"Not for the villager or for dad… But for me! I'll fight for me!" - Goro

Ur's library was quiet. But Luneth was looking for Arc and he knew from experience that dead silence didn't mean he wouldn't find his brother hidden behind – or maybe under – one of the stacks of books. As he moved between the shelves, Luneth noted the small lit candles along the walls.

The night was dark aside from the candles, and quiet. Perfect time to slip out to Sasune without anyone noticing. Luneth didn't feel like dealing with a large crowd this time. They tended to slow him down.

Wood creaked under his feet and dust settled from a crack in the ceiling. Not many used this library. There wasn't much of a point, given the harvestable crops and field work to be done. There were some books on farming, but Luneth had a sneaking suspicion that Arc wouldn't use his time away from the fields to study them kind of like Refia would never read about mining.

It was hard to make out Arc's silhouette in the dim light of the library, but Luneth managed to find him at a table in the corner, books spilled around him. At the center was that burned journal Cid had given them, with maps and stuff out to… assist in the research?

"How long have you been down here?" Luneth asked.

Arc didn't look up, "A while. Maybe a couple of hours."

"It's past midnight!

"… Maybe more than a few."

"Yeesh, I'm surprised you haven't wasted away to nothing already! You know Topapa wants you to take the position of elder, to succeed him when he dies. How can you do that if you're a meandering skeleton?"

Arc said, shoved his book closed. "The philosophies that led to the formation of the elders completely contradict those of the sages they follow. The old sages, they-"

Luneth waved a hand. "Yeah, yeah, you already told me. The sages believed in sunshine and happiness while Father now teaches self-abuse and neglect. You don't want to do it and all that." Luneth should have known better than to bring this up again.

"Not quite like that, but yes. I agree with Elder Topapa's teachings, I just… I want to revive the belief that a sage is someone that can make you smile just by being near him. I want to focus on the good in life, not the restrictions. Is that stupid?"

"Not stupid," Luneth said with a shrug. "But it's not my problem, in any case."

"But if I don't become Elder, maybe they'll choose you instead."

Luneth busted out laughing. "As if!"

Arc turned back to the books in front of him. "Can you imagine it, though?"

"Being elder? I'd prefer not to, but-"

"No, I mean being a real sage. Respect across the realms, knowledge beyond what we can comprehend with only fifteen years of experience. The old sages, they traveled across the country without personal belongings or money. They simply healed and helped people where they went. Took up positions in courts, providing voices of reason where people heard none. Shared knowledge, stories, and history."

Luneth nodded slowly, pretending to listen.

Arc continued, hands flailing. "These were men who used their magic to guard and protect without ever having to lift a sword. No sitting at a fountain while people come to you with problems, wanting you to say something clever and inspiring. Actually doing something, instead of spouting empty words!"

"Uh-huh. That's what you've been hiding away and studying about this whole time?"

Arc stilled and shook his head, pulling the journal out and opening it up again. "No. It's just been bothering me lately. I've actually been reading the same passages from my father's book over and over again, but I can't get why he left in the first place. He mentions a threat, but I feel like I'm missing a part of conversation. He references something that's been established elsewhere, probably in the missing volume, but I have no idea where he may have left it. Maybe his home in Norune? It's so frustrating. I'm assembling a puzzle with only half the pieces."

"Perfect," Luneth said. "Because it's time to go find out. Get your things."

"What?"

"We're leaving."

"Now?"

"I said we would go this week."

"But you didn't tell me today!" Arc protested, jumping to his feet. "Tonight! How are we going to stay awake?"

"Magic. How else? Let's go. It's a two-day journey from here to Sasune."

Arc hastily gathered his things, casting mini on half of the books around him. "What about Nina and Topapa?"

"Already left notes. Not exactly the first time we've done it, so I doubt they'll mind."

"If I recall correctly," Arc said, hefting his bag over his shoulder, "the last time we did do it, they lectured us for an hour. You swore it wouldn't happen again."

Technically true. "Yes, but, see, this is different."

"How?"

"I said the fate of the world was involved. They'll understand."

Arc frowned. "It's not exactly honest…"

Luneth draped an arm across Arc's shoulder. "Yeah, but we're the Warriors of the Light! If that doesn't let us sneak out in the dead of night, then what good is it for?"

"Helping people? Actually saving the world?"

"Okay," Luneth said as they left the library, still holding close to Arc. "You're not allowed to say anything else. You'll make me doubt myself, and I would prefer not to ever know what that feels like."

So this was what Monica must have felt like when she first came to Max's time.

He wasn't entirely new to the sensation. But though he'd gone to the future, it was never for more than a day or two at a time. He caught glimpses of the changes made in the future world created by their travels, but he never stayed long-term. Monica on the other hand, she spent months with Max and adjusting to a time completely different from her own. She had to get used to the lack of technology, the differing social customs, the lack of certain resources, like water.

Well, that was actually just Max right now. They had water in his time. For free. But now, standing in front of the shopkeeper in the small village they'd found to stop in, they charged the largest fortune for the smallest bottle that Max had ever seen.

"Forty gilda?" he repeated. The old man nodded. Max looked at the coins in his hands. He had plenty, but he also knew how to get some himself from a stream. He and Monica had learned proper survival skills in the Rainbow Butterfly Wood, so if he had to, he could save this to get something a little more useful, like gems. "Isn't that a bit much?"

"Not when you're offering coins like those, it's not," the old man wheezed. "If I'm gonna take a chance, I'm gonna make sure that I get my deal out of the matter."

Max sighed. The gems in this time were probably inferior, anyway. It would be better to wait until he got back to his time in Palm Brinks before he updated his weapons. "Fine."

"Ooh, they're pretty," the man said, handing him the water. "Where'd you get these, hm?"

"A land far away from here. Take good care of them – they're quite rare."

The man gave a smug smile. "Gonna make a great decoration, these will."

Max frowned at the waste. That could have gotten him some supplies where he came from. But he wasn't going to last much longer if he didn't drink soon.

"Gaffer!" a girl cried, coming over. "What are you doing here, swindling the poor, weary travelers?"

The man shrugged. "It ain't swindling, Paige. He's got foreign coinage and we're in a drought!"

"Drought? Gaffer, we just had a big harvest! The rain hasn't been quite as strong lately, but it's by no means a drought!"

Max hesitated. He didn't want to get involved in a scuffle, but now that someone was intervening on his behalf, wouldn't it be rude to leave? "I'm fine," he said. "I've got money to spare."

"No," the girl said. She grabbed some coins from the man's cart and dropped them in Max's hand. "The least he could do is compensate you for your generosity. Here, these should get you a nice meal if you're hungry. Or we can just feed you at our house, if you want. I have a close friend who likes to travel, so I know a little of what it's like."

Max hesitated, glancing to the old man, who just shrugged. Was it common to just take someone's money like that? Should he give it back? He offered them back. "We were just wanting to get directions for a city by the name of 'Queens'. Do you know how to get there?"

"I'm sorry son, but did you say Queens?" The old man adjusted his overly large hat. "We just happen to have a caravan heading in that direction in a few days."

"Yeah," the girl said. "You can tag along, if you'd like."

"We were hoping to set out again tomorrow," Max said. "But thanks. As long as we know which direction to move in, I think we'll be fine."

"Why are we fine?" Monica asked, stepping in.

Max gestured to the other two. "They're offering a caravan in a few days, but I figure we should get going a little sooner than that."

Monica nodded. "Yeah, the sooner the better. We're on urgent business."

"Well then," the girl said. "At least let us give you some food. The recent harvest was kind, so we have lots to go around."

"No, really," Monica said. "I would hate to intrude. Believe me, it would be like hanging a token of bad luck on your door. Feels like we bring misfortune wherever we go."

More like we chase the misfortune to its doorstep, Max mentally corrected her, glancing at her sheathed sword. He hadn't noticed until they'd left the tower, but its glow had been orange in Zelmite Mine, and now it was green. Monica's Chronicle Two had reverted back to the Chronicle Sword.

Why?

"We'll be fine," Max said. "But thanks for the offer. Maybe we can stop by sometime later?"

"Please do!" the girl said. "I'm Paige, by the way. Whenever you visit again, just ask for me, and I'll make sure you get what you need."

Toan walked over the sun-dappled path and soaked in the cool morning air. Dran had given him the travel map before he left, which served a great relief to his mother – apparently it would only work on this continent, but it still meant that while he was here, he could go back and see her at any time.

Well, not quite any time. He had to actually reach Matataki before he could use the map to jump there instantly, and it would be the same on the following trip to Queens. But once each place was marked, he'd then be able to hop back to Norune to reassure Mom that, yes, he was still alive. Until he left Queens, of course.

Xiao lounged in his arms, eyes closed and breathing rhythmically. He carried her most of time – since her stride was so short, she couldn't keep up with him for more than a couple hours at a time.

When they reached Matataki, he'd have to ask around about shape-change potions.

He always hated the times where he and his friends all had to physically walk somewhere new. Ruby threw a fit when they first arrived in Muscka Racka – you mean I could have waited in Queens?! she'd demanded, and you could have just picked me up when you actually reached this sandpit?!

Goro had looked just about ready to punch her in the face. Or punch Toan in the face for not considering that they could have left her behind. Xiao just thought the whole thing was hilarious.

But then, Xiao never had to worry about Goro – he didn't seem to be bothered by her, or by Ungaga. Ruby and Osmond irritated him, while Toan…

Well, Toan was never quite sure where he stood with Goro. He worked perfectly fine as part of the team, but during sparring matches, the heavy hitter always, always demanded Toan as an opponent. Sometimes he won, sometimes he lost, sometimes Toan let him win, but it didn't change anything. The moment someone suggested a practice match–

Hey, grasshopper! Let's go!

Toan sighed. He wasn't even that great at jumping. That was Xiao's job.

Though, compared to Goro, everyone was great at jumping. Toan shivered as he remembered the core of the Sun and Moon Temple, the entire structure crumbling around them, and the only way out.

Ruby, carry Goro! Ungaga, you're next! Xiao, go!

Slowest first, then the next, then the fastest. And then Toan. He had nightmares for a while after that, where he hadn't been quite quick enough…

But then, a lot of his nightmares were like that. Not quite quick enough against the skeletons in Dran's cave. Not quite quick enough against the Killer Snake. Not quite quick enough against the Dark Genie.

When this was all over, he could curl up with a nice fishing pole by the pond and spend his days catching gummys and nonkys without worrying about the fate of the world.

Toan stepped carefully down into a ravine. Loose pebbles shifted under his shoes and tumbled down to the ravine's floor. Thick trees towered over him, breaking the sunlight into streams that flowed over the underbrush. They were getting close to Matataki now – hopefully they'd arrive before dusk. Once the trees started getting thinner, then they'd be only an hour or so away.

Or… something like that. It was hard to tell time when he couldn't see the sun, and it had been a long, long time since he walked to Matataki.

The woods drifted by and his mind wandered. Through memories of his erased journey, his village, what would be waiting when he arrived in Matataki, and where he'd be going afterward. Were some of the fae here still corrupted?

With the Dark Genie gone, he shouldn't have to worry about fighting, at least. The roads were clear, and civilization should be completely intact. Even if he met something nasty, he had the Chronicle Two.

Eventually, as he remembered it, the forest thinned out, and then opened up to a village built on hills and trees. There was Couscous's house, down by the river, and the Wise Owl Shop by the cliffside. It looked like not many of the villagers were living where they'd like, but it was the same in Norune. They'd just have to deal with that, Toan supposed.

He immediately made his way to a narrow path at the outskirts of the village, leading to a secluded home further up in the cliffs. He didn't know if Goro remembered their adventure, but if he did, then Toan owed it to him to let him know that he wasn't alone.

Goro's tree house was just as he remembered it, perched in thick branches high above the ground. Xiao dashed ahead, prancing at the foot of the ladder that led up to Goro's home. Toan started to follow.

Then heard a creak from the balcony's floorboards above.

Instinctively, he jumped back.

A moment later, Goro slammed into the ground like a meteor, throwing a shower of dirt all around. Xiao sneezed in her closest approximation of chuckling.

"Long time no see," Toan greeted, wary.

Goro grunted, "You here for a rematch, grasshopper?"

Toan almost sighed in relief at the familiarity. But didn't, because Goro was hefting his hammer in a way that said his question wasn't a request. Or, in fact, a question.

So Toan just rolled his eyes and fell into a ready stance, which, of course, his bear-cloaked friend took as an invitation.

Goro was slow, but if he landed a hit, then Toan was out and that thing had more of a range to it than he expected.

Every.

Single.

Time.

Toan took slow steps away, gauging Goro's intent. The boy did the same, edging to the side and flexing the grip on his hammer. There was a certain pattern to the way he moved, so if Toan could just match it and-

He stumbled over a branch and almost hit his face against a tree. Stupid muscle memory.

Footsteps and Toan whipped back into place in time for Goro to swing and-

Drop the thing to the ground with a thud.

Toan went for the hammer. Goro backpedaled before charging after him. Toan grabbed the handle of the thing and remembered carrying the thing but barely lifted it five inches off the ground.

Goro let out a shout of smug assurance and snatched his hammer back before jabbing it in Toan's chest. "Ain't gonna beat me at my own game, you know!"

Toan scowled and shoved his dagger back in its sheath by the Chronicle. "Not like you can even play your own game right now."

"Shut up! Neither can you!"

Goro scowled and switched his grip on the mallet. Toan jumped back, but this time the heavy-hitter matched his steps, preventing him from putting any distance between them. They both adjusted.

Toan grabbed Goro's shoulder, pulling himself into a tight spin back and around the Matatakin. Goro was a solid weight, not even nudged by Toan's shove, but the maneuver allowed Toan to avoid the hammer's hilt that almost hit his stomach.

And then jab his elbow into the base of Goro's neck. The heavy pelt cloak softened the blow – Goro probably barely felt it.

"Now we're even," Toan said.

"Urgh. Why are you here?"

"Found out I have a brother, somewhere in the west. I stopped by here to see how you were doing. How are you doing?"

"Hmph." Goro turned on his heel, stomping back toward his ladder. Xiao sauntered to him and started rubbing against his ankles, purring, forcing him to walk slower so he didn't kick her.

"Alright," Toan said, "Guess I'll be on my way, then."

This was about what he expected from Goro, anyway. Though he hoped for a little more… something. Friendliness, maybe. Or conversation, at least. Goro wasn't exactly the friendly sort though, and the most talkative among the three of them here was Xiao, even in her current form.

Well, he could talk to Ruby when they got to Queens. She'd probably have more insight into this whole situation, anyway.

"Hey. Toan."

Travel map halfway out of his pouch, Toan paused.

"You going through the Wise Owl Forest again?"

"Yes. Xiao and I'll stay in Norune tonight, then start for Queens tomorrow."

Goro's face scrunched up like he'd just taken a bite out of a lemon, "Queens, huh? Well, the Killer Snake is still alive, so you'll need to get the Serpent Sword from Treant again. And don't leave me behind when you go through the Forest – you and the cat together couldn't open the doors in there if you jumped on the switch. While carrying the heaviest rock you could lift."

Toan started to smile–

"And we need to make sure Brownboo doesn't get repeated. That was embarrassing."

Xiao nodded emphatically.

Toan said, "I'll be sure to watch the sky this time."

"Hmph."

Toan pulled out the travel map, smiling at the new mark that had appeared for Matataki Village. Waited for Xiao to come to him, and then pointed at Norune.

The world dissolved into light.