Garet scowled at the ground as he lagged behind the rest of the group. He had been silent since they left Bevelle. Stella was going to die…he loved her and she was going to die. He wasn't even sure he wanted to stay in Spira anymore. Could he really help Stella defeat Sin if meant her death?

"We're going to take a break." Stella announced as the stood on the ledge overlooking the Calm Lands, "Climbing Mt. Gagazet is going to take a lot of energy. So let's make sure we're at full strength." She settled on the grass and her eyes traveled across the field. Mia sat beside her and Noah and Garet stood behind them. "What is this place?" Garet asked Noah.

"The Calm Lands. This is where summoners fight Sin."

"See the chasm over there?" Stella asked, pointing toward the gaping hole toward the north.

"What about it?"

"That hole was created by Lord Gandof. He defeated Sin with the Final Aeon and created the hole. It's said that mighty fiends roam the bottom of the gorge because no one ever sent the people that died down there."

Garet crossed his arms and looked over at the gorge. Had this Gandof died down there too? The group became silent once more. "I'm running out of time." Mia thought anxiously, "Uncle Marcus may have given up but I won't. Not until she's safe."

Stella stood and stretched, "I'd like a bit of time to myself if that's all right." She said, "I won't be long." She walked down the ledge and settled in the grass with her back to her guardians.

"There has to be a way to save her." Mia said standing.

Noah simply ignored her and sat in the grass, swinging his legs off of the ledge. "Do you really think we can save her?" Garet asked.

"Yes. If we stop the pilgrimage." She replied.

"There is no other way to stop Sin?" Garet scratched his head, "but…"

"The teachings clearly state that there is no other way. Sin cannot be stopped except by the Final Aeon." Noah interjected, "There is no other way."

"So that's it? We're just gonna go along with this and let her throw her life away?" Garet was obviously getting angry.

"It's her decision. And it's our job to protect her until she faces Sin." Noah closed his eyes and leaned back on his arms as the wind whipped his black hair across his face.

"You act as if you don't even care, Noah." Mia snapped.

Noah's eyes opened quickly, "Don't you dare say I don't care what happens to her. Stella is like a sister to me. And I don't look forward to her dying when this is over but she has made up her mind and it is not our place to butt in." he stood and faced Mia as he spoke, "You had absolutely no right to…"

"Ready guys?" Stella had returned and was smiling innocently at them.

"Did you finish what you needed to?" Noah asked.

"Yeah. I'm ready for Zanarkand whenever you are."

To make his point all the more clear, Noah asked, "Are you sure this is what you want? You want to complete your pilgrimage?"

"Yes." She nodded.

"Then I am behind you one hundred percent."

Stella smiled again, "Thank you Noah. Now are we moving on?" she started walking down the ledge.

Turning back to Garet and Mia, Noah said, "You belong beside her." His eyes fixed intently on Garet he then turned and followed after Stella. They neared the entrance of Mount Gagazet when Mia called out, "Stop! Stella, I say we stop. We can't go to Zanarkand! I don't want you to…"

Stella put her hands together and walked up to her cousin, "You know that I have to. For Grandma, and Uncle Marcus, and you. For everyone in Spira."

"NO! I worked so hard with Uncle Marcus to stop you! You're my family. I can't let you die!"

Stella gasped, "What did you say?"

"W-what? Nothing."

"You worked with Uncle Marcus to try and stop me? How dare you! You tricked me."

"Stella, please…"

"Save it." Stella snapped, "I don't want you with us anymore! I want a guardian I can trust. And you've made it clear that I cannot trust you. Garet, Noah…let's go."