Chapter 232 - The Beginning Of The End (Part 2)

[Music Recommendation: "Dewdrops at Dawn" by Yoko Shimura (Final Fantasy XV OST) - available in Spotify or Youtube] ~ Please listen to it in a loop while you read this part to experience the utmost beauty of this scene ~

The Spring of Flora remained as the magical forest it had always been—the mystical glow of golden sparkles scattered around, the proud and ancient trees, colorful flowers and grass, unfamiliar yet calming sounds produced by the tiny creatures around, the lakes and ponds that looked very much out of this world. Truly, it was such a wonderful place befitting of the Guardian of Nature.

As Rania and Luna continued to walk deeper into the forest, the sprites, fairies, wisps, and other creatures of the forest greeted them with a smile and a bow. Some of them even came rushing in, and gave gifts to them. Perhaps, it was because their very own Guardian, Luna, was back with them. After all, everyone thought she was dead when she sacrificed herself years ago for Gaia to survive a little longer.

Luna happily accepted the gifts, especially the fruits that landed straight to her mouth as soon as she received them.

"Uhmmm, so yummy," she grinned. "I missed the fruits of the forest. They're the best out of all the forests in any realm or even in Gaia."

"Though that sounds very patronizing, I will have to agree with you," Rania said after she tasted a berry that was also given to her.

Luna smiled smugly. "And look, we're almost there! Just past that fairy circle."

Indeed, a few meters in front of them where Luna pointed to was a circle of Verus Amor flowers. Beyond it, was a stone pathway towards a temple made of grayish white marbles, decorated with vines and flowers. They walked towards it and Luna opened the door for them by reading what it said:

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud."

Rania smiled hearing those words while Luna hurriedly walked inside.

"Welcome to my temple! The Temple of Grace!"

Upon entering, Rania marvelled more at the beauty of the temple's interior. As compared to the other Guardian's temples, Luna's had a slightly different layout and was filled with flowers since she loved them so much. The designs on the pillars and the walls were very feminine and cute. But what's more captivating was the floor! It was like walking on huge tiles made of resin decorated with plant life, flowers, water, and tiny crystals inside! It shined bright despite having no lamps anywhere. The floating golden sparkles were the only things that illuminated the place. And the doors—clusters of wisteria served as its curtain.

"Wow. Your temple is amazing," Rania gaped as she spun her head around, appreciating the beauty of the place. "If any other woman sees this, I'm sure they would like to hold their wedding here. It's perfect for a wedding."

"Ha-ha-ha-ha! Is that so?" Luna chuckled. "Thanks for the compliment. I did my best in decorating. I hate the gloomy, serious atmospheres of normal temples so I tweaked it myself. But hey, you're thinking of a wedding. Would you want to hold your wedding here? I'd be happy to! Just say the word and—"

But then, the sweet smile on Rania's face was immediately replaced with a bitter one—something Luna caught on quickly.

"Rania… remember that time I asked you what happened in the library? When we left you to train Elliot with Fauna's powers and went back to the Forbidden Chambers with the sprites carrying flowers for you? Your eyes were red back then. And when we talked before, you didn't tell me why," Luna furrowed. "Can you tell me now what it's all about? What is that heavy burden you've been carrying all this time? Please."

Luna stretched out her hands and held Rania's, squeezing them tightly. Rania sighed deeply, thinking if she should tell her about it or not. Undecided, she could only look back at her pleading eyes.

"... I mentioned about a wedding and you suddenly looked sad," Luna murmured, pondering about all of Rania's actions thus far. "You keep throwing yourself into trouble and keep on saving Elliot when it's getting too dangerous… almost as if… not caring for your own life. Yeah… like a person who doesn't care if she dies."

"Luna…"

"Yeah… Usually, people tend to act like that when…" Alas, realizing it on her own, Luna gasped in horror. Tears began to form in the corner of her eyes. "Rania, don't tell me—"

Rania shook her head and smiled the best she could. "It's okay, Luna."

"No! NO! It's not okay!" Luna shouted. "What is the meaning of this?! W-why? H-how? I don't understand. A-are you—if it's an illness, you know we can cure it with magic, right?"

"... No, it's not an illness."

"If it's not that, then it can only be one thing," Luna replied with a bitter smile on her lips. She wanted to say so many things. Her instincts told her that many times but she kept on being hopeful, wishing it wasn't the case and yet, the truth shamed her thoughts. "Sniff… I see… I understand now. And I can't really blame you for it, can I?"

"Ha-ha. Yes, you can't. Out of everyone, you should be the one to understand me the most."

"Ha-ha-ha. Of course."

Luna inched closer to Rania and gave her the tightest and warmest hug she could give. Rania patted her back in return.

"It's alright, Luna. Everything's gonna be fine."

Indeed, once all was done, everything would be fine, perhaps—everything and everyone except her—something that Luna knew very well. She could only weep miserably for her dear friend. How she wished she could take the burden herself… but she wasn't the ordained one.

"Out of all creations, I never imagined the Magi's salvation would come from a human. And surely, none of them even thought about it. Out of the humans they looked down so much upon, the Supreme has chosen the one who will save them. Truthfully, how wise is He? He shames the proud, and lifts up the humble."

"Yes. And He promised me that He will always be with me. So I'm not afraid. I'll gladly follow His Calling. I'll gladly be an instrument for His Will."

"Sniff… You're such a brave and benevolent woman," Luna sobbed. "I'm so proud of you. Please, let me give you my blessings, too. It's the least I can do. I beg you… sniff."

And so, Luna, with her trembling hands, held Rania's face and leaned her forehead to hers. It was unlike the blessings given to Elliot by the other Guardians—it was a blessing like no other. A warm glow transferred from Luna's body to Rania's, and along with it was the heartfelt prayer of protection towards her dearest friend.

"May the Supreme's light be with you… always."