"Where IS he? He should be back by now!" Luka sat in front of the Seed Pedestal, polishing her ever shining spear. The tip was a little worn after the Mana Heroes had used it. Her skillful hands brushed the warm wooden shaft of the fearsome weapon - the dreaded and most wanted Daedalus Lance - when all of a sudden... Undine came rushing into the Palace.
- "Luka, what's going on? I feel a little sleepy..." Her deep blue eyes were half shut and darkened with tiredness.
- "Well, what's to worry.."
- "Luka, Elementals NEVER sleep! I never got this feeling before... It's as though I can fall asleep any moment, but am throbbing with power at the same moment... It's weird. It feels so soft inside of me, that drowsy feeling... Is it what it feels like to be sleepy as a human, too?" She gazed deeply into Luka's green eyes.- "Yes, it feels like that as a human, too. But how... How come? If Elementals don't sleep... What can be causing this feeling?!" She heard a melody, softly reaching inside the Palace, along with a song. Undine heard and translated it for Luka: her voice sounded like a soft spring bubbling in a silent night.
- "Mana, Mana lets me live. Mana, make the evil die. Mana, Mana, sacred dragon. Mana, Mana lets me live..." She even danced a little: her spear described circles in the air as she twirled it carefully. Her eyes gleamed with a kind of power that lived in her heart. Luka wondered if that was the true Mana Essence: the spirit of the Elementals, raised only in times of peace and prosperity. Her thoughts were abruptly broken off when a knock on the heavy Palace doors caused Undine to shriek.
- "Who is it?" Luka took her spear and positioned herself, ready for battle. She knew a few tricks from Geshtar: he had taught her well.
- "It's me, Luka... Hopper. I thought I'd come by and pay you a visit. The Mana Sword is resonating, it started to a while ago. I don't know what to do: I'm just a kid! Everybody expects me to do something about it, but how can I do something when I don't even know what's happening?!" Before her stood Hopper, his clothes slightly singed from using Cannon Travel. His hair still held together by the same bandana, she easily could recognise him anywhere... except his expression was so serious today: and that wasn't exactly like him.
- "I don't know what it is, but Undine has been complaining too. What do you know of the strange behaviour of the sword?" She stepped towards him, inviting him to sit down on the stairs of the Seed pedestal.
- "It resonates in a strange rhythm. And it glows, as if Dryad casted...Mana magic?!" Hopper was very shocked by what he just had thought of. The Mana Beast... not too long ago it had made the sword resonate and sparkle in an unearthly light. Dryad had explained afterwards: the sword had opened itself up to her magic, to slay the beast... She had also told him the sword would instinctively destroy the Beast.
... But Hopper, still a little weary of his newfound knowledge, suddenly remembered what he had said when they first saw the Mana Beast...
- "So beautiful..." A tear ran down his cheek when he saw the beast.
- "What are you waiting for? Go up there and slay that beast!" Stine's bold but true words resounded in the hollow passageways of his mind.
- "I... I can't! It looks just like Flammie! Are Flammies not Mana Beasts?"
Flammie... the next Mana Beast? A threat to the world?
... Or a herald to a new future?
He had no idea whatsoever what the future still had in mind for all those people involved in the battle against extinction. But he'd not die running, that was for sure! The battle with the Mana Beast and the Empire had given him one thing: courage. He had survived thanks to his weapon skills and not by use of magic, like Nasha and Stine had done.
Suddenly, the company heard a sound outside: again, someone entered the Palace.
- "Nasha! Stine... and who's that? Isn't that...?!" The last thing Hopper expected was to see his two friends there again. The second floating spirit revealed herself to Hopper.
- "I am Fanha Caina, dear Mana Hero... daughter of Elinee... and once in service of the Empire. I was Geshtar's best friend, and had to put him under spells on Thanatos' orders..." She paused, for Hopper had drawn his sword. The Mana Sword didn't resonate when he pointed it menacingly at her. He scratched his head in amazement. "Yes, I am no longer under Thanatos' influence. When you last saw me, he had me caught in his dark aura. But enough of me! Do you know why we are here?"
- "No, I have no idea... Please, te-"
He stopped in middle of his sentence...
... for in the doorway stood Geshtar, his disguise lowered and his armor shining brightly in the holy fire. Dryad, her tree-like appearance as calm and childish as always, floated besides him: her aura became visible shortly when the two Elementals greeted each other. The Mana Sword didn't resonate when they neared the group, nor did it when he touched it, lowering it.
- "Geshtar! You're back!" Luka flung herself in his arms in front of the whole group. Hopper raised his eyebrows, not knowing what had happened.
- "I owe you all an explanation, I think." Geshtar begun, but was stopped from speaking by the sound of metal over metal. Behind him stood Seyma, together with Salamando.
- "Geshtar! I have warned you once before not to harm anyone!" Her harsh tone caused Salamando to reprimand her:
- "Seyma, I will have none of that behaviour anymore! Either remain quiet or have me put you through another Elemental Purification to calm your fiery temper!!" He smiled when she turned white as snow, and then continued in a friendly tone: "I have come to tell you of a serious disorder. My Mana Readings indicate a strange fluctuation, preventing the planet's Mana resources to refill completely. I have no idea if you've noticed too... Dryad and Undine, you too must feel drowsy? Hopper, isn't the Mana Sword resonating? Stine, Fanha, you too must yearn for the end of your existence as spirits on earth?" He paused for a moment, letting his words take effect. "Well, all this indicates the rise of a new problem, namely... a new Mana Beast."
- "WHAT? So soon?!" They all were baffled by Salamando's guess. All... except Geshtar.
- "Dryad, describe to me the Mana Beast!" His voice sounded throughout the palace and resounded time after time in their ears.
- "Well, it's big and pinkish, with green wings and burgundy eyes. It hasn't got the ability to speak..." She stopped: Geshtar was already back outside. They all followed him - to be both shocked and surprised by what they saw.
It was Flammie, her beautiful feathers all pink and her eyes deep burgundy. Her roar resounded when she saw the Mana Sword in Hopper's hand. The Elementals were all hypnotised by it's looks, and they floated in mid-air - paralysed by it. Her roars resounded over the world... but she was silent when she noticed Geshtar, tears running down his cheeks.
- "F-flammie... You... you're changing into a m-monster..." He couldn't speak anymore, neither could she: but in his head, her voice resounded as clear as he used to hear it.
- "Geshtar... I'm changing! Save me! SAVE ME!!" Her voice was flawless, to his surprise, and her tones sounded even more humain than they used to. He ran towards her, paying no attention at all to her sharp claws. His mantle was torn by them, and over his cheek ran a long wound. He hugged her, screaming to the dark blue sky:
- "I don't believe it... Don't die on me, girl! Don't! I'm here... I'll be right here... Solar!", he yelled as he adressed the mightiest of Elementals, the only one who could possibly help him, "I ask you: is there nothing you can do?!"
In a ray of bright light, the Ninth Elemental descended from the heavens, her face showed a single emotion: fear. She was actually moved.
- "Geshtar, the only thing I can do is lend you a part of my powers. You must understand that you can only save one person... and that you can die while trying..."
- "AAAAGH!!!" Both Flammie and Fanha cried out in pain. Geshtar realised he had a choice to make, and a hard one for that matter: his long-time best friend or his new best friend...
- "I am deeply sorried, Fanha. She's still young, and hasn't lived a full life yet...", he whispered as he put his hands, glowing with Solar's supernatural powers, on Flammie's head.
- "Geshtar!" Flammie's spirit was beautiful: she looked a lot like Solar, but she was more colorful and had a less radiant aura. Nevertheless, she moved towards him automatically, breaking her bonds. "You've freed me of my binding to Mana? Why?!"
- "You're my friend, that's why. I never let a friend down!" He gazed downward. "Fanha was less fortunate - I could only save one person..." A spirit tear ran down his cheek, and Flammie wiped it away. Her slender fingers were soft and warm, amazingly warm.
- "Geshtar, don't cry. You've done the right thing." Geshtar turned around, seeing Fanha's spirit floating in front of them. "You knew, didn't you? My place is now in Heaven, because I did my noble deed. You gave me a greater gift than a new life. You gave me eternal happiness! What more can I give to you than this?" She touched his armor, and her hand slipped right through, until it reached his heart. He touched her heart too, smiling. A warmth spread through them as they became one being for a short while. When they splitted up again, Fanha left a small part of her spirit in his heart and vice versa.
- "Geshtar, we should go on now. My place among the angels awaits me, and Luka's probably worried sick about you down there! Good-bye for now. I'll keep you a place right next to me... dear Geshtar." With those words, two beautiful wings sprouted from her back and she flew up into infinity.
- "Geshtar, we should get going, too. We do have a life to live, haven't we?" Flammie reached out for his hands as they went back to their bodies... and their friends, who would probably be waiting.
Luka stood there, numbed by a superior power. Geshtar hadn't hesitated to risk his own life to save Flammie... she sighed in relief as both opened their eyes and stood up. Geshtar staggered towards her.
- "Oh, Geshtar!" She kissed him, provoking surprise and disbelief for the others. "Are you allright?"
- "Just... a little tired, that's all... I'll be fine, I just need some rest." Luka accompanied him inside, leaving the rest with their amazement. Hopper was the first one to speak again. He sheathed his sword again as he saw Flammie stretch.
- "It can't be... Luka and... him?!" He shook his head, as if it was all a dream he wanted to wake up from. Flammie sighed.
- "Hopper, have yoooooou learned nothing at all? They love each other! Theeeeeeeey would risk everything to be together... And he isn't eeeeeevil anymore. Doesn't the faaaaact that he risked his life for mine prove that?" She smiled when he silently nodded. "He's not such a baaaaaaad guy. Drinking made him weeeeeeeak... and Luka made him strooooooong again! They already were in love for a loooooooong time... and now they're back togeeeeeeether! Be happy for them, Hopper, dear friiiiiiiiend. They'll finally be one hundred percent perfectly happy!" With those words, she left him, flying north towards the Upper Land Forest. In the meantime the Elementals weren't influenced by the Beast power anymore: they were happily playing in the afternoon sun. Salamando turned the water beneath him into steam, and Undine refilled the empty spots again. Nasha was also enjoying the calmth after all the trouble. She relaxed in the afternoon sun. Hopper neared her, laid himself down next to her and put his hands under his head.
- "You knew it all along, didn't you?"
- "What? That he wasn't evil or that he was in love with Luka?"
- "Mmmm...", Hopper pondered on. Eventually, he said: "Both."
- "Yes, I knew. I sensed it. I felt it. I read his mind when we met at my house. I asked Stine what to do, and you know what he answered me? "Give the man a second chance", he said. And you know, Hopper... I already gave him that before Stine told me to do so. Now you have to do the same..." She sighed as she sat up to look at the boy besides her. He had not only gained courage and strength in their battle against evil and the Mana Beast: his looks had changed from a big kid into those of a young man. His brown hair fell over his bandana, his greenish eyes sparkled with a life force no one could imagine. His hands, roughened by the use of the weapons, carelessly played with a small pebble he had picked up from the ground. He appeared to be thinking about her words. "Hey, I wouldn't say those things if I didn't know he is a nice man, worthy of Luka's love. Come on, get up and tell him that you will give him a chance to prove his true good nature to you... No, not right now!", she said when he sat up too, ready to walk into the palace.
- "Why not?... Oh...", he blushed as he realised why he shouldn't. "I... guess I'll... wait. I won't ruin their moment together. That would be wrong..."
- "You're right. Come back here and lie down! I'll keep an eye on you, Hopper." She sighed as she saw Dryad chase Undine, while Undine chased Salamando and Salamando pursued Dryad. "Hey you guys, keep it quiet, will you?! Just take a rest together with us. You're so... energetic!" She shook her head.
- "That's because Mana is fully restored, Nasha. They can't help it either..." She turned around: that familiar voice had cleared her mind. Behind her stood Stine, fully colored and clearly visible. "I benefit from that, too... I have my physical life back!" Hopper raised himself again, running to the small sprite child.
- "Y-you're back to... I thought you'd never be... Welcome back!", he finally managed to whisper while he hugged his long-time friend and ally-in-battle. Nasha, too, came to him and tapped him on the head.
- "Nice to have you back, Stine. I knew it all along, you weren't going to keep away from us forever... I'm happy you're back."
- "Hey, I've told you guys before: I WASN'T going to kick the bucket! I was just out of shape..."
- "You can sure say that, Stine!" Hopper's grin showed he understood the word game. He gestured towards a small cloud, in which they both recognised a roughly shaped face. A well-known female face... Fanha's. "Hey, isn't that...?" He halted in mid-sentence, for a glimpse of metal shimmer caught his eye.
Seyma scraped her dagger over the stairs to the Water Palace. The Mana Heroes were always brave and courageous: they seemed to accept the fact that Geshtar was no longer evil a whole lot easier than she did. Maybe... All her thoughts had started with that word since she knew who the stranger was.
- "You're the girl that saved Geshtar from a certain death, aren't you? I want to hear what happened since he left. I would like to know how you liked him so much at first, and then hated his guts. I would love to know..." Hopper's firm hand, strengthened by the long use of the Mana Sword, on her shoulder made her awaken as if from a dream. She turned around and blushed when his deep greenish eyes peered directly into her brown ones.
- "My father took me to Salamando the very day he left. I had talked about Geshtar many, many times: he had been disgusted by it. Ironic, isn't it? That a man can be disgusted by deeds, committed by his own hands. He hated the words he had once spoken himself, he despised people he once had friendships or even relations with... Anyway, when my father returned with me and one of his friends that evening, he..." She paused to wipe away some tears from her eyes. "He... fell. Into one of Salamando's lava pits. His last words were: "Help save Geshtar, my little flame..." Salamando came to the rescue... it was already too late. I volunteered to take his place in serving Salamando. My Elemental Purification was barely completed when I came across Geshtar again. I nearly killed him: if Salamando hadn't stopped me, he'd be lying in a graveyard now." She looked up to the sky, a stray tear running down her cheek.
- "Seyma, girl, one of the most valuable lessons I have learned while wielding the Mana Sword is forgiveness. I came across many people who did evil, unaware of the consequences. I have learned to forgive those people because I know they did not fully realise what they did and how that affected the entire world. And another valuable lesson I've learnt is how to lose... and how to cope with a loss. I've seen Nasha and Stine die a few times. There was no time for mourning, and there was no place for sadness. Especially amidst enemies. But, and believe me when I say it, the worst thing in life is to lose a beloved one. Nasha lost her fiancé, Dyluck; Stine lost all of his friends and relatives, and eventually he died for the good cause. And me... I've lost innocense, my childhood, my carelessness, dozens of friends, hordes of innocent lives, and the list goes on and on and on. But the most valuable lesson of all lessons there are to learn, Seyma, is how to live. There is a way of life, suited for every person. There are millions of paths to walk... but only one path especially made for your feet. Geshtar has now found his path. It's about time you look around to see where you should set down your feet. Take one gentle step at a time and everything will work out." Over their heads whirled a dark shape at tremendous speed: Flammie, doing aero-tricks. Seyma didn't say a thing, she only took the hand Hopper had put on her shoulder. She understood and didn't need any words to say she did. Hopper knew as well as she did: the way of Mana is the way of the truth, the way of the inner strength and wisdom and, most important, it was a way of looking forward instead of backwards into time. It was the way that brought most benefit for humanity, and the ones that had opened their hearts to Mana knew how to listen to the voices that told the way, only the truly just and strong and wise knew how to walk that road. It was like a heavy burden fell off their shoulders. They both felt freed of all worries. There they stood, looking at the sky and saying nothing.
- "People, could you come here? I want to tell my story to all of you, so my name may be cleared of all blame." Geshtar held Luka's hand as the company gathered on the stairs to the Palace. "I, as all of you probably know by now, am Geshtar Tirsh. I was born in a family of middle-class salesmen. My mother was a herbs expert and my father a merchant in exotic healing items. He imported the first Cup of Wishes from the Gold Isle, then still known as the Light Island. My two sisters died before I came here to serve Luka at the age of ten. I served Undine for more than a hundred years, in which I was gifted with a very very long life: I physically aged about five years, mentally my evolution went at equal speed. That means my body didn't grow up as fast as I was supposed to, but my mind did. Anyway, fourteen or fifteen years ago, I left from here because of a little accident. Undine, feeling threatened when I had drunk too much, froze my hands and thus made me decide to leave. I went to Pandoria, lived there for a year or so, making money by hiring my sword to the highest bid. A mercenary, if you will. But then, I met Fanha and Thanatos, who were about to hire their services to the Empire. Thanatos offered me a good amount of money if I were to join them. Money... and pleasure... I couldn't refuse, drinking had made me weak and I signed the contract. I faintly noticed a small wound on my hand, bleeding like crazy. The blood and the ink mixed perfectly. My fate was sealed: I had - unwillingly - signed a contract with the underworld and was bound to serve Thanatos. And another thing it granted Thanatos was access to my mind. He put several spells over me and made sure I appeared to be evil whenever I was outside the Imperial castle. But inside, I remained the same man I used to be. I also aged, because my Elemental benefit couldn't penetrate the thick layer of evil spells layed around my soul. Inside, I still yearned for Luka and Undine. That's why I did not kill Luka. I even made sure the Jabberwocky couldn't reach her in the Water Palace... my subconsciousness ordered me to grant her safety.
When I was serving the Empire, Fanha remained a close friend, who was always ready to comfort me. Thanatos had repeatedly forced her to lay spells on me, and she had no choice but to obey. She always apologised a thousandfold afterwards, crying her eyes out. I still don't know if it was Thanatos' doing or not, but I loved her. She explained it later on as "being a single soul, split up, never to be combined again: touching but never unifying". She was a great friend to me and she meant more to me than I dared admit to Thanatos.
When we had to do our "last job", Fanha disappeared. Shortly after the Mana Fortress had surfaced, I found her note. In it, she said she accompanied Thanatos to the Fortress, and begged of me not to follow her... because she'd find a certain death there. I, blinded by hatred and love for Fanha, rushed to the rising Fortress and arrived there just after you Mana Heroes had defeated her Hexas form. I saw my best friend dying in front of me. The only thing I can remember of my blind rage afterwards, was that I thought myself happy to be defeated before Thanatos had the chance to finish me off. When you hit the engine of my hover cycle, it exploded... but I did not die. Instead, the force of the explosion hurled me off the Fortress. Right in time, because the last thing I saw before losing consciousness was the rising of the Fortress.
You Mana Heroes, I have to thank you. Hopper, Nasha, Stine: I hope you can find it in your heart to look beyond what the Empire forced me to be... right into what I want to be. I saved Flammie because I didn't want her to die like Fanha did. I had already seen a close friend die right in front of my eyes: I risked my life to save her. True, I didn't feel any better than before. But it feels kinda good to know that Fanha hasn't really left me... she's right here." He silently touched his chest, where his heart was beating and sending warmth through his entire body, before he continued: "Flammie is a beautiful girl: her soul looks kinda like Solar. It looks that way because the soul she has, resembles greatly the Elemental she has to obey. Once, there were nine Beasts: one for each Elemental... and one for Solar. Flammie is a Mana Beast - or at least, she WAS one of those - and thus her soul resembles Solar, so she would never forget who she was bound to serve." Luka rubbed her hands over his. Before she even knew what came over her, Seyma asked:
- "Geshtar... What's with you and Luka?" She blushed, for it was surely obvious she cared for the tall, handsome man that now held Luka's frail hands with a loving look in his eyes.
- "Heh... When I first came here, Luka was very severe. I didn't like her that much. She was impatient, noticed all those tiny mistakes I made... But as time went by, and I knew more and more about Mana, she became more and more friendly. She had become a very good friend of mine. More and more, we both grew up bodily. Whe I arrived her, she still looked like a fifteen year old, you know. Now, I'd say, twenty-two or twenty-three. Anyway, we grew up side by side... and one day, when I entered my "bedroom", only separated from Luka's quarters by a curtain, I noticed her standing there. The light made her look kinda eerie. But inside of me, a new feeling rose: Luka was, besides a great friend and a heck of a teacher, also an attractive young woman. For me, a boy that was mentally further than the others of his physical age, love was a well known thing.
Luka was hurt when I decided to leave that one unfaithful day. Had I known... I wouldn't have left. But anyway, when Seyma found me and I got flashbacks of a past here in the Water Palace, I came here. When I first saw Luka again, that love burned again. I was touched by her beauty once again. And after a little while, we confessed our love to one another. I'm glad we did, because it is surely a good love when it lasted and slumbered for all those years."
Luka now stepped forward, adressing the Mana Heroes, Seyma, the Elementals and Flammie, who had just returned from her nap in the Upper Land Forest.
- "Hopper, Nasha, Stine: I suggest you all go to Pandoria and organise a party. After all, you're all back together. You really should celebrate, you know... Oh, and invite us, okay?
Dryad, Geshtar will escort you home again. Thank you for coming! I hope you'll be alright. It has been a hard day for everyone and I can understand you want to go home.
Seyma and Salamando, you should be going back, too. The Fire Palace lies unguarded and all its treasures are an easy target for thieves. Seyma, I know you'll make a good Elemental Servant. Here, take these. For your father's grave. He would have liked it when I came, but I really can't..."
- "Maaay I interrupt for a moment? Stine, you have to come with meee to the Sprrrrrrite Village. Come oooon, Geshtar, Dryad, sprite chiiiiiiiiild, hop onto my back! Uuuup we go!" In a second, everyone was on Flammie's back, including Luka, Hopper and Nasha. Seyma and Salamando remained on solid ground. Salamando's burning sound reassured Seyma. So Geshtar loved Luka now... that wasn't so bad. She was happy for him! Nevertheless, she wiped away a quick tear as she turned around and followed her Elemental.
- "Stine! Stine! You're back!" A happy sprite child came running to the group.
- "Leena! Li'l girl! You're... back?! ALL sprites are back?!!" Stine wiped a few quick tears of happiness away from his cheeks. Leena, dressed in a green dress and wearing an ivy tiara, hugged him.
- "So... we're all back now... When will it take place?"
- "Wait a sec, okay? These are Hopper and Nasha, with whom I saved the world. This is Dryad, Elemental of Nature, and those two are Geshtar and Luka..." he paused briefly, "... two Servants of Undine. Group, this is Leena, my most gracious fiancée! We were to get married, but then that flood washed me away... And when I returned, Spring Beak had ravaged the village. I thought I'd never see you again... I'm so happy that's not true!" The group decided to leave Stine in the Upper Land Forest with his people. They flew to the Tree Palace, where Dryad took up her task as caretaker of the world balance once again. Then, Flammie returned all of them to the Water Palace
- "Geshtar, what were you whispering in Flammie's ear?"
Tha Mana Heroes had left for Pandoria, to tell everyone the good news and to arrange it so Geshtar's chart was adapted. The world was peaceful once again.
- "Oh, if you would follow me..." Geshtar smiled mysteriously as he guided her outside, where Flammie was already waiting.
- "Oh, Geshtar, where are you taking me?" Luka asked, a little confused.
- "Patience, my dear, patience..." Soon, they arrived above the Mana Tree, where Flammie put them down on its dense leaves and branches. Geshtar pointed upwards, and Luka slowly followed his gaze...
... and was astounded by the sight. By sitting on the Mana Tree, they shared in its Mana power. The world below them was pulsating of Mana's steady energy flow. Above them flew tiny lights: fireflies. A soft melody flowed from the center of the Tree. Luka felt more happy than she had ever been.
- "Geshtar... it's beautiful..."
- "Luka, my dearest, I have thought of you a million times since we parted. There's no one in this entire world that can make me happier than you. You make my heart beat in the same rhythm as yours, you make my hands long for your soft skin under them... and now... Luka, I love you more than I could ever imagine myself loving anyone. Will you marry me, dear? Will you be my bride?"
- "Oh, Geshtar... I will, I wouldn't want anything less!"
They sat there for a long time, holding each other's hands, sharing the moment of their lives. And when the sun shed its light over the still sleeping world, their spirits were already illuminated. And as they went back home on Flammie's back, they knew their lives would be filled. Because they were happy. Because they were with each other.
Because they had never even been really separated.
- "Luka, what's going on? I feel a little sleepy..." Her deep blue eyes were half shut and darkened with tiredness.
- "Well, what's to worry.."
- "Luka, Elementals NEVER sleep! I never got this feeling before... It's as though I can fall asleep any moment, but am throbbing with power at the same moment... It's weird. It feels so soft inside of me, that drowsy feeling... Is it what it feels like to be sleepy as a human, too?" She gazed deeply into Luka's green eyes.- "Yes, it feels like that as a human, too. But how... How come? If Elementals don't sleep... What can be causing this feeling?!" She heard a melody, softly reaching inside the Palace, along with a song. Undine heard and translated it for Luka: her voice sounded like a soft spring bubbling in a silent night.
- "Mana, Mana lets me live. Mana, make the evil die. Mana, Mana, sacred dragon. Mana, Mana lets me live..." She even danced a little: her spear described circles in the air as she twirled it carefully. Her eyes gleamed with a kind of power that lived in her heart. Luka wondered if that was the true Mana Essence: the spirit of the Elementals, raised only in times of peace and prosperity. Her thoughts were abruptly broken off when a knock on the heavy Palace doors caused Undine to shriek.
- "Who is it?" Luka took her spear and positioned herself, ready for battle. She knew a few tricks from Geshtar: he had taught her well.
- "It's me, Luka... Hopper. I thought I'd come by and pay you a visit. The Mana Sword is resonating, it started to a while ago. I don't know what to do: I'm just a kid! Everybody expects me to do something about it, but how can I do something when I don't even know what's happening?!" Before her stood Hopper, his clothes slightly singed from using Cannon Travel. His hair still held together by the same bandana, she easily could recognise him anywhere... except his expression was so serious today: and that wasn't exactly like him.
- "I don't know what it is, but Undine has been complaining too. What do you know of the strange behaviour of the sword?" She stepped towards him, inviting him to sit down on the stairs of the Seed pedestal.
- "It resonates in a strange rhythm. And it glows, as if Dryad casted...Mana magic?!" Hopper was very shocked by what he just had thought of. The Mana Beast... not too long ago it had made the sword resonate and sparkle in an unearthly light. Dryad had explained afterwards: the sword had opened itself up to her magic, to slay the beast... She had also told him the sword would instinctively destroy the Beast.
... But Hopper, still a little weary of his newfound knowledge, suddenly remembered what he had said when they first saw the Mana Beast...
- "So beautiful..." A tear ran down his cheek when he saw the beast.
- "What are you waiting for? Go up there and slay that beast!" Stine's bold but true words resounded in the hollow passageways of his mind.
- "I... I can't! It looks just like Flammie! Are Flammies not Mana Beasts?"
Flammie... the next Mana Beast? A threat to the world?
... Or a herald to a new future?
He had no idea whatsoever what the future still had in mind for all those people involved in the battle against extinction. But he'd not die running, that was for sure! The battle with the Mana Beast and the Empire had given him one thing: courage. He had survived thanks to his weapon skills and not by use of magic, like Nasha and Stine had done.
Suddenly, the company heard a sound outside: again, someone entered the Palace.
- "Nasha! Stine... and who's that? Isn't that...?!" The last thing Hopper expected was to see his two friends there again. The second floating spirit revealed herself to Hopper.
- "I am Fanha Caina, dear Mana Hero... daughter of Elinee... and once in service of the Empire. I was Geshtar's best friend, and had to put him under spells on Thanatos' orders..." She paused, for Hopper had drawn his sword. The Mana Sword didn't resonate when he pointed it menacingly at her. He scratched his head in amazement. "Yes, I am no longer under Thanatos' influence. When you last saw me, he had me caught in his dark aura. But enough of me! Do you know why we are here?"
- "No, I have no idea... Please, te-"
He stopped in middle of his sentence...
... for in the doorway stood Geshtar, his disguise lowered and his armor shining brightly in the holy fire. Dryad, her tree-like appearance as calm and childish as always, floated besides him: her aura became visible shortly when the two Elementals greeted each other. The Mana Sword didn't resonate when they neared the group, nor did it when he touched it, lowering it.
- "Geshtar! You're back!" Luka flung herself in his arms in front of the whole group. Hopper raised his eyebrows, not knowing what had happened.
- "I owe you all an explanation, I think." Geshtar begun, but was stopped from speaking by the sound of metal over metal. Behind him stood Seyma, together with Salamando.
- "Geshtar! I have warned you once before not to harm anyone!" Her harsh tone caused Salamando to reprimand her:
- "Seyma, I will have none of that behaviour anymore! Either remain quiet or have me put you through another Elemental Purification to calm your fiery temper!!" He smiled when she turned white as snow, and then continued in a friendly tone: "I have come to tell you of a serious disorder. My Mana Readings indicate a strange fluctuation, preventing the planet's Mana resources to refill completely. I have no idea if you've noticed too... Dryad and Undine, you too must feel drowsy? Hopper, isn't the Mana Sword resonating? Stine, Fanha, you too must yearn for the end of your existence as spirits on earth?" He paused for a moment, letting his words take effect. "Well, all this indicates the rise of a new problem, namely... a new Mana Beast."
- "WHAT? So soon?!" They all were baffled by Salamando's guess. All... except Geshtar.
- "Dryad, describe to me the Mana Beast!" His voice sounded throughout the palace and resounded time after time in their ears.
- "Well, it's big and pinkish, with green wings and burgundy eyes. It hasn't got the ability to speak..." She stopped: Geshtar was already back outside. They all followed him - to be both shocked and surprised by what they saw.
It was Flammie, her beautiful feathers all pink and her eyes deep burgundy. Her roar resounded when she saw the Mana Sword in Hopper's hand. The Elementals were all hypnotised by it's looks, and they floated in mid-air - paralysed by it. Her roars resounded over the world... but she was silent when she noticed Geshtar, tears running down his cheeks.
- "F-flammie... You... you're changing into a m-monster..." He couldn't speak anymore, neither could she: but in his head, her voice resounded as clear as he used to hear it.
- "Geshtar... I'm changing! Save me! SAVE ME!!" Her voice was flawless, to his surprise, and her tones sounded even more humain than they used to. He ran towards her, paying no attention at all to her sharp claws. His mantle was torn by them, and over his cheek ran a long wound. He hugged her, screaming to the dark blue sky:
- "I don't believe it... Don't die on me, girl! Don't! I'm here... I'll be right here... Solar!", he yelled as he adressed the mightiest of Elementals, the only one who could possibly help him, "I ask you: is there nothing you can do?!"
In a ray of bright light, the Ninth Elemental descended from the heavens, her face showed a single emotion: fear. She was actually moved.
- "Geshtar, the only thing I can do is lend you a part of my powers. You must understand that you can only save one person... and that you can die while trying..."
- "AAAAGH!!!" Both Flammie and Fanha cried out in pain. Geshtar realised he had a choice to make, and a hard one for that matter: his long-time best friend or his new best friend...
- "I am deeply sorried, Fanha. She's still young, and hasn't lived a full life yet...", he whispered as he put his hands, glowing with Solar's supernatural powers, on Flammie's head.
- "Geshtar!" Flammie's spirit was beautiful: she looked a lot like Solar, but she was more colorful and had a less radiant aura. Nevertheless, she moved towards him automatically, breaking her bonds. "You've freed me of my binding to Mana? Why?!"
- "You're my friend, that's why. I never let a friend down!" He gazed downward. "Fanha was less fortunate - I could only save one person..." A spirit tear ran down his cheek, and Flammie wiped it away. Her slender fingers were soft and warm, amazingly warm.
- "Geshtar, don't cry. You've done the right thing." Geshtar turned around, seeing Fanha's spirit floating in front of them. "You knew, didn't you? My place is now in Heaven, because I did my noble deed. You gave me a greater gift than a new life. You gave me eternal happiness! What more can I give to you than this?" She touched his armor, and her hand slipped right through, until it reached his heart. He touched her heart too, smiling. A warmth spread through them as they became one being for a short while. When they splitted up again, Fanha left a small part of her spirit in his heart and vice versa.
- "Geshtar, we should go on now. My place among the angels awaits me, and Luka's probably worried sick about you down there! Good-bye for now. I'll keep you a place right next to me... dear Geshtar." With those words, two beautiful wings sprouted from her back and she flew up into infinity.
- "Geshtar, we should get going, too. We do have a life to live, haven't we?" Flammie reached out for his hands as they went back to their bodies... and their friends, who would probably be waiting.
Luka stood there, numbed by a superior power. Geshtar hadn't hesitated to risk his own life to save Flammie... she sighed in relief as both opened their eyes and stood up. Geshtar staggered towards her.
- "Oh, Geshtar!" She kissed him, provoking surprise and disbelief for the others. "Are you allright?"
- "Just... a little tired, that's all... I'll be fine, I just need some rest." Luka accompanied him inside, leaving the rest with their amazement. Hopper was the first one to speak again. He sheathed his sword again as he saw Flammie stretch.
- "It can't be... Luka and... him?!" He shook his head, as if it was all a dream he wanted to wake up from. Flammie sighed.
- "Hopper, have yoooooou learned nothing at all? They love each other! Theeeeeeeey would risk everything to be together... And he isn't eeeeeevil anymore. Doesn't the faaaaact that he risked his life for mine prove that?" She smiled when he silently nodded. "He's not such a baaaaaaad guy. Drinking made him weeeeeeeak... and Luka made him strooooooong again! They already were in love for a loooooooong time... and now they're back togeeeeeeether! Be happy for them, Hopper, dear friiiiiiiiend. They'll finally be one hundred percent perfectly happy!" With those words, she left him, flying north towards the Upper Land Forest. In the meantime the Elementals weren't influenced by the Beast power anymore: they were happily playing in the afternoon sun. Salamando turned the water beneath him into steam, and Undine refilled the empty spots again. Nasha was also enjoying the calmth after all the trouble. She relaxed in the afternoon sun. Hopper neared her, laid himself down next to her and put his hands under his head.
- "You knew it all along, didn't you?"
- "What? That he wasn't evil or that he was in love with Luka?"
- "Mmmm...", Hopper pondered on. Eventually, he said: "Both."
- "Yes, I knew. I sensed it. I felt it. I read his mind when we met at my house. I asked Stine what to do, and you know what he answered me? "Give the man a second chance", he said. And you know, Hopper... I already gave him that before Stine told me to do so. Now you have to do the same..." She sighed as she sat up to look at the boy besides her. He had not only gained courage and strength in their battle against evil and the Mana Beast: his looks had changed from a big kid into those of a young man. His brown hair fell over his bandana, his greenish eyes sparkled with a life force no one could imagine. His hands, roughened by the use of the weapons, carelessly played with a small pebble he had picked up from the ground. He appeared to be thinking about her words. "Hey, I wouldn't say those things if I didn't know he is a nice man, worthy of Luka's love. Come on, get up and tell him that you will give him a chance to prove his true good nature to you... No, not right now!", she said when he sat up too, ready to walk into the palace.
- "Why not?... Oh...", he blushed as he realised why he shouldn't. "I... guess I'll... wait. I won't ruin their moment together. That would be wrong..."
- "You're right. Come back here and lie down! I'll keep an eye on you, Hopper." She sighed as she saw Dryad chase Undine, while Undine chased Salamando and Salamando pursued Dryad. "Hey you guys, keep it quiet, will you?! Just take a rest together with us. You're so... energetic!" She shook her head.
- "That's because Mana is fully restored, Nasha. They can't help it either..." She turned around: that familiar voice had cleared her mind. Behind her stood Stine, fully colored and clearly visible. "I benefit from that, too... I have my physical life back!" Hopper raised himself again, running to the small sprite child.
- "Y-you're back to... I thought you'd never be... Welcome back!", he finally managed to whisper while he hugged his long-time friend and ally-in-battle. Nasha, too, came to him and tapped him on the head.
- "Nice to have you back, Stine. I knew it all along, you weren't going to keep away from us forever... I'm happy you're back."
- "Hey, I've told you guys before: I WASN'T going to kick the bucket! I was just out of shape..."
- "You can sure say that, Stine!" Hopper's grin showed he understood the word game. He gestured towards a small cloud, in which they both recognised a roughly shaped face. A well-known female face... Fanha's. "Hey, isn't that...?" He halted in mid-sentence, for a glimpse of metal shimmer caught his eye.
Seyma scraped her dagger over the stairs to the Water Palace. The Mana Heroes were always brave and courageous: they seemed to accept the fact that Geshtar was no longer evil a whole lot easier than she did. Maybe... All her thoughts had started with that word since she knew who the stranger was.
- "You're the girl that saved Geshtar from a certain death, aren't you? I want to hear what happened since he left. I would like to know how you liked him so much at first, and then hated his guts. I would love to know..." Hopper's firm hand, strengthened by the long use of the Mana Sword, on her shoulder made her awaken as if from a dream. She turned around and blushed when his deep greenish eyes peered directly into her brown ones.
- "My father took me to Salamando the very day he left. I had talked about Geshtar many, many times: he had been disgusted by it. Ironic, isn't it? That a man can be disgusted by deeds, committed by his own hands. He hated the words he had once spoken himself, he despised people he once had friendships or even relations with... Anyway, when my father returned with me and one of his friends that evening, he..." She paused to wipe away some tears from her eyes. "He... fell. Into one of Salamando's lava pits. His last words were: "Help save Geshtar, my little flame..." Salamando came to the rescue... it was already too late. I volunteered to take his place in serving Salamando. My Elemental Purification was barely completed when I came across Geshtar again. I nearly killed him: if Salamando hadn't stopped me, he'd be lying in a graveyard now." She looked up to the sky, a stray tear running down her cheek.
- "Seyma, girl, one of the most valuable lessons I have learned while wielding the Mana Sword is forgiveness. I came across many people who did evil, unaware of the consequences. I have learned to forgive those people because I know they did not fully realise what they did and how that affected the entire world. And another valuable lesson I've learnt is how to lose... and how to cope with a loss. I've seen Nasha and Stine die a few times. There was no time for mourning, and there was no place for sadness. Especially amidst enemies. But, and believe me when I say it, the worst thing in life is to lose a beloved one. Nasha lost her fiancé, Dyluck; Stine lost all of his friends and relatives, and eventually he died for the good cause. And me... I've lost innocense, my childhood, my carelessness, dozens of friends, hordes of innocent lives, and the list goes on and on and on. But the most valuable lesson of all lessons there are to learn, Seyma, is how to live. There is a way of life, suited for every person. There are millions of paths to walk... but only one path especially made for your feet. Geshtar has now found his path. It's about time you look around to see where you should set down your feet. Take one gentle step at a time and everything will work out." Over their heads whirled a dark shape at tremendous speed: Flammie, doing aero-tricks. Seyma didn't say a thing, she only took the hand Hopper had put on her shoulder. She understood and didn't need any words to say she did. Hopper knew as well as she did: the way of Mana is the way of the truth, the way of the inner strength and wisdom and, most important, it was a way of looking forward instead of backwards into time. It was the way that brought most benefit for humanity, and the ones that had opened their hearts to Mana knew how to listen to the voices that told the way, only the truly just and strong and wise knew how to walk that road. It was like a heavy burden fell off their shoulders. They both felt freed of all worries. There they stood, looking at the sky and saying nothing.
- "People, could you come here? I want to tell my story to all of you, so my name may be cleared of all blame." Geshtar held Luka's hand as the company gathered on the stairs to the Palace. "I, as all of you probably know by now, am Geshtar Tirsh. I was born in a family of middle-class salesmen. My mother was a herbs expert and my father a merchant in exotic healing items. He imported the first Cup of Wishes from the Gold Isle, then still known as the Light Island. My two sisters died before I came here to serve Luka at the age of ten. I served Undine for more than a hundred years, in which I was gifted with a very very long life: I physically aged about five years, mentally my evolution went at equal speed. That means my body didn't grow up as fast as I was supposed to, but my mind did. Anyway, fourteen or fifteen years ago, I left from here because of a little accident. Undine, feeling threatened when I had drunk too much, froze my hands and thus made me decide to leave. I went to Pandoria, lived there for a year or so, making money by hiring my sword to the highest bid. A mercenary, if you will. But then, I met Fanha and Thanatos, who were about to hire their services to the Empire. Thanatos offered me a good amount of money if I were to join them. Money... and pleasure... I couldn't refuse, drinking had made me weak and I signed the contract. I faintly noticed a small wound on my hand, bleeding like crazy. The blood and the ink mixed perfectly. My fate was sealed: I had - unwillingly - signed a contract with the underworld and was bound to serve Thanatos. And another thing it granted Thanatos was access to my mind. He put several spells over me and made sure I appeared to be evil whenever I was outside the Imperial castle. But inside, I remained the same man I used to be. I also aged, because my Elemental benefit couldn't penetrate the thick layer of evil spells layed around my soul. Inside, I still yearned for Luka and Undine. That's why I did not kill Luka. I even made sure the Jabberwocky couldn't reach her in the Water Palace... my subconsciousness ordered me to grant her safety.
When I was serving the Empire, Fanha remained a close friend, who was always ready to comfort me. Thanatos had repeatedly forced her to lay spells on me, and she had no choice but to obey. She always apologised a thousandfold afterwards, crying her eyes out. I still don't know if it was Thanatos' doing or not, but I loved her. She explained it later on as "being a single soul, split up, never to be combined again: touching but never unifying". She was a great friend to me and she meant more to me than I dared admit to Thanatos.
When we had to do our "last job", Fanha disappeared. Shortly after the Mana Fortress had surfaced, I found her note. In it, she said she accompanied Thanatos to the Fortress, and begged of me not to follow her... because she'd find a certain death there. I, blinded by hatred and love for Fanha, rushed to the rising Fortress and arrived there just after you Mana Heroes had defeated her Hexas form. I saw my best friend dying in front of me. The only thing I can remember of my blind rage afterwards, was that I thought myself happy to be defeated before Thanatos had the chance to finish me off. When you hit the engine of my hover cycle, it exploded... but I did not die. Instead, the force of the explosion hurled me off the Fortress. Right in time, because the last thing I saw before losing consciousness was the rising of the Fortress.
You Mana Heroes, I have to thank you. Hopper, Nasha, Stine: I hope you can find it in your heart to look beyond what the Empire forced me to be... right into what I want to be. I saved Flammie because I didn't want her to die like Fanha did. I had already seen a close friend die right in front of my eyes: I risked my life to save her. True, I didn't feel any better than before. But it feels kinda good to know that Fanha hasn't really left me... she's right here." He silently touched his chest, where his heart was beating and sending warmth through his entire body, before he continued: "Flammie is a beautiful girl: her soul looks kinda like Solar. It looks that way because the soul she has, resembles greatly the Elemental she has to obey. Once, there were nine Beasts: one for each Elemental... and one for Solar. Flammie is a Mana Beast - or at least, she WAS one of those - and thus her soul resembles Solar, so she would never forget who she was bound to serve." Luka rubbed her hands over his. Before she even knew what came over her, Seyma asked:
- "Geshtar... What's with you and Luka?" She blushed, for it was surely obvious she cared for the tall, handsome man that now held Luka's frail hands with a loving look in his eyes.
- "Heh... When I first came here, Luka was very severe. I didn't like her that much. She was impatient, noticed all those tiny mistakes I made... But as time went by, and I knew more and more about Mana, she became more and more friendly. She had become a very good friend of mine. More and more, we both grew up bodily. Whe I arrived her, she still looked like a fifteen year old, you know. Now, I'd say, twenty-two or twenty-three. Anyway, we grew up side by side... and one day, when I entered my "bedroom", only separated from Luka's quarters by a curtain, I noticed her standing there. The light made her look kinda eerie. But inside of me, a new feeling rose: Luka was, besides a great friend and a heck of a teacher, also an attractive young woman. For me, a boy that was mentally further than the others of his physical age, love was a well known thing.
Luka was hurt when I decided to leave that one unfaithful day. Had I known... I wouldn't have left. But anyway, when Seyma found me and I got flashbacks of a past here in the Water Palace, I came here. When I first saw Luka again, that love burned again. I was touched by her beauty once again. And after a little while, we confessed our love to one another. I'm glad we did, because it is surely a good love when it lasted and slumbered for all those years."
Luka now stepped forward, adressing the Mana Heroes, Seyma, the Elementals and Flammie, who had just returned from her nap in the Upper Land Forest.
- "Hopper, Nasha, Stine: I suggest you all go to Pandoria and organise a party. After all, you're all back together. You really should celebrate, you know... Oh, and invite us, okay?
Dryad, Geshtar will escort you home again. Thank you for coming! I hope you'll be alright. It has been a hard day for everyone and I can understand you want to go home.
Seyma and Salamando, you should be going back, too. The Fire Palace lies unguarded and all its treasures are an easy target for thieves. Seyma, I know you'll make a good Elemental Servant. Here, take these. For your father's grave. He would have liked it when I came, but I really can't..."
- "Maaay I interrupt for a moment? Stine, you have to come with meee to the Sprrrrrrite Village. Come oooon, Geshtar, Dryad, sprite chiiiiiiiiild, hop onto my back! Uuuup we go!" In a second, everyone was on Flammie's back, including Luka, Hopper and Nasha. Seyma and Salamando remained on solid ground. Salamando's burning sound reassured Seyma. So Geshtar loved Luka now... that wasn't so bad. She was happy for him! Nevertheless, she wiped away a quick tear as she turned around and followed her Elemental.
- "Stine! Stine! You're back!" A happy sprite child came running to the group.
- "Leena! Li'l girl! You're... back?! ALL sprites are back?!!" Stine wiped a few quick tears of happiness away from his cheeks. Leena, dressed in a green dress and wearing an ivy tiara, hugged him.
- "So... we're all back now... When will it take place?"
- "Wait a sec, okay? These are Hopper and Nasha, with whom I saved the world. This is Dryad, Elemental of Nature, and those two are Geshtar and Luka..." he paused briefly, "... two Servants of Undine. Group, this is Leena, my most gracious fiancée! We were to get married, but then that flood washed me away... And when I returned, Spring Beak had ravaged the village. I thought I'd never see you again... I'm so happy that's not true!" The group decided to leave Stine in the Upper Land Forest with his people. They flew to the Tree Palace, where Dryad took up her task as caretaker of the world balance once again. Then, Flammie returned all of them to the Water Palace
- "Geshtar, what were you whispering in Flammie's ear?"
Tha Mana Heroes had left for Pandoria, to tell everyone the good news and to arrange it so Geshtar's chart was adapted. The world was peaceful once again.
- "Oh, if you would follow me..." Geshtar smiled mysteriously as he guided her outside, where Flammie was already waiting.
- "Oh, Geshtar, where are you taking me?" Luka asked, a little confused.
- "Patience, my dear, patience..." Soon, they arrived above the Mana Tree, where Flammie put them down on its dense leaves and branches. Geshtar pointed upwards, and Luka slowly followed his gaze...
... and was astounded by the sight. By sitting on the Mana Tree, they shared in its Mana power. The world below them was pulsating of Mana's steady energy flow. Above them flew tiny lights: fireflies. A soft melody flowed from the center of the Tree. Luka felt more happy than she had ever been.
- "Geshtar... it's beautiful..."
- "Luka, my dearest, I have thought of you a million times since we parted. There's no one in this entire world that can make me happier than you. You make my heart beat in the same rhythm as yours, you make my hands long for your soft skin under them... and now... Luka, I love you more than I could ever imagine myself loving anyone. Will you marry me, dear? Will you be my bride?"
- "Oh, Geshtar... I will, I wouldn't want anything less!"
They sat there for a long time, holding each other's hands, sharing the moment of their lives. And when the sun shed its light over the still sleeping world, their spirits were already illuminated. And as they went back home on Flammie's back, they knew their lives would be filled. Because they were happy. Because they were with each other.
Because they had never even been really separated.