Chapter 22 - Goodbye for now

Ethaniel was back in his self and so was Luciel. Both were hanging out and training together. The 60th day had come, and Training was finally over. It was time for Ethaniel to find the rest of the siblings. It was tough for the three Acker siblings to yet again be separated with each other. Ethaniel had packed his things and prepared to depart out in the Seas. But before he had to leave early morning, he had to spend it with his brother and sister. The whole morning was the schedule for the siblings. The siblings and went to venture outside the islands. Have a picnic and enjoy the views of the marvelous skies. They also planned on hunting and finding treasures.

"Are you both ready?" Ethaniel asked excitedly.

"You're done?" Matt asked in disbelief.

"I'm, I've been for hours just waiting for you both."

"Well I'm too." April smiled.

"I've been ready after I took a shower. The magical scroll, remember?" Matthew chuckled.

"Ahh yes. Then lets head out?"

Ethaniel asked both of his siblings and they both replied with a nod. They headed out the Birkwoed at the early morning before dawn. They went to the sky island "Petro Vouche" A well made sky island that is filled with joy and peace. There are no hostile beasts nor treasures to be found. Just natural minerals floating and fields. This was a no-animosity ground. The siblings thought of it as the best place to have their picnic and so they did. They all laughed and talked about themselves and what they have gone through. The "Matthew" was mentioned too. They talked about Luciel and April who was in love with each other. About Luciel willing to defend April to his end. Matthew seemed not to care but instead was willing to have that set up because all that Matthew knew. Luciel possesses something so great, but he has not been able to obtain.

They also talked about the Adventures of Floating Islands where they found their relics, scrolls, runes and artifacts. They expressed how much fun they had since Matthew had returned to himself. They didn't regret having Matthew back, and Ethaniel was glad to have his brother back.

Ethaniel remembered what his uncle told him...

'Ethaniel. If one day. One day you had to bring Matthew Johnson back. You have to lead him in the Den of Phoebe. And I'm sure that someday you have too.'

He remembered what his Uncle told him and so he did. What they did to Matthew before was regrettable. It was stripping Matthew off his true self. He was imprisoned and never had a chance to be the one to decide that he wanted to erase his memories.

Kiseo had a plan and although he didn't tell what it was, Ethaniel followed the part of the plan. Kiseo asked Ethaniel to seal the memories of his brother and to not let him know any kind of magic. He had to know that no magic exists and is only a false thing and that is what Matthew had to know from the last 8 years. The 10 year old him never could have gone this far if Matthew hadn't lost his memories. Ethaniel had thought it through that maybe his Father already planned this from the start. Matthew being here, losing his memories, fighting alongside the rest, and everything else.

Ethaniel shooked the thought and had concentrated back on their picnic.

"I miss this. Us." Ethaniel applauded as he looked at the sky mesmerized.

April cried and pulled both Ethaniel and Matthew to hug both of them. "I wish this day would never end."

The two hugged April back as they admire the sky. It was the time of the day where the aurora appears. It covered the sky with its beautiful vibration. They freed themselves from their hug and smiled once again with each other.

"You know April. I hate Luciel for you." Matthew joked at April.

"Rude! That's not your choice!" April pouted.

Ethaniel and Matthew laughed together while both teased April. A year had passed after the three with Matthew's memories back intact and yet this day was the day for Ethaniel's leaving ceremony. Ethaniel in his birthday had to leave his siblings to find books for his younger brother. Although Ethaniel could change the schedule, he refuses to. He knows like anyone else in these sky islands how much Matthew needs those books badly and faster.

He knew that the schedule for that is already late, and he had no reason to make it even pass deadline thus he set aside his selfishness and does what was right. This day was his last day.... last morning to be exact and maybe years or months until they reconnect with each other again. The three admired the Aurora as it strips away in the other corner of the sky. The sun was once again seen. It was in the middle of the sky, meaning it was already afternoon. It was time to leave.

April started crying. Ethaniel shushed his sister.

"Hey... don't cry. I'm not yet dead you know, and I'm going to come back but for now... I need to leave you both. I need to find these books to finally reunite our family, and until then... I want you to be brave and stand higher. Show the world the pride that we Acker have..." he blurted out not minding his sad tone.

"This is really it huh brother?" Matthew said.

"Not really "it" remember we will get to see each other again." Ethaniel replied to Matthew over his shoulder and both smiled.

Ethaniel prepared his things and forwarded in the place where the exit was to be located. He looked once again over his shoulder to see both of his siblings. Both were waving and the sight of it made him smile.

'So long brother... take care of April.'

Ethaniel stepped out the Petro Vouche Floating Island and headed down the rest of the islands. That's when the flashbacks of what had happened in their 5 months journey through this sky islands re appeared in his mind.