Claire's P.O.V.

I saw my staff on the floor and knew what I had to do. I ran over and picked it up

"Edric, restore the power of the crystal!"

"Yes ma'am."

After getting the crystal's power in me back, I stuck the crystal in it's rightful place on my staff.

I then shattered the chest used to hold Clarice's spirit, unleashing it's power as a Relic of Sealance.

"Girls!" They ran over and helped me out as I prepared to fire a powerful blast. Elise lifted up her own crystal and Edric stuck out his hand to channel strength through the area. Neolia nodded to me.

"CRYSTAL... RESTORATION... REVIVAL!!!!!"

A light filled the room and blasted everyone back... everyone but me.

I couldn't let it take me down. I planted myself in the ground and stood there, bracing myself for all the power surges. I felt life being drained from me...

Whatever it takes to keep Max alive...

Whatever...

It...

Takes...

I just know he's counting on me...

When the light cleared, Max shot up.

"How...?" I suddenly felt too weak to stand.

"Claire!" Glad to know so many people care about my well-being.

"I'm fine... I'm alive." Max and Serenity helped me up and supported me. It might take a while for the strength to come back to my legs...

But we didn't have that time. The area shook and seemed to be collapsing.

"We have to get out of here," Itsuki told us all. Max and Serenity, with warning, let me go and I supported myself on my staff.

We then ran for the portal back, but it was completely shut.

"Cover for me," I told Max before going into complete concentration to make the gateway. Elise was busy trying to slow the destruction with Neolia.

Once I made it, I tried to hold it as long as I could as everyone got in. Donovan, Edric, Aera, Itsuki, Larry, Jersey, Serenity, Elise...

"Neolia, come on!" Max yelled over the destruction.

"No. Someone has to stay to ensure you all can make it out. I know how much time it takes for the teleportation from here to anywhere takes. Trust me."

"No..." I can't believe it... she's giving up herself... for us.

"I'll finally be able to start my cycles... and no longer be trapped here for eternity..."

A huge chunk of the ceiling fell and Max and I were right where it was going to hit. Neolia used some cosmic energy to throw us through right as it fell.

"NEOLIA!" Max yelled.

During the long trip, I fully comprehended everything that happened.

"You know, Max," I started. "That'll be the last time I trust you completely when you promise something."

"Watch you put that much faith in me again."

"Nope. Not gonna happen."

"Watch and see, Claire. I can tell you're going to have to trust me again."

"Max... just no. It's not gonna happen."

~~~~~~~~~~

Claire and Max are both alive!

But Neolia...

Oh well, I guess...

That I can't save...

Well...

See you next chapter.

Bye!