My mission with Riku didn't end as smoothly as I had anticipated. Firstly, I didn't expect to have a heart-to-heart with my rival and best friend, especially when I knew I was being observed for a possible promotion. Secondly, I was split between telling him to stay (because he was just wrong for wanting to leave), or going along with his stupid idea of leaving so I could have that captain's seat to myself. I decided to go with the latter. Was it shallow of me? Of course it was. But that's just how politics work, don't they? So I kept my mouth shut about the captain spiel and focused on my current task.

When we were reunited with the rest of the group, things carried on as normal. With Yuffie and the others guarding the way in, Riku and I were able to get in and out of the governmental buildings without any interruptions or mishaps. I don't think things would have ended up as smoothly weren't for the rest of the team. Apparently, Riku and I hadn't picked up on our enemy tailing us. At first, I thought it was just Yuffie cracking jokes, but when I saw the unconscious bodies that the other members kept out of sight, I realized I was off my game. I guess you could say Riku and I were both preoccupied with our own thoughts. Thankfully, Yuffie saw to it that we would be successful.

"I expect a long cat nap when we return, lieutenant!" The petite woman stuck her tongue out at him. Riku nodded in confirmation, granting Yuffie her request.

During the trek back to Riku's quarters, she kept us on our toes. The entire group just meshed well, and it was odd for me, and how comfortable I felt. It was almost as if I never left this division at all. While you think that would be a good thing, it really wasn't. My chest felt slightly heavier, but I kept on appearances as to not ruin the ambience. It was 'pleasant', if I had to sum it up; so I didn't want to be a downer and kill that vibe.

"Hey, you all go on ahead," I motioned for them to go straight to their headquarters. "I have to talk to my commander about something." Riku stared me down, and even raised his silver brows which questioned more than he could say then. The others didn't give it much thought, but the lieutenant was hesitant to leave. "Don't forget." I mouthed to him, reminding him of his promise to tell me the reason for wanting to call it quits so suddenly. His nod confirmed it, and that was all I needed.

Clutching onto the device that hacked the government database, I stared at it in puzzlement. Holding it in front of my eyes, I tried to see what was so special about it. Not being tech-savvy, I wondered why it was so important to get whatever information it hacked from the mainframe. At least, that's what the others (who paid attention to the briefing) said. I didn't even know what it extracted, but apparently, it would help us take the load off while fighting the government. The fight was never-ending, and was one that exhausted both our supplies and soldiers—myself included. So every opportunity we had, we took it.

Unfortunately, I wasn't lucky enough to have the opportunity to go back to my division, as I forgot where specifically the portal was. Groaning aloud, I felt humiliated. I didn't want to chance me getting caught for yelling by my soldiers, but there was no other way for me to get in. In short, it was shameful if a division's lieutenant couldn't remember where the damned door was. So, I decided to wait it out until I would recognize someone so that they could open the door. I made a mental note then to pay the casters a visit to have them make me a device to open these damned portals. This wasn't the first time this happened, and it probably wouldn't be the last.

I heard footsteps, and I couldn't help but feel a chill then; I didn't just hear footsteps, but the weird symphony of unknown sounds that accompanied it. It sounded like the hissing of a gas pipe. Something wasn't right about that. I turned to the sounds' source, but my feet froze when I saw it. It...probably was a he. Not human, that was for sure. It was unlike anything I'd ever seen before. Although it resembled a human, the darkness that cloaked it was far from natural. Darkness was literally sifting above its spazzing form like puppet strings, and they wiggled with each crooked step it took. While it was wearing armor similar to my own, I've never seen it before in the Resistance. Though something told me he wasn't from here. "What, you didn't bring any of your buddies with you? Taking you on alone is just a bite-sized snack compared to what I'm used to."

As if surprised, it recoiled its head back. It reminded me of a stray dog. I don't know why it popped up into my head, but I was beginning to doubt its possible harm. But that was disproven when it lunged towards me. Quick-stepping to the side, I pulled out my broadsword to block its next advance. My eyes caught its manus extending out of the metal covering his hands while they mercilessly curved over my sword. This obsidian and violet fluid seeped from his palms and onto my boot, where it was eating away at my armor. The metal had dissipated because of the fluid, and I was worried its next meal was my flesh.

Pushing it away, I knew I needed to get distance between us. I took a look at my weapon, and saw that it too, was corroding. The monster's touch was enough to make holes in my weapon, and whatever gunk was left on the sword continued to deplete the metal. Both that and my boot were being eaten away by the substance. If I couldn't touch him, how was I supposed to defeat him?

Shit, if I had only learned how to cast, I wouldn't be in this mess..but there's not much to it, right? You just move your hands and say a command aloud, don't you?

"I'm not fucking embarrassing myself now," I scoffed under my breath as I took up my sword again. Contaminated or not, I knew it was the only shot I would have. My under-armor was starting to appear, but the growth hadn't progressed so much on the sword. Kicking off my ruined boot, I was wary to not let that stuff infect my skin—I saw the effects of it and was not something I wanted in my system.

What I couldn't wrap my head around was the thing's speed—I could hardly tell where it went—it was like he vanished in the air. My heart was holding its beat while I scanned the area for that bastard. There was nothing in sight except for the intersection in front of me. One of the four lights were working, and my eyesight wasn't extraordinary enough for night-vision. Most of the city was covered in that perpetual night, but the more populated sectors had the convenience of lights.

I relied on my ears, but the buzzing of that one working light muted everything out with how obnoxious it was. I was on alert like that for at least ten minutes, maybe more; but after a while, I had assumed I had spooked whatever the hell I encountered. I was still on my guard, and kept my back was to the nearest wall, so if he was planning to ambush, I could see him coming.

Except I didn't.

I felt myself fall back into the wall. I looked up, and saw that I was in between a dark portal, and the world I knew. Kicking my legs back, I threw myself back into the city with my lower body, and used all of my strength to resist the pull of the dark ingress. In both disgust and awe, I gawked at the portal before backing away from it. It wasn't like the ones I used to get back to my division; this one gave me goosebumps just looking at it, it was that freaky. You could stare at the pool of ebony and dark violet all you want, but it was a literal pit. Where it went, I had no idea. When I turned, there was another gloaming pool, but I jerked my foot away before I could step in it. Not gonna fool me twice, I snickered in my head.

I stared at the pools with a paranoid curiosity before I saw the tainted armor climb out of the hole. It didn't seem hellbent on revenge, but it just kinda appeared lifeless. Sword in hand, I was ready to lop his head off, and I swung down, only to see that I cut down an illusion.

The real thing came from the opposite hole, and took me by surprise completely. I realized this too late, as I felt drops on my neck, and they stung the longer I stayed frozen. They were ridiculously warm, so I assumed they were coming from his mouth. It was behind me, and a little too close to my body. Neither of us moved then. I suddenly began to question if it really wasn't human. An animal would have been heaving by now; but this thing sounded as regular as you or I.

"S..Sorry."

I jerked at hearing him speak. "What?" I quickly felt the loss of control in my limbs. In addition, it felt like something was paralyzing me, but he wasn't even touching my body. His obsidian armor crouching down low to gaze at me was the only thing I could make out. Hands went to his helmet, and when it was tossed to the side, two beady lights of saffron stared me down. They almost looked...sad. I found myself gradually enclosed by that same darkness it exhumed, and it lulled me in its own spell. It was like I was being tugged away from the concrete realm, and into one...not so concrete.

I felt myself at peace then. This sensation was unlike any I've ever felt before. I was sure I was underwater, as I "floated" further into the depths. There was no other possible explanation. On my way down, with eyes wide open, I saw air bubbles jiggle up to the light's surface. I concluded I most likely wasn't alive then, so I might as well try to figure out what kind of hell this was (It sure wasn't in heaven, given my track record). Everything surrounding me was just this bleak, abyss of darkness, with the exception of the light of the tower below me. Its roof was a flat mural of this meek, blond boy who couldn't have been older than 16, curled up in a fetal position.

The boy was in the center of this five-petaled flower that was outlined in onyx. On each of the petals, there was a different kind of location in each of them. One had this city up in flames, another with this creamy beach with trees carrying star-shaped fruit, and a different petal showed this ivory castle all by itself. Hell if I knew what it all meant. I'm sure the subliminal messaging was meant to get my attention, but I couldn't piece it together for the life of me.

You...where have I seen you before…?

Another set of footsteps echoed on the shards of stained-glass, and I turned around, seeing the boy from the floor—live. I only saw the back of him, but I was stuck in my own stupor trying to remember why the hell he seemed so familiar.

Why does this seem so nostalgic…? It's not like I know him, right?

The exact moment I thought those words, the boy in front stopped moving. He only looked to the side, but I couldn't make out the features of his face. It shook his edgy, blond hair, as if to deny the statement.

"Do I know you?" I had to ask, seeing as the boy wouldn't let me think otherwise.

At my words, he continued on their way, and looked straight ahead, but the only thing that was left was...nothing. Wait—he was walking towards the edge!

"Wait!" I roared, scrambling, cluttering as I tried to get to where he was fast enough.

And just like that, he disappeared. Crawling swiftly to the last steps he took, I peered my head down over the mural's border to see if I could make out any trace of blond in that vast, limitless pit of darkness, even though I knew it was futile.

"Do not be afraid."

It was a voice, but it had no sound. It was oddly soothing...and warm.

"You say this man's name is Terra?"

"Yes—he's a close friend of mine, doctor. Can I see him?"

"Hm...I suppose a visit won't do him harm. Though do keep your distance, Riku. There's no telling how he'll take to the medication I've administered."

All of that was background noise. I didn't pick up on any of it. Instead, I was trying to figure out how to soothe this barbed knot in my chest. With an elbow over my eyes, I refused to let anyone see me like this. Wherever I was, I was relieved I was alone. All the overwhelming pain and sadness I felt then, I couldn't repress. It was as if my chest had split like a nail to wood. My teeth were clenched tight and still, and the edges of my mouth were stretched to their limits. They burned when the lukewarm droplets slithered in between the cracks of my lips. I felt no additional pain other than pity and grief, and I didn't know why. A small voice within me pleaded to stop crying, but it was soon muted.

I loathed it all: feeling like this, the sound of my voice breaking, me shielding my eyes—it was all so pathetic, and went against everything I was taught. I was brought up to be strong; however, not for myself, but for the sake of others. Now that I was alone, I couldn't even support myself, and I wanted to die. The grief was enough to bear, but knowing I was a complete humiliation to myself made me wish that that thing back there would have just finished me off.

The aged folds of the tent's entrance curled inwards, and brought with it Riku. I groaned aloud, and that quickly turned into a fit of dry, empty mirth. Even though I knew it was pointless to try to cover it up, I tried regardless. Relying on my hearing, I made out Riku to be sitting across from me, and not far. Sure, I could have looked, but I didn't want to embarrass myself more than I already had.

For a while, neither of us said a word. The silence didn't bother me, though. It was strange: I refused to look him in the eye, but that didn't stop me from exhibiting my pain. I was on the verge of losing it. Between suicidal dreams and releasing some of the pent-up emotions I've repressed for years, it made sense that I would act like this. I could only pray that Riku had enough sense to see that. Even a morsel of it.

"You know, I'm pretty pissed at you. For lying to me."

My brows grew together, as I racked my brain to try and figure out what the hell he was going on about. At first, I opened my mouth to speak, but I feared my voice would crack, which would shatter whatever remaining self-confidence I had. So I settled for a simple, "Hn?"

Riku's scoff let me know he was in no mood whatsoever for bullshit. "About you being promoted, captain jerkoff. Ha, that should be your new title. It can testify to your true nature, at least. How could you hide something like that from me, Terra?" You said so yourself that we are like brothers, so what's the deal?"

Yeah, I said it, but that doesn't mean I actually meant it. Hell, I don't even know if I meant it. Regardless, I knew I had to tell Riku sooner or later (though I preferred the latter).

Sitting up, I turned towards the side so that my back was to Riku. However, I didn't take note of my injuries until I started moving my body around. Even then, I tried to repress any cries that may have come out. I was weak—I didn't need to make a fool out of myself either.

"I wasn't sure when I planned on telling you—maybe never, who knows." Giving a nonchalant shrug was a sure thing to tick Riku off, but he deserved to hear my take on it. "I knew that I was being considered for a promotion, but I was also told that you were up for it too."

"What?"

"Yeah," I joined in on his shock. "It's funny how we are always pitted against each other like that. I had a feeling it was a set-up, but I didn't want to say anything. Especially after you told me you wanted to quit."

"Wait, you didn't tell anyone about that, did you?"

I snorted in response, and shook my head. "No, I just happened to get up in the middle of my sleep and spread the word about that goddamn lieutenant finally leaving the first division. It was about fuckin' time."

"Fuck you," He threw something at my back. Turning, I grabbed it and reared my arm to retaliate, until I saw the look on Riku's face. Mouth agape and eyes big, he gawked at me like I told him I was on death row. "Terra, what's that on your neck?"

"What are you talking about?" I spoke too soon. Riku's eyes stayed glued to my neck. My fingers slid underneath the longer strands of my hair and cautiously ghosted over this patch of skin that felt funky. I felt my gut shrinking while my fear of 'what the fuck is this thing on my skin' sunk in. "Riku, what is it?"

"Hell if I know! Stop moving around so I can take a look at it." He gruffly muttered, but forced me to sit like a statue with him gripping my shoulder. "Do you want me to call Ansem?"

"Who?" I turned my head to the side so that Riku could get a better view.

"The doctor who examined you." Quickly answering, Riku flicked the side of my head. "You probably don't remember because the medicine knocked you out. You were a real mess, y'know. What the hell happened in the first place?"

"Can you get your face away from my neck first?"

"It's not everyday that you see something this freaky. Hold on." The lieutenant pulled away to get a mirror that was with some medical supplies across from my cot. I took it, and examined my neck, only to see that this wound did not look pretty. It looked something like an inverted burn (yeah, how much sense does that make?), but when I prodded it, I didn't feel a thing—like my neck was numb.

"So, what the hell is it, Terra?"

"It' s nothing, you idiot. Any halfwit could see that it's just a nick. The gunk in my armor just got on it and made it look nasty." I figured if I didn't feel anything, then it wasn't a problem, right? I originally thought it was from what happened earlier, but that didn't make any sense. I just dreamt it all up. That thing…was pure fiction. Nothing more than my mind acting up. Besides, I would sound like a lunatic if I even attempted to describe it.

"If you say so." Riku settled back in his seat. "You alright?"

"Damn, you have a lot of questions today. What is this, 20 Questions?"

"I was just worried." He huffed and tried to keep that nonchalant air to him, but I could see him still wearing concern on his face. And here I thought he wasn't the sentimental type.

I stretched and slapped my hand down on his knee. "You're too young to be wearing that kind of look on your face."

"I'm 17!"

"My point exactly." I grinned at him. "Take it from someone who's had some experience."

"Sure, whatever. So, you gonna tell me how you had your ass handed to you right after our mission, oh experienced one?" His curiosity refused to call it quits, and his arrogance knew no bounds. I had already expressed the notion that I wouldn't hesitate to lie to him again—the whole captain affair made sure of that. "Wait, you mentioned something earlier about me being captain. What did you mean?"

Bright whites gleamed at my reaction. "You tell me the truth about the person that did this to you, and then I'll answer all your questions." He figured he had the advantage in this situation.

I had no choice but to lie again. The truth (which I had my own doubts about) was something I wasn't accustomed to often, so speaking it was like speaking another language. Hey, I had my reasons for giving the occasional white lie, and so do many others. It was slightly shameful, I'll admit, that I resorted to lying often, but it just made things so much simpler. Even if I did tell Riku the truth, he wouldn't believe me. So, I gave him something credible.

Going with the hunch that Riku had a heart, he might buy my little performance. Rolling my shoulders back, a tired groan climbed up from my throat. I was sitting on the end of the bed, with palms at its sturdy edge. I was the living, breathing example of fatigue in that moment, and got in-character for my act. "If I tell you, you don't breathe a single word of this to anyone. I really do trust you, so don't disappoint me, Riku."

"I won't, man." Riku held up his hands like he was about to make an oath.

And so, my tale began. "You remember how Yuffie told us we were being tailed without us knowing it? I had a suspicion that those guys got detected way too easily, maybe even on purpose just to throw us off-guard. My theory is this: there were others, and one of them waited for his buddies to get caught so he could get the jump on me. And from there, we fought, and I got this nick on my neck because of it. I couldn't make out his face because he had on a hood, but he was…something else. That's all, really."

With a hand on his hip, Riku stared me down. "You expect me to believe that?" A scoff came, followed by his head shaking. "It was a clever touch adding in Yuffie's theory and adding onto it, but I don't buy it."

"That's not all of it," I piped quickly, sneering at the impatient man. "If you would let me speak-"

"Fine!" The soldier waved his hand, letting me have the stage again. "Let's hear where your web of lies is taking us."

I knew I had to step it up, so it was time to play with Riku's sensitive side. Whatever came out of my mouth was something I didn't try to stop, because once I had the idea, I went with it. "There was someone else involved too—a boy. I didn't know him except for the brief time I saw him, and that was when he was being held hostage by the hooded man. Kid couldn't have been more than 16." As my words tried to weave this charade into a neat little web, my body had a role in making this story genuine as well.

Riku was a hard-ass, and most likely wouldn't believe me if I just told him. This meant I had to make it real enough, which called for certain cues. Nothing too dramatic, but there are little things our minds pick up when analyzing a person's body language. Ones that I employed at the time involved my throat flexing at times when the tale got emotional, and direct eye contact. The latter I typically wouldn't use, but looking away would have given me away, or even made me seem guilty. Point was, I wasn't some clueless idiot when it came to acting. Truth be told, I thought I was a little too good at it, and I kinda wished I wasn't sometimes.

"I mean, it's not like I could just stand and watch that boy get taken, Riku. So of course I had to get involved and go after them. I don't know why they would tail me from the mission, just to lure me out…but they succeeded, and I really wished I didn't go for it."

"What do you mean?" Riku was puzzled, but I could see him falling for my story.

"Because it was all a ploy. It wasn't even worth it in the end, because my efforts were futile." It was leading up to the climax, and I paused to keep a clenched fist over my mouth to regain my "composure". "But it wasn't even worth it in the end. The boy was just a lure. When they had me, they no longer had a need for him. Sure, I've slain countless of people in battle, but I have never laid my hands on an innocent!" My voice grew shaky, and I spoke in only gruff whispers from then on. "Riku, do you how fucking useless I felt when that boy's throat was slit in front of me? His eyes didn't move from then on, and all of it was just to get my attention."

The pricks of pain came back in my chest and echoed in the hollow cavity. Maybe I was taking this acting thing a little too far. That same agony returned again, and it was very genuine, believe me. My hand went to slap my neck, as if it was the source…but why was I feeling the pain in my chest?

"That's not kind of you to make a play about me. Shouldn't you at least introduce me once?"

"Ventus…?" Was the sole word that slipped out. As if that was the remedy to my agony, it dissipated as quickly as it came. However, I lost the sense of feeling in my legs shortly after, and I saw them stiffen right after I lost control of the muscles. It was as if it was a growing paralyzation, and soon, I felt myself falling over the edge of the bed.

Riku swooped in to hold me up from smashing my face on the concrete ground. "Terra! What's wrong?!"

Legs were a no-go. Arms were rigid and glued to my sides. I tried to move my jaw, but it felt like someone was hammering in a nail through my teeth. The most I could get out was a grunt, but that didn't say very much. I couldn't lift a finger, much less move my lips. I didn't know if it was abnormal, but my body had started to grow cold, as if I was literally frozen solid. Where it came from, I hadn't a damned clue, but all I could figure was that the weird flesh wound and the name 'Ventus' were somehow connected to my current condition.

"Ansem!" I could tell Riku was panicking, but not from his voice. It was his touch that shocked me. The fingers on my collarbone trembled, and I don't think I have ever seen him this frightened before.

Did he genuinely care for me, or was he trying to save his own ass from looking like he did something to me?

"Doctor Ansem! I need you to come over here!" He refused to stop bellowing, and I felt pity for him.

I couldn't turn my head towards whoever came in the tent, but I'm guessing it was Ansem. "Riku," His voice was antique-y sounding, and had an accent I couldn't distinguish. "Place him on the cot so I can process to administer some relaxers. How did he get like this?"

"I-I don't know, one sec he was explaining his neck wound, and he froze up after saying 'Ventus'."

I really pitied Riku then. I knew he didn't want me to see him in such a vulnerable state, but he had the balls to look me in the eye the whole time, even if he was scared shitless. I'm not sure if I could have done the same.

"Lieutenant, you need to leave," The other voice commanded him. Was he in the Resistance? An officer maybe? He would have to be of a higher rank to speak to him like that.

"Why can't I stay?!"

"Terra's treatment is best administered alone. Plus, I have some questions for him so I can figure out how he became like this. Now leave!"

Riku was out of my line of sight, but he left hesitantly, I could hear that much. All that I could see was the top of the tent, and Ansem scuttling about to the side in my peripheral vision. For a while, he didn't do anything, and I was wondering what exactly he was waiting for. It made me slightly anxious, like I was a lab rat waiting to be inspected. All that totally unnecessary clinking about, the note-taking, and whatever the hell else he was doing—unneeded.

Then, he went over to me, standing at the edge of the bed. I could finally see him. He wasn't quite as I imagined—he looked younger than I expected. There wasn't grey hair, but blond, despite how his voice inflected his age.

There was something unnerving about this man. I couldn't pinpoint it to anything concrete, like outright fear or anger. No, if anything, I felt some connection to him, but I didn't even know this man, nor had I ever met him. It was just a stupid feeling. These misplaced feelings were starting to make less sense by the minute.

"Terra, can you hear me?" Ansem asked, looking down at me, but I couldn't move my mouth to say a word. The most that I could get out was a grunt, but that didn't really tell him much.

In front of my face, he held up his index finger. "Follow my finger with your eyes." He didn't bother to explain his reasoning, but I guess it had something to do with medical procedures. I didn't have difficulty moving my eyes side-to-side, which I guess was a good thing. Ansem said nothing after testing me, and went to go scribble down some notes instead. With some hesitation, the doctor pulled out a metal probe. I didn't like the look of it.

"Since you can't move your mouth to speak, you'll communicate with blinks—twice for yes, once for no. Blink twice if you understand."

Two blinks.

"Good. With this instrument, I'll be testing what parts of your body are paralyzed. Then, I'll give you a quick fix. It doesn't appear to be all that critical, so unfortunately, you won't be able to miss the ceremony this time, lieutenant Terra."

If I could, I would look at him weird, like one of those looks that say, 'I'm not on the same page as you". How did he know I skipped out on those? Ceremonies were typically dull, almost like rituals, with a bunch of the higher-ranked soldiers in their full armor (if they wanted take the traditional route) or just formal dress standing stiff while some old guy recites some boring lines some people really couldn't give a shit about. It all varied from division to division on how the ceremony is like. Some are stiffer than others, while division three's promotion ceremonies were always top-notch. Personally, I didn't care about anyone that wasn't in my squadron. The reason why I said that was because we actually know how to host a true function, but that's a different story.

My thoughts were getting me nowhere with figuring out who Ansem was. He clearly knew who I was, which put me at edge. Throughout the examination and his questioning, I tried to figure this guy out, but I ended up with nothing.

"Well," He rose up, cleaning his tool with a wipe. "You could have just said you didn't feel a thing, you know."

I didn't think anyone in the Resistance could make me feel secondhand-embarrassment at a pun, but there I was, wanting to cover my eyes with a hand.

"Now then, let's get you up and moving. A simple remedy should relax your muscles. You know, you're fortunate to be in an era where all you need is a simple elixir." The physician kept running his mouth, and it felt like eternity until he decided to get the damned cure.

"It'll sting, and you probably won't be able to use this arm for a day or two." A syringe with a mint substance inside of it tapped against my right bicep. Without warning, Ansem injected it into me, and I had an inkling to break his hand. None of my check-ups were this painful, so what the hell was this doctor doing wrong? What kind of cheap-ass, backwoods doctor did Riku take me to see in the first place? I would skin his ass the first chance I got…or whenever I could move again...whichever came first.

After a minute through, the effects of the drug were already starting to kick in. My shoulders were the first thing to loosen some, and then my mouth. I didn't regain my sense of touch instantaneously or all at once, but bit-by-bit, I could move some parts and feel the bizarre, prickly sensation in the soles of my feet. I gave a groan of relief the moment I could speak. "Thank you." Clearing my throat after moving my jaw, I gave two rough pats on Ansem's shoulder. "I feel a heluva lot better, doc."

"Not a problem, lieutenant." Ansem began to put away his medical supplies. "Truth be told, I think you would be alright without the shot, but your friend Riku was in a state of panic earlier. I hadn't seen him in a state like that for years."

"You know Riku well?" I was surprised to hear the old man speak of him so casually.

"Of course. But I'll leave him to tell you about his history—it's not my place." The doctor waved his hand, like he was signaling the end of that topic. "Should you feel any pain or discomfort after 24 hours, ask Riku to take you to see me. In case you're not aware, my office isn't one that's all that known, and I prefer to keep it that way."

"But wh-"

"For reasons." The answer cut me off, and I knew that was an area I should not be sticking my nose in.

"Sure, okay—my lips are sealed. I won't say a word. But…" I drawled on, unsure if the question in my head would be stupid to ask. "Can I ask a favor of you, doc?"

"What is it?"

A cold sweat started to coat my skin. "Do you mind taking a look at this thing on my neck? I'm not sure what it is, but I don't feel anything when I touch it." I moved my hair to the side to reveal the bizarre patch of skin. Ansem didn't say much after that, like he was struck silent. Needless to say, it didn't make me feel any better.

"When did this start-"

"I dunno, I just woke up and didn't notice it until Riku said something about it."

"He knows?"

"I made up some story to not make him worry. I just said that the dirt of my armor got on a wound and infected it or something."

"Although you do know it's far from a mild infection?"

"Look, I don't know what the fuck it is," I huffed while pointing "But as long as it doesn't hurt, it can't be too bad, right?"

And then, Ansem gave me a look I would never forget—pity. I could have sworn that was the first time anyone has ever looked at me that way, but I had the feeling it wouldn't be the last.

"Trust me, it's not." The voice in my head chimed again, but it wasn't my own. My voice, that is. I tried not to think about it, because a part of me worried I was really going mad. I hoped this was just a side-effect of the meds.

Instead, Ansem went rummaging through his belongings until he pulled out his package with a lock on it and handed it to me. "If you are in serious pain, inject yourself with only one shot at a time—but use them sparingly—and hide it."

"What? Why?"

"Look Terra—I will not be able to aid you if your ailment takes a turn for the worst. Which is why you have to be preemptive and act before it affects your body. If you act early, you might not even feel any pain-"

"Wait!" I raised my voice, because he was losing me. "Why are you talking like I have a serious disease or something?"

"Because I'm afraid…" Ansem perked his neck up, and I heard approaching footsteps. "We'll talk about this another time, but do not utter a word of this to anyone, not even to Riku." He kept his voice low the whole time he spoke.

Riku walked back in, and I could tell he grew tired of waiting by the impatient look on his face. He went over to Ansem, and they spoke in hushed tones for a minute until Ansem spoke up. "Terra, I've instructed for Riku to keep watch on you. Just in case the Resistance get suspicious of your whereabouts. He will also keep me updated about your status."

"Ansem," I didn't like how all of this was set up. All of these secrets were starting to crowd around me, and I couldn't help but feel like they were pressing down on me. I don't even know why I guarded some of these secrets if they were starting to take this heavy a toll on me. "Who are you really?"

"Truth be told, I haven't a damned idea."

Riku and I left the tent with few words. I didn't like silence—it made me paranoid. I heard of relationships where two people could be totally fine with not saying a word to each other. I couldn't do that. To me, whenever there was silence, it was always a sign that something wasn't right. That held true that day. Ironic, but back then, all I wished was nothing but silence.

"I'm quitting to go back home."

Riku, apparently didn't how to make an introduction. I looked to him and said nothing for a moment. Looking him over, it was funny to see him grow paranoid the more I stared at him. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

"I was just thinking how sentimental you've been lately. Maybe it's a good thing you're leaving-"

"Shut the fuck up, Terra. I'm being serious."

"I know, I'm just fucking with you." I did the obnoxious thing and pulled him into a too-tight, "brotherly" embrace. Seems that whatever Ansem gave me, it sure was potent. "You're not gonna stick around for much longer, so I have to make the time last. But what made you homesick?"

Riku didn't pull away, and continued to walk close to me on whatever way we were going (which I guessed was his division). "To be honest, it was you. Your story about…Ventus?"

Why did hearing that name make me so sad?

"Yeah, but why?" I just didn't get it. None of it. Of anything.

"It got me thinking…about home. More or less, my official reason for leaving is retirement; but I just want to make sure that the people I care about back home are safe. You know I didn't grow up here, right? I was born in Destiny Islands, but raised in Radiant Garden. You've been there, haven't you?"

"Of course I have. But really, you're scared, aren't you?"

Riku was silent for a moment, but he was still connected to my body. I could tell what he was thinking. He didn't want to admit it, but there was some fear of his loved ones being in danger. It was very common for people like us. We fight for those we love, as well as those that can't stand up to fight. To not be able do that…well, as a soldier, I can say it makes us feel downright useless. I went through that once, and I wouldn't want Riku to go through something like that.

"I can't blame you." I filled in the silence, and patted his back twice to console him. "But you could have just told me from the get-go, asshole. I was starting to think there was some kinda conspiracy or uprising within the Resistance with how weird you acted!"

"Hey, I need to keep you on your toes." He was grinning some then, and it caught me off-guard. When's the last time I've been able to make someone smile like that? I felt like those opportunities were scarce among people like us. I couldn't help but feel good about it. There was something rewarding about being able to pull off a seemingly insignificant feat like a smile.

"You deserve to go home." I gave credit where it was due—Riku, despite being so young, did more than his fair share of work. He's seen way too much blood and countless corpses—he shouldn't live his life this way. "The people from your home will probably be glad to see you."

"What about you?" He flipped the question to me. "You've been in the service longer than I have. When are you gonna call it quits?"

"Hmmm…not for a while. I want to help out where I can, and if that's kicking ass, then so be it. I'm staying."

"You really have your mind set on this, don't you?"

"As set as stone. But don't you forget about us now. You come stop by sometime." I had him in a headlock, and tried to make him swear.

"Jeez, Terra! I'll visit!" He slapped his hand on my arm, yielding. Catching his breath, he had this devious look in his eye. "Maybe."

"What do you mean maybe?"

His mirth echoed as we entered the tunnels of the sewers that led to his division's headquarters. Upon our arrival, we were greeted by Leon, who was surprised to see the two of us together. "Terra and Riku…last time I saw you two together was nearly two years ago. What's the occasion?"

"My retirement." Riku announced loud and proud for the whole division to hear. I wanted to groan in embarrassment, as he just didn't get the fact that these things were a big deal. Riku didn't know how to introduce things, let alone let his boss know he's quitting.

Leon wasn't the chattiest man I've come across, but whatever few words he did say, he sounded either really pissed or really badass. He was the epitome of "badass", but he always kept things calm and cool on the surface. While the first division had this air of being cocky, Leon was nothing like that. He would be the man on the posters for people to enlist in the Resistance (if we could do such a thing). To sum it up, Leon was someone nearly everyone looked up to, and someone Division 1 was lucky to have.

"You spend one day with the lieutenant of the third division and now you want to leave?" The lieutenant Colonel spoke after his moment of silence, with his eyes then shifting to me.

I remembered him scolding Riku and I years ago, when we were younger and more naive. However, this wasn't about to be that—I could tell by the way the line of his mouth was fixed. He didn't know it, but Leon's bottom lip jutted slightly out right before he would smile. And as predicted, he gave a smirk, and then went on to extend a hand to Riku. "It's been an honor serving with you, lieutenant. Of course, there's some paperwork you'll need to fill out, plus you'll want to say good-bye to your division in person, right?"

"Of course!" Riku piped up, nodding thrice. "Also, I've a favor to ask you, Leon."

"Hmm?"

The young soldier then slapped me roughly on my back. "I want to stay an extra day before leaving. I can't skip out on Aqua's promotion tomorrow. Plus, this sorry excuse for a soldier had his ass handed to him, and someone has to keep him in check tomorrow too—doctor's orders."

"Sure, I don't see why not. Aqua would be pissed if you didn't go, right?"

"Who the hell is Aqua?!" I asked a little too loudly. In turn, I got the attention of everyone in the foyer. Riku shook his head as Leon stifled a laugh. I honestly didn't see why she was such a big deal. If she was so amazing, then how come I didn't know her?

"Maybe if you would take the time to know people from outside your own division, you would have known about the woman who plays a role in deciding where or not you make captain." Riku sneered, and in that moment, I wanted to bash a couple of his chalky teeth in. The only reason I didn't was because Leon was standing right in front of me.

He, on the other hand, couldn't stop chuckling to himself. "You know, he has a point. But I'll fill you in Terra, in case you meet her at the ceremony tomorrow and make a royal ass out of yourself." Leon got a hold of himself and went on to tell me about the all-amazing Aqua.

Apparently, she was a pretty big deal, even outside of her division (in case you haven't noticed). She's been in the Resistance since she was young, so she now holds the title of both captain and sage (and soon to be seeress) of Division IV. Part of me wished there wasn't a stupid ceremony for her in the first place. Nobody...well, me really, hasn't heard of her division. I mean, sure, their name popped up once or twice, but I really didn't my any attention to it; my motto was: if it didn't involved me, I'm not getting involved with it. Point is, the whole discussion sounded over-exaggerated, both her and her division, which I didn't hesitate to voice out.

"She doesn't sound all that impressive."

Upon saying that, I got disapproving looks from both men: Riku with his signature 'Oh my God, are we really wasting our time on this?' and Leon with a custom 'Oh boy'.

Leon tolerated my impatience, which was something Riku obviously couldn't do then. "Look, Terra...while your squad in bar to none in terms of strength...imagine what it would be like if you embed your attacks with magic."

"I don't have time for-"

"Stay with me—just think about the possibility."

I did as he asked, and pondered the idea. I personally couldn't envision certain men having the patience nor tolerance for magic. But if by some miracle they could successfully cast, then we would be a murdering force, rather a section of a militia.

The lieutenant Colonel interrupted my train of thought. "And that, my friend, is the sheer power of the fourth division. It would be a losing battle to go against them—it almost always is."

Seeing that these two were obviously stuck on trying to convert me to the religion of Aqua, I pretended not to care, and dismissed the topic with a shrug. "Sure, whatever. I'll see you later, Leon."

"Where are you going?" Riku huffed, asking as if he was a parent that wouldn't let his grounded kid leave the house.

"If you must know, dear Riku," I turned around to give him a look that was none too enthusiastic. "I planned on heading back to my quarters to get some sleep, hoping I can squeeze at least two hours of sleep before people start frenzying about the ceremony. You know, if I do meet Aqua, I'm letting her know straight-up I didn't get enough sleep because of her pretentious ceremony. If she was a he, I probably would have-"

"Terra." Leon chimed in, this time, with a familiar tone of disapproval. "Mind your tongue. Obviously, you're tired. Head back to your division and get some sleep. Riku, you mind escorting him in case he passes out again?"

Fuck you, Leon.

There was an air of hostility lingered between Riku and I. I couldn't say I blamed him; if I was obsessed over some chick that probably wasn't aware of my existence, I'd probably be hung up too on "protecting her honor" or some bullshit like that. Point being, I was too tired to fight with Riku anymore. Today had been a long day, and the only thing I was looking forward to was my cot.

But even then, I knew I would have trouble sleeping tonight. After all that had happened, I knew my mind would get restless with my thoughts running around. To take it all in emotionally and physically drained me. First was the sketchy mission, then that weird dream (which I didn't even know was real or not), not to mention Ansem shooting me up with some mysterious substance, and now this Aqua bullshit. I just needed a break. I needed sleep.

"Something on your mind?"

I did my earnest not to let my violent tendencies get to me and make the situation between Riku and I even worse. Obviously, he was oblivious to damn near everything he was involved in—talk about ignorance being bliss. "Nah, I'm just tired, man." I shrugged it off as nothing. "Look, you really don't have to walk me all the way to my division—I can handle it."

"You've been acting strange all day, so I'm going to reject your request." Figures he would be as stubborn as an ass. "Plus, there's something I want to show you."

"You planned something?" I felt my brows rise.

"Hm...it's just a little something. Nothing to really gawk at."

It made me wonder how Riku knew the portal, but I didn't. Wait, that means he had to have talked to someone within my division to gain access. The gears in my head began to turn, and I didn't like where all of this was headed.

At the foyer of my headquarters, I began to grew anxious. Not only because of whatever Riku may have possibly been conspiring, but also the fact that there wasn't a single light on in the foyer. I groaned aloud, thinking that some knucklehead probably screwed around with the power grid. If I could cast, I would have totally used a flame or something to light my way. Thankfully, Riku's brain was actually working for once, and remembered to bring a lightstick in case of situations like the one we were in then.

"What's with your div, Terra?"

"Hell if I know. Let's just get to the elevator so I can sleep."

"Wait!"

"What?!" I growled, swerving to look him in the eye.

He grinned then, and batted me lightly on the head with the stick. "You were about to step on that girl's foot."

"What?" I repeated myself.

As if on cue, the lights in the foyer went on at my question. My eyes squinted at the sudden luminosity, but I was even more shocked to see the massive swarm of people all in front of me.

"Congratulations!" "Surprise!"

I felt alone, despite my entire division greeting me at the entrance. My mind felt dizzy at the sheer number of men there to greet me at the entrance—they were literally packed in the foyer, with both cheesy smiles and faces. The grip on my arm grew tighter, and reminded me that Riku was by my side. All around me were handwritten decor and signs, congratulating me on...becoming captain? I felt overwhelmed, because I didn't know if this was a joke or not.

"Say something, Captain." Riku spoke quietly into my ear, and it was a small shock to my system. I had to say something—anything—they were waiting on my reaction.

"C'mon captain!" Xigbar had blended in perfectly with the mob until he stepped out of the group. "I didn't help get this group of savages out here to welcome you on stepping up to the new rung for nothing! Would a little bit of enthusiasm kill ya?"

I saw it all. I heard what was said, and the words spoken to me, but none of it was connecting.

"You seem preoccupied, Captain. You've a lot on your mind. Why not sleep on it?"

"That...sounds nice." The words flowed out of my mouth in one breathy whisper. My legs couldn't support me, and felt as if there weren't any bones in my body. Unfocused, my eyes drifted elsewhere, and were beyond my control.

"Terra!"

"Lieuten-er, Captain!"

"Hey, hey, give him some space!"

I was left limp, but someone kept hanging on. "Hahaha, seems like he's celebrated a bit too early and too much at the pub," A muffled voice spoke, but it felt really close to me. "I'll get him to his room—he should be just fine later, but for now, let him get his sleep."

"You mean to tell me we just threw a surprise party for our newly, ordained, drunk Captain who isn't even going to attend?"

"At least the fella knows how to celebrate!"

A low, collective groan echoed in the halls, and I felt like a spectator outside of my own body. I assumed it was Riku who spoke earlier, as the one who was dragging me to my room so I could rest. My body went where Riku took me, with my mind just tagging along as shotgun. I felt like I wasn't in control again, exactly like whatever the hell happened in that tent with that odd doctor.

Kicking open my door upon arrival, we trudged on through (with me limply hanging on his shoulder). I couldn't imagine how he managed to help carry me to my room, considering he was not only smaller, but much less built than I was. Nonetheless, he dropped me off at my cot, but my body nearly rolled off the edge. My friend stopped my body from falling by helping move my limbs onto the mattress; however, I didn't see the toll it took on him until he finally got a breather. He wasn't the most graceful of men, considering he dropped everything and gave out like a popped tire. I felt him fall on top of my legs, as well as his lower abdomen heaving air in his body and exhuming it. My shins were supporting his chest, while he kneeled over the edge of the bed.

"The hell do you eat, man?" Were the first words he spoke when he could. My gut bounced with breathless mirth, with lazy eyes dawdling over to where his face was. He was so pasty, I knew he was red in the face, but I couldn't tell with the lights out. I took in the comfort of my cot and rested my eyes, keeping my ears alert for whatever Riku might say. "You okay, Terra?"

"Yeah, I'm in tip-fucking-top shape, Riku. Not being able to stand and losing consciousness for a moment are pinpoint signs that I'm "okay"."

"You could have just said something." Grumbling under his breath, he got off only to sit himself at the end of my bed. His presence made me feel paranoid, like he was analyzing my body, so I couldn't rest my eyes for any longer. "Seriously, what's up? You're worrying me."

"You're doing too much of that, really." My mouth stretched like a cavern when I yawned, hoping the other would pick up the hint. Unfortunately, I knew subtlety wasn't this guy's area of expertise, so I had no choice but to wake myself up. Sitting up across him, I tried to keep myself awake enough to pay attention.

"Too much? Terra, you nearly fell on your face just 10 minutes ago! Maybe I should call Ansem-"

"You're not calling anyone, because you're getting the fuck out." My frustration started to bubble up within me. "I appreciate the...gesture, or whatever, but I seriously need some sleep. I probably couldn't stand up because of the damn medication!"

"And if I call bullshit instead?"

Because of my fatigued state, I lost all energy to rip Riku a new one. Believe me, the motivation was very much there, but I couldn't raise my arm, let alone try to make my point clear with force. "Call it whatever you like, but I'm going to sleep." I couldn't fight with him anymore. I hated to even think about it, but the thought of me getting old crossed my mind and made me shiver. Too early to think about that.

Rolling onto my side, my back was to Riku, letting him know my office hours for chit-chat were now closed. Eventually, I felt the weight of my mattress lighten as the soldier finally hopped off. I could finally get some sleep.

That is, until I felt a hand on my neck, and in turn, every hair on my body was raised with apprehension and shock. Fingers then took hold of my hair and gripped it from the side. I could have elbowed them (whoever was touching me), but my body wouldn't react fast enough.

"It's near damn impossible for some men to lie to me right to my face, but you manage to do it all the time, Terra. If you're not going to tell me why, at least do me a favor and don't look me in the eyes next time you do it. It's painful."

"Sure."

The door closed swiftly after him, and I didn't want to think about what would happen next. The sensation I felt then was unlike any other—loneliness. Although the feelings were stark in comparison, it was a similar experience to how I felt in Ansem's tent when he gave me that look of pity. Never had I felt this sensation before. Even when I was physically alone at times, I never got to this level. So what was so different this time?

I grew restless, and my body now ached for the complete opposite and wanted to move around. Muttering curses under my breath, I loathed my body for being so hard to work with. I had to move it one limb at a time to get out of the mattress. I sat at the edge, exhausted, and panting for air. Why was moving my body like moving steel?

My hand wandered on its own to my neck (I guess out of paranoia), but that weird patch on my neck still didn't pick up the touch. At the time, it felt as if my head would rupture from anymore thinking, so I didn't want to ponder about my health anymore. I felt so weak and so pathetic. I didn't know what was wrong with me, but I felt physically, emotionally, and mentally drained. Like I had a leech on me.

"Sorry, that's my bad. It happens."

That voice again. I pretended not to hear it within my head, but was unsuccessful, as it kept chiming in the middle of my thoughts.

"You've had a long day. And I'm sorry for that, Terra. Honestly, if I could take it back I would. But try to get some sleep. Thinking about who I am or what I'm doing in your head won't get you a wink of it. Please. You're not the only one who's tired."

It was that weird name. The one I muttered right before freezing up in Ansem's tent...Vaan...Vend...Ventus. Ventus.

"Bingo."

"Sure, I'll try to pretend I'm not mad and that you don't exist." Were the last words I spoke before finally succumbing to slumber's call.

A/N: Hope you enjoyed that chapter! This one was slightly longer than the last, as I typically want my chapters to range anywhere from 7-10k. Anywho, as always, thanks for reading, and if you really enjoyed it, please leave feedback/follow/fave, it all helps! Credit to MajorieFranklin, for being a kickass co-author and an awesome beta. Things will be intense in the next chapter, so stay tuned!