Chapter 13

Goodbyes

Steve stood at the entrance to the Ausa's crypt. "Well, this is it," he said. "I'm finally going to get to go home."

Amy stepped forward. "We're going to have to say our goodbyes here, Steve. I'm not allowed in the Ausa cemetery." She leaned over and gave Steve a hug. "Things won't be the same without you."

"Oh, come on. You know that I would have made sure that they weren't the same with me either."

Amy laughed. "I'm really going to miss that sense of humor. Oh. Here, take these." Amy handed him a small bag. "They're Star Lights and Healing Nuts. There would have been more, but we used some in the battle. Use them wisely. And listen, stay out of trouble."

"I'm not sure what to think," Steve smirked. "I'm handed a bag of items usually used in battle, and told to stay out of trouble." Everyone laughed. "Thanks Amy."

"I'm afraid that I too, must say goodbye here," said Nash. "I am not an Ausa, and therefore also cannot enter."

"Yet," Steve cut in. Nash and Mia both turned bright red.

"I can't believe . . . " Nash started. "No, I take that back. I can believe that you just said that.

"Steve, I want to thank you for all that you have done for me. Which is why I got you this." Nash pulled out a large book. "This book has a lot of the more advanced spells of Vane."

"Hey, thanks man," he said taking the book and shaking Nash's hand.

"It's time," Lemia stated, as she opened the door to the hidden tomb. Steve waved goodbye to his friends as he followed Mia and her mother into the crypt.

They had been walking for what seemed to be at least a half an hour before, finally, coming to a large dirt room. The room could have spanned the entire city of Vane, and probably did. The magical torches, posted around the room let it's inhabitance see the many roots from above and graves in the room.

Steve kept following the two Ausas, until they finally reached the stone structure. He turned to the Ausas and took a deep breath.

"Well, here it is," he said. "My way home."

"Are you sure that you do not wish to say?" asked Lemia.

"I must go," Steve replied. "My home is just that. My home. I hope you understand." Lemia just nodded.

Steve felt a gentle tug on his arm. Mia was slowly leading Steve away from her mother. When they were out of hearing range, Mia turned to face him. He could see tears starting to form in her eyes.

"Well," she started. "You did what you said you were going to do. You are a man of your word."

"I'm a man of other people's words too," he said.

She laughed a little while shaking her head. "You are not going to be easy to forget."

"Well, just do your best," Steve replied.

Mia laughed again. "Steve, I didn't get you a gift, like Nash and Amy, but here." Mia handed him the ring that she had been wearing. He looked to see the magic absorbing ring in his hand.

"I guess it didn't work on the magic here, but it might help you if there is any magic left on your your world.

"Thanks, Mia."

The two walked back towards Lemia, and the ruins.

"Are you ready?" Lemia asked. Steve nodded and Lemia flipped through the pages of Damon's book. She held it open on the page with the incantation. Steve audibly took a breath and let it out. He started reading the spell.

Ancient forces hear my call

To tear down this dimensional wall

I am worthy to make this breach

So the other side I may reach

I can stay on this world no more

Open this trans dimensional door

Each of the stones in the structure began to glow a pale shade of green. After a few seconds the light intensified. Suddenly, the light shot from each stone, into the middle of the ruin.

A thin green line floated for a moment,then stretched down. A swirling vortex was all that could be seen inside the green doorway. Steve slowly walked up to the doorway.

He looked back toward the two women. He could see the tears in Mia's eyes, even though she smiled. Lemia gave a quick nod.

Steve waved one last time and then stepped through the portal.

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Mia stepped out of the passage where Nash was still waiting for her.

"He's gone," Mia stated, mater of factly

"So then, what now?

"I guess . . . I guess we just try to get on with the rest of our lives," Mia replied.

Nash put his arm around Mia and smiled. "I think that I can handle that.

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Steve screamed as he tumbled through the swirling vortex of colors. With a bright flash, the vortex ended. The robe Steve wore gave little protection as he skidded to a stop on the hard ground.

He moaned a little as he picked himself up off the dirt. He looked behind him, expecting to see the same stone structure that had been under Vane. All he saw was a large barren plane.

Did I do something wrong? Maybe Damon was wrong and it teleports you somewhere else on Lunar.

What sounded like gas venting, snapped Steve back to reality. He turned around and instinctively drew his sword. A red sphere emitting a yellow gas, floated a few feet from the boy.

"Yeah I definitely don't think I'm home."

THE END

Author's Notes: Hey everyone. First off, I want to thank you all for reading my story. Secondly, I want to apologize for leaving everyone hanging at the very end. I wanted to set up my next story in the end of this one. Sorry Lunar fans, but it's not a Lunar fic. However, if you are still interested in the adventures of the Holy Knight, drop me an e-mail and I'll let you know of upcoming adventures. Thanks.