Message #925332

[BlueAnnihilator]

[Leaving the cemetery, the group gathers to contemplate their next destination]

~~Holbech Town~~

Jawo': So, where are we headed next, Blue?

Blue: Hmm...

Penny: Hey, Blue, we still need to go see my dad!

Blue: Huh? Oh, right, Mel...

Penny: Yeah, I just have to tell him about everything that's happened, and he's probably worried sick about me too.

Jawo': So, it's to Ackland Town then?

Blue: Looks like it.

Jawo': Well, then, let's stop talkin' and start walkin'!

Blue: Right. Let's settle up, everyone. We have a long road ahead of us.

[After departing from Holbech Town, the group makes the long trip back to the town of Ackland, the hometown of Penny and Prima, and the first place visited in their journey]

~~Ackland Town~~

Penny: Ah, home sweet home!

Blue: It feels good to be back after so long, doesn't it?

Penny: You betcha, Blue! Heh heh! But it's kinda weird, considering why I left in the first place, I'd never expect to be saying that. I really have changed, huh?

Lilia: Well, I think we've all matured a little bit on this journey. Isn't that right, Blue?

Blue: Exactly, Lilia.

Penny: Yeah! Haha! Ehh...except for Jawo', that is.

Jawo': *annoyed* Hey...!

Penny: Oh, lighten up! I'm just teasing.

Deke: Hmm... So that would mean this is your hometown as well, Prima.

Prima: Tsch. So what?

Deke: Huh...?

Shina: Prima, is something wrong?

Kovah: Yeah, we figured you'd be excited to be home after being away for as long as you have. I mean, when you were with us, all you'd ever do is complain about how much you missed your huge mansion and mountains of cash.

Prima: Uh!? Hmph! *crosses arms*

Penny: All right, it's time to head to the mansion! I can't wait to see Dad again!

Reese: And, uh, I think I'll just be heading off myself...

[Reese attempts to quietly sneak away, but is stopped in his tracks when Penny quickly takes notice]

Penny: ...And where do you think YOU'RE going, Reese?

Reese: Eee! I-I'm not sneaking off or anything! H-Honest!

Penny: Hmmm...I know you're up to something...but I don't have time to figure out what it is! C'mon! Hurry up! You're coming too!

Reese: What!? B-B-But Penny...!

Penny: Come see us after you've gotten some rest, you guys. We'll be waiting for you, so don't be late!

Blue: You got it, Penny.

Lilia: Heehee. Take your time.

Penny: Okay. Let's go, Reese!

Reese: Hold on! Wait a sec! I-Is my hair okay!? Do I look decent!?

[Penny grabs a hold of Reese by his shirt collar and drags him along with her in the direction of the mansion]

Kovah: What are you, daft or something, Prima?

[Kovah gives Prima a light swat to the back, pushing her small frame forward]

Prima: Oof!

Kovah: Get going! Your father's waiting for you!

Prima: *rubs back* Fine! Fine! ...Ow...

[Prima begrudgingly follows after the two towards the mansion]

Kovah: Hah. Now that's more like it. ...Say, Blue!

Blue: What is it, Kovah?

Kovah: Why don't you go along with them to make sure everything's okay?

Blue: Hmm, well now that you mention it, I wouldn't mind seeing Mel myself... Okay, sure!

Lilia: So we're heading to the mansion, Blue?

Blue: That's the plan. Let's go. We'll be back soon, guys.

Kovah: Great. The rest of us will be waiting right here for you, then.

Bob: Take care, everyone.

[Following Kovah's advice, Blue, along with Lilia and Jawo', head into the Bancroft Mansion. Upon entering, they shortly encounter Penny and Reese, standing eagerly outside of Mel's quarters]

~~Bancroft Mansion, 2nd Floor~~

Jawo': Penny, Reese. What's up?

Lilia: I thought you two were going to meet with Mel?

Penny: Well, we WOULD, if Reese wasn't being such an idiot about it... He's too afraid of my dad to go in there with me! How typical of him!

Reese: H-Hey! That's not true! It's just...I don't want to be the cause of any weird vibes, you know, what with me intruding on such an emotional moment and all. Besides, you know Mel and I have never exactly been the best of friends.

Penny: Ugh, Reese! You're just being silly! When we explain what a hero you've become, he'll welcome you with open arms! Now come on and hurry up!

Reese: Wait! P-Penny!

[Taking matters into her own hands, Penny bursts through the door leading into her father's office, dragging Reese along inside behind her. Meanwhile, Prima stands distant from the others, still reluctant to follow through]

Prima: ...

Jawo': Hey Prima, now's your chance. Aren't you gonna go with?

Prima: Buzz off!

Jawo': Huh!?

Lilia: But Prima, you haven't seen your family in years, and you're finally home again! Aren't you the least bit excited?

Prima: *looks away* Hmph.

Lilia: Prima...

Blue: You're right, Lilia. She hasn't seen her father in a long time. I'd imagine that a long time apart can raise a lot of tension, even among family. I get the feeling that...Prima's just not ready to face her father yet. Isn't that right?

Prima: Well...well I...

Blue: There's no need to explain yourself. You take all the time you need. There's no rush at all.

Prima: Th-thanks...

~~Bancroft Mansion, Mel's Quarters~~

[Meanwhile, inside his quarters, Mel is busy at work tending to his duties, until he is alerted by the sound of his chamber doors opening and a joyous shout from Penny]

Penny: Ah!

Mel: Hunh...?

Penny: Daddy!

Mel: P...Penelope! Haha!

[Overcome with joy, Penny shoves Reese aside and rushes into her father's arms, and the two come together in a warm embrace]

Mel: Oh Penny...my sweet precious daughther! Thank the stars you're all right! I never thought I'd hold you in my arms again...

Penny: *tearing up* Dad... Oh daddy, I missed you so much!

[Meanwhile, Blue, Lilia, and Jawo' watch the happy reunion from just outside the doors]

Jawo': Heh. *grins*

Lilia: Isn't this just a wonderful moment, Blue?

Blue: I'm only glad we were able to help make it happen. With all the squabbling they've been doing, I would've never thought they'd be so happy to see eachother. I guess in the end, there really is nothing more important than family...

Mel: My assistant informed me of everything that was going on while you all were gone. I'm so proud of you, Penelope! Can you believe it!? My little girl's the savior of the world!

Penny: Aw, Daddy, don't give me all the credit. I didn't do it by myself, you know!

[Reese, hiding behind a potted shrub, pokes his head out to interject]

Reese: Don't be so modest, Penny. We couldn't have done it without you...

Penny: Reese...

Mel: Eh? Is that you, Reese?

Reese: Gah...!

[Reese hides behind the shrub again to avoid being spotted by Mel]

Mel: You don't have to hide away from me, Reese! Come here!

Reese: *groan*

[Reese reluctantly approaches]

Mel: Reese...I know how much you care about my daughter, and I know how happy it makes her when she's with you... So promise me that you'll always take care of her.

Reese: Huh? ...I...I promise!

Mel: And I would be honored...if you were to take my daughter's hand in marriage.

Reese: Sure! Of course I--! Wait, what!?!?

Penny: Whaaaaaaat!?

Blue/Lilia/Jawo': Huh!?

Reese: *blushing* But..but...but I--

Mel: Now now, I won't take no for an answer! I didn't want to admit it, but I always knew that you and Penelope belonged together. You were always the one to make her smile when she threw you into the mud.

Reese: *fidgeting* Gee, I...I don't know what to say... I guess this means I should call you Dad now, huh?

Penny: *surprised* What...? Reese...

Mel: Hold it. It's much too soon for you to call me that. First you have to grow into a man strong enough to tame this wild filly of a daughter of mine.

Penny: Eh!? I'm a what!?

[At that moment, Blue and the others enter Mel's chamber to give their praise to the new couple]

Reese: Oh, hey guys.

Lilia: Ah, I'm so happy for you two! Make sure you invite us to the wedding, okay!?

Reese: *nervously* Ahh...heheh, sure.

Jawo': Oh man, can't say I saw that one coming. If you need anything, Reese, let me know. I even got a few extra leashes for Cerberus over there.

Penny: *angrily* Ooh! Shove it, or I'll punch you so hard, your brains'll go inside out!

Blue: So Mel, you knew about what we were up to all this time, huh?

Mel: Yes. It's strange, but, my assistant claimed that he was approached by a group of elderly folks and was told to relay to me that you all were out there doing your best to save this planet.

Blue: The Elders...

Mel: At first I thought he was crazy, but then, I remembered what you had said to me before you left that day...

[Mel recollects to the day just before Blue's party set out to rescue their kidnapped friends]

Mel: Urggh! What's the meaning of this!?

Blue: Sorry, Mel, but we don't have time for this right now. Our friends need us.

Jawo': And so does the rest of the world.

Mel: What? The world? What are you talking about?

Penny: Uhm...it's a long story, dad.

Mel: Penelope! Where are you going!?

Penny: I'm going...to save my sister. To bring her back home...

Mel: Your...sister? Prima...you meant to say that...that you've found her!?

Penny: Like I said, dad, it's a long story. But don't worry! We'll take care of it!

Blue: Penny, are you ready to go?

Penny: Yeah, Blue! Let's do it!

[End flashback]

Mel: After recalling that previous exchange, I became certain that my assistant was indeed telling the truth, and that somehow, someway, the whole lot of you had become caught in a struggle to decide the fate of our world. Knowing this, I did the only thing I could: I prayed everyday for your safe return. And it seems now, my prayers have been answered.

Penny: Dad, I...I'm sorry I worried you...

[Mel kneels down in front of Penny and places a comforting hand on her shoulder]

Mel: There is no need for apologies, Penelope. You were merely doing what you had to do. In fact, it is I who should apologize to you. For a number of reasons...

Penny: Huh...?

Mel: It was my fault that you and your sister wound up in this whole situation. If only I hadn't been so stupidly obstinate, you two would've never ran away from home and put yourselves into harms way.

Penny: But Dad...

Mel: Not only did I put the two of you at risk of being killed, I broke the promise I made to your mother. My promise...to protect you, and Prima. My stubborness nearly resulted in me losing you both. Blue was right, I'm...a terrible father...

Blue: Ungh. Mel...

[Tears immediately flow from Mel's eyes as Prima listens to his heartbreaking confession from outside the room]

Prima: ...(Dad...)

Penny: Daddy, you're...crying...

Mel: *sobbing* I've brought shame to our family, and to the way of the healer. I do not deserve to hold the title of Grand Healer. Not anymore...

Penny: Ugh...

Mel: Please, Penelope. Can you ever forgive your fool of a father? Is there...Is there anything I can do...to make it up to you?

Prima: ...Heh, well you can start by quitting your blubbering.

Mel: Wh-What...?

Blue/Lilia/Jawo'/Reese: Huh?

Penny: Hunh...?

[Choosing to no longer remain hidden, Prima enters the room and finally confronts her father]

Mel: *sniff* P...Prima...? You're--!

Prima: You heard me. Stop your sniveling. Here we are, back home, alive and well, and all you can do is cry buckets on your knees! Inexcusable! That's no way for a Bancroft to behave!

Mel: *wipes tears* Hahahaaa! Prima!

Prima: Wah!? Whoa!

[Mel wraps his arms around both his daughters, pulling the three of them together into a heartwarming family hug]

Mel: My two beautiful daughters... I regret not being able to have fought alongside you.

Prima: Hey hey, enough of that!

Penny: Yeah, you're gonna spoil the moment!

Mel: Yes, you're right... *sigh* If only your mother could see the two of you now. She would be so very proud.

Prima: But she can see us, Dad.

Mel: Huh...?

Penny: That's right. She's been watching over us this whole time. She protected us, while we were out there fighting for everyone. And it was her guidance that brought us back here to you alive.

Mel: I...I see. Yes! I believe you're right! And it will be her love...that keeps us united as a family. In the name of my dear beloved, I promise that, from this day forward, nothing shall seperate us again!

Prima/Penny: Right!

[After a happy reunion between the Bancroft family, the group returns to the center of town where they meet up with Kovah and the others]

~~Ackland Town: Town Center~~

Bob: Ah, welcome back, everyone.

Kovah: Hey! There you all are! And not a moment too soon I see. ...Huh?

[Kovah takes notice to Prima smiling unlike usual]

Kovah: Well Prima, you sure look happy. I'm guessing you're daddy's little girl again, am I right?

Prima: *flustered* Wh-what...!? W-W-What's it to you, huh!?

Kovah: Ha hah, knowing you, Prima, I'll take that as a yes. *rubs head*

Prima: Hmph! *blushes*

Kovah: So Blue, where's this little journey taking us next?

Blue: Well, there's only one place to go from here, right Reese?

Reese: Huh?

Penny: Ugh, Reese, how could you forget!? We still have to go back to the Academy, remember!?

Reese: Ah! The Academy...! You're right!

Penny: Of course I'm right! Now let's get you back home, Reese. Everyone's probably worried sick about you by now!

Reese: Yeah, I hope everyone's doing okay...

Jawo': I'm sure they're just fine, kiddo. Now then, we don't wanna keep them waiting, do we? Let's hit the road! How about it, Blue!?

Blue: Right. Let's get going, everybody.

[After finishing their business in Ackland Town, Blue and his friends continue on their way; this time to Kinnear Academy, the starting point of Blue and Reese's journey]

~~On the Road: Countryside~~

Reese: You know, walking down this road again...reminds me of when it was just you and me, Blue.

Blue: Oh yeah? Hm... A lot's happened since then, huh?

Reese: Mhm. *nods* I feel like I've changed a lot since this journey first began.

[Wearing a sly grin, Jawo' inserts himself into the conversation]

Jawo': Hehehe, and just wait til Cassidy gets a load of the new you, Reese.

Reese: Huh...?

Blue: *suggestively* Hmm...yeah, what about Cassidy, Reese?

Reese: Wh-Wha--? Blue, Jawo', what are you--?

[Penny angrily butts in]

Penny: Yeah, Reese! What about Cassidy, hmmm!?

Reese: *nervously* What!? P-Penny! I-I don't know what they're talking about! Honest!

Bob: Hn...!?

Blue: Uh? Bob, what's the matter?

Bob: I...sense someone nearby...

Lilia: Someone nearby? ...Who could it be?

Deke: Hmm, we'll find out soon enough...

??: No need to fear, young ones. It is only us.

Blue/Lilia/Jawo'/Reese/Penny/Prima/Kovah/Deke/Shina/Bob/Zeldafan: ?

[The Asrocian Elders arrive to greet the party]

Elder1: Greetings.

Blue: Ah, Elders. You've come.

Kovah: Hah. *crosses arms* Well if isn't the five fossils.

Shina: Kovah!

Elder1: Hrrm... It is good to see that you've finally returned to your true self, Kovah.

Elder2: But it seems that the experience has not matured you at all. You're still the same unruly brat that you were 15 years ago.

Kovah: Agh, what do you know.

Elder2: Mmph.

Elder3: My fellow elders, let's not get carried away. We mustn't forget why we came here.

Blue: You have business with us?

Elder4: As a matter of fact, we do. First, let us begin by congratulating you and your friends on your recent success. We knew that we had made the right choice when we chose you to protect our world.

Jawo': Heh heh, it's all in a day's work for us, right Blue?

Blue: Yeah. We did only what we had to do. No more, no less.

Elder5: Well regardless, we are grateful for everything that you have done. Now at last these old bones of ours can rest easy.

Shina: That reminds me; what do you intend to do now that this is all over?

Elder1: Ah, Shina. Perhaps it would interest you to know that we have decided to return Asroc and its people to the surface.

Shina: Down to the surface? Really?

Elder2: There is no longer any need for us to remain in the skies. With nothing left to safeguard, we have no qualms with returning from whence we came and rejoining society.

Elder3: It may be difficult to for the people to readjust after spending so long in isolation, but we feel that this is for the best.

Shina: Yes, you're right. I hope everything goes well.

Elder4: Thank you, Shina. It pains us to have to see you go, but just know that you will always be welcome into our city.

Elder5: And that goes for Blue and his friends as well.

Shina: Thank you so much. I promise I'll come back and visit someday.

Elder1: And we will be looking forward to such an occassion.

Elder2: Oh, and Reese...

Reese: Hm? What is it?

Elder2: You were on your way back to the academy, were you not?

Reese: Yeah, that's right. But...what about it?

Elder3: Well, we thought you'd might like to know that, at this very moment, your friends and family are waiting for your safe return.

Elder4: And with a pleasant surprise.

Elder5: See to it that you're not late! Ho ho!

Reese: Huh...?

Bob: Well isn't that interesting? Come, Reese! We must make haste!

Reese: Aah...uhh...r-right!

Elder1: Oh ho ho ho! Splendid! We'll leave you to it, then.

Elder2: Be safe in your travels, everyone.

Elder3: And Kovah, please try to stay out of trouble, would you?

Kovah: Blagh...

[The Elders return to Asroc to carry out their plans, leaving Blue and the others to continue their travels]

Blue: Well, shall we get going, Reese?

Reese: Yeah. I can't wait to see everyone again.

[The party continues down the country road until finally reaching the gates of Kinnear Academy at sundown]

~~Kinnear Academy: Foyer~~

[Upon entering the front doors of the school, the party is instantly greeted by the entire student body, whose been awaiting Reese's return since daybreak]

Student Body: WELCOME BACK, REESE!!!

Cassidy: Reese! Haha!

[Bursting with happiness, Cassidy rushes forward and throws herself at Reese, wrapping her arms tightly around him]

Reese: C-Cassidy!?

Cassidy: Reese, you're finally home! We were all so worried about you!

Reese: But Cassidy, what's going on!? Wh-What is all of this!?

Cassidy: It's a celebration, silly! A party to commemorate your safe return!

Reese: A-A party...? For...for me? But...

Blue: Well, Reese, I'd say you earned it after everything you've done.

Cassidy: Yeah, Blue's right! And we can't start the party without you, so let's get going!

Reese: Uh! W-wait! I-I'm not so sure about--!

[Eager to begin the festivities, Cassidy grabs a hold of Reese's hand and drags him along]

Reese: Waaah!

[Soon, night falls, and thus begins the celebration to honor Reese's heroism on his long journey from home]

~~Kinnear Academy: Auditorium~~

[Inside the academy's auditorium, the students cavort and mingle amongst eachother while dancing to classical music. Blue and his friends also participate in the fun, as they take this time to relax and do so much-needed catching up]

Shina: *sigh* Kovah...

Kovah: Hm? What's up, Shina?

Shina: It's just...it's been so long since we've been together like this. And for a while, I thought...that we'd never we'd never share this kind of moment again.

Kovah: Hey, buck up, Shina. That's all in the past now. We should be enjoying ourselves right now! I'm here, you're here, and Deke's here too. And nothing's going to seperate the three of us again, got it?

Shina: Heehee, yeah. You're...you're right, Kovah. You always did know how to cheer me up.

Kovah: But of course!

[Kovah grabs a hold of Shina's hand]

Shina: Hm?

Kovah: Shina, would you...care to dance?

Shina: It'll...it'll be my pleasure!

[Kovah and Shina walk hand-in-hand into the center of the auditorium to dance. Meanwhile, Deke has been observing the two with a somewhat solemn expression on his face]

Deke: Hrrm...

Prima: Well what's bugging you, huh?

Deke: Hm? No...it's...it's nothing.

Prima: Aw, come on! You can tell me! ...Ohh, I get it. With Shina and Kovah getting closer, you're starting to feel left out, am I right!?

Deke: *sigh*

Prima: Ah ha! I knew that was it! Well it's your lucky day, buster! Because I, Prima, will honor you with my presence!

Deke: Wh-what...?

Prima: See, aren't you glad that you have a kind, caring, and selfless friend like me around?

Deke: *sarcastically* I'm so happy that I can hardly contain myself.

[Meanwhile, Reese stands alone in an isolated corner of the auditorium, his mind completely elsewhere]

Reese: ...

Bob: Reese...

Reese: Huh? Oh, Bob. I didn't notice you there.

Bob: I...get that a lot. Anywho, what are you doing here by yourself? You should be having fun like everyone else. This party IS for you, afterall.

Reese: I know, but...I...I just...

Bob: You're still upset about your father, aren't you?

Reese: Ah! But...how did you know...?

Bob: Hah hah, I have my ways. Oh, and I have something for you...

Reese: Hm?

[Bob reaches into his pocket, pulling out the letter that Silas entrusted to him earlier]

Bob: Maybe this will ease your troubled mind.

Reese: A...A letter? For me?

[Reese takes the letter and carefully opens it]

Reese: I wonder what it says...

[Reese begins to read the letter aloud to himself]

Reese: "Reese, forgive me for not being able to tell you this in person, but if you are reading this now, then you must have already learned of my fate, and why I left you without a word.

I wanted nothing more than to be with you throughout your life. To teach you all about warmth, love, and kindness...but that chance has slipped beyond my grasp. I cannot free myself from my servitude on Deir Lunisia.

But when I think of how strong and righteous a man you've become, my heart is at ease. Your friends are amazing people for having made you the person you are today, and there's no one else I'd rather you have by your side.

So please, do not worry yourself over me any longer. I want you to be happy. To continue living your life on Earth in peace, with your friends...your family. Do it or yourself, for me...and for love.


Silas Zepharil"

[Upon finishing the letter, a single tear trickles down Reese's smiling face]

Reese: My father...wrote this...

Bob: Are you okay, Reese?

Reese: Yes, Bob. I'm...I'm going to be okay. No longer will I let my mind be clouded by doubt and uncertainty. I'm going to live my life alongside my friends and family, and be happy like my father wanted.

Bob: Well said, Reese. I'm glad to hear it.

Reese: And I'm going to start by enjoying myself at this party.

Bob: Are you going to rejoin the others?

Reese: Hm. *nods*

[Reese heads to the other side of the auditorium to catch up with his friends. He finds them sitting together at a table]

Reese: Hey, guys! Wait up!

Blue: Reese, there you are.

Penny: Yeah, where've you been!? We were looking for you, you know.

Reese: Sorry, I was just...clearing my head is all. But I'm fine now, really.

Lilia: Well, if you say so...

Jawo': Well don't just stand there! Grab a seat!

Reese: Alright!

[Reese grabs a chair and joins his friends at their table. Throughout the night, they spend their time reflecting upon their journey past and the time they've spent together]

Reese: ...We've all been together for a long time now, huh?

Blue: Huh? Well, now that you mention it... Yes. I'd say we've really come to trust and rely on each other.

Penny: Yeah. I mean, even the idiot found a way to be useful. *jerks thumb towards Jawo'*

Jawo': *angrily* And just who are you talking about, dog breath!?

Penny: *angrily* Take a guess, Einstein!

Jawo': Grrrrgh! That's it! You and me! Eating contest! Right now!

Penny: You're on!

Lilia: I know it's strange, but...I've really gotten used to their fighting.

Blue: *sigh* I'm just amazed they haven't grown tired of it yet.

Lilia: I'm guessing they really like each other a lot.

Reese: Heh heh, yeah. I'm glad we all became friends.

Headmaster Bringas: Gather around, everyone!

Blue/Lilia/Reese: Hm?

[The group turns around, taking notice to everyone standing in front of a camera, getting into position for a shot]

Headmaster: This night just wouldn't be complete without a group photo to remember this wonderful occassion!

Shina: And it won't be a group photo without everyone in it!

Kovah: Yeah, so get over here, already!

Lilia: Ah, Blue! We'd better hurry!

Blue: Yeah, you're right.

[Blue calls out to Jawo' and Penny, who are busy playing tug of war over a piece of steak like a couple of stray dogs]

Blue: Jawo'! Penny! Stop goofing off and come join us!

Jawo'/Penny: *growling* Grrrrrrrrrgh--Huh? Yeah! Right!

[...]

Jawo': I'll race ya over.

Penny: Go for it!

[In competition, Jawo' and Penny speed over to join up with the others. Meanwhile, everyone else is already in place, and the camera is nearly ready to shoot]

Headmaster: Okay, the flash is all set! Are you ready, everybody!?

Blue/Lilia/Reese/Kovah/Shina/Deke/Bob/Zeldafan/Cassidy/etc.: Mhm! *nods*

Penny: I'm gonna make it!

Jawo': Not if I have anything to say about it!

Headmaster: Alright, here we go! Say chee--Huh!?!?

Blue/Lilia/Reese/Kovah/Shina/Deke/Bob/Zeldafan/Cassidy/etc.: !!!

Jawo'/Penny: Aaaaaaaah!!

SNAP

[The next morning, Blue, Lilia, and Jawo' have packed up their belongings and set out for the nearest pier, ready to board the ship for the return trip home]

~~Pier~~

Blue: Well, I guess this is it. Are you ready, you two?

Jawo': Yup. All set.

Lilia: *troubled* Hmm...

Blue: Hm? Lilia, what's wrong?

Lilia: It's just...do we really have to leave like this? ...without saying goodbye to everyone?

Blue: I know how you feel, Lilia, but what else can we do? If we don't get on this ship now, it'll be another few months before we can get back to Meliore.

Lilia: *sigh* I suppose you're right...

Blue: Let's get going.

[As Blue and the others prepare to board, Reese comes running down in a hurry, attempting to stop their departure]

Reese: Blue! Lilia! Jawo'! Wait!

Blue: Huh?

Jawo': Is that...Reese?

[Reese manages to catch up with the group, stopping to catch his breath]

Reese: *panting* Huff...huff... So here you guys are. I finally caught up with you.

Lilia: Reese, what are you doing here?

Reese: What do you mean? I came to see you off, of course. What kind of friend would I be if I let you all go without saying my farewells?

Lilia: Heehee, well I'm glad you came. It just wouldn't feel right to leave without saying anything.

Blue: By the way, Reese, where's Penny?

Reese: Oh, Penny should be following soon. We left together, but I ran ahead because I was really worried.

Penny: *yelling out* Reese!

Reese: Hm? Ah, there you are!

[Penny catches up with the rest of the group]

Penny: Hah, so you caught them afterall. Good work!

Reese: Yeah, but they're not gonna be here for long. Some friends, eh?

Penny: Huh? Is that true? You guys were seriously planning on leaving without saying goodbye? What gives!? If we didn't come rushing down here to stop you, we would've never saw you again!

Blue: Sorry, Penny. It's just...we didn't have much of a choice.

Penny: Hmph. Yeah, yeah...

Jawo': Say, Reese, what's with that get-up?

Reese: What? You mean these clothes? My graduation ceremony is being held today, and they make all of the students wear these suits for the duration. Formal dress is so stiff, I can't stand it.

Jawo': Wait a minute, you're graduating? Already? But you only just returned home yesterday!

Reese: Yeah, it's crazy, isn't it? I missed all of my tests and field exams, but Headmaster Bringas said that saving the world was more than enough to give me a pass. Funny, huh?

Jawo': Heh, I'll say... *rubs head*

Reese: *sadly* Blue, you... Do you guys really have to go?

Blue/Lilia/Jawo': ... *looks away*

Penny: Reese...

Reese: No, I...I understand. I'm sure that you all have things that you must do, and I have to accept that. But...I want to thank you, for supporting me in everything.

Blue: Of course, Reese. You don't have to thank me for that. We're friends, remember?

Reese: Yes, but, if it weren't for you, I wouldn't... This world wouldn't be here. I know it was me who defeated Odexxia, but I couldn't have accomplished that without you guiding me every step of the way.

Blue: Reese, I...

Reese: My father's final request to me, was for me to live my life without regret, and to be happy. But the truth is, I...I don't know if I can do that without you, Blue. *sniff*

Blue: Hey now, I thought you weren't going to say things like that anymore?

Reese: H-huh?

Blue: You said it yourself, Reese. You've changed a lot since you first began this journey with me. You're not the same meek and compliant person that you used to be. You CAN walk on your own two feet from here on, without looking back. You just...have to believe that you can.

Reese: Blue... *sniff* I...I...

Blue: So face forward, Reese! Come on!!!

Reese: I...

Blue: ...

Reese: I... *wipes tears* I will!!!

Blue: Good...

[One of the sailors aboard the passenger ship calls out]

Sailor: The ship setting sail for the continent of Meliore will be departing in three minutes!!

Jawo': Blue, that's our cue.

Lilia: If we don't board now, we'll miss our ride.

Blue: Hm. *nods*

Reese: So, Blue, I guess this is farewell.

Blue: Yeah... But don't worry, this isn't the last time we'll see each other. Someday, we will meet up again.

Reese: Definitely.

Lilia: Goodbye, Reese, Penny! Be safe, okay!?

Reese: Thanks, Lilia. We sure will.

Penny: See ya again, Blue! Lilia!

Blue: So long, Penny.

Jawo': Take care of yourself, Reese. And you too, squir--er, I mean, Penny.

Penny: Heh, later days...Jawo'.

[With their goodbyes said, Blue, Lilia, and Jawo' board the passenger ship. It then leaves the pier and sets off towards their homeland of Meliore]

Reese: *to himself* Blue... I'll see you again. It's a promise...

[Meanwhile, aboard the ship, Blue and his two companions relax and deliberate after the end of a long journey]

~~Passenger Ship~~

[Blue disappointedly looks at the group photo taken at last night's party. The shot captured Jawo' and Penny stumbling over one another with everyone else focused on their antics in shock, effectively ruining it]

Blue: *to himself* *sigh* What a waste...

[Blue puts the photo back into his pocket]

Jawo': *exhales* Man, that was some trip, huh? I would've never expected a whole mess like that to go down.

Blue: Yeah, but it wasn't all bad, was it? At least we had the opportunity to meet some amazing people.

Lilia: You're right, Blue, and I'll never forget any of them. I just wish it didn't have to end so soon...

Jawo': Hey, whaddya mean? We may be going home, but our journey ain't over yet! Not even close!

Blue: You said it, Jawo'. The real adventure for us...is only just beginning...



And thus, the tale of Blue and his friends venture into a new land draws to a close. Though they now must return to their homeland, they do so with their heads held high, as the bonds they've created and the memories they shared will last a lifetime.

Now, an all new adventure awaits Blue and his companions just over the horizon. And a lot sooner than they may realize...

Coming next: The Adventures of Blue Gaiden 3: The Circle of Fate