When Erik left his friend and Halden in the Heliodorian fields, he couldn't shake the anxiety that gnawed at him.

He wanted to help Halden, but leaving Raeyla alone with him didn't sit right. After three years together, he had grown close with the girl, feeling a strong need to look after her. It was the first time in three years that they had been separated, and he didn't like it one bit.

Erik's mind was set on getting the orb and Derk, then heading straight to the Manglegrove cave to make sure she was ok.

The cyan-haired boy didn't think Halden was malicious, but being the Luminary meant trouble would follow him, and that meant Rae could get caught in the middle. He was determined to get back and help them as soon as possible.

He sprinted up the hill from the church, then took the small wooden path leading to his old haunts in downtown Heliodor. The nostalgia of his time in this area tugged at him, but he was on a mission. A mission to the biggest trash pile in all of Heliodor, where the trio had agreed to stash the orb.

As he dove into the trash pile, he began to dig frantically, but the orb was nowhere to be found. "I'm sure it was here." he mumbled to himself, digging deeper, "It's not here." he finally admitted, pulling himself out of the pile.

He clearly remembered the plan. He had seen Derk stash the orb there from his hiding spot with Raeyla.

Anger surged through him as he pieced it together. The only ones who knew the orb's location were him, Raeyla and Derk. Raeyla was in the dungeon with him, which meant Derk must have taken the orb for himself.

"That rat." Erik growled, looking down the street before stomping toward the inn. "Dammit! I should have known! The thieving little -! Wait till I get my hands on him!" He muttered angrily to himself until he reached the inn.

The old inn hadn't changed a bit, the rundown wooden shack was still adorned with pottery and red carpets, Ruby's signature color. Memories of past heists with Derk and Raeyla flooded back, now tainted with the knowledge that Derk had betrayed them.

"Ruby! Ruby! You there? It's me. Erik! There's something I need to ask you!" he shouted into the inn, seeing the portly woman stick her head around the corner.

"Strike a light! If it ain't me favorite little tea leaf! Last I 'eard, they'd locked you up an' thrown away the key!" Ruby exclaimed, a surprised look on her face as she walked into the room and stood behind the counter. Her red dress, tunic and glasses were just as Erik remembered.

"'Ang abaht - you've gone an' escaped, ain'tcha? You an' Raeyla are the fugitives everyone's talkin' abaht! Where is me girl anyhow?" She realized, voicing her suspicions. Erik gave a sheepish smile in response.

"Don't worry, I won't be here long. Rae is laying low and I've got to meet up with her. I just need to know where Derk is. Have you seen him?" Erik hurriedly explained, trying to reassure her that she wouldn't get caught harboring such a high-profile fugitive.

"Derk, eh? Now there's a name I ain't 'eard in a while. I 'eard he opened some fancy shop up by the castle. He's rakin' in the cash, 'e is, or so they say." She explained.

Erik thought to himself for a moment, finding it hard to believe since the rent in that area would be crazy. He would have needed an immense amount of money to even set up shop. And that was when it hit him.

Derk sold the orb.

The idea of Derk pulling such a stunt made Erik see red. He needed to find Derk. Now.

"Thanks Ruby, I appreciate it. I'll get out of your hair." Erik managed to respond in a calm tone before turning to leave the inn.

"Bye, me favorite little tea leaf! Make sure ye give me regards to Raeyla!" Ruby shouted after him. He raised his hand in a small wave, signaling that he would pass on the message.

He had a new mission: beat Derk to a pulp, steal some money, and run to catch up with Raeyla and Halden.

He used his old routes and snuck out of downtown Heliodor, running through the alleyways of the upper city before scaling a small house across the street from the church. There was a rope that Raeyla had left up above for quick getaways, and he intended to use it.

He crawled across the rope and ran along the roof of the church before reaching another rope that led to the upper area of Heliodor, where Ruby said Derk would be found.

The young thief looked around the square and spotted a shop that hadn't been there before he'd been arrested. He walked toward it, suspecting this was Derk's new store.

He opened the door to the store and saw a familiar green, gold and white tunic standing with his back toward the cyan-haired male. It was Derk, and Erik couldn't wait to approach him. He walked up behind the portly short man and spoke, "Wow, nice place you got here."

"Welcome, welcome! Feel free to browse! You'll find we only stock the very finest wares!" Derk responded without looking back at Erik. When he finally stood up and turned around, he was surprised to see Erik standing there, arms crossed and brow creased with anger.

"That's good, because I'm looking for something very special indeed. Happen to have any orbs in stock?" He responded, his voice laced with fury.

"E-Erik!" Derk stammered, inching back slightly as Erik cracked his knuckles. "Long time no see, old pal!" The thief responded. Derk gave a nervous laugh, "Where's Rae?"

"Don't you worry about her." Erik seethed, pulling his fist back for a punch when Derk lunged. He attached himself to Erik's stomach, preventing the attack.

As Erik struggled to get free, Derk spoke in a light, yet nervous tone. "Erik! My brother, my compadre! My partner in crime! It's really you! I'm so 'appy to see you!"

Erik grunted, unable to loosen Derk's grip, "You have no shame, huh? Get your backstabbing hands off of me!" He shouted, pushing as hard as he could, finally freeing himself.

The older male looked at Erik with confusion written on his face. Erik continued with his accusation, "You always were full of it, Derk, but this really takes the cake. Admit it! You sold me and Rae out. You sold the orb so you could buy this place, didn't you?"

"I never! I promise you! I never sold you two out! I was worried sick about you both! I only opened this place to try an' 'elp yous!" Derk hastily explained. Erik scoffed, "Oh yeah, and how does that work, exactly? How does you opening this place and lining your pockets while we rot in jail help me and Rae?"

Derk turned, rubbing the back of his head as he continued, "Look, I was never much of a thief - you know that. But it turns out I know 'ow to sell stuff. I got the gift, even if I do say so meself."

Erik groaned, trying to contain his anger. Derk was bragging about his abilities while Erik was struggling to resist punching him again.

"When yous got nabbed, I spent months rackin' me brains for ways of bustin' you both out. I couldn't stand the thought of you and Rae bein' in there. In the end, I realized I'd 'ave to give up the orb. I took it to the King, told 'im I found it somewhere and pocketed the reward. Then I used the cash to open up the shop 'ere, and poured all me profits into bribin' the guards up at the castle so they'd let you escape." Derk finished explaining.

At first, Erik disregarded the explanation, but then thought about his words and realized it was pretty strange that they'd never tossed his cell. "Now that you mention it, I did think it was weird they never tossed my cell the whole time I was digging that hole. They always seemed to entertain Rae's distractions too." Erik mused aloud, to which Derk eagerly responded, realizing Erik was coming around. "Exactly! I was payin' 'em to turn a blind eye, weren't I?"

Erik sighed in defeat, his anger dissipating. "Ok, I'm sorry. I'm sorry I doubted you… partner." he conceded, earning a giant grin from Derk.

"That's the spirit! Erik, old pal! It's so good to 'ave you back!" He cheered. Instead of joining in the moment, Erik shifted his focus back to the orb. While he had originally planned to just steal from Derk, he knew that he still needed the orb.

The orb was valuable, and the money would be useful for their life on the run, but they were helping the Luminary now, and his journey back to Heliodor got him thinking. If Rae's visions were anything to be believed, they may actually need the orb to help Halden on his journey.

"But I need that orb Derk. And now I don't even know where it is." Erik explained, deep in thought, his mind wandering through his memories of the castle, wondering where else the King would likely stash it.

"Actually, after I 'anded over the orb. I made sure to keep me ear to the ground about where it ended up - I knew you and Rae would be lookin' for it. A little bird tells me that 'Endrik and 'is men took it to the Kingsbarrow, and it's been under lock and key there ever since." Derk revealed, prompting Erik to start formulating plans.

The Kingsbarrow was southeast of town, near the mountains that Rae and Halden were heading toward to find Cobblestone. This meant that they could get the orb on their way out of town and continue onward. "I guess I'm heading there then. You coming, Derk? A little adventure for old times' sake?" He offered, trying to convince the man to join him out of the city.

Derk shook his head, "Sorry, no can do. I got a shop to run and I'm a married man these days." he explained, Erik was surprised but happy for his partner, "Married? Wow, you really have changed. Well, you always said you wanted to settle down and maybe go into business someday. I'm happy for you. I'd better get going then, I've got to catch up with Rae before she gets into trouble. Take care, Derk. And thanks for everything." Erik bid his friend farewell.

Derk smiled and nodded, "You too, old pal. Be lucky, eh? Don't you two go doin' anything I wouldn't do! An' watch out for me girl Rae alright? Tell 'er I said to keep on rollin'!"

Erik smirked at the request, "You know I will. See ya." he said, giving one last farewell before running back toward the rooftops.

With heightened security at the gates, Erik knew Hendrik's men wouldn't be swayed by bribes. He had to travel back through downtown Heliodor to reach the fields.

He made quick work of the route, and found himself approaching the camp far into the Heliodor fields by the time the sun was going down. Rae and Halden were nowhere to be seen, suggesting they had likely moved on to the Manglegrove before nightfall. He realized he was half a day behind them if she had them stop at their usual camping spot in the forest.

Alone, Erik sought refuge near a tree, settling himself against a branch. He tried to sleep but found it elusive, startled awake by monster sounds and the fear of falling.

Giving up on rest as dawn broke, Erik jumped down from the tree and continued toward the Manglegrove.

By midday, concern grew for his friends. Passing their usual camping spot, signs of a recent battle worried him. He continued on and found that Rae wasn't at the cave either, and it appeared abandoned since their last visit a year ago. He decided that he needed to find Cobblestone fast.

Remembering Halden's mention of the village being in the mountains, he scanned eastward and noticed smoke in that direction. "Smoke? That doesn't look good." he muttered, hastening his pace through the forest.

It wouldn't be until near sunset when he found the path that led into the mountains, but any relief was short-lived when he saw the ruins of what he assumed was Cobblestone.

"Man, did Hendrik do this?" he wondered, feeling bad for Halden, who no doubt had seen the village in its current state. If Rae hadn't returned to the cave, she was likely still here with Halden.

As long as Hendrik hadn't found them.

Panic gripped Erik. "Rae! Halden! Where are you!?" he shouted out into the village, quickening his pace, scanning each pile of rubble as he passed by.

"Rae! Come on, you gotta be here!" He shouted again, running up a hill on the northern side of the village and looking back. He saw no movement from where he just came and turned to look at what was on the other side of the hill. The road curved around the rockface, leading down to lifeless farms below. He followed the path, hoping to find them there.

His chest burned from the day's exertion, but he pushed himself forward. Until he laid eyes on his friend, he couldn't stop.

At the path's end there were two paths that went in different directions. The left led back to Heliodor plains, so he took the right path where he heard running water.

There, he spotted Rae in her familiar white and blue attire, bathed in the setting sun's glow, her bow secured on her back. She faced the waterfall with Halden behind her. Erik sighed with relief and called out, "There you guys are! I was starting to think you'd gotten into trouble!"

Halden glanced over at Erik, showing a mix of relief and concern. Erik understood why.

"When you weren't at the cave I got worried and headed this way. Everything ok, Halden?" Erik asked, walking forward toward them. Rae still hadn't turned to acknowledge him, making Erik wonder if she was still upset.

"We couldn't find anyone, and then." Halden's voice faltered, his expression changing to concern as he turned back to his partner. "Raeyla. She… Something's wrong with her."

Erik's heart sank at Halden's words. He quickly scanned Rae and noticed the bandaged wound on her right arm, stained with blood that had seeped through. "Rae, what happened?" he asked urgently, but she remained unresponsive.

Panic surged through Erik again as he hurried forward to reach her. As he neared, he gently touched her uninjured arm, hoping it would make her look at him.

The moment his fingers brushed her arm, Rae snapped out of her trance and collapsed, her knees giving out. "Rae!?" Erik reacted swiftly, moving to catch her before she hit the ground. He heard Halden shuffling closer, trying to understand what had just happened.

Confused and frustrated with himself and Halden for not preventing this, Erik shot a sharp glance at Halden. "What did you do?".

Taken aback by Erik's sudden intensity, Halden stepped back cautiously. "Nothing." he stammered, searching for words. "We were sitting under the tree in the village, talking. She stood up, touched the tree, and then she started acting strange."

Erik's eyebrows furrowed, "Strange? Strange how?" His tone softened slightly, concern evident despite his frustration.

"She just stood there, staring at something. She wouldn't respond to anything I said. Her eyes looked distant, like she wasn't really there. She walked all the way here by herself before you found us." Halden explained, finishing his account. The details resonated with Erik. Rae had experienced another one of her visions, but this time it had led her into potentially dangerous territory.

Erik tore his gaze from Halden and refocused on his friend, gently shaking her in his arms. "Rae? Come on, wake up." he called out, persistently shaking her until she started to stir.

"Erik?" She murmured, her eyes dazed, reminiscent of previous episodes when she had visions. This only solidified Erik's suspicions. "What did you see?" he asked, adjusting his position to help her sit up.

After blinking a few times, the girl finally met Erik's eyes, her blue gaze meeting his cerulean ones. Then, she turned to glance at the waterfall before looking back at Halden. "Was your grandfather named Chalky?" she asked.

Erik glanced at Halden, observing the young Luminary's frozen expression at the question. Slowly, he nodded, prompting Rae to continue. "He buried something." she continued, facing the waterfall again, her gaze fixed on one spot before pointing to it, "Right here."

As Rae moved to stand, Erik reached to stop her, "Hey, take it easy." he suggested, but they both paused as Halden stepped forward. They watched silently as he dropped to his knees, digging into the earth that Rae had pointed at with his bare hands. His friend moved to find a nearby rock and used it to assist him, Erik soon joining as well to uncover what Rae had seen.

Soon enough, their efforts struck something solid, and Halden unearthed a small box. Without hesitation, he opened it to inspect its contents.

Seating himself back next to his friend, Erik watched as Halden peered into the box, revealing two letters - one significantly older than the other - and a brilliant blue stone that caught the light as he lifted it.

While Halden read the letters carefully, Erik turned to Rae, trying to give Halden some privacy. "What happened to your arm?" he inquired, causing her to glance down at her bandaged arm before shrugging. "We ran into some monsters on our first night. Our fighting was a bit out of sync and I got scratched. It's not deep."

Erik turned fully towards her, retrieving his bag to search for the bandages he carried. "Let's change it. Give me your arm," he requested, and Rae complied, turning to offer him access. Carefully, Erik cleaned and redressed the wound, inspecting it to ensure it wasn't serious. He was happy to see that it was healing properly.

Looking up at him, the girl asked, "Where's Derk? Did you get the orb?".

Shaking his head, the young thief replied, "Derk returned the orb to the King for a reward so he could bribe the dungeon guards for us. He said it's being kept in the Kingsbarrow."

Recognition flickered in his friend's eyes as she recalled something. "That's why they never searched our cells. He's not coming with us to get it back?" she inquired.

"Derk's a married man now. He's running some fancy shop near the castle. It seems he's retired from thieving. He told me to say hi and to 'keep on rolling'". He relayed Derk's message to her and watched as a slight smile formed on her face. He continued, "Ruby also sends her well wishes."

"That's nice of them. I'll miss them." She said, her smile reflecting the fond memories that were undoubtedly crossing her mind. "We'll visit them once things die down." Erik promised, receiving a node of agreement from the girl. They fell into a quiet wait after that, giving Halden time to process.

After a while, Halden looked up at them with an expression of disbelief, having moved on to the older letter.

"Halden? What's wrong?" Rae asked, concerned.

Without a word, Halden handed the older letter to them. Erik took it gently from his hands and held it out for both of them to read.

"My dearest darling baby boy,

When finally you come to read this. I will almost certainly be long dead. You see, not long after you were born, our beloved kingdom of Dundrasil was attacked by an army of monsters.

I was forced to flee with you in my arms, and expended the last of my strength in ensuring that you escaped to safety.

If you are fortunate enough to have been found by some kindly soul, you must seek out the King of Heliodor when you come of age. Our kingdom and his have long enjoyed close relations, and your father and I would trust him with our lives.

Never forget, my son - you are the prince of Dundrasil. But more than that… you are the Luminary. Yours is a weighty burden indeed. It is you who must stand against the darkness and banish it from our world. In time, you will come to understand.

It breaks my heart to leave you, my darling, but it is the only way. I only hope that one day.. you will learn to forgive me."

Realization dawned on Erik: Halden was the prince of Dundrasil, the heir to a kingdom destroyed sixteen years ago. The letter instructed him to trust the King of Heliodor, yet it seemed that the king had betrayed Halden's parents. Erik glanced at Halden, who remained fixated on the other letter. From beside him, he heard Rae murmur softly, "Dundrasil…"

He looked over at the girl, who was deep in thought and staring at the ground. Deciding to leave her be for the moment, he turned back to Halden. "So you're a prince huh? What's the other letter say?" he asked, eyeing the boy who held up the blue stone once more.

"He found me in the river with that letter and decided to take me in when I was a baby. He doesn't know why Dundrasil was attacked or what I have to do as the Luminary, but he knows that I'll have to go out into the world to find the answers." He explained, his voice tinged with emotion."This stone is supposed to open the 'Door of Departure' to the east to do just that."

"An adventure out into the world hey? What do we think Rae? Shall we tag along for the ride?" Erik said, attempting to lift their spirits with an upbeat tone.

Said girl snapped out of her trance, meeting Erik's gaze with determination in her eyes. "You better believe it. He'll need our help." She spoke, rising to her feet.

"That settles it then! Eastward we go! But first, if you don't mind, I need to make a quick stop at the Kingsbarrow on the way to the door." Erik interjected, and continued upon noticing Halden's slightly puzzled expression. "The orb I was looking for has been taken there," he clarified, and Halden nodded in understanding. The brunette female chimed in, "It's on the way, and the orb might prove useful."

"Alright then, we'll make sure to stop there." Halden agreed, glancing once more at the box and the waterfall before stowing the letters in his bag and preparing to leave.

As Halden walked ahead, Erik slowed his pace and exchanged a knowing look with his partner, who hung back to speak with him. "That vision seemed a bit different from the others. Are you ok?" Erik inquired. Rae shrugged and replied, "It felt similar to the others, but this time I could move. No one could see me, but I could follow them. His grandfather walked from the village to the waterfall to bury that letter, hoping it would help Halden in the future. But Erik…" She trailed off, uncertain how to continue.

Checking that Halden was out of earshot, Erik pressed her to elaborate. "What is it?" he prompted. Rae met his gaze and hesitated before speaking.

"Dundrasil… I remember that name. I think, I think I'm from Dundrasil."

"You remembered something? Rae, that's incredible! It makes sense, considering you said it was destroyed." Erik responded, feeling a surge of joy that his friend had unlocked another piece of her past. Even if it was confirmation that her home had been destroyed.

"I don't remember it being destroyed, though." She countered, a hint of confusion in her expression. Erik placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "That's ok, Rae. Memories can be tricky sometimes. Maybe you blocked it out."

She looked at him quietly before nodding. "Maybe you're right. But I need to stay with Halden, Erik. These visions, my memories… I can't help but feel I'm meant to do this." she reasoned with him.

"I think you're right. You knowing his grandfather's name, and the importance of the orbs. You can't ignore that. But we're a team, so I'm coming with you." Erik said firmly, earning a grateful smile from his friend.

"Thank you." She said sincerely.

"Who else is going to make sure you don't get into trouble? Besides, you saw it in the vision: me standing beneath Yggdrasil with you and Halden. It's meant to be." He remarked, recalling the vision from that day. He swiftly pushed aside thoughts of Mia's fate, unwilling to let himself dwell on a hope he couldn't fulfill. Instead, he focused on the journey ahead and their current mission.

With determination, they were now officially on a mission to save the world, and Erik couldn't wait to see what lay in store for them.