Galuf: "Urgh, my head..."

Waking up on the deck of the ship, Galuf sat up, somewhat disorientated by the recent events, he looked around. Lying on the deck near him were the others - Lenna, Bartz and the grieving Faris who was still coming to terms with losing her companion Syldra. Shaking his head and pulling himself to his feet, he looked out at his surroundings - the ruined ship was somehow still afloat, but it had collided with another ship in the dark, misty stretch of the canal. Stretching his legs out as he continued to keep an eye on his surroundings, he walked forwards towards Lenna who was closest to him. Kneeling down by her, he gave her a nudge. The pink haired princess slowly opened her eyes and looked up at the old man.

Lenna: "Am I dead?"

Galuf: "I hope not, otherwise that means I'm dead too... Or I'm talking to a ghost... Or I'm still asleep and this is one big dream... I know! Pinch me, see what happens!"

Lenna laughed as Galuf held his arm out. Following his request, she pinched his forearm. Galuf didn't wince but he did dramatically jump back in a comical fashion, bringing a smile to the young lady's face.

Galuf: "Well that rules out all three then. You're alive, you're not a ghost and this isn't a dream..."

Helping her up to her feet, Galuf turned his attention to the others. Bartz and Faris were still out cold. They were all battered and bruised, but none of them were in any bad states which was lucky. Nodding to each other, Galuf turned to face Faris and walked towards the pirate whilst Lenna headed for Bartz. Bending down over each one, they did the same as what Galuf had done - a simple nudge. Bartz and Faris both stirred in a similar manner - somewhat confused, but thankful everyone was still ok. After getting to their feet, the four of them stood by what remained of the mast.

Bartz: "...Where are we?"

Faris stood there for a moment. Surveying the surroundings much like Galuf had done earlier, the pirate took a deep breath and muttered something under his breath.

Faris: "The Graveyard of the seas..."

Lenna: "I've heard about this place... It's a resting place for ruined and scuttled ships... And a nest for the undead..."

The four of them were uncomfortable. Bartz instinctively reached for his sword at the mention of undead whilst Faris just looked out to the sea, still mourning the loss of Syldra. Lenna looked at Faris and sighed, it had to be hard for the pirate, first losing his friend but then winding up here, the one place where no sailor ever wants to end up. Breaking the tense silence, Galuf hugged himself.

Galuf: "Bbbbrrrrr... If anything, thats all the more reason to hot-foot it out of here!"

Nodding in agreement, the four of them started to get ready. Faris was surrounded by a pale red light for a moment before he became the thief once more, Bartz's green glow turned him into the knight once more and Lenna's pale blue flash turned her into a white mage once again. Galuf however stood there puzzled.

Bartz: "What's wrong old man?"

Galuf: "I don't know... I want to be that guy with the red hat and cape again, but nothing is happening... Don't know how I did it in the first place, but I looked cool!"

Lenna laughed as the old man sighed. As he glowed yellow, he re-appeared in a long blue robe with the yellow pointed hat of the black mage. Satsifed with their abilities being set, Faris spoke first.

Faris: "Let me head below deck first... I'll gather what usable supplies we have left. If the stories of this place are true, then we're in for one hell of a fight trying to get out of here."

After what seemed like the best part of half an hour, Faris returned to the top with two full satchels, one over each arm. Setting them down on the floor, the pirate opened them up and spread the contents about. There was 10'000 gil in bags with 1000 wrote across them, several potions and vials of green liquid which piqued Lenna's interest.

Lenna: "Are they ethers?"

Faris nodded.

Lenna: "They'll come in handy. They're like potions but for magical energy, so if you're feeling zapped, take one and you'll feel good as new when it comes to casting spells again."

Sharing out a few flasks of water and some stale but still edible buns, the warriors finally got ready to venture through the tangled mess of wood. The thick mist covering the area made it hard to accurately tell the time of day, but judging by the lower than expected levels of light, it must have been nearing nightfall. Carefully climbing up onto the wooden mast of one ship which had collapsed onto the deck of Faris' vessel, the four treaded carefully across it. As they reached the end of the beam and prepared to drop down, they saw movement ahead of them. Wasting little time, Bartz and Faris jumped down first, their blades drawn at the ready. Lenna and Galuf dropped down behind them with their staves readied and spells being formed in their minds. Anticipating the attack, none of them expected what came next - out of the mist came skeletons. Wearing torn clothing and holding large, rusted and badly damaged cutlasses, they ran forwards.

Faris: "Brace yerselves..."

The Skeletons rushed them. Their bones clattered across the damp, splintered decks of the dead ships and before they could even get close, Bartz made the first move. Rushing in with his sword, he skilfully parried two of the skeleton's strikes before spinning round, smashing his sword right through their middles, cutting their spines. As the re-animated torso's fell to the floor and the force which seemed to hold their bones together faded. As the skeletons remains clattered across the deck, Faris slipped underneath one's swing and sliced at its leg, cutting it off cleanly. Dropping to the floor, Galuf moved in, raising up his staff and smashing the base of it through the monster's skull, shattering it.

Lenna: "Bartz!"

Lenna's scream caused everyone to turn towards the knight. Before he could even react, another type of creature had joined the fray - a Calcuthl. it was a white-blue serpent-like creature which glistened in the low light conditions. It lunged forwards, smashing its skull into Bartz which sent him stumbling backwards. Raising her staff in the air, Lenna cast a curative spell towards the knight, but it missed her target and hit the creature. The monster screamed in pain as the green healing light washed over its skin, causing it to recoil and shrivel up.

Galuf: "Healing magic hurts the undead? Everyone, use potions to heal, let's keep Lenna's spells for offense!"

Fighting their way through the monsters, moving from ship to ship, the four of them treaded carefully across the rotting wood which barely held their weight up. Using their speed to their advantage, they managed to evade some of the undead monsters, but with Lenna's restorative powers having a negative effect on most of the creatures here, they could easily blast their way through any trouble. As the light continued to fade, the four of them managed to slip inside one of the larger ships. Venturing below the decks, they found an old tent which could be used for shelter in one of the still locked chests which the pirate captain had no trouble picking. As they journeyed further into the ship, they came to a halt. The way forward was blocked and the only way through was to venture into the cold, murky water which had infiltrated the hull. Getting ready to take the plunge, Bartz was about to step forward, but a hesitant voice behind him caught his attention. Walking past him to the edge of the wood, letting the water reach his feet, Faris looked as far as he could. Shaking his head, he turned back round to the others.

Faris: "Do we have to go this way? We'll get soaked!"

Bartz: "What, are you going to melt or something? You're a pirate. You should be used to swimming and the sea by now!"

Lenna and Galuf let out a loud laugh as Faris started to go red in the face with embarrassment. Hiding his face quickly, he turned to face the water and shook his head. Bartz looked at the pirate and tried to work out why he was so hesitant, but then he remembered the pub in Tule. Thinking to himself 'Nah, it can't be...' He watched as the pirate took the plunge. Following suit, the rest of them did. The icy water chilled them all to the bone as they ventured through it. Swimming under collapsed support beams and planks, surfacing for air when needed, they slowly progressed through the wreckage. Stopping to loot some of the chests which weren't ruined by the sea, they salvaged more potions and even some phoenix down before they finally made it through the water-logged wreckage. Pulling themselves into the still above sea-level sections once more, the four of them got their breath back. The icy water which chilled them right through had made breathing slightly difficult for them, but before they could rest, they needed somewhere safe. Venturing through a door, they found a large open room with some side rooms off them. Scanning their surroundings, Galuf noticed a lantern. Picking it up, he used his fire magic to light the candle in it. The light slowly spread across the room - it seemed like a cargo hold of some sorts. Ropes, tattered sails, chests and candles were strewn across the place. Each of the warriors took some of the candles and lit them. Placing them around, they managed to light up the room.

Bartz: "Woah, I am soaked!"

Fidgeting slightly, the knight re-adjusted his pants with an uncomfortable expression on his face.

Bartz: "YOW! There's a fish in my shorts!"

Pulling out the fish and throwing it aside much to the amusement of his companions, Bartz removed his armour and set it down against a crate. Reaching for some broken, mostly dry wood, he placed it in a metal container which Galuf set on fire with his magic once more.

Lenna: "This place seems safe enough. Lets rest up here for the night."

Noticing a cabin door to the right of them, Lenna headed towards it. Stopping just before the door, she turned to the other three and placed her hand on the handle.

Lenna: "I'm going to get changed into some dry clothes. No Peeking!"

Walking towards a box and pulling out some more wood which was suitable for kindling and keeping the fire going, Bartz dumped it into the fire. The heat increased as the flames leapt up in the air, devouring the wood, much to the delight of the others. Standing there in his soaked tunic, Bartz started to slowly remove it.

Bartz: "Okay! Time to get dry!"

As Bartz started to remove his tunic, Galuf took off his mage hat and started to fumble with his robes. Only Faris who stood back from the fire didn't move or make any effort to remove the wet garments. The pair of them looked over at the pirate with confused looks on their faces.

Faris: "I'm fine like this... Don't worry about me"

The hesitancy in the pirate's voice was enough to get both men's full attention as the pirate looked down at the floor. Stepping forwards, away from the fire and towards the thief, Galuf spoke with a firm, authoritative tone to his voice, like a grandparent would when scolding a child.

Galuf: "Are you crazy Boy?! You'll catch pneumonia in those wet things!"

Bartz and Galuf stepped away from the fire and walked towards Faris. Believing the pirate to just be acting stubborn, they stood either side of him, one in front, one behind. Without speaking, just exchanging a glance and a nod, Galuf and Bartz both grabbed the bottom of the pirate's tunic and tried to lift it up.

Faris: "HEY! What are you doing?"

Bartz: "We're getting you out of these wet clothes so you don't get sick!"

Galuf: "It's for your own good boy!"

Faris swatted their hands away and stepped back towards the door they entered the room through. Adopting a defensive stance, the pirate braced for the next attempt. As the two advanced, Faris started to think to himself once more.

"The gig is up... I'm gonna get found out here... Why'd we have to swim, we could have easily got across by going from ship to ship like we did before..."

Faris: "I said I'll be fine you pair o' boneheads!"

Faris jumped back again as Bartz and Galuf once more tried to remove the soaked tunic. As they grabbed hold of the tunic, Bartz's hand brushed across the chest of Faris. Confused for a moment, he looked down and noticed how the soaked garment was hugging the pirates figure. It jutted out slightly to begin with before it trailed off as it neared the stomach of the pirate. Looking at the pirate once again, he reached for the tunic but the shouting and flailing arms stopped him.

Faris: "HEY! HANDS OFF, DON'T TOUCH ME DAMMIT!"

Bartz and Galuf both stepped back as they looked at Faris again. After managing to pull at the tunic once more, there was a slight rip in the neck of it. Faris quickly moved his hands to protect what was underneath, but it was no use. Both men had saw a glimpse of flesh and both of them were stunned. Hearing the fuss, Lenna burst out the room and ran towards the three of them.

Lenna: "What's all the commotion about?"

Lenna looked at both men who simply kept staring at Faris. The pirate stood there red faced and looking down at the floor, trying to avoid any and all eye contact.

Bartz: "Lenna... This.. He"

Bartz was stuck on what to say. He couldn't quite grasp the situation properly as his brain was still processing what was happening. Thoughts flashed through his head, seeing part of what was hidden beneath the pirate's tunic and then memories of the inn in Tule where he saw how beautiful Faris was started to form together and things slowly made sense. Smiling at himself after finally piecing it all together, Galuf's exclamation snapped him to attention.

Galuf: "Oh my Stars and Comets! HE'S A SHE!"

Galuf's straight to the point remark had Lenna shocked. As her jaw dropped, she turned towards the pirate who stood there with her head down, still covering up the tear in her clothing which exposed part of her breasts. The initial shock soon changed to one of curiosity as she studied her more, taking a second look at her. As she stepped closer, Faris' head shot up. With a look of defiance and a mixture of anger and embarrassment on her face along with a deep shade of red, she spoke in a fierce tone.

Faris: "Well maybe I am! You got a problem with that?"

Lenna stepped away, holding her hands up instinctively. After slowly lowering them to her sides, she walked towards the pirate.

Lenna: "Of course not! None of us have a problem... We're just curious though why you were trying to hide it from us.."

Lowering her head, slightly ashamed of her outburst, Faris mouthed 'sorry' to the three of them before walking towards the fire. Sitting herself down by it, she held her hands out to warm them before leaning back. Following her, the others sat down near her.

Faris: "When I was a lad...er... Lass... A band of pirates found me and they took me in... I've been one o' them ever since."

Bartz: "I see... So why did you pretend to be a man then?"

Bartz' voice trailed off with an upward inflection, hinting at a question. Faris shot the traveller a glance from across the fire which would do serious harm if the expression "If looks could kill..." had any actual evidence behind it.

Faris: "Well, would YOU want to be the only girl on a ship full of pirates? Would anyone take a female pirate seriously?"

The emphasis on the word "You" which Faris aimed at Bartz made him hang his head for a moment.

Bartz: "..Ah, right... Yeah"

Galuf quickly interrupted the conversation.

Galuf: "Haw! I knew from the start that you were too pretty to be a man!"

Looking Faris up and down and smiling, he managed to force a smile in return from the pirate. Wiping his forehead with the back of his hand and mouthing 'whew!', Galuf leaned back, satisfied that me managed to diffuse any further awkwardness or tension.

Faris: "Anyhow... Make fun of me for really being a woman and I'll really shiver your timbers but good!"

Bartz looked confused by the statement, mouthing the word 'Oookay...' Faris glanced at him.

Faris: "It's ok! Just because I'm a girl, it doesn't mean you have to act differently towards me. I'm still one of the ones chosen by the crystals to protect the earth."

The group all nodded in agreement. After some time had passed and silence fell around them, Faris stood up.

Faris: "I'm gonna turn in for the night. You louts best do the same. We gotta get out of this place in the morning!"

Nodding in agreement, the four of them retired for the night. Finding some old, but still intact bunks in the corner of the room, they climbed in and slept. As they drifted off one by one, Bartz glanced over at Faris who lay there in the bunk opposite him. Her eyes were closed and her chest slowly moved with each breath, indicating she was asleep. Taking a moment to admire her now for who she really was, he smiled to himself. Closing his eyes, the last thing he thought was how beautiful she actually was.

=...=...=

Dawn broke. The rays of sunlight managed to cut through the thick mist which hung over the wrecked ships and tiny beams of light filtered through the cracks in the planks above them. Opening his eyes, Bartz looked across the room and saw Faris adjusting her tunic. Wearing her long purple hair out instead of tied back and hidden beneath a hat, she stood there, stretching her arms up now.

Faris: "Ahh, slept like a dog I did. RISE AND SHINE YOU DULLARDS! TIME'S A WASTIN'"

The shouting of Faris woke Lenna and Galuf up. Bartz hopped out of bed, as did Lenna, both of them standing there, dusting themselves down. Neither of them acted any different towards Faris, but the loud thud on the floor behind them proved someone still hadn't got to grips with it. All heads turned towards Galuf who lay there, face first on the wooden decking. Heading over to him, Faris stood there above him.

Faris: "Hey Old Man! That's enough Lollygagging from you. Time to get going!"

Galuf groaned as he pulled himself to his feet. Dusting himself off, he looked to Faris who had headed towards where their weapons were resting.

Galuf: "Bah! If you aren't gonna dress like a girl... And you should! It's a real shame to hide such assets! You could at least Talk like one!"

Bartz laughed.

Bartz: "Heh, no point in trying to change her. Faris is Faris!"

Lenna: "That's for certain!"

Gathering their equipment up, the four of them made their way out of the hold. Climbing up the stairs and out onto the decking again, they looked out across their new surroundings. The mist still hung across the wrecked ships like a blanket. Advancing from fragment of ship to ship, fending off skeletons and calcuthls, they reached another cabin. Taking a moment to rest, Faris walked towards the wall and started to remove something whilst Lenna examined a strange hexagonal vial with a vibrant purple liquid in it.

Lenna: "I found some of these before when we defeated those serpent-like monsters... There's three or four here... Wonder what they are?"

Bartz: "I think that might be an elixir... rare stuff that! Said to heal any and all ailments and energy."

Faris: "Hmph! Got it!"

Faris stood there triumphantly with the piece of parchment in her hands. Holding it up, the others looked at it.

Galuf: "Is that a map?"

Faris nodded. Pointing to a red circle on the map, she spoke.

Faris: "This is where we are... the supposed location of the ship graveyard... We need to get to here!"

Faris pointed at Walse - it was a fair distance away.

Galuf: "We need to find some way of crossing all that terrain!"

Folding the map up, they got themselves set once again. Climbing out of the cabin and up onto the deck, they fought their way across more of the wreckage's. Picking up more supplies from discarded chests in the ships, the four of them made it to one last ship. It was half submerged in the bay.

Bartz: "Hey look. It's a chest! Lets open it"

Bartz lifted the lid of chest up, but inside it was empty. As the knight looked disheartened, there was a rumbling noise beneath them. Readying their weapons, the four warriors of dawn were surprised when the rest of the ship mysteriously floated to the surface.

Faris: "Must have been some kind o' prototype... It was rigged to rise when we opened the chest"

Carefully heading across the deck towards the rear of the ship, they looked out - they could see land. Climbing up onto the rail, Faris looked over first - she saw a series of large rocks jutting out from the surface of the water. Jumping down, she landed on the surface of the rock and turned to face the others. Steadying her footing, she gave them a nod and the rest followed her. One by one they carefully crossed the series of rocks until they reached the shore. The midday sun was blazing above them but the mist still cut out a fair deal of the light. As they made it to the sandy shoreline, the sky started to grow darker. Bartz reached for his sword and spoke.

Bartz: "I've got a bad feeling about this... Something's fishy about this place, and it ain't cod!"

Galuf rolled his eyes at the pun made by Bartz but his companion was right. As they readied themselves on the shore they could see a faint light pulsing ahead of them, trying to shine clearly through the mist.

=...=...=

A/N: That was a fun chapter to write. Thanks for the reviews so far. I hope I'm doing this game justice!

Special mention goes out to Xeziel15 who correctly pointed out that the Red Mage class isn't available this far in the story (I used it with Galuf in the previous chapter). Hopefully I haven't made any other mistakes!