Donya, near the coast, is rolling grassy hills, although you can tell even here it's sandy. We've traveled south by ship and it's warmer here. The farther we get from the sea shore, the dryer the air becomes.

Noriko comes to me and asks if it's possible to send written messages from place to place. It's most frequently done by giving a message to a seer and having them contact a seer in the town you need the message delivered in. There is the rare messenger who'll take secret messages by hand.

When she asks if we can send a message to the mayor of the flower town and ask her to hold on to our things for us, I agree. It would be good for them to know we're still living if they still have our things. I reassure Noriko we'll take care of it at the next town we come to.

At the moment, we're practicing teleporting with the chimos while we're in open fields. The babies are weaned now and old enough to help us, so each of us now has a chimo on our shoulders. Everyone has teleported their first distance, except Noriko. Doros and I are trying to help her, but to go the short distance from where we are to Glocia, Niana, and Alef is even too hard. Her logical and creative mind isn't helping her.

"It's okay, Geena," I put my hand kindly on her head to help her calm. "Just relax. Take your time - we're not in a hurry."

Noriko gives me a slightly peeved look. "That isn't it. I'm both too logical, and it's the wrong order." What? "You go first," she demands and crosses her arms. I've already done it once and come back. I shift, unsure. "See? Follow that feeling."

Huh? I go back to her comment again, and then remember. She always runs to me. To ask her to leave my side makes her too nervous, unsure of herself. I also tend to feel that way in situations that aren't certain. Too many times we've gotten into trouble when we weren't by each other's sides. "Oh."

"Yeah," she nods knowingly. "I could go half-way around the world to get to you. I can't leave you." Everyone blushes but her. "Oh, stuff it," she scowls at us. "You already know I'm attached to him. Go, Kizak." She jerks her head at the others. That didn't help me, but I go, not wanting any more scolding or embarrassment.

Almost as soon as I arrive next to Alef, Noriko is next to me and still talking. "I could make five chimos move me, without touching them, if it's to be next to you, Kizak. I've known that since Barago first caught me in the air as I fell from the wall. I just didn't know that what I already knew was correct."

Alef chokes back a laugh and Noriko glares at him from the side of her eyes. I hold back my own reaction with everything I've got and only nod solicitously in agreement. Even Glocia is careful to avert her eyes this time.

Niana pats Noriko on the back. "Congratulation, dear." That helps diffuse some of Noriko's ire.

Doros appears with us. "I'll practice going to Kizak a few more times, then I might be comfortable enough to go to other people and places." Noriko promises. "This kind of thing is currently unsettling for me." I think it will take at least that long for me to get comfortable with having her chase me around this way.

It's also true in the reverse, though. Since we all have to practice visualizing a place to appear, not just people to appear next to, when she goes first I appear first by her side even a second or two before the rest.

Since even this kind of thing uses energy, although it isn't as bad at the short distances as at the long ones where at least two people are required to synchronize to not collapse upon arrival, we only practice using the chimos briefly every now and again and walk for the rest of the time.

I'm relieved Noriko's feet are toughened up this time. We were on our feet all the time while helping with the harvest and she didn't have access to her other-world shoes. Our travels are cheerful since she and Glocia chat - as long as it isn't about where Noriko came from - and Niana is always full of optimism.

During one practice in using the chimos, Irktule shows up with several of his spirit friends. "Irktule! How is my family in Ennamarna?" Niana is excited to see him. The spirits went to Ennamarna as soon as we were on the western continent and came back to let us know Duke Jeida and his companions were indeed there.

Irktule floats down to join us and his expression is somber. "Niana," he bows his head a bit, "Noriko, the people of Ennamarna are in trouble." We cluster around him.

Irktule tells us that the government of Donya wants to invade another country on the other side of the desert, and they want to use Ennamarna as a base of operations. The mayor of Ennamarna has refused and the government is applying sanctions, cutting the city off from supplies from the rest of the country to get them to comply.

Already the government is gathering their army at the edge of the desert in preparations for the march to Yansk. They're between us and where we want to go. We look at each other, worried, but Glocia is determined to continue on.

-o-o-o-

We arrive in one of the towns near the desert and the news of the city is that the army has already begun to march. Alef is finally serious and is resistant to allowing Glocia and Niana to go on to Ennamarna. It's his responsibility to see to their safety, and that way is no longer safe unless we do the long distance synchronizations which has its own inherent possible dangers.

I'm paying attention to the crowd around us, which feels a bit too much like Steny did. Noriko is looking longingly at a booth of blank books, ink, and pens, which we have yet to be able to replace. Suddenly Glocia swears. We've lost Niana again. "We'll go," Alef says sounding nervous. He and Glocia go together.

We've worked out a plan already on our way here to keep us all safe, since that's what the chimos are for. Doros follows after them, keeping both them and us in sight. I don't let Doros get too far out of sight either. Noriko is holding on to my jacket as always, and letting me guide her feet. She's looking for safe places to hide where we can meet up with her.

"Kizak! Roki's in trouble!" Doros calls. Noriko calls a chimo from his basket and teleports. She and I can call them to us, we discovered. Doros thinks it's because we are so determined to stay together. As soon as she's let go of me, I leap up to the top of a roof.

A group of martial arts students with swords is surrounding Alef and the de Gilenees. Three of them have hands on the ladies. The rest have cut Alef off from helping them. I jump down to get Alef free. I slam the men around him with my bag, making them fly back. Then I get Alef turned the right way so he can see the ladies.

The men holding the ladies threaten to harm them if we attack. I leap into the air and land behind them before they can see where I went. With a slam, I've knocked all their heads together and they fall to the ground. I take one arm of each of the ladies and push us forward to stand with Alef.

Together Noriko and I worked out a smoke-screen so that people wouldn't be able to see a whole group disappear using chimos. As soon as we're clustered together, I throw the smoke bomb to the ground. Doros teleports to us, passes out chimos, and we are headed for Noriko.

As usual, I get to Noriko first, glad to have the chimos to help me get to her wherever she may be, and glad to see she's safe in a back alley where no one seems to be around. When the others appear, we immediately begin discussing how to get out of the town.

A woman calls, "Here they are, up here!"

Glocia looks up. "Bah. That's a maid from before. She knows."

"We'll have to synchronize," Doros says. The ladies give Doros back their chimos and hold on to us men - Noriko and I, Glocia and Alef, Niana and Doros. "When I say 'go' focus all your attention on me," Doros instructs. We haven't done it before, but we have talked about it, so we have some idea what to do and now the motivation to do it.

Doros puts out a fist and Alef and I put our hands on top of his fist, holding on. We all take a deep breath and Doros says "go". I focus on him with all my might. The town disappears and in another second an open field appears around us.

With a slow blink, Doros comments, "Hey, I'm not tired."

"Nope!" We look up. Irktule is above us, as are the spirits. "Congratulations! Shall we do that again?"

We blink at him. "What?"

"You can do that again and get to Ennamarna." Irktule says cheerily.

"Wait a minute," Alef says. "We weren't going to do that until we were at the desert."

"Well, now you've been seen and you may be chased. If you go straight there, you won't have to worry about it, right?"

Irktule is oddly being as vague as Alef. There is more to this - a reason he wants us to go and he doesn't want to give me away (even though he never could call us by our false names). "...And the army's reached Ennamarna," I say it for him coolly, crossing my arms. I may not have a choice but to give it away in the end, and all of our companions from before already know anyway.

Irktule is suddenly sober. "Yes, Izark. The army has arrived at Ennamarna. They have catapults, flaming arrows, very tall towers, and explosives. They will destroy the farm fields inside the fortress and overtake it without too much trouble. ...But you can prevent it."

Alef blinks, looking between Irktule and me. I refuse to look at him and agree with Irktule. Alef doesn't need to know why right now. As Glocia also likes the idea, Alef is distracted by trying to argue with her since he's still against it.

I'm surprised when Noriko talks to me silently. In her case, she argues that she should be allowed to go with me against the army when I go. She uses her fear, worry, and determination to protect me as emotional weapons to go along with her words.

This time, I refuse. I can take care of the army, but not if I'm also worried about her safety. If I leave her in the city while the army is far enough away, she will never face any danger.

In the end, both Noriko and Alef are pouting a bit. Glocia and I stand firm and put an end to the arguing. Niana and Doros look between Alef and Noriko, wondering what happened to make them be on the same side, since they didn't hear Noriko and my argument and they almost never agree directly on any issue. Really, the two of them fight like I would imagine a brother and sister would fight.

We get into our synchronous positions again, and focus on Doros. He focuses on Irktule who will lead us to Ennamarna. We'll have to jump twice more, so we just keep the focus going until we finally stop moving and there is stillness around us.

It's now very hot and very dry. We look up and see around us tall sandstone walls with many holes in them that are surely windows. There is a well nearby and some yellow desert grass under our feet.

As Noriko and I turn to look around behind us, we hear a cry. "Izark! Noriko!" Our eyes go to the person running towards us. It's Gaya, her face beaming with the same joy she welcomed me with when we arrived at her store. I try to back up, but Gaya has us both in a double hug before I can move very far, one arm around each of us, holding us close to her. "Oh, how I've missed you two!" she cries.

Noriko puts her arm around Gaya. "We've missed you, too, Aunt Gaya." I'm not sure how to handle the greeting, and look around at everyone else. All of our companions are here and there are no distrustful or angry faces. They all seem genuinely happy to see us again. It's hard for me to process not having any rejection at all. Noriko sends me a quiet emotional message of, "See the acceptance, the joy? Please don't worry."

I take a breath and send back a feeling of trust. I'll try to trust her, her words from before, and what I'm seeing with my own eyes, even though my heart wants to hold back against what may yet still happen. I also remember that what I want to be is how I should act, and I do want all of these to be my friends and stay my comrades. I'll act that way for now. If they dislike it, they'll surely let me know.

Zena tells us she saw us coming, as did Geena, who is holding tightly to Agol's hand. He's smiling at us as well, and looks more relaxed than when we saw him last. The girls, Anita and Rottenina, are excited to see us, and begin to chatter away with Noriko, who's happy to see them as well.

There's a cry and a thud. Niana has knocked down Duke Jeida in her enthusiasm at seeing her husband again. That's a long time and I sympathize. Glocia is greeting her brothers, and Banadam is welcoming Alef, having served under him.

We've managed to bring everyone together. I have no idea why this particular grouping of people is so important to the world of light, that it would ask the Sky Demon and Awakening to help them all come together like this, but I'm glad we were able to do it properly.

Noriko slips her hand into mine and squeezes it just as Barago shows up at my shoulder to comment on the chimo on my shoulder. It hisses at him and I calm it. Agol moves past us to kindly go speak to Doros, who's the only one who doesn't know anyone here.

Things calm down after a bit and a throat is cleared. Calm descends and we turn to look. There's a man standing in the front of a large group of people watching our reunion. "Welcome to Ennamarna. I'm the mayor, Mardwoog. I greet you on behalf of the citizens of Ennamarna."

Before any of the rest of us can move, Noriko smiles. "Thank you, Mayor Mardwoog." He looks at Noriko for a moment, then a small smile comes on his lips. Somehow, when he does that, he seems to be like Doctor Clairgeeta. Does he also know of the world of light?

But even more, I'm staring at Noriko. That is the first time ever she's stepped forward and spoken up for any of us unless it was to protect me with a scold. When she realizes what she's done, she blushes, but still she stands firm and confident like I've only seen on rare occasions.

She's come to a place that she recognizes, even though she's never been here before. She knows. She knows that here is the answer we seek. I relax and give my quiet thanks as well. If we can be welcomed even so briefly as for us to find that answer, then it will be enough.

-o-o-o-

The citizens of Ennamarna are as kind and welcoming to us as our comrades and the mayor. They give us quarters with our comrades from the first journey. Niana and Glocia go with Duke Jeida, who thanks us for safely bringing them to him. Alef goes with Banadam, who is staying near the Grand Duke.

We take Doros with us and Barago adopts him pretty quickly, which overwhelms Doros, but also makes him blush warmly in happiness to be included with everyone so easily. That isn't a small thing to him. I'm glad to see it as it also gives me just a little more hope for myself.

We're directed to the baths, public underground heated pools separated by sex. Noriko's extremely excited by that one small thing, which makes me smile. I'm glad she didn't dive into the first cave river like she did into the river when she was ill. I'm not sure I would have been able to fish her out.

I admonish her not to try it here and she laughs at me. It isn't that deep. I complain that it's just as deep as the river I healed her with. She patronizingly reassures me she won't. She's only thrilled to be able to get clean any day she wants. While I don't understand, I'm willing to settle if that's what it is.

When we're clean and refreshed, they direct us to a larger upper room where they tell us they've put food and a restorative tea for us to eat and drink while we sit and visit with our companions. They tell us on the way that Zena uses it as her scrying room.

They have a minor seer for the city, but he was willing to give it up to her since she's a stronger seer and she wanted to research the records contained in the room. That gets Noriko's interest and mine. If they are the records Doctor Clairgeeta used in his research then perhaps Zena already has some knowledge she can tell us.

I'm not sure about all of this friendly reception we're getting. When we're finally sitting down, with Noriko and I put in the head seats of this circle of plush cushions, I lean over to Gaya who's sitting next to me. I can trust her with my small courage, since she's already taught me she wants to protect me. "Do the citizens know?" I ask in a whisper.

Gaya smiles at me. "No. They're always like this. It's a nice place to live. Everyone is friendly and kind here."

I nod and Noriko relaxes. She also must have been wondering. The room goes quiet, now that we're settled and have food in front of us. As the atmosphere fills up with expectation, Noriko looks at me. Kindly she asks, "Do you want me to tell, or do you want to?"

I look back at her. "I think there are things I need to tell ...but do you want to start?" If I can see how they react to her story, I'll know better how to be. And if they're kind, I'll have that much more courage to say what I need to say. Besides, she loves to tell stories.

Her eyes light up. She really does want to tell ours. I grin at her and she wiggles happily in her seat. There's a laugh and she looks up, surprised. There are happy faces looking at her, at us. She grins a big happy smile. "He says I get to start. Are you ready for story time?"

Now there are grins, although our newest companions, Niana, Glocia, and Alef are more looking curious. Agol holds up a hand and sends Banadam and Alef to stand guard on the door to make sure none of the city hear what we have to say, and I'm grateful. It helps me relax just a little more. They take their plates with them so they can still hear and eat. Agol makes a better military commander than Alef, and I wonder if he was one. His fighting skills are at that level.

"Once upon a time," Noriko begins, "there was a school-girl in another world that was suddenly dragged from her world to a world that only existed in the stuff of dreams and story books. When she arrived, she woke to find herself on a bed of soft golden moss under the largest tree she had ever seen. The world was still and had no one in it she knew. Frightened, she called for her mother and father, but instead of finding the way home, or the ones she loved, she had called a flower monster.

"Just as it was about to eat her, a man rescued her and killed the monster. Terrified, she ran to the man and held him as if holding on to life itself, her panic overwhelming her for some time. The man, a complete stranger, was extremely patient and waited for her to calm down, his warmth and presence being enough to bring her to a sense of calm ...and shame at being so forward with a kind stranger. Of course, her noise and the dead monster drew other monsters, so he had to continue to rescue her until they came out of the sea of trees by a secret way."

That's enough for them all to know who we are. Niana's eyes are going wide and Glocia has frozen. They've heard us called by our real names here, but they still didn't know until now. Duke Jeida takes hold of Niana's hand and gives her a comforting look. One of Glocia's brothers has his hand on her shoulder and the other is nodding calmly. Glocia slowly relaxes. Niana's look goes from surprise to slight worry, but it doesn't look fearful.

When I glance at Alef, he's as surprised as the ladies, but Banadam is waving a hand at him to calm him down, ...and he's still looking disappointed. He needs to give that up. The rest aren't surprised at all, but they aren't saying anything yet.

Noriko smiles and continues her telling. "This is the true beginning of how Izark and I met. I'm from another world. I did not come by my own free will and choice, but was claimed by the world of light and brought here to teach Izark how to find the world of light. We've been seeking it ever since I came. We're nearly done with our search. Here, in Ennamarna, we will learn the last thing we have to learn." Zena sits up straight and stares at Noriko. She does know something.

"Our search led us through many places and, somehow, all of you became caught up in our story. Some of you we've brought together who were separated," Noriko looks at Duke Jeida and his family and guards. "Some of you we've helped and you have helped us." She looks at Doros, Barago, Agol, Gaya, and Zena.

"We're grateful that you've welcomed us again kindly. Our trials have been as great as your help and aid have been. Izark and I were captured by the Source of All Evil, but Doros helped us escape. We know we'll have to face it again, and the man who is its hands in this world - Rachef."

Agol reacts very badly at hearing that name and I look at him, still wondering at how he came to be in this group, other than because Noriko fell in his lap to be protected by him, which I'm still grateful for. Noriko smiles at Agol to reassure him. That's right. She said that he may have known from before. Maybe Rachef sent him to look for us, and asked him to use Geena to help him.

"When we escaped the Source of All Evil, Izark transformed for the first, and so far only time into his form of light. Because he wasn't prepared for the lesson and he had been so badly wounded, he can't remember how it happened. We've been searching for that understanding since then.

"We are near to understanding it. We've come from rescuing Doctor Clairgeeta, the foremost authority on the legends of the world of light, from the fate of death. He's taught us what we need to know to continue our search and he sent us here, to read the writings of this place." Duke Jeida has raised an eyebrow. He may know Doctor Clairgeeta as they were statesmen of their countries. Zena is nodding now. I'm relieved. We'll have our answer very soon.

Noriko pauses again, then says very soberly, "It is now a race against time. Rachef and his weapon, a man who he's been training to be as strong as Izark and who hates him, are surely near to finding us again. We've learned that when light and hope are given to us, it is either in reward for the good we do for others, or it's because we're being given the encouragement we need to walk through another difficult time of sorrow and pain.

"The final fight with the Source of All Evil will be very difficult. If we can survive it," she turns to look at me and her eyes hold the hope of the future in them, "we will fight all the evil in this world with light until it's beaten back again." Her conviction rings through the room. It is now my turn.

I turn to face everyone and speak honestly, to my friends because I want them to be my friends and help me one more time. "I've been taught my whole life the same prophecy that everyone else has. Only when Noriko looked at me with innocent and clear eyes and told me that I was good and kind and could never be evil had the thought ever entered into me that I might not have to be what I feared most to become.

"I went to the sea of trees to destroy the Awakening. I couldn't do it. How could I kill an innocent girl who knew nothing of this world or the prophecy, and only had the desire to return to her home? She didn't come to destroy me, or this world. The longer she was with me, the more I realized that she had come to save, but I was still confused. Zena's words helped me to have even more hope," I nod my gratitude to her and she blushes slightly.

"But it was the recognition that I was more than the Sky Demon of legend as I was nearing both death and being taken and used by the Source of All Evil in his buried castle, just before Noriko rescued me, that made me have the courage to really fight for myself and all that I wanted to do and be. Hearing Doctor Clairgeeta's words lifted me even further and now I walk the path to find the being of light that I really am.

"I am still often doubtful and afraid, but Noriko's constant strength and surety is my anchor and my beacon. Her purpose, as the Awakening, has been to awaken me to my goodness and to the world of light, not to bring me to darkness and destruction. I am grateful ...and I love her. A demon of destruction cannot love. I am not the Sky Demon of destruction of the prophecy of darkness."

I look at Noriko. "When Rachef and Keimos come again, they will not have their way. Noriko will open the door to the world of light and the light will sweep away their darkness." I look back at everyone again, entreating them. "Please help me protect Noriko until we can find the door so we can win."

The room is silent for a moment, then Agol bows his head. "Noriko has already seen it, though I don't know how. I was sent by Rachef to find the Sky Demon and the Awakening at the beginning at the sea of trees with his soldiers, and with Keimos.

"I didn't know until just now how evil they were, although Keimos has always taken delight in killing - violently. I know how relentless he has likely been in hunting you, Izark, and in his delight to be even stronger until he can some day best you. He is a frightening man.

"Geena has always been afraid of Rachef as well. When Keimos was retrieved wounded by Rachef, he told Rachef he'd fought with you near Calco. I was sent, with Geena, to find out more about you. There I heard the story of the two of you and the capture of the bandits at nearly the expense of your lives. I first began to have my doubts then."

He looks up and smiles at Noriko. "When you landed in my lap, I thought I was helping a simple girl."

"You were," she answers quietly with a smile.

"And when you told me your name at Gaya's house I couldn't believe that one of the two people I had been looking for suddenly had appeared - literally landing in my lap and bringing me to her home. All I could see was the same simple girl I'd saved. Only your special connection to Izark and the fact you could see Irktule made you remotely different.

"It was Izark's relationship with you that made you different. His need to have you near, and your calm patience with him. He was...is...so strong, it was difficult to understand why he needed you, a simple and weak girl, by his side all the time."

Agol takes a breath and runs his hand through his hair. "When he transformed in Selina, Guzena, it was shocking, but when I thought about it, I realized that only love would have made him do that. When they told me it had been after the woman said you'd been taken to your death, I understood that perfectly. I would have defended my wife to the death from her death if I could have, even if I had to announce to the world that I was a monster."

He looks sadly at his daughter, taking her hand in his and she looks at him with a smile to comfort him. He smiles back at her, even though she can't see it. "When I realized this about Izark," he looks back up at me, who is sitting here with my heart in my throat, hoping he doesn't want to still kill me, somehow amazed that it sounds like he doesn't, "I couldn't believe the prophecy any longer.

"I had already decided I wouldn't return to Reinka to tell Rachef what I discovered. I agree that a monster of destruction cannot love. I will support you. Noriko is worth protecting." Noriko blushes and I sit astounded as nods go around the room. Everyone has had the time to consider what they saw as they walked with us and has decided that we are not evil.

"Izark," Zena says thoughtfully, "I've been watching you, although I didn't know it was you." She turns and points to a black mirror on a low table nearby. "This mirror has been in the possession of the Ennemarnians for many, many generations. Mayor Mardwoog says it has always been black.

"The day you discovered the light inside you, there were flecks of light in it for the first time in his understanding. Since then, I've been watching that light becoming stronger and stronger, more and more cohesive."

She rises. "Mayor Mardwoog has also told me about the Legend of Light that Doctor Clairgeeta has likely told you, that there will be a great force of good that will arise to fight a great force of evil that will enter the world. That with the help of companions and love, that force of light will overcome the evil and restore peace to the world."

Noriko and I both blink, not having heard this legend before. All of my being cries out to hear it, to have heard it when I was still a child. Zena walks to a bookshelf carved into the rock wall of the room and I can't take my eyes off of her.

Hunting through the books she finally pulls down one that is very old, very yellowed. "This book is apocryphal. It contains the legend of darkness. It tells of a man, a priest, who gained great strength and ruled behind many rulers, extending his life many generations. With his four faithful followers, he ruled with terror and darkness upon the whole face of the land."

She looks up at us. "Finally, he couldn't extend his life any longer, though he'd created great moonstones to amplify his power. Over a very short amount of time, his flesh dissolved and his body decayed and died. But his evil spirit remained, buried with his castle when the power released by his death caused volcanoes to erupt under and near it.

"...If the Source of All Evil brought you to him in a buried castle, then that is this evil man's spirit. I suspect he is desirous of walking the earth again and once again living as he did before. Perhaps he wants you to take your power, strength, and body and make them his own.

"He has found a man who is like him, Rachef, to begin his works, to again be someone he can stand behind and rule the world with an iron fist of darkness. You are not like him. You are not evil.

"Do you understand? This is the time of the prophecy of light. He is the evil that has come, and you are the force of good that will stand to prevent him and bring peace to the world again. I have no doubt that the world of light will open its door for you eventually. Noriko, as the Awakening will lead you to that door."

Noriko and I are astonished. Before I can even process what she's said, other than to know that by those prophecies I'm not what is said today, and am instead what I believe I am, what Noriko knows I am, Gaya says, "Izark, you have always looked towards the light. I have never doubted that. You cannot be the Sky Demon of darkness." Many of our friends are in agreement with her - Banadam, Barago, the brothers, the girls, Doros.

"For Izark to withstand the power of the Source of Evil ...perhaps it didn't believe that anyone could resist the temptation of such power as is contained in the Sky Demon. But Izark did, and has," Duke Jeida says in his careful, thoughtful voice. Agol nods his agreement.

Glocia stands, her usual intensity rising to the surface. "I - I also believe it. We've traveled with you, and you've helped us so much, in ways I cannot repay. I can say you are not what people are afraid of at all. Of that I am sure."

Niana nods her head enthusiastically. "Yup! You couldn't be evil." Alef nods his head as well.

One of the things Doctor Clairgeeta told us on the journey was, "Though they are shapeless and invisible, men's feelings have great power." Like Noriko's feelings that anchor her, the feelings of these who have traveled with us, seen me as I am, expressed now today, hold me in warmth and touch my heart.

My remaining doubts begin to melt and drift away. There are too many witnesses to me tonight that what I cannot see is seen by others: I am good. I bow my head in humility that so many would judge me thus rather than evil.

Gaya moves to comfort Noriko as tears drip from her eyes, tears of gratitude - for our friends and companions, and for the world of light that has given us this gift.