A Friend Restored

After the battle, Ihrie flew Falcon to Lorbenia, as Lyle was a little out of it. They'd all decided to room together, just the four of them. But shortly after returning, Lyle and Falcon both disappeared, and hasn't been seen by the other three warriors ever since. Most likely, he wanted to see the new world.

"Hard to believe a whole year has gone by," Migel stated, "Seems like only yesterday that I met Lyle and Rasha in Treck, and volunteered to help them on their quest."

The three were sitting on the docks looking out over the ocean. It was a place one would go if they wanted to reflect on something. A place Migel and Ihrie went very often.

"Yeah, It is kind of strange how life works some times. You know after living here for a whole year, you're not as bad as when we first met, and you called me a boy," Ihrie stated.

Fam thought, 'Those two are acting almost like lovebirds now. I remember them trying to take each other's heads off, and fighting over every last scrap of food on the table.'

Migel looked at her. "Do you wonder where Lyle is now? Or what he's doing?"

"He'll be back one day," Ihrie told him, "After all, the party we planned for our anniversary is coming up next week. You know Lyle won't miss that. Good thing we told him about it before he left."

* * *

Meanwhile, Lyle was in Arus. He walked over to the Priphea fields, and started making flower chains. The young man thought back to Rasha, and how much she liked these flowers.

'First my parents, then Meria, and now Rasha. All of them died, and I could do nothing to save their lives. Why do I always lose the ones I love?' he wondered.

A voice from above asked him, "Are you a traveler? I was wondering if you would tell me about the outside world. You see, I live here with my grandfather, who's teaching me magic. But I was in an accident, and lost my memory. So I don't know anything about even the place I was born."

Lyle turned around. There, he saw a girl with blond hair and blue eyes. But her face, the hairstyle, and even her clothing matched Rasha's. The only difference was a blue cape held on to her armor by two sapphire clips. But that was impossible, Rasha was dead.

Lyle knew he wouldn't get anywhere but he just had to ask. "What is your name Miss?"

"My name is Rasha," she replied, "What is yours, young traveler?"

"Lyle Rehbart Reon. I am on a journey around the world, to see all that I can before returning to my homeland. After that, I want to join the army," he admitted.

Rasha called, "Grandfather, we have a guest."

Flake came out of his house. "Well boy, there's not much here, but welcome to our village. Please, don't mind Rasha too much. She's just not used to being around people her own age."

"I don't mind," he replied, "I would be happy to tell her of my travels if she wants."

"Thank you Lyle. Then I'll go make some Cinnamon Pie and Tea," Rasha stated.

Flake stated, "You never make Cinnamon Pie and Tea. It must be because of Lyle."

Rasha sounded a little insulted. "I make it for you and your friends sometimes too."

"It's ok Rasha," Flake informed her, "You see my friends and I every day. We're also a lot older than you. But Lyle is your own age, and a new face for you to talk to. I don't mind."

"I'll go and make you that tea now. Hope you like it Lyle," she said.

She ran inside. Lyle watched her go, wondering what had happened. He turned to Flake and asked him, "Is it really her? I thought she had died when Doom Island fell."

Flake nodded. "We found her on the beach, barely alive. She recovered completely, but had no memory of her past. Or magic. It's just as well, she doesn't need the burden on her soul. She can always re-learn her spells, I am working towards that at the moment."

"I'm just happy to see her alive," Lyle said, "We can go back to being friends again."

"But she won't remember you, or your past together," reminded Flake.

Lyle told the elder, "That is ok with me. Just as long as she is still alive. We can make new memories together, starting today. I will stay here with her to work towards that goal."

Rasha came back outside. "Grandfather, Lyle, the tea is ready. But the pie has to wait a little longer to cook. Come inside so you can drink your tea before it gets cold."

* * *

Lyle stayed in Arus for several days. All the time he spent with Rasha was doing him a world of good. No longer was he standing around depressed. Instead, he was telling her all about the places he had traveled, and the adventures he had gone on. Leaving out her involvement of course.

"Lyle?" Rasha asked, "Will you stay here with me forever? I don't want to be alone again."

"Well, I have to go to a party tomorrow. My friends are holding a one-year anniversary of the day that we destroyed Doom Island. How about you come along? You can meet my friends, get out of the village for a day or two, and maybe I'll take you to Lorbenia's mall," Lyle requested. He knew how the others might react to seeing her, all one hundred and one ways.

Rasha said, "I can ask my grandfather. But I'm sure he'll let me go."

Flake was more than happy to allow Rasha to get out of the village for a day. He knew how hard it was, not having anyone her own age to talk to. If she could re-meet her friends, she might find the happiness that she had lost after her fall from Doom Island.

So the next day, the duo saddled up Falcon, and headed for Lorbenia. Lyle told Rasha that she should wait outside while he talked to his friends about what was going on. That way, nobody jumped her when she entered the room. It was the only way he could make sure not to cause physical harm to her. After all, the worst harm might be her remembering her true identity.

- - - -

I'm well aware that the party wasn't in the original script. I'm adding what happened after Max and Lufia re-met. The game left it off, which is good for fanfic writers but not good for a fic with a resolution. We're only one chapter away from the end now. So stay tuned.