The two Wolves finish their song with a dramatic bow, and we clap for their silly performance. The light atmosphere in the small hut becomes serious once again when Ludwig voices the question in everyone's mind.

"So what happened to you, Elizabeta?"

I look around at the concerned faces around me and prepare to tell my story. There isn't anything in particular I feel like I shouldn't tell the group, so I tell them everything. I start at the beginning at the beach and keep going until I get to the Tree of Light. I don't include the part about Kirkland saying I could only be saved by true love, or Gilbert's kiss. There's still a lot going on with that that I'm not even sure about.

"So you might have been stuck there forever?" Kiku asks with wide eyes.

"Yeah, but you guys helped bring me back," I tell him reassuringly.

"But you still have to go back," Ludwig says in a somber manner.

"Thanks for all the happy thoughts, West." Gilbert is obviously unhappy with the idea, but he tries to hide it with teasing. I want to reach out to comfort him, but not in front of everyone.

I look at the blonde Bear and nod. "Yeah, I have to go back."

Silence falls on our group as we think about what that implies.

"If you go, you can't come back," Lovino says in a serious tone. There's no taunting or sarcasm in his voice, just cold hard truth. "That shadow bastard said you couldn't leave once your physical body entered that realm."

"I know," I say in a quiet voice.

"Well you're not going back," Gilbert says in a defiant tone.

"I have to, Gil. The fate of Elarium hangs in the balance." It's hard for me to admit, but it looks like I won't see the peace that'll come if we complete our quest.

"It's not fair," he growls with more venom than I could have imagined he was capable of. "It shouldn't have to end like that."

The older Bear storms out of the hut and slams he door shut. I stand up, but it's already too late. The others glance around with shocked looks on their faces. No one expected Gilbert, of all people, to lose his cool like that. He's usually one of the better natured members of our group.

"Gil..." I say softly. I debate whether I should go after him.

"Elizabeta," Ludwig says to get my attention. "You have to go after him."

"W-why me?" I had thought maybe Ludwig was going to volunteer.

"Because my brother needs you," the Bear clarifies. "He does not like the idea of losing you."

"M-me?" I ask with wide eyes. What does Ludwig mean?

"Yes you, idiot!" Lovino says with his usual snark. "He's obviously got the hots for you."

My mouth drops open. "W-wha-...no! How-...no!"

"There's no use denying it, Elizabeta," Kiku says with a knowing smile. "We all see it."

I meet the gazes of everyone else in the hut. They all say the same thing.

"My brother cares about you," Ludwig says. He voices the thoughts of all the others.

"We can see it in his eyes, Liza," Feli says with a smile. "It's in your eyes too."

"Go to him," Kiku urges.

Tears prick at my eyes. Everyone has known more about our relationship than me this whole time, which makes me feel a little slow. But at the same time they're being very supportive. Their kindness makes the tears spill over, and I quickly wipe them away.

"Thank you, everyone," I whisper.

I compose myself and shakily walk toward the door. Being bedridden for four days has taken its toll on me, but I push forward anyway. The thought of Gilbert hurting because of me is all the motivation I need to find him.

The sky is a soft orange when I exit my hut as the sun begins to descend toward the horizon. I take in the village around me in the dim light, and I'm surprised to see the houses are all covered in grass. They must all be made of sod like mine, and the grass has grown back over them.

There's no sign of Gilbert anywhere, and I have no idea where to begin looking. That's when an idea hits me. I focus on my inner energy and use it to heighten my own senses. The world becomes alive with different colored energies as my sixth sense is awakened. I smile when my suspicion is confirmed. The power I got from the Tree of Light is still with me.

I swivel my head to take in all of the energies. Elarium has a lot more energy flowing through it than Oblivion, and a lot more color. The earth and the grass have a shared yet separate energy that overwhelmingly radiates brown and green beneath my feet. The faint wind has its own misty blue energy that feels carefree yet powerful. I search the area around me to any traces of Gilbert's energy.

It's faint, but it's there. I see footsteps leading away from my hut that are tinted the distinct red color of Gilbert's energy. I follow them out of the circle of houses to a lone tree that stands out on the grasslands. From the tree the steps lead away toward a long, blue energy that I assume is some sort of river or stream.

"Gilbert!" I call out as I get closer. I can very clearly see his red energy radiating from him.

"Lizzie?" He turns around to look at me as I approach. "How did you find me?"

"A little trick I picked up in Oblivion," I explain as I turn my sixth sense off. It's a little disorienting to see things in terms of energy.

At the mention of the shadowy netherworld, Gilbert's expression darkens. He turns back toward the stream without another word.

"Gil-"

"No, Lizzie!" Gilbert roars. "Don't try to make me feel better or whatever other crap you have planned!" He turns on me suddenly with a fire in his eyes. "I'm not losing you again!"

I carefully reach out and brush my knuckles against his cheek. "It's okay Gil. It's going to be fine."

He takes my hand in his and holds it against his warm cheek. He turns his face slightly to kiss the back of my hand, and it makes butterflies flutter in my stomach.

"I can't lose you again, Lizzie," he murmurs against my hand. "Not again."

"I know, and I promise I won't go anywhere," I tell him.

Conflict flickers across his eyes at my words. He lowers his hand, but doesn't release his hold on mine. "But you have to go. Elarium needs you."

"Yeah..." My voice trails off. The truth in his words is undeniable.

I slowly sink down to sit on the soft grass. It hasn't really struck me until now that I'm on what is practically a suicide mission. Gilbert sits down beside me with my hand still in his. I pull my knees up to my chest and take my hand back from the Bear.

"Lizzie-"

I tune out his words. I let my head rest on my knees and wrap my arms around them. The weight of Elarium is resting precariously on my shoulders, but I can't hold on much longer.

"I never wanted this," I whisper. "This wasn't my choice."

"Lizzie, I didn't mean-"

"I don't know if I can do this," I say on the brink of a meltdown. "This is too much! I can't Gilbert! I just...I just...I can't! I can't! I can't!"

Gilbert pulls my head up to look into his red eyes. "Calm down, Lizzie!"

Tears start to stream down my face as sobs tear at my throat. My tears roll down onto Gilbert's hands, which are now gently cupping my cheeks. He brushes the stray hair from my face before wiping tears away.

"Look at me, Lizzie."

I do my best to control my crying as I try to focus on Gilbert's face. Unlike his usual confident self, the Bear's face appears hesitant. I would almost say scared. He seems to be inwardly struggling with something.

"I want to tell you-...I just thought-...the truth is-" He can't seem to make up his mind on what to say. "This is so unawesome of me," Gil mumbles. "Look, I'm just going to say it."

He reaches out again to wipe the last tear from my cheek. His hand lingers on my face, and his long fingers leave warm trails behind as he lets his hand drop. Tension fills the air as if the whole world is waiting to hear what Gilbert has to say. He looks me straight in the eyes before speaking, and I know without a shadow of a doubt what he is about to say is true.

"I love you."