They emerged into brilliance.
Lumina Lagoon stretched before them, larger and more breathtaking than any vision — a vast bowl of living light, its waters layered with color and memory. Plants glowed with gentle intelligence. Ancient stones hummed softly beneath the current.
The lagoon felt… kind.
Gilbert hovered, overwhelmed. “We made it.”
Bip squealed and did an enthusiastic spin, promptly bumping into a glowing reed and apologizing to it with a chirp.
As Gilbert drifted closer, the water shimmered, responding to him the way the listening valley once had — but deeper. Warmer.
“You’re not here to take,” a presence seemed to say.
“You’re here to see.”
Gilbert felt the tug he’d known all his life finally settle into place.
He didn’t need to explore every corner.
He didn’t need to uncover every secret.
Just being here mattered.
Bip swam ahead, greeted by gentle pulses of light that recognized him instantly. He chirped back, glowing brighter than ever.
Gilbert smiled through a tight throat.
“You brought me home,” he told Bip.
Bip corrected him with a gentle tap.
We did.