Epilogue IV: Wisdom and Hope

"So, what's next for us?"

As simple as Yuna's question was, Itsuki really wasn't sure what the answer was. The two of them stood atop the Velmorian wall, looking out over the clouded expanse of land beyond. 

"Since arriving here, I've never really had a chance to stop and think for a long period o time," Itsuki eventually admitted. "The time from our meeting in Brightmoor to Evermere's invasion all took place in the span of about one month. In the time since then, I've only been able to focus on surviving my training. Now, with that wrapping up and you fully recovered, it feels like there's actually some breathing room."

"Maybe, but I don't think we can wait here forever. Can we?"

"No," Itsuki responded almost immediately. "There's a definite time limit in-play. The Goddess may need time to rebuild, but I suspect her follow-up priority will be to hunt us down. Even with my newfound strength, I wouldn't have any chance in a direct conflict with her."

"Her power is terrifying," Yuna spoke with a surreal tone. "Not only that, but we also took away Amane, who was helping to anchor her here. Are we sure that it's safe to be healing her?"

"Shin seems confident that the connection has been severed. Amane's body is apparently in terrible condition, and would not survive the Goddess trying to reconnect to it. He was certain that the Goddess would simply summon a new vessel once she was ready to do so. Shin expects it to take quite awhile longer for Amane to regain consciousness, and she's not likely to have memory of any of the events that transpired in Evermere."

"We'll see," Yuna pondered. "She seems like she at least served as a thorn in the Goddess' side. It was the real Amane who broke through and saved us from Firefly Pond, which created the opening for the Directive to invade. I'm not sure if the real Amane will remember that, but it's clear she was on our side."

"Let's hope that's the case. Best case scenario is that she wakes up as if she was freshly summoned to this world. The last thing she'd remember is the old world..."

"You mean the day where you confessed and she turned you down?"

"Out of anything, that's the detail that you think is important?"

Itsuki looked to Yuna for a valid response, but only received a giggle.

"Even with the time limit, I'd like to at least remain in the area for a few more weeks," Itsuki continued. "I want to make a plan, even if it is a doughy one. On top of that, I want them to be absolutely certain that you're good-to-go before we go and throw ourselves in harm's way again."

"I'm sure I'll be fine. You trained so hard to protect me next time, right? How could I ever get hurt again with my knight-in-shining-armor by my side?"

"You seem more forward than usual. Is there something I don't know about?"

"Nothing in particular," Yuna admitted. "I'm not exactly sure about it myself. I think that maybe just being so close to death - so close to not getting a second chance - has made me realize that being too shy and nervous will end up leading to regrets."

"I see... In that case, is there anything you'd like to add to the plan?"

Yuna pondered for a moment as she observed the nighttime landscape beyond the walls. 

"Since we're planning to remain here a bit longer, I'd like to return to Brightmoor before we travel off. I know the Goddess mentioned that they were hit by a Cataclysm. I want to see for myself what the situation is there. See if any others are still alive and if they're being treated properly."

It wasn't a surprising request. When they had left Brightmoor, none of them were particularly well-equipped for battle. At this point, the two of them could likely overthrow the settlement if they wanted to. Itsuki knew that wasn't Yuna's goal, but he understood why she'd feel like returning home one more time was something she had to do.

"Fine by me. I didn't think I'd feel relieved going back there, but at least anyone there who would threaten us is well within our means to handle."

As Itsuki spoke his words and thought through things, a thought came to his mind. He ignored it at first, since he didn't want it to be true. Ignoring it, however, only made it louder. To the point where he had to address it. 

"Let's say we go to Brightmoor and you do free your people..." Itsuki began. "Do you want to stay with them and rebuild?"

A puzzled look overtook Yuna's face as she turned towards him. 

"What do you mean?"

"Well, you left Brightmoor with me initially because it was the better and safer option. Now, with the power you have, you'd have no trouble governing the place and giving your remaining friends and townsfolk a better life. If you can do that rather than risk your neck trying to help me with my mission, then I just figured..."

Before he could continue his rant, Yuna grabbed onto his tunic and pulled him in. Itsuki's brain immediately quieted as she pushed up onto her toes and locked her lips to his. 

The kiss lasted several seconds - it was not the quick drive-by that Itsuki had brazenly attempted back at Evermere. It almost lasted long enough for Itsuki to regain his composure, but then Yuna pulled away. 

"Sorry," she apologized. "You were talking some nonsense, so I figured I'd get us back on track."

"I...oh..."

Yuna giggled, amused by Itsuki's dumbfounded expression. She then gleefully turned her attention back to the horizon. 

"Yes, I want to see them happy. But nothing will stop me from seeing this mission through to its end.  I would not be free or have this power without you. I also wouldn't be standing here today if not for your brother's help."

"To be fair - you were only in that condition because of me..."

"What I'm trying to say," Yuna interrupted, "is that my life and future is yours, Itsuki. I've already died for you once - do you need more proof that I intend to give it my all?"

"W...Wait! I wasn't implying you weren't loyal! I just wanted to make sure you weren't helping because you felt obligated or forced to. That's all..."

"Well, now you know. We're in this together...to the end."

As Yuna spoke those words, the clouds began to brighten as the sun began to rise up on a new day in the Fallen Lands. There were many things Itsuki could have said or brought up in the moment, but none of them felt right. 

Instead, he faced the horizon with Yuna and enjoyed the moment. Nothing but a morning breeze, the sound of silence, and her hand grasping and holding onto his.