A/N: Whoa, I can't believe it! Another chapter already! XD I thought I'd have this up by Thursday at the earliest...but wow! And it's so long too! (Seven whole pages! ^.^) I thought this chapter would be a lot shorter...oh well! I'm not complaining!

I didn't do this last chapter (though I meant to), but I wanted to thank DennyTribal and Loleus for reviewing the first chapter. Thanks both of you! And thanks to Guest for reviewing the second chapter! You know who you are. The more reviews I get, the more inspired I get to write (seriously, one review spurred me to write half of this chapter). So please, please review! :)

Also, thank you to all the people who did read my story. I'd love it if you guys reviewed, even just a smiley face is great :)

Oh, and a special thanks to AzNeRd for teaching me about the break lines :D

Well, here's the third chapter. Hope you like it!

Disclaimer (another thing I forgot to do last chapter): I don't own Tales of Symphonia. I just own Lynne, Gina and Maten (who you'll meet later n.n) and I made up the plot :)

Chapter 3: Decisions and Departures

"Stay safe! Watch out for bandits and monsters and stuff!"

"Don't worry, I will."

"A-and don't forget to replenish supplies! I don't you to dehydrate or run out of food!"

"I won't, I promise."

"And, and…I'm gonna miss you!"

Raine smiled, patting her young niece on her head. "I'm going to miss you too Gina."

Gina sniffled sadly. Lynne put an arm around her best friend, squeezing her lightly. "Come on, cheer up! You'll see her again!"

"I know, I know," Gina mumbled, sniffling.

There was a chorus of goodbyes from the villagers of Iselia as Raine prepared to leave to meet up with Lloyd. Lynne said her goodbyes too, wishing her professor a safe journey. But Raine wasn't content with just that.

"Well Lynne?"

"Well what Professor?" Lynne asked timidly.

Raine held out her hand. "Your homework Lynne."

Several kids snickered as Lynne flushed. She had overslept that morning and had forgotten to complete her homework. She smiled sheepishly, rubbing the back of her neck. "Well Professor, you see…."

"Ooooh!" Raine stamped her foot, causing several people to jump back in fright. "Both you and your father never handed in your homework on time! Lloyd still hasn't handed in some assignments from over a decade ago! Why couldn't you have gotten your mother's genes?"

"Don't compare me to my father!" Lynne snapped, glaring at the Professor.

"Like father, like daughter," Gina murmured, unable to help herself, even as Lynne turned her glare on her. The young elf just smirked playfully. Lynne sighed, forgiving her friend – as she always did.

"Anyway," Lynne sighed, obviously trying to push the subject of Lloyd away, "I'll get the homework done by the end of the semester Professor, I promise. I always do."

"I know Lynne," Raine sighed. Sometimes she just didn't get kids. Why didn't they just do their assigned homework the night it was assigned? Won't that make things easier? Though, she supposed, for Lynne, maybe it wouldn't be.

Raine was bombarded with several more farewells and questions – it got so bad that the mayor had to step in to allow Raine to leave. She thanked the mayor, then, with one last goodbye, she departed from Iselia.

"I can't believe she's gone…."

Lynne looked over at her friend in sympathy. She knew that it was hard seeing Raine leave, especially since her parents were gone most of the time, helping people around the world settle into the new era. Lloyd and everyone else helped too, but since Genis and Presea were from Sylvarant and Tethe'alla, respectively, they made a bigger impact on the populace.

"Don't worry," Lynne said, squeezing Gina in a one-arm hug, "she'll come back safely. And hopefully she'll have that signed form from your parents!"

Gina brightened instantly. "Oh yes I hope so! I really want to go to the Meltokio Institute of Research! It's my dream to be a famous researcher and discover something AMAZING that'll help a lot of people!"

Lynne laughed and patted the shorter girl's head. "I'm sure you'll get in, especially with the grades you get and all that enthusiasm you have!"

Gina blushed and lightly slapped Lynne's arm, which only served to make her laugh harder. Soon the two girls were laughing and chasing each other all over the village, their sorrows at the parting forgotten.

Later, after Gina and Lynne parted to attend to their respective chores, Lynne found herself in the kitchen, cleaning up after a nice lunch of Dwarven Pot Luck Surprise, unable to keep her eyes from wandering to the ornate box on the shelf in the other room. She hadn't been able to take her eyes off of it since she got it two days ago when she fell down into the cave. She knew what it meant and what she would have to do if she "accepted" it…but it still scared her to even consider it.

"Maybe I'll go ask Grandma about it," Lynne smiled at the thought. She hadn't visited her in a while – though she had been meaning to. And with nothing else to do for a while – as school was canceled for the day – she decided that she would go.

Hurriedly, she finished cleaning and packed a few things to take with her, and then set off the northern edge of the village.

"Good afternoon Lynne," one of the guardsmen at the northern entrance said to her, tipping his hat in courtesy.

"Hey Maten, how's it looking?"

Maten chuckled. "Quiet as usual. Some days I think that you take the morning shift so you leave us with nothing to do!"

Lynne grinned. "Nah, I'm just a morning person. Keep up the good work!"

"Always!" Maten called after her. Lynne waved quickly then continued down the familiar path through the forest by Iselia. Maten was right – it was quiet this time of day. She met only a few monsters that she easily beat with a few slashes of her swords and a few Demon Fangs. Before long she was at the run down cottage that her father grew up in and the grave next to it that was her grandmothers.

"Hello Grandma, I'm sorry I haven't been here in a while. There's been…a lot on my mind, lately." Lynne said, walking up and placing the bouquet on the grave. She smiled softly, the light breeze playing in her hair as she sat quietly before the grave of Anna Aurion. It was always so peaceful there, it was a place that she could go to unload her thoughts, problems, worries, happy moments, special memories – anything and everything, she could say it all there and no one would judge, try to budge in, feel pity or remorse on her. It was one of her favorite places to go to just think.

"Professor Raine left a while ago. She got a letter from D-Lloyd. Something urgent, I guess. Though I don't know how he has time to write to the Professor if he doesn't have any time for me," she said the last part bitterly. Then she shook her head. "No, now's not the time for that. Besides, you know all about that already. I must've told you like a million times. But anyway, I'll get straight to the point. A couple days ago, I was walking on the hills by the village, the ones I always hang out on, and, like a klutz, I tripped and rolled down the hills and fell into a cave. Well, in the cave, some things happened and I…" she hesitated slightly before continuing, "I don't know what to do! Apparently, I supposed to complete this 'mission' or whatever, but it's like really dangerous, I guess, and, well…I might run into D-Lloyd. I-I don't know if I'm ready to see him yet." She closed her eyes, her teeth chewing on her lower lip. After a few minutes, she slowly opened them again and raised her face to the sky. "I don't know what I should do. Should I go or should I stay? Do I have the courage to do this? Can I –"

She was interrupted when a loud bark filled the air. Lynne turned sharply towards the noise just as a large green and white animal pounced on her. "Noishe!" She cried happily after she disentangled herself from the happy dog. "It's good to see you again! What're you doing here?"

"Well, I could say the same thing ta ya," a familiar voice boomed.

Lynne looked up from her attentions on Noishe. "Grandpa Dirk!" She cried, disentangling herself from the dog before going to give Dirk a hug. He chuckled lightly and patted her on the back before he let go. "It's good ta see yer. It's been a while."

"Yeah, sorry about that. Things came up…" Lynne said, rubbing the back of her neck.

Dirk boomed out another laugh. "Don't cha werry bout that. Life gets in da way all da time. Ya never know when something's gonna come up."

Lynne's face fell slightly. "Yeah, you never really know…"

Dirk studied her closely. "What's on yer mind?"

Lynne's hands tightened into fists and she turned her head away slightly – just enough to let Dirk know that she was uncomfortable with talking. Dirk frowned – that wasn't like her. "Come on now, you know you can tell me anything."

Lynne sighed and her eyes closed briefly before she turned her head back around so she was facing him again, but her eyes stayed downcast, as if she was embarrassed. "Well, recently, I've had this problem…and I don't know what to do! I mean, one part of me is telling me to go and do this thing, and the other is well, telling me not to," she mumbled the rest, her eyes still downcast.

"Hmmm," Dirk said, rubbing his chin. "Sounds like you and Lloyd both have the same problem…"

"Don't compare me to him!" Lynne shrieked, her eyes, now focusing on Dirk's, were livid. Noishe covered his ears and whined in pain. Dirk sighed. "Now, don't get yer pants in a twist. I didn't mean to upset yeh; I was just sayin that you both have a similar predicament." Out of the corner of his eye he saw Lynne stiffen, but he push forward before she had a chance to respond. "But any who, my advice is to do what yer heart is telling you ta do."

Lynne slumped, the fire going out of her eyes. "But I don't know if I have the courage to do what my heart wants me to do…" she whispered.

"Ah that's bull." Lynne's head snapped up. Dirk never swore. "You have more courage than just about anyone. From picking up yer life when my son and Colette left ya" – Lynne winced – "to standing up to all the townspeople fer Yuina – yer not one to let a little fear or despair stand in yer way Lynne Irving. Now, what's Dwarven Vow number 16?"

"'You can do anything if you try'." Lynne mumbled. Dirk nodded and placed a hand on his granddaughter's shoulder. She looked up at him with very open and vulnerable eyes. "Exactly. Sometimes the right path is the hardest path to take, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't take it anyway."

"Sometimes the right path is the hardest one…" Lynne murmured. She looked up at Dirk with shining, determined eyes. "Yeah, you're right. Thanks Grandpa."

Dirk chuckled. "Anytime. Now, you're probably gonna leave the village right?"

"Yeah," Lynne said, nodding. "So I guess I won't be seeing you for a while."

"Yeah, take care," Dirk said, giving the young warrior one last hug and pat on the back before she went over to pet Noishe. "By Noishe, take care of Dirk. He needs you." Noishe whined and nudged Lynne, who patted him one last time. And then, with a wave, she headed back to the village, her hands behind her head and whistling – her path decided upon.

The next few days were hectic for Lynne. Before she could even think about packing, she had to arrange the watch schedule to accommodate her absence. She also had to finish all her homework for the semester and turn it in to Mrs. Brunel. After she had done that, however, she was stopped by a furious quarter-elf with her small hands on her hips. "And where do you think you're going?" Gina asked.

"Uhh…back to my house?" Lynne said, her nervousness making it into a question.

The little elf pouted, her arms crossing in front of her chest. "Come on Lynne, I think I know you better than that. I'm your best friend, remember?"

Lynne sighed, her face a mask of remorse. "You're right, you're right. I'm preparing to leave Iselia."

"Why?" Gina squeaked, still trying to look menacing.

"Because I need to go. I…need to go on a journey."

"The Journey of World Regeneration?" Gina asked sarcastically.

"Sort of." Lynne said. Gina's eyes widened, not expecting that answer. "B-but," she spluttered, "there is no more 'World Regeneration'! What's going on?"

"I…I can't tell you. Not right now, anyway."

"Or right here?" Gina asked, trying to calm herself down enough to think rationally again.

Lynne grinned. "Exactly."

Gina huffed and Lynne rubbed the back of her neck sheepishly. Finally, after a minute of the young elf glaring at her best friend she finally said, "I'm going with you."

Lynne balked. "W-what?"

The silver-haired girl put her hands on her hips. "I'm going with you." She repeated stubbornly.

Lynne looked at her best friend for a moment, almost in shock, and then she burst out laughing. It was Gina's turn to look shocked as she asked, "W-what's so funny?"

"D-did you really…think that I…wouldn't let you come…with me?" Lynne asked between fits of giggles.

Gina looked at the ground sheepishly. "N-no, I guess not."

"Of course you're coming with me! All you had to do was ask!" Lynne grinned, slinging an arm around her shorter friend's shoulders. "I hope you're almost all packed, 'cause I want to leave by tomorrow afternoon at the latest."

Gina beamed up at her friend. "Don't worry! I'll be all ready by tonight! I promise!" Then, shrugging off her friends arm, she scampered off with a huge grin on her face. Lynne chuckled once more then went back to preparing herself for tomorrow's journey. Including stuff like packing food that wouldn't spoil, gels, and lots of Gald. She had a feeling that she wouldn't be returning for a while, so she took practically all of it.

Lastly, she took the ornate box off the shelf and with only the slightest of hesitation she opened the box and took out the necklace. With nimble fingers, she unhooked the clasp on the chain and slipped it around her neck, clasping it firmly shut. She held the ebony stone in her palm, and then, clasping it to her chest, she whispered, "I accept my duty and I promise to fulfill my destiny." The mana inside the stone swirled, as if accepting and holding her to her promise. Then, smiling, Lynne put the box on the shelf and climbed into bed, excited for what tomorrow would bring.

Early the next morning, Lynne was standing by the southern entrance of Iselia, impatiently waiting for her friend to show up so they could be off. Finally, Lynne could see someone approaching the entrance. She jumped up from her slouched position expectantly, but instead of Gina it was Mr. Brunel – a.k.a. her grandfather on her mom's side.

"Hello Mr. Brunel. What's up?" Lynne greeted him when he got closer.

"Please Lynne, call me grandpa," he smiled. "I just wanted to see you off, and give you something before you go."

"Oh?" Mr. Brunel handed Lynne a scroll tied with a red and gold ribbon. The addressee was Colette Brunel. Lynne gulped. "Uh, why did you give me this?"

"I meant to give it to Ms. Sage, but I forgot it at my house." Mr. Brunel explained. "I'd like for you to give it to your mother for me."

Lynne's eyes darkened but she didn't say anything. Silently she took the letter and stuffed it into her pack with the other stuff she was bringing. She didn't think she'd give the letter in person, but she owed it to her grandfather to at least try to get it to Colette. He hadn't seen her in a long time either, after all.

"Lynne! Sorry I'm so late!" Gina's familiar voice called. Lynne looked towards the sound and within a few moments she could see the familiar outline of her friend. She waved her hand in the air, signaling for Gina to come to her. Gina screeched to a halt beside her, breathing hard from running. "I...I'm…sorry…Lynne…" Gina huffed.

Lynne grinned. "Nah, it's alright. I was just talking to Mr. Br – I mean, my grandfather." She corrected.

"O-oh, okay," the young elf said, finally getting her breath back. She straightened and smiled at Mr. Brunel. "Good morning," she said brightly.

"Good morning to you, Miss Sage," Mr. Brunel smiled.

"All set?" Lynne asked Gina, reclaiming her attention. Gina nodded, shifting her pack so it rested a little more comfortably on her shoulders. "Ready when you are Lynne!"

Lynne smiled and turned back to the man. "Well, we best be off."

"Have a safe journey girls. Do you know where you're going?"

Lynne shrugged. "Probably to Triet first. Then, who knows?"

"'Where ever the wind takes us,'" Gina quoted cheerfully.

Mr. Brunel laughed softly before stretching out his hand. Lynne took it and shook it, Gina following her lead. "Once again, stay safe."

"We will!" The girls chorused. Then, with one last wave, they shouldered their packs and set off, beginning their fateful journey with a smile.

A/N: Well, there you have it! They've finally started on their journey! Once again, please, please, PLEASE review! Things are gonna start getting hectic in my life the next couple of weeks, so the more reviews the more time I'll spend on the next chapter, which means the faster it'll be up!

Thanks for the continued support C: