A/N: Triple update today. I feel bad about forgetting yesterday... So, enjoy!
Disclaimer: I don't own FusionFall.
Kina climbed up through the brilliant orange leaves of the tree the Treehouse sat in, up in the higher branches. She paused, leaning against the trunk and looking down at the town around her.
"What are you doing up here?"
The suddenness of the voice nearly made her fall. She caught herself with a little cry and, after a moment, looked up. Kael was perched on the branch above her, regarding her with a look of amusement. As she watched, it faded into sadness.
"Just coming up for some peace and quiet. What about you?" she asked, clambering up beside him.
He sighed and stared out at the horizon. "Same thing," he murmured.
"What's wrong?"
He shot her a quick look before returning his gaze to the distance. "Nothing's wrong," he said, a defensive edge in his voice. "I'm just...thinking"
"About what?"
He closed his eyes and ran a hand through his hair. She watched the motion, noting the faint sheen of sweat on his face, the way his hand trembled. "About nothing," he said again, but his voice shook.
"Kael, what's wrong? Don't say nothing again, I can tell that that's not the truth."
He dropping his head into his hands. "There's something I have to do," he said, words muffled. "Something I have to do that I really don't want to anymore."
"What is it?"
"I can't tell you that."
"Oh, don't give me that crud," Kina muttered, sweeping her gaze out over the suburbs.
"No, I really can't," he murmured. "It's a top-secret mission. Not even you can know."
She blinked and glanced back at him. A cold breeze blew through the leaves, making them shake and rustle around them. After a moment, she looked away.
"Okay," she said quietly, taking a breath. "What do you need from me?"
"What?"
"What do you need? Help? Advice?" She met his questioning gaze and smiled. "Kael, even if you can't tell me what it is, I'll support you. I trust you," she continued, taking his hand. "No matter what."
His eyes narrowed as he looked away, frowning. After a moment, he took his hand from hers and put it in his lap. "Honestly, I don't think there's anything you can do," he whispered. His eyes stayed locked on the horizon.
Kina blinked and put her hand on his shoulder. "Okay then. But if you need me, I'm here," she said, squeezing his shoulder.
He glanced back at her, the faintest hint of a smile making war with the sad look on his face. "Thank you," he murmured, tilted his head back, and stared at the bright autumn sky.
A/N: Remember the definition of transient? Guess what. The Transient arc is over. Ha. Anyway, reviews are much appreciated, but I do hope you're enjoying the story! Until tomorrow!