"This kind of light feels sad," I murmured to myself, looking at the light of the sun as it flooded through the window into Lloyd's room, almost white in its brightness. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Lloyd straighten as he closed the last of the travelling bags lying on his bed before looking round the room.

"Do you think so? I never really thought about it before to be honest. It's pretty bright though, huh?"

"It is," I replied, "But it is also pale, and cold – look." I shifted round in my chair and pointed at the opposite wall of the room. "See how everything is softened by it, how undefined things become. Everything becomes so muted. Things lose their colour, and the light always seems to create an impenetrable wall of silence wherever it falls. It makes this room feel lonely."

"I think its just one of those things that can become whatever you want it to be." He came over to stand behind the chair and I felt security and warmth spread throughout my body as his arms wrapped protectively around me. "I'm sure that to other people, this light signifies different emotions and feelings."

"Yes, you are probably right." I smiled and rested by head on his arm, tracing the creases of the sleeve with a finger. "And I probably need to stop analysing things so much."

Lloyd laughed at my addition. "I shouldn't worry about it. I don't analyse things enough, so between us we should balance out, right?"

That was such a Lloyd thing to say. Those kinds of comments never failed to bring a smile to my lips. I leant my head back to see his face and found myself grinning, even though my stomach turned in knots. Funny how it still does that. "If it doesn't, then we may be in trouble."

That I had actually made him laugh increased the giddy warmth flowing inside me and I closed my eyes to quell the delighted shiver that ran up my spine when he leant forward and kissed me.

"That's true. So…are we ready then?"

I stood up, looking from Lloyd's kind face towards the travelling bags on the bed, and then to the window. "Yes…I guess we are." The beginning of the new journey had been inevitable of course, but I had still found myself dreading this moment. Even though half of our former companions had already departed to various destinations, I could still at least pretend to myself that our previous adventure together was still alive – that I was still safe in the arms of familiarity. I felt like I was in a cocoon of some kind, secure and warm but soon to break free from it into the uncertainty of the outside world.

"Hey." Lloyd took my hand and smiled confidently. "It'll be okay."

Obviously I must have changed to some degree, as I no longer seem to be able to hide my thoughts behind an emotionless mask. I smiled, feeling somewhat ashamed, and gave his hand a squeeze. "I know. I will be okay…because I am with you."

Lloyd returned my smile through his blush, and it gave me a sense of satisfaction that I wasn't the only who still felt embarrassed at times. A lot of the conversations we had shared since Heimdall had been permeated with an air of awkward nervousness, but I never once found them an unpleasant experience. I find myself, even now, yearning each time for those butterflies to return – like it's become some kind of craving; an addiction I find myself unable to shake. I like that idea – it fills me with such confidence that I really am myself now, that I really am as human and as alive as my friends.

A few minutes later I found myself stood on the step of the front door to Dirk's house, which seemed to me, for all the world, like a gateway to another location in space or time. Contrasting to the earlier pale rays of light, the sun was now burning low in the afternoon sky – a fiery orb in a cloudless sea of blue. A brisk wind harassed the surrounding trees, sending cascades of loose leaves into the air. I pulled my winter jacket close to dispel the breeze and smoothed out my hair. That was something else that I never used to consider doing outside of its practical value, yet I often now find myself worried about what I look like. Strange really.

"So then…you'll be off now." Dirk's gruff voice made me jump as it pierced the tranquil silence of the scene before me. I turned to find the old Dwarf walking up from Noishe's dwelling, the strange family creature in tow. He's a friendly man, but I still occasionally find him quite intimidating – especially now, given my relationship with Lloyd.

"A-affirmative, I think Lloyd is saying farewell to his, um, mother while we waited for you to return." I found myself stammering a reply, unsure that what he said was a question or a statement.

"Uh-huh." The elderly Dwarf approached the step and sat down on it as Noishe fussed around me, rubbing his head against my legs and licking my hand as I ruffled the fur on his head. Dirk exhaled as he absently stroked Noishe's hind legs. "You don't look too happy."

"I don't?" I looked down at my feet, wondering what aspect had led him to that conclusion. "No, that is incorrect – I am happy…"

"But?" Dirk stole in and finished my sentence for me. I found myself shrugging – the one form of body language I used to despise for its poor communication value.

"I just imagine its going to take a little time to get used to. The absence of those I've come to think of as my family. At the moment it still seems so strange, like we should all be going on this journey…together."

"I see." I looked up at Dirk as he paused, staring at some unknown point in the sky. "I understand that your friend – Bryant, wasn't it? – returned to his former position in his company. He plans to use it to aid Lloyd and yourself in your quest. I'm not entirely sure, but I think Lloyd is planning on making that city your starting point."

I blinked, not quite sure what I was feeling. "He is?"

"Aye. I also heard that Genis and his sister are planning to travel the world over, hoping to quell the discrimination that still faces Half-elves. Colette joined young Sheena on her return to Mizuho, where they are working with Zelos to restore the ties between her people that were severed over time."

"So many new journeys have formed from the ashes of this one," I murmured, absently stroking Noishe.

The elderly Dwarf nodded. "You could see it like that I suppose. But you could also see them as extensions to the journey you seem to think has ended."

I met his gaze, feeling the frustration of confusion rise, but quelled by the mingled respect and nervousness Dirk instilled in me. "It has. That journey ended when we defeated Mithos and awoke the Great Tree."

"Not quite true. Defeating Mithos and awakening the Tree were just tasks you had to accomplish on the path you had all chosen. I do believe that was to unite a world free of discrimination and the influence of Exspheres." Dirk shifted, stroking his thick beard. "As you haven't yet achieved those tasks then I don't really think you can say that that particular journey is over."

Oh, I so desperately wanted to believe him then, but the nagging doubt still wouldn't go away. I let out a small sigh and sat down beside him, leaning against the frame of the open doorway.

"Maybe…but I just can't seem to think of it in the same way anymore, as we are no longer united in our goal."

Dirk laughed then, and it surprised me how such a soft sound – like the rustling of leaves – could have come from such a husky individual. "Has anyone ever told you that you analyse things too much?"

I felt my cheeks redden at his gentle chide and smiled. "…Yes, myself included. I am getting better though," I added hastily, suddenly worried about not getting a negative image in the eyes of Lloyd's father.

He returned my smile. "Don't worry about it. But remember, just because you are not doing every task together does not mean that you are no longer united. It would take well over a lifetime to accomplish what you plan to do if you did what you ask. By working in smaller groups, you are all still continuing your journey, and in that sense you are all still together."

I looked up suddenly, feeling something click in place. "Ah…you are right! You speak the truth!" Why couldn't I see that for myself though? Was I still so wrapped up in my own fears of being alone again to see what was right in front of me? I shook my head, "I guess I've still got so much to learn."

"You'll get there. Trust me on that." Dirk patted me on the shoulder – probably heavier than he realised. "You're a good lass Presea. Honest and strong – you and Lloyd make a great pair."

I felt my blush return far too quickly at his words. "I…um, t-thank you for the compliment. That means a lot to me." I stared at my feet. "H-has he said anything about my…um, lost time? I…I mean if it concerns him regarding my…um…a-appearance."

I felt Dirk's eyes study me. "Wherever did that come from?"

I wish I could have answered that myself. Every now and then I still find myself spluttering things out without even thinking them first. Usually we know of things that trouble us before we speak of them, but for some reason mine seem to skip the thinking part. I looked across at Noishe, who was sniffing around the outskirts of the clearing.

"…I don't know…it's just that, even though my Exsphere is no longer an issue and my natural processes have resumed their usual functions, I still currently look so…young." I placed a hand on my Exsphere. "Although inside I'm not. Lloyd never said that it mattered and so I never really considered it but – "

"I brought Lloyd up to be an honest and just person, but his morals have developed far more than I could ever have taught him. If you have concerns then you should ask him, but I am positive he would have mentioned it if it were a problem. If it's any consolation, then I know I don't see a problem with it." He paused for a second as his reassurance sunk in, my smile returning.

"I do know that he loves you deeply though. That much he has told me – and that should be enough, right?" Hearing Dirk's gruff voice speak such sentimental words sounded peculiar, but I found myself nodding.

"Again, you are correct – that is all that matters. And I love Lloyd too." That earlier warmth was returning to my body as I spoke and I realised then, deep down, how right Dirk was. Nothing else did matter. "Thank you."

"Hey you two, how's it going?" Lloyd had come round the house from his mother's grave, and was walking towards us, a smile on his face.

"Fine my boy, fine." Dirk was smiling as he rose to his feet. "Just taking a break from slaving over the flames of the workshop. Speaking of which, I better go and make sure that its under control – otherwise I could well find myself homeless. Be back in a couple of minutes."

I rose to my feet, watching the elderly Dwarf as he disappeared into the house. Then I ran towards Lloyd, returning his smile and, throwing myself forward, embraced him tightly.

He laughed, partly out of surprise I think. "Woah, what's this in aid of?"

I rested my head against his chest. "There is no reason," I murmured softly. "I just feel really lucky to be with you. I'm going to try my best to overcome how I used to be. I'm gonna really, really try."

As I spoke those last words I realised how odd they sounded – at least coming from my mouth. Thankfully Lloyd laughed before I did. "It sounds as though you're making progress already." He ran his fingers lightly through my hair, sending shivers of pleasure up my spine. "You don't need to though."

"I know, but still…I want to – and there's no longer any reasons preventing me from doing so." I found myself sighing, an overwhelming feeling of contentment flooding through me.

"Okay, well – I'll help too." I felt Lloyd lean forward slightly as he kissed my head and I looked up at him.

"Thanks, that means a lot to me." I took a small step back, my hands working clumsily to find his own. In those few seconds, as we gazed upon each other, my heart felt as though it would burst and I found I just couldn't keep a smile from my face. What pleased me even more was that he wore a similar look of delight and that one moment, I could see, hear or feel nothing else – only Lloyd.

"Well," he said after a minute or two. "Looks like we are ready to leave whenever you're ready. The Rhiard is packed," he grinned at me, "Excited yet?"

I nodded, infected by his enthusiasm. "Yes! Dirk said something about going to Altamira – is that true?"

"Aw, he did?" Lloyd sighed. "Man. He ruined the surprise."

"Surprise?" I was amused by how much childish hope had crept into my voice.

"Yeah. Regal offered us his help. He said we could use his company Exsphere shipping records as a starting point to our search. It's going to take a week or two to go through them all, but you were looking kinda down earlier so I thought you'd enjoy spending more time with friends."

"Oh Lloyd! That's great – thank you!" I threw my arms round him again, my voice shaking with wild joy.

"Yeah that's the good news. The bad news is that he's holding a grand party in our honour tonight."

I laughed. "Hopefully it won't be too formal this time."

"I think it's likely to be." Lloyd smiled. "But then again, all the others are invited too – and they're attending, so I doubt it'll be too bad."

Everyone! My heart soared hearing that and my eyes began to feel damp with the feeling of joy. I looked up at him, feeling a shiver run through my spine and the hairs on my nape standing on end. "Lloyd! T-that is…I…um, I…oh man, I can't wait." At a loss for words, I had ended up gushing into Lloyd's vocabulary – more proof if it was needed that I am changing. He laughed as I paused, blushing at my own comment.

"Well…that was a little different to what I'm used to," he said, taking my hand. "Come on, I've got to say bye to my dad before we go."

We found Dirk outside, round the rear of the house, where the Rhiard lay. By the looks of things, he had been adding some items into the travelling bags Lloyd had already secured onto the mana-fuelled vessel.

"Hey dad, we're gonna be taking off in a few minutes, okay?"

"Right you are, my son. There's some stormy weather on the horizon by the looks of things, so take care when you're airborne."

As it always had, the laid-back ease in which Lloyd and Dirk handled their family affairs confused me. Even now, when it could be weeks before they see each other again, they were both being so casual about their farewells. I had spent a short while here now, but I'd like to think I've bonded with Dirk, and didn't relish having to say goodbye.

Lloyd petted Noishe, before returning to his father and embracing him. "You and Noishe take care now, okay? We'll be back soon to visit."

Dirk nodded, "Aye. You look after yourself son." Then he turned and approached me. "That goes for you too, young lady."

"Thank you, I…um…oh, please take care of yourself." Not knowing what else to do, I realised quickly that I hate farewells and embraced the Dwarf in a parting hug.

Dirk chuckled, but returned the hug, "Hey now missy, you'll make my son jealous."

"Hey, c'mon Presea – lets get going or else we're gonna be late."

"I am coming." I ruffled the fur on Noishe's head, and ran over to join Lloyd on the Rhiard. A few moments later, the vessel rose sluggishly into action and I felt my stomach lurch as we left the ground. We exchanged a few more shouted goodbyes with Dirk, and then we were off – skimming just above tree height with the cooling wind buffeting our faces. The first spots of rain soon followed the drop in temperature, and the sun soon retreated to hide its shame behind the thick clouds.

"Woah, dad was right, this sure is some pretty nasty weather, huh?" I could barely hear Lloyd's voice, even though he was shouting. I closed my eyes for a second, inhaled deeply and then released my breath as I opened them again, looking up at the bruised clouds and feeling the rain splatter on my face. I should have agreed I guess, but I felt so happy right now that it seemed as though everything was perfect. The sky and clouds had combined to form a beautiful canvas of greys, blues, yellows and greens. The cool fresh rain was enchanting – sparkling as it past us on its way to the ground. The wind tore through my hair, and I reached back to pull loose my pigtails – letting the air currents dance with my tresses. It was like I was seeing everything with new eyes – fresh ones that weren't scarred or weathered by time. And all I took in seemed to feed this growing sensation within me; this rapt excitement that felt like it would consume me if I didn't find some way to expel it. So in the end, rather than agree with my love, I instead punched a fist into the air and let out a cry of wild jubilation as we went speeding towards our destination, and the resumption of our eternal journey.

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A/N: Whew...that's the end of the collection folks...for now at any rate. Apologies if there were any problems with the structure, its my first fanfic and i'm not quite used to the system yet. Hope you had fun and thanks again. :D

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