Silica’s eyes fluttered slowly open, squinting as the bright blue sky almost blinded her. Slowly she sat up, her eyes adjusting to the light. Soon enough of her senses returned to see the wide-sweeping fields of grass, the lake and the white marbled town at the base.

“Seem’s you’re even more reckless than I first imagined.” Jil was sitting at Silica’s side. As before she was fully grown and her wings were absent.

“Wh-We’re back here again?” Silica ended up saying, still feeling as though in a daze. “What happened?”

“I’m not certain myself,” Jil said with a ponderous look. “In that brief moment, your body suddenly unleashed a surge of mana. It was quite exhilarating feeling that flow of power coursing through my being.”

“I-It was…?” Silica vaguely remembered the feeling something akin to a surge before she blacked out.

“Not to mention painful! It felt like I was being cooked alive!” Jil scolded.

“Uh.. sorry bout that, I guess...” Silica apologized, though not certain what for. “Wait, that knight?! What happened? Did we kill it! Don’t tell me… did it-!”

“Fret not. Before we lost consciousness, I felt it vanquished. You’re home is safe.”

“Whew… that’s a relief.” Silica sighed, leaning back on her hands. She had never in her life fought an opponent of that calabar before and was stunned she was still alive. Even the orcs she had fought in the catacombs was nothing compared to the strength and aggression the bestial knight displayed. If not for the sword…

“So… you can turn into a sword?”

Jil chuckled softly to herself. “I was wondering when you’d ask about that.” The fairy took a deep breath and started to the heavens above. “Caliburn.”

“Huh?”

“The sword. That’s what it’s called.”

“Caliburn huh? I’m guessing it's not an ordinary sword,”

“Yes…” Jil didn’t sound very sure. “There’s… a purpose to it but…”

“Can’t remember.”

Jil shook her head. “I’m sorry. All that came back were just these vague fragments and nothing of any substance. I still know nothing about who I am,”

“Best not to force it,” Silica replied, bringing her left leg closer to her chest. “I’m sure it’ll all come back eventually.”

“..... There is one thing I am absolutely sure of.” Jil stood up, closing her eyes than ever so slowly opened them again. “I must go back. Back to Serendipity.”

“....” Silica didn’t know what to say. The silence befell them with the sound only broken up by the blare of the wind and the rustling of the grass. “Well… I’m sure that can be arranged.” She said, eventually forcing a smile. “If you go to the church they can-”

“No.” Jil sighed. “The one who must take me,” she then looked down at Silica with a sorrowful expression. “Is you, Silica.”

“Huh... ?” Silica blinked several times, as though she didn’t hear the fairy correctly. “M-Me?” She said slowly pointing at herself. Jil nodded. “Uh, wait a sec!” Silica jumped back to her feet. “What do you mean it’s gotta be me?”

“... Remember what I told you,” Jil said softly, looking upwards to Silica. “By accepting my power, even in a moment of desperation, you’ve become the pathfinder.”

“The… what?”

“That mark on your hand is the sigil, and what connected us together.”

Silica raised her right hand. Even though it was covered by her glove, she still looked at where the mark was.

“When you found me our souls briefly connected. That’s why it appeared on your hand, marking you as a potential candidate to become the Pathfinder.” Jil continued. “Now that the contracts been formally established… Silica, you must be the one to take me to Serendipity.”

“H-Hold on…” Silica gasped, feeling robbed of breath. “Th-This is a lot to take in…”

“I know…” Jil bowed her head. “I… I’m so sorry. I swear to you I knew nothing about this until just recently. If I did then…” Not finding the words to say, the fairly simply turned away from Silica, once more facing the white tiled town in the distance.

Silica did the same, gazing blankly towards the vista of the town and lake. Her mind was still trying to comprehend what she was told, the idea of taking Jil to Serendipity. To her knowledge, no one had ever reached the top in the entire three thousand years since it rose from the center of the world ending the great calamity. Only the adventurer, Vladimer Kresner, had come close before disappearing, an event over fifteen hundred years ago.

And now this fairy was telling her, a girl who had never set food beyond her island was being asked to return her to Serendipity, the one place in all of Earthena no one had ever set foot in. She would be lying if she said she wasn’t overwhelmed by the prospect. Yet despite that, in the depths of her heart, Silica couldn’t help but feel joy, excited.

“.... Say,” She finally spoke in what felt like an eternity. “If I help you, that would mean I’d be seeing the world, right?”

Jil looked at her puzzled. “I… suppose.”

A smile crept on her lips.

“S-Silica… don’t you understand what this means. This is not a simple journey. It will be long and arduous. You may never see your home again.”

“.... Yeah, I figured that.” Silica looked down, feeling the ping in her heart. The prospect of going to Serendipity was a dangerous one, and her not seeing Holbourgh again filled her with sadness.

“You remember what I said,” She finally turned to the fairy, “I wanna find out about my mom. I wanna know where I came from and why I was brought to Holbourgh in the first place. If I go on this journey I might finally find the answers I’m looking for.”

“That’s not exactly the purpose of this journey,” Jil said narrowing her eyes. Silica simply grinned back.

“Then let's make a deal. I get you back to Serendipity, and in exchange, you help me find out about my mom. I’ll even throw in getting your memories back for free,”

Jil simply stared at her new partner before letting out a chuckle. “That’s quite the selfish desire,” She said with a smile. “Though I suppose it’s fair. You’re past in exchange for my return.”

Silica flashed a toothy grin, raising her fist out towards the fairy. “Deal.”

Jil gazed at her fist blankly before Silica reached down and took her left hand, clenching it into a fist before gently bringing her own fist to it.

“Guess this makes us partners from this day on.” She said as the two lowered their fists as a bright light began to engulf the area.

“Yes.” Jil nodded. “Until the end.”

Awakening

Silica slowly opened her eyes. A wooden ceiling hung over her head. Disoriented, Silica slowly rose up. She felt weak and hungry, her bones acing from the effort to sit up.

Slowly her vision began to return little by little. Somehow she was back in her room with everything back in its place. “What a dream…” She said rubbing her eyes.

“Silica?”

At the door was Liana. She seemed to have just entered.

“M-Morning…”

“Silica!” Liana suddenly rushed and embraced her sister.

“Owowow!” Pain shot through her body as her sister squeezed her as hard as she could.

“That the goddess you’re alright!”

“I-I’m not! Now let go!” Silica freed herself from her sister's grip, hugging herself as the pain began to die down.

“A-Are you okay?”

“Ahhh… I’m aching all over.” Silica flopped back on her bed. “What happened? I remember- Wait, Jil!” She then shot back up again. “Jil! Is she-?”

Liana simply smiled and looked to her right. Silica followed her gaze to her chest of draws. On it in an old sock, the small fairy had arisen, her wings fluttering behind her.

“There seem’s to be quite the racket…” She said rubbing her eyes. Silica gave a sigh of relief, falling back on her bed.

“Both of you were unconscious after the battle. Dad carried you back home while the rest of us got to work with repairing the damage.”

“So… everyone’s okay…?” Silica smiled, resting her arms at the back of her head. “How long were we out? A few hours?” She slowly opened the curtain, letting the sun’s rays enter, almost blinding her. “Oh… It’s morning?”

“Um…” Liana fidgeted with her fingers. “You were actually out for… about three days.”

“Oh th-Three days!” Silica sat up too fast. She was forced to grit her teeth as pain shot through her entire body once more.

“It must have been a consequence of the contract made that night,” Jil said as she slowly rose from the sock that was her bead. “It may explain the fatigue we’re both experiencing.” She said as she stretched herself.

“You seem to be in better shape than I am…” Silica said narrowing her eyes. Her body was still aching, making her movements sluggish.

“Possibly an aftereffect of releasing that much mana at once,” Jil said with a smug grin.

“What are you talking about?” Liana asked. She then frowned, “You have some explaining to do!” She demanded. “What was that light? Where did you get that sword? What happened that night?”

Silica felt taken aback by her sister's questions, still groggy and hungry from her long slumber while not understanding much of it herself. “Uh, well…” She began scratching the back of her head. “Jil can… kinda turn into a sword called caligern-”

“Caliburn!” The fairy corrected before continuing, “I’m… not certain as to why I can. That part of my memories, still missing.” She said to Liana. “All I can say is… I’ve entered into a contract with Silica that bounds me to her.”

“A… contract?” Liana looked puzzled.

“Yeah… I don’t get it much myself.” Silica looked at the mark on her right hand. Sure enough, it was still there and very much present. “Apparently that’s what this thing is.”

“I apologise. It was a rather… hasty agreement given the circumstances.”

“... So that light from before,” Liana folded her arms. “I’m… having a hard time believing this,”

“Yeah, I sorta don’t understand half of it myself.” Silica said. “... Gran might know a bit more. Yeah, she might be able to help us.”

“Are you certain? She wasn’t particularly useful when we went to see her,” Jil said unconvinced.

“It’s cause she spoke in riddles. This time, I bet she-Liana?”

Liana had taken a step back staring at Silica distraught.

“.... Liana?”

“Is something amiss?”

“Silica… um…” Liana began, but Silica already knew what she was about to say. “Grans dead.”

****

The waves crashed against the cliffs. Despite the calmness of the ocean on that day, the waves were as turbulent as always. For Liana, this place was important to her. It was where, one stormy evening on the way back from Grans she spotted a boat adrift; the very day she got a little sister.

Yet even before knowing, Silica would always find her way to this very spot, as though the spirit of her mother would call to her. It was so habitual that Liana always knew when she would come to this place. Today was no different. Liana sat a few feet back, the fairy Jil perched on the ground beside her. By the cliffside was Silica, gazing blankly into the ocean.

“Should we… say something?” Jil asked.

“.... I honestly don’t know what to say.” Liana said leaning back. “Sis was very close to Gran so I can’t imagine what she’s going through.”

Of course, Gran wasn’t the only one they lost. Almost the entire guard had been killed during the attack, as well as seven adventurers in the town. Along with them, a few townspeople had lost their lives, including Clause. Their numbers were now drastically short, to the extent that an orc raid would flatten the town. In the aftermath, following Silica and Jil falling unconscious, Doal immediately sent letters to the garrison in Gormott requesting some reinforcements. The townspeople set to work repairing the damage around the old wall and culdesac with some filling in the role as militia incase of said raid or if the monsters returned. Among the letters the mayor sent out, one must have been to Van Jorhan telling him his son had been killed.

“Still… Don’t think I’ve seen sis this down since… well when she found out we weren't related.” Liana said, bringing her legs in close to her chest.

“.... It was after me,” Silica finally spoke, shocking both Liana and Jil. “You saw… that thing… it was gunning for me…. If I wasn’t there…”

“No! Don’t say it!” Liana jumped to her feet.

“But it’s true!” Silica yelled back. She had finally turned to face them, tears falling from her eyes. “If I wasn’t here then-!”

“You’re home would have been destroyed. It’s people slaughtered.” Jil finished Silica’s sentence off, cutting her off. “That creature was drawn to you, but make no mistake it would have slaughtered every man, woman and child had you’d not been there. If anything your presence saved many people, and in the end you were able to save everyone.”

“J-Jil…”

“.... Those things, do you know what they are?” Liana asked.

“Not… exactly,” Jil admitted shaking her head. “But I recall where they come from; a dead realm of existence known as the void. Drawn my mana of living beings they sometimes breach into this reality with the desire to slaughter and consume. It was good fortune we were able to hold them at bay.

“Silica, you are not to blame for this. If nothing else, the fact it was drawn to us saved the town.”

“She’s right!” Liana kneeled to her sister, gently taking her hands. “If anything, you’re a hero. Everyone’s been asking me when you’ll wake up for the past three days.”

“Even that sod, Doal admits you saved the day with that weird trick ya pulled. That’s a feat worthy of a saga if ever there was one,” Just then, Torburn approached the cliff, waving at Silica. “Good’ta see ya up and about lass.”

“T-Torburn?” Silica wiped her eyes as Jil fluttered to her side. “Y-You’re okay.” She said relieved.

“Cause. Them lanky sod’s would have to do more to keep a good dwarf down. You should know that,” Torburn chuckled before looking to his left somberly. “Pity ‘bout young Hal. Poor lad…”

The dwarf let out a deep sigh while stroking his beard, “Not just him, but a lot of em lost their lives to those abominations, all heroes in my book. If nothin’ else, you gave made their deaths mean somethin’ when you killed their leader with… whatever it was ya did,”

Silica’s spirits didn’t seem lifted, but Liana stayed at her level, putting a hand over her sister.

“Anyway, glad ya up and about lass. You to, little fay. I’ve actually been sent to collect the pair of ya. Doal’s puttin’ together a little somethin’ at the town center. Morn the dead, reinforce, and what to do with ya, Jil.”

“Oh, I see…” Jil said fluttering close, glancing towards Silica who was slowly getting back to her feet with Liana.

“One more thing…” Torburn approached Silica. “Searching through old Gran’s stuff we came across a will. She leaves a sizable fortune to the town. And I do mean sizable.” The dwarf chuckled before drawing something from his belt, “This though,” and passed it to Silica. “she left to you.”

“M-me,” Silica took the object. It was a small dagger. Drawing the blade, it gleaned a bright silver in the afternoon sun.

“That’s no ordinary dagger ya got there. The blade is silverstine, a strong and rare metal. Ya could possibly feed yaself for a year selling it off.”

“Why… why me?” Silica said sheathing the weapon.

“Can’t tell ya lass. Think Gran just needed some company in her old age, and you just happened to fill it. Can’t say for sure, but I’d put me money on that,” Torburn said. “Anyway, I passed on the message. Make sure you make it.” With that the dwarf turned and walked away, giving a backhanded wave.

Silica cradled the weapon in her hands. Liana couldn’t tell what was going on in her sister's head, but she could see her spirits somewhat lifted.

“Come on. We’d best not keep people waiting.” Liana urged her sister. Silica followed on behind her, with Jil floating at her side.

“.... H-Hey Liana,” She finally spoke. “I-If I… What if I told you…”

“Hm?” Liana stopped and looked back at Silica. She had stopped with her head hung low.

“.... Never mind.” She said suddenly, walking past Liana.

“Silica…” Jil muttered, floating close to Liana as they both watched Silica walking towards the town.

“What was that about?” Liana looked to Jil, suspecting she knew something given her sorrowful expression.

“... I’m sorry,” Jil turned and bowed. “It is not my place to say.” She then hurried after Silica.

Liana stayed behind folding her arms. There was clearly something else bugging Silica, besides the deaths of Gran and Hal. She took one last look out into the vast ocean once more before following on.

The Journey Begins

Silica hadn’t been in town since waking. Despite what had happened, it was remarkable how little things had changed. There were far fewer people out and about for an afternoon. Only a handful of the guard was patrolling, some waving at Silica as she passed.

It was when they got to the town center where they saw everyone had gathered.

“There she is!” A townsman shouted, followed by thunderous applause. “The savior of Holbourgh!”

Everyone began to crowd Silica, shaking her hand saying their gratitude some though tears in their eyes. With all the attention, Silica couldn’t help but feel somewhat overwhelmed.

“Wh-What’s with everyone?” Silica said as she navigated the crowds.

“Everyone seems quite grateful towards you,” Jil said, fluttering close to Silica. She herself had gotten her fair share of attention with some people offering prayers to the goddess (or even her).

“Told you they were grateful to you,” Liana said cuckling. “Smile sis. I thought you always wanted this kind of attention.”

“Th-This isn’t what I meant…” Silica said bashfully scratching the back of her head.

“SILICAAAA!!!”

All of a sudden, Kline barged through the crowds and embraced Silica in a bear hug.

“Thank the goddess you’re finally awake! WHAHAHA!! I was so scared you’d never wake up again!” He bellowed like a child, lifting Silica off the ground.

“Owowowow! My body still hurts!” Silica shouted as she kneed her father in the gut hard enough for him to finally release her. Her body still hadn’t recovered from whatever strain she had put on it and was now on fire.

Valary was next to embrace her. “You never stop worrying me, don’t you….” She said in a whimper.

“.... Sorry.” Silica said hugging her back, ignoring the stinging in her body. “Guess… I really overdid it this time, huh?”

Valary pulled back, looking at her with tearful eyes. “I’m just happy you’re still in one piece.”

Silica looked away, yet returned a smile not knowing what exactly to say.

Garo was next to approach, patting Silica on the head. He didn’t say anything but she knew he was glad she was well.

“You’ll give me a heart attack one of these days,” Mr. Holt was just behind Garo. Like the man, he had a beaming smile of relief. “Good to see you up and about.”

A bang came from the podium just in front of the town hall. There Doal stood alone, with only the flag of the empire, the lion's head on a red background, flew behind him carried by the wind.

“We of Holbourgh are no strangers of adversity.” He said, his voice booming over the small populous of the town. “Since our forebears lay the foundations of our fair town a century ago we have endured many hardships. Orcs, monsters, storms, time and time again we have been beset with threats from above and below. And every time we have endured stronger than before.

“Yet nothing could have prepared us for what happened three moons ago when our town was assaulted by creatures of unimaginable horror the likes of which we have never seen before. Yet once again we endured, stronger than before!”

There was a cry of triumph from the town which Doal settled by waving his hands.

“While we claim victory let us not, my friends, forget the cost. Many lives were lost.” His last sobering words loomed over everyone, hitting deep into their hearts. “Let us not forget their sacrifice as we move towards the future. Let us all remember the role they played in defending our very way of life. Let us hold this day as a day we remember all that was done by them. And let us not forget the heroes who are among us now! The guardsmen and adventurers who risked all so that we may live!”

There was another thunderous round of applause, to the guard standing on their posts, to the adventurers present, and most of all to Silica.

****

After the speech was over, Silica and Jil were accompanied into the village counsel's house to speak with Doal. Among them were Liana, both Valary and Kline, Garo, Clara, Mr. Holt and Ulther.

“I suppose… we owe you our thanks,” Doal said from atop his seat. “Your actions have saved this town and many lives. For that I am grateful.” Silica couldn’t help but scowl at him. It was obvious how forced his gratitude was. Yet there was a pang of guilt within her.

“To be honest… I’d be dead if not for Jil. It’s because of her I was able to fight that thing.”

“Silica,” Jil hovered close by.

“Then I suppose we owe you a debt of gratitude,” Ulther said joyfully. “Regardless of the reason of you're coming I think we can call you a citizen of this fair town.”

“Thank you,” Jil bowed her head. “Everyone has been good to me, and I am grateful for all you have done thus far. However…” She looked to Silica. She didn’t need to say anything to know what this was about. It was a topic Silica wanted to put off, at least to her family. Steeling herself, Silica simply nodded, allowing Jil to continue.

“I must return to Serendipity.”

The effect was immediate, with Clara and Ulther gasping with Kline looking awestruck. “S-Serendipity…? You mean, the tower!”

Jil looked to Kline and nodded.

“Geez… I honestly thought it was a fairytale,” Garo said rubbing the back of his head, “You mean you’re really from Serendipity? The land of the goddess said to be at the very top of the tower?”

“I… I cannot answer that. My memories have jet to return in full,” Jil said, bowing her head. “But I can say for certain that I must return.”

“Of course, good fairy,” Doal said bowing his head. “By all means, we will do what we can to facilitate your return. We must inform the church and the empire. Even the guild, I’m sure.” He looked to Garo who nodded. “I am all but certain they will see to it-”

“Thank you,” Jil interrupted, “but Silica must be the one to take me.”

“Wh-What?!” Doal shot up from his chair, as did everyone steped back in bewilderment as to what Jil had said. All but Liana, who simply folded her arms watching the event play out. “E-Explain! What is this about?!”

“Well…” Silica scratched the back of her head, feeling all eyes upon her. “I… kinda promised Jil,”

Jil bowed her head. “In order to save your home, Silica and I entered into a contract.” she turned and held out her hand to Silica. “Show them.”

“Huh? Show them...?”

Jil nodded. Silica withdrew her hand, flexing her fingers. Somehow she knew what to do, like a strange instinct. She threw out her right hand. Light suddenly enveloped Jil, and like a stream, she flowed into Silica’s right hand. The light suddenly burst, dispersing like a cloud. In her hand was the same silver sword she had that fateful night was there.

“Well I’ll be…” Garo said folding his arms. “So I wasn’t seeing things.”

The weapon burst into light again as Jil reverted back. “There you have it.” She said bowing her head. “As per this contract, Silica must be the one to take me to Serendipity.”

“No! I forbid it!” Doal suddenly barked, shooting up from his chair. “She can not set foot in Serendipity!”

Jil looked taken aback by the sudden outburst. “I-I understand your objection. Believe me, I wish I could’ve told her more-”

“Good fairy, you don’t understand. Someone like her cannot set foot in that holy place!”

“P-Pardon?”

Silica snorted. “Aw, you gonna miss me that much?”

“Hardly.” Doal narrowed his eyes. “But least you’ve forgotten, you are no longer an adventurer. As such, you cannot make that kind of journey.”

Silica frowned. He was right; her status as an adventurer would allow her to travel the world without restraints such as import or tariffs imposed. Even journeying to Free Port from the colonies was expensive.

“About that,” Garo spoke up. “The letter of her expulsion was lost in the recent attack… so I guess since we have no way of making it official I think Silica is still technically an adventure,”

Silica turned to Garo, who simply grinned and nodded at her.

“Y-You can’t be serious!” Doal shouted. “You have forgotten she committed a grievous crime-”

“The guild still has the right to pardon the guilty party,” Mr Holt added. “As of today, we’ve officially rescinded her expulsion from the guild.”

“After everything she did that night it's the least we can do for her!” Clara added. “Least you forget, she was the one who killed that bastard before he slaughtered who knows how many more of us!”

Biting his lip, Doal looked to both the uneasy Kline and Valary. “And you two are okay with this? Isn’t she like a daughter to you? You’re just going to sit here and listen to all this, allowing her to venture to the most dangerous continent in the world alone?”

“She won’t be going alone.” Liana suddenly spoke up, walking to her sister’s side. “I’m going with her.”

“L-Liana?” Silica turned around to her sister. “H-Hold on, what do you mean you’re coming with us?”

“Exactly that,” Liana winked. “Someone’s gotta keep an eye on you after all.”

“NO, I FORBID IT!” Doal banged his hand on the podium. “THAT THING CANNOT BE ALLOWED IN SERENDIPITY! THE CHURCH WILL NOT ALLOW IT!”

“Alright, you’ve crossed the line!” Kline shouted, rushing forward before Garo, Mr. Holt and Ulther held him back. “NO ONE TALKS THAT WAY TO MY LITTLE GIRL!”

“Screw you, old man!” Silica shouted, pointing to Doal. “I’m going to Serendipity! I’m going to get Jil back even if it kills me! Screw the church, and screw you!” With her last outburst, Silica turned about.

“S-Silica?” Jil looked back between her and Doal, confused as to what had just happened. With a sigh she looked back and fixed Doal with a stair, one that froze the fuming man in his place. “I know not your issue with Silica, but I would rather be partnered with someone whose eyes are wide open as opposed to one so intent to keep them shut. I certainly pity you.”

With the last powerful line, Jil departed after Silica as Doal sank back in his chair.

****

Hidden under Silica’s bed was her secret stash of money she’d been saving up for when she’d left home. Inside the leather was a grand total of sixty thousand libs she’d saved up over the years. When she was little, she always thought that amount seemed far larger than it actually was. With a sigh, Silica shoved it in her bag.

“Guess I’ll have to make more when I get to Free Port.”

Along with her money, she also had packed a change of clothes, some food and a small frying pan. There wasn’t much in the way of possessions for her to take. What was strange would be going without a sword. For one Jil (or Caliburn) was now her weapon so there was little need for her to carry it anymore. Her weapon had also been broken by the knight and she had not gone to Torburn to see if it had been fixed, especially with the other broken metal the siege had churned out.

Silica heaved up her rucksack and slung it over her shoulders. All that was left on her bed was the silverstine dagger, the one memento she had of Gran. Silica lifted the weapon, cradling it in her hands.

“You should take that with you,” Jil said, floating into Silica’s field of view. The dusk’s glow shimmered on her fluttering wings. “There’s no telling what might happen on our journey. Having a secondary weapon may be prudent.”

“Yeah, guess your right.” Silica said. She strapped the weapon to her belt above her skirt. “Guess that’s everything.”

She took one last look around her room before opening the door leading to the main living room. Fifteen years this place had been her home. Long had she dreamed for this moment, to finally say goodbye to it, set off and see the rest of the world. She thought she would be happier, jumping for joy at the adventures that would await her beyond the confines of Chadd. Yet that’s not what she felt. There was no exhilarating feeling, only a strange indifference.

“I thought… I’d be happier…” She said out loud, but also to her new partner Jil.

“I believe it is understandable,” Jil said, fluttering in front. “After all, a lot of things have happened all at once, I feel you’re still struggling to comprehend it.”

“Reading my feelings?”

Jil nodded. “Seem’s the contract has intertwined our beings. Now I can feel whenever you’re emotions are,”

“Kinda intrusive, don’t ya think?”

“Do not worry. It only seem to work when I focus on you. That said, you do not hide your emotions well. Anyone can tell what you're feeling based on your body language.”

“Okay, that’s enough reading me…” Silica said walking across the living room. “Come on. The ferry to Tesctan’s nearly here. Don’t wanna be late.”

“Are you certain you wish to leave right this instant? Do you not wish to say your goodbyes?”

Silica stopped at the door. “.... Ahh, I’m not good at that kinda stuff.” She said as she opened the door. “I’m sure they’ll understand-”

“Leaving without saying a word?”

Silica then froze at the threshold of the door. Right in front of her was Liana, folding her arms.

“Oh… H-Hey Liana,”

“Oh Silica, I thought you’d pull something like this,” Liana said, folding her arms across her chest.

Silica simply chuckled sheepishly. “I uh… guess you’re gonna try and talk me outta this, huh?”

“Well… I would normally, but I know you wouldn’t listen.” Liana chuckled. “But, are you really sure you wanna do this?”

“Well I… kinda have to, right Jil?”

“I get that. But I think we both know what you really want?” Liana said, putting her hands to her hips, giving her a stern look.

“Uh… J-Jil, little help.”

“I believe she has a point,” the fairy said, floating to Liana’s side. “We had a deal, remember.”

“Why you…” Silica grumbled at her partner's abandonment to the current predicament.

“Just answer this; is this what you really want?” Liana asked.

“.... Yeah,” Silica nodded, unfazed by her sister’s stare. “I wanna find out about my mom, and explore the world. I wanna know where I come from.” She replied from the bottom of her heart.

Unexpectedly, Liana just smiled and nodded. “You’re really easy to read, you know,” She said with Jil chucking. “Alright then, with that outta the way-” She then walked to the side of the porch, grabbed her quiver of arrows and strapped it to her back, “We’d better get a move on before the ferry leaves without us,” before grabbing her bow.

“Us?” Silica looked perplexed.

“Don’t you remember?” Liana slung her bow over her right shoulder. “I’m going with you.”

“Huh-WHA?!” Silica’s jaw dropped. “Wait… you were serious?”

“Dead.” Liana nodded. “There’s no way I’m just gonna let my baby sister go out into the world all on her own.”

“Wh-Wait a sec!”

“I hope that’s okay with you, Jil?” Liana asked.

“I have no objections…” Jil began. “Although I must press that this will be dangerous. To that, I have no illusion.”

“Yeah, exactly!” Silica said pointing at Jil. “Who knows what’s gonna be out there?”

“All the more reason for me to tag along, don’t you think?” Liana nodded. “Sorry, but this was something I promised myself years ago.”

“Y-You what?”

Liana patted Silica on the head. “When you started saying how you’d leave Chadd to find out about your mother, I’d be right there with you.” Silica childishly swatted Liana’s hand off her head. “No matter what we find, you’ll always be my sister.”

Seeing the determination in her eyes, all Silica could do was sigh in defeat knowing that nothing she could say would sway her sister. “And people call me stubborn…”

Liana giggled. “Well then, let's get going.”

****

Liana led both Silica and Jil down from the culdesac to the town proper. After the horror of the siege, life seemed to be slowly returning to the fishing town. The only difference was the guard was nowhere to be seen. Silica had learned after arriving in town that the entire guard, or what was left of them, were manning the wall in case of an attack from the orcs while awaiting reinforcements from Testcan. Those who were around greeted her as she passed, though didn’t treat her any differently with the occasion of people coming up to her to personally thank her for what she did as well as trying to talk to Jil.

“Thank you for what you did, Silica.”

“I wish my son was alive to see how you’ve grown.”

“Silica! Come by later! Got the best choice saved for you!”

“A living breathing fairy… goddess be praised.”

“Thank you young fairy for delivering us the goddess’ goodwill.”

“Wh-What’s with everyone…?” Silica said, moving to one side as one of the townsmen tipped his cap to her.

“You’re famous now, sis.” Liana chuckled at her sister’s bashfulness. “‘The brave adventurer who defeated the knight of darkness single-handedly.’”

“Seriously…?”

“Well… something alone those lines while you were asleep. I did try to put things right, as did Clara and Garo. But people seem to like that story so there wasn’t much we could do. I thought you wanted to be seen as a town hero though,”

“Yeah… but not like this,” Silica said looking at Jil. “Heck, I’d be dead if it weren't for Jil.”

“I… do not think I deserve your gratitude. Especially given the circumstances.” Jil said bowing her head. “But do not forget, it was by your hand you fell the creature. For that I believe these people’s gratitude are not misplaced.”

“Not you too…” Silica grumbled stroking the back of her head. The docks were in sight. Along with the usual assortment of fishing vessels was a two-mast ship that flew the flag of Testcan; the snow-covered mountain on top of a blue background. The archipelago ferry that sailed from Testcan to all the islands in the archipelago before returning to its port of origin. “Sweet, the ferry’s here!”

“That will take us to Serendipity?” Jil asked.

“Nope. First stop is Testcan; the largest island in the archipelago. Then, we’re off to Free Port,” The final destination exited Silica greatly, the one place in the world every adventure gather, the Port of Freedom (or simply referred to as Free Port).

“SILICAAAA!!!”

“Eh?” Silica’s excitement gave way to a cold chill that came to late to warn her that her father had just rushed behind her. Now caught in a bare hug, Silica found herself a few feet of the ground, flailing her legs as the air was forced out of her.

“WHAHAHA! Oh how I wished this day would never come! WHAA MY PRECIOUS SILICAAAA!”

“Get…. OFFFF!” Silica kicked the man in the gut until he released her while Kline keeled over clutching his stomach.

“Ha ha! Ye’ had that one comin’!” Torburn bellowed. The dwarf was followed by a sobbing Valary as well as Clara and Garo.

“Didn’t think we’d just let the two of go off without a proper send-off,” Clara said resting her hands on hips.

“Well uh… Kinda,” Silica said awkwardly.

“Oh Silica…” Valary then rushed forwards and hugged her. Silica was shocked at first but then slowly embraced her back. Tears started to fall from her eyes.

“You uh… you’re gonna try and stop me?”

“Of course I want to…” Valary sniffed. “But... I know I can’t hold you back. Just remember no matter what, you’ll always be my daughter… Both of you…”

“Mom…” Liana joined in, hugging her mother along with Silica. After the tender moment. Valary eventually broke of from them wiping her damp eyes before looking up to Jil.

“Please… keep them safe.”

“Of course,” Jil nodded. “You have my word,”

Behind them, Kline was sitting on the floor still bawling his eyes out while Clara and Torbun tried to console him. Garo was next to approach, putting a hand on Valary’s shoulder. “Gotta ask, but what’s your plan to get to the Dark Continent? As much as he was being an ass, Doal has a point. Yidvel controls a lot of the access to the Dark Continent and they barely give permission to the guild to explore.”

“Uhhhh….” Silica scratched the back of her head.

“You… truly had no plan in mind, did you?” Jil said, narrowing her eyes.

“Hey, thing’s’ll work out,” Silica said, though not sounding entirely convincing even to herself. Jil simply sighed with exhaustion.

“This I feel will be a long journey.”

Garo simply chuckled and handed Silica a letter. “When you get to Free Port, look for the Drowning Cat tavern on the barbican. Ask for Hazet.”

“Hazet?” Silica parroted as she took the sealed letter.

“He’s ahh… well he’s an old friend to us. If anyone can help you it’s him.” Garo took a step back, looking at both Silica and Liana. “I won’t lie, you two are in for a rough ride I can tell. But, of all my years in the guild I can say I’ve never seen a pair of rookies with as much promise as the two of you. I’m confident you’ll be just fine. Liana, it’ll be up to you to keep your sister from being too reckless.”

“Hey!” Silica pouted.

“Don’t worry. I’ll do my best.” Liana nodded.

Torburn was the next to walk up. “My, feel’n like only yesterday I was fashioning ye’r first sword and knife.” He said stroking his beard. “Wish I could’a given ye a bit more of a sending off gift then that dagger ye got,” smiling the dwarf nodded to the sheathed dagger on Silica’s hip. “Would like ta do ya a new sword since that one’s lost. Though… somethin’ tell’s me ya won’t be need’n it.” He chuckled at Jil. “Just… do yaselves a favor and keep outta too much trouble.”

“No promises,” Silica said with a toothy grin. Torburn flashed her his own grin, showing off a few of his missing teeth. Clara was then the next to approach waving a pouch.

“It’s not much, but Mr. Holt put together a little something for you,” She handed it to Liana. “He told me to give you all his best wishes too. Also,” She took out an envelope and handed it to Liana as well. “When you get to Free Port, pay the adventurers HQ a visit. Ask for Misty.”

“Misty. Got it.” Liana nodded.

“Oh and uh…” Clara tipped the top of her pointed hat. “When you see her… don’t say anything that might set her off. Trust me.”

Both Silica and Liana exchanged cautious glances.

“You’ll see,” Clara said stepping back, standing with the others who had come to see the girls off. “You take care now.”

“Don’t be a stranger,” Torburn said.

“Best of luck you two,” Garo said.

Valary and Kline didn’t say anything. They stood close to one another, teary eyes and proud.

“Hey! Last call!” Someone from the ferry called.

“Silica, it’s time.” Liana took her sister's arm, wiping a tear from her eye. Silica looked at her and nodded. With a wide smile, she turned and waved.

“We’ll be back as soon as you know it! That’s a promise!”

****

The ferry left the dock shortly after Silica, Liana and Jil had gotten aboard. Taking their positions at the rear of the ship, they watched as their home began to escape into the distance. At long last, her dream was coming to fruition. Even so, the sadness of finally leaving home hit Silica. She spent her life in the small confines of Chadd, exploring the rocky land and the vast underground catacombs below. Now, she was setting off into the vast unknown.

To her left, Jil sat beside her, giving her a smile and a nod. To her right, Liana rested her hand on her shoulder, reassuring her that her big sister would be by her side. At a moment, Liana looked back to Holbourgh and her eyes grew wide.

“Silica look!”

Silica looked back to the town. A large crowd had gathered at the harbor, all waving, crying and yelling her and Liana’s name. From the fishermen to the guard to the other adventurers, Mr Holt among them. Everyone was gathered at the harbor, seeing off the sisters as they left on their long journey.

A tear started to fall down Silica’s cheek as the full reality of what was happening began to settle in. Yet burning in her chest was anything but sadness. As she and Liana waved the people back, a great sense of excitement rose through Silica’s being.

This was it. The day had finally come.

“Liana. Jil.” Suddenly, Silica ran away from the railing, dodging the other passengers and crewmen as she ran. Jil and Liana followed Silica, trying to keep up with her blistering speed. Silica finally came to a stop at the prow of the ship, hanging on a rope as she looked out across the vast ocean. There in the distance was their destination, only just visible in the afternoon sun. With a big grin, Silica pointed towards it, ready to declare to the world her intention.

“Let's go! All the way to Serendipity!”

****

“Silver hair… and a single golden eye… Now that’s interesting.”

Sitting atop the cliff was a girl holding a pair of binoculars to her eyes. Slowly she lowered them, her blood-red eyes, greatly contrasting her short blond hair and black painted on whiskers on her cheeks, shimmered in the sun. She wore a green corset, shorts, long back tights and boots, metal gauntlets and a cape falling from her shoulders. “No doubt about it, that’s definitely Jil with her. Which would make her the new Pathfinder,”

Behind her loomed a man with dark purple hair and the same blood-red eyes. Unlike the girl, the man was dressed in armor so dark that even the sun could not reflect on any surface. On his back was a sword as long and big as his own body. Stopping just short of his ankles.

“What should we do? Go after them?” The girl asked, bringing one of her legs to her chest.

The man simply looked at the boat pulled further and further away from the small island. His hands crossed across his chest began to tighten, his eyes narrowing.

“First we descend into the depths. We must find if any residence of the fissure remains.” He said, turning his back on the girl. “Then…. We pursue Jil.”

“Thought you’d say that.” The girl said as she stood. With a deadpan stare, the girl simply raised her left arm, pointed to the ship as though she were holding a gun, closed an eye and pretended to shoot. “Looks like things are gonna get pretty lively."