Lost in blue?

Just when I get to a point where the random encounters are almost fun, the plot takes a sudden change that makes them uncommon...

We set off to the north to get the moon crystal from the empire, and after a couple of ship battles we find that it's trapped under a huge door that even the empire can't open. Then we hear that the giant whale is in the area, so we head off to avenge the death of the captain's son and crew. When find the whale the Empire is also there attacking it and duringthe fight our ship gets blown up (the captain going with it).

So now the main character is stranded on a deserted island and the game play follows him as he explores the place, gathers food, builds a signal fire, and repairs his rowboat. Meanwhile, Aika (who should have her hair down more often) and Fina were picked up by a good pirate with a giant pink ship and she drops them off with a bit of money at the nearest city.

Just as Vyse gets his rowboat (which of course flies) fixed, he's rescued by another good pirate who is a laid back womanizer. He lets Vyse sail his ship to the nearest city (which just happens to be where Aika and Fina are) before he goes off to finds some ladies. So now I just need to get the gang back together again!