in annoyance, Lenna cringed. She would if she never found the king of Tycoon.
"There," Galuf pointed towards a large house at the end of the road. Old and wooden, it looked run down, the paint chipping away from the fence. The grass was green enough but it rose two feet tall. A derelict almost.
Lenna stopped at the door, her hand hovering in front of it. She really hoped this was the right Zok, but then again how many people were named Zok?
She knocked and the door swung open by itself, creaking loudly. That wasn't a good sign.
"Go in," Galuf nudged her from behind, her foot already in the door.
It was cold in the house but she could hear a fire crackling somewhere from in the room. A beautiful ornate rug was spread across the stone floor; ethereal landscape paintings adorned the wall. Blueprints and crates were strung about the hallway, a single table in the middle of the room, a figure sitting at it.
"Zok?"
The figure lifted his head, turning in surprise at the voice. His wild white hair and big green eyes greeted the companions, a friendly smile on his face.
"Princess Lenna?"
Lenna smiled, relieved at the familiar face. "Zok! It's good to see you."
The old man stepped forward to greet her, his long green robes trailing across the floor. "Yes…it's been a long time."
"Zok, I have a favor to ask," Lenna didn't have time to waste; she had a job to do. "We must go to Walse and we need passage through the Torna Canal."
"Oh no," he muttered and shook his head. "It's much too dangerous to enter."
Lenna frowned dropping her gaze to the floor. Bartz stepped forward to place a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"Moreover," Zok continued, "I-I seem to have lost the key to the canal…"
Lenna nearly screamed in frustration. All this for what? What kind of luck was this? She clenched her fists, grabbing fabrics of her dress to try and calm herself. Maybe this was just a bad dream.
"I'm sorry I cannot help you with the key," the old man sympathized. "But you came all this way, at least stay the night."
Lenna couldn't break her gaze from the floor, too afraid the frustration would turn to tears. Instead, Bartz spoke for her.
"Thank you for your hospitality."
"The guest room is all yours," he told them, moving back to his work at the table. "Good night!"
0-0-0-0-0
Lenna stood in a small house. It was one room, a fire crackled in the corner and a desk stood next to it, messy stacks of paper about it. There was a single bookcase with more knick knacks than books on the shelves. A long low table was opposite from her, a small pink box on top of it. A round table with four chairs took its place in the center of the room, only two of its seats occupied. A man and a woman.
The man was handsome, broad shoulder and sandy brown hair; he had a hardened face, one that had seen many battles. The woman that sat across from him was as equally as beautiful. She had exotically colored hair, like that of the sea. A gentle face with a gentle smile and kind eyes. They appeared to be in the middle of a conversation.
"The crystals must be protected at any cost," the man told her.
The woman refused to meet his gaze as she ran her fingers over the design of the table cloth.
"Stella," he reached across the table to grab her hand. "If anything should ever happen to me, never tell Bartz about the crystals. They aren't his burden to bear."
Bartz? These people knew Bartz? And they were worried about him, so they cared, but who were they?
The woman looked at Lenna, the sad look in her eyes sending a jolt up her spine. She saw her. She had sparkling grey eyes, a sad smile appearing across her face.
Lenna looked down, noticing the headboard of a bed next to her. A child was fast asleep in it, his body curled up underneath the covers. The woman wasn't looking at her; she was looking at the child. He must've been their son.
The man mentioning Bartz and the woman looking at the child… could it be?
The woman stood up and moved around the table to the man while placing a delicate hand on his shoulder. "Oh, darling," she pleaded, "please don't say things like that."
The man took her hand, grasping it tightly and bringing it to his face. Lenna looked at the couple; they reminded her of her own parents once upon a time. The definition of true love, a goal she would work for in her life.
She looked back down to the sleeping child, but he was sleeping no longer, his eyes wide open. He had heard every word said; things that were meant to be kept secrets now burdened his young mind.
0-0-0-0-0
The door slammed, that's what woke Lenna up.
The room was dark, the only light coming from the shining moon outside, its soft rays dancing across the bedroom floor.
Lenna looked around noticing the now empty bed from across from her. Bartz had left the room. They hadn't bothered to go find Faris at the bar, figuring he would find a place to sleep elsewhere like he had earlier.
Galuf was in the bed closest to the door, peacefully snoring away.
Lenna sat up and rubbed her eyes. So it was a dream, she had figured that it was, but it was vivid. She felt like she was actually in the room there with the couple. And that boy…
The opened once more, Bartz returning to the room. He tiptoed, and quietly shut the door; the first slam had obviously not been him. He crept into the room then stopped halfway when he noticed Lenna staring at him.
"I'm sorry," he whispered. "I didn't mean to wake you."
Lenna shook her head at the apology, her own voice hushed. "I was already awake."
Bartz hummed in approval, pleased that it had not been him. He stood for an awkward moment, looking at Lenna in the dark.
"Could you not sleep?" she asked, sitting up further in the bed and leaning against the headboard.
He nodded, taking a step towards his bed. "I had a lot on my mind."
"About your parents?" there had to be a connection between her dream and reality.
He stopped and cocked his head towards her. "Yeah, actually."
"Do you miss them?"
"Of course. Don't you?"
Lenna nodded. She missed her own parents so much…
Another moment of silence.
"Bartz, what are we going to do? If we can't get to Walse… what will we do?"
He took two steps towards her; she was unable to make out his features with his back to the moonlight. "Are you scared?"
"No," she admitted, "I'm worried. If we can't do it, what will happen to the crystal?"
Bartz closed the distance and sat on the edge of her bed, surprising the princess.
"We will make it," he assured her. "No matter what we have to do, we will get to Walse. I promise."
Lenna smiled, feeling somewhat reassured. He seemed so sure maybe it was true. Maybe they could do it.
"Thank you, Bartz," she smiled, unsure if he could even see it. "For everything."
He stood from her bed and made his way back to his own. "Good night, Lenna."
"Good night, Bartz."