Chapter 3: Moogles, Faris, and Gold Locks (Bartz's POV)

Lenna' and Krile gone now, but I decided to stay be Faris. I wasn't tire, nor was I too insensitive to support her. ''Faris... Faris...'' Apparently she falls asleep easily, but it was never this hard waking her up. The tick of a regular clock would usually wake her up; but that's not tonight's case. Sickness makes it harder for people to sleep, right? ''Wake up, Faris...'' Her name took time getting used to whispering in a low voice.

She's so independent that it's as if she's alone. Stubborn, too; but I'm surprised by this one a bit. I guess being being the leader of your own ship and having everyone work under you can be thrilling, however Faris isn't your average pirate. I wonder, how did Faris feel on that ship? I wonder why none of those guys never came to the conclusion that she was a girl. But hey, some of them did give her love letters.

This time, I'll whisper her name louder; she'd wake up at the feeling of being called. ''Kupo! Kupo!'' Moogles, yes! I know what I'll do. Moogles can be cute and distracting at the same time, a few of their characteristics that annoys Faris the most! ''Come here, Mog!'' ''Kupo!'' Mog walks to my feet and I place him on the bed. Saluting for combat, Mog knew what I needed him for. Mog cuddles underneath Faris' neck, yawning from exhaustion. Way to go, Mog!

Faris rolls over and stretches her arm out accidentally hitting Mog off the bead. ''Kupo!'' Is she having a bad dream? Eh, I highly doubt it... ''Cough!'' Blond hair moves quickly to the right end of the bed where I stood, and a hand grabbles my back. My heart pumps harder at the moment. Did Faris do that to be funny? Her hand takes another swipe at me. ''Ouch!'' She should know her own strength by now, and that blow to my back made me lower myself to touch the carpet. ''Stop it, Faris! Wake up!''

''Bartz...'' I stand up, rubbing my hurt back. Now's she's awake, speaking in such a tone that makes me feel betrayed. Don't try that with me, Faris, I'm now dumb. '' Bartz, you were...'' Oh no, she seems to be angry. No matter, thistime I'll run before her fist flies at me! Gritting her teeth, her breathing becomes louder. ''I lost my pendant, so...'' Coughing at a more noticeable rate, I see that Faris is awake; eyes teary and red that lose their shine whenever sees upset. Hugging her, I begin to play in those golden locks of hair that down Faris' back Fluttering his wings in worry, Mog comes right up to sit on my shoulder. ''That pendant's around here somewhere; stop stressing yourself out over it. One of these moogles probably stole it.'' I grab Mog for proof. ''Mog takes Krile's belongings all the time; his favorites are her anklets.'' I notice Faris' face, glancing at why I still have my arms wrapped around her.''Oh,sorry.''

''Bartz, you shouldn't to apologize.'' Faris lifta herself up to sit at the edge of the mattress. As I stare at her in amazement, Faris shyly looks at Mog. Oh boy, I embarrassed her.''Thanks, Mog.'' I mentioned eariler about Faris being like this only around me. There's know way she would be like this with Krile, and I don't know about Lenna.

''By the way, were you out in the rain four days ago? I have don't think you'e found of rain, sailing on that ship on yours you've probably endured hailstorms.'' I lean right by Faris, holding back the urge to taunt her. Krile rubbed off on me, that's for sure. I wouldn't do this with Lenna, so why do I mess around with Faris so much? Teasing girls has gotten into me trouble before, though, which is why I avoid conflicts with them. I remember when I was eight and stuck my tongue out at our neighbor's daughter for bonking me on the head when I tripped her, and she slapped me! Never will that happen again.''Hailstorms? I stepped outside, risking the outcome of becoming soaked for ''Clover'' to come back on home.''

''Clover? Oh, so you are a mommy.'' Faris blushes. ''Definitely not! Just someone's pet, that's all. Another moogle at that!'' Oh, so Clover's Krile's, huh?

''You told Mog thank you, right? Give the little squirt some love!'' Mog runs to Faris, hugging her long hair. Can't blame him, she's a pretty girl. ''Now Mog's content! He was worried too! He'd whine to the girls about seeing you.'' Faris shows no sign of believing me.''I'm not friendly or attractive enough to be seeked after.'' ''Then what about those pirates? Mog? Honestly, there's nothing seriously wrong with you. If there's anything that you'd like to change about yourself, then it's not not too late. I like you just the way you are.''

''Really, you're smiling so much; I can tell. Lately I've had a problem with my self confidence, that's all.'' ''I can understand, as humans we all have those moments in life where we question the power we have in ourselves, if we're really certified to trust our own self esteem. As long as we keep climbing through that dark part of us, we can become stronger from it.'' I rest form lecturing, and I sit by Faris. She gives me a bright smile.

''Kupo!'' Mog's jealous, wanting to be in on us. ''Mog's a smart guy, huh? Lenna has medicine for fevers.'' ''Bartz, get my hair band for me. I've lost the ability to keep it down in years. Heh, she really is shy. ''Kupo!'' Mog walks to the bedspread, holding the medicine. He rests the bottle onto Faris' dresser. ''Well, see you later I'm sleepy. bye!'' Picking up Mog, Faris hugs him. Mog's redder than ever! ''Bartz, I'll talk to you tomorrow.'' While Faris heads downstairs, I grin. ''Job completed, huh?''

''Job? So, you want me to be happy?'' Drat, she heard me. ''Well, um, yeah. Seeing you fight so hard to be content isn't a thing I would ever want to see. Neither you, Krile (and all of her pets), and Lenna. You've been with us for such a long time you're family. That's how I see all of you in my eyes.'' ''Family? You accept me that much?'' ''Accept? There's no standards I set, that's not me! Think of it as you crew, Faris. After you became captain, did you ever push away people due to standards?'' Shaking her wrist, Faris smirks. ''No, but I know where you're talking about.'' What is so funny to her?

''Bartz, the only thing you organize for is chocobo racing. Where's Boko, anyway?'' There she goes with the ''farm boy'' thing, again. ''Chocobo racing is fun!'' I poke Faris' cheeks and she slaps them away playfully.


Waking up in a daze, I stroke... hair? ''How did I get onto the bed?'' My head leans over to the side, touching someone's shoulder. ''You awake yet?'' ''Oh, Faris! I...'' ''You wouldn't wake up, so I sat here for the last fifteen minutes.'' ''Is it morning yet?'' Faris lures me close, brushing my hair back to normal. ''Your hair is so nice; I like the color netter than mines. Brown, not light brown either. I prefer darker shades of color better.'' Is she sleepy? Is that why she's letting me talk to her so much?

''Faris, are you okay? Did you take the medicine Mog gave you?'' Blushing, Faris nods her head. ''Some guy keeps asking me if I'm really part of the disappearance of the people in Tycoon. Three days ago he rudely denied our journey defeating Exdeath and protecting the crystals. ''Who's this guy? Is he old and delusional? If so, then I already can guess what's going on.'' Scent from the open window blew it's way past the roof. I'm guessing it was the smell of rain, but today my prediction my nostrils. Knocked out from exhaustion, Faris continues to rest by me.

Flames rose to the bottom of the trees, and outside stood several men. Armed with guns and rising their flags in the air, I wake Faris. ''There's no time to explain, hurry!'' Without hesitation we escape the room, bumping Krile and Lenna. ''Those guys! I've seen them with that wretched old punk! They're the ones who took the torches and lighted up the inn!'' Krile gasps. ''Mog, Clover! Where are they? I-I can't let them die!'' How can we possibly find them easier without splitting up? ''Krile, you stay here. I'll get them; and please don't wait for me! Exit the inn. If that's not an option, go now!'' Dashing off to Lenna's room, Faris takes the risk of death.

''No, Faris! Come back!'' Lenna screams loudly, not accepting Krile's force of blocking her path. ''Run out the front, I'll help Faris.'' Krile and Lenna finally give up, heading outside the inn. When I kick the door open, I see that only Mog is present; no Clover. Faris stuffs a small medicine bottle into her pocket; holding Mog kept her at a disadvantage, holding her head to fight against the fever. However she speeds out the door with me, and we spot flames from both sides off the inn, looking at the windows. Fire came half way up the glass. ''Kupo!'' Clover squeaks out a cry, rushing to us. Once I carry Clover in my arms, all four of us head outside.