Bartz: "Lenna!"

Lenna had dropped to her knees as they fought their way through the woods to the foot of North Mountain. After being blindsided by a pair of Big Horns when scouting ahead, Lenna the black mage and Galuf the monk had managed to defeat one of the monsters, but the other had them both on the ropes. Rushing to their aid, Bartz the knight and Faris the thief managed to arrive just in time. Throwing himself in the way of the incoming monster, Bartz held his shield up and gripped his sword tightly, covering the princess and absorbing the full force of the monster's attack. Being sent tumbling backwards, Bartz rolled across the floor, but as he got up, apart from some cosmetic damage to his shield and a few scuffs on his armour, he was unscratched. Raising his sword and shield back up once more, the knight rushed forwards and cut the beast down whilst Faris chucked a potion to the princess, allowing her to heal. As the dust settled after the fight, Lenna and Galuf both looked at Bartz with surprised expressions.

Galuf: "You took that things charge full on and didn't even take a scratch! How did you manage that?"

Bartz: "It's called 'Guard'. Last night, myself and Faris played about with a few things..."

Galuf started to smirk as he heard the words 'Me and Faris played about' which caused Bartz to blush and look away. Lenna looked towards Bartz and then towards Faris with a confused expression whilst the pirate raised her dagger and pointed it at the old man.

Faris: "Hold your tongue and quit ye' smirkin' old man! Nothin' of the sorts what you're thinking happened!"

Galuf: "I'm not bothered if you two young ones decide to play about with things, just be sensible whilst you do so!"

Bartz blushed even more as Faris and Galuf argued over the details of what really happened at the campsite last night. Lenna on the other hand seemed slightly relieved that the playing about as they kept referring to was just them training, experimenting with their newfound abilities rather than what Galuf was implying. As she zoned out for a moment, her mind started to race and she wondered to herself why did she feel so relieved that Bartz and Faris were only practicing and training? Before she could snap herself back to reality, she looked up and noticed that the thief and the knight had headed off ahead this time towards the start of the mountain, leaving the princess with the monk. Placing his hand on her shoulder, Galuf tried to pick her up with a completely wrong and pointless pep-talk.

Galuf: "Don't worry princess... If you have the hots for Bartz, you still have a shot with him... I don't think him and Faris are into each other!"

Lenna: "Galuf! I don't have the hots for anyone remember. I said this last night! All I'm concerned about is finding father and saving the crystals!"

Galuf: "Trust me, I know romance when I see it, and you and Bartz could make a fine couple!"

Lenna: "How can I trust you on something like that when you don't remember anything about yourself?"

Galuf at first looked slightly defeated by the remark. Lenna realised she might have snapped at the old man, but before she could even apologise to him, Galuf caught her off guard.

Galuf: "You didn't exactly deny it though then princess"

Flashing her a cheeky wink. The old man headed off to follow the others. Lenna sighed to herself and did the same, quickly catching up. As they made their way out of the trees, before them stood the impressive North Mountain, towering over the landscape with its imposing cliffs and peak.

=...=...=

The party made their way into the cave at the foot of the mountain. Holding up her hand, Lenna created a ball of fire and lead the way, with Bartz walking alongside her. Because the mage was busy with maintaining the light for the party, Bartz had his sword drawn, ready to strike at anything which came in their path. As they reached the first intersection, Faris stopped. Looking to their left, she set off.

Faris: "I'll check down here, since I'm the quickest, I'll come back if there's a way up or out and get you"

The others nodded as the thief pulled out a stick. Holding it to the flame Lenna had, she lit the top of it, creating a torch and headed off into the darkness. The thief was only gone five minutes before she returned, clutching a tuft of golden feathers in her hand.

Faris: "Found s'more phoenix down... I think if we scout about on the way up, we can find some more useful things!"

As the group continued on through the cave system within the mountain, the monsters started appearing. Grey tough-skinned slug like creatures and winged cat-like monsters slowed their advance down. Being the faster of the group, Faris darted between the slugs with her dagger out and cut at them whilst Lenna used her black magic to keep the flying cats at bay, launching fire spells and blizzard spells alternately. Galuf and Bartz used their strength to pummel enemies out of their way using their fists (Galuf) and heavy sword (Bartz). After what seemed like an eternity, they finally made it out of the cave and onto the face of the mountain. Taking a moment to recover and get their breath and their bearings, Lenna climbed up onto a rock and looked at their surroundings.

Lenna: "Oh my... I didn't realise how high up we actually were..."

The others looked towards Lenna and where she was pointing. Peering over the cliff face, they saw the thick forest below them stretching out. The cave didn't feel like they were climbing up the mountain, but with all the fighting, none of them really had paid any attention to the gradual increase in the gradient of the cave. Bartz shied away from the edge, hoping no one would see his uneasy reaction whilst Galuf carelessly leaned over it and whistled.

Galuf: "Now THAT is a drop!"

Bartz tried not to look as Faris joined the others. Instead he carefully made his way further down the path, shouting for the others to get a move on.

Faris: "He's right, we need to hurry. That dragon could be hurt bad!"

Lenna dropped down from her vantage point and re-adjusted her wide brimmed mage hat so the sunlight didn't get in her eyes too much. Nodding in agreement with Faris, the princess grabbed Galuf by his tights and pulled him away from the edge, dragging him along with them. Working their way along the cliff face and up the mountain, they stopped at the entrance to another cave.

Bartz: "Another cave?"

Lenna: "North Mountain isn't just one big solid mountain. It's kind of like a few smaller ones all linked together, forming the high peak at the top... They're all linked by caves and bridges..."

Faris: "Aye, it doesn't involve much climbing... just a lotta walkin... One o' me crew climbed it years back. Said it were tough but the treasure along the way - armour, swords, gil, all things left behind by those who couldn't make the climb there n back made it all the better"

Galuf: "Think there's still some loot for us to plunder?"

Lenna: "I don't know... You remember what that guy told us - there were two people headed here also... Think they might be after the same thing?"

=...=...=

As they passed through the next cave, a short winding passage, they emerged outside on another cliff face. This time they were higher up than before and faint wisps of clouds passed them by. Bartz stayed at the back of the group as they made their way along, trying not to let his fear of heights which he had so far managed to hide become evident. As he walked, his foot hit a loose stone and he stumbled, luckily though, Galuf was there to catch him.

Galuf: "You ok Bartz? You're awfully quiet?"

Bartz: "Yeah... Just got some things on my mind that's all..."

Galuf looked at the ladies ahead of them and smiled. Playfully punching Bartz on the arm, he went back to his earlier theory.

Galuf: "Spoilt for choice eh? I don't blame you... A princess and a pirate... If only I were younger!"

Bartz shook his head but let Galuf continue on with his theory, figuring that if Galuf thought he was obsessed with the girls, he wouldn't realise how terrified he was of climbing the mountain. Reaching a rope bridge, Bartz swallowed as the others cautiously stepped onto it. The bridge looked in fine condition, but the drop was his main concern. Slowly edging their way across it, Bartz looked up and saw a red feathered bird circling them. As the creature saw him, it let out a shrill cry and dived down towards the bridge.

Bartz: "Incoming!"

Before Bartz could even get his sword out and ready, Lenna raised her staff and unleashed a blast of blizzard magic at it, knocking the bird in the wing. It started to spiral out of control and flew into the cliff face at high speed. Breathing a sigh of relief, they advanced along the bridge, keeping watch for any other airborne foes.

Faris: "Nice shot princess!"

Lenna: "Thanks... I got lucky though, those things move almost as fast as you do!"

Getting off the bridge, the party treaded carefully. Thick weeds and purple flowers littered the grass. Galuf walked towards them and touched one of the flowers.

Galuf: "OUCH!"

Lenna rushed over to him. She looked at his hand - it was almost like he had been burned. His skin was red, raised and tender to touch. Using her white mage abilities, augmented by the black mage's magical powers, she cast a curative spell, but the swelling didn't seem to go down.

Lenna: "The plants... they must be poisonous! Faris, pass me an antidote!"

The pirate passed Lenna a green vial. Opening it up, she poured it on Galuf's hand before making him drink the rest. After a few seconds, the swelling and redness went down and the burning pain faded.

Galuf: "Best watch our step... I don't recommend touching them plants!"

=...=...=

Lenna: "We'll rest here for the night"

The sun was starting to set as they stopped in the small cave near the poisonous plants. Pitching up their tents and starting a small fire so they could eat, Bartz walked towards the mouth of the cave which they came from and stood guard. Galuf on the other hand walked towards the exit to the small cave and stood guard there. Lenna and Faris set about sorting their supplies out and making the food for the night.

Lenna: "We should have enough supplies to last us till we get back down the mountain."

Faris: "If your Father's wind drake is here, we could fly down, save us another three-four day journey back to town..."

Lenna: "I guess so..."

As the two women prepared, Galuf looked round. Seeing a large boulder, he used his strength to move it to the face of the cave and blocked the entrance.

Galuf: "Bartz... Any big boulders near you? I'll move it and we can take a night off guard duty for once"

Bartz looked round. Seeing a similarly shaped boulder, he nodded and gave Galuf the thumbs up. The monk headed over towards him and as he rolled the boulder, Bartz noticed some drag marks on the floor.

Bartz: "Look - drag marks..."

Galuf knelt down and examined them.

Galuf: "Looks like someone stayed here recently and did the same thing we did... that means we have to be careful tomorrow... someone could be planning to ambush us"

Nodding in agreement, the two men headed back towards the girls. Neither of them told them, instead opting to keep the news to themselves so everyone could at least rest easy for once. As the night drew on and the cold air descended on the mountain, Lenna cast another fire spell, keeping the heat in the cave up. Looking across the fire, she saw Faris and Bartz sat together, talking. Both of them had changed back into their normal clothing, "de-classing" to rest as it were. Letting out a slightly disappointed sigh, she glanced back at the fire only to be interrupted by Galuf.

Galuf: "Is that a hint of jealousy I see princess?"

Lenna: "Not in the way you think old man! I just wish they'd talk to me like that... They seem to get along brilliantly."

Galuf: "Well, you are a princess, traditions dictate wanderers and pirate folk usually don't interact much with princesses and probably have little in common..."

Sitting down next to her, Galuf put his arm round Lenna's shoulders and gave her a friendly hug.

Lenna: "I understand what you mean... but it's like they don't talk to me the same as they do to each other"

Galuf: "You'd probably be surprised. Those two probably just talk old tales about journeying. If you tried to talk to them about places they have been or seen, you might get some of that conversation from them... Don't sweat it though... You've got me to talk to. Knowing my mind, you could tell me anything and if I forget it, it'll always amaze and captivate me!"

Lenna smiled and hugged Galuf back.

Lenna: "Thanks... You know how to cheer me up Galuf!"

=...=...=

The following morning the four of them prepared themselves. Taking stock of their inventory and equipment and supplies, they turned back into their classes (Knight, Thief, Monk, Black Mage) and prepared to leave the cave they had used for shelter. Using his strength to effortlessly shift the boulders, Galuf first opened the cave up behind them in case they needed to fall back before opening the cave up ahead of them. As they left the cave, Faris led the way, scouting on ahead. Spotting something on the floor, the thief held her hand up.

Faris: "There's something up ahead!"

Lenna lifted the rim of her hat so she could see clearer and charged forwards without any warning. Running towards the object on the floor, the princess dropped to her knees. Picking it up, she held the battered helmet in her hands and pulled it tightly against her body. The others slowly walked towards her as she turned round. Wiping a tear from her eye, the princess held the helmet up and showed them it.

Lenna: "Its Father's helmet"

The princess was utterly defeated. The look on her face and the tone of her voice put across how hopeless she felt. It was never a good sign finding discarded armour, especially if it belonged to a loved one. As she went to walk back towards her friends, the princess suddenly seized up on the spot. As she turned and looked at her shoulder, she could see an arrow sticking out of it. Feeling a sharp pain radiating through her arm and back, followed closely by an intense burning sensation, she tried to call out for help, but instead she simply dropped to the floor. Bartz, Faris and Galuf all cried out her name, but as they rushed forwards with Bartz leading the charge, the ground beneath them started to shake. Stopping himself just in time, the knight watched as a huge chunk of the mountain fell away and crashed down the cliff face. Breathing a tiny sigh of relief for his near miss, Bartz tried to steady himself as a woman jumped down from the ledge above them and walked towards the isolated body of Lenna.

Magissa: "Would you look at that! I came here hunting a wind drake, but I got something even more valuable!"

The woman was an athletically built, almost like an Amazon. Her golden blonde hair was tied back in a braid and in her hands she clutched a bow and arrow, ready to fire again.

Bartz: "Why would you be hunting a wind drake?"

Galuf looked at Bartz as if to say 'Really? Lenna has just been shot, and you wanna know why she wants a wind drake?'. As the woman knelt down over Lenna and explained how Wind Drake body parts fetch a high price on the black market, she picked up the pendant from round Lenna's neck and smiled.

Magissa: "My husband will be pleased with this. We managed to capture the princess of Tycoon!"

Without any warning, Faris charged forwards.

Faris: "Unhand her you bitch!"

Using her augmented agility, the pirate cleared the gap with ease, but as she landed on the other side with her dagger drawn, ready to fight, the ground beneath her started to give way. Faris stumbled as the rocks beneath her began to tumble down the mountain, taking her with them. As she started to slide down the cliff face, she reached out and grabbed hold of the rock face. Digging her dagger into the side of a tree which was growing out of the mountain, the pirate managed to hang on and pull herself back up without Magissa noticing her. Climbing up the face of the cliff, the thief reached into her tunic and pulled out a grappling hook which she used when boarding vessels on the seas. Looping it around her shoulder and scaling the cliff face, Faris got back up. Getting the drop on the hunter, Faris flung her dagger at the woman, causing her to back away from Lenna. Using the few precious seconds she had gained herself, the pirate threw the grapping hook over to Bartz who secured it into the floor whilst Faris did the same. Charging over, Galuf jumped onto the rope and swiftly crossed it before Bartz did too, trying not to look down as he crossed. With all four heroes reunited, Magissa drew her bow and opened fire.

The arrow flew towards Faris, but Bartz flung himself in the way. Holding his shield up, the arrow smashed into it and dropped down to the floor. Cursing and drawing another arrow, Magissa readied herself for another shot but Galuf moved in. Jumping forwards, the monk extended his legs and kicked the woman square in the chest, sending her crashing backwards into the rocks behind them.

Galuf: "Bartz, back me up! Faris, check on Lenna!"

As the thief and knight nodded, Faris moved into Position near the unconscious Lenna. Rolling the princess onto her side, Faris checked the impact of the arrow. Luckily it had missed any major organs but it had hurt some of her muscles and surrounding tissues. Taking out a second dagger, the Pirate cut at Lenna's robes to assess the damage further. The arrow had gone deep and the only safe way of getting it out was pushing it right through. Closing her eyes, the pirate took a deep breath.

Faris: "Sorry Princess..."

Holding her shoulder and shoving the arrow hard, Faris pushed the projectile through Lenna, forcing it out of her chest near her collar bone. Cutting off the head, Faris quickly pulled the shaft out and poured an antidote in the wound at both sides and then a healing potion across them. Removing her scarf, she tightly packed it against the wound and cut some of Lenna's robe off to pack it on the other hole.

Faris: "Sit tight princess, we'll be back as soon as we can"

Bartz raised his shield once more as another arrow crashed off it. Galuf panted behind him as he clenched his fists and prepared once more to attack the huntress. Jumping out, he went for a high kick which Magissa blocked with her bow. Spinning round with an arrow in her hand, she tried to stab the monk with it, but Galuf's quick hands caught her wrist in mid-flight. Dragging her off balance, he punched her in the stomach with a stiff left body shot before pushing her away and hitting another full force kick on her. As the woman hit the rocks once more, Bartz rushed in with his sword. As he tried to go in for the kill on her, Magissa got to her senses just in time and rolled out the way, leaving the knight with only rocks to hit. As his sword clattered off the mountain, Magissa kicked Bartz in the shin before quickly drawing an arrow and releasing it. The arrow narrowly missed Bartz, but the follow up attack from Galuf hit home perfectly - another flying kick sent Magissa tumbling towards the edge of the cliff.

Magissa: "Forza, I need you!"

The ground shook as a large muscular man wearing a loincloth jumped down from his vantage point. Standing near eight feet tall, he let out a battle cry before rushing at Galuf. Despite his impressive strength and speed, Galuf was no match for Forza who knocked him flying with one shoulder tackle. Whirling round to face Bartz, Forza ran forwards. Bartz swung his sword, slashing at the man's lower arm, but the blow didn't even phase him. Spurred on by his love of combat, Forza kicked Bartz against the rocks but before he could deliver a finishing blow, Faris came running in. Jumping up, the thief slashed her dagger across the lower back of the colossal opponent. It didn't slow him down in the slightest, but it managed to distract him enough to leave Bartz alone.

Faris: "C'mon an face me ye beast!"

Roaring, Forza charged at Faris. The theif side stepped his lunges and dropped low, slicing at his calf. The glancing blows seemed to be doing nothing against him. As Galuf got back up into the fight, he joined in the attack. Even with the pair of them hitting hard, they couldn't seem to break the bigger man down.

Galuf: "It's hopeless, we can't weaken him"

Being pushed back to the edge of the cliff, Galuf and Faris kept dodging the rampaging giant's strikes but when the arrows of Magissa started up again, they were overwhelmed. Bartz got back up and ran at Magissa, taking her focus off the others, but even in the three on two situation it looked hopeless. Knocking Galuf to the floor near the cliff face, Forza was ready to finish him off with a big boot, but a blast of fire magic errupted across his skin. Staggering backwards, the giant howled in pain.

Faris: "Lenna!"

Standing there in bloodstained robes with her staff levelled at the hulking man, Lenna fired off another spell, this time shocking him with thunder magic. The giant charged forwards towards the source of the magic, but before he could get close to the princess, Galuf jumped back up and hurled himself at the man. Hitting him full on with a flying kick, he caught the giant off guard and sent him tumbling over the cliff.

Magissa: "Forza! I WILL KILL YOU FOR THIS!"

Readying her bow, Forza took aim again at the heroes, but before she could even release the arrow, Bartz slipped up behind her and drove his sword through her lower back. As he blade went through her, coming out of her stomach, Bartz twisted the handle, leaving his weapon in her for a moment.

Bartz: "No.. You won't"

Pulling his sword out of the huntress, he kicked her mercilessly over the edge of the cliff, sending her body tumbling down the mountain to join her husband's. Wiping the blood off his blade, Bartz walked over towards the others.

Faris: "By the crystals! That was cold Bartz!"

Galuf: "We did what we had too, they almost killed Lenna"

Kneeling down next to the princess who had dropped to the floor from the effort she had exerted, Bartz placed his hand on her wounded shoulder and applied pressure to it.

Bartz: "Thank you for saving us Lenna... We wouldn't have survived without you!"

Lenna tried to mumble something, but Bartz hushed her. Staring up at the knight, Lenna mouthed 'Thank you Bartz' before she closed her eyes and lost conciousness.

A/N: Here's the newest chapter. Had a lot of fun writing this one.
Big thanks to cocosnowlo, darrelodin and Xeziel15 for the feedback and reviews. Its really appreciated!