Y-FIE (Your Flame Is Emanating)

End Marks the Beginning II

"I understand everything now, and thanks to you guys, it got me here. I assure you that you all wouldn't need to go through the same roller coaster ride with me. I can handle this better now, but I can never let myself have you worry about me." She looks through her eyes to make sure that she is still with her.

Zoe returns it with a faint smile but with a willingness to know what she was planning. Alba traced the lines on her palm and continued. "If there is one person you care about, and you know how badly they need help, will you just ignore them?" She glanced back at her anxious for reply.

"I...can never."

"The same goes for me," she answered abruptly.

"It may not make sense now, but I know where to start. There is some file she left behind and I will work on it. That's the only thing she managed to tell me in every conversation we recently had. And I can feel how important it is. The only way I can end this madness is by seeing it through. The more I try to deny it, the more it confuses me."

"I'm really worried about this...but I know... you're better now than yesterday and I can't deny that. If this is what can bring you peace, go on, but please be careful. Don't ever forget about us."

That's all she needed to hear to break her walls and let all her frustrations and sorrows melt away. "You know how much that means to me."

Her eyes started to narrow and tears hurriedly fell on her cheeks.

Zoe takes her for a hug and caresses her back. "It will take time but at least there's a plan. Now, I will not let you give up on that. See it through!"

"Supportive as ever."

After a little more crying and laughing, they head to the kitchen where everyone is.

"Hi guys..."

"And here comes the birthday girl!!!"

"Who?" Alba asks in confusion.

"Just as we thought...you truly forgot it." Unis murmured and walked slowly to her as she made her sentences.

"On the 21st of June, a girl was born under the dimmest constellation. To a family of four and with a gorgeous younger sister." She stares at her waiting for a reaction. "And that sister is me!"

"And I'm you're only sister!" She asks in confusion.

"Albaaaa...come on, we always celebrate it together...and I'm sure you wouldn't be satisfied with just my dessert. You're wayyyy hungrier than that!" Actias added.

"Wait..." she stops as she puts it all together. "Oh! So me!?"

Everyone stared at her.

"Ah, so it is indeed. Time flies too fast, eh?"

"Hurry now...let's get this party started!"

Everyone brushed off her confusion as they knew how much she'd been through. She is battling with her own thoughts and sadness, and she is way too busy to notice that a year has passed.

As the food melts in their mouths and drinks start to kick in, their conversations start to fade away. Alba feels the urge to let everyone know what she's planning. She stares at them attentively. Trying to discern how they may feel about her constitution. "Guys...." The conversations came to a halt. "I want to make sure that you know how important you are to me. I may not be able to return the gratitude and the care you showed me in this passing year, but please know that it means the world to me."

"I wanted to make sure as well that you would know what is about to happen in the coming days." Everyone feels every word she's saying and anticipating the words about to come.

"I'll be working on her."

"Working with whom?" Linneaus asked.

"Luna's files..."

No one dares to interrupt. They are on edge about what she's planning to do. As she travels in each of their stare, she considers what they may feel about it and their worries. She stares down and grips her hands. She clears her thoughts and thinks them through.

"This is not a laughing matter as I can see how serious you all are. I'm completely aware how worried you've been about me this whole year. I cannot express enough how much I value every time you spend with me and all you did to make sure I'm OK. I know. I know very well what you all wanted for me. And I also know that I am not the only one hurting."

"This may sound crazy, but I'll say it anyway. I will end this thing and bring her back. I know I can meet her again, and I'll be working on what she left. I don't expect you to help me with it or do anything about it."

She walked to the window as she felt the sun kissing her. "Have you guys watched the sunset from our apartment before?" She shoved the blinds aside and let the sun gaze upon them. "Luna and I watch it all the time. Sometimes we eat ice cream while we do it or simply watch it rest on the sand. We loved it. And I love it more when I do that with her... I can...never...forget her. I remember every little thing she does. And I can never accept the fact that it will never happen again. At least not for now."

She looked back in their direction. With burning eyes. And a silhouette of the sun behind her. "She is my sunshine. And I will bring this disappearance to light."

They gasped as she finished that last statement. It is obvious that she is in her right mind, and she is not backing down.

"Well, I know for once you're back..." Actias said while she swirled the wine in her glass. "I could never ask for more."

"I have always known that you are so much into my sister and I like you both together. I could never ask for more. Thank you!" She said with a bright smile while tears fell from her eyes.

"Don't hurt yourself. I guess that's all we wanted from you." Linneaus said as he brought Actias to an embrace.

"I know you put your trust in me. I will. I will from now on until I bring this matter to light."

She went back to the sofa and was greeted by kisses and embraces. The party continues again.

"We should really do this little gathering more often than not." Travis blurted. "This is nice!"

"It is indeed, my love," Zoe replied.

Unisus came up to her and kissed her cheeks as her sanity was taken by her drink. "Welcome back, sis. I missed you."

"Now, now. Let's get you to your room." Shera grabs her by the arm and walks her back to her room.

"That wasn't so hard..." Zoe whispered as she sat next to her.

"Indeed... It was...liberating."

"That's my girl!"

"I missed you too." Actias interrupted. "I guess I can leave you here now. Guys, I will not forgive you if something happens to her. Get it?" she pouted. Her cheeks are too red, her eyes too sleepy. "I won't lose another sister!"

"Cute!"

"In love again, Linn? Or the wine made you in love?" Travi teased.

"Oh, cut it, Travi! I will always be in love with her."

Alba smiled at them and exchanged a knowing glance with Zoe, "I'm glad to hear that."

Linneaus smiled at her warmly. "I'll take care of her. You can count on me, Alba."