Sunny observed as the Fire Keepers went about dismantling their makeshift outpost. The cots were disassembled. The enchanted lanterns were gathered and prepared to be carried away. The modest kitchen was taken apart and stored in crates for transportation.
'What are they doing?'
Cassie looked a little bit disheveled, which was very unlike her usual tidy self. She observed the Fire Keepers silently, but at some point, a slight scowl appeared on her face.
The blind seer wandered the hall for a bit, seemingly without aim. Eventually, she stopped near the cot Sunny had slept on and touched the pillow briefly. He was about to grow tense, but at that point, one of the Fire Keepers called out to her:
"Cassie... are we really not going to be able to return here?"
Turning around, she lingered for a few moments, then answered with a sigh:
"I don't know. The Ivory Tower is about to leave the Chained Isles. The connection between the two portals might depend on distance, or it might not.... in any case, it is better not to take the risk.”
Hiding in the shadows, Sunny was momentarily stunned.
'Right... Nephis told Cassie to take the Ivory Tower to Bastion.’
He had forgotten all about it.
What would have happened if he stayed on the Ebony Island until the connection between the two portals was broken? Was he capable of ascending all the way to the Sky Above on his own?
Probably... after doing some weaving, at least.
But it would be such a pain.
'It seems I can't stay here anymore.’
It was so sudden.
But it was also... a relief.
Feeling strangely liberated, Sunny silently hid himself in Cassie's shadow and stayed with her until the outpost was completely disassembled. Then, he followed the blind seer back to the portal... on the way, Sunny said a silent goodbye to the statue of Storm God and threw one last glance at the map carved into the wall on the fifth level.
The Hollow Mountains were calling to him, and he had no reason to refuse the invitation anymore.
Once Cassie and the Fire Keepers returned to the Ivory Island, taking him with them, Sunny silently reached down with his senses and used Shadow Step to teleport to the distant land far below.
He stepped out of the shadows on the Southern Island, in the ruins of the ancient stronghold that had once belonged to Shadow Lord, and where he battled Nightmare many years ago.
In the sky above, the beautiful silhouette of the Ivory Island was drifting among clouds.
Sunny remained motionless for a while, looking up. Eventually, the flying island slowly moved, traveling south... crossing the chasm separating the Chained Isles from the rest of the Dream Realm, and leaving them behind.
It was time for him to go, as well.
He watched the Ivory Tower float away, and then turned around, facing north.
"...Goodbye."
Taking the first step, Sunny headed away from the ruined stronghold, never looking back.