I'm no trooper

Chapter 26: Parting Ways

F/N's perspective

F/N: "Am I dead?"

I asked myself as I looked around. My surroundings were as dark as night, though I did not feel alone. Turning around, I saw a familiar man standing before me. Gold's appearance looked worn, the ends of his trenchcoat ripped, dirt covering his boots and pants. When our eyes met, he cracked a slight smirk and gestured around him.

Gold: "Nah, you ain't dead yet, but you are still damn close."

He said as he walked over to me. Looking around, I tried to think of where exactly we were, only one answer coming to mind.

F/N: "Then, are we in my head?"

I asked as Gold lowered his arms and walked over to me, a slight limp in his step as he shrugged.

Gold: "More like a mindscape. Not yours, not mine, just a connection."

F/N: "Ok......

I said, looking him over. He sighed, seeing the unease I felt when my shoulders tensed. Though I didn't believe any of the Inquisitor's words, it still prompted some suspicions.

Gold: "So, about what she said......you've lost trust in me?"

F/N: "Maybe, it depends on how you answer my question. What am I a tool to you?"

Gold: "You're my chosen to defend this-

F/N: "No!"

I yelled, cutting him off, his eyes widening at the outburst, taking a step back. Seeing what I had done, I groaned a bit—rubbing my face before looking at him in the eyes once more.

F/N: "Don't dance around the question with fluffy words. I want a yes, or a no."

He looked at me for a few moments before slumping his shoulders.

Gold: "No, I do not see you that way. However, from another's view, you are seen as one. As you can probably see, I'm not just sitting on my ass."

He said, his weathered look adding to his claim, the scuff marks and cuts on his face more evident the closer I looked at his features.

F/N: "Then why haven't you helped me more? You gave me a stem when I got shot, so why not when I've suffered far more?"

Gold: ".....because it would bring more attention to you. The more I help you, the more my enemies will focus on this timeline, which means I have to pull my attention away from other important battles. I'm sorry, I just... Cant."

He said, his voice sounding horse, as he rubbed the back of his neck. I glanced away from him, the two of us standing there, alone in this black void. It was a while before he spoke again.

Gold: "So....about your abilities."

F/N: "Yeah, she mentioned I was artificial? I assume that means what you put in me is-

Gold: "Fading. What you had before the encounter with IG is you, but the healing, the floating, a few of those dreams? They'll fade."

F/N: ".....and only faster the more damage I take?"

Gold: "Yes, and I can't provide more."

F/N: "That's fine. I have a backup, sorta."

I muttered though I looked around as the darkness began to fade into white light. I looked back at Gold to see him sigh a bit.

Gold: "Well, faster than I expected, times up for a long while. You still have this, but I think you care more now than simply fulfilling my plea."