Chapter 16

Palmacosta Ranch

Lifeless bodies littered the ground around them. It was not a great sight, even though it were Desians and they deserved as much, if not much worse.

"We have to leave this place, before someone comes here and sees all this. Goddess forbid if they are more Desians." Raine eventually said.

"Yeah, you're right sis. Can you walk for a bit Colette?" Genis looked at the girl, knowing that after every seal she was supposed to rest.

Before she could really answer, Lloyd picked her up in his arms and started walking while carrying her. This was a little unexpected, but she did not fight it and let it happen.

Not much more was said, as the party walked back the way they came, crossing the bridge and agreed to go to the house of Salvation close by. A normal bed was a welcome sight after everything that had just happened.

Kratos meanwhile, walked the field of death, hardly giving the bodies a second glance as he stepped over them. But he did stop at one, his normally stern look replaced with one that was full of hatred. Damned Kvar. The things he said, he could still hear, over and over in his head. Worse, he said it to his son, who had no real hope to process it all in his condition.

Letting out a frustrated growl, he drew his sword.

"I think he is already very dead, Kratos." The very dry tone of Yuan remarked.

He looked over his shoulder. Should he really be surprised his former friend showed up? "Why are you here, Yuan?"

"I saw the light of Judgement. I was just curious what got you to use that. You rarely do." The half elf crossed his arms. "What happened here?"

"Does that really matter? You must be happy. Less Desians to worry about." Kratos turned away from Kvar's body, twirling his sword once before putting it back in its sheath.

"Hm. I will only be happy when this whole thing finally is over."

"How you want it, is not the ideal outcome."

"Ideal? Don't talk about ideal. His is a world full of dolls, Kratos. Everyone will just be at his every whim. Just like your son. Is that really what you want?"

Two pairs of cold eyes stared at each other. A silence set in. Of course, there was no real answer. That was just as Yuan expected. This man was so predictable.

"Anyway, this needs to be cleaned up. You don't want him asking questions."

"I did it to protect the Chosen."

Yuan looked to Kratos. "You really think he is going to believe that? He is not a fool. Just help me here and he will be none the wiser."

The red-haired man raised a brow. "Why? What is the catch?"

With a sigh, Yuan flipped his long pony tail over the front of his shoulder. "A treaty, so to say. For you to not step in, let my plan go through. It will get your son out of Mithos' clutches. Is that not what you want most of all?"

"At what cost?"

"Kratos, who is more important to you? Your own son, I would expect. Mithos was your student and yes, you were close. But that boy is long gone. Image if he succeeds and Martel has to see him, see all the pain and sorrow he ensued. What do you think she would say?"

The man narrowed his eyes, taking a moment to give his answer. "She would be very disappointed, by us all. But we can't fix what we have done."

"It's not up to us to fix, we are too old, lasted way longer than we should have. Let the new generation take the torch and light a new fire."

For a moment, Kratos looked the half elf over. Was he actually considering it? That was rather surprising. Even him thinking about it, was already very promising. Maybe the man wasn't as lost and blindsided as Yuan thought.

"I will think about it."

The non-answer. That was about what Yuan expected. Still, it was not a no. He nodded, Kratos nodded and that was their silent agreement. Then, the Renegade leader had some cleaning up to do.

Sleep was not easy for any of them. Colette was not even able to get any at all, which the others had no clue about. She watched them tossing and turning, most of all Lloyd. He seemed to be caught in some kind of night terror, as sweat was running over his face.

Standing up, the Chosen approached and take Lloyd's hand carefully. "Ssh, it's okay," she tried to calm him.

With more twitching and turning, the teen finally uttered two words: "Mom, dad..."

It almost sounded childlike. It sounded pained, full of loss. Just some words and gestures won't be enough, Colette knew, she could just tell. He needed more comfort, warmth it seemed like. So, she did what felt natural: she laid next to him, on top of the blanket.

After just a bit, Lloyd seemed to calm down. He reacted to her warmth, almost cuddling up with her and finally falling in a deep sleep. The girl smiled to herself, happy to be of help in any way.

Some time passed, mostly in silence. Colette did keep her eyes mostly on Lloyd, and sometimes looked at the wooden boards that made up the ceiling. Hearing shuffling, her eyes moved to the source; Genis sat up, rubbing his eyes with a big yawn. His white hair was pointing every which way, being a wild mess.

"Ugh, that was the worst sleep." He complained in a mutter, not quite awake yet. That changed when his eyes crossed Colette's. "W-why are you...?"

"Huh?" Sitting up, the girl looked him over. "What's the matter, Genis? I'm sorry you didn't get much sleep."

"You're in bed with..." It sounded so very wrong, he cut himself off. At least he noticed she was on the blanket and not under it.

"Lloyd seemed to have a nightmare. I just gave him the comfort I could."

"Oh. I see." The girl was so saintly, he did not really doubt her words. "You didn't sleep?"

"I've had my rest, I'm fine, really." Colette put up her standard smile, as she stood up from the bed. "Did you have enough yourself? Maybe you can try again?"

Scratching his head, the boy shook no. "Honestly, I don't think I can."

"It's still on your mind too, huh?"

Looking down, Genis nodded. "It's kinda hard not to think of it. There was a Ranch not far from Iselia. People were there, even from our own town. Just to think that it's possible one of them could be in this gem..." His eyes were on the Exsphere on his hand.

Colette placed a hand on the Crystal on her own body. It was not the same, but still, the thought did hit her all the same. If anything, it only gave her all the more reason to go on with her journey. To save the world from those terrible Desians, that are doing horrible things to people.

Sheena was the next to wake up, not looking well rested either. But she didn't look quite as messy as Genis did. She looked to the people who were up. "Morning."

"Morning, Sheena. Were you able to sleep a little?" Colette asked her.

"Just a little." She took a deep breath. "Still processing. I was never..." It seemed she stopped herself and just shook her head. "I didn't know."

Tilting his head, Genis did catch that, but he wasn't sure what exactly. "Should we wake the others?" It wasn't often he'd wake up before his sister.

Colette went on to wake Lloyd carefully, as Genis did his sister. The latter seemed a bit upset at the fact she was one of the last to wake up.

"Are you okay, sis?"

Her cool eyes, went over all the others, finally settling on Genis. "Yes, I did not mean to oversleep. I apologise."

"I guess you needed it."

"Everyone alright?" At this question, her eyes mostly set on Colette.

The girl had her smile again and nodded to her. This while she was holding Lloyd's hand. His eyes were distant as usual, as he went on to stand up.

"Yeah, as good as we can be, I guess. Do we go for breakfast here? Find out where the next seal is?" Sheena suggested.

"Sure. The clue is even vaguer then the last, though. I really got no clue." Genis remarked, scratching his head.

"It is a difficult one. Let's talk it over downstairs."

They did just that. One of the several tables, was already being set up for said breakfast. Their hostess had a friendly smile, wishing them good morning. They sat down, the last served breakfast had been a while, so it was nice.

"Remiel first told us this hint back at Triet desert. Back then, we were set on going to Palmacosta. From this side, it's not across water. However, I still think it is our best bet, because it has a big church that is bound to know more." Raine explained.

"That's quite a walk from here, right?" Sheena informed, taking a sip from her tea.

"It is, but we already have travelled some distances by now. We have to go over the mountain pass, and then follow the road, all the way till the land ends."

"Excuse me, you mentioned having to go over the mountain?" A middle-aged man who was around, had picked up on the conversation. "You need clearance to get past the gate up there. And that costs a lot of gald. You won't be able to pay it. But I can offer you a ride in my kart, save you some time and money."

Genis looked up to the man with great surprise on his face. "You'd really do that?"

The man smiled. "People should help each other out in these trying times. I get a free pass since I bring goods all around. Well, do you want to take my offer?"

They all looked at each other, but it really was not a hard decision. So, they nodded to each other in agreement, as Colette spoke up.

"Thank you very much for your kind offer, sir. We'd love to take a ride. If you want anything in return..."

"Oh no, not at all. I'm just happy to help. We can go after you've all had your breakfast." The man let them be for now, walking off.

"Wow, that is really nice." Sheena was just as surprised as Genis. "You'd think people would be looking out only for themselves over here."

"Over here?" The boy questioned, frowning at her.

"Uh, never mind! Let's eat, so that nice man doesn't have to wait too long."

No questions were asked, getting to it instead. While they were eating, Colette mostly just watching, having tiny bites, she took hold of Lloyd's hand again, looking at him.

"Are you alright?" She asked him softly, still thinking of the night.

His red eyes looked at her, mostly void. But there seemed to be a light in there, a bit brighter and more noticeable than usual. He gave her a nod, thankful. The standard smile Colette had, brightened up, turning into a wide, genuine smile; she was truly happy to see him like this.

Raine watched this all from across the table. This was curious and fascinating. She was wondering if the teen was really opening up, or it was something more. Things just didn't seem to be that simple, for lack of a better word for it. Something more complicated seemed to be going on, she just had that feeling in her gut. And she really wanted to know what.

Answers still weren't coming however, which frustrated the scholar to no end. Hopefully, they will, one day. For now, she kept her focus on the task at hand. Her eyes were still mostly on Colette, to make sure the girl was alright. She knew something was up; that fake smile didn't fool her. But she had to leave it to her to say what's going on herself.

The party finished their breakfast and went on outside, where the man was covering his load with a sheet, having pushed all of it to the back so there was room for them to sit. There was just about enough room for the five of them. It wasn't tight and they really would not be the types to complain.

One horse was pulling the open kart, as the man gave it some food before they would head off. "I know it is not too comfortable, the road will be bumpy as well..."

"It is fine, sir. Thank you." Colette gave him a sweet smile, not wanting the man to feel bad.

"Very well. We will get going then." He went on to sit at the front, and they were off.

The road was indeed bumpy. They didn't go all too fast, but Raine kept in mind this was still faster than walking and not to mention a lot less tiring. She sat closest to the driver, because she still had questions for him.

"The pass, why is it guarded?"

"They are soldiers, so it is by order of the church. Why exactly, I am not too sure, to be honest." The man answered, a pondering expression on his face.

"I see. How much gald to they ask to pass?"

"An amount no one in the world could effort." He scuffed and shook his head. "I suppose they did that on purpose."

"So, no one can cross. Hm, maybe so." Raine nodded to this in thought. But she was really curious to know what was the reason for that. Was something going on, on the other side of the mountain? Were they keeping that in, or just being an obstacle for the sake of it? Or, was it for the money? What would be the use if no one could pay it?

"Sis, hellooo?" Genis waved his hand in front of her eyes.

"What? Oh, did you say something, Genis?"

"Not really. You just seemed to be drifting off too far."

"My apologies." She looked over to the others. In most of their eyes, the findings of the previous day were clearly still on their minds, she could just tell. Raine took a deep breath. "This journey, is to save the people of the land. To banish the Desians. Focus on that."

The dark eyes of Sheena shifted for a moment. She did not know where to look, as it seemed, and the professor caught that. How very curious. "You do not agree?" she asked.

"What? Uh, yes." She did not look her in the eyes, looking down instead. Raine's feeling of the young woman keeping something from them only got stronger because of that.

"I know." Genis rubbed his upper arm, uncomfortable with the subject. His eyes were mostly on Lloyd, thinking of the revelation related to him. He felt bad for him.

Colette folded her hands together. "We have to do whatever we can to save the people. I pray for the victims to have found their way to Martel."

The others nodded, most of their faith not even coming close to the girl's. Lloyd just had his far-off look, not indulging in any of it.

There was a silence, only interrupted by the rattling of the kart, and the hooves of the horse hitting the ground. The rather flat surface start to turn to hills, getting steeper, leading up to a large mountain range, its highest point known as Hakonesia Peak. The road followed the road on the mountain, the horse did not seem to have much trouble climbing it.

Eventually a gate came into view, at the highest point of the road. The gate was closed, two heavily armed guards standing in front of it on both sides. They halted the kart, looking at the man driving it, and then the people sitting on the back.

"What the meaning of this?" They inquired.

"They help me with the load. I'm alone and it's a lot of work." The man explained smoothly.

The guards shared a look, but they did seem to believe the man. "Your pass, sir?"

The man pulled out a pass from his coat. It was inspected by one guard, as the others once again looked over the party. "This is not actually allowed."

"I understand, but I really need the help. I am usually just on my own, and still a lot of people count on my delivery. Please understand."

Giving back the pass, the other guard nodded. He did seem to understand, as he walked to the side of the gate and started to pull on a chain, raising it.

"Thank you, good sir. May Martel bless you."

The kart drove through, the gate closing behind them. The guards on the other side looked at them for a moment, then turning to the others, to speak with them about this. But they were through, so the party decided not to worry about it.

At the other side of the pass, there was one house, but still there seemed to be more people around then there should be. They all had worried expressions, talking amongst each other. The man stopped his kart to the side of them.

"Is something the matter?" he informed.

"Palmacosta was attacked by Desians, a small army of them," a woman answered, in tears.

"What?! Why, how? How about the militia, the Governor?"

"They were out on training. They took mostly women and children back to the Ranch. As you know, the people of Palmacosta are fighters, but..."

The Salvation group exchanged looks on the back of the kart. Colette had a worried, sorrow filled look. One that said; we have to help! Raine shook her head to her.

"Our focus needs to be on finding the seal, Colette."

"But those poor people! We helped the ones of Luin, this is no different."

"I agree. There are children involved again, we can't just let this happen." Sheena joined in.

"We were lucky that the Ranch there was understaffed. They just mentioned a small army. We are just five people."

"All the more chance we slip past unnoticed. You said yourself back at the other Ranch, that we have to make a greater impact. We can do that by bringing down those damned places, getting rid of the Desians as much as possible."

The man on the front of the kart looked over his shoulder.

"Keep it down, Sheena. Not everyone might agree. It is true Palmacosta actively fights them, but they are one of the few." Raine told her.

"Kill Desians. Enemy." Lloyd said with an intense red glow in his eyes. It was terrifying, full of hate and purpose. Yet, it was for just a moment, as they dulled down again, going back to the permanent, emotionless stare.

They all stared at him, really not sure what to think of all that. Then, they exchanged looks. In a moment of silence, the options were considered. They all were in their own thoughts. Raine was probably rationalising everything. Her little brother knotted his brows together, mostly worried if they will make it out alright. Sheena was petting her small companion, already thinking up a plan of how to sneak in. Colette clearly had her mind set already; the people needed to be saved.

"Where is the militia now? Have they been informed, and the Governor?" The man continued on to ask.

"I heard they were informed, and they are setting up to go to the Ranch. But honestly, their numbers are too few. I doubt it will help."

"Raine, please. We have to help." Colette spoke up.

"We can try to meet this militia first, make a plan. They know more of the things going on. Let's help each other out." Sheena added.

"Yeah, we can do it together." Genis said enthusiastically.

Taking a deep breath, Raine rubbed the space in between her eyebrows. There really was no way she was talking them all out of it, she realised. It was dangerous, it was risky. But by the Goddess, there were innocent people, children involved.

The rider looked over the group on the back of his kart. "I can take you to the perimeters of the Ranch," he offered.

"Are you certain?"

Smiling, the man nodded. "It would be my pleasure. We can unload the kart, so we can travel lighter and faster."

Before Raine could ask again if the man was certain, people around started to help to unload. The small group joined in and the kart was unloaded in a matter of minutes.

While telling the people 'stay safe' and 'take care', the party went back on and the driver set his horse in motion. This time, much faster. They were there within an hour. Next to low mountains, and in between a thick forest, the Ranch was perched upon a hill, in clear view.

The kart was stopped close to the edge of the forest. The driver turned to his passengers. "I dare not go any further than this. I wish you good luck."

"Thank you, kind sir. For everything. I wish we had something to repay you..." Colette started, while the others jumped of the kart.

"No need. It is my honour to aid the Chosen one." The man smiled as he bowed his head to her.

"How did you know?" Colette was surprised. Lloyd held out his hand, to help her out, as she took it to get off.

"I just do. Good luck." After that, he turned everything around, to go back to the pass.

Raine cupped her chin, as she looked around. She also made good use of her sharp ears. "I see nor hear people around. The militia the people spoke of, does not seem to be here yet."

Her brother made a face; this was rather worrisome. Meanwhile, Colette stepped forwards, entering the forest. The trees were close together, causing it to make everything shadowy and dark. The girl had no real problem with this however, seeming to walk with a certain intent.

Her sharp ears were at work; she was hearing some one's breathing. It was coming from somewhere close. And then, before she knew it, her foot got stuck behind a root, falling flat on her face. The young man resting against that very tree woke up because of it.

The others were with the girl fast, Genis being the quickest to offer her a helping hand. "Are you okay, Colette?"

"Yes, I'm fine." She smiled and looked to the young man. "Sorry to wake you like that."

"Uh, not at all..." The man was staring, and she realised it was because her wings were out. Must have happened as she fell. Colette let them disappear.

"You, you are the Chosen."

"That's right. Are you alright sir?"

"Ah, my name is Neal." The darkhaired man stood up and bowed. "I was looking for Governor-General Dorr. I guess all the searching tired me out."

"He should be around these parts?" Raine informed.

Neal nodded. "The Governor always tries to reason with the Desians. And if they do not respond to that, well, there is the militia."

"Which conveniently was out on training when the city was attacked."

There was a silence after the professor's remark. Genis scratched the back of his head, Colette just looked worried and Sheena was in deep in thought. As for Neal, he actually seemed to consider it.

Then, he shook his head harshly. "No, he'd never. Dorr has always been fighting the Desians. Even after he lost his wife not too long ago, he kept strong!"

Genis lifted his hands in a calming gesture. "We don't mean to suggest anything bad. We are just here to save the people that were taken."

"I see. I assume you were hoping to get help from the militia then? Sadly, they are too far east for now. It will take them about a day to come here."

Shaking her head, Colette exclaimed: "We can't wait for that. There are children in there. We have to move fast."

"I suppose you are right, Chosen." Neal let out a sigh. "I know of a back entrance. Follow me."

The party shared looks, Raine most clearly not trusting. But they also knew this was their best bet, so they followed the man. He explained to them he was the Governor's right-hand man, which explained a lot.

Getting to a darker part of the forest, they came close to the high wall of the Ranch. There was a heavy door, with next to it, a terminal. And right in front of it stood an older, blond-haired man, speaking with a Desian.

Neal halted, keeping to the shadows of the trees and gestured the party to do the same. "That's Governor-General Dorr," he told them in a hushed voice.

"Please, I have given you all the gald I could get. The tours, fees, the mountain pass. There are no more places to squeeze more money from. Now you take my people too? That is not fair! You promised me a cure, for my poor wife."

"As long as you keep paying for it, Dorr. And you barely manage that. We have to keep our Ranch running too. See the people as your payment this month. But the next one, you need to pay up, if you really want to save your wife, that is." The Desian laughed darkly.

"Please, I'll do anything. I'll raise the fees, the taxes, give you more of my people even. Just give me the medicine, please." Dorr pleaded.

Neal stared on in shock. He could not believe he was hearing! It was time to step in. He did so before the rest of the party realised and could stop him.

"Governor-General! Don't tell me this is true. You are working with the Desians? Why? What have they done with your wife? Clara died, that is what you told everyone. Do they have her? Is that why you are doing this?"

"Neal! What are you doing here?" The rest of the party decided to show up as well, joining the young man's side. "Who are these people?"

"Foolish man, that is the Chosen!" The Desian turned around, intending to go and sound the alarm.

Sheena was on to him, sending Corrine to tackle the man. She was right behind him, and kept the guard against the ground. Her dark eyes looked up angerly at Dorr. "How dare you? How dare you offer the lives of your own people just like that?"

"Where is Clara, what has happened to her? What is the medicine for?" Neal pressed on questioning, while he and the party started surrounding the Governor.

"You... you all have no idea. You have no clue what has happened to her. She's... She's a monster, and she's right in there!"

Pushing the button of the terminal, the heavy door opened. It revealed something grotesque. It had a filthy green colour, with big, red veins running over its whole body. It was tall, but hulking over, long arms with sharp claws resting on the ground. The head was just one big, red gem glowing brightly. It let out a devastating cry.

"Aah! W-what's that monster?!" Genis yelled in horror.

Raine stepped back in shock and Sheena found herself frozen, still pinning the Desian to the ground. Lloyd had drawn his swords, but instead of raising them, he let them drop, staring at the creature.

Colette was the only one that was able to move, stepping closer to it instead of backing away. "Don't call her a monster. She is crying, crying out in pain."

The creature first seemed to be hostile, wanting to lash out. But when Colette reached out to it, seemed to stop itself. Instead, the creature froze, no longer moving.

"Clara..." Dorr managed, looking up at it.

Neal took a moment, like everyone else, to recover. "Dorr, that is your wife?"

Looking away, the man could only nod. "Turning into something this terrible, I had no other choice, but to tell every-one she was dead. Because of my defiant father, the Desians put an unprotected Exsphere on my wife as a warning. They promised me a cure, as long as I worked with them and paid them gald."

"So, they made use of your weakness and your position." Raine summarized, crossing her arms.

"Th-that's what happens to people who have unprotected Exspheres?" Her little brother managed to say, looking over the shape of the creature.

"The poor woman. She has so much sadness, and pain. She is scared and alone." Colette looked down for a moment.

"You can understand her?" Sheena asked curious.

The girl nodded, turning to Dorr and taking his hand in both hers. "I am sorry for what happened to your wife. They had no right to do that to her. But the way you handled things, is also wrong. Keeping up the strong charade, fooling your own people while secretly working together with the enemy, that is just wrong. I understand it is scary, and you were intimidated too. But you should have just been honest to the people around you, surely they would have helped you."

"How can you be so sure? The way things are now, every-one is just looking out for their own."

"Governor-General, in that I must disagree. You need to look no further than your own town. The people there all look up to you. You have always been strong, showing them that the Desians don't decide their whole lives. You've had a moment of weakness. We all have that. I am sure they will understand, as long as you can admit to that." Neal said.

"They will have my head! I should just end this, right now." A dagger flashed in his hand; he was ready to strike at the creature.

Finally, Lloyd moved, and fast. He grabbed Dorr's wrist, pinching so he had no choice but to drop his weapon. At the same time, Clara screeched, making them all flinch. She swung with one of her claws in pure distress. This hit the man directly. Clara called out again, upset at herself. She turned around and ran inside the Ranch, to no doubt cause more trouble there.

"Governor-General Dorr!" Neal called out, as the man fell to the ground, covered in blood.

"Oh no. Raine, please heal him."

"I'm on it, Colette." She knelt down next to the man, staff in hand.

They all were around the man, while he was on his back coughing up blood. He looked at Lloyd. "You.. You stopped me, why?"

The teen stared back, his eyes seeming more intense than usual. "Still your wife."

"Lloyd's right. No matter how much things changed, she's still your wife. I could still hear her voice, her thoughts deep inside. I want to believe; she can still be saved."

Dorr looked at the blond girl. "Then, promise me. Promise me, you'll try to find.." he coughed deeply. The healing glow of Raine's art was still going over him. "You'll find a cure."

Colette and Lloyd exchanged a look, both nodding. The girl showed a small smile. "We promise."

"Thank you." The man's head dropped to the side, as his eyes lost their light.

There was a moment of silence, Raine rose up, looking at her staff, as if that was the cause.

"He's gone..." Neal said eventually, with a sad voice.

"I'm sorry." Colette said it softly.

The young man shook his head. "It was not your fault. What you did and said was right. All of you." He looked over all of them. "And I would advise to go after Clara. You promised to help her, after all."

"Right. Thank you. We will free the prisoners and send them your way too. Are you all ready to go?"

Colette looked around at the other members. Sheena gave a firm nod, making sure the guard was passed out before getting up. Genis took a moment to gather his courage, and nodded to her too. Lloyd just stared into the Ranch, seemingly all ready to go. He had picked back up his swords.

Her teacher seemed off, just staring at her staff and her own hands. She muttered something under her breath, not knowing her student now had excellent hearing. "My healing arts cannot even save a single life?"

"Professor Sage, did you say something?"

"Oh, it's nothing. Let's go, I'm ready."

Biting her lip, Colette just nodded. She told Neal to take care and they all went inside the Ranch. They had two tasks now; saving the people of Palmacosta and help Clara out. Hopefully the Desians had not harmed her too badly yet.

Glancing next to her, Lloyd was at her side, swords at the ready, gleaming in the strong lights of the Ranch. "Thank you."

He glanced back, tilting his head.

"For stopping Dorr. I wish I could have done the same for Clara." Colette's eyes started to trail off, until his hand was on top of hers.

"Not your fault."

She showed a small smile, but it was a sad one. "I suppose we all were effected by what just happened, in our own way. Did he... did he deserve that?"

The girl looked down; she really did not want to think of people like that. She believed all people were good at heart, everyone had the Goddess in them, working towards their own, personal salvation. And some sadly get influenced badly, or make mistakes and go down a downward spiral.

If only those people learned to talk to each other. If Dorr just had told Neal, surely, they could have figured things out. And people didn't have to get hurt, mentally or physically.

Lloyd squeezed her hand gently, making her look at him again. "Not your fault." He repeated to her.

Because he had to go into combat against a couple of Desians, he couldn't see her thankful smile. These were the moments she treasured. Good and bad, really went hand in hand. They were on their way to save people, meanwhile having to fight others to do so.

They were on a journey to save the world, while on their way helping everyone in need. Releasing the seals, fighting the guardians. Praying to Remiel, even losing a part of herself that made her human. Colette accepted it all, with a smile. This was a journey across the world she had always wanted to see. And she was sharing it with her friends. It was maybe wrong to call it fun, with all the serious matters going on, but she still felt that way.

While going through the Ranch, freeing the prisoners, Colette pushed that thought aside for now. It seemed Clara had cleared most of their way, however, she was nowhere to be seen. Some of the prisoners told them they saw her running off outside. She could only pray for Clara to be alright.

Raine suggested to blow up this Ranch as well. Sheena did think it was rather extreme, but they all agreed that it was most effective. Otherwise, Desians would just come back, making use of it again to inflict fear.

They all agreed on letting the Ranch self-destruct, evacuating all the people of Palmacosta in and around the building. When they finally were cleared of the perimeter, it went out with quite a bang. Some applauded, others cheered. Others were quiet, either too tired or effected by everything that had happened.

"I'm going to lead every one back home. I also need to arrange a funeral." Neal told the Salvation party. He glanced at a carrier; on it was Dorr's body, covered by a large blanket of course. He then bowed deeply. "Thank you, for all your help. We are really in your dept."

"Oh, no, no. Not at all. We really wanted to save all the people." Colette told him quickly.

"Are you joining us? Or are you going some-where else?"

"Well, we were actually planning on going to Palmacosta, because we do not really know where the next seal could be. The only clue we have that it is across water."

Neal cupped his chin, in thought for a moment. "Hm. One of our church's guided tours is to the Thoda Geyser, and that is across the water. It is considered a sacred place, there is even a pedestal with a unique crest."

"Hey, that sounds familiar!" Genis called out.

His sister nodded. "Indeed. That may be the place we will find the next seal. How can this geyser be reached?"

"The Thoda docks are not that far from here, actually. Just head east, you'll see it soon enough."

"Thank you, Neal. Good luck, keep strong."

"No, thank you, Chosen one. All of you." The young man bowed for them again.

Since there was still some daylight and they had some energy left, the party agreed to walk east. It was indeed not too long before the building next to the dock came into sight. It had a very similar shape to a house of Salvation. As it turned out, it served as that too and the party gladly took the one room it had to rest. It had been a long day, after all.