The Wind Shrine was normally peaceful. The woods were always quiet, normally filled with the local wildlife of deer, rabbits and various other woodland creatures. There was usually a pleasant breeze circulating through the valley which wasn't too chilling or powerful either, it was one of the rare places where nature was in perfect harmony. That was up until the crystal started to change its behaviour. Over recent weeks, the people who tended the shrine, including a detachment of guards from Tycoon Castle had reported strange goings on, monsters appearing in the woods and some even in the shrine itself. Standing in front of the ancient looking building, Lenna, Faris, Galuf and Bartz assessed the situation.

The Shrine itself was a small building, it was five stories tall and roughly the same size as one of the perimeter towers of Castle Tycoon. It was covered with vines and parts of it were crumbling due to the effects of the weather over the years and as its previous incarnation as a stronghold for a tribe who used to live in this valley centuries ago. Bartz and Galuf stood in awe looking at it. Despite its worn down exterior, it was still an imposing structure. Lenna and Faris both stepped forwards towards the main door. Looking closer, Faris saw blood on the stone steps leading up to it. Drawing his sword, the pirate looked to the princess who did the same, drawing her dagger.

Lenna: "The shrine is usually peaceful, but if the wind has stopped, there is no telling what might be going on inside, lets hurry"

Rushing forwards, they pushed through the doors and into the ground floor of the building. It was well lit but like the exterior of the shrine, it had seen better days. Walking through the shrine, Lenna stopped and looked around. She had been to the Wind Shrine a few years ago but she couldn't remember the way. Heading to the left, they approached the ante-chamber. Its doors were tightly shut but they could hear movement and talking coming behind it. Gripping their weapons tightly, Bartz lead the way, pushing the doors open, the four charged in only to be greeted by two heavily armed knights who backed down the moment they laid eyes on Lenna.

Knights: "Princess"

Lenna nodded to them as they stepped aside allowing the four to enter the room. Ahead of them stood one of King Tycoon's aides and three scholars. All of them were pacing around. There was definitely something bad happening and no one could say what.

Aide: "Princess"

Lenna: "What in the world going on?"

Aide: "We were here when your father came. He rushed right up to the crystal chamber, telling us to stay down here"

Scholar: "He told us the wind had stopped in Tycoon"

Aide: "Next thing you know, the wind stopped and monsters came rushing in. We only had two knights here because the changing of the guard was due to take place later this week and some of them had gone out into the woods to replenish the food stocks... None made it back"

Lenna: "What of my father?"

Aide: "The king, he rushed to the crystal chamber, but he hasn't returned and we can't get higher than the third floor as the monsters are over-running us"

Lenna looked panicked at the news. She had begged her father not to go alone, and now with the news that monsters were swarming the shrine and all but two of the guards had been slain by monsters in the woods , the distress on her face was visible. Stepping forwards, Faris placed his hand on the princesses' shoulder and looked her in the eyes.

Faris: "The crystal room is on the top floor. Let's go Lenna"

Lenna nodded. Holding her pendant in her hand, she closed her eyes and tightened her grip on the dagger in her other hand.

Lenna: "Thanks Faris... We have to hurry. "

=...=...=

Faris: "The floor is crawlin' with these monsters!"

Faris cut through a serpent like monster as it lunged out at her with its fangs ready to lock on to her. Cutting it in half, she quickly spun round and brought her sword down through the head of the monster, making sure it was dead. Bartz, Galuf and Lenna faced similar problems - the white snakes, usually non-aggressive creatures which were native to the surrounding land had become hostile and were going all out to halt their progress.

Bartz: "There's too many of them, every one we kill, two more replace it!"

Galuf backed up against the wall, fending off some of the serpents which had forced him into the tight spot with a series of quick strikes which surprised the others. Letting out a load battle cry, he lunged forwards, slicing through two of the monsters before he spun round with an overhead swing and cut down a third which was ready to lunge towards Lenna.

Galuf: "Everyone, quick, through the door!"

Bartz ran towards the door. He turned side on and slammed into it, shoulder first, crashing through the heavy ornate feature and came to a tumbling halt on the other side of it - a brightly lit chamber with strange glowing runes on the floor in the form of a circle. Lenna, Galuf and Faris followed them in before pushing the doors tightly shut behind them. Looking round the room, they noticed it was plain, devoid of any sign of combat and relatively untouched.

Faris: "What is this?"

Faris knelt down and placed his fingertips against the glowing circle of runes on the floor. He felt a sudden jolt of magic run through his arm, causing him to flinch before backing away quickly.

Lenna: "It's a safe-haven"

Bartz: "I've heard of these... They're supposedly magical rooms or areas which repel evil and allow those within their confines a chance to rest and recuperate.

Galuf: "Good job one is here... That was relentless... Though we've probably got enough snakeskin to make us all matching outfits!"

Galuf let out a chuckle before he sat down on the floor. Resting against the wall, he wiped his blade clean and looked to Lenna who took a drink from a flask of water she had.

Galuf: "Is that from the wellspring?"

Lenna nodded.

Galuf: "When you're done, may I have some? At my age, you need all the pick-me-ups you can get!"

As the princess shared the mystical water with the old amnesiac, Faris and Bartz stood across the room from them. Bartz looked the captain up and down as he wiped his blade clean. He was Five foot seven, just a few inches shorter than Bartz was, but he looked rather young and almost too-pretty to be a pirate. His pale white skin seemed soft despite the lifestyle on the high seas where the elements were a constant presence, wearing men like himself down. His cold green eyes were a mystery - they seemed deep and full of turmoil and questions but only if you had the chance to look deep enough.

Bartz: "You ok Faris? You seem troubled..."

Faris looked at Bartz and laughed.

Faris: "Boy, ye have nothin' tae fret about. I'm fine, just haven't had a work out like this since the last time we were chased through the Torna Canal"

Bartz: "Glad you're on our side, I've never seen anyone move so quick and clean with a sword like that"

Faris smiled at Bartz before sheathing his sword. He pulled out a small leather bound container and unscrewed the top of it. Taking a stiff drink from it, the pirate offered it to Bartz who accepted it. He placed the flask to his lips and took a stiff drink himself thinking it to be water, but it was in fact grog. Wincing at the bitter aftertaste, Bartz handed the flask back to Faris and sharply inhaled.

Bartz: "WOW! That'll give you a kick when you need it!"

Faris let out a hearty laugh before putting away his flask.

Faris: "Take it ye land-lovers aren't too familiar with good ol' Pirate grog aye? It's not for the faint hearted like your princess over there"

Bartz: "I'll say!"

Faris looked over to Galuf and Lenna who had finished their drink and had stood up. Rested and ready, they walked towards Bartz who had his sword drawn ready and one hand on the door to the rest of the building.

Bartz: "We ready?"

Lenna and Galuf nodded. Bartz turned to Faris who placed his hand on the other door. The pair of them pushed with all their strength and flung the double doors open and the four of them set out again from the safe haven into the rest of the shrine.

The moment the four stepped through the doors, two black goblins lunged at them. These twisted beasts were slightly stronger variants of the ones which had attacked them in the plains round Tycoon. Taking the lead, Bartz and Faris broke forwards, meeting the twisted limbs of the goblins with their swords, cutting them down. As their bodies fell to the floor, Lenna quickly ran to the right with Galuf. Finding a door, they pushed it open. Lenna went to peer inside, but before she could even react, Galuf pulled her out of the way and thrust his sword into the darkened room. The sound of a monster letting out a death cry followed the sword thrust much to the relief of Galuf.

Lenna: "Thank you Galuf"

Galuf: "It's ok... Remember, never go into a dark room without readying yourself first"

Lenna walked forwards for a few seconds before she nearly tripped over.

Lenna: "There's something in here... I almost fell over it"

Galuf: "It might be a chest or a box... open it"

Lenna fumbled about before finding the lid of the container. Digging her hands in, she took hold of the edge and pried it open. Lifting the lid up, she reached in and pulled out a leather cap.

Galuf: "Let's get back to the others... They might have cleared a path to the next floor for us"

Lenna nodded before placing the cap on her head.

=...=...=

Bartz: "Looks like the others hit a dead end"

Faris nodded in agreement as he swung his sword at another snake which had lunged out of the shadows at the pair of swordsmen. Bartz ducked down out the way of a strange black flying serpent and quickly spun round, bringing his sword up in the air and cut it down as it went in for another pass at him. As they cut down the monsters which kept coming at them, they saw Galuf and Lenna running towards them.

Faris: "Bout time ye showed yerselves. We've been holding them off for you... Find anything?"

Lenna pointed to the leather cap she was wearing.

Bartz: "So dead end... must mean it's this way then."

Bartz gestured towards a door to their right.

Faris: "Old man, Princess, care to do the honours on this door?"

Galuf: "I'll show you old man!"

Galuf moved towards the door. Placing his hand on it, he gave it a firm shove and opened the ornate stone fitting with ease. Stepping aside, he pointed to the door as if to say 'ladies first' to which Lenna nodded and went. Bartz and Faris followed, their weapons still drawn with Galuf watching their backs. As they reached the third floor, Bartz took the lead. Walking down the narrow passageway, he kept his sword drawn and his eyes peeled for any sign of movement from the shadows. He wasn't fatigued yet, but the relentless assault of significantly weak monsters was wearing him down. Faris felt the same way too, pausing to wipe the sweat from his brow and to wet his lips with another mouthful of grog once more. Following the narrow hallway round, the four eventually made it to the main landing of the third floor.

Lenna: "It's quiet... Too quiet"

Bartz and Faris stepped out into the landing and surveyed it. The landing was a large open space with no cover at all. If anyone was going to attack, they'd see it coming, but if there was a surge for them, they'd be helpless against it short of retreating. As Galuf and Lenna joined them, the four formed a battle line. They could tell something was coming, but they couldn't quite tell what.

Galuf: "Above us!"

The others looked up as Galuf pointed to the high ceiling. Above them was a great bird. It had a wingspan of ten feet and was at least six feet long. It was almost as big as a wind drake and in the murky lighting, it could have been mistaken for one.

Faris: "That's a Wing Raptor! It's a very rare and aggressive bird which behaves more like a monster than a bird"

Bartz: "Time to clip its wings then!"

Charging forwards, Bartz ran with his sword out ready. The flying monster let out a terrifying screech before flapping its wings, whipping up a powerful gust of wind and sending it in their direction.

Bartz: "Stand Guard!"

Faris, Lenna and Galuf stood there with their weapons ready as Bartz jumped back into the battle line. The gust of wind smashed into them and sent them stumbling backwards. Picking themselves up and dusting themselves down, Bartz moved out first, swinging his sword at the bird as it made a pass at them with its talons outstretched, ready to slash at them. As his sword cut into the beast, Faris quickly followed with a slice of his own before Galuf managed to nick the beast with his sword. Lenna ducked down out of the way, pulling her arms up in front of her face to cover herself as the avian monster's talons headed her way. The sharp edges dug into her skin, causing her to shout out in pain.

Lenna: "Argh! Its too fast for me to get a hit in!"

Faris jumped forwards as the bird made another pass, this time it quickly arced upwards in the air, looping over itself before letting out a terrifying shriek. As the traveller's shielded their ears, the beast flapped its wings again, whipping up a powerful gust of wind which hit them all once again. Reeling from the blow, Lenna uncorked the potion she pulled from her bag and poured it over the wound on her forearm before dropping the vial on the floor.

Bartz: "We've gotta try and get it down. Faris, Galuf, you guys get ready. I'm gonna draw it in. When it dives forwards, both of you hit its wings, let's see if we can ground it!"

The others nodded as Bartz whistled at the avian creature. The sharp noise caught the birds attention and as it swooped in once again, he held his sword out in front of him, bracing himself for the attack.

Bartz: "NOW!"

Faris and Galuf lunged forwards with their swords raised and sliced at the creature's outstretched wings, cutting through them and causing it to tumble to the floor. As it let out a cry of pain, Bartz brought his sword down on it, putting it out of its misery. Wiping the blood from his blade, Bartz put his sword back through his belt and slumped against the wall. The four of them watched as the body of the bird started to disintegrate in front of their eyes, leaving behind only a tuft of golden feathers where its body once lay. Walking over towards them, Lenna picked them up and examined them closer.

Lenna: "Its Phoenix Down... Feathers said to be from the legendary bird of rebirth. It's said these can bring the dead back to life..."

Faris: "If that were the case princess, why aren't we over run with people who have died and been brought back to life?"

Galuf: "If I'm honest, I don't fancy finding out how it works... Let's just keep hold of it and when we can, ask someone who knows a thing or two about it eh?"

Watching the debate about the mysterious restorative powers of the golden feathers Lenna held in her hands, Bartz wiped the sweat from his forehead and stepped forwards towards them.

Bartz: "We can talk about the feather's later... right now we gotta get a move on to the crystal room!"

The others stopped their conversation and all looked at each other before looking to Bartz and nodding in agreement. Forming up, the four of them headed through the door leading to the stairs which lead to the fourth floor. As they reached the landing of the fourth floor, Lenna suddenly rushed forwards.

Galuf: "Wait up! You shouldn't head in there alone!"

The three quickly gave chase after the princess as she ran towards the doorway which led to the final staircase. As she neared the stairs, she almost didn't notice the black goblin crouched behind the pillar, poised to strike. Blindly charging in on emotion, Lenna ran straight into its path. The beast jumped out at her with its arms outstretched. Catching her off guard, it effortlessly knocked her to the floor and stood over her with its yellow, fang-like teeth barred. Wasting no time, Faris pulled out a knife and threw it at the monster, catching it in the head, killing it instantly. As the creature slumped backwards, the pirate captain and Bartz rushed to the side of the princess and helped her up to her feet.

Faris: "Ye can't be running off like that Princess. Monsters are all o'er the place! Ye almost got killed!"

Bartz: "Lenna, we know you're worried, but you need to stay focused."

Lenna hung her head. Shaking it, she felt a small tear forming in the corner of her right eye. Reaching up, she gently brushed it away with her fingertips before she looked up at her new-found companions.

Lenna: "Sorry... It's just that my father is all I have left... I don't know what I'd do without him. When the wind stopped, I thought something had happened to him... I need to find him!"

Galuf: "It's ok. We'll help, just don't go rushing in, you almost got yourself killed!"

Letting go of her arms, Bartz and Faris stepped back, allowing Lenna to get her balance again. Looking at her companions, she smiled and nodded before turning to the door at the top of the small staircase. Taking a deep breath, she allowed herself a minute to regain her composure before she stepped towards it.

"Father... I'm here"

=...=...=

They stood at the entrance to the crystal room. The thick heavy stone doors, decorated with ornate carvings were firmly shut. Placing her hand against it, Lenna traced down the swirling pattern carved into the stone before placing her palm flat against the door. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath and pressed against the door. Although they were large and imposing, the gentle touch of the princess eased them open. The stone doors swung backwards. Rushing in, Lenna followed by the others headed into the dimly lit room.

The crystal's room was a large open expanse with a pedestal in the center of it which emitted a faint, pale green light. Growing out of the hole in the middle of the podium were a multitude of vines which crept towards the polished marble floor. The four of them stopped in front of the pedestal and looked round the room. There was a fine coating of sparkling dust lining the floor and in the midst of it were large fragments of the crystal.

Lenna: "The Crystal!"

Bartz: "...It's shattered!"

Dropping to her knees, Lenna let her head hang forwards, hiding the look of distress on her face. She started to tremble, there was no sign of her father and the crystal had broken. She had failed to get there in time to help him and now he had vanished. Galuf stood there speechless. He knew he had to get to the crystal but he couldn't remember why, and now with the crystal destroyed, he didn't know what to do. As he started to pace around the room, Faris and Bartz exchanged a puzzled glance as the larger fragments of the broken crystal started to sparkle, as if they still had life left in them. There was a sudden bright flash of light which got everyone's attention. As Lenna pulled herself up off the floor, she looked at Bartz.

Bartz: "Huh?"

=...=...=

In the Crystal chamber of Castle Karnak, the home of the fire crystal, there was a burst of red light from the mystical artefact. A red sparkling pulse of energy burst out the top of it and flew through the sky towards the Wind Shrine.

=...-=...=

Faris looked towards the door as she felt the temperature of the room start to rise.

Faris: "Is it just me, or is it getting warmer?"

The others shook their heads. As they did, the sparkling red pulse flew through the open doors and surrounded Faris. The others all stepped back as the pirate captain glowed with a red aura. His eyes glazed over for a moment, and a deep voice with a huge presence spoke when he moved his lips.

"The Spirit of Fire... Courage!"

=...=...=

In the crystal chamber in the Tower of Walse, the home of the water crystal, there was a burst of blue light from the mystical artefact. The blue sparkling pulse of energy burst out of the top of it and flew through the sky towards the Wind Shrine.

=...=...=

Bartz: "Faris! Are you Ok?"

The glassy-eyed pirate didn't move or respond to their words or touch. Lenna suddenly started to shiver for a second, as if she was anticipating something. She wiped her forehead with the back of her hand and looked around. She didn't feel warmer, but her forehead was dripping with sweat.

Lenna: "Guys... I think something is going on here..."

Galuf turned from Faris to Lenna who was suddenly surrounded by a blue aura. Her eyes went glassy, just like Faris' did before her and her voice was the same deep voice with the huge presence when she spoke.

"The Spirit of Water... Kindness"

=...=...=

Deep in the heart of the ancient city of Ronka, long forgotten by time, the Earth Crystal suddenly woke up. It shuddered before releasing a golden burst of energy which shot out of the top of it and made its way towards the Wind Shrine.

=...=...=

Bartz: "What's going on?"

Galuf shook his head. He suddenly twitched and looked to Bartz.

Galuf: "Did you feel that? It was almost like the earth was moving"

Before Bartz could even reply, a golden aura rose up from the ground and enveloped Galuf in it. His eyes like the other two before him went glassy and the voice returned again as he spoke.

"The spirit of Earth... Hope"

=...=...=

Bartz looked at his companions who were all glowing with different auras. Before he could even react, he too was struck by a green aura which rose from the pedestal where the wind crystal used to be. His eyes glassed over as the voice spoke once more.

"The spirit of Wind... Passion".

=...=...=

The four of them suddenly snapped out of their trance-like state. Looking at each other confused, they could see the faint coloured auras fading from view.

Bartz: "What?"

Faris: "In the world..."

Galuf: "It feels warm..."

Lenna: "Could it be... The crystal's spirits?"

The four of them exchanged a confused glance as they felt a strange energy flowing through their bodies.

Faris: "What happened to us?"

Lenna ran her fingers through her hair before looking at her friends.

Lenna: "It seems the Crystals have given us their blessing..."

Galuf: "It appears so, I feel full of energy and power"

Bartz: "We all received a spirit each"

Faris: "I didn't hear a thing, one moment we were looking, next everything's all a blur"

Bartz looked at the pirate.

Bartz: "Faris, you seem to have the spirit of fire, the essence of courage. Lenna, you seem to have the spirit of water, the essence of kindness..."

Galuf: "That leaves earth and wind"

Bartz: "You're the spirit of earth Galuf, the essence of hope"

Galuf let out a loud laugh.

Galuf: "Hope? I can't remember anything apart from my own name! What hope is there for me?"

The others laughed before Lenna spoke.

Lenna: "You must be the spirit of the wind Bartz..."

Faris: "The essence of passion"

As the four of them tried to understand what had happened, a faint voice echoed throughout the room.

"Le... Lenna."

Lenna turned around, startled at the sound. She looked towards where the crystal stood and rubbed her eyes. For a moment she thought she was seeing things, but as she looked into the space where the crystal was once suspended, she could see her Father standing there.

Lenna: "FATHER!"

=...=...=