Navigation 8: Separation

            "Everyone, tell me exactly what happened at the mountain palace!" Claude asked.

            "We all went exploring after Jana and Dr. Leon brought Gabriel to Cross. Sara was analyzing a strange object…and…and…" Celes started to cry, placing her head in her hands, silvery-lavender hair falling in her face. Softly, Celine placed a blanket around her sobbing daughter, trying to comfort her.

            "Sounds like…" Jana started, looking at Claude.

            "You got it. The same type of device that brought me here the first time," Claude replied.

            "Strange, but I do not recall anything like that there when we explored," Celine said.

            "True, but it could have appeared during Expel's near collision with Energy Nede," Dias replied.

            "Now, where do you think that think sent Sara?" Jana asked.

            "Most likely, it sent her to the nearest planet," Claude replied.

            "Which would be?" Ashton asked as his two dragon companions squawked in concern.

            "New Nede…" Jana replied, figuring out coordinates. Claude gasped, his blue eyes widening. He had a strange feeling about this.

            "Let's go get Sara then!" Celes cried.

            "Celes!" King Chris exclaimed, causing everyone to bow respectively.

            "Mother, Father…Sara is my closest, dearest friend. We grew up together. She would travel to another planet to find me…or anyone for that matter…" Celes replied. "I will go, and return with Sara!"

            "One of you must stay here! Think of the people if they see that both heirs are missing!" King Chris replied calmly. He was right. It would cause an unnecessary panic.

            Chris clenched his fists. "I'll star, father. You are right. And someone must defend Cross, no, Expel, if danger should occur."

            "However, my son, the fact that there is a threat out there still stands. If it is all right with Claude, please take Jana along with anyone you like and continue the investigation, heading to Lacour," Celine replied. King Chris would not argue with his wife's decision for although he did not look it, he believed that the investigation should continue.

            "Both Leo and myself shall accompany Prince Chris," Ashton replied. Chris nodded in appreciation.

            "Then we should prepare to journey to the port of Herlie tomorrow," Chris replied, leaving. Ashton, Leo, and Jana followed.

            "Celine, Chris, allow me to accompany Celes," Claude replied. "I, too, am worried about Sara. And, perhaps, there will be a clue to find Rena."

            "I will accompany both Claude and Celes as well," Dias replied.

            Celine smiled. "I know you will come back safely with her. Good luck! I only wish I could go as well."

            At that moment, one of the guards rushed in. "Your Highness! That man, Gabriel! He used a suicide spell on himself. He is no more!"

            "Then it has begun. Thank you, sir," the king said.

            Meanwhile, on the continent of El, one who had betrayed Expel stood in the grand city of Eluria and smirked after watching the mirror.

            "So, they are investigating? Feh…all for naught," he replied.

~*~*~

            "Your mother was a kind woman, with extraordinary powers. Why, it was her strong wish and love for people that New Nede even exists. She loved you so much, Sara. And so did your father," Noel continued, "He was an Earth human. You were his jewel. While Voltren attacked New Nede, he had been away on Earth. Your mother took you to Expel, knowing that Voltren wouldn't touch you."

            "You knew of her plan?" Sara asked.

            "Yes. The last thing that she wanted to do was separate from you. But, she was captured by Voltren," Noel sadly replied. "We've been trying to save Rena for a while now."

            "Rena…? Aunt Westa's Rena? Is my mother?" Sara asked. "So that means…"

            "Yes. Claude Kenni is your father…" Noel replied.

            "My…parents…"

            "Sara…whatever you do, keep your pendant with you," Noel said. She nodded.

            "Master Noel, the Synard has become quite disturbed," a young boy replied.

            "Rin. Would you accompany Kano and Sara to the Synard? Perhaps they can calm it."

            "Mr. Noel? Where does Voltren reside? I want to save my mother…" Sara said.

            "You can't possibly win, Sara. Along with those dark hearts from Earth and Expel, he is trying to resurrect the Ten Wise Men. If he gets his hands on you…" Noel replied.

            "I will win."

            Kano was quite impressed with the young girl's determination. "I'll go with her. What do you say, Rin? You too?"

            The blond haired boy nodded. "Yes."

            "Let's calm the Synard then," Sara replied.

~*~*~*~

            "Claude. I have a feeling that Sara is…" Dias replied as they landed on New Nede. It seemed the same since the last time he was on Energy Nede.

            "I wish I could have that much hope," Claude replied, looking around.

            "This place is beautiful—like a Utopia!" Celes exclaimed.

            Feeling a chill, Claude turned around to see a ghost like figure in front of him. Not just any figure; it was Rena! His eyes widened.

            "Rena! Are you…?" he began.

            "I am alive, Claude. But I have been taken by Voltren, the Nedian that is trying to bring back Cyril," she replied.

            "Where are you now?" Dias asked.

            "Fienal. Sara is on her way, I fear. Please help her," she cried.

            "Sara…our child?" Claude asked.

            "Yes…she has left Central City, and is now heading towards Fienal."

            "Come on everyone. Let's get back in the ship and head to Fienal," Claude said.