It was a beautiful night in the great forests of Ircandesta. The sky was clear, the moons were bright, and the air was cool and dry. The wind whispered softly as it wove through the folded leaves of the massive chronoan trees surrounding Yuna Lake.copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmi3IKcbS8

A young tigreth woman stepped hesitantly from the cover of the trees, her folded clothes clutched to her naked bosom. Although the color of her fur was hard to make out, the light of the moons caught on the white patch of fur that covered her stomach, chest, and ended just above her nose.copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6d9Lmyq6L

Her cat-like ears twitched as she listened intently for something beyond the normal sounds of the forest. She set her clothes on a smooth rock near the edge of the lake, and with a final glance at the forest around her, she stepped into the tranquil water.copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡnr7XanyvIG

"Thank the Creator." she breathed as the cool liquid washed over her road-worn body, "I feel like I haven't had a bath in ages."copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡuq2NtKyFWq

The young tigreth maiden waded into the lake until the water came up to her stomach. She hummed softly as she cleaned herself in the cool water. As she started to wash her hair, however, her ears twitched. She froze for a moment before looking around only to find the lake and the forest as empty as ever.copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwx1GineJu

The tigreth maiden let out a light-hearted laugh and resumed cleaning herself only to stop a few seconds later. This time she was certain she could hear something.copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6V636uCCd

After a few moments of looking around only to find herself alone, her gaze rose to the night sky. The stars were shining brightly, as were the three of Vinta's moons that were currently visible. After a few seconds, however, it was clear that one of the stars was much brighter than the others. In fact, it was growing brighter by the second.copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6DlU75sN2

The tigreth maiden stared at the star a few moments, her ears continuing to twitch as the subtle whine in the air grew louder and louder. She wanted to run, but her innate curiousity made it impossible to tear her gaze away from the falling object.copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡTAzqCfJ0ts

A strange wind began to blow around the lake. It started as a whisper, but in a matter of moments grew into a gust that shook the limbs of all the trees.copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡutzpADw5g8

A particularly old limb was blown free and hit the ground with a crash that brought her back to her senses. Finally tearing her eyes away from the shining light, the tigreth maiden moved toward the shore. The wind stirred up the water of the lake, making it hard to keep her footing. Desperation on her face, the tigreth maiden fought through the rippling water and rushing wind.copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡizfWU940CR

The brilliant light slammed into the lake just as the girl leapt from the edge of the lake and landed with feline precision behind the rock where her clothes lay. The impact sent water in all directions. Fortunately, the girl had the forethought to grab her clothes before they were soaked.copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vsCW4RF4l

As the wind died down and the surface of the lake began to calm, the tigreth maiden stepped tentatively out from behind the rock. She clutched her clothes to her chest as she approached the edge of the lake, her eyes searching for whatever had just interrupted her bath.copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8zOHZplvuB

Something broke through the surface of the lake. After a few moments, it became clear that it wasn't something but someone. By the light of the moons, she could make out the smooth-skinned face of a young Galden man, apparently unconscious.copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNbTK52O6E

Dropping her clothes, Teria rushed into the lake and swam toward the still figure as fast as she could. She grabbed his arms, but abruptly let go when her hands touched metal.copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡG998L6cCLh

"He's a scrap." She whispered, looking with interest at the young man's metal arms.copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTQMBPbWkG

Shaking her head, she grabbed him under his shoulders and dragged him to the shore of the lake.copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYuJRfPU4V

She pressed an ear to his chest and listened for sounds of breathing. Hearing none, she put both hands on his chest and pushed hard once … twice … three times. Tilting his head back, she put her mouth to his and blew as hard as she could.copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡzK5ISRP4tA

He still wasn't breathing. Worried, the tigreth started to blow another breath into the boy when he coughed right into her open mouth.copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡmruce62q3n

"Ew!" She fell back, wiping her mouth as the boy sputtered back to life.copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BmBldQa8U

He pushed himself over and promptly retched lake water. The tigreth maiden patted him on the back as he fought to regain his breath.copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HEbqw3fBw

"Thank you." he breathed once he got the water out of his lungs. As he looked up at his savior, his cheeks went bright red. "I-I … I …."copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXYkacqcCu

"What?" Looking down, she realized that in her hurry to help the boy, she had forgotten that she was still naked.copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJ5Vkq9bBi

With a yelp, she darted back behind the rock and started clawing around for where she had set her clothes.copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HZKTqhWFS

The young man picked her clothes off the ground and approached the tigreth maiden slowly, careful to keep the rock between them. His eyes averted and his cheeks crimson, he held the clothes out to her. "Are these yours?"copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvQrQ0Egdh

She kept her eyes on his as she stepped out from behind the rock and snatched the clothes from his grasp. Once she had darted back behind the rock, she said, "Thanks. What's your name, anyway?"copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡKM1QImhSxS

"My name is …" The boy's face fell. He ran a metal hand through his long unkempt hair, looking pained.copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDzantAEpf

Slipping her shirt on over her damp fur, she asked, "What's a matter? Don't tell me you have amnesia."copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSLnkBoZSB

The boy shook his head. "It's not that. I just …"copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDoiu6FLZc

She gave an impatient snort as she tied her shirt into a makeshift top. "Do you know who you are or not?"copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡDaQdkdGVS5

"I'm Glen Gineros."copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqYWOjyciq

"Your name's Gineros? You a sentient or something?"copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡNA4bSyixji

"What's a sentient?" Glen asked, looking perplexed.copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXsAaNOQIH

"How could you not know what a sentient is? Are you from another planet or something?"copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡWU7VRVep7x

Hearing nothing but silence, the tigreth gave an exasperated snort and stepped out from behind the rock to get a look at the young man.copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡQV7U60tpyM

He was looking at Everblue, an odd look of wonder on his face.copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjK9TUXILF

"What?" She asked, looking up at the moon, "What's wrong with you?"copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡpIAwDrsRRA

"I think you're right."copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHvwCBx515

"Of course I'm right. Wait, what was I right about?"copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIoCSixP0i

"I think I'm from another planet."copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡvp15WExowo

The girl didn't seem perturbed by this, small surprise seeing as she had witnessed his unusual arrival. She sighed and rubbed her eyes. "Great. I got peeped by an alien."copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡYV6usJ6ZO7

"I'm not a … I didn't …" the boy flushed. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to-"copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HPtkHLRwL

"To fall out of the sky into the lake so that I had to haul your butt out and give you mouth-to-mouth?" A grin slid across her face. "So, how was it anyway?'copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2bb77QEwm

"How was what?"copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ui9ZKS5JH

"Your first kiss."copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡcOo2hJJ3Bg

"I …" the boy's whole face went red. Coughing, he asked, "So what planet is this, anyway?"copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMi0Yq8O4E

"Vinta. It's a nice place." Her face fell. "Well, usually. It kinda sucks when your parents are on your case, y'know?"copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡb79tg8d9dX

"I never knew my parents." The boy said, sounding a little sad. "The closest thing I ever had to a family was my team, but I guess that doesn't matter anymore."copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpMfr4Yb7A

Teria leaned toward him, her hands behind her back as she peered at up at his downcast face. "You wanna talk about it?"copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXmKXka59f

"Not really."copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡJknSOD01Me

After a few moments, she kissed him on the cheek.copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDDLS5PRgX

He looked up with surprise in his eyes.copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJUOtS9EXi

"Life can suck sometimes," She said kindly, "but you can't let it keep you down."copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHDhArUBtH

"You're right," the boy admitted, "but-"copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsltedy45P

"But? But? There's no but. You just got kissed by a beautiful lady twice. Isn't that enough to cheer you up?"copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xyWl2OuGL

The boy let out a light-hearted chuckle. Rubbing his spiky hair with a metal hand, he said, "I guess the only thing to do is to start over again."copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡNAtqR3RMEk

"That's the spirit!" The girl gave the boy a hearty smack on his back. "And you can start by being my protector."copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡutNPW23v69

The boy gave her an incredulous look. "Excuse me?"copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7GT31VSwC

"My protector. You know, my bodyguard." Her eyes narrowed. "Or were you just gonna abandon me out here?"copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjd6J5aBSO

"O-of course not, but I don't even know your name."copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡWniKdfMgLS

"Easily fixed." She thrust her hand at him. "Teria Celes Myssohn."copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡp606047VWD

"Call me Glen," He said as he shook her hand.copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAXMHHRRiJ

She gave him a crooked grin. "Glen, huh? Strange name, but it's got a good sound to it."copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡGf6ZZjfLA0

The world began to blur. The night sky melted away into the beautiful twilight of the dream realm. The lake vanished, replaced with the edges of the floating island. The Chronoan trees faded until one remained, which slowly shrank into a single oak tree.copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡE06F66Ke2G

One sat up suddenly, accidentally knocking Nixil off his lap in the process.copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBhPnYwfQP

"Gyaah!" Nixil bounced off the ground like a small rubber ball. After recovering from the initial shock, he flew up to One's face, bat-like wings flapping angrily. "Hey! What's the big idea?"copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡZx46w4qLQ1

"Sorry, Nixil." One said apologetically, "I was having a strange dream."copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡMu1Ta8ZUn2

"Of course you were dreaming! This is the dream realm! Just being here is technically dreaming, you moron!" With an angry snort, Nixil flew off toward the Solarius, the distant sun that hung in the very center of the dream realm.copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfES52RBhI

Sighing, One fell back against the trunk of his oak tree. The dream … no, the memory had played out in his eyes like a reel from a movie. He was regaining his memories, but how? Luck had the ring. Was she doing this for some reason?copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhfwnLANxq

He had vaguely remembered falling into a lake during his first visit to Vinta, but he didn't remember it actually being Yuna Lake. He certainly hadn't remembered that Teria had been there to fish him out. It was ironic his next visit to the planet would see him arriving in a lake as well, Rinoa Lake in Homestead..copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjURc5ZcZm

Just thinking about their first encounter brought a chuckle to his lips; she hadn't changed a bit since then, at least not personality-wise.copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡfACTtHVljd

"I wonder if she's doing okay." One mused.copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KuigS4QGB

"What about Luck?"copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvUcm7hmjg

"I like her. I like her a lot, but …" One stopped abruptly and turned to see to whom he was speaking.copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡIyRlsl2oGm

A black-robed figure stepped out from the shadows cast by the oak tree. One was on his feet in an instant, Headache materializing on his arms.copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJ672nZ6eF

The figure lowered his gaze to the units encasing One's arms. "Ah, One's infamous Headache. The grapple beam still giving you problems?"copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvbCHxJYT3

"Who are you?" One demanded.copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCC6X4r0t7

"Forgive me. I am told that I have something of an unsettling manner." The figure pulled off its hood, revealing a surprisingly youthful face and a head of long, white hair. "As you can see, I am unarmed."copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6RtdTQdZ4

"That doesn't mean much in the dream realm."copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHz3jhB3fu

The robed boy let out a laugh. "True enough. However, I give you my word I'm not here to give you any trouble."copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6v6JB4N35h

Lowering Headache slightly, One asked, "How did you get to my nexus point?"copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrn3UBWLOW

"You invited me. Indirectly, of course. You can call me Mixe, by the way." Mixe bowed to One. "And you are the Dreamer known as Narrator Number One."copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGDpKXGm0W

"Are you a Dreamer?" One asked.copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7sXQ31E77

Mixe shrugged. "Something like that, yes."copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjykmtVjeJ

Chuckling, One lowered Headache. "I thought I was supposed to be the cryptic one."copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4qTubQbxR

"Actually, I've always felt you were refreshingly straight-forward." Mixe sat down and rested his back against the tree. "You see a problem and you hit it dead on, no delay. I know some consider it a flaw, but I've always believed it your greatest strength."copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nZAlPEnuL

One wasn't sure what to say to that, so he just sat down beside Mixe.copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡuq52KrwFKL

After a few moments, the boy said, "The dream realm is as lovely as ever, I see. I've always loved the perpetual twilight."copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0QPTk0Kvx

When One didn't respond, Mixe chuckled. "Now, now. It's not like you to be so quiet."copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEVBehqSEV

"No one was supposed to know where I was. Even if they did, I don't let just anyone into my nexus point."copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8lJb5bILW

The boy raised his eyebrows. "Really? Then I guess I'm flattered. I love what you've done with the tree."copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaWjZQE0Ba

One opened his mouth to deliver an annoyed response, but Mixe quickly raised his hand. "I just thought you might appreciate a friendly ear, especially after what happened with Luck.copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡydOuO2LfVp

"How do you know about Luck?"copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡazyvjJBurn

"Ukaroh."copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVynfxeTyP

A pang shot through One's heart at the mention of his ex-girlfriend. "Ukaroh? You've seen her?"copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡ362RBRUm6P

"Indeed. She's still keeping tabs on you, y'know."copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡLhpjNI3odv

"How …"copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡMErk1GSfzq

"How is she?" Mixe asked, raising an eyebrow.copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Cx7u8You5

One nodded silently.copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡegmDA9mEyz

Mixe considered a moment. "She's definitely gotten better at guitar. Now that she's dyed her hair blue, she looks like someone out of one of Wong's anime shows. Oh, and she's still upgrading that old motorcycle of hers with any technology she thinks will make it faster … or more dangerous. It's hard to tell with Ukaroh."copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9keAFfhxvQ

"It always is. I'm glad to hear she's doing well." One said, but it sounded forced even to him. When he had refused to leave the Elsewhere with her, she had left him without a second glance. Even after a few decades, it still stung.copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAtvIXEHm9

They watched the clouds in silence for a few moments.copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBq9f0jBER

One let out a sigh. "What should I do?"copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOcppSFGpa

"About Luck? To be honest, I'm not sure. Your situation is … complicated."copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnL0TuYybl

When it became clear that Mixe wasn't going to continue, One let out a snort. "Thanks for that, Mixe. Here I was getting worried."copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZW78b8sNN

"It is a rather personal affair." Mixe said in mild tones, "If Luck doesn't want to be found, let's face it; you aren't going to find her. If you can't find her, there's not much of a relationship going on, is there?"copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡkYCxo1p3IO

Shaking his head, One said, "Something about the Breath of Fire scared her, but why?"copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡefcZg6ufEG

"Maybe it just scared her. It is an intimidating machine."copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmFxuOJDgw

"Pssh. Luck's faced worse things than that."copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBv28T4xWM

"Perhaps it wasn't the Breath of Fire that scared her, but rather what the Breath of Fire represents."copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡma2yajFEyk

One glanced at Mixe curiously. "And what does the Breath of Fire represent?"copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9H0GbOpO5

"What indeed." After a few moments of silence, Mixe stood up. "Well, I'd better be on my way."copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfGrhOkllh

"Wait a sec!" One scrambled to his feet. "If you know something about this, just tell me already!"copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8HragBuWg2

"It's not for me to tell, One. Don't worry, though; I'm sure you'll figure it out eventually." With a final bow, Mixe vanished.copyright protection140ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBcYBTapiY