Chapter 399: Elin’s Decision
Elin couldn't help but feel surprised when she saw Jonas leaving the cave with Elmo over his shoulder by the time she'd reached two thirds of the distance to the cave.
At about that time, Elysia and Etaina flew down in their bird forms, Etaina perching on Elin's shoulder while Elysia landed on the branch of a nearby tree. Both looking well rested and in a pleasant mood.
"Would this be a good time to bring out our parents?" Elysia asked, sounding almost afraid that Elin would refuse.
Elin glanced back at Jonas, who was starting his climb to where Elin was, though he didn't show if he noticed Elysia and her sister or not. Although, Elin was pretty sure he had. As he seemed to notice a lot more than Elin knew she did herself.
"Sure," Elin replied, "Would you like to go in after them or would you rather I did that?"
Elin wasn't sure what Elysia would prefer, but thought she'd at least offer it to her. As Elin couldn't think of a better reunion for her and her parents than to be the one to let them know that they could come out of the cage they'd been in for who knew how long.
Not to mention how long it had to have been for them. As Elin could still remember how it felt like weeks when she'd been in the facet of the crystal for merely a single day. Something she'd rather not have repeat or that she'd wish on someone else. Although, someone like Douglas would be a person she'd be very tempted to let stay in there.
So, it wasn't exactly like she wouldn't not want everyone to not experience that, but she wasn't certain that she'd have the heart to do something like that.
Aside from the reasons Jonas gave, Elin was starting to agree with his suggestion about destroying the crystal when Elysia's parents were freed. If she encountered someone like Douglas again, the temptation to try and put them in there would probably drive her mad. So, she resolved to smash it as soon as the last occupants in it were released.
Elin set the crystal on the branch and turned the crystal to the first of the facet with the first of Elysia's parents, as the firebird considered Elin's proposal. Elin didn't want to push her, but thought it probably would be better to not suggest it to Etaina. Elin didn't want Etaina to forget a few key details, like she was confident the little bird would. Not that she planned on mentioning it out loud.
When Elin stepped back from the crystal, Elysia sighed, then flew down to where the crystal's shadow was cast and essentially melted into the shadow, though Elin thought for a moment that she saw something move up the light towards the crystal.