Clari sighed in frustration and redoubled his concentration. Evidently, he had expended so much magic energy in his battle with Bass that it was taking more time than he though to replenish it. It was already two days after they had been found by Raiel and the rest of the circus, and Clari was quickly growing impatient with himself.

"Don't try so hard. You'll only make yourself weaker," Phi said. She was sitting on a nearby crate, watching him struggle to conjure the magic necessary to complete the spell.

"I think she's right, Clari-san. You should rest," Raiel piped up.

"There's no time to just sit around. Bass could be halfway the Sforzendo by now, and we're just sitting here doing nothing!" Clari pounded his fist on the wooden floor of the wagon in frustration.

"A dead hero can't do much in a battle. You've gotta rest, and stop trying so hard. That's why you can't conjure the magic, because you are trying too hard," Phi said. "Tell you what. Why don't you let me try the spell?" Phi asked.

"I do not know. I am not sure if you are one a level strong enough to support such a spell," Clari said slowly.

"How hard can it be? Please, let me try it? It's better than sitting around here, going insane with worry," Phi said.

"I don't know," Clari said again.

At last, Clari consented, but only after extensive arguments from both Phi and Raiel. After all, he had said himself that he was too weak to complete the spell himself, and he preferred to get to Sforzendo as quickly as possible.

"Here," he said, digging into one of his pockets. From it, he withdrew a small book of spells, which he always carried. He flipped to a certain page and showed the spell to Phi. "This is the spell that you need to use. Memorize it carefully. If it is all right with the two of you, I would like to leave at about noon."

Neither Phi nor Raiel minded, so their plans were made.

Phi yawned as she leaned against a tree near the clearing where the circus was encamped. As soon as the other had found out their plans to leave, they decided to stop travel for a day so that Raiel, Clari and herself could rest and prepare before presenting themselves to the Sforzendo royalty.

Phi had spent most of her morning sitting with her back against a tree, studying the spell that Clari had given her. The wording of the spell was simple enough, and she quickly put it to memory. She had intended to study other spells in the book, but the day was warm and the sun felt so wonderful on her flesh that she could not help but to allow he mind to wander.

Idly, she reached into her pocket and withdrew the crystal that Tym had once had. She examined the features of the stone, marveling at the runes which flashed blood red on the crystal's black surface. They were runes of pure evil. The one who created this stone had certainly had plenty of knowledge as to the darker side of sorcery. She wondered what compelled Tym to keep it in secret for so many years.

Tym… The thought of her best friend pained her. What had become of him? Was he still alive? She sincerely believed so, even though Clari said the entire village was dead. Somehow, Phi knew deep in her heart that her friend was still alive. But for how long…?

"Phi?" Raiel's voice cut through her thoughts, and she quickly hid the crystal in her pocket, before looking guiltily at the pianist.

"Yes?" Phi said at last, forcing a smile.

"Are you okay? You looked like you were thinking some sad thoughts," Raiel said. Carefully, he removed his golden piano from his back and sat down next to her.

"I'm fine, really," Phi said quickly. It was a lie, and Raiel knew it.

"All right. If you're ready, we should leave now," Raiel said with a smile.

"Yeah, I'm ready," Phi said, jumping to her feet. Raiel followed slowly as they made their way to the campsite.

"Look who I found," he said to those who were waiting for them. Birdie and Mifa stood in the center of the campsite with Clari, waiting to say their goodbyes.

"Are you sure that you are ready for this?" Clari asked as he stood up.

"Yup, I got the spell all memorized and everything. Do you want your book back?" Phi replied.

"No, keep it. You need to learn the spells. At any rate, whenever you are ready, Phi," Clari said with one of his rare smiles.

Clari and Raiel stood near Phi in silence as the girl murmured the words to the spell. Phi herself was barely paying attention to it, since she had just learned the words by heart. Her concentration was devoted to conjuring the magic strong enough to take them there. She kept her eyes closed, and her hand in her pocket, clutching the crystal like it was a final hope.

At last, she felt strong winds upon her face, and could her it roaring in her ears. The spell was working! A few moments later, the wind faded. Then, she heard two shouts, and two very distinctive splashes.