Chapter 3: A Gentle Heart and the Mirror of the Truth
The Next Morning, Tatsuya, Minato and Yuno are ready for journey.
"See you soon, Mama. Bye, Papa!" Yuno hugged her parents. Fazi got out something. It was a charm of some sort. "Wait, Yuno. Before you go, I need to give you something. This is a family heirloom—a good luck charm your grandpa wore during his travels. Always keep it close." Fazi said as he gave her the charm. "…I will." Yuno nodded as she put it around her neck. "Take care of yourself." Ayn closed her eyes and smiled. Fazi turned to Tatsuya and Minato with a smile. "Look after my daughter, Tatsuya and Minato." "Don't worry, she'll be safe." Minato assured him. "Cross the Grandera River and head west to reach Lyris. We'll be praying your wishes come true!" "Thank you." Tatsuya smiled.
As the trio head outside., Yuno brought up a question. "So, um…before we take off on our journey. I need to ask you two something." Yuno asked nervously. "What is it?" Tatsuya asked. "What's your wishes gonna be?" Yuno asked. "My wish is to get my friend, Miki better." Tatsuya answered. "I also wish for Jellal to be better too." Minato added. Tatsuya and Minato explain to Yuno on what their wishes will be.
"…Oh. So you want to make your friends better. They're sick, huh?" Yuno asked sadly. Minato and Tatsuya nodded. "Then you need to find those five gemstones fast or Miki and Bridget will… oh." Yuno said worriedly. "Um…sorry I brought it up,. But I just had to know. Otherwise it wouldn't feel like we were really doing this together….you know?" Yuno pointed out. "It's okay, Yuno-san. We're in this together." Minato assured her. Yuno looked up. "…Anyway! I'll do anything I can to help you two track down those gemstones and get your wishes." Yuno said with determination. "Thanks, Yuno." Tatsuya smiled. "Wait, Tatsuya. Can I ask you one question? What's Miki like?" Yuno asked. "Well, she's a lot like you." Tatsuya stated. "Huh? She's a lot like me? What does that mean?" Yuno questioned. Tatsuya thought about it and answered. "Well… You're both kinda cute." Yuno blushed madly. "R-really? Oh quit playing around, Tatsuya!" Yuno pushed Tatsuya and he fell to the ground, with dizzy eyes. "Uh…" Minato sweat dropped. "Oops! I'm sorry! Don't die on me when our journey gotten started!" Yuno smiled nervously and sweat dropped.
The trio began their journey to Grandera River. Sooner or later, they arrived at a crossing.
The trio walked up to a gondolier like boatman. "Lyris is on the far side of the Grandera River. This is where we cross!" Yuno stated. "Ah! A customer." The boatman named Vortus smiled. "I can ferry you across the river for 10 tems. What do you say?" Vortus asked. "We got some tems on us, so okay!" Minato nodded. "All aboard!" Yuno cheered as they paid him and got on the boat.
"Wow…" Tatsuya gasped in awe as he and the others looked at the scenery while being ferried across the river. "…So where are three youngsters like yourselves heading off to?" Vortus asked. "We're heading to Lyris." Minato answered. "Yeah. Once we get across this river, we're going to travel all over Vision!" Yuno nodded. "My! That will be quite a trip. Hmm… how about I give you something special to kick off your travels?" Vortus offered. "Really! Like what?" Yuno asked excitedly. "You'll just have to wait until we cross the bank and see." Vortus told her. "I wonder what he's gonna give us." Tatsuya wondered. Vortus noticed a port nearby. "Oh, looks like we're nearly there." Vortus said with a smile.
3 minutes later, they got off the boat. "Well! Here we are." Vortus proclaimed. "So what is it you gonna give us?" Tatsuya asked in curiosity. "Ah, yes. Wait there just a moment." Vortus went into his boat and got out a bird net and cage and gave it to Yuno. "For you, young lady. As promised." Vortus smiled. Yuno inspected the items. "A net and birdcage? What are these for?" Yuno asked. "I'm delighted you asked! You hold in your hands the essential tools for bird catching. It's all the rage right now in Vision. I'll have you know." Vortus smiled again. "Bird catching…" Minato scratched her chin. "Oh trust me, it's great fun! You have to try it. I can't explain it in words—" Before Vortus can finished, a voice called out "Well, you had better try, Vortus. Especially after what happened last time." The voice joked, a merchant named Ben walked up to the trio and Vortus with a smile. "Ben! Good timing." Vortus closed his eyes and smiled. "Well met, friend." Ben commented.
"How are things in Nacht?" Vortus asked. "Kind of you to ask. I would say the folk there responded well to my guidance." Ben said with a grin. "Well, that's wonderful!" Vortus laughed heartily. "Mister, who's your friend?" Yuno asked politely. "Oh—this, children, is Ben. He's a dear friend of mine and a reputable member of SNOB." Vortus introduced everyone to Ben. "SNOB?" Tatsuya raised an eyebrow. "It stands for the Social Network of Bird lovers, of course! Ben, would you mind teaching these children about bird catching?" Vortus asked. Ben nodded in agreement. "But Vortus… as much as I applaud your hearty endorsement of bird catching, which is a noble endeavor. I must insist you make certain rules clear to new catchers. We SNOBs love catching the little darlings as much as the next man or woman and we would just as soon share that joy with every last person in Vision, but as you know, we regulate the sport so no harm would come to the little birdies. And yet, just the other day, a boy who claimed YOU told him about bird catching, why he wreaked terrible havoc! Absolutely no regard for the rules at all!" Ben scolded. "Yes, I know, I know! Funny… I was just about to explain the rules to these three kids here, but then I saw you and decided to let an expert like you teach them." Vortus explained. "Um… So how does bird catching work?" Minato asked in wonder. "Leave that to me. Follow me and I will show you the ropes of bird catching." Ben nodded.
Ben took the trio to a place called the Goalfinch Grotto, Minato and Tatsuya were shocked to find the birds the same birds they encountered when they arrived in Vision. After some training from Ben, Minato and Tatsuya got some birds, 5 to be exact. After that, Ben took them back to Vortus and they learn about bird brawling and Vortus asked them to bird brawl a friend of his in his place. They went back to Lanka Forest and bird brawl the friend, Minato and Tatsuya won and were quickly amazed by bird brawling and the rewards that follow.
"So, how was the bird brawl?" Vortus asked. "The birds were so cute!" Minato squealed, so did Yuno. "Quite so! Well, now that you have a newfound appreciation for goalfinches… my work here is done." Ben closed his eyes and smiled. "Many thanks, Ben. Let's you and I have a drink at the tavern sometime soon." Vortus said gratefully. "Yeah, let's. Good luck, children, with your bird catching and brawling!" Ben waved goodbye as he leaves. "Thanks for everything, Ben." Tatsuya bowed politely. "I'll tell you. You really saved my bacon by brawling in my place. Kee Tarma will throw a fit when I fail to show up. Well, I'll hold you up no longer. Here, take this as a little thank you." Vortus gave them a Monster Album. "You sure we can have this?" Minato gasped. "I'm positive. Why, back in my day, I used to travel all over Vision, collecting information on monsters, jotting them down on that book. Pretty useful when you're collecting materials." Vortus closed his eyes and smiled. "Cool. Hey Yuno, let me have it." Tatsuya asked, Yuno nodded and gave it to him. "Now, where are you off to again?" Vortus asked. "Lyris. We almost forgot about it." Minato answered. "Ah, Lyris. A truly beautiful city. But might I suggest you visit Sakawa? Just follow the river north. Sakawa is renowned for its seafood. Best fish in Vision! Worth a stop if you have time." Vortus stated. That caught Minato and Yuno's interest. 'Fish! Yum yum!' Yuno thought to herself. 'Cat instincts kicking in… must hold it off after eating fish!' Minato gulped. "Sounds good! Let's head to Sakawa first, then Lyris." Tatsuya smiled. "Alright, have fun on your travels." Vortus waved goodbye as he watched them head north.
20 minutes of walking and fighting monsters later, they arrived at Sakawa.
Sakawa was like a fishing village, only with aquatic like humanoids called waterkin. As the trio walked in, they saw something heading their way and a voice shouting out to them. "You three! Clear the road! Kee Keema and Turbo comin' through!" The trio yelped as they jumped out of the way as a darbaba carriage came speeding towards the entrance. Yuno was knocked back a bit, but not seriously injured. "Oops, sorry 'bout that! But I gotta deliver this or else I'm in for a tannin'!" Kee Keema apologized as his carriage was out of sight. "Y-Yuno! Are you alright?" Minato asked in concern as she and Tatsuya were hiding behind a barrel. Yuno got up and she was mad. "Hey! Watch where you're going!" Yuno got out her bow and arrow and pointed it at the direction of the carriage. "Wanna see if you can outrun my arrows? PUNK!" Yuno growled, then realized what she's doing and turned to see Minato and Tatsuya staring wide eye at her. "…Ahem! Excuse my unladylike behavior. So, this is Sakawa. Why don't we fish around for some clues or better yet, fish?" Yuno licked her lips. Minato did the same.
The trio explored Sakawa, they were amazed by what this village has to offer. After that, they head into the inn for fish.
When they entered, the innkeeper noticed them and smiled. "Excuse us, can we get some fish?" Minato asked politely. "Howdy, have a seat! Here for lunch, then?" the lodge master asked. "This mornin's catch is fresh as can be! I'll whip you up somethin' extra special." "Hear that, Tatsuya and Minato? Ooh, I can't WAIT." Yuno rubbed her hands excitedly. "Yeah." Tatsuya smiled. Suddenly, a alligator like child who wore clothes came running in and bumped into Yuno. Yuno yelped as she fell down. The boy hid behind Tatsuya and Minato. Yuno got up and the two saw a red aura emitting from Yuno, indicating she's mad. "HEY! Who ran into me this time? I'll rip him apart!" Yuno shouted, an anger vain on her forehead. "I…I…I…I'm sorry!" The waterkin boy bowed in apology. Suddenly, a bellowing voice said "Get back here, Minos. You're gonna keep practicin' till you get it." The trio and the waterkin boy known as Minos turned to see a hulking crocodile humanoid waterkin who is perhaps 30 year-old, wore heavy armor and spike gauntlets and has a huge axe on his back. 'H-He's huge!' Tatsuya gulped. The waterkin folded his arms. "Stop northern' the other customers and get back here." Minos was scared stiff. The waterkin bowed in apology. "Sorry my boy got in your hair. We'll be on our way." He replied. Yuno gulped. "You're his father? (Nice knowing you, kid…)" The waterkin dragged his son by the collar and left.
"My, my… I tell ya, that Sogreth's a tough case." The lodge master shook his head. "So that kid's father is called Sogreth?" Minato wondered. "His son looks miserable." Yuno said, feeling bad for Minos. "Cause he's in trainin'! His pop's got the poor kid at it mornin' to night. No wonder little Minos wants to take off, har!" The lodge master joked. "Wow, pretty strict for a parent." Tatsuya sweat dropped.
5 minutes later, the lodge master got their food ready. "All right, here ya are. Sakawa's finest broiled bomba in liver sauce." The lodge master smiled. "Let's eat!" Minato and Yuno said excitedly as they dig in. Tatsuya gawked at how they eat, but ate his food slowly.
Another 5 minutes later, they finish their food.
"Ugh…No more… please…" Minato rubbed her tummy. "Urrp! That fish was FILL-ING! Ready to-urrrp!—head to Lyris, Tatsuya and Minato?" Yuno burped. "Yeah. Let's head for Lyris." Tatsuya nodded. After paying for their food, the trio head for Lyris.
1 hour has passed, but the trio finally arrived at Lyris.
"So this is Lyris." Minato gasped as they entered the city. Tatsuya noticed a crowd near a Highlanders' branch. "Hey, what's going on over there?" Tatsuya said, Minato and Yuno noticed it too. "I say we go check it out!" Yuno proclaimed, Minato and Tatsuya nodded in agreement and the trio head to the crowd.
"Excuse us, sir. What's going on?" Yuno asked a man. "Did you hear? A Highlander hailing from Vahadina is about make an announcement." He told them. "About what?" Minato wondered. Then the crowd including the trio turned their attention to the Highlanders' branch, a 25-year old woman with black long hair, wore dark red clothes and brown boots with two short swords strapped at the back of her thighs along with a man who has black hair, wore blue robe like clothes, brown shoes and has glasses came up to the crowd. The man cleared his throat and continued. "Presenting Chief Meladee of the Vahadina branch, here to make an important announcement. Your attention please!" The woman now known as Meladee then spoke. "Countrymen! I have traveled here to Lyris for one reason alone: to enlist new Highlanders." The crowd gasped. "Over the past few years, monsters have plagued Vahadina in increasing numbers, and we lack the manpower to eradicate them or to conduct needed forays into the ruins. Make no mistake: our work will require you to leave your home behind and face many dangers. But if any of you think you have the mettle, I ask now to consider applying. Our need is urgent, hence we place no restrictions on age or gender. However we are accepting tough four-man teams only. I will leave Q & A and the exam details to Chief Kyte, your local branch head. Thank you for your time." Meladee smiled as she head into the branch.
Kyte cleared his throat, then he began. "Details will be posted by the branch. Interested parties can check there. I hope to be testing many of you soon. Any questions?" Kyte asked, then narrowed his eyes at the trio. "Um, I got one, sir. Why do we have to apply in fours?" Yuno asked. "Highlanders value solid teamwork over personal valor. What good to us is a veteran of a hundred battles who throws discipline to the wind? No, we want 4 men who fight as one-not one man who fights like four." The trio were interested by this info. Kyte scowled as he looks at them. "…I hope YOU'RE not applying?" Kyte frowned. "Chief Meladee spoke of the dangers of our work. Children have no place with us. Come back once you grow another thirty septers, muffin." Kyte said as he head into the branch.
Yuno twitched angrily as Minato and Tatsuya sweat dropped. "Muffin! I'll show you a muffin! Grr… He won't get away with saying that, guys!" Yuno clutched her fists in anger. "I have a reputation to look after, even if you two don't." "We don't?" Minato wondered. "Let's find us a fourth man so we can take the Highlanders' exam." Tatsuya rubbed the back of his head nervously. "Yeah! Once we become Highlanders, we'll make money, and have free access around the borders. But most of all, I wanna wipe that smirk off that jerk's face!" Yuno said with fire burning in her eyes. Suddenly, a waterkin bumped into Yuno. "Ooooh. Why do people bumped into me?" Yuno grumbled. The waterkin panted. "I'm in a hurry" He panicked. "What happened?" Minato asked. "Yes! Big trouble! A kid from Sakawa has gone missing! I hafta find me some Highlanders to help with the search! "Whoa whoa whoa! A kid? Which kid?" Yuno questioned. "Sogreth's boy, Minos! Please, I need to get to the Highlanders' Branch!" The waterkin said in worry as he head towards the branch. "Wait, isn't that the kid we ran into?" Tatsuya gasped. "We can't let this slide! We got to go back to Sakawa to help him!" Yuno shouted, Minato and Tatsuya nodded and the trio head back to Sakawa.
They got to the village elder's house and saw two waterkin knocked out and another alligator like waterkin in worry.
"Why did Sogreth hafta go and do somethin' crazy like that!" The waterkin known as Kee Keema sighed worriedly. "Where are Minos and Sogreth!" Tatsuya asked. Kee Keema turned to them. "We found Minos' footprints a short ways into the Seaside Cave, and then this huge monster attacked. Caught us off guard. You can see for yourself." Kee Keema pointed to the knocked out waterkin. "Sogreth's the only one that made it. And what does he do! He takes off into the cave all by himself to rescue his son!" Kee Keema looked down in sadness. "Sogreth's been my pal forever. Minos is like a son to me. So why'd that fool leave me behind!" He stomped his feet. "I told him to wait for help from Lyris-" Before he can finish, Yuno interrupted. "And here we are!" "Yeah. We're pretty good with weapons!" Minato nodded. "B-B-But…" Kee Keema started but looked at them, he can see they have determination to help those in need. "Alright. But I'm going too! Name's Kee Keema. We head due west from here." Kee Keema stated.
The party head due west and after 15 minutes, they arrived at the Seaside Cave.
They were walking inside. "The monster is around here, somewhere. Stay on your toes!" Kee Keema warned. "Got it." Tatsuya nodded. "Hmm…" Kee Keema eyed Tatsuya and Minato's weapons. 'Those weapons… Could they be…?'
After 20 minutes of exploring and fighting monsters, they made it to the end of the cave. When they arrived, they were shocked to see Sogreth knocked to the ground by a crab like monster, Minos watched in horror as the monster advanced slowly towards him. "P-P-Pop!" Minos panicked. "Sogreth!" Kee Keema gasped as the party rushed to their aid. The crab monster lifted his claw at Minos. "Look out!" Yuno shouted as she ran and pushed Minos out of the way, she got hit by the claw and was knocked out. "Yuno!" Tatsuya gasped as he got out his Traveler's Sword. Minato pulled out her Twin Blades as well. Now you're in for it, crabby!" Kee Keema growled. Suddenly, Sogreth got up and looked at the monster crab in anger. "Kee…Keema?" Sogreth muttered. "Sogreth, you're alive! Come on, you gotta help us!" Kee Keema shouted. Sogreth picked up his axe and points it at the crab monster. "With pleasure!" He nodded.
Sogreth yelled out a war cry as he slashed the Boogaboo Crab three times with his axe, the crab hit him with its claw. "Hey Tatsuya, let's try out something!" Kee Keema suggested. "Okay!" Tatsuya nodded as the two of them concentrated. "Swish, Fillet!" Tatsuya and Kee Keema combined their attacks for massive damage on the crab. Minato rushed at the Boogaboo slash 2 times.
The crab lifted his claw and slams it down, causing an earthquake, it knocked them back a little, but they regain their balance. Sogreth concentrated and yelled "Focus Slash!" Sogreth swung a mighty swing at the crab, giving it some medium hurt. The crab tried to swipe Minato, but due to her new lightning fast speed, she dodged the swipe and slashed it three times. Tatsuya slashed the crab three times. Kee Keema jumped high in the air and gave a mighty slash to the crab. The crab monster was getting weaker. Minato slashed the Boogaboo crab 2 times. Kee Keema and Tatsuya once again combined their attacks and gave the crab massive damage. "Time to end this!" Sogreth yelled as he slashed it one more time. The crab growled in agony as its shell was split opened and it lay on the ground, dead.
"We…We got it!" Minato panted heavily as the others panted as well. "Looks like we took care of him…" Sogreth wheezed. Minos got up and ran up to his father and hugged him. Tatsuya ran up to Yuno and helped her up. "Minos! Is Minos safe?" Yuno asked. "Yeah, he's safe." Tatsuya told her. Yuno sighed in relief. "P-Pop! I'm so sorry!" Minos sniffled. "You had me worried sick." Sogreth told him. "Welp! Looks like things are under control. I got to hurry and finish that package! See ya later!" Kee Keema waved goodbye as he exited. "Thanks again, Kee Keema!" Sogreth called out to him. "No worries, thank the little Braves and the missus!" Kee Keema called out.
The trio and Sogreth and his son sat down. "Tatsuya, Minato… and Yuno, is it? I dunno where we'd be if you didn't show up. Much obliged." Sogreth bowed politely. "Yeah. Thanks for saving us." Minos smiled. "Oh, stop, you're making us blush. Right guys?" Yuno rubbed the back of her nervously. "It's no problem. I'm just glad everyone's safe." Minato closed her eyes and smiled. "Same here." Tatsuya smiled. "…Pop, I'm hungry." Minos said. "Ha ha! Nothing fazes you, huh Minos." Yuno grinned. "Little rascal…" Sogreth smiled. Then he noticed something in Minos' belly. "What do you have there in your belly?" He wondered. Suddenly, a yellow light appeared from Minos' belly. "W-What the?" Yuno gasped. "I found this stone while I was looking for tidewort…" Minos got it out. Suddenly, the stone lifted in the air. "What's going on?" Yuno gasped. Then a voice spoke. "I am one of the Goddess's power. At my command, a pathway will open… to which so ever Travelers she chosen. You have proven yourself brave, and a trustworthy vessel for my power. So hold your sword aloft, Traveler!" The voice said, Tatsuya got out his sword and lift up in the air. "I, the spirit of courage, in the face of adversity, shall grant you the power to drive back the darkness.!" Then the gemstone went into Tatsuya's sword and the sword started to change shape! Now it has two changing blades on the sword. "Awesome…" Tatsuya gasped in awe.
"You're…you're a Traveler!" Sogreth gasped in shock. "That is SO cool!" Minos cheered. "And don't forget me, I'm a Traveler too." Minato smiled. "So this is one of the gemstones you and Minato are looking for." Yuno figured. "…Two real live Travelers. Sakes alive! So what's the other world like?" Sogreth asked. "We can explain when we get out of here." Yuno told him. Sogreth nodded.
The party and Minos went outside to find that the tide has gotten in. After 5 minutes of exploring, all seemed lost, but then, the gemstone told Tatsuya to used its power. Tatsuya used Lightspark to clear open a road.
While they were walking, Yuno's stomach growled. "Oh man, I'm so hungry!" The party laughed, suddenly, Yuno's good luck charm started glowing. "Yuno, what's with your good luck charm?" Minato asked. "Maybe it said I was hungry?" Yuno shrugged. Suddenly, they noticed a star like pattern on the floor. "Hey! Maybe it has something to do with that weird pattern there." Minos suggested. Suddenly, Tatsuya heard Lau's voice. 'When a Traveler locates a gem, he may use its power just this once to return to the real world. Use that opportunity to visit the one you missed the most. But remember, listen for the bells. You must hear the bells to return to Vision, if you fail to do so, you will be cast into the Vale of Eternity, never to see your world or Vision again. So be sure to listen to the bells.' Lau's voice instructed. Tatsuya turned to his friends. "I'll be right back." He stepped into the star pattern and lifted his sword in the air. Suddenly, he vanished. "This must be one of the star sigils!" Minato gasped.
(In the real world…)
Tatsuya appeared in the hospital room. He noticed a girl at the same age as him with brown hair and wore hospital clothes. She was muttering in her sleep. "Tatsuya…Help… me…." The girl known as Miki panted. "Miki… I promised I'll get you better. Once the Goddess of Destiny grants my wish, we can play at the park again…." Tatsuya said sadly. He then heard the bells ring. "You and Minato must find the five gemstones to save both Miki and Jellal! Hurry!" The mysterious voice said. Tatsuya nodded and lifted his sword in air, 20 seconds later, he was gone.
Tatsuya reappeared in front of his friends. "Tatsuya! Did you see Miki?" Yuno asked. "Yeah." He nodded. "That's good…" Minato sighed in relief. "Sounds like you ain't got it easy." Sogreth stated. The party got out of the cave and went back to Sakawa.
(In Sogreth's house…)
The trio and Minos were chatting till Sogreth came in.
"…I went around and apologized to the Elder and everybody. A lot of folks got hurt on our account. And we put you out, too." Sogreth bowed in apology. "Hope you can forgive us." Minos said. "Please, Sogreth! You and Minos don't have to apologize." Yuno assured them. "Yeah. You didn't do anything wrong." Minato nodded. "…So do you mind my askin' where y'all headed?" Sogreth asked. Yuno turned to her friends and nodded and told Sogreth the story.
"Ah, so that's the story. Tatsuya, Minato, Yuno. You three can stay here with us tonight. Tomorrow mornin', the Elder wants to say a few words." Sogreth offered. "Sounds good. Thanks for putting us up!" Tatsuya smiled.
The next morning…
The party met with the Elder in his house. The Elder turned to his advisor and mumbled something. "Travelers and kitkin girl, let me begin by thanking you for saving Minos. We very nearly lost a dear member of our family." The advisor translated. "It was nothing, sir. Me, Tatsuya and Minato just reacted according to the situation." Yuno rubbed the back of her nervously. The Elder muttered something again. "The tidewort you recovered has worked wonders on my health. Minos, you have caused the village much trouble, but your kindness moves me." The advisor translated. "I'm sorry I ran off, Elder. But I'm sure glad you feel better." Minos bowed in apology.
"And you, Sogreth. I know what it is to love one's child. But you must love in moderation." The advisor said. Sogreth looked down. "…I don't know what to say, Elder. Minos lost his mother… All I want is for him to grow up strong. But I guess I've been a little hard on him with the trainin'." Sogreth sighed sadly. "Do not dwell on it. But remember, children learn from their parents. Just be yourself, and your son will turn out fine." The advisor translated again. "Thank you, Elder." Sogreth smiled. "Travelers. Your fates is bound to that of someone peculiar, I sense." "I am not peculiar!" Yuno huffed. "Um… That's not what he meant." Minato sweat dropped. "Peace, child. I am not talking about you. Except to say, your carefree spirit will light this Traveler's path." The advisor said. "Just… try to be carefree in moderation." Yuno meekly nodded. "I must say, I have met many a Traveler, children… But you two are different somehow from those that came before, though I cannot say." The advisor said. "Is… that bad?" Tatsuya gulped.
"I cannot say. Good perhaps, Bad…perhaps. Either way, you should be wary. Surround yourself with good friends." The Elder said by advisor. "Which reminds me, Elder…" Sogreth began. "Would you mind lookin' after Minos for me while I'm gone?" Sogreth asked. The trio gasped. "You mean…?" Minato gasped. Sogreth turned to them with a smile. "Yep. I'm goin' with you. I owe you as much." "Well spoken, Sogreth. Do not worry about Minos. I, and the other villagers will take care of him. Besides, Minos is not the helpless boy you may think." The advisor translated. "I'll be alright, Pop. I'm just glad you don't hate me. I thought you did, but the Elder said you were just being strict for my sake. Mom's gone, and now you're leavin' too. But you'll always by my pop." Minos smiled. "Minos…" Sogreth said softly as he and his son hugged. "Then it's official! Welcome to our party, Sogreth." Yuno smiled. "Now, let us feast tonight, to honor your departure and pray for many joys along the road."
After a good night's dinner and rest, the party were at the village gate the next day.
"Take care, Minos." Sogreth smiled. "Have a safe trip, Pop. Wait till you see how strong I become when you come back!" Minos waved. The Elder gave the party a book called the Book of Quests. "Take care, and remember to always be happy and never sad. And trust in your friends." The advisor said. "Alright! Back to Lyris!" Tatsuya cheered as the party with their new fourth member exited.
Sogreth has joined the party! Next stop, Lyris for the Highlanders' exam!
Chapter 4 Trailer!
"Huh?! We're going to find my gemstone next?" Minato exclaimed. "Well, Yeah." Tatsuya said. "So, This is we are going to do.." Sogreth said. "Hmm?" Minato asks.
"Find your gemstones before it's too late." Sogreth adds. "Yeah, So. Who are we going to meet next?" Yuno said.
NEXT TIME! Chapter 4: Triankha Hospital! Minato's First gemstone!
Don't miss our New Chapter today okay?! And have fun! Good Bye Everyone! Chu!