He really looked forward to a fight now.

He had tested it about some minutes ago but that wasn't really 'THE THING' to him. There was no urgency in the act, it just felt like he was checking the ability instead of actually using it.

But in a fight, he couldn't even imagine what the thrill that would go over him when he used the ability in a life threatening situation… it would be exhilarating in a dangerous way.

He knew he shouldn't be using the ability for now though. That was the only reasonable thing to do. Since it was still low in level (he could only use it for 1.5 seconds), what if he used it and the ability's timer ran out…, that would result in the weapon impacting the part of his body he phased.

Directed at his hand or legs would be better. It would be painful but it was preferable since he could always heal back.

But with his chest or head, that would be the end of him.

Now he was sitting on the edge of his bed, still grinning like an idiot from testing his new Phase Shift ability, when his phone device buzzed.

He picked it up, glancing at the screen.

Riven: I'm at the Red Crest Clan base. Come meet me on the north roof.

Tatehan blinked, surprised.

Riven was here? At the base?

He hadn't expected to see her again so soon, especially not after everything that had happened during the attack. She'd left early that morning, injured but insistent on handling her own business. He'd figured she'd be laying low for a while, recovering, maybe staying out of trouble for once.

But apparently not.

Tatehan stood, stretched, and made his way through the corridors of the base, heading toward the northern wing. The roof access was tucked away in a corner of the building, up a narrow staircase that most people didn't bother using. It was quiet up there, secluded actually, a good place to talk without being overheard.

When he pushed open the door and stepped onto the roof, he found Riven leaning against the railing, staring out at the city.

The sun was setting, casting Waython Hollow in shades of orange and red. From up here, you could see the damage from the attack: collapsed buildings, smoke still rising from some of the districts, emergency vehicles moving through the streets like tiny ants.

Riven didn't turn when he approached, but she spoke anyway, her voice carrying easily in the quiet evening air.

"Took you long enough," she said.

Tatehan walked over and leaned against the railing beside her, crossing his arms.

"I came as fast as I could," he said, glancing at her. "What are you doing here?"

Riven finally looked at him, a faint smile staying at the corner of her mouth.

"I'm here to stay," she said simply. "Figured I'd work for the Red Crest Clan full-time. At least for a while."

Tatehan blinked, genuinely surprised.

"Wait, seriously?" he asked. "Why?"

Riven shrugged, turning her gaze back to the city.

"My apartment got wrecked," she said, her tone casual but edged with frustration. "The new one I just paid for. Half of it got demolished during the attack. The building's still standing, but my floor? Gone. Just rubble."

Tatehan winced.

"Damn," he said quietly. "Sorry."

Riven shrugged again, though this time there was a hint of resignation in the gesture.

"At least I'm not dead," she said. "Could've been worse. Could've been in the apartment when it happened."

Tatehan nodded slowly, not sure what to say to that.

Riven exhaled, brushing a strand of hair out of her face.

"The core hunting business is going to be on hold for now anyway," she continued. "With all the chaos, the wastelands are probably crawling with Obscuron patrols. Too risky. And besides, I've saved up enough for the time being. Figured I'd work for the Red Crest Clan, help out with whatever they need, make some steady income while things settle down."

Tatehan studied her for a moment, then nodded.

"Makes sense," he said. "Commander'll probably be glad to have you. We lost a lot of people in the attack. Could use someone with your skills."

Riven smiled faintly.

"Yeah, well," she said. "I'm good at what I do."

They stood in silence for a moment, the wind picking up slightly, carrying the scent of smoke and dust from the damaged districts below.

Then Riven spoke again, her tone shifting slightly, becoming more thoughtful.

"Besides," she said, "I've almost saved enough."

Tatehan glanced at her, raising an eyebrow.

"Saved enough for what?"

Riven's smile widened, and for the first time since he'd arrived, there was genuine excitement in her eyes.

"To fulfill my dream," she said.

Tatehan furrowed his brow, confused. She had a dream?

I mean, everyone had but…uh

"Your dream?" he repeated. "What dream?"

Riven turned to face him fully now, leaning back against the railing with her arms crossed, looking almost smug.

"I've always wanted to be a pirate," she said.

Tatehan stared at her for a beat.

Then he burst out laughing.

It wasn't a polite chuckle or a restrained snort. It was full laughter, the kind that made his shoulders shake and his eyes water. He doubled over slightly, gripping the railing for support as the absurdity of what she'd just said hit him like a freight train.

'What the fuck?!'

"A pirate?!" he managed to get out between laughs. "Are you serious?"

Riven just watched him, her expression amused but unyielding.

"Dead serious," she said.

Tatehan wiped his eyes, still grinning, trying to catch his breath.

"Riven," he said, his voice still tinged with laughter, "We're on Mars. There are no oceans here. How the hell are you supposed to be a pirate?"

Riven's smile turned sly, and she tilted her head slightly, as if she'd been waiting for him to ask that exact question.

"Who said anything about oceans on the ground?" she asked.

Tatehan blinked, his laughter fading as confusion replaced it.

"What?"

Riven straightened, pushing off the railing, and pointed upward—toward the sky, where the stars were just beginning to appear as the sun dipped below the horizon.

"The ocean is in the sky."

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