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t) ================================================================================ 0. Intro Scenes ================================================================================ (A scene with a crystal resting in a shrine is shown. Then it blinks out and four crystals float around the screen.) Narrator: Fire. Water. Wind. Earth. The peace and prosperity of the world is thanks to the power of these crystals. However...that power is nearing its limit. (Bartz and Boko look over a cliff before resting near a campfire.) Narrator: Not far off is the day when the wind slows...the water stills... (Lenna leaves her bed and walks out of her room to where a wind drake is resting on top of the castle. The wind drake, Hiryuu, spreads its wings.) Narrator: and the earth trembles and quakes... (An old man is inside a circular cavern, with a glowing panel in front of him. A group of pirates is sailing on their ship with Faris.) Narrator: and yet, everyone remains blissfully unaware... (Stars fill the screen.) Narrator: and the grave secret hidden within the crystals remains untold... (A meteor suddenly flies towards the planet.) ================================================================================ 1. The Fellowship of the Crystals ================================================================================ (In Castle Tycoon, King Tycoon walks towards Hiryu, who wakes up. Lenna comes out after him.) Lenna: Father! Do you really have to go? King Tycoon: You know I do, dear. I need you to protect the castle. Under no circumstances are you to follow me, do you understand? Lenna: But, Father... King Tycoon: Something is wrong with the wind... I must go to the Wind Shrine to make certain nothing's happened to the crystal. (Lenna nods.) Lenna: Yes...I've noticed it as well. But, to go alone is- King Tycoon: Lenna. Don't worry, I'll be fine. Have faith. (He climbs onto Hiryuu, who flies into the air. As he flies off, Lenna waves to him and he looks back before flying away. Meanwhile, the group of pirates is sailing on their ship when abruptly the wind stops blowing.) Faris: The wind just...stopped... (Inside the circular place, which is shaking and flashing, the old man there starts.) Old Man: I've got to hurry! (Back at Castle Tycoon, Lenna notices the wind stopping.) Lenna: The wind's stopped. ...Father! (King Tycoon enters the room in the Wind Shrine with the Wind Crystal, which is flashing erratically, and runs up to it.) King Tycoon: What in blazes...!? (Suddenly the crystal stops glowing and shatters. Meanwhile, Bartz and Boko are camping out. Without warning, the ground begins to shake, startling them, and they look up into the sky to see a meteor falling, which lands on the ground. Bartz mounts Boko, puts out the fire, and travels until he reaches the meteor.) Bartz: Boko, wait here, okay? (He dismounts and travels until he sees two goblins dragging Lenna away. They battle and he defeats the goblins.) Bartz: Hey, are you all right? Lenna: Y-yes... I believe so... I give you my thanks. My name is Lenna. And you are...? Bartz: Me? Call me Bartz. Me and my chocobo just go wherever the trail leads us... Lenna: Bartz... (He nods, and they turn to the meteor.) Lenna: This rock suddenly fell from the sky... The impact must have knocked me out. Bartz: Guess it's a meteorite. Lenna: A meteorite... I wonder if it has a connection to the wind stopping? (She turns towards him and nods.) Lenna: Again, I give you my thanks. I wish I could do something more to show my appreciation, but I really must go... (She starts to run off but stops when Bartz calls to her.) Bartz: Whoa- hey, hold up a sec... (He walks up to her.) Lenna: Bartz... Did you hear something? Bartz: Huh? (They glance around, confused, as they hear a voice.) ???: Oohhh... Ughhh... Help...me... (Bartz points to the east.) Bartz: Over there! (They head to the east and find the old man lying near the meteor.) Lenna: Are you all right? Old Man: Where am I... Oh...my aching head! (He gets up and looks around, confused.) Old Man: Sakes alive...what's happened? I don't remember... Ehh...? I can't remember anything! Bartz: Looks like you hit your head pretty bad... Maybe you got amnesia. (Suddenly the old man starts.) Old Man: Oh! Something came back to me... My name is Galuf! Lenna: That's a start! Anything else? Galuf: ... ...Nope, just the name! Other than that, my memory's a blank slate... (He looks down, depressed. Lenna nods, and begins to run off again, before she hesitates.) Lenna: I'm very sorry...but you must excuse me, I have no time to waste. Bartz: Where're you going? Lenna: I must go to the Wind Shrine... (Galuf jumps up in shock.) Galuf: The Wind Shrine! Now that you mention it, I'm pretty sure that's where I was headed! It's decided, I'm going with you! Lenna: But... (He walks up to her.) Galuf: I could never let such a sweet girl go all by her lonesome. Plus, I know I've gotta get to that shrine...I feel it in my bones. You've gotta take me with! [sic] (Lenna nods.) Lenna: Bartz, What about you? [sic] Bartz: ...Sorry, I'm gonna bow out on this one. Good luck, though. (Lenna and Galuf look at each other, and start to walk off, but stop and turn back to Bartz.) Lenna: Bartz... Thank you again. Farewell... Galuf: Godspeed, and all that whatnot! (They run off. Bartz heads back to Boko.) Bartz: Come on, Boko, let's go! (He climbs on, and the two head west and to the north until Boko suddenly stops and throws Bartz off of him, who crashes into a cliffwall.) Bartz: Ow!!! Boko! Bad, bad chocobo! What are you doing, stopping like that!? ...Now don't you give me that look. Boko: Kweh! Kweh kweh! Bartz: ...I know, it's just a girl and an old man... And with all those goblins around... Fine, I got it, I got it. (Suddenly, an earthquake starts, causing some of the ground to collapse.) Lenna: Augh! Galuf: Geh! Bartz: Boko, come on! Boko: Kweh! (Bartz climbs on Boko and runs through the valley, fighting off goblins, hopping over collapsed land, and picking up Lenna and Galuf along the way until they finally escape. After a bit, Lenna wakes up and Bartz walks over to her.) Lenna: Ohhh... Bartz: G'morning. Lenna: Bartz! It seems I cannot escape being in your debt... Bartz: Hey, don't worry about it. (He looks back at the valley.) Bartz: The shockwave from the meteorite's impact caused landslides... The road's covered in rubble. I don't think you're gonna be able to make it to Tule that way. (Lenna stares at him and then the valley.) Lenna: But...if I can't get to the Wind Shrine, then... Galuf: Uhhhh... (Everyone runs towards him.) Galuf: Wind Shrine...gotta hurry... Bartz: The old guy's pretty dead set on getting there, too... All right. I'll go with you and personally see to it that you get there safely! Lenna: Oh! Really? Bartz: Yeah! You know, it was my dad's dying wish that I go out and travel the world... Plus, this time, it feels like- like the wind is calling me. Galuf: What a sweet-talker! As if you don't just have the hots for the little missy. (Bartz starts.) Bartz: What- You're awake? Galuf: Don't sound so surprised. This old dog is always ready for anything! (He leaps to his feet, stretches, and laughs.) Galuf: Still, if the road is blocked, that makes things a sight more difficult... Bartz: Hrm... Lenna: ... (Lenna looks back at the valley.) Lenna: I won't give up. There must be a way to reach the Wind Shrine! Galuf: Right! And we'll find it! Bartz: All right! Let's ride! ================================================================================ 2. The Pirate Captain, Faris ================================================================================ (They travel north until they find a cave.) Lenna: I don't remember there being a cave here... Bartz: Probably opened up during one of those quakes. Boko, I think this is gonna be a little too dangerous for chocobos. You stay here, okay? Boko: Kweh! (They dismount and head inside the cave and travel until they find a spring.) Bartz: What's that spring? (After healing, they enter another section and see a pirate looking around. They flatten themselves against the wall and watch as the pirate pulls a switch and enters a hidden door.) Bartz: Aha! So that's how you get in! (They follow and eventually see a hole that leads outside.) Bartz: What's that? (When they look through, they notice a ship sailing towards the cave.) Bartz: That ship just now... How was it sailing with the wind so weak? (They keep going into the cave and hide behind a wall as a pirate looks around to see what is there.) Bartz: This is a pirate hideout...meaning that ship we saw must've been a pirate ship! Lenna: I wonder if they would give us a ride? (The other two start.) Bartz: Um, I think the only ride they'd be interested in would be a keel-haul for all three of us. Galuf: Yeah...you can't ask a favor from a pirate! That's why we'll just sneak on and steal their ship! (Bartz starts.) Bartz: Whoa! You're pretty gutsy for an old-timer. (Galuf laughs. The three sneak onboard the ship and up to the helm, where Bartz tries to move the ship.) Bartz: Yo-ho-ho, and stuff! Time to cast off! (The ship doesn't move.) Galuf: ...Well? "Cast off" means start sailing, kid. Bartz: I know that! The wheel won't even budge. How do you work this thing? ???: Try working anything and there'll be the devil to pay! (The three start as Faris and five other pirates surround them.) Faris: Trying to steal my ship, are you? You've a lot of brass... ...or mayhap you're just lacking in brains! I'd wager it's the latter. (Lenna walks up to the pirates.) Lenna: Wait! I am Princess Lenna of Tycoon. Please accept my apologies for attempting to commandeer your ship. (Bartz and Galuf start.) Bartz: Wha? Princess... Galuf: ...of Tycoon!? Lenna: Sir, this is a formal request from the kingdom of Tycoon. Please, allow us the use of your vessel. I must get to the Wind Shrine - my father is in danger! (Faris glances at the other pirates and laughs.) Faris: Oho, the princess of Tycoon, here on my ship? I'm sure we could fetch a good price for this one. Bartz: Hey! Leave her alone, you degenerate, lecherous, piratey...pirate! (Bartz and Galuf walk up to them.) Lenna: I beg of you, please... (Her pendent accidentally shows, startling Faris.) Faris: That pendant...! (He turns to the other pirates.) Faris: ...Toss the lot of 'em into the brig! Pirates: Aye-aye, Cap'n! (The pirates surround the trio and cart them off. At night, the three are tied up in the brig with a pirate guarding the door.) Galuf: Well, this is a fine how-do-you-do. What genius came up with the idea to steal a pirate ship, anyway? Bartz: Look in the mirror, Pops. (Galuf leaps away from Bartz.) Galuf: ...Ohh, my aching head! I can't remember a thing! Bartz: ...And your amnesia oh-so-conveniently returns. Still...I can't believe you're really the princess of Tycoon, Lenna! Lenna: I'm sorry... I didn't intend to keep it a secret. Bartz: It's not that big a deal. But, if you're the princess, why were you going to the Wind Shrine all alone? Lenna: My father is there. He hadn't been gone long when the wind slowed down to almost nothing... I just can't shake the feeling that something terrible is happening. I slipped out alone to head to the shrine, but then that meteorite fell, and...you know the rest. (Meanwhile, Faris is sitting in his quarters in the ship.) Faris: Why does the princess of Tycoon have the same pendant as I do? (He pulls out a pendant identical to Lenna's.) Faris: She said her father's at the Wind Shrine... (The next day, Faris and three pirates are at the top of the ship.) Faris: Prepare to cast off, lads. Set a course for the Wind Shrine. (The pirates start. Lenna, Bartz, and Galuf are thrown onto the deck, still tied up, by four more pirates.) Pirate: But Cap'n... What about the landlubbers? Faris: Untie 'em. (The pirates start.) Faris: I meant, sometime today! (The pirates nod and untie their bonds. The three stretch.) Lenna: But...why? Faris: I reconsidered your request. You can go back into the brig if you'd rather. Pull anchor! We sail for the Wind Shrine! Pirates: ... Faris: Hey! Something wrong with your ears? I hope I don't have to repeat myself! Well!? Pirates: Aye...aye-aye, Cap'n! (The pirates prepare to sail the ship. Lenna walks up to Faris.) Lenna: But the wind stopped... How can the ship move? Faris: Full of curiosity, aren't you, lass? Syldra! Come up and say hello! (A huge sea dragon rises up from in front of the boat and gives a roar. Everyone but the pirates are startled. Faris laughs.) Faris: Beautiful, isn't she? Syldra and I were raised together. We're close as siblings. All right, we're off! (They begin sailing.) ================================================================================ 3. Stopover at Tule ================================================================================ (The group enters Tule.) Pirates: Grog! Grog! (The pirates run into the pub.) Faris: Think I'll stop in and have a drink as well. (He leaves them and goes into the Pub. Later, the other three head into the Pub and go upstairs, where Faris is sleeping in another room. They head up to the door.) Bartz: Hold on, I'll go check on him. (Bartz goes in and looks at Faris, who shifts in his sleep. Bartz starts, and gets a lovestruck expression as he walks back out.) Galuf: Bartz, what've you got that goofy look for? Bartz: Uh...nothing, I didn't see anything! Must've been a trick of the light or something... Galuf: For crying out loud, shove over and lemme see! (Galuf walks into the room and looks at Faris. He also starts and gets the same expression on his face as he walks back out of the room.) Galuf: Great Caesar's ghost! Just gorgeous...sure haven't felt like that in a spell! Lenna: What in the word are you two going on about? (Faris wakes up and stretches.) Faris: *yawn* Ahh...slept like a babe, I did... (He walks out and notices the two with their lovestruck expressions.) Faris: What're you two gawking at? Get ahold of yourselves. (He and Lenna slap them, and they snap out of it.) Faris: I need a little time to myself. So shove off, you! (He walks back into the room and locks the door. Then the three head to the house far up north.) Lenna: Mmm...I'm pretty sure that this is Zok's house, but... Bartz: Someone you know? Lenna: Yes. He built the Torna Canal. (They enter the house and look around, but don't see anybody. As they walk out, Lenna bows her head.) Lenna: Looks like Zok isn't home... Bartz: Okay then, let's check again later. (The three start to leave town when Faris runs up to them.) Faris: Oho? Trying to give me the slip? I think not. (The four leave town.) ================================================================================ 4. Boko and the Pirates ================================================================================ (The four head back to the entrance to the pirate's hideout. Boko is gone, and Bartz notices something.) Bartz: Wha...those look like Boko's footprints! Don't tell me he tried to go after us... (When the four head back to the pirate hideout, they find an injured Boko in bed with the pirate doctor attending to him.) Bartz: Boko! Boko: Kweh... Lenna: Oh! He's been hurt! Doctor: Found him zonked out in the cave, so we brought him back here. But he'll be fine, now that he's in my capable hands. Bartz: Please, if you can help him, doc... Doctor: Leave everything to me! (The group leaves the cave.) ================================================================================ 5. The Wind Crystal ================================================================================ (The four head towards the Wind Shrine and enter it. After a bit, they find the Chancellor of Tycoon as well as some scholars.) Chancellor: Princess Lenna! Lenna: What's happened? What's the matter? Chancellor: The wind suddenly stopped, and now there are monsters in the shrine! (Lenna pales.) Lenna: What about Father!? Chancellor: The king went up to the top floor... He has yet to return. Scholar: Something must have happened to him... Faris: The crystal's up on the top floor, right? Won't hurt to go up and take a look. Lenna: Faris... Come on! (The four head up until they find a monster, which attacks them.) Bartz: Incoming! (They battle and win. They continue through the Shrine until they reach the crystal chamber and find the shards of the Wind Crystal.) Lenna: The crystal- Bartz: It's shattered! (The shards suddenly flash.) Bartz: What the- (Near Karnak, the Fire Crystal shoots off a spark of light, which lands on Faris.) Narrator: Courage, the essence of flame... (In Walse Tower, the Water Crystal shoots off a spark of light, which lands on Lenna.) Narrator: Devotion, the essence of water... (In the Ronka Ruins, the Earth Crystal shoots off a spark of light, which lands on Galuf.) Narrator: Hope, the essence of earth... (From the base of the Wind Crystal, a spark of light shoots off it and lands on Bartz.) Narrator: Passion, the essence of wind... Bartz: What... Faris: What's happening? Galuf: Feels warm... Lenna: Are these the crystals' essences? King Tycoon: Le...nna... (At the base of the crystal, King Tycoon suddenly fades in.) Lenna: Father! Faris: !? (He runs next to Lenna.) King Tycoon: Listen, and listen well. You four are the chosen ones, the warriors of light...bearers of the four crystal essences. Lenna: Father... What do you mean? King Tycoon: The wind crystal has already shattered. The other three crystals are in danger as well. You four must protect them! An evil presence is awakening... One that wishes to return everything to darkness... (Purple energy suddenly encircles King Tycoon.) Lenna: Father! (He is spirited away.) King Tycoon: Go forth, Light Warriors! Save the crystals... Lenna: Wait- No, Father!!! (Lenna bows her head. The crystal shards suddenly shine.) Lenna: ...What are these? Bartz: Guess they're pieces of the crystal... (The shards head into them.) Narrators: Crystal fragments... And stored within, the power of warriors of legend... Knight. Monk. Blue Mage. Thief. Black Mage. White Mage. Bartz: The crystal... it's lending us its power... Galuf: ...For now, let's get out of here. (Lenna walks back up to the base, and Faris follows her.) Faris: Lenna... (She nods, and she and Faris walk back to the other two.) Lenna: There should be a warp panel to the outside behind the altar. (The two step on the warp panel and teleport out of the Shrine.) ================================================================================ 6. The Torna Canal ================================================================================ (The four sail back to Tule, and Faris goes into the Pub again. The other three head for Zok's house and go inside. Zok leaps up in shock when he sees them.) Zok: Ohhh, Princes Lenna! Lenna: Zok! It is good to see you. Zok: Yes... It's been a long time. Lenna: Zok...I have a favor to ask. We must go to Walse, so we need to pass through the Torna Canal. Zok: Oh, dead. Ever since the wind crystal was destroyed, the beasts in the canal have multiplied like rabbits! It is much too dangerous to enter! Moreover... I-I seem to have lost the key to the canal somewhere... I'm sorry I cannot help you with the key. Still, since you've come all this way, won't you at least stay the night? (Lenna nods.) Zok: Wonderful. Then, follow me! (That night, the three are sleeping. Bartz wakes up and goes outside.) Bartz: The crystals... Now that I think of it, they're the reason Dad... (Flashback. A much younger Bartz is lying in bed, and his parents, Dorgann and Stella, are sitting at a table.) Dorgann: The crystals must be protected at any cost! Stella - if anything should happen to me, never tell Bartz about the crystals... They aren't his burden to bear. (Stella walks up to him.) Stella: Oh, darling...please don't say things like that... (End flashback. Bartz goes back inside and sits down at the table. Meanwhile, Zok is standing next to Lenna's bed, who is sleeping.) Lenna: ... ...Father...I'll protect the crystals...promise... (Zok nods, and leaves the room. He finds Bartz at the table.) Zok: What's the matter, Bartz? Bartz: Nothing... I just was reminded of my folks... They died a while back, though... Zok: ...Here. Take it. Bartz: Huh? Take what? Zok: The key to the canal. With it, you can open the gate and travel to Walse. I was worried about Lenna, so I hid the key, but... Please! Take care of her! (Bartz nods. The next day, the three wake up and start to leave Tule when Faris exits the pub and catches up to them.) Pirates: Captain! Wait up! (The pirates run out of the pub and to them.) Faris: Sorry, lads. I'm leaving you laggards behind. (The pirates are shocked.) Pirates: Cap'n! But why!? You know we'd follow ye to th' ends of th' earth! (Faris shakes his head.) Faris: I know, and I thank you for it. But not this time. Pirates: Cap'n!!! Faris: This smells of a long journey... While I'm gone, I need you louts to guard the hideout. We can't just let anyone raid our booty! Pirates: But, Cap'n! Faris: Please. Pirates: ... (They bow their heads, before lifting them.) Pirates: Aye-aye, sir! (The other three leave and Faris starts to follow when the pirates call to him.) Pirates: Wind at your back, Cap'n. Godspeed! (Faris nods, and the pirates wave goodbye. Later, the four are sailing to the Torna Canal when Bartz notices Lenna looking depressed.) Bartz: Lenna, what's wrong? Lenna: The wind crystal has shattered... Right now, the only difference is that the wind has slowed... But soon, it will stop blowing completely. And in a few years, the air will grow stagnant, and the birds won't have any place to fly... Father said that we had to protect the three remaining crystals. Bartz: ... Three crystals? Lenna: Yes, the crystals of fire, water, and earth. Bartz: If those were lost too, then... Lenna: At first, nothing would happen. But it wouldn't be very long before the earth began to decay... the seas dirtied and rivers ceased to flow, fires lost their heat and the world became dark and cold... It really would become an unlivable world... (Galuf runs towards them.) Galuf: We've gotta protect the crystals! Bartz: Huh? Did that trigger any of your memories? Galuf: Nope... Doesn't matter. I'm still gonna help! (Faris walks up to them.) Faris: Well said, old man. I'm coming along too. Plus, we still have to find Lenna's father. Bartz: King Tycoon? But he disappeared into thin air. Faris: He still lives, I feel it in my bones! Never for a moment believe otherwise! Lenna: Bartz... Will you come with us? Bartz: Before, I was just coming along for the ride... But seeing everyone here... Lenna: The crystal shards... (Bartz looks at the crystal shards.) Bartz: We were given power to protect the world... The power of the wind crystal... ... ... ... That's it, I'm in! We've got some crystals to save! (Everyone nods. Galuf climbs on the bow of the ship.) Galuf: Sure enough! Let's be off! (The group sails too the Torna Canal. When they get to the locked gate, Bartz climbs on the bow and unlocks the gate.) Galuf: Bartz! Where in tarnation did you get that key? Bartz: Does it matter? Let's get going! (They head through the canal until suddenly, a whirlpool forms in front of them, startling Bartz and Lenna, who are at the bow, and Galuf and Faris, who are at the wheel.) Bartz: Hey...what's that? Lenna: Oh no...the sealed monster... Faris: Thundering typhoons! The rudder's not responding! Galuf: You'd better figure something out fast, 'cause we're getting sucked in- (The boat gets sucked into the whirlpool. Everyone is at the bow, when Syldra suddenly gives a cry.) Faris: Syldra, what's wrong!? Bartz: Look alive, something's coming! (The group is attacked by Karlabos, but they defeat it. The ship manages to escape the whirlpool, but Syldra gets trapped inside it.) Faris: Syldra! Bartz: ...I'm sure she's okay. She's a fighter, and you know it. Faris: Syldra!!! (He tries to jump off the ship, but Galuf and Bartz hold him back.) Faris: Lemme go! I said, get off! Syldra!!! (Syldra is pulled into the whirlpool.) ================================================================================ 7. Faris's Secret ================================================================================ (That night, Galuf and Bartz are talking as the ship drifts aimlessly.) Bartz: How's Faris? Galuf: As well as can be expected. We should leave him be. Bartz: The ship is just drifting with the current... Galuf: Wonder where we'll end up? (Meanwhile, Lenna is consoling Faris.) Lenna: Faris... Syldra is- Surely Syldra is still out there, alive, somewhere... Faris: ... (The ship ends up at the Ship Graveyard. The four, who had fallen asleep on the deck, wake up.) Bartz: Where is this? Faris: The graveyard of the sea... Lenna: A gathering place for ruined and scuttled ships...and a nest for the undead. Galuf: Brrrrr. All the more reason to hotfoot it out of here! (The three head through the graveyard until they find a section underwater.) Faris: Do we have to go this way? We'll get soaked... Bartz: What, are you going to melt or something? Come on! (The three head underwater and continue until they find a dry room with some beds and supplies.) Bartz: I'm soaked... Yow! There's a fish in my shorts! Lenna: This room seems safe enough... Let's take a rest. (She heads over to the other exit to the room.) Lenna: I'm going to change into dry clothes... No peeking! (She goes into the other exit as Bartz gets some supplies and starts a fire. He and Galuf sit next to it, but Faris stays away from them.) Bartz: Okay, time to get dry! Faris: I'm fine like this...don't worry about me. Galuf: Are you crazy, boy? You'll catch pneumonia in those wet things! (The other two head over and grab Faris, who tries to get them off.) Faris: Hey, what're you doing? Get away! Don't touch- (He flings the two, who have shocked expressions, away, and Lenna reenters the room.) Lenna: What's all the commotion? Bartz: Yeow! Lenna- this- he- Galuf: Oh, my stars and comets! HE'S A SHE! Faris: Well- maybe I am! You got a problem with it!? Lenna: Of course not... Just, why were you trying to hide it? Faris: When I was just a lad- er, lass, a pirate band took me in. I've been one of them ever since. Bartz: Yeah, so? Faris: Well, would YOU want to be the only girl on a ship full of pirates? Bartz: ...Ah, right. Yeah. Galuf: Haw! I knew from the start that you were too pretty to be a man! *whew...* Faris: Anyhow- make fun of me for really being a woman and I'll shiver your timbers but good! Bartz: Uh...okay... Faris: That's right, it's okay! Now, I'm turning in, and you louts had best do the same! (Faris goes to bed. The next day, everyone is asleep. Faris wakes up and hops out of bed and steps away from the others.) Faris: Ahhh, slept like a log! Rise and shine, dullards! Time's a-wasting! (Bartz and Lenna get out of bed, while Galuf rolls over and falls off the bed.) Faris: Hey, old man! That's enough lollygagging from the likes of you! On your feet! Let's go! (Galuf gets to his feet.) Galuf: Bah... If you aren't gonna dress like a girl- and you should, a real shame to hide such assets- y'could at least talk like one... Bartz: Heh... No point in trying to change her... Faris is who she is! Lenna: That's for certain! (The group heads through the ship graveyard until they reach dry land. The place suddenly darkens.) Bartz: Something's fishy about this place, and it ain't cod... (Stella suddenly flickers into view.) Stella: Bartz... Come closer... Bartz: Mom? (He approaches her, winces, and suddenly falls into a trance. King Tycoon then flickers into view.) King Tycoon: Come here, honey... Lenna: Father! (She runs up to him. Faris follows her.) Faris: Lenna!? ...ah... (They fall into a trance. Then a blond-haired girl flickers into view.) Girl: Grandpa, over here... (Galuf frowns, turns away, and shakes his head.) Galuf: Who's that? I just can't remember... (As he turns back to the others, Bartz, Lenna, and Faris suddenly collapse and their souls leave their bodies and go towards the illusions. Siren appears.) Siren: Just let us have your soul... become one of us! Galuf: Demon! What are you? Siren: Oho... I didn't expect any of you to escape the effects of my magic... Greetings. I am Siren. I'm afraid your companions' souls now belong to me. Still, I'm feeling generous... I could be convinced to spare yours if you ran home quietly. Galuf: You think I would abandon these kids? Fat chance, missy! Siren: Why would you risk your life for these people? Galuf: Because... They're my friends! (Galuf turns to the others.) Galuf: Don't be fooled by her trickery! Open your eyes! (Galuf goes up to each of them and slaps them, breaking their trances. The illusions of Stella, King Tycoon, and the blonde girl dispel, and the souls return to their bodies.) Narrator: Bartz snaps out of it! Lenna comes to her senses! Faris leave her trance! Bartz: Galuf! Uh-oh- here it comes! (Siren attacks them, but they defeat her.) Bartz: Galuf! You saved us... I owe you my life. Galuf: Ehh, don't sweat it. (He looks embarrassed.) Bartz: Aww, you're blushing! Galuf: I'm doing nothing of the sort! (The other three laugh and they all leave the ship graveyard.) ================================================================================ 8. To North Mountain! ================================================================================ (The three head to Carwen and talk to a woman.) Woman: The kingdom of Walse is south of here, beyond the sea. They use a machine to amplify the power of the water crystal. Lenna: We must stop it! How can we get to Walse? Woman: Walse is across the ocean. It's a quick trip by ship, but since the wind slowed, there aren't any ships sailing... Galuf: Hrn... Haven't got Syldra, either... (Faris suddenly looks depressed.) Galuf: Faris- I'm sorry. Lenna: Bartz, have you any ideas? Bartz: No ships, so we can't go by sea... So if we can't go by land or sea, then... (The group finds another woman standing outside the Pub.) Woman: My husband claims he saw a wind drake flying to North Mountain! Everyone says it's hogwash - really now, wind drakes? But then he got all nettled, and now he's having himself a sulk upstairs in the pub. I don't know what to do with him! (They find the husband at the top of the pub.) Man: I really saw it! Up at North Mountain, flyin' around - it was a dragon, sure as I live! Lenna: What kind of dragon- was it tamed? What did it looks like? Man: Uhh, looked dragonlike... It was wearin' some sort of armor, as I recall... Could've been a real live wind drake! Lenna: Hiryu! Fathe's wind drake is on North Mountain...? Faris: What!? Why would it be there? Lenna: On North Mountain grows a plant called dragon grass. It is the only substance that can heal a wind drake's wounds... That means Hiryu must be hurt! Galuf: Wind drake, huh? ...Say, Bartz. Since land and sea're out... Bartz: We should take to the air! Lenna: We could ride to Walse on Hiryu! Galuf: That's the ticket! Now, let's get moving to North Mountain! (The group heads to North Mountain and travels through it until Lenna spots King Tycoon's helmet and jumps in shock. She runs over to it and picks it up.) Lenna: Father's helmet! (Suddenly, an arrow strikes her and she collapses, startling the others.) Narrator: Lenna is struck by a poisoned arrow! Bartz: Lenna! (He starts to head over to her, but the ground suddenly collapses. Magissa walks up to Lenna.) Magissa: Ohohoho... I came here after that wind drake, but seems like I've caught something even more valuable. Bartz: Wait...you'd hunt a wind drake!? Magissa: Of course. Their horns fetch quite a high price on the black market, ohohoho! And I see I've caught no less than the princess of Tycoon! Yes, you'll make a lovely souvenir for my husband. Faris: Let her go, you addle-pated foul-complexioned scofflaw! (Faris moves back and runs towards the gap, leaping over it. However, the part she is on collapses, and she barely manages to cling onto the cliff-face before falling.) Bartz: Faris! Magissa: Oops, I guess he slipped. Pity. (She jumps in shock.) Magissa: What!? (Faris manages to climb back up the cliff. She throws a rope to Bartz, and the two make a rope bridge. Bartz and Galuf cross to where the others are.) Bartz: Lenna! Hang on! (Lenna gets up.) Magissa: Ooh... Annoying little twerps, ruining my plans... Fine, it just means I'll have to crush all four of you! (They battle. Awhile into the battle...) Magissa: Honey! Come here and take out the trash! (Forza appears to battle. The four defeat Magissa and Forza.) Lenna: Faris, thank you! (The group keeps going until they spot Hiryu at the top of North Mountain in the middle of a field of poisonous flowers. Lenna runs to Hiryu.) Lenna: Hiryu! Faris: He's hurt pretty bad... Lenna: Hiryu... don't worry, I'll take care of you. (Hiryu gives a weak cry. Lenna runs towards the dragon grass, stepping onto the poisonous flowers and poisoning herself.) Faris: Lenna! What- Where're you going!? (She runs towards her, but stops at Lenna's words.) Lenna: Don't come any closer! I will be fine. Just...must reach the dragon grass... (She moves towards the dragon grass, touching another flower by accident, and picks the dragon grass. She runs back to the others and gives the dragon grass to Faris.) Lenna: Give the dragon grass to Hiryu...quickly... (She faints. Faris feeds the grass to Hiryu, who eats it.) Lenna: Please, get well... (Hiryu gives a strong cry, and spreads his wings. Galuf runs towards Lenna.) Galuf: My stars and garters! You're out of your gourd, young lady- that was insanely reckless! (Hiryu flies towards Lenna and heals her poisoning. Lenna stands up.) Narrator: Lenna's poisoning is cured! Lenna: Hiryu...thank you! Galuf: Looks like you're both hale and hearty again! Let's saddle up! (Bartz moves away from them, looking embarrassed.) Bartz: ...Actually, I, uh, I don't really like heights... (The others burst out laughing.) Bartz: What's so funny!? Galuf: Your face, kiddo! Anyway, get on! (They all climb on Hiryu and leave North Mountain.) ================================================================================ 9. Return to Castle Tycoon ================================================================================ (The group heads inside Castle Tycoon, shocking the Chancellor and two of the guards.) Chancellor: Princess Lenna! Lenna: Forgive me... I didn't mean to worry you. Chancellor: No need to fret about that now. But please, you must return to the palace! Our guard has been severely weakened by monster raids, but there is no way we can recover without our princess! Lenna: I'm sorry...I cannot stay. Chancellor: Princess, you have a responsibility to this kingdom! Lenna: Yes...but more importantly I have a responsibility to the world. Right now, we are all in danger... What's more... Father is still alive, and I- Chancellor: ...I understand. Princess Lenna, we will protect the kingdom, I swear it! Lenna: ANd I swear to return, and bring Father back. Until that time, please hold things together here. Chancellor: For now, will you at least stay the night? Lenna: Certainly. (Later that night, Lenna is sleeping in her room, when she wakes up and heads outside to the balcony, where Faris is.) Lenna: Faris? Faris: Hm? Ah, Lenna. It's late...you should be in bed. Lenna: So should you...Sister. Faris: ...!!! Lenna: I'm right, aren't I? You're my older sister... Faris: Wh-what are you going on about? Me, your... That's daft! Lenna: But... Faris: Besides, a buccaneer like me, really a prince- er, princess? 'Tis a bit much, that! (She laughs a bit before running back inside, as Lenna looks sad.) Lenna: But...your pendant... (The next morning, Bartz is stil asleep.) ???: Bartz...Bartz! Bartz: ... *snort* ...nhuh? (Bartz is suddenly flung from his bed, confusing him. The lights come on, revealing the other three.) Lenna: *giggle* Galuf: What in tarnation are you doing, kid? Faris: I think he's a few men short of a full crew... (As the four head out, they meet an old man.) Old Man: The chancellor's gone outside...he said he had something for Princess Lenna. (Later, the four encounter an old woman named Jenica.) Jenica: I've served in this castle for quite some time. I looked after both Princess Lenna and Princess Sarisa. Bartz: Sarisa? Jenica: Princess Lenna's older sister. Sarisa was sailing with her father when a storm hit, and she was lost at sea. (The group then finds the chancellor in the storehouse.) Chancellor: Princess, this staff has been kept in your family for generations. Take it. I'm sure you can find it of use. Lenna: Thank you! (He gives them the Staff of Healing and leaves.) ================================================================================ 10. The Water Crystal ================================================================================ (The four head to Walse Castle and meet up with the King.) King Walse: Princess Lenna! This is certainly a pleasant surprise! Lenna: King Walse. You look well. (She walks up to him and bows.) Lenna: I come with a request. Please, stop amplifying the power of the water crystal! King Walse: Ho ho ho... You must be joking. I could never do that! My people live comfortably thanks to the crystal's power. Lenna: King Walse, if left as it is, the crystal will shatter! King Walse: Hmm... I have heard about the incident with the wind crystal... However... No evidence proves that the same thing will happen to the water crystal. Furthermore, I am certain that the people would be opposed to ceasing the crystal's amplification. (Bartz runs up to them.) Bartz: Look, we don't have time to be arguing over this... (Suddenly, the entire area turns red and begins to shake.) Bartz: Holy moly! What's going on!? (Outside, a meteor falls and lands next to Walse Tower. A soldier runs in as the vibrations cease.) Soldier: It's an emergency! A meteorite fell near the Tower of Walse! King Walse: What!? (The King and soldier look out the window.) King Walse: There is no time to lose. Assemble the guard! To the tower at once! Soldier: Yes, sire! (The soldier leaves as the king turns to Lenna.) King Walse: Pardon this interruption... I believe you understand the severity of the situation. We'll continue this later. (The king heads towards the exit.) King Walse: Move out! (He and several soldiers leave. The four follow, eventually heading into Walse Tower, where they find two collapsed guards.) Soldier 1: Garula suddenly went berserk and stormed into the tower...we didn't stand a chance. The King went after it...some unknown knight went in, too... Soldier 2: It took is by surprise... Garula's never tried to attack anyone before... (The group heads through until they find King Walse crumpled on the floor.) King Walse: Garula's upstairs... Please...save the crystal... (The group continues until they reach the crystal room. An orange knight is trying to stop Garula from reaching the crystal.) Knight: They're controlling you, aren't they! Well, I won't let you destroy the crystal! (Garula shoves the knight aside, who doesn't get up, and faces the party.) Bartz: Uh-oh- here it comes! (Garula attacks, but the four manage to defeat it. As they head up to the Water Crystal, it glows.) Lenna: Look! Faris: The crystal... (The crystal suddenly shatters, scattering the shards around the room.) Lenna: We're too late... Knight: Uhnnn... (The knight suddenly gets up and walks towards the exit of the room before he collapses again.) Knight: Uhnnn... ...Lord Galuf! (Galuf walks towards him.) Galuf: ...Me? You know who I am? Knight: Lord Galuf... Couldn't protect it... For-forgive... Galuf: Hey- stay with me, man! Please, tell me who I am! Knight: Fire crystal...protect...ngh... (The knight doesn't speak anymore, and the others bow their heads in respect. The shards began to glow.) Faris: The crystal fragments are glowing... Bartz: Are they gonna give us their power, too? (The group gathers up five crystal shards.) Narrator: Resting within the shard, a warrior's spirit... Berserker. Red Mage. Time Mage. Mystic Knight. Summoner. (Before they could grab the last shard, the tower begins to shake.) Bartz: What's going on!? Faris: The tower- it's sinking! (The group glances at the last crystal shard before they flee through the back exit. The entire peninsula with the tower sinks into the ocean, dumping the four into the ocean where they frantically try to swim to the surface.) Bartz: Aughhh!!! (Suddenly, Syldra appears behind them.) Faris: Syldra! (Syldra roars and draws the unconscious Bartz and Galuf into her mouth.) Faris: Syldra! You're alive! (An unconscious Lenna begins to drift away from them. Faris grabs her and pulls her into Syldra's mouth with her. Syldra then swims to dry land, where the four exit her mouth.) Faris: Syldra! Lenna: Syldra... You used the last of your strength to save us... (Syldra roars.) Faris: What are you saying? Syldra! You can't die, I won't let you! (Syldra drifts away, weakly roaring, as Faris tries to run after her. Lenna holds her back.) Lenna: Syldra... Thank you... Faris: ...Syldra... ================================================================================ 11. A Not-So-Warm Welcome ================================================================================ (The group heads back to Walse Castle and find the King in his chambers.) King Walse: Princess... You were completely right... *cough cough* Lenna: King Walse! Don't push yourself... King Walse: You must hurry to Karnak. Their fire crystal is being amplified with a machine similar to ours. It seems that a meteorite has fallen outside of Karnak as well... There is no time to lose... (The group nods. Somewhere in the castle, they find a soldier from Karnak.) Karnak Soldier: I was investigating the meteorite that fell near Karnak when I was suddenly warped here... Hey- where is "here," anyways? Where'd Karnak Castle go? (The group heads to the Walse Meteor and inside it, where they find a glowing panel. Bartz accidentally steps on the panel and disappears, shocking everyone.) Lenna: Bartz! Galuf: Did he make it? Did he...warp? Lenna: We won't know until we try! (Lenna and Faris jump onto the panel and disappear, but Galuf hesitates.) Galuf: This...this all looks really familiar... And that soldier in the tower knew me... Who am I? (The four are warped to the Karnak Meteor. The group heads to the town of Karnak and is about to purchase something from a shop when they hear a voice.) ???: You there! Freeze! (A young man walks into the shop and points at the party.) Young Man: There they are! Bartz: ??? Young Man: They're with the monsters! We saw you all crawl from the meteorite- don't try to deny it! (Guards run into the shop and drag them off. The party awakens in a cell. After some time, the old man in the cell next to them blows up the wall between them. They talk to him.) Old Man: Oh, horsefeathers! Bartz: !? (The old man walks into the cell.) Old Man: My great escape, and it's another cell! That's the last of my explosives, too... Nuts! (The four look at each other and laugh, but quickly stop when the old man looks at them.) Old Man: Oh, you kids think that's funny, do you? (They shake their heads.) Old Man: Ehh...doesn't matter. The name's Cid. Lenna: What? The same Professor Cid who made those terrible machines to amplify the crystals? Cid: ... Lenna: Forgive me, that was rude... Cid: No, you don't have to apologize. It's the truth, after all. I'm to blame for everything... It's been years... One day, I found an ancient tome in the Library of the Ancients. It said that thousands of years ago, the crystals held much more power than they do now. So, I studied the crystals at Tycoon, Walse, and Karnak, and build machines to enhance them... But I was wrong...increasing their power output only caused them to shatter... Oh, it's all my fault! Bartz: But why are you locked up? Cid: I was too late to save the crystals in Tycoon and Walse... Figured I could at least save the one here in Karnak. But when I tried to switch off the machine, they threw me in here. Bartz: So, you're in the same boat as us... Cid: You're here to protect the crystal? (Bartz nods.) Bartz: Yup! They asked us to! (He shows Cid the crystal shards, and Cid freaks out.) Cid: What!? A crystal shard... Who are you people!? Chancellor: This is terrible! Oh no! Professor Cid! (The Chancellor runs into the dungeon and unlocks the cell door. Cid runs out.) Cid: What's happened? Chancellor: You were right all along... The crystal's cracked! Cid: What!? Chancellor: I turned off the amplifier but the crystal's power output has only increased... Cid: The fire-powered ship... Chancellor: Yes? What about it? Cid: Most likely the fire-powered ship is what's leeching power from the crystal. Chancellor: Professor, please. We cannot do this alone. Please help us! (Cid nods, goes back into the cell, and has the others follow him out.) Cid: I need these kids' help as well. Chancellor: What? They were seen coming out of the meteorite. They're in cahoots with that werewolf! Cid: If they can't help, I guess I can't either. Chancellor: ...All right, Professor. (Cid nods and heads to the party.) Cid: You're willing to help me, right? (The four nod.) Cid: I'll go ahead to the fire-powered ship. It's not exactly a safe place to be...you get ready and meet me there. I'll be waiting! (Cid and the Chancellor leave. The group heads outside the castle when they hear a scream.) Soldier: The werewolf!!! (A werewolf tries to get inside the castle but it is blocked.) Soldier: Don't let it in! (An explosion occurs, and the werewolf freaks and runs away.) Soldier: We scared him off using some of Professor Cid's explosives... But he'll be back, you can count on it. (The party heads onto the fire-powered boat. Cid runs up to them.) Cid: Took you long enough! Just as I suspected- the ship's engine is what's draining the crystal's power. Bartz: The engine? Cid: Yes... If the engine isn't stopped- and quickly- the fire crystal will shatter. Will you go? (The group nods, and Cid leads them to a door.) Cid: You can get inside here...but it'll be tough going from here on. The ship's packed with monsters! Good luck, kids... We're counting on you. (The group nods and heads inside the ship. After awhile, they find Queen Karnak in the boiler room.) Lenna: Queen Karnak! Bartz: What's going on? (A ring of purple energy suddenly surrounds Queen Karnak as the room goes red.) Queen Karnak: Infidels... You shall pay for interfering with my revival! (They are attacked by Liquid Flame. The group defeats Liquid Flame. The engine explodes, and the ring around Queen Karnak does as well. She collapses.) Bartz: Queen Karnak! Queen Karnak: I...I was being controlled by something...an evil spirit... It desires to envelop everything in darkness... Bartz: Your highness... Queen Karnak: The crystals...it's not just the machines that are destroying them... Something evil is using their power to resurrect itself... Please...save the fire crystal. It's in the room just through that pipe... (The group travels to the room with the Fire Crystal.) Lenna: The fire crystal! (A door opens from the other end of the room and the werewolf walks in.) Wolf: Thank goodness, it's still intact! (The wolf heads towards them and suddenly starts.) Wolf: Galuf!? Bartz: We won't let you touch the crystal, werewolf! Wolf: Stand down. I am not your enemy! Bartz: I'm not so sure about that! (Galuf stares at the werewolf, confused.) Wolf: Galuf, say something! What's happened...is something wrong? Galuf: You know me? Ughhh... Can't remember a thing... Who in blazes am I, anyway... (As Galuf tries to remember, a soldier suddenly walks into the room and activates the machine.) Wolf: You there- what have you done!? Sending that much power through the crystal will smash it to smithereens! (The soldier is surrounded by green energy.) Soldier: And this makes three... One more and the seal is broken. Mwah-hahaha! (The soldier leaves. The group runs to the switch and Bartz tries to pull it back before giving up.) Bartz: No good. The switch is broken! (Two vents close, separating the werewolf and the party. As the third vent closes, the werewolf stands between it and the crystal and tries to push it back.) Wolf: Galuf! I'll hold this back- you four must escape! Only one chance remains... Save the earth crystal! (Fires erupt in the room and the vent pushes towards the crystal.) Wolf: Go! Once the crystal shatters, the whole room will go up in flames! Get out of here, and protect the last crystal with your lives! Bartz: Werewolf! Lenna: We have to help him! (As they move to help him, fires suddenly block their path, and the ground collapses, flinging them into the floor below.) Wolf: Galuf... You're our only hope... (The fire crystal shatters, sending the whole room in flames, and the wolf perishes in the heat. Meanwhile, the group falls into the room below. The fires in the room die out.) Faris: The flames are dying... Bartz: The fire crystal must've lost its power... (The group heads up the stairs and back to the room where the fire crystal was and notice the shards.) Lenna: The crystal's shattered... Galuf: Where's the werewolf? Bartz: He probably got trapped in the fire...couldn't get out... Lenna: We have to hurry! The castle was held together by the power of the fire crystal! Bartz: Hold up- so now that the crystal's gone, the castle's gonna blow!? (Lenna nods.) Lenna: Exactly! We've got no time to lose! Narrator: Time left before detonation: 10 minutes! (The group runs through the castle, grabbing items along the way. Just as they are almost outside, they are attacked by a Sergeant and 3 Curr Nakks. After killing the Cur Nakks, they realize something.) Lenna: He's no ordinary soldier! Galuf: Show us your true form! Sergeant: Hahahahaha! You wish to know my true identity? I am the famed bounty hunter... Iron Claw! MORPH!!! (He transforms into Iron Claw. The party defeats him. The group then flees the castle just as it explodes. The group watches, and three crystal shards land in front of them.) Bartz: Crystal shards... Will you lend us your power as well? (The group gathers the crystal shards.) Narrator: Resting within the shard, a warrior's spirit... Beastmaster. Geomancer. Ninja. ================================================================================ 12. The Library of the Ancients ================================================================================ (The group goes to the fire-powered boat and talks to Cid.) Cid: If only I'd never made that infernal machine... Everything- all of this is my fault! If it weren't for me... (Cid suddenly runs away from the boat.) Bartz: Cid! Lenna: Professor! Faris: ... Galuf: Must be tough for him... (The four chase Cid to the top floor of the Pub.) Bartz: Cid! Cid: Leave me alone! If only I hadn't made that infernal machine... Lenna: Professor, it wasn't your fault... Cid: Please, just let me be! (The four bow their heads, leave the Pub, and go to the Library of the Ancients. They discover that Mid, Cid's grandson, is missing, and they go look for him. At one point, they find a book possessed by Ifrit.) Ifrit: I am Ifrit... For many years I have existed, sealed within the pages of this book... Only those who can withstand my flames will be granted the privilege of summoning me. (The group fights Ifrit. After awhile...) Ifrit: ...Enough! You have proven your worth. I shall grant you the use of my powers. (The book joins the group.) Narrator: Received the summoned monster Ifrit! (The group travels until they meet a bookshelf that blocks their path.) Bookshelf: Bwah-ha-ha! None shall pass! (It blocks their way, but the energy of fire suddenly crackles.) Bookshelf: Gah- Ifrit! S-sorry, sir! (The bookshelf lets them pass. The party travels until they find a boy reading a book in a room.) Bartz: What's that? Lenna: Mid? Galuf: Stay on your toes! I have a bad feeling about this place. (The group is suddenly attacked by book monster, Byblos. They defeat Byblos.) Byblos: Arrrgh! So, this is the end...but only for me. Very soon, the master's seal will be blown wide open!!! (Afterwards, the group speaks to Mid, startling him.) Mid: Huh? I told you not to bother me when I'm reading! Bartz: Don't tell me you were engrossed in that book the whole time!? Mid: What whole time? Now that you mention it, I did hear some rustling behind me... Oh, was that you? (The four turn away, open-mouthed.) Bartz: !? Lenna: ...!? Galuf: You've gotta be kidding. Faris: A strange bird, this one... Mid: Whatever...guess it's time to go back, huh? You guys coming too? I know a shortcut. (Mid opens a passageway in the books, and the five head through it. They reach the room with the scholars reading book, startling one as Mid climbs out.) Scholar 1: Mid! There you are! (The party climbs out.) Scholar 2: Mid! You're all right! Scholar 3: Thank you for finding Mid! Scholar 4: Thank goodness you're back! (Mid realizes something.) Mid: Huh? You came to save me? I dunno what I needed to be saved from, but it was nice of you anyway. Oh yeah! Look at this! (He, along with everyone, heads to a table and opens a book.) Mid: I found the most amazing book! Check it out... I bet with this method, we could repower the fire-powered ship! I've gotta tell Grandpa Cid about it right away! Bartz: Cid? Mid: Oh, you know of him? He's my grandfather. Grandpa is so awesome! When he's researching, he's unstoppable - he never gives up until he's found the solution! Faris: Maybe that's how he was in the past, but now... Mid: What're you talking about? Faris: I'm just saying... He sure is acting like he's given up now... Mid: What!? He would never do that! (Mid stares at everyone, before snatching up the book. He pushes past a scholar and flees the Library.) Lenna: Wait- Mid! (The four chase him.) ================================================================================ 13. Flashback ================================================================================ (The four head to the top floor of Karnak's pub, only finding Cid.) Bartz: Cid! Cid: ... Lenna: Mid isn't here? Faris: Come on, man. Pull yourself together! Cid: Leave me alone... Don't waste your time on a worthless old lump like me. (Everyone bows their head.) Mid: Grandpa! (Everyone stares as Mid comes into the room.) Cid: Mid? (Mid shoves past the party and begans to slap Cid.) Cid: Ouch! Mid, stop that! What are you doing? Mid: What am I doing? What are YOU doing, you silly old fool!? You never give up! Never! (After a bit, Mid stops and bows his head.) Cid: Mid... Mid: You always told me not to be afraid of failing... That if you messed up, you just had to start over and try again... What happened to that!? Cid: Mid... (Cid bows his head before raising it.) Cid: Mid... ... Just try again... ... Mid! You're absolutely right! (Mid beams.) Mid: Of course I am! Cid: It's not over. The earth crystal is still out there! Bartz: Yeah, but where? Cid: That I don't know. But we've got to find it and protect it! And to do that... Mid: We'll need the fire-powered ship! I'm right, aren't I? Cid: Yes... We'll need the fire-powered ship moving again. But without the crystal... Mid: Way ahead of you, Grandpa. Just look at this! (He opens the book.) Cid: Ohh, where'd you dig this up? Hmm... Ahh, I see, like that... Nice work, Mid, this could do it! All right! Let's get to work! Mid: Yeah! (Everyone nods. Mid takes the book, and he and Cid leave the room. The group follows them to the fire-powered ship. As they get on, Mid shoves them aside.) Mid: Move it, guys! (Cid runs up to them.) Cid: You'll have to excuse Mid, he's all fired up! We'll take care of the ship, so you kids just sit tight. (The group nods, and they head inside the cabin. Galuf suddenly gets an odd look on his face.) Bartz: Galuf, what's wrong? (The others walk up to him.) Faris: Yes...you do look even stranger than usual. Lenna: Galuf, are you all right? (Galuf turns away from them.) Galuf: My head... (He feels a little dizzy, but it stops. He turns back to the others.) Galuf: It was like I could almost remember... (Flashback to where Mid finds Cid.) Mid: Grandpa! (Mid enters the room.) Cid: Mid? (Flashback to Galuf standing on a castle balcony.) Krile: Grandpa! (Galuf turns around and the blonde girl walks up to him.) Galuf: Krile! (Flashback to where Mid is slapping Cid.) Cid: Ouch! Mid, stop that! What are you doing? Mid: What am I doing? What are YOU doing, you silly old fool!? You never give up! Never! (Second flashback to where Krile is slapping Galuf.) Galuf: Owww! Hey, knock it off! Krile: Silly old fool! (Flashback end.) Galuf: K... Kri... Krile... (Galuf suddenly feels dizzy, but it stops.) Bartz: Galuf! What happened!? Lenna: Did you remember something!? (Galuf walks away from them, before facing them.) Galuf: I'm...I'm not from this world! Bartz: !? (The other three leap back in shock.) Galuf: I warped here through a meteorite from another world. Because... The evil we'd sealed thirty years ago was beginning to reawaken... So I came to stop it... Bartz: Evil is reawakening? Galuf: That's right... Big, bad evil, too- the dark warlock, Exdeath! (Flashback. Galuf is standing with three other people, two men and a werewolf, in a cavern.) ???: No doubt about it! The power of the four crystals is gathered here! ???: Perfect! We'll use their power to seal Exdeath here! (The X-shaped marking in the world with four seals is shown. End flashback.) Galuf: To seal him, I came here once before, thirty years ago... Lenna: So... If all four crystals are destroyed, then Exdeath's seal will be broken as well? Galuf: Right... Ughhh...my head... (Galuf moves away as he feels dizzy. The other three surround him.) Bartz: Galuf! Galuf: Still...still can't remember clearly...urg... We can't...allow Exdeath t'...be reborn...gkk... (After another dizzy spell, Galuf collapses.) Bartz: Galuf!!! Galuf: 'M...okay... ================================================================================ 14. Spotted! ================================================================================ (The group exits the cabin and finds Cid and Mid asleep on the deck. They wake Cid up.) Mid: Zzz...zzz... Cid: *yawn* ...Ahhh, slept like a top! (Mid wakes up.) Mid: *yawn* ...Ahhh, slept like a top! Heheh, I sound like the old man! It's finished! We are so awesome! Cid: Presenting, a boat that will sail without any wind! Bartz: So we can use this ship to go find the earth crystal! Cid: Righto! We're counting on you. We'll return to the Library of the Ancients for now. Mid: We should be able to find some more clues there. (The two begin to head off the boat.) Cid: If you need anything, then just stop by! Mid: Take care of yourselves! (They nod, and Bartz goes to the wheel.) Bartz: We're off! (The group heads out. After awhile, they near Crescent Island, and stop by the Crescent Village. As they head inside, an old man freaks out.) Old Man: Not again... It's another quake! (He runs around, panicking, while the party looks confused. Suddenly, an earthquake occurs, knocking them down, before they pick themselves up.) Bartz: What the- Crap, the ship! (As they head towards the exit, they realize something.) Bartz: Oh no, the ship's sinking! (The fire-powered ship is pulled into a whirlpool and sinks. The group leaves the village and heads south to the Black Chocobo Forest. As they enter the forest, they spot something.) Galuf: What the heck is that? Lenna: A chocobo...? Faris: Doesn't look like any chocobo I've ever seen. Bartz: Whatever it is, I'll catch it! (Bartz eventually catches the chocobo.) Black Chocobo: Kweeeh! Bartz: He's a black chocobo! Lenna: Oh! This means they aren't extinct after all! Bartz: Guess not! Black chocobos can fly, so... Giddyup! (Bartz climbs onto the chocobo, which attempts to fly, but falls, throwing Bartz off as well. Galuf and Lenna run to Bartz while Faris examines the chocobo.) Black Chocobo: Kweeeh! Galuf: He didn't giddy. Did you break him or something? Faris: Not funny, old man. Sounds like he's got something stuck down his gullet... (Faris thumps the black chocobo a few times, and two crystal shards fly out of it's mouth as Bartz gets up.) Lenna: Crystal shards!? Faris: They must have been blown here by the explosion in Karnak... (The other three walk up to the shards.) Bartz: ...And 'cause he swallowed them, he couldn't fly! (He gathers the crystal shards.) Narrator: Resting within the shard, a warrior's spirit... Bard. Ranger. Bartz: Ew, they're still sticky. Galuf: But maybe this time he'll be able to fly! (The four climb onto the black chocobo, which dances slightly and begins to fly. They fly back to the Library of the Ancients, where Cid and Mid run up to them.) Cid: Hey! You're back! Bartz: Cid... We found Crescent Island, but the fire-powered ship sank! Cid: Oh, so? Mid: Whatever. We'll just build another one! Cid: More importantly, we've learned the whereabouts of King Tycoon! (Everyone starts.) Lenna: What!? Cid: He was seen in Karnak. From there, he moved on to the Desert of Shifting Sands... Faris: Shifting Sands, you say? Mid: It's the desert to the west of here, where the sand flows like water... Cid: That's the name. It's impossible for people to enter. They say that past the desert is the Town of Ruin, but no one can actually get there to see. Bartz: If no one can enter the desert, how did the king manage to do it? Cid: Good question. Mid: Witnesses claimed to see him floating in midair. Bartz: Floating!? (Mid nods.) Lenna: Father... Faris: Come on, it's not like we're getting any closer to that desert by sitting around here. Galuf: Doesn't matter how close we get TO it if we don't know how to get IN! Faris: Maybe we'll see it and be inspired. Don't tell me you're afraid of some sand, old man... Galuf: Please! When I was your age, we crossed burning sand every day and liked it! Come on, Bartz! Bartz: Let's check it out! (The group leaves the Library.) ================================================================================ 15. Home Sweet Home ================================================================================ (The group enters Lix, where everyone seems to recognize Bartz.) Scholar: Hey Bartz! It's me! Look, we've got to hang out later. It'll be like old times. (Flashback to when the two were kids.) Scholar: Read or not, here I come! (Bartz climbs onto the roof of a three-story house.) Bartz: O-ka-aaay!!! (He stays there until nightfall. Bored, little Bartz walks around the roof until he suddenly slips. He clings to the roof.) Bartz: Hey... Somebody...anybody! (End flashback.) Scholar: Heheh, ever since then you've been afraid of heights, huh? When I was a kid, everyone teased me for being dumb, but now I'm gonna be a scholar, 'coz I'm S-M-R-T smart! [sic] (They enter Bartz's house, where a bard now lives.) Bard: You used to live in this house? You must have a lot of memories here. Please, take your time and look around. (Bartz examines a tape and it begins to play a song. Flashback. Bartz is in bed with his mom, Stella, standing by him. Dorgann is sitting at the table. Bartz turns his head to side, supposedly asleep. Stella slowly walks away from him and goes to Dorgann.) Dorgann: Is he asleep? Stella: ...You're leaving again so soon? Dorgann: ...No. I'm not going anywhere. Stella: The spasms aren't as frequent anymore... I can get by on my own now. Still, it would be nice if you stayed... not to take care of me, but just so we could be together, as a family... Dorgann: I know. But get some sleep. You're still sick, and you need the rest. Stella: I will, dear. Just let me finish this up first. (Stella walks off-screen. Dorgann walks towards Bartz, who turns to him.) Bartz: You're leaving again, aren't you? Dorgann: So you were awake. Bartz: Daddy, are you going to get more bad guys? Dorgann: That's what I do. Bartz: I wanna come! Dorgann: You need to stay here and take care of your mother. Don't tell her you saw me leave, all right? It'll be our little secret. Bartz: Okay, Daddy. Dorgann: Now it's time for good little boys to go to sleep. Stella! Worry about that tomorrow and come get some rest. (There was no response. Dorgann gets worried.) Dorgann: Stella? (The screen pans, and it turns out she had collapsed. Dorgann runs to her.) Dorgann: STELLA!!! (End flashback. The group leaves Bartz's house and goes to the inn.) Innkeeper: Bartz! For you, son, it's free. Stay and rest a spell! (The group goes to sleep in the Inn. That night, Faris notices that Bartz is gone. She heads outside and finds him near a gravestone.) Faris: Bartz... You okay? Bartz: Oh, Faris... Gravestone: Here Lies Stella Bartz: Meet my mom. Faris: Eh? Bartz: You know, I was born here in this village. Mom passed on when I was still young... After that I traveled with Dad for a long time. But three years ago, he got real sick... (He writes something on the gravestone.) Bartz: That should do it... Gravestone: Here Lies Stella and Dorgann, Devoted Husband Bartz: He always wanted to be buried here with Mom. Dad was so strong... Faris: A father, huh... wonder what that's like. Bartz: Faris? Faris: Let's head back. Lenna'll worry if she wakes and finds us gone. (The group leaves Lix.