"Woah-there Boko. What do you think you're doing?"

Bartz struggled to control the chocobo he was riding. The big yellow bird was clearly agitated by something and given the direction of his aggression, Bartz had figured out that it was him who Boko was agitated with. He dug his heels in to the side of the bird, trying to control it so he could get his journey back on track, but as they entered a narrow valley, the chocobo decided to make its feelings known. Without any prior warning, the big yellow bird stopped dead in its tracks. It lowered its head and dug its claws into the earth below it, ejecting Bartz from his saddle.

"OUCH! BOKO! Don't stop so suddenly!"

Bartz skidded and rolled across the floor before he was brought to a halt by the stone wall. Holding his lower back for a moment and shaking his head. He pulled himself up from the ground, dusted himself down and made eye contact with the bird. Its blue eyes narrowed, as if it was frowning at him and all its feathers were ruffled up. Puffing its chest out, stretching its neck to its longest point of extension and flexing its claws, it stared back at its owner. Bartz could see that the bird wasn't going to back down easily.

"Boko... Why are you giving me that look?"

Boko let out a high pitched wark. Bartz winced and covered his ears slightly as the bird stepped forwards, warking in the same high pitched aggressive manner as it did previously. Knowing he wasn't going to win this fight, Bartz held his hands up and hung his head down in a sign of defeat. With Boko, he knew his wark was just as bad as his bite and his talons.

"It's about the wind shrine isn't it?"

Boko let out a sharp wark this time. It wasn't as high pitched as previous ones, but it was firm enough to convey agreement and negative feeling at the same time. Bartz looked up at his chocobo and sighed.

"..I know... I should have went with them. I mean Reina seems like a competent fighter, but she could only handle one goblin... And Galuf... he's an old man with amnesia. They're not safe, especially with so many goblins about."

Boko let out a wark as it lowered its head. Bartz re-adjusted his belt and his sword. He reached out to pat the bird on the neck but was started by a rumbling sound. The valley walls started to shake slightly and cracks started to appear in the floor. The two looked round in panic, wondering what was going on for a split second before there was a loud cry for help further down from where they were.

"Boko! Lets Hurry!"

Letting out a loud wark, Bartz jumped back up on the bird and dug his heels in. The pair moved as fast as they could over the unstable terrain which kept shaking. The dirt was cracking beneath the chocobo's feet and parts of the valley were tumbling down behind them. As they ran through the valley, they heard noises above them. A mixture of low pitched snarls and growling noises caused Bartz to look up. Two goblins were perched on the ledges.

"Boko! Look out, Goblins!"

The twisted monsters leapt from their vantage point and landed down in front of Bartz and his bird. Unsheathing his sword, Bartz swung his sword with a huge overhead strike, slicing down to his right and cutting through one of the goblins, removing its head from its shoulders. The other goblin jumped as Boko slowed itself down, coming to a halt. The airborne monster landed just in front of them and before Bartz could even react, Boko lunged forwards with his beak. Letting out a shrill wark, Boko bit into the monster, catching it on the arm, forcing it to release the knife it had been holding. Jumping down from the bird, Bartz quickly finished the monster off before taking the knife from it. Jumping back up onto Boko, the pair continued on through the valley. The floor started to crack even more beneath them, causing holes to appear in the terrain.

"Watch out Boko!"

Boko lowered its head and charged forwards. Using its speed and powerful leg muscles, it easily cleared the craters opening in the ground. As they advanced further, more and more goblins tried to attack them. Some got close enough to be struck down by Bartz's sword, but most were caught up in the holes which were opening up in the earth beneath them. The gauntlet of earth and monsters seemed to last an eternity.

"Hey! There's Reina and Galuf!"

The woman and the old man lay there dazed on the floor. They must have been injured in the quake. As they pressed on, two more goblins made their move against Bartz. Once more, Bartz dodged them and finished them with ease. As they drew closer, Bartz jumped down from Boko. He rushed to Reina and pulled her semi-conscious body up and hoisted her onto the back of Boko. He then ran towards Galuf and did the same. Once they were on his Chocobo's back, Bartz slapped the bird on its rear.

"Boko, go! Get them out the valley, I'll follow you."

Boko warked in agreement and headed off. As the bird sped away, two more goblins made their move against Bartz. The journeyman readied his sword and charged forwards. He used his blade to parry the lunge of one of the goblins before pushing it away and then thrusting the blade through its chest. As the monster let out a cry of pain before it crumpled to the floor, the other one got the drop on Bartz, getting him from behind with a scratch. Wincing in pain, Bartz let go of the sword he had buried in the chest of the first goblin and withdrew his newly found knife. He swung the shorter blade out, nicking the arm of the goblin which caused it to cry in pain before it lunged in again. Seeing as his range was shorter, Bartz took the swipe at him head on. Stumbling back from the impact slightly, he quickly lunged forwards and buried the knife in the monster's neck, killing it instantly. Stepping back to regain his composure, Bartz wiped the knife on his thigh and put it in his belt before retrieving his sword. He sheathed it and looked ahead of him - Boko was returning without the other two on his back.

"You got them somewhere safe?"

Boko warked.

"Good. Let's get going then".

=...=...=

Reina: "Urgh..."

Reina put her hand on her forehead as she started to regain consciousness. She tried to open her eyes, but everything was blurry. As she blinked, she could make out the outline of something just above her, looking down at her. Rubbing at her eyes, she closed them and then opened them one last time.

Reina: "ARGH!"

Boko let out a loud wark whilst Reina simultaneously screamed in surprise. The chocobo reared up and retreated towards a mound of rocks whilst Reina jumped to her feet and backed away, instinctively reaching for her knife. Ready to charge forwards in an effort to defend herself, Reina grasped the blade in her hand and drew her arm back but a loud whistling noise distracted her. As she turned to see where the noise had come from, Bartz jumped down from the rocks. Landing between his chocobo and the girl he'd met an hour earlier.

Bartz: "Hey!"

He looked over his shoulder first at Boko who nervously twitched behind him and then looked back at Reina who had now relaxed a little. She sheathed her blade and walked towards Bartz.

Reina: "What happened?"

Reina rubbed at her head as she listened to Bartz explain about the earthquake and the goblin attacks. The pink haired girl looked over his shoulder as Boko started to move closer to the pair of them.

Bartz: "The shock from the meteor caused the cliffs to crumble and the earthquakes which split the ground. Boko and me got you out of there before you became goblin food."

Bartz brushed the feat off as no big deal, but the princess in disguise wasn't having any of it.

Reina: "Thank you so much, you saved us!"

She reached out and placed her hand on Bartz's shoulder and smiled at him. Boko moved forwards and she reached out and patted his head.

Reina: "Thank you so much too"

Bartz smiled and stepped back.

Bartz: "Aw stop that! You don't have to thank us, thank Boko more, he got you outta there!"

Reina smiled at the chocobo, then turned to Galuf who was still unconscious. His chest was rising and falling though, showing he was still alive at least. Bartz nodded and then took a moment to actually look at the pink haired girl. She had fair skin and despite the few grazes and bruises and patches of dirt on her clothes, she looked perfect, almost too perfect. There was something about the girl he couldn't quite place. Something was off but he couldn't tell what.

Bartz: "Anyway, because of the Meteorite, the road to Tule has been blocked..."

Reina looked defeated at the news that her path had been obstructed.

Reina: "But... I have to get to the wind shrine!"

She stood opposite Bartz with a dejected look on her face. Bartz went to comfort her with a hug but the sound of Galuf stirring behind them got their attention.

Galuf: "Wind.. Shrine... Got to hurry... Wind shrine.."

Bartz shook his head.

Bartz: "This old geezer too eh?"

Reina looked at Bartz confused as to what he meant first, but then it clicked, two complete strangers both needing to head towards the same place, one for a reason they wouldn't say, and the other for a reason they couldn't remember. Bartz glanced over at his chocobo and nodded before he re-adjusted his belt and sword.

Bartz: "You know what... I'm going to go with you!"

Reina's face lit up for a moment.

Reina: "What? Really?"

Bartz nodded. He looked up at the clouds and closed his eyes for a second before he spoke again.

Bartz: "My dad... He said I should travel the world and see things... And besides, the wind is calling"

Running his fingers through his hair, Bartz tried to act cool, hoping Reina would buy it but any hopes or illusions he had were shattered by the gruff voice of Galuf.

Galuf: "Say what you want lad. But isn't the truth that you simply have the 'hots' for this girl?"

Bartz's jaw dropped. He turned round to face Galuf who had pulled himself up to his feet and was dusting himself down.

Bartz: "Hey! You were awake for all that?"

Galuf smirked.

Galuf: "Of course I was!"

Galuf let out a hearty laugh which made Reina chuckle slightly and further dented Bartz's ego and turned him a shade of red. Even Boko the chocobo got in on the humour. As the laughter subsided and everyone had established that they were all alright, Galuf turned the tone of the conversation serious.

Galuf: "The road has been closed though. What shall we do?"

The three of them looked at each other in silence, each one with a puzzled expression on their face. Galuf stroked his beard, trying to think of a solution, Reina interlocked her fingers and stretched her hands out whilst Bartz looked at his chocobo and shrugged.

Reina: "I don't know... But I do know one thing."

Reina's voice snapped everyone to their senses. Galuf, Boko and Bartz all looked to the pink haired girl who boldly stepped forwards pointing out at the clearing at the end of the valley.

Reina: "We must go on!"

Inspired by her energy, Galuf raised his fists in the air whilst Bartz and Boko nodded at each other.

Bartz: "Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go!"

Bartz motioned towards the plains at the end of the clearing as the four of them set off.

=...=...=

The three had journeyed for most of the day when they saw the entrance to a cave in the mountainside. Bartz and Galuf stood either side of Boko who lowered himself down enough to allow Reina who had rode on him a short drop for her dismount. The two men helped her down then the three of them turned their attentions to the cave. The entry was odd, like the cliff face had fallen down to reveal a tunnel.

Reina: "A cave in such a strange place?"

Reina's eyes followed the walls of the opening, her eyes moved in an awkward semi-circle, following the arch as it rose then fell.

Bartz: "It must have been revealed by the earthquake earlier"

Bartz looked at Boko and patted him on the side of his neck.

Bartz: "Boko, it's probably going to be dangerous in there. You best stay back."

Warking in agreement, Boko moved away from the entrance of the cave. Galuf clenched his fists and went to take the first step towards the opening but Bartz put his hand on his shoulder and stopped him.

Bartz: "No you don't. You need a weapon if you're going in there"

Bartz pulled the knife out of his belt and gave it to the old man who took it from him. Testing its balance, he twirled it round in his hands before nodding. Satisfied with the blade, he bowed his head in thanks and looked to Reina who had her dagger out ready. The three travellers nodded at each other before stepping into the cave.

It wasn't as dark as it first appeared to be. The slight cracks in the ceilings allowed some daylight to filter down towards them. Cautiously moving forwards, Bartz leading the way with his sword drawn looked over his shoulder to Galuf, slightly behind him to his right who was keeping a close watch on their rear and Reina kept close watch above them. It was slow going through the cave, but the cautious approach was necessary. None of them knew what lurked in the murky darkness ahead of them and none of noticed what dangers lay hidden in the darkness.

Reina: "Lookout!"

Reina shouted as she saw movement from above. Drawing her dagger she jumped back, quickly followed by Galuf and Bartz. The three stood back to back with their weapons drawn as three bats swooped in. Their blue and grey tinted wings glistened in the low light whilst their purple fur and yellow teeth stood out as they bolted forwards at them. Taking the lead, Reina jumped forwards first, slicing her dagger at the bat, injuring it but in the same time taking a glancing blow from its clawed wings.

Reina: "Watch out, those wings are sharp!"

Bartz readied his sword and as the bat came in, cut it down in one slice. The blade effortlessly cut through the beast's wing and caused it to fall limply to the floor. As he turned his attention to the other two bats who were pestering his friends, he noticed how their daggers weren't as effective as the sword was against the bats.

Bartz: "Galuf! Reina! Draw one in, I'll cut it down. My sword is better against them than your knives!"

Reina nodded and jumped forwards, she swung at the bat who skilfully dodged her strike but unfortunately for the monster, it flew right into the path of Bartz who cut through it with ease. Galuf shouted again as the bat made a pass at him. Its claws caught him but he managed to spike the beast with his knife, dropping it to the floor. The three of them dusted themselves down and caught their breath for a moment.

Galuf: "That was intense!"

Reina wiped a bead of sweat from her brow as she looked to Galuf who was holding his lower arm. Blood was trickling out from under his hand and his breathing was slightly laboured. Reaching into her bag, she pulled out a vial of red liquid and walked over to Galuf.

Reina: "Here, let me help..."

Galuf removed his hand from the wound and Reina uncorked the vial. She poured some of the red liquid over the wound on his arm and watched the wound start to close over. She passed the remaining portion of the vial to him.

Reina: "Drink this, it'll help the recovery"

Galuf drank the potion and screwed his face up at the taste. Healing Potions, especially the most basic ones never tasted nice, but for minor wounds and injuries, they were a god-send. Reina looked over to Bartz who wiped the blood off his blade and shook his head.

Bartz: "I'm ok, you keep your eye on the old man though. There is no doubting his talent for fighting but he's a little rusty by the looks of it"

Galuf clenched his fist and waved it towards Bartz who laughed it off.

Galuf: "Who are you calling rusty?"

Reina giggled as Bartz sheathed his sword and walked towards them.

Bartz: "Well it certainly wouldn't be Reina, is your amnesia that bad that you have forgotten you're even here?"

Galuf went red as Reina and Bartz broke out in a fit of laughter. He shook his head, sighed and put his knife back in his belt. He was about to speak but a faint sound distracted him.

Galuf: "Hey... You guys hear that?"

Bartz and Reina closed their eyes and tried to focus on the sound which Galuf was referring to. Both of them had blank expressions on their face.

Galuf: "I've got memory loss, not a full blown case of the crazies you young punks! I heard something, running... like water... Through that way!"

Galuf pointed at an opening in the cave wall ahead of them. There was a faint light emanating from the opening. Looking at the two of them, as if to say 'are we going then?' Galuf gestured, showing them their next direction. Bartz and Reina nodded and the three of them headed towards the opening. Slipping through it, making sure to watch their footing, they came out the small tunnel and saw a ledge over a pool of water with a torch by it.

Bartz: "It's a spring!"

Bartz ran forwards, followed closely by Galuf and Reina. The three of them stopped at the ledge and looked down. The water was crystal clear, they could see their dirtied faces in its shimmering surface. Reaching down, Bartz scooped up some water in his hands and threw it in his face. The cool temperature was a slight shock at first, but the feeling of it on his skin left him feeling totally refreshed.

Bartz: "Guys, this is incredible, you should try it!"

Reina pulled out the empty vial which the potion had been stored in and dipped it in the water. She brought it up to her lips and took a long drink of it before passing it over to Galuf who did the same. Shaking his arms out and cracking his neck, the old man raised his arms triumphantly above his head.

Galuf: "That's incredible! I feel totally refreshed now"

Reina: "So you should be. This is a wellspring. I've only ever heard stories about them, but apparently they're said to be able to reinvigorate those who drink from them, help cleanse and heal wounds, restore energy and other beneficial things."

Bartz: "I always thought these were a myth. I didn't actually think they existed. My father mentioned them one time when he told me stories about his travels."

Bartz gathered his equipment and set it down against the wall. Sitting on the floor, he looked over at Reina and Galuf who did the same.

Bartz: "We should rest up for a while. It's getting late in the day and this area is well lit. I'll take first watch in case any monsters come. We'll take turns on watch"

Reina and Galuf nodded as they leaned against the wall. The area wasn't exactly safe, but with only one entrance and a relatively low roof, the only way monsters could get near them was through the entrance opposite where they were sat.

=...=...=

It had only been about an hour when Bartz's attention was drawn by a noise deeper into the cave. Grabbing his sword, he ran over to Reina and Galuf who were catching a quick nap and woke them. Seeing he was armed, the others picked up their weapons and gear and followed him deeper into the cave. Slipping through another dark passage, they saw some monstrous plants which clung to the walls. Nodding at each other in agreement, they slipped past them without disturbing them as they followed the winding path.

Galuf: "What gives? I thought we were resting up for the day."

Bartz: "I heard something, sounded like voices. We don't know if this cave is occupied by anyone so we're better moving."

Galuf nodded in agreement as they approached a ledge. As they went to climb up it they heard the sound of footsteps. Ducking down and pressing themselves against the wall, they waited till whoever was making the noise stopped moving. Cautiously peering over, they saw a man in ragged clothes - a green waist coat, purple pants and a pink shirt pressing a switch on the wall. There was a crunching sound as the rocks moved to open up a passage further into the cave. As he slipped into it and the doorway closed behind him, the three looked at each other once more as they peeled themselves away from the rocks which they had hid behind.

Reina: "That explains it then, someone must be using this cave as a base and we've came in through the back door which no one seems to know about"

Bartz spied a chest over to their left in an alcove carved out in the rock face. Galuf moved over towards it and stuck his knife into the hole in the lock. After a few unsuccessful attempts, he managed to shimmy the chest open and pulled out a leather cap. It was well worn and offered little protection, but anything was better than nothing. He put it on his head and turned back to Bartz and Reina.

Galuf: "How do I look?"

Beaming with a smile, the old man triumphantly walked back, sporting his newly found loot much to the amusement of Reina. Bartz paid little attention as he studied the wall and the button.

Bartz: "That button..."

Heading forwards, he cautiously approached the skull shaped object on the wall. He gently ran his fingers across the front of it, being careful not to disturb it. The object itself wasn't very sensitive and he couldn't quite tell how to operate it at first. Reina walked up alongside him and looked at it.

Reina: "I didn't see how he did it... maybe we should push it?"

Bartz shrugged his shoulders and pressed his hand firmly against the skull. As he did, the rocks rumbled to life and by some unseen mechanism, rolled out the way, revealing the passage forwards. Taking care not to get caught, the three carefully proceeded through the tunnel until they emerged in the next section of the cave system behind them. Seeing clear daylight, they ran forwards to the opening and peered out - they could see the sea. It was still due to the lack of activity on the part of the wind.

Bartz: "What's that?"

The three looked as a small brown object floated across the surface of the water. As it drew closer it was clear - it was a ship. A ship with its sails up. Bartz looked to Reina and Galuf who both had the same surprised expression on their faces.

Bartz: "That ship... How does it sail without wind?"

Dumbfounded, the three of them shared blank expressions and a collective sense of bewilderment before journeying further into the cave.