Lenna: "FATHER!"

Lenna's shout broke the silence as she rushed forward towards where the crystal once stood. Faris looked in shock along with the others as King Tycoon appeared before them. He looked almost real, like he was actually in the room with them, but his image was distorted and he kept flickering. It seemed he had somehow managed to send his presence through the use of magic through time and space to their location. Standing there, ahead of the others, Lenna's eyes were red and full of pain as she saw the ghostly form of her father.

King Tycoon: "Listen, and listen well. You are the four chosen ones, the warriors of light... Bearers of the four crystal's essences"

Lenna: "Father... What do you mean?"

Lenna moved forwards towards where the vision of her father was stood, the place where the Wind Crystal once was. Standing at the foot of the podium it had been mounted on she looked up at her father's form.

King Tycoon: "The Wind Crystal has already shattered. The other three crystals are in danger as well. You must protect them!"

The king paused as the four warriors of light looked up at him.

King Tycoon: "An evil presence is awakening... One that wishes to return everything to darkness!"

The King lowered his head as his apparition rose in the air. Surrounded by a purple light, there were flashes of light. Racing forwards towards him, Lenna climbed onto the podium with Faris close behind.

Lenna: "Father!"

The image of the king disappeared into the air as his last words rang out through the empty chamber.

King Tycoon: "Go forth Light Warriors! Save the Crystals..."

Lenna: "Wait! No... Father!"

Lenna dropped to the floor, her heart filled with despair. She held out one of her arms in the direction of where her father was last seen and left it there, as if trying to pull him back but it was no use. Letting her arm drop down in defeat, her head sank further down. Bartz and Galuf looked at each other and then to Lenna, but Faris shook his head.

Faris: "Leave her be for now..."

As the two men nodded at the pirate, there was a flash of light. Some of the shards of the crystals started to sparkle causing the three to look in their direction. Lenna, startled by the flash rose to her feet. She turned around and walked back towards the group.

Lenna: "What are these?"

Bartz shrugged his shoulders as he looked at the pieces of the crystal which sparkled around them.

Bartz: "Pieces of the crystal I guess"

As they looked at them, some of the pieces started to rise in the air. They drifted towards the group and landed in their hands. As they held the pieces, they could hear a voice in their minds. It was old and the weight of it carried importance and power.

"Crystal Fragments... And stored within, the power of the warriors of legends... Knight, Monk, Blue Mage, Thief, Black Mage, White Mage"

The power of the crystals ran through each of the Light Warriors. Each one with their eyes closed was visualising the power and the spirits of the legendary warriors.

Bartz: "The Crystal... It's lending us its power..."

Galuf: "For now... Let's get out of here!"

The warriors nodded. As they turned to leave, Lenna turned back round to the podium. She climbed back up it once more and stood opposite where her father had been. Letting her head drop forwards once more, she took a deep breath and spoke to herself in a faint whisper.

"Father... I'm coming. I'll find you"

Faris walked up behind her. Placing his hand on her shoulder, he spoke.

Faris: "Lenna..."

The Princess turned round. Wiping her eyes and fixing her hair, brushing it back into place, she nodded at the pirate. Following the group, they reached the doorway to the chamber. Lenna clapped her hands together.

Lenna: "There should be a warp panel behind the alter which will take us back to the outside."

The others nodded and followed Lenna to the swirling green mass at the back of the room. Closing their eyes, the four of them stepped on it and within seconds they were outside. The rush of magical energy brought them down in the clearing outside the Wind Shrine.

=...=...=

Dusting themselves down, they looked at the crystal shards they all had in their possession.

Bartz: "How do you think these work?"

Galuf: "Don't look at me, I can just about remember my name!"

Lenna let out a slight laugh at Galuf's remark which Bartz met with a blank stare. Faris looked at the crystal and noticed it had a hole near the top of it.

Faris: "Maybe if I try this..."

Faris unclasped his pendant. He threaded the chain through the crystal and placed the pendant back on. As it rested against the pirates chest, the crystal emitted a faint glow. Reaching for it, the captain placed his hand on it and closed his eyes.

Faris: "Thief!"

Faris raised his free arm above his head as he shouted the warrior class thief. Nothing happened at first, prompting a few laughs from the other warriors of light but as the laughter subsided and the red face of the pirate begun to fade, there was a red glow from the crystal on the neck of the pirate.

Faris: "What in the seven sea's is going on?"

The other stepped back from Faris as his body was engulfed in a red light before it faded.

Bartz: "Woah!"

The three looked at the pirate with amazement on their faces. Instead of the long sleeveless duster coat and shirt and pants which he previously wore, he was clad in a green shirt which was underneath a yellow-brown tunic. On his head he wore a similar coloured bandana to his tunic and instead of the big boots he wore as a pirate, he wore small brown ankle boots and had grey leggings on.

Faris: "That was unexpected... Hey! Where's my sword!"

Faris looked round for his cutlass but it was nowhere to be found. Instead in his belt was a large dagger. Pulling it out, he spun it round by its handle in-between his fingers with great control.

Bartz: "Maybe if you're the thief you can't use 'heavy' equipment... let me try something..."

Bartz held the crystal in his hand and pressed it against his chest. Closing his eyes he spoke with a firmness in his voice.

Bartz: "Knight!"

There was a pale green glow which surrounded Bartz and before any of the others could react, he suddenly appeared to be wearing red plated armour with blue leggings underneath. In his hand he held a great iron sword. Raising the sword with relative ease, he flexed and winked at Lenna, prompting a laugh from Galuf and a blush from the princess.

Galuf: "Stop flirting round the issue and just admit you have the hots for the Princess already mister knight!"

Bartz's jaw dropped as Galuf, Lenna and Faris burst out laughing. Shaking his head, he looked to Lenna who had fashioned the crystal shard onto her pendant much like Faris had. Closing her eyes, she didn't even say a word, she simply glowed a pale blue. As the light faded, Lenna stood there in a robe. It was pure white with red triangular trim along the seams. She wore here hood up, letting her pink fringe fall down from under it and in her hand she held a basic staff.

Bartz: "A white mage?"

Lenna: "Someone has to look after our thief and knight don't they... And I am the essence of compassion after all... Healing is in my nature"

The three looked at Galuf who held the crystal in his hand.

Galuf: "What could I become again? Oww my head!"

The three others shook their heads as Galuf's memory problems struck again. As they shouted various things to him, he shook his head and gripped the crystal tightly in his hands. A yellow light surrounded him and suddenly vanished, leaving him wearing a pair of black trousers, held up by a red belt. His hair was slicked back and his beard looked a lot fuller. For an old man he had quite a muscular physique and it made Lenna's jaw drop. Seeing this, Galuf flexed his arms at her and winked.

Galuf: "See Bartz, you don't need a big sword to impress the ladies, all you need are some guns like these"

Flexing again, Galuf let out a series of fast, rapid punches.

Faris: "A Monk? I never knew you had it in you to be one of those..."

A Knight, A Thief, A White Mage and a Monk. With their new powers at hand, the warriors looked to each other. They nodded and started to journey through the forest, back towards the coast where they planned to board the ship. As they headed through the woods, the monsters which originally plagued them fell easily. Bartz's sword cleaved through the goblins with ease whilst the agile Faris picked their pockets, stealing an array of gil and potions off them. Galuf fought bare handed, his iron like fists felling the monsters with ease and when any of them were injured, Lenna's healing magic restored their vitality. As the sun was starting to set, they were still in the thick of the forest.

Bartz: "I think we should make camp here for the night and then we can be back on the ship in the morning. No matter how strong we feel, we're still vulnerable. I'll take first watch as always. You guys rest up."

Faris shook his head.

Faris: "I don't think so Bartz. I always take the night watch on my ship, so I'll be takin' watch"

As the knight and the thief were about to butt-head's over watch duty, Lenna's voice brought them to their senses.

Lenna: "How about you both watch then myself and Galuf can take the second watch?"

Faris and Bartz both mumbled something under their breaths before agreeing with the princess. As the others pitched up their tent and made the fire, Bartz stood at one end of the camp whilst Faris stood at the other. Neither spoke as they maintained their watch until the dead of night, near the end of their watch. Bartz felt his eyes starting to grow heavy, but the sound of twigs breaking underfoot startled him to his senses. Drawing his sword, he glanced around and noticed Faris doing the same with his dagger. Nodding at each other, they both ventured towards the edge of the camp.

Faris: "I've got our back covered..."

Bartz: "How?"

Faris: "As we've been fighting and getting used to these roles, the spirit of the thief has been talking to me more. It's been telling me how I can move faster than normal due to its powers and I can also see hidden paths what you guys couldn't possibly see... I also for some reason can't be attacked from behind"

Bartz: "So that's why everything kept coming at us head-on then?"

Faris: "Aye, looks like for travelling, one of us should always be a thief, it guarantees safety at the very least, even if I am slightly weaker in this ability. I think a few good hits would be enough to finish me off in these clothes."

Bartz: "I can guard. I felt it before when I just stood my ground. A goblin flung itself at me and just bounced right off me. It didn't even leave a scratch on my armour"

Faris: "That's impressive!"

As the two discussed their new found powers, there was a sudden rustling ahead of them. As they readied their weapons, a Goblin charged out at them, completely blindsiding Faris and knocking him to the floor. As the thief tumbled backwards, Bartz jumped in with his sword and cleaved through the beast. As it cried out in pain, more of its kind followed them.

Bartz: "Faris, watch out!"

Faris got to his feet but before he could heed the knight's warning, a Goblin jumped in at him. Without warning, Bartz suddenly flung himself in front of the incoming goblin and took the punch square in the chestplate. As he stumbled backwards, Faris quickly jumped up and slipped out from behind the knight and slashed at the monster with his dagger, killing it quickly. As the two battled off the monsters, Faris noticed every time he was in danger, Bartz put himself in harm's way for him. With the last monster defeated, the two looked at each other, they were battered, bruised but still alive. Their exhausted faces were plastered with dried blood and mud and their arms were heavy.

Faris: "Ye saved me a fair few times there Bartz, I owe ye"

Bartz: "No need to thank me... It just happened. One minute you were down, next minute I was in front of you taking the hit... It must be what the knight does - it protects the weak and vulnerable"

Bartz smiled at Faris as he helped the pirate back up to his feet properly. For a minute the pirate smiled back, but it wasn't just any ordinary smile between two companions, there was a hint of something more to it, almost admiration in a way. Bartz tried to work out what the meaning behind the smile of Faris was, but as soon as the thief realised what he was doing, he quickly shook himself to his senses and headed towards the camp. Thinking to himself, Faris was annoyed with what he had done.

"I almost let it slip then! I dunno how I can keep this up much longer!"

=...=...=

The second phase of the watch passed by with little problems, but during the night, Galuf had forgot what he was meant to be paying attention to and started to change into the different classes. Settling on a new spirit, he stood there in the light of the fire holding his iron sword and wearing a blue cape, blue robes and a blue eye mask.

Lenna: "A Blue Mage?"

Galuf looked round. He didn't feel any different to when he didn't have the power of the crystals, but inside him, he could feel a unique power stirring.

Galuf: "I don't know what this thing is, but I feel like I can learn almost anything..."

As he discussed his abilities with Lenna, Bartz and Faris returned.

Galuf: "What happened to you two?"

Bartz: "We got ambushed on watch. It's all good though, none of them made it back..."

As Bartz spoke the ill-fated words, a Goblin rushed out of the woods and made a bee-line for Galuf. It let out a shriek which was followed by a barrage of punches which knocked the old man to the floor, but as the punches hit, his body started to sparkle. It was almost like he was absorbing every detail of the attack. Faris rushed in to slice at the monster, getting its attention but before he could strike, Galuf retaliated with an attack exactly like the goblins, punching it repeatedly with the same ferocity and intensity.

Lenna: "Did Galuf just..."

Bartz: "Do the same thing which the Goblin did?"

Galuf panted as the goblin lay defeated at his feet. Lenna raised her staff and cast a curative spell on the old man as Faris sat down by the fire.

Faris: "It's like Galuf learned the attack and can use it himself..."

Feeling refreshed from the curative spell, the old man sat down opposite Faris.

Galuf: "I think the Blue Mage is no ordinary mage. He can't use the normal magic's... but instead he can use the magic's of monsters"

Bartz: "Well whatever you can and can't do, you're best resting up. Its almost dawn, lets get a little shut eye and then make haste to the ship. I think we need to find the nearest town and find out where the next crystal is..."

Lenna: "It's in Walse, through the Torna Canal. The shipping lane through the mountain range which links Tycoon, Tule and the Walse region"

Faris: "Last I heard, the canal had been closed. Something about monsters in there which were ruining ships... and with the lack of wind, no one 'cept my crew can make it through"

Lenna: "It's ok. As Princess of Tycoon, I can get us through there. We should make haste for Tule in the morning"

=...=...=

The ship took the best part of the morning to reach Tule. As the ship pulled into the harbour, Faris and his crew disembarked. Before they did, the four warriors of light all agreed to change back from their warrior forms so they wouldn't attract too much attention. Clad in his normal pirate attire, Faris joined his men as Bartz, Lenna and Galuf wore their usual attire. As the pirates made their way towards the pub, Faris turned back to Bartz, Lenna and Galuf and spoke.

Faris: "I'm gonna hit the tavern. Me 'n me men need some grog and we'll gather information. Ye guys should catch up with us later after ye princess has done what she needs t'do"

Nodding in agreement, the others headed into the town.

Tule was relatively peaceful. It sat in a natural bay to the west of the Torna Canal and it was sandwiched between a lake and the sea. Its lush green vegetation and the surrounding mountains made it a peaceful place to inhabit. The three of them strolled through the town and split up. Lenna headed towards the residence of the Canal master whilst Galuf wandered towards the shops with the intent to gather new supplies. Finding himself alone, Bartz shrugged his shoulders and headed towards the tavern.

Pushing the door aside, he saw the room filled with dock workers and pirates. They were sharing tables and shouting, laughing and drinking. Despite the rumours that all pirates were trouble causers, this bunch seemed to have a great relationship with the occupants of Tule. Slipping past, Bartz found the first mate of Faris' ship.

Bartz: "Where's the captain?"

First mate: "S'upstairs!"

The first mate slurred his words as Bartz nodded at him. As he made his way to the back of the pub, Galuf and Lenna made their entrance. Seeing Bartz headed upstairs, they squeezed their way through the crowd and followed him. Reaching the landing, Bartz heard the footsteps behind him and the other two warriors of light joined him on the landing.

Lenna: "I spoke to the Canal master, he said he's going to let us stay at his place later. Why are you coming up here?"

Bartz: "Faris should be up here according to his first mate. I'm gonna go get him and tell him what the plan is"

Galuf: "Good idea. We'll wait here whilst you go get him."

Bartz nodded and walked towards the door. Pressing his hand against the handle, he twisted and pushed, trying to open the door as quietly as possible. Slipping into the room, he saw Faris asleep in the bed. Tiptoeing to the bed, Bartz went to tap Faris but when he rolled over, he froze on the spot. Seeing the pirate sleeping made Bartz do a double take. His smooth, flawless skin, slightly feminine looks and flowing hair when dressed as a pirate only gave him the impression that Faris was just pretty, but seeing him asleep, it was clear the pirate was gorgeous. Bartz leaned in for a closer look and for a moment thought to himself.

"That can't be Faris... Faris is a guy!"

Slipping back out the room, slightly flustered and red in the face, Galuf walked up to him.

Galuf: "Bartz! What you got that goofy look on your face for?"

Bartz: "Uhhh... Nothing! I didn't see anything! Must have been a trick of the light or something..."

Bartz leaned against the wall to the right of the door and tried to calm himself down. Seeming frustrated at Bartz's inability to give him a straight answer, Galuf stepped forwards.

Galuf: "For crying out loud. Shove over and let me see!"

Galuf barged into Faris' room and approached her bed. Moments later he walked out with the exact same expression on his face Bartz was wearing. The two men looked at each other with a mutual understanding and exchanged words.

Galuf: "Great Caesar's Ghost! Just.. Gorgeous! Phew! I sure haven't felt like that in a spell!"

Lenna looked at the pair and started to get frustrated.

Lenna: "What in the world are you two going on about?"

Before she could even get an answer out of the pair. Faris appeared behind them. Stretching out and letting off a yawn, the pirate walked to the door

Faris: "Ahh. Slept like a babe I did!"

Walking out of the room, the pirate stood between Galuf and Bartz who stood there gazing at her.

Faris: "What are you two gawking at? Get a hold of ye'selves!"

Faris reached out and slapped Bartz round the side of the head whilst Lenna did the same to Galuf. Shaking them to their senses, Lenna stepped forwards.

Lenna: "We're going to the Canal master's house tonight, then tomorrow we should be able to set sail for Walse..."

Faris: "Alright. Let me have some time t'meself and we'll make haste as soon as I'm ready... Now SCRAM!"

Slamming the door on them, Faris heard their footsteps and muffled voices as they headed down the stairs. Looking in the mirror, Faris shook her head and breathed a sigh of relief.

Faris: "That was too close for comfort there. I'll have to be more careful round those two!"

=...=...=

As they headed down the stairs, Bartz spotted the piano. Slipping past the dancing girls who had focused on the ship's first mate, Bartz pulled up a seat at the piano and started to play. His fingers clumsily ran across the keys at first, but within seconds he was playing a basic melody which got everyone in the pub clapping along. As he finished the piece, he stood up and took a bow much to the delight of his audience. Flexing his arms in approval, Bartz joined up with Galuf and Lenna again.

Lenna: "I didn't know you played Piano Bartz..."

Galuf: "Aye, you're not too bad young'un..."

Bartz: "Its nothing, Jus something I enjoy doing. Passes the time on the road whenever I can get a chance... Anyways, let's head to the house. We got places to be aye!"

=...=...=