The last piece of this story. Enjoy.

11. Epilogue

A new day had dawned and at Reicas’ cottage, five people and one hunting bird were standing together. Reicas himself, Erin of the Dark with Falc, Alice the Dragoon, Siyil the Magus and Aria, Maiden of Water.

“Well…” Aria said slowly, taking a deep breath and closing her eyes. “I guess it is time… for goodbye.”

The Warriors of the Dark had returned from the Void with the aid of the Dark Crystals. They had gone to Reicas, to tell him of their victory. And they had celebrated. For the Balance was restored, the Void pushed back once more. Hope had prevailed. And then Reicas had told Aria, that she could go back to her own world if she wished to. The Crystal Shard would be able to grant that wish. Though she loved he brother and the friends she had made, she knew that she did not belong. She had to go back. There was somebody else waiting for her on the other side, maybe. And so the time for goodbye had come.

“I’ll miss you brother.” Aria sniffed as she embraced him. She could not stop her tears. Erin smiled weakly as he put his arms around his little sister for what could be the last time.

“I’ll miss you too little sister.” He said sadly. “But I can understand your decision. And… this doesn’t have to be a final farewell.”

She looked up in his eyes and he stroke away her tears. “I hope so.” Aria said, able to bring up a smile. On Erin’s shoulder, Falc squeaked at her, his sharp eyes betraying sadness. She caressed the hunting bird slowly over his head. “Goodbye Falc, look after Erin, will you?” The bird squeaked again, as if promising he would do as she asked. Erin put a hand on her shoulder as they let go of each other.

“Keep my cloak and the dagger, sister. May they serve as a souvenir.” He said, finally smiling too. Aria thanked him and turned to Alica. The Dragoon didn’t meet her gaze and Aria almost laughed.

“Alica, are you crying?”

“Of course not!” The Dragoon replied sharply. “Something’s in my eye, that’s all.” She finally turned to Aria as well and pulled the Maiden close to her in a sisterly hug. “Ah who am I kidding?” Alica sighed. “I’ll miss you Aria, you made me realize more than you think you did.”

Aria smiled and nodded. “Thank you Alica. I won’t forget you.”

Alica let go of Aria, who walked to Siyil and Reicas, who were standing together. She first looked at Siyil and nodded. He grinned back and nodded as well.

“Shame I didn’t meet you earlier.” The Magus said, sounding as cheerful as ever. But Aria knew he was sad too. He just could hide it well.

“The same here, Siyil. I’m sure you could have told me much about magic and all. I could have learned a lot from you.” She gave him a grateful smile. “Thank you.”

“Hey, no problem.”

Lastly Aria turned to Reicas. The old man just smiled, his eyes having a peaceful expression. “Thank you too, Reicas. I may not have known you for long, but I’ll keep the memory of our meeting forever in my heart.”

Reicas bowed his head for a while, then looked up again and extended his hand, in which he held the Crystal Shard. “You are a kind young woman, Aria. Here, take this Crystal Shard as a gift.”

Her eyes widened and her mouth dropped open. “I… I couldn’t!” She stammered. “It is yours!”

Reicas shook his head. “The Balance has been restored, I can go back to the Crystal Temple now. I no longer need the Shard and besides, its will right now is to be with you.” He placed the cool Crystal Shard in the Maiden’s hands. “It doesn’t have much power, so it won’t disturb the Balance. But it should be enough to open a gate between our worlds.” Aria clutched the Crystal Shard to her chest and bowed her head, muttering words of gratitude. She raised her head, too ka deep breath and nodded.

“I guess… I’ll go now.” She declared slowly.

“Little sister.” Erin said. “Take care. And if a certain Lightwarrior is behaving badly towards you, don’t hesitate to give a call. You know we’ll come.”

Aria laughed, the sound of her laughter sounding like music in the ears of those who stood around her. “Thank you brother.”

The Maiden of Water then raised the Crystal Shard. A ray of light that fell through the leaves fell on it and the Crystal Shard shimmered. Aria closed her eyes and told the Crystal Shard with her heart what her wish was and a gateway opened to her world. The World of Light, where she belonged. But she knew that this was no final farewell. She could comeback, always. As long as she held this Crystal Shard and wished for it, it would happen. She smiled at Erin, Alica, Siyil, Reicas and Falc one last time.

“Goodbye everyone. I’ll be sure to comeback... some day.”

The other waved and said their goodbyes. Alica was crying and smiling at the same time, Erin just smiling, Siyil grinning as always, Falc squeaked and flapped his wings and Reicas just stood their, watching with content eyes. Aria closed her eyes as she turned to the portal. She felt the tears and she felt herself smile, both at the same time. She nodded. This was how it had to be. Treasuring the memories of every minute in the World of Darkness, treasuring her cloak, her dagger and the Crystal Shard she stepped through the gateway between the two worlds. She felt the sadness of parting, but the happiness of going home. There was a blinding flash of light and when the light died down Aria was gone, having gone back to her own World.

---

Aria felt solid ground under her feet again and a soft breeze going through her hairs. Slowly she opened her eyes. Above her, the blue sky and the sun greeted her. There was a forest behind her and a village in the distance. She knew she had never been here before, but she knew where she was. For somebody had told her a lot about this place. She was on the Floating Continent, near the village of Ur. His hometown. Aria gasped as she saw somebody standing in the grassy field, not too far from her. Even from where she stood, she could see his silver hair. Happiness spread through her body. She recognized him.

Aria ran.

---

“How did you survive?”

“It is a long story…”

“It doesn’t matter. You’re safe, you’re alive.”

“Yes… And… I’m with you.”

“Aria…”

“…”

“I love you.”

The End.

---

Well, maybe I did end it a bit cliched... But whatever, right? I always thought there was something more going on between Luneth and Aria, judging from what little we saw of Aria in the game.
So anyway, this wraps up this story. My second multi chapter fanfic done as well. If you enjoyed this fanfic and are sad its done, cheer up! I'm planning on writing a novelization of FF III soon. Very soon.

Thansk for reading "Aria, Maiden of Water".