Ryella stared at the necklace in her hand. The pendant hanging from the black strap was of a silver dragon connected to a black gem in the shape of a fang. It represented the Guardian bloodline, and had been passed down through the Praesidio family for generations. Reynard took it after the death of their father, keeping it in his room most of the time. He even went so far as to stash a small picture inside the fang part, which was hollow and could be disconnected from the dragon. The pendant itself always reminded Ryella of that day 12 years ago.

"Come on, Ella. We're supposed to be packing, remember?"

The girl swiftly put down the pendant and twisted around to face her brother. "Sorry, I know." She began helping him pick out some clothes from his wardrobe. "By the way, I hope you don't mind, but...Clement and I have plans in a bit."

"Again?" Reynard sighed. "I get that you like him and all, but we really need to get our things together before we leave."

His sister blushed. "I-I know, but it'll only be for an hour, I promise. I'll get my things packed up right after."

"Well.... If you're sure you can have everything done in time...."

Ryella happily gave him a hug. "Thank you, Rey." He hugged her tightly in return before she finally pulled away. "You know, it's moments like these where you really remind me of Dad."

"I do?"

She nodded sadly. "Yeah. You may not see it, but every time I look at you, I can see Dad. You're so much like him, I bet he'd be really proud of you." Her smile turned down into a frown. "Unlike me."

"Don't say that, Ella." Reynard placed his hands on her shoulders.

"But it's true," she argued. "You're both so brave and strong, and I'm just a timid little girl too afraid to speak up. Sometimes I wonder if I can ever live up to the Praesidio name."

"I believe you can." She looked up at him in surprise. "You've got the most versatile magic I've ever seen. You can absorb magic of all kinds and use it as you see fit. Not to mention how much faster you move in dragon form because of your smaller size." He could see the doubt in her eyes. "You know what, you aren't like me or Dad. You're just like Mom. I know you never met her, but everything about you, from the way you look to the way you act, is just like her. And she was an incredible person."

"R-really?" Ryella questioned, imagining what her mother was like.

Reynard smiled reassuringly. "Really. And I wouldn't want you to ever change."

The siblings shared a hug. Ryella's doubts had been erased thanks to her brother's words. He always knew how to make her feel better. To picture herself being just like her mother gave her confidence in herself. The girl suddenly realized what time it was and quietly gasped, releasing Reynard and darting toward the door.

"I hadn't noticed the time. Clement could already be waiting for me."

"Ella." She paused, looking back at him. He smiled. "Have fun, and be back in an hour. No later, okay?"

The brunette smiled back, noticing how much difficulty he had in saying that without sounding pushy and overly protective. "I will."

She hurried out. Ryella made her way down halls and stairs until she finally exited the manor. The sky was clear and the sun shone brightly while a cool breeze blew through the trees. The girl smiled, spotting Clement seated on a bench nearby. She approached him, eyeing the items he had with him. He had a small basket and what appeared to be a guitar case.

"Hi, Clement," she greeted. "Sorry if I made you wait long."

He grinned, hopping to his feet upon her arrival. "Don't worry about it. I just got here myself."

"So, what's all this you've brought?" she asked.

He chuckled. "You'll see." He slid the guitar case onto his shoulder and took the basket by the handle. "Just come with me."

He held his free hand out for her to take. She politely took it, allowing him to lead the way. The couple walked a short distance out into the wooded area outside the manor. Clement found a nice, secluded spot where he stopped, releasing the girl's hand. He slipped a simple, light blue blanket out of the basket. He handed her the basket for the moment while he spread the blanket and laid it neatly across the grass. He then took a seat on it and patted the space next to him. Ryella went over, sitting down beside him.

"This is what you had in mind?" she inquired with a smile. "A picnic?"

"Yep." He placed the guitar case beside him and took the basket back from the girl. "It's just something nice and simple that lets us get away for a bit and enjoy some lunch."

The boy pulled a container out of the basket, opening it up and holding it out to Ryella. There were sandwiches inside. She graciously took one, taking a bite. "I think this is perfect," she admitted.

Clement got his own sandwich and began eating as well. The two shared lunch in a comfortable silence, just enjoying each other's company. The young hunter would occasionally scoot closer to the girl and place a hand on her knee or over her own hand, all while smiling and gazing lovingly at her. Once they'd both finished eating, Clement finally opened up the large case. There was indeed a guitar inside. The boy carefully picked it up, making sure it was tuned right.

"I didn't know you could play an instrument," Ryella said.

Clement shrugged his shoulders lightly. "I learned a bit in between hunting." He then stared over at her, a serious look in his eyes. "Ryella, these past couple of weeks have been amazing. I've had so much fun spending time with you and getting to know you. And all that fun inspired me to write a song especially for you...and me." With that, he began playing music on the guitar.

This song is by Tommee Profitt feat. Ruelle and is called "Follow Me"

"Wake the fire inside
We don't need time
To hold us down
We can fly
Feel the future in our lungs
Chase the silver sun
Forever young
We can fly

"Ooh, we can fly

"Follow me to the edge of the world
Show you everything you've never seen before
Oh, we're dancing on the skyline
Heartbeats racing in the moonlight
Follow me to the edge of the world
To the edge of the world

"Like a current in my skin
Pull me closer
Drink the wave
Breathe it in
Wild and weightless we are one
Time has just begun
Forever young
Forever young

"Follow me to the edge of the world
Show you everything you've never seen before
Oh, we're dancing on the skyline
Heartbeats racing in the moonlight
Follow me to the edge of the world
To the edge of the world
To the edge of the world
Follow me to the edge of the world

"Follow me to the edge of the world
Show you everything you've never seen before
Oh, we're dancing on the skyline
Heartbeats racing in the moonlight
Follow me to the edge of the world
Follow me to the edge of the world"

Ryella wiped a stray tear from her eye. "That was beautiful. You really wrote that...for me?"

"Of course." He set the guitar aside and scooted closer. He smiled softly and locked onto her green eyes. Ryella watched him as he gently placed a hand against the side of her face while his other hand clutched onto hers. "Ryella." He was inching closer to her, enough to where she could feel his warm breath against her skin. She stared into his brown orbs, unable to move. "I think I'm...falling in love with you."

Before she could react, Clement lightly pushed his lips against hers. Her eyes widened while a blush formed on her cheeks. It suddenly felt like Ryella had been pulled into a dream. But it ended all too quickly when the boy pulled back. He quietly looked at her, waiting for her to respond in some way. But Ryella gathered up the courage and leaned forward, capturing his lips in another kiss. That made Clement smile against her lips and return her kiss.

As soon as the two pulled apart, the hunter placed his hands against the sides of Ryella's face, keeping her eyes locked onto his own. "Ryella, would you join me in my travels?"

His sudden question caught her off guard. "Huh? Wh-what do you mean?"

Clement sighed softly, rubbing her cheeks with his thumbs. "Listen, I know you'll be going to Altissia with Lady Lunafreya for the wedding, but once you return..." He trailed off, trying to find another way of saying it. "Thing is, I'll be leaving Tenebrae soon. I've already been here longer than I should've. But I'd love it if you would come back to Lucis with me. There are so many places I want to show you, we could explore Eos together."

"Clement..." The girl blinked at him, stunned by his request. "I'd love to go with you, I really would, but..." She steadily placed her hands over his, removing them from her face. "My place is here, with my brother and Luna. You know that I am linked to the Oracle, it's my duty as a Guardian to protect her. I can't abandon my responsibilities."

Clement chuckled, giving a rueful smile. "Somehow I just knew you'd say that."

Ryella was on the verge of crying, her eyes wet with tears she was holding back. She didn't want to say goodbye. "Believe me, I'd fly across the ocean every day if it meant I could see you. I don't want to ever lose you, Clement."

"I couldn't ask you to do that, you'd exhaust yourself." He wrapped the girl in a loving embrace. "But I really do care about you, Ryella." He kissed her head as she wrapped her arms tightly around him. "We'll figure something out. I'm determined to make this work...somehow."