Chapter Text
Dana witnessed the end of the world, or something in that manner. The bright light that enveloped her at least made it clear that this wasn’t the same world where she had just stood. A strange but comfortable warmth enveloped her but beyond that she felt deprived of all her senses, it was as if time itself had halted, leaving her time to wonder on the meaning of what she's just done. She had offered her very being to the goddess behind the great tree in order to prevent the destruction of the Human world. Surely there had been no other choice, but still it gnawed at her mind that she didn’t want it to end in this way. It would have been amazing to be part of that world.
The blinding light subsided and revealed that Dana stood in the center of a great hall. Circular and adorned with marble pillars all around, the room’s symmetry only got interrupted by a large freight if stairs that led up to a massive closed door.
“Welcome Dana.” Dana knew well the source of that voice, it was Sarai, who had appeared in front of the stairwell where Dana could have sworn it was completely empty just a moment before.
“Sarai!” Dana cheered, but the dark shroud she wore made Dana quickly realize why she must have come here. Right now she isn't her friend Sarai, but Ura who serves the earth goddess. “Is this… has it all ended?” Dana asked, her voice cracking from worry. Sarai shook her head.
“Not quite.” Sarai answered. “It appears Earth goddess Maia has taken your wish with utmost seriousness”
“So then you mean…” She trailed off. Her wish had been taken seriously, which meant she could consider her sacrifice as a success. Conflicted feelings hit Dana who closed her eyes and grasped at her chest, there was joy at this meaning she had successfully saved the world from once again being ended by the Lacrimosa, and sadness at the fact she would not be able to be part of that world.
“I can see what you’re thinking Dana. But you seem to be making wrongful conclusions.” Sarai's words made no sense. If she's wrong, then what about the wish?
“What do you mean!?” Dana shouted and locked her eyes on Sarai, her heart ready to jump out her throat while she waited.
“Hold that thought Dana, it seems they’ve arrived.” Sarai looked to her left.
Dana’s eyes widened, who had just arrived? She threw her head to her right side where a flash of red several meters away caught her eyes even before her head had stabilized again, that flaming red hair could only belong be one person.
"Adol!” She shouted, but it wasn't just him. “Laxia! Sahad! Hummel!” Dana paused at the fact one of her friends was missing, but from behind Sahad’s towering figure jumped out a small green haired girl with a huge grin on her face. “And Ricotta! … You’re all here!” Dana had to hold back from crying. She's still confused, but in one way or another, this meant that they were still safe.
“I’ve got no idea what’s going on with this place but we sure are happy to see you alright Dana.” Laxia said and smiled before she slapped down on Adel’s shoulder, he flinched and chuckled.
“I got worried for a moment you were about to sacrifice yourself for us, but it appears I was wrong.” Adol’s words unfortunately were so close to hitting the mark that Dana couldn’t bring herself to say anything and just scratched her face in awkward silence.
“That was her plan, but the goddess has chosen a different plan.” Sarai interjected, unfortunately, as it made the shocked looks Dana got from her friends hard to swallow.
“Wait a minute, I recognize that face, isn’t that…” Laxia trailed off and Dana noted how her eyes shifted back and forth from Dana to someone that must be right behind her. Dana turned around and got the shock of a lifetime.
“Olga!?” Dana’s hand shot to her own neck where she still wore the necklace she got from Olga as her final gift, albeit under her collar since it was far too precious to wear in the open. She should be gone, she knew it all too well, yet there was no way Dana could mistake who stood in front of her. Same old green hair, same old stern yet kind face, same old much taller than Dana high priestess and best friend Olga. Now she could no longer prevent a few tears from escaping.
“It’s fortunate to see you again maiden Dana. Although I do hope I’ll be briefed of the circumstances behind me ending up in this mysterious place instead of the chilly grave I was expecting.” Olga said, still so serious even in a situation like this, but it only served to make Dana happy, that whatever had passed she was still the same Olga she loved on the inside as well.
“I can’t believe what I'm seeing or hearing. I thought I would never… but you really are here Olga.” Dana said and wiped her tears.
To see Olga again was a blessing, there was unfinished business with her. But her presence only gave rise to more questions, questions Dana desperately wanted answers to, so she turned to the one most likely to know them.
“Sarai, please tell me what’s going on here.” Dana watched Sarai closely but she showed no signs of it getting to her.
“Like I said. It appears the goddess has granted what you wished for.” Again with Dana's wish having been granted, yet the presence of the others here spoke against Sarai's words being the truth.
“I see… But then why are they here?” Dana's question was answered with Sarai shaking her head.
“Not that wish. The goddess felt within you that you carried a wish far stronger in intensity than that, a wish to save the humans… as well as Eternia.” Sarai’s words sent a shiver through Dana’s spine.
“E… Eternia…” Dana couldn’t find what to say. To save Eternia, those words could only possibly mean one thing, “Then the Lacrimosa of Eternia…”
“Will be undone.” Sarai added and in a moment Dana felt her legs were ready to give out. “And as for you Dana, you will not be sacrificed for the sake of anyone else.”
“S-so I can… I can go back?” Dana said in awe.
“You will soon be free to return as soon as the goddess is ready, and so will all the others. Although a great deal of time separates the Eternian Era and the era of Humans”
“I see… So I can only see one world…” Dana closed her eyes. At least in part it was a saddening thing, but now she knows that her struggle didn’t end up meaningless. Even if their time differs too much to ever meet again she'll at least know she saved them all. Finally she had the true answer for her plight. That you shall never give up because as long as you strive forward nothing is impossible.
Her body bubbled in joy and she wanted to take these moments to show everyone how truly grateful she was while there was still time. Dana turned and smiled at Olga and received a warm smile in return. Then she went over to her new friends and stood in front of Adol. She reached out to grab his hands.
“Adol, I truly admire you. You’ve done so much for so many including me, you were an inspiration that drove me to never give up, and for that I thank you from the bottom of my heart. The adventures we’ve shared both from a distance and at each other's sides have been so much more fun than I dared imagine.” With her mind spoken she gave Adol a hug after which they exchanged warm smiles.
“Adventures like this is what I live for, I'm just glad I can help others on the way so I should be the one thanking you for the experience Dana.” Everyone around Adol chuckled at the obsessive adventurer he is. Next Dana turned to Laxia and went right in to hug her as well.
“Laxia, you’ve supported me much more than I think you realize, it’s been like having a sister. From the bottom of my heart I thank you for being there for me.” They gave each other a few tight squeezes.
“Dana… you’re going to make me cry. I don’t even know how to respond except that I consider you someone I admire greatly, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart as well”
They relaxed the hug and exchanged big smiles before letting go and the corners of Laxia's eyes were definitely wet. Then Dana took a step to the side.
“Sahad…” Dana raised her right hand into the air.
“Hahaha!” the rumble of his deep laugh echoed through the room before he loudly slapped his hand against Dana’s. “You know Dana, if my girl grows up to half the woman you are, then I’ll know I’ve done a good job!” he laughed another hearty laugh.
“With a father like you, I know she’ll surpass me in no time.” They both laughed and smiled before Dana walked over to Hummel who stood with crossed arms.
“I feel like I misjudged you Hummel. With that cold exterior I didn’t know if I could trust you. But you proved that inside there is a kind man dedicated to his goal. I have a lot to thank you for as well and I’m deeply grateful for what you've done for me.”
“Hmmph...” Hummel closed his eyes. “Sappy monologues aren’t my thing.” Hummel paused and opened his eyes again. “But I’ll allow an exception. Your never ending dedication is an inspiration for me Dana. An inspiration I will carry with me to become a transporter that anyone can put their faith in, and one my father would be proud of.”
“You seriously bring up work at a time like this?” Sahad said and everybody chuckled again.
“Dana!” Ricotta called out and the short girl ran over to hug Dana around the waist.
“Oh Ricotta… Your enthusiasm is so contagious.” Dana rubbed the girl’s frizzy green hair to her delight.
“There’s nothing I love more than seeing people smile!” Ricotta said and grinned as big as she possibly could which made Dana laugh.
“That’s something I admire about you too. You had your own difficult past and you've changed so much which I'm delighted to have had the opportunity to see. Thank you so much for helping me Ricotta!”
“Anytime! It’s been such a fun adventure with Dana and I’m super happy we did it!”
Dana exchanged a warm smile with Ricotta before turning around and seeing Olga staring down into the floor. She must be feeling lonely over there, she is all on her own so no wonder, and perhaps she’s come to make wrongful conclusions from the heartfelt greetings Dana just exchanged.
“Truly I’ve become attached to each one of you, and our adventure together will forever be a treasured memory. I do feel a slight sadness about it but I’m finally… I'm finally going home...” Dana felt a teardrop hit her skin right at the moment when she said home, and she saw Olga lift her eyes to look back at her and in an instant they were at an understanding of what home meant. Dana walked over to Sarai and just in front of her leaned forward and put her hands on her hips.
“Sarai, there’s soooooooo many things you have to explain to me!” Dana puffed her cheeks and scowled at Sarai for several seconds. Sarai made an awkward chuckle and looked away. “I can’t wait!” Dana exclaimed and in a moment her face had switched to a warm smile. Sarai sighed, and with that there was only one person left.
Dana walked over towards Olga who stood waiting with crossed arms, Dana smiled at her to which she briefly closed her eyes.
“Guess I wasn’t much of a high priestess in the end, I'm sorry for failing to stay by your side and protect you. From what I’ve heard, I gather you succeeded in doing far more than I had even hoped was possible.” Olga looked over to the party at the other end of the room. “You’re new friends seem nice as well. I’m glad they were there to offer you support in my absence.” Dana stopped when she got right in front of Olga and Giggled.
“Oh Olga, you couldn’t be more wrong about that first thing. In my mind You’ve never left my side for a moment and I could only have fought as hard as I did thanks to the fact I always had your complete support, even if you weren’t physically beside me.” Dana sighed. “There are so many regrets I have about Eternia, but now I finally have a chance to make them right. To once again see everything I thought lost forever, to grab what I couldn't… Perhaps I should get one such regret out of the way right now.” Dana listened to her own beating heart telling her it was the right thing.
“Really Dana? I’m not sure what you’re thinking of but I doubt I can be of help…” Dana went quiet and ignored Olga’s confusion, any moment the meaning is going to be crystal clear to her without any words needed. Since Olga is a full head taller than Dana she had to reach up to grab her cheeks, then she pulled at Olga’s head until their faces were at the level where their lips could meet.
Loud gasps were heard in the room, produced primarily by Sarai and Laxia who both had pink cheeks at the sight they were witnessing. The pair remained like that for a few seconds before Dana released her grip on Olga.
“D-Dana…” Olga stammered but Dana interrupted Olga by holding a finger against her gaping mouth. With the addition of how wide Olga's eyes had gotten and how flushed her cheeks were, anyone could tell that she had been left completely flabbergasted.
“We’ll have plenty time to talk later.” Dana did a nod before again turning to Sarai.
“So Sarai. When am I going back to my time?”
“You’re jumping to some conclusions there Dana.” It was a new voice that had joined the conversation that Dana recognized as that of Minos, one of the wardens of evolution. The door behind Sarai now opened and from there he entered, closely followed by the final two wardens, Nestor and Hydra. They halted once they reached the bottom of the stairs.
“It appears Sarai was in too much of a rush to see you to get all the details clear.” Hydra said.
“The goddess will soon be asleep once again, but before that we believe we owe you an explanation.” Nestor said.
“But Sarai said we’d all get to go back!” Dana protested, fearing that her dreams were about to collapse once again. Minos grunted and shook his head.
“You’re again jumping to a conclusion Dana, none of us claimed that her words were false, you will be going back, but going back won’t mean to exactly the same place where you left.”
“Just explain yourselves and stop giving riddles!” Shouted Laxia who got enthusiastic grunts of agreement from her friends.
“As you wish.” Nestor said. “Goddess Maia has been greatly pleased by seeing the adventures of both Dana and Adol, therefore she’s decided to give this chance, because she doesn’t want your adventures to end.”
“You should feel proud. Not only have you gotten through to the goddess to change her mind, but also ours as well.” Hydra said.
“Dana. A great deal of time separates Eternia from the humans and the goddess has deemed she doesn’t have the patience to once again wait for that time to pass.” Minos said.
“Due to the effect Dana had on the isle of Seiren it was at least in part effectively frozen in time. Therefore the solution was chosen that you won’t be sent back to the time of Eternia. But Eternia will be brought to the time of the humans, that is to say the part of Eternia located on the isle of Seiren.” Hydra said.
Dana absorbed just what those final words meant and instantly lost all strength in her legs. Olga reflexively dashed over to keep her from falling down.
“S-so then you mean… I don’t have to choose between my old and new friends?” Dana’s voice trembled.
“Essentially that is correct. Though it will be no small challenge for the citizens of Eternia to suddenly find themselves in a different time, but the goddess is most looking forward to how their maiden will guide them through it.” Nestor said.
“This is… This is…” More tears, more happy tears. Dana hadn’t even dared to dream it could end in this way. Everything she’s ever wished for is coming through one after the other. She felt Olga's warm embrace tighten and she couldn't even wipe the tears fast enough.
“Though the cycle of evolution is no more. Be aware that should the need of the Lacrimosa arise it will once again be used without hesitation. Though thanks to the wisdom shown from you all it might not be on the same scale as in the past. So we wardens have you to thank as well Dana, Adol, and your friends.” Minos said. He chuckled at seeing Dana who almost had her crying under control again.
“Well then Dana. I’m glad I got to see you happy again.” Sarai said. She then turned and slowly walked back towards the other wardens.
“Sarai… What are you doing!?” Dana called, and it made Sarai stop.
“I’m going back to my place as a warden of evolution.”
“Sarai! But I thought you were going with us back home to Eternia!” Dana shouted and made a dash towards Sarai but Olga reached out to stop her. Dana glared back and was just about to demand to be let go but a single look from Olga made it clear she knew what she was doing.
“Sarai” Olga said in a stern tone that was enough for Sarai to look over her shoulder. “None of us have any right to decide your future, but know that if you make this choice, Dana will blame herself for her entire life, and for that I will always blame you.” Sarai flinched and turned away from Dana and Olga.
“That’s… not something I can help.” Sarai said under her breath.
“Actually Sarai.” Minos interjected. “You are as much a part of the wardens as a part of Eternia, therefore you have been given the possibility to choose. Remain with us as a warden, or go back to Eternia. But know well that should you choose Eternia you will go back as a mere mortal, your powers of a warden will be lost and you may never return to us.”
“I see.” Sarai closed her eyes and stood still for several seconds. Then she continued walking towards the other wardens.
“No…” Dana protested, but only Olga was close enough to hear her mumble, because Dana knew Olga’s words were true. If this is Sarai’s choice she can’t stop it just because it would make her sad.
Sarai stopped in front of the three wardens and reached out her hand to Minos.
“Thank you for the time together.” She shook the hands of all three before continuing. “But it would appear I have unfinished business elsewhere and people that depend on me. So I must bid you all farewell.”
“Very well, your choice is acknowledged.” Nestor said. Sarai threw off the cloak of her former identity Ura, for from today on she would only be Sarai.
“Sarai!” Dana shouted in glee. Sarai slowly walked over towards her kin when Adol raised his hand for he had a question.
“Why can’t you three come with us as well?”
“Hmmph, a valid question I suppose from the ever curious red-haired man.” Minos grunted. “Had we had the strength needed all those ages ago then perhaps it would be possible. But too much time has passed and this is the only place we belong anymore.”
Any further explanation was interrupted by the entire room rumbling.
“It is time. The goddess will sleep, the world will be reborn, and we bid our farewell.” Hydra said.
Everyone said their farewells to the wardens and readied for the unknown that awaited them at the other side.