The suburbs were fading behind them, replaced by the rolling green hills and dense forests that marked the beginning of the wildlands.

Jin took point, his eyes scanning the tree line. Lynn walked beside him, occasionally bumping his shoulder. Luna and Minou walked in the middle, while Maya and a panting Noah brought up the rear.

"Hey," Lynn broke the silence, twirling a strand of blonde hair. "So, Jin, I have what might be a dumb question."

"What’s up?" Jin asked without looking back.

"Maybe I missed it because I was busy being fabulous, but what exactly is the plan anyway?"

"Hey yeah," Noah chimed in from the back. "You never really told us the specifics. Just 'let's go on an adventure.'"

Jin sighed, adjusting his pack. "It is a pretty simple plan, really. We make our way to Erie Temple in Montevallo Village. We find the Head Sage. We ask him to extract Lunaclipseia’s Ki from Luna."

"Okay, cool," Lynn nodded. "And... exactly why are we doing this? Why not just fight?"

Jin stopped walking. He turned to face them, his expression serious. "Because to be honest... I’m not totally positive I’m strong enough to protect Luna right now."

"Wait, what?!?" Noah gasped. "But you're Jin! You beat up demons like they owe you money!"

"Random low-class demons are no problem," Jin admitted. "But what happened at the school was different. That was a coordinated attack. And that Succubus? She was powerful. High-tier mid-class, maybe higher. She works for Balthazar."

He began pacing. "That raises the question: How did she even get to Terria? The Great Barrier Lunaclipseia created should keep demons that powerful out. So, has Balthazar found a crack in the wall? Has she been here for sixteen years, hiding in plain sight? If she has, how have the Guardians not detected her? Is she the only one? These are questions I do not have answers to. And as long as Luna is a walking nuclear reactor of spiritual energy, she is a beacon for every monster in the hemisphere."

"Well," Luna asked quietly, "how is getting Lunaclipseia’s power out of me going to keep me safe? Come to think of it, didn't that power save me when those two demons first attacked me?"

"True," Jin nodded. "But Balthazar and his followers are going to continue coming after you as long as you are the vessel. If we extract the source of that power into something tangible—a gem, an artifact—Maya and I can guard that. You can go back to being normal. You can be safe."

"Yeah," Maya scoffed. "Safe as long as, you know, you and I don't get killed by Balthazar’s demons and they take the power from our cold, dead hands."

"Wow, Maya," Lynn made a face. "Dark much?"

"I'm just being realistic."

"No, you’re just being an ass."

"Hey!"

"Okay, shut up!" Jin barked. "All of you! We have a long trip ahead of us, and I am not—I repeat, NOT—going to listen to childish bull crap all the way there. Understand?"

"Yes, Dad," Lynn smirked.

Jin rolled his eyes. "Anyway. The plan is to get to Erie Temple while avoiding the Mega Cities. We only stop in small villages when absolutely necessary. Keeping a low profile is critical."

"So I’m sensing a lot of camping for the foreseeable future," Maya groaned.

"You are correct, Maya."

"Boo," Lynn stuck out her tongue. "You know I hate sleeping outside, Jin. Bugs are gross."

"Yeah," Noah added. "What is the point of avoiding all the cities? Sleeping in a hotel sounds way smarter."

"Well, not that anyone asked you, Noah," Jin said dryly. "But it is too dangerous to go into the cities."

"But why, though?"

"I take it you guys don’t leave your safe little bubble very often, huh?"

"No, not really," Noah shrugged.

"If you did, you would realize demons aren't the only thing we have to worry about," Jin explained, his voice grim. "Besides the demons, there are bounty hunters. There are cults of demon worshipers—idiots who actually want the Demon Lords to conquer Terria. There are bandit clans that control entire regions. Any one of them would love to get their hands on Luna. Does that answer your questions?"

"I guess," Noah mumbled.

"Good. Now let’s pick up the pace. I want to make it to Zeno Village by nightfall."

"Didn’t you just go off on a tangent about how we need to avoid villages?" Luna asked.

"Yes, I did," Jin admitted. "But Zeno is different. I know a few merchants there. It's safe enough to stop, get supplies, and buy new clothes."

"New clothes?" Lynn perked up. "Now you're speaking my language. Why do we need new clothes?"

"Well, you don't, Lynn. But Maya and I do," Jin gestured to his distinctive blue uniform. "We are wearing Guardian gear. It screams 'I hunt demons.' Not exactly low profile."

"True," Maya nodded.

"So," Jin continued, "after we leave Zeno, we are on our own until we get close to Erie Temple. We have over twenty miles to cover before sunset."

"TWENTY MILES?!" Luna shrieked. "By nightfall?! I think I would rather risk a demon attack!"

"Oh, hush," Jin laughed. "You’ll be fine."

"Well," Luna smiled sweetly. "Can I at least jump on your back like last time, Jin?"

"Umm..." Lynn narrowed her eyes. "Like when did you have Luna all up on your back, Jin?"

"Oooo," Maya teased. "You sound a little jealous, Lynn."

"Oh, quiet, Maya."

"Yeah, Maya," Jin said quickly. "And don’t worry about it, Lynn. Also, no, Luna. That was a one-time emergency evac."

"Oh, come on, Jin," Luna pouted.

"Um," Noah raised his hand. "You could always jump on my back, Luna."

"Yeah, that's not happening," Luna said flatly. "You would enjoy that way too much."

"Aww, come on!"

"No means no, Noah," Jin said. "Besides, you are going to be too busy."

"Busy doing what?"

"Training."

"Training?" Noah blinked. "How the heck am I supposed to train while walking?"

"Very simple," Jin smirked. "While we walk to Zeno, you are going to focus on creating and maintaining a ball of Ki. The whole way. Don't let it flicker. Don't let it explode."

"How am I supposed to focus on that and walk at the same time?"

"That sounds like a 'you' problem, Noah. I can tell you one thing: I am not slowing down for you. Keep up or get left behind."

"Damn it, Motozawa!"

The group fell into a rhythm. Jin and Maya took the lead, scanning for threats. Luna walked in the middle with Minou nestled in her hood. Noah brought up the rear, sweating profusely as he tried to keep a red ball of energy stable in his palm. Lynn drifted between them.

Maya nudged Jin. "So, Jin. I have a question."

"Yeah?"

"What's going on with you and Lynn?"

"Huh?" Jin kept his eyes forward. "What are you talking about?"

"Come on, don’t play dumb," Maya whispered. "Lynn is always flirting with you, but something is different today. The vibe has shifted."

"I have no idea what you’re talking about."

"The fact that you are playing dumb tells me there is something going on," Maya pressed. "Besides, if there wasn’t anything going on, why would you let her come with us? You were adamant about leaving her behind."

"Well... um... because ah, she is here for moral support."

"Yeah," Maya snorted. "To morally support your boners."

Jin choked. Well, she isn't completely wrong.

"Hey! Watch it, you," Jin hissed, face heating up. "She is here. Get over it. If there was anything going on, that would be her and my business. And why do you care about my personal life all of a sudden?"

Maya looked away, blushing slightly. "I don't. I’m just making sure your head is in the game. Can’t have you distracted by romance when Luna is in danger."

"Well, you don’t have to worry about that," Jin lied smoothly. "Because like I said, nothing is going on."

"Good."

"Hey guys!" Noah called out from the back, his Ki ball flickering dangerously. "How much farther till we get there? Seems like we have been walking forever!"

"What the crap, Noah?" Jin shouted back. "We haven’t even made it halfway yet!"

"What!?! You gotta be kidding me. My feet are dying!"

"No one asked you to come, Noah! Keep up!"

"Hey, Jin," Luna called out. "Maybe we should take a little break."

"No way," Jin shook his head. "I want to get to Zeno by nightfall."

"Come on, Jin, don't be a jerk," Luna pleaded.

"I said no, Luna."

"Jin, seriously," Lynn walked up beside him, placing a hand on his arm. "I’m starting to get a little tired too. My legs are burning. Would it really be such a big deal to take five?"

Jin looked at Lynn. She batted her eyelashes.

"Okay, fine," Jin sighed. "Five minutes."

"Okay," Maya threw her hands up. "So when Luna asks, it's a no. When Lynn asks, we stop immediately? Unbelievable."

"Oh, shut up, Maya," Jin grumbled. "Just take your damn break."

The group collapsed onto the grass by the roadside. Noah dissolved his Ki ball and chugged water.

Lynn scooted over to sit next to Jin.

"So, Jin," she whispered, leaning close. "Exactly why did you change your mind about the break when I asked?"

"Oh, hush up," Jin muttered, looking away. "You know why."

"Aw, you’re so sweet," Lynn giggled. "I might have to kiss you right now."

"Lynn, cut it out. People are watching."

"Aw, look at big bad Jin," she poked his cheek. "He's shy."

"It isn’t that, it’s just..."

"Hey everyone!" Lynn announced loudly. "Here's some tea: Jin and I hooked up the other night."

Silence fell over the clearing. A bird chirped awkwardly.

"Lynn, what the crap?!" Jin buried his face in his hands.

"There," Lynn beamed. "Now everyone knows. No reason to be shy anymore."

Maya jumped up, pointing a finger. "I KNEW IT!"

Luna’s jaw dropped. "You did what?"

"Yup," Lynn nodded casually. "And Jin isn’t just a total snack, he is totes a good kisser."

Noah’s face split into a massive grin. He ran over and slapped Jin on the back. "Wow! Congratulations, Jin! Couldn’t be happier for you, buddy!"

"Why are you so happy, you big idiot?" Jin groaned.

"Why wouldn’t I be happy?" Noah laughed. "Now with you and Lynn being an item, I don’t have to worry about you trying any funny stuff with my Luna!"

Luna’s face turned crimson. "Shut up, Noah! You big idiot!"

She grabbed her pack and stormed off down the road, away from the group.

Stupid Jin. Stupid Noah. Stupid Maya. Stupid Lynn. Everything is stupid.

Jin watched her go. He sighed, stood up, and jogged after her.

"Luna! Hey, wait up!"

He caught up to her a few hundred yards down the road. "Luna, what is the problem? Why did you storm off?"

Luna spun around, eyes flashing. "So, Jin. Is that why you suddenly let Lynn come with us? So the two of you can fool around on the road?"

"What? No!"

"Oh, bullcrap, Jin! It is written all over your face!"

"Hey, hold on a second," Jin raised his hands. "It isn’t like that."

"Oh yeah? And what exactly is it like then?"

"Hold on," Jin crossed his arms. "Why do you even care?"

"Don’t change the subject! We are talking about you!"

"No, no, no. If I’m going to have to explain myself, you need to tell me why you care so much about who I kiss."

"Well," Luna stuttered, looking away. "Before it goes to your head and makes your ego any bigger... it isn’t because I like you or anything!"

"Okay then. What is the problem?"

"The problem is," Luna poked him hard in the chest, "that as you put it, this is going to be an extremely dangerous journey. And you are bringing my best friend along just so you can get busy? I put my life in your hands, Jin. The least you could do is take it seriously instead of treating it like a romantic getaway!"

"Pump the brakes, Luna," Jin grabbed her hand to stop the poking. "I am taking this seriously. Very much so. Did Lynn and I hook up? Yes. Did I enjoy it? Yes. But she is also important to the team."

"Oh, whatever!" Luna yanked her hand away and turned her back.

"Correct me if I’m wrong," Jin said calmly to her back. "But did she or did she not save your ass multiple times when half the school was possessed? And was it not Lynn who woke up Maya, who then saved my life during the fight with the Succubus?"

Luna went silent. "Well... yeah. It was."

"If you think I’m not taking this seriously," Jin walked around to face her, "you need to open up your eyes and realize something. Luna, I am taking this extremely seriously."

"If you say so," she muttered, refusing to meet his gaze.

"Luna," Jin’s voice dropped, losing all playfulness. "Look at me."

She looked up. His dark eyes were intense, burning with sincerity.

"I swear to you," Jin said softly. "I will do anything and everything in my power to keep you safe. I will gladly sacrifice my life if it means that yours will continue."

Luna felt her breath hitch.

Jin slowly dropped to one knee. He bowed his head and placed his right hand over his heart—the Guardian's oath.

"I pledge my life to yours, Luna Yi."

"Jin, I..." Luna’s anger melted away, replaced by a fluttering in her chest. "Jin, please get up."

Jin stood, dusting off his knee.

"I don’t want you to sacrifice your life," Luna whispered, looking at her shoes. "Just... promise me you will do everything to make sure you won't have to."

Jin smiled, a rare, genuine expression. "I promise.”