Silver leaned against the entrance of the infirmary, looking ahead as the group of medics frantically worked on the impish figure. The head medic pulled himself from his practice and walked up to the musketeer, an expression of deep seriousness upon his face. He sighed. "I won't lie. His condition is the worst I have seen in a very long time." The thief only bowed his head. "We will do all that we can; with due time, he will be healed. Although it can be done, it will take some time… His internal wounds are nearly fatal." He shook his head as he looked back towards the operating table. "To be quite honest, I don't know how he held on as long as he did." Silver Tear shook the man's hand and exited the medical facility, and then made his way to the second floor lobby to find his comrades gathered together.

Rini stared into Silver's eyes, and immediately began to weep. He held her close and rested his chin on her shoulder. "He'll be fine; it'll just take a while."

The musketeers gathered together; they knew that this was far from over.

----

Late into the night, Silver found himself seated atop a cliff in the remains of Metalworks. Reaching into his pouch, he retrieved the cursed pearl and began to stare into the black void that it was. It was hard to believe that this tiny object could cause as much pain and suffering to as many people as it did. He sighed and tucked it into his pouch. He looked up into the midnight sky, deep in thought.

"Lieutenant Hicks… Thank you. Without you, we could have never finished this mission. You nearly gave your life to save so many more." He swallowed as a tear fell down his cheek. "Forgive me if I ever doubted you, sir. I now see what being a soldier is truly about through your own actions." He wiped the tear away, and gave one final glance towards the stars above, and then bowed his head.

"You are my inspiration. In your absence, I pray that what you have taught me will help me be the leader that I must be to lead these musketeers." He slowly opened his eyes and stared blankly ahead. "This war is far from over. We are needed in order to stop this evil that San d'Oria has became."

"Altana be with me…"

- - THE END - -

PRIEVIEW

- Soon to Come -

FINAL FANTASY XI:

THE WRATH OF PROMATHIA

----

The sound of warriors can be heard in the background. Soldiers yell out vicious war cries as their blades clash with those of their enemies.

Ephraim: Allow me to introduce you to my personal flagship… The Executioner.

Several explosions can be heard going off.

Silver Tear: We're going to have to board that thing and take it down from the inside!

Emira: Good… There's bound to be plenty of explosions!

Nameless Soldier: There's no way we can survive those cannons; they're headed straight for us!

Silver Tear: L… Lieutenant! What are you… ?

Rini: SILVER!

Everything seems to go eerily silent.

I am doing this for all of us… I hope you can understand that.

Silver Tear: Sadly, sir… I cannot.

The drawing of blades can be heard.

- - COMING SOON - -