A Dangerous Journey

Lloyd walks up to the terrace to see Colette staring up at the moon.

"I'm sorry for not finishing your birthday present in time." Lloyd scratches the back of his neck sadly.

Colette holds her hands up to her chest. "It's okay. Don't worry about that."

"But this sort of thing is special because you get it on your birthday, you know?"

"Well then, will you just wish me a happy birthday?"

"Heh, of course. Happy birthday, Colette."

"Hehe, thanks. I'm glad I was able to live to this day."

"What are you talking about? You're going to keep on living and regenerate the world."

Colette turns her head away. "Yeah."

"So, about tomorrow. I can't come along with you, can't I?"

"Well, It's just that the Desians will be after us and it's going to be a very dangerous journey."

Lloyd clenches his fist. "Desians. Up till now, I always thought my mom died in an accident.. But she was murdered by Desians! Now that I know the truth, there's no way I could keep living in a village that has a treaty with them."

"Yeah." Colette hangs her head and then looks up. "We're leaving tomorrow at noon. So would you come to the village around then?"

"Okay! You got it. Now I'll be able to see you become an angel with my own eyes."

Colette looks back up to the moon and laughs. "Hehe, yeah. So Lord Remiel really is my father. I'm the child of an angel." The moon has a gray and green tint.

"Does it matter? Regardless of who your real father is, you're still you. Nothing's changed. You just have two fathers. Just think of yourself as being lucky for having more than most people do."

"I suppose you're right." Colette smiles.

"World regeneration. Huh. It's kind of exciting."

"Yeah. Releasing the seals, becoming an angel, then finally- -"

"Finally?"

"Um, nothing. Anyway, if we go to the Seal of Fire, I'll get to see my father again. I'm going to do my best."

"Yeah, me too."

Suddenly, Raine and Genis open the door to the balcony.

"Are you ready to go?" Raine crosses her arms.

"Ah, yes, I'm coming. See you later, Lloyd." Colette smiles brightly at the swordsman.

"See you tomorrow!"

"Yeah. Goodbye."

"Alright, time to make that present." Lloyd thinks to himself as he waves the party goodbye.

In the morning once the necklace was finished, Lloyd wanted to resolve things with Dirk before leaving and setting out with Colette. Lloyd found Dirk standing in front of Anna's grave.

The awkward swordsman began, "Dad about yesterday, I just- -" .

"Here. That's the Key Crest you wanted." He said as he placed the golden jewel in his hand. "You can use it however you like, just remember I did try to stop you."

"Dad! Thanks!"

"Dwarven Vow #2: Never abandon someone in need. I'm just going along with the teachings.

"Dad, I'm going on a journey. I'm going to help Colette regenerate the world so that I can avenge my mom."

"Yeah, I figured you were going to say that. Take this with you. I've put together some things you'll need for your trip." He handed the swordsman a few gels and a map titled, Sylverant Map.

"So you're forgiving me?"

"Yeah, but remember this is your home. You're still my son, regardless of blood. Come back here any time you're tired."

"I will. Wish me luck!"

"Lloyd! Don't ever forget Dwarven Vow #7!"

"Goodness and love will always win, right? The teenager quotes unenthusiastically. "Man, that's such a cheesy line for anyone to be saying these days. Don't worry, I won't forget it. Let's go Noishe! It's time to regenerate the world!"

Noishe and Genis run up to the unaware teenager frantically.

"Huh? What are you doing here?" Lloyd says, staring at Genis' shocked expression.

"Lloyd! You're still here?!" Genis yells confused.

"Genis! Good timing. I got my dad to make Marble's Key Crest!"

"Th-that's great and all, but what about seeing Colette off?!"

"Oh yeah, about that. I've decided to join her."

"Are you stupid or something?! Colette and the others left a long time ago!"

"Wh-what?"

"I came looking for you because you never showed up!"

"You've got to be kidding me!"

"Lloyd! Go to the village, now!" Dirk warns.

"Yeah! Come on, come on!" Genis motions to him angrily.

While entering the village, the guard at the front stops the two. "Lloyd, Phaidra was looking for you."

"Phaidra? Okay."

"What is Colette Hiding?"

"Colette said she was leaving at noon! So why did she?!" Lloyd angrily paces.

"She was acting overly cheerful before she left, telling everyone, "I'll be fine", and "I'll do my best."." Genis explains seriously.

"I bet she's hiding something. She acts like that when she's worried or hiding something."

"Maybe so."

"I bet Phaidra probably knows something."

Children run and play in the street, celebrating. The flowers and birds that dance in the village always make everything seem more peaceful. If there's anything more both Genis and Lloyd loved about the village were the friends who lived there that they considered their family. Iselia has always felt like a safe place for encouraging growth and community building.