Alright, I'm going to start this off with some bad news here. Those being that this is actually my last chapter that I have finished and prepared in advance. Throughout writing this story, I've always tried to keep a healthy amount of chapters in advance to keep the schedule, but I'm afraid real life got in the way of writing quite a few times and now here we are.

So with a heavy heart I'll have to announce that there will be no new chapter next week, unless I manage to finish and have it beta'd in time. But that would only put a deadline on me that I feel wouldn't help, so instead the coming chapters will all be posted when ready. I know, it frustrates me too, since I liked the schedule I had, but it is what it is.

I hope you can all forgive me after all this time though. Anyway, so with that out of the way: to the chapter at hand. :)


Steps Forward

"How is that?" Yugiri asked, receiving a small groan in reply. Fingers flitted across her skin, coming to a stop a little lower. "And this?"

She pressed down, eliciting another groan from S'eni, this time a little strained. "Yeah, that's the spot."

"I see," the Au Ra said. "Then I shall continue."

Eyes shut, S'eni's fingers dug into the mattress of her bed, stiffening a little as Yugiri put even pressure on her upper calf and began to move her thumbs up and down. It wasn't exactly painful, but it certainly felt unpleasant. Acupressure, Yugiri called it. A technique from the Far East to help with various ailments.

Since standing was still more challenge than practice even though it had gotten better, the Au Ra had offered her knowledge in the art to help regain her strength. When asked where she had learned this particular technique, Yugiri simply smiled mysteriously. S'eni knew better than to press the issue.

She jumped a little when the thumbs suddenly shifted and began to press down on a different spot. "Did I hurt you?"

"No. I'm alright," she replied. "Well, as alright as can be given the circumstances."

"You are still recovering."

"I know, I know. But—" she opened her eyes and stared at the wall, taking in the even patterns on it. "—sometimes it just feels like this isn't my body at all. That probably sounds stupid."

"Not at all. During our battle against the Empire, I saw many brave warriors fall, and those who survived took a long time to recover. I still remember what one of them said: 'Recovery is a battle unto itself'."

"True words," she said and noticed Yugiri's hair bop a little from a nod.

They briefly became silent again while the Au Ra continued to administer her treatment. She eventually moved lower towards her foot, and asked, "When was the last time you meditated?"

"Way too long ago. I just...didn't really see the point. Why?"

"The technique I am using is meant to guide the aether of a person towards where it is needed the most. It is not unlike the Chakras you told me about. Perhaps if we combined our efforts we might get better results."

"Perhaps..." she murmured. If nothing else it might give her the feeling that she was also contributing to her recovery apart from following everyone's instructions. Yeah, it was worth a shot.

S'eni closed her eyes and started to focus, trying to drown out everything. First the feeling of Yugiri's hands, then the sound from outside, and the smell of the freshly washed linen. And amidst the doubt and worry that plagued her deep down, she began to search for her center, keeping her breath steady.

Inhale. Exhale.

Inhale. Exhale.

Inhale... Exhale...

...then, peace. Tranquility. A warm quiet that engulfed her; rooting her to a blissful here and now. Seconds became minutes became hours became seconds again until it all became one. Making her feel complete.

Whole.

Slowly, her eyes blinked open again, and she was met by the sight of Yugiri sitting in the nearby chair, diligently waiting. "How are you feeling?" the Au Ra asked.

Turning onto her back, S'eni sat up and looked down at her legs. She bent one and wiggled her toes a little, a tiny smile dancing across her face. "Lighter. Like part of the weight has been lifted off me."

"Good." Yugiri mirrored her expression. "We shall repeat the treatment tomorrow then."

"Alright. Thanks," she said, bending her other leg as well. She could tell that walking would still be out of the question just yet, but the treatment combined with all the other exercises Krile and Y'shtola made her do might make it a less far-off dream. "An interesting technique, though."

"It has been in use for many generations across Hingashi and Doma. If you would like to learn it, I can procure a few manuals for you."

"Not for me, thank you. But if you are offering, then perhaps for my sister. She's been trying to broaden her horizons."

"Yes, I have very much noticed." Having taken her words to heart, S'aria had gone to Y'shtola the next day and, with help from the Leveilleurs, been granted access to Noumenon so long as she stayed within the confines of those books open for Sharlayan's general public. Thankfully, those were many and she had been pouring over each and every one of them. "I am glad that your village has gone unscathed by the Final Days."

"Yeah. News had spread there, of course, but there were no transformations around the islands," S'eni said and let herself fall back on top of the pillows. But really, it would have just been a matter of time until they had been hit, too. Thank the gods they weren't. "How about Doma?"

"A few transformations here and there. Not surprising given that Doma is still healing from the Empire's occupation, but they were swiftly taken care of. Nothing like Izanami."

Izanami being the name of the Blasphemy that had struck Doma, named after the kami that gave birth to the nation and ushered the souls of the dead to the afterlife. In truth, she had just been a grieving young woman who mourned the loss of her husband. In the end, the hunt for her bad become just as much a battle to lay the grief of the entire nation to rest, so that it could at last look to the future. But that wasn't really the reason she broached the topic...

"...And Sui-no-Sato? Have you been there again?"

Yugiri averted her eyes. "No. I already broke my exile once, albeit disguised. I would not wish my parents to suffer more."

"You know, I'm acquainted with the Ruby Princess' lady-in-waiting." Who was actually the princess herself making use of her best friend's nigh distinguishable appearance from her to travel beyond the palace's confines. Just what was it with her and royalty that liked to shirk the rules? "Perhaps we can do something about your banishment. Or just arrange a meeting on neutral ground like Tamamizu."

The Raen didn't say anything at first, rising up from the chair and walking over to the window instead. She reached out and ran a finger across the glass, her eyes growing distant. After a brief moment, she spoke up again.

"I know what you are trying to do but—"

"Yugiri." Her friend turned to look at her. Their eyes locked and S'eni continued with firmness in her voice. "You are one of the most loyal persons I know, have risked your life not only for the good of Doma, but also for us. So let me be frank when I say: it's alright to be selfish once in a while."

A smile then formed on her face. Yugiri was surprised for a moment, but swiftly mirrored her expression and shook her head. "You are a kind person."

"So I am told," S'eni said, not looking away from her friend. "Just...promise me you'll think about it. Alright?"

"Very well. I will," Yugiri said, releasing a conceding sigh.

"Good. Now then, I don't know about you, but I'm feeling quite peckish. So how about we go get something to eat at the Last Stand?" she asked while sitting back up. "It'll be my treat."

The smile on the Au Ra's lips rose in amusement, and she nodded.


Almost two hours later found the two of them seated at the restaurant in question, their meals long since finished, but still enjoying some pleasant conversation over some refreshing drinks. "—and then he went flying into the air, ever eastward until he was only a little twinkle in the sky."

"R-Really?" Yugiri asked, blinking once, twice, disbelief clearly written on her face.

"Oh yes. Nashu, of course, immediately went to search for him," she said and took a sip from her lemonade. "You should have seen my face when her search led her to Kugane of all places. And of course, Hildibrand didn't take long to appear as well."

"Remarkable...You really do meet the most fascinating people."

"That's one way to call them." A chuckle made its way past her lips, but she quickly frowned soon after. "...I hope they made it through the Final Days unharmed."

"If they are even just a fraction as hardy as you describe them to be, then I am sure they have," Yugiri assured her and the smile returned to her face.

"Yeah. You're right." If one went unscathed by it all, it would be Hildibrand Manderville and those associated with him; they were all a hardy lot. "Knowing me, I'll run into them soon enough."

And hijinks would soon ensue. After all that happened, she'd be glad for it too.

"I hope the food was to your liking," another voice joined the conversation, and they both looked up to see Dickon, the proprietor himself, having come over to their table.

"Always," she said and Yugiri, too, nodded.

"That is heartening to hear. Would you like something else, or will that be all?"

S'eni looked at her friend, silently repeating the question. Finding nothing to suggest the contrary, she then said, "No, that'll be all."

"Very good," he said and began to pick up their plates.

"So—" she took another sip of her lemonade, releasing an appreciative sigh. So refreshing! "—how have things been for you since the Final Days?"

"Not much has changed, if I'm being honest. Though I suppose that is a good thing. Alisaie came by the other day, too. But busy as she was, we were only able to talk briefly." The man pursed his lips briefly. "Speaking of being busy, we're quite short on hands this shift...ah no, nevermind."

"What?" S'eni raised her brow. "Out with it."

"Well, I could use someone that would deliver an order, but I'd hate to impose that on you," he said, trying to politely avoid looking at her wheelchair.

She briefly rolled her eyes and waved a hand to dismiss the issue. "Believe me, running an errand is far from a bother right now. Quite the opposite, actually."

"In that case, would you follow me then?"

"Sure," S'eni said, draining the rest of her glass and looking at Yugiri. "You can go on ahead without me. If you see Shtola, tell her I'll be along shortly."

Exchanging goodbyes with the Ninja, she planted her hands on the rims of each wheel and began to push. She followed Dickon, who stepped behind the counter and put away the plates, before going over to where a couple of packaged meals were waiting for delivery. He picked one and handed it over to her. "Here, a pair of salad sandwiches for one of our regulars, an elderly gentleman."

"Alright, where should I deliver them and to whom?" she asked after taking the package.

"He's at Auk's Landing. You can't really miss him, he's a Lalafel with quite a distinguished air."

"Got it." She nodded, placing the package on her lap, and then began to wheel herself in the direction of Journey's End. As she was leaving, Dickon watched her from out of the corner of his eye and smiled knowingly.

Making her way over to her destination, which made her arms realize just how elevated some parts of Sharlayan were, she looked around the area for her client. It took a couple of minutes, but eventually she found the Lalafel in question, sitting on one of the benches near the fountain. Sharp eyes framed by a pair of glasses, an orderly mustache as well as neatly trimmed sideburns, and the long coat he was wearing gave him an appearance that truly could not be described as anything but distinguished.

He looked to be quite deep in thought, not taking notice of her as she wheeled over to him. Only when she called out to him directly in greeting did he turn his head to look at her. His eyes grew wide for but a moment, before settling into a look of curiosity as he spoke. "Oh, you are one of the Scions, are you not? S'eni, I believe?"

"That's right," she said with a friendly nod.

"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Now, what might I do for you?"

"I was asked to deliver this," S'eni replied and held out the package to him.

"Ah, the sandwiches!" he exclaimed and took it, almost immediately beginning to unpack the food inside. "The Last Stand serves up many delectable dishes, but their sandwiches have always been my favorite. My son, on the other hand, was quite fond of the pretzels."

The old Lalafel grew quiet then, stopping in what he was doing to look up at her. "Say, would you mind indulging an old man for a moment?"

"Not at all." She smiled and rolled up to the side of the bench. After unpacking the first sandwich, he took a crunchy bite out of it, chewing slowly while his gaze wandered over to the fountain.

"I attended the Studium in my youth. Not very surprising, I know," he said after swallowing. "I was classmates with Louisoix, you see. We were kindred spirits in our study of magic, and it is not wrong to say that we inspired each other to even greater heights."

"Does that mean you also knew Master Matoya as well?" she asked.

"Oh yes. Never a dull moment with her around." He chuckled, and she could see the warmth of nostalgia formed behind his glasses. "After completing my studies, I continued on with my research and eventually became a professor myself. I married and had a family. Settled down. Not Louisoix, though. Such a life was never for him, spending more time on the road than not. My son admired him greatly, eventually becoming his pupil and even earning his Archon's mark."

S'eni felt herself stiffen at those words. Did he just say...?

Eyes widening, she looked at the old Lalafel. She tried to picture him without the facial hair and glasses and mentally replaced them with a monocle and blond hair that had not yet lost all color to age. While not a spitting image of one another, it was still very obvious to her to whom she was speaking right now.

This man was Papalymo's father.

"It filled me with great pride to see him set forth to fight at my old friend's side, but like any parent, I also worried about him. In the end, he gave his life for the cause he believed in..."

"I—" he raised his hand.

"...And now that I have seen his comrades fight tirelessly to protect our star, I have come to understand where his conviction came from." He turned his head to look at her. "Lyse wrote me that you remained by his side to the last. For that, I want to thank you. And for being his friend."

S'eni felt her eyes begin to burn and she blinked them a couple of times to dispel the feeling. A small, bittersweet smile formed on her face. "It is I who should thank you. For raising a great man, whose conviction gave me strength when I was at my lowest."

Papalymo's father closed his eyes briefly, his thoughts clearly going to his son, before releasing a breath and brightening ever so slightly. He appeared like quite a burden had been lifted off his shoulders, and it made her wonder if Dickon hadn't known exactly whom she was delivering food to. But she supposed she would have to ask him that another time.

"Ah, but I should not keep you any longer. You must surely be busy with other things."

"Not at all. In fact, if it's alright with you, I'd like to stay a little longer to talk with you about your son, Master Totolymo," she said.

He smiled at her and nodded. "Yes, I would indeed like that very much. And please, call me Nenelymo."

And so they spent the afternoon talking. About a beloved son and great friend that would forever be missed, but would live on in their hearts.


S'eni breathed. In and out, repeating it a couple of times, before finally opening her eyes. She looked ahead, where Y'shtola, her sisters, and all her other friends were standing at the end of two horizontally aligned poles. With a set jaw, she exhaled one last time and...stood up.

Her hands grabbed each of the poles, using her arms to keep herself steady. She remained like this for a couple of moments, making sure she wouldn't be toppled by her own weight, then took her first step. Immediately, a grimace formed on her face at the fiery pain that shot through her right leg from the sudden shift, but she pushed it away and gingerly planted her foot on the ground.

Slow...and steady, she reminded herself and moved her other leg, placing her left foot in front of the other. Once done, she shifted to her right again. Moving forward one almost agonizing step at a time.

All of a sudden, she felt herself stumble but managed to keep herself from falling thanks to the poles. With a look of panic, S'neena made to move to her side, but a glance from her was enough to keep her in place. No, she needed to do this alone. With a few deep breaths, S'eni brought herself back up and continued onward. Her eyes locked onto Y'shtola's, using the silent confidence she found reflected in that pale gaze to drive herself forward.

Ever forward.

Until, at last, she had made it to the end. Breathing out a laugh, she immediately threw her arms around her lover and hugged her close. "Made it," she said amidst deep breaths.

"You did," Y'shtola replied, a smile in her voice as she returned the hug, before gently stepping out of the embrace and brushing away a few strands of hair that stuck to her forehead. She was immediately replaced by S'neena, who hugged her around the waist.

"I knew you could do it!" her sister said.

"Thanks, that makes at least one of us," S'eni replied, chuckling and rustling her sister's hair. A round of congratulations swiftly followed, but her attention was soon drawn to the noble Elezen who respectfully stood back, waiting until the right moment to approach her.

Silently, he placed a hand on top of her shoulder, before offering her his cane with a fatherly smile. "I believe you could use it at the moment."

Another laugh escaped her, and she took the cane, using it to propel herself up to stand properly. She looked at all the gathered people, each family to their own for her. She couldn't help the few tears of happiness that began to run down her cheeks.

Hastily, she brushed them away, and asked with a huge smile, "So what's next on the agenda?"


I hope none of you skipped out on the sidequest where we get to meet Papalymo's dad. :P

Sure is a funny coincindence that I post this chapter after the latest Tales entry actually revealed his name. Had to do some last minute editing due to that.

Well then, I'll probably not see you next week, but soon enough. Promise! :D