Bartz: "Galuf, put Lenna down near the rocks, Faris, keep an eye out for anything coming. We gotta act fast!"
With their white mage down and seemingly out, Galuf rushed the unconscious and badly hurt Lenna to safety whilst the pirate changed her class from the thief to the Black Mage and readied herself on watch duty. Throwing his sword aside, Bartz closed his eyes and took tight hold of the crystal in his hand. A pale green light swirled around him and his bloodstained armour quickly gave way for pristine white robes and his sword vanished and a staff lay on the ground where the blade had previously been. Assuming the role of white mage, Bartz rushed to the side of Lenna and knelt down next to her. Holding his hands out, he tried to will magic out of him but with his mind racing and the adrenaline flowing through him, he couldn't focus enough.
Galuf: "You've never cast a spell before have you boy?"
Bartz: "No... But I better learn quick. I don't fancy taking the chance and seeing if that Phoenix Down thing actually works or not!"
Galuf knelt down next to Bartz and held his arms out.
Galuf: "Picture the spell in your mind... like a green mist. Close your eyes, picture it leaving your mind through your hands and flowing over Lenna"
As Galuf tried to talk Bartz through the spell casting process, crackles of thunder could be heard behind them as Faris hurled the bolts of magic at monsters, keeping them at bay. Bartz's fingers started to glow with a green sparkling light, but instead of flowing out towards Lenna, the light faded.
Galuf: "You almost had it then... Just picture Lenna when you release the mist"
Once more, Bartz's hands started to glow with the magical energy, this time a small trickle made it to Lenna. The green mist was enough to cover her wound, but the bleeding continued.
Bartz: "Shit!"
A crack of thunder magic could be heard behind them again. This time it was getting closer.
Faris: "I can't hold them off much longer... Bartz, pull ye self together and save her! Galuf, give me a hand!"
Galuf put his hand on Bartz's shoulder as he trembled with the pressure.
Galuf: "I've got faith in you... Now save her so she can reward you with a big kiss"
Bartz shook his head at the old monk as he rushed to the pirate's side. Even in high stakes situations, the old man was still jovial as ever. Trying to focus once more, Bartz placed his hand on Lenna's wounded shoulder and took a deep breath. Closing his eyes once more, he concentrated on the spell again. Even though it only took a few seconds, time seemed to slow down completely. At first it only seemed subtle, but the small flow of green curative mist suddenly exploded to life as it washed over the wound and seeped into Lenna's body. Breathing a heavy sigh of relief, Bartz pulled his hand away from the wound and held Lenna's head in his hands. Gently tapping her on the cheek, he saw a slight rose tint cross her pale, drained face.
Bartz: "Guys! I did it... She's gonna be ok!"
Galuf and Faris turned round and nodded as Bartz kept tight hold of Lenna. Reaching into his pouch, he pulled out a vial of antidote and poured it over the wound on Lenna's shoulder, trying to make sure any residual poisoning from the arrow was out of the injury. Watching Galuf and Faris dispatch of the last two monsters, Bartz moved Lenna onto her side. Looking round, he could just about make out the summit of the mountain beyond them.
Faris: "We're almost at the top... but Lenna needs to rest, we can't make a move just yet"
Bartz: "Agreed, but we can't camp out here tonight, it's too exposed, and we can't get back to that cave earlier, especially with Lenna in this condition."
Galuf: "Faris, think you can go thief again and scout ahead? Surely there is another cave or recess we can pitch Lenna up in for a few hours and defend well?"
Without even saying a word, the purple haired black mage suddenly glowed red and her robes were replaced with the familiar tunic of the thief. Rushing off quickly, Faris headed towards the summit looking for shelter.
Galuf: "Y'know, girls love a hero. I bet Lenna will be all over you when she wakes up!"
Bartz sighed as Galuf winked at him.
=...=...=
The sun had already set when Lenna regained consciousness. as she slowly opened her eyes, she raised her hand up to shield them from the bright light of the fire against the dark night sky. Shivering slightly, she wriggled about underneath the robe which had been thrown over her to keep her covered up. Her shoulder ached as she moved and she instinctively went to touch it, but the sharp pain she felt upon placing her hand there brought back the memories of what had happened - she had been shot with a poisoned arrow earlier in a fight on the cliff top and she collapsed shortly after it. Slowly pulling herself up to a seated position, she looked across the fire and saw Galuf and Faris talking to each other.
"Where's Bartz?"
She didn't know why her mind went straight for Bartz as she looked around, but remembering that his was the last face she had seen before she blacked out, she wanted to find him anyway. As she tried to pull herself up, she slipped, knocking one of the staffs over which clattered against the floor and alerted Faris and Galuf to the movement. Getting up, the pair of them walked towards the Princess and knelt down beside her. Taking her by the good arm and her waist, the pair lifted Lenna up and placed her in a seated position. Leaning her against the rocks, Faris gently pulled up the dressing and took a look at the wound. It was still raw and tender, but the cure spells, antidotes and splashes of potion seemed to be doing the trick at helping it heal up enough until they could seek proper medical help.
Faris: "You're looking more alive now Princess! Ye had us all worried. Bartz actually took over as white mage and worked tirelessly to save you"
Lenna let out a weak smile. She was happy that Bartz had saved her but she was drained physically and emotionally and the slight tweak of her lips was all that the pink haired princess could manage.
Galuf: "If you're looking for him, don't bother. He's flat out cold over the other side of the fire. He's never cast spells before, it really took it outta him."
Lenna felt a pang of guilt in her chest as she winced from the pain in her shoulder.
Lenna: "How long did he..."
Galuf: "Couple of hours. Faris ran off to find shelter so we could pitch up and try and get you back on your feet. The whole way he was constantly casting cure spells on you and trying to keep you focused when you showed brief moments of consciousness. He's got a good heart that one!"
Managing more of a smile this time, Lenna looked over towards the fire where she could make out the outline of Bartz.
Faris: "We're gonna move out in the morning. The summit is only an hour from here. I've found the easiest route so we don't have to climb much and Galuf here will use his muscles to help carry you where needed."
Lenna: "Thank you... both of you"
Faris: "No need t' thank us princess, Bartz is the one ya should be thankin!"
Lenna nodded. She tried to speak again, but her eyes grew heavy and she mumbled something. Trying to prop herself up again, Galuf took hold of Lenna and lowered her back down.
Galuf: "Get some rest princess... You need to save your strength"
As Lenna closed her eyes again to go asleep, Faris picked up her dagger and walked to the edge of the camp.
Faris: "I'll take watch from here, you get some rest old man"
Galuf nodded. Sitting back down next to Lenna, he glanced at the princess and then at Bartz.
"Those two would make a great couple... If only they'd just admit to themselves what I can see!"
=...=...=
By the time they had reached the summit, the sun was high above them. It was noon and despite the elevation and the breeze, it was quite warm. Using her staff as a crutch, Lenna walked along with Galuf next to her, helping her in case she struggled or stumbled. Looking out over the clouds beneath them, they could just about make out the forest and the foothills below.
Galuf: "They weren't kidding when they said North Mountain was the highest peak in the world eh?"
Lenna nodded in agreement. Though she was mobile, it still required some effort to talk. Stopping to re-adjust her staff and get her breath, she looked across the summit and saw a large grey mass nestled in the grass amongst some weeds and grass. Reaching out with her bad arm and wincing in the process, she managed to utter a single word.
Lenna: "Hiyru..."
Bartz and Faris ran forwards towards the Wind Drake, followed slowly by Galuf and Lenna. As they reached the clearing where the dragon was nestled, Lenna's face presented a worried expression.
Faris: "he's hurt pretty bad!"
Lenna wiped a tear from the corner of her eye and looked at the dragon. It was covered in fresh cuts which were slowly showing signs of healing, but the dried blood around suggested that the beast had took considerable damage. Shuffling forwards, she glanced at the plant life around it and saw amongst the poisonous weeds, a lone Dragon Grass plant growing.
Lenna: "Don't worry Hiyru... I'll look after you"
The creature let out a cry as it heard the voice of Lenna. Lifting its head and looking at her, its eyes recognised her and it relaxed itself a little. Stumbling forwards, Lenna walked right into the poisonous weeds. As she stepped through them, she could feel the stinging and burning sensation of the poison against her skin.
Faris: "Lenna! What?! Where are you going?"
Ignoring her friend's questions and shock, she continued through the grass till she made it towards the Dragon Grass. Pulling it out, she turned round and managed to stumble back through the weeds before she dropped to her knees besides Hiyru. Rushing to the princess' aid, Faris took the grass from Lenna's hand.
Lenna: "Give this to Hiyru, it will help him."
Galuf: "You're Crazy princess... You've only just gotten over one case of poisoning, now you're doing it to yourself AGAIN?"
Faris fed the grass to the Wind Drake. It took it hesitantly at first, but once it realised that Faris was helping it, it devoured it, almost taking Faris' hand off in the process. Letting out a mighty roar, it spread its wings and took off before Bartz, still acting as a white mage could get near Lenna. Landing next to the princess, the dragon leaned over her and opened its mouth. Casting its own magic, a green light surrounded Lenna and the moment the dragon backed away, the princess pulled herself up to her feet. Shaking her head and stretching out, she felt a slight pain but her arm moved a lot freely now. Extending her arm out, she placed it on Hiyru's neck and patted it gently as it left out a low grumble.
Lenna: "Thank you Hiyru!"
Turning back to the others, Lenna smiled at them.
Lenna: "Thank you for helping me, it's really appreciated! Allow me to introduce you to Hiyru"
The wind drake spread its wings and let out another roar as Bartz slowly started to back away from it. As the others approached it, Lenna motioned for them to hop on. As they approached the side of the wind drake, they noticed Bartz was still stood where he was.
Bartz: "Can't I just.. y'know climb back down?"
Galuf: "Are you mad boy? It'll take us minutes to fly down again! Whats the matter... You afraid of heights?"
Bartz: "Well... Now that you mention it..."
Before Bartz could even try and worm his way out of it, Faris jumped down and grabbed him by the arms. Galuf joined her and the pair of them dragged the very reluctant Bartz towards Hiyru.
Bartz: "Hey! Let me go!"
Bartz flailed about but before he could free himself, Galuf hit him on the side of the neck, knocking him out cold. Hoisting him up and slinging him across the back of the Wind Drake, Faris climbed up in front of him, sitting just behind Lenna and Galuf sat behind the body of Bartz. With all four onboard, Hiyru let out a powerful roar as it spread its wings and lifted them off the ground. Flying upwards at first, Lenna nudged the dragon with her heels, causing it to go into a dive, following the angle of the mountain's slope. After five minutes, they had descended the mountain, quite a comparison to the two day journey to the summit they had just made. Flying low, they spotted a clearing in the woods and set down. As the four disembarked, unconcious Bartz with the help of Galuf of course, they stood in the clearning.
Lenna: "We'll make camp for the night here, then tomorrow, we'll depart for Walse..."
Galuf: "Oh no! We depart for Castle Tycoon tomorrow. You're nowhere near 100%, and it would be wise to go see a proper healer so we're all fresh and ready for whatever is coming our way!"
Lenna tried to protest but Faris joined in.
Faris: "Aye, the old man be right. Lets get to your castle, rest up, re-equip ourselves and then head out. Walse ain't gonna just let us walk in despite you being a princess n us having crystals round our neck. We're gonna need official letters!"
Galuf: "Please Princess?"
Lenna sighed.
Lenna: "Fine! We fly to Tycoon and then on to Walse. Hiyru probably needs to rest too, so it is probably for the best we do it your way".
As they set up camp for the night, Bartz slowly started to come round. Rubbing his head, he looked up to see Faris and Galuf busy with the fire and Lenna sat next to the wind drake. Blinking a few times to shake away the proverbial cobwebs, Bartz pulls himself up off the floor and is noticed by Lenna who gets up and walks over to him.
Galuf: "Faris... Think we should go gather some food?"
Faris looks over her shoulder at Bartz and Lenna standing there in an awkward silence and for a moment, her face drops slightly. Trying to put her hard pirate image back on before Galuf can notice, she nods.
Faris: "Aye... would be a good plan old man"
The two got up and headed off to the edge of the campsite, leaving Bartz and Lenna standing there, still rather awkwardly. Doing their very best to avoid looking at each other, the loud snorting from Hiyru behind them made them both jump suddenly. Realising how silly they were acting, the pair finally spoke.
Lenna: "Thank you for saving my life Bartz..."
Bartz tried to brush it off, but before he could speak, Lenna read his body language perfectly.
Lenna: "Don't just say 'It's nothing, that what friends do' or some line like that. What you did was incredible. You risked your life to save mine and you near enough exhausted yourself making sure I survived... I know I was selfish hurting myself again to save Hiyru, but if you hadn't have done what you done for me, we'd be stranded on that mountain or worse.."
Bartz: "I'm just thankful we never had to test out the phoenix down and to see if it was what it's cracked up to be!"
Lenna nodded in agreement. The princess stepped closer to Bartz and took hold of his hand. Gripping it tight, she squeezed it as she looked up at him.
Lenna: "Bartz, you're a wonderful person, I'm so happy we met and that you decided to come with us..."
Over on the edge of the camp, Galuf and Faris peered over a fallen tree.
Galuf: "She's holding his hand! Look!"
Faris scowled as Galuf was pointing out the obvious. The old man was too fixated on Bartz and Lenna to realise just how jealous the pirate actually was. Her face was turning red, her eyes were narrowing and her breathing was slowing down but sounding heavier.
"I can see Old man! By the Kraken almighty! Why am I so jealous? He's just an average guy with some fighting skills and a heart for adventure, and she's a princess... Its so frickin' obvious they dig each other and I don't even like him much... Why am I so mad about this?"
Galuf: "They're still talking... why are they still talking? We gave them privacy, hurry up and confess your repressed love you fools!"
Faris: "If we gave them privacy, why are we still watching Old Man?"
Galuf shook his head and turned to Faris who had now returned to a more normal colour.
Galuf: "Do you always have to poke holes in my ideas?"
Bartz and Lenna continued to hold hands, but the awkward, silence filled stare off continued. Neither one of them knew what the other wanted, so in the end, the sound of Hiyru snorting again caused them both to let go of each other. Awkwardly fidgeting, the pair of them looked at each other and forced a smile.
Lenna: "Anyway Bartz, I mean what I said. I am so happy I met you and thank you so much for what you have done for me"
Taking his hand again, Lenna leaned in and kissed Bartz on the cheek as a way of showing her gratitude before letting go and walking away, back towards Hiyru.
Bartz: (To himself) "O...k... what was that about? I know she was greatful... but i'm lost!"
Lenna: (to herself) "Why did I just do that? I don't even like him... Do I?"
Faris looked over at Galuf who was speechless. Gawking at the scene and pointing in a very obvious manner, the purple haired pirate sighed.
Faris: (to herself) "Bitch!... Wait, why am I getting so worked up over this?"
As the three kept their thoughts quiet, Galuf on the other hand did not.
Galuf: "SEE! I WAS RIGHT! ALL ALONG! THEY HAVE THE HOTS FOR EACH OTHER!"
Pulling Galuf down behind the log again, Faris held her dagger out towards the old man.
Faris: "Settle down or I'll run ye through! We have food to prepare remember?"
A/N: sorry for the delay on this chapter. Things are a little hectic right now - work, holidays, reviewers job etc.
Hope you enjoy this one!