"So where are you taking me?" Ashera had asked.

Teach's initial response had been vague, gradually providing more detail the closer they came to their destination. Ashera didn't seem to mind, or didn't show it. Perhaps this was due to the fact that much of her time was spent checking in on her colony; Teach did the same with Gamma.

The trip took three days - first, they crossed the border into the N'ohm Wetlands using separate levnises. As the region had been liberated, passage through the Great Sword was now permitted to most. At the end of the path was a larger Agnian levnis built for sea travel, which awaited them at the docks. Teach admitted to a surprised Ashera that though the Lost Numbers had been working with liberated colonies, including Agnus Castle, it took the word of the Ouroboros to allow him this privilege.

As they boarded, Teach announced they were headed for Hargan Island. Ashera wasn't thrilled with the extra distance, but seemed grateful that they didn't have to walk the way over. To which Teach suggested, with some enthusiasm, the benefits of a long swim across the sea... laughing at the look of horror on Ashera's face before he assured her he was joking.

On the second day, Ashera went missing for about an hour. Teach deduced that she had either relocated to another room or even on deck. She said nothing as she came back, but he noticed immediately that she lacked the energy of the last two days... before she admitted she was tired and needed to lie down for a while. Teach didn't press her for details. Instead, he simply told her to "rest well" before returning to the controls. He wasn't going to stop the levnis now, not as her condition worsened.

Returning to Hargan only conjured up memories of his visit the week before, as well as the call that followed. Despite the caller's nature, he had been serious about the requirements of reversing the condition.

"Ye best be prepared. I can help, but only something of equal value can be exchanged. Life, for one. Heard it from the queen herself..."

Despite the ominous words, Teach felt the man could be trusted. He was nothing like Consul G, and there had been no shame or judgment in his words. "I see," Teach had responded. "If that is the price one must pay... yes. I must do whatever it takes."

It wasn't a lie, his promise to help. Teach fully intended to free Ashera from the pain of her scar, no matter the cost. Consul M had freed Mio from the chains of the mark. While Teach didn't possess such power, certainly he could offer up something he did have. It was for her sake, after all.

That is what he told himself, even as they approached the island.

Hours passed before they disembarked. The reason was due to the physical inability to relocate... at least, this was true in one person's case.

Teach found Ashera near the exit, lying across several closely linked seat cushions. She was fast asleep, and he suspected she had been for quite a while.

A gentle shake of the shoulder and the calling out of her name both failed to wake her. He sat down across from her, studying her form, almost certain he'd had a hand in causing this new problem. It wasn't intentional; he simply believed he was helping a fellow soldier with the knowledge that he had.

Could it be I've made things worse? I don't imagine she can carry on as Commander if this progresses...

To his relief, the young woman began to stir.

"Ah... Commander... Teach..." she said as she opened her eyes. "Have we arrived?"

Teach nodded. "We've been here for a while."

"Why didn't you wake me?" Ashera asked, moving to a sitting position. "Wait... how long have I been out?" She checked her iris, letting out a gasp. "N-nineteen hours? That can't be."

Just as I feared, Teach thought. "I did try to wake you, but it seems you were in a deep sleep. Ashera... I must apologize."

"Apologize? For what?"

"You're here because I gave you an imperfect tool to handle a problem beyond my scope. Even if it has some benefit, it has only created a new problem for you..."

"Huh?" Deactivating her iris, she looked at him before breaking into laughter. "Wh-what problem? I oversleep now? It's not the worst trade-off."

"Is it not just as debilitating? Just as being driven mad would render you incapable of commanding your troops, being unconscious for long periods of time would offer the same level of leadership."

For some reason, Ashera found this all the more amusing. "Hahahaha! So essentially, nothing's changed. What are you apologizing for? You certainly haven't made it worse."

Her words failed to lighten the mood, despite being accompanied by laughter. She was always laughing about something, even in the absence of a joke. Teach could count on one hand the number of times he had heard her laugh out of genuine joy, and have digits to spare. "Ashera, when I seek to help others, I don't want to leave it at 'not making it worse.' I want to help you move forward."

"Well, if it makes you feel better, that little nap did wonders. Really! There's no need to worry about me."

"But there is."

The laughter stopped. Ashera looked away uncomfortably, trading her act for a more accurate depiction of her troubles. "Don't you get it? I have to fight it for as long as I'm able to."

Teach nodded. "I know. That's why we're here today." In the silence that followed, he considered elaborating, but instead left it at that. "We should go."

They exited the levnis a short while later. As they stepped onto Hargan Island's shores, Teach knew she would notice as he had...

"A Kevesi ferronis, here?" Ashera asked. "Then your contact is also Kevesi?"

"Well..." Teach hesitated to answer as they made their way toward the inner part of the island. "That... depends upon your point of view."

She stopped at the highest point of the sandy path, viewing the ferronis in its entirety. "Wait, this is Colony 15, isn't it? They're in the Cadensia region now. So that's why you knew so much about them."

Teach nodded. "Indeed. There's someone here I would like for you to meet."

"So you've said. I wish you'd gone into more detail-"

"Ahoy...! Welcome!"

At the booming voice, the two stopped and redirected their sights toward a cluster of supply containers. Standing there was a large person dressed in a red suit, waving at the two.

"Th-the Consul!" Instinctively, Ashera drew her weapon and took a defensive stance.

"Put yer Blade away, lass," the red-clad man said. "I'm not here ta fight anyone today." He turned to Teach. "So, this be the friend you mentioned?"

Teach nodded. "Yes, she is." To Ashera, he said, "It's all right. He is allied with both the City and the Ouroboros."

Ashera looked back and forth between the two, still suspicious of the Consul, but sheathed the twinsaber. "What's going on here? Your contact is a Moebius?"

"That I am," said the Consul. "Triton's the name. You can call me Cap'n Triton! Your friend here tells me you've got a bad scar. A real pain in the neck, if you'll pardon the phrasing. And it comes back when you're reborn."

"Y-yes. That's true."

"Captain Triton," said Teach. "You spoke of a way to stop the pain, and to keep it from following her into her next life."

"Aye," Triton responded. "Had to get a bit of help on this one... a lucky man I be, considerin' who I had to talk to. Not to mention the fact I've been barred from Origin for fightin' Moebius... though truth be told, it's been so long, can't say I remember how to get back in anyway, hahaha..." Seeing Ashera staring at him, he asked, "What is it? Not used to seeing a laid-back Moebius?"

"Your laugh," she said. "It's different from the other Consuls'... it's... warm, somehow."

"Well, o' course. All that life-stealing just proves me former 'mates' are colder than the serprond I hauled in yesterday. Hate to say it, but most of 'em get pleasure from bein' cruel. I ain't interested in that. Traveling the seas, adventuring with friends, gettin' in a good brawl... that's the life for me!"

Ashera seemed more convinced now. "Okay... I can understand that. Putting that aside... Teach says you have a plan to stop this pain. Assuming it works, why did you agree to do it? You might be 'laid-back' as you say, but I find it hard to believe this comes without a price."

"A price?" Triton repeated, stroking his silver beard thoughtfully. "Hmm. Well, in the grand scheme of things-"

That's when Teach stepped in, looking at Triton. "Y-yes, about that. It's been worked out. The 'payment'... will be collected afterward, as discussed."

"I knew it," Ashera muttered. "So? What'll it be?"

Teach could sense both the disappointment and dread in her words. She's paid dearly for far too long. "Ashera, I want you to understand... that you are not beyond saving. But for you to live your life, unburdened by your scar... something equal in value must be exchanged. I have agreed to this."

"What?!"

She had said this with such panic that Teach turned to her. "You're upset."

Having realized it was obvious, Ashera quickly composed herself. "Er... n-no! Hahahaha. What would I have to be upset about? Just because my friend did something without my knowledge - something incredibly foolish, I might add - why should I be upset?"

"You are upset."

"Well, of course I'm upset," she said, dropping the act. "Is this some kind of joke? How dare you agree to something like this before telling me the whole story? And don't say it's for my sake-"

"It is for your sake-"

"Like spark it is! You want to trade your life for mine, is that it? You think I would be happy with that? Oh-" She seemed to recall something, and gave a bitter laugh. "So this is why you told me about your past. You didn't break your oath to Consul G at all... you were planning to die this whole time! And for what?"

Teach looked at her, having expected some pushback, but not this. "Ashera, I don't have much time left. It's rare that we soldiers get to choose how to live our lives, or end them. All I did was see an opportunity to give my life meaning. I would think that you of all people would understand that."

The words were enough to disarm her. "...Do what you want," she said as she turned away from him. "Atone for your past... it's no concern of mine."

"That's enough, you two," said a new voice.

Everyone turned to acknowledge the unexpected visitor, someone now entering Colony 15 territory. A woman of short stature, she was dressed in white regal robes. Her crown consisted of jewels that were draped across her forehead, and a unique design from which her tall, furry ears protruded.

"Your Majesty?" Teach said in surprise.

"The Queen of Agnus," Ashera murmured.

"Yer Majesty!" Triton boomed. "Haven't seen ya since I dropped by Agnus Castle!"

"Well, I was tending to my duties and felt I was needed here," the woman responded. As she approached, she turned to Teach and Ashera. "Though it appears you know who I am, allow me to formally introduce myself. I am Nia, Queen of Agnus. I'm here to assist Triton, who told me about you two."

"Arr..." Triton looked a bit ruffled. "Don't trust me to do the job, is it?"

"N-no, it's nothing like that." Despite the slight burst of nervousness, Nia remained composed. "It's just... we already had one incident when you showed up to the castle unannounced. Thankfully, Ghondor was able to defuse the situation." She shook her head. "Anyway, it would be good to avoid further misunderstandings, such as giving someone the idea that one must sacrifice one's life in order to save another."

Teach glanced at Ashera before looking back at the queen. "Please explain."

"Oh, I believe Triton will have that honor."

A sheepish laugh came from the Consul. "Ah, I'm sorry, kids. Seems I've given you the wrong idea. Especially you," he said, addressing Teach. "When I told you life would pay for this, I wasn't talking about yours. I was talking about mine."

Initially, Teach was too stunned to speak. He stood there, trying to gather his thoughts... but in the end could only express one thing. "I... I've never felt more like a fool."

"Likewise," Ashera said, glaring at Triton. "You do understand I was on the verge of heartache here?"

As Triton acknowledged the blunder with another light apology, a sigh was heard from the direction of the queen.

"And this is why I'm here," Nia explained, before turning back to Teach and Ashera. "Although, there is truth in what he says. It will take a great power to stop the pain entirely. In a way, Triton is paying with his life... or rather, his immortality."

"Is that true?" Ashera asked. When Triton nodded at her, she said, "Again... why? Why do this for me?"

"Moebius burdened you with that scar, lass," he told her. "'Tis only right that Moebius unburden you. Rather, no one but Moebius can do it."

"But if you do this, you'll be..." She trailed off.

The Consul only laughed again. "Is that what you're worried about? I won't die right away! Like Her Majesty says, I'll just lose a few perks as Moebius. If I'm lucky, I'll be around a few more years. It's just that, instead of fishing for my next meal, I might end up in a monster's belly instead! Gahahaharr!"

"Captain," said Teach. "I appreciate what you're doing, but is this what you really want?"

"Aye. You wouldn't believe it, but being Moebius... wears on ya after a while. But you've shown this old sea dog a path forward... to his next voyage. For that, I'm grateful. Besides, seeing you young folk be kind to one another gives me hope for the future." He turned to Ashera. "That said, please don't be upset with this lad here, his heart's in the right place. Ah, I remember it like it was yesterday. Actually, it was about a week ago. Some Agnian commander barges into my base, and then asks me if there's a way to help his friend cursed by Moebius! I tell ya, he was either brave or stupid to be approaching me with that request!"

As Triton let out another hearty laugh, Teach kept his composure, doing his best to ignore the fact that he was being mocked.

"But then I thought, what a nice thing to do. How could I turn him down? And so, I promised to help as long as he brought you here. I put the ol' noggin to work... but truth be told, a good plan was never my strong suit. So I got to thinking... who was good at that? And it hit me... the queens! They came up with Origin, so surely they had an idea. But with Queen Melia still trapped, I decided to pay a visit to Agnus Castle."

Ashera scoffed. "So that's it... a busybody and a sentimental old fool... bothering the queen for the likes of me." Despite these words, she could not hide her gratitude. "Well... even if this doesn't work... I appreciate that you were willing to try."

"It will work," Nia assured her. "Despite that earlier misunderstanding, Triton is perfectly capable of carrying out this task."

"Hmm. With all due respect, Your Majesty, I don't believe I've heard your reason for helping. As the ruler of all of Agnus, I imagine you have better things to do."

Despite being put on the spot, there was no hostility in the queen's response. "'Better'... is all a matter of perspective," she replied. "And I understand your suspicion, given my position, and what we are about to do. But... you should know that as the queen, I have knowledge of the events of this world... including your Homecoming. Thanks to this, I was able to better prepare Triton for today. As for why I chose to help, think of it as a favor to Queen Melia, whom I consider a good friend. The years in Aionios have been long and terrible, but perhaps this will ease her burden in some way."

Ashera shook her head. "Sorry, I don't see how helping me helps her."

"Well, you are the commander of the colony that guards Keves Castle," Teach reminded her. "Not even the strongest of Agnian forces could break through, thanks to your efforts. I would know. Perhaps... Queen Melia wishes for you to continue your duties, unhindered."

"Right," Nia said, nodding. "That's certainly part of it. But I also know she hates to see her people suffer, just as I do."

Ashera seemed more convinced. "Hm... I suppose. Still seems strange to me, but I don't think you're lying. That said, what's the plan?"

"Memory manipulation."

"Er... excuse me? Whose memory? Mine?"

"Yes. As you know, when soldiers are reborn, their memories are wiped clean. But this isn't always the case. A Moebius with Agnian origins once referred to this as harmless 'bugs' in the system." Nia seemed to flinch as she said this, moving a hand to her chest. "The memory of being executed at Homecoming... is one such 'bug.' When you were reborn, somehow, it stayed with you. Both your body and mind recalled that horror, including the pain itself. And so... today, we will stop the memory from persisting... by manipulating it. Consider it a way of 'patching up' the bug."

"But how?" Ashera asked. "Can you really get a hold of my memories just like that?"

"No, not exactly. Your iris will relay the memory to these men here." To Ashera's quizzical expression, she said, "Open an exclusive channel, and think about that day. Concentrate on it, or speak of it, if it helps. For your part, you will temporarily assume the role of your past self, and Triton will use his power to alter the event slightly. While this is going on, Teach will serve as a witness to this altered memory."

"I'm honored to do so," Teach said. "But why me?"

"You wouldn't know this, but the crystals that Agnians are born with... they don't simply give you an advantage over Keves. They also record data, which is then sent back to Origin. This used to be limited to Agnian data, but ever since this world was created, it extends to Kevesi data as well. Anytime you interact, such as on the battlefield, for instance. Past events can also be referenced this way."

The news surprised Teach. "Then... isn't it possible the other Moebius know what we are doing?"

"Don't ye worry too much about that," Triton told him. "There's loads of information at Origin, from what I remember. It's true Moebius control this world, but we don't know everything. Besides, the only Moebius that might've been interested... well..." He looked at Ashera. "I reckon you and the Ouroboros already took care of her."

"Ugh, thanks for reminding me," Ashera groaned. "So, to recap... I'll use my iris to transmit my memories, which Triton will change. I'll pretend I'm being 'honored' in world's worst ceremony and Teach will... watch? And somehow that's going to stop the pain?" She shook her head, still doubtful. "Sorry... I find it hard to believe it's possible to change a memory... and having an effect, less so."

"'Tis a strange world," Triton said. "An injury that follows you into the next life... that should never have happened. If that scar can break the rules, then I say, so can we."

"I agree," Nia said. "Regrettably, I won't be able to participate myself as I don't have an iris, but I trust you three can handle this."

"Arr... I'm honored you believe in us that much, Your Majesty!" replied the Consul. To the two soldiers, he said, "Well? Ready when you are."

Ashera and Teach looked at one another, and then each activated their own iris.

Sounds of the ocean ceased suddenly, as did the cries of creatures flying overhead. The climate was arid, though the heat seemed to retreat somewhat.

As Ashera looked at Triton, she felt a strange pull within her iris. The moment her thoughts returned to that day, all digital displays ceased to be... while a familiar setting remained. Immersed in it, her senses detached from the world for a time. When she regained her awareness, she was kneeling in a location not known by many, a hovering reef that served as an ancient ceremonial site. The ceremony, she recalled, was one of neither joy nor honor. Her heart sank, knowing she awaited the so-called reward for ten years of service. Standing before her was Consul V, who was wielding a sword, just as he had that day.

The air grew still, stirring up dread in the present-day Ashera. In her mind, a familiar phrase played: This isn't how it's supposed to end.

As if on cue, a grinding pain radiated from the center of her neck, bone deep and unrelenting. She cursed its timing; it had caught her off-guard. The memory... it's too close. Forcing herself to her feet, she retreated from her past self, only making it a few metri before she collapsed. Attempts to counter the tortuous sensation were met with a feeling of suffocation, of being strangled by a cruel hand. "N-no..." she gasped. "I can't... go through this again..."

"Ashera." It was Teach's voice. "You must face this. You will face this."

"Ugh..." She clawed at the ground as another excruciating wave swept over her. "It hurts. How can I possibly...?"

"You're not alone."

"Huh...?" Sensing a presence before her, she looked up; it was Teach, offering his hand to her.

"You weren't made to suffer like this," he said. "Ashera... you can and you will overcome this horror."

There was a strength to his gentle nature, a welcome contrast to the weakness she felt beneath an oppressive cycle of pain. His words were a breath of fresh air; for a moment, she rose above her hell.

Ashera took Teach's open hand, standing up with his help. As they both faced the ceremonial site, she noticed something that wasn't part of her original memory - despite being fully prepared to execute the tenth-term soldier, Consul V made no move.

"Is he... waiting?" Ashera asked, letting go of Teach.

"Perhaps they both are," Teach responded.

A mysterious silhouette appeared behind Consul V, one that also took the shape of a Consul. It was of a height with the would-be executioner, though with a slightly larger build. It never fully materialized, and seemed to be connected to why V was frozen in place.

"Ah." Then... this must be what I'm meant to do. Ashera took a few steps forward, pausing to look back at Teach, who simply gave her a nod. She continued her path, returning to where her past self resided, and reunited with her.

Not long afterward, something else caught her eye - motes levitating all around her, small amounts at first, then increasing in number.

It was then Consul V started to move. By the time he swung his sword, however, the past Ashera's body had fully dissolved into the air. The Blade itself had no effect on the present-day Ashera; as she watched it slice through the motes, she felt something release her...

A soft breeze greeted the three upon their return, washing away all traces of the past. Ashera opened her eyes, slowly regaining awareness of the world around her. Every little detail came into view, somehow more vivid than when she had first arrived. It roused her curiosity. Every flower on the ground, the occasional tree, even the islands' walls that appeared so perfectly carved; had it been natural, or the result of some annihilation event? It was strange how she never appreciated the beauty of the Cadensia region. Having spent her days anticipating the return of debilitating pain, she could think of nothing but war and death. But now, the pain was gone. And with it, a veil that seemed to have shrouded her other senses until then.

In the distance, birds called to one another. Waves rolled and made their way to the shores of Hargan Island, a sound she found most pleasant. As aromas of seawater and grass teased her nose, the sun shone upon her, bathing her in all its warmth.

Yet somehow, she was shivering.

The pain was gone. She had never felt more alive, even when she was in combat. This was what she had wanted, more than anything else, even more than death itself - to be free from this burden. No more fighting the pain, or wondering just how far into her tenth term she would get this time. No more worrying about attaining a death of her choosing. No more struggling through life without a confidant... no more years suffering alone...

"Ashera?" Teach's voice broke into her thoughts. "Are you all right? You're trembling."

"Huh?" Ashera raised her forearms, though she didn't need to see the unsteadiness of her limbs to confirm the man's words. "So I am. Isn't... isn't that... strange... ha..." A thousand years, and it was finally over. It was over, but she couldn't stop shaking. What had it all been for?

As she pondered that question, the grief settled in; tempting as it was to counteract it, it almost hurt to laugh now.

"What's wrong?" Teach asked. "You look sad. Was it... was it not successful?"

"A millennium..."

"Huh?"

"That's how long it's been... since I last experienced life with this much clarity," Ashera explained as she blinked back tears. "As much as I wanted this, deep down, I... I didn't believe it possible. Even now, I'm not sure this is real..."

"Oh, it's real, all right," Triton assured her. "I put everything I could into stopping V until that last moment."

"So then, what we saw was your interference," Teach said, turning to him. "Somehow, you drew us into the memory. And then you deliberately delayed the other Consul's actions until the motes appeared. It's as if the execution hadn't taken place..."

"Unfortunately, it did take place and cannot be undone," Nia told him. "The fact Ashera stands before you is proof of that. However, in the event she is reborn, she will not develop that terrible scar. It's possible her mind may recall the original memory, but what's important is that the pain will not return."

"I see..."

"So that's it," Ashera said. "A thousand years... and I can finally have a clean death- ah, I'm sorry." She shook her head. "I'm grateful, truly. It's just... I'd spent so long trying to escape everything. Suicidal maniac, Undying Blade... perhaps these monikers were deserved. Given what I knew of the world, what else could I do but embrace the absurdity of it all? But now that it's over... I can admit how horrific it all was. Haha." The laugh was modest yet served as a release; even the trembling had begun to subside. "That sounds ridiculous, doesn't it?"

"Not at all," Teach told her. "What a terrible thing you've been through. I don't think anyone could bear one cycle of that, much less the countless you've endured."

"And now she no longer has to," Nia added.

"Forgive me, Your Majesty," Teach said, turning to the queen. "I don't meant to cast doubt, but everything that's transpired here today... couldn't it be undone by another Moebius?"

"It's possible, but it would be very difficult, with no benefit to Moebius. I may presume too much, but I don't think our Kevesi friend here will easily share her memories with another Moebius."

"No, no," Ashera interjected. "That's fair to say."

"Then there's the added layer of you bearing witness to the memory," Nia continued. "Your crystal recorded the new memory as Ashera experienced it. Granted, it doesn't match original events in Origin, but it will be a while before they notice the discrepancy, let alone determine the cause. And even then..."

"...Moebius would need to sacrifice themselves to return the memory to what it was," Triton finished. "This world will end before you find another Moebius willing to give up their immortality, just to change the fate for one soldier."

The queen validated this with a nod. "And there you have it. Commander Ashera, I trust you will be able to move forward now?"

"Yes... Your Majesty," Ashera said. "I'm truly in your debt... all of you... you've made something miraculous happen." She turned to her other companions, extending her gratitude to them as well. "Thank you."

"Arr, it was worth it," Triton told her. "I'd wager you'd rather be there with your friends, taking down Moebius, instead of... well, you know."

"I was glad to help," said Nia. "Just promise me you'll give everything in the fight with Z."

"An' speaking of promises..." Triton said, turning to Teach, "think you can do a favor for me?"

Teach nodded. "Of course. I'm grateful for what you've done today. What is it you need?"

"Well, I told me crew I'd be giving up my powers as Moebius, and might pass before some of 'em. They've been welcomed into the City, so could ya check up on them from time to time? If I go before you do, that is. 'Course, you'll need to tag along with the Ouroboros..."

"I'd be honored, Captain. Your colony is blessed to have such a considerate leader."

"On the contrary, I be blessed. They're not just my crew, they're my family. The last family I'll have. Oh, but..." Triton brought a hand to his head with a laugh. "Guess I didn't think about what happens if we both go at the same time..."

"I can fill in for him," Ashera offered, glancing at Teach. "It's the least I could do."

Teach looked back in surprise, but said nothing.

"Aww, that's awful nice of ya," Triton told her. "Really appreciate it. Well, I reckon it's time to see what the crew is up to. Great meeting you both!"

"Same here," said Ashera. "Nice to meet you."

"I'll be taking my leave as well," Nia announced. "Not to doubt Triton's ability, but I think it would be best if someone accompanied him back to the City."

After saying their goodbyes, Nia and Triton went down the path to the shore. After gaining a bit of distance, Nia briefly turned around, catching a glimpse of Ashera.

"Are you watching this, Melia?" she asked quietly. "Today ends her torment. Perhaps your friends, too, may find some peace?"

Ashera was saved, or at least, spared another lifetime held captive to the echoes of a past execution. It was what Teach had wanted for her. And he had accomplished what he had set out to do... albeit with much help and a slight change in details. Yet despite the outcome, he felt a sense of unease. He hadn't meant to come out on the other side, after all. It was to be his final act, even if it fell short of counteracting his past sins...

"What is it?" Ashera asked.

Teach emerged from his musings but did not face her. "You were right about me," he said. "While it's true I wished to help you, the motive behind that wish... wasn't entirely pure. I was simply a coward, trying to redeem myself to no avail. I failed to understand that even the kindest deed does not erase years of wicked ones." He shook his head. "No... it's more that... as long as death was my redemption, I had no need to understand."

Disappointed in himself, he stayed with the feeling until he heard her say, "You're not a coward. A coward wouldn't have taken the risk of talking to Moebius, of all people, in order to help me. Honestly... I can hardly think of a more courageous act."

A bitter laugh escaped him. "Such kind words. But now I must live with the knowledge that I broke my oath after all."

"Your oath... where you pledged to stay silent about your past? To be honest, I still don't see the point of that. It doesn't change anything."

Teach sighed. "It... it keeps everyone's deaths from being in vain. That's how I see it. I silenced their voices, so it became my duty to live on in their stead."

Ashera gave a "mm-hmm" of understanding. "But to never talk about it? At all? It just seems like self-punishment."

"When you put it like that... yes, I suppose so. After all I've done, I don't deserve to be forgiven."

"Teach... the dead can never forgive you."

Struck by these words, Teach finally turned around. As he beheld Ashera, he began to grasp what it meant for her to be freed from the pain of her scar. For the past few moments, they had been talking openly and honestly... with no games, no deceptions, and no downplaying of the truth. Why hadn't he noticed?

"Those who died as a result of your actions, they're the ones to decide whether or not you deserve forgiveness," Ashera continued, "and they're no longer here. They've been reborn, and likely don't recall the battles. And even if some do, they won't make sense of things anyway. So why continue to punish yourself?"

"I..." It was a good point, Teach had to admit. Still, his shame persisted; with a deeply troubled look, he lifted his hands, staring at his open palms. "I don't wish to return to the man that I was. The oath... was a way to prevent that."

"You don't give yourself enough credit," she said as she approached him. "How many years have passed since then? If you had any desire to continue being that man, you would've done so at any time. Instead... you chose a different path, the path of an instructor. Even if Consul G offered it to you, you chose it. And after his death, you chose to continue following that path."

"But..."

She reached up, taking both of his hands in hers. "You've done terrible things in your past; there's no denying that. You've also done good things. There's an entire Agnian colony that would agree with me on that. But..." Ashera guided his hands downward, and then gently let go. "...you don't need an oath for moral guidance. You are... whomever you choose to be. Besides, isn't it time you forgave yourself?"

"Ashera..." As a former enemy, she was no stranger to his past, and had even used it against him once or twice. But now, as he faced her, he found someone who understood him... and accepted him. For a moment, inner peace seemed attainable. "I'm... I'm not ready for that. I may never be, but... talking to you like this has eased my burden a little. Whether or not I'm deserving of that, I'm grateful. You're... you're far stronger than I ever was."

Ashera's smile was genuinely warm. "I couldn't be this way, if not for you."

"Now who isn't giving herself enough credit?"

"Ah, let's not go around with this."

"Fair enough." He looked toward the path that led to Hargan's shores. "It'll still be a few days before we get back. I hadn't planned on returning to Gamma, but perhaps it is for the best. We should get a move on."

Teach started to walk off when he suddenly heard, "And where do you think you're going?"

He stopped and turned around, confused by the question. "Back to the levnis. Aren't you coming?"

Ashera let out a laugh that was unsettling to say the least. "Oh, I don't think so. We're not done here."

"What do you mean?"

"We still need to resolve the little matter of you going behind my back and trying to offer your life as payment for mine."

"What?" Teach was taken aback at how quickly the topic of conversation had changed. "We talked about that. It was a misunderstanding-"

"And you think that fact changes what your intentions were?" Ashera berated him. "You're not getting off easy. You tried to deceive me. And then you let me think you were going to die. I don't think you understand how that made me feel. Even if you were trying to help me, I can't let that slide."

He couldn't help the devilish smirk now playing upon his lips. "But I do understand how it made you feel. You were 'on the verge of heartache' - I believe those were your words? I have to say I'm quite touched."

"Oh." Ashera's expression turned more menacing, and she drew her weapon. "You'll pay for that. In fact, I think it's time someone taught you a lesson, Teach."

"Ashera... isn't this taking things a bit far? I don't believe this warrants a fight."

"Uh... you don't?" Ashera asked, both her tone and stance relaxing suddenly. "Huh. That's odd. There's just so much open space here. Seems like the perfect opportunity to bring something to its conclusion, say, a duel that may have gone neglected for some time?"

"Hmm." So that is her motive... Teach stood for a moment, mulling over the suggestion. "So be it." Calling his staff, he readied himself for battle. "As long as we're trading lessons, here's one for you: you don't have to be indirect with me, for any reason. If there's something you want... just say it."

"What I want is a good fight from you, so you'd better give me one."

"Oh dear," Teach said, shaking his head. "Now it appears that you aren't giving me enough credit."

"Oh, I think that I am!" Ashera declared. "How quickly you forget, I'm no longer limited by the pain of my scar. There'll be no interruptions this time. In other words, there is nothing holding me back. Nothing."

"Then allow me to show my respect for the Undying Blade: I, too, shall push the limits of my power, and will have you yielding before you know it."

"Hahaha! We'll see about that." Ashera took off then, twinsaber in hand.

Indeed we will. Teach acted quickly, having anticipated her opening move, and was on a collision course with her. As their weapons met in a clash, he realized she hadn't simply been taunting him. He recalled their conversation at the Tap-Dancing Nopon.

This is what she meant by her reason for being in combat, he thought as the two separated. Ashera had proved to be a most formidable opponent. But as fierce a fighter as she was, her movements now seemed driven by pure delight, and not by some need for self-destruction. Inspired by this, Teach vowed to make the fight worth her while; their duel would carry on until nightfall.