Aedes Elysiae had been irreparably changed by the Black Tide. The once blooming fields had been reduced to desolate, cracked land and the trees were bare. Houses everywhere had long ago caved in and buried the memories inside with dust.

Phainon had knelt in the dirt, his sword Dawnbreaker laying beside him. You'd remained a silent companion behind him, understanding that your new partner needed a moment. After over three million cycles, he was free. You and the Astral Express had put an end to the horrors of the Flame Chase Journey and given Phainon the opportunity to live a real life.

Even if his friends weren't there to experience it with him.

The Astral Express had taken off that morning. The crew had bid you a tearful farewell before the train set off on its next adventure. For reasons Phainon couldn't fathom, you had willingly left behind your friends, freedom, and work as a Nameless to remain with him. Perhaps it was stupid. Or perhaps it was (as Aglaea would've said were she alive), romantic.

When Phainon's cyan eyes looked back at you, you took it as a sign that he was done being alone. You stepped forward and knelt beside him in the barren soil. Phainon's eyes began to water as you pulled a small bag of seeds from your pocket.