"Why, it appears the famed commander is getting rusty," Ashera taunted, sidestepping a claw spewing yellow flames. She spun around, hoping to catch her opponent off guard. Her twinsaber was halted just as quickly; Teach stood there, pressing his Blade against hers.

"You're imagining it," he replied calmly.

She laughed. "I guess so! How do you do that?"

The sun stood high over the Gura Flava lowlands, one of countless sites in Aionios that had seen its share of battle. This particular duel had been in session for nearly half an hour, with no signs of stopping; a rematch had been the intention.

It surprised Teach to hear that a teaching request had come in to Colony Gamma. Not that such requests were unusual, but this was the first time one had been submitted from outside the colony, and by a Kevesi soldier.

Kyrie mentioned the soldier was from Colony 30, so Teach contacted Commander Valdi to confirm. The young mechanic seemed confused at first, but then said that yes, a Kevesi soldier would be coming from Colony 30 for some kind of combat lesson. What concerned Teach was how Valdi acted as though he barely knew one of his own soldiers.

By the time the Kevesi commander clarified what he had meant, it was too late. The soldier was on the premises. Teach was disappointed to learn that the commander of Colony 11 had sought him out. He berated Ashera on her deception, which she tried to play off as a simple misunderstanding. "What?" she had said. "I never said I was from Colony 30, only that I was arriving from there!"

He was ready to kick her out when she hastily made a case for her presence there. It hadn't been a "combat lesson" she was seeking, but a true rematch without the Ouroboros. Teach had no interest in such a thing; he stated simply that their fight had ended back at Colony 11. Hearing Ashera passionately declare that it would likely be the last time they could face off like this made him reconsider. Not that he wished to fight her as much as she wished to fight him, but he knew she would keep at him until he agreed. Anticipating her return and sending her away would be a waste of time, especially if it happened more than once. Perhaps he could persuade her to hold off until the Moebius were defeated, but there was no telling what the future held.

But more than that, he sensed that something was off, and he had to admit a part of him was curious. From the way she spoke, it was as though she were in her tenth term instead of her ninth. Between the two, if one should have concerns about limited time, it was Teach.

He agreed to the duel on one condition - that he choose the location for it. Unsurprisingly, Ashera dropped a few complaints along the way, but kept walking alongside him, eager to have her prize. Teach had anticipated she would strive for more than just that.

Even now, she was enjoying herself.

"It's nothing you would understand," he replied, realizing she was curious about his Blade's function. "You would have to focus on yourself while broadening your mind, you see."

"Is that so?" Ashera leapt back but was quick to return, thrusting the point of her sword at him. As he narrowly avoided the hit, she flipped her weapon, attempting to pierce him with the other end.

Teach knocked away the Blade with his own, prompting an impressed "oh!" from his opponent. It was all the input he would allow as he went on the offensive.

Ashera let him lead at first, stepping back as she blocked each hit, but eventually, she fell out of his reach. Continuing this path, she kept him in solid pursuit.

It wasn't long before Teach realized Ashera's moves were calculated. She is provoking me. And when I am close enough, that is when she will unleash a torrent of attacks. I must be careful here.

Ashera took one final step backwards, awaiting a strike from her opponent. A smirk formed on her mouth as Teach appeared to swing at her as before; suddenly, his staff transformed into two connected rods, one end spinning as he reversed direction. His free palm shot out, commanding a force to surround Ashera, anchoring her in place.

While she struggled against her shackles, Teach moved in. He was on her when she finally broke free, but as she tried to pivot away, he caught her in his hold. Pressed against her from behind, his arms were wrapped firmly around her, his staff acting as a lock.

Ashera, too, wielded her weapon, but for all the good it did, she might as well have been holding flowers. With her arms restrained by Teach's trap, she cackled. "A maneuver from your old colony?" she asked.

Teach had little time to verbally defend himself as a blunt force slammed into the top of his sandal. He released her with a grunt, watching as she ran off. He limped once or twice, briefly looking downward to check if she had drawn blood. That was careless of me.

His foot continued to sting as he entered into a new dance with his opponent. With some distance between them, they began to circle one another. For a split second, he thought he saw the young woman flinch, her Blade flickering. The thought was quick to pass as Ashera disrupted the rhythm by diving at him. He was ready for her, his staff returning to a more elastic state. He thrust it forward, propelling the opposite end of the weapon into Ashera's space.

Ashera easily dodged the projection as she closed in on him. Being repelled did little to slow her down; she struck back with the figure eight motions of her Blade. Her face twisted again; it was apparent she was pushing through something. Perhaps an injury? Teach wondered. She seemed to grow stronger as she fought him, as though great power were the trade-off for her sudden ailment.

The power would be short-lived. Ashera grabbed at her neck, and the double-sided sword disappeared. Teach took advantage of the distraction and landed a blow to her upper arm. This time, there was no laughter; she retreated quickly out of range.

"Giving up already?" he asked.

"N-no way," she retorted, recovering from the hit. She drew her Blade again, but it was evident her concentration had been shaken. "I'll see this fight... to the end!"

This time, Teach dealt the taunts. "That may take some time, given the way you're performing. I'd prefer this battle conclude before the Ouroboros move on Origin."

"Then we'll finish it here and now," Ashera announced as she broke into a sprint, sword in hand. "Here I come!"

Teach realized then that something was very wrong.

The sword vanished again, preceded this time by a shrill cry. Ashera stumbled mid-charge, wrestling with an invisible enemy that had forced her to her knees.

The struggle continued as she called her weapon; it failed to materialize several times before she willed it into her grasp. Agony was the mask her face wore, her other hand returning to her neck. "F-fire and sparks... not now... nngh..." Determined as she was to get back on her feet, it proved to be an exercise in futility. She collapsed again, emptyhanded, yet her foe refused to release her, inflicting a pain upon her so great that she violently retched up the contents of her stomach.

Did she acquire that injury as we were fighting? Teach wondered, remembering the last few moments. No... this is something else. Why did she fail to mention this?

"Commander Ashera," he called out, sheathing his Blade. "Let us conclude for the day. We can resume this fight another time."

At the end of a coughing fit, Ashera wiped her mouth and looked up with a scowl. "What are you-" She forced herself to rise long enough to stagger a few steps forward. Predictably, she fell in the same manner as before, exhaustion the culprit this time. "I told you, this may be the last time I-"

"You're clearly in no condition to fight," he said as he approached her. "You should have that injury looked at. As it so happens, one of my soldiers is studying to become a doctor-"

"Th-that is none of your business!" The forceful tone in which she declared this, Teach could only attribute to her condition. "Besides... if... if you don't fight me, I'll... kill you..."

If it was meant to be a threat, it was the feeblest Teach had ever heard. "With what? Why, you are unable to summon your Blade. You cannot even stand on your own two feet."

"Ngh... I'll improvise..."

As Teach studied her, he could see that she was shaking. He also took note of the holster she had chosen to wear that day, wrapped around her leg and containing something supporting her threat. "I imagine you could, but let's be honest. You're too distracted to focus right now. Striking you down would be an easy task for me."

"Would it?"

Something about the way she asked the question was unsettling. "It would. Bear in mind it would be an empty victory."

"But would you claim it... if I let you?" As she looked up at him, her eyes seemed to be pleading for release. He detected no aggression within her; she seemed resigned to be at his mercy... willing, even. For a moment, he thought he saw the face of one of his fallen comrades. Before he could lose himself to the memory, Ashera let out another painful cry, dropping her head.

First she threatens to take my life, and now she asks me to put an end to hers. The suicidal maniac indeed. Could that injury be the cause of her strange behavior? "You ask me... to put an end to your suffering," he said, choosing his words carefully. "If all other options are exhausted, I will consider the 'victory' you wish for."

"Th-thank you..."

Teach knelt down beside her, placing a hand upon her armor. "Then... may I?"

"Huh?" Ashera turned to face him. "Ah..." Realizing what he was trying to do, she slowly sat back, raising her head to the sky.

Teach came closer, observing the discolored tissue spanning nearly the entire front of her neck. He'd seen it before, but thought nothing of it... a birthmark, perhaps, or even incredible luck at dodging a deadly blade. Looking at it now, he was certain there was more to the story. He reached out and swept her hair aside... alarmed to find that the markings extended to the back of her neck as well. Impossible. This scar is... It was clear to Teach that this had been no ordinary wound. One would have to be dead. How did she survive this?

"'No one could survive that,'" she said. "I bet that's what you're thinking. You aren't exactly wrong, but... the story's messier than I care to get into. Anyway, it should be obvious now. I'm... I'm out of options."

"Hmm." He brought his hand back. "Is that the truth, or is that the scar talking?"

"What?"

"If I recall, you once said you would choose the right moment to lay down your life. I would like to confirm with you - is this the moment you choose?"

Ashera gasped. It was apparent those words had slipped her mind, though not intentionally. "I... w-well..."

"Given your hesitation, other options remain on the table," Teach continued. "There are ways to ease one's suffering, but ending one's life as a first resort is wasteful and often unnecessary. I can help you, while preserving your life."

"What?" Ashera was stunned, as though it were the first time she had heard those words. The saddest laugh came out of her mouth as she shook her head. "Y-you're serious, aren't you? What is it you think you can do? What do you think I haven't done at this point? No... I'm beyond saving. You said it yourself once... if memory serves." She let out an extended sigh, her voice dropping to a near whisper. "How many times has it been now...? It's all too near... the moment I finally lose myself, and all semblance of sanity. I can feel it. But..." She turned to him with a weary smile. "...thank you anyway. For a moment, hope was in my grasp."

She was moving a hand to her holster, but Teach was quicker. He had positioned himself before her, his grip firm on both of her wrists. "Wait. Please."

"What are you doing?!" she demanded. "Let go! I told you there's no other way-"

"And I ask you to trust me on this," Teach said calmly. "If I fail, then you have my word - I won't stop you from drawing that knife."

The silent standoff was brief; Ashera relented with a groan. "Fine. We'll try your way."

Teach had surprised himself with his eagerness, but it was not the time to dwell on it. "Then, I need you to imagine yourself fighting the pain, defeating the pain."

Ashera made a face. "And what good is that 'mind over matter' shite? As if I haven't thought of it before-" She flinched, a sign that her injury was not yet done with her. "A-auugghh-"

"It will help. Close your eyes and-"

Ashera screamed instead. The tortured sound was reminiscent of a mortally wounded feris. "I-I can't-" she wailed. "It's too much..."

Teach released her and called his weapon. He waved it once and struck the ground, understanding that healing her injury was beyond his capabilities. Still, he hoped he could at least enable her to think clearly, if only for a short while. Satisfied that the art had taken effect, he sheathed the Blade, and then took her hand in both of his. "Ashera," he said. "I don't know by which means you received that scar, and I can scarcely imagine your suffering, but I need you to focus. Please."

She slowly raised her head, looking up at him. Something new was reflected in her eyes, a sign that just enough of the pain had been dulled. "A... all right," she said, nodding miserably. "I'll do my best."

"Good. Close your eyes and imagine you are trapped in a room with a large rock. This rock is the source of your pain, and it blocks the door, preventing your escape. The greater the pain, the larger the rock."

Ashera obeyed and fell into a state of concentration. What started off as soft whimpering soon calmed, becoming a steady cycle of breaths.

"Imagine yourself calling your weapon and directing all of your aggression toward the rock. There is just enough space for you to spin the Blade, turning it into a force that crumbles the rock, little by little. With each piece that falls away, your burden becomes lighter, and the pain lessens."

Ashera remained motionless and silent, her eyes closed.

"With enough effort, you have cut away at half the rock. You gain momentum, pushing through the rest, spinning and hacking. Finally, the last of the rock falls away, defeated, reduced to pebble and dust. The pain is gone. Now you exit through the door, closing it behind you. In doing so, you also leave this burden behind."

Teach was impressed by the level of concentration his companion was devoting to the exercise, all things considered. "Keep in mind, this is something you should do before the pain becomes unbearable. Also, while I can't promise mastery will be possible, you should-" He was interrupted by the sound of light snoring. "Hm...?"

As he studied her, he could see she was just as still as she had been throughout the exercise. The only sign of life was the slow rise and fall of her chest. It gave Teach a sense of relief.

"Rest now, Commander Ashera," he said, letting go of her hand. "We'll need your strength in the battles to come."

Ashera could not remember a time when chaos did not reign. Even in her dreams, battles from the past had her fighting as intensely as in real life. It was exhausting as much as it was exhilarating.

It was different this time. It felt as though she were basking in the glory of a battle considered impossible to win. For Ashera, no challenge was beyond victory, but this one in particular had been a source of frustration for many years... lifetimes, even. She thought restlessness would only follow, but for once, she felt as though she could breathe easy. It was a peace she was not accustomed to.

Gradually, other things were gathering in that space of peace, the muffled shouts of battle commands, the chirping of birds in the distance, and even shuffling sounds very close by. She opened her eyes to an unfamiliar setting - beds all around, a white tent surrounding her. Ashera guessed she had somehow made it to an Agnian colony. With a groan, she slowly sat up.

"Oh good, you're awake," said a voice across the room. "How are you feeling?"

Ashera turned her head as a young man approached. She studied his appearance, from the mechanical pattern on his face to the dark colored uniform he wore. "You... you're Kevesi."

"That's right," he said. "It's an honor to meet you, Commander Ashera. I'm Maybach, of Colony 4. As a doctor's assistant, I'm mentoring one of the soldiers here- well, obviously, not now as she's in training. But that's all right. The commander thought you might be more comfortable with a Kevesi anyway."

"The commander...?"

"Ah..." Maybach apologetically brought a hand to his forehead. "I forgot to mention you're in Colony Gamma, didn't I? I couldn't believe it when Commander Teach carried you in here suddenly. I thought you were from Noah's camp, at first."

Ashera's face was growing warm. "What do you mean, he carried me in here?"

"Well, you were unconscious and alone," he explained. "I feared the worst, but Teach said it was mostly exhaustion. But then he requested that I examine you, and take measures in case your injury started bothering you again. On that note... you didn't answer my question earlier. How are you feeling? Are you experiencing any pain?"

Something had been mysteriously absent the entire conversation, but it was only then Ashera realized what that something was. "I'm fine. No pain. Well, just a little ache from that blow I took to the shoulder earlier. But that's nothing I can't deal with."

Maybach nodded. "Good. Any problems with your neck? It's a miracle you're walking around with a scar like that, much less fighting."

I wouldn't call it a miracle. More like a curse. "No, I can move it." She demonstrated by moving her head from side to side. "It doesn't hurt right now... but I'm sure that'll change at some point."

"I see. How... did you get that scar anyway? I've known soldiers who nearly lost their limbs in battle and developed similar scarring... but never on the neck. I consulted my own mentor, but even she hadn't heard of a soldier receiving an injury like yours. I think if I knew more, I might be able to provide better treatment."

Ashera sighed. "It can't be treated. It's... a 'memento' from the past."

Maybach didn't seem at all surprised when Ashera went into a horrific memory of being beheaded at her first Homecoming, only for the memories to follow her into each reincarnation, along with the scar and the physical and psychological trauma of being executed. "So that's why we have no knowledge of how to treat that type of wound. How awful. I'm sorry you've had to carry that with you for so many lifetimes."

"Not as sorry as I am," she half-heartedly joked. "But it's not all bad. I'm still the toughest Defender in all of Keves, and I seem to be making loads of friends lately."

"Well, more importantly, the wound isn't bothering you now, at least," Maybach said. "That said, I have another patient to check on, but you can rest here tonight. Let me know if you start experiencing pain or other unusual symptoms."

Ashera nodded. "I will," she said, then suddenly felt anxious. "Uh... about what I told you earlier, about the scar... please don't tell anyone else. Especially the commander."

"I wasn't going to," he assured her. "But why the commander? He seemed genuinely concerned for your health."

"Exactly. He shouldn't do that, considering who he is."

"Huh? Oh, you're not worried about hostile relations between our colonies, are you? Don't worry, these Agnians are definitely allies."

"No, I meant-" Ashera trailed off. "Ah, nevermind. I thank you for your discretion."

Despite finding relief these last few hours, Ashera felt an unease within her. Not that she feared another episode, or even the possibility of Agnians reacting unfavorably to her presence. Something gnawed at her belly, even after she had visited the canteen. She had considered leaving the colony once or twice in the hopes of escaping this feeling too, but deep down, she knew she couldn't... not until a certain situation was resolved.

The moon was nearly full, occasionally obscured by passing clouds. Ashera finally decided to pay a visit to the commander's office. The colony was mostly quiet then, with guards at the entrances and a handful of young soldiers wandering around. She noted Maybach's comment about the Agnians being allies; since she had been there, everyone she had encountered treated her as anyone else in Gamma.

She was going over things to say in her mind when she saw him; he was standing at the entrance of his office, his attention focused on something. For a moment, she froze, her thoughts turning into a debate over whether or not she should leave before he realized she was there. The debate was over when he turned slightly in her direction, finally noticing her presence.

"Commander Ashera," he greeted her. "I see you are up and about. Are you feeling better?"

"Ah yes," she said, slowly approaching him. "Much better. Had a chat with the doctor back there - nice gent, hope to meet his friend soon - then I had something to eat."

"Good. I asked the cook to prepare you something special."

"You did? I thought my tray looked different from everyone else's..."

"Well, you collapsed earlier, and you need to recover your strength."

"Why, Commander!" Ashera exclaimed, as though she were put off by the gesture. "First you bring me to your colony, then you have a Kevesi doctor look after me, and now you're letting me eat better than your own soldiers? If you're trying to be besties with me, well..." She gave him a wink. "I'd say you're off to a good start!"

"I... can't say that was the intention," he said. "I was hoping for a favorable outcome, that outcome being your improved condition."

"Oh, that was a joke. I know you've more important things to tend to. Anyway... it's all appreciated. Thanks." As soon as the words were out, however, her feelings of uncertainty were back.

"You are welcome." In the pause that followed, he seemed to catch on to the shift in her emotions. "Something troubles you."

"Huh? N-no... what makes you say that?" After a nervous chuckle, she dropped the charade. "Ah, you see right through me, as usual. How do you do that?"

"What's on your mind?"

Ashera felt her confidence leave her, but knew the words needed to be said. It was why she came there, after all.

"...if you feel comfortable sharing, that is-"

"Teach."

She had spoken the name so solemnly, it surprised even him. "Yes?"

"I... I owe you an apology. The truth is, I never stopped thinking about... whether or not you were the one from my past. But today I realized... it doesn't matter. I misjudged you. Either way, the boy I met on the battlefield years ago isn't the man I clashed with today. And... everyone deserves a chance to change." She sighed and looked away. "I was a fool. I'm sorry."

He took in those words. "I see," he said. "Truthfully, I am just as guilty. I judged you as reckless, unhinged, violent... without a care for what you were doing, or for anyone unfortunate to cross your path. I've seen the destruction brought about by such behavior. Perhaps... it was my projection. But what I failed to consider was the reason for it all... and whether or not this life was something you truly wished for."

"What do you mean?"

"That scar... it drives a sense of urgency, doesn't it?"

Ashera turned to him, surprised. She gave a laugh, calmly bringing a hand to her collar. "I'm almost insulted, Commander! You aren't giving me enough credit here. I enjoy a good fight, that's always been true. And I'm very good at what I do. One could say it's the reason I got this scar in the first place."

"Ashera. You won't convince me there's anything natural or deserved about that scar."

"I wasn't trying to."

Teach took a meaningful pause, looking out at his colony. "Earlier you asked, how many times had it been? If it's true that we soldiers are reborn, then I find this question puzzling. How is it possible to receive the same wound with the same outcome in each life? I don't suppose... you'd be willing to shed light on this mystery."

As reluctant as she had been to divulge that information before, something told her he could be trusted with it. "Ah, sure. No point in keeping it to myself."

When Ashera finished her story, Teach looked understandably disturbed. "I see. Those Consuls truly are at the root of all of our problems. Forgive me. I never knew."

"Most don't. I prefer to keep it that way."

"You aren't ashamed, are you?"

"No. I'll leave that for the Consul who inflicted this on me. But I can't afford to show weakness, being the commander of the strongest colony in Keves. And up until now, it's worked to my advantage. Whenever my scar bothered me, I'd strike at my opponent, and they'd counter with something to offset the pain. The trouble is, as you saw today, my little strategy has begun to fail."

"That is indeed a problem. But at the moment... are you feeling pain?"

She shook her head. "This scar of mine has been behaving itself, thanks to you. That was... some method, all right."

Taking it as a compliment, he bowed slightly in her direction. "Truthfully, all I did was give you some tools, which you put to good use."

"Or maybe you just bored me to sleep with some story about rocks." When she saw his confused reaction, she chuckled. "I'm kidding. I'd never thought of visualizing the problem like that. Clever, really. Although... I know it's just a temporary fix. The pain will return. Even so... I promised a friend I would hold on to this life for as long as I possibly could."

"Well, should you return to that 'method,' remember what I told you. Don't wait until the pain is overwhelming."

"I won't." She shifted her weight, briefly scratching at the back of her head. "Heh. I still don't know why you went to all this trouble for me, but I mean it... thank you."

He shook his head. "I just thought of it as helping a fellow soldier. It was no trouble at all."

A fellow soldier...? Earlier that day, Ashera had been too consumed with pain to question it, but for a moment, Teach had stared at her as though he had seen a ghost. I wonder. She stopped short of asking, not wishing to betray her earlier statements. "R-right. Good thing I chose today of all days to pick a fight with you, huh?"

"Indeed. If not for that, we would not be talking like this now, nor would we have come to a better understanding of one another."

"A-all right, don't get mushy on me," Ashera said, trying to play off her awkwardness. "Anyway, I've been away too long from my colony, so I'll be leaving in the morning. Just wanted to let you know. If I don't see you before then... I enjoyed myself."

"And what of the duel you were adamant in finishing?"

"Ah, well... if we pick it up again, great. No rush. There are more important things right now. It'd be embarrassing if my colony were the only one unprepared for the attack on Origin. So let's call it a night." Her destination was the medical tent, which was just beyond the commander's office. She walked past him, but after a few more steps, impulse took her and she turned around. "Hey! I know we're all busy, and there's probably little time for it, but..."

"Hm?" Teach seemed to be emerging from a deep thought.

"If you're ever in the area, do drop by," she said. "We'll have drinks at the Tap-dancing Nopon! Or... er... just one, not sure if you're a lightweight. Ah, we'll find out."

She was second guessing her sudden invitation when Teach's expression softened. "That sounds delightful, provided you keep any surprise battles to a minimum."

This time, Ashera's laughter was genuinely friendly. "I'll keep that in mind. Well, good night, Teach."

He nodded. "Good night, Ashera."