A Daughter's Letter

To my dear old dad, Nolan the great Navigator, who still can't find his way home:

Hey! It's Layla, writing to you again.

It's been ages since you left. If it weren't for this pendant and our old photos, I might actually forget I even had a dad... I'm kidding! How could I forget my dear old dad?

I've always understood that a father carrying the sacred duty of a "Navigator" could never live a normal life. But Dad, this time you've been gone far too long.

I've already blown out sixteen birthday candles without you. I've grown from that little rascal who barely reached your knees into a proper young lady. My hair is long now—I even braided it into twin tails! When we finally meet again, will you, dear old dad, even recognize me?

But don't you worry—your daughter will definitely recognize you. I've stared at those photos of you and Mom countless times. Every year when I blow out those birthday candles, I feel this pendant glowing with warmth against my chest, as if you've been right here all along.

You promised me that no matter where your journey took you, this pendant would always point you toward me, toward home. I remember it all so clearly—the day you left, when you made that pinky promise, asking me to be a good girl and wait patiently for your return. That was over ten years ago, and childhood promises don't carry the same weight they once did, do they? Besides, I don't want to be that little girl anymore, the one who could only wait at home.

Just like you in your travels, I too have felt the crisis in the Nexus Sea closing in. My world is slowly being eroded away, and if I just wait here doing nothing, I might never see you again. The pendant guided me to the Nexus Sea, where I encountered the Nexus Shark.

Here, in the place where you've fought for so long, I found resonance—and I heard your voice. I know you're worried, scared that I might end up in danger... But Dad, I'm no longer that kid who could only hide behind you, waiting to be rescued.

I've understood the Navigator's duty since childhood. While taming the Nexus Shark, I also uncovered the secret you've kept hidden: I am the long-lost "other Navigator" of the Nexus Sea. We won't be able to protect the Nexus Sea without my ability to illuminate. Only when we stand and fight together can we wield the Navigator's true power. So I can't just run away, nor do I wish to. Only by protecting this world can I protect you—and the "home" we will both return to.

Don't underestimate me—I've learned all kinds of fighting techniques in these years. Though I was still terrified when I first encountered Thamuz, just thinking about how you've fought against him for so long filled me with courage.

Dad, I've seen through your eyes, witnessed your struggles. Just as you protected me by keeping me from this place, I now choose to fight, to protect you. Maybe I'm not the good girl you hoped for, but even if I have defy you as the rebellious daughter, it doesn't matter. What I want to become is someone strong enough to bring you home.

I borrowed power from the Laylas from the other dimensions, and gathered it into one devastating attack against Thamuz. But he was still too powerful—no version of me across any dimension has figured out how to destroy him completely. And as long as he exists, the crisis will never end.

But no matter how terrifying and powerful our enemy, no matter how time and space conspire to keep us apart, no matter what trials await us... This time, I will stand and fight at your side, as equals.

I'm on my way to the Lighthouse. You've protected me for sixteen years—now let me be the one to illuminate the beacon home for you.

Well, I don't even know if I'll get the chance to give you this letter. Maybe I'll finish writing it and simply forget it in some random place, or maybe it'll end up locked away with all those other letters from the past sixteen years... With Thamuz on my tail, will I even be able to keep this fragile thing in one piece? It's just ink and paper, after all.

But right now, all I want you to know is this: Dad, you're not alone anymore. The way home, wherever it is, we'll sail it together.

Your super capable daughter, Layla