Chapter V: Acceptance
(It's going to be okay.)

Taking a deep breath, she raised her arm and threw the bottle into the sea. I know this will reach you. I'll always love you, okay? A small smile graced her lips.

Then she turned around and left.

Dear Ratatosk,

it's me again- Marta. But then, who else would be stupid enough to try to send you letters like this, right?

I didn't write for a while, did I? I'm sorry. I was... well, I guess I was sick. But I'm much better now. How are you doing? How's Tenebrae? And Aqua? I hope they're not fighting all that much? I really miss him, though. I wish he was here with me... Tenebrae's teasing always did make me feel better, somehow.

...How's Richter holding up?

I never did get to ask about him. I never knew, how. After all, what do you say about the guy, who always tried to killl you and then decides to be a sacrifice to save the world?

Tell him... oh, I don't even know what you should tell him. I don't even know, what I'd say if we were face to face. It's just so... hard.

Because there's nothing to say.

Because there's everything to say.

And that at the same time.

Tell him (and I'm sure he doesn't want to hear this, but make him listen, anyway;) that I'm sorry. I know that he doesn't like it – doesn't like me, and I know that it won't change anything, but I feel like he needs to know that I really am sorry. For a lot of things.

For not listening.

For not trying to explain.

For running away.

For his loss.

But above all else; I'm sorry for the way it turned out.

I didn't even say Goodbye to him. And I didn't say "Thank-you", either.

So... tell him that, too. Tell him that I'm grateful. For what he's done. And tell him that I convinced Daddy to forgive him, too. I explained everything to him. About the Tree, the Ginnungagap... and about Aster, too. It took him a while, but he undertands now. He's lost someone, too, right?

Anyway, that's just something I had to say, and I was afraid I'd chicken out if I waited to long. No more running for me, remember? I promised you.

Aric and I have stayed in touch, by the way. He's got himself a girlfriend now. I'm really happy for him, he deserves it.

What? You probably thought I was lying when I said it wasn't like that, huh?

Don't roll your eyes, you know I'm right.

I really meant it, you know. He's sweet and kind and caring... but he's not you. And there will never be anyone for me but you.

He's become an important person for me, sure. He's helped me quite a bit in the last weeks. He's kinda become a close friend. Not more, but not less, either. I want him to be happy. And he is, I think. He always seems to light up whenever he talks about his girlfriend. Kinda like I do, when I talk about you.

Or so I'm told.

Because I finally can. Talk about you, I mean. It doesn't hurt anymore. Well, not as bad. I think a part of me will always hurt when I think about you, but in a good way. It will always remind me of you. Remind me that you'll always be more than just a memory.

I love you.

I love you!

I always will, never forget that. And I'm okay with it. It's really a relief that I can say it outloud again.

Well, I guess... this is it.

Just... give it your best. I'll do the same, too, you know. Because now I know that it's going to be okay. You're protecting this World with everything you have, I can't just stay in my bed and wait for my life to change by itself. You're doing everything you can, so I should, too. I promised you I would do everything possible to stop the Tethe'allans from looking down on us Sylvaranti. And I will.

I know that... I know that I'm not alone. I have Zelos, Sheena, Regal and Presea, and they will do anything they can, too. Colette, Genis and Raine are there as well. And Lloyd, too. If we all work together, I'm sure we can change something. It might take a while, the changes might start out subtle, but it's going to work out. Just believe in us, in me, and wait, okay?

I'll change this world for you.

Just one more thing...

I love you. I think I might always.

Love you.

Sorry. Just had to say it one more time.

So... can I make one more selfish request? I want you to keep me in your heart. Don't forget me, okay? Because I won't ever forget you, too.

"My heart will always be with yours", remember? I meant it. Every bit of it.

Forever and always,

Marta

Red eyes focused on the paper. A small smile found his lips as he read it. So silly. How could he ever forget?

"And I will always love you, too."