"I can see Torenada there in the distance," Melly said as Curt walked up and stood next to her. "Are you scared?"

"A bit, I suppose," Curt replied. "You?"

"Kinda...but Fenrir will protect me...and I got you guys too," Melly said. "If we stick together, we'll make it."

"Melly, I've been wanting to ask you about the Guardians. Where do they come from?" Curt asked.

"I dunno exactly. Grandfather always said they came from Guardian Ancient...the first Guardian," Melly said. "Grandfather said that Guardian Ancient sent the myrrh and the Guardians to protect us."

"Guardian Ancient...sounds kinda like the Creator," Curt mused.

"The Creator?" Melly inquired.

"My parents used to tell me something kinda like what your grandfather told you. They said there was a Creator that made this world and everything that is good. They told me that the Creator watches over us and cares for us," Curt shared.

"Yeah, that does sound like Guardian Ancient," Melly agreed.

"I was thinking about how you called to Guardian Bahamut. My parents used to say that evil happens when we forget about the Creator, but if we remember the Creator, then we'll find the strength we need to fight the evil," Curt pondered aloud.

"No one has ever seen Guardian Ancient. My grandfather was the only person known to have seen all five myrrh Guardians...Bahamut, Leviathan, Ramuh, Titan, and Fenrir. Like you, I've only seen Fenrir and Bahamut. Leviathan is a sea dragon, Ramuh is a huge eagle, and Titan is a gigas," Melly noted.

"A gigas? Hmmm...we saw a huge gigas attack some soldiers near the Folton's Dale myrrh tree. If it wasn't for that gigas, I might have died," Curt related.

"Maybe it was Guardian Titan. You're a friend of this world, Curt. Maybe Guardian Titan knew you needed help," Melly suggested.

"Perhaps you're right, Melly. Well, we're almost there. We'd better head in to settle things with the others," Curt said.

Curt, Melly, and Fenrir made their way back to the bridge.

"Curt...Captain Ren said that the landing field is just behind the Minister's palace," Mark noted.

"Good. That gets us in real close," Curt replied.

"Ren and I will meet with the Minister and do some scouting. If Richter isn't around, Ren will come back to get you all," Shara stated. "Minister Olmos knows us both, so there shouldn't be a problem."

"Sounds like a plan. The rest of us will hide until Ren returns," Curt said.

"If Richter is around, then see if you can find any evidence of his plans," Mark added. "Best of luck to all."

Melly gave Curt a slight nudge with her elbow.

"Well, lover boy...this might be your last chance. The time for shyness is over," Melly whispered.

"What are you? Guardian Matchmaker?" Curt whispered back.

Melly giggled as Curt made his way over to Autumn.

"Guess we'd better get to hiding, huh?" Curt suggested.

"Yeah," Autumn replied.

Curt and Autumn left the bridge and began walking toward the cabin area.

"This has been some adventure, Curt," Autumn said.

"You're telling me. I think we may have actually gotten a bit more than we bargained for. You know, Autumn, you don't have to do this," Curt said.

"I know that, you silly man. I may have adventurer blood running through my veins, but I've always been here by choice," Autumn stated.

"So why have you chosen to stay?" Curt asked.

"Well, it's damn good fun for one thing...even though we've been through some scary moments. And I believe we're fighting for good. That's important to me. Helping others is important to me. Of course there's also the fact that I enjoy being around you and the others. Besides...someone has to watch out for you," Autumn answered.

"I suppose you're right. You've been there for us...for me...since the day you caught me falling from the roof. We couldn't have gotten this far without you, Autumn. I knew there was something special about you the moment I saw you in the restaurant," Curt said.

"Thanks, Curt," Autumn returned.

A moment of awkward silence passed.

"Aww shucks, Autumn. I'm just no good with words. Maybe Melly's right," Curt suddenly blurted out.

"What do you mean?" Autumn asked.

"I enjoy being around you too...I like you...a lot. Hell, we may not come back from this ordeal, and I just want you to know how I feel about you. I wanted to tell you sooner," Curt stammered.

"The brave adventurer has a weak spot too, I see," Autumn teased.

"One can only be brave for so long, I suppose," Curt replied. "Although I feel my courage returning, seeing as you haven't run away screaming in horror yet."

"Yet..." Autumn teased as she smiled and put her arm through Curt's.