Here's to another chapter as we fast approach the end of Act II. Thanks again for all your support for this story. This love helps me keep writing and will someday see the competition of this project.

Now, to the chapter.

Chapter 79: Finding Aska

Lloyd stood on the balcony of Zelos' mansion, overlooking the still busy city. The lights in the city made it hard to see the stars, but they were still visible enough for him to find the constellations. Colette was with him, enjoying the stargazing.

"It's been awhile since it was just the two of us," Colette remarked as she move closer to him.

Lloyd gave a sad smile. "No kidding. Everyone's off in their own little corner of the world thinking about what to do with their lives." He envied none of them.

"Do you think Genis and the Professor will stay in Tethe'alla?" Colette asked with a mixed of concern and sadness.

Lloyd had no answer.

Genis has only known Sylvarant despite being born in this world. At the same time, he met his first half-elf friend here. It seemed cruel to leave him behind. They could take Mithos with them to Sylvarant since his home was destroyed by Cruxis, but would Mithos want to leave this world just to be with Genis? That also meant taking Mithos with them when they faced Luna, which was extremely dangerous.

As for Raine….she's searched for this world for nearly her entire life. Her obsession with ruins and history….all to find this place. Now that she was here, would she want to leave? This world was Raine's dream with all its technology and new history to learn. Although, the rampant racism against half-elves was disgusting. Especially when Genis and her were both still wanted by the Pope. And if the king dies and the Pope took over…..he hated to think about it.

Zelos would try to protect Raine, that he was certain of, but his power was limited despite being the Chosen because he was wanted too.

"And Zelos, Presea, and Regal have even more ties to this place," Colette went on. "All of them could decide to stay."

"Yeah," Lloyd whispered.

Out of the group, he was certain Zelos would stay. Despite his distaste for a lot of Tethe'alla's failings, he loved this world, and he couldn't see Zelos adjusting to the 'bumpkin' lifestyle of Sylvarant. And he knew that Zelos would never abandoned this world when he could do something to make a difference. More than anything, Tethe'alla needed Zelos.

Regal and Presea, he wasn't so sure.

Regal was a criminal weighted down by things that weren't his fault. If he went to Sylvarant, he could start fresh and Sylvarant could used someone with Regal's knowledge to rebuild the world. If he could build anything even remotely like the Lezareno Company in Sylvarant, it would be a massive boon. But…would he abandon Alicia? Would he feel leaving this world would be him running away from his sins? Especially if Presea chose to stay?

As for Presea, would she try to start over in Sylvarant or try to rebuild what was left of her life here? Ozette….wasn't a pleasant place from the little time he spent there and his opinion of it haven't increased, but it was still Presea's home and her dad rested there. If she left, his grave would be left to rot and be forgotten about.

"Things could get pretty complicated from here on out," Colette whispered as she put her hands together.

Lloyd felt the same. He grown very fond of everyone. Even if Raine, Genis, and Sheena came with them back to Sylvarant, he would missed Regal, Presea, and even Zelos. Despite their short time they travelled together, they honestly felt like family.

He suppose facing life-and-death battles nearly daily had a way of bonding people. Despite knowing Colette, Genis, and Raine for years and being extremely close to all of them, their bond has deepened to a level he couldn't even dream of during this journey. It was beyond friendship. Perhaps even beyond family. It was the same with Kratos….

"It's just...you're so freaking better at everything," he spat bitterly.

"Of course I am. I have years more experience than you and have been through countless death matches," Kratos replied. "If I was not good, I would have been killed years ago."

"So, you got stronger by constantly putting your life in danger?" Lloyd asked.

"That is part of it," Kratos admitted. "That is not the only way to get stronger, but it is the quickest. Just look at how much stronger you have become since starting this journey. Would you have reached the same level of strength as quickly if you had stood in Iselia?"

Funny how something about swordsmanship could also be applied to human connections. Life really was funny.

"But that's their call to make," he found himself answering. No matter how much he would missed them, it was their lives to live. No matter how much he valued their bond, it couldn't be selfish.

"I'm supposed to be the Chosen, but there's nothing I can do for any of them," Colette continued. "Even poor Sheena is leaving the rest of the people of Mizuho behind. Leaving for Sylvarant all alone has got to be hard for her. I feel so impotent."

Lloyd frowned, hating that Colette was once again blaming herself for stuff that she couldn't control. "You're not."

Colette gave a small smile. "Thank you Lloyd, but…"

"You're as strong as any of us. We all have our tiny little bit we can do," Lloyd interrupted. He wasn't going to allow Colette to have a pity party. "Sure, none of us are all-powerful, but pooling all our strength together has gotten us this far, hasn't it."

Looking back at everything, despite the rough patches, they managed to navigate Tethe'alla, fight six of the eight summon spirits, fight and even team up with the Renegades, all while avoiding the Pope and his Papal Knights without Kratos guiding and protecting them. Such a thing would have been unfathomable a few months ago.

Unlike the Journey of Regeneration where it was Kratos and Colette doing all the work, they all managed to share the burden and succeed against the odds. He was just now finally accepting that he didn't need to be Kratos. Everyone didn't need him to be their rock. They were all equals on this journey.

Now, it was time for Colette to understand that she wasn't and didn't need to be the all knowing and prefect Chosen. That it was okay to not to be able to do everything.

"Yeah," Colette agreed softly, but it wasn't convincing.

"We're all allies in this. And we're all friends," Lloyd continued. "Even once the world gets split, whatever side we're on, that won't change. We'll keep working together for the worlds we're fighting for. As long as we keep that fight up, we'll be a team. No matter how far apart we are we will still have that connection."

Colette stared at Lloyd for a long time. She was surprised and not surprised by how mature he sounded. For a moment, he sounded like an optimistic version of Kratos. Lloyd has really grown up. He was nothing like the person she talked to on the balcony of Dirk's house before she left on the Journey of Regeneration.

No, that wasn't right.

Lloyd was the same in many aspects. What changed was his world view. Both Lloyd and her have been sheltered. They knew of suffering, but they never truly experienced it. Through this journey, they were both forced to grew up and see and experience the suffering around them. In her case, it made her more willing to give her life to regenerate the world. In Lloyd's, it made him realized how narrow his viewpoint was.

"You're right. We're friends. A little distance won't change that," Colette spoke with a smile. While she would miss those who chose to stay in Tethe'alla, the bond they created was unbreakable. Not even the Goddess Martel could break it.

Lloyd returned the smile. "Right. So whatever everyone chooses, that's fine by me. I've decided to shut up and accept it." It wasn't like he had much choice in the matter regardless.

"I feel the same way. We have to respect everyone's decisions," Colette said with finality.

The night passed slowly from there as Lloyd enjoyed himself in Zelos' mansion. This would be the last time he would be able to enjoy the food and the luxury living of a nobleman so he was going to take advantage of it. He hated to admit it, but after being spoiled in Tethe'alla, going back to Sylvarant was like going back to living in a cave. He could only hoped that Sylvarant could be half as great as Tethe'alla once they were allowed to rebuild from the Desians.

Although, he had noticed that Regal had disappeared some time after dinner. All he got from Zelos was that he had some unfinished business to attend to and he would be back by morning.

Lloyd supposed he wanted some privacy before he made any final decisions. He was not only deciding his own future, but also the future of his company.

Genis had also left with Raine not that long ago. He couldn't imagine where they went. He was worried about them, but he trusted the Professor, as long as no ruins were involved.

It wasn't until pass midnight that Lloyd finally called it a day and went into a restless sleep. When breakfast was served, he was happy to see that Regal, Genis, and Raine had returned. Even better, Regal was the one who fixed breakfast, giving Zelos' cooks the morning off.

Once everyone was finished eating, Lloyd cleared his throat. "If everyone has decided, let's hear your answer now," he said. "Once we go back to Sylvarant, we won't be returning to Tethe'alla. So anyone who wants to stay, we will depart here."

Zelos gave a humorless laugh. "Straight to the point, huh bud."

"Lloyd's right, however," Raine replied. "Anyone that wants to remain in Tethe'alla has to speak up now."

"I'm going back to Sylvarant," Genis answered first. "I talked it out with Mithos. He's not happy, but he understands."

Lloyd hummed. So that was where Genis and Raine went last night. He couldn't imagine Mithos' heartbreak.

"Plus I promised you I'd stick around for the long haul, Lloyd," Genis added with a smile.

As much as he liked Mithos and it was cool having a half-elf friend who understood him, he couldn't imagine his life without Lloyd and Colette. They were stuck with him for life.

"I will do the same," Raine answered next. "Sylvarant is about to embark on a long rebuilding effort. I suspect they will be need for a few good teachers."

That and as much as she has come to like Tethe'alla…it wasn't home. She barely remembered this place despite searching for it for so long. She couldn't very well abandoned the world that's raised her for all these years in its time of greatest need.

After the destruction and despair that the Desians had wrought on Sylvarant for centuries, people's hatred and anger towards half-elves would be at an all time high and the humans would feel the need for payback against the race that had tormented them. The only way to combat hatred and racism was through education. Namely, teaching the people of Sylvarant that not all half-elves were Desians.

And…eventually, moving people away from the false Goddess Martel and Cruxis. That in itself would take her entire lifetime at the very least given how deeply Cruxis controlled everyone's lives and has infested their way of thinking. She wasn't sure how to go about it, but it was something that to be done, along with putting measures in place so that another Cruxis couldn't raise.

"I'm team Sylvarant, but you already knew that," Sheena spoke in a light manner. "I said my goodbyes and I'm ready to free the worlds from Cruxis and rebuild Mizuho in Sylvarant."

Lloyd was eternally grateful. Sheena was willing to sacrifice her life here to saved everyone. Once this was over, he had to find a way to repay her.

Sheena turned towards Regal. "What about you, Mr. President?" By the way she phase the question, she appeared to have known Regal's answer.

"I've left the company in George's hands," Regal stated with no hesitation.

Lloyd was both surprised and not surprised. That must have been where Regal went last night. Sheena probably knew because of the Mizuho spy network.

"I asked that you allow me to aid you in assuring that the tragedies end with Alicia," Regal continued. "I fear my strength is limited at best, but what strength I have, I offer to you, Lloyd."

"Is that really okay?" Lloyd asked. He wanted to make sure there were no regrets.

"I am. The company is big enough and strong enough to run without me. That was proven while I was in prison," Regal replied. "I wouldn't be able to go back to Alicia's grave if I didn't see this through to the end. And….maybe I can used my experience with running the Lezareno Company to help Sylvarant in its rebuilding effects. As a Tethe'alla resident who has benefitted from the suffering of Sylvarant, it's the least I can do to atone."

"Thanks Regal," Lloyd said grateful.

There was a long silence before anyone else spoke.

"To be honest, it's still isn't clear to me which choice is correct," Presea spoke in a soft voice. "But one thing is clear. If you have not come into my life, time for me would've remained at a standstill. I will give what remains of my newfound time to you all."

Genis was more than happy to hear that Presea was coming to Sylvarant.

Zelos gave a long, drawn-out sigh. "Seriously? All of you a choosing exile in some backwater on purpose?"

Lloyd knew that Zelos was putting up his usual arrogance performance, but his answer was clear. "I take it that means…"

"The minute the worlds are separate there will be no more need for the Chosen." He smiled. "I'll be a free man. May as well explore my freedom in the arms of all the hunnies in Sylvarant I've yet to meet."

This shocked Lloyd.

After the talk the other day and how Zelos helped the poor of this city, he was certain he would stay. Especially with the Pope still running things. But…perhaps without the ritual of Regeneration, the Pope would slowly lose his power. After all, people only clung to the Church in this world because they feared the return of the Desians.

Or perhaps, much like Regal, Zelos wanted to see this journey to its end. To see that no more victims like Colette and himself would be created. Still, it didn't seem right to leave Tethe'alla in its current state. While this world was flourishing, it still had many issues that needed to be sorted out beside the Pope.

Zelos was amused by Lloyd's confusion.

He loved Tethe'alla, but too many bad memories existed here. He would rather start over as a beggar in a new world than to stay here with people who used, hated, and worship him for being the Chosen. Besides, with the Chosen system gone Seles would finally be free and she could start the long hard work in fixing this world.

That and…he grown to like this group of misfits. They didn't see him as 'Zelos the Chosen'. But…Zelos….the friend. If it's one thing he's learned, you don't just abandon something like that.

Granted, he was worried about the king and the Pope, but…as selfish as it was, he wanted to do something for himself. Too long he has been at the will of the Church and the people of Tethe'alla. His entire life was planned before he was even born and if the worse happened, he was expected to die with a smile on his face. In Sylvarant, he was a nobody. His life was his and his alone. It was a freedom he wanted his entire life and he wouldn't let this opportunity go. Not even for Tethe'alla.

Colette smiled hearing all the answers. "Then we're all together!"

Zelos shrugged. "Seems that way."

Lloyd also grinned. These people were giving up their world to save everyone. He couldn't, wouldn't fail them. "Alright! Then let's go!" He stood up from his chair. "We've got a world to cut in two!"

"And I've got a planet of primitive barbarians to civilize," Zelos added in good humor.

Lloyd rolled his eyes. Zelos really couldn't help himself at times.

Raine took out her journal and began to read the notes on Aska again. "To reach the Linkite Tree, we need to search for a spot that can't be reached by foot."

"If we search all of Sylvarant on the Rheairds, we're sure to find one," Lloyd said.

Zelos rubbed his head. "That can take days."

"Which was why we saved Aska for last," Genis pointed out.

"Our best bet is to search the area around the Ossa Trail first," Raine suggested. "That is where Nova's family saw a Linkite. There could be another one in the area just out of reach."

Lloyd rubbed his chin. "What about the wind to carry sound? I don't think we should depend on the day being windy when we find the Linkite Tree."

Sheena smiled. "Leave it to me! We have Sylph on our side."

Genis looked towards his sister. "And even if the Linkite happens to be dead, Raine should be able to revived it, right?"

Raine reread her notes. "I have been theory crafting and I believe I should be able to. We have a Linkite Nut that Lloyd got from one of Nova's children. If we accelerate its growth with an exsphere and using the unicorn horn, I should be able to revived the Linkite even if it has been dead for awhile."

Regal sighed. "To think that the dead could be resurrected so easily."

"Trees are different from people. They can cling to life even while being dead for a long time," Raine explained, understanding Regal's frustration. "For us, however, once the soul leaves this plain, there is nothing that can be done. Even if we could resurrect the body, it would simply be an empty shell."

Lloyd folded his arms as he remembered what Yuan told them about how Martel was long dead, yet her soul remained thanks to the Great Seed. Did that mean humans could be revived as long as their soul didn't leave this plain? Could Alicia been revived if her body was kept intact since her soul was within her exsphere?

"We need the power of the Summon Spirit of Earth as well since we need to nourish the ground," Raine went on. "If the tree withered, it was because the soil was poor."

"I guess it's a good thing we made all those pacts before trying to find the Linkite," Sheena noted with humor. "So, all we need is an exsphere."

"We can asked Altessa," Zelos suggested.

Genis sighed. "If I knew that, we could have gotten one last night when we visited Mithos."

"I have that cover," Raine said as she took out an exsphere from her pack. "I asked Tabatha for one while you were talking to Mithos. I knew we needed one in case the Linkite was dead."

Sheena laughed. "That's our Raine. Thinking two steps ahead."

"Then the only thing left is the melody. I wonder if it makes a pretty sound," Genis mused.

"That's one thing we don't know," Raise replied.

"No problem. I can't do anything with the little nut we have, but as long as the revived tree has big nuts on it I can make a flute like the one Mithos' sister had," Lloyd said.

This got Genis' attention. "You can make that?"

Lloyd gave a huge grin. "I'll show you the skills my dad taught me! And we have Presea too."

"Yes, I will help," Presea spoke with no hesitation. She was happy that she could be of any used outside of her axe.

"Well, I guess we're ready to go," Lloyd said as the others stood up.

As they were leaving, Zelos walked towards Sebastian. He made sure the others were out of earshot. "I guess I won't be returning here. Hold down the fort and….take care of Seles. With me gone, she should be let go by the Church."

Sebastian nodded. "Of course, Master Zelos. You just take care of yourself." There was a short pause. "And, I hope you finally find happiness in the new world."

Zelos gave a grim smile. "Me too."

With their goodbyes made, the group made their way back through the sewers and were on the Rheairds. It took them a few hours to reach the Renegades' base to make the jump to Sylvarant. Since Ossa Trail was so closed to the Renegades' desert base, it only took them five minutes before they were flying over it.

To Lloyd, it felt like years ago that they crossed here with Kratos. And this was where they met Sheena too. Who would have thought back then that the clumsy assassin would become a close ally and friend. Life really was weird at times. Or maybe it was just this journey.

This was also where they met Sword Dancer for the first time. He desperately hoped that they never saw him again. He came too close last time to killing one of them.

"I see something!" Genis shouted over the wind.

Lloyd looked down to see a green valley that was nested along the Ossa Trial. It was surrounded by high mountains on both sides, making it impossible to reach by normal means.

As beautiful as the valley was, what caught Lloyd's attention was the tree in the middle. It was so big that it made the other trees in the area look like stomps. Yet, instead of it being filled with green leaves, it was clearly dead. From the looks of it, it's been dead for a long time.

"Is that a Linkite Tree?" Genis asked.

"Only one way to find out," Lloyd replied as he landed his Rheaird. The others weren't too far behind him as they walked over to the giant tree.

As he thought, the tree was very dead to the point that Lloyd could smell the tree rot. Could Raine really save it? It seemed too far gone.

Raine wasted no time examining the tree for several minutes. It was tense the entire time as everyone waited for the news. "This is indeed a Linkite Tree. From its condition, it appeared to have died over a year ago."

"So nothing can be done for it?" Presea asked for everyone.

Raine put her hand on the tree and closed her eyes. Everyone was silence as she attempted to feel for any life within the tree. After a minute, she slowly opened her eyes. "It's faint but….there is still life left."

This shocked Lloyd. "A tree really can be dead for over a year yet still have life?" That just seemed so impossible.

"It is a strong tree," Raine noted. "I can feel it struggling."

Lloyd narrowed his eyes. "Then, let's save it." Even if they needed the tree's nuts for Aska, he wanted to help the Linkite Tree. It clearly didn't want to die if clung to life this long. He walked over to the tree and placed the Linkite Nut that May gave him onto the withered trunk. "The rest is up to you guys."

"Right, stand back," Raine ordered.

Lloyd ran back to joined the others while Sheena approached the tree.

"I call upon the servant of Mother Earth. I summon thee. Come, Gnome!" Sheena chanted as Gnome appeared before her.

"What is it?" Gnome asked in his usual crude manner.

"Gnome, please make this ground healthy again," Sheena requested.

Gnome hummed. "Okay." With a flap of his arms, the soil beneath them turned from a sickly gray tint to a bright, healthy brown. Even the grass around them looked greener.

"Okay, Raine," Sheena said.

Raine walked over to the tree and put her hand back on its trunk. As she concentrated, she once again thanked the unicorn. "Resurrection!"

Almost as soon as she uttered those words, the entire area came to life. Not only did the ground became livelier, but the Linkite Tree itself went from a lifeless grey to a bright green as its leaves returned along with its nuts. It was like it was never dead.

"Wow! The Linkite Tree recovered!" Colette cheered.

"Raine, you're fantastic!" Zelos exclaimed in equal awe. Between this and Clara, Raine was a real miracle worker.

Raine sighed in exhausting as she turned towards Lloyd. "I'll leave the rest to you and Presea."

"I understand," Presea replied as Lloyd carefully picked several nuts.

"It will take about one night, so just wait a bit," Lloyd said.

"No problem," Sheena said. "Thanks to Gnome and Raine, this place is outright pleasant."

Lloyd and Presea worked through the night on a fallen tree trunk they found in the valley. One thing he quickly learned was that Presea was better at carving wood than him and her wood carving skill was considerably better than when she worked with stone. Her skill and steadiness with a blade made it appear that she was raised by a dwarf too.

Also, like him, she could used both of her hands evenly. He learned a long time ago that was a rare trait to have since he hasn't met anyone else who didn't have a dominate hand. It was probably why she was so good with her axe since it didn't matter what hand she puts it in.

"You're really good at this," Lloyd remarked, trying to start a conversation with Presea. Despite traveling together for nearly a month, he hasn't spent much one-on-one time with her. She was just so quiet and reserve compared to his other friends. Heck, even Kratos was more talkative than her.

"Daddy taught me how to carve," Presea said. "He was a big, strong man, but he was also extremely gentle with his hands. I used to do carvings to make money before daddy got sick,"

"I think you mentioned that before," Lloyd noted as he looked into the fire. "Wish I could have met him. He sounds like my dad."

Presea stopped carving for a moment. "I'm sure he would have liked you, Lloyd."

"What kind of carvings did you do?" Lloyd asked.

"Charms," Presea answered simply.

Lloyd waited for her to continue, but it became clear she wouldn't talk any further without being prompt. "What kind of charms?"

"A bear," Presea answered bluntly.

Lloyd stopped his own work as he took in what Presea said. "What?"

"It's a carved wooden bear with a salmon in its mouth. They're consider happiness charms," Presea explained. "They're very popular in Meltokio, especially among the noble class."

"How does that charm even works? The charms I know of are hung from the door or ceiling," Lloyd said.

"You place it in the entrance to your house and it'll make you rich," Presea stated.

"Wow! Tethe'alla's tradition are so different from Sylvarant," Lloyd said in awe. "Do you make anything else besides wooden bears with salmon in their mouths?

"Brooches." She once again went silence after that.

Lloyd internally sighed. He really wish Presea could be more open. Still, he found something in common with Presea. "I can make those too! We're two of a kind! My dad taught me while he was teaching me how to carve charms into key crests!"

"Sharp-nosed spotted jerboa," Presea suddenly said.

"What?" Lloyd asked, completely lost.

"Sharp-nosed spotted jerboa brooches," Presea clarified.

That still meant nothing to Lloyd. "What is that?"

"It's a type of mouse that lives only in the area around Ozette," Presea explained. "The sharp-nosed spotted jerboa brooches are extremely popular among noblewomen."

"Maybe we're not two of a kind after all," Lloyd whispered. Just as he thought he was getting close to Presea. There was literally a world of difference between them.

Still, it was progress. When this journey was over, he would love to get together with Presea and work on a project for fun. And maybe clear up some of the cultural difference between them.

It was sunrise by the time they were finished and breakfast was done by Regal.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Genis asked Presea in concern. Her and Lloyd didn't sleep all night.

"I'm fine," Presea assured as she put the completed flute in his hands. "Me and Lloyd did our best to replicate Mithos' sister flute. Hopefully, it's good enough."

Genis looked over the flute and smiled. "No, it's great. It looks exactly like the one Mithos gave me."

Lloyd rubbed his tired eyes as he looked at Sheena. "Time for the last step."

"You got it!" Sheena exclaimed as she began to chant. "I call upon the heavenly messengers. I summon thee. Come, Sylph!"

The three avatars of Sylph appeared before Sheena.

"Please, make a soft breeze that will carry the melody of the Linkite Tree," Sheena requested.

The three Sylph nodded and disappeared. As they did, the wind began to pick up and everyone could hear the beautiful melody of the Linkite Tree.

"So pretty," Colette whispered as Genis began to play the flute. Its music was far more robust and clear than Mithos' flute, probably because his flute was much older and worn.

"Look!" Presea exclaimed as a golden sparkling bird appeared before the Linkite Tree.

"So this is Aska," Colette whispered.

Lloyd felt his throat go dry. He was even more beautiful than the stories detailed. He looked more like a god than the other summon spirits.

"Who calls me?" Aska asked as he looked over the group.

"Aska, we need your power, Please form a pact with me," Sheena humbly requested.

Aska looked at Sheena in curiosity. "Pact? Where is Luna?"

"We haven't made a pact with Luna yet, but we need you," Zelos explained.

Aska shook his head. "I do not want to form a pact unless Luna is with me."

"Then, let's form a pact with Luna," Sheena offered.

"Then I shall go to Luna," Aska replied with a nod.

"Yeah, that's fine. Thanks, Aska," Sheena said, relieved that everything seemed to have worked out.

"Then until that time," Aska spoke as he disappeared as quickly as he came.

"Sheena, was that okay?" Lloyd asked. He was worried about Aska not showing up if they go to Luna. Aska from the stories was infamously fickle.

"He said he'll make a pact. There's no reason to do it right now," Sheena reasoned. She too was aware of Aska's alleged fickleness, but she was certain that he would show up to complete the pact if Luna was there.

"Indeed. Luna and Aska are both Summon Spirits of Light. If Luna is performing the role as the mana link, then there is no need to attempt to force a pact with Aska here," Regal said. "Besides, neither you nor Presea are in any condition to fight a summon spirit. Neither of you slept and you barely ate last night."

Lloyd hated to admit it, but Regal was right. He was tired and it was only the excitement at finally meeting Aska that he was still functioning. And he knew Presea was much the same.

"The only thing left is to go to Luna and officially make the pact," The Colette said with a smile.

Raine put her hand on her chin in concern. "We'll be tested by both of them at the same time. I guess it's unavoidable." One summon spirit was taxing enough, but two….

Zelos waved his hand. "Well, whatever will be, will be."

"Let's settle down for breakfast before we do anything else," Regal offered.

The group made their way to the temporary camp site they made.

"I wonder if Luna is lonely," Presea wondered out loud.

This got Colette's attention. "Why?"

"They're both Summon Spirits of Light, but Aska spends his time flying around the world without returning to her," Presea explained.

"It may be because they trust each other," Colette said.

This baffled Presea. "Trust?"

"Yes. Maybe they both understand each other and even when they're far away, their hearts are always connected," Colette explained, reciting something told to her long ago by her grandmom.

Presea took in Colette's words. "Trust...believing in one another. I will try to think about trust."

Yeah, it was a setup chapter with not much happening, but it can't he helped. On the bright side, things will only get crazy from this point onward.

Until next chapter, please take care.