Castle Tycoon was an impressive structure. Standing out against the backdrop of the surrounding forest and mountains, it towered over the landscape with its white walls cutting out from the lush green forest. As Hiyru landed in the small clearing near the main gate of the castle, there was a flurry of activity on the walls. The soldiers stationed there raised their bows and took aim, waiting for the signal to move incase it was someone hostile, but as the dragon landed and Lenna disembarked first, the entire contingent of guards stood down. Dusting themselves off, the four crystal bearers stood at the foot of the steps leading to the main gate. Looking up in awe at the casle, Bartz couldn't help himself. Whistling at how imposing the castle looked, he cast a glance at Faris who looked at it with a sense of familiarity and confusion. As Bartz tried to figure out why Faris seemed confused, Lenna stepped forwards. As she walked up the steps, the soldier's bowed their heads as a mark of respect and signalled for the gate to open. As the large iron feature creaked to life and was opened for them, the others followed Lenna's lead. Lining up at the top of the steps, the chief of the guards stepped towards Lenna.

Chief Guard: "Thank heavens you're safe Princess. Welcome back."

As Lenna stepped forwards, she motioned for the others to follow her. One by one, they passed through the gate and into the castle itself. Bypassing the courtyard where the stables were located, they walked straight through and into the actual castle itself. As they reached the door to the actual castle, one of the guards opened it for them.

Guard: "The chancellor wishes to speak with you, please proceed."

Heading into the castle, Lenna led the way. Passing through the entryway and into the first of the large halls, lined with suits of armour and pillars, Galuf, Faris and Bartz stood there with a sense of awe about them. It was a sight to behold and the sheer size of it just had them speechless. Slowly walking forwards, they failed to realise Lenna was already well ahead of them. The pink haired princess stopped between the two main columns and turned round. Waving her friends over and telling them to hurry up, she turned back round to face the Chancellor.

Lenna: "Chancellor..."

The Chancellor, despite having received word that Lenna had returned was still shocked to see that the princess was indeed there in front of him. Quickly composing himself after the shock, he stepped forwards and bowed his head in Lenna's direction.

Chancellor: "Princess Lenna"

As the two exchanged pleasantries and brought each other up to speed, Bartz looked over to Faris who was standing there with a confused look on her face. For some reason it seemed like the pirate almost recognised these surroundings. With the discussion between the chancellor and Lenna over, the princess returned to the group.

Lenna: "The chancellor is going to provide us with an officially sealed letter. This letter will allow us an audience with the King of Wasle, no questions asked"

Bartz: "Will he listen to us though?"

Leena sighed and shook her head.

Lenna: "Walse has the water crystal. They have enjoyed much prosperity from this. If father were here, he would probably be able to speak with the king, but..."

Galuf: "Don't worry about it princess, we're here, we've got the crystal shards too. Surely that will count for something?"

=...=...=

As the group split off, having been given freedom of the castle, Lenna remained with the chancelor. Instead of breaking apart to cover more ground, Galuf, Faris and Bartz stayed together as they wandered through the various halls. As they climbed one of the towers, they reached the library of the castle. Looking round it, Bartz and Galuf examined the books, tracing their fingers along the leather bound tomes whilst Faris stayed in the doorway.

Faris: There's somethin' familiar 'bout this place...

Taking note of her surroundings, the pirate tried to place it, but she couldn't. Lost in her thoughts, she was suddenly snapped to her senses when the woman attending the castle's library spoke to Galuf.

Jenica: "I've served in this castle for many years. I helped look after both Princess Lenna and her sister, Princess Sarisa"

Galuf: "Sarisa? Lenna has a sister?"

Jenica: "Yes... Sarisa was Lenna's older sister. One day whilst out sailing with her father, the king and her sister Lenna, a storm hit. Sarisa couldn't keep hold and she was lost at sea."

Faris' eyes widened as she heard the story. Thinking to herself it must surely be a coincidence, she quickly slipped out of the room before Galuf and Bartz could actually notice she had left.

=...=...=

Chancellor: Thank heavens you are safe princess.

Lenna: I know... but I bring news - Father is still alive. We must head to Walse at once to follow his trail.

The Chancellor shook his head.

Chancellor: We cannot do this. Our guard has been depleted by the monster attacks and the morale around here is low... You need to remain with us Princess! The kingdom needs you.

Pulling out her crystal shard, Lenna showed it to the Chancellor. His face turned to one of shock.

Lenna: I cannot possibly remain your grace. The crystal's have given myself and my companions a quest - we have to prevent the other three from succumbing to the same fate as the wind crystal!

The chancellor tried to protest, but the warm blue glow from the crystal seemed to have him mesmerised.

Lenna: If we save the crystals, we can also find the king, and put right what has happened. I beg of you Chancellor, please hold on a little longer. You are my father's most trusted advisor, I know you are capable of holding things together here.

Chancellor: Very well then Princess... But I ask of you, please stay for a day or two. I shall gather some provisions for you and prepare a letter for Walse and Karnak, granting you audience with their rulers.

Lenna: Thank you Chancellor.

=...=...=

Later that night, Lenna woke. Rising from her bed, she pulled on one of her robes and crept out of her room. Headed towards the balcony, she opened the door and walked out into the crisp night air. The sky was clear and the stars were shining bright, as was the moon. Walking to the edge of the balcony, she leaned against the wall and took a deep breath. For a moment she thought that she was alone, but the sound of footsteps disturbed her. Turning round, the princess looked to her side and saw Faris standing there too.

Lenna: Faris?

Walking towards the pirate, Lenna took a deep breath.

Faris: Huh? Lenna? What are you doing out here?

Lenna: I could ask you the same thing. We are in a castle, surrounded by knights and walls, you have no need to keep watch.

Faris: Old habits die hard Princess... 'sides, you should be in bed.

Lenna: As should you... Sister.

Faris' face turned to one of shock.

Faris: !

Lenna: I'm right aren't I? You're my older sister, Sarisa...

Looking the pirate in the eyes, Lenna felt the crystal shard glowing. Across from her, she could see the faint red glow of Faris' crystal.

Faris: Wha? What are ye goin' on about? Me? Sister... That's daft!

Lenna: ...But

Faris quickly turned away and walked towards the edge of the balcony.

Fairs: A buccaneer like me, really a prince...er.. Princess? 'Tis a bit much that!

Letting out a forced, nervy laugh, Faris tried to brush off the question and possible realisation but Lenna could see that her suspicions were starting to be proved correct. Without any warning, Faris quickly sped past Lenna and back into the castle.

Lenna: But... Your pendant...

Looking at the royal pendant of Tycoon, Lenna sighed. She didn't get the answer she was after, but the reaction spoke enough. Deciding to keep her suspicions to herself, she retreated back into the castle.

=...=...=

It had been two days since they arrived back in Tycoon, and now rested, re-stocked and ready to go once more, Galuf, Faris and Bartz waited at the top of the castle's battlements where Hiyru rested.

Bartz: "What's takin her so long?"

Galuf: "She's a princess, probably got all kinds of obligations, things to sign and stuff before we leave"

Faris: "I couldn't do it, seems like too much hassle fer my liking. If I need anythin doin, I'd do it meself or get one o me crew tae handle it"

With the three of them in discussion, Lenna arrived at the battlement.

Chancellor: "Would you please reconsider Princess? Tycoon needs you"

Lenna shook her head.

Lenna: "Sorry Chancellor, but I have to help protect the crystals and find father."

Chancellor: "Very well princess. I bid you farewell. Good luck on your journey"

Bowing respectfully to the chancellor, Lenna, turned to the others who were stood by Hiyru. The Wind Drake was back to full strength and when it saw the pink haired princess, it let out a low, almost pleasant sounding purring like noise. Walking over towards it, Lenna patted it on the nose before nodding to the others to hop on. Climbing up first, Faris looked over to Bartz who was reluctant yet again to get on board, but Galuf grabbed him by the arm.

Galuf: "Get on it and close your eyes if ya don't like the heights. Just think you're riding a Chocobo which is running through the sky, hundreds of feet in the air and it'll be fine"

Bartz: "Yeah, that's fine, but what happens when the Chocobo bucks me off? I only fall a few feet off a Chocobo..."

Jumping down, Faris walked right up to Bartz and slapped him across the face.

Faris: "Get a grip lad! Ye on a quest ta save the world, an yer scared o riding on a dragon? For a guy who acts like a brave knight, yer sure acting like a cowardly squire right now!"

Galuf and Lenna both drew a deep breath as Faris glared at Bartz. Feeling uneasy under the pirates fiery stare, Bartz reluctantly climbed up onto Hiryu. With Lenna and Galuf climbing up, Faris got on last, sat right behind Bartz. Leaning into him, the pirate whispered to him.

Faris: "If yer feelin' a lil' fraid, ya could always hold my hand"

Bartz was about to speak but Faris burst out laughing and gave him a playful punch in the shoulder. With all four saddled up, Lenna pulled on Hiyru's reigns and the beast spread its wings and took flight towards Walse.

=...=...=

It had taken two days to fly to Walse given the fact Hiyru was carrying four passengers instead of its usual one. Once they had arrived and did the usual - stopped in the town, stayed at the inn, re-stocked and re-supplied, the group set off for Walse castle itself. The castle was only a short distance away from the town, both of which were built on reclaimed land in the middle of the lake, but given the warm weather, it felt like running a marathon as they crossed over the series of small bridges and islands linking the town to the castle. They could have easily flown to the castle, but Lenna suggested that Hiyru be allowed to fly instead, citing that it needed a chance to 'cut loose' and enjoy itself after all the work it had done for them.

It was early evening when the heroes had made it to the castle. After presenting themselves to the guards and showing the letter with the royal seal, the group headed in.

Lenna: "I'll go on ahead and speak to the king. You guys should relax and take a look around, but don't stray too far in case we are all summoned"

As Lenna went to head off, Bartz spoke up.

Bartz: "No, we'll all go together. We need to sort this quickly. If we all go and present our case, we can head off first thing in the morning to deal with this"

The others nodded in agreement. As they headed off towards the throne room, none of them were aware of the commotion outside the castle or how a chance to rest would be deprived from them.

=...=...=

Lenna: "I come with a request your highness. Please, stop amplifying the power of the water crystal!"

The king of Walse let out a hearty laugh.

King Walse: "Ho! I could never do that Princess... My people live comfortably thanks to the crystal's power!"

The king turned around and walked back towards his throne. Determined to get through to the king, Lenna rushed after him.

Lenna: "But if left as it is, the crystal will surely shatter"

King Walse: "Hmm... I have heard about the incident with the wind crystal... However, there is no evidence to prove that what happened in Tycoon with the wind crystal will happen here to the water crystal."

The king paused as Lenna sighed.

King Walse: "Furthermore, I am certain that the people would be opposed to ceasing the amplification of the crystal's power. It is not in my kingdom's best interests"

Lenna shook her head. She could feel the shard of the crystal round her neck, the shard which carried the essence of water in it stirring. Before she could even speak, footsteps could be heard behind her.

Bartz: "Look! We don't have time to be arguing over this!"

Lenna, Galuf and Faris were shocked at the sudden outburst from Bartz who was normally the reserved one in these formal settings. As the king turned round to see who had been so abrupt, there was a rumbling in the distance.

Bartz: "Holy Moly! What's going on?"

Everyone looked round in confusion. As the ground started to shake and a loud roaring noise could be heard, Galuf quickly ran to the window on the side of the throne room. Looking out, he gasped - there was a thick plume of smoke rising from the ground in the direction of the tower. As the heroes watched, A soldier came running in.

Soldier: "Sire! A meteorite... *gasps for breath* Its crashed into the ground near the tower!"

King Walse: "Assemble the guards... we must make haste for the tower at once!"

The guard saluted and exited the throne room as the king joined the heroes in looking out of the windows.

King Walse: "Please pardon this interruption. I believe you understand the severity of the situation. We shall continue this discussion once this issue has been dealt with."

With the king headed out to meet the guards and to deal with the tower issue itself, Lenna looked to the others.

Faris: "We're goin! The crystal is in danger and we're the only ones who can help it!"

Galuf, Lenna and Bartz nodded in agreement.

Lenna: "We'll fly out on Hiyru, that should get us there quicker than tagging along with the king and his men!"