AN: Hi everyone, HT here. First of all, I wish you all a very good New Year, and hopefully this year will bring with it all the good things that we can enjoy. That said, this is my second story in this Dissidia fandom, which I attained the inspiration from after composing my first ever fanfic, Of Light and Lightning. For those who have read it, thank you for taking the time to read my simple and probably lackluster story! And for new readers, I do hope that you enjoy reading this as much as I enjoy writing this story!

I plan to make this story a multi-chapter one, although I do not know how long will it be! In my head, the idea itself seems so short, but hopefully I can write -at the very least- a meaningfully decent (?) story (with a questionable length) that everyone can enjoy. Added with the fact that I write as the 'muse' comes to me...well. At least, one of my New Year's resolution is to write 500-1000 words a week...month...it already seems so daunting OTL

I suppose that is enough ranting from me, haha! Enjoy the story, and feel free to review with constructive criticisms because by obtaining feedback we can improve and strive to be better!


[Duty]

"Being a knight means you must adhere to your duties and fulfill them with all your strength and face it with honor. That doesn't always mean you have to discard your feelings that may contradict it."


A soft white light illuminated the rustic brown hallway, illuminating the shadows of two people.

"Hey. How was the examination?"

A female wearing a white robe stepped forward, a tablet of some sorts held on her hand.

The male scientist nodded slowly. "I think we could have done better, but for the time being we are progressing smoothly. The particle reactions went as I expected, no incompatibility factors appeared as well. Apparently, the ether infusions are successful; we should see an increase in internal metabolism of thirty percent or so in a couple of days."

The female scientist smiled wryly. "Always the long-winded person." Tapping the tablet on her hand, she continued. "Good to hear, though. It would be very much unlike you if you failed."

The male scientist shrugged, and returned the smile. "You give me far too much credit. Besides, aren't we both scientists, having the same profession and working towards the same goal?"

The reply was a light tap on the male scientist's head - or rather, his forehead due to the height difference between the two - from the tablet the female held.

"The only difference being our positions. Isn't that right, Chief?"

"Don't forget the height."

Face glowing bright red, she slammed her tablet on the male's stomach, knocking the air out of his lungs. That was quickly followed by multple beatings with said tablet to whichever part of his body that could be hit.

After a coughing fit, followed by countless repetitions of "I'm really sorry", the female scientist relented.

"I'm really sorry. Look, I'll buy you food for the whole month!"

"Really?"

"Yes, truly!"

Several seconds passed, and eventually, the female scientist nodded triumphantly.

"Fine. I'll just pick the most luxurious meal, everyday!"

The male groaned. "Right...there goes my salary."

"Don't be ridiculous! You're paid immensely by the government, you have researchers under your command...you have the capable me as your assistant...what more could you ask for?"

"I suppose that is true...and you know I need you, my dear assistant." He shook his head, a hand massaging his temples. "If only you weren't so engrossed in your own research..."

Her only response was to laugh softly, her strawberry blond hair gently swaying back and forth.

"Yes, yes, yes, but you can handle it yourself, right? It's just regular examination, after all!"

The male scientist sighed. "Do as you like..."

Just then, the sound of hurried footsteps caught both scientists' attention.

A youth, also wearing a white lab coat stopped short from the duo, panting slightly while trying to regain his breath.

After a few moments, the male scientist spoke to the youth. "Calm down, boy. What is the matter?"

"...I'm sorry, Sir, but I think you have to come to the laboratory now."

The scientist's eyes hardened.

"Tell me what happened."

After a few moments of tense silence, the youth looked at the man on the eyes and finally answered.

"The subject woke up."

And he woke up as well.


"There is something troubling you."

Cosmos' voice gently echoed through the Order's Sanctuary. The nameless warrior simply blinked, his khaki cape fluttering ever so gently in the wind.

"I am fine, Cosmos. It is nothing to worry about. But.."

Silence descended onto the realm. The warrior turned towards the Goddess, and bowed on one knee, movements ever so formal and composed.

"I thank you for your concern."

Cosmos simply smiled gently.

What the warrior did not notice is the bitter smile that adorned her otherwise immaculate face.


"Get over it. I'm not one for taking orders from someone like you."

Purple and blue clinked together softly as the Warrior of Light turned towards Lightning.

"Why do you not?"

Lightning scoffed.

"Are we actually doing this?"

The warrior stood still.

"You're annoying, that's why."

Lightning then turned away, her rosy pink hair flowing as if to mockingly slap the warrior's face. He, however, thought none of it and merely gazed upon her slowly moving figure.

"You coming? The patrol's not gonna finish itself, you know."


"Would you kindly accept an invitation to-"

"Piss off, Zidane. Not interested."

Zidane clutched his chest, a horrific expression plastered upon his face.

"Oh, how the roses have thorns that hurt aplenty!" gracefully stepping around like an opera actor Zidane flung his hands up in mock despair, with a voice to match.

Lightning didn't even bat an eyelid at the act.

"Are you asking for it?" Lightning slowly moved her hand onto the hilt of her Blazefire Saber. Zidane visibly blanched.

"Shutting up now."

The mood lightened up as some of the Cosmos warriors chuckled at the sight. Sensing the easing situation, Zidane simply grinned and trotted back to Bartz and Squall. His steps stopped halfway through as he caught a glance of their fearless leader's face.

Then a grin broke through.

Squall, seeing his friend monkeying around, simply sighed.

'I hope Zidane doesn't mess around too much with him…though I'd say he's screwed if he does.'


Lightning sighed.

"Remind me again why I have to take up Zidane's place."

The knight replied with a tact that is already known throughout the Warriors; a clear and concise tone that somehow irritates the PSICOM sergeant.

"Zidane cannot be found anywhere, and the others are busy. That only leaves you, Lightning, as the only one available."

Holding back from spouting curses all over, Lightning spitefully spoke.

"That damn monkey…I'm going to shoot him for this."

The Warrior raised an eyebrow. "Why?" he inquired.

"Because of this. I…" Lightning took a deep breath and sighed again.

"Look. I want to get this over with as soon as possible. Can we just walk?" Without waiting for a reply, once again Lightning trudged on, continuing the patrol.

The hero nodded, seemingly ignorant of her annoyance and walked on.