Chapter 5: Adventure Awaits


They began with Heliodor.

Taking Junichi's trusty steed and her grandfather's docile mare, they set off to travel the world. Gemma's wide-eyed gaze was telling that she had never really left the safety of Cobblestone – the presence of monsters usually dissuaded ordinary folk. She took in the sprawling fields, the rolling green hills, the waterfall streaming endlessly onto solid rock. It was one thing to glimpse the world from atop the Tor – albeit a magnificent sight it was – and another to experience things up close.

"You'll catch flies," her husband teased. She shut her mouth at once and shot him a glare. He laughed, the little monger.

It was an easy trip to the first city: aggressive creatures were scarce and the majority did not bother them, presumably far too intimidated by the Luminary's presence. He didn't seem to exude a frightening aura or anything…

In any case, they arrived at the capital in good time. She was agape once more.

"The buildings are so high… Is that a market? Oh, Junie, let's go! Maybe we can find something nice for Princess Jade if they'll grant us an audience…"

Yes, Gemma had a lovely stay in Heliodor. They were welcomed at the castle and treated to a most exquisite banquet comparable to the previous one she'd had there. She'd tried to mind her manners, being in the company of the king himself, his daughter, and the royal court, despite Junie's assurances that she needn't worry. As it turned out, he was right.

"Visit us again when you've finished your gallivanting," Princess Jade insisted. Sir Hendrik looked distinctly uncomfortable with her colloquial language (how unbefitting of the crown princess, she heard, though he did not speak). "I want to hear everything."

Off they went again, exiting to the southwest foothills from Heliodor's downtown, where life was improving gradually thanks to their benevolent King Carnelian's liberation from Mordegon's possession. The couple passed through the Manglegrove; the monsters there were more hostile but were dispatched all too quickly. Climbing Angri-La was difficult yet rewarding, and the High Lama received them with the utmost deference. She reeled when she was introduced; from what she had gathered from Junie's stories, she was not at all prepared to meet a young boy. He had neglected to mention that 'minor' point. It took her perhaps a day or so of observing the temple dynamics for her astonishment to become respect. It was there that Gemma began to comprehend just how many lives her husband had touched. He hadn't simply saved Erdrea; he had cared for people, had involved himself in their personal issues, had won their hearts over when the world thought he was the Darkspawn.

Gemma wrestled with this newfound understanding as they travelled further west. Many nights were spent attending to his stories under the light of the moon. She was more than happy to listen, for she wanted to hear all about what he had been up to and what kind of people he had made friends with.

She was still astounded when Monsieur le Principal Maxime Médaillé greeted Junie with surpassing warmth. L'Académie de Notre Maître des Médailles was renowned as an exclusive all-girls school. Even Gemma had heard of it from under the rock known (or, rather, as unknown) as her hometown. And there the principal was, talking enthusiastically with her husband – apparently an honorary member, somehow – about obscure mini medals and an unmatched album.

Needless to say, she was somewhat unsettled from that encounter and was relieved to sojourn in Phnom Nonh.

"These paper lanterns are so quaint!" she exclaimed, examining the minute details. It was evening; Junie had left to secure accommodation with the innkeeper, who supposedly owed him a favour, and he had promised to return to her side with haste. With that consolation, the blonde stayed put and entertained herself by exploring what the marketplace stands had to offer.

Curious murals peppered the booths, featuring an orange-haired woman seated upon a throne. When she inquired of a shopkeeper, he spun a wild tale of cursed paintings, stirring recollections of a certain campfire story. The ruins of Nhou Wat, which they planned to visit come morning.

Thus prepared, she looked upon a blank mural.

"I told you she was gone," Junie verbalised, a little puzzled as to why she had been so excited.

She blinked. "I forgot."

The villagers' tourist magnetism must have gotten to her.


"So, this is the ocean," breathed Gemma.

A body of water so large she could not see where it ended. It was a little cloudy the day they reached Puerto Valor – the salted wind whispered of precipitation and release – but the view was no less exhilarating. Not that she had had experience with the sea before.

"Beautiful, isn't it, darling?"

She turned to see Sylvando, son of the famed Don Rodrigo. When she had first seen the two side by side, she had been unable to note any resemblance. Now that she had more time to fathom their relationship, she saw it in their dark, handsome features, their keen wits, their honed reflexes. And, most of all, in the twinkle of their grey eyes. Despite their exterior selves, Gemma saw the ardour of knighthood, the intense desire to spread joy and peace.

"I never tire of this," continued Sylvando. "It is my home, after all – as much a home I could have, since a circus performer ought to be nomadic."

"Don't say that," Gemma chided. When he looked at her fully, she elaborated, "Your father is here. I've only known him for a few hours, but he wants to spend time with you. I think he would like nothing better than to hear you call this place home."

He was silent but she knew what he was thinking. After all, no one was quieter than her husband.

"If you have memories of happy times tied to this place… memories of home and of a compassionate father who only wanted your wellbeing, thought of your future – don't let it go."

She couldn't imagine how Junie had left behind his friends in the previous timeline to fix everything that had gone wrong. No one except her would remember his sacrifice. That night, as she lay beside him, Gemma invited his reflections.

"Do you… ever regret leaving them?"

He nodded slowly, eyes shining. "Yes. Sometimes. We went through so much together. Things that these have never seen, and never will. The carnage wrought by Mordegon's followers, the sorrow following Veronica's passing… and the tenacity of humanity, fighting to keep hope alive. To spread the beauty of life in the face of calamity."

His lyricism astounded her. His hands held immeasurable depths of grief and yearning, having seen desolation she could not imagine, but his eyes were afire. When he had left Cobblestone that day, she hadn't thought he would change so much. Oh, he was still that responsive, soft-spoken young man she had grown up with, yet now so many facets came to light. She didn't hate it; rather, she was startled to realise this on occasions such as these. Nonetheless she welcomed the opportunity to discover him anew.

"But I don't think I could take back my decision."

Gemma lost herself in those blue irises. "Why's that?" she murmured.

A hand reached out to stroke her hair. "It was worth it. A thousand times over, it was worth it." He drew her close.

After that, Gemma perceived a new tone in their relationship. It was… more sensitive, somehow, yet more mature. Edged with the understanding of a darker time that could never be returned to and the trust that came with a deeper friendship.

They sailed north to Sniflheim. They found Erik quickly; Junie had to defuse the dispute that arose in the middle of the metropolis, which just so happened to involve the blue-haired man and was attracting widespread attention.

"How did I know you'd be at the centre of trouble?" her husband laughed.

Erik grinned and slapped his partner's back. "I'm so good-looking, all the other guys are just jealous."

He wasn't wrong about that. Girls were turning their heads to gaze dreamily at his perfect spikes and his easy smile. If a man was accompanying her, he glared instead. Gemma stifled a giggle.

"And look! Junichi's wifey, coming out to see little old me!" He stepped up to her with a broad smile. "I don't know you all that well, but he has, all his life, and I trust him with mine."

Her eyebrows raised in slight surprise at his sudden gravitas.

"And that means I'd better trust you with my life, too."

… Yes, this was an interesting character. She was beginning to glimpse the depths of Junie's friendship with all his companions, especially with this one.

"I hope I can live up to that," she voiced. "In the meantime, tell me about your questing! It would be great to get to know you outside of my wedding and you saving the world and all."

He swept a mock bow. "It would be my honour."

And on they went, Erik interspersing her tour with anecdotes, some sweet, some comical. Junie interjected every so often to correct his wilder claims.

A short figure advanced with a recognisable smirk, her hair a turquoise she was acquainted with. Gemma paused, mouth open, and her head swivelled between the two.

Erik flicked a hand up. "Yo!"

The girl scoffed and crossed her arms. Gemma ogled at their likeness. Too old to be a daughter, too young to be his mother or aunt – surely…

"I didn't know you've got a sister," she remarked. He chuckled and rubbed his head.

"Ah yeah, I guess I never mentioned it," he laughed. "Here, this is my little sis, Mia. Mia, Gemma."

"Heya," she said.

Mia was about as mischievous as her brother. She had her own host of tales to offer. They would pass by a stall and she'd quip about their wares and of their value on the black market.

"Keep your voice down!" reproved Erik, his tone half-stern, half-riant.


They had been in the country for a week or so and Gemma was antsy. The arctic climate was getting to her and it was a relief to leave. It was quite different from her life in the mountainous terrain of Cobblestone, and she was looking forward to Arboria's similar landscape.

"We're off," Junie reassured her. "Sorry it took so long, since Queen Frysabel wanted an audience."

"Couldn't have denied a request from Her Royal Majesty." She exhaled. He quirked a brow at her.

"Is that sarcasm I detect? Show some respect for the queen!" he teased. She grinned.

They had waved goodbye to Erik and Mia at the city's perimeter, and the deep snow was beginning to lift. She could finally see patches of colour besides white; hardy grasses sprang up more and more often. She was going to have to shed a few layers soon – not too many, though, given the dropping temperature as they gained altitude.

She glimpsed a green too bright to belong to nature and wondered at its origin. At her side, Junie perked up, and she presumed it to be someone he knew. One of his former comrades, maybe?

They continued to hike. She managed her breathing almost unconsciously, accustomed to the thin air of mountain ranges. Finding a small plateau dotted with flowers and overlooking the dense forest below, they spread out a mat and munched on the sandwiches she had prepared that morning.

Rustling in the bushes alerted her to someone's presence. She stopped and tensed. Junie stood, hand on the hilt of his sword.

The same hue of green as before emerged from the vegetation. Closer now, she could make out the patterned fabric, simple and refined. She looked up: a familiar face framed by blonde locks.

"Serena!" Junie called, thrilled. He dropped his guard, grinning widely.

"It's good to see you," she returned, brushing a crinkly leaf off her skirt. "Want me to come with you back to Arboria?"

He nodded eagerly. "It'll be just like old times."

His wife got up as well to greet her. "It's nice to run into you again."

Serena smiled in reply. "Gemma! You look as though you've settled well into life with Junie."

She blushed. "Well… we're still in the early years… long way to go…" Oh, Yggdrasil, she was stammering. Junie beamed and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder while Serena chortled.

"Say no more! I understand."

They packed up their lunch site and began to walk again, exchanging pleasantries and news from friends they had made on their expeditions.

"Michelle's doing well," her husband informed. "She and Kai seem to have made fast friends."

The twin's mouth rounded in mild surprise. "Think the wariness towards the mermaids will dissipate?"

"Give them time. I want to believe it's possible."

"So do I…"

Their chattering whiled away the time and monsters were disposed of much more quickly than before with two expert combatants on the job. Before Gemma knew it, the glimmering white steps leading to Serena's town came into view. A short blonde stood atop them, hands on hips.

"Sister!" Serena exclaimed, elated. "You came to welcome me home?"

"You're late!" she yelled. Her twin's expression became sheepish.

"Ah… I may have lost track of time?"

The petite woman slapped her forehead. "Of course you did. My airheaded little sister…"

Gemma's eyebrow creased. "Wait. Little?"

"Yes. I'm the older one!" Veronica glared.


The First Forest was everything she'd imagined it to be. Lush shrubs peppered the landscape and verdant vines stretched along the cliffs. Trees thicker than the ones in the Manglegrove were everywhere. Greens and browns and yellows covered the hilltop, juxtaposed against the pure white of the altar. And the great Yggdrasil overshadowed it all.

Below the countless sprigs, Gemma's eyes closed, hands pressed against her breast.

Thank you.

A leaf fell. Its time had come.

As it dissolved into aureate light, Gemma reflected on when hers would descend, and hoped it would be a peaceful end: surrounded by her loved ones, understanding her life to be blessed.

Beside her, Junie produced an elaborate flute out of nowhere and began to play. She stared at its gilded profile; its dulcet timbre lulled her senses.

A song rang out above and, agog, she craned her neck to see a huge whale cruising in the skies. Junie held a hand out to her and she took it wordlessly. He led her up a sleek wing, grip tightening when she stumbled once.

"This is Cetacea. Isn't she pretty?"

"Yeah," Gemma breathed. Gold adorned her back in an intricate design. "She's gorgeous."

She spent the whole flight speechless. A cerulean lake shone as they passed it. She could see even the rubescent glow of Hotto's volcano. All too soon, Cetacea moved to land before a towering structure. It was quiet and scenic.

"This is the Tower of Lost Time," Junie told her. She peered up at it.

"I guess it fits the bill," she pondered. So this was the place from which he travelled back to this time to change the world's destiny. "It's ancient and grand and everything." He threw back his head, laughing.

She got another lift on Cetacea to Hotto, to her abundant joy. The kingdom of Gallopolis proved a contrasting ordeal from Sniflheim's wintry environment. Suffice to say, she had a harder time dealing with it because of her inexperience with searing heat. However, she was pleased to splash in the cool waters of Gondolia and lie in the blooming fields of Zwaardrust.

For a city that was in ruins not six years past, Dundrasil sure was lively. Shopkeepers parsed their wares boisterously under an azure sky.

A cemetery had formed around the graves of Junie's parents. Fresh flowers swayed in the zephyr before the tombstones, scrubbed clean; both features indicated a recent visit.

"Must have been my grandpa," her husband conjectured.

"Could have been one of the citizens," Gemma countered. "You did say your grandpa said they were well-loved."

"That was a bit roundabout," he mentioned lightly. She grinned awkwardly. "But yeah, I did. Maybe you're right!"

The two of them spent many minutes there, long enough that her legs began to protest with the tingle of pins and needles. As if her discomfort was his own, he glanced at her and rose. "Let's pick up some dinner."

The sun had set but its light had not yet faded from the earth. They sampled street foods in the dusk – fish balls slathered in opaque sauce and skewered offal. She didn't relish everything but was determined to at least try it all. Maybe she could take some techniques back home if she could figure them out.

"Excuse me, lassie," an elderly voice spoke next to her. She shifted left to make room and looked down. Her eyebrows soared.

"You're…"

A finger rested on their lips, silencing her.

"Gem, you've got to try this out!" Junie was turning toward her. "It's so…"

He halted. "Grandpa!"

"I'm happy to see ye in the place of yer birth, my boy," he answered. "I hope you like how we've restored the place."

"Everything looks amazing! Is this what it was like back in the day?"

"Perhaps even better now!" His pride was palpable. "Have you dropped by Octagonia yet?"

"We have, Grandpa Rab," Gemma chimed in. "We didn't check out the casino thoroughly, though; I'm not really a fan of that kinda thing. And Junie said he spent too much time and coin when he was last there."

"Shame," he commented. "They've done up the locale nicely."

"Vince is doing a fine job of sprucing it up. And the orphanage looks great!" Junie agreed.

She smiled at the memory. The children had looked well-fed and cared for, and so ecstatic upon the arrival of their doting hero.

Grandpa Rab was delighted to show them about the capital, but it was getting late and he insisted on having them stay at the castle. She was astounded at the silky gowns in the wardrobe, the violaceous curtains, the rich scarlet carpets into which her feet sank.

A week passed in rare luxury and, at last, it was time to begin the trek home. King Rab extracted a commitment from his grandson to call on him more frequently. Cetacea flew the two on a last, glorious journey to Heliodor, since they had told Jade they would return to the castle once finished with their adventure. Junie was unable to convince her to part from the majestic mount without promising future rides. Gemma was beyond satisfied, and told her husband as such.

Erdrea really was a fantastic place to be.


"Cobblestone Falls is just so lovely," Gemma observed. "Even after all the places we've seen, nowhere else compares. And it's the spot where your Grandpa Chalky found you."

"Ah!"

Her head pivoted and she stood up quickly. "What's wrong?"

"Sorry!" her husband responded hastily. "Sit down; you need to conserve your energy."

"I'm fine," she pouted, pretending to be disgruntled, but sat back down. She rubbed her belly soothingly.

"I just remembered – I never took you to see the Watchers."

"The Watchers?"

"They're curious beings who, uh… watch over us from floating islands."

"Floating… islands? That's kinda hard to believe." Her mouth made a moue. "Still, I suppose it isn't impossible. Yggdrasil defies gravity."

Junie assured her, "I'll take you one day."

"Before the baby comes, please," she asked. "Then I've got enough exploration to last a lifetime. We'll be recounting our exploits to our children and grandchildren, and maybe their kids, too!"

He smiled, and that was all the adventure she could wish for.


AN:

And that's that for my first ever completed multi-chapter fic!

Thank you all for putting up with my slow (forgotten) updates and accompanying me on this journey.