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.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjYf6GhGRx 維尼
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.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡefnMspW23x 維尼
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.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡFA7yCQoZ6h 維尼
"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."8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22X5yWmcqD 維尼
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.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡJboIGJ7Ziw 維尼
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.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDNbtbUv5T 維尼
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.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvzQy68DQ7 維尼
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.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLWFBaiyuS 維尼
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.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡngSsqthtzV 維尼
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.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡySNILPKVvR 維尼
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.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFPUO8ahaV 維尼
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.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡDsJQEtX0hd 維尼
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.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbnb5PrinE 維尼
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.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QpxW46UMM 維尼
"He's a scrap." She whispered, looking with interest at the young man's metal arms.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLJ8leOiPh 維尼
Shaking her head, she grabbed him under his shoulders and dragged him to the shore of the lake.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡujB3vxT8Pe 維尼
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.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JlbyYBz7Y 維尼
He still wasn't breathing. Worried, the tigreth started to blow another breath into the boy when he coughed right into her open mouth.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZ9dPKOh0S 維尼
"Ew!" She fell back, wiping her mouth as the boy sputtered back to life.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gRJMY4fXs 維尼
He pushed himself over and promptly retched lake water. The tigreth maiden patted him on the back as he fought to regain his breath.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvM16wDX0n 維尼
"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 …."8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3sbCAdICI0 維尼
"What?" Looking down, she realized that in her hurry to help the boy, she had forgotten that she was still naked.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡPEQXyvfH7l 維尼
With a yelp, she darted back behind the rock and started clawing around for where she had set her clothes.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSpZGitqn5 維尼
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?"8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡse138ABPfs 維尼
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?"8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡlR92TnHQPO 維尼
"My name is …" The boy's face fell. He ran a metal hand through his long unkempt hair, looking pained.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWskuaomyh 維尼
Slipping her shirt on over her damp fur, she asked, "What's a matter? Don't tell me you have amnesia."8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Dpxm1CkTK 維尼
The boy shook his head. "It's not that. I just …"8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtU1lyy5Nr 維尼
She gave an impatient snort as she tied her shirt into a makeshift top. "Do you know who you are or not?"8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnq7J5rp9x 維尼
"I'm Glen Gineros."8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yIhlZV34W 維尼
"Your name's Gineros? You a sentient or something?"8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfprNMbKDc 維尼
"What's a sentient?" Glen asked, looking perplexed.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1LfoXQ09n 維尼
"How could you not know what a sentient is? Are you from another planet or something?"8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0tm5UZdIf 維尼
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.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjoXAjDJF9 維尼
He was looking at Everblue, an odd look of wonder on his face.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPolgqsBKu 維尼
"What?" She asked, looking up at the moon, "What's wrong with you?"8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡmyXYGAzOQA 維尼
"I think you're right."8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqiYagk2LO 維尼
"Of course I'm right. Wait, what was I right about?"8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHGS2neZPt 維尼
"I think I'm from another planet."8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUWit6Fv1g 維尼
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."8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVvfKY5SlX 維尼
"I'm not a … I didn't …" the boy flushed. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to-"8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GBqNV4Kg2 維尼
"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?'8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡkC91IhBc0w 維尼
"How was what?"8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8na3yMT7IO 維尼
"Your first kiss."8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFQt7OAA4n 維尼
"I …" the boy's whole face went red. Coughing, he asked, "So what planet is this, anyway?"8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVBiOjOJtz 維尼
"Vinta. It's a nice place." Her face fell. "Well, usually. It kinda sucks when your parents are on your case, y'know?"8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7wGW10YOt 維尼
"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."8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡuh8sj5Atdd 維尼
Teria leaned toward him, her hands behind her back as she peered at up at his downcast face. "You wanna talk about it?"8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDOf554CVv 維尼
"Not really."8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡreqPEwvfMO 維尼
After a few moments, she kissed him on the cheek.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmVHmKfIga 維尼
He looked up with surprise in his eyes.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmW5nAMCfh 維尼
"Life can suck sometimes," She said kindly, "but you can't let it keep you down."8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡFm7E1SLes3 維尼
"You're right," the boy admitted, "but-"8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡSaPZ4bMKGF 維尼
"But? But? There's no but. You just got kissed by a beautiful lady twice. Isn't that enough to cheer you up?"8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWrBvL5dpm 維尼
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."8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkxVXuid1S 維尼
"That's the spirit!" The girl gave the boy a hearty smack on his back. "And you can start by being my protector."8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVtKezmMdE 維尼
The boy gave her an incredulous look. "Excuse me?"8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQWCTc1lGw 維尼
"My protector. You know, my bodyguard." Her eyes narrowed. "Or were you just gonna abandon me out here?"8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡINsPvG1YeE 維尼
"O-of course not, but I don't even know your name."8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNyxpS7i7J 維尼
"Easily fixed." She thrust her hand at him. "Teria Celes Myssohn."8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8nAVsXDy1 維尼
"Call me Glen," He said as he shook her hand.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQOf7cWU1X 維尼
She gave him a crooked grin. "Glen, huh? Strange name, but it's got a good sound to it."8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9nWVqhtXn 維尼
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.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡamyigsgvxR 維尼
One sat up suddenly, accidentally knocking Nixil off his lap in the process.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNio6piMdm 維尼
"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?"8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡOznnr1LsJE 維尼
"Sorry, Nixil." One said apologetically, "I was having a strange dream."8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWG808Tut2 維尼
"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.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4cmC9uJPQY 維尼
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?8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgumBREatK 維尼
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..8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbB8rzEqD2 維尼
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.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lluBBTgCE 維尼
"I wonder if she's doing okay." One mused.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WiZh15P3b 維尼
"What about Luck?"8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDG9L190sP 維尼
"I like her. I like her a lot, but …" One stopped abruptly and turned to see to whom he was speaking.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0eQS1E4Wfn 維尼
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.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcfmcUzq9X 維尼
The figure lowered his gaze to the units encasing One's arms. "Ah, One's infamous Headache. The grapple beam still giving you problems?"8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4RZs7gUeN 維尼
"Who are you?" One demanded.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqszXSZKHL 維尼
"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."8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡizzF46kdxf 維尼
"That doesn't mean much in the dream realm."8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡiV74Hu0rtI 維尼
The robed boy let out a laugh. "True enough. However, I give you my word I'm not here to give you any trouble."8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡzIoECKQ2W2 維尼
Lowering Headache slightly, One asked, "How did you get to my nexus point?"8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡFthcFDFLYH 維尼
"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."8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDIvXXaoFF 維尼
"Are you a Dreamer?" One asked.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡukLJXPM7Nk 維尼
Mixe shrugged. "Something like that, yes."8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhmghN4H9M 維尼
Chuckling, One lowered Headache. "I thought I was supposed to be the cryptic one."8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡWv2mZL6Rv1 維尼
"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."8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0McT9DcGw 維尼
One wasn't sure what to say to that, so he just sat down beside Mixe.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMWp2mJKDE 維尼
After a few moments, the boy said, "The dream realm is as lovely as ever, I see. I've always loved the perpetual twilight."8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡjS2BI6hMwe 維尼
When One didn't respond, Mixe chuckled. "Now, now. It's not like you to be so quiet."8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡ759EF6qg5y 維尼
"No one was supposed to know where I was. Even if they did, I don't let just anyone into my nexus point."8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYm7M2EvRk 維尼
The boy raised his eyebrows. "Really? Then I guess I'm flattered. I love what you've done with the tree."8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJkKWTKHFZ 維尼
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.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ykUewt5DF 維尼
"How do you know about Luck?"8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYRbpqMsyD 維尼
"Ukaroh."8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡpth7kdC33p 維尼
A pang shot through One's heart at the mention of his ex-girlfriend. "Ukaroh? You've seen her?"8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡxttpPsjffi 維尼
"Indeed. She's still keeping tabs on you, y'know."8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLu8no2Vbe 維尼
"How …"8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1fuWyTzCp 維尼
"How is she?" Mixe asked, raising an eyebrow.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡtrL52gZ6s7 維尼
One nodded silently.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡjR280VUKzX 維尼
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."8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡov4tjldFiz 維尼
"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.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjCCvzh534 維尼
They watched the clouds in silence for a few moments.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwQ0dozXrt 維尼
One let out a sigh. "What should I do?"8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfcCbzU9v9 維尼
"About Luck? To be honest, I'm not sure. Your situation is … complicated."8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2aTHGjDha 維尼
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."8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡX37Qa6qYKW 維尼
"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?"8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmDK31Pns3 維尼
Shaking his head, One said, "Something about the Breath of Fire scared her, but why?"8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrKCwNCnqX 維尼
"Maybe it just scared her. It is an intimidating machine."8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUjTDvozOE 維尼
"Pssh. Luck's faced worse things than that."8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfpWr3Jcn9 維尼
"Perhaps it wasn't the Breath of Fire that scared her, but rather what the Breath of Fire represents."8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5T9IYz8Ek 維尼
One glanced at Mixe curiously. "And what does the Breath of Fire represent?"8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqVd1wq57b 維尼
"What indeed." After a few moments of silence, Mixe stood up. "Well, I'd better be on my way."8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fY80nUfx2 維尼
"Wait a sec!" One scrambled to his feet. "If you know something about this, just tell me already!"8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGH5J0paC8 維尼
"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.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DlnTaF841 維尼
